Home : News
: Healthy debate at charrette workshops 
5 October 2005
The first of the Ocean Beach charrette workshops being held at Haupouri Station woolshed attracted some good crowds today, and with it, healthy debate.
A charrette is an intense design exercise over a set period of time. Independent facilitators who are world-renowned town planners and urban designers from Australia and America are overseeing the process.
The aim of the Ocean Beach Charrette is to come up with a draft master plan for the coastal area which better manages its natural assets to guide conservation, landuse, public access and development over the next 50-100 years.
People today packed into the woolshed to listen and participate in the first day of workshops. However, shortly after 3pm, Mother Nature became the most vocal sound in the woolshed as hail pelted down onto the corrugated iron roof, briefly halting discussions as people laughed and chatted amongst themselves or peeked out the windows to see the hail bouncing from the ground.
Key points to come out of the four workshops explored the importance for Ocean Beach’s wilderness and protection into the future.
The area’s holistic and spiritual values were discussed as well as existing land deterioration, coastal erosion and the need to rehabilitate natural defense systems such as dune restoration. Identifying hazard zones and the effect of natural disasters such as a Tsunami for example, was also key to any future-proof plans. A regional park facility was mooted and a fair bit of discussion revolved around how human habitation could be integrated without compromising the intrinsic values and natural beauty of the landscape.
The ‘History and Archeological Values’ workshop was an educating experience for many as people talked about the unique European pastoral farming history. The land’s archeological sites had the potential to gain international significance, experts said.
The free guided bus tours, which depart twice daily from the woolshed, are also proving popular with today’s tours being fully booked. Extra buses have been put on to accommodate the demand. People are urged to book their seats in advance by phoning Hill Country on 878 2010.
The Ocean Beach Charrette spans over an 11 day period from 3 - 14 October. It requires input from many key groups such as archaeologists, local iwi, conservationists, historians, planners, other technical experts as well as landowners, developers and members of the public. The workshops allow designers to get a feel for the local community and gain knowledge of local issues and concerns before they set about sketching draft concepts.
Following the charrette’s completion, Hastings District Council will consult further with the community seeking submissions as part of its District Plan Change process in 2006.
Presentations of the first draft sketch plans and design concepts will be displayed at a pin-up and review session this Sunday (9 October) between 4pm and 6pm. Visitors can review the plans and discuss any issues or concerns with the team. A repeat session will also take place the following morning, Monday 10th, between 9am and 11am.
The closing public presentation will be held at the woolshed on Thursday 13th between 6pm and 8pm.
More information
For more information or to organise an interview or photo opp with the facilitators, council officers or Hill Country Corporation, please contact:
Julia Lang
Communications Manager
Ph: (06) 874 7961
Cell: 027 275 5205
Email: oceanbeachcharrette@hotmail.com
