Te Hiku Community Board advises Perehipe Reserve lease

Mayor John Carter is disappointed that it has taken nine months to spark the Far North District Council into action.

Te Hiku Community Board has recommended to the Far North District Council that a small portion of Whatuwhiwhi's Perehipe reserve be leased to the Top 10 Holiday Park that has been using it as an extension of its property for some years, with the majority to be available for public use.

The lease would be set at a commercial rate, determined by valuation, with maintenance to be the responsibility of the lessee.

The recommendation, formulated at a board meeting at Waiharara last week, added that the lease should be granted for five years, after which further public consultation should take place, with a reserve management plan to be established for the remainder of the reserve to ensure the community has a say in how it is developed so it can be made more accessible and welcoming to them.

Board member Lawrie Atkinson suggested that a representative from Haititaimarangai Marae be invited to participate in the management plan development process.

Whatuwhiwhi resident Leena Taylor, who was at the meeting, said the discussion was a lively one, reflecting the strength of public feeling, as expressed in submissions regarding the future of the reserve.

"Most of the board members clearly took the community's sentiments to heart," she said.
"They were reminded that the Top 10 Holiday Camp had significantly reduced the area of land they were hoping to lease, and that the council would make the final decision."

Councillor Felicity Foy had suggested the consultation process had been too quick, and that Ngati Kahu should have had a greater opportunity to share its views.

The board's recommendation was the next step in resolving an issue that came to light last year, many Karikari Peninsula residents, and others, expressing outrage that the holiday park was using the reserve as an extension of its property, apparently under an informal arrangement with the council.

Mayor John Carter said in December that he was disappointed that it had taken nine months, and page 1 publicity in the Northland Age, to spark the Far North District Council into action.

He had demanded an urgent report from staff, and the community board would embark upon a "proper process" in the New Year.