Chance to submit on Council’s plan for regional parks

One of the more controversial proposals is a suggestion that 21 coastal and island parks, including seven in Mahurangi, become part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and transfer from Council control to a new co-governance body.

Residents and ratepayers are being invited to comment on a new draft management plan that sets out proposals and policies for Auckland’s 28 regional parks over the next decade.

The 460-page plan looks at overall concerns and challenges, such as climate change and population growth, and includes a chapter on each individual park and its specific needs and attractions.

They include the eight regional parks in the Mahurangi region – Ātiu Creek, Mahurangi East, Mahurangi West, Pakiri, Scandrett, Tāwharanui, Te Ārai and Te Muri.

“The draft plan outlines how to maximise the opportunities presented by our regional parks, and manage the challenges across some 41,000 hectares of public open space,” the draft says. “It covers all aspects of land and visitor management and sets out Council’s intentions in respect to partnerships and relationships with mana whenua and diverse stakeholders.”

With Auckland’s population forecast to grow by nearly 16 per cent, from 1.66 million people in 2020 to over 1.9 million by 2031, Council says regional parks will continue to see an increase in visitor numbers and demand for facilities. The most popular parks, which include Tāwharanui and Te Ārai, are already facing significant pressure.

“At peak times during summer, the facilities are beyond capacity as people flock to the beaches for a day out,” the plan says. “With this popularity can come frustrations, such queuing to get a car park, limited toilet facilities, and infrastructure that doesn’t cater for all types of needs.

“In the future, as the region’s population continues to grow, Council will carefully consider where the acquisition of new parkland is required to give more people the opportunity to experience the natural outdoor settings provided by regional parks.”

Improvement options for individual parks include better access of all types, extended tracks, new or upgraded toilets, improved camping facilities and prohibiting potentially harmful activities – see panel for local examples.

Feedback and submissions on the draft park plan can be made until March 4.

Info: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/regional-parks-management-plan or email regionalparksplanreview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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Regional wish list– some possible options for local parks

Ātiu Creek

Increase visitor use of park • opportunity to extend mountain bike tracks and develop additional walking tracks • potential to host more large-scale outdoor events, such as music festivals, multi-sport or horse riding events

Mahurangi East

New regional park, following purchase of 92ha in 2019 in addition to established parkland • development of public access plan to provide pedestrian, cycle and vehicle access in future • potential opportunity for camping and mountain biking, and bach accommodation in existing dwelling

Mahurangi West

Investigate options for additional camping on hill above current campground and return Sullivan’s Bay to recreational use • upgrade Mita Bay toilet facilities • develop certified self-contained vehicle campground to keep vehicles away from foreshore

Pakiri

Improve public access to parkland, via Pakiri River Road or M Greenwood Road • strengthen relationships with mana whenua to name park, and identify and protect cultural heritage • develop walking and off-road cycling trails

Scandrett

Consider increasing disability access to and around buildings in park • develop educational experiences for children to learn about park’s history • seal and upgrade access road and provide passing bays • develop lookout site above Mullet Point

Tāwharanui

Upgrade and replace aging park infrastructure • maintain and, in future, seal road through park • advocate to prohibit fishing in the Jones Bay lagoon • investigate development of dedicated campground for certified self-contained vehicles • establish underwater marine trail

Te Ārai

Provide safer access to beach at Te Ārai Point • upgrade toilet and picnic facilities • provide better shade and visitor information • scope locations for automatic gates on Pacific, Te Ārai Point and Forestry Roads • investigate banning powered boats from Tomarata Lake and dogs from entire park

Te Muri

Investigate constructing footbridge or boardwalk across Te Muri Stream for pedestrian, cycle and service vehicle access • continue to advocate for upgrade to State Highway 1 and Hungry Creek Road intersection to provide safe access • develop main arrival area with parking and toilets