The Kawau Island Vision Statement was adopted by the Council on the 30 July 2009.
The draft vision was first considered by the Council on 27 September 2007 and has since undergone two rounds of public consultation. Submitters comments were considered and appropriate changes were made to the draft document.
Hardcopies of the final document are currently being prepared and when complete will be available for viewing at the Council’s Warkworth Service Centre on Baxter Street (opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm).
Kawau Island Vision Statement
Kawau Island is a unique island environment within Rodney District and the Hauraki Gulf. It is a 2,000 hectare island in the Hauraki Gulf, physically close to Sandspit to the west and Auckland to the south, but with a feeling of being far removed from them. The east coast is steep with high cliffs and generally uninhabited. The west coast is a mix of steep and gentle slopes, a predominantly rocky foreshore (except for Vivan Bay and with inlets/harbours at North Cove, Bon Accord Harbour, south Cove and Bostaquet Bay.
Factors that Kawau Island landowners, residents and interested persons/bodies have agreed as important to this are identified in this Vision Statement. Planning processes will take the values of this Vision Statement into account when considering proposals for Kawau Island. Where conflict arises the maintenance of the Kawau Island Vision will be considered.
1. To maintain the uniqueness of Kawau Island each site will be considered individually and have regard to those policies as well as relevant planning rules.
2. The low-key, low-density nature of development should be retained. Any other use should be sympathetic to this and the largely vehicle free environment should be protected.
3. Houses and homes and other facilities are close or closely connected to the sea. Building locations should respond to topography and avoid major excavations or modifications to existing landforms.
4. Sea access is an essential component of living on Kawau Island. Reliance on wharves and moorings is recognised. Policies for their management must respond to each need and location.
5. The natural environment of Kawau Island has been modified and compromised by human intervention. Issues that arise as a result must be resolved having regard to historical, ecological and environmental factors.
6. The rich history of Kawau Island must be protected and enhanced.
7. Kawau island has a strong and responsible sense of community and individuality.
8. The Kawau Island community is able to contribute to the island governance through the Kawau Island Advisory Committee in addition to individual rights.
The key points of the Vision Statement are expanded upon here (PDF 176k).
Background Information
Background information and details from the two submission periods and recommended amendments to the Draft Kawau Island Vision can be found in the Council agenda report from the 30 July Strategy and Community meeting.
Further information
For specific inquiries and requests for further information email Wendy Robertshaw or phone 0800 426 5169.