FAQs

In 2018, after hearing from the community, Council adopted the Ōmokoroa Domain Concept Plan. We heard you wanted to protect the Domain’s natural character while making it more functional for a growing community. 

The plan reflects that vision – with better recreational spaces, upgraded facilities, and safer and easier access to the water—shaped through input from locals and hapū. 

The plan has been rolled out in stages as funding becomes available. The playground was completed in 2021, while the walkway connecting to Gerald Crapp Reserve has been fully designed and is scheduled for construction in 2027/28. Design work for the car parking and stormwater upgrades is also complete, with construction planned in future stages. 

It’s been seven years since we last asked for your thoughts, and we want to make sure the plan still reflects what the community wants and needs, before we move into the detailed design.

The total cost for this stage of the concept plan, from planning through to construction, is $8.2 million. Funding will come from a combination of Council budgets. This includes the coastal renewals budget, which covers existing boating facilities, as well as additional funding allocated in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan (LTP) for upgrades to marine and boating infrastructure - such as an extended jetty and pontoon, and a widened recreational boat ramp.

• A new 8m-wide double boat ramp and a 4m-wide single ramp to meet growing demand
• Separating the jetty away from the boat ramps for safer access
• An extended pontoon so more boats can moor temporarily
• Dinghy racks and a small vessel ramp for kayaks, paddleboards and dinghies
• A bus stop zone near the jetty to support ferry and public transport connections

• Upgrades to the ferry boat ramp will also be considered as part of the wider plan.

We aim to create a space that is:

• More inclusive and accessible for all users

• Well-equipped to support both recreational boating and ferry services to Matakana Island

• More open and spacious, reducing congestion in busy areas

• Designed to accommodate a bus stop, encouraging the use of public transport

Environmental assessments will form part of the detailed design process. We’ll be engaging experts to assess potential impacts and ensure any necessary mitigation is planned as part of the consenting process.

The bus stop is being included to support connections with ferry services and to encourage the use of public and active transport. It’s part of the long-term vision to create a more accessible and connected community.

While the concept plan was adopted in 2018, implementation was always intended to occur in stages, subject to funding and resource availability. Like many long-term infrastructure projects, timelines have been slightly impacted by competing priorities, budget constraints, and the need to coordinate with other infrastructure projects.

Construction of the marine and boating facilities area (jetty, boat ramp etc) is expected to start in 2029, following detailed design, consenting processes, and budget scheduling. We know this seems a long time away, but it's important we get the design right and secure necessary approvals first.

• The new playground was built in 2021
• The walkway connecting to Gerald Crapp Reserve has been fully designed and is scheduled for construction in 2027/28
• Design work for car parking and stormwater upgrades is complete, with construction planned for future years

You can join the kōrero in the following ways:

• Online, wānanga ipurangi - You can complete our online feedback form.

• Hard copy, pepa mārō - Drop your feedback off at the Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centres or to the main Council office at Barkes Corner.
• In person, ā kanohi – Chat with us about the plan on Tuesday 10 June, 4.30-6.30pm at the Ōmokoroa Pavilion, Western Ave
• Email, īmēra - yourplace@westernbay.govt.nz
• Or post, mēra - Send your feedback to: Ōmokoroa Domain – Water Access, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143.

Consultation closes at 5pm, Sunday 22 June 2025.

All feedback will be carefully reviewed and considered as part of a detailed design process. We expect this process to get underway in late 2025 – with changes to the plan giving consideration to site investigations including geotechnical, bathometric and wave loading.