The description of the intended use of the land in the preamble to the Vesting Act is “for development as both a working harbour and a recreational area”.This is however not followed through in the Act itself with the purpose of the vesting in section 3 of the Act describing only ‘harbour works’.The vesting of the land as a local purpose reserve does however reinforce the role of the land in part for recreational purposes through the expectations set for such reserve land under the Reserves Act.

To provide for this important community recreational use, the issue is to find a way to accommodate the range of recreational uses and facilities compatibly with the adjacent conservation areas (e.g. that do not threaten the blue penguins) and commercial Port activities (e.g. do not lead to conflict with commercial boats).There is also apparent demand to improve and expand the recreational resource to include other activities to support recreational use such as improved ablutions, food, and accommodation.

Decisions need to be made on what are appropriate uses of public space to support recreational and community uses without using the limited available space for private activities such as storage and parking. Further there are decisions to be made on what, if any, commercial uses are appropriate to support recreational and community use such as a marina or café.

Key issues in providing for recreational and community use include:

Current and future spatial issues

There is a need to clearly define the area to be used for recreation and community open space and to determine what activities are appropriate in the area. Expand for detail:

There is a need to clearly define the area to be used for recreation and community open space and to ensure that this is of the right size and shape to accommodate future change and growth.

Within the recreation and community open space area, there is then the need to determine what activities are appropriate and where those are best located (including on the adjoining PTL land) to maximise the use and amenity of the space.

Current and future facilities/ activities and use issues

Access to the recreation and community open space needs to be safe and well managed to avoid conflicts with those passing through the wider area, and there need to be decisions on appropriate additional activities and facilities. Expand for detail:


Access to the recreation and community open space needs to be safe and well managed to avoid conflicts with those passing through the wider area e.g. truck movements.

A range of additional uses and facilities could be provided within the recreation and community open space area over time. These include public ablutions, additional wharf space for recreational uses, and upgrades to infrastructure. Uses may also include additional moorings, marina berths, boat ramps and floating jetties. Some activities may need to be restricted or relocated to ensure that public access is maintained and that public space / uses dominates over private uses of this public land.

Response to Issues

There are a range of responses that would address many of the issues identified in the Report.

You can read more about the Planning, Reserve Status, Local Government/ Long Term Plan, Port Development, and Support Activity responses.