Draft Reserves Management Plan 2026

Help us to shape the future of parks and reserves in Buller by providing feedback on the Draft Reserves Management Plan 2026.

The Reserves Management Plan establishes the framework for managing and developing Council’s 28 recreational reserves. The management plan guides the use, enjoyment, protection, maintenance, preservation and development of the reserves and their day-to-day management.

The Reserves Management Plan ensures that recreational reserves in Buller are managed in a way that balances community enjoyment, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. It also ensures that reserve use, development, management and protection are consistent with its classifications.

Buller District Council must have a Reserve Management Plan for all recreational reserves under the control of or vested in an administering body (in this case, the Buller District Council).

The Reserves Management Plan sets out the district-wide vision and objectives and covers a wide range of reserve management policies. These policies outline how Council will manage different aspects of the reserve and make decisions. It also includes a detailed description of each reserve, its vision, and short-, medium- and long-term actions.

We want community feedback on the proposed district-wide vision and objectives, proposed district-wide policies, and the reserve-specific vision and actions. By submitting your views, you contribute to creating a plan that ensures our reserve management and development plans incorporate our communities’ values and aspirations.


Submissions are one of the most powerful ways that communities in New Zealand can shape local government decision-making. Love your reserve? Have your say.

Help us to shape the future of parks and reserves in Buller by providing feedback on the Draft Reserves Management Plan 2026.

The Reserves Management Plan establishes the framework for managing and developing Council’s 28 recreational reserves. The management plan guides the use, enjoyment, protection, maintenance, preservation and development of the reserves and their day-to-day management.

The Reserves Management Plan ensures that recreational reserves in Buller are managed in a way that balances community enjoyment, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. It also ensures that reserve use, development, management and protection are consistent with its classifications.

Buller District Council must have a Reserve Management Plan for all recreational reserves under the control of or vested in an administering body (in this case, the Buller District Council).

The Reserves Management Plan sets out the district-wide vision and objectives and covers a wide range of reserve management policies. These policies outline how Council will manage different aspects of the reserve and make decisions. It also includes a detailed description of each reserve, its vision, and short-, medium- and long-term actions.

We want community feedback on the proposed district-wide vision and objectives, proposed district-wide policies, and the reserve-specific vision and actions. By submitting your views, you contribute to creating a plan that ensures our reserve management and development plans incorporate our communities’ values and aspirations.


Submissions are one of the most powerful ways that communities in New Zealand can shape local government decision-making. Love your reserve? Have your say.

  • Council launches Draft Reserves Management Plan 2026 consultation

    supporting image

    Buller District Council has published its Draft Reserve Management Plan 2026 and is seeking community feedback on the future management of council-administered parks and recreational reserves in Buller.

    Recreational reserves are areas of land set aside specifically for public enjoyment and leisure activities. These reserves can include parks, sports fields, beaches, and picnic spots where people can engage in activities like walking, playing sports, and relaxing in nature.

    Council administers 28 recreational reserves within the Buller District. Four are ‘local purpose campgrounds’, and seven are recreational reserves with ‘local purpose halls’.

    Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “The community’s

    Buller District Council has published its Draft Reserve Management Plan 2026 and is seeking community feedback on the future management of council-administered parks and recreational reserves in Buller.

    Recreational reserves are areas of land set aside specifically for public enjoyment and leisure activities. These reserves can include parks, sports fields, beaches, and picnic spots where people can engage in activities like walking, playing sports, and relaxing in nature.

    Council administers 28 recreational reserves within the Buller District. Four are ‘local purpose campgrounds’, and seven are recreational reserves with ‘local purpose halls’.

    Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “The community’s feedback will help council staff create a Draft Reserve Management Plan (RMP) that balances community enjoyment, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. It also enables reserve use, development, management and protection to be consistent with its intent.”

    The Reserve Management Plan sets out the district-wide vision and objectives and covers a wide range of reserve management policies. It also includes a detailed description of each reserve, its vision, and short-, medium- and long-term actions.

    Council would like to receive the community’s feedback on the proposed district-wide vision and objectives, district-wide policies, and the reserve-specific vision and actions.

    Mr Blom highlights: “The feedback we are gathering from the community is crucial for fine-tuning the Draft Reserve Management Plan. The user perspective is important in creating a plan that enables our reserve management and development plans to incorporate the community’s values and aspirations.”

    Council has published the Draft Reserve Management Plan 2026, Consultation Document, and supporting information on its community engagement hub, Let’s talk Buller.

    People can also find paper copies of these documents at council’s offices in Westport or Reefton, Buller District Libraries, the Ngakawau Community Centre and the Karamea Information Centre.

    Mr Blom highlights: “We know that our parks and reserves play an important role for our communities. Whether you are a regular visitor or an occasional user of these green spaces, we encourage you to give us your feedback.

    “Head online or grab a paper copy and learn about how we plan to manage these spaces and what we have planned for the future of your favourite playground, picnic area, sports field, or evening dog walk. It takes 5–10 minutes to give feedback, and all questions are optional.” 

    People can provide feedback online through Let's talk Buller, use a hard copy, or email their feedback to submissions@bdc.govt.nz from Monday 1 June to 4:30 pm on Monday 3 August 2026.

    Submissions will be analysed in August 2026 and people who want to speak in support of their submissions will be given an opportunity during the hearings in September 2026.

    Council will discuss the submissions and any amendments to the Draft Reserve Management Plan 2026 in October 2026. The adoption of the final plan is scheduled for November 2026, after which it will come into effect.

    Disclaimer
    The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.

Page last updated: 09 Jun 2026, 11:08 AM