1000 submissions sent over Kai Iwi lakes plan

A plan to manage activities on Kai Iwi lakes, including a proposal to ban power boats and water skiing, has drawn more than 1000 submissions, with about 200 people wanting to be heard over their issues.

After a recent review into the Taharoa Domain Reserve Management Plan 2002, a suggested bylaw - the Draft Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Bylaw 2015 - was drawn up by Kaipara District Council and put out for consultation alongside the Draft Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2015.

If approved, the bylaw will ban the use of power boats in the Taharoa Domain catchment and rid the lakes of recreational water sports from as early as 2018.

This could spell ruin for the Kai Iwi Lakes Water Ski Club, which has been on the Lake Waikare shoreline for more than 40 years and holds annual competitions at the lake.

Council commissioner Peter Winder said the public response is gratifying.

"More than 1000 submissions were made to the plan and the related Draft Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Bylaw. Of those, around 200 indicated they would like to speak to their submissions at the hearings," he said.

The dates set down for the hearings are April 12 and 13 from 8.30am to 8pm at the Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall in Dargaville.

The finish times each day will depend on the confirmed number of submitters wishing to be heard.

"There are aspects of the draft Plan that are contentious and it's good that the public have decided to voice concerns and additional thinking around how we develop this treasure," Mr Winder said.

"We manage the Taharoa Domain, on behalf of the community. There are many and varied perspectives within our community, and many different user requirements to be considered.

"The feedback we have received is a good indication that people want to be involved, and want to see the best outcomes for the Kai Iwi Lakes and the Domain for now and for future generations," Mr Winder said.

The Taharoa Domain Governance Committee will consider all submissions and decide the amended plan for approval at its June 27 meeting, for recommendation to the council at its July 26 meeting.