Feedback sought for future of Tauranga reserve

Aerial photo of Sulphur Point and Marine Park reserve, which could be transformed into something else. Photo / file

Tauranga residents are being asked for their thoughts on the future of a reserve space at Marine Park on Sulphur Point.

Tauranga City Council seeks feedback on its proposal to revoke recreation reserve status from the area of land. This will enable a potential long-term lease of the land to the University of Waikato in order to establish a new marine research and educational facility.

The site was identified through an assessment that took current and future activities into account. It is located in the middle of Marine Park, adjacent to the grassed overflow car and trailer park, and meets with 6,952m2 the anticipated size required for the university to establish the facility.

It is anticipated the building will be two storeys high with a footprint of approximately 2,400m2, with yard space for mobile containerised specialist laboratories, tanks for growing marine organisms outside, boat storage, and washdown areas and car parks.

Aerial of Marine Park, including proposed area for revocation

The remainder of the reserve, comprising 105,417m2, will not be affected and will continue to hold its existing recreation reserve status as well as the existing uses. Public access to the water's edge will be maintained with the proposed development set back accordingly. This will maintain a pedestrian link along the coastal edge connecting the northern and southern parts of the reserve.

Marine Park is a reserve at Sulphur Point, held as recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977, and a decision to revoke the recreation reserve status of this area of land ultimately sits with the Minister of Conservation.

Chair of the Economic Development and Investment Committee Max Mason said he was looking forward to hearing the public's opinion on the proposal.

"The existing Coastal Marine Field Station here in Tauranga, led by Professor Chris Battershill, has an excellent reputation and we're committed to work collaboratively towards a location for the new facility," said Mr Mason.

"Our community's feedback is key to this and will inform the next steps.

"A new facility would expand our capability to protect Tauranga and New Zealand's marine environment through a number of research programmes that provide opportunities and solutions in the areas of pollution prevention, climate change and sustainable aquaculture."

Submissions are open from today until December 14.

People can visit one of the drop-in sessions with elected members and council staff, held at the Tauranga Fish and Dive Club, 60 Cross Road, Sulphur Point, on either Saturday, November 24, 11am to 1pm or Tuesday, November, 27 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

People can also submit online under the Have your say section on www.tauranga.govt.nz; Fill out a hard copy form available at the Council Customer Service Centre or at any of the city's libraries; or write to: Freepost Authority Number 370, Marine Park consultation, Tauranga City Council, Private Bag 12022, Tauranga 3143, Attention: Michelle McCarthy
Find out more at www.tauranga.govt.nz/marinefacility.