Coastal Reserves Management Plan

About this project

Wellington City Council is developing a new Coastal Reserves Management Plan to provide direction for the management of Wellington’s coastal parks and beaches.

Our coast is a taonga and a special sanctuary where we connect with nature and each other. It is critical that we have a plan in place for its future which balances leisure, access, climate adaptation, and recreation with environmentally sustainable outcomes.

The purpose of the plan is to:

  • Guide Council decision-making about how our coastal spaces are used, enjoyed, managed, and protected.
  • Set out a vision, objectives, and rules for the long-term management and enhancement of our urban coast.

The plan will cover the majority of Wellington’s central urban coastline from Oriental Bay to Red Rocks, including coastal reserves, beaches, rocky areas, and public parks, as well as recreational and nature-based assets in reserves and marine areas.


Why now?

Our existing South Coast Management Plan is over 20 years old, overdue for review, and no longer fit for purpose.

Consistent with the South Coast Management Plan, the new plan will extend the reserve management principles beyond land classified as a ‘reserve’ to encompass a much broader coastal area, allowing for consistency of decision-making.


Our engagement

We’re keen to hear a wide range of community views and ideas about coastal and ocean recreation, coastal adaptation, environmental protection, cultural needs, and coastal accessibility.

Your contributions will help to shape the development of the Coastal Reserves Management Plan.


Beachside chats

Throughout March we organised some informal beachside chats in popular coastal spots to gather some initial insight into what our communities value most about our coastline. To facilitate the discussion, a large-scale model of the coast was available to pin down or write down thoughts and ideas from the public.


What’s next?

These beachside chats were just the beginning of our engagement phase!

In May this year, the public will have the opportunity to formally share their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas through public surveys on Let’s Talk and targeted workshops designed to delve deeper into the issues and ideas raised during these initial conversations.

Keep an eye on this page for further updates about our upcoming engagement.

Once the plan is developed, further public consultation on the draft will follow (in early 2025).


About this project

Wellington City Council is developing a new Coastal Reserves Management Plan to provide direction for the management of Wellington’s coastal parks and beaches.

Our coast is a taonga and a special sanctuary where we connect with nature and each other. It is critical that we have a plan in place for its future which balances leisure, access, climate adaptation, and recreation with environmentally sustainable outcomes.

The purpose of the plan is to:

  • Guide Council decision-making about how our coastal spaces are used, enjoyed, managed, and protected.
  • Set out a vision, objectives, and rules for the long-term management and enhancement of our urban coast.

The plan will cover the majority of Wellington’s central urban coastline from Oriental Bay to Red Rocks, including coastal reserves, beaches, rocky areas, and public parks, as well as recreational and nature-based assets in reserves and marine areas.


Why now?

Our existing South Coast Management Plan is over 20 years old, overdue for review, and no longer fit for purpose.

Consistent with the South Coast Management Plan, the new plan will extend the reserve management principles beyond land classified as a ‘reserve’ to encompass a much broader coastal area, allowing for consistency of decision-making.


Our engagement

We’re keen to hear a wide range of community views and ideas about coastal and ocean recreation, coastal adaptation, environmental protection, cultural needs, and coastal accessibility.

Your contributions will help to shape the development of the Coastal Reserves Management Plan.


Beachside chats

Throughout March we organised some informal beachside chats in popular coastal spots to gather some initial insight into what our communities value most about our coastline. To facilitate the discussion, a large-scale model of the coast was available to pin down or write down thoughts and ideas from the public.


What’s next?

These beachside chats were just the beginning of our engagement phase!

In May this year, the public will have the opportunity to formally share their knowledge, thoughts, and ideas through public surveys on Let’s Talk and targeted workshops designed to delve deeper into the issues and ideas raised during these initial conversations.

Keep an eye on this page for further updates about our upcoming engagement.

Once the plan is developed, further public consultation on the draft will follow (in early 2025).


Page last updated: 07 May 2024, 10:20 PM