A VALUES-LED approach to management for three Whakatāne reserves has been set out in the draft revision of the Tapatoru ā Toi Conservation Management Plan, which opened for submissions this week.

Te Tapatoru ā Toi joint management committee chair Vince Copeland said the plan had been under development by Te Tapatoru ā Toi (TTāT), with the support of the Department of Conservation, to put taiao at the centre of all decision making for the reserves – Moutohorā/Whale Island Wildlife Management Reserve, Ōhope Scenic Reserve and Tauwhare Pā Scenic Reserve - known collectively as Te Tāpui Tokotoru.

“The committee worked closely with hapū, technical experts and stakeholders to develop a plan of how we expect to care for, protect, and relate to Te Tāpui Tokotoru over the next 10 years.”

TTāT was established through the Ngāti Awa Settlement Act in 2005 and has representatives from Ngāti Awa, the community, and the Bay of Plenty Conservation Board.

The floor is now open for the community to have their say on whether the plan meets the needs and interests of all who enjoy Te Tāpui Tokotoru (the three reserves).

“We invite you to share your feedback with us, and to be part of bringing the vision to life over the next 10 years,” Mr Copeland said.

Submissions are open until December 1 with public hearings on 15/16 November at Te Whare o Toroa Marae.

The draft plan can be viewed at www.doc.govt.nz/te-kei-o-te-waka and physical copies can be viewed at DOC Whakatāne or Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa reception.

Submissions may be emailed to [email protected], or posted to 9 Louvain Street, Whakatāne, 3120.