Revocation of Reserve Status: Newfield Park

Council is considering options for partial or full disposal of Newfield Park.

Newfield Park is located in South Invercargill, at 83 Wilfrid Street, and is also accessible via Centre, Totara and Nichol Street’s. The 1.8 hectare land parcel is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, with Newfield Park Primary School and Newfield Kindergarten adjoining the northern boundary and residential housing surrounding the remaining parameter of the reserve. It forms part of a walkway network running north to south between Tweed Street and Elizabeth Park.

Acquired through the crown, the reserve is currently classified as a recreation reserve and zoned Residential 1, which is consistent with surrounding housing. The reserve features an open grassed area, with some play equipment installed in the north-west corner of the section. The proposal to revoke some, or all of the site aims to enable alternative community outcomes, including potential housing or other developments. The land has been included on the list of underutilised green spaces for potential disposal, first identified to Elected Members in 2013. In 2025 Council was approached by Te Pare Kauika Ltd with a proposal to build up to 22 residential units on the site, purpose built housing suitable for local kaumātua and tangata whaikaha (those living with disability)

The Options

Public feedback is being sought as part of the decision-making process. The options Council are considering are

Option 1. Revoke approx 1.3 ha and retain approx 0.5 ha (shaded area) – retain some land for continued access and play From Nichol Street to Lime Street. This will enable further activation of the remaining space for recreation purposes, including the existing play items, seat and the access through from Wilfrid to Lime Streets. Subdivision will be required to enable this option, at a cost.

Option 2. Revoke 1.8 ha – revoke all of the reserve land and hand over to DOC/LINZ for processing. This will mean relocating Council assets (play items and seat).

Option 3. Do nothing

For options 1 or 2 to progress, the Council would need to initiate the process to:

• Have its reserve status formally revoked
• Be approved by the Minister of Conservation before any sale or change in use

Following revocation of all, or part of, the reserve, the land would become Crown land available for disposal by LINZ/Crown (via MoC and DOC). If the Crown decides not to retain this land under their ownership, the Rights of First Refusal process under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 commences.

Proceeds from sale of lands acquired by the Crown, will be dealt with through Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). LINZ processes the sale of land on behalf of the Crown once Council completes the revocation process (following Council proposal to Minister of Conservation and approval from the Minister). Council does not receive the revenue received from the sale of Crown derived land, however it may be able to apply for compensation.

No final decision has been made — community feedback will help inform whether the proposal proceeds and for Council to consider whether there are any reserve values which will inform the decision making process.

Share your thoughts on the submission form below, consultation closes at 5pm, Friday 7 August