Muriwai plan in place

11 August 2004

The Auckland Regional Council put in place a blueprint for the future of Muriwai Regional Park today.

At a Special Council Meeting this morning ARC members unanimously passed the Muriwai variation to the Regional Parks Management Plan, which includes all recommendations from independent hearings commissioner Dorothy Wakeling.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the Council is very grateful to the Commissioner for her careful consideration of the issues.

"I would like to thank the Commissioner and all those who took part in the process of planning for Muriwai Regional Park's future," Cr Burrill says.

"Today's decision has come about as a result of a thorough consultation with the community and we look forward to working with the community and others to get on and implement the plan, Cr Burrill says.

As a result of the commissioner's recommendations some changes at Muriwai, such as the possible relocation of the surf club and the withdrawal of the northern carpark will happen at a more gradual rate than originally anticipated.

However, Cr Burrill says today's decision has put in place a clear blueprint for what is appropriate at Muriwai over the next five years and beyond.

Today's decision includes the adoption of a policy to license the management of the Village Green to Rodney District Council (RDC). The ARC will look to begin working with RDC as soon as possible to finalise details of the license.

Actions in the management of Muriwai Regional Park over the next five years include: · Licence the management of the Village Green to RDC; · Work with RDC to monitor erosion; · Retain the campground at its present location and present level of service; · Retention of the surf club in its present location (unless erosion makes relocation necessary); · Additional revegetation (eg sand dunes, Maori Bay banks); · Progressive removal structures from the coastal hazard zone (150 metres from the high tide mark) to provide a more natural foreshore environment; · Gradual withdrawal of parking spaces from the northern carpark as erosion dictates and development of alternative parking; · Redevelopment of the main arrival area beside the park depot and shop / café; · Restoration and management of the dune systems to ensure stability; · Enhancement of Oaia Rd lookout (with the addition of a safety barrier) and development of a small carpark and picnic area. Longer term actions (beyond the five year life of the plan) include: · Possible relocation of the Surf Club building when and if erosion makes this necessary; · Withdrawal of the northern carpark and development of alternative parking; · Development of new tracks along the foreshore and coast road; · Possible relocation of the park depot; · Sealing of coast road.

Cr Burrill says ratepayers will not face any additional costs as a result of today's decision.

ENDS

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