Matarangi Omaro Reserve upgrade

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Update, 25 September: Thank you for helping Thames-Coromandel District Council discover the best ways for everyone to enjoy Omaro Reserve.

We received valuable feedback from a diverse group of Matarangi residents, including boaties, kite surfers, wind surfers, parents and grandparents—some have been part of the community for over 40 years while others are newcomers. Using this feedback, we developed a concept plan that has endeavoured to address identified constraints and create a space the whole community can enjoy.

We remain committed to collaborating with the community. Following the agreement reached at the last key user group meeting on 4 September, we carried out a trial of an alternative turnaround area for boat launching. This involved physically marking out the alternative turnaround area on the ground, as pictured below, in accordance with the dimensions and scale shown in our concept plan. Three large boats and trailers successfully used the alternative turnaround area without difficulty.

The alternative turnaround area will remain marked out for the community to use and trial during the school holidays through to Labour Weekend. We recognise that congestion may increase at times and will continue to monitor the situation closely. 

Omaro Reserve markings      Omaro Reserve markings2

 

Previously

Community feedback has told us people wanted family-friendly, safe spaces. This included removal of vehicular traffic from recreation space to provide greater separation between cars and people.

An independent landscape designer has come up with a concept design based on that feedback, which includes establishing a grass area and other small changes in due course to help make this a safe recreational space for all.

This project will be presented to the incoming Mercury Bay Community Board for a final decision in the new term.

In addition to this, work will soon begin to replace the reserve’s old public toilets with new facility, funded by the Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

View concept designs

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Background

Our goal is to improve safety and accessibility at Matarangi Omaro Reserve, making it a more family-friendly space based on your feedback and within our available budget.

Last year, we asked for your feedback on potential improvements to the reserve. After reviewing your responses, we’re excited to report that we can work on creating a safer, more enjoyable space for everyone.

How we got started

We looked at temporary measures to improve safety and general reserve improvements, including:  

  • The replacement of the toilet at the reserve will be a top priority. We are coordinating our other improvements around this work to ensure the best use of resources and timing. This is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
  • Freedom camping improvements – We’re considering planting harakeke | flax around the freedom camping area to help separate the space.  
  • Moving logs to help create a vehicle-free space, ensuring a safe and accessible area for all.  

Many of you indicated that you wanted playgrounds, BBQs, and seating areas. While we don’t have the budget for all of these, we are committed to working toward them

Things we asked people to keep in mind

  • Building-Free Zone: We aim to keep the reserve free of any buildings except for the replacement of the public toilet.
  • Family-Friendly Focus: Our community values family-friendly spaces, and we aim to create changes that keep this area more inviting for families.
  • Budget: We don’t have the required budget to make immediate big changes, but we are tidying things up and organising the space.

Matarangi Omaro Reserve is zoned as Recreation Passive, which means flexible open space for walking, picnicking, playing frisbee and accessing the beach. This zoning means no buildings (other than the replacement of the public toilet) or permanent structures will be added to the reserve.

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