Mountain bike and equestrian park concept plan approved near Katikati

An 89-hectare recreation reserve near Katikati dedicated to horse riding, mountain biking and walking is one step closer to reality with the concept plan and new name being approved this week by Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Policy Committee.

The Waitekohekohe Reserve (previously named Lund Road Reserve) is a mixture of native bush and pine forest located between Lund Road and Thompsons Track and includes the Waitekohe Stream.

Council has worked with the Katikati Recreational Park Develop Group and local iwi Ngai Tamawhariua to come up with the concept plan and a name that acknowledges the cultural history of the area.

Waitekohekohe is the name gifted by Ngai Tamawhariua in reference to the ancestral name for the area and its relationship to spiritual waters, a sense of yearning and climbing trees and vines.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says the proposed concept plan has taken into consideration the many views shared through Council’s 2021-31 Long Term Plan consultation earlier this year and the view of those people with particular interests in the use of the reserve.

“The community asked us to look at a recreational reserve on the western side of the District to cater for the horse riding and mountain biking enthusiasts. This area of land is ideally suited to both those activities and we are pleased to be able to cater for those people.

“It has also been a pleasure to work with Ngai Tamawhariua and find a name that is so appropriate to the local environment.”