Contractors working near Lagoon Farm, Napier - the proposed site of a new regional park in Ahuriri. Photo / Warren Buckland
Contractors working near Lagoon Farm, Napier - the proposed site of a new regional park in Ahuriri. Photo / Warren Buckland
Two councils are proposing a new $22 million Ahuriri Regional Park on farmland near Hawke's Bay Airport.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Napier City Council have held discussions with Mana Ahuriri Trust for over five years on how to develop Lagoon Farm into a regional park at an estimated costof $22.5m.
The public will get to have their say on the newly unveiled plans as part of the councils' long-term plan consultations.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council says the aim of the park, to the south of the estuary channel, is to deliver greater cultural and environmental outcomes and provide recreational opportunities.
The project has been developed after Napier City Council identified the development of Lagoon Farm into a regional park as a way of adding value as it enhances its stormwater systems in the area.
Significant investment into the park is expected over the next 10 years, with the first step being to develop a masterplan that will be put to the public.
The project is a partnership between the two councils and Mana Ahuriri, as well as the entire Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga.
Napier deputy mayor Annette Brosnan said the aim is to deliver a regional park that promotes ecological and water quality improvements. Photo / File
Napier deputy mayor Annette Brosnan said the aim was to deliver a regional park that promotes ecological and water quality improvements, a more natural estuary margin and low-impact, compatible recreational experiences.
"Creating a park in this area also provides additional access into this area, valuable cultural and environmental education opportunities," she said.
According to the councils, significant funding was set aside in NCC's Long Term Plan (2018-2028) for masterplan projects.
Specific costs will be identified and outlines through the masterplan process, but NCC is proposing to set aside $12.5m in the latter part of the plan.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council is proposing to set aside $10m.
HBRC Environment Committee chairwoman and councillor Hinewai Ormsby said the project provided an opportunity for the councils to pool resources for "environmental improvements the people of Napier have been seeking" for the Ahuriri Estuary.
"This project will primarily help protect and enhance the estuarine life," she said.
Further details of the project and its aims will be outlined in the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's Long Term Plan consultation, which will be available from March 29.
Napier City Council's Long Term Plan consultation opens on April 14.
However, much of the detail will be defined over the next two years, according to a HBRC spokeswoman, should the project be endorsed by the community and councils.
