Horizons Regional Council reserve management plan for Tōtara Reserve Regional Park has been adopted.

Tōtara Reserve Advisory Board Chair Fiona Gordon thanks submitters who provided feedback on the plan.

“We had a high level of community engagement throughout the development of this plan which has been incredibly useful to ensure we are reflecting community wants and needs.”

“The vast majority of submitters were supportive of the overall plan which focussed on activities across a number of operational areas,” says Cr Gordon.

“Tōtara Reserve is legally required to have a management plan which provides direction on how the reserve is managed. It has been ten years since the last plan was reviewed in 2014, so there was a lot to think about, reassess and update.

“This plan helps to identify appropriate uses for the reserve and guide our activities, whether they relate to camping and recreation, education, or biodiversity protection and pest plant or animal control,” she says.

“We greatly appreciate the time and effort of all provided comments, ideas and feedback, in particular those who came to speak to their submissions.

“Tōtara Reserve has a bright future ahead, with a plan that is set towards maintaining and building on the mahi that has gone into the reserve from many, including volunteers, school groups, iwi, the wider community, along with Horizons over the last decade.”

The final Tōtara Reserve Management Plan 2025-2035 will be made publicly available on Horizons’ website www.horizons.govt.nz from the end of May.