Te Kouma Regional Park
Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Maunsell was engaged by Thames Coromandel District Council and Environment Waikato to prepare a business case to comprehensively examine the feasibility of the establishment of a regional park on a 450ha coastal farm property on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. The farm known as Te Kouma is located on a long relatively narrow peninsula that separates the Coromandel and Te Kouma harbours. Te Kouma has significant natural and historic values and spectacular sea views over a ribbon of coastal islands.
The business case documents the natural and heritage values of the site, examines the need for a park in a region rich in natural resources, identifies various options for protection which included lease of the property and estimates the costs of operating the property as a farm park.
The report recommends a protection option which comprise a legal agreement between the landowner and the agencies combined with a mechanism under the Reserves Act - either a covenant or vesting as a reserve.
Maunsell developed a solution that provided for protection of the unique values of the site and allows public access while meeting the wish of the landowner for retention of ownership. The report fully identifies the risks of different options to both the landowner and public agencies.
Services provided include:
- Assessment of site values
- Recreation needs assessment
- Identification and evaluation of protection mechanisms
- Development of financial forecasts for park development and operation
- Risk assessment of options
