HOROWHENUA DISTRICT COUNCIL Ihakara Gardens MANAGEMENT PLAN Horowhenua District Council Private Bag 4002 Levin Phone (06) 9494949 Fax (06) 9494957
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3 Table of Contents PREFACE...4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...5 AIM...6 RESERVE DETAILS...7 LEGAL DESCRIPTION...7 CLASSIFICATION...7 PHYSICAL LOCATION...7 ADJOINING LAND USES...7 HISTORY...8 RESERVE FEATURES...10 USERS...10 PUBLIC COMMENTS...11 MANAGEMENT ISSUES...12 OBJECTIVES...13 ACTION POINTS...13 APPENDICES...14 APPENDIX 1 MAP OF IHAKARA GARDENS...15 APPENDIX 2 HISTORY...15 APPENDIX 2 HISTORY...16 KEY HISTORIC DATES...16 APPENDIX 3 PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES...18
4 Preface Ihakara Gardens is a unique and historic reserve not only to Foxton but the whole region. This reserve with significant historic and cultural importance is located in the heart of Foxton and is administered by the Horowhenua District Council with the maintenance work carried out by Works Infrastructure. This draft Reserve Management Plan has been prepared under the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977. The plan is designed to assist with day to day decisions as well as provide a long-term direction for the management and use of the Reserve. The Reserve Management Plan identifies historical information, management issues, objectives and action points for the Reserve. This draft plan should be read in conjunction with the Parks and Reserves General Policy Document. The purpose of notifying this Draft Reserve Management Plan is to allow public inspection and comment (by way of submission) on the contents of this draft Management Plan and the associated general policies. The public are formally invited to send written submissions to the Council stating support, objections and/or suggestions for the draft Management Plan or parts thereof. Following consideration of any comments on the draft plan, the Reserve Management Team will amend the plan accordingly and present the plan to the Development Committee of the Horowhenua District Council for approval. Chairperson Development Committee Horowhenua District Council Note: Written submissions on this Draft Reserve Management Plan close on 28 th April.
5 Acknowledgments This Management Plan has been prepared under the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977. Members of the public, Iwi and interest groups were all invited to make submissions and attend a public meeting to express their views and ideas for the reserve. This Plan incorporates those views and along with those of Council and those responsible for maintaining the Reserve. The Reserve Management Team would like to thank all those who have been involved in the process, in particular those who attended the public meetings, presentations and/or made submissions.
6 Aim The aim of this Reserve Management Plan is to Protect and maintain Ihakara Gardens so that it can be used and enjoyed by future generations Provide policies which will assist with short term decisions as well as provide a long term vision for the Gardens Reflect the views and ideas put forward by members of the local community, Council and reserve user groups.
7 Reserve Details Legal Description Lot No. Awahou 97B Plan No. ML 4989 Area 0.2555 ha. Classification Physical Location Ihakara Gardens is located at the north end of Main Street and is bounded by roads on two sides Main Street to its south and Park Street on its east side. The Gardens are located at the north end of Foxton s commercial district. A map of the Reserve can be found in Appendix 1. Adjoining Land Uses The north side of Ihakara Gardens backs onto the fields of Foxton Primary School. The southern and eastern sides of the gardens are bounded by Main Street and Park Street respectively. A vacant grassed section, which is relatively flat adjoins the Gardens on the western boundary.
8 History Ihakara Gardens as it known today is one of the earliest commemorated places where Maori and Pakeha lie buried together. The eldest marked grave in Ihakara Gardens today dates back to 1850 but it is probable that the first burials took place several years prior to this date. The individual graves which lie within the gardens are a visible link with the early history of Manawatu, while the site as a whole symbolises the foundation of peace which has been laid between Maori and Pakeha in this district. The Raukawa people sold the Awahou Block of land (some 37,000 acres) to the Crown and in 1865-66 the Wellington Provincial Government subdivided the land for Pakeha settlement and laid out the township of Foxton. Among the pieces of land excluded from the sale to the Crown was the cemetery reserve at Te Awahou (1 acre and 5 perches in size), which subsequently became know as Section 97 of the Township of Foxton. This was used as the public cemetery of the new township for several years, with land remaining in Maori ownership, under the name of Ihakara (Issac) Tukumara (the chief of Ngati Ngarongo). Ihakara Tukumara died 18 Jan 1881 and was buried there in 1881 despite the Foxton Burial Prevention Act 1871, which prohibited any further burials on this land. By 1900, the cemetery had fallen into disuse and its long grass dilapidated fences and straggly pines presented an untidy appearance to the northern end of the towns commercial centre. After several years of negotiations the Maori landowners of the land agreed in 1919 to gift the eastern portion of the site (Section 97b) to the Foxton Borough Council, while the western (97A) portion was sold to the Wanganui Education Board in 1927 as a site for the Foxton District High School. The western portion of the Reserve appears to never have been used for burials and was occupied by a house for several years.
9 Section 97B (2 roods and 21 perches) was given the name Ihakara Gardens by the Foxton Borough Council who became the legal owners in 1923. However the cost of improving the site was met by the Foxton Beautifying Society which conducted a public fundraising campaign and raised sufficient money to place concrete markers on all identifiable graves and to landscape the area with a concrete fence, steps, paths, lawn and ornamental shrubs. The Beautification society were responsible for reshaping the site to form the hill we have today. The Maori people who gifted Ihakara Gardens to the Council were 3 women; Te Aputa Ihakara (Mrs Uruoteao Eparaima - Foxton), Karaitiana Te Ahu also known as Ngaret (Mrs Hone McMillan Koputaroa) and Rangiahuta (Mrs Pateka Winiata) of Otaki who were all related to Ihakara Tukumara. The Foxton Historical Society took the initiative in organising restoration work and in 1979 the graves were repaired at a cost of approximately $1,500. Much of this cost was met by the proceeds of a public appeal, which included donations from both Maori and Pakeha. The existing plaque records the gift of Ihakara gardens to the citizens of Foxton by the three ladies. The new plaque was executed by Mr P.H. Dibble (Palmerston North) and includes a representation of the head of Ihakara and draws attention to Ihakara Tukumara and the burial ground of Te Awahou. In March 1983 a new plaque was taken to Paranui marae, Foxton and was formally presented and blessed. Arrangements were made for the plaque to be attached to the Garden s gateway. This was unveiled by Mayor Mr J.L. Titcombe on the 1 May 1983. 1 1 Taken from Ihakara Gardens, the story of Foxton s oldest cemetery. Publication compiled by I.R. Matheson and D.J. Lundy, 1983.
10 Reserve Features Ihakara Gardens is on the corner of a busy intersection which has a triangular war memorial traffic island located in the middle of it. Due to the close proximity to the town centre the Gardens have very good access for pedestrians and vehicles with parking close by. The view from the grassy sloping hill at Ihakara Gardens looks directly south along Main street to the Water tower in Seaview Gardens. A low concrete fence surrounds the majority of the Reserve with an empty grass section next to it. Ihakara Gardens has a number of headstones and graves at the foot of a small grassed hill, which has a set of concrete steps leading to the top. A concrete path travels almost around the perimeter of the hill but stops before the top. On top of the hill two park benches are located to enjoy the view of Main Street. A Maori carving and commemorative plaques are over the entrance which leads to the gardens. The site includes a rubbish bin and wooden bench at the entrance and concrete path, which takes people around the graves and perfume garden. Users The Gardens are no longer used for burials although the graves and headstones of some of those buried there still remain. The site is a well patronised by the locals and visitors alike for a place to sit, relax, have lunch and enjoy the views of Main Street and the commercial district.
11 Public Comments Most people are aware that Council does not own the western section but still it was maintained (mowed) from Council s maintenance budget, the land owners should approached about this. Would like to see the Gardens retain their open appearance, perhaps some more larger trees could be planted. The wheelchair path could be finished off so that wheelchairs have access to the top. A paving stone area at the top would complement the site with some suggestions of a gazebo or pergola to be at the end of the steps. As the concrete steps do need some maintenance it could be combined as one project. By planting two large specimen trees (or similar natives) at the top of this hill the visual appearance of the gardens could be enhanced. The benefits of this would be that the large trees at the back of the property would give a good balanced look from Main Street without taking up too much space on the hill. The trees would also provide some shade for visitors while they eat their lunches or enjoy the views. Perfume gardens are a good step in the right direction. Need to avoid blocking off any views from the top of the hill The gardens could become part of a Main Street renovation plan which could see trees and plants line the centre of the road to Seaview Gardens creating a stronger link. Keep any development or design of the Gardens simple, a structure in such a prominent position will require a very high standard of maintenance.
12 Management Issues Issue Effect Maintenance Western corner site maintained by Council despite not be owned by Council High profile area needs to be maintained to a high standard Concrete path and steps deteriorating, overall appearance lets the Reserve down Lichen growth on the concrete wall is creating a very aged look Vegetation Trees find it difficult to grow due to dry conditions Preventative measures need to be taken to stop new plants being stolen Vegetation that blocks visibility attracts and encourages inappropriate behaviour Overhanging trees cast shade on the graves, which increases the amount of algae growth Graffiti Prime visible spot for tagging Additional costs of cleaning it up and trying to deter taggers Design Potential for various styles to occur important to be consistent
13 Objectives 1. Recognise the importance of the site culturally and historically. 2. Ensure that the Gardens remain attractive and reflect the local environment and historic nature of the Gardens. 3. Provide an open, safe and litter free environment, which allows convenient access for users. 4. Encourage the use of the Gardens for passive activities, which are in keeping with cemetery setting. 5. Strengthen the overall design and appearance of the town by linking reserves and common designs together. Action Points The gardens seem to need a feature on top of the hill, as it is a cemetery it may not be appropriate to use picnic tables, investigate and consult to find suitable feature(s). Ensure that nearby reserves such as the River Loop and Seaview Gardens are linked through design, signage and/or walkways. Investigate the possibility of Council acquiring the land so that it can be retained as open space or incorporated in any development of the Gardens. If no such action is possible Council may need to look at ceasing to maintain the corner site. Encourage additional planting around the intersection to help reduce speed and prevent cars cutting the corner as well as overcoming the vast tarseal view. Ensure that any further development, design or planting is in keeping with the Reserve and Main Street. Ensure rubbish bins in Ihakara Gardens are of a consistent design to those on Main Street. If a feature is to be placed at the top of the hill, ensure that the concrete path and steps are fixed so that they makes it to the top of the hill. Investigate whether the community want the stone wall to remain covered in lichen or whether it should be removed. Ensure that bark is used to control weed growth and appearance of the Perfume Gardens.
14 Appendices
15 Appendix 1 Map of Ihakara Gardens
16 Appendix 2 History Key Historic Dates 18 January 1881 Ihakara Tukumara died and was buried at Ihakara Gardens 6 days later. 11 July 1919 Maori Land owners gifted to the Foxton Community Board the eastern portion of the site (Section 97B). 1923 Foxton Borough Council became the legal owners of 97B (2 roods and 21 perches) and officially named this land Ihakara Gardens. 1927 The western portion (Section 97A) was sold to the Wanganui Education Board as a site for the Foxton District High School. 20 March 1983 Plaque taken to Paranui marae, Foxton and was formally presented and blessed. 1 May 1983 Plaque was unveiled by Mayor Mr J.L. Titcombe. 8 January 1990 Historical Society received grant $2500 towards upgrading Ihakara Garden. 19 February 1990 Confirmation from the Police that there are some problems with glue-sniffers hiding amongst the trees on Ihakara. 15 December 1990 Maori carving at the Gardens unveiled at the ceremony. 5 February 1991 Complaints over the Council charges and for not being able to locate the seats at the top of the hill.
17 27 February 1991 Outrage from local residents over the Council charges for installing the carving and erecting the gateway. 18 February 1992 Request for further benches and shrubs at Ihakara Gardens to be allowed for in the next financial year. 7 December 1992 HDC to investigate the ownership of the land and explore options available for the removal of the low wall section. 20 September 1993 Approval by Department of Education to remove shrubs and hedge and replace with 3-5 native trees. 8 February 1994 Sale of Foxton Band Hall funds will be distributed to a number of local organisations, one of these is the Ihakara Gardens Restoration Fund. Fund set up with the Foxton Borough Council by Te Awahou Maori Women s Welfare League and Foxton Historical Society. 28 September 1994 The concrete wall (along Duncan Street) was found to be very unstable and should be replaced. The wall is unlikely to fall unless by external force or pressure (i.e. earthquake). 6 June 1995 Graffiti and tagging at Ihakara Gardens. 17 April 1998 Planting plans for a perfume garden at Ihakara Gardens put to Council. 16 September 1999 Objection from the people of Ihakara Tukumara at the Foxton Community Board s decision to allow the Te Awahou Lions Club to place a memorial plaque on a seat for Lola Lane. The objection was upheld on the grounds of non consultation.
18 Appendix 3 Public Meeting Minutes