Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reserve management plan?

A RMP provides direction for the day-to-day management of reserves and establishes clear direction for future management. Why should I be interested? It’s important as it identifies which reserves will /could have playgrounds on them, reserves for sports and other activities such as markets and things like that. 

Why did the Council preparing a reserves management plan?

Council is required under section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977 (‘the Act’) as an “administering body” to prepare RMPs for any reserves under its control, management or administration. (Please note this RMP does not apply to reserves owned or managed by the Department of Conservation or any other government body).

To ensure the district plan rules for the open space and natural open space zones integrate with the RMP, Council has prepared a RMP for all reserves in the district.

How were the council reserves identified?

Council identified all land in the district that is gazetted as a reserve and that Council is responsible for managing. Many of these reserves do not have a name that is published in the New Zealand Gazette Notice, so Council officers have tried to include a road name as a reference point for unnamed reserves. There will be an opportunity to comment on the names of the reserves during the submission process.   

How will the RMP affect existing activities on reserves?

The RMP provides policy guidance and a rule framework for the management of activities on reserves. Many of the reserves in the district are currently grazed. Where a reserve is currently used for a particular purpose, or managed by a committee (i.e. Tainui Domain) or community group, we sought feedback on what activities are currently provided for.  We did this to ensure, where appropriate, the activities are provided for in the RMP (i.e. Brook Park – Frisbee golf).

We have referred to these activities in the RMP as allowed activities, which means you can undertake them without the need to seek approval from Council officers. When the RMP is notified, you will be able to see the allowed activities on the reserves you are interested in.

What if an activity is not provided for as an allowed activity?

These activities are referred to in the RMP as an activity requiring authorization and the effects that need to be managed are set out as assessment criteria. What this means is you will need seek permission from Council officers, and demonstrate how the effects of the activity can be managed. If your activity does not comply with the rules in the district plan you may also need a resource consent. 

Are there activities that cannot be undertaken on a reserve?

Yes, these are referred to in the RMP as prohibited activities. These are activities that Council has identified that cannot be undertaken on a reserve (i.e. the scattering or placement of ashes). When the RMP is notified, you will be able to see which reserves have prohibited activities on them.

How does the RMP align with the Proposed District Plan?

The RMP has strong links to the Temporary Activities Chapter and with the Open Space Zone. The intention of the Open Space Zone is to avoid unnecessary duplication with the RMP unless there is potential for significant adverse effects to occur.

Many activities undertaken on reserves are temporary in nature (circus, sports days, and weddings etc). Activities on Council owned and/or administered reserves are controlled by the requirements in the RMP. The RMP identifies the reserves which are appropriately located and sized to host large scale temporary public and private events.

You can read the full set of rules for the Proposed District Plan https://www.waitomo.govt.nz/council/district-plan-review/proposed-waitomo-district-plan/