Coopers Creek residents have had their licences to occupy the land for another 21 years, with a right of renewal for up to 35 years.
It may not have ended decades of uncertainty for the 25+ residents at the Sandy Point village, but the Invercargill City Council wasn’t prepared to see the reserve land status revoked, knowing it would be too hard to push it through the Minister for Conservation and iwi.
Related: Watch: Invercargill City Council Meeting Tuesday 24th September
Rex Capil – group manager community spaces and places told the meeting the process had been like walking on a tightrope, and previous councils and Mayors had all made different decisions and promises for the residents.
With 17 separate licences to occupy, stating only short-term or holiday occupancy allowed on the site, no permanent residents and all structures removed at the end, council’s hands were tied as to what they could do to help the residents.
Mana whenua also had a strong interest in the land and representative Evelyn Cook was not supportive of how the residents were living there currently, as many were already non-compliant of their licences.
“This activity should never have been allowed to occur but it has,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Tom Campbell was more sympathetic of the residents, having held 22 separate meetings with residents individually and as groups.
“There has been enormous tenacity from the residents in holding out for the best outcome,” he said. But after those meetings the dial has not moved at all.”
Sandy Point was previously regarded a ‘domain’ but the Minister in 1992 approved a plan to change its status to reserve land.
Cr Campbell said if council wasn’t prepared to support revoking the land status, then the status quo should remain.
“I think we should just let it be. Council has wrestled with this for 30 years, and we’re just going down the same rabbit hole.”
Council also decided the annual licence fee for residents be $1,058 with the annual increase calculation from 1 July 2025 and beyond to be calculated based on the approved ICC annual percentage rate increase for the actual year following.