The gift that keeps on giving Paihia is getting a new public reserve at Te Ti Bay, thanks to the generosity of a local motel owner. John Williams is gifting the Far North District Council 0.4 hectares of waterfront land he owns on the corner of Davis Crescent and Marsden Road for use as a scenic reserve. The Top of the Tide Motel currently stands on the land which has sweeping views of Te Ti Bay and a valuation of $2 million. Under an agreement reached with Mr Williams, the Council will pay for the motel to be demolished and classify the site as a scenic reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. It will leave the site grassed over until it is ready to begin planting native shrubs on the new reserve which will be named after Mr Williams’ late mother Lucy Elizabeth Williams. Focus Paihia and the community will be able to have a say on a landscaping and management plan Mr Williams is developing for the reserve. Mr Williams says he is gifting the land as a place for people to relax and enjoy the view of the Bay of Islands, because he doesn’t want to bear the costs of ownership in his retirement. “I’ve been here nearly 50 years. If I sold the site, it might get turned into a pub or a backpackers. “I believe it will be more valuable to the community of Paihia as a reserve as time goes on.” He is grateful to Focus Paihia Chairman Grant Harnish and Far North Mayor Wayne Brown for taking his proposal to the Council. Mayor Brown says Mr Williams’ gift is an extraordinary gesture that will be greatly appreciated by the Paihia community. “Paihia is our main tourist town, but has very few neighbourhood reserves where people can relax and play. “The Lucy Elizabeth Williams Reserve will add to all other good things that make Paihia a great place to visit and live in.” Focus Paihia Chairman Grant Harnish says Mr Williams’ donation is a fantastic gift. “We would like to publicly thank John for such a generous donation to the community “It shows the community spirit that is developing in Paihia. People are really motivated to make the place better.” Focus Paihia is excited about the opportunities the new reserve offers. “We really look forward to working with John and turning the land into something that is really special for the community of Paihia.”
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 04:30:51 +0000
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