Tōtara Reserve was vested in Horizons Regional Council sole stewardship in 2012. The reserve is identified as a Protected Natural Area via the Reserves Act 1977. Council has responsibility for flood protection, erosion control, animal and pest control management, and biodiversity enhancement under the Local Government Act and its relevant amendments. The 2012 vesting also gave Council the responsibility for the day-to-day management and administration of the reserve, including recreational use under the Reserves Act.