New ways to enjoy Mutukaroa – Hamlins Hill

Aucklanders are encouraged to have their say on draft plans for Auckland city’s largest non-volcanic hill – Mutukaroa-Hamlins Hill – which include walking tracks, viewing platforms, and a mountain bike trail for the whole family.

The 48-hectare Mt Wellington park sits between the southern motorway, Great South Rd and Sylvia Park Rd.

The Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City plan to develop the park’s rural setting to provide a variety of recreational opportunities for Aucklanders.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chairman, Bill Burrill says the park’s size and accessible city location make it a great asset for the entire Auckland region.

“This is exactly the type of green open space that we need to retain and develop to cater for the future needs of Aucklanders as the population grows,” Councillor Burrill says.

“That’s why we want to canvas the views of as many people as possible on the proposals.”

Leanne Cross, chair of Tamaki Community Board believes that Mutukaroa-Hamlins Hills is a unique place and has the potential to be a focal point for the local and wider community.

“It is a splice of rural life in an urban backdrop. We are aiming to keep this feeling alive, and enhance the area so it is an enjoyable destination for all of Auckland,” says Ms Cross.

Cr Burrill and Ms Cross encourage as many Aucklanders as possible to view the plans and have their say on developing the park.

There are two options for the public to give feedback on. Both options would see several improvements to the park including redeveloping entrances to provide more information, facilities and easier access paths through the park including a mountain bike trail suitable for families a playground a picnic area viewing platforms retaining cattle grazing but moving stockyards away from proposed picnic area extending planting along the lower slopes and gullies planting large trees for shade and shelter protecting areas of cultural heritage and providing interpretive signage of the area.

The options differ in the placement of carparks, viewing platforms and toilets. People can have their say about the proposed ideas by visiting www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/hamlinshill and filling out an online feedback form or in any of the following ways:

viewing the displays and drop a comment form into the boxes provided during normal opening hours at:

Mt Wellington Library, 7-13 Pilkington Road, Panmure Otahuhu Library, 12 High Street, Otahuhu Onehunga Library, 85 Church Street, Onehunga

coming along to the open day at the Riverside Community Centre, corner Bernard Street and Peace Avenue, Otahuhu on Saturday 28 February, from 11 am to 2 pm to see the display and fill in a comment form.

The closing date for comments is Friday 5 March 2004. All comments will be considered for the park’s final plan.

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