Local knowledge key part of Waikanae to Waipaoa land use.

Following the success of the Oneroa walk and cycleway, Council have engaged Isthmus Group to conduct studies to determine options for the best use of land from Waikanae Stream-mouth to the Waipaoa River-mouth.

The Isthmus Group have had previous experience in planning and design of high-profile public spaces with some of their latest including the Wellington waterfront open space plan and the New Plymouth foreshore and coastal walkway.

Leading the Isthmus team is former Gisborne local Lisa Rimmer, who still owns property in Wainui and visits Gisborne regularly. Her local knowledge, combined with award-winning industry experience presents a unique skillset for a study like this.

"I am really excited about the opportunity for Waikanae to Waipaoa; to bring land, people and culture together, working with Koptutea Trust, to celebrate and make the most of the cities most treasured and valuable places." Said Ms Rimmer.

Council owns and manages some of the land and public facilities between the river mouths and recognises how important the area is for local iwi as well as for its recreation and environmental values and tourism potential.

Council Planning and Development Group Manager, Nedine Thatcher-Swann says “Our beachfront walk and cycleways are excellent facilities, but before we can look at doing more work we have to find out what is suitable for the rest of the beachfront area.”

Tests will look at how the land is used, the cultural and historic values attached and what activities are appropriate.

It is important to note that the strip of coastal land from the pipe carpark (near Pacific Street) right to the Waipaoa River mouth is not public land, but privately owned by the Kopututea Trust. The Trust is a key partner in decisions on use of this stretch of foreshore.

“Any project happening in this space would need a high level of engagement to make sure that any infrastructure is appropriate for the site” said Ms Thatcher-Swann.

The land use study will include some notable spaces like the old jail in Churchill Park, Council parks like Watson and the adventure playground and the dunes/foreshore area of beach along Waikanae beach, Midway beach and Kopututea.

Council staff will be around the beachfront area at times over the summer to ask beachfront users what they value about the area and what they would like to see. Look for the GDC banners.

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