Have your say on how the ARC manages Waitakere Ranges Regional Park

18 April 2007

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is calling for comments on proposed changes to the way it manages the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

The proposed changes aim to strengthen the level of environmental protection for the park while still providing for a range of appropriate recreational experiences.

In particular it proposes limits on the number of activities permitted at some beach locations and sensitive environments – such as North Piha, the Glen Esk area of Piha, Pararaha Valley, Whatipu and Anawhata.

As a result of continued regional growth, more visitors and increased demands from tourism and commercial businesses are expected. The changes are designed to ensure that the ways visitors are managed are robust and responsive to the increasing pressures in the country’s largest and fastest growing region.

In November 2006 the ARC called for suggestions on what could be changed. The feedback received helped inform the proposed changes.

These changes only affect section 55 of the Regional Parks Management Plan, which outlines the way the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is managed. The remainder of the plan will not be changed, although it will be reviewed over the next two years. This variation may act as a model for the full review.

Copies of the Draft Variation can be viewed at:

· Auckland Regional Council offices at 21 Pitt Street, Auckland (8.30 am – 5.00 pm weekdays)

· Arataki Visitor Centre, Scenic Drive, Titirangi (10.00 am– 4.00pm weekdays and 9.00 am - 5.00 pm weekends)

· Auckland Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Hill Road, Manurewa (8.00am – 4.00pm weekdays and 9.00 am – 4.00pm weekends)

For further information please phone 09 366 2000 during office hours or visit www.arc.govt.nz (callers outside the Auckland toll free calling area can call on 0800 80 60 40).

Written submissions must be received by 4.30pm, Friday 29 June 2007.

ENDS

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