Upper Waitemata Harbour Study
North Shore City, Waitakere City, Rodney District, the Auckland Regional Council and Transit NZ are carrying out a joint study into the potential effects of development on the Upper Waitemata harbour.
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What is the 'Upper Waitemata Harbour Study'?
North Shore City, Waitakere City, Rodney District, the Auckland Regional Council and Transit NZ are carrying out a joint study into the potential effects of development on the Upper Waitemata harbour.
All three councils have areas that form part of the 202 sq km, Upper Waitemata Harbour catchment. This means that water run-off ends up in rivers and streams flowing into the Upper Waitemata - carrying sediment and pollution with them.
Inevitably, because development accelerates stormwater run-off, any development will potentially have a damaging effect on the
harbour unless the run-off is managed properly.
The Upper Waitemata Harbour Study is, therefore, designed to provide the information that will allow development delivering the maximum benefit for people at the lowest cost to the environmental.
The results of the project will be made public.
Is there a problem at the moment?
The Upper Waitemata harbour is already showing signs of stress from existing and past development and it could already be having far reaching effects.
The upper Waitemata Harbour with its largely unspoilt tidal inlets, is the largest, untouched natural environmental in the Waitemata Harbour. It is identified in the Auckland Regional Plan as a Coastal Protection Area, important for providing migration pathways for native freshwater fish, and a secure habitat for threatened coastal fringe birds.
If this environment is not to be lost, protection is vital.
What sort of development are you talking about?
Examples of current, and potential future development:
- Further intensification in Birkenhead, Birkdale, Beach Haven, and Glenfield, areas that discharge into Hellyers Creek.
- Development in the Albany Basin and Greenhithe - major development areas for the North Shore that discharge into the Lucas Creek.
- Rural residential growth in Rodney - in areas that discharge into the Paremoremo Creek and the Rangitopuni Stream.
- Expansion of the Riverhead township through intensification and future outward growth.
- Development of a residential aviation park adjoining the North Shore Airfield at Dairy Flat (with possible limestone quarrying in Dairy Flat
associated with this development)
- Proposed motorway service station alongside the Northern Motorway at Dairy Flat.
- Possible development at Redhills, Westgate, Hobsonville Corridor and Hobsonville Peninsula including Hobsonville Airbase (as identified in the Regional Growth
Strategy).
- Construction of the new State Highway 18 through Hobsonville and Greenhithe, and State Highway 16 to Brighams Creek Road.
- Investigation of future development through the Riverlea, Totara, and Waiarohia catchments.
- The on-going felling of pine trees in the Riverhead Forest.
- New horticultural development
Who is involved?
Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Council, North Shore City Council, Rodney District Council and Transit NZ are collaborating and sharing the costs. This reflects their commitment to sustainable development which preserves important environment features such as beaches, rivers and wildlife.
The Project Leader and spokesperson is Geoff Winn, of Strategic Policy at the ARC.
Why is Transit involved?
Transit’s is responsible for building and maintaining the major highways in the area. Currently these include developing
State Highway 18 and State Highway 16 into motorways.
How much is it costing?
The study will cost $390,000 with ARC contributing half and the other four partners sharing the balance equally (about $50,000 each).
When did it start?
The study is being completed in three stages. The first stage was completed in 2001, the second stage finished in December 2002 and the third stage is yet to begin.
What sort of things will you be looking for in the study?
The study will look at natural values in the Upper Harbour and the potential
effects of land development - including consequent sedimentation and/or pollution.
Will I be affected by the study?
Residents and landowners are affected by the fact that current District Plan provisions for development cannot be changed, at least, until the study is completed.
In terms of more direct effects, it unlikely that people engaged in the study will need to have access to your land. If anybody does come onto your property claiming to be involved in the study, residents should ask for ID and
contact us, if they are still not satisfied.
Will this affect the District Plan? Can I still subdivide my property?
Current District Plan provisions apply.
How do I find out more?
The Council is more than happy to send out information or talk to interested groups environmental conditions of the Upper Waitemata Harbour, the study and the results of the study when they are available.
Contact us to receive more information and progress updates.
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