The Future of the Wharekawa Coast

Sea level rise and changes in storm intensity as a result of climate change are real issues for the Wharekawa Coast area. The future is uncertain, but we can’t wait for that future to arrive. We need to develop a community plan now that recognises that what we know now might change 10, 20 and 100 years down the track.

Wharekawa Coast 2120 is a major project that will look at a wide range of issues around the coast and how we can provide for a resilient and prosperous future over the next 100 years. While acknowledging that natural hazards are a concern, we also want to look at opportunities for the growth and development of our communities on the Wharekawa Coast, which includes Waharau, Whakatiwai, Kaiaua and Pūkorokoro-Miranda.

We want to ensure that the development of productive partnerships and dialogue with iwi is a priority. This project provides the opportunity to explore broadening the role of iwi as partners in future policy development and decision making, particularly in light of the upcoming settlement of the Hauraki Collective Settlement.

Project Overview

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Project Governance

The Wharekawa Coast 2120 Joint Working Party has been established to guide the development of the project. This working party is made up of:

  • Iwi representatives Tipa Compain, Kelvin Tupuhi, Charles Royal and Frank Rawiri
  • Hauraki District Council Mayor Toby Adams,  Cr Ross Harris and Cr Phillip Buckthought
  • Waikato Regional Council Cr Denis Tegg and Cr Kataraina Hodge
  • Waikato District Council Cr Jan Sedgwick

The working party will meet quarterly.

Community Panel

The Community Panel is a key component in the collaborative process to develop Wharekawa Coast 2120. The Panel will consider a broad range of issue and, with technical support and advice, develop recommendations to the Joint Working Party, that will inform the shape, content and direction of Wharekawa Coast 2120.

View the list of Community Panel members.

We're in this for the long haul

This is not just a five minute korero. It will take much longer than that to have a really in-depth conversation that includes our Wharekawa Coast communities, Iwi, other councils, technical experts, community organisations, and other agencies such as Department of Conservation and local emergency services.

First we need to find out what matters most to you, and then we need to work out a plan of action for how we will respond to it.  The community plan can be used to guide decision making for local planning purposes, and to secure support for funding specific projects. It will need to be regularly reviewed and adapted as our understanding changes.  This will be an evolving and ongoing conversation.