Location the key to Chinese Garden

Preliminary investigations will be undertaken on two sites in the Tongariro Domain to provide some potential options for the location of a proposed Chinese Garden.

 

Taupo’s newest Sister City Suzhou has offered to build a Chinese Garden in Taupo Town as a starting point for future relationships between the two towns.

 

Councillor Doreen Blyth, Convenor of the Chinese Garden Working Group says Councillors have agreed in principle to the generous offer, but believe the choice of sites will need careful consideration and support from the public before any final decision can be made.

 

Deputy Mayor, Christine McElwee suggested the addition of a Chinese Garden to the South Domain, which is already a Regional Garden of Significance, would help make a strong case for its elevation to a National Garden of Significance. “The Tongariro Domain Management Plan sets out use for the South Domain. An appropriately located site on the South Domain could potentially fit the Management Plan objectives, but only subject to future thorough
investigation and public consultation.”

 

Clr Blyth said if this were achievable it would enhance the reputation of the Tongariro Domain as an attractive destination particularly for those who enjoy gardens. “The potential elevation from a Regional Garden of Significance to a National Garden of Significance would build on the success that the extremely popular Ora Garden and the Joan Williamson Rose Garden have achieved, and adds another level of interest for locals and visitors alike.”

 

Cr Hickling suggested another potential site could be an area of Riverside Park which would not compromise the North Domain for Taupo’s major events. “Using Riverside Park, which is considered the future Visual Arts area of Taupo, would not require a huge change to the Management Plan,” he said.

 

Clr Blyth says Suzhou have signalled that, although they are keen to commence the project as soon as Council wish, time was not an issue. More important is Council’s commitment to the project and the relationship it represents.

 

A preliminary SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), of each of the two sites, specifically the South Domain and in the Riverside Park will be undertaken by Council Officers. Project Manager John Ridd says he would hope public consultation could begin in May 2008.