Ashburton Land Status Review and Classification

Xyst undertook a comprehensive review of all park and reserve land held by Ashburton District Council for open space purposes, to determine how the land was held, who the administering body of the land is under the Reserves Act 1977 and if land had been classified appropriately.

We presented our findings and recommendations to Council staff for consideration. Together we undertook mana whenua engagement and engagement with Council.

Based on discussions and local knowledge, we updated recommendations where required.

We supported Council in taking required classifications through the approval process according to the Reserves Act. This involved the preparation and delivery of two reports to Council, supporting public notification and following Council approval, publication in the New Zealand Gazette.

We utilised GIS mapping to stream line this process and make it more efficient.

Project Benefit

Undertaking a land status review and where required, completing classification of land held under the Reserves Act 1977 ensures, compliance with legislation and helps to better protect the values of a reserve, whether recreational, natural, historical, and cultural and helps to set a clear framework for the management of the reserve that is aligned with community aspirations.
Client organisation
Ashburton District Council
Open Space Planning
Reserve management plan
Reserve classifications and Reserves Act processes
Open space strategy
Policy development
Research
GIS Analysis and mapping