AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

11 April 2007

New direction for the management of Maungawhau-Mt Eden

Following an extensive community consultation process, Auckland City Council has released a revised management plan for the future protection and preservation of one of Auckland's most popular volcanic cones - Maungawhau-Mt Eden.

A magnet for tourists and Aucklanders alike, Maungawhau-Mt Eden attracts more than 1.2 million visitors per year, most of whom arrive on tourist buses. In light of this, the council has recognised the need to look at better ways to preserve the mountain's special features and manage demands from competing user groups.

In response to community consultation, the council has identified a number of principle objectives which will provide overall direction for Maungawhau-Mt Eden. Examples of these are: * to conserve the archaeological, geographical and heritage values of the reserve * to permit free use of the reserve for recreational pursuits * to allow for facilities to foster knowledge and appreciation of the significance of the mountain * to facilitate change in the use and presentation of the reserve in a way that ensures its long-term sustainability.

The management plan sets out a comprehensive list of policies for management of the physical landscape, erosion, visitor experience, buildings and structures on the mountain, and leases, licenses and permits, in accordance with the principle objectives.

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard explains the most significant change proposed in the revised management plan is restricted vehicle access to the summit area and the promotion of pedestrian access.

"Restrictions to vehicle access will only be put in place when a sustainable, minimal impact transport system is established, to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy open access to the summit," he says.

Under the new management plan, the council has also committed to developing a better track network around the mountain and improving vegetation management practices.

In recognition of the value that Aucklanders place on the city's 23 volcanic features, Auckland City Council in 2005 approved specific funding for open spaces and volcanic cones, prioritising their protection and enhancement.

The $8 million dedicated fund, accumulated during the next 10 years, will be used to implement the council's volcanic landscape programme, which aims to guide the management of the volcanic cones and to deliver policy and capital works projects.

The Maungawhau-Mt Eden management plan is the first major project under the volcanic landscape programme.

ENDS

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