Kerikeri says â€Åno†to premier park concept

Kerikeri residents have given a resounding 'thumbs down' to the Far North District Council’s proposal to create a premier park at the Kerikeri Domain, instead choosing an option that favours retention of the playing fields with some perimeter planting and improvements.

The Domain working party met to discuss the results earlier this week, although there is no prospect of any work being carried out on the Domain until legal action currently before the court is resolved.

Community Services Manager Alastair Wells says the Kerikeri Rugby Club’s legal bid to overturn a council decision not to renew the lease had effectively halted any work around the greenspace in the near future.

Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp said the council had a vision for Kerikeri, including enhancement of the town’s central area, but the community was saying it was not ready for change.

“Nevertheless, Kerikeri township is rapidly growing and changing to become more urbane and cosmopolitan and its central facilities and amenities are changing to reflect this with initiatives like the modern Procter Library, The Centre and the main street beautification,” she said.

“This is a trend that will continue as the population expands; there is certainly no current indication that this rapid growth trend is about to end.”