There is often a lot of confusion about “who does what” around our coasts. Some functions are District Council responsibilities, others are for Regional Council and sometimes both authorities have a role. Recently regional councillors received a briefing on the role Waikato Regional Council plays on the coast so I thought it would be a good idea to share that briefing with constituents

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park encompasses all of the waters around the Coromandel Peninsula

The Hauraki Gulf Forum as membership from Iwi, Auckland City Council, TCDC and some other local councils as well as Waikato Regional Council. Its role is to ensure integrated management of the Marine Park. I am the WRC representative on the Forum

An important part of the work carried out by local WRC staff based at the Whitianga office is to develop Harbour and Catchment Management Plans for the Thames-Coromandel

The vital piece of work WRC has begun is to review its Coastal Plan. Some initial consultations with the public have begun and these will continue throughout 2020 and into 2021 before the final plan is notified and formal submissions invited

For more information –