Proposal to Revoke Reserve Status to land adjoining Maraetai Bay and Ashwell Drive
Waikato District Council is calling for submissions on the proposal to revoke the reserve status of the Recreation and Esplanade Reserves adjoining Maraetai Bay and Ashwell Drive, Port Waikato.
Should the revocation proceed, it is intended that the land would be returned to Ngāti Karewa Ngāti Tahinga Trust (NKNT). To maintain public access, Council has negotiated arrangements to secure ongoing pedestrian access between Maraetai Bay and Sunset Beach.
The proposal relates to the following reserve land adjoining Maraetai Bay and Ashwell Drive, Port Waikato:
- Lot 28 DPS 23883 – Esplanade Reserve
- Lot 27 DPS 23883 – Recreation Reserve
Should the revocation proceed, the land would be returned to Ngāti Karewa Ngāti Tahinga Trust. To protect public access, Council would secure a pedestrian easement over the existing walking track and rights relating to the existing drainage infrastructure. Council has also negotiated a pedestrian right of way over adjoining NKNT-owned land, ensuring continued public access between Maraetai Bay and Sunset Beach.
The land was originally acquired from NKNT by the Church Missionary Society for the establishment of a mission station. NKNT considers that the land was provided for the mission's use and that, once the mission station was no longer required, ownership was intended to revert to them. This did not occur, and over time the land was subdivided, resulting in the creation of the existing reserve parcels.
NKNT has requested that the land be returned because of its historical and cultural connection to the whenua, and because it adjoins other land in its ownership. Council's assessment is that the proposal would not reduce recreational opportunities or public access, as the proposed easements and rights of way would ensure continued pedestrian access through the area.
If a hearing is required, all submitters who wish to be heard will be notified of the hearing date, time and location following the close of submissions.
