Council panel to hear Mauao plan submissions today

Mauao, Mount Maunganui. File photo

Today, a panel will hear submissions on a draft plan that will govern how Mauao is managed in the future.

In total 116 people submitted an opinion on the Draft Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan which has been developed by Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao - the Mauao joint administration board comprised of representatives from Tauranga City Council and the Mauao Trust, which represents the iwi trustees who hold the title to the reserve.

Of those submitters, 23 were scheduled to speak in front of a panel of councillors and Mauao Trust representatives today.

Many submissions were in opposition to a proposed ban on rock climbing on the mountain.

In his submission, Michael Donovan of the NZ Alpine Club said the reasons given for the proposed ban were "weak".

Other submitters expressed concerns about suggested changes local tangata whenua had suggested, including the addition of cultural structures to Mauao.

Others supported those additions, and several commented on the measures to protect Mauao's natural environment for future generations.

Hearings panel

- Dean Flavell (chairperson) (Mauao Trust Representative)
- Kihi Ngatai OR Hauata Palmer (Mauao Trust Representative)
- Antoine Coffin (Mauao Trust Representative)
- Punohu McCausland (Mauao Trust Representative)
- Jack Thatcher (Mauao Trust Representative)
- Cr Leanne Brown (TCC Elected Member)
- Cr Kelvin Clout (TCC Elected Member)
- Cr Steve Morris (TCC Elected Member)
- Cr Bill Grainger (TCC Elected Member)
- Cr Terry Molloy (TCC Elected Member)