Expanding our parks network
We manage five regional parks and would like to expand the network. The Plan provides for a wetland regional park in the Wairarapa and for a regional park at Whitireia, Titahi Bay.
Adding these new parks to the network means additional costs for ranger services, infrastructure, such as signage and tracks, and general operating costs associated with managing land. These additional services mean an additional 1% on the rates in 2007/08. Meanwhile, it is business as usual in our existing parks.
Greater Wellington has already committed to the purchase of the Waitangirua block which will become part of the Belmont Regional Park. Submitters who commented on the parks were largely supportive of our approach. Some advocated for the inclusion of Whareroa to our parks network and we are still considering this issue.