Local Board Update June 2020
Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park Concept Plan
Between 2005 and 2014 Council purchased three blocks of land to create a new 340ha Regional Park.
From Lake Rototoa to the Kaipara Harbour Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park is a mix of rolling farmland, wetlands and steep gully systems broadly covering the Patauoa Creek Valley. There are a range of shorebird species that visit the coastal area of the park, with the Kaipara Harbour being one of the three areas in the Auckland region of national and international ornithological significance. Much of the original vegetation cover within the park boundaries has been removed during its conversion to farmland in the 1800s, and the majority of vegetation seen today is regenerating forest, scrub and shrubland.
There are a number of recorded archaeological sites within the area, including pā sites, platform or terrace complexes, pits and middens. There is a regionally significant geological site at the Patauoa Creek, being “one of the best examples of 6m high coastal terrace formed during the last interglacial sea level high” as listed in the Geopreservation Inventory.
Presently the park is not heavily used for recreational purposes. There are marked tracks existing through the original block of land (the Neil property) however, no walking tracks exist outside of this to connect through the McLeod Farm block to the Prawn Farm. Horse riding is a controlled activity through the southern end of the park with fl oat and horse truck parking at the entrance off South Head Road.
It’s been a long time coming but finally Regional Parks have developed a draft plan with some options for the future development of this significant regional park.
There are four main principals applied to the draft plan:
- Conserve and enhance the natural landscape and improve biodiversity through restoration and education
- Retain site character and acknowledge history
- Manage and maintain recreational opportunities for the enjoyment and well-being of the local community, mana whenua and visitors
- Continue to manage open space farming
Existing recreation includes walking, horse-riding, and other forms of passive recreation.
It is intended that more facilities and infrastructure be provided to enhance recreational use and provide different types of use. This may include; camping, BBQ facilities, orienteering and extended walking and horse-riding tracks. Feedback is also being asked for on facilities for camping, day activities and for launching boats.
This is your opportunity to have your say on what you would like to see included in the development of Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park.
Submissions close on the 12th June.
Google: ‘Te Rau Puriri Have Your Say’ to see the concept plans and provide your feedback.
Council Facilities Open Following COVID-19
Council facilities have been gradually opening over the last few weeks, however some of the halls and community facilities have been a bit slow with staff suggesting some may not reopen until July. For regular users of our halls this is not going to work and so I have been pushing for quicker opening. If you’re a user and are having issues, please contact me on either 021 837 167 or phelan.pirrie@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
The RUB* 