Haylock Park

Background

Haylock Park is located between Walker Crescent and Johnston Street in Bulls. The land was purchased by the Rangitikei County Council between 1985 and 1986 in three separate property settlements. The funds for these settlements were provided by Dr O.F. Haylock and Council.

The surviving records do not contain much evidence describing the specific purpose of the land purchases. Some documents refer to it being used as a park, others a reserve, and others a domain. These purposes are not specifically described and they are not conditions of purchase.

The documents indicate that the land was purchased to fulfil general community and recreational purposes. Council’s view is that Haylock Park is a park for the purposes of the Local Government Act 2002.

Sale of the Grazing Area

The land is divided into two areas. One area has been used as a park and playground, there is a community walkway and the balance has been used for grazing. Council has proposed to sell the grazing area to raise funds for the Bulls Community Centre.

The proposal to sell the grazing area of Haylock Park was identified in the Consultation Document for the Annual Plan 2017-18. The consultation document encouraged specific feedback from the community on the sale and provided a submission document in order for affected persons to do so. Consultation on the proposals in the Annual Plan 2017-18 occurred between 28 February 2017 and Friday 31 March 2017. 119 submissions from Bulls were received during this time, 94 in favour of the sale and 25 in opposition.

The proposal was raised a second time in the consultation document for the Long Term Plan 2018-28. Consultation for the Long Term Plan 2018-28 followed the special consultative procedure.

Council have invited, and allowed, interested persons to present their views during consultation of both the Annual Plan 2017-18 and Long Term Plan 2018-28. It has considered these views with an open mind when making its decision to sell the land.

Council is therefore of the view that it has met its consultation obligations for the sale of the grazing area of Haylock Park.