The Dannevirke Deer Park will have the opportunity to remain open, after Tararua District Council today unanimously voted to support a community-led proposal to take over its management.

The decision follows a significant effort from members of the Dannevirke community to find a practical way to retain the Deer Park after Council's original decision.

Council considered several options for the Deer Park's future and unanimously supported the option that rescinds the April decision to decommission the park and enables Our Place Dannevirke to take over its management, subject to several conditions.

The proposal would see Our Place Dannevirke, a local community group, take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the deer, fencing renewal and operation of the facility, while Council retains ownership of the Lower Domain and its statutory responsibilities.

To support this arrangement, the proposal includes a 10-year licence, the transfer of the existing deer to Our Place Dannevirke, and the establishment of a breeding programme to replenish the herd and generate income for reinvestment in the park and wider reserve.

Mayor Scott Gilmore said the outcome was a great example of Council and the community working together to find a solution.

“It’s important to ensure that we are on point with our consultation and engagement with the public when we’re making decisions. And I think it’s important as a Council that when we don’t quite get things right, it’s not about digging our toes in, it’s about actually working to find a solution with our communities.

I'm really pleased that we have been able to get to this point. The community has come forward with a genuine, practical proposal, and our Council team has worked alongside them to understand what could be possible.”

Council's Facilities team has also played an important role in working through the proposal with the community group.

The Deer Park was established in 1969 and currently occupies approximately 1.84 hectares of the Dannevirke Lower Domain, with eight deer – four hinds and four fawns.

The original decision to decommission the Deer Park was made in April following concerns including the retirement of the long-serving animal care contractor, infrastructure renewal requirements specialist resourcing needed to meet animal welfare and compliance obligations. The Council decision followed a recommendation from the Dannevirke Community Board to proceed with decommissioning.

Council will now work with Our Place Dannevirke to progress the formal licence and address the remaining legal, financial, insurance, animal welfare and governance requirements.

“There is still work to do, but today's decision gives us a pathway forward,” Mayor Gilmore said.

“Most importantly, it gives the Deer Park a future – and that's something I know will mean a lot to the Dannevirke community.”