AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

30 March 2007

Owairaka Avenue reserve development put off till drier times

The first phase of construction in the Owairaka Avenue reserve development project, set to be completed by winter this year, has been delayed due to recent bad weather in the area.

The planning phase of the project is now fully complete, following a successful public tender process, receipt of resource consent approval and final contract sign-off. However, due to the resource consent being received slightly later than expected, and the recent bout of wet weather, the project has been delayed until January 2008.

Construction needed to commence by 15 March in order to be completed within Auckland Regional Council's earthworks season, which closes at the end of April.

The next earthworks season begins in October, however following a risk assessment the project team has decided it will be best to carry out construction in January when conditions are a lot drier.

Auckland City Council's project planning and delivery manager, Maryanne Miller, explains the decision to delay proceedings is due to the risk factors involved in this type of construction.

"The development project will involve a large amount of cut and fill work which requires dry conditions. From a risk management point of view, it is a lot more sensible to wait for better working conditions," she says.

"Because we have everything ready to go and the plans and contract have been finalised, we don't expect any further delays once we get started in January," she adds.

Auckland City Council last year approved the allocation of the $1.645 million to develop the site at 52-60 Owairaka Avenue into a multi-purpose community park with both informal and active recreation areas.

The first phase of construction will include the development of a multi-use sports field, a network of paths, basketball courts, a car park and tree and shrub planting.

ENDS

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