Herries Park

This reserve is 5.9694 hectares in size. It is located on the eastern bank of the Waihou River just upstream from the State Highway 26 traffic bridge in south eastern Te Aroha. The reserve is bounded to the north by SH 26 and Council buildings, to the east by residential property, and to the south and west by the Waihou River. The park is roughly divided into the southern area, which is used for grazing and includes a Go-cart track, and the northern area, which is used for athletics, public rest rooms and a children’s playground. Currently the river’s edge is underutilised in terms of access, and opportunities for undertaking native vegetation restoration. The Operative District Plan only identifies Section 167 as a Reserve. All of Herries Memorial Park is identified as being in a flood hazard area.  The narrow part of Section 167 that joins Rewi Street, and all of Section 1A are also a part of the Te Aroha Character Area. The Herries Memorial Park monument is recorded as a heritage site (site ref. 59). The park also has a designation for water and soil conservation (designation no. 1). The underlying planning zone for Section 167 is Rural.  For Section 1A the zone is industrial. History The land was originally donated to the people of Te Aroha by Mokena Hou. The Herries Memorial Park was established by funds left by Sir William Herries to the borough. Herries Park was named after Sir William Herries who was a Member of Parliament for the Tauranga Electorate from 1896 – 1923, and a Piako County Councillor. Te Aroha Athletics Club The Athletics club has been using Herries Memorial Park for over 60 years. They use the park during the summer months, meeting each Tuesday night, and holding training sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons. The club also occasionally uses the park on Saturdays.  Council currently maintains the sportsfield area and running track at a suitable standard for junior athletics. Te Aroha Go-Kart Club The go-kart club uses ...