Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Power Of The Picton Community Needed For Powerhouse Reserve Rethink
Community input will be sought, and a new Trust established to oversee a high-profile site on Wairau Road in Picton.
Council leased the Picton Powerhouse Maritime Heritage Reserve to the Picton Seaport Trust in 1994.
“Picton Seaport Trust Manager Carey White has done a magnificent job of developing the buildings, but the Trust is now in abeyance and Carey is no longer in Picton,” Manager Economic, Community and Support Services Dean Heiford told Council’s Assets and Services Committee recently.
“With the Picton Seaport Trust being defunct the assets and site revert to Council as the landowner,” Mr Heiford said. He confirmed there were several community organisations who would like to sublease parts of the site for their operations.
“There is considerable community interest in this site and Council needs to ensure we get the right structure in place. It could be a community hub for a number of these groups to operate from,” he said.
Assets and Services Committee Chair Councillor Nadine Taylor says the site is an important one for Picton.
“This is a large facility with a lot of potential. It makes sense for Council to take it back under its auspices for a period to allow the establishment of a new Trust with a new vision for this high-profile site,” she said.
Clr Taylor and Council staff have begun working with the Picton community to understand the value the site has, the willingness of other people to be involved in a Trust to operate the site, and potential future uses of the area and buildings.
“The current Picton Seaport Trust deed and consent needs to be modernised to enable a wider use of the site and buildings for community-based organisations and events,” Clr Taylor said.
Council will take over the management of the Powerhouse Reserve buildings and amenities until a new trust is formed, a new resource consent is approved, and a new lease is agreed with a suitable legal entity.
“We are hoping the Waitohi Picton community will put their power of thought into what this site could be used for, as part of a rethink and reinvigoration of the Powerhouse Reserve,” Clr Taylor said.
Gordon Campbell: On What’s Wrong With The Treaty Principles Bill
Mana Mokopuna: Children And Young People Share Vital Insights On Healing From Family Violence And Sexual Violence In New Report
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
