MEDIA RELEASE
Passionate response to harbour strategy
For immediate release: Wednesday 29 November 2006
Ohiwa Harbour’s future is in the hands of people who care.
The community is strongly supporting a draft strategy that will help protect Ohiwa’s special qualities for future
generations.
The Draft Ohiwa Harbour Strategy, which is open for submissions until mid-December, has attracted a lot interest
locally.
Environment Bay of Plenty resource planner Claire Battersby says over a hundred people attended the series of public
forums run by the regional council. “It is obvious people feel very passionately about the harbour and want to make sure
it is protected for future generations.”
Ms Battersby says similar concerns cropped up again and again in discussions. They included the increase in sediment in
the harbour, mangroves, and the need for more enforcement officers to stop over-fishing. Many people want better
walkways around the harbour and improved access generally. Kaitiakitanga, or Maori guardianship of the Ohiwa
environment, was a major focus for Maori. Another issue widely discussed was whether Ohiwa Harbour should be nominated
as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The draft strategy was put together by Environment Bay of Plenty, Whakatane District Council, Opotiki District Council
and local iwi after intensive community discussion. Once signed off, probably in mid-2007, it will be used to shape
future planning and management. It identifies issues, and key community values and aspirations. It recommends actions
that will help take the harbour and its catchment from where it is now to where people want it to be in future.
Ms Battersby says it is important that people give feedback on the draft’s content. Submissions close on December 15.
Please call Environment Bay of Plenty on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) for a copy of the draft strategy or go to
www.envbop.govt.nz. You can also pick up a copy from local libraries and district councils.
A shared treasure
Call Environment Bay of Plenty for a copy of Ohiwa Harbour – Shared Treasure, a free booklet about the harbour and its
environment.
ENDS