Waikawau/Hannahs Bay Reserve is a valuable community recreational space and has important cultural and environmental significance.

The reserve has significant ecological value with a large area of the reserve being occupied by the Otauira wetland which extends into the adjacent airport land.

In recognition of this and the significance of the reserve to local hapū, the Waikawau Reserve Management Committee was formed. The Management Committee consists of Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi, members of the Eastside community with support from Rotorua Lakes Council. The reserve has ‘special reserve’ classification under the Deed of Settlement, recognising the cultural significance of the reserve to Ngāti Uenukukōpako and Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi.

The reserve and surrounding areas have been involved in several recent consultations and projects.

Recent projects at Waikawau Reserve Hannahs Bay