Concept Plan and Re-Naming for 83 Ford Road, Maketu

Background:

83 Ford Road comprises of 3 hectares of fee simple land in Maketu and was purchased by Council for community use in June 2016. The land includes the Tukotahi Marae, a boat ramp and jetty and a carpark area. Its strategic location provides connections to land owned by Bay of Plenty Regional Council along Kaituna River to Te Pourepo O Kaituna and the Tauranga Link Cycleway.

Historically, the land was Māori Customary Land known as 'Te Tumu Kaituna No. 11A No1. Block' however through the Native Land Court process on 7 July 1982, it ceased to be Māori Land.

Council completed a pre-engagement in August-September 2020 regarding the future use of this site. The pre-engagement was to ascertain ideas, level of interest, what people would like to see built and who else is interested that Council isn't aware of. Feedback from this earlier round of engagement has informed the development of a draft concept plan.

Formal consultation followed from 12 April to 12 May 2021.

Approved concept plan:

• The approved concept plan allows for Maketu Coastguard to develop their own building on site which will be used for water safety education and training.
• For Maketu Hoe Waka Club’s continued use and development of the site and improvement of their waka launching facilities.
• The existing green space will be maintained for the public to use as a large multi-use open space for recreation and community events.
• New facilities will include additional boat trailer parking and public toilets at a central location.
• Those looking to enjoy a picnic will be able to do so via a new raised picnic area with views of the water. An area with native plants and pathways will also be developed over time.

Approved naming:

• The reserve is currently known as 83 Ford Road due to its location, however, we proposed to rename it to better reflect its historical significance.
• Our policy acknowledges the New Zealand Geographical Board Rule of Nomenclature which provides guidelines encouraging the use of original place names from Tangata Whenua, in relation to their tribal boundary.
• The site will now be known as "Otaiparia Reserve". Otaiparia is the name historically used in reference to the area by Tangata Whenua.

How we gathered feedback:

• We held a "Have Your Say Open Day" on site and this was attended by approximately 30 people - we received a total of 26 pieces of feedback received from this event.
• We received 53 pieces of feedback through our engagement platform.
• A letter was send to the adjoining neighbours and Tangata Whenua referring those interested to have their say on our engagement platform. They were also invited to our open day.
• Two pieces of feedback relating to this consultation were received via diversions from our 2021-2031 Long Term plan consultation process.
• Three pieces of feedback were received through our Have Your Say email.