We have finalised our Otago Harbour Reserves Management Plan.
The reserves around Otago Harbour are well-used, enjoyed and appreciated by Dunedin people as they provide access to and encourage use of the harbour for a wide range of aquatic recreation activities.
We asked residents in the wider Dunedin area to provide feedback on the future of reserves. This feedback – gathered from two consultation stages in 2024 and 2025 – has helped shape the final plan.
The Plan sets out how the Council will manage, maintain, and develop the reserves while protecting their cultural, scenic, and ecological values. Key updates include strengthening climate change resilience, recognising and incorporating mana whenua history and values, and aligning management with wider harbour catchment insights from the Te Awa Otakou – Issues and Opportunities Report. This ensures the reserves continue to meet the needs of the community while safeguarding these important spaces for future generations.
What reserves are covered by this plan?
The harbour reserves included in the plan are at Andersons Bay Inlet, Bayfield, Broad, Careys and Deborah Bays, Glenfalloch jetty, Kitchener Street, Macandrew Bay, Port Chalmers, Roseneath, Te Rauone, Vauxhall and Wellers Rock.
Otago Harbour Reserves Management Plan 2024If you have any queries about the Otago Harbour Reserves Management Plan, please direct them to: harbour.reserves@dcc.govt.nz
Timeline
Stage 1 of review
4 March – 3 April 2024
Stage 1 feedback reviewed
1 April – 15 May 2024
Stage 2 submissions open
21 August 2024
Stage 2 submissions close
23 October 2024
Hearings
17 March 2025
Plan adopted
August 12 2025
Why do we need a management plan for this area?
Under the Reserves Act 1977, we’re required to develop a management plan to ensure reserves around Otago Harbour are properly managed. Under the Act, we must consult with the public when we create or review a reserve management plan.