FAQs
Cultural restoration: Embedding stories, identity, and values of tangata whenua through pou, waharoa, interpretation panels, and place names.
Environmental protection and restoration: Restoring native ecosystems, protecting significant sites, and safeguarding the mauri of land and water.
Preservation of significant sites: Renovating and protecting pā sites, springs, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Education and learning: Opportunities for visitors to learn about history, ecology, and cultural heritage, including a potential whare mātauranga (learning centre).
Visitor experience: Creating respectful, meaningful experiences that reflect the cultural and natural identity of the reserve.
Ongoing kaitiakitanga: Sustainable maintenance in partnership with hapū and marae-based guardianship practices.
Ōwarau Pā: Protect the pā site, remove exotic vegetation, replant natives, install pou and waharoa, create viewing platforms, and involve hapū in ongoing care.
Ōwarau Swamp: Fence and restore wetland, remove exotic species, monitor mauri, provide educational access.
Ōwarau Springs: Protect and restore springs (puna), manage water quality, provide cultural interpretation, and renovate historic features.
South Beach: Preserve taonga trees, protect wāhi tapu and food-gathering areas, support cultural and community events.
Atea (Upper Level Pā): Develop ceremonial and communal spaces, main waharoa, pou, viewing areas, and a whare mātauranga for learning and community events.
South Lookout: Reconstruct palisades, install artistic pou and interpretation panels, enhance visitor access with defined cultural and conservation zones.
North Lookout: Install interpretive features, artistic pou, low palisade fencing, and a viewing point.
North Beach: Protect wāhi tapu associated with historic battles, provide cultural interpretation, maintain foreshore preservation.
Rimu Gardens: Demonstration gardens for traditional growing and food-gathering practices, walkways, plant labelling, educational boards, restore native birdlife, and rongoā (medicinal)gardens.
How was the draft cultural concepts plan developed?
The draft cultural concepts plan for Kauri Point Historic Reserve was developed by Council in partnership with hapu group Te Kō Rōpu who represent Ngai Tamawhariua ki Te Rereatukahia, Te Whanaua Tauwhao ki Otawhiwhi and Ngati Te Wai . It builds on the foundations of the 2010 Cultural Assessment and the Kauri Point Historic Reserve Concept Development Plan.
Several pre-engagement hui with hapū and key stakeholders helped shape the draft concepts, ensuring the plan reflects both cultural values and community aspirations.
Why is this project important?
This project is about protecting Kauri Point’s cultural, environmental, and historical values while supporting respectful access for the community. It reflects a commitment to kaitiakitanga – guardianship and care for the land – ensuring that Kauri Point remains a living, breathing landscape for learning, reflection, and celebration for generations to come.
What’s proposed?
The draft cultural concepts plan aims to protect and enhance the cultural, environmental, historical and recreational values of Kauri Point Historic Reserve. Key proposals include:
What are the aspirations by area?
How is Council engaging with tangata whenua?
Council is working in partnership with Kō Rōpu te Kauri Point hapū group and other tangata whenua partners to ensure cultural values, tikanga, and local identity guide all aspects of the plan. Hapū are directly involved in management, maintenance, and interpretation of the reserve.
Who will pay for this development?
Funding is a combination of Council allocations already in the Long Term Plan and fundraising by hapū partners from externally. Future funding may also be considered through Long Term Plans, Annual Plans, and external funders.
How much will this development cost?
Council has funding allocated in the 2026/27 financial year for staged implementation of cultural interpretation at Kauri Point Historic Reserve. The approximate budget for the Annual Plan 2026/27 financial year is $423,875
Kō Rōpu te Kauri Point hapū group will leverage Council funding and raise additional funds required to complete other stages of the plan.
The Cultural Assessment was conducted in 2009/2010. Why has it taken so long?
The delay in implementing the outcomes of the Cultural Assessment have primarily been caused by the economic climate at the time, Treaty Settlement legislation and Covid pandemic. Budgets were re-forecast over this period. Completing the proposed engagement is being done now so we are ready to progress in the 2026/27 financial year for staged implementation as funds allow.
Who will manage and maintain this development?
Council, with support from the Kō Rōpu te Kauri Point hapū group will project manage the procurement of the cultural features. Ongoing maintenance will likely be a mix of social procurement and Council maintenance contracts.
How will my feedback be considered?
All feedback from the wider community will be collated and considered to help inform the draft plan, to help shape how the reserve is managed, maintained, and enjoyed, ensuring it reflects both cultural values and community aspirations.
What are the next steps?
Feedback received from this community engagement will help inform the further development of the cultural concepts plan and will be presented to Council for consideration and a decision in early 2026.