When Mariner Rise in Link Crescent on Whangaparāoa Peninsula got resource consent for a 60-home subdivision back in 2016, I told the developer I was surprised that the impact on the traffic network was described as “less than minor” – a popular resource consent term.
He said it was only 60 homes. Yes, but they are a mix of 2-4 bedroom homes, so potentially 120 more cars – or at the very least 60 cars and higher demand for buses.
As well as those 60 homes, there are another 20 across the road by Whangaparāoa College currently being built, potential for 33 at Chenery Rd and now 50 more in Scott Rd (both feature in this issue). In Stanmore Bay, there is consent for 57 apartments in Brightside Rd. Last year consent was given for 29 homes at 455 Whangaparāoa Rd, next to the Peninsula Club, with access via a new intersection onto Whangaparāoa Rd.
I bet developers are eyeing up the 2ha (some of which is covenant protected bush) at 400 Whangaparāoa Road where the little railway used to be. The land alongside Whangaparāoa Road up to Brightside – 23 residential properties there will eventually go up for sale, with the potential that they could be amalgamated and developed.
Real Estate agents say Gulf Harbour property is increasingly sought after and the former Peninsula Golf Club in Red Beach is rapidly reaching its potential 500 homes.
My point is that the bigger picture is not being seen. The peninsula is packed with with houses, mostly on the promise of Penlink, which on current predictions will be finished in late 2026 at the very earliest. The lack of a dedicated public transport lane and increasing development will blunt Penlink’s long-term impact on traffic.
Limited local employment opportunities mean the rush hour is only going to become worse. And of course it’s not only transport infrastructure being squeezed – health providers, schools and community facilities also come under pressure.
During lockdown my partner challenged himself to cycle up and down every street within a 5km radius of our home on the peninsula. The sheer number of roads almost got the better of him.
I would challenge any Council planner to ‘get on their bike’ and take a good hard look at what is already here, and the infrastructure available, before they sign off on any future development on the peninsula – even if it is “only 60 homes”.
Terry Moore
