Initital feedback closed
Thanks to those who shared their thoughts. We'll use this to help draft the management Plan which we hope to share with you again for feeedback in mid-2025.
What is the Waimea River Park?
The Waimea River Park comprises Council-controlled river berm land located alongside the Waimea River and the lower reaches of the Wairoa and Wai-iti Rivers.
How is the land currently managed?
The council owns and manages the land primarily for river control and soil conservation purposes. In response to community enthusiasm for the area to be managed for broader objectives, we recognised the area as a park in 2010 and created a management and development plan. You can read the current development plan here.
The plan identified a range of policies and actions to progress additional outcomes such as nature conservation, historic resource protection and public recreational use. It also continued to provide for commercial activities including gravel extraction, processing, and grazing.
While most of the land is not subject to the Reserves Act 1977, the plan was adopted as Council policy for a 10-year period, to provide guidance and direction for the management of the park in a similar way to other Council reserve management plans.
Why review the management plan?
Much has changed since the plan was developed in 2010.
The significant residential growth and intensification of land use in the area have put pressure on the river environment and associated aquifers while increasing community use and demand for different recreation activities. This growth has also generated a requirement for large quantities of construction aggregates that are also processed within the Park.
There has also been increased legislative protection for freshwater and biodiversity, and a broader community recognition of the importance of protecting and restoring native freshwater and riparian ecosystems and habitats.
Looking forward, the plan needs to incorporate and consider further improvements to the walking and cycling network, connecting with the Great Taste Trail. It also has an opportunity to further build on restoration work undertaken through the Government ‘Jobs for Nature’ projects and the Waimea Community Dam mitigation funding. Most importantly, it is crucial that the management implications of the expected increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, are considered in the future management of this area.
What are the issues?
Some of the key issues identified to consider in the review include:
- How the Council as landowner can best contribute towards catchment wide objectives for the Waimea River.
- How to provide for a range of other activities without adversely affecting important flood management and soil conservation objectives.
- How recreational use and community demand for protection and restoration of natural values, fits alongside important gravel extraction and processing activities.
- How to provide for enjoyment of the area by providing for a range of different recreational activities, while practically controlling those that adversely affect visitor experience or damage the area.
How can I contribute?
Be sure to have your say by 18 August.
We are keen to hear what you think the issues, opportunities and suggestions are to ensure that these are considered in the upcoming plan review.
You can tell us ideas by:
- using the online engagement tools on this project page (pin your ideas on the map/s, fill out the online survey, upload a document)
- filling out a hard-copy survey form (available at Council's offices in Richmond or the Richmond Library)
- posting us your feedback: c/- Waimea River Park Management Plan Review, Tasman District Council,189 Queen Street, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050.
