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The future of Ōrewa Reserve is on hold after Auckland Council released the results of public consultation and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board requested that the project be paused until further expert advice is obtained
A total of 532 submissions were received in the consultation, with respondents ranking the most valued features as beach access and recreation, the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club (Ōrewa SLSC) facilities, car parking, and open lawn areas for events.
When asked to consider four concept designs focused on dune restoration, 37 per cent of submitters did not support any of the options. Of those who expressed a preference, 18 per cent supported options A and B, 15 per cent chose option C, and 10 per cent backed option D. In open-text feedback, 166 respondents called for a seawall similar to the one at the northern end of the beach, 60 questioned whether dune-based options would stop erosion, and 49 raised concerns about cost.
In its feedback, the Ōrewa Reserve Project Working Group (ORPWG), which consulted with both the Ōrewa Community Residents Association (ORCA) and Ōrewa SLSC, said the reserve must continue to serve as a vital community and event space. Although there was a need for car parking, the group said it should not compromise green space or limit the ability to host large gatherings. It suggested that any loss of land could be managed through better event planning and traffic measures, such as extending traffic control along Hibiscus Coast Highway, similar to how large events are managed at the more confined Beach Hop in Whangamatā.
It also said too much emphasis had been placed on a 2080 scenario, and that the focus should be on how the reserve could be effectively managed over the next 20 years.
The group recommended option C. This design establishes a community hub around a relocated surf club, maintains a strong balance of green space, provides two separate play zones for younger and older children, and retains parking capacity of around 290 spaces if angled parking was added on Hibiscus Coast Highway. However, this was dependent on a commitment from Auckland Transport, the group said.
ORCA and Ōrewa SLSC did not favour any of the options, with ORCA proposing a 320-metre revetment seawall, and Ōrewa SLSC asking for a range of beach management options to be considered. (Hibiscus Matters, July 1, 2025)
At its August meeting, after robust discussion among members, the local board received the consultation findings, noting that 61 per cent of responses were split between the four options, while 37 per cent favoured alternatives, many of which called for a seawall. The board also noted the ORPWG’s preference for option C but decided more information was required. Board member Gary Brown said that although the board had earlier endorsed the naturalisation paradigm, that was the only approach they had been given.
The Board asked council for independent subject-matter experts to investigate other options, including the viability of hard structures such as a seawall, and the option of leaving the reserve “as is”.
The Board requested that the project be paused until this work is completed, meaning a final decision on the reserve’s future will not be made until the next local board’s term.
Ōrewa Reserve options: https://new.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/plans-policies-bylaws-reports-projects/our-projects/projects-north-auckland/Ōrewa-reserve-future-management-project.html
