More than 100 hectares of unique farmland and native bushland are being gifted to the Bay of Plenty in the hope that it will become a regional park.
Former Bay of Plenty and Western Bay of Plenty councilor Ian Noble and his family have offered 103 hectares of land near Katikati to Bay of Plenty Regional Council. This property is adjacent to the Kaimai Ranges and offers panoramic views of Tauranga Harbour.
At today's regional council meeting, councilors accepted the donation, noting the noble family's desire for the land to remain undeveloped, its natural features protected and accessible to the wider community. moved in the direction.
The Queen Elizabeth II National Trust's Open Space Covenant will be registered on the property's title and will be protected in perpetuity.
However, its future as a potential regional park was the subject of consideration in the long-term plan 2024-34, which is already underway. The plan, which asks whether the region should establish other regional parks, is expected to be adopted by June 30.
The land is located at the end of Hot Springs Road near Katikati and includes part of the Te Releaatukahia Forest at the foot of the Kaimai Mountains.
The land is considered unique and ecologically important because it features mature and endangered native shrub species and a waterway that drains into the Temania River.
Mr Noble was a regional councilor for 24 years, Western Bay councilor for three years and state chairman of the Bay of Plenty Farmers' Federation for five years.
The great-grandfather said this week from his home in Judea that he wanted to give away land “so that the wider community can enjoy the joy that I have had.”
“I think we're lucky to be in this beautiful place,” he said.
Ms Noble described herself as “old enough” and hoped people would go for walks and “enjoy the outdoors”.
Noble's late wife Joyce passed away in November 2022. Ms. Noble paid her tribute, saying her land gift would not have been possible without her support and that he was incredibly proud of her.
Today was the wedding anniversary of an aristocrat.
“We have seen Katikati change from dairy cows and new dry livestock farms to orchards and new homes, and it is my and Joyce's hope that the community will have the opportunity to enjoy it,” he said.
When Mr. Noble left school, he worked and operated his family's farm on Kauri Point Road, but he also owned and operated several properties.
This included land on Hot Springs Road that was originally cleared by two brothers who leased the land from the government. When the brothers went to war and did not return, the ranch was left and overgrown with grass. Noble removed the paddocks again, but left the old-growth forest intact.
“It was a lot of work and an incredibly steep hill,” he said.
The height of this land reaches 350 meters, higher than Mauao's 232 meters.
In recent years, the land has been used for cattle grazing, and some of it is let out for community uses, including horse riding, the Western Bay of Plenty Bow Hunters Club and the Kaimai Pistol Club. It is expected that both clubs will eventually need to relocate.
Mr Noble, who was awarded the Queen's Order of Merit in 2015 for his services to farming and the community, said he had spent several years considering gifting the land for public access.
Mr Noble said he had seen firsthand how popular Papamoa Hills had become, noting that his grandchildren and others regularly climbed Mauao for exercise. He envisioned his land being used the same way for years to come.
There was also a six-hectare portion of the site that could be used as a community garden and educational facility.
Noble has the full support of his family, including his children Jill, Pauline, Kathryn and Graham.
Many photos of the noble whānau hang on the living room walls and he is also an honorary life member of the Katikati Rotary Club.
“I’m lucky to be where I am and my family is where they are.”
Mr Noble paid tribute to the council and those who have helped him achieve his goals, saying without the support of others “you're just blowing in the wind”.
Council President Doug Reeder said. Bay of Plenty Times Such gestures are unusual, “and the fact that they want public use in perpetuity is incredible.”
“There are not enough words to express our gratitude to the noble family for their service,” he said.
“This would be an asset if it could be developed in the future as a regional park that people can access for recreational purposes.”
Earlier this week, acting coastal basin council team leader Braden Rowson said the land was unique and the donation was “incredibly generous”.
“Most of the land [lots] Areas around Tauranga Harbor tended to be smaller due to densely populated orchards and living areas. The fact that he has acquired 50 percent of the virgin forest is huge. This is a very biodiverse place,” Mr Lawson said.
Mr Lawson said that although the felling had taken place many years ago, there were still large old trees, including puriri, believed to be hundreds of years old.
“This is a huge gift and a huge win for the community,” he said.
“As a steward, Ian has preserved this forest, but there are many areas that are not as good.” [established] So we're very keen to expand that. ”
Mr Lawson said the council wanted to expand the 50 hectares of indigenous biodiversity to 70 hectares, while following Noble's wishes to maintain the land's spectacular views and public recreational facilities.
“That is Ian's wish, that it be preserved for public access. He has already allowed horseback riding and would like to see that continue,” Mr Lawson said.
If successful, the land will join two other regional parks in the Bay of Plenty. Papamoa Hills Heritage Regional Park is 182 hectares with a peak of 224 meters and was opened in 2004. In Ohiwa, Onekawate Mafai Regional Park was opened in his 2010 year.
Regional parks are thought to provide recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors, protect the natural environment, and help protect cultural and archaeological features.
At a ceremony honoring the gift and the Noble family before the City Council meeting, Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said Noble's gift was “amazing and incredibly generous.” He said this is also an example of Noble's continued community service.
Denyer, who has known Noble for 14 years, described him as a mentor and colleague and said it was an honor to commemorate the day with him.
Mr Denyer said the Western Bay City Council looked forward to supporting efforts to make the region “a special place for everyone to enjoy”.
Mr Noble's daughter Jill and son Graham both said they were proud of their father and that as a family they were honored to be able to donate the land to the wider community.
Jill Noble said she feels the land is a “great property” and is excited to have it become part of the community.
When city councilors voted to accept the land, Reeder thanked Noble and his family and said it was “a truly amazing gesture.”
“Such generosity and philanthropy is rare. Ian's unwavering commitment to environmental issues and community service led him to make this selfless decision.”
“What you leave behind will be a true legacy,” Reeder told Noble, who was sitting surrounded by his four children.
As Noble and his family left, they were greeted with a standing ovation from city council members, staff and other attendees.
Noble responded, “Thank you, then goodbye.”
Regional councils maintain regional parks and provide visitor parking, toilets, signage and storytelling, track development and maintenance, prescribed grazing, programmed native vegetation planting, and community events. Masu.
In 2022/23, nearly 100,000 people visited Papamoa Hills Park.
