Share your suggestions for how we manage Palmy parks

Published on 21 October 2024

We're currently reviewing how are parks and reserves are managed, and we want to hear if you’ve got any suggestions before we start drafting anything.

Whether you're passionate about community gardens, love local events, or just enjoy a walk in the park, let us know if you think anything in particular should be in our reserve management plans.    

Kathy Dever-Tod, Manager of Parks and Reserves, says this initial feedback phase is an opportunity for the community to put forward some suggestions before formal plans are written.    

“We want our parks to continue being places people love, and the best way to make that happen is by hearing directly from our community. Whether you’ve got strong opinions on where food trucks should go, or on things like public art, planting, camping or even drones, we want to know!”    

We’ll be working on two key documents: The General Policy Reserve Management Plan, which will set guidelines for parks and reserves across the city, and the Omnibus Reserve Management Plan, focusing specifically on neighbourhood parks, sportsgrounds and walkways. These plans aim to make managing these spaces clearer and more efficient.    

"At the moment, whenever community groups want to renew their lease at one of our parks, we’re required to go through a full public notification under the Reserves Act, even if we are not planning to amend any of their lease conditions. By including leasing in our General Policy Reserve Management Plan, we could make it much easier and more cost-effective to renew existing leases and consider new ones.  

“We’re also reviewing the plan for outdoor recreation at Kahuterawa Reserve, Arapuke Forest Park, and the Sledge Track, to make sure it still works for visitors, nearby residents, and the wider community.”   

The plan covers all kinds of outdoor activities like mountain biking, hunting, walking, swimming, picnicking, fishing, and trail biking. It also includes things like how we manage water, biodiversity, pests, landscaping, access to the areas, and surrounding roading.   

You have until 5pm on Sunday 24 November to share your thoughts. We’ll draft the plans using the feedback we receive. Once draft plans are ready, you’ll get a chance to provide formal feedback on them and speak to a council committee if you wish.     

For more information or to share your thoughts, visit pncc.govt.nz/managingreserves