Ōrākei Local Board Open Space Network Plan

September 2019

Cover image – view over a section of the Pourewa Creek (source, Flickr).

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SECTION 1 - THE ŌRĀKEI OPEN SPACE NETWORK ...... Section 1 introduces the Ōrākei local board area and investigates the current state of the open space network plan.

1.1 Purpose of the network plan ...... 5 1.2 Ōrākei Local Board area ...... 5 1.3 Strategic context ...... 7 1.4 Current state ...... 8 Treasure ...... 8 Enjoy ...... 16 Connect ...... 22 Utilise ...... 23

SECTION 2 – KEY MOVES ...... Section 2 identifies the key moves required to improve the Ōrākei open space network over the next 10 years. 2.1 Protecting and enhancing the natural environment ......

2.2 Recognising our culture and heritage ......

2.3 Encouring activation ......

2.4 Improving connectivity ......

2.5 Retaining and acquiring open space in response to growth ......

SECTION 3 – PRIORITISATION OF ACTIONS ...... Section 3 orders the key moves from Section 2 into a prioritised list of actions for individual parks.

3.1 Prioritisation principles ......

3.2 Ōrākei Local Board advocacy ......

3.3 Actions ...... 36

High priority actions ...... 36

Prioritised actions ...... 39

Executive Summary

Auckland is experiencing significant growth, which is leading to competing demands for land.

As population levels have increased, so has the need for new infrastructure such as housing, schools, hospitals, roads including areas for commercial and recreation activity to cater for growing communities. Land is a finite resource with limited supply and increasing demand. The high cost of land will continue to rise. This is particularly evident in well-established older suburbs of Auckland.

The Auckland Unitary Plan allows for residential intensification within some suburbs in the Ōrākei Local Board area. Residential growth in these areas will manifest predominantely through town house and apartment building and mixed-use developments, which typically have limited outdoor space. This will place addtional pressure on the existing network of parks.

The Ōrākei Open Space Network Plan sets out how the local board can develop their open space network over the next 10 years to provide for the recreational needs of their local communties. With limited opportunity to acquire land for new parks, a combination of measures focused on improving the existing open space network will focus on:

• identifying the areas with gaps in open space provision

• identifying open space that has limited potential to deliver recreational and ecological outcomes

• improving connectivity within the existing open space network

• improving the spatial arrangement and developed quality of existing parks

• investigating opportunties to re-purpose or for shared-use of other public and private open space land.

Section 1 - The Ōrākei Open Space Network

INTRODUCTION in order to meet the open space needs of the increasingly diverse and intensifying communities The Ōrākei Open Space Network Plan has three of the Ōrākei Local Board area. sections. Network Plan implementation Section one discusses the purpose of the plan, its Actions recommended in this plan include strategic alignment with council policy and the operational activities, developing new assets, current state of the Ōrākei Local Board open acquiring new parks, planning asset renewals, space network. working with community groups and promoting Section two sets out the key moves to improve the recreational opportunities. open space network and provides a framework for Some of these projects are ready for prioritising funding for development over the next implementation, while others require feasibility 10 years. assessments and further planning. Section three lists the prioritised actions by suburb for individual parks. The Customer and Community Services Department, Infrastructure and Environmental Services Department and Auckland Transport will implement the network plan.

1.2 ŌRĀKEI LOCAL BOARD AREA The area is located on the north-east of the Auckland isthmus with coastal frontages to the Waitematā Harbour, Hauraki Gulf and Tāmaki River. The area includes the suburbs of Remuera, a portion of Parnell, Ellerslie, Meadowbank, Ōrākei, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers, Glendowie, St Johns and Stonefields.

Fig. 3: the volcanic tuff-ring explosion crater Ōrākei [Hayward et al; Auckland University Press, 2011]. Fig. 2: Location map of the Ōrākei local board area.

The suburb of Ōrākei and its local board take their 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE NETWORK PLAN name from the volcanic tuff-ring explosion crater Ōrākei, which is at the head of the Pourewa The open space network plan will assist Auckland Valley. Ōrākei, ‘place of beautifying’ to Māori, is Council to prioritise its spending for parks and one of 48 volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic open space development by identifying projects field. It is essentially a 700metre-wide explosion for prioritisation through the local board, long-term crater, with a surrounding tuff-ring. After its and annual plan processes. eruptions ceased about 85,000 years ago, the The plan provides a range of actions to improve crater evolved to a freshwater lake that had an the provision and developed quality of local parks 7 overflow stream in the vicinity of the present-day areas’ suburbs. A recent exception to this is the Ōrākei Rd bridge. Stonefields residential development. As the sea level rose after the end of the last Ice The Stonefields development commenced at the Age, the lake, which by then had shallowed to a beginning of the new millennium. It is the first of a swamp, was breached by the sea and has been a tranche of high-density housing developments

Fig. 4: Suburbs within the Ōrākei Local Board area tidal lagoon ever since. Today, it is a popular built upon the principles of ‘new urbanism’. recreation destination for water sports in Parks and open spaces particular. A railway line was built on top of a The Ōrākei Local Board area has one tūpuna causeway which effectively dammed the northern maunga and 112 local parks, which includes 95 side of the basin. This has contributed to heavy neighbourhood parks, 14 suburb parks and three sedimentation and poor water quality in the esplanade reserves. lagoon Many parks across the Auckland area have During the early colonial period much of the land underlying ownership held by the Crown but are outside the city centre was grazed as large managed in perpetuity by Auckland Council. blocks. The eastern suburbs of the Auckland isthmus were settled well after the suburbs Other significant tracts of open space in the located closer to Queen Street, such as Ōrākei Local Board area, such as the Ellerslie Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, Newton and Parnell. Racecourse and Whenua Rangatira, are owned by others in trust but managed for the access and This later period of settlement led to relatively enjoyment of all Aucklanders. lower density housing characterising many of the

1.3 STRATEGIC CONTEXT The focus areas are: At a local level, the Ōrākei Open Space Network Treasure our parks and open spaces Plan contributes towards implementing the Connect our parks and open spaces strategic direction of the Auckland Plan 2050 and the Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Action Plan Utilise our parks and open spaces 2013. Enjoy our parks and open space The Parks and Open Space Strategic Action Plan identifies four areas of focus. These focus areas are the basis of how open space is valued, used and developed. They provide pathways required to achieve the outcomes identified in the Auckland

Plan.

Fig. 5: Strategic context flow chart.

1.4 CURRENT STATE The following three photographs illustrate the evolution of the Te Pane o Horoiwi over the last The following sections discuss the current state of 100 years. the open space network within the Ōrākei local board area under the four key focus areas of Treasure, Enjoy, Connect and Utilise.

TREASURE Protecting and conserving our environment, heritage and landscape, and growing education opportunities.

Cultural heritage Some of the key open space elements that contribute to the area’s cultural heritage include: Fig. 6: Te Pane o Horoiwi, 13 December 1920 [Auckland Tūpuna Maunga Libraries, Sir George Grey Special Collections 1-W1698]. The Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 sets out ownership of the 14 tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountains) on trust for the common benefit of the 13 iwi/hapu of Ngā Mana Whenua and peoples of Auckland. The reserve status for each of the tūpuna maunga held under the Reserves Act 1977 was retained within the provisions of the Collective Redress Act 2014.

The tūpuna maunga are intrinsic to the cultural identity of our past, present and future. The Tūpuna Taonga o Tāmaki Makaurau Trust is the collective legal entity which represents 13 mana whenua iwi/hapū who own 14 tūpuna maunga across the Auckland region. The Ōrākei Local Board area includes the tūpuna maunga of Fig. 7: Achilles Point March 1954 [Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, Record ID WA-35556-F]. Ōhinerau Mount Hobson. Together with Ōhinerau Mount Hobson and Ōrākei, the Ōrākei local board area also includes the culturally significant maunga of Maungarāhiri (Little Rangitoto), Te Pane o Horoiwi (Cliff Road Reserve & Glover Park), Taurere (Taylors Hill Reserve), Te Tauoma (Purchas Hill), as well as the lava flows from Maungarei (Stonefields).

These open space areas with their fertile volcanic soils and favourable aspect, are in close proximity to coastal foreshore areas, which historically provided a rich and reliable food source.

Fig. 8: Te Pane o Horoiwi official unveiling ceremony, 13 December 2009 [Ōrākei Local Board, 2018]. 10

Te ao Māori (the maori world view) The terraces, platforms and pits evident on all of the tūpuna maunga across Tāmaki Makaurau are a striking physical reminder of Auckland’s identity. “Human occupation of Auckland spans around 1000 years... to an unparalleled network of open spaces that all Aucklanders draw a sense of identity from” [IMP, 2015].

Fig. 10: Watercolour painting by W. Jordan of Karaka Bay, Tamaki, and the Treaty of Waitangi being signed 9 July 1840 [Auckland Libraries, Sir George Grey Special Collections, 4- 1062]

A painting (see Fig. 10 above) of the scene indicates that the signing was likely to have been on the beach and a commemorative plaque installed some 100 years after the event records the chiefs who signed. Fig. 9: The kumara pits and living platforms of Te Tauoma Purchas Hill visible above, with much of the present-day The Anglican Bishop, George Augustus Selwyn, Ōrākei Local Board area still in large grazing blocks, 11 February 1921 [Auckland Libraries, Sir George Grey Special established the Melanesian Mission in the late Collections, 4-4050]. 1840’s in the coastal area known then as Kohimarama (present-day Mission Bay). Te ao Māori makes no separation between the natural and cultural worlds. Mankind is In the 1860’s, the Mission hosted the Kohimarama inextricably bound with the natural world, meaning Conference, which was convened in an attempt that maunga (mountain), awa (river) and te appease Māori frustrations around the Tiriti o ngahere (forest) elements are as much cultural Waitangi, land loss and the resulting rise of the treasures to Mana Whenua, as they are natural Kingitanga movement. treasures. Tangata Whenua recognise the mauri (life force) in all things and do not categorise according to animate or inanimate qualities, as in the western world view. Bi-cultural heritage Captain William Hobson was sent to New Zealand by Queen Victoria in 1839 to effectively acquire New Zealand for the British Empire. Hobson formed an alliance with the Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei chief, Āpihai Te Kawau and 3000 acres of land was set aside to establish a capital city for the new colony.

Karaka Bay was the meeting place for the signing by Ngāti Paoa chiefs of the Tiriti o Waitangi on 4 Fig. 11: The Melanesian Mission buildings at Kohimarama in 1860, which was later to become known as Mission Bay [by March 1840. There was another signing at the John Nicol Crombie]. same location on 9 July 1840.

By the turn of the nineteenth century much of iwi- cleared of native vegetation and farmed as large owned land had been taken through land blocks. confiscation, compulsory acquisition or Crown statutes that enabled individual title and stealth sale.

The turning point in the relationship between Māori and the Crown played out in 1977 at Bastion Point. Known to Māori as Takaparawhau, in 1976 the Crown announced its intentions to develop this remaining land for high-income housing and parks.

This was the last 60 acres of uncommitted land at Fig. 13: Looking eastwards over the emerging colonial city, Ōrākei that the hapu still hoped to get back. Apart with Bastion Rock (Takaparawhau) and the two headlands from the Okahu Cemetery, Ngati Whatua o Ōrākei comprising much of the present-day Ōrākei Local Board area, was now landless. undeveloped in the distance [Auckland Libraries, Sir George Grey Special Collections].

Many of the open spaces throughout this area have remnants of historical infrastructure, such as mills, water reservoirs, pump station buildings and dry-stone walls dating back to this period. Defensive and munitions shelters, built in response to European and Japanese wartime threats, are also a common feature along the coastal open spaces and the foreshore.

Fig. 12: Protesters at Bastion Point, 1977-78 [NZHerald www.newspix.co.nz].

Protesters started an occupation of Bastion Point in January 1977. Police and army personnel moved in and removed 222 people entrenched at Bastion Point, ending an occupation that had lasted 506 days. Despite the eviction of protestors, this event, together with other significant protests in the 1970s, paved the way for the Crown and the nation as a whole to address the obligations of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Following a Waitangi Tribunal inquiry in the mid- 1980s, much of the land was later returned, or vested as reserve, with Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei.

Colonial heritage Fig. 14: Defensive Searchlights No. 1 & 2 benched into the soft The colonial period and the emergence of new soils of the foreshore cliffs and the emerging Tamaki Drive in technologies led to dramatic and swift landscape 1942 [National Army Museum]. change. The early development of Auckland was centred around Queen Street and its port. By this The desire for flat land and access along the time, much of the Ōrākei Local Board area was undulating coastal terrain led to major land 12 reclamation projects at the turn of the nineteenth cast-away land in the South Pacific Ocean. In the century. From Saint Marys Bay in the west to last 100 years in particular, the natural Saint Heliers in the east, the colonial project environment has been converted from vast tracts envisaged vast areas of continuous foreshore primordial rain forests, pristine wetland and access for the provision of industrial, commercial volcanic landscapes, to an ordered pastoral and residential development. farming landscape. Geometric-fenced paddocks sheltered by linear hedge-row plantings of poplar or pine. Many people now accept that the pendulum of this human endeavour may have swung too far with inadequate consideration of environmental change. Auckland is a globally significant city, remarkable for its unique natural landscape and urban centres distributed across a young volcanic field. The Ōrākei Local Board area is located east of the central city on a narrow isthmus, surrounded by

Fig. 15: The soft Waitematā sandstone soils of Takaparawhau two harbours and oceans to the west and east. Bastion Rock and the steep coastal cliffs were quarried away Auckland volcanic field and re-shaped for the construction of Tamaki Drive [NZ Herald 7 October 1931]. Volcanoes are a conspicuous feature of the Auckland city landscape. In some case’s their The memorial to the first Labour Prime Minister form is emphasised by their preservation as Sir Michael Joseph Savage, was constructed and reserves and parks, while in others they have located on Bastion Point in the early 1940s. been quarried to meet the city’s demand for Thought of as the architect of the New Zealand building materials. Within a radius of about 20 welfare state, his cliff-top mausoleum is crowned kilometres centred on the Auckland isthmus, there by a tall obelisk within an extensive renaissance- are 49 discrete volcanoes. style garden and reflecting pool. Most of the volcanoes in Auckland are small Fig. 16: An aerial perspective drawing of the M.J. Savage Memorial by T.K. Donner and A. Bartlett who submitted the cones less than 150 metres in height. The type of prize-winning design [NZ Herald 6 August 1941]. volcanic activity, which created the Auckland volcanic field is referred to as monogenetic. This means that each time there has been an eruption, it has occurred at a new location.

Natural heritage As a nation, New Zealand prides itself on the sublime qualities of its natural environment, vast areas of open space and outstanding natural landscapes.

The reality, however, is that Aotearoa New Fig. 17: View northwards over Ōhinerau Mount Hobson from Zealand has undergone dramatic and rapid the summit of Maungakiekie, with Whangaparaoa Peninsula change since human arrival to this Gondwana visible in the far north [source unknown, 12 Jan 2016]. 13

apart from the accumulation of leafy humus between the rocks. The vegetation comprises a canopy of Pōhutukawa, Pūriri and Karaka, with Mangaeo, Tītoki and Māhoe beneath.

Fig. 18: The distribution of volcanic centres in Auckland, known as the Auckland volcanic field. [map by L. Kermode]. Fig. 19: Remnant rock forest shown in orange below, with the full extent prior to human settlement shown in light green, excluding Rangitoto in dark green, which erupted from the sea less than 800 years ago [NZ Geographic]. The monogenetic nature of Auckland’s volcanoes have particular implications for volcanic hazards. In the event of an eruption, rather than one of the Elegant small trees of kawakawa, māpou, existing volcanoes becoming active, a new houpara and coastal karamu form an understory volcano will form. As a result, a hazard map with ferns, lichens and mosses (the understory is based on any one location cannot be drawn and the layers of canopy between the ground and the entire field has to be considered as, ‘under a upper canopy). threat’ of a future volcanic eruption. The unexpected terrain, airiness of the Lava rock forests understorey and morphology of certain species, The lava rock forests centred upon the central give the rock forest an ‘otherness’, when suburbs of Auckland are described as “one of the compared with most of Auckland’s native bush. It rarest ecologies in the world” [NZ Geographic]. is in fact, an exceptionally rare and endangered Of the more than 5000 hectares of rock forest that ecosystem. once shrouded the lava boulderfields of the Auckland isthmus, only tiny remnants survive, In the Ōrākei Local Board area, rock forests once totalling just 29 hectares. covered the entire lava and ash flows from Maungarei Mt Wellington. Together with rock The lava rock forest is the native vegetation cover forests growing from the lava flows of that forms on lava after an eruption. The forest is Maungakiekie, Te Tatua Riukuita and Rarotonga, unique in that it takes hold amongst the strewn it formed a contiguous vegetated area comprising lava boulders. There is very little soil present,

14 nealy half of the total lava rock forest prior to Waitematā Harbour, Hauraki Gulf and Tāmaki human settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand. Estuary.

In the west, Hobson Bay and Ōrākei Basin form a considerable body of water which extends eastward past the lower reaches of Parnell, Ōrākei and Remuera, to Meadowbank. This area known as Pourewa to Maori, is a broad valley which terminates near St Johns Road. St Johns Road marks an intersecting high point where the valley continues east from that point down to the Tāmaki Estuary at Point England Reserve.

Many of the parks and open spaces along the length of this valley system comprise modified former wetland areas and stormwater infrastructure. Auckland Council, in partnership with volunteer groups, have in place a number of projects to restore the environmental quality of the Pourewa Valley, including reserves along the coastal margins of Hobson Bay and Ōrākei Basin.

The coastal area from Ōrākei to St Heliers has been highly modified over the last 100 years. The Fig. 20: Rare Puriri forest, similar to the lava rock forests that coastal cliffs and iconic landmarks, such as existed across the south-eastern area of the Auckland isthmus [Withiel Thomas Reserve, Jason Hosking]. Takaparawhau Bastion Rock, have been re- shaped and quarried away to facilitate foreshore Wetlands access and urban development. Associated with lava rock forests were wetland areas, which were also once prevalent across the Auckland region.

The collision of dense basaltic lava flows from Maungarei, Maungakiekie and Rarotonga, had the effect of damming overland and aquifer-fed water flows. This resulted in the formation of wetlands across the present-day areas of Ellerslie to Greenlane.

The geology of the areas north of the Maungarei lava flows are mostly comprised of Waitematā sandstone substrates (clay soils) on undulating topography. The poor drainage characteristics of Fig. 21: A day at the beach at the turn of the nineteenth clay soils led to wetlands developing in low-lying century, with Takaparawhau in the background [source areas, most of which were progressively drained unknown]. to allow for urban development. Some of the wetland areas that remain comprise open spaces Coastal inundation such as Dingle Dell and Waiatarua Reserves but The Auckland region comprises 2400 kilometres are highly modified from their natural state. of coastline. Parts of this coastline are vulnerable Coasts to the hazardous effects of climate change- The northern and eastern extent of the Ōrākei induced sea level rise. The degree of impact may Local Board area has coastal frontage onto the 15 vary depending on numerous bio-physical, social Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei also has a co- and economic factors. management agreement in place with Auckland Council to manage and maintain the Whenua Coastal inundation is likely when storm surge or Rangatira for the access and enjoyment of all. large waves and high tides occur at the same time. At these times, areas where rivers or For the remaining parks and open spaces streams meet the sea (such as the foreshore throughout the Ōrākei Local Board area, Mana areas of Hobson Bay and the coastal margin Whenua support actions that would restore the eastward to St Heliers) are more vulnerable mauri (life force) of land and water. Papatūānuku because high seas can cause the rivers to back- (earth mother) is central to Māori values and up inland. beliefs.

The impacts of sea level rise will become more Mana Whenua aspire to restore the mauri of the visible in the future. Future storms may be more land, the long association of Mana Whenua with intense, so areas of inundation that are occasional place and a positive shared relationship with all now, are likely to be inundated much more in the Aucklanders and future generations. future. Ecological biodiversity Ecological biodiversity is the variety of plant and Wildlife corridors animal life in a particular place. Generally, high Wetlands, waterways and vegetated open spaces levels of biodiversity are an indication of good provide ‘stepping-stones’ for wildlife as they environmental health. The Ōrākei Local Board traverse the Auckland region. area has a ‘C’ rating for biodiversity (on a scale of The 2013 Ōrākei Ecological Priorities Report A to E from the Terrestrial Report Card 2016). states, “the maintenance and creation of The coastal marine areas of Tahuna Torea Nature ecological corridors to facilitate species movement Reserve are biodiversity ‘hot-spots’. They provide within the Ōrākei Local Board area and across well-established habitats, nurseries and food boundaries shared with other local boards, is sources for a range of marine and wildlife. This crucial to ensure the sustainability of the Auckland coastal nature reserve is a destination for region’s biodiversity as a whole.” international migratory birds and New Zealand The Ōrākei Local Board area has two broad endemic wading birds, including a number of wildlife corridors which link through Hobson bay, threatened species. Ōrākei Basin and the Pourewa Valley, to Tahuna Along the southern coast of Hobson Bay through Torea and the Tamaki Estuary. These corridors to the northern side of the Pourewa Valley are a connect to a wider ecological network which contiguous stretch of open spaces which are includes the Waitākere Ranges in the west, the biodiversity focus areas. Together with Waiatarua Upper Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf to the Reserve, these open spaces are opportunities for north, the gulf islands in the east, the Manukau ecological restoration. The more complex the Harbour in the south and the Tūpuna Maunga on understory, the more habitats and food sources the central isthmus. are made available. This in turn contributes to A community that cares about its environment increased levels of biodiversity.

Challenges for biodiversity in the Ōrākei Local Mana whenua iwi Board area include: The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is the delegated body that manages the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki • decreasing the number of animal and plant Makaurau (the ancestral mountains of Tamaki). It pest species present (i.e. Phragmites karka, has produced an Integrated Management Plan Cathedral bells, Mexican feather grass and 2015 in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 Chinese knotweed) for this purpose. • balancing the high presence of exotic plant species across the local board area

• the impact of poor water quality on the state 4Sight Consultants to consolidate all projects of aquatic habitats across the ecological programme). • increasing the understory of vegetated areas • large-scale urban development and the Volunteer groups foreclosure of potential future habitat The Ōrākei Local Board supports a number of opportunities. community-led approaches and volunteer groups that are active in the Ōrākei Local Board area. A number of improvement projects carried out by The work of these groups reflects the extent to contractors are currently being funded in the which this community cares about the natural and Ōrākei Local Board area: cultural well-being of its environment and people.

• Eastern Bays Songbird Initiative Volunteer groups are supported by council to • Andersons Beach Reserve - Phase Two undertake various improvement projects across (Ecological Restoration and Pest the local park network. Key activities are animal Management) and plant pest control (mostly rats and possums), • Ecological restoration along coastal cliffs revegetation projects and rubbish clean-ups. from Saint Heliers to Andersons Beach Open spaces and local parks in the Ōrākei Local • Ecological restoration along Stonefields Board area currently benefiting from volunteer Heritage Trail restoration activities are: • Grampian Road Retention Dam - Phase Two (Ecological Restoration and Pest • Waiatarua Reserve - APC volunteers, Management) Conservation Volunteers NZ (CVNZ) and • Hobson Bay Catchment Care project (Waiata Waiatarua Reserve Protection Society Reserve) • Madills Farm Recreation Reserve - APC • Hobson Bay Walkway 1 - Phase Two volunteers, Conservation Volunteers NZ (Ecological Restoration and Pest (CVNZ) and Friends of Madills Farm Inc. Management) • Kepa Bush Reserve - APC volunteers, • Hobson Bay Walkway 2, Thomas Bloodworth Conservation Volunteers NZ (CVNZ) and and Shore Road Reserve - Phase Two Friends of Kepa Bush (Ecological Restoration and Pest Management) • St Johns Bush Reserve - APC volunteers and • Madills Farm Stream restoration project Conservation Volunteers NZ (CVNZ) • Martyn Wilson Field and Lingarth Reserve - • Churchill Park - Friends of Churchill Park Phase Two (Ecological Restoration and Pest Management) • Karaka Bay - Pest Free Karaka Bay • Ngapipi Reserve and Ngapipi Cliff Reserve - • Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve - Tahuna Phase Two (Ecological Restoration and Pest Torea Rangers and Residents Group Management) • Pamela Place Reserve - Phase Two • Waiata Reserve - Hobson Bay Catchment (Ecological Restoration and Pest Care Project Management) • Stonefields Heritage Walkway and Wetlands - • Streamside Assistance - Remuera Stream Stonefields Residents Association Stage Two • Hapua Street - Hapua Thrive • Lawry Reserve • Martyn Wilson Fields, Sonia Reserve and • Portland Road and Victoria Avenue - Portland Lingarth Reserve - Victoria SEA community group • Waiatarua Reserve • Selwyn Bush (Ministry of Education land • Wharua and Waitaramoa Reserves which is adjacent to Kepa Bush) - Pourewa • Neighbourhood Liaison - Dingle Dell Restoration Group. • Biodiversity Enhancement and Monitoring Plan (a pilot project with AC Env. Services by 17

ENJOY The local population is over-represented in older age groups, with a median age of 40.2 years, five Ensuring our parks and open spaces can meet years higher than the regional median of 35.1 the needs of our growing population. years. The Auckland region has experienced significant This local board area is home to many new growth in the last seven years. This growth has migrants from overseas. A third (33 per cent) of led to additional pressure on the open space Ōrākei residents were born overseas. Of this network to provide for the recreational needs of group, 40 per cent had been in New Zealand for local and visiting park users. Land is a finite less than 10 years. The largest overseas-born resource, which is evident across the established group is from the United Kingdom, followed by the suburbs of the Ōrākei Local Board area. People’s Republic of China, Australia and South The people of Ōrākei Africa. The population of the Ōrākei Local Board area Growth related development was 86,400 in the 2013 Census. The population The Auckland Unitary Plan allows for high density is predominately of European ancestry (77 per residential development along much of Remuera cent) with increasing numbers of Asian ethnicities Road and the eastern area of Ellerslie. There is forming the bulk of the remaining population. medium density residential provisions along Kepa Road, Kupe Street, Kohimarama Road and St Heliers Bay Road.

There is a significant stock of ageing Housing New Zealand Corporation properties in the central and south of the suburb of Ōrākei.

Ngāti Whātua Whai Rawa also own many existing properties in Ōrākei, including large tracts of bare land.

There is a likelihood that Housing New Zealand Corporation and Ngāti Whātua Whai Rawa will redevelop their existing housing stock as the demand for housing continues. This will present

opportunities for council to negotiate for the Fig. 22: Population census data for Ōrākei LB area in 2013. provision of improved open space, including the acquisition of new open space as this Population trends development occurs. Between the 2006 and 2013 censuses, the Open space provision population increased by seven per cent, similar to The Council’s Open Space Provision Policy 2016 the regional growth rate of eight per cent during sets out the distribution, quantity and configuration that time. of open space for neighbourhood and suburb parks.

Fig. 23: Auckland Unitary Plan zone changes for the Ōrākei Local Board area.

Fig. 24: Open space provision across the Ōrākei Local Board area. 19

Neighbourhood parks group or as a team. It differs to formal recreation There are 95 neighbourhood parks in the Ōrākei in that it is often spontaneous and without set Local Board area which provide for basic informal rules. recreation and social opportunities within a short walk of residential homes. Provision for sport The Ōrākei Local Board area has 14 sport parks There are provision in neighbourhood parks that cater for a wide range of sports codes. A across in the following areas: review of the sports capacity and demand study was updated in 2017 for the period from 2018 to • Ōrākei (central-west) 2028. The goal of the study is to “make • Kohimarama (central-south) Aucklanders healthy by providing quality spaces to meet the active needs of our community” • St Heliers (central-south) (Future of Outdoor Sports in Auckland 2018 - • Remuera (west and east) 2028).

• Ellerslie (west and east). The Ōrākei Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan is currently underway which will:

• gather information, maps, needs and funding Suburb parks requirements from sporting and community There are 14 suburb parks in the area. Suburb groups (including grants) parks provide a variety of informal recreation and social experiences and will often accommodate • identify network gaps by activity and facility organised sport facilities, such as hardcourts and under provision sports fields. • match gaps with appropriate groups or clubs There are provision gaps in suburb parks across and identify collaboration opportunities the following areas: • analyse the long-term leasing programme and • Remuera (west & east) identify the best opportunities for clubs and groups at ideal locations • Kohimarama (central) • recommend prioritisation for investment in • Saint Heliers (central). projects

Sport and recreation • identify local schools where partnership The Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic opportunities exist Action Plan 2014-2024 provides the framework for the delivery of sport and recreation across the Sport field provision region. The goal of the plan is to make Sports fields in the Ōrākei Local Board area Aucklanders more active more often. provide for a variety of sports codes that include rugby, rugby league, touch rugby, football, Sport is physical activity that is competitive, softball, cricket and hockey. organised, involves the observation of rules, and may be participated in either individually, or as a Depending on the sporting code, the Ōrākei Local team. Sport is often referred to as ‘formal Board area has capacity to meet 52 to 90 per cent recreation’. of community expected field provision targets to 2028. Informal recreation is physical activity done for lifestyle, wellbeing health, and/or enjoyment. This Hardcourt provision may include walking, going for a run, biking, Hardcourts, such as for netball and tennis, have dancing and kicking a ball around in the park. It traditionally been located on parks. Where may be participated in either individually, with a possible the design of future facilities must be

20 flexible to meet the needs of a range of hardcourt • improved maintenance and upgraded user groups. playgrounds are desired

The efficiencies around shared use of these • play-spaces that cater for different age groups spaces would encourage all year-round inclusive • provide more shade, seating, picnic tables, use to meet growth-related open space demands. barbeques and rubbish bins. Sport and recreation trends The Council’s Parks Sports and Recreation Sport NZ research provides an insight into the Department have recently completed an ‘Ōrākei sport and recreation activities in which young Play Network Gap Analysis’. This analysis has people participate. Information relates to age, mapped existing play spaces and identified gender and ethnic preferences. geographic and service level gaps in the play The results confirm that participation: network. The analysis will inform future investment and renewal of play spaces. • is higher for boys than girls in most respects Satisfaction in parks • drops off in the teenage years particularly for Park-user research was undertaken in 2017. The girls objective of the research was to gain an • varies by ethnic background, with and in understanding of the awareness, usage, and Asian young people in particular being less attitudes of park users within the Ōrākei Local engaged. Board area.

Changing lifestyles are influencing how people The area has one the highest satisfaction choose to recreate. People are seeking more rankings of all 21 local boards, with 89 per cent of flexibility in their leisure activities with an respondents being ‘satisfied or very satisfied’ with increasing tendency for informal recreation. neighbourhood parks. Informal sport and recreation make up a growing contribution to overall participation rates. Suggestions for improvements included more/improved facilities 65 per cent; range of Walking, jogging and running are popular activities 34 per cent; maintenance and security activities for people of a variety of age groups. 27 percent. The research was based on a Changing demographics mean that there are selection of 30 neighbourhood parks as research growing sections of the community whose needs sites. are not currently catered for by the sport and recreation sector. Very few sports are adapting to the needs of ethnic diversity and an aging population. Provision for recreation The Ōrākei Local Board area provides the community with an environment that enables participation in a wide variety of recreational activities. The provision of shared cycling and walking paths, as well as space for gardening and outdoor exercise, are popular unstructured recreation activities.

Playgrounds

There are 29 playgrounds in the local board area. Fig. 25: Captivate park-user research. Feedback received from park-user surveys indicated that:

CONNECT • greenways. Creating a green network across Auckland by Parks and open spaces linking our parks, open spaces and streets Green corridor projects which deliver multiple outcomes (open space, environment, transport The Ōrākei Local Board Plan advocates for better and stormwater infrastructure). There are several connectivity through: green corridor projects completed or underway • enjoyment of parks by: along overland flow paths, streams and culverted • implementing the Ōrākei Local Board area waterways, which drain from the high ridge-line Greenways Plan areas to the coast. • improved safety and circulation of cycling Biodiversity and walking routes. The Auckland Unitary Plan identifies a number of

Significant Ecological Areas (SEA’s) within the • respect and protection of its environment by: Ōrākei Local Board area. These areas have high • supporting community-led projects or potentially high ecological value and can cover • improving biodiversity both public and private land. SEA’s often form • connecting ecological corridors. part of an ecological corridor.

• promoting safe and easy travelling by: Green corridors contribute to the biodiversity of • implementing the planned network of park the Ōrākei Local Board area by: and road connections • re-connecting fragmented habitats • including existing and new cycleways into future road projects and transport hubs. • assisting the movement of flora and fauna across the area

• improving food sources and habitats for aquatic and land-based species.

Healthy Waters The Healthy Waters Department is responsible for the delivery of the council’s stormwater management functions. Stormwater management is a built and natural system that collects and conveys rainwater run-off from land to the receiving environment.

Managing stormwater in the Auckland region is Fig. 26: Thoughtful design of open space infrastructure (by Chris Thom & Virginia King). complex, closely connected with growth, land use and freshwater management, and requires integrated infrastructure provision. There is also a Walking, cycling and green corridors transformational shift from relying solely on hard The Council has five overlapping approaches engineering solutions, to utilising water-sensitive which plan for and implement walking, cycling and design approaches to achieve high quality green corridors through the region. These sustainable outcomes for Auckland. approaches are: Transport • parks and open spaces Auckland Transport (AT) and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) have responsibility for • biodiversity delivering safe cycle routes across Auckland’s • healthy waters road networks and state highways respectively.

• transport AT has implemented the ‘Auckland Cycle Network’ over a number of years utilising on-road 22 cycle paths. In recent years there has been a UTILISE shift to separated off-road shared cycle/pedestrian Utilising our parks and open spaces to create paths where possible. This requires an adequate a green, resilient and prosperous city with width to the road designation to allow for thriving communities. separated cycle and motor vehicle provisions.

Where possible, NZTA implements shared cycle and pedestrian paths, separated from traffic along Environmental quality the side of state highways. Land NZTA are also developing the national shared Land may be contaminated in a number of ways, cycle and walkway route, known as the Te Araroa mainly as a result of landfill, industrial, commercial trail. This is set to be a continuous 3000kilometre or horticultural uses that have released hazardous trail spanning the length of New Zealand and will substances into the soils. connect greater Auckland with Northland and Landfills which have reached capacity have been Waikato. The Te Araroa Trail will eventually have de-commissioned through a process of capping dedicated safe links to the Ōrākei Local Board with clay soils (so as to mitigate the leaching of area. toxic outflows to the surface) and gradual Ōrākei Local Board Greenways Plan conversion to open space and park land. The Greenways Plan aims to improve walking, The hazard significance can vary from each site. cycling and ecological connections across the The severity of hazard will determine the range of Ōrākei Local Board area and Auckland region. future uses possible on former landfill sites.

The greenways network is an aspirational vision Geo-technical and soil testing investigations are and will be reviewed on a regular basis as priority required to ensure that appropriate development routes are constructed and as other related controls are in place to safeguard the public projects are completed. Greenways will link against potential contaminated hazards. schools, parks, train stations, community facilities and ecological areas along the following priority Streams routes: A significant portion of Remuera, Meadowbank, Ōrākei, Mission Bay and Kohimarama drain into • Tāmaki Drive the Pourewa Valley, Ōrākei Basin and Hobson • Tāmaki Drive to Glen Innes Bay. • Remuera Ridge to Glen Innes • Ellerslie to the Sea Water quality has been progressively degraded by • Eastern Corridor the ongoing effects from sewerage overflows, • Greenlane to the Sea landfill leachate, particulate run-off from roads and • Parnell Corridor sedimentation through soil-loss. • Remuera walkways The community is working hard to restore stream • Ōrākei Basin walkways margins with native revegetation and plant and • Kepa Bush walkways animal pest control, which will improve water • Whenua Rangatira/Takaparawhau Park quality, biodiversity and public access and • St Heliers-Glendowie network enjoyment. • Whenua Rangatira/Takaparawhau Park to Terenia (train). Together with streams flowing northwards to the Waitemata Harbour and eastward towards the Tāmaki River, these waterways are priority

projects in the Ōrākei Local Board area. Recent projects are already contributing to improved water quality, biodiversity, passive recreation and the connectivity of parks within the community.

Fig. 27: Known or suspected closed landfills, historic horticultural sites, contaminated sites and pylon corridors.

Coast A forested city helps to reduce sediment run-off Coastal reserves and former landfill sites fronting into the waterways and together with projects the harbour and estuaries face a potential threat such as the ‘Giant Trees’ and ‘Urban Forest’ from climate change induced sea-level rise, storm programme, this work is helping to drive a new surge and tsunami. The following coastal areas approach in the Ōrākei Local Board area. The are susceptible to these natural hazards: areas publicly owned land has a 19 per cent tree canopy cover. The ideal canopy cover target is • Hobson Bay 24 per cent (noting that a one per cent shift • Hobson Point to St Heliers Beach equates to hundreds of trees).

• Karaka Bay to Tahuna Torea. Connecting communities

Tree canopy Events The council is playing its part in addressing the The council Events Policy provides the framework causes of climate change and adapting to its for decision-making for events. The Ōrākei Local impacts through projects such as the ‘Million Board has delegated decision-making over events Trees Programme’. Over 170,000 plants have in its area. already been planted to help create a greener Parks and open spaces provide a venue for Auckland and contributing to the region’s carbon events such as outdoor concerts, community sink. picnics, weddings, summer fun programmes, outdoor movies and Christmas carols.

The Ōrākei Local Board supports events and projects that encourage people to get involved with their communities. The ‘Tāmaki Dive Precinct Event Guidelines’ has been produced to assist event applicants, council staff, including Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, and Auckland Transport, to process and manage event applications. It also informs stakeholders and other interested parties of the event approval process.

The following parks should be considered as part of the scope for the ‘Tāmaki Drive Precinct’, as they are also in high demand for events:

• Dingle Dell Reserve • Glover Park

• Hapimana Reserve • Kohimarama Beach • Madills Farm Reserve • Mission Bay Beach • Ōrākei Domain

• St Heliers Bay Beach • St Heliers Bay Reserve • Vellenoweth Green

• Selwyn Reserve • The Landing • Watene Reserve.

Leases

Community leases

There are 51 community leases on 25 local parks. Some parks have multiple leases. The council has guidelines for the use of park land by community groups that include eligibility and assessment criteria. As land use intensifies, careful consideration is required when granting or renewing leases over public open space.

Setting aside public land for exclusive use and non-open space use-types potentially undermines the council’s ability to provide for the open space needs of the wider community.

Section 2 - Key moves

Five key moves have been identified in which to 2.1 Protecting and enhancing the natural structure and discuss the actions required to Environment improve the Ōrākei Local Board area open space Protecting and enhancing our network of parks network. and open spaces which embody many of the The key moves provide direction for the future treasured aspects of our heritage, landscape and development of the open space network over the ecology next 10 years. The long-term goal is for a well- With the effects of climate change becoming an distributed, sustainable and high-quality open increasing reality, restoration and care of our space network. natural environment is critical to instilling it with

more resilience to change. Ultimately this is the The five key moves are: only sustainable way in which to protect people, Protecting and enhancing the natural their communities and built infrastructure from environment – protecting and enhancing our climate events. network of parks and open spaces which embody The Ōrākei Local Board states that “our focus will many of the treasured aspects of our natural be shifting to further enhancing the natural environment environment” and “that the health of all our • land beaches, waterways and green spaces is • waterways interlinked” [Ōrākei Local Board Plan 2017]. • coast. Land Recognising our culture and heritage – The Ōrākei Local Board area is centrally located protecting and enhancing our network of parks within the volcanic field, with large portions of its and open spaces which embody many of the underlying clay soils being overlain with basalt treasured aspects of our culture and heritage. and scoria tuff ash. • te ao Māori (the māori world view) There are isolated remnants of regenerating • colonial heritage coastal podocarp forest and wetland bush areas • emerging landscapes. on many of its parks and open spaces which

require protection and enhancement. Encouraging activation – responding to the evolving recreational needs of increasingly Waterways diverse communities. The areas many streams and wetlands are a • recreation trends result of relatively high levels of rainfall, together • community needs. with an undulating topography and a combination of impermeable clay and porous volcanic soils. Improving connectivity – developing walking, Many of the waterways have been diverted (or cycling and green corridor networks to connect partially diverted) through culverts and pipes. and engage our communities Coastal areas • walking, cycling & green corridors The coastal areas are characterised by a • interpretive and directional signage. sequence of bays and headlands with streams

flowing from the higher inland areas through Retaining and acquiring open space in response eroded valleys to the sea. The northern beaches to growth – responding to urban intensification. are subject to the negative effects of stormwater • open space provision (sewerage overflows and road particulate run-off) • open space quality. and storm-surge (scouring and sand loss) from

the Hauraki Gulf.

Biodiversity

The areas natural levels of biodiversity have been greatly affected by land clearance and alterations

26 to the native vegetation cover, including the • native revegetation of stream margins and drainage of wetlands, culverting of streams and coastal reserves to filter contaminants and the widespread construction of impermeable slow the stream currents ground surfaces. The introduction of animal and • mitigating some of the effects of storm-surge, plant pest species have had a sustained impact sea-level rise and tsunami. on the levels of biodiversity across the Ōrākei Local Board area. Biodiversity Strive to be leaders in environmental Ecological corridors restoration by: Ecological restoration projects focused on areas • the incorporation of kiatiakitanga values and of regenerating native bush, streams, wetlands methods alongside institutional land and coastal reserves will facilitate species management techniques to restore highly movement across improved ecological corridors. degraded open space sites across the Ōrākei In combination with the efforts of neighbouring Local Board area local boards, wildlife corridors provide a • supporting pest-free (animal and plant) contiguous green link from the Waitematā strategies and projects such as the Eastern Harbour to the Manukau Harbour. Bays Songbird Project Kaitiakitanga • supporting revegetation of the entire Ōrākei Care and enhancement of the natural Basin to Pourewa shoreline, in conjunction environment to be undertaken with a kaitiaki with pest control/trapping, to facilitate the re- (guardian) approach in partnership with Mana population of wading birds and other Whenua Iwi and community volunteer groups. outstanding wildlife • supporting research into the establishment of

biodiversity baselines, so that effective Actions: Natural environment monitoring of sites can occur • supporting bio-control initiatives where Land appropriate (such as the use of Tradescantia Actively promote and care for the remnant beetles). areas regenerating coastal podocarp forest and wetland bush areas across our parks and Ecological corridors open spaces. Support restoration projects which will establish high quality ecological corridors Waterways along the network of parks and open spaces. Support restoration of waterways through parks and open spaces and in particular at: • Waiata Reserve to Hobson Bay 2.2 Recognising our culture & heritage • Waiatarua Reserve to the Ōrākei Basin • Pourewa Valley to the Orakei Basin Protecting and enhancing our network of parks • Churchill Park to Tāhuna Torea Nature and open spaces which embody many of the Reserve. treasured aspects of our culture and heritage.

The Ōrākei Local Board area contains many sites Coast associated with the earliest settlement of Tāmaki Support restoration and resilience efforts to Makaurau, as well as the colonial and bicultural the network of coastal and upstream parks beginnings of Auckland. and open spaces with the aim of: • improving the quality of stormwater entering Te ao Māori (the maori world view) the sea by advocating for the separation of There are opportunities for positive shared waste and stormwater infrastructure relationships arising from the way in which we manage and develop our local park network. A partnership approach incorporating traditional

27 methods of land stewardship will foster a sense of • pest management (animal and plant) with a community across socio-economic lines and the reduced reliance on herbicides and pesticides responsible use and care of our parks and open where practicable. spaces. Colonial heritage Colonial heritage Many of the open spaces, streetscapes and Work with community groups to promote and infrastructure reflect the areas heritage, much of care for heritage sites across the local park which was built in the late colonial period. In the and streets network and to connect these sites early part of the colonial period, the area was through events, interpretive and wayfinding cleared and farmed as large blocks. Many of the signage. open spaces are named after, or by the landowners from this period. Landscape identity Engage with the community through the Emerging landscapes Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan to gauge The Ōrākei Local Board area has emerged into views on the management of iconic the 21st century with a landscape distinctly landscapes across local parks such as: different from that pioneered through the colonial • the threat from invasive Phoenix Palm period. trees on the Pōhutukawa-clad coastal cliffs of Tāmaki Drive There is a wide-spread commitment to restore • the threat to the historic landscape across native ecosystems across the parks and open Taurere Taylor Hill from continued cattle spaces throughout the local board area. The grazing Pōhutukawa-clad coastal cliffs are a defining feature of Tāmaki Drive. Public reserve land 2.3 Encouraging activation provides an opportunity for the city to demonstrate its commitment to treasured landscapes and Responding to the recreational needs of native ecologies. increasingly diverse communities

The population of the Ōrākei Local Board area is Actions: Culture & heritage projected to increase to nearly 110,000 residents by the year 2033. Asian ethnicities are set to Te ao Māori (world view) and the local park comprise up to 40 per cent of the resident network population. Consideration should aim to Work with Mana Whenua to identify sites understand how the evolving community will use within the local park network for cultural parks and open spaces over the coming decades events and interpretive trails, to encourage with respect to: positive awareness of te ao Māori and Māori identity with place. • recreation trends • community needs. Actively encourage reo Māori place-naming of parks and open spaces, particularly where an Recreation trends indigenous name is already in place. The research revealed that the ‘use of a playground’ is one of the most commonly cited Actively encourage environmentally reasons for visiting a park. Additionally, the Sport responsible open space land-use and and Recreation in the Lives of Young management techniques such as: Aucklander’s report highlighted: • rain gardens and swales located to collect and • that changing lifestyles are leading towards filter stormwater run-off from impermeable people seeking more flexibility in their leisure areas (roads, entrances and carparks) • an increasing tendency towards informal • prioritising native revegetation programmes recreation and sport and riparian planting along streams 28

• Asian young people are less engaged in Successful play sport and recreation overall. Good quality play spaces are those that facilitate a range of play opportunities and provide the Play social and developmental benefits of play. The trend over the last decade has been towards Play does not have to happen entirely in the creative, multi-faceted playgrounds with more playground. Where possible, opportunities for challenging play environments. unstructured play can be planned and designed in The Ōrākei Local Board is considering the parks and places such as streets and civic following recommendations from the ‘Play spaces. For example, letting grass grow longer or Network Gap Analysis’: leaving fallen trees in place will activate play in the natural environment. • filling playground provision gaps in the western Remuera/Mt Hobson area Some of the drainage reserves and green corridors have good or potentially good waterway • improving provision for 9-12 years and 13-17 access. There is an increasing will to de-channel years age groups and restore culverted and neglected streams with

• creating opportunities for nature play soft-engineering approaches. Making these activation in bush reserves waterways accessible will create nature-based play opportunities and green corridor connections. • improving free public access to tennis courts as exclusive-use leases are renewed Where practical, play spaces should be flexible and multi-functional so that they can be used by a • enhancing learn-to-ride circuits on existing range of user groups. Experiences may include good quality footpaths movement, creativity, social play and sensory experiences. • engaging an accessible play specialist to provide recommendations for improving all- Inclusive, accessible play promotes equity and accessible play at key locations. social cohesion between people of different ages, cultures, ethnicities, abilities and socio-economic Neighbourhood parks backgrounds. There is a degree of cultural Playgrounds located on neighbourhood parks are diversity in parts of Ōrākei and Meadowbank and usually small or medium size, having up to nine along the Glenn Innes border. Investment in play different play experiences. A small number of in these areas will bring together diverse sections neighbourhood parks will be able to accommodate of the community. more structured play experiences, however this may compromise the remaining area available for Māori society has a long history and continuing informal play. This is particularly evident in the love for play-based activities. The inclusion of Ōrākei Local Board area where many of the traditional Māori games and play features into reserves have difficult terrain. playgrounds and parks would reach-out to the community. This would, in many ways, help Not all neighbourhood parks require play ensure Māori identity is not lost in areas where equipment and there are benefits in keeping open there is no longer a resident Māori population. space uncluttered to allow for unstructured informal play. Technology is now emerging as a trend to encourage outdoor physical activity and can be Suburb parks incorporated into the play space. This would In suburb parks, playgrounds vary in size and are appeal to young people of all ethnic and cultural developed in response to the needs of the backgrounds. community. Large ‘destination’ playgrounds are typically located on these parks.

Actions: playgrounds • seasonal changes • seating arrangements to accommodate social Engage Mana Whenua and local marae in the gatherings and traditions. development of Māori games and play features that can be incorporated into playgrounds and Shade parks: Parks need to include places for shade. New • investigate and design play spaces which Zealand has high levels of ultraviolet rays and low provide inclusive and stimulating play ozone levels, which can be harmful with over- environments exposure. • include the use of virtual technologies into play spaces as a means of encouraging use There are options for the provision of shade, both by all parts of the community. natural and man-made. Factors such as levels of use and site characteristics, must be considered Informal recreation for each setting. The preferred option is for the Parks provide for a variety of informal recreation use of trees as they contribute to the amenity of activities. They provide open space for informal parks and are environmentally friendly. sports (running and cycling) and for passive recreation (walking and observing nature). Actions: Informal recreation Many of the neighbourhood parks in this local board area are relatively undeveloped and often Identify parks that require development to with difficult terrain. Many of the parks are located cater for growing demand for active and on overland flow paths and clay soils. passive informal recreation open spaces Consequently, surface conditions can be difficult. Consider improvements to drainage, Higher levels of developed amenity on local parks walkways, shade, shelter, seating and will ensure year-round durable use. Measures barbeque/gathering areas. such as improved surface drainage, the installation of circulation paths and clear sight lines for safe use, will cater for the evolving Organised sport communities and the increasing desire for While there has been a shift towards the flexibility informal recreation. of informal recreation, traditional organised winter sporting codes of rugby, league, football, hockey Seating and netball remain popular. The provision of seating encourages community use and is a cost-effective way of improving park The 2017 Winter Sports field Supply and Needs use. Research indicates the provision of more Analysis draft programme has identified future seating in parks would appeal to Asian and Pacific capacity issues for winter training and competition Island communities, who often visit parks in games. These issues are being addressed groups for informal gatherings involving food. through the Sports field Infrastructure and Development (SID) programme. A number of Seating may be considered for the following parks in Ōrākei Local Board area have undergone locations: a SID re-development, with other parks being • next to areas of activities such as scoped for development or currently underway. playgrounds, sports fields and barbeques • in shaded areas for respite from the sun Completed SID projects: • adjacent to walkways. • Crossfield Reserve • Glover Park Factors that should be taken into consideration • Madills Farm Recreation Reserve. include:

• views

• clear lines of sight to ensure safety

Actions: Organised sport 2.4 Improving connectivity

Deliver new and upgraded fields and facilities Developing walking, cycling and green corridor for organised sport, as set out in the Sports networks to connect and engage our communities field Infrastructure and Development Open spaces provide an opportunity to connect Programme for the Ōrākei Local Board area. people to each other, to work and to daily

destination points, as well as special places such Community needs as urban forests, rivers, harbours, heritage sites The communities of this area value their open and other parks. space and see them as places for respite, exercise, play and community empowerment. It is important to leverage the opportunities arising from growth, with maximising outcomes for open High levels of immigration have contributed to the space and enhancing the treasured aspects of our last several years of sharp population growth. environment. This has not been adequately supported with a central government resource to assist new This is the ideal way in which to achieve high migrants to settle into their surroundings. quality outcomes and efficient use of funding. Explore opportunities in: Parks and open spaces act as sites to bring all parts of the community together and help new • walking, cycling and green corridors migrants make connections with place and • interpretive and way-finding signage. people. Walking, cycling and green corridors The Ōrākei Local Board supports greater Several green corridor projects are underway in integration and inclusiveness by assisting: the Ōrākei Local Board area, many of which are • communities to have greater control and based around drainage reserves, the Auckland influence over things they care about Cycle Network and greenways. • more participation from diverse cultures These projects work towards establishing • enhanced Māori development contiguous areas of restored open space. They • increased capability and capacity of volunteer will improve biodiversity while connecting and community groups communities safely and easily along green • initiatives that are designed and delivered corridor walking and cycling routes. locally • communities and the council working together Actions: Walking, cycling and green corridors for better outcomes. Continue to update and implement the Auckland Cycle Network and the Ōrākei Actions: Community needs Greenways Plan, with particular reference to: Continue to support the empowered • route analysis and identifying priority routes communities’ approach in assisting the such as the ‘Tāmaki Drive to Glen Innes’ connection through the Pourewa Valley and delivery of community-led programmes to: the south to north ‘Ellerslie to the sea’ walking • improve the accessibility of parks for the and cycling connections enjoyment of all • making greenway routes more user-friendly. • increase the diverse activation of parks • invigorate parks and civic spaces with Continue to focus on completion of all stages opportunities for multi-cultural festivals and of the green corridor projects events. Signage The parks and open space network is a valuable resource for the community, and it is important that public ownership is recognised. Effective

31 signage can play a role in building stronger and measures to improve the provision and quality of safer communities. open space will:

The Ōrākei Local Board area has many sites of • identify where more parks could be acquired high natural and cultural value. Waterways, tracts • identify open space which has limited of native forests and tūpuna maunga, as well as potential to deliver recreational and ecological many of the local parks, have areas sacred to outcomes Mana Whenua and the wider community. • identify the potential for improved connectivity Signage trails which link and interpret these within the existing open space network values along the network of open spaces, will raise positive awareness of: • improve the spatial arrangement and • the unique natural and cultural origins of developed quality of existing parks Auckland • its bi-cultural establishment as a modern city • investigate opportunities to re-purpose or for • its present-day multi-cultural composition. shared use of other public and private open space land. Actions: Way-finding signage Open space provision Work with mana whenua and the council’s The provision of new areas of open space, Heritage and Biodiversity Units to: together with higher levels of development within • identify sites sacred to mana whenua across existing parks, are required in the following the local park network anticipated growth areas: • develop interpretive signage content which • Ōrākei (west) links these sites through pedestrian/cycleways • Kohimarama (central-south) and green corridors. • Remuera (east & west)

• Ellerslie. Work with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to:

• identify sites across the local park network Land acquisition • develop interpretive signage content which The Parks and Open Spaces Acquisition Policy links local parks and open spaces with the 2013 sets out how the council will prioritise tūpuna maunga through shared walking/cycle opportunities to acquire land. paths and green corridors. The council has a limited budget to acquire land Work with community groups and council’s for new parks. Not all acquisition proposals that Heritage and Biodiversity Units to: align with the acquisition criteria will be able to be • identify colonial heritage sites (built, purchased. landscape and trees) across the local park network Ngāti Whātua Whai Rawa and Housing New • develop interpretive signage content which Zealand Corporation own large ageing stocks of links these sites through pedestrian/cycleways housing which will need to be redeveloped at and green corridors. some point in the future. Redevelopment will lead to higher residential density levels and the potential for council to negotiate improved open 2.5 Response to growth space outcomes within these future developments. Retaining and acquiring open space in response to urban intensification Service property optimisation In the well-established suburbs of the Ōrākei Optimisation is a process that aims to improve Local Board area there are limited opportunities to community outcomes by releasing the underlying acquire land for new parks. A combination of value from the land that is not fit-for-purpose.

Under-performing service property (for example feel safer and encourage ongoing use. Flexible small residual parcels of open space) is divested spaces will provide opportunities for use by a wide and the sale proceeds are reinvested in the same range of people. Generous street frontages and local board area. Reinvestment could fund clear sight lines will contribute to safe park development of approved open space projects environments. and activities on a cost-neutral basis (no Park experience and values additional budget required and no impact on Parks have many attributes that are valued by the rates). community. This includes natural (landscape and This may be particularly useful for acquiring single biodiversity), cultural (events & heritage properties which adjoin existing parks to improve associations) and recreational (active & passive) their street frontage, accessibility and inter- experiences. Parks are seen by many as the connectivity within the community. ‘soul’ and ‘green lungs’ of a city.

This is an opportunity for the Ōrākei Local Board Development of parks to maximise the performance of the open space The development of parks is in response to site network within its area. specific conditions and the diverse needs and interests of the community in which they are

located. The people of the Ōrākei Local Board Actions: Open space provision area are of predominantly European ethnicity with increasing numbers of Asian residents. Advocate for the provision of open space within areas of identified shortfall and growth Parks and open spaces across the Auckland • advocate for the acquisition of land for open region are managed under a renewals programme space to maintain the collective network to the highest • investigate the optimisation of under- possible standard of quality. A capital works performing public land and reinvestment of programme provides for major overhaul or new sale proceeds into the identified open space asset development in parks to bring them up to projects within the same local board area contemporary standards of park design and • investigate the re-purposing and/or shared community needs/expectations. use of public land. Community engagement

Community engagement during the design Open space quality process is an important component in delivering Where there is limited opportunity to acquire new outcomes that meet the diverse needs of the local land for open space, putting higher levels of neighbourhood. investment into development of existing parks will go some way in catering for increased open space Funding for park development demand. Funding for the development of land that the council acquires to address growth is allocated as Our parks need to be developed as spaces that a proportion of the purchase price through the are flexible, multi-functional and durable, so as to Long-term Plan. The aim is for park development cater for the recreational needs of a growing and to be timed to coincide with the delivery of new increasingly diverse society. communities. Well used and safe parks Process for park development The aim is to provide high quality parks that are The process for park development and the safe, inviting and cater to a range of activities and delivery of park assets includes the following experiences for people of all ages and abilities. stages: Parks should provide opportunities for people to • service provision assessment improve their health and well-being. • feasibility study Parks that are attractive and well connected with • concept design, master plan, and the surrounding environment, will make people development plan (resource consent phase) 33

• construction design (building consent phase).

Auckland Design Manual The Auckland Design Manual provides criteria for concept development across the range of open spaces. While currently under review, the manual should be a reference in the design process.

The Te Aranga Design Principles are particularly useful in ensuring Mana Whenua are engaged in the development of parks together with Te ao Māori reflected in design outcomes.

Actions: Open space quality

Strengthen communities • engage the community in park design to bolster identity, connectedness and sense of belonging • advocate for the use of the Auckland Design Manual and Te Aranga Design Principles at the beginning and through all stages of park concept development.

Optimise existing open space and improve the visitor experience • invest in higher levels of development in parks to cater for a diversity of uses • consider options for the best use of open space to create a connected network with well-designed multi-functional spaces that provide a variety of active and passive recreational experiences.

Section 3 - Prioritisation of Actions

This section identifies actions which will contribute Each action has been prioritised according to the to the council delivering a sustainable high-quality prioritisation principles. The prioritised actions are open space network across the Ōrākei Local weighted under the following criteria: Board area. • ongoing action These actions respond to anticipated growth and • high priority – year 1 to 3 provide the community with access to a range of recreational, social, cultural and environmental • medium priority – year 4 to 7 experiences.

• low priority – year 8 to 10 The actions are structured as follows:

• Ōrākei Local Board area wide actions • prioritised actions. 3.2 ŌRĀKEI LOCAL BOARD ADVOCACY

A number of actions require advocacy from the 3.1 PRIORITISATION PRINCIPLES local board. These include advocating for projects that will improve the open space network relating The primary purpose of the open space network to the key moves of catering for growth, enjoy, plan is to identify and prioritise actions to improve connectivity and natural and cultural environment. the open space network. Neighbourhood park acquisitions – advocate This will better prepare council to plan for and for the acquisition of a neighbourhood park in the implement park development and improvement following areas where there is an identified projects. shortfall: Key move: Responding to Growth The following list of principles have been considered when prioritising actions: • Ōrākei (central-west) • Kohimarama (central-south) • the acknowledgement of existing capital works programmes and contractual • St Heliers (central-south) commitments • Remuera (west and east) • Ellerslie (west and east). • areas zoned for growth (metropolitan centre, town centres, local centres, mixed use, terrace housing and apartments) and where Suburb park acquisitions – advocate for the gaps in open space provision have been acquisition of a suburb park in the following areas identified where there is an identified shortfall: Key move: Responding to Growth • areas of deficient and/or poor-quality open

space are prioritised over areas of good • Remuera (west & east) provision and/or good quality open space • Kohimarama (central) • cost benefit implications of individual actions • Saint Heliers (central) • planning and funding cycles, as well as other influences such as, land acquisitions, Ōrākei Local Board Neighbourhood infrastructure projects, spatial planning, Greenways Plan – support the actions identified integrated planning with neighbouring local in the Greenways Plan boards and other stakeholders such as Key move: Connectivity Environmental Services. Māori identity – promote mana whenua customary values and māori identity in the

development of the open space network. Celebrate our unique cultural heritage with the provision of information signage, sculpture and

35 artwork, so that people will recognise and learn Biodiversity – continue to support programmes about treasured places. which work towards restoration of the following Key move: Culture & Heritage lava rock forest and areas of native vegetation for improved biodiversity across the Ōrākei Local

Board area: Coast & waterways – Continue to support Key move: Culture & Heritage programmes to restore the ecological health of the following coastal areas and waterways in the Volunteers – continue to support volunteer Ōrākei Local Board area: community groups that are working on Key move: Culture & Heritage environmental improvement initiatives. Key move: Culture & Heritage

Prioritised Actions

ŌRĀKEI The parks and street network in this suburb have good inter-connectivity due to well-distributed public access-ways. However, many of the smaller reserves are not sufficiently developed for a range of recreational uses. There is an open space provision gap in the central-west area. There is potential for the future acquisition of land for a new neighbourhood park in this area, by way of negotiations with Housing NZ Corporation and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Ltd (when their ageing housing stock and/or land is redeveloped). PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY Hakumau This reclaimed former harbour-bed site includes the Lilliputt Mini Golf site and the Outboard Reserve Boating Club facilities, berthage and mooring areas. The Outboard Boating Club has a licence over a portion of the grassed area for overflow parking until 2022 but there are concerns around encroachment of the boating club’s activities onto this area. The club has approached the council wanting to purchase the grassed area of the reserve and Lilliputt Mini Golf is also seeking a new licence over their site, once their existing lease expires at the end of 2019. However, a clear overall vision first needs to be established for this entire area, together with how this public open space can be better developed for public use. It is recommended to consider Hakumau Reserve as part of a ‘Tāmaki Drive recreation corridor’ with specific guidance to come from the (publicly notified) Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan on issues such as: • the potential role of Hakumau Reserve as a Activation ‘gateway’ to Tāmaki Drive and the eastern bays • the vision for Hakumau Reserve and the optimum use, development and relationship of all its component parts (which includes the Lilliputt Mini Golf site, the open-grassed area, boat ramps and mooring areas. Land sales or the issue of licences over Hakumau Response to Growth Reserve are not recommended until the future aspirations for this reserve is agreed by the local board. Engage the council’s Infrastructure & Natural Environment

Environmental Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues such as: the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Auckland Transport are planning to upgrade the Tāmaki Drive cycleway. Collaborate with Auckland Transport to consider how Hakumau Reserve could contribute to an upgraded cycleway experience, such as: • safe & easy access between Hakumau Activation Reserve and the cycleway, as a pause-point in the cycle route • undertaking a signage wayfinding audit Connectivity (directional & interpretive) to improve

awareness of the indigenous and modified shorelines. Natural Environment

The Landing Holistic consideration of The Landing as part of the (Tāmaki Drive) ‘Tāmaki Drive recreation corridor’ with key guidance to come from the (publicly notified) Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan on issues such as: • the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea- Natural Environment level rise, storm surge and tsunami • the vision for the ‘recreation corridor’ as the Connectivity ‘gateway’ to Tāmaki Drive and the eastern bays. Auckland Transport are planning to upgrade the Tāmaki Drive pedestrian/cycleway. Collaborate with Auckland Transport for potential benefits to The Landing, such as: • safe & easy access between The Landing and Activation the cycleway, as a pause-point in the cycle route • undertaking a signage wayfinding audit Connectivity (directional & interpretive) to improve Natural Environment awareness of the indigenous and modified shorelines. Culture & Heritage Paritai South The two contiguous Paritai reserves are located on the former coastal sea cliffs, which now & North sit landward of Tāmaki Drive & Ngapipi Road. As sites of ecological, landscape and Reserves historical value, they also provide passive recreation at the upper slopes, adjacent to Paritai Drive. • Remove exotic plant species (particularly pest- Natural Environment plant species such as Agapanthus) • Continue to manage as an area of high-quality native vegetation and improving biodiversity with appropriate pest plant & animal eradication programmes (refer to the ‘Cliff-top Pōhutukawa Forest Study’ prepared by the Tāmaki Drive Protection Society). Many of the coastal reserves from Ngapipi Rd eastwards along Tāmaki Drive to Achilles Point have plantings of Phoenix Palms which are an 37

identified pest-tree and are undermining the landscape presence of the Pōhutukawa-clad coastal sea-cliffs. The fast-growing palms foster rodent populations, are invasive (self-seeding and dispersed widely through bird-droppings) and a danger to humans and pets (with poisonous barbs on the palm frond). • Consider engagement through the Ōrākei Natural Environment Local Parks Management Plan to gauge community views on the removal or non- replacement (as they die) of all Phoenix Palm trees from public land. Wātene As part of the low-land flood plain in this area, sections of this reserve are very water- Reserve logged after rain (particularly at the toe of the slope). Consider removal of the existing exotic vegetation. Natural Environment Revegetate the embankment to the toe of the slope in medium-sized native trees and shrubs, suitable for wetland planting. Install drainage to direct surface water to planted areas and to maintain open grassed areas in good order for year-round use. Ōkahu Bay This open space area includes an urupā. The site is owned by Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei and Reserve is managed together with Auckland Council under a co-governance agreement. Continue to work collaboratively with Ngāti Whātua Activation o Ōrākei to manage the open space areas for public access and informal recreation In conjunction with Auckland Transport Community facilities and Infrastructure & Environmental Services, engage with Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei to understand their vision for this land and work positively towards implementation as a shared vision, considering such possibilities as: • re-development of the existing pedestrian Culture & Heritage crossing from the foreshore to Ōkahu Bay Connectivity Reserve, in a way which reinforces the ‘wholeness’ of land & sea, and celebrates the many generations of iwi which whakapapa to

this foreshore area Activation • re-development of the existing playground themed on traditional māori play games and Culture & Heritage sense of design aesthetic • preparation of a planting plan (noting the sites Natural Environment susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, Culture & Heritage storm surge and tsunami) and interpretive signage suite which celebrates the site as wāhi tapu and its underlying nature as an intertidal wetland zone, with a long history of cultivation. Ōrākei This reserve is owned and managed by Auckland Council and includes Watercare built Domain facilities onsite. Grammar Tec Rugby Club Inc. own clubrooms and underlying land at 36 Reihana St, with unformed legal access from the end of Tākitimu St. The club has use of the sports field on the reserve under a lease agreement. The Ōrākei Bowling Club occupy their clubroom under an informal agreement. Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei are currently in 38

communication with the Waitangi Tribunal as to whether this site can be retrospectively included within their Tiriti o Waitangi settlement. Continue to manage this reserve primarily for Activation organised recreation, noting the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. It is recommended that the land-use requests from Response to Growth Grammar Tec Rugby Club and the Ōrākei Bowling Club remain on hold until the land ownership matters are resolved. Consider the installation of surface water drainage Culture & Heritage (for improved year-round use) and a perimeter circulation path and fitness circuit for year-round informal recreational use. Grammar Tec Rugby Club are seeking a legal Activation easement of their existing access from Reihana St. Depending on the outcome of land ownership, staff recommend a ‘licence to occupy’, which can be terminated and would protect the future integrity of the land parcel. The Ōrākei Bowling Club [RM1]are seeking a Activation formalised lease and multi-functional upgrade [RM2]to their building (for social functions and the generation of funds) to improve the ongoing viability of their future. Ngake Remove pest-plants (Agapanthus & Woolly Natural Environment Walkway Nightshade) from within the access-way to Ngake St. Maintain a watching brief on the following Housing NZ Corporation-owned properties for the potential to set aside a connecting off-road access-way from Ngake Walkway to Kupe North Reserve: • 10 Ngake St through to 98-102 Kupe St Connectivity • 4 Ngake St through to 110-114 Kupe St. A small site in mown grass with limited recreation potential: • Investigate the potential to extend low native Natural Environment planting which maintains good traffic safety sightlines, easy access to the bus shelter and Watercare manholes. Hapimana A small reserve within the wider grounds of Reserve Whenua Rangatira: • Discuss the future of this local park with Ngāti Culture & Heritage Whātua o Ōrākei and how it could be better integrated with the landscape vision for Whenua Rangatira. Whenua Whenua Rangatira is owned by Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei and managed under the co- Rangatira governance arrangement with Auckland Council. Discuss with Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei the potential Natural Environment removal of Phoenix Palm trees (and replacement

with more appropriate avenue trees) from the road designation on Hapimana St (on the approach to Michael J Savage Memorial) Support programmes which work towards native Natural Environment revegetation and improved biodiversity. Continue to protect the visibility and integrity of the Culture & Heritage WW2 defensive structures amidst maturing vegetation. Michael Continue to manage this site in accordance with Culture & Heritage Joseph the landscape design intentions of the architects Savage T.K. Donner and A. Bartlett. Memorial Fenton Circus A large circular piece of open space in mown grass which forms a traffic island at the northern end of Coates Ave. Many of the nearby properties are on large sections with generous yard space. The site meets the required neighbourhood park provision metrics and warrants a higher level of landscape amenity. Consider engagement through the Ōrākei Local Activation Parks Omnibus Management Plan to gauge community views on the landscape improvement and use of this public space. Prepare a landscape design concept based on Response to Growth community feedback for approval and funding consideration by the local board. Apihai A narrow irregular-shaped site, which offers limited potential for active recreation, or as a Reserve site for optimisation (to residential use). Consider landscape improvements by removing Natural Environment exotic vegetation and replacing with a linear planting of medium-sized native specimen trees (such as Kōwhai) under-planted with groundcovers to negate mowing requirements while keeping traffic sightlines open. Kupe North The Unitary Plan allows for increased residential development in this area of mixed use Reserve urban and suburban zones. Maintain a watching brief on the following Response to Growth neighbouring Housing NZ Corporation-owned properties for the potential to acquire land to increase road frontage and width of access-ways of this reserve: • 89, 91, 93, 95, 99, 101, 103 Kupe St • 66 & 82 Kurahaupō Street. Consider the removal of exotic vegetation and Natural Environment revegetate in native plant species which attracts and sustains native birdlife, improved biodiversity and reduced maintenance costs over time. Te Arawa The topography of this reserve falls steeply from west to east with generally poor Reserve landscape and recreational amenity. The Rukutai Street frontage is narrow. Maintain a watching brief on the following neighbouring Housing NZ Corporation-owned properties for the potential to acquire land to Response to Growth

increase road frontage and access-ways to this reserve: • 25 Te Arawa St • 93 Kurahaupō St • 64 & 66 Rukutai St. Consider the removal of exotic vegetation and Natural Environment revegetate in native plant species. This will attract and sustain native birdlife, improve biodiversity and reduce maintenance costs over time. Investigate ways in which to utilise the reserves Activation steep terrain to provide unique play experiences, improved internal circulation and passive recreational use. Rukutai An irregular shaped reserve which provides limited recreational potential. Reserve Investigate the potential to optimise the (better Response to Growth proportioned) northern half of this open space Remove exotic vegetation from the southern Natural Environment portion of the reserve and replace with a linear planting of medium-sized native specimen trees (such as Kōwhai) under-planted with groundcovers to negate mowing requirements while keeping traffic sightlines open. Aotea Reserve A well-proportioned open space with a large flat area of mown grass. Investigate the potential to develop all-weather Activation internal circulation paths and multi-functional hardcourt spaces. Rukutai A narrow walkway which would benefit from measures to improve clear sightlines and safe Walkway use. Undertake a CPTED review of this walkway, with Activation particular attention to such issues as lighting and clear sightlines. Maintain a watching brief on the following Connectivity neighbouring Housing NZ Corporation owned properties for the potential to acquire land to increase the width of the walkway for improved safety: • 41 Rukutai St • 107A Atkin Ave Ngāiwi A small irregular corner site dominated by exotic trees and shrubs providing limited public Reserve access and with a perception of private ownership. Consider preparation of a landscape plan which: • removes all exotic vegetation (particularly Agapanthus) Natural Environment • converts the site to a pocket park re-planted in native species which attract and sustains Activation native birdlife • provides seating to utilise outstanding view to Hobson Bay and the central city beyond Ngāpipi A very weedy site which falls steeply southwards to Ngāpipi Rd. It has limited potential for Reserve recreational use, including walkway provision. The upper portions of the reserve appear to

have suffered from the effects of residential building activity along Awarua Cres. This has resulted in vegetation clearance and alteration to this area of regenerating native bush. Verify that the following properties may have built and landscaping elements encroaching on to the reserve: • 44 Ngāiwi St Natural Environment • 1/11 Awarua Cres • 13A Awarua Cres. Remove exotic plant species (particularly the large Natural Environment Phoenix Palm adjacent 94 Awarua Cres) from the upper portions of this reserve and revegetate in appropriate native plant species. Continue to support weed control programmes and Natural Environment engage neighbouring property owners to raise positive awareness around ecological programmes, such as the Eastern Bays Songbird Project, and the role that significant areas of native bush perform in sustaining birdlife and improving ecological biodiversity. Ngāpipi Cliff A very weedy cliff-side reserve, seaward of Ngāpipi Rd forming part of a contiguous open Reserve space corridor which traverses west to east through to the Pourewa Valley. This is the site of a remnant section of the former sewer pipe, which has been sealed off and remains in- situ as a record of the cities’ early engineering infrastructure. The modified flat area around the sewer pipe is now being utilised for a connection point onto the Tamaki to Glen Innes shared path.[RM3] Verify that the following properties appear to have Natural Environment and private landscaping and built elements encroaching on to the reserve and foreshore: • 7, 15, 19, 27 and 29 Ngāpipi Rd. Continue to support weed control programmes and Natural Environment engage neighbouring property owners to raise positive awareness around ecological programmes, such as the Eastern Bays Songbird Project, and the role that significant areas of native bush perform in sustaining birdlife and improving ecological biodiversity. Awarua This is a large area of open space owned by Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei. The portion known as Reserve Awarua Reserve, is a dense area of regenerating native bush at the western end of the block but is not public land. Maintain a watching brief on this privately-owned Response to Growth block of land for the future potential to set aside as public open space. Advocate positively for the landowner to maintain Natural Environment the ecological health of the vegetated portion of this block of land, noting vegetation clearance and apparent encroachment from 13A-E and 25A Awarua Cres. Tautari A narrow steep reserve which provides good connectivity between Tautari St to Reihana Reserve St. Remove exotic vegetation and undertake a CPTED Activation 42

review to establish clear sightlines and safe use. Re-plant in native plant species to optimise safe Natural Environment use and to contribute to improved local biodiversity. Reihana A small pocket-park at the apex of four roads, which is a potential safety hazard for public Reserve access to and from the reserve. Tautari Reserve and three Housing NZ Corporation properties are located close to the Reihana Reserve, as well as a council-owned accessway between 95 & 97 Reihana Street. Due to the small size, difficult access and sloping terrain of this reserve, consideration should be given to: • optimisation of the Reihana Reserve and the acquisition of land for a new neighbourhood park in the area west of Apihai Reserve Response to Growth • a potential land exchange with Housing NZ Corporation which would result in a future reserve located at 87 Reihana St and adjacent to the existing public access-way. Nehu Triangle An undeveloped but good-sized neighbourhood park which is land-locked between three busy roads (without safe pedestrian access). Engage Auckland Transport install safe pedestrian Connectivity access across Coates & Kepa Rd’s to the reserve. Consider development of this reserve into a high- Activation quality neighbourhood park offering a range of passive and informal recreational opportunities. Response to Growth Kupe South The majority of this neighbourhood park is occupied under lease by the Ōrākei Tennis Reserve Club, with poor public access to informal recreation areas within the reserve. Maintain a watching brief on a number of ageing Housing NZ Corporation properties which Response to Growth neighbour the reserve. Many of these properties may be re-developed for high density housing in the near future. As and when planning gets underway, negotiate with Housing NZ Corporation to improve the spatial dimension, access and street frontage of the reserve.

MISSION BAY

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY Kepa Bush An Environmental Enhancement Plan is currently being commissioned by the Park Sport Reserve Recreation unit for this reserve. This reserve is the largest single piece of natural vegetation on the isthmus. Refer to the Pourewa Valley vision document and Natural Environment the following key stakeholders: • Friends of Kepa Bush • Friends of Pourewa Valley • Friends of St John Bush • Selwyn College. Continue to support volunteer animal & pest-plant Natural Environment control programmes. Engage with management from the neighbouring Connectivity

Purewa Cemetery who are keen to be involved with Environmental Enhancement Plan, and are mindful of future east-west and south-north greenway links which will be in close proximity to the reserve. Thatcher Undertake a CPTED review of the Thatcher St Connectivity Street Kepa Rd and Colenso Plc entrances which provide Reserve a continuous thoroughfare through to Kepa Bush Reserve. Investigate the development of walkways Connectivity connecting all three reserve entrances and the lower slopes to greenway corridors at John Rymer Place. Patterson A relatively undeveloped but well-dimensioned neighbourhood park. Reserve Consider the development of an exercise circuit Activation and all-weather paths on the reserves’ periphery. Remove the western boundary planting of invasive Natural Environment Agapanthus and re-plant west and eastern boundaries in well-spaced native specimen trees (such as Kōwhai). Nihill Reserve A narrow undeveloped strip of land which in its current form provides very limited value to the public. Investigate whether public access from Codrington Response to Growth Cres (and therefore connectivity between Nihill and Codrington Cres) has been set aside along a short stretch of private land at 1/42 Codrington Cres. If unable to secure public access as above, Response to Growth investigate this reserve as a site for optimisation. Verify apparent encroachments onto the reserve Response to Growth land from several neighbouring properties. Use the opportunity with the impending Ōrākei Natural Environment Local Parks Omnibus Management Plan to gauge community views on the removal of all Phoenix Palm trees from public land. Mary Atkin Well-dimensioned neighbourhood park with good access, street exposure and internal Reserve sightlines. Consider the installation of drainage to grassed Activation areas to improve all-weather use through winter in particular. Tagalad Tagalad south & north reserves are located within a low-lying valley flood plain. Reserve North Retain as reserve land and clarify its optimum Response to Growth future use through the public consultation processes of the Ōrākei Local Parks Omnibus Management Plan. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues such as: • the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea- level rise, storm surge and tsunami.

Tagalad Panuku Development Auckland is seeking to divest this site. Reserve South Investigate the optimisation of this site (as well as Response to Growth two of four council-owned properties nearby at 11 & 33 Atkin Ave). Investigate the potential acquisition of a new site for a neighbourhood park in the central-south area of suburban Mission Bay/Kohimarama (which has a broad gap in open space provision). Ronaki A corner reserve currently maintained in mown grass. Reserve Consider as a site for a large centrally located Natural Environment native specimen tree (such as Pohutukawa) to provide shade and scale, while keeping traffic sightlines open (and contributing towards the Mayor’s ‘million trees’ and ‘giant trees’ programmes). Selwyn Engage the council’s Infrastructure & Natural Environment Reserve Environmental Services coastal resilience unit to (Mission Bay) understand and plan for issues such as: • the sites’ susceptibility to climate change, sea- level rise, storm surge and tsunami.

KOHIMARAMA A broad area across the south of this suburb has a gap in the provision of neighbourhood parks. Partnership opportunities could be identified with local schools, such as Selwyn College, as a possible means of co- sharing the use of open space, including development and maintenance requirements. Kohimarama Engage the council’s Infrastructure & Natural Environment Beach Environmental Services coastal resilience unit to Reserve understand and plan for issues surrounding the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Speight Rd Speight Rd & Melanesia reserves are located within a low-lying valley flood plain. Reserve Retain as reserve land and determine the optimum Response to Growth future use of this open space through the public consultation processes of the Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues surrounding the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Melanesia Retain as reserve land and determine the optimum Response to Growth Reserve future use of this open space through the public consultation processes of the Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues surrounding the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. 45

Madills Farm A small suburb park catering for organised sport and active recreation. Development is Recreational being supported by the objectives and actions of the Madills Farm Reserve Stream Reserve Restoration Plan 2015. Support the Friends of Madills Farm planting Natural Environment programme, stream restoration and education at community planting events. Consider additional opportunities to improve the Natural Environment natural amenity of the large open drainage canal which flows alongside the eastern boundary of this reserve. Consider any specific findings set out in the Ōrākei Activation Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan, currently being delivered by the Parks, Sport and Recreation unit.

ST HELIERS There is a gap in the provision of neighbourhood parks across the central to south area of this suburb. The under-provision of open space in this area is exacerbated by many of the existing reserves providing little or no active recreational potential (being primarily storm water and ecological reserves). Partnership opportunities should be identified with local schools (e.g. St Thomas School and St Heliers School) as a possible means of co-sharing the use, development and maintenance of open space, noting the limited opportunity to acquire land for new open space. PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY Kohimarama Several mature Phoenix Palms line the grass berm and lower slopes of this foreshore cliff Reserve reserve. (Tāmaki Drive) Given the significant number and maturity of Phoenix Palms (an identified pest-tree) across the eastern bay foreshore areas: • Use the opportunity with the impending Ōrākei Natural Environment Local Parks Management Plan to gauge community views on the removal of all Phoenix Palm trees from public land. Pamela Place Together with open space land owned by the Melanesian Mission Trust Board, this area Reserve comprises over 6000m2. Most of the site is covered in native bush (apart from a small sloping grassed area of approximately 800m2 fronting onto Pamela Place). This is an overland flow path and part of a wider area of contiguous vegetation covering predominantly private land. It provides significant ecological enhancement opportunities. Continue to support pest-plant control and native Natural Environment plant revegetation efforts (across private & public land) for improved biodiversity and reduced maintenance costs over time. Kohimarama A corner-site neighbourhood park, land-locked by three roads and sloping moderately to Reserve the north. (Kohimarama Remove large mature Pine trees. Natural Environment Road ridge) Consider as a site for a large centrally located Natural Environment native specimen tree (such as Pohutukawa) to provide shade and scale, while keeping traffic sightlines open (and working towards the Mayors million trees and Giant trees programmes). 46

Engage Auckland Transport to install raised-table Connectivity pedestrian crossings across busy roads to the reserve. Glen Atkinson This 7500m2 reserve has two entrances with difficult accessibility and is land-locked by Reserve A residential properties. Together with neighbouring private land, it forms an overland flow path and large contiguous area of regenerating native vegetation with a weedy understory. Verify that this contiguous area of vegetation is Natural Environment currently programmed for plant & animal pest control, together with native wetland plant revegetation. Grampian A narrow and difficult entrance into this 4600m2 reserve which is land-locked by residential Road properties. Together with neighbouring private land it forms an overland flow path and Retention head of the stream which is now culverted out to Kohimarama Beach. It includes a planted Dam swale and is comprised of a large contiguous area of regenerating native vegetation and weedy understorey. Continue to support plant & animal pest control and Natural Environment native restoration planting programme (with a view to reduced maintenance requirements and increased sustainability over time). Raise positive awareness amongst neighbouring Natural Environment residential property owners regarding the benefits of improved biodiversity and appropriate native plant restoration across public and private land. Heritage Rise A neighbourhood park with a centrally located dense planting of mature trees: Reserve Remove all non-native plant species including Natural Environment invasive tree privet. Undertake a landscape plan which develops the Activation reserve for improved passive recreation to include improved planting, seating and all-weather paths. Sierra A small reserve providing an easy east-west pedestrian connection to St Heliers Bay Rd. Reserve Undertake a landscape plan which sets out seating Activation and improved planting for amenity and shade. Dingle Dell A significant open space of regenerating native vegetation with very good street frontage Reserve and access. Continue to fund the existing ecological Natural Environment enhancement programme being carried out by Wildlands Consultants and support of Hapua Thrive community group and neighbouring private landowners Verify that Parkside St to Dingle Rd has been Response to Growth stopped, so that the paper (connecting) road cannot be developed (which is adjacent to a triangular portion of the reserve that may be held in fee simple title). Maskell A small, sloping and undeveloped neighbourhood park with poor street frontage and long Reserve narrow accessways. Undertake a landscape development plan which

sets out: • Improved accessways by use of low growing Connectivity and/or open habit native plant species which maintain open sightlines. • new planting for the interior of the reserve which provides shade in summer and open sightlines in winter • all-weather internal paths which are aligned Activation with easy contours • seating and lighting for improved recreational amenity. Vellenoweth A coastal suburb park which is located within a low-lying valley flood plain. Green Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues surrounding the sites’ susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Long Drive Consider removal of all Phoenix Palms from this Natural Environment Road Reserve small foreshore reserve (noting they are an identified pest-plant species): • this action ideally flagged to the community through the public consultation processes of the impending Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan. St Heliers Bay Several mature Phoenix Palms line the grass berm Natural Environment Beach of this beach reserve: Reserve • Use the opportunity with the impending Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan to gauge community views on the removal of all Phoenix Palm trees from public land. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues: • Surrounding the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Springcombe Consider removal of the single mature exotic tree Natural Environment Road Corner and under-plant existing stands of Puriri with low native grasses (to mitigate against the damaging effect of foot traffic around the root systems of the trees). Cliff Road These reserves are located on the steep coastal cliffs and foreshore area at Achillies Point: Reserve, Several mature Phoenix Palms line the grass berm Achillies Point of this beach reserve: Reserve and • Given the significant number and maturity of Natural Environment Ladies Bay Phoenix Palms (an identified pest-tree) across Beach the eastern bay foreshore areas: • Use the opportunity with the impending Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan to gauge community views on the removal of all Phoenix Palm trees from public land. Glover Park A large suburb park sited upon the location of the former Pa and ancient volcano of Te

Pāne o Horoiwi. Utilise the impending public consultation processes of the Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan to: • undertake a planting plan which takes more Natural Environment advantage of the potential to revegetate, in appropriate native plant species, portions of the eastern and southern slopes • attribute bi-cultural naming to the park which Culture & Heritage pays homage to the long association of mana whenua and its volcanic origins. Gentleman’s This walkway access to the foreshore below is unstable and dangerous. Despite the Walkway entrance being fenced-off, its continued use and remnant infrastructure contributes to erosion along the soft sandstone cliff face. Remove all remaining entrance and walkway Natural Environment infrastructure and revegetate the area in appropriate native plants suitable for consolidating the cliff face (such as Pohutukawa underplanted with Toetoe, Gahnia and Flax species).

GLENDOWIE

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY Karaka Bay The site in Tāmaki Makaurau of the signing of TeTiriti o Waitangi: Verify apparent encroachments onto the foreshore Natural Environment reserve land from several private properties which have title to within 20 metres of mean high water in places: • the encroachments on steep cliff faces could contribute to instability and erosion, while at lower levels it contributes to a perception of private land. Continue to support the volunteer activities of Pest Natural Environment Free Karaka Bay animal pest control programme. Remove invasive pest-plants of Agapanthus (around entrance carpark area) and Phoenix Palm trees and re-vegetate in appropriate native plant species: • work with neighbouring private properties to Natural Environment raise positive awareness around invasive plants and to prevent re-infestation of public land from private properties. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues surrounding the sites’ susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and Natural Environment tsunami. Churchill Park A large destination park which is grazed under a lease arrangement. There are some pockets of regenerating native bush along the lowland western boundary areas, together with ad hoc stands of Pine shelter belts and other exotic vegetation:

Continue to support volunteer efforts in animal & pest plant control and native plant restoration programmes. Utilise the opportunity (of the Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan) to engage the community on the future direction of this park: • by the revegetation of this large reserve into more manageable and user-friendly spaces Natural Environment • by a shift away from grazing as a means of controlling pasture grass and towards more environmentally responsible land management techniques. Many of the street entrances from the western side of the park are overgrown with inappropriate vegetation and have poor sightlines: • Undertake CPTED review of all entrances and implement recommended actions. Connectivity Riddell Road Public access to the northern and eastern coastline from St Heliers to Glendowie has been Beach Access prevented by the subdivision of private properties to within metres of the coastal cliffs. Riddell Road Beach Access is one of only two public access points but has a perception of private property due to lack of signage and shared access with neighbouring dwellings. Clarify why this public accessway is unmarked. Connectivity Verify apparent encroachments from private Connectivity properties onto the coastal cliff esplanade, north of this accessway to Karaka Bay. Anderson’s A very weedy coastal cliff reserve. Continue to Natural Environment Beach support plant & animal pest control and the native Reserve restoration planting contract (with a view to reduced maintenance requirements and increased sustainability over time). Verify private encroachments onto the public Connectivity coastal cliff esplanade, from Anderson’s Beach Reserve to Riddell Road Beach access. Raise positive awareness amongst neighbouring Natural Environment residential property owners regarding the benefits of improved biodiversity and appropriate native plant restoration (for the stability) of this steep coastal cliff esplanade. Roberta Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Reserve Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues surrounding: • the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea- Natural Environment level rise, storm surge and tsunami • the implications for this site history as a capped landfill. Tahuna Torea A potentially outstanding Marine Reserve. Natural Environment Nature Continue to support volunteer and contractor Reserve efforts in restoring this marine reserve to a high- quality natural environment which supports regenerating aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.

Glendowie Together with Healthy Waters and Infrastructure & Natural Environment Park Environmental Services units, investigate the potential to daylight and restore the culverted waterway through Glendowie Park (for the restoration of natural habitat and the potential to filter waterborne contaminants before entering the Tāmaki River). Cranbrook This neighbourhood park is part of the Taurere Taylor Hill volcano, which is separated from Reserve the maunga by subdivision and Cranbrook Place. It is surrounded by Housing NZ Corporation properties and sits within an area of potential growth (Res Mixed Housing Urban Zone). As and when Housing NZ Corporation properties are redeveloped, negotiate for improved open space outcomes: to increase the size and spatial layout of Cranbrook Response to Growth reserve to improve connections to Taurere Taylor Hill Connectivity Reserve across Cranbrook Place by working with mana whenua to undertake a Cultural & Heritage landscape development plan based on discontinuing all future cattle grazing and removal of stock infrastructure, protecting remaining geological and archaeological features and activating the reserve with creative play spaces Activation (associated with the stories and traditions of the maunga and the peoples who have inhabited it). Taylor Hill A relatively intact volcano with terracing, housing platforms and kūmara pits clearly visible, Reserve including an ancient grove of Karaka, which are all protected under the Auckland Unitary Plan. Utilise the opportunity (with the Ōrākei Local Parks Management Plan) to engage mana whenua and the community on the future direction of this local park, such as: a shift away from grazing as a means of controlling Natural Environment pasture grass and towards more culturally and environmentally responsible land management Cultural & Heritage techniques revegetating portions of the lower slopes that Natural Environment contain no archaeological features with appropriate native plant species associated with the Auckland volcanic field by the removal of pest-plant & animal species and Natural Environment the restoration of natural habitats. installation of interpretive signage and network of Cultural & Heritage tracks which raise awareness and appreciation of the special qualities of this place. Crossfield Improve the association of this reserve with Natural Environment Reserve and Taurere Taylor Hill Reserve and the wider natural Taylor Drive landscape by phasing out boundary plantings of Playground exotic trees and revegetating with native plant species associated with the Auckland volcanic field.

REMUERA

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY Bassett A steep access reserve down into Newmarket Park with potentially very good off-road Reserve connectivity to the network of foreshore parks at Hobson Bay. Continue to work with Auckland Transport and the Connectivity Waitematā Local Board to fund and implement the completion of the shared path network in this area Thomas Continue to work with Auckland Transport to Connectivity Bloodworth implement the completion of the shared path Park network in this area. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues such as: • the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea- Natural Environment level rise, storm surge and tsunami • the implications for this site as a capped landfill. Shore Road Continue to work with Auckland Transport to Connectivity Reserve implement the completion of the shared path network in this area. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues such as: • the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea- Natural Environment level rise, storm surge and tsunami • the implications for this site as a capped landfill. Judge Arney Small corner pocket-park reserve dominated by a Connectivity Reserve large mature exotic tree. Verify that the mature specimen tree provides good seasonal shade and Activation sun and does not compromise safe sightlines to traffic at busy intersection. Hapua An undeveloped corner neighbourhood park which provides relief from built form. Reserve Consider developing the reserve for improved Activation year-round use with improved drainage, seating and shade. Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues such as: • the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea- level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Waitaramoa Engage Council’s Infrastructure & Environmental Natural Environment Reserve Services coastal resilience unit to understand and plan for issues such as: the sites susceptibility to climate change, sea-level rise, storm surge and tsunami. Continue to support volunteer and contractor Activation restoration of natural habitats and improved track network for year-round use.

Wharua Continue to support volunteer and contractor Natural Environment Reserve restoration of natural habitats and improved track network for year-round use. Activation Portland A large neighbourhood and drainage reserve with the potential for improved recreational Reserve amenity and ecological functionality. In collaboration with the Healthy Waters unit, undertake a landscape development plan for this reserve which: Natural Environment • naturalises the existing linear state of the watercourse • removes exotic vegetation and replaces with native wetland plant species typically associated with Auckland’s wetlands. Scherff Road A small and sloping corner road reserve which provides relief from built form. Reserve Remove all exotic pest-plants (Cherry & Privet) and Natural Environment consider phasing out remaining exotic trees over time and replanting in small semi-deciduous native specimen trees (such as Kowhai) to keep safe sightlines open. Hobson Bay A narrow coastal strip with predominant Pohutukawa canopy and limited understory. Walkway 1&2 Continue to support contractor weed control and restoration planting programmes. The aim is to achieve indigenous canopy cover in 3-5 years on the exposed coastal margin and reduce future establishment of pest plants. The walkway is built out onto the estuary and Natural Environment Hobson Bay for the most part and therefore consideration should be given to the eventual effects of sea level rise. Wilson Beach A narrow coastal esplanade at the front of three Natural Environment Reserve private properties at the seaward end of Victoria Ave (the esplanade provisions from Burwood Cres to Victoria Ave) and subject to the eventual effects of sea level rise. Platina A large neighbourhood park which appears to be Response to Growth Reserve available for use by the neighbouring Remuera Primary School. Verify that the Ministry of Education is contributing to maintenance and development costs. Ascot Park A small pocket park in an area with provision gaps in neighbourhood parks. Consider a co-share relationship with the Ministry Response to Growth of Education in lieu of use of Platina Reserve by Remuera Primary School. Wairua At just over 1 hectare in area, this is a large well positioned neighbourhood park, sloping Reserve moderately southwards from Remuera Rd ridge. The reserve has an apparent random composition of mature trees and boundary hedging, which would benefit from a landscape design approach. Undertake a landscape development plan which: • improves drainage to lower portions of the reserve and links internal circulation paths for Activation good year-round seasonal use • includes a planting plan which identifies 53

undesirable and/or inappropriately positioned Natural Environment trees/shrubs and proposes a new planting palette based on native plant species. Waiata A large suburb park in excess of 10 hectares in area. Being at the head the Remuera Reserve Stream, the reserves terrain falls steeply towards Hobson Bay and is utilised for stormwater/ecological functionality and informal & passive recreation. The Waiata Reserve Planting Plan 2016 set out a planting restoration programme for the Remuera Stream. Support volunteer planting and contractor advice Natural Environment that an additional 1000 trees be provided to replace plant fatalities and cover barren areas where weeds are likely to re-establish Consider undertaking a landscape development plan which: • improves drainage to lower portions of the Activation reserve and links internal circulation paths for good year-round seasonal use • incorporates soft engineering techniques to Natural Environment develop to maximise this reserves functionality

as an outstanding piece of ecological open space • includes a directional and interpretive signage audit which raises public awareness of this Connectivity reserves’ positive ecological attributes (such as filtering stormwater contaminants, improved biodiversity opportunities and relief from built form). Lingarth A neighbourhood park which is a downstream drainage continuation from Waiata Reserve. Reserve The eastern bank of this watercourse (half of the reserves area) has a relatively easy contour and suitable for informal and passive recreation. However, it has poor accessibility being virtually land-locked on four sides apart from a single narrow entrance at Lingarth St. Work with neighbouring properties to raise positive Natural Environment awareness regarding the importance of this reserve for its: • stormwater drainage functionality • stream habitat and biodiversity opportunities (weed control and to avoid re-infestation from private gardens) Maintain a watching brief on Housing NZ Corporation own property at 70-72 Lingarth St: • consider opportunities to acquire these Response to Growth properties for improved street frontage and entrance into Lingarth Reserve • the existing narrow and steep entrance at 64 Lingarth St could potentially be optimised to neighbouring properties at 62 and/or 64 Lingarth St (noting existing private landscape encroachments from #62). Martyn Wilson A suburb sports park at the lower reaches of the drainage path from the Remuera ridge. Fields & Sonia The reserve has been recently upgraded to a fairly high standard, but some undesirable Reserve trees have been planted around its periphery. Undertake development of a planting plan which Natural Environment identifies undesirable trees for removal (e.g. Flame

trees and large Pine at the Orakei Rd entrance) and replacement with appropriate native plant species which reflect the coastal podocarp forest origins of this area. Tonks A good-sized neighbourhood park which is landlocked and poorly accessible at the Reserve intersection of four busy roads. Include this reserve in the planting plan developed Natural Environment for Martyn Wilson Fields & Sonia Reserve, so as to unite the open spaces visually through planting selection. Maungarāhiri One of the original 48 volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic field, which has been virtually Little quarried away for its scoria and basalt rock. Remnant scoria outcrops remain, alluding to Rangitoto the reserves’ volcanic origins. Reserve Consider development of a planting plan, together Natural Environment with interpretive signage, that raises awareness of the lava rock forest which covered much of this area prior to human settlement. Ventnor Include this reserve in the planting plan developed Connectivity Reserve for Maungarāhiri Little Rangitoto Reserve, so as to better unite the open spaces through interpretive signage and plant selection. Regents Park A small neighbourhood park, well connected by laneways to residential streets. Consider improving drainage and circulation paths Activation for year-round good use. Koraha A neighbourhood park with two open stormwater drainage culverts traversing the large Reserve central grassed area. Engage the Heathy Waters unit to gauge the Natural Environment potential to naturalise the two drainage culverts, together with a wetland planting concept. Canon Park A good-sized neighbourhood park with ‘naturalised’ stormwater drainage flowing through the central area. Consider development of a planting plan centred Natural Environment around the watercourse that reflects aspects of wetland vegetation associated with the Tāmaki area prior to urbanisation. Ballarat St This is a linear section of unformed road (currently in mown grass) that is an identified extension overland flow path and flood plain. (Paper Rd) Clarify with Auckland Transport and the Healthy Connectivity Waters unit the legal status of this piece of land and why it is fenced-off. Collaborate with the Maungakiekie Tamaki Local Connectivity Board to investigate whether it can be utilised as part of a greenway connection linking Marua Rd to Abbotts Way (as part of the ‘Ellerslie to the Sea’ Greenway link). Waiatarua Together with the neighbouring Remuera Golf Course, these reserves make up the largest Reserve single expanse of open space in the Ōrākei Local Board area. Both reserves also drain stormwater from the Stonefields wetland forebay (the site of the former Winstone Lunn Ave Quarry).

Complete and implement recommended actions Natural Environment from the Waiatarua Enhancement Plan (commissioned by the PSR unit). Continue to support volunteer pest control Natural Environment programmes. Engage the Healthy Waters unit to contribute to the Natural Environment ecological enhancement of Waiatarua Reserve. Remuera Golf Although not a local park, this is a substantial piece of public open space. The clubs’ Course management contacted Council staff in 2017/18 to discuss how their facilities could be made more available for (non-golf) public use. Maintain contact with club management and PSR Activation parks advisors to advance the clubs initiative for better integration of their facilities with the general public. Continue pilot project with Environmental Services Natural Environment unit to improve plant & animal pest control, restoration planting, environmental education and ongoing monitoring. Ngāpuhi A steeply sloping pocket park with the western half in grass and the remaining in bush. Reserve The reserve provides stormwater functionality and access between Ngāpuhi and Kelvin Rd’s. Work with neighbouring properties to raise positive Natural Environment awareness and action around the potential for biodiversity improvements along this highly vegetated natural watercourse. Kelvin A small neighbourhood park at the head of a tributary to the Ōrākei Basin Reserve Work with neighbouring properties to raise positive Natural Environment awareness and action around the potential for biodiversity improvements along this highly vegetated natural watercourse. Ōrākei Basin Ōrākei Basin is a breached volcanic crater and potentially outstanding aquatic and East Reserve terrestrial open space. Unfortunately, it has become highly degraded through the processes of urbanisation and the development of causeways across the basin and Hobson Bay. Ōrākei Basin is culturally important to Mana Whenua and its ongoing degraded state is of major to concern to Iwi and the wider community. Continue to fund contractor and volunteer efforts Natural Environment for biodiversity restoration along the entire crater rim. Work with Healthy Waters, Mana whenua and Natural Environment community groups to raise positive public awareness of why biodiversity improvements are critical and how all can contribute (noting the connection to upstream communities, infrastructure and sedimentation of the basin). Ōrākei Basin Continue to fund contractor and volunteer efforts Natural Environment West Reserve for biodiversity restoration along the entire crater rim. Work with Healthy Waters, mana whenua and Natural Environment community groups to raise positive public

awareness of why biodiversity improvements are critical and how all can contribute (noting the connection to upstream communities, infrastructure and sedimentation of the basin).

MEADOWBANK

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY Macpherson A large neighbourhood park occupying the eastern end of the Ōrākei Basin, adjacent the Street single outfall through the rail causeway. The reserve is planted out in regenerating native Reserve bush and connects the Ōrākei Basin walkway to the causeway path, basin bridge and Meadowbank Rd. Work with Healthy Waters, mana whenua and Natural Environment community groups to raise positive public awareness of why biodiversity improvements are critical and how all can contribute (noting the connection to upstream communities, infrastructure and sedimentation of the basin). Tahapa A large neighbourhood park within an area having many Housing NZ Corporation Reserve properties. Negotiate with Housing NZ Corporation for improved open space outcomes, as and when redevelopment occurs for: • improved street frontage and entrance from Connectivity Taihapa St • new reserve entrances from Kapua & Mamaku Streets As this area is redeveloped, consider upgrade of the reserve facilities to: • provide improved informal recreational Activation opportunities including all weather paths, seating, lighting and shade. Tahapa A large neighbourhood park within an area having many Housing NZ Corporation Reserve East properties. Negotiate with Housing NZ Corporation for improved open space outcomes as redevelopment occurs, such as: • improved street frontage and entrance from Connectivity Taihapa Cres • new reserve entrances through to Mamaku Street • upgrade and develop existing laneway entrances from Harapaki Rd As this area is redeveloped, consider upgrade of the reserve facilities to: • provide improved informal recreational Activation opportunities including all weather paths, seating, lighting and shade. Ōrākei Creek The only accessway provision to the Waiatarua Rd Connectivity Esplanade footbridge. Consider improvements to the safe use

Reserve of this accessway by the pruning of vegetation at either end of the bridge and the installation of lighting. Bonnie Brae Over half of this 4062m2 neighbourhood park comprises a steeply vegetated stream bank. Reserve Negotiate with Housing NZ Corporation for the Response to Growth acquisition of a neighbouring property at Macpherson St to increase the flat area available for recreation. Meadowbank A small section of a steeply vegetated stream Natural Environment Reserve bank. Manage this and the wider area of regenerating native bush for improved biodiversity outcomes. Fancourt A well-dimensioned neighbourhood park with easy Activation Reserve contour. Consider upgrade of facilities to include all weather paths and a range of informal recreational opportunities. Rutherford A large neighbourhood park with the northern half Activation Reserve of the reserve having an easy contour. Consider of facilities to include all weather paths and a range of informal recreational opportunities.

ST JOHNS

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY St Johns Bush A large 4hectare expanse of regenerating native vegetation and an important ecological link in the network open spaces on the Auckland Isthmus and wider region. Continue to support volunteer groups in their Natural Environment animal pest control and ecological enhancement programmes. Norman An undeveloped and land-locked pocket park with three road entrances but only one Lesser marked with entrance signage. As such, the park has a sense of private open space to the Reserve properties within Pyatt Cres. Undertake a landscape development plan which: Activation • develops the entrance ways to be more inviting and with well-marked signage • sets out soft and hard landscaping options for improved passive enjoyment of the reserve. Allen Johnston A moderately sloping neighbourhood park with a good street frontage and relatively dense Reserve vegetation at its centre. Undertake a landscape development plan which considers: Activation • reducing the area of mature vegetation and creating open spaces between smaller groves of trees to improve safe sightlines and more opportunity for informal recreational use • a circulation network of all-weather paths, with seating, shade and lighting. Ruka Reserve A well-developed neighbourhood park which has Activation been creatively designed to take advantage of its

sloping terrain. It provides direction for how the similarly dimensioned Norman Lesser and Allen Johnston Reserves can be improved. Swainston A large neighbourhood park which has entrances Activation Reserve at four streets and is well developed for informal recreation. Merton A legacy agreement is in place which sets out the divestment of a portion of this reserve to Reserve off-set the costs of acquiring Colin Maiden Park from the University of Auckland. This reserve is positioned within an area well-provisioned in open space. The northern portion of the reserve has very good Connectivity connections to shared path networks including to the Glen Innes Train Station. Ngāhue A large high- quality sports park dedicated to football and netball. There are considerable Reserve areas of open space outside the developed sports fields & courts. Advocate for opportunities to develop the residual Activation open space areas for informal recreation such as skate park, half-courts off-leash dog exercise areas and fitness circuits. Colin Maiden A large high-quality sports park dedicated to summer and winter organised sport. Park All of the sports fields are soil based. Verify that Activation the fields (and more practically their peripheral areas) are made available for public informal recreational use. Morrin A large neighbourhood park planted out in mature Activation Reserve trees providing informal reaction opportunities to the neighbouring business park, Auckland University Campus and residents of the Stonefields development. Hannigan A small (1714m2) undeveloped open space which provides an off-road link from Colin Drive No. 22 Maiden Park and Ngāhue Reserve to Hannigan Drive. Clarify what appears to be the limited open space Response to Growth potential of this property and optimise its value in the development of other nearby parks. Te Tauoma The site of the Te Tauoma volcano and Pā with significant value to mana whenua and the Purchas Hill heritage community of Auckland. A legacy agreement is in place which sets out the divestment of a portion of this reserve to off-set the costs of acquiring Colin Maiden Park from the University of Auckland. Panuku Development Auckland (PDA) have plans in place to develop a north-western portion of the site as a business park. Continue to negotiate with PDA for the best Natural Environment outcomes for the remnant volcanic feature at the south-eastern portion of the site. This includes a Culture & Heritage more sympathetic north-western boundary line than that currently being considered as at July 2019 (the boundary line needs to follow the curved form of the remnant volcanic feature).

STONEFIELDS

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY 84A Morrin Rd A 3437m2 council-owned undeveloped block of land opposite Tauoma Purchas Hill. Clarify what the intentions are for this council- Response to Growth owned piece of undeveloped land. 2 Ngahue Planning is currently underway with the property developer to exchange land at 2 Ngāhue Drive & 50 Tihi Drive with land at 50 Tihi Street. The Tihi St property will formalise public access rights to Street that section of the Heritage Trail. Continue to support ecological restoration and Natural Environment plant & animal pest control programmes to reduce invasive plant species present along the trail and their spread to surrounding open space areas. 36 Tauoma Retain this 192m2 section of land which provides Connectivity Crescent an off-road link between Tauoma Cres and Homestead Drive. Playtime Park A small but highly developed neighbourhood park Response to Growth at 2040m2, offering a range of play opportunities. NZ Native A slightly larger neighbourhood park at 2619m2. Response to Growth Park Fissure Park A 1471m2 pocket park. Response to Growth Volcano Park A 2920m2 neighbourhood park. Response to Growth Cliff Face Park 1753m2 pocket park Response to Growth Lava Flow 1807m2 pocket park Response to Growth Park Stone’s Throw 1217m2 pocket park Response to Growth Park Maungarei 10hectare wetland forebay and surrounding Response to Growth Springs planted area. Wetland

ELLERSLIE

PARK ACTION KEY MOVE PRIORITY 7/92 Ballarat A 1734m2 open space site shown as local park on Response to Growth Street council asset management maps. Clarify ownership and land classification. Celtic A small pocket park which includes a playground Response to Growth Crescent with a bark-based groundcover. Upgrade the Reserve playground and base to contemporary playground standards. Lawry An undeveloped neighbourhood park with poor street frontage and connectivity. The Reserve eastern side of the reserve is heavily vegetated and weedy. The existing reserve entrance of Lawry St is neighboured by Housing NZ Corporation properties, as well as one property neighbouring to the east on Peek St. Negotiate with Housing NZ Corporation, as and Response to Growth when their properties are redeveloped, to potentially acquire or swap land to improve the 60

reserves entrance, street frontage and connectivity to Peek St. Continue to support pest weed control and native Natural Environment plant restoration programmes. Prepare a landscape development plan which: • identifies undesirable pest-plants for removal and thin the dense vegetation for improved sightlines and safe use • develops the reserve for a range of informal Activation recreation opportunities. Michaels A well-developed suburb park with two sports Response to Growth Avenue fields. Consider the development of informal Reserve recreation opportunities on the peripheral open space areas. Liston Park This suburb park requires upgrade. Undertake a landscape development plan which caters for sport and informal recreation: • upgrade the sports facilities in accordance with Response to Growth the Sports Investment Development programme • improves the entrance, internal roading and car park surfaces. Derby Downs Develop clear signage at both reserve entrances Connectivity Domain stating the park is public reserve land (and not privately held by Ellerslie Racing Club). Ellerslie Home ground of the Ellerslie Rugby League Club. Activation Domain Maintain the sports facilities as set out in the Sports Investment Development programme. Cawley Street A small triangular open space directly abutting the Response to Growth Reserve southern Motorway. Consider as site for optimisation.

References

Ōrākei Local Board Plan 2017 Te Mahere ā rohe Ōrākei 2017; Ōrākei Local Board

City of Volcanoes: A geology of Auckland; Searle, Ernest J; revised by Mayhill, R.D; Longman Paul, 1981. First published 1964

Volcanoes of Auckland: The Essential Guide. Hayward, B.W., Murdoch, G., Maitland, G.; Auckland University Press, 2011.

Heritage Sites of Significance and Public Artwork in the Ōrākei local board area; Ōrākei Local Board, first edition printed April 2018.