BEFORE THE AUCKLAND UNITARY PLAN INDEPENDENT HEARINGS PANEL

IN THE MATTER of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 AND

IN THE MATTER of Topic 017 RUB South

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STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE OF RAY McNAMARA HEDGLAND

ON BEHALF OF SARAH CHILMAN

SUB 9423

WATER & WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCURE

TO THE RUB TOPIC 017 – PAUP 13 November, 2015 ______

Counsel Acting: Russell Bartlett QC Auckland 1010 Ph: 307 1769

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Summary:

 My name is Ray Hedgland and I appear to give evidence on water and wastewater infrastructure in support of the submission by Sarah Chilman (Sub 9423).  Ms Chilman wishes to have the whole area south of Beachlands through to the bottom of the Whitford landfill included in the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB area.  Existing water supply infrastructure in the Beachlands-Maraetai urban area relies on rainwater harvesting with tanker top-up as required.  In my opinion It is technically feasible to continue this method of water supply for the entire area within the proposed Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB area. Many future subdivisions within this area could also be provided with a reticulated bore water supply for household tank top- up. This reticulation could beneficially include provision of fire hydrants.  Significant water supply bores within this extended area would minimise the need for tanker truck activity for new developments and could be used to provide a local source of tanker water for the existing community thereby reducing tanker activity on Whitford-Maraetai Road.  Therefore In my opinion there is no constraint with respect to water infrastructure on extending the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB as requested by Ms Chilman.  The existing design capacity and consent limit of the Beachlands-Maraetai Sewage Treatment Plant, which expires in 2025, is based upon 10,000 persons connected occupancy.  The current consented development areas in the existing Beachlands- Maraetai urban areas together with those approved in Plan Changes 30, 30A and 34 exceed 10,000 person occupancy. Current population projections show that this limit is expected to be exceeded before 2025.  Hence Watercare needs to urgently address an increase in plant capacity and undertake investigations for and secure an increase in the Discharge Consent limit irrespective of the current application to extend the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB south of Beachlands.  In my opinion It is technically feasible to increase the treatment plant capacity within the existing site.  Investigations need to be undertaken to confirm the capacity of the existing receiving environment to accept more treated effluent. Whilst this may have limited capacity it is In my opinion technically feasible to augment this via irrigation to the adjacent forested hillsides. Effluent disposal and the ability to secure an increased Discharge Consent limit is not considered to be a constraint to future development by extending the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB south of Beachlands.  The existing conveyance pipeline to the treatment plant only has capacity for the existing consented developments. A new conveyance pipeline will be required to serve new development areas within an extended RUB, but in my opinion this is technically simple and would not be a constraint.

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 New development areas within an extended RUB can be required to provide their own local sewerage reticulation and contribute economically to new conveyance pipelines to the treatment plant, and to the treatment and effluent disposal extensions.  It is my understanding that developers in the area are willing to contribute to the cost of such investigations, consent applications and the capital cost of the increased plant and conveyance capacity.  In this way there would be no technical, consent nor economic constraint with respect to wastewater infrastructure to extend the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB as requested by Ms Chilman.  Consequently, in my opinion, there is no water or wastewater infrastructural constraint to including the requested area south of Beachlands within the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB. It only remains to decide on the future population to be catered for and to include this within the required extension of the wastewater treatment plant and discharge consent.

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EVIDENCE IN FULL

INTRODUCTION: 1. My name is Ray McNamara Hedgland I am a Principal with Fraser Thomas Ltd having retired on 31 March 2013 as a Director responsible for the Environmental Engineering Division with Fraser Thomas Ltd, a role I held for the previous 25 years.

2. My qualifications and experience are set out in Attachment A to this evidence and summarised briefly below.

3. My qualifications are: BE(Civil) Auckland 1970, Dip Sanitary Engineering (IHE Delft) 1978 and Making Good Decisions 2012 ( a prerequisite qualification to be a Commissioner at Council and Environment Court Hearings). I am a Chartered Professional Engineer. I am an Environmental Engineer with more than 40 years experience specialising in Water and Wastewater Engineering, particularly water and sewage treatment, including land disposal of effluent, investigations, design, supervision and commissioning of projects ranging from small on-site household projects, schools and small commercial centres through subdivisions to numerous small towns, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

4. I am familiar with the Beachlands-Maraetai sewerage scheme, treatment plant and its receiving environment having been involved at a senior level in the original sewerage investigations, consent and design of the initial treatment plant and effluent disposal area in the early 1990's.

5. I am familiar with the proposed urban expansion area having until recently being a resident of Beachlands for some 10 years.

6. I am familiar with the Ahuareka site at 650-680 Whitford-Maraetai Road having investigated water and wastewater issues and developed options for a proposed 186 house development on the site for Ahuareka Trustees No2 Ltd. Wastewater options considered included discharge to either the Beachlands-Maraetai Sewage Treatment Plant or to a local cluster treatment plant followed by land disposal. Both were considered technically feasible, but at that time the latter was selected as the preferred option.

CODE OF CONDUCT

7. I have read and agree to comply with the Environment Court’s Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses contained in the Environment Court Consolidated Practice Note 2011. The evidence is within my scope of expertise except where I state otherwise. I have prepared this statement to meet my obligations under section 5 of the Practice Note and have considered and referred to all material facts that I am aware of that might alter or detract from the opinions expressed here.

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WATER SUPPLY

8. Existing water supply infrastructure in the Beachlands-Maraetai urban area relies on rainwater harvesting with tanker top-up as required. This water supply methodology has been approved for continuing development in the Plan Change 30 and 34 extensions and in my opinion could be accepted as a prime water supply methodology for all future development in an extension of the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB south of Beachlands as proposed by Ms Chilman.

9. As part of my commission by Ahuareka Trustees No2 Ltd for consideration of a 186 house subdivision development on 650-680 Whitford-Maraetai Road, which is within the extension area requested by Ms Chilman, I arranged for and supervised a bore water supply drilling and testing contract using Kiwi Welldrillers NZ Ltd on the site. Investigations determined good groundwater quality in this area, not requiring further treatment, and sufficient available water to provide all 186 houses with bore water.

10. Whilst a permanent bore water supply could have been provided to all houses, the option selected was for all houses to have rainwater tanks but with a reticulated water supply from the bore based upon a tank top-up supply such that the houses would only use bore water when their household tank ran out, typically only during extended dry periods, thereby conserving the groundwater resource. In addition the reticulation system was to be designed with fire hydrants to conventional standards.

11. In my opinion, based upon the results of my testing and a Tonkin and Taylor report on groundwater availability in the area (Attachment B), similar large bores could be located in the centre of major subdivisions south of Beachlands Road thereby providing household tank top-up as well as bulk water reticulation with fire fighting capacity to these developments.

12. I consider that there is no constraint on water supply for a proposed extension of the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB south of Beachlands as requested by Ms Chilman. It could be provided by way of rain water harvesting to individual household water supply tanks with these sized for either tanker top-up as required or for a reticulated tank top-up from large bores within the development area.

WASTEWATER

13. In the joint statement of evidence provided by David Blow, Chris Allen and Andre Stuart on behalf of Watercare they state in para 20.2 In terms of wastewater, the treatment plant has an existing consent condition that limits the population that can be serviced by the plant to 10,000 people. There is a volume limit on discharge of 2,800m3/day. The discharge consent for the plant expires in 2025.

14. They further state in para 20.3 The plants treatment capacity is 10,000 people [by this I understand they mean design capacity]. There are currently approximately 7,000 people connected to the plant.

15. They further note in para 20.4 that If growth occurs to the levels currently indicated by Council in the Residential Settlement Serviced (RSS) and Plan Change 30, the

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10,000 people limit will be reached before 2025, requiring Watercare to seek new discharge consent earlier than currently expected.

16. In making the statement in para 20.4 they appear to have ignored the additional consented growth in Plan Change 34. This comprises some additional 1135 people with occupancy commencing in 2016 onwards, which will place more urgency on extending both the treatment plant capacity and consent limits.

17. I reviewed the population growth based upon the 2013 census which stated there were 6,768 people in the Beachlands-Maraetai catchment of which 6,709 lived in the existing urban areas. It stated growth was 28% in the previous 7 years, which is equivalent to 20% in 5 years and consistent with the previous 5 year increase (2001- 2006) of 19.3%, Hence, population increase in the area is reasonably consistent at around 20% every 5 years, supporting Watercares evidence that the existing (2015) connected population is approximately 7,000 people.

18. Assuming the existing connected population is 7000 people and the rate of growth is 20% every 5 years then the connected population in 2020 would be 8,400 and in 2025 when the consent expires 10,080.

19. The May 2015 report by The Beachlands-Maraetai & Whitford Community Group (A, Bayly and M. Bell) in Attachment C sets out the approved development potential expected to be available for occupancy since 2013 in the area include:  Spinnaker Bay Stages 4-8 comprising 262 lots or some 655 people  Plan Change 30 and 30a comprising 495 lots or some 1,238 people  Neil Block, Maraetai School Rd comprising 44 lots or some 110 people  Plan Change 34 comprising 543 lots or some 1,357 people Giving a potential growth of some 3,360 people from the 2013 census of 6709 people. (ie a population of 10,069).

20. It would appear that the existing Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB when fully developed as above, will be fully occupied by 2025 and will be at or beyond the treatment plant capacity and consent limit.

21. Hence Watercare need to place extreme urgency on determining the future design capacity of the treatment plant, upgrading the plant and extending the discharge consent, as these processes take considerable time.

22. As shown the existing Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB area will likely be fully developed in 10 years time. With development pressures of at least 20% every 5 years in this area it is in my opinion unreasonable and unwise to constrain the development area to existing consented areas, hence there is a strong argument to extend the area as requested by Ms Chilman.

23. The wastewater treatment plant site is large as the original process involved a series of ponds and wetlands. Treatment upgrade has comprised more advanced treatment comprising compact plant within the ponds and there is no physical constraint to my knowledge of extending this process and upgrading the plant on the existing site to accommodate growth beyond 2025, supporting the feasibility of extending the

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Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB area to include the areas South of Beachlands as requested by Ms Chilman.

24. Effluent disposal from the existing Beachlands-Maraetai Wastewater Treatment Plant is to a relatively small local stream and depending upon effluent quality, environmental, social and cultural issues the capacity of this stream may become a constraint to an increased discharge limit. However, when I was initially investigating options for effluent disposal from this site back in 1992 I investigated irrigation of the adjacent forest. My investigations at that time determined it was technically feasible, but cost considerations drove the solution towards discharge to the local stream.

25. Based upon my own walk over assessments of both this forest and the forest irrigation site currently being irrigated at Kawakawa Bay, the forest at Beachlands- Maraetai has in general moderate slopes rather than steep slopes as at Kawakawa Bay and is more suitable for wastewater irrigation, confirming my earlier assessment of its technical feasibility for wastewater irrigation.

26. Hence, whilst urgent investigations need to be carried out to determine the maximum allowable discharge to this stream, in my opinion it is technically feasible to discharge excess effluent to forest irrigation. As a consequence, it is my opinion that there is no technical constraint to increase the discharge limit to accommodate growth beyond 2025, supporting the feasibility of extending the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB area to include the areas South of Beachlands as requested by Ms Chilman.

27. The existing conveyance pipeline from Te Puru to the treatment plant was designed for 10,000 person capacity. I understand that the New Avenues development has installed its own conveyance from the development through to the treatment plant. In my opinion it would be technically simple to install pressure pipelines from each main development in the proposed extended RUB along Whitford-Maraetai Road into a collective pressure pipeline up Okaroro Drive to the treatment plant, thereby serving all new developments associated with the extension of the RUB. New development areas within an extended RUB can be required to provide their own local sewerage reticulation and contribute economically to new conveyance pipelines to the treatment plant, and to the treatment and effluent disposal extensions.

28. One of my clients whose development lies within the potential extended RUB area has advised that they are willing to contribute to the cost of such investigations, consent applications and the capital cost of the increased plant and conveyance capacity.

29. Hence, it is my opinion that there is no technical, consent nor economic constraint with respect to wastewater infrastructure to extend the Beachlands-Maraetai Rural and Coastal Towns RUB South of Beachlands as requested by Ms Chilman.

RAY HEDGLAND B.E, dip San E(Delft) M.I.P.E.N.Z.

Environmental Engineering Consultant,

Fraser Thomas Ltd, 14 November, 2014

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ATTACHMENT A: Qualification and Experience of Ray M Hedgland

RAY HEDGLAND, Principal Environmental Engineering, Fraser Thomas Ltd

BE (Civil) 1970, dip San Eng (Delft) 1978, MIPENZ (Environmental), MIWA, MNZWater, CPEng(NZ), IntPE

AWARDS:  Ron Hicks Memorial Award (1994)–for significant work in solving a sewage treatment problem,  Furkhert Award1985 (1985),  Local Government Study Award (1982)– Incineration of Milliscreen screenings and Brian  Brown Memorial Award (1981) COUNTRIES OF New Zealand, Western Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, Maldives, Sri Lanka, WORK Cambodia, EXPERIENCE: RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Ray retired as Director of Fraser Thomas Ltd in Auckland responsible for Environmental Engineering in 2013 after 25 years and is now a Principal of the company. He spent his first 10 years at The Hutt Valley Drainage Board as Special Projects Engineer where he undertook a number of major oceanographic investigations for sewer outfalls in the Wellington Region and was subsequently responsible for the development of the Hutt Valley Milliscreen Plant which at that time was the first of its kind in the world. During this period he spent 7 months in Western Samoa on secondment from the NZ Foreign Affairs undertaking oceanographic investigations for a sea outfall for Apia followed by 1 year in Holland obtaining his post grad diploma in Sanitary Engineering from Delft.

Ray has undertaken many sewerage and appropriate treatment projects involving coastal communities in sensitive environments. These raised his interest in Decentralised Sewerage resulting in a wide range of cluster subdivision projects in recent years. He has presented many papers at National and International Conferences on this subject and has specialist experience in a wide range of appropriate treatment including milliscreens, wetlands, aerated lagoons, oxidation ponds and irrigation. Ray is active in SWANSIG and the NZ Land Treatment Collective.

Ray is a specialist in on-site sewerage systems and has undertaken many specialist on-site effluent disposal review projects for Auckland Regional Council in the past. He has been Secretary of SWANSMAG the management and auditing group for NZWater for the national testing of manufacturers on-site wastewater treatment plants and is now the Technical Manager of the Rotorua On-Site National Testing Plant (OSET - NTP). He has also undertaken projects for and consultation with Iwi, including watchdog technical advisor to Tainui Maaori Trust Board for all major discharges into the Waikato River and attendance at a number of Environment Court Hearings. In 2012 he completed his training to be a Hearings Commissioner (Making Good Decisions).

Ray has also undertaken a range of water and sanitation projects in developing countries including: Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Cook Islands. One in Sri Lanka was a post Tsunami project where he reviewed 50 new housing developments around the entire coastline of Sri Lanka (250 – 1000 houses in size), determined appropriate sanitation solutions for them and established national guidelines for sanitation for new housing complexes and undertook a training course for Govt.

Subdivisions: Mainly urban style near small towns

Investigation, preparation of concept designs for water, wastewater, stormwater including appropriate technology, low impact solutions, consultation, environmental and statutory impact assessments, consenting, attendance at Consent and Environment Court Hearings: Waiau Pa (26 Lots), Maungaparerua, Kerikeri, (36 Lots), Tikitikioure (66 Lots) and Flagstaff Hill, Russell (11 Lots), Sandhills, Ahipara (48 Lots), Stonegate, Kerikeri (16 Lots),Bell, Clevedon

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(10 Lots). He is currently involved in proposed subdivisions at Karaka North (653 Lots), Bombay (163 Lots) and Ahuareka (160 Lots).

Small Township Sewerage Schemes Detailed investigation of existing failed on-site sanitation systems, establishment of interactive community consultation programmes, reticulation and treatment and effluent disposal options and feasibility study, detailed preliminary design, environmental and statutory impact assessments, consenting, attendance at Consent and Environment Court Hearings. Many of these were tourist townships in environmentally sensitive areas with small base populations required to fund a large scheme for seasonal population peaks. Appropriate technology solutions were utilised: Waihi Beach– 3 small towns (8000PE), Maketu, Pukehina Beach– 3 small towns (6000 PE), Beachlands, Maraetai – 2 small townships (10000 PE), East Coast Scheme, Mangonui (3000 PE), Orapiu Bay, Russell.

Treatment upgrades including aerated oxidation ponds, aerated lagoons, wetlands etc: Taumaranui, Ohakune, Raetahi,

Effluent disposal options investigated included sea outfalls, high rate irrigation adjacent to streams, slow rate irrigation to forests and pasture.

Numerous small sewage treatment and disposal projects

Household on-lot systems, Schools, Church Camps, Motels, Saleyards, Dog Pounds, Fruit and Vegetable Processing Plants, Shopping centres, factories, golf courses etc

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ATTACHMENT B: Assessment of New Piezometric Data and Pumping Test Data Collected by Auckland Regional Council - a Report by Tonkin & Taylor Ltd August 2010

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ATTACHMENT C: Beachlands, Maraetai, Whitford, Current Environment and Short Term Projections. May 2015 - Report by The Beachlands-Maraetai Community Group (A Bayly, M Bell)

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Beachlands, Maraetai, Whitford Current Environment and Short Term Projections

May 2015 1 INTRODUCTION

The Beachlands Maraetai area has experienced a steady growth pattern which is consistent with its standing as a coastal settlement. With various planning decisions recently being released the area has become a focus for major developers and as a consequence is now experiencing significant growth.

Andrew Bayly, MP for Hunua along with Malcom Bell a member of Franklin Local Board have put together a group of people from the Beachlands Maraetai and Whitford communities to address specific issues related to the area. This is a cross section of the people and a group that can get precise issues heard at the right level.

The group agreed they would collate information into one document to represent where the area is now and where it’s going in the future so there would be shared information to aid any interaction with key stakeholders, it is intended to be a living document as it will be added to and modified and as new information becomes available.

2 ENVIRONMENT – LAND DEVELOPMENT/LOCATION/POPULATION

2.1. Existing

Beachlands/Maraetai is located 12 kms east of Howick

Auckland

Maraetai Beachlands Howick

Whitford

Clevedon Figure 1: Area map showing Auckland CBD, Howick, Whitford, Beachlands, Maraetai and Clevedon

2.2. Demographics

Market Economics produced a report commissioned by Council (New Avenues Structure Plan April 2010, further updated for Plan Change 30a, Greg Akehusrt May 2012 and further updated May 2014). In this report it states both Beachlands primary and secondary catchments are wealthy – and getting wealthier. Since 2001 Beachlands primary catchment has seen a dramatic rise in the share of households earning over $100,000. In 2001 approximately 16% of households earned over $100,000 – by 2013 this had risen to over 50%. . By comparison, the Franklin Ward as a whole had 38% of households with incomes above $100,000 and Auckland overall 36%.

This trend mimics the shift in perceptions of Beachlands from a relatively sleepy rural/coastal village, to somewhere that had significant appeal relatively close to a rapidly expanding Auckland Metropolitan area.

With the new sites available and the increased population generated from these sites, access to the Auckland CBD via the ferry has become a large motivator for purchasing a property in the area; the ferry patronage has been growing 20% per annum for the last few years and is now at 15 trips to the CBD per weekday.

2.3. Population

Auckland council commissioned a report in May 2014 for Te Puru usage and catchment. Their figures are replicated in the tables below The 2013 population for the catchment area is 8,892.

The issue is that as there is major development happening presently and with the larger increase in population than projected there is a shortfall approaching with the supply of infrastructure

Current Auckland Council Population Projections

Figure 2: Summary Table - Catchment population projections Auckland Council Projections Source: Auckland Council Auckland Growth Model 2011, Model run: February 2012

Figure 3: Summary Table - Population projections by age group Source: Statistics New Zealand Population Projections 2006(base) - 2031 update 2010- medium series. As these projections vary from those in the Auckland Growth Model the percentage breakdown has been applied back to Auckland Growth Model 2011 total population projections to provide the population figures in the table.

2.4. Current Developments

Previously there has been steady development consistent with a coastal settlement. This has now changed considerably with four plan changes being made operative and various other subdivision consents being lodged

In parallel with the projected population increase there are number of additional specific developments that are coming online.

The foremost ones are summarised below with additional population estimated at 2.5 persons per household

Spinnaker Bay Stage 4

61 Lots - Title released March 2012, houses occupied August 2013.

Additional Population 153

Spinnaker Bay Stage 5

74 Lots - Title due for release Jan 2014, houses occupied July 2015.

Additional Population 185

Spinnaker Bay Stage 6

40 Lots – Title expected Dec 2014 occupied October 2015.

Additional Population 100

Spinnaker Bay Stage 7 – 8

87 Lots - Earthworks programmed for the 2014/2015 earthworks season and houses occupied December 2015 to December 2016.

Additional Population 218

Lee’s land Plan Change 30

275 Lots - Application lodged, Earthworks completed for stage 1, residential construction over the next 4-5yrs at about 70 per year. Occupation commencing 2015.

Additional Population 688

New Avenues Ltd - Plan Change 30

165 Lots – Title due, estimate houses occupied from 2016.

Additional Population 413

Progressive Enterprises Ltd. – Plan Change 30a

The Beachlands Village development provides for a little over 12,900sqm of core retail with the balance, a little over 3,100sqm office and hospitality. The intent is to start earthworks of the new Town Centre late 2015 with a construction completion date of late 2015 for Stage 1 and subsequent stages over following years. The rest of the residential land is likely to be developed at the same time. We estimate that 55 lots will be occupied by 2016.

Additional Population 138

The Brae - Pine Harbour - Plan Change 34

12 Townhouses - Earthworks programmed for the 2013/2014 earthworks season, houses occupied 2015.

Additional Population 30

West Quarter - Pine Harbour- Plan Change 34

9 Townhouses, 8 Apartments - Earthworks completed for the 2013/2014 earthworks season, houses occupied October 2016.

Additional Population 43

North Quarter - Pine Harbour - Plan Change 34

60 Townhouses, 90 Apartments - Earthworks programmed 2015, townhouses occupied August 2016, Apartments December 2017.

Additional Population 375

Plan Change 34 – Pine Harbour – Total of 454 households including above

Stages occupied from 2017 to 2021.

Additional Population 687

Maraetai School Road

Neil Group, 44 Lots, Consent approved March 2014, construction underway, estimate occupation 2016.

Additional Population 110

Ahuareka Subdivision

Ahuareka, a 186 lot hamlet type development and is set down for a direct referral to the Environment Court in 2015. Estimate occupation commencing 2018.

Additional Population 465

Solway

35 Lots, Construction commenced occupation 2017.

Additional Population 88

Jacks Ridge – Whitford Park Road

15 Lots, Construction 2014, occupation December 2016.

Additional Population 38

Riordans - 14 lots 53 Polo Lane

Additional Population 35

Whitford Village - Plan Change 27 operative

148 lots residential, marketing now.

Additional Population 370

Miharo Farm -Brownhill Road consent applied 30 lots

Additional Population 75

Lavis -Sandstone Road - 12 lots

Additional Population 30

211 Whitford Maraetai Road - 7 lot application

Additional Population 18

109 Whitford Maraetai Road - 6 lots proposed

Additional Population 15

Corner Clifton Road and- Whitford Maraetai Road - 9 lots consented

Additional Population 23

Trig Road - Whitmores Eco Village - 12 Lots

Additional Population 30

Whitford Maraetai Road – Mackie - 7 Sties proposed

Additional Population 18

Formosa - 140 lots submitted in Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan

Could be up to 500 Lots, not consented.

Additional Population 1250

155 Trig Road - 6 blocks

Additional Population 15

101 Trig Road - 5 blocks

Additional Population 13

Duckie Investment Company - 110 Jack Lachlan Drive - PC 30 maybe 50 lots

Additional Population 125

2.5. Population Flow on effects from Current Developments

Population Projections Current Population Projection Revised Population Projection 2013 Census 8892 8892 2021 Projection 12847 17358 % projected increase 2013 - 2021 44% 95% Additional Population 2013 - 2021 3955 8466 Figure 4: Population Collection

Note this equates to an approximately doubling of the population over eight years. Figure 5: Developments in the Beachlands Maraetai Area 9

Figure 6: Main Developments in the Beachlands Maraetai Area 10

3 EDUCATION

3.1. Existing

SCHOOLING

The area is currently serviced by two primary schools, Beachlands School (decile 10, roll 548) and Maraetai Beach School (decile 10, roll 277). The secondary is serviced by Howick College 16 kms to the west. The area is also serviced with Catholic schools in the Howick Botany area, Star of the Sea Primary School, Sancta Maria College. www.maraetaibeach.school.nz www.beachlands.school.nz

Beachlands School is a full primary school located in the south-east of Auckland. EIS has requested a demographic report to inform master planning of the school to accommodate future growth.

The following report will consider factors, including the school’s historical roll trend, council planned developments and underlying population to identify the reason(s) for roll growth to assess the needs of additional property provision in the school.

The figure below shows the student distribution and surrounding network of schools for Beachlands School as of March 2014. Beachlands School and Maraetai Beach School are located just 4km apart, and the two schools are at least 17km from the next closest state primary.

An enrolment scheme is in place at Maraetai Beach School but not at Beachlands School.

Figure 7: Student Distribution and Surrounding Network of Schools for Beachlands School, March 2014

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Market Share

Figure 7 shows schools’ share of Year 1-8 students residing within the CAU catchment for Beachlands School as of March 2014. This catchment includes much of the enrolment scheme area for Maraetai Beach School.

Around 53% of students residing in the CAU catchment attend Beachlands School while 23% attend Maraetai Beach School. The other 24% attend one of 31 schools.

Student Share of School Name Count Students

Beachlands School 496 53%

Maraetai Beach School 212 23%

Other Schools (31) 221 24%

Total Year 1-8 Students 929 100%

Figure 8: Schools’ Share of Students in Beachlands School’s CAU Catchment, March 2014

Background

Figure 8 shows background information for Beachlands School and its surrounding network of schools as of October 2013.

Beachlands School was at 91% of its current capacity with an October 2013 roll of 548 creating a surplus of 51 student spaces.

The network was at 95% of its current capacity with an October 2013 roll of 825 creating a surplus of 42 student spaces.

School's Network's Summary status Status

Current TSs Count 28 40

Current Capacity (approx) 599 867

Peak 2013 Roll 548 825

Surplus/ Deficit 51 42

% Utilisation 91% 95%

Figure 9: Background information

Beachlands School is on a site of approximately 2.5Ha.

Roll Assessment

Figure 9 shows the historical March, July and October school rolls for Beachlands School between 2009 and 2014.

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The roll of the school has increased over the last six years, with an overall increase between October 2009 and October 2013 of 58 students. The average increase between March and October of each year is around 31 students.

Future Roll Assessment

This section assesses both qualitative and quantitative data based on Statistics New Zealand’s (Stats NZ) underlying population projections, building consents and local council’s development plans within the school’s catchment.

Roll projection based on historical retention rate

The predicted rolls are not regarded as conclusive projections; rather, they constitute a scenario based purely on the school's historical enrolment pattern.

The roll of the school has increased in all but one of the previous five years, with an overall increase of 58 students. Current enrolment figures and retention rates suggest that the roll will increase by around 35 students over the next three years, however these figures do not account for increased growth in the area

Conclusion

EIS has requested a demographic report to inform master planning of Beachlands School to accommodate future growth in what is a high development area.

At this stage, projections suggest that the school roll will exceed current capacity (around 600) during 2016. After this time, roll growth will continue, with the school reaching 700 by 2019, and potentially growing to between 800 and 900.

From a network perspective, it is important that any additional teaching spaces at Beachlands School cater for growth within the catchment, rather than, for example, children whose parents use the Pine Harbour ferry service. 13

4 SPORT, RECREATION AND FITNESS

4.1. Existing

PERFORM FITNESS

Perform Fitness originally acquired the Manukau Leisure Gym at the Te Puru Community Centre in 2010. Within 18 months Perform Fitness had grown to the capacity of the space available and in 2013 relocated to the Formosa Sports Complex. The Formosa Sports Complex provides our community with access to a Gym, Indoor Pool, Indoor Tennis Court, Squash Court and Group Class facilities.

Perform Fitness aims to provide a space which other local health and fitness services can work in with i.e. Physio’s, Massage, naturopaths etc. We also host local swim instructors who run a swim school mainly focused on Pre-School through to Intermediate ages, this is the only swim school available in the immediate area.

Since 2010 Perform Fitness personnel have grown from 4 to 10 local staff employed as Sales Consultants, Fitness Instructors, Personal Trainers and Group Class Instructors.

2010 - 2011 2011 - 2012 2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014 % Growth 77.5% 16.4% 4.0% 125.2%

Our membership has grown on average 55% per year since 2010 (this does not include casual visitors) and current membership levels are consistent with the industry standard of 8-10% of the community attending a fitness facility.

Current membership is split as follows:

. 48% Female

. 52% Male

. 58% Beachlands residents

. 25% Maraetai residents

. 17% from the surrounding areas (Whitford, Clevedon, Howick)

Our local demographic is diverse and has a key focus on the outdoors and we aim to assist the community with achieving their outdoor goals in conjunction with strength / conditioning training and speciality equipment i.e. Watt Bike and Cycle Coach on site.

One of our key focuses is on education of health and fitness to our community. Statistically the New Zealand population is gaining more weight over time, and this is aiding in increases in chronic health issues such as diabetes, coronary disease, arthritis and depression. Exercise and recreation provide the key platform to be the ‘ambulance at the top of the cliff’ for a population who’s health risks are growing.

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4.2. Future

PERFORM FITNESS

Having such an amazing facility at Formosa for Beachlands and Maraetai is an awesome opportunity that can support the growth over time.

Working in partnership with Formosa the sports complex can be enhanced for better servicing international tourists and sports teams staying at Formosa and enjoying the local area.

Create a range of services that ultimately grow the size of the user group in our local community that enjoys the benefits of health and exercise.

Form a ‘health hub’ for many local health practitioners to work from so that a library of health knowledge can be created for the community to learn from.

Functional training techniques designed to improve the normal movement patterns of the body are what we believe the future of fitness will bring and Perform Fitness aims to have a strong partnership with local outdoor activity providers and locations (Mountain Biking, Tennis, Bowls, Kayaking, Fishing, Sailing etc) to assist in creating passion in the community for healthy living and enjoying our fantastic coastal location.

Perform Fitness want to focus alongside local bodies on what initiatives are available to make the facility more accessible to those with health issues who currently cannot afford the gym (young, old, un-able to work).

TE PURU

REFER APPENDIX TWO FOR POPULATION AN DEMOGRAPHICS OF CATCHMENT AREA

Swimming Pool There is an existing private community pool at Formosa

For a comprehensive swimming pool the requirement is $10m capital investment to build and requires an ongoing $2m of operating costs per year to run.

A subcommittee of the Te Puru Trust has had a meeting with a Craig Jones of Visitor Solutions and he has scoped what is required on the Te Puru site. This is to do a feasibility study and a business plan. Included in all this will be the siting of a swimming pool. Car parking requirements, tennis pavilion location, scouts building site, like a new bay on the existing main building etc. In other words the entire Te Puru site needs to be looked at.

On the 19th of August a letter has been sent to the Franklin Local Board seeking funding of $50,000 for a feasibility study for the Te Puru Community Centre Futures

The Beachlands School had previously looked at building a community pool at the school for a part of the costs ($200k for a 25x12m pool and a further $800K to enclose and heat for all year round use.) than those outlined for the leisure centre, the school under the education curriculum needed to provide swimming lessons and given the proximity to the sea had a duty of care to do so.

Beachlands School is looking to plan a community school pool and an auditorium with the Baptist Church on the Resource depot land next to the school as it has easy community access. 15

5 HARD INFRASTRUCTURE – AT WATERCARE ETC

5.1. Existing

Upgrading road to Whitford

5.2. Future

ROAD LINK TO BEACHLANDS

A preferred roading connection was identified in PC30 (and previously by Manukau City Council) between the end of Sunkist Bay Road and Pine Harbour. This route uses an existing vacant road reserve lot then traverses a single private property before entering Pine Harbour. Pine Harbour has always been fully supportive of this route as were the Council Commissioners at the PC30 and 34 hearings. To date, Auckland Transport has not committed to this transportation connection between Beachlands and Pine Harbour (and more importantly the Pine Harbour transportation node). It continues to remain unclear why Auckland Transport will not support this connection between Beachlands and Pine Harbour, although the Commissioners in the decision on PC30 recommended that the route be designated by Auckland Transport.

WATERCARE

Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The current consent limits us up to 10,000 people equivalent (PE) and the consent is valid to 2025.

The plant complies with resource consent conditions.

A process review to identify future upgrade requirements is currently under way.

These types of plants can be upgraded with new technology to allow for additional growth but the consent would need to be varied.

Works are currently underway in Te Puru associated with the pump station and construction of a storage tank.

Network upgrades are also underway from the marina to the treatment plant.

These projects are aimed at accommodating future growth while also minimising wet weather overflows. 16

6 SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE – POLICE/SOCIAL/FIRE/COMMUNITY SERVICES

6.1. Existing

POLICING

The Primary and secondary areas were traditionally policed from the Howick policing district, supplying staff on an as required basis. As the area grew a Community Constable was appointed to the primary and secondary catchment areas. They were initially based at Howick and eventually an office was leased for him to occupy in Wakelin Road Beachlands.

In 2000 the NZ Police established that the growth in the primary catchment area was at a level that a more permanent policing role was required. This would involve having a dedicated rural Senior Police Constable solely concentrating on the area, and working with the community to deal with specific issues around policing.

This Constable would directly report to the area commander at Howick Police.

In 2001 a position of Sole Charge Policeman was advertised nationally and an appointment was made. The Sole Charge Officer could see the growth, and the need for a policing strategy going forward to establish a sustainable policing presence for the future.

Police worked with a local developer to identify what was needed in a purpose built station, and as a result a lease agreement was signed and a purpose built station was established. This involved specific infrastructure required for an operational Police Station. The station was built in 2002 based in Wakelin Street and is capable of accommodating up to six staff.

The station has increased and is currently running as a two person station, but during the summer periods there can be up to 10 staff operating in the area.

SOCIAL/COMMUNITY SERVICES

Pohutukawa Helping Hand Trust

The purposes of the trust are:

To devote or apply both capital and/or income of the trust fund, to, or for, youth (and others) within the area for any charitable purpose, which are from time to time selected by the trustees and are valid charitable purposes. Such purposes may include (but is not limited to) the following:

1. Advancement of youth (and others), both individuals and/or groups by providing assistance to meet their needs and development goals.

2. To facilitate non-financial support to, or for, youth and others in the area for any charitable purpose, which are from time to time selected by the trustees and are valid charitable purposes. Such purposes may include (but are not limited to) the following:

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7 PINE HARBOUR MARINA

7.1. Existing

Currently the Pine Harbour Marina has developed to 570 berths in the Marina, a further 200 vessels in the Boat Park, 15,000m² of hardstand and 42 tenants housed in Commercial and Industrial units. Since opening in 1988 the Marina has changed in response to changing market demands. In 2003 a regular ferry service commenced and in more recent times a further number of non-marine related commercial activities have also successfully established at the marina. Pine Harbour’s land use has been further refined with the previously mentioned Plan Change 34 becoming operative and a zoning for up to approximately 450 residential units and further commercial space.

Figure 10: Figure 10: Arial shot of Beachlands with Pine Harbour Marina in the foreground, 2010.

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7.2. Future

Figure 11: Figure 11: Future Illustrative Plan of Pine Harbour Marina Development

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8 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

8.1. Existing

BUS

The area is currently serviced by one bus route #589 with two stops in Beachlands and one for Maraetai and Whitford, this is completely underutilised with low to no patronage.

Auckland Transport envisage that there will be two routes in the future: - A ferry feeder service from Maraetai; and (Green line) - Papatoetoe, Ormiston to Pine Harbour service (Orange Line)

PINE HARBOUR FERRIES

Previous to the ferry service a great deal of the population worked in East Tamaki, a 20 minute drive away, with very few working further afield due to long commutes and poor public transport, for example a commute to Penrose is approximately one hour and to the Auckland Central Business District (CBD) is up to one and half hours during peak travelling times.

HISTORY

In 2003, as a response to the growth in the Beachlands/Maraetai/Whitford community, Pine Harbour Marina established a regular weekday commuter ferry service to Downtown Auckland. Continued steady growth in the area and with support from the Auckland Council means Pine Harbour now has a fleet of three modern, efficient ferries that make fifteen return trips per weekday to the Auckland CBD.

The demand for additional ferry services has been extremely high as the ferry is a faster, safer, cheaper, more relaxing and more environmentally friendly mode of transport when compared with private vehicle transportation. Pine Harbour’s ferries comply with Auckland Transports new Vessel 20

Standards for Ferries (Auckland Transport - Vessel Standards for Ferries used in Urban Passenger Service – 2011).

The time taken to travel by ferry to Downtown Auckland is 35 minutes, less than half the time taken by car in peak travelling times, allowing commuters to have certainty about travel times.

AUCKLAND TRANSPORT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Auckland Transport commissioned a survey of the existing ferry passengers (Opus - Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey Oct 2012 - May 2013 Pine Harbour Ferries Report), included in the report was a breakdown of the demographics of the passengers.

Some key points of the report;

 Pine Harbour Ferries rated the highest satisfaction compared to other ferries.

 The most frequently suggested improvements by passengers were improved frequency, improved route/service coverage and extended hours of operation.

 91% were regular users, traveling 3-4 times a week.

 64% where travelling for work and 36% for tertiary education.

 49% were male, 51% female.

 The predominant age was 35-44 years followed by 45-54 years.

 25% of the passengers earn $90,000 or more per annum.

CAPACITY

Currently the ferries transport approximately 120,000 passenger’s trips to Auckland per annum. This equates to almost 5,000,000 vehicle kilometres saved from Auckland's roading network each year. The average growth rate in patronage between 2003 to present has been 20% per annum. The only constraint in growth to date has been the demand for service outstripping capacity being added.

Year on Year Passengers Pine Harbour - Auckland Year Total Passengers Growth 2003/04 25,400 2004/05 30,772 21% 2005/06 36,501 19% 2006/07 47,799 31% 2007/08 62,701 31% 2008/09 77,304 23% 2009/10 80,747 4% 2010/11 94,094 17% 2011/12 112,651 20% 2012/13 118,828 5%

Average Annual Growth Rate 19% Compound Average Growth Rate 17%

Note YE 31st March Figure 12: and Figure 13 below show the Pine Harbour Ferry Patronage Growth 2003 – 2013 21

Pine Harbour Ferry Patronage 2003 -2013 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 40000 20000 0

Figure 13: Pine Harbour ferry patronage growth 2003 – 2013.

8.2. Future

FORECAST CAPACITY

The following information takes a conservative organic growth rate, i.e. ignoring the increase of passengers that extra capacity would create and adds the extra population coming on stream focusing on the busiest times being before 8.30am peak and March of each year.

Figure 14: Pine Harbour Ferry Peak Sailings

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9 TOURISM

The first part of this report discussed about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of developing tourism in Whitford, Beachlands and Maraetai, commonly known as the Pohutukawa Coast. And the second part suggested things that we shall do to promote tourism.

9.1. SWOT ANALYSIS

A SWOT analysis identifies the following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to tourism development in Pohutukawa Coast

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

• Magnificent Coastline • Poor Marketing • Rural Character • Poor Collaboration between Operators • Great Location • Poor Public Transportation • Easily Accessible by Road and Water • Moderate Facilities

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

• Building a new I-site • Opposition from Locals • Support from ATEED • Lack of Support from Council • Bordering Howick and Clevedon • New Ferry Schedule • New Events

9.2. STRENGTHS

MAGNIFICENT COASTLINE

The Pohutukawa Coast is one of Auckland’s most spectacular coastline, named after the beautiful red- flowering trees fringing its shoreline. It enjoys a magnificent sweeping view of the Auckland city, Tamaki Strait and many islands of the Hauraki Gulf. The beauty of the Pohutukawa coastline is comparable to the coastline in Bay of Islands, which attracts millions of visitors each year.

Different to the rough seascapes in West Auckland, Pohutukawa Coast is friendly to families; the white sandy beaches and calm water are suitable for visitors of all ages; they are great for swimming, picnicking, walking, fishing, cycling, kayaking, reading, chilling out or just relaxing in one of the waterfront cafes.

RURAL CHARACTER

Whitford has been a rural community since the first European Settlers arrived. It still retains its rural character after more than a hundred years.

New Zealand is often pictured as a country with miles of green rolling pasture grazing with cow and sheep. Visitors visiting New Zealand are always looking for this image. Rustic farms, small community villages and friendly local storekeepers of Pohutukawa Coast perfectly meet their expectations.

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Although farmlands in Whitford are increasingly subdivided into lifestyle blocks, they attracted families with higher incomes building magnificent mansions and gardens such as Arylies and Zen Garden, which make the area even more attractive

GREAT LOCATION

Pohutukawa Coast lies 20km (30minutes/ 28 km by road) to the south east of Auckland city centre and 20km (25 minutes) to the east of Auckland International and National Airport. In comparison to other popular tourist destinations in Auckland such as Piha, Waiwera and Waiheke Island, Pohutukawa Coast is closer to the city centre and the airport (see figure i).

Figure i). Driving Distance/ Time (Non-Peak Hours) between destinations Auckland City Centre Auckland Airport Pohutukawa Coast 28.5km/ 30mins 20.4km/ 21mins Piha 39.9km/ 47mins 45.9km/ 54mins Waiwera 42.6km/ 36mins 61.4km/ 54mins Waiheke Island 21.5km/ 40mins 53.8km/ 64mins Figure 15: Driving Distances and Times

Pohutukawa Coast bordering Howick and Botany on the west, Manukau on the south west, Ardmore and Clevedon on the south. The Northern and the Eastern side are beautiful white sandy beaches or rocky bays sheltered by Waiheke Island on the North and Ponui Island on the East.

Howick is the fifth largest urban area in New Zealand with a population of 130,000. Its ethnically diverse population invites thousands and thousands of family visits from foreign countries every year, who are always looking for local attractions to visit.

Manukau city has a population of 375,600. It also has an ethnically diverse population.

Ardmore contains Ardmore Airport, which is one of Auckland’s busiest airports due to flying schools. The airport is home to many helicopter companies which offer helicopter service to wealthy tourists. The NZ Warbirds Museum by the airport is also a great attraction to the region.

Clevedon is a rural village. It is well known of its unique combination of gastronomic delights, wines, arts and polo game. The Clevedon Farmers Market and Village Market every Sunday attract hundreds and thousands of visitors from outside the districts. The nearby Hunua Regional Park features the beautiful Hunua Falls has many walking trails and mountain biking tracks.

EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY ROAD AND WATER

The region can be easily accessed by car from Whitford Road from Howick, Ormiston Road from Botany and Manukau and North Road from Clevedon. All roads are sealed and best taken for its rural scenery. The closest motorway is Southern Highway 1 (SH1) which is only 15 minute drive to Manukau or 18 minute drive to Pakuranga.

The Pine Harbour Marina operates ferry service which commutes to and from the city daily, along with services to Waiheke Islands at weekend. However, there is no other public transport connecting ferry passengers to other attractions in the region.

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MODERATE FACILITIES

The Omana Regional Park, Duder Regional Park and Mangemangeroa Reserve have an extensive of walking trails and biking tracks with stunning view across the field. They are all well maintained by the city council.

9.3. WEAKNESS

POOR MARKETING

Whitford, Beachlands, Maraetai or The Pohutukawa Coast are not known to many Aucklanders and international travellers. A visitor survey done at the Zen Garden Cherry Blossom Festival in 2013 found many visitors from the other parts of Auckland had never been to Pohutukawa Coast before and had little knowledge about this region.

A quick internet search found many Auckland and New Zealand tourism websites do not have any or little information about the Pohutukawa Coast.

Whitford is known as the “Gateway to the Coast”, but most of the Pacific Coast Highway materials provided by Tourism New Zealand only focus on promoting Coromandel, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, little was mentioned about the Pohutukawa Coast or Auckland’s East Coast.

Some attractions, such as Te Ara Moana, are poorly marketed that even locals do not know its existence.

Pohutukawa Coast do have a website dedicated to the region www.pohutukawacoast.co.nz, however, we need to find ways to increase its viewing.

POOR COLLABORATION BETWEEN OPERATORS

The number of tourist attractions and operators in the region increased enormously in the past two decades, however, we have never really work together as a whole in the past.

This section lists some of the major attractions and facilities in the region:

• Pacific Coast Highway and Eastern Coastline • Maraetai Beach • Omana Regional Park • Duder Regional Park • Te Ara Moana • Mangemangeroa Reserve • Pine Harbour Marina & Motorsport Museum • The French Market • Formosa Golf Resort • Whitford Park Golf Club • Ayrlies Garden • Turanga Creek Vineyards • Zen Garden at Whitford 25

• Whitford Bird Park • The General Store Restaurant and Bar • Luxury Accommodations and Vacation Homes

Pacific Coast Highway and Eastern Coastline

Whitford, the “Gateway to the Coast” is the starting point of the Pacific Coast Highway, a 6-Day driving route recommended by Tourism New Zealand which connects Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. It is a popular route taken by locals, travellers, and motor clubs.

Maraetai Beach

Maraetai means “meeting place by the sea”. Maraetai and surrounding beaches are white sandy beaches with panoramic view of the Tamaki Strait and the Waiheke Island. They are very popular for families to swim, picnic, fish, or just walk the beaches. There are also several cafes and restaurants operate on the shore.

Omana Regional Park

The 40 hectares of land has a mixture of open farm land, regenerating forest, pohutukawa-fringed cliff tops, mangrove mudflats, rocky sea shore and a sandy beach. It is an ideal place to enjoy a family day out. There is a safe swimming beach, rock pools to explore, pet animals to feed, a children's playground, large flat grass areas for organised games and plenty of picnic, barbecue and camping sites. The Perimeter Walk encircling the park, or the shorter Farm Walk, are both great scenic walks. The regional park attracts about 150,000 visitors a year.

Duder Regional Park

Located on the pohutukawa-fringed Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, which juts out into the Tamaki Strait, Duder Regional Park is a 148-hectare coastal farm park. Its landscape, including rolling pasture, high coastal ridges a remote headland, adds to the feeling of isolation and tranquillity. The peaceful setting provides for a number of recreation opportunities including walking, picnicking, horse riding (by permit only), mountain biking, orienteering, fishing, exploring the rocky shore and swimming at high tide.

Te Ara Moana

Te Ara Moana means ‘the sea-going pathway’. It is a five day sea kayak tour along approximately 51km of Auckland’s picturesque south eastern coastline connecting five of Auckland’s charming Regional Parks, starting from the Omana Regional Park.

Mangemangeroa Reserve

With stunning boardwalks, bridges and tracks along the estuary and around the edge of tidal flats. The walk offers a wide variety of rural, coastal and tidal landscapes and the reserve is deep in Maori and early European history.

Pine Harbour Marina & Motorsport Museum

Pine Harbour Marina has 555 weather safe berths with world-class marina facilities, a ferry terminal, cafes, restaurants and retail shops. The new motorsport museum attracts motor clubs visiting. 26

The French Market

Modelled on the common French village ‘marche local’ or green market, the Pine Harbour markets in Beachlands are held every Saturday and offer a plethora of local food and European imported delicacies.

Formosa Golf Resort

Golf course surrounded by lush farmland and stunning views over the Hauraki Gulf. It has 50 villas set amongst tropical gardens with panoramic views of the golf course. It has a driving range, a sports complex, a restaurant and facilities for weddings and conferences. The resort is now under new management.

Whitford Park Golf Club

Found in 1968, Whitford Park is a par 71 championship golf course, set amongst 254 acres of beautiful indigenous trees and streams. It features a clubhouse with lounge, dining and bar areas, a swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic area and a kids play area that is unique when compared to other golf courses.

Ayrlies Garden

Started planting by Beverley McConnell 50 years ago, Ayrlies is a New Zealand Garden of International Significance, one of only five in the country. It is 12 acre beautiful gardens, ponds and waterfalls with a 35 acre wetland area to explore. The Garden is open at the weekend.

Turanga Creek Vineyards

Turanga Creek is an award winning organic and bio dynamic Vineyard – the first of its kind in the Auckland wine region. The Down To Earth wine bar and cellar door open from Thursday to Sunday. Turanga Creek was chosen to host the More FM Summer Vineyard Tour in 2012 and 2013.

Zen Garden at Whitford

A majestic hilltop retreat combines the beauty of the east with the west, featuring an ornate Japanese house and gardens, tranquil reflecting ponds and sweeping harbour views. It is a popular venue for weddings and conferences and is transforming into a luxury lodge.

Whitford Bird Park

Established by Blake Twigden, the garden is a subtropical garden paradise – beautiful 4 acres of gardens with more than 1000 exotic plants and masses of colourful birds from all around the world. The new owner Wayne Wang, in partnership with Southern China Airlines and Chinese tertiary education institutes, offers educational tours to Chinese students in the garden.

The General Store Restaurant and Bar

The General Store Restaurant and Bar operates from the original General store which serviced Whitford 100 years ago. Historic items and photographs from the local area are displayed throughout the bar and restaurant. The bar is a popular stop for motor clubs en route to or from Clevedon.

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Luxury Accommodations & Vacation Homes

A number of luxury bed and breakfasts and vacation homes operate in the region, such as Seafields, Kitenga, Puriri Hills, The Boathouse, Brookwood Lodge, Te Pene Views and Gulf Retreat.

POOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Those who wish to visit Pohutukawa Coast but do not have a car must rely on the ferry or bus service.

The Pine Harbour Marina operates ferry service which commutes to and from the city daily, along with services to Waiheke Islands at weekend. However, there is no other public transport connecting ferry passengers to other attractions in the region. Travellers are usually lost when they arrived, they only stay shortly, only stay in a café to kill some time, then take the next available ferry back to downtown.

The bus service in the region is very poor, only 6 scheduled buses to and from Botany Downs each day from Monday to Friday, 4 scheduled buses on Saturday and no bus service on Sunday and Public Holidays.

9.4. OPPORTUNITIES

LOCAL INFORMATION CENTRE

The Village Barn in Whitford Village is keen on setting up a local Information Centre. A new local i- site shall increase the number of visitors to Whitford, encourage visitors to visit more attractions, stay longer and spend more money in the region.

TOURISM AUCKLAND & LOCAL TOURISM BOARDS

The Pohutukawa Coast was ruled by the Manukau City Council before it merged into the super Auckland city. MCC only employed one full time and one part time to look after the Economic and Tourism Development in the Manukau City in the past.

Today, the new Auckland Council has a dedicated organization which is responsible of promoting Auckland as a tourist destination. The new organization ATEED has a bigger team and provides a designated regional manager and a product development manager to make connections with different regions and local tourism operators.

The new super city has 21 wards. Pohutukawa Coast belongs to the Franklin Ward, but it also has a great interest in the Howick Ward. Tour operators in the Franklin Ward and Howick Ward had each formed a Tourism Board to promote their regions. Pohutukawa Coast has one representative in each Tourism Board. The representative is working closely with the two local tourism boards and ATEED in promoting Pohutukawa Coast.

CONNECTING HOWICK AND CLEVEDON

Howick has a huge multi-ethnical population and Clevedon has been marketing itself as a weekend destination for day travellers and has been very successful in the last ten years.

The Pohutukawa Coast is only 10 minute drive from both districts, we can take the advantages by building better connections with operators in these two districts.

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NEW FERRY SCHEDULE

Sealink now provides ferry service to and from Auckland downtown and Waiheke Island at the weekend. It shall attract more visitors to the Saturday French Market from now on.

MORE EVENTS

National or local events such as More FM Vineyards Tour, Zen Garden Cherry Blossom Festival, Beachlands Maraetai Trolley Derby and Mercy Hospice’s Heroic Garden Festival are great marketing tools. Organizing more events in the region would help increase our exposure.

9.5. THREATS

OPPOSITION FROM LOCALS

Opposition from locals would be the biggest threat to tourism development. Tourism benefits the local economy, however it may leave negative effects on the community and the environment, for example causing conflicts between locals and tourists when sharing the same facilities, beaches are crowded with tourists, or tourists not respecting the environment leaving rubbish behind. However, this can be resolved with better planning and always look for locals’ opinions.

LACK OF SUPPORT FROM COUNCIL AND LOCAL BOARD

Tourism require great facilities and infrastructure such as public toilets, safe walkways, and good roading. Cutting budgets in infrastructure or delaying projects would eventually constrain tourism development.