A few responses have been posted questioning the validity of the concerns in the petition. The questions are responded to below.
- Hutt City Council is not in the process, investigating or even considering to revoke any reserve status!
This is true, HCC is not investing or considering the revocation of the reserve status. The removal of reserve status has already occurred.
- As owner of land within the East Harbour Regional Park, Hutt City Council is responsible for matters relating to the legal status of that land. In that regard Council is working on two specific matters. The first is to put into effect the Council decision to confirm the reserve status of land within Williams Park.
The consultation on the restoration of the reserve status occurred in 2017. The land has remained unprotected since 2009 when parts were transferred to private owners.
- The second is to rectify an issue from 2000 when a Council decision to confer reserve status on land near Northcote Street, Wainuiomata, was not properly gazetted and so was not recorded on the title. The Department of Conservation and our legal advisors are assisting us to rectify this situation. In general terms Council practice is that all land managed as reserve is formally gazetted as reserve under its appropriate status. There is NO process being instigated or considered to revoke any reserve status for land in East Harbour Regional Park. The work we are currently finalising through legal channels will ensure land nominated for reserves is protected for the future.
The title without reserve status was issued in 2019. I made a public comment in a council meeting pointing out that the land was without protection. I also pointed out that the council had been presented with a sealing authority for a 'transfer' of the reserve. I have still to receive a clear explanation as to why the land was subject to an approval for a 'transfer'. I have still to receive an explanation as to why part of the land was zoned residential. I have been unable to find a plan change to enable the rezoning.
- While Hutt City Council owns land within the East Harbour Regional Park it has transferred responsibility for the management of the Park to the Greater Wellington Regional Council. The Greater Wellington Parks Network Plan provides policies and rules for the management of our regional parks and forests. The plan is an agreement between Greater Wellington Regional Council and the community. The East Harbour Regional Park Resource Statement is available to view or download at http://www.gw.govt.nz/…/East-Harbour-Resource-Statement-200
Yes, the land is managed by GWRC, but it is owned by Hutt City Council. If the council transfers the land the management plan is not an effective barrier to the transfer. This is why I have asked for the land to be transferred to the Department of Conservation.