‘Pukeiti for the People’ Proposed

Taranaki’s iconic Pukeiti gardens may be gifted to the people of the region under a plan approved in principle today (23 February 2010).

Under the proposal, the Taranaki Regional Council would assume ownership and operation from the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, putting the gardens on a sound financial and operational footing. It would also result in free entry for the public.

The deal will be put to the public via the Council’s 2010/2011 Annual Plan consulting process, and will also be voted on by Trust members.

The Council’s Chairman, David MacLeod, sees the proposal as a natural progression.

“We’ve been supporting Pukeiti financially since 2002, and since 2003 we’ve owned, operated and enhanced two other heritage properties, Hollard Gardens and Tupare, on behalf of the people of the region,” he says.

“Pukeiti is a unique and priceless regional asset, renowned nationally and internationally. It is part of our heritage and has been developed by hundreds of good citizens over many years. The proposal that it be gifted to the public and that the Council assumes ongoing responsibility for the asset is also a unique arrangement.

“The move will secure its future, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing the property and its stunning plant collection.

“We would run it along the same lines as Hollard Gardens and Tupare, with free entry for the public and a programme of free events aiming to bring more people to Pukeiti to enjoy and to learn.”

The Chairman of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, Lynn Bublitz, says the proposal is essentially a partnership agreement.

“There’d continue be a strong role for the Trust and its members, both in operational advice and in fundraising,” he says. “As Chairman of the Trust I’m delighted that the Council is proposing to offer Pukeiti the secure future it deserves.”

Ownership would be transferred for a “peppercorn” amount, taking effect on 1 July this year if the plan is approved.

A draft heads of agreement was discussed and approved by Regional Councillors today, with negotiations to continue.

The proposal will be included in the Council’s Draft Annual Plan, which will go out for public consultation in May.

The Trust will put the proposal to its members next month.

ENDS

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