Mr Cull led a hearings committee that on Thursday considered the nine submissions on the draft Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) reserves management plan.
The draft plan is to provide a consistent management and policy framework for all of the Pukekura reserves, and ensure that any development and enhancement does not conflict with reserve values.
The issue has a long history, with the Dunedin City Council and the Department of Conservation responsible for aspects of its management under various government Acts.
Both the Korako Karetai Trust and Te Runanga o Otakou have a historic interest in the area, and the two groups joined to initiate the plan process. The hearings committee included representatives of those groups, and the Otago Conservation board. Along with the council and Doc, they formed the Pukekura working group to develop the plan.
Groups that presented submissions included the Otago Peninsula Trust, Public Access New Zealand, the Otago Peninsula Community Board and the Otago Regional Council.
After the hearing, Mr Cull said considering the "fraught nature of the competing interests", just getting all the groups to the table to deal with the issue was "a good news story".
The hearings committee had to consider the competing needs, for instance, of the Otago Peninsula Trust, which operated the Royal Albatross Visitor Centre and had a long-term investment in the area, and those who called for public access to the area, like Public Access New Zealand.
Deliberations were held yesterday, with a final vote expected in the new year.
