Reserves and Recreation Policy - Waikato District Council

CONTENTS
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Background......................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Recreational activity ......................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Population growth ............................................................................................................4
SECTION 2 – POLICY CONTEXT................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Legislative context ............................................................................................................ 6
2.1.1 Local Government Act 2002 ..................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 Reserves Act 1977 ....................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Resource Management Act 1991.............................................................................. 7
2.1.4 Historic Places Act 1993 ............................................................................................ 7
2.2 National Strategies............................................................................................................ 8
2.3 Regional Strategies............................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Waikato District Council Planning Documents......................................................... 8
2.4.1 Waikato District Growth Strategy........................................................................... 8
2.4.2 Long-Term Council Community Plan...................................................................... 9
2.4.3 Conservation Strategy................................................................................................. 9
2.4.4 Walking and Cycling Strategy.................................................................................... 9
2.4.5 Heritage Policy.............................................................................................................. 9
2.4.6 Arts Policy.................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.7 Annual Plan .................................................................................................................. 10
2.4.8 Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan ....................................................... 11
2.5 Deed of Settlement for the Waikato River ..............................................................12
SECTION 3 – OBJECTIVES & POLICIES .................................................................................... 13
3.1 Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Policies.................................................................................................................................15
SECTION 4 – FUTURE DEVELOPMENT................................................................................... 29
4.1 Future reserve and recreation development .................................................................. 29
4.2 Review......................................................................................................................................29
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APPENDIX ONE: NATIONAL STRATEGIES RELATING TO RESERVES AND RECREATION……..….30
APPENDIX TWO: REGIONAL STRATEGIES RELATING TO RESERVES AND RECREATION……...…31
APPENDIX THREE: WAIKATO DISTRICT COUNCIL'S LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR RESERVES AND
RECREATION RELATED RESOURCES WITHIN THE WAIKATO DISTRICT……...32

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
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1.1 Purpose
The purpose of Waikato District Council's Reserves and Recreation Policy is to identify
Councils role in relation to reserves and recreation within the Waikato District, including
the purchase, development and sale of reserves.
The Reserves and Recreation Policy contains a description of the policy context, objectives
and policies to help guide Council decision-making relating the provision of reserves and
recreation resources within the District, and information regarding how reserves and
recreation development will be included in Council planning frameworks.
Future works relating to reserves and recreation will be incorporated into Waikato District
Council’s long-term and annual planning processes, and will align with the Parks and
Reserves Asset Management Plan. Waikato District Council aims to approach the task of
providing resources in a consistent and systematic manner. Objectives and policies within
this document should also align with other relevant documents, including national strategies
and other Waikato District Council strategies and policies.
1.2 Background
Recreation is an important part of people’s lives, and has a very broad definition. For some
it involves organised sports such as rugby, cricket, golf or netball. For some it involves
informal activities such as surfing or walking, for others it involves music or crafts.
Recreation results in a number of social benefits including improved physical and mental
health, greater community cohesion through common activities and interests, and a sense of
local or national pride and identity. Recreation facilities provide the opportunity for people
to get together in an informal setting, and can also improve the appearance of an area (e.g.
attractively landscaped open areas). Economic benefits resulting from recreation are also
significant. Recreation and tourism are multi-million dollar industries that support
thousands of jobs around the country.
Council has an important role in providing reserves and facilities and in promoting
recreation for at least three reasons. The first is the range of benefits stated above. The
second is the Council’s responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2002 and the
Resource Management Act 1991, including the provision of facilities, promoting community
well-being and protecting significant environmental features. The third reason is that
commercial ventures are market-driven and hence will not meet the needs of all residents
and visitors; the Council has a role in addressing equity issues.

1.3 Recreational activity
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Within the Waikato District, there has been a particularly high demand for walkway
development in recent years. Water-based activities, such as boating on Waikato District
lakes, waka ama on the Waikato River, and surfing at Raglan’s coastal reserves, have
remained very popular. Organised sports activities, while still popular, are slightly less so
with some clubs having to work harder to maintain sufficient membership and volunteers.
Some organised sports facilities are strategically located, for example Taupiri is a strategic
base for Netball within the District. Community Halls are utilised for recreation activities,
such as indoor bowling at Taupiri Soldiers and Settlers Hall, and karate classes at Raglan
Town Hall. Hunting and Fishing occurs around some water bodies within the Waikato
District, for example duck hunting at Lake Kainui.
Smaller centre residents, such as Glen Afton, Eureka, and Rangiriri residents, generally
travel to larger centres, such as Ngaruawahia, Huntly, Te Kauwhata, and Hamilton, to
participate in activities. Within these smaller centres, school recreation facilities are often
an important community resource.
Within Council-owned parks and reserves, Waikato District Council supplies a variety of
recreation resources to local and regional communities; these include boat ramps,
playgrounds, skate parks, courts, junior and senior sports fields, sports pavilions, and park
furniture.
1.4 Population growth
As Waikato District communities grow there will be a need to develop reserves and
recreation resources to meet community needs. It is estimated that in fifty years the
Waikato District population will have risen from 43,959 (2006 Census) to 88,000 residents,
doubling the District’s population.
Waikato District Council intends to provide neighbourhood parks and sports fields in new
residential areas, and these will often include playgrounds and skate park facilities. New
residents are also likely to utilise existing resources, and a higher level of service may
needed to provide extra capacity at existing sites.

SECTION 2 – POLICY CONTEXT
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There are several documents that affect how Waikato District Council approaches
recreation provision within the District, and how Waikato District parks and reserves
should be utilised and managed. These come in the form of legislation, such as the Reserves
Act 1977 and the Resource Management Act 1991; national strategies developed by central
government, such as the National Walking and Cycling Strategy; and regional strategies,
such as Future Proof - the sub-regional growth strategy currently being developed by
Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council, Hamilton City Council, and Environment
Waikato. Figure 1 identifies the hierarchy of documents and illustrates how these relate to
each other.
Figure 1: Hierarchy of documents relating to the Reserves and Recreation Policy
National Strategies, Policies,
&
Government Legislation
e.g.
Reserves
Act 1977
Regional Strategies, Policies, Plans
e.g.
Future
Proof
WDC Strategies, Policies, Plans
e.g.. Reserves and
Recreation Policy,
WDC Asset Management Plan
Walking and Cycling
Strategy, Structure
Plans, Community
Plans
WDC Long Term Council
Community Plan
WDC Annual Plan

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2.1 Legislative context
Several legislative documents apply to Waikato District Council parks and reserves. The
more significant of these are detailed below.
2.1.1 Local Government Act 2002
The Local Government Act 2002 identifies the purpose and structure of local government
authorities, local government authorities’ roles and obligations, and principles and
frameworks for how local authorities must operate (e.g. planning and decision-making
frameworks).
2.1.2 Reserves Act 1977
The Reserves Act 1977 provides for the management and preservation of areas public land
vested or gazetted under the Act for the benefit of the public. The Act also provides for
the preservation of representative natural ecosystems or landscapes and the survival of
indigenous species of flora and fauna; preservation of public access to the coastline, islands,
lakeshore and riverbanks, and encourages the protection and preservation of the natural
character of these environments; to the maximum practicable extent.
The Reserves Act 1977 also provides classifications for reserves vested under the Act. The
classification of a reserve is dependant on its purpose.
The Reserves Act 1977 requires that a reserve management plan be developed for any
reserve vested in Waikato District Council:
“The management plan shall provide for and ensure the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection,
and preservation, as the case may require, and, to the extent that the administering body's resources
permit, the development, as appropriate, of the reserve for the purposes for which it is classified, and
shall incorporate and ensure compliance with the principles set out…for a reserve of that
classification.”

In accordance with the Reserves Act 1977, reserve management plans should remain under
continuous review.
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2.1.3 Resource Management Act 1991
The purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991 is to promote the sustainable
management of natural and physical resources. The Resource Management Act 1991
provides regulatory mechanisms that have an impact on type and effect of permitted
behaviour within Council parks and reserves. Waikato District Council’s District Plan has
been developed in accordance with the Resource Management Act 1991.
2.1.4 Historic Places Act 1993
The Historic Places Act 1993 promotes:
“the identification, protection, preservation and conservation of the historic and cultural
heritage of New Zealand”.
Within this act, an archaeological site is identified as a place where activity has taken place
prior to 1900. The Historic Places Act applies to all archaeological sites, both those that
have been recorded and also those that have not. Before any modification, damage, or
destruction of any archaeological site an authority needs to be granted by the New Zealand
Historic Places Trust. An authority should be requested from the New Zealand Historic
Places Trust, and is required if there is “reasonable cause” to believe that an archaeological
site may be modified, damaged, or destroyed. The Historic Places Amendment Act 2004
clarifies matters relating to the structure of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and its
register, and also provides some technical amendments to the Historic Places Act 1993.

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2.2 National Strategies
Central government has developed national strategies that Waikato District Council must
align with when developing local district recreation related strategies. These include the
National Walking and Cycling Strategy – Getting There – on foot, by cycle, and the National
Disability Strategy. A summary of these documents can be found within Appendix One.
2.3 Regional Strategies
Waikato District Council is working with other Councils and local government bodies to
produce regional strategies that relate to developing recreational capacity within the
Waikato Region. Future Proof – Knowing our future by planning today is a sub-regional
growth strategy being developed by Hamilton City Council, Waipa District Council,
Waikato District Council, and Environment Waikato. Environment Waikato is also
developing a regional walking and cycling strategy that will influence the future of walking
and cycling in the region. Further detail on these documents can be found in Appendix
Two.
2.4 Waikato District Council Planning Documents
Several Waikato District Council strategies and policies influence the development of
reserve and recreation resources within the District, and are identified below:
2.4.1 Waikato District Growth Strategy
Waikato District Council has developed a Waikato District Growth Strategy, which seeks
to manage future growth within the District. This strategy will influence the location and
nature of future growth, which will in turn influence the level and location of recreational
resources within the District.

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2.4.2 Long-Term Council Community Plan
The Waikato District Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) is a long-term
community-planning document that provides a road map for the future direction of the
Waikato District. It is a ten-year plan and is reviewed every three years. The LTCCP
identifies Council’s overall budget, which is decided upon through consideration of all
Council’s functions. Funding decisions relating to Waikato District Council Parks and
Reserves will be made within this broader context.
2.4.3 Conservation Strategy
Waikato District Council’s Conservation Strategy defines how Waikato District Council will
work towards managing its obligations regarding biodiversity as specified within the
Resource Management Act 1991 and the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (2000). The
strategy provides implementation methods to meet its responsibilities within these
documents. The strategy also aligns with Council’s District Plan and long-term planning
framework.
2.4.4 Walking and Cycling Strategy
The purpose of Waikato District Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategy is to improve the
viability of walking and cycling as modes of transport, and to promote the health benefits of
walking and cycling. The strategy also seeks to reduce the negative environmental impact
when motor vehicles are utilised for short trips, reducing air pollution and traffic
congestion. Objectives, actions, and projects relating to walking and cycling will be reflected
within this document.
2.4.5 Heritage Policy
Waikato District Council’s Heritage Policy provides for the protection of heritage sites and
consideration of heritage needs within the Waikato District. Policies relate to regulatory
measures, advocacy and promotion initiatives, and the provision of financial assistance,
relating to heritage-related projects and activities.

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The heritage policy relates to parks and reserves through activities undertaken to preserve
natural and cultural heritage on Council-owned parks and reserves, the development of
facilities emphasising culture and heritage, and activities undertaken to preserve history and
knowledge of the Waikato District. Key projects within the heritage policy include Council
consideration concerning the acquisition of additional historic reserves, working with
external groups aimed at developing heritage facilities, and recognising and presenting
information on heritage (e.g. museums and heritage trails).
2.4.6 Arts Policy
Waikato District Council’s Arts Policy seeks to develop the value of arts within the
Waikato District through an integrated approach to arts-related activities across relevant
Council departments. Developing the capacity of the Arts within the Waikato District
relates to social, environmental, and cultural well-beings. Arts activities may take place on
Council-owned parks and reserves, and Council may also have a facilitative role in Arts
activities under the strategy. The Reserves and Recreation Policy needs to align with the
Arts Policy by identifying how Arts related activities will be catered for within Councilowned
parks and reserves, and through other promotional activities undertaken related to
reserve and recreation.
2.4.7 Annual Plan
Waikato District Council’s Annual Plan identifies what Council seeks to achieve over a
financial year. This document also provides information on how Council plans to fund
developments and provides a budget for the financial year. Council usually adjusts some of
its plans and projects for the financial year which have been previously set within its LTCCP,
and provides explanation for variances within these two documents. This document also
provides a summary of the issues facing the District and identifies how upcoming works
relate to Council’s Community Outcomes.

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2.4.8 Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan
The Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan provides a framework for the development
and maintenance of Council-owned Parks and Reserves assets. The key objectives of the
asset management plan are:
To provide a desired level of service, consisting of a high quality network of parks
and reserves that contain appropriate facilities and meet the needs of the Waikato
District population,
protect and maintain significant environmental and historic assets,
and contribute to the District’s community outcomes.
Waikato District Council‘s responsibility to meet its legislative obligations also impacts on
the asset management plan (e.g. as under the Resource Management Act 1991).
Levels of service for communities may vary through the District, for example urban levels of
service may differ from rural and country-living levels. Levels of service will also be
influenced by the proximity of particular localities to other centres (e.g. Hamilton City), and
the need to establish strategic centres for activities as appropriate, and regionally significant
facilities may require higher service levels. Levels of service have been recently reviewed
and an updated list of levels of service for parks and reserves resources can be found within
Appendix Three.
Within the asset management plan annual development projects are identified. These
projects consist of new projects as well as the upgrading of existing assets. The Asset
Management Plan covers a ten-year period and includes Council-owned pools, toilets, and
cemeteries.
It is vital that Council acquires strategically located land of adequate size in areas of
significant population growth to meet long-term needs. This means Council will acquire
land ahead of actual demand in some locations.

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2.5 Deed of Settlement for the Waikato River
In August 2008 Waikato-Tainui and the Crown signed a Deed of Settlement for the
Waikato River, which sought to address Crown confiscation of land (Raupatu) during the
1860s, which denied Waikato-Tainui of their rights and interests in the Waikato River.
Waikato-Tainui have identified the Waikato River as extending from the Huka Falls to the
mouth, and includes its waters, banks and beds (and all minerals under them) and its
streams, waterways, tributaries, lakes, aquatic fisheries, vegetation ,floodplains, and
wetlands, as well as its metaphysical being. Thus, the Deed of Settlement will impact on
some Council parks and reserves, such as Lake Kainui Recreation and Esplanade Reserves,
and Puketirini.
The purpose of this agreement is to recognise the particular significance of the Waikato
River to Waikato-Tainui, and to formalise the commitment of both parties in pursuing a
new era of co-management in relation to the management of the Waikato River.
Restoration and protection of the health and well-being of the Waikato River for future
generations is the key focus of the settlement.

SECTION 3 – OBJECTIVES & POLICIES
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This section describes the Council’s objectives (what it wants to achieve) and policies (how
it will seek to achieve its objectives).
The Reserves and Recreation Policy reflects objectives and policies relating to Council’s
existing Conservation Strategy, Walking and Cycling Strategy, Heritage Policy, and Arts
Policy. Council is also examining the development of a District-Wide Planting Strategy.
The Reserves and Recreation Policy contains policies identifying how Council will work to
achieve objectives relating to Arts and Heritage within Council parks and reserves. The
Walking and Cycling Strategy and Conservation Strategy should be referred to for
information relating to how Council will seek to achieve outcomes relating to these
documents.
This document provides objectives and policies to help guide future work programmes and
operational procedures.
3.1 Objectives
1 To have a range of facilities available to meet the recreational needs of
residents and visitors, catering for all ages and abilities, and providing for a
range of choices throughout the seasons.
2 To maintain and enhance significant historic, artistic, scenic, natural and
scientific values.
Explanation
Waikato District Council recognises its role in developing facilities for passive and informal
recreation (such as playgrounds, walkways and picnic areas). Both District and national
studies have shown that passive and informal recreation is generally more popular than
competitive sport. A further reason for Council involvement in this area is that the userpays
principle often cannot be applied. Most of Council’s expenditure on reserves and
recreation facilities will be to cater for these types of activities.
The popularity of sports grounds and halls must not, however, be overlooked and Council
contributions towards developing these facilities may be justified. Major works such as
sealing car parks and improving drainage benefit formal users such as sports clubs, informal
users and the community generally through improving the profile and appearance of an area.

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Furthermore, clubs are often unable to afford major one-off costs and if the Council does
not provide funds then the works may not be undertaken.
Where specialised facilities are required by clubs and will only benefit the clubs, the Council
will generally expect these user groups to adopt a "self-help" approach.
Waikato District Council also has a role in protecting significant environmental features.
These include natural features such as landscapes and important habitats, and cultural
features such as historic sites. These features add to people's experiences of an area and
hence have recreational value.

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3.2 Policies
1 Council will work in partnership with public agencies, private
organisations and user groups to provide a range of recreation facilities.
Explanation
Many groups are involved in providing recreation facilities. It is important that all
parties co-ordinate their efforts to avoid duplication of facilities or omissions.
Council will continue to monitor community and visitor requirements and liaise with
other groups providing facilities to ensure proper co-ordination takes place.
Opportunities for jointly developing facilities will also be examined. For instance
school pools, playgrounds and sports fields are often extensively used outside school
hours. Joint development projects between schools and Council could result in
improved facilities being provided in a cost-effective manner. Council’s purchasing of
land next to rural schools illustrates one way in which this policy has been
implemented.
2 Council will consider contributing funds towards joint projects provided
that suitable arrangements are made regarding public access and ongoing
site management.
Explanation
Before committing funds to projects with other parties, Council will require various
matters to be clarified. It will require formal agreement that the facilities will be
available for public use for a reasonable period. It will also require clarification of
who will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility. These
requirements are designed to ensure that the community receives benefit from the
community funds invested by Council.
3 Council will promote co-ordination between user groups and the
development and maintenance of shared facilities by user groups.
Explanation
Facilities are generally expensive to develop and maintain, and clubs have limited
funds available to them. An important way of enabling clubs to meet their

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requirements is to have them pool resources to jointly develop and operate facilities.
This minimises the number of facilities required and hence maximises usage and costeffectiveness.
Clubs are encouraged to adopt a "self-help" approach and work with
other community groups to meet their needs. Ongoing consultation and monitoring
of club needs will assist the Council to note opportunities for joint facilities being
developed. Council will also research the lifespan of existing facilities and anticipated
need for new facilities in main towns to see if there is scope for developing multi-use
facilities.
4 Council will work to provide an identified level of service for communities
within the District.
Explanation
Council has identified a desired level of service for communities within the District
(refer to Appendix Three). Actual provision varies through the Waikato District
because of historic reasons and the level of provision located just outside the
District, for example in Hamilton. The actual level of service for each community
will take into account their location to other strategic sites within or outside the
District, and likely future population growth needs. Some reserves and recreation
projects will be consistent with the desired level of service within communities, and
some will not, due to factors such as the proximity to larger centres, and the need
to maintain a regionally significant resource. If there is a project that communities
wish to see developed but is over the desirable level of service, and it is not a
regionally significant resource, Council will generally provide limited funds. Council’s
first priority is to maintain existing assets and then to provide new assets that will
help meet Council’s identified service levels. However, regionally significant
resources are likely to require a higher level of service than the general level of
service identified for different types of resources. Levels of service will be reviewed
as part of the asset management planning process.

5 Council will seek to develop a network of reserves and facilities at
strategic sites throughout the District.
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Explanation
Demands for recreational amenities are best met by providing them at strategic
sites. Factors taken into account when deciding on strategic sites include the site’s
physical attributes, its proximity to other similar facilities, its proximity to other
types of facilities in the area, ease of access and population trends. A higher
population density will generally mean a higher density of sites. In areas of
subdivision and population growth Council will generally seek to purchase land
ahead of demand to ensure the optimum site is obtained before the opportunity to
obtain it is lost through subdivision or site development. Council will take into
account the availability of near-by facilities outside of the District (particularly in
Hamilton) when deciding where to develop facilities.
6 Council will contribute towards regional facilities by:
Providing facilities in the District via Council funding and grants from
external sources where the District can best provide the facilities.
Supporting regional facilities developed outside of the District via cash
grants or through supporting facilities being funded by regional funding
agencies.
Obtaining Council funds for regional facilities through reserve
contributions or rates.
Explanation
Many District residents expect to have access to major recreational facilities.
Examples include the Waikato Stadium, performing arts facilities and centralised
hockey, tennis and cricket facilities. The very high cost of providing these facilities
means it is impractical to provide all of these within the District. A regional
approach is required to ensure the regional community develops facilities in the
most cost-effective manner possible.
Council will provide, or contribute towards, regional facilities developed within the
District where the District provides the best or only location. For example, Council
has provided access to west coast beaches on behalf of the regional community.

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Council also recognises that there are a number of facilities that are better located
outside of the District, particularly in Hamilton. The Council may support regional
funding authorities making contributions to regional priorities, rather than expecting
a certain percentage of the funding to go towards facilities in the District. The
Council may contribute directly towards development costs of regional facilities
outside of the District.
7 Council will primarily focus on providing informal recreation facilities and
multi-use facilities and will determine its level of assistance to recreation
facility developments according to the following criteria:
The availability of the facility to the general community, and the range
of uses to which it can be put (including the extent to which various
community groups have been consulted over the design and are
involved in the project)
The overall level of demand for the facility and the degree of social and
community benefit deriving from the facility
The extent to which users can be identified and charged (including
their ability to pay and their ability to meet maintenance costs)
The degree of funding available from other sources and the extent to
which funds have been sought from these sources
The community benefit compared to the cost to Council of the facility
The availability of alternative sites and facilities to meet the
community needs
Confirmation of suitable operational and maintenance arrangements.
Its contribution towards developing a network of reserves and facilities
at strategic sites.
Explanation
Waikato District Council expects to be involved in joint projects with other parties.
It therefore needs criteria to evaluate proposals and hence determine its level of
involvement. Proposals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The level of Council funding for recreational facilities will depend on the nature of
the proposal, the level of previous Council contributions and various socio-economic

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factors such as the age groups benefiting from the facility, and their ability to raise
development funds. Local community initiatives, such as an offer to provide labour
for labour-intensive projects like tree planting, will also be taken into account.
Council will generally fund land purchase and facility development in accordance with
the following table. Council reserves its right to determine the actual level of
funding for a given project after weighing up site-specific factors.

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Category Funding Examples
Land purchase Up to 100%
Basic infrastructure on Council land Up to 100% Ground development
Fencing
Entranceway
Drainage
Water supply
Picnic tables and seats
Basic facilities on Council land Up to 70% Parking area
Additional community infrastructure
vested in Council 1
Up to 50%
Heritage signage development
Landscaping
Toilets
Basic lighting
Basic playgrounds
Local walkways
Tennis / netball courts
Basic skateboard facilities
Boat ramps
Halls and multi-use facilities
Heated pools
Major adventure playgrounds
Major skateboard parks
Esplanade reserve planting
Amenity lighting
Club facilities 2 Up to 30% Clubrooms
Regional projects
Funding on a case-by-case basis
Showers / changing rooms
Field lighting
Arts projects Funding on a case-by-case basis Arts centre
Community infrastructure developed
on non-Council land
Funding on a case-by-case basis Combined school and
community playground
1 Facilities that are available to the general public but are more significant than basic
infrastructure. Access may be limited in some way (e.g. restricted opening hours or an entry fee
is charged). Also includes projects suited to community involvement e.g. esplanade planting.
2 Typically facilities that are used by only specific parts of the community (e.g. club members.)

8 Council may provide initial “seeding” funding and administrative and
professional support to community groups seeking to develop concept
plans, construction plans and funding applications for major
developments.
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Explanation
Considerable effort is required to develop plans for major developments and to
obtain funds from various sources. Unless assistance is available, community groups
can find such work difficult to complete. Council may assist community groups to
undertake this work to encourage the development of facilities. Council assistance
will generally be directed towards facilities that provide for a wide range of uses.
9 Council may provide assistance to facility developments in the following
ways:
• Cash
• Materials
• Land
• Provide loans
• Guarantee loans
• Rates relief
• Meeting consent costs from within Council budgets
• Administrative support
• Technical advice
Explanation
In addition to determining the extent to which it will support a project, Council also
has to determine the type of support it will give. It may provide partial or total
funding, or give materials on the condition that the particular community group
provides the labour for the development.
Council can make land available with rentals ranging from “peppercorn” levels to
market rates. In some cases the Council will consider purchasing land provided that
the clubs requiring the land pay the loan servicing costs in part or in total. Council
could provide loans (with or without interest accruing), or guarantee loans taken out

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with banks. Other options include providing rates relief and meeting consent costs.
Council currently provides remission on general rates to recreation clubs; no
remissions apply to service charges.
10 Council will seek to gain funds for upgrading existing facilities and
developing new facilities from:
• financial and development contributions
• local, regional and national funding sources
• the sale of reserves which are surplus to requirements
• rates.
Explanation
Council is empowered under the Resource Management Act 1991 to take "financial
contributions" (which may include cash or land) as a condition of resource consent.
These contributions recognise that new residents increase demands for recreation
facilities and so should help pay for them. Council is also empowered under the
Local Government Act 2002 to take “development contributions” for additional
recreational facilities.
Council will continue to fund land purchases and facility developments from the
general rate, and may consider introducing special rates for particular projects. The
percentage to come from this source will depend on the funding available from other
sources. Rate money will also be used to meet maintenance costs.
Council will continue to examine its current land holdings to determine whether all
lands are needed, or whether some lands should be sold to provide funds for
purchasing land or developing facilities elsewhere.
The Council will seek funding from both regional and national sources. Local
contributions, such as those from voluntary service groups, will also be sought in
terms of a partnership between such groups and Council.

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11 Council will consider the following criteria when considering the
revocation of the reserve status of land, and its consequent sale:
• The extent to which the purpose for which the land was originally
obtained and classified under the Reserves Act 1977 is no longer
relevant, either at present or in the foreseeable future
• The extent to which current and foreseeable future usage of the land
for reserve purposes is unlikely or that greater benefit could be
obtained by disposing of the land so that land can be purchased or
facilities can be developed elsewhere
• Community opinion concerning land disposal and use of sale proceeds.
Explanation
Council owns a large number of reserves throughout the District. Not all of these
have been used for reserve purposes. For instance, some have not been developed
for recreational use, while some have been developed but for various reasons are
used very little. If these lands were to be sold, it would provide the Council with
funds to purchase land or develop reserves elsewhere. An ongoing review of land
holdings is needed to ensure reserves are meeting community needs. In making this
assessment, Council needs to consult the local community and be mindful of likely
future demands.
Council will generally take a conservative approach with regard to land disposal.
Reserves that are not currently being used extensively may be needed in the future.
In some situations, reclassification of the reserve and a change of land use may be
appropriate. Few properties have been identified as being surplus to requirements.

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12 Council will consider requests for facility developments on reserves
according to the following criteria:
• The Reserves Act 1977 requirements and provisions of the reserve
management plan
• The scale and form of the development in terms of reserve usage,
and the impact of the development including effects on existing
reserve users, neighbours and District Plan standards
• The Building Act 2004 requirements
• The physical limitations of the site
• The availability of other sites or designs, or existing alternative
facilities
• The ability of the applicant to develop, operate and maintain the
facility (eg financial and administrative factors)
• The level of demand for the facility including both the frequency of
Explanation
Use, the range of uses it can be put to, and its availability to all
members of the community
Reserves are public lands that must be managed for the public good. Consequently,
Council must carefully assess development proposals on reserves. Issues include
whether the proposal is consistent with the purpose of the reserve as specified
under the Reserves Act 1977, any management plan for the reserve and current and
reasonably foreseeable future uses. Compatibility with surrounding land uses and
the appropriateness of the design will be addressed through the District Plan and
Building Act 2004 consent procedures. Before granting its consent, Council will
have to be satisfied that the need for the facility has been clearly demonstrated; the
greater the demand the more likely it is that Council will grant its consent. Evidence
that alternative options have been thoroughly considered will need to be provided
to satisfy Council that the proposal represents the best option. Council will also
require evidence that the applicant is capable of undertaking the proposal, both in
terms of its initial development and its ongoing operation and maintenance. This will
ensure that the development does not effectively become a liability for Council.
Council is also likely to favour multi-use facilities that can meet a range of recreation
needs.

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13 Council promotes the administration of recreation facilities by local
committees with the power to seek funds and develop and maintain
reserves in accordance with Council-approved plans.
Explanation
Local administration facilities such as halls and some reserves is advantageous to
both the users and the Council. It enables users to manage the facilities in
accordance with their needs and take action as required. This often means that
issues can be dealt with more quickly and cheaply than if Council became involved.
Council nevertheless needs to maintain an overview role and provide guidelines to
the local administrators to ensure all factors are adequately considered when
decisions are made. This may occur through a management plan or the terms of
reference for the committee. The local committee may be required to report
periodically to Council on its operation, and apply to the Council for consent to
develop the reserve or facilities as specified above.
14 Council promotes the use of recreation facilities and participation in
recreational activities.
Explanation
An important part of having recreation facilities fully used is to have personnel to
organise and run activities, and to promote physical activity. For instance, various
organisations such as Sport Waikato encourage people to be physically active and to
be involved in sports administration and can help with training them. Council
acknowledges the importance of this work and will continue to support such
initiatives.
Council will also work to develop promotional and informational material to assist
understanding of the availability of recreational resources within the Waikato
District.

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15 Council will ensure environmental standards are maintained on Council
properties.
Explanation
Council has a responsibility to manage its properties in a wise manner to maintain
environmental standards. For instance some recreational facilities are in sensitive
environments such as coastal areas. Unless properly managed, recreational use can
cause significant environmental degradation. It is therefore important that
environmental factors are fully considered when facility development and usage
decisions are made. Council will also control plant and animal pests as required.
16 Council will work to develop facilities within parks and reserves that cater
to the whole of the community, including people with disabilities, to the
maximum practicable extent.
Explanation
Council has a responsibility under the National Disability Strategy to encourage
people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities. It is expected that
there will be on-going practicable opportunities for Council to remove barriers that
may prevent people, including people with disabilities, from participating in
recreational opportunities within the Waikato District. Walkway improvement to
increase access will link with Waikato District Council’s Walking and Cycling
strategy. Actual works will be decided on a case-by-case basis, such as through
reserve management planning processes.
17 Council will work to develop the capacity of Arts activities within Councilowned
parks and reserves, and support arts related activities within the
District through the promotion of arts activities and financial support for
community arts facilities as appropriate.
Explanation
Waikato District Council’s Arts Policy sets out an integrated approach to developing
the capacity of arts activities within the Waikato District. Parks and Reserves may

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be utilised for arts-related activities and Council may also have a facilitative role in
promoting Arts activities. It is envisaged that any art-related facility will be part of a
multi-purpose building that can also service other forms of recreation activities.
Council also has a role in preserving and promoting various cultures within the
District, particularly Maori arts and culture. Council may also support artistic and
cultural developments and activities through cost-sharing with community
organisations as appropriate, with decisions being made on a case-by-case basis.
18 Council will work to develop areas of historical significance within the
Waikato District.
Explanation
Historic and culturally significant sites are valuable and support of these on both
Council-owned and non-Council owned land is of interest to Council. Council will
work to preserve natural heritage on Council-owned parks and reserves, and will
work with the community to develop facilities emphasising culture and heritage on
non-Council owned land, on a case-by-case basis. Council will also acquire
additional historic reserves as considered appropriate. Council will assist in the
promotion of activities undertaken to preserve history and knowledge of the
Waikato District. Council will also develop a schedule of heritage-related projects
that will be reviewed on an annual basis.
19 Council will consult and liaise, at the earliest opportunity, with Iwi and
other stakeholder groups as appropriate, regarding the management,
development, and use of Waikato District parks and reserves.
Explanation
Consultation with stakeholder groups, particularly with Iwi, is essential to provide
recreational resources that meet the needs of communities. Council will liase with
Iwi and other stakeholder groups, as appropriate, when considering future
development of recreational resources. Council will also consult with communities
through various processes, such as structure planning, LTCCP, annual planning, and
reserve management planning processes. Council will work to maintain a

constructive relationship with Iwi to consider Iwi concerns regarding the use,
management, and future development of reserves within the Waikato District.
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20 Council will work to increase its understanding of recreation needs within
the Waikato District
Explanation
Reliable information on current recreation needs and trends is essential to effectively
understand and plan for the District’s recreational needs. Trends need to be
identified to help meet future growth needs. Council needs to plan for new facility
development and also understand whether changes to levels of service need to be
considered. In order for this to occur, Council should be regularly involved in
recreation surveys.

SECTION 4 – FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
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4.1 Future reserve and recreation development
Through Council’s asset management planning process, desired levels of service for various
Parks and Reserves facilities are identified. Council will work to develop and maintain these
levels of service. Projects relating to reaching service levels will be incorporated into annual
planning and long-term planning processes.
The decision on whether or not to fund any given project, and the level of funding, will be
made each year through the Annual Plan process using the criteria listed in Policy 7. Some
projects may be fully funded by Council, others may be partially funded by Council with
remaining funds sought from other sources (local, regional or national) depending on who
the main beneficiaries are.
Projects that extend beyond Council’s desired level of service will need to be assessed on a
case-by-case basis and it is likely that emphasis will be placed on the community to provide
funds for the project through community fund-raising or through a targeted rate. Regional
projects will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be funded on a district-wide
(general rate) basis and through external grants.
4.2 Review
Regional, District-wide, and locality specific growth strategies are expected to have a
significant impact on understanding Waikato District’s future recreation needs and on future
reserves and recreation related development. Once these strategies are completed the
Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan will be updated, and these changes will be
reflected in subsequent Waikato District Council LTCCP’s and Annual Plans.
The Reserves and Recreation Policy and the Parks and Reserves Asset Management Plan will
also be revised periodically, and will consider community feedback received.

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APPENDIX ONE – NATIONAL STRATEGIES RELATING TO RESERVES AND
RECREATION
National Walking and Cycling Strategy - Getting There – on foot, by cycle
In 2005 the New Zealand Government developed a National Walking and Cycling Strategy
– Getting There – on foot, by cycle, which seeks to increase the accessibility of walking and
cycling for recreational purposes and as a method for every day transport, increase the
safety of those engaging in walking and cycling, and improve community environments for
walking and cycling within New Zealand.
National Disability Strategy
The New Zealand Disability Strategy puts forth a framework to facilitate government
removal of barriers that prevent people with a disability (or disabilities) from fully taking
part in New Zealand society. The strategy seeks to ensure that government bodies,
including Council bodies, consider the needs of people with disabilities in their decisionmaking
processes.
Objective nine within the strategy seeks to "create and support lifestyle choices for disabled
people within the community and promote access to recreation and cultural opportunities”.
It is expected within the strategy that Council bodies will work to support and enhance the
well-being of people with disabilities within their communities, and will work to provide
recreation and cultural options for the whole of the community.
National Outdoor Recreation Strategy
SPARC will be releasing its National Outdoor Recreation Strategy this year. The strategy
aims to increase public participation in outdoor recreation activities, improve the
responsiveness of organisations within the sector to changes in recreation participation, and
provide appropriate public access to outdoor recreation resources. The strategy will
identify priority focus areas and provide key outputs associated with each priority focus
area.

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APPENDIX TWO – REGIONAL STRATEGIES RELATING TO RESERVES
AND RECREATION
Future Proof – Knowing our future by planning today
Waikato District Council is currently working with Waipa District Council, Hamilton City
Council, Environment Waikato to develop the sub-regional growth strategy Future Proof –
Knowing our future by planning today. These organisations are also working in partnership
with Matamata Piako District Council, Tangata Whenua, and New Zealand Transport
Agency to develop the strategy. This strategy will provide a long-term planning framework
for these Districts, and will impact on the future development, sale and purchase of reserves
within the Waikato District region. This strategy may also redefine strategic sites for
recreational activity within the Waikato District.
Regional Walking and Cycling Strategy
Environment Waikato is spearheading the development of a regional walking and cycling
strategy for the Waikato region. The development of this strategy will involve other
Councils and strategic transport partners. This document will influence Waikato District
Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategy.

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APPENDIX THREE: WAIKATO DISTRICT COUNCIL’S LEVEL OF SERVICE
FOR RECREATION RELATED RESOURCES WITHIN THE WAIKATO
DISTRICT*
Category
Open space (total)
Senior sports fields
Junior sports fields
Courts
Skate parks
Playgrounds
Walkways
Jetties and Boat ramps
Pools
Pavilions
Desired level of service
1 hectare/250 residents
1 senior field/1360 residents
1 junior sports field/3333 residents
1 court per 1000 residents
1 / 4500 residents
400m2/1000 residents (urban)
100m2/1000 residents (other areas)
850m/1000 residents
1/4200 residents
1 public pool per urban centre greater than
3000 residents
1 pavilion where substantial sports field
development exists (i.e. =>2 sports fields)
• Does not include all Parks and Reserves levels of service e.g. toilets and
cemeteries.
It is expected that for urban growth areas approximately 6ha per 4000 residents will be
needed for 3 senior fields, 1 junior field, a training area, 4 courts, and parking and amenity
areas. The 6 ha calculation does not include neighbourhood parks, esplanade reserves, and
regionally significant reserves. The level of service provided in urban growth areas will also
be subject to a site-specific assessment. This approach is similar to that utilised by Hamilton
City Council.