Should the Coromandel become New Zealand's first heritage region in the country the benefits could be astronomical.

A feasibility report released on Monday proposes the Coromandel would benefit from becoming an International Union of Conservation in Nature ‘Category V' protected landscape.

Cathedral Cove. Photo: Thinkstock

This protection would cover both natural areas and communities of the Coromandel, and examples of protected landscapes can be found in Australia, Scotland, Japan, Spain, and the Lakes District in the United Kingdom.

The report, written by Miles Media, was presented to representatives from the Thames-Coromandel council, government, iwi, Waikato Regional Council and Department of Conservation.

Mayor Glenn Leach says there is now an opportunity to seriously consider how council can preserve, enhance and recognise what is special and unique about the Coromandel.

'This includes its superb natural environment, its vibrant communities and the associated heritage and cultures of the region,” says Glenn. 'So our grandchildren and great-grandchildren can experience social prosperity with a guarantee of future enjoyment of the 'Coromandel that we are lucky to have now.

'A Coromandel Heritage Region can be a reality. It's something we can see; touch and experience. And it's an experience that's good for the soul.”

Glenn says while there may be concerns about individual rights and self-interest groups, this document needs to be seen as the basis for the first discussions and debates.

Council has signalled it wanted to investigate turning the Coromandel into a Heritage Region, having sign-posted the idea in the 2014 Annual Plan and 2015-2025 Long Term Plan.

During this time there's also been discussions with groups and people, including Conservation Minister Maggie Barry earlier his year, who agreed the concept warranted further investigation.

Minor government legislation would need to be passed recognising the Coromandel to be designated IUCN status. No major changes would be required to our District Plan.

'The Coromandel has such a compelling case for becoming a Heritage Region,” adds Glenn. 'We have outstanding natural landscapes and biodiversity in close proximity to the golden triangle of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

'More than 55 per cent of our ratepayers living outside the district who have property here to spend their holidays and weekends and we have the highest number of Free Independent Travellers (FITs) who choose the Coromandel as a tourist destination.”

Following the official release of the feasibility report, meetings will now start to be scheduled over the following months and years to discuss the concept in more detail.

Ccouncil now wants to meet with anyone and everyone who has an opinion, an interest and a stake in the future of the Coromandel.

The process is going to take time to work through and it's imperative 'we take that time," says Glenn.

'This isn't going to be a quick process and we plan to take the following months and years to start initiating and holding meetings. And if anyone wants to talk with me now, my door is always open.

'Becoming a heritage region will take time and effort - but will bring real benefits.”

Waiau Falls. Photo: Thinkstock

FEASIBIILTY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The establishment of a Coromandel Accord – a high-level agreement between TCDC, WRC, DOC, iwi, industry and sector groups and the community to reaffirm the key values that all seek to protect and enhance.
• Signature conservation projects – defining and establishing important community and conservation projects that were agreed in principle during the Accord process.
• Signature species monitoring – within the Coromandel Heritage Region defining a set of 10 or so significant and representative species which would be monitored and reported on annually to publicly highlighting progress around protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
• Sustainable Development Plan and Fund – developing a Plan with 5, 10 and 25 year targets in employment, business creation and community well-being

To read the report of for more information visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's Coromandel Heritage Region Project webpage.