28 July 2000
COUNCIL BUYS LAND TO PROTECT CONE
Auckland City Council has completed the purchase of vacant land on the slopes of Mt St John in Epsom.
The property, on Warborough Avenue, will now form part of the Mt St John’s reserve, which covers the cone’s summit. The
purchase prevents the land being developed for housing.
The property will also be exchanged with Department of Conservation owned land in Avondale. As a result, DOC will add
the new land to the Mt St Johns Reserve, which it currently manages.
Councillor Bill Christian, acting chairperson for the Parks & Recreation Committee, says the purchase secures the future of a much-loved landmark.
“The depth of feeling for Mt St Johns has been made very clear to the Council, and in this particular case, we have been
able to act positively to protect it.
In making the decision to purchase the land, the Council considered a number of factors that were unique to the Mt St
Johns property, including the fact that it was cross-leased, and its proximity to an existing reserve. Nearby
archaeological features were also a factor.
“Purchasing the land will mean that both the summit, and the views from it, will be preserved. Auckland’s volcanic cones
have rightly been identified as one of the city’s defining features, and the council certainly has a role in protecting
them” says Councillor Christian.
Auckland City is currently working with the Auckland Regional Council to ensure the city’s other volcanic cones have
adequate protection.
ENDS
For more information please contact: Bill Christian 527-8648 or 025 814 721