Feedback wanted for future of Titirangi

In partnership with Ngati Oneone, Council have developed a management plan for Titirangi Reserve (Kaiti Hill)

The plan was notified by the Community Development and Services Committee at Council on April 27. The Plan proposes a strategic framework for the management of Titirangi. When finalised it will guide both immediate actions and long term objectives.

Council wants feedback to make sure that what we love about Titirangi will be enhanced and protected. The plan proposes a vision which can take Titirangi into the future, incorporating both kaitiakitanga and stewardship principles, it is Titirangi he maunga teitei, he maunga ahuru, he maunga tu tonu which means Titirangi a lofty sentinel mountain that keeps guard over us, her people of Turanga (Gisborne), a mountain that stands forever. There are also some proposed developments and processes suggested to get you thinking about what Titirangi can be.

Planning and Development Group Manager, Nedine Thatcher-Swann said, “We developed this document after a long process of hui and stakeholder engagement. Public submission is the next logical step in ensuring a suitable plan for everyone.”

There are several proposed features that Council would like feedback on. For example the “home guard” track which travels from the World War Two barracks site to Queens Drive. There is also a proposed linkage track to Kaiti beach down the southern face of the reserve.

Beside the additions there are also culturally and historically significant sites. Ms Thatcher-Swann expressed the importance of these “We know there are a wealth of discovered and undiscovered cultural and archaeological sites on Titirangi. We’ve created guidelines for how our contractors do work in these places, but how we preserve and feature these sites as part of the reserve’s future could use public input” said Ms Thatcher-Swann.

The submission period where Council is taking feedback from the public is 28 April to 24 June. There will also be an on-site tour on 18 June.

Some areas of interest for feedback are:

- New and upgraded trails that will allow pedestrians to circuit the hill and access Kaiti Beach and the harbour safely

- Better care of some significant historical sites such as Waikahua and Te Kuri a Paoa sites

- Landscaping of some post-harvest sites to create gathering areas

- Refresh interpretation and signage to better reflect the cultural and historical significance of the area.

- And the possibility of making Titirangi Drive a one way road to ensure safety of pedestrian traffic.

A full copy of the Titirangi Reserve Management Plan can be found on the Council website.

Feedback can be submitted via email on titirangi.restoration@gdc.govt.nz , on the Council website www.gdc.govt.nz or handed in directly to offices in Fitzherbert Street (Until May 27 then to 39 Gladstone Road), H B Williams memorial library and Te Puia Springs for coast residents.

Ends.

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