Media Release

Monday 03 October 2016

Taharoa Domain plans finalised and education centre secured

On Monday 26 September 2016 Kaipara District Council adopted the new Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2016, setting the direction of the management of the Kai Iwi Lakes for the next decade.

A key part of the adopted Plan is the move to establish an education centre at the lakes.

“The education centre is a key initiative to broaden the appeal of the lakes, widen the range of users, and ensure that future generations understand just how precious they are” said Commissioner Winder, Chair of the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee.

Amongst other things the adopted Reserve Management Plan sets out a framework to better manage boats on Lake Taharoa, the removal of powerboats from Lake Waikare, and a wide range of initiatives designed to both protect the lakes for the future and ensure that they can be used and enjoyed.

“Clearly, the decision to remove powerboats from Lake Waikare has a major impact on the Ski Club” said Commissioner Winder. “The Ski Club has faced significant uncertainty over two years with the impact of both the lapsed Northland Regional Council bylaw governing the speed of boats on the lakes and the subsequent decision to remove powerboats from Lake Waikare”.

“Recognising this impact and the goal of establishing an education centre at the lakes, Council has agreed to purchase the Kai Iwi Lakes Water Ski Club buildings and assets as the core of the proposed education centre.”

Following negotiations with the Kai Iwi Lakes Water Ski Club, Council has purchased the Club’s buildings at Lake Waikare for $300,000. The purchase will be funded from reserve contributions, which are paid by developers for use in reserve and park development.

Commissioner Peter Winder says “Purchasing the clubrooms provides the Ski Club with options to move to another location and plan with more certainty for the future. It also opens the door for far broader use of Lake Waikare and establishing the education centre.”

“I’d like to thank the representatives of the Ski Club for the very constructive way that they have engaged with the Council. We wish them well as they plan for a new start elsewhere.”

“The vision for the lakes inherited from Te Roroa, Te Kuihi and Parore Te Awha is that the lakes are open to all to enjoy, that no-one has exclusive use, and that no use should compromise the pristine nature of the place and its enjoyment by others. We believe that by completing this purchase and adopting the new Reserve Management Plan we have now established a sound platform for the future enjoyment of this treasure.”

ENDS

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