13 Introduction

SECTION 2 : BACKGROUND TO THE DISTRICT

2.1 Description of the District

2.2 Brief History of the District

2.3 Administrative History

2.4 Population Characteristics

2.5 Anticipated Population and Dwelling Growth

2.6 Community Development

2.6.1 General 2.6.2 Civic and Community Facilities 2.6.3 Community Groups 2.6.4 Child Care Facilities 2.6.5 Youth Facilities 2.6.6 The Elderly 2.6.7 Cultural and Minority Groups 2.6.8 The Disabled 2.6.9 Objectives and Policies 114 Introduction 15 Background

SECTION 2 : BACKGROUND TO THE DISTRICT

2. 1 Description of the District The Planning District is the most northerly urban district of the metropolitan area. It consists of a north-south coastalstrip some 1.6 - 3.2 kilometres wide and about 8 kilometres in length with a total area of approximately 1555 hectares.

The western boundary follows the crest of a broad ridge, along East Coast Road, between60 metres and 105 metres above sea level. The eastern boundaryfollows the coast of the and the District is generally bounded in the northby Glenvar Road.The southern boundary is the southern boundary of Centennial Park.

From the main western ridge some 12 major and minor spur ridges run easterly towards the coast where the seven major spurs terminate in 20 to 30 metres cliffs separated by six small sandybeaches. In this area of ridges, spurs andvalleys, the largest area of flatland is at Browns Bay. It is there that for natural and historic reasons the main centre of the District has been established.

2.2 Brief Histor of the District The land within the District was formerly partof the Mahurangi Block which extendedfrom North Head up to Taere. Through a series of conquests and marriages the land was claimed by several Maori tribes; the Ngati Whatua, Ngati Paoa,Te Kawerau and Tainui. It provided the Maori with an important area for fishing and shellfish collection.

The European settlement of the district followedon from the settlementof Auckland. Temporary camps for gum diggers were a feature of the early days, but most of the permanent settlers were farmers who established their farms on the flat lands of the bays. Only one of these bays, , retains the name of the original farming settler.

The initial urban development comprises seaside cottages near the beaches and along a winding coastal road (Beach Road) which linked the beaches to the settlements to the south at Milford and . Development later spread inland up the spurs along some seven roads linking Beach Road with East Coast Road which follows the summit of the main ridge.

With the opening of the harbour bridge in 1959, the District experienced a rapid growth of population. In 1954 the population was 7,000 but by 1966 it had increased to over 12,000 and by March 1986 risen to over 31,000. Slightly more than 50 percent of the working population travel to and from places outside the North Shore to work.

2.3 Administrative Histor East Coast Bays became a part of the former County of Waitemata on the formation of that county in 1875. It remained as part of the county until 1954 by which time it was apparent that the interests of a fast growing district could no longer be adequately served by a single riding representative on a council responsible for administering an area of over 600 square miles.

On 1 April 1954 the district becamea borough responsible for its own affairs and city status was granted twenty years later. In October 1990 the City of East Coast Bays was abolished and incorporated into the North Shore City Council.

2.4 Population Characteristics The population growth of the District over the last ten years is demonstrated in the following table: Background16

TABLE 1 : POPULATION GROWTH 1976 - 1986

Suburb Total Population Increase or Decrease

Census Number Percent 1976 1981 1986 1976 1981 1976 1981 - 81 -86 -81 -86

Torbay 5389 7509 8340 2120 831 39.3 11.0 2882 3093 3255 211 162 7.3 5.2 Browns Bay 3180 5496 2316 1176 72.8 21.4 2746 2919 3026721 173 102 6.3 3.5 Murrays Bay 2906 3057 3201 151 144 5.2 4.7 Mairangi Bay 4288 4590 4509 302 -81 7.0 1.7 2099 2109 1887 10 -222 0.5 10.5

TOTAL 23490 28767 30888 5277 2121 22.5 7.4

(Department of Statistics : Census 1986)

TABLE 2: OCCUPIED DWELLINGS : 197686

Suburb Total Dwellings Increase or Decrease

Census Number Percent 1976 1981 1986 1976 1981 1976 1981 - 81 -86 -81 -86

Torbay 1666 2426 2781 760 355 45.6 14.6 Waiake 860 979 1112 119 133 13.8 13.6 Browns Bay 990 1849 2267 859 418 86.8 22.6 Rothesay Bay 912 1008 1095 96 87 10.5 8.6 Murrays Bay 919 1027 1130 108 103 11.8 10.0 Mairangi Bay 1252 1412 1546 134 12.8 9.5 Campbells Bay 542 593 635 1651 42 9.4 7.1

TOTAL 7141 9294 10566 2153 1272 30.1 13.7

(Department of Statistics: Census 1986)

From this table the number of persons per household unit is now 2.96, a decline from 3.1 in the 1981 census. For the ten year period 1971 to 1981 the average was 3.2 per household. It is anticipated that the occupancy rate, in line with national trends could decline still further. This trend Is reflected in the population projections shown in Table 3. 17 Background

TABLE 3:PROJEC TED TOTAL POPULATION OF DISTRICT

Projection 1981 Base Projected Total Population at 31 March

1986 1990 1996 2001 2006

High 28300 37000 38700 40500 42100 43600 Medium 28300 35400 36200 37100 37800 38300 Low 28300 33800 33800 33700 33500 331 00

(Demographic Trends Bulletin 1986:Department of Statistics)

It should be noted that the population at the time of the 1986 census was less than the low projection for 1986.

TABLE 4: AGE STRUCTURE OF DISTRICT 1976 - 1986

Age Group in Census Years 1976 % 1981 % 1986 %

0-4 2158 9.2 2133 7.4 1962 6.3 5-14 4919 20.1 5709 19.8 5298 17.1 15-19 1939 8.2 2529 8.8 3024' 9.8 20-29 3338 14.2 3n1 13.1 3912 12.7 30-39 3662 15.6 4896 17.0 5034 16.3 40-49 4655 19.8 3288 11.4 4386 14.2 50-59 2736 9.5 2835 9.2 60 and over 2819 12.0 371 1 12.9 4446 14.4

TOTAL 23490 100 28767 100 30888 100

(Department of Statistics : Census 1986) The age and sex structure of the present population does not depart significantly from the national average and is not expected to change sufficiently in this planning period to require a change in emphasis to the planning policies enunciated in the following sections. 18 Background

TABLE 5: ETHNIC STRUCTURE OF DISTRICT 197�1986

Census Category 1976 % 1981 % 1986 %

European 22,430 95.5 27,543 96.2 29.298 94.8 NZ Maori 229 0.9 378 1.3 432 1.4 Pac Is. Polynes. 66 0.3 117 0.4 81 0.3 Europ./NZ Maori N/A* N/A N/A* N/A 396 1.3 Europ./Pac. Is Polynes. N/A* N/A N/A* N/A 99 0.3 Chinese 46 0.2 78 0.3 N/A* N/A Indian 17 0.07 48 0.2 N/A* N/A Other 702 3.0 102 0.4 387 1.2 Not Specified N/A N/A 360 1.2 204 0.7 TOTAL 23,490 100 28,626 100 30,897 100

(Department of Statistics : Census 1986)

* The Census did not separately identify this ethnic group.

The population is predominantly European comprising 95 percent of the total population. The percentage of born has increased butthe percentage of those born overseas is still high amounting to 28 percent of the population. This is a reduction from the 31.5 percent at the 1976 census. Two thirds of those born overseas came from Britain or Ireland. The percentage increase from this group and also from Continental Europe was very small and reflects the drop in immigration from those sources.

The 12,633strong workforce (1986 census) is predominantly white-collar and the place of work is largely outside the city boundary. A 1985 survey established that less than 18% work in the District, less than half on the North Shore with the rest travelling to central Auckland and beyond. The caris the favoured means of transport to work. Public transport presently carries only slightly more people than are carried as passengers in cars.

2.5 Anticipated Population and Dwelling Growh Population growthwithin the District is expected to follow a path close to the low projection until 1991 and thereafter it could be closer to the medium projection up until 2006. That is approximately 39,000 people by 2006. East Coast Bays is predominantlya dormitory suburb on the NorthShore but the quality of life and, by association, density of development is considered to be important in determining the future form of the District.

2.6 Community Development

2.6. 1 General

The Council has over a long period of time been concerned about and involved in social and community matters in the District. The 19TT revision of the Town & Country Planning Act makes it mandatory for local authorities to accept responsibility for social planning: 19 Background

"Provision for social, economic, spiritual and recreational opportunities and for amenities appropriate to the needs of the present and future inhabitants of the District, including the interests of children and minority groups·

(Second Schedule) Consequently objectives and policies for community development are included at this Review and they set out the Council's · role In providing for and facilitating social and cultural development.

2.6.2 Civic and Community Facilities

The Council has been involved in the provision of civic and community facilities to varying degrees In the past dependant on the availability of finance and the extent to which suitable facilities already exist in adjacent areas.

The District is well endowed with halls and similar facilities which are used for meetings, pre-school activities, social occasions etc. Many of these are managed by churches, schools and sports organisations. Major facilities owned and managed by the Council include the Browns Bay Recreation Centre andthe public library at Browns Bay. In addition, numerous other cultural and recreational facilities are located on Council owned land.

Because of the limited availability of flat land in the District, suitable for sporting facilities, the Council has been forced to look beyond its boundaries for land for these facilities. It owns an area of land in Takapuna District for Bays City Park Sports fields complex, and was involved in the setting up of the East Coast Bays Stadium.

In providing for community development, it is important that where possible facilities are designed for multiple uses and that the changing needs of the residents of the District are recognised and provided for. This requires a co-operative role between the Council and local groups.

2.6.3 Community Groups

The District is exceptionally well provided with clubs and organisations of all kinds. The Council has recognised that voluntary organisations, whether religious, service, recreational or welfare perform a very useful function in the community and has supported them in a variety of ways. Information on the nature and range of these groups, as well as on social and community matters is available at the East Coast Bays Citizens Advice Bureau at Browns Bay, and from the City Directory.

2.6.4 Child Care Facilities

There is a growing demand for pre-school facilities as the number of single parent families and of dual parents both in paid employment increases. The District is served by a number of such facilities providing different kinds of service. These range from kindergartens and play centres to private day-care facilities. Child care facilities are provided for in the District Scheme in most zones.

2.6.5 Youth Facilities

The proportion of pre-teenage children within the population of the District is high compared with the Auckland Urban Area as a whole. This age group is well served by a wide range of clubs andorganised sporting activities and by school holiday programmes. On the other hand, while 14-19 year old age grouping is slightly under represented in the District, there is an apparent lack of facilities catering for this age group. Young people of this age are often not interested in organised, highly structured activities and prefer opportunities for more casual, informal opportunities for recreation and social interaction. It is recognised both by the Council and by concerned groups in the community that there is a need to target this group in the 20 Background

provision of facilities. This is particularly important because of the increasing unemployment among young people.

2.6.6 The Elderly

The percentage of residents aged 65 years and over in the District is 10% and expected to increase during the next planning period. The Council recognises that this has planning implications in providing for a range of suitablehousing andsocial supportservices. The Council presently provides 36 pensioner flats for self- contained accommodationfor the elderly. Since many of the elderly prefer to live Independently while they are able, the District Scheme also provides in some areas for housing on relatively small sites, and for minor household units to permit elderly persons to reside semi-independentlyon the same site as a family home occupied by younger family members. The District presently has five rest homes and provision is made for such facilities in the District Scheme In all residentialzones. There Is multiplicity of clubs and organisations within the District cateringfor this age group.

2.6.7 Cultural and Minority Groups

The proportion of non Europeans in the District is relatively low compared with many other urbanareas. The proportion of Maoris or part Maoris as indicated by the 1986 Census is 7.7% andof Pacific Island Polynesians is 0.6%. Facilities specificallycatering for these groups are few. There is a kohanga reo (language nest) operating at Glamorgan School. Provision is made in the District Scheme for marae in one of the recreational zones and for kokiri centres (Maori training and tuition centres) in the industrial zone.

2.6.8 The Disabled

Particulargroups within the community, such as the disabled, persons with young children, the elderly and the infirm, can be disadvantaged in terms of access to buildings and around the District, where steps or obstructions impede access. Particular attention needs to be paid in the design of public facilities to ensure ease of access, and enable these groups to participate fully in the community.

The Council is aware of its obligations under the Disabled PersonsCommunity Welfare Act 1975 to ensure that suitable and convenient parking is available for disabled persons and that safe and easy access is provided for any mechanical conveyance used by a disabled person. The District Scheme contains mandatory provisions which reflect the requirements of the Act. The Council is also aware of the need to ensure that street andfootpath design provides for the easy movement of these groups. The District Scheme also provides for day-care centres for disabled persons in most zones.

2.6.9 Objectives and Policies

Objective

To promote and facilitate social interaction and community development for the well-being of all residents.

Policies

By functioning in the role of co-ordinator of community activities, developments and issues.

By providing community facilities or assisting in the provision of such facilities, where possible.

By encouraging the full and multiple use of community facilities throughout the District.

By making as wide a provision as possible in the District Scheme for facilities which foster community interaction or serve the social needs of particular groups in the community. 21 Background

By monitoring the changing needs and interests of residents and investigating the needfor new facilities and community support services.

Objective

To provide for and develop the multi-cultural characteristics of the District and the varied interests of minority groups.

Policies

By liaising with cultural and minority groups to encourage the establishmentof facilities relating to such groups, having regard to their potential for multi- cultural use andthe range of facilities already existing in surrounding districts.

Objective

To promote the health and welfare of the residents of the District.

Policies

By offering support where possible to voluntary agencies which provide health advisory, counselling or support services in the District.

By making as wide a provision as possible in the District Scheme for medical services.

Objective

To ensure that suitable provisions are made for the particular needs of different age groups in the community.

Policies

By encouraging the provision of adequate day-care and pre-school facilities in the District.

By promoting and assisting where possible in the provision of activities and facilities for young persons.

By promoting the development of pensioner housing schemes in the District.

By making provision in the District Scheme for a range of housing and facilities suitable for the independant or semi-independant elderly or for those who need care.

Objective

To ensure that adequate provision for access by the disabledis provided and to encourage the provision of disabled person housing and facilities.

Policies

By ensuring that the requirements of Section 25 of the Disabled Persons Community Welfare Act 1975 in respect of buildings are met.

By requiring all roads, footpaths and public outdoor spaces to be designed to permit safe and easy access for the disabled.

By providing for housing and facilities suitable for the disabled in the District Scheme. 22 Background