Western Bay Council Adopts New Kaimai Ward Reserves Plan

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted a refreshed Kaimai Ward Reserve Management Plan, which will guide the care and development of 63 reserves across the ward over the next nine years. The plan follows public consultation earlier this year that drew 71 submissions, and was adopted by the council's Strategy and Policy Committee.

As part of the plan, nine reserves have been formally named — some retaining the informal names by which they were already known, while others received new names. Minden Lookout will keep its current name, with heritage information to be added to the site, including recognition of the te reo Māori name Te Rangituanehu, as provided by mana whenua. Te Puna Quarry Park will also retain its name rather than being redesignated as Te Puna Quarry Reserve, with a commitment to work alongside tangata whenua and interested parties on developing cultural presence initiatives such as artworks, sculptures, and signage.

The plan includes an updated Pest Management Policy aligned with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Regional Pest Management Plan, and acknowledges the roles of tangata whenua, volunteers, and community education. A new concept plan will be developed for Kaimai Views Reserve, and council has also agreed to revisit the Ōmokoroa Domain Concept Plan — originally adopted in 2018 — with ideas including more planting, improved walking tracks, clearer signage, a new playground on the western side, and additional car parking off Sentinel Ave.

WBOPDC reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said the plan gives a clear direction for looking after reserves in the years ahead, ensuring a good mix of spaces to play, enjoy nature, and get involved. "It also supports the great work already being done in pest control and helps our community volunteers to keep making a difference," he said.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).