Lorenzen Bay - Natural Reserves Management Plan Update
Waikato District Council are proposing a focused update to section 2.6.2 Lorenzen Bay Reserve - of the Natural Reserves Management Plan adopted in 2018.
This update supports the Development and Restoration Plan, which was developed by the community and reviewed by iwi. It outlines a shared vision for the future care, restoration, and use of the reserve, including support for volunteer efforts and ecological connectivity between Lorenzen Bay Road and Greenslade Road.
We want to ensure the direction set by the community reflects the values and priorities of all residents.
About the Waikokowai Reserve Development and Restoration Plan
The Waikokowai Reserve Development and Restoration Plan was developed by the local community to guide the future care and enhancement of the reserve currently referred to as Lorenzen Bay Reserve.
This plan outlines a shared vision for the reserve as a space that supports:
- Ecological restoration – protecting and enhancing native biodiversity
- Community involvement – enabling volunteers to contribute to restoration and maintenance
- Improved access and connectivity – linking Lorenzen Bay Road and Greenslade Road
- Cultural recognition – reflecting the values and aspirations of mana whenua
The proposed update to the Reserve Management Plan (RMP) seeks to formally endorse this community-led plan and provide a framework for its implementation.
Your feedback will help ensure the RMP reflects the community’s goals and supports long-term stewardship of this important natural space.
Download the full plan here: Waikokowai Reserve Development and Restoration Plan
As part of this process, the name Waikokowai has been gifted to Council. Council will continue the process for the reserve naming outlined in the General Policies Reserve Management Plan separate to this process.
Next Steps
Following this consultation period, should the consultation feedback align with the proposed update, council will update to the Natural Reserves Management Plan to formally endorse the plan prepared by Kirikiripu Catchment Care. Alongside this, a comprehensive volunteer agreement will be put in place that allows KCC to undertake works (in ongoing consultation with council) on the reserve as per the plan. KCC will also become the lead volunteer for the reserve - meaning other volunteers will need to coordinate with KCC to ensure any volunteer work aligns with what is outlined in the development and restoration plan.
Have questions? Contact us on Reserve.Planning@waidc.govt.nz
