ONEMANA COMMUNITY PLAN 2017
Onemana Ratepayers Association Onemana 1972 1
Onemana 1979 Onemana 2012
Onemana Community Plan
CONTENTS
1. Map of Onemana...... 4
2. Introduction...... 5
3. Recent History of Onemana...... 5
4. Community Culture and Identity...... 6
5. Facilities and Resources...... 8
6. Beaches and Reserves...... 10
7. Recreational Opportunities...... 13
8. Infrastructure...... 14
9. The Rural and Forestry Areas...... 17
10. What the Onemana Community Would Like...... 18
11. What is NOT Wanted...... 19
12. Priorities for action or in pipeline...... 19
13. Conclusion...... 20
13. Acknowledgements...... 20 1. Map of Onemana 2. Introduction The Onemana Ratepayers Association (ORA) was advised to present a Community plan to the Council and we realised this was a great opportunity to join hands with Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and express the vision for our much-loved village – Onemana. The ORA sees this as a guide to residents, developers, the Council and other interested parties on the strategy for management and development of the Onemana area desired by the community.
A questionnaire was developed and circulated, to the community, for comment and suggestions. A big part of this plan was developed from the responses in the questionnaire.
Reviewing the responses confirms the diversity of our community and the ORA sees our role as a challenge but also as an opportunity to act on behalf of our passionate Ratepayers.
The ORA believes that this is a working document requiring regular updates as the culture and vision of our community changes.
The main thrust of responses has been to keep what is there now. There is strong opposition to any moves to further expand or intensify commercial development in the coastal area.
3. Recent History of Onemana The rural and forestry areas have been long established, but the village of Onemana was only developed in the 1970s within the boundaries of a farm named Shang-ri-la. The original development was subject of several restrictions, particularly the limit on the area of development.
What we need:
To foster the unique character of our village. People come to Onemana because it is tranquil and peaceful.
What we do not want:
More Commercial Development in the Coastal area. 4. Community Culture and Identity The area can be broken down into 4 distinct areas:
1. The village of Onemana consisting of 368 sections serviced by a network of sealed roads and footpaths with a full infrastructure of power, water and sewage provided to all sections. Most sections have good quality permanent dwellings established.
2. The crown land covering most the northern and western areas of the hills of the Onemana peninsula. This is currently under forestry lease and provides a backdrop to the village.
3. The rural area to the south of the Onemana village. Currently this is in private ownership and land use varies from olives and orchards to grazing. The properties are serviced by an unsealed road that also serves as a forestry road and is gated during the hours of darkness and at times of fire danger and forestry operations.
4. The rural area to the west of State Highway 25 being a mix of grazing and lifestyle properties.
In general, what is valued about the area are the unspoilt and uncrowded beaches, the peacefulness, the scenic vistas, the native bush reserves, the village commercial center, the proximity to Whangamata and the full range of services there, the availability of all essential infrastructure and a good road network in the village.
The village’s relative isolation 3 km off the main road limits the number of day-trippers leading to a peaceful atmosphere. Also, the bounded nature of the village surrounded by forestry and rural areas is cited as giving a sense of security.
While its proximity to Whangamata may suggest a close or suburban relationship, Onemana residents generally regard themselves as a distinct community.
The permanent population of the village consists mainly of retirees with only a handful in paid employment or self-employed. This has resulted in a strong social group with a small number of very active members taking a huge role in keeping the area pristine and in good order.
There is less information available about the population makeup of the rural areas.
Most houses in the village are owned by out of area ratepayers who occupy their houses on an irregular basis, but are still often keen supporters of the village culture.
Several houses are available for short or long term rental and there is also a motel complex and a limited freedom camping area to cater for short stay visitors. The freedom campers have been singled out by some in the community as a negative factor in the village, but to date there have been few serious issues apart from some rubbish and a few incidents of antisocial behaviour.
Apart from the interests in the commercial centre and motel there is no desire to further develop the village or encourage commercial exploitation of the area. There are sharply divided views on dog controls in the village. During the summer, there are strict rules on dogs on the beach areas with an off-leash area on the northern half of the main Onemana beach. All year round the requirement in the village area is for dogs to be contained on properties or on leash in public areas. There are many calls for better control of nuisance roaming dogs together with a professional approach to enforcement of current rules.
The ORA, Fire Force and the Surf club host events including the Quiz nights, Mid winter Christmas dinner, book exibitions, sausage sizzle picnics and coffee mornings. These events are well supported by the community.
Over the years the permanent residents also organised themselves in a variety of activities like the very popular Mahjong, book and garden clubs and line dancing. As well as the mountain bikers and hikers who operate on a monthly basis.
Onemana is host to a Market Day, held during the December holiday period and the very popular international Beach Hop event. The Beach Hop is particularly popular for photo shoots as the unique setting of the Reserves and beach forms an amazing backdrop. This event supports our local cafe and dairy.
The ORA also has a Christmas Carol event on Christmas eve supported by families on holiday including a guest appearance from Santa.
There is strong opposition to the possibility of mining in the area.
What we need:
Continue to host the Market day and Beach Hop Friday
What we do not want:
Increase in freedom campers and visitors who do not respect our environment and do not obey existing laws.
Irresponsible dog owners not abiding by current regulations.
The Community does not support mining in our area. 5. Facilities and Resources There is a small commercial centre consisting of a café, dairy and real estate office. This has a good parking area and is ideally situated close to the main beach access. However, for some time the opening hours of the dairy and café have been limited and variable and the stock held in the dairy is extremely limited, reducing the local patronage. There is strong community feeling that these are an essential part of the community, but this does not necessarily result in financial support. Regardless residents feel that this area must be retained as a service area for the beach and village and that efforts made to improve the service and level of support.
A small building on the beach reserve houses the surf lifesaving club and public toilets. The surf lifesaving club section is inadequate in size for their storage, training and first aid requirements and the public toilets are in poor condition and are poorly maintained. The council has plans to move the toilets to a new building, which is included in the 2017/2018 budget
A fire station and community centre building is located at the entrance to the village. It serves as a base for the Onemana Voluntary Rural Fire Force and as a meeting place for the community. It is little used by the community due to its location, limited parking and limited size. The building is located partly on the road reserve and partly on crown land. Under current negotiations between the government and local iwi over the return of land to the iwi it is understood that the building must be removed on completion of the settlement.
While several residents have indicated a desire to have a better located and provisioned community centre there has been little use of the present facility at the Fire Station for reasons mentioned and the café has become the de-facto gathering point.
Currently several local activities are being held in private dwellings and the participating numbers are limited due to size constrains.
Our permanent residents in our community need a suitable facility to cater for all events.
A swimming and spa pool complex located close to the centre of the village is owned by a syndicate and regular visitors on a shareholding basis.
What we need:
A community facility that is big enough to host small and larger groups of people.
Support for our local café and dairy.
New Toilet Facilities - in budget 2017/2018 There is no public transport serving the village, though a daily shuttle service to Auckland is available on demand. The Whangamata taxi service does service the area and there are informal arrangements between residents to assist those without transport. St Johns run a “health shuttle” service to get patients to doctors and hospital appointments. There is a current move to organise a ride sharing system to assist those in the community who lack access to transport.
Reported crime in Onemana is low. Currently Onemana is patrolled on a regular basis by the Whangamata Community Patrol, a voluntary organisation that works with police. Police visit the village on a random basis.
Organisations that are active in the community are:
a. The ORA is an active body and lobby group dedicated to maintaining the quality of the village environment. It has a high proportion of ratepayers as members and has been effective over the years in organising working bees and social events, fundraising for the community and liaising with the council to maintain and upgrade facilities.
The ORA presented to the Community Board our vision to protect our community. Ratepayers made a huge property investment and we represent them as well as the permanent residents. We plan to install security cameras at the entrance and bottom car park. We were advised that we must consider working with Whangamata Enterprise and to obtain quotes that we can present to the council for support.
It is a known fact the crime is down by 60% in areas where cameras are operating. The NZ Police and the council support the smaller communities to protect themselves.
The ORA members and the community regularly install, upgrade and maintain tracks, signs, reserves, pest control, weed control, public facilities, dog pooh-bags and litter control. This work of this active group is responsible for much of the current high standard of the environment in the village.
b. The Trust Waikato Onemana Surf Lifesaving Club patrol the main Onemana beach over the main holiday periods. They also provide excellent water safety training for youngsters.
c. The Onemana Voluntary Rural Fire Force is based in the village and is trained in external structural firefighting. It is primarily focused on prevention and control of vegetation fires in the rural environment. They currently also assist with vehicle accidents, medical emergencies and helicopter evacuations. The fire station includes a small community meeting room but many ratepayers are unaware of the community room. A name change from Rural Fire to Fire and Emergency New Zealand ( FENZ) has taken place from 1 July 2017.
What we need:
Financial support to install the security cameras To keep the high standard of the village environment
6. Beaches and Reserves There are 9 excellent ocean beaches on the peninsula. They all are classic Coromandel beaches with golden sand generally backed by pohutukawa, are clean and highly valued by the residents and visitors.
The main beach at Onemana has easy access from the village and 2 small carparks. Access ways are maintained by the community with assistance from the council. The dunes at the top of the beach have been planted with a variety of dune retaining plants by the community with assistance from Environment Waikato to reduce erosion, sand loss and sand migration into residential areas. The beach profile is variable and is frequently reshaped by sea and wind conditions. An expert review of the dune management program is indicated to retain and enhance the beachfront environment.
The beach is a breeding area for the endangered New Zealand dotterel and the variable oyster catcher and the southern half of the beach has strict dog control rules during the summer breeding season.
The other beaches are more remote and are accessed by walking tracks.
The track to Pokohino from the adjacent carpark was constructed and is maintained by DOC and is reached via a forestry road that is closed at night and at the discretion of the forestry operator. An alternative track from Onemana beach is under construction by community members. If this can be upgraded to a high standard it would be an asset. The Bambury Place access way is often used by fishermen and dog walkers and the current parking on the road bend and verge is limited.
Pakahakaha beach (Octopus Bay) is reached by a track leading south from the upper carpark through DOC land that was constructed and is maintained by community members and gets regular use. Access to the more southern beaches is by less well maintained and signposted tracks.
The reserves are within the village boundaries and can be classified as follows:
· Beach reserve – the area between the sand dunes and the village roads and sections is grassed with a small number of pohutukawa. The only developments on the reserve are 2 carparks, a small concrete structure housing the public toilets and the surf club facilities, a children’s playground, a petanque area and a tennis court. There are a small number of seats and picnic tables. The number of rubbish bins is inadequate during the busy period. This area is maintained in general by the council, though responsibility for the tennis courts has been undertaken by the ORA. This is the most heavily used and visible reserve, more seating is on councils 2017/2018 budget. A BBQ area near the tennis courts has also been suggested.
What we need:
Support to develop an alternative track from Onemana beach to Pokohino bay. More parking at the main beach.
Support for the The Trust Waikato Onemana Surf Lifesaving Club upgrade
The major change called for is the culverting of a storm water drain that runs from a culvert under Onemana Drive down to join the outlet of the Lakes Reserve outflow near the existing pedestrian bridge. The drain runs in a deep steep sided gully that is difficulty to keep clear, collects rubbish and is a dangerous area for small children due to the difficulty of escape. Culverting and infilling this area to improve access to the beach reserve is on Councils 2017/2018 budget.
· Lakes reserve
This incorporates a series of 3 connected lakes (storm water detention ponds) and the surrounding area. The lakes were originally intended to be maintained in a clean sand bottomed state suitable for children’s recreation, but this has not proved possible with the build-up of silt and invasion by weeds, water lilies and wildfowl. The southern side of the lakes is grassed and maintained by the council while the northern area consists of a native bush reserve planted and maintained by the community. The tracks through this area are of a good standard and are maintained by the community with assistance from the council. Mainly used as an access route from Tuna Place and Bambury Place to the beach, dairy and cafe.
There are several large exotic trees (particularly tobacco weed, willows and banksias) that have been identified as pest species for removal by the council and areas that require clearing and replanting by the community.
One issue is that the lakes and associated silt traps are not regularly maintained leading to silt build up, invasive weeds and insanitary water flowing into the beach lagoon. Work is currently underway by Council to remove the willow trees.
· Tuna Place reserve
A narrow reserve bounding a stream covered by an assortment of native and exotic trees and bushes. A track has been constructed by community members, but more work is required to achieve a pleasant and maintainable area.
What we need:
Assistance to maintain the Octopus bay walkway through DOC land and signage from DOC to warn people about the dangers of the track.
More rubbish bins during the peak seasons on the reserves
A Barbeque area near the tennis courts.
More seating and picnic areas on the Reserve – in 2017/2018 budget.
Piping of the culvert - 2017/2018 budget · Russell Bruce Place reserve
A broad area bounding a stream mainly grassed, but with areas of native tree plantings and flax. Maintained by the council with assistance from the community. There is 1 formed track and an area used as an access way. Usage is moderate as an access route, but generally the reserve is poorly maintained with the stream tending to be weed and rubbish clogged and much of the grass area is boggy during winter partly due to storm water runoff from neighboring properties. There is an unstable area where a dangerous sinkhole has developed and this needs to be stabilised.
· Upper Onemana Drive reserve
A steep hillside leading up to the top level of Onemana Drive generally covered in trees and scrub.
· Lower Onemana Drive reserve
A steep area running from Onemana Drive and the top carpark down to the southern end of the beach reserve. This is divided into a grassed area containing a sewage pumping station and an area of trees and scrub with a formed walking track giving access from the top level of Onemana Drive to the beach reserve. Maintained by the council with moderate usage.
· Southern Headland Reserve
This is an area under DOC control and consists of a steep headland area including a Maori pa site and is covered by pohutukawa and scrub. The pa site has no signage and there is little local knowledge on the pre-European history of this area. There is a steep poorly formed track from the beach to the upper carpark.
What we need:
Council to complete storm damages on the Reserve, Lakes and walkways.
Regular cleaning of silt traps at the lake
Clearing the areas of invasive plants
Better maintenance of the Russel Bruce reserve 7. Recreational Opportunities · An excellent children’s playground on the beach reserve. There are calls to extend the facilities here, particularly for smaller children and teenagers, but generally residents are happy with maintaining what is there in good condition. Provision of seating for parents would be an advantage.
· Tennis and Petanque are available free of charge at public facilities on the beach reserve.
· Walking and jogging is available on several tracks both inside and outside the village boundaries. A popular walk is beside Whitipirorua Road out to SH25 which in general does not have a formed footpath despite many years of negotiation with the council and the forestry managers.
· Currently there is no managed mountain biking facilities in Onemana, but the proximity of the Whangamata mountain biking area makes this a low priority.
· Beach swimming is possible at all the beaches, though only Onemana beach has patrols and the nature of the beaches is such that caution is required. Rips are common and only the main Onemana beach has warning signs.
· Pool swimming is provided by the Onemana Spa and Pool complex which is not available for public use. However, a significant number of ratepayers are shareholders and have access to the facility year around (spas only through winter). The nearest public pool is in Whangamata.
· There has been a suggestion that a small basketball area (i.e. a “half court” or at least a hoop) could be installed on the beach reserve, possibly adjacent to the tennis courts.
What we need:
Recognition of the Maori pa site with better signage
Seating for parents at the Children’s playground
Development of a walkway from the village along Whitipirorua Road
An area/court that can host a basketball net as well volley ball 8. Infrastructure a. Roading
The sealed roads in the area are generally well aligned and maintained and have good drainage. The unsealed forestry roads are adequate for the traffic, but are subject to closure during periods of forestry work, high fire risk and the hours of darkness. This is a concern to the residents on Peninsula Rd as emergency services have no access to this area without the access gate being unlocked.
Several residents have asked for the any further road surfacing in the village be done with tarseal rather than the current chip seal which blocks stormwater channels and is uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet.
One major area of concern is the intersection of the main access road to the village (Whitipirorua Rd) and State Highway 25. As it is arranged now there is limited visibility for vehicles exiting Whitipirorua Rd and there is inadequate warning of the intersection to traffic on SH25.
b. Water, Stormwater and Sewage
Water supply to the village is from 2 bores within the village area which are pumped to 2 storage tanks and treated by removal of arsenic and chlorination but is generally safe to drink although many dislike the taste and the silica content causes issues with heating elements. Water supply quantities have been generally adequate for the demand.
Storm water from the village is generally collected from the roads and piped into the open waterways which discharge onto the beach. As the main stream outlet is often blocked by a sandbank the particulate matter remaining in suspension within stormwater flows can settle out in the vegetation and a sandy lagoon at the back of the beach which is a popular playground for many children in the summer months. Many properties discharge their stormwater into the road drainage while others discharge directly into the waterways or onto the reserves. Few properties have adequate disposal through soakage.
Village properties all are connected to a piped sewage collection system which is pumped from the lowest point up to settling and oxidation ponds to the south of the village. These ponds discharge into a small stream running through private property which discharges directly into the sea. The efficacy of this system is unknown and it is likely that it suffers from the widely varying throughput during the year.
Piping infrastructure, particularly the water supply reticulation installed in the 1960s now requires frequent maintenance.
What we need:
Better signage at State Highway 25 and Whitipirorua Road.
Upgrade of the water supply pipes Constant maintenance of storm water outlets. c. Electricity
All properties have access to reliable power via an underground cable network. However, the power supply to the area is by a single overhead HT line running south to Waihi which is vulnerable to weather events, accidents and tree damage. Having no backup route, heavy maintenance on the HT supply line requires power outages. d. Telephone/Internet
Historically the telephone line availability in the area has been poor. Vodafone have a 4G cell tower in the village giving excellent access. The Vodafone upgrade offers the ratepayers a digital telephone and internet service with great results.
Chorus is completing the upgrade of the analog system to a digital service and confirmed that all major suppliers will be able to offer their clients a VDSL service in Onemana.
e. Street Lighting
At present street lights are located at intersections, the end of cul de sacs and a small number of other locations. The council has a policy to replace existing lights with low-impact LED lights as replacements occur. These reduce the light impact on neighboring properties and the night environment. While the existing pattern leave areas of pedestrian pavements with less than adequate light. Some residents would like more intelligent street lighting while others prefer a darker night line. f. Rubbish Collection
Curbside collection of household waste is weekly during most of the year with 2 per week during summer. Recyclables are collected fortnightly (weekly in summer) and generally residents are happy with the service. Pukeko and seagulls are a nuisance tearing bags and scattering rubbish and there is no collection point for rubbish left by departing ratepayers prior to collection day. This has been considered in the past and dismissed based on being an attraction for rats and the likelihood of abuse.
There is no green waste disposal available in the village with the nearest facility south of Whangamata giving residents with limited transport few options and leading to dumping in reserves and forestry areas.
What we need:
More street lighting with latest technology to keep the night sky as an attraction in Onemana village. h. Pest Control
The area has problems with possums, rabbits, pukeko and rats causing issues for residents and current control measures are inadequate. The ORA manages a supply of possum bait and bait stations and an infrequent and ineffective rabbit cull. Individual residents set possum traps with limited results.
A small group of community members manage stoat and weasel traps to reduce predation of the endangered birds and this seems to be effective.
An extensive pest control program would be welcome with an aspirational long term goal to make the Onemana peninsula pest and predator free. i. Signage
There is always a tension between adequate signage to guide and inform visitors and too many signs degrading the visual environment. Currently signs at the entrance to the village and the carparks are erected by the council, the ORA, the surf lifesaving club, the Rural Fire Authority and Community Patrols, all having different formats and colours.
The council has approved replacement of the current signage with a new information board.
A proposed design was presented to council and the ORA is advised to apply for Community funding in the 2017/2018 budget.
Directional signage to Onemana on SH25 needs improvement with an indicative sign positioned 100m before the intersection with Onemana clearly indicated. Currently the only sign is for a side road and Onemana is only noted at the intersection itself leading to hasty and unsafe reactions by motorists and in many cases by drivers missing the turn completely.
What we need:
An extensive pest control program.
Information Board - approved by council to apply for Community grant 2017/2018
Better signage at Statehighway 25 9. The Rural and Forestry Areas The rural areas of Onemana are in private ownership and appear to be generally well managed. The only item of concern expressed is emergency service access to the gated Pokohino Road.
The crown land is currently under forestry lease with a review due in 15 years. However, this land is subject to a Maori land settlement claim. As this land forms, a backdrop to the coast and Onemana village future subdivision or a substantial change to the usage of the areas on the seaward side of the hills will have a major impact on the visual environment of Onemana. The possibility of subdivision of this area is generally opposed by residents.
An aspirational goal would be to make the Onemana peninsula pest free to encourage native birdlife. Several residents report hearing kiwi in the area in the past so a resurgence of them is always possible, although unlikely with the number of domestic pets in the area. 10. What the Onemana Community Would Like · New public toilets and changing rooms (2017/2018 budget)
· Upgraded surf lifesaving club facility
· Coordinated and effective pest control
· Culverting the deep stream channel under the main access to the beach (2017/2018 budget)
· Expanded parking area at the main access to the beach
· Improved and consistent maintenance of lakes and open waterways
· Café / dairy / beach store maintained in present position
· Improved intersection signage for Onemana on State Highway 25
· Improved quality of the water supply
· More rubbish bins in public areas during the summer holiday period
· Safe and well-constructed walking (cycling?) track from the village to SH25
· A review of the location and monitoring of freedom campers
· Walking track to Pokohino Beach from Onemana Beach
· Improved maintenance of public areas by council contractors, particularly the Russell Bruce Place reserve, including Onehunga weed control
· Effective remedial work on quicksand areas and sinkholes
· View lines to the beach and sea to be maintained
· Limits on infill developments and height restrictions
· More intelligent street lighting
· Upgrade of water pipes
· Maintenance of storm waters.
· Support to install Security Cameras 11. What is NOT Wanted · A boat ramp
· Any extension to the current level of freedom campers
· Any inappropriately intrusive structure on the beach reserve.
· Mining or any new development that would substantially affect the landscape, water and soil quality or increase heavy traffic volume in the area.
12. Priorities for action or in pipeline · New public toilets and changing rooms - on 2017/2018 budget
· Culverting the deep stream channel - on 2017/2018 budget
· Extensive coordinated pest control plan and action
· Financial support for the installation of Security cameras
· Complete storm damage of 2017 in Lakes and Reserve areas as well as walkways.
· Information board – approved by council, apply for Community grant July 2017
· More benches and picnic areas on the Reserve - Budget 2017/2018
· Additional Swing for the children at pond and beach area.
· 13. Conclusion In general, the main requirement from residents is to keep the Onemana village and existing rural areas in their current state. There is opposition to any development that would detract from the current beautiful beach and surroundings or relaxed atmosphere.
Improvements that have been suggested are minor and aimed at improving the quality of life rather than commercial development. In fact, any major commercial development in the area in strongly opposed.
The highest capital budget item is culverting the drain from Onemana drive and associated changes to main parking area and freedom camper’s location followed by new public toilets and changing rooms. Apart from the major expenditure items are upgrading maintenance of existing infrastrute.
The community will continue to keep the village in an attractive state providing a safe and friendly environment with assistance from council and other organisations. This is intended to follow the existing model where community volunteers contribute their time to carry out regular monitoring, maintenance and upgrades of public area and facilities within their capabilities while the council and its contractors carry out functions and provide support for items that are beyond the physical and financial capabilities of community members.
13. Acknowledgements Thanks, are due to the following to produce this plan:
· Thames Coromandel District Council and staff
· Onemana Ratepayers Association
· The large number of residents who contributed
· The group of ratepayers who have given their time to review this document