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Pony clubs across Rodney made a plea for their grounds to be protected from development during a hearing on the draft Rodney Local Parks Management Plan, which was held in Ōrewa earlier this month.
Several club representatives including Warkworth, Matakana and Silverdale spoke at the hearing asking the Rodney Local Board for long-term leases so they can apply for grants and invest in club facilities. There was also concern that sharing parks could lead to conflict.
The Matakana Pony Club gave the example of a pump track being proposed around the perimeter of the reserve, on Matakana Valley Road.
Club representative Lydia Harris said the two uses may be incompatible.
“Pony clubs are such an important part of the community, but as the area grows, these spaces will become increasingly comprised.,” she said. “Horses need space.”
In a written submission, Wendy Simpson said pony clubs were being pushed out, farms were being subdivided and roads were now often too dangerous to ride on.
“Private facilities are expensive to hire to the point of becoming prohibitive,” her submission said. “Most of the few equestrian facilities and spaces left are out west or south, an hour float trip away for many [in Mahurangi], so a simple ride involved considerable time and cost.
“The Warkworth Rodeo and Pony Club provides a safe and accessible place for horse riders of all ages in our local eastern area. Don’t take away this precious equestrian facility to become yet another soccer field or carpark. Please continue to allow local Rodney and greater Auckland equestrians, and future generations of riders, a place to ride.”
