Onemana Community Plan 2017
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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