Ōpōtiki District Council adopted a masterplan for Waihau Bay on Tuesday as the guiding document for future development in the area.

The Waihau Bay Masterplan and Implementation Plan is the result of a robust consultation process over two years with the Waihau Bay community, hapū and other local stakeholders such as the Waihau Bay Fishing Club.

The masterplan addresses challenges such as parking congestion, littering and other environmental concerns that have come about through a rise in visitor numbers to the area.

Some of the key themes that arose from consultation sessions were the need for dedicated boat trailer parking, clearer parking regulations and traffic safety measures, boat ramp and jetty improvements, more rubbish bins and collection services.

The masterplan also recognises the need for improvements to public toilets, and the introduction of boat washdown areas, signage and security cameras. Picnic area and seating for elderly residents and safer pedestrian crossings while preserving the area’s character were other considerations.

The masterplan takes into consideration Te Whānau-ā Apanui’s Treaty settlement, in which the Crown will acknowledge the enduring mana of the Te Whānau-ā Apanui hapū Te Whānau-a-Pararaki over Tamatari.

Tamatari is Te Whānau-a-Pararaki's historic name for the main boat ramp area at Waihau Bay.

A report to Tuesday’s council meeting said public access and use of the boat ramp would continue as part of the settlement but may be restricted for reasonable periods of time for reasons such as cultural or hapū activities and maintenance- as can currently happen. Details of the ongoing management of the boat ramp would be covered in a document to be prepared by Te Whānau-a-Pararaki in consultation with the council.

“This document may include details of a charging arrangement for use of the boat ramp,” the report said.

Implementation of the masterplan would be subject to future scope and detailed designs being developed which would inform budget estimates to be considered in future long-term planning and annual plan processes. It is noted in the plan that funding sources may vary, and not all projects will be funded by the council.