Kia ora,

On behalf of Te Rūnaka Ōtākou, Otago Peninsula Trust and the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Trust, we would like to introduce you to the concept of a “Sustainable Otago Peninsula.” You may have received this invitation directly from one of the above organisations, your local school or another entity associated with the Otago Peninsula, so I apologise if you are reading this more than once.

The footprint for the Sustainable Otago Peninsula reflects what the Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Trust refer to as the whole Peninsula, from the headland to the coast, through to the guardians (Tomahawk, Vauxhall, Waverley, Musselburgh and Tainui) capturing the nine Otago Peninsula cluster of Schools. The boundary runs from Rongo Rock to the BP service station, down Queens Drive to the St Kilda Surf Club, the approximate location of the river that historically drained the Otago Harbour.

In the initial position paper, we have focused on the history and status of the Otago Peninsula. We have intentionally made no suggestions on what individuals or community may want from a sustainable peninsula, that is the purpose of the survey and community meetings.

Each of the Otago Peninsula Schools from Musselburgh to Portobello will be hosting a community meeting:

Tainui School–17 February
Macandrew Bay School–18 February
Andersons Bay School–19 February
Otakou Marae (Wharekai)–20 February
St Bridgid’s School–24 February
Grant’s Braes School–25 February
Musselburgh School–26 February
Tomahawk (Grants Braes AFC Clubrooms)–10 March
Tahuna Normal Intermediate–11 March
Portobello School–12 March
Pukehiki Hall–17 March
Broad Bay School–18 March
Bayfield High School–19 March

To assist us with our planning, please advise us via the survey which of the meeting venues you will be attending.

Your interests and welfare may span areas such as geography, communities, forests, farming, healthy environments, wildlife, or resilience within economics and food systems. The Sustainable Peninsula project would greatly appreciate 5-10 minutes of your time to complete this survey.

Click here to take the survey.

If you complete the survey you will be in the draw for a weekend of treats on the Peninsula including a night at Blimeys @ Roselle, dinner at Toroa Cafe, breakfast at Augustines of Portobello and wildlife tours at OPERA, Royal Albatross Centre and Blue Penguins Pukekura. An amazing weekend for two!
I look forward to meeting with you and exploring how we can collaborate to create a sustainable Otago Peninsula

— Hoani Langsbury, MNZM, BSc, PgDipSci., 
Ecotourism Manager Otago Peninsula Trust