STOP THE ORDER TO DESTROY THE MUCH LOVED RECREATIONAL FACILITY, AND REMOVAL OF BOATS FROM IVEY BAY

The Porirua City Council has requested that the utility shed be destroyed and the boats removed from the Historic Montgomery Whanau site in Ivey Bay. We believe this request to be nonsensical, and would be devastating to the community members that use it, and those that otherwise could not afford to go kayaking. This is a much loved shared facility, that provides easy access to the harbour, and to the equipment stored onsite for this purpose. In addition, the general well being our facility provides can not be understated.

At some point in time the Montgomery family home, and the homes south on this stretch of land were destroyed and there is little evidence of the remains. Despite the loss of the family home we retained the use of the remaining site for boat launching and storage, and have done so for seven generations. We have a long history in the area and whenua are buried here.

The previously privately owned land was transferred by Gazette to Reserve status in 1994. The new stated primary purpose of the land is Reserve Recreational and Ecological, providing a facility for Waka ama to launch and store boats. We believe our facility fits well within this purpose, is well maintained and respectful to the environment and surrounding residents.

While the shed and boats are pad-locked for safety, free access to the site is still available to public visitors, of which there are basically none. It is not a popular swimming beach and walking is limited due tides and sharp rocky terraine.

We request that the Council reconsider their order, and moving forward, come to a mutual agreement with the property owners who wish to retain the use of this site for the purposes of recreation and promotion of well being.

We thank and acknowledge the offer from Porirua City Council to retain and install the memorial seat on site for John and Jacqui Montgomery, who worked hard all their working lives to foster recreation and sport in the Paremata area. 

We stand by the kaupapa of our neighbours at the Waka ama "to participate in paddling our traditional waka ama, to experience how the moana has an effect on your mind and spirituality. It recalibrates your connection to Rangi and Papa, also balancing your wahine/toa, riri and rangimarie within your wairua."

The Reserve Management Plan for Golden Gate Esplanade Reserves (here).

Briar Allen    Contact the author of the petition