Have your say on Te Arai

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By Julia Wade

The development and management of a popular coastal area bordering Mangawhai but owned by Auckland Council [AC], has been opened up for public feedback.

AC is welcoming submissions from the community about regional parkland Te Arai, saying the comments will be considered when preparing the draft variation to the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010, [RPMP].

Save Te Arai [STA] chair Aaron McConchie says that the commencement of the RPMP for Te Arai, is the first opportunity the public has been allowed to have their say on the lands that will form the new regional park.

“Although it may be two years late… this first phase which finishes at the end of January, is a great chance for the public to offer their ideas and concerns to the council,” he says. “We have been told that any idea is appreciated and everything will be taken into consideration for when the council formulates the draft plan for submissions.”

AC is looking for feedback regarding three lots of land; the existing regional parkland at Te Ārai and new parkland north and future parkland south, of Te Ārai Point.

Several aspects of the park including recognition of cultural heritage, protection of the wilderness and endangered coastal bird species as well as management of recreation services such as camping, location of trails for walking, horse riding and mountain biking, and the development of main arrival areas and vehicle access to and on the beach, are all open for community feedback.

AC’s Environment and Community Committee chair and Councillor Penny Hulse, says growing green spaces across the region is important for supporting a world-class city.

“They are home to an array of ecosystems and native species and are also places where people can be active and seek respite in nature… they are much loved and treasured,” she says. “Regional parks are owned and managed on behalf of Aucklanders, so we would love some feedback from the public on how the three areas of land at Te Ārai should be used going forward.”

Te Arai has been the setting of much controversy since Queenstown developers, Darby Partners set sights on the land 15 years ago, facing ongoing community opposition regarding the effects of development on the environment as well as relocation of the carpark, public access to the beach and process of consultation.

McConchie says it is important for the community to express to the council what they want to see as part of the park, from amenities like carparks and toilets, leisure pursuits as well as ideas for the future like a surf club and camping grounds.

“It is equally important to consider what the overall reserve should be used for, either a more intensive recreational reserve or more conservation-based scenic reserve,” he says. “The impact of human activity on the breeding grounds for the NZ Fairy Tern and dotterels is of particular importance here.”

Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says Te Ārai is a unique stretch of coastline and one of Rodney District’s gems.

“It’s important that we strike a balance between ensuring ongoing public access for informal recreation activities with the protection of Te Ārai’s wilderness qualities and natural resources,” he says. “I am pleased to see the community having a say in how they want to achieve this important balance.”

To which McConchie agrees. “It is most important to have your say, have a think about it now and over Christmas, talk about it with friends, family and visitors and have your voice heard.” n Visit shapeauckland.co.nz for more information and to submit your comments by 4pm on Friday 26 January 2018.

An opportunity to have your say and leave an impression on Te Arai has been offered by Auckland Council.

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