Feedback needed on town "gateway" proposals

The community is being asked to comment on options to protect and enhance the visual appeal of the main road entrances to the Kerikeri and Waipapa townships.


The move follows concerns raised at incremental changes to the character of the towns as a result of ongoing development alongside road approach routes.


Drop-in centres with information displays outlining the issues, options and opportunities to protect the visual appeal of the approach routes has been set up this week at both the Proctor Library and John Butler Centre at Kerikeri.


The displays, which will remain open until May 12, are designed to encourage public feedback which could lead to changes to the council's District Plan to provide protection mechanisms for the future.


While the initial focus is on the roads leading into Kerikeri and Waipapa, the council envisages the framework adopted for these routes will be progressively expanded to other communities throughout the Far North.


Senior Policy Planner Greg Wilson says the initiative is essential to maintain the unique character and quality of the towns which can be strongly influenced by what happens on the road entrances.


"The visual appeal of the approaches is the first impression visitors get and can be the difference between stopping or continuing to travel through the town. It creates a point of interest and can make the visit memorable. It also contributes towards creating a sense of place for those living or working in the town," he says.


More recently concerns that Kerikeri and Waipapa were losing their unique identities because of the way development was occurring and the vegetation changes which were being made, had been raised in the Kerikeri and Waipapa Structure Plan process.


"We have developed some ideas as to how these concerns can be addressed and it is now time for the community to have its say on the way forward," he says.