Discussions with local groups and organisations are set to begin concerning the Coromandel becoming a heritage region.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council will engage with the community, ratepayer groups, iwi, plus commercial and primary industries to discuss what a heritage region could look like and mean.

Waiau Falls, just off the 309 Road south of Coromandel town. Photo: File

These discussions will be led by mayor Glenn Leach, Economic Development Committee chair Brent Page plus a council staff member.

'What we are seeking is views and opinions on the merits or otherwise of a tailored Coromandel Heritage Region,” says mayor Glenn Leach.

'It's about kaitiakitanga, guardianship, looking after what we have now and for the future, as well as looking after and benchmarking our Coromandel brand.”

A concept report released in August of last year stated the Coromandel has many unique environmental, social and economic qualities that could be preserved under a Heritage Region brand, with this protection covering both natural areas and communities.

But there's been a some stumbling blocks along the way, with the heritage project failing to get backing from the Waikato Regional Council last October, as well as criticisms of the report being too short on detail in some areas.

'This is also not about imposing or adding another layer of bureaucracy, red tape or regulatory overlay to what already exists,” adds Glenn. 'A Heritage Region could be the gel that pulls existing regulations and rules together and could be as flexible as we want it to be as groups, organisations and agencies move together and forward.”

Economic Development Committee chair Brent Page says they'll be meeting with stakeholder groups to hear both the pros and cons of a vision for the Coromandel as a Heritage region.

From there they will host a series of full public meetings to present how ratepayer groups, businesses, community boards and primary industries' see the future for the Coromandel.

This is about understanding the Coromandel's unique qualities and building on the region's point of difference, says Chris.

'And working together to drive sustainable social and economic prosperity without compromising our natural environment and taonga.”

'It would be presumptuous for us to impose on communities how they feel about this before hearing from them, which is why a discussion document was released first to get the conversations started.”

But Chris also believes most people living on the Coromandel would agree on two things.

'That our district has a number of special qualities that place it in a unique position - not just in New Zealand - but internationally - and it's these same qualities that they want their grandchildren and their children to enjoy into the future.”

If you are interested in meeting to discuss the concept email project manager Peter Wishart at: [email protected]

For more information, including meeting times, visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/coromandelheritageregion