Recreation and Open Space

The Kaipara District, with its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, is home to a variety of public open spaces. These spaces, managed by the Kaipara District Council, include parks, reserves, and other open areas. They offer residents and visitors alike a diverse array of opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature.

The Council's Parks and Public Spaces department is tasked with the planning and maintenance of these areas, ensuring they remain welcoming, safe, and accessible to all. This involves constant monitoring and regular updates to the District Plan, which provides guidelines for the management of these open spaces.

The District Plan designates specific zones for open spaces. These include the Natural Open Space Zone (NOSZ), the Open Space Zone (OSZ), and the Sport and Active Recreation Zone (SARZ). Each zone comes with its specific regulations and guidelines, intended to preserve the unique character of the open spaces and ensure they are used in ways that align with their purpose and the community's needs.

Among the open spaces under the Council's management, there are two main categories: parks and reserves. Reserves are parcels of land that have been officially designated as such under the Reserves Act 1977. These lands require specific management strategies, including the development and review of Reserve Management Plans (RMPs). These RMPs aim to guide the management and development of the reserves in collaboration with the communities they serve.

Parks, on the other hand, refer to publicly accessible lands that are not officially designated as reserves but are owned and/or managed by the Council. These spaces primarily serve the purposes of recreation, amenity, and preservation. Their management is not bound by the regulations of the Reserves Act 1977, offering more flexibility in their use and development.

The Kaipara District offers a remarkable variety of recreational opportunities. The district boasts a range of walks and tracks, catering to different fitness levels and preferences. These range from leisurely strolls, such as the Ruawai Stopbank Trail, to more challenging hikes, like those found at Pou tu o Te Rangi Mountain Bike Park in Harding Park, Dargaville. Additionally, the district's coastal areas, including Ripiro Beach, and the magnificent Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain), offer unique outdoor experiences.

While the specific patterns of use, as well as challenges related to maintenance, safety, and accessibility, are not thoroughly documented, they remain key considerations in the management of these public open spaces. The Council is committed to continually improving these areas to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the community and uphold the standards set in the District Plan.

As we navigate the process of updating the District Plan, we remain dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of these public open spaces. They are an essential part of the Kaipara District's character and contribute significantly to the quality of life of our residents. By working closely with the community, we aim to ensure these spaces continue to serve and inspire future generations.

District Level Objectives

1. To ensure the provision of sufficient and diverse public open spaces that cater to the recreational needs of all residents.

2. To enhance the accessibility, usability, and quality of public open spaces across the district.

3. To protect and preserve natural and cultural features within public open spaces, promoting ecological and historical awareness.

Zone Level Objectives

1. To provide a range of public open spaces within each zone that cater to the specific needs and preferences of the local community.

2. To integrate public open spaces into urban design in a way that enhances the character and amenity value of each zone.

3. To ensure that public open spaces in each zone are safe, accessible, and maintained to a high standard.

Area Level Objectives

1. To ensure that each area has easy access to a variety of public open spaces, contributing to the quality of life for residents.

2. To manage and maintain public open spaces in each area to ensure their aesthetic appeal, safety, and usability.

3. To engage local communities in the planning and stewardship of public open spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and community spirit.

District Level Policies

1. Policy D1: Ensure the provision of a diverse range of public open spaces throughout the district, taking into account the recreational needs and preferences of all residents.

2. Policy D2: Enhance the accessibility, usability, and quality of public open spaces by implementing high standards of design, maintenance, and management.

3. Policy D3: Protect and preserve natural and cultural features within public open spaces, and promote ecological and historical awareness through interpretive signage, educational programs, and events.

Zone Level Policies

1. Policy Z1: Provide a range of public open spaces within each zone that cater to the specific needs and preferences of the local community, including parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and natural areas.

2. Policy Z2: Integrate public open spaces into the urban design of each zone in a way that enhances the character and amenity value of the area, considering factors such as connectivity, visibility, and compatibility with surrounding land uses.

3. Policy Z3: Ensure that public open spaces in each zone are safe, accessible, and maintained to a high standard, including through regular inspections, maintenance programs, and community feedback mechanisms.

Area Level Policies

1. Policy A1: Ensure that each area has easy access to a variety of public open spaces, including through the provision of pedestrian and cycling connections, public transport accessibility, and the distribution of open spaces throughout residential areas.

2. Policy A2: Manage and maintain public open spaces in each area to ensure their aesthetic appeal, safety, and usability, including through regular maintenance, safety audits, and improvements based on community feedback.

3. Policy A3: Engage local communities in the planning and stewardship of public open spaces, including through public consultation processes, volunteer programs, and community events.

District Level Rules

1. A minimum standard for the provision of public open spaces per capita or per residential unit could be established to ensure sufficient provision across the district.

2. Accessibility standards could be set, such as requiring that all residents live within a certain distance of a public open space.

3. Regulations could be put in place to protect natural and cultural features within public open spaces, such as restrictions on development or activities that could harm these features.

Zone Level Rules

1. Zoning regulations could specify the types and sizes of public open spaces required in each zone, based on the characteristics and needs of the local community.

2. Urban design guidelines could be developed to integrate public open spaces into the overall design and layout of each zone.

3. Maintenance standards could be set for public open spaces in each zone to ensure they are safe and well-maintained.

Area Level Rules

1. Regulations could require the provision of safe and convenient access points to public open spaces in each area, such as pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes.

2. Management plans could be required for each public open space to ensure their aesthetic appeal, safety, and usability.

3. Community engagement processes could be mandated for the planning and management of public open spaces, such as public consultations or participatory planning processes.

This could include maps showing the location of existing and proposed public open spaces, areas with specific open space provisions or restrictions, etc.

This section would outline how the success of the policies in achieving the objectives will be monitored and evaluated. This could include indicators of the quantity, quality, and accessibility of public open spaces, use and satisfaction levels, etc., and monitoring of policy implementation and outcomes.

The Kaipara District, renowned for its beautiful coastlines and numerous water bodies, presents an extraordinary natural expanse for both residents and visitors to enjoy. The district is endowed with an East and West Coast, the expansive Kaipara Harbour - New Zealand's largest estuarine harbour, and a myriad of lakes and rivers that meander through its picturesque landscapes. Public access to these natural resources, particularly the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers, is not just a privilege, but a right recognized and enshrined in the Resource Management Act (RMA) and the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS).

The act of traversing these areas, of immersing oneself in the tranquillity of nature, is a cherished pastime for many in the Kaipara District. Our district is graced by the Te Araroa Trail on the East Coast and sections of the New Zealand Cycle Trail on the West Coast. These trails invite exploration and adventure, offering a multitude of outdoor experiences. In addition to these, several valued walkways, including the Brynderwyn hills walk, the Tangihua forest nature walk, the Kai iwi lakes coastal track, and Mount Tutamoe track, further enrich the opportunities for public access. Moreover, the Kaipara District Council is in the process of planning and developing the Kaihu Valley Trail, set to link Donnelly’s Crossing with Dargaville, following the old railway corridor.

Public access to these areas is facilitated not only on land owned or controlled by the Council or Crown Entities like the Department of Conservation but also extends to private lands. The diversity of land ownership presents a unique challenge, yet also an opportunity, to create varied access points that cater to the different needs of the public. This goal forms an essential component of our district planning mechanisms.

While the district's natural resources provide a wealth of opportunities for public access and recreation, it is essential to remain vigilant to potential challenges that may arise. These can include safety concerns, erosion, and ecological impacts. While specific data on usage patterns or these potential issues are currently lacking, these factors remain crucial considerations as we strive to maintain and enhance public access to the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers.

This chapter seeks to outline the current state of public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers in the Kaipara District. It will explore the existing access points and paths, delve into the ways these are utilized, and address any emerging challenges. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview that will guide our ongoing efforts to enhance and protect public access to these vital natural resources, ensuring they can be enjoyed responsibly for generations to come.

District Level

1. To safeguard public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers, allowing all residents to enjoy these natural resources.

2. To manage and maintain these public access areas in a way that preserves the natural environment and promotes sustainable use.

3. To enhance the quality and safety of public access to these areas, ensuring a positive experience for all users.

Zone Level

1. To ensure that each zone provides safe and convenient public access to its local coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers.

2. To integrate these access areas into the planning and design of each zone, enhancing the zone's recreational opportunities and natural appeal.

3. To engage local communities in the stewardship of these access areas, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Area Level

1. To provide and maintain safe, clearly marked public access points to the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers in each area.

2. To work with local communities and stakeholders to manage and protect these public access areas, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

3. To promote awareness and understanding of the importance of these access areas, encouraging respect for the environment and responsible use.

District Level

1. Public Access Safeguarding: The district will actively safeguard public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers, recognizing these areas as essential components of the district's natural and recreational assets.

2. Environmentally Sustainable Management: The district will implement practices that promote the sustainable use of these areas, ensuring their conservation for future generations and maintaining their ecological health.

3. Access Quality and Safety: The district will strive to enhance the quality and safety of public access to these areas, implementing measures to ensure a positive and safe experience for all users.

Zone Level

1. Zone-Specific Access: Each zone will provide and maintain safe and convenient public access to its local coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers, promoting a diverse range of recreational opportunities for all residents.

2. Integration into Zone Planning: Public access to these areas will be integrated into the planning and design of each zone, enhancing the natural appeal and recreational opportunities in the zone.

3. Community Engagement: Each zone will encourage local communities to participate in the stewardship of these access areas, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards these natural resources.

Area Level

1. Access Point Provision: Each area will provide and maintain safe, clearly marked public access points to the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers, prioritizing the safety and convenience of users.

2. Local Community Collaboration: Each area will actively collaborate with local communities and stakeholders to manage and protect these public access areas, ensuring their long-term sustainability and resilience.

3. Public Awareness and Understanding: Each area will promote awareness and understanding of the importance of these access areas, implementing educational initiatives to encourage respect for the environment and responsible use of these resources.

District Level Rules

1. Public Access Safeguarding: Implement regulations that prohibit any form of obstruction or restriction to public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers. This could include regulations against private encroachments or unauthorized constructions.

2. Environmentally Sustainable Management: Enforce regulations that limit activities that could harm the ecological health of these areas. This could include restrictions on pollution, littering, or certain types of fishing.

3. Access Quality and Safety: Establish regulations that mandate the regular inspection and maintenance of public access areas to ensure safety standards are met. This could also include regulations for emergency response protocols in these areas.

Zone Level Rules

1. Zone-Specific Access: Implement regulations that require each zone to provide and maintain public access points to its local coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers. This could include regulations for the construction and maintenance of pathways, signage, and facilities.

2. Integration into Zone Planning: Enforce regulations that require the integration of public access areas into the planning and design of each zone. This could include zoning laws that protect these areas from certain types of development.

3. Community Engagement: Establish regulations that encourage community participation in the stewardship of these access areas. This could include regulations that support community-led initiatives or volunteer programs.

Area Level Rules

1. Access Point Provision: Implement regulations that require each area to provide and maintain safe, clearly marked public access points. This could include regulations for the construction and maintenance of access points, as well as signage.

2. Local Community Collaboration: Enforce regulations that require collaboration with local communities and stakeholders in the management and protection of these public access areas. This could include regulations that establish formal channels for community input and feedback.

3. Public Awareness and Understanding: Establish regulations that promote awareness and understanding of the importance of these access areas. This could include regulations that mandate educational programs or awareness campaigns about the environment and responsible use of these resources.

This could include maps showing existing and proposed access points and paths, areas with specific access provisions or restrictions, etc.

This section would outline how the success of the policies in achieving the objectives will be monitored and evaluated. This could include indicators of the quantity, quality, and sustainability of access, user satisfaction, environmental impacts, etc., and monitoring of policy implementation and outcomes.