The vision for reserve committees is to support local communities to enhance and maintain the open rural landscape, regenerate forest character, provide opportunities for recreation, and recognise their historic, cultural, social and spiritual connection.

The role of the Committee is to enable communities to co-manage their local reserves by having direct input into reserve maintenance planning and development, working in collaboration with Council staff and the Community Board. The committees are made up of volunteers representing the user groups of the reserve and are highly valued by staff and the Community Board for the wonderful work they do.

All Reserve Committee meetings are open to the public and are advertised on the Community Board webpage, so if you are interested in getting involved come along to a meeting to find out more. Committees are elected at the beginning of a Community Board's three-year term, and sometimes members are appointed during the term following a resignation. Signing up as a volunteer to help with hands on activities, such as planting days, may also be an option.

Reserve Committee meetings

  • View upcoming Reserve Committee meetings under 'Upcoming Meetings' on the Community Board webpage. Public are welcome to attend these meetings.
  • View recent Reserve Committee meeting minutes by selecting the individual Reserve Committee sub-heading in the list on the right. As meeting minutes are received by the Community Board within the current term, they will be uploaded underneath each specific Reserve Committee drop-down.

Latest news

  • Tree Cheers for Urumau!

    With shovels in hand and sunshine overhead, volunteers gathered at Urumau Reserve to turn a hillside into habitat.

    The hillside above Foster Terrace, once rank grass and weeds, is being steadily replaced by bush, not only expanding habitat for birds and beetles but increasing the scenic value for those using the extensive network of walking and mountain-bike trails. These are soon to be joined by a new loop track through Port Company land beyond the northern edge of the Reserve.

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  • Gary Broker Remembered

    A new bench seat at the top of Urumau Reserve has been dedicated to the late Gary Broker (1945-2010). The Lyttelton Reserves Committee's community representative Cliff Mason said it was "a fitting spot to contemplate the power of one man's inspiration".


    Story and photo published in the Bay Harbour News Thursday 12 December 2024.

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  • The Rich History of Le Bons Bay Hall

    For those interested in local history, a visit to the Le Bons Bay Hall is a must. The local Reserve Committee has recently installed a history panel that beautifully illustrates the story of the domain and the community hall.

    The Reserve Committee has spent years gathering fascinating photographs and information, which transport you back to 1878 when the Akaroa County Council granted £100 for the development of Le Bons Bay’s domain.


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  • Stanley Park: A Community Treasure

    Stanley Park features a delightful network of walking tracks through lush bush, each offering breathtaking views of the harbour from expansive grasslands.

    The journey to preserve this land began with the inaugural meeting of the Stanley Park Reserve Committee in September 2005. Since then, committee members have remained dedicated advocates, working hand-in-hand with the council and, more recently, the Parks team, to bring their vision to life.

    The vision and plans for Stanley Park outlined.


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