MEDIA RELEASE
26 May 2005

Bigger park and $80m industrial development could follow proposed Fisher Park reserve status revocation

The reserve status of Mt Wellington's Fisher Park should be revoked, according to the Auckland City Council.

The council has approved the recommendation to sell the park at above market value and plans to replace it with a larger one in the same area which can be used by more people.

The Minister of Conservation will now be asked to approve the revocation.

If approved, the revocation will also facilitate the expansion of an $80 million hi-tech business development and potentially cut heavy vehicle movements during peak operating times by 30 per cent in the area.

Auckland City proposes selling Fisher Park to Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ) Ltd, a major employer in Mt Wellington.

Coca-Cola plans to redevelop its current operations and expand its storage facilities, located adjacent to Fisher Park.

The all-at-one time $80 million hi-tech plant to be developed will provide security for 500 jobs and the new centralised warehousing will cut Coca-Cola's heavy vehicle traffic to and from the site during peak operating times by 30 per cent.

Coca-Cola's plans are still subject to a private plan change application, which will be heard by independent planning commissioners.

Both the private plan and reserve revocation applications have been subject to public consultation, public notices and a public hearings process.

The Coca-Cola project also involves a 12 metre wide road strip on the Waipuna Road frontage coming to the City. The acquisition would allow for any future road widening to cope with growth in the area.

Proceeds from the reserve's sale would go to the Tamaki ward financial contributions account and would be used to buy another reserve in the area.

Council acquired a 1.5ha coastal headland in the Waipuna area in 2002 which will be developed to meet the passive recreation needs of the local community.

Councillor Vern Walsh, chairperson of Auckland City's Finance and Corporate Business Committee, says "The current park is not well used. It is small and narrow so doesn't lend itself to a variety of sports. There is also limited potential to develop it further for recreational activities.

"The plan also has the support of the community board who can see the proceeds being put to better use elsewhere.

"We believe the decision to go for a bigger park, accommodate business and allow for future roading is the best one. It's smart planning.

"These issues are never easy for the people directly affected. We appreciate the submissions they've made. It has allowed us to weigh up all the uses – and leaves us certain that our decision serves the greater public interest."

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