Draft Reserve Management Plan for Rangitoto Reserve, Hihi
The council is seeking community feedback on the draft Reserve Management Plan for Rangitoto Reserve, a culturally and historically significant site on the Hihi Peninsula opposite Mangōnui.
Classified as a Historic Reserve in October 2024, the reserve includes Rangitoto Pā, with visible archaeological features such as terracing, kūmara pits and midden.
Developed in partnership with a local hapū working group, including representatives from Ngāti Ruaiti and Te Matarahurahu, the draft plan will guide the reserve’s future management and protection.
Here’s what we are proposing | Anei tā mātou e whakatakoto nei
You can read the draft Reserve Management Plan for Rangitoto Reserve here.
The draft plan includes:
- Contextual information about the reserve and pā site, surrounding area and environment, as well as vegetation and biodiversity.
- The vision, guiding principles, objectives and policies for the reserve.
- A plan of management areas showing how native vegetation is proposed to be established over large areas of the reserve.
How can I have a say? | E whai wāhi ai koe ki ngā kōrero?
Your feedback will help inform the final reserve management plan for Rangitoto Reserve.
Share your feedback by completing an online survey.
You can also share your feedback by:
- Email: send your feedback to submissions@fndc.govt.nz
- In person: drop off a hard copy survey at any FNDC service centre or library.
- By mail: post your feedback to Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440.
If you would like to speak to your submission at a public hearing with Te Hiku Community Board, you can select this option in the survey, or email submissions@fndc.govt.nz.
Feedback is open until Monday 16 November.
Questions and answers | Ngā pātai me ngā whakautu
Rangitoto Reserve and Pā is located on the Hihi Peninsula, opposite Mangōnui.
You can view its location on the map below.
The reserve does not have direct road access but can be accessed from the sea.
A Reserve Management Plan is a document that sets out how a council reserve will be looked after and used in the future. It’s created under the Reserves Act 1977 and includes goals and guidelines for protecting, maintaining, and developing the reserve.
The plan helps to make sure the reserve is used and cared for in a way that suits its purpose. It also guides council staff in making everyday decisions and planning for the long term.
Importantly, the process includes public consultation so that the community’s needs and ideas are taken into consideration. You can view the existing reserve management plans across the Far North district here.
This reserve was given priority for the preparation of a reserve management plan by Te Hiku Community Board because of the historic significance of Rangitoto Pā.
The draft plan was prepared by Far North District Council with input from a local hapū working group, including representatives from Ngāti Ruaiti and Te Matarahurahu.
The draft plan focuses on the long-term management and protection of the reserve. It does not propose any immediate changes to public access or current use. The plan provides guidance for future management decisions and activities on the reserve including planting.
Under the Reserves Act 1977, councils and other reserve administering bodies are required to seek public input when preparing a Reserve Management Plan. Before a plan is finalised, the community must be given an opportunity to review the draft plan and provide feedback. The council must consider all submissions received before making decisions on the final plan.
Consultation also helps ensure the Draft Reserve Management Plan reflects the values, interests and aspirations of the community, while supporting the long-term protection and management of Rangitoto Reserve and its significant cultural, historical and environmental features.
Once consultation closes all comments will be considered and amendments made to the draft reserve management plan for consideration at a public hearing to be held by Te Hiku Community Board. Te Hiku Community Board will then direct any further changes to be made to the reserve management plan before it is finalised.
We are currently in phase three of the Reserve Management Plan process below.
Documents | Ngā tuhinga
Note: Anyone is invited to submit feedback on this consultation, whether as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, however, any submissions that are out of scope, offensive, inappropriate, or late may not be accepted by the council. You will be notified if your decision is not accepted and, where appropriate, invited to resubmit.
Any submissions that are made will become part of the public consultation process. The collection and use of personal information by the Far North District Council is regulated by the Privacy Act 2020. Please note that your submission or a summary of your submission will be treated as public information and may be published on the council's website and made available to elected members and members of the public as part of the consultation process. Your name and contact details (address, phone number, email) will only be used for administrative purposes - such as the council contacting you to update you on the outcome of this consultation and letting you know about future consultations