Kororipo-Kerikeri basin bought for conservation

The Government and Far North District Council have bought a block of private land to secure the whole Kororipo-Kerikeri Basin for conservation.

The basin was a highly rated cultural and historic site and the Government is promoting it as a potential World Heritage Site.

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said the last remaining block of land still in private ownership in the basin had been bought.

"The property has been owned by the Kemp family since the mid 1800s and I am extremely grateful to them for agreeing that the time was right for it to move into public hands," Ms Chadwick said.

Footpaths and from a new car park behind the property would improve access.

The council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) jointly purchased the property. The land would be held and managed by the council.

Far North Mayor Wayne Brown said the Kemp property was the site of the early Church of England Mission.

"The joint purchase of the Kemp property is a reflection of the good working relationship and understanding between the district council and DOC through the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass project," Mr Brown said.

"I am pleased that the community now has a tangible interest in the sustainable management of this important and iconic area."

- NZPA