Have your say on our draft reserve management plan for Ashhurst Domain
Published on 03 February 2025
We’re seeking community feedback on some updates proposed in the draft reserve management plan for Ashhurst Domain. These include a potential name change to honour the area’s rich history and the introduction of a natural burial area. Submissions are open until 5pm on Tuesday 4 March.
Manager of Parks and Reserves, Kathy Dever-Tod, explains the plan’s significance.
“This plan outlines what activities can take place at the Domain, how it’s managed, and how it will be developed in the future. The current plan is almost 30 years old, and after working with the community and stakeholders to gather ideas, we’re now proposing some big updates.”
One key proposal is renaming the Domain to Otangaki-Ashhurst Domain, recognising its cultural significance as the site of the Rangitāne village Otangaki.
“This name change celebrates the heritage and stories of those who lived here long before it became a public reserve,” Kathy says.
Another proposal is introducing a natural burial area on the Domain’s lower terrace, near its northern boundary. Natural burials offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods, promoting natural decomposition and restoring native bush.
"Natural burials are growing in popularity, but identifying suitable publicly owned land within the city for this purpose has been challenging. The goal would be to restore the area with native bush as part of the natural burial process, aligning with the plans for the surrounding environment,” Kathy explains.
The plan also includes a greater partnership with Rangitāne in managing the Domain, as well as ideas to better protect native bush, develop land for community use, and to align with Te Āpiti Masterplan for a cohesive approach to the area’s future.
Submissions are open until 5pm on Tuesday 4 March 2025.
Community members are encouraged to read the draft plan, fill out the online form, or come along to a barbecue at Ashhurst Domain on Saturday 15 February, from 10am to 12pm.
“We’re looking forward to hearing your feedback and having some great conversations,” Kathy says.