Purpose
There are challenges facing communities within the Kawhia and Aotea catchments. The population is shrinking and people are concerned about the long-term viability of these communities. At the same time there is pressure to subdivide and develop housing in sensitive areas such as along the coast, and such development could put important natural features of the environment at risk. The purpose of the Shore Futures Project is to provide an overall framework within which all of these issues will be addressed. Details of how to implement this framework will be determined through forthcoming council plans.
Who’s involved?
The Shore Futures Project team comprises staff representatives from Environment Waikato, Otorohanga, Waikato and Waitomo district councils, Federated Farmers and the Department of Conservation. The project team are also working with tangata whenua and other interest groups and agencies such as the Ministry of Fisheries and the Historic Places Trust.
Draft Preferred Futures Report
The Draft Preferred Futures Report has been produced using information gathered and feedback received through consultation. This report identifies key issues and recommends policies and objectives to guide the future management of the Kawhia and Aotea catchments.
Comments and feedback
If you live, work, own property or holiday in the Kawhia or Aotea catchments, the report will be of particular interest to you and we’d like to hear your comments. Your feedback will be used to guide the Shore Futures Governance Group as they finalise the report, which will be published in late 2009.
You can download the Draft Preferred Futures Report in PDF format from the Environment Waikato website http://ew.govt.nz/Projects/Shore-Futures/. If you'd like a copy of the report posted to you, please contact Amanda Banks on freephone 0800 800 401.