An 89-hectare recreation reserve near Katikati dedicated to horse riding, mountain biking and walking is one step closer to reality.

A concept plan and new name has recently been approved by Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Policy Committee following extensive public consultation.

The Waitekohekohe Reserve (previously named Lund Road Reserve) is a mixture of native bush and pine forest located between Lund Road and Thompsons Track and includes the Waitekohe Stream.

Council has worked with the Katikati Recreational Park Develop Group and local iwi Ngai Tamawhariua to come up with the concept plan and a name that acknowledges the cultural history of the area.

Waitekohekohe is the name gifted by Ngai Tamawhariua in reference to the ancestral name for the area and its relationship to spiritual waters, a sense of yearning and climbing trees and vines.

Over time, with support from locals and community groups, Council will implement trail/track features and environmental planting.