occupation. There was, however, no mention of contacting local Maori about their involvement with the area. While the plan suggested that the history of the area should be investigated, it did not suggest that Maori should be approached to provide information:
Even a cursory examination of the recent history of the Bowentown Domain reveals an entirely fascinating glimpse of European colonisation.
Evidence of pre European occupation lies everywhere on this peninsula still only partly mapped and recorded.
Initially all sources of information should be investigated i.e. Historical Society journals, local and regional museums, Alexander Turnbull Library.
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust or the Waikato Museum Archaeologist may be prepared to assist mapping of sites of Maori occupation, and with advice on interpretation.104
It was also proposed to create historic walking trails and permanent free standing displays and pamphlets on the history of the domain. There appears to be no evidence to indicate that any of these initiatives were ever carried out. The remainder of the plan dealt with signs, reading, camping and the area’s natural resources. The plan was intended to provide a more integrated approach to the domain’s management. Prior to this plan, the board’s general agenda had been to develop the domain as quickly as possible with public amenities and services. This tended to create a negative cycle by encouraging more and more people into the area, thus requiring more and more amenities, without any analysis of the impact on the area.
In June 1976 the board decided that control of the whole of the domain should be placed in the hands of the Tauranga County Council. By this stage, the council was paying the majority of the domain’s maintenance costs, but had to seek the board’s permission before doing any work on the domain. The council was willing to take control of the domain, with the proviso that the area be vested in the council as a recreational reserve. The council argued that it would be easier to administer the area as a recreational reserve which was vested in the council, rather than it remaining Crown land reserved for public recreation.105
In July 1976 the transfer of control and ownership of the domain to the Tauranga County Council was approved by the Minister. It was proclaimed on 2 July 1976 that lots 25 and 26, Katikati Parish, would cease to be subject to Part III of the Reserves and Domains Act 1953, and would instead be deemed a recreation reserve subject to Part II of the Act.106 The reserve was vested in the Tauranga County Council in trust for recreation purposes, and ceased to be Crown land. On 2 April 1984 the Bowentown Domain was declared to be a recreation reserve subject to the Reserves Act 1977.107 Following local government reform in 1989 the Tauranga County Council became part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, which body now administers the reserve.
104 Development Plan for the Preservation and Use of Bowentown Domain, 19 April 1971, Katikati Domain Records, WBoPDC [pp 23-24]
105 Director-General of Lands to Minister of Lands, 29 June 1976, LS 3/2/40
29