Feedback sought on reserve lease for rugby club

Te Rarawa Rugby Club is seeking a new 30-year ground lease to extend its existing use over part of the Rarawa Memorial Domain Recreation Reserve in Ahipara.

The club has been based at the reserve since 1985 and occupies the site in conjunction with Te Rarawa Football Club. By providing a wide range of sporting and recreational activities for all ages, including support for junior rugby teams and summer touch rugby modules, the club is fostering community fitness.

The sports ground and facilities play an important role in Ahipara, serving as a hub for community events, meetings, and gatherings. Known unofficially as the community hall for Ahipara, the club building  is used by Ahipara School as an indoor venue for major events, presentations and kapa haka practice. The field and lights are used by emergency services helicopters in emergencies, and the venue has also been used as a Civil Defence community hub.

The proposed lease comprises two 15-year terms.

Under the Reserves Act, the council must notify the public and seek feedback before making any decision on a proposal to lease a Recreation Reserve. Community members are encouraged to share their views on the proposal by Tuesday 30 April 2024.

To make a submission on the lease proposal, go to the council’s Have your say webpage. Alternatively, submissions can be emailed to submissions@fndc.govt.nz or delivered to any Far North District Council Service Centre. Verbal submissions will be organised at the end of the submission period.