Future planning underway for four Waipā reserves

Community input is being sought to help shape the future management of four iwi-owned reserves in Waipā.

The four reserves are under the administration of Ngā Pae Whenua, a joint management body made up of iwi representatives from Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and members of Waipā District Council. The reserves were part of the Ngāti Koroki Kahukura Treaty settlement with the Crown.

Ngāti Koroki Kahukura representative Linda Te Aho said these reserves were significant sites.

The best known is Taumatawīwī Recreation Reserve, which includes a section of Te Awa River Ride and is popular with people walking and cycling. It is located along Lake Karāpiro, south of Karāpiro Lake Domain. The area in and around the reserve has a rich history relating to a momentous battle that occurred around 1830, described by one historian as ‘the Waterloo of the Waikato’.

“It is from the events of that battle that Karāpiro and nearby Hautapu acquired their names,” Te Aho said. “Having been part of the victorious allies, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura have kept our fires of occupation burning in the area ever since.”

The other three reserves are relatively isolated, with limited public use:

• Waikaukau Reserve adjoins Arapuni Landing and is located on the banks of the Waikato River. As the area is suitable for recreation, the reserve was renamed to identify the places where people could swim. Before the hydro-dams were built, the banks of the river were often too steep to allow public access for swimming and recreation.
• Te Reti and Korokī Kahukura ki Hinuera are scenic reserves and see the least use; the former is in an isolated rural spot while the latter is surrounded by private land and currently inaccessible to the public.

Ngā Pae Whenua is now preparing a Reserve Management Plan, which will be shaped by community feedback.

“Ngāti Koroki Kahukura are intrinsically involved in the planning process and we welcome views that will help shape how we look after these reserves for future generations,” Te Aho said.

The RMP aims to:

• understand mana whenua and other users’ values and aspirations for the use of the reserves
• guide the management and use of the reserves
• comply with statutory requirements for the administration of reserve land
• align the plan with legislation, national policy statements, policies, strategies and bylaws.

The community will have another opportunity to have their say again next year once the draft Reserve Management Plan is developed. Feedback is open and will close 5pm, Sunday October 27.

To have your say visit waipadc.govt.nz/ngapaewhenua.