South Head Walkway Plan

Prepared by Lois Easton Consulting Limited Adopted by Council November 2008

South Head Walkway Plan

Executive Summary...... 3 1.0 Introduction ...... 4 2.0 Study Area ...... 4 3.0 Background Information and Context...... 6 3.1 National and Regional Policy ...... 6 3.2 Local Policy ...... 6 3.3 Current Walking Access ...... 7 4.0 Walkway Plan for South Head...... 8 4.1 Objectives for the Walkway Network ...... 8 4.2 South Head Walkway Network Key Components...... 8 5 South Head Walkway Network Development Plan ...... 21 5.1 Walkway Network Hierarchy...... 21 5.2 Walkway Development Plan...... 22 5.3 South Head Walkway Network Approach Long Term Vision...... 23 Appendix One: Local Context ...... 24 Appendix Two: Unformed Paper Roads...... 30 Appendix Three: Summary of Consultation ...... 37

Executive Summary The provision of more walking opportunities at South Head has been identified as an objective by the Council and the community for a number of years. This South Head Walkway Plan explains how this objective could be achieved. An analysis of the study area, potential access destinations and constraints has been undertaken. From this objectives and suggestions for the development of a public access network at South Head have been developed. The objectives for the public access network are as follows: 1. To develop a walkway network for South Head which provides a range of opportunities for the public to experience the diversity of South Heads landscapes and natural values. 2. To ensure that the development and management of walkways in South Head is undertaken in such a way that significant natural values are protected, and where possible, enhanced. 3. To provide for a range of different types of walkways for different levels access (eg. Hard surface, soft surface bush walk, poled route) appropriate to the sensitivity of different environments.

These objectives are supported by a number of key initiatives as outlined below: Providing improved walking access to lakes and wetlands Development of a coast to coast walkway via Te Rau Puriri Regional Park, Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve and Woodhill Forest Providing more walking access points to the Use of rangers and voluntary rangers to provide day to day oversight of the area Promoting some of the paper roads for walking access to reserves, waterways and the coast

The Plan is a long term plan for the provision of walking opportunities at South Head, and it is envisaged that it would be implemented over a 10-20 year period.

The Plan will be reviewed by Council in relation to new Long Term Community Plans three yearly cyclic review, or as may be required by Council resolution.

1.0 Introduction The provision of more walking opportunities at South Head has been identified by the Rodney District Council and the community for a number of years. The South Head Walkway Plan outlines existing walking routes and suggests additional walkway opportunities for residents of the local community and the wider district and region. Co-ordination of these walking routes with Regional Park and Department of Conservation networks is a key component of this Plan. The plan has been developed recognising a number of key issues around walkway provision in the South Head area. These include: Sensitive natural & ecological values; Ongoing use of many areas for agriculture and forestry; A variety of land tenure issues including paper roads and leased Crown land; Limited availability of funding from Rodney District Council for the development and maintenance of facilities; The current and ongoing use of parts of the area for other recreational uses and potential conflicts with walkway provision; The acquisition of land for a new Regional Park and the resultant likely increase in regional visitation and development of facilities associated with this park; The changing demographics of the local community in the South Head area, with increased numbers of lifestyle blocks and future expansion of nearby settlements at Parakai and .

2.0 Study Area The study area for this Walkway Plan encompasses South Head, as serviced by South Head Road and shown on Map 1. South Head runs approximately 50 kilometres along the western edge of the Kaipara Harbour in the west of the Rodney District. At the base of the peninsula is the Parakai village with Helensville the nearest township. South Head comprises a diverse range of landscape types and habitats from rolling farmland, to low lying wetland, mangroves, dunelands, lagoons, freshwater lakes, rocky shoreline, native bushland and plantation forest. Current public access to these areas varies and access to the harbour and western coastline is fairly limited. Boat launching facilities exist at Shelly Beach and at the Parakai and Helensville wharves. A key feature of South Head is Woodhill Forest a plantation forest which stretches along the length of the west coast of the peninsula from Muriwai to South Head.

South Head Road services most of South Head and from it, a number of roads run towards each coastline. Some of these are unformed legal roads (paper roads).

Until very recently the main economic activities on the peninsula were stock and crop farming and forestry. More recently lifestyle blocks have been developed including horticultural activities involving citrus, avocadoes and macadamias.

Map One: South Head Walkway Plan Study Area

3.0 Background Information and Context 3.1 National and Regional Policy A range of statutes, national policies and standards provide context for the project including: Walkways Act (1990) New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement New Zealand Access Strategy New Zealand Walkway Standards Regional Policy which provides a context for the plan includes: Auckland Regional Policy Statement Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal Open Space Strategy Auckland Region Walking Strategy A number of key points of relevance from these are highlighted here. South Head and the Kaipara Harbour are recognised as having regionally and nationally significant ecological values, particularly associated with the coast. Many areas are protected from modification, and access to the most significant of these areas should be restricted. The policy context supports proposals to extend the walkway network within South Head but this is within the constraints placed by the significant ecological values. A lower standard of facilities appropriate to a rural rather than urban or peri urban area are most appropriate within South Head. 3.2 Local Policy A wide range of Rodney District Policies and Strategies have relevance to the development of the South Head Walkway Plan. These include: Rodney District Walkways Strategy 1999 Rodney District Plan Key points which arise from the local policy context are as follows: Improved walking access to the Kaipara Harbour is seen as a desirable, with potential locations identified. Generally walkways should be directed towards areas where any negative impacts on the special values and character of South Head can be minimised.

3.3 Current Walking Access In terms of an established formal walking network, South Head has only a small number of walkways as follows: South Head carpark to the lagoon - a 2min walk from the carpark on Inland Road in Woodhill Forest. Mosquito Bay a 10 min steep path down to the beach. Limited carparking is provided at the end of South Head Road; Omokoiti an unformed walkway, partly through wetland, with low key pole signage, 40 mins to the beach. Lake Ototoa a 2 min soft pedestrian walkway to the edge of the lake Shelly Beach a 10 min paved walkway from the beach up to the park on James McLeod Road. Rimmer Road carpark to Muriwai Beach - a 10 min soft track walk from the carpark to the beach in Woodhill Forest 10 Mile carpark to Muriwai Beach a 10 min soft track walk to the beach in Woodhill Forest Parakai Domain informal walking access to the river Walkways at the Muriwai Regional Park Wilson Road to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach

4.0 Walkway Plan for South Head 4.1 Objectives for the Walkway Network

1. To develop a walkway network for South Head which provides a range of opportunities for the public to experience the diversity of South Heads landscapes and natural values. 2. To ensure that the development and management of walkways in South Head is undertaken in such a way that significant natural values are protected, and where possible, enhanced. 3. To provide for a range of different types of walkways for different levels of access (eg hard surface, soft surface bush walk, poled route) appropriate to the sensitivity of different environments.

Explanation

Feedback from the consultation process identifies that the current walkway network at South Head does not provide the range or extent of walkways that are needed to meet the long term needs of the community. Additional walking access opportunities will be required, particularly in the medium to long term, and better management of the existing walkway network is required.

Because of the sensitive and significant ecological values of many areas where walking access is desired by some parts of the community, the desire for additional access needs to be balanced with protection of these important values. In addition development and maintenance of walking access needs to recognise the differing needs of different parts of the community and that a range of different types of walking access opportunities should be provided from both the formal and highly managed walkway to the relatively informal and low key route.

Development of any additional walkways and maintenance of the existing network requires a careful balancing between the needs of the different parts of the community, protection of natural values and maintenance of the rural character of South Head.

4.2 South Head Walkway Network Key Components The following outlines the long term walkway network components. It is important to note that with regard to both the ARC and DOC land, Rodney District Council does not control decisions for the use of the land, and therefore these proposals are suggestions for those agencies to consider. The intent of this Plan is to provide some indication of how the different agencies can work together to provide an integrated walkway network which provides a range of different opportunities and experience of walkway access. Where land is owned or managed by other agencies such as the ARC and DOC, these landowners have their own statutory management processes and responsibilities and these suggestions will be only one of a number of inputs into any decision making process that these organisations make prior to the development of the walkway network on their land.

4.2.1 Te Rau Puriri Regional Park

Discussion; The Te Rau Puriri Regional Park was purchased by the Auckland Regional Council and the Rodney District Council in 2007. It has links from the east coast, through native bush to Lake Ototoa. It offers a farm park experience with large vista views of the Kaipara Harbour. While the ARC is not currently actively promoting the park it has developed a low key carparking area and provided a poled walkway access across the land to the coast. The area is currently being grazed under a pastoral lease, and managed as part of the Western Parks network. Given the recent purchase of a number of sites across the region for parkland and the absence of funding allocation in the current ARC Long Term Council Community Plan, it is not anticipated that this park will be developed in any significant manner within the next ten years.

Suggestions: 1. Pedestrian access to beach (similar to Awhitu Regional Park) 2. Provide low impact camping by the beach (similar to that undertaken in other regional parks) 3. Link into adjacent Ototoa Scenic Reserve pedestrian link 4. Provide comprehensive interpretation signage including interpretation of Pa site and its role within the context of the wider Kaipara Peninsula complex of Pa. 5. Undertake restoration of significant natural areas (bush, wetlands) while retaining farm park nature of the site.

Te Rau Puriri Regional Park

RDC Decisions 1. The Project Manager/Open Space Planner work closely with the ARC and wider South Head community in the development of the Te Rau Puriri Regional Park Management Plan 2. As new areas are developed for walkway access (i.e. Te Rau Puriri Regional Park) interpretation of cultural heritage sites be addressed via the Management Plan process 3. That a coast to coast walk from Te Rau Puriri Regional Park through Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve and Woodhill Forest be supported and recommended for consideration to the ARC as part of the Te Rau Puriri Park Management Plan process.

4.2.2 Walking Access to Lakes and Wetlands

Discussion: The chain of dune lakes on South Head is a significant ecological feature of the Auckland Region and Lakes Kereta and Ototoa in particular are becoming increasingly popular for day visitors. Providing some improvement in walking access to these areas, while ensuring that natural values are retained and enhanced is a significant opportunity. Any walkways developed should remain at the low key end of the scale with a focus on soft track or poled route walkways only.

Rodney District Council has a reserve area located at South Head Hall/ Donohue Road and a strip of land down to Lake Ototoa. The Department of Conservation has several reserves and natural areas which it administers, including Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve, Ototoa Stewardship Area, the bed of Lake Ototoa and Lake Kuwakatai Marginal Strip. Due to the sensitive nature of the aquatic environment, the provisions of the Lake Ototoa Community Based Plan for Sustainable Management are supported.

Suggestions; Lake Ototoa and Environs 1. Monitor carparking use and provide additional carparking facility developed on Donohue Road South Head hall reserve owned by RDC when required. Currently this area is under some pressure at peak summer times; however expansion of carparking is likely to be a longer term activity. 2. Emphasis on access being low key pedestrian, high weighting placed on protection and enhancement of natural values 3. In conjunction with DoC look to provide detailed walkway signage on Donohue Road berm abutting Ototoa Scenic Reserve frontage, when further walkway access is developed 4. Identification in District Plan of additional land for indicative reserve at Lakes Ototoa and Kuwakatai 5. Provide for walking access from the end of Donohue Road through to Woodhill Forest. Longer term this would form part of the coast to coast walkway.

RDC Decisions 1. Any future signage be designed in accordance with the Parks Signage Manual and placed in consultation with any affected parties. 2. Any walkway provision around Lake Ototoa be the responsibility of the Department of Conservation which controls this area.

Lake Ototoa Suggestions: Lake Kereta, Karaka, Kuwakatai and Environs 1. Weed control and some restoration planting to mitigate the impacts of formation of 4WD track to Te One One Rangatira Beach. This could be done as a joint RDC and local community project. Funding of $5000 is considered in 2009/10 as part of the Councils Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP 2009-2019). 2. Provide interpretation signage on Lake Kereta frontage outlining significance of natural values in the area 3. Encourage fencing from stock and restoration of the paper road margin on the eastern edge of Lake Kereta 4. Identify additional reserve land at Lake Kereta and Lake Karaka for identification as indicative reserves in District Plan

RDC Decisions: 1. Lake Kuwakatai be identified as possible long term walkway opportunity after further consultation with adjacent landowners and after the Te Rau Puriri Park Management Plan has been adopted. 2. The other dune lakes in the South Head peninsula not be promoted for walkway provision until there is a legal public access provided around the lake shore as a consequence of any future private land subdivision 3. That the Wilson paper road is monitored for public safety and a weed control/planting programme (of a budget not to exceed $5,000) be recommended for inclusion in the 2009/10 LTCCP. 4. That the consequential recreation issues associated with opening up of Wilson paper road be addressed within the ARC off-road recreational strategy.

4.2.3 Coastal Access Kaipara Harbour

Discussion:

Current access to the Kaipara Harbour is very limited, with Helensville River Walkway, Parakai Boat Ramp, Shelly Beach, Te Rau Puriri Regional Park and Mosquito Bay being the only places offering walkways. The Department of Conservation administers Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip stretching the length of the Kaipara Coast from Mosquito Bay to Waipiro Bay including Te Rau Puriri Regional Park. There are a limited number of parks and reserves in the South Head area owned by Rodney District Council and these generally comprise esplanade reserves on the Kaipara coastline, many of which have been subject to significant erosion. Key Rodney District Council parks and reserves are located at Shelly Beach and Mosquito Bay. North of Taumata Creek there are a number of beaches on the coastline, and there is a strong desire within some of the community for more walking access to these areas. This desire is not universal, with longstanding rural landowners seeing less need for the development of additional walking access opportunities. While the beaches are very pleasant, it is likely that the majority of interest (and use) for any walkways developed will be for the local community, with perhaps the exception over the peak summer period. Developing additional walking access to other parts of the Kaipara Harbour coastline with the number and standard of facilities to reflect the likely use by the local community is medium to long term goal. The Kaipara Harbour wetland system is ecologically significant. The Department of Conservation administers around the Te Ikatuahou and Awakahukahu Creeks and no walkway access is considered appropriate to these areas. Adjacent to South Head Road a lay-by and picnic area is located a few hundred metres south of Slater Road overlooking Motukuru Island and some limited access to view the extensive wetlands and interpretation of their natural values may be appropriate around these locations.

The provision of small number of appropriately scaled walking access, accompanied by interpretation of the natural features could enhance the value placed on the area by the community. The South Head Road abuts the wetlands in several localities and limited walking access points and viewing areas are suggested in three of these areas.

Omokoiti Flat and Puharakeke Wetlands Suggestions 1. Should there be interest from the local community, develop the Omokoiti walkway link as a community project. A clear soft track and section of boardwalk through the swampy area is required to be developed before wider public access to this area could be promoted. A maintenance and restoration plan for the area should be developed which provides a reference point for ongoing management. 2. Develop a Development Plan for the Council owned land in the Mosquito Bay area. This would consider the best way to provide improved walking access to Mosquito Bay. This plan could be considered in 2013/14 as part of the Council s LTCCP. 3. Work with ARC to investigate opportunities for a joint ranger service for this area. This could include both a volunteer ranger programme and a possible joint funded park ranger. 4. Investigate options around a possible land swap with the Highams to gain an access way to the coast which creates less conflict with the surrounding farming activity. 5. Develop viewing area and interpretation signage about significance of Kaipara wetlands at Omokoiti Flat at South Head Road approx 800m north of intersection with Monk Road, at South Head Road approx 400m south of intersection with Slater Road at picnic area/lay-by and at Kaituna Creek approx 500m north of Tarawera Road. Combined community and Council funding should be sort for this project. 6. Investigate potential alignment for short boardwalk into Kaipara Harbour wetland from South Head Road at Kaituna Creek 7. Investigate opportunities to further develop coastal walkways in the Shelly Beach area.

RDC Decisions 1. That Mosquito Bay paper road be identified as a future means of improved public access to the beach and addressed via a future development plan for Council owned land in the Mosquito Bay area. 2. That the Manager Urban Design and Development be asked to schedule the preparation of a new development plan for Council owned land in the Mosquito Bay area, in 2013/14 financial year. 3. That the development of Omokoiti paper road as a walkway project not be proceeded with unless there is a community group who are willing to manage the implementation of the walkway and restoration of the stream. 4. That the proposal to swap the paper road for Highams private land be investigated further and reported back to a future meeting of the Council. 5. That the Shelly Beach walkway connections be considered as part of the review of the Shelley Beach Reserve Management Plan, which is currently underway. 6. That the Council not seek additional esplanade reserve widths for those properties fronting the Kaipara Harbour as listed in the draft Walkway Plan but rely on the existing District Plan rules for esplanade reserves. 7. That resources to assist the establishment of a volunteer ranger system to assist coordination of walkway opportunities be proposed in the short term via the LTP process, before full opening of Te Rau Puriri Park in ten years time. 8. That the Council in conjunction with Tangata Whenua and the community source funding and develop Kaipara Wetlands interpretation signage for two lay-by sites, adjacent to South head Road. Initial funding be proposed in the short-term via the LTCCP (2011/12) process.

Mosquito Bay and Omokoiti: Two of the beaches on the Kaipara Coastline where improved walking access is sought

4.2.4 Coastal Access- Te Oneone Rangatira Beach and South Head Lagoon

Te Oneone Rangatira Beach and South Head Lagoon have a range of parties involved in ownership and management leading to a complex management situation.

The Department of Conservation administers the marginal strip alongside Waionui Inlet, Ti Tree Island, a marginal strip the length of Muriwai/ Te Oneone Rangatira Beach. The Auckland Regional Council administers the land at Muriwai Regional Park, which forms a significant access point to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) administers the Woodhill Forest and areas not managed by DOC at South Head Lagoon. Carter Holt Harvey has a lease with LINZ over the Woodhill Forest Area owned by the Crown. Hancock Natural Resources manages Woodhill Forest as a commercial forest and has the cutting rights. The New Zealand Defence Force has a designation over the Papakanui Spit dune area, for the purposes of operating the Kaipara Head Air Weapons Range. Access to Woodhill Forest is gained off SH18 from Rimmer Road and Restell Road. An extensive forestry road network exists in the forest, but these are private forestry roads. The forest owners allow walking access on many of the roads where this will not conflict with the forestry operation. Public access easements exist at the southern end of Woodhill Forest: along Rimmer Road to the carpark on Coast Road; and along Inland Road and Link Road to the carpark. A further public access easement exists at South Head from Trig Road over Tasman Road and Inland Road to the picnic site on the Waionui Inlet. The detail of the easements is such that while they provide public access, it can be closed in the following circumstances: a) during the hours of darkness; b) for reasons relating to the safety of those using the access areas or of those working on the land; or c) for reasons relating to the protection of the trees, buildings, plant, equipment or related items on the land.

The complexity of management responsibilities at South Head Forest/Waionui Inlet has resulted in the area being poorly managed, to the detriment of both recreational and natural values. The Rodney District Council has a role in working with the various agencies and landowners to improve the walkway opportunities.

Suggestions Work with Hancock Natural Resources, the ARC, the DOC to ensure appropriate ongoing pedestrian access to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach over existing tracks from Wilson Road and Donohue Road through Woodhill Forest.

RDC Decisions 1. That the preparation of an ARC study of off-road motorised recreation issues impacting on the South Head area be supported. 2. That walkway provision within Woodhill Forest is addressed as part of the recreation pressures study brief, as it involves a number of different agencies. 3. That the Project Manager Strategic Developments continues to work with the various landowner agencies responsible for the South Head/Waionui Inlet area, to investigate appropriate walkway options.

4.2.5 Coast to Coast Walkway

Discussion: A long term project is suggested to be to create a Coast to Coast walkway from the Kaipara Harbour to Te One One Rangatira Beach. This would incorporate walkways within the new ARC Park, Ototoa Scenic Reserve and Woodhill Forest and could be created as a day walk of around 10-15 km. The track would likely include a combination of soft surface and poled route components as are appropriate to the sensitivities of the different areas. Such a walkway could cover a range of different environments and experiences including: the Kaipara Harbour coast at Waipiro Bay the native bush on Te Rau Puriri Regional Park and Ototoa Scenic Reserve Lake Ototoa Woodhill Forest A side link up to Lake Kuwakatai Te Oneone Rangatira Beach and the west coast

RDC Decisions 1. That a coast to coast walk from Te Rau Puriri Regional Park through Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve and Woodhill Forest be supported and recommended for consideration to the ARC as part of the Te Rau Puriri Park Management Plan process.

4.2.6 Use of Rangers and Voluntary Rangers

Discussion:

One of the ongoing issues for any development of walking facilities at South Head is maintenance. Like most local bodies, Rodney District engages contractors to maintain its walkways and associated facilities. However this means that there is no physical presence by the Council in the area for the vast majority of the time. Inspections by Council staff of facilities tend to be infrequent and in a real sense the local community becomes the eyes and ears of public land in terms of noticing problems, and in some instances dealing with them. One way to recognise this community input, and to create formal links through to the Council, is the use of the honorary Ranger system, as provided for in Section 8, subsection 9 of the Reserves Act, whereby an administering authority is able to appoint Rangers. This system formalises and acknowledges the contribution which local community members make towards the management of parks and reserves as the eyes and ears for the community and other agencies. Honorary Rangers are a successful part of the parks management system in nearby Council, as well as in other parts of the country. Another opportunity which may become available for Rodney District Council is the sharing of Ranger services with the ARC. Rangers are a significant feature of the management of the ARC parks network. At this stage it is not known whether a ranger will be based at Te Rau Puriri Regional Park. However if this does occur, then an agreement could be reached between the Rodney District Council to work together with the ARC to enable some oversight of Rodney parks assets in the area. Such a role could be particularly useful to ensure that illegal camping at areas such as Mosquito Bay do not occur, as well as providing a local contact for South Head community members to liaise with over management issues.

RDC Decisions 1. That resources to assist the establishment of a volunteer ranger system to assist coordination of walkway opportunities be proposed in the short term via the LTCCP process, before full opening of Te Rau Puriri Park in approximately ten years time.

4.2.7 Identification of key sites for possible future expansion of walkway network

Discussion:

As further subdivision of South Head occurs, it is recommended that opportunities to gain better walkway access, in particular to the lake areas, are provided for. The Rodney District Council has the opportunity to take an esplanade reserve upon the subdivision of sites, and through identifying these areas and access ways as Indicative Reserves in its District Plan is able to consider whether to acquire this land for public access when subdivision occurs. Key localities where the Council has identified Indicative Reserves in order to preserve the opportunity to consider them for public access on South Head are outlined in the table below:

Table One: Key sites for identification as potential Indicative Reserves Location of Potential Indicative Description Reserves Lake Kuwakatai 4m width pedestrian access in suitable location for walking from Donohue Road to Lake Kuwakatai. Additional width esplanade around entire lake to 30 metres width to allow for both public access and a riparian buffer1. Lake Kereta Additional width esplanade to 30 metres around lake to allow for both public access and a riparian buffer1. Lake Ototoa Additional width esplanade to 30m on eastern shore to allow for riparian restoration1 as well as public access from Donohue Road to South Head Road alongside the lake. Additional width esplanade on southern shore to incorporate two pa sites currently on private land and allow pedestrian access to these. Lake Karaka Provision of 4m pedestrian access to Lake Karaka and an esplanade reserve around the lake

1 Research indicates than a 30 metre vegetated riparian buffer is required to minimise impacts of land use on aquatic and birdlife values in ecologically significant waterbodies and that if public access is also to be provided, then in order to minimise the impact it should be outside of a core 20 metre vegetated area.

RDC Decisions 1. That the Council not seek additional esplanade reserve widths for those properties fronting the Kaipara Harbour as listed in the draft Walkway Plan but rely on the existing District Plan rules for esplanade reserves. 2. That the other dune lakes in the South Head peninsula not be promoted for walkway provision until there is legal public access provided around the lake shore as a consequence of any future private land subdivision.

4.2.8 Paper Road Management Discussion: A large number of paper roads exist on South Head (unformed legal roads. Some of these provide legal access to the coast, streams or lakes, while others meander across the farmland in the area. The majority of paper roads however are not clearly locatable on the ground and have not been formed for any kind of walking access. In most cases as a result, private land as well as public land would be crossed by anyone seeking walking access. A discussion of the types of paper roads, and issues around them is included in Appendix Two. Rodney District Council has a policy guideline for the use of unformed/ paper roads and relevant parts of this are also included in Appendix Two. In addition a Code of Conduct for use of Paper Roads has been developed and this is also included in Appendix Two.

Some landowners have indicated a desire to clearly identify the alignment of the paper roads adjacent to their properties. Where this is undertaken it would be appropriate to identify the routes with low key markers so that future confusion about their location is eliminated. In one instance, that of the Higham Road to the coast, the paper road leads to an area widely used over summer by community groups for camping. Public access to this area would compromise this use, in particular due to safety and security concerns. The paper road itself does not follow a route which is identifiable without accurate GPS, although a middle section of the road aligns with the private farm road. The land on either side of the paper road is private, including the coastline where no esplanade or marginal strip exists. A suggested alternative is to investigate options around possible land swaps with the adjacent landowner. Public consultation through the development of this Walkway Plan has identified such as proposal as worth pursuing. This will be subject to further consultation and formal processes required under the Local Government Act. RDC Decisions 1. That any formalised walkway access proposed over paper roads, be specifically discussed with all contiguous landowners prior to any planning work commencing. 2. That a suggested code of conduct be included in the Walkway Plan as a guide for both users and landowners (see Appendix 2). 3. That the Council work with landowners who are interested in identifying the public paper road that crosses their property, to ensure potential users are able to use the road safely.

4.2.9 Management of Dogs Discussion: Dog management was an issue raised during the deliberations process due to conflicts with and impacts on ecological values. Some of the most significant ecological areas are already subject to controls under the Rodney District Council Dog Control Bylaw and the Conservation Act. Current Dog Control Regulations The Rodney District Dog Control Bylaw 2004: Amendment 1(2005) identifies that dogs are prohibited from a range of areas, including: All public campgrounds or designated public picnic areas in Rodney District including any regional park. Any habitat advised by any organisation recognised by the Council, Auckland Regional Council, or Department of Conservation, to be home to protected wildlife species. Dogs are also only allowed in the following areas between 9am and 7pm during daylight saving hours, or in winter: Muriwai Beach to 450m from Motutara Road Shelly Beach headland to headland

On all bush walks, walkways and access ways, the foreshore of Lakes Kareta, Kuwakatai, Kainganga and Poutoa and on Muriwai and Rangatira Beaches, dogs are required to be leashed at all times. Two dog exercise areas are identified on the peninsula: Muriwai Beach: the beach between MHWS and MLWS from a point 450 metres north from Motutara Road for a distance of approximately 10 km to the beginning of the Muriwai Beach Marginal Strip and adjacent Crown foreshore, Selected parts of Woodhill Forest with the consent of Carter Holt Harvey. The Department of Conservation has identified the following Controlled Dog areas under the Conservation Act 1987 Section 267zs: No Access Areas: Papakanui Stewardship Area and adjacent Crown foreshore. Okahukura Stewardship Area and adjacent Crown foreshore South Head Stewardship Area and adjacent Crown foreshore Ti Tree Island Stewardship Area and adjacent Crown foreshore Ti Tree Is Conservation Area and adjacent Crown foreshore Waionui Inlet Marginal Strip and adjacent Crown foreshore Moturekareka Island Recreation Reserve and adjacent Crown foreshore Southhead Road Scientific Reserve and adjacent Crown foreshore Lake Ototoa Scenic Reserve Kohatutara Scenic Reserve and adjacent Crown foreshore Crown foreshore adjacent to Papakunui Spit and within Waionui Inlet

Dogs on leads before 9am and after 7pm Labour Weekend to end of Daylight Saving:

Rangatira Beach Marginal Strip and adjacent Crown foreshore Muriwai Beach Marginal Strip and adjacent Crown foreshore

Issues with Current Regulations As can be seen from above, dogs are extensively regulated within the South Head area. However due to the isolated nature of the area, problems with enforcement of regulations arise. Practically it is considered that the development of the volunteer ranger programme (as discussed above) and development of appropriate signage explaining why dogs are restricted in these areas are the most obvious ways of improving dog management in the area. Co-ordination between Rodney District Council, the Department of Conservation and the Auckland Regional Council with regard to dog control should also be part of discussions around recreation pressures and future ranger services.

RDC Decisions 1 Introduce dog education and prohibition signage (showing reasons why on this signage) in the areas listed in page 19 & 20 2 Incorporate the dog education policy within the volunteer ranger responsibilities when this is initiated in the future

5 South Head Walkway Network Development Plan

5.1 Walkway Network Hierarchy When considering the walkway network to deliver on the objectives of the Walkway Plan, a walkway hierarchy is included. Different walking routes would be provided to different standards, and in different areas, as appropriate to the environmental sensitivity of the area and to complement the range of experiences offered by different types of walkway designs. Walking access formed path or boardwalk more developed areas associated facilities picnicking, toilets, detailed information signage, rubbish bins The following walkways would be developed or maintained to this standard: 1. Existing Mosquito Bay path 2. Shelly Beach Walkways 3. Boardwalk access to Kaituna Creek Walking access soft track rural and bush areas lower level of facilities provision directional and information signage pack in pack out policy for rubbish The following walkways would be developed or maintained to this standard: 1. New Mosquito Bay access track 2. Parts of the suggested Coast to Coast Walk (eg through Te Rau Puriri Regional Park) 3. Lake Ototoa Walkways 4. Omokoiti 5. Lake Kereta 6. Any walkways developed at South Head/Waionui Inlet area Walking access poled route for the keen walker low or no other facilities provided not actively promoted by the council, but used by locals and by walking groups The following walkways would be developed or maintained to this standard: Parts of the suggested Coast to Coast Walk Marking of any paper roads requested by adjacent landowners Higham Road to Tokotoroto Point

5.2 Walkway Development Plan The following table outlines the staged programme for Rodney District Council implementation of the South Head Walkway Plan.

Table Two: Suggested Development Staging South Head Walkway Network Short Term: 2008-2015 Mosquito Bay Develop a Development Plan for the Council owned land in this area. Development plan scheduled for 2013/2014 ($10k). Implementation in 2015/16 (estimated to be $150,000k) Omokoiti Should there be community interest, develop a joint Council - Community project to create defined Omokoiti soft surface track and boardwalk Lake Kereta: Wilson Road Weed control, mitigation planting on new Wilson Road-Te Te One One Rangatira Beach One One Rangatira Beach 4WD track - in conjunction with local community. Shelly Beach Consider the development of further walkway connections as part of the Shelly Beach Reserve Management Plan 2009/2010 Muriwai/Te One One Rangatira Address conflicts between walkers and motorised vehicles Beach/ South Head and in ARC Off Road Motorised Recreation Strategy Waionui Inlet South Head & Waionui Inlet Work with the various landowner agencies at South Head and Waionui Inlet to investigate appropriate walkway options. Higham Road to Beach Investigate land swap options with the Higham Family to remove conflict between potential public access and surrounding farming activities. South Head Road - Motukuru Develop viewing area and interpretation signage at South Island Wetlands Head Road picnic area/lay-by south of Slater Road by Motukuru Island wetlands. Initial funding to be proposed in LTCCP 2008/09 year ($10k) General Develop Plan Change for District Plan which identifies Dune Lakes Indicative Reserves for additional width esplanades and access to esplanades as identified in 4.2.7 above. Undertake ongoing advocacy with the DoC, Hancock Natural Resources and the ARC regarding the implementation of the recommendations of this plan as relate to their land holdings. Update District Walking Brochure when new walkways are developed in the South Head area. Consider through the L.C.C.T.P providing resources to support the establishment of a Volunteer Ranger system ($10,000 per year from 2015/16) Long Term: 2015-2025 Lake Kereta Develop interpretation signage on Lake Kereta frontage. Undertake restoration work on the eastern edge of Lake Kereta in conjunction with soft walkway track formation South Head Ranger Develop an agreement and allocate funding towards shared

ARC/DoC/NZDF/RDC Ranger for South Head

South Head Road Kaituna Develop short boardwalk into Kaituna Creek wetland from Creek Wetlands South Head Road north of Tarawera Road. Implementation in 2017/18 ($50k) South Head Hall Reserve Develop additional carparking if required and comprehensive walkway and interpretation signage showing the walkways across the peninsula adjacent to South Head Hall. Coast to Coast Walkway Develop Kaipara Harbour to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach Coast to Coast walkway

5.3 South Head Walkway Network Approach Long Term Vision

Map Two: Long Term Vision for Walkway Network at South Head

Appendix One: Local Context Local Iwi Ngati whatua have mana whenua (customary rights) over the South Head area and maintain a strong presence on the peninsula including Haranui Marae and a significant landholding in the Otakanini Topu lands. Changing Demographics Statistics New Zealand 2006 Census results for South Head report a total of 511 usually resident occupied dwellings and a population of 1335 people. A further 2532 of people live in Helensville nearby. At South Head the population has increased by 15.5% from the 2001 census, with further subdivision and development of new housing planned and underway. As a consequence of subdivisions on the peninsula there has been a significant change in the nature of the South Head community with a growing population of landowners with smaller holdings and a desire for a greater range of facilities and opportunities for public access. Research into lifestyle residents in South Head1 indicates that many of the aspirations of the more recent members of the community for the area vary from those of the more established rural population, perhaps in part resulting from many of the newer residents commuting to urban areas for work. Community and Local Interest Groups There are a number of community and local interest groups which play an active role in the South Head area. Many of these groups are particularly concerned with the preservation and enhancement of the unique features and values of the South Head area. The presence and interest of these groups represents an opportunity for the development of partnerships around management of public access in parts of South Head, particularly where limited maintenance funding is available. Visitor Community The proximity of South Head to Helensville, western Rodney District and wider metropolitan Auckland, means that an increasing number of visitors are drawn to the area. Many of these visitors and groups of visitors come to experience the isolation, beauty and natural values of the area, but also a significant number come to participate in walking, motorised recreation, equestrian, fishing and boating opportunities.

Constraints to Walking Access Natural Values As discussed above, the high ecological values of parts of South Head provide a constraint to walking access to parts of South Head, with a need for careful management, or in some cases a restriction of walking access, required. The area has a number of unique natural features including the dune lake system, the western sand dune areas, the Waionui lagoon and extensive wetlands on the edge of the Kaipara Harbour. Map Four identifies the areas where restricted or careful management of walking access is required due to ecological constraints such as the presence of threatened and endangered native plants and birdlife or unique threatened habitats.

1 McLeod D. (2005) A Study of Lifestylers on the South Kaipara Head Peninsula

Historical and Archaeological Values A range of historical, archaeological and culturally significant sites can be found on South Head. Some, such as some urupa and pa sites in the Woodhill Forest are formally protected by covenant as part of the lease to CHH Forests, but many exist on private land. The main threats to deterioration of the large number of pa sites are around stock damage and forestry operations, however any walking access to these sites needs to consider their fragility in its design.

Forestry Management The management of Woodhill Forest as an active working plantation forest places significant constraints on the area in order to ensure that health and safety issues do not arise and that the value of the asset is maintained. Forest closures occur when harvesting activity is underway and also during periods of high fire danger. Often these closures occur at times when public access is desirable, such as during the peak holiday season. However the forest is a private asset owned by a commercial company, and these access restrictions are more than compensated for by the significant recreational opportunities provided at other times. Hunting is also permitted in Woodhill during the winter months by balloted hunters and this also places restrictions on public access for other users.

Carter Holt Harvey information signage provided as part of management of Woodhill Forest

Map Three: Areas with Significant Ecological Constraints to Walking Access

Bombing Range The New Zealand Defence Force has a Designation over the dune area west of Waionui Inlet and the Papakanui Spit. The designation is for the South Kaipara Head Air Weapons Range and is where training activities are undertaken, including the following: The dropping of high explosive bombs; The firing of air to ground high explosive rockets; Machine cannon gunnery from strike aircraft and helicopters; Training aerial supply drops by RNZAF transport aircraft; Ground based demolition training and weapons proof testing by RNZAF, RNZN and NZ Army personnel; Four wheel drive training, and Forward air controller training. The range covers the area described below and shown on Map Four. All that area of land and sea situated in the North Auckland Land District and contained in a circle of 6000 yards (5486 metres) radius centred on a point at Latitude 360 28 45.3 South, Longitude 1740 09 38 East positioned on a bearing of 227½ 0 (T) at a distance of 4.8 nautical miles from South Kaipara Head light. Closures of the area covered by the Bombing Range are required to be publicly notified.

Map Four: South Kaipara Head Air Weapons Range

Coastal Erosion Both the Kaipara and Tasman coastlines are subject to coastal erosion. In the case of the Kaipara coastline this has significantly impacted on the extent of esplanade reserves and paper roads. In some instances these have eroded to widths unsuitable for walking access, while in other instances some usable areas of land remain, but erosion is still occurring. Climate change and sea level rise will undoubtedly exacerbate this situation. Any public access ways developed along the eroding parts of the coastline will need to be sited sufficiently back from the coast that walkways and other assets will not be adversely affected by erosion within their asset life. Other options such as access along the beach may be more appropriate in some areas, although this can be restricted due to tides. Availability of Funding Availability of funding from the key walking access agencies (Rodney District Council, Auckland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation) is a significant constraint to both the development and maintenance of public access opportunities at South Head. In practice, funding is most likely to be targeted towards the development and maintenance of facilities where higher use is likely. Because of the small local population at South Head, this means that facilities where both local and visitor use is likely to occur are higher priorities. The funding mechanism for the both the Rodney District Council and Auckland Regional Council is for suggested activities to be included in the Long Term Plan. These plans are reviewed three yearly with the next review commencing in late 2008 for the development of the 2009-2019 Long Term Plans.

Appendix Two: Unformed Paper Roads Purpose of Paper Roads Paper roads in South Head, as with much of the rest of New Zealand, are often not located with regard to natural features or topography, making physical access or formation of the roads difficult. While some paper roads may provide a link to the coast, a stream or other water body, generally paper roads in South Head appear to have been created primarily with the purpose of giving legal access to titles, rather than providing for future physical access to areas of interest to the wider community. South Head s paper roads often run through property, which though on several titles, is under one ownership, and as a result have not been considered as part of any layout of farming operations. Some, such as the Omokoiti paper road, were created originally to serve another purpose (eg drainage reserve, plantation reserve) and have had a change of legal status in the past.

Farm Roads vs. Paper Roads There has been a misapprehension in parts of the South Head community that farm roads are generally located on paper roads, but as discussed further below, this is generally not the case. Farm roads have generally been located to provide for practical management of farms, and for access to key features forming part of the farming operation. They are generally located on the easiest topography, are not fenced from surrounding pasture or farmland and have multiple gates across them. They are private property, and as such the permission of the landowner is required for any access on them. Because farms are a workplace in terms of Health and Safety in Employment laws, there are particular concerns around unmanaged public access across farms and issues of legal liability if there is an accident.

Types of Paper Roads Generally these unformed (paper) roads can be grouped into four categories discussed as follows: a) Paper Road route is fenced and road location is clearly defined These roads, though unformed to Council roading standards, are defined in terms of location and fenced from adjacent private land. As outlined in the Rodney District Council Uses of Council Unformed Roads Guidelines for Potential Users (refer below) document, the council currently does not maintain or take any liability for the condition of the roads. They are however accessible and easily able to be used by members of the public for public access, although this is generally restricted in its type due to the surface of the road.

Examples of paper roads falling into this category are Omokoiti South Head Road to Omokoiti Bay (suitable for pedestrian access only); Road to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach Wilson Road to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach (suitable for 4WD access);

b) Paper Road is clearly defined, but unfenced and running through farming activity. These roads, though unformed to Council roading standards, are defined in terms of location, but are unfenced from adjacent private land. As outlined in the Rodney District Council Uses of Council Unformed Roads Guidelines for Potential Users document, while public access is able to be gained along these roads, consideration must be given to stock or crops located on the road. All gates should be left as they are found, and consideration must be given to stock or crops located adjacent to the road. As these roads are not maintained by the council, all care must be taken to ensure that the paper road is not damaged, and any damage as a consequence of access must be repaired at the user s expense. An example of a paper road falling into this category is: Mosquito Bay South Head Road to Mosquito Bay

c) Paper Road is not defined and does not follow any easily identifiable path able to be followed without trespassing on private land. There are a large number of roads in South Head which fall into this category where there is no discernable path that follows the paper road, and indeed in some instances due to topography, it would be physically difficult to gain access along the length of the paper road. Examples of paper roads falling into this category are as follows: Wilson Road to Fuller Road a long meandering route which provides legal access to a large number of titles but follows no identifiable formed route. Evans Road to Woodhill Forest Fuller Road to Woodhill Forest

d) Paper Road is not defined, but in parts a farm road is located on the same alignment These are perhaps the most complex situations, where part, but not all of a farm road or track lies on the paper road. In some instances the farm road starts on the paper road alignment as a continuation of a formed road, but as the paper road traverses more difficult topography, or its location is not related to where farming access is needed, the farm road diverts from the paper road. Examples of this are: Tarawera Road to Te One One Rangatira Beach; Monk Road, Fuller Road, McLeod Road, Webber Road, Green Road.

In other instances the farm road may start on private land in a location unrelated to the paper road, traverse the paper road in part, but also deviate from it across private land. Examples of this are: the paper road from Higham Road to Higham Beach and the paper road from South Head Road to the Ahukahukahu Creek wetlands In both these instances it is important to understand the parts of the farm road which are not lying on the paper road is private land, and unauthorised access on this is trespass. Some farmers may be willing to allow people to walk over their property, if asked, but permission from the landowner must always be sought in these circumstances. Through the development of the South Head Walkway Plan this issue has been widely discussed and some landowners have identified that, provided appropriate protocols are adhered to, they will give permission to local community members for access across their land. The basis of these protocols lies in prior request for access and consideration of farming operations. There may be instances where due to farming or hunting activity, where access may be denied at a particular time.

Uses of Council Unformed Roads Guidelines for Potential Users Rodney District Council has a guideline for the use of council unformed roads (paper roads). Relevant parts of the guideline are included in this appendix as follows: Introduction There are three basic categories of Road within the District and under the jurisdiction of the Council. (a) Formed Public Roads roadways currently formed and maintained by the Council for the purposes of conveying of traffic and pedestrians (i.e. District roading network). (b) Unformed Roads roads that are not formed or do not comply with the Council s Roading Construction Standard, and are not maintained by the Council. Commonly termed paper roads . They are nevertheless public lands owned by the Council. (c) Private Roads roads formed, maintained and controlled by private owners. Requests are frequently received from adjoining landowners, and other interested parties seeking approval to access, graze, lease, fence, form, build on, or stop and purchase unformed roads.

Unformed Roads

Public Access Members of the public have the right of access along the road regardless of whether the road is formed or unformed. It may not always be clear where the location and boundaries of an unformed road are located, and the Council has no obligation to identify them. If a member of the public enters privately owned land it may constitute trespass. Where it is obvious that an unformed road is being used in conjunction with an adjacent property, consideration must be given to stock or crops located on the road. All gates should be left as they were found. If a member of the public causes damage to stock or crops, whether by an act of omission, that person may be liable for the damage. All care must be taken to ensure that the unformed road is not damaged and any damage to the ground surface or effects as a consequence of access must be repaired at the user s expense. More recently, unformed roads have come under increasing pressure from recreational users (trampers, walkers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, motorcycles, mountain bikes, horses etc). Such uses are legal providing that all other requirements of this guide are complied with. Notwithstanding any legal rights of public access, all users of unformed roads should be considerate in their use of such roads and respectful of adjacent landowners interests.

Liability The Council assumes no liability for the condition of any unformed road or the suitability of any activity carried out on any unformed road nor can it guarantee the location of any boundaries. Any access is solely at the users risk.

Assumed Rights of Use Where an unformed road is fenced along one boundary only, the owner adjacent to the unfenced boundary of the road may have assumed rights of use for the road. Where an unformed road is wholly contained within a single land holding, the adjacent landowner within which it is contained may assume the right to use the land in accordance with this document. The fact that a person may have assumed right to use an unformed road does not create any lease or licence or otherwise affect the legal status of the land as road, nor does it displace the right of members of the public to pass along the road. Where an unformed road is bounded by land holdings under separate ownership, the road shall be made available for mutual use but may be occupied by one single landowner by agreement between the parties. Should occupation be disputed then the Rodney District Council Property Services Manager shall determine the matter. (See Disputes section).

Fencing and Gates The Council is not financially responsible for the fencing of any legal road boundaries. Unformed roads may be isolated with gates, installed by the occupier at their expense, however the locking of such gates is not permitted. Section 344 of the Local Government Act 1974 requires any person who wishes to erect a gate across the road to apply in writing to the Council for the erection of the gate. Temporary fencing for the purpose of stock control may be erected across an unformed road but must not inhibit pedestrian access. The Council s Policy No. 2300 Fences and Gates on Roads shall apply.

Maintenance of unformed Roads The occupiers of any unformed road are responsible for the control of noxious plants and pests on the road as if the occupier owned the land. The Council s Policy No.2290 Work on Unformed or Inferior Roads shall apply.

Lease or Licence to Occupy Roads The Council has no power to lease the surface of unformed legal roads, but in some cases may be prepared to enter into agreements which provide limited and temporary rights. However, any such agreements will contain the following clause: This agreement is subject to the right of any member of the public to pass or repass along the road at any time. When considering an application for such an agreement, the Council will take into account the requirements and effects of the landholdings adjacent to the road, future strategic requirements (i.e. any requirement for formation, bridleways etc) and public interests. Any such application must be addressed to the Property Services Manager of the Council and shall include the following: Reason for request Location Map Requested terms of such an arrangement Name, address, telephone numbers for contact Written consent of all adjacent, and affected landowners. If such a request is granted the approval shall be made in writing and include such conditions as are determined by the Property Services Management. A standard condition of any such Agreement shall be the occupation of all such land shall be at the Councils pleasure and may be terminated at any time and for any reason by the Property Services Manager acting on behalf of the Council.

Development of Unformed Roads No physical works including planting of trees and shrubs or the formation of a road shall be carried out on the road except with the specific written approval of the Property Services Manager. It will be a condition of carrying out any such work on the road that all resource consents have been obtained before any work is done, and copies of these are forwarded to the Property Services Manager. Any improvements/structures permitted on the unformed roads shall be removed at the request of the Property Services Manager and no compensation shall be paid by the Council. Where temporary access is required for private forestry harvesting purposes, Council s Policy no. 2295 shall apply.

Stopping of Roads Applications may be made to the Council for the permanent and legal stopping of any roads or any portion of road. The Council s document Stopping of Unformed Roads outlines the procedure for the stopping and purchasing of unformed roads. The essential pre-condition of any road stopping procedure is that the Council must be satisfied that the road will never be needed for roading purposes in the future nor for access to coastal marine areas.

Costs The applicant will be responsible for all the Council s costs associated with the granting of occupancy rights and stopping of roads, including fees for investigation, legal fees, engineering assessments, Council staff time and disbursements etc. In the event of a road being stopped it shall be purchased at current market value as assessed by the Council s valuer.

Disputes All determinations and interpretations affecting unformed roads shall be made by the Property Services Manager.

Council Policy The policies referred to in this guide may change from time to time by resolution of the Council.

Code of Conduct for Use of Unformed Paper Roads The above information identifies a number of key points, which together can be considered to make up a Code of Conduct for Use of Unformed Paper Roads, as follows: Unless clear marking of the paper road exists (through Council markers or signage) users should seek permission of the adjacent landowner to use the road in many instances farm tracks and the like do not reflect the actual alignment of the paper road. Users should seek permission of the adjacent landowner if they wish to bring a dog or other animal on the paper road. All users of unformed roads should be considerate in their use of such roads and respectful of adjacent landowners interests. All gates should be left as they are found Care around stock and crops located on or adjacent to the road should be taken at all times All care must be taken to ensure that the paper road is not damaged, and any damage as a consequence of access must be repaired at the users expense.

Appendix Three: Summary of Consultation Consultation undertaken as part of the development of this Plan has involved a number of key components. Firstly a written survey was sent to the residents of South Head. Seventy responses were received and an analysis of the feedback from this was undertaken. Secondly a series of informal meetings were held with some directly affected landowners and community members, which included site walkovers. This enabled a good understanding of the access issues in particular localities and of a range of perspectives on the issues. Thirdly a community drop in day was held on November 18th 2006 to allow community members to come and discuss their views, look at the preliminary principles and plans proposed for public access in South Head and provide informal feedback regarding the proposals. Council representatives also attended the South Head Residents and Ratepayers meeting and South Kaipara Forum to discuss the proposed plan development. The draft Plan was notified for submissions in January 2007. Following the receipt of submissions a further community workshop to discuss some of the key issues was held on 3 November 2007. Submissions were heard by the Strategy and Community Committee of the Council on 6 March 2008. The Committee then deliberated and made decisions on the Plan at its meeting on 1 May 2008.

Key Issues Identified through the Consultation A large number of issues and opportunities around a number of key localities were identified through the consultation process. These are summarised in the table below. Table Three: Summary of Issues Raised in South Head Consultation Locality Issue/Opportunity South Head Access through forest is often closed due to forestry operations need Forest/Waionui for formal agreement in place between Rodney District and CHH which Lagoon/ Ti Tree guides management of public access in line with the easement Island Ecological values and conflicts with some uses particular problems at Ti Tree Island with camping, bush clearance and fires and at Papakanui Spit and in the bombing range area where 4WD access is impacting on native birdlife including threatened species. Poor signage/ interpretation, lack of clear direction for users High community priority for better public access Bombing range use likely to continue Toilets recently removed due to vandalism but need for facilities due to high usage Increasing motorised recreation use need for formal agreements code of behaviour to be developed with clubs includes fishing clubs Need to rationalise access ways to direct different users towards appropriate locations

Locality Issue/Opportunity Increasing impact on South Head Road as a result in growth of use Mosquito Bay, Current access poor and difficult for many users steep, poorly signed Kaipara Harbour Unformed road in locality potential private land conflicts but has been used for access in the past Potential high tide boat ramp site close to mouth of the harbour tidal flow is strong however (4-5 knots) and sand flats are extensive Current issues with rubbish, camping and fires likely to be further exacerbated if vehicle access provided without supervision Have been problems with people going north around the rocks or in soft sand at low tide and getting caught strong tidal flow means can be dangerous Location at the end of the peninsula is not ideal in terms of encouraging more public access as is remote and unsurveilled and high use would place additional pressure on the length of South Head Road, including the unsealed portions. Omokoiti Bay, Only access via unformed road Kaipara Harbour Current access unformed and unmaintained - through wetland, rank vegetation etc not suitable for general public use without surface improvement Potential link back to Mosquito Bay via beach at low tide as well as south to the new ARC park Fenced on both boundaries 22 metre width likely to become weedy and overgrown without maintenance or grazing Link to ARC parkland possible although high tide access may be difficult to create due to ongoing cliff face erosion. Lake Ototoa Current access to lake via formed pathway Some low level facilities (toilet, grass berm used for parking, short track) DOC propose to develop partial walkway around as part of upgrade of visitor facilities and link up to South Head Road. Use by kayakers, fishing Significant ecological values on the northern and western sides of the lake South Head Hall and associated reserve across the road opportunity to link and provide a facility hub Potential link with new ARC park and via Woodhill to the west coast coast to coast walkway Has a number of pest fish which has degraded ecological values concern about potential for introduction of aquatic weeds Lake Kuwakatai Unformed road/esplanade around the edge but public access only available through Woodhill variable accessibility High ecological values within and around lake edge Could be linked to Lake Ototoa coast to coast walk Has been invaded by aquatic weeds has meant that swimming is no longer recommended

Locality Issue/Opportunity Physical road access to part of the lake, lake abuts CHH forest in part also Lake Kereta Grazing to edge of lake on one side, but bush on other has significant ecological values New 4WD access link from Wilson Road, along lake edge through Woodhill to Te One One Rangatira Beach Potential bridle path location New Regional Park Has two year lease back to original owner to farm no further facilities or consultation are proposed for some time Issues around RDC ownership/ component still being resolved Longer term plans may see Camping Coast to coast walkway (via Lake Ototoa & forest, up Te One One Rangatira Beach + through forest back) Picnic areas, toilets, short walks etc ARC would like to see incorporated into wider walkway network could be a facility hub Potential location for Park Ranger on site could be joint Rodney/ARC/DOC Ranger with responsibilities for wider area may help address concerns around maintenance/ behaviour Shelly Beach Current campground and shop, short walkway (no signage) around point, only boatramp/jetty in area Low tide walkway along beach in both directions Higham Beach Paper road to beach located in a way that would affect farming activities Possible formal agreement could allow alternative public access in more suitable location Current use for school camping and local community access (with landowner permission) Woodhill Forest Provides extensive and well managed facilities for: Restell Road & Equestrians Rimmer Road access points Walkers 4WD Trail bikes Mountain Bikes Access can be closed for forestry operations, including over the Rimmer Road easement. Need for formal agreement with CHH over ongoing access to the beach is a long standing issue which needs to be resolved.