​​​​​​​The removal of 31 bollards on a trial basis at the Upper Hakatere Reserve has been signed off, but not everyone is happy about the compromise.

Ashburton's council faced a community backlash when it installed bollards at the Upper Hakatere Reserve in February 2023, blocking cars from the area. It also introduced a camping ban in the upper reserve.

In a compromise between the council and locals, Hakatere reserve working group agreed to remove some of the bollards to allow parking in the picnic area on a trial basis. The height of the remaining bollards will be reduced.

However, camping would remain prohibited at the upper Hakatere reserve.

Chairperson of the working group, councillor Russel Ellis, said some Hakatere Huts residents were still not happy with the decision of no camping and they wanted all the bollards removed.

Councillor Lynette Lovett said she was also aware of some mixed feelings among the hut holders but ultimately it came to the council to make the decision.

The decision made “was a good compromise” she said.

“We have to look at what the ones living down there want and we also have to look at the wider community of Ashburton that goes down there and enjoys that space as well.”

The working group’s recommendation – to remove some of the bollards and that camping remains prohibited on the reserve - was approved by council on Tuesday, after it had revoked the previous decision based on an incorrect recommendation on June 26.

The bollards will be removed and the situation will be monitored over summer.

Additional 'no camping' signage will also be placed at the picnic area.

New signs at the entrance to Upper Hakatere Road will direct campers to the Lower Hakatere camping site and picnickers to the upper site.

By Jonathan Leask