Public consultation on plans for enhanced visitor experience at iconic cone

Auckland City Council is progressing plans for a visitors' centre and alternative transport mode on Maungawhau Mt Eden to cater for visitors, while protecting the integrity of the cone.

Today's Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee resolved to consult with the public on a potential site for a visitors' centre and two potential transport options.

From mid September, the public will be asked to comment on:

* locating a visitors' centre at Tahaki Reserve West, at the base of Maungawhau Mt Eden

* a preferred transport option for the summit road, choosing between either a light-weight electric vehicle or an electronically guided four-seat vehicle

* the role and functions of any visitor centre and summit transport modes.

The proposals aim to provide visitors with a better understanding of the mountain's cultural and geological history, while managing their impact to help prevent erosion and damage.

They will also allow for the removal of cars and buses from the summit road and eliminate the damage these heavy vehicles do to the slopes of the mountain.

The proposals are a concrete first step in implementing the Maungawhau Mt Eden management plan, which was approved last year following a period of public consultation.

Mayor of Auckland city, Dick Hubbard, says the latest plans reflect a commitment to ensuring that Maungawhau Mt Eden is protected and enhanced for future generations.

"Maungawhau Mt Eden is truly an Auckland taonga (treasure) and we want this special place to be enjoyed and celebrated by Aucklanders and tourists alike," he says.

"But we must do this in a responsible and managed way. These proposals seek to ensure that visitors to the cone do minimal damage to this unique archaeological structure.

"A visitors' centre or cultural centre will provide a place for people to learn about the cultural and social history of the volcanic cones and pa sites of Auckland, for Maori and Pakeha.

"And a transport alternative will allow us to prohibit heavy vehicles and eliminate the damage they cause while still allowing great views to be easily and safely enjoyed," Mr Hubbard says.

The total preliminary cost of establishing a visitors' centre and transport mode is expected to be up to $17 million depending on the final option chosen.

The Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee gave detailed consideration to three options for the location of a visitors' centre. These included:
* a new building at Tahaki Reserve west, accessed directly off Mt Eden Road and built up against the former quarry face (preliminary cost estimate of $6.8 to $8.7million)
* a new building adjacent to the roundabout at the intersection of Puhi Huia Road and Clive Road (preliminary cost estimate of $6.4 to $7.8million)
* a refurbished Langton's tea kiosk on the western side of Puhi Huia Road (preliminary cost estimate of $2.9million)

Among other things, the committee considered each location's ability to provide for visitors and its environmental impacts on the cone.

The chairperson of the committee, Councillor Christine Caughey, says in this initial assessment, Tahaki Reserve seemed to provide the greatest range of benefits and the best outcome for the cone and the public.

"This option looks as if it would provide visitors with an exciting and memorable experience in a new building which has minimal environmental impacts on the mountain.

"However, we want to hear what people think about these proposals and I'd urge the public to participate in the upcoming consultation process," Ms Caughey says.

The committee also considered a number of transport options and settled on a light-weight electric vehicle (also known as a rubber wheeled train) and a personal rapid transit system (an electronically guided four-seat vehicle) as the best options for public consultation.

Both transport alternatives weigh significantly less than the buses and coaches that cause damage to the mountain and will mean there are fewer overall trips up and down the cone.

The committee also resolved to consult on changes to the summit of the mountain, including removing the UHF radio station and upgrading the summit road.

Any proposal for a visitor's centre and/or transport mode would be subject to the resource consent process and approval by the Historic Places Trust.

Public consultation on the visitors' centre and transport options will begin in mid September.

See www.aucklandcity.govt.nz for more information.

ENDS

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