Proposal
The Whangarei Heads peninsula is bounded on three sides by the sea, with the road following Pataua South, off to Taiharuru Road to the coast making the northern boundary. The area includes the outstanding Mt. Manaia, Te Whara Bream Head, Mt. Aubrey and the Taurikura Ridge. Also, there are wonderful long dune edged beaches, harbour bays and small water-side communities.
This has a total area of 5218 ha and a population of 1386. |
.The historical richness and culture of the area needs the support of the Mana Whenua. The early settler history which led to major changes to the landscape contributes to the farming views of today. Planning needs to reflect and acknowledge existing life-styles, recreational and educational activities. The area needs protection from insensitive development aiming to meet the highest standard of ecologically sensitive design.
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We need a residential capacity that supports the vision.
Ultimately the local aspirations can be met and continued with the right establishment of a community centred agency. The community has a long history of caring for the environment and the bio-diversity. Large numbers of volunteers support the activities of: Land-care groups, Backyard Kiwi, the Bream Head Conservation Trust, Weeds Action, and the Predator Free NZ project in progress across the whole area. This is proposed as a quiet park where the needs of the residents and wild-life enjoy their surroundings. |
Visitors and commercial activities would develop along the lines of eco visitors. These would be low impact, small scale and preserve accessibility to isolated areas to escape to, keeping the wilderness and landscape values intact.
The vision can only succeed if the community leads, with support from the local authorities in developing the knowledge and information to guide the community in management of plans and projects. If this proposal is adopted as a regional park, this would result in financial support in perpetuity. |