Media Release
Westland District Council, with the support of project consultants Joseph & Associates, held a drop-in session on Saturday [10 June], at the Boys Brigade Hall to gather the views of the Westland community on the future use of the Hokitika Racecourse site.
Mayor Helen Lash says the 12 hour duration of the drop in session was decided on to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend, working around any other Saturday commitments they may have.
“We are aware that there is a lot of interest in what is planned for the racecourse site and many ideas on what should be done with it. Some would like to see it planted in trees, others into a bigger cycle/walk trail/green space. Many of our more elderly citizens like the idea of a retirement village. There are also those that would like to downsize from their current homes but there is nothing to suit their needs here, so many move away, often to the east coast – which is not an ideal situation for them or their families. There are others that would like the land to remain as it is, with no changes.”
For those that were unable to make it on Saturday or haven’t had an opportunity to attend any of the consultation sessions, Mayor Lash urges them to read the project information and complete the survey (available online and in hardcopy).
“If you want to have a say on how the Racecourse land is developed and or utilised, please make the most of the opportunities provided, to learn more and have your say. Complete the survey, so we can hear from you.”
“We don’t want anyone missing out on having their voices heard and we know that many are passionate about the land and what happens to it, so it’s important to us – your council, that the community communicates with us on the future of the Racecourse.”
The council will consider all feedback received from the community, before deciding on what the next steps will be for the future use of the former Hokitika racecourse.
Surveys can be completed online at:
https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/racecourse-survey/
or emailed to infrastructure@westlanddc.govt.nz
Find the survey in hardcopy at:
Westland District Council Westland District Library
36 Weld Street, Hokitika 20 Sewell Street, Hokitika
For further information
Rachel Leitch
0223 288 020