Hello all,

To give you an update on our campaign to improve public access to Taronui Recreation Reserve, we received an encouraging letter from Minister of Conservation, Kiri Allan. In it she encouraged continued communication with Ngāti Rēhia, as mana whenua and kaitiaki of the rohe. She also noted our aims to work together with the hapu to make Taronui 'a place that generates respect, presenting the opportunity for storytelling, both natural and cultural history.'

On the other hand a letter from the Department of Conservation's Whangarei office was less than encouraging. Sue Reed-Thomas delivered a clear no and she holds the cards.
So it looks as if we have hit a dead end.

So a big thank you to you all - very nearly 8,000 signatories - for your support and encouragement over the past two years.

On the positive side, as one door closes, another opens.

A 65 ha waterfront property, north of Taronui, has recently been listed for sale.
Number 465 Otaha Road lies between Takou and Elliotts Bay.
If the community can purchase this property, it will give access to our coastline for future generations.
The property goes to tender on December 10.

Interested parties are looking to form a charitable trust, with the aim of mounting a community fundraiser. We hope Far North District Council will work with us.

Please give feedback on this idea and express interest if you would like to get involved or offer advice.
You can email me at kerimolloy2@gmail.com

To view details and photographs of 465 Otaha Road, go to
https://www.realestate.co.nz/4088849/rural/sale/465-otaha-road-kerikeri