Purpose

A Scenic Reserve is set aside to protect natural landscapes, native bush, wetlands, coastline, and scenic features for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future. The main focus is conservation and landscape protection.

Scenic reserves may be classified under different sections of the Reserves Act depending on their values.

• Section 19(1)(a) generally applies to areas with significant indigenous vegetation, wildlife, or ecological values that require a higher level of protection.
• Section 19(1)(b) applies to areas valued primarily for scenic or landscape qualities, where protection of natural character and public enjoyment are the main focus.

In both cases, the emphasis is on protecting natural and scenic values while allowing low‑impact public use.

What activities are usually allowed or restricted?

Allowed:

• Walking, sightseeing, nature appreciation, and education
• Tracks and small‑scale facilities that support public enjoyment

Restricted:

• Activities or development that would damage natural or scenic values

Any use of the land must support protecting the landscape and natural features.

Why does this matter to residents?

This classification helps ensure that special natural places in Golden Bay stay undeveloped and protected, while still being accessible for quiet recreation and enjoyment.

Example: A bush‑covered coastal headland with walking tracks, or a scenic geological landform, or an area with significant ecological values is often best suited as a Scenic Reserve.

Purpose

A Historic Reserve exists to protect places, sites, and features of historical, archaeological, cultural, or heritage significance, including places of importance to tangata whenua. Preservation is the priority.

What activities are usually allowed or restricted?

Allowed:

• Visiting, learning, and heritage interpretation (e.g. signage or guided access)
• Low‑impact access that does not harm historic values

Restricted:

• Activities that disturb, damage, or disrespect historic or cultural features

Management decisions must prioritise protecting the site’s historical and cultural significance.

Why does this matter to residents?

This classification recognises and safeguards important stories, places, and cultural heritage so they are not lost over time.

Example: A reserve containing pā, urupā, archaeological site/s or wāhi tapu may be classified as Historic.

Purpose

A Recreation Reserve is primarily for sport, play, and recreational activities that support community health and wellbeing, while also protecting the environment where possible.

What activities are usually allowed or restricted?

Allowed:

• Sports fields, playgrounds, skate parks, walking and cycling
• Community events and informal recreation

Restricted:

• Uses that would prevent public recreation or turn the land into private space

Development and facilities are allowed where they support public recreation.

Why does this matter to residents?

This classification protects land for public use and enjoyment, ensuring that parks and sports areas remain available for the community long‑term.

Example: A neighbourhood park, sportsground, or open space area used daily by locals is often a Recreation Reserve.

Purpose

A Local Purpose Reserve is land set aside for a specific public purpose (the type of purpose is stated within brackets). In Golden Bay, this mainly applies to esplanade reserves; strips of land along the coast, rivers, and streams that protect waterways, environmental and cultural values and ensure public access.

Coastal esplanades are proposed to be classified as Local Purpose (Māori Cultural Values & Esplanade) Reserves to recognise both their cultural significance and their access function.

What activities are usually allowed or restricted for esplanade reserves?

Allowed:

• Public walking and access along rivers and the coast
• Activities that protect water quality, natural character, and habitats
• Recognition and protection of Māori cultural values (where identified)

Restricted:

• Buildings, fencing, or private use that blocks access or damages values

Uses must relate directly to the reserve’s stated purpose.

Why does this matter to residents?

This classification helps:

• Protect public access to rivers and the coast
• Safeguard waterways and coastal margins from inappropriate use
• Recognise Māori cultural values associated with the coast

Importantly, classifying land as an esplanade reserve does not remove existing access; it helps protect it for the future.

Examples of other types of Local Purpose Reserves include:

• Local Purpose (Community Building/Hall/Facility) Reserve
• Local Purpose (Cultural Heritage) Reserve
• Local Purpose (Car Park/Road) Reserve
• Local Purpose (Utility) Reserve.

Classifying a reserve does not change how you can use it day to day.

Existing activities such as walking, picnicking, informal recreation, and community use can continue as they do now. No new rules or restrictions come into effect as a result of classification alone.

The purpose of this step is to formally recognise what each reserve is already used for and valued for, so it can be managed appropriately in the future.

Reserve classifications are intended to be long‑term, but they can be reviewed or changed in the future if circumstances change.

Any proposal to change a reserve’s classification would require a separate public process, including consultation with the community. This ensures residents continue to have a say in how reserves are managed over time.

The proposed classifications have been developed using:

• the current and past use of each reserve
• the site’s natural, cultural, recreational, or historic values
• existing Council records and management practices
• requirements of the Reserves Act 1977

In many cases, the proposed classification reflects how the land is already being used and understood by iwi and the community. Your local knowledge is important, and feedback may help confirm or refine these proposals.

After submissions close on 18 May 2026:

1. All feedback will be reviewed and summarised
2. Submitters who wish to speak will be heard at the hearing on 4 June 2026 in Tākaka
3. The Hearings Panel will consider the submissions and recommend whether to confirm or amend the proposed classifications

Once Council decides on the final classifications, a notice classifying the reserves will be published in the NZ Gazette. The classifications will be used to inform future reserve management planning (see related project to review the Golden Bay Ward RMP).

No, you can comment on as many or as few reserves as you like.

You may wish to:

• Focus on reserves you use regularly
• Comment on one specific site
• Provide general feedback on the approach or classifications overall

All feedback is valuable, whether it’s detailed or brief.