Partnership Approach to the Protection of Public Spaces

Community-minded people are needed to help manage public reserves across the district.

The Far North District Council is inviting expressions of interest from people who are willing to become volunteer reserve or beach wardens.

Community policy manager Sue Hodge says the Far North is a huge district with a long coastline and it isn’t feasible for the Council to monitor the use of every reserve on its own.

The Council wants communities to help it manage reserves and plans to use powers under the Reserves Act 1977 to appoint interested and suitable people as reserve or beach wardens.

“This is about encouraging people to take some responsibility for looking after the area where they live.”

Wardens will inform reserve users of rules relating to vehicles and the launching of boats, point out facilities and explain where overnight camping is permitted.

“We want visitors to enjoy their stay and return to our district, but we also want to promote safe and lawful uses of our reserves.”

Ms Hodge says a few people in coastal areas are already fulfilling the role of reserve wardens and want the Council to legitimize their roles.

“Warranted wardens won’t be able to issue infringement notices, but they will be authorized to speak on behalf of Council.”

She hopes that the unpaid positions will help communities develop stronger relations with Council.

“The wardens will communicate the needs of reserve users to Council, as well as report vandalism and damage to Council property.”

Interested people can get a job description and application form from the Council’s website at www.fndc.govt.nz or from its service centres.

The closing date for applications, which community boards will consider, is November 21.