Auckland Regional Council

Prime Minister to open Scandrett Regional Park

21 September 2004

Prime Minister Helen Clark will open Scandrett Regional Park, near Snells Beach, this Sunday.

Scandrett Regional Park is one of 21 regional parks managed by the Auckland Regional Council. Its official opening is part of a public open day with guided walks, horse and buggy rides, a vintage engines display, a live display from a blacksmith and a display of future developments planned for the park. Historic buildings on the park will be open for public viewing.

The activities and displays to mark the park's opening will run from 11.30am to 3pm and will go ahead regardless of the weather.

The Prime Minister will be on hand for the official opening ceremony from 1 * 1.30pm after which lunch will be provided.

Auckland Regional Council Parks and Heritage Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the central feature of the park is a precinct of historic coastal farm buildings and history will be the theme of the day.

"We will be introducing the public to a little of the area's history as well as giving them the first chance to look around and enjoy all that this park has to offer," Cr Burrill says.

"Admission to the park, activities and the sausage sizzle lunch are all free of charge so this is a great chance for families to come and enjoy a day in the outdoors."

Scandrett Regional Park is located on the southeastern edge of Kawau Bay. The peninsula encompasses Mullet Point and includes regenerating coastal forests, rocky headlands and an attractive beach.

>From the cliff tops at Mullet Point there are outstanding views in all directions including views of Kawau Island, the numerous smaller islands in Kawau Bay and the Hauraki Gulf. The park provides an ideal setting for walking, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing and picnicking.

The ARC purchased the 48-hectare park in 1998 from the Scandrett family who farmed the land for more than 130 years.

To get to Scandrett Regional Park take State Highway 1 to Warkworth and follow the signs to Snells Beach. Follow the main road past Snells Beach and Algies Bay and on to Martins Bay. Shuttle buses will be on hand to transport you from Martins Bay to Scandrett Regional Park. Shuttle buses will start running from 11am. The park is an 82km (75 minute) drive from Downtown Auckland.

For more information please call Bill Burrill. Chairman, ARC Parks and Heritage Committee, 263 8071 or 021 978 139 Lance Vervoort, ARC Director of Parks, 366 2000 ext 7117 or 021 222 9073 Simon Roche, ARC Communications, 366 2000 ext 8100 or 021 656 380.

Simon Roche Communications Advisor Auckland Regional Council

http://www.arc.govt.nz

ENDS

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