My Account
A thorough assessment of Ōrewa Reserve is underway as Council prepares to look at coastal protection options for this stretch of beach. Predicted sea level rise shows how far the surf club may need to move to be out of harm’s way – indicated by the “2080” yellow line.
Auckland Council is determined not to repeat the experience it had in getting consent to build a seawall on Ōrewa Beach (from Kohu to Marine View), as it begins investigating options for coastal protection by Ōrewa Reserve.
That consent, including lengthy court action, is thought to have cost ratepayers more than $2.1m. The wall itself may cost around $14m and currently it is hoped to begin work within three years (HM June 16).
Speaking to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board at its meeting on July 15, parks advisor Jeff Lyford indicated that Council is leaving no stone unturned to prevent a repeat of that cost and complexity.
Lyford presented members with the first step – the Ōrewa Reserve Service Assessment report, analysing how the community uses the beach. The report was funded by the local board, at a cost of $4000 and involved Council watching the reserve very closely for six days in April, 2019.
It included cameras recording visitor numbers and movements, aerial photos using drones, observations by parks services graduates over 24 hours and a visitor survey with more than 400 responses.
As a result of the findings, the local board has agreed that priorities for the reserve’s long term management include: enhancing opportunities for recreational experiences on an extended dry beach; improving access to the beach along the reserve, retaining play options for children and basketball/beach volleyball; enhancing opportunities for north/south walking and cycling.
The report is intended to assist with the next steps in coastal management planning.
At the same time, a report on the coastal hazard susceptibility on the reserve was updated, which confirmed areas considered at risk from sea level rise and erosion in 2080 and 2130 (see image above).
Summary of Visitor Survey Results: The top three reasons why people visit Ōrewa Beach/Reserve: it is local (34 percent); a great beach (21 percent); the environment, scenery, views and setting (21 percent). • Other notable reasons: playground (16 percent), walking and exercise (14 percent).
