Reserve to transfer to Horizons Regional Council

Totara Park protection

A Pohangina reserve with a book value of $1.24 million will move from district council to regional council ownership, but no money will change hands.

As outlined in its 2010-11 draft annual plan, Manawatu District Council wants to transfer control of Totara Reserve Regional Park to Horizons Regional Council.

District council parks and reserves manager Albert James said the council realised the popular camping spot was important to the wider region, not just the district.

"It's not about saving money but about getting better protection for our reserve and it would be better done by Horizons who have finances, and better resources when it comes to biodiversity," he said.

"We're not really losing an asset, we're gaining a better facility."

He said it seemed logical for the council to hand it over as Horizons had spent more time, effort and money on the reserve.

Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney supported the initiative.

"There is no purchase involved in this at all, all it is transferring the vested status from Manawatu District Council to Horizons.

"We will carry on as usual, and no ratepayers will be [adversely] affected," Mr McCartney said.

Horizons would spend $256,000 on the reserve this year, and if the transfer proceeded little change would occur to the amount spent each year.

The district council has managed Totara Reserve for almost 20 years, but for the past four years both councils have shared the responsibility of funding and managing of the reserve.

Now, Horizons deals with the infrastructure of the stopbanks along the rivers and streams to help prevent flooding, controlled pests, and the sustainable management of air, land, native biodiversity and water resources at the reserve.

Manawatu District Council deals with the daily running including developing walkways, mowing lawns and the general up keep of the area.

If the transfer proceeds, Horizons will take control of the reserve's management, and will become the main point of contact for any complaints.

The district council would continue to help fund the reserve until 2012, and would help with maintenance.

It needs to consult with the community, before any decision is made.. If the transfer proceeds, it is likely to be completed in 2011.

- © Fairfax NZ News