A piece of coastal paradise

2 December 2005

A stunning coastal property on beautiful Pakiri Beach is to come into public ownership forever, as a regional park.

The Auckland Regional Council today announced it has purchased the 52-hectare piece of land in Pakiri formerly owned by Tuaman Inc.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says this property will make a spectacular regional park

"Pakiri Beach is well-known and loved by Aucklanders already. A regional park on this part of the coast will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to access a truly spectacular ocean beachfront - so they can enjoy what can only be described as a quintessential kiwi beach experience.

"The ARC has been in a race against time to secure outstanding coastal landscapes for future generations. This we believe, given the price of coastal land, is our last chance to secure Pakiri Beach. The property is stunningly beautiful and of national importance."

Parks and Heritage Committee Chair Sandra Coney says the 900 metres of sandy coastal foreshore and stands of mature coastal pohutukawa trees along the dunes, is inspiring.

She also acknowledges the significance of the land to Ngati Manuhiri.

"The ARC has long been interested in having a park along this part of the east coast and is extremely pleased to have secured this property for the people of Auckland and protected it from potential development," says Cr Coney.

"Although a full range of park facilities will not be developed for some years, people will be able to walk across the land from 22 December when ownership transfers to the ARC."

The property, which is yet to be named, was purchased for $10.25 million.

David Tua, one of the owners of the land, has welcomed the purchase by the ARC.

"This land holds a special place in my heart," he says. " As a people person, I am pleased that the general public of New Zealand will be able to enjoy the property, for generations to come.

"When I heard it was the ARC that wanted to purchase the property, it was an assurance to me that it was ok to let go."

Cr Christine Rose, Deputy Chair of Parks and Heritage and the ARC's Rodney representative, says the relationship between David Tua and the new park will be acknowledged in some appropriate way.

"Through this purchase, the ARC is providing for future generations to have access to open space in one of the country's most beautiful coastal areas," she says.

"We are fortunate to have secured such a precious piece of land. Not only will park visitors be able to take part in traditional beach activities such as swimming, fishing and surfing, but the land is suitable for picnicking and walking."

The new acquisition will be the ARC's 25th regional park. Prior to this, the most recent parkland acquisitions were at Waipiro Bay, South Head on the South Kaipara Peninsula in October 2005 and Waitawa, near Kawakawa Bay, south of Auckland.

The ARC was gifted a 843ha property, Atiu Creek Farm, on the Tapora Peninsula near Wellsford in October this year.

ENDS

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