Muriwai plan in place
11 August 2004
The Auckland Regional Council put in place a blueprint for the future of Muriwai Regional Park today.
At a Special Council Meeting this morning ARC members unanimously passed the Muriwai variation to the Regional Parks
Management Plan, which includes all recommendations from independent hearings commissioner Dorothy Wakeling.
ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the Council is very grateful to the Commissioner for her
careful consideration of the issues.
"I would like to thank the Commissioner and all those who took part in the process of planning for Muriwai Regional
Park's future," Cr Burrill says.
"Today's decision has come about as a result of a thorough consultation with the community and we look forward to
working with the community and others to get on and implement the plan, Cr Burrill says.
As a result of the commissioner's recommendations some changes at Muriwai, such as the possible relocation of the surf
club and the withdrawal of the northern carpark will happen at a more gradual rate than originally anticipated.
However, Cr Burrill says today's decision has put in place a clear blueprint for what is appropriate at Muriwai over the
next five years and beyond.
Today's decision includes the adoption of a policy to license the management of the Village Green to Rodney District
Council (RDC). The ARC will look to begin working with RDC as soon as possible to finalise details of the license.
Actions in the management of Muriwai Regional Park over the next five years include: · Licence the
management of the Village Green to RDC; · Work with RDC to monitor erosion; · Retain the campground at its present
location and present level of service; · Retention of the surf club in its present location (unless erosion makes
relocation necessary); · Additional revegetation (eg sand dunes, Maori Bay banks); · Progressive removal
structures from the coastal hazard zone (150 metres from the high tide mark) to provide a more natural foreshore
environment; · Gradual withdrawal of parking spaces from the northern carpark as erosion dictates and development of
alternative parking; · Redevelopment of the main arrival area beside the park depot and shop / café; · Restoration
and management of the dune systems to ensure stability; · Enhancement of Oaia Rd lookout (with the addition of a
safety barrier) and development of a small carpark and picnic area. Longer term actions (beyond the five year life of
the plan) include: · Possible relocation of the Surf Club building when and if erosion makes this
necessary; · Withdrawal of the northern carpark and development of alternative parking; · Development of new
tracks along the foreshore and coast road; · Possible relocation of the park depot; · Sealing of coast road.
Cr Burrill says ratepayers will not face any additional costs as a result of today's decision.
ENDS