The update formally endorses Kirikiripu Catchment Care’s community-led Waikokowai/ Lorenzen Bay Reserve Restoration and Development Plan, which outlines a shared vision for the future care, restoration, and use of the reserve.
Lorenzen Bay Reserve has become a focal point for community-led ecological restoration and recreational development, with local residents actively involved in improving the reserve since 2013.
The four-hectare reserve is located in the eastern area of Raglan, and encompasses a diverse landscape of coastal wetland, stream ecosystems and lowland forest. The reserve’s Waikokowai Stream flows from the slopes of Kirikiripu puke/hill to Lorenzen Bay in Whāingaroa Harbour.
The plan means volunteers will be able to work collaboratively with council, within the Kirikiripu Catchment Care umbrella to participate in projects on the reserve. This approach will ensure that volunteers and council are working towards a common goal on the reserve.
Consultation on the amendments to section 2.6.2 Lorenzen Bay Reserve of the Natural Reserves Management Plan 2018 was open from 31 October 2025 to 1 December 2025, and 34 submissions were received.
Overall, submitters supported the proposed approach to conservation and enhancement of the natural environment, and that it was good to see a focus on ecological enhancement and supported improved access within the wetland area.
Whāingaroa general ward councillor Lisa Thomson acknowledged the work of Kirikiripu Catchment Care, the community and iwi to develop the plan.
“This group of volunteers are on the ground doing the mahi to help restore and enhance the reserve, and it’s great to see this community-led plan formally endorsed. The plan supports long-term stewardship of this important natural space and provides a framework for its implementation.”
Kirikiripu Catchment Care coordinator Rebecca Eivers says they are delighted at the support from the Whāingaroa community through the consultation.
“The endorsement of our plan enables our group of hard working, committed volunteers to continue to restore and develop the reserve, an area that is precious to us all.
“We are grateful to Waikato District Council and staff for their support, and to everyone who helped develop the Waikokowai / Lorenzen Bay Reserve Restoration and Development Plan. It brings together over 10 years of community work and outlines ideas for the future including native planting, better access, nature play areas, and educational signs.”
Waikato District Council will now work with Kirikiripu Catchment Care to draft the volunteer agreement outlining the works able to be carried out on the reserve.
Open Spaces Services Manager Glyn Morgan says that while general ideas from the plan are being endorsed, Kirikiripu Catchment Care will have parameters in their volunteer agreement as to what they can undertake and what council can deliver to support the project.
Infrastructure, including access upgrades, benches, boardwalks etc. would require approval from council staff prior to being undertaken. As part of that process local feedback from the community will be sought.
