Championing the Manukau Foreshore

The Manukau Foreshore is an ecological and recreational gem. We love the native bush, the picnic spots, the track network, the hidden beaches, and the wonderful bird life.

On the Puketapapa Local Board we have been champions for the Foreshore, Michael has overseeen

work in this area as the Board's Parks and Open Spaces Portfolio-holder. He has also been a keen rat and possum trapper along the foreshore over the past eight years. 

We've been able to achieve a lot over the past three years, including:

• Overseeing extensions to the track network at Waikowhai, Hillsborough Cemetery, and Cape Horn.
•  Leading the project to develop a new coastal walkway linking Onehunga to Taylors Bay.
•  Developing a community-led vision for the Foreshore to guide our priorities in the years to come.
•  Securing a ten year funding programme to control weeds along the coastal reserves, now in action.
•  Pushing for the development of the new walkway through Lynfield Reserve (under construction).
•  Taking action to protect and preserve the historic Waikowhai changing sheds.
•  Launching the campaign to Bury the Pylons that blight our Foreshore and neighbourhoods.

In the next term we want to build on this work, and in particular we are keen to help support the newly formed Waikowhai Forest Restoration Network, and to make further progress on completing the track network, including the provision of useful, integrated signage, and appropriate facilities.

With your support we can further enhance this very special place in our community.

Waikowhai Park, Auckland Anniversary Day 2012

Photos taken on one of the new Waikowhai Park bush tracks, January 30th 2012.  For the full album of 24 photos see our album from this walk on Facebook.

The old signage, not looking so great....

Flash new signage, providing information as well as other new signs that help you find your way.

The start of the short coastal walk from the eastern end of Wesley Bay around to Aldersgate.  Being well used by fishers and walkers alike, and just as a nice spot to look out at the Manukau.

Inspecting the flotsam and jetsam on the beach at Wesley Bay.  In the background you can see the packed carpark at the western end of Wesley Bay - hundreds of people there just enjoying the park, the sun and the BBQ.

And the view back along the busier part of Wesley Bay (during a calmer moment!)

The track we went on took us from near the playground right through to the eastern part of Wesley Bay (linking up with the Aldersgate access point when the tide is low enough).  We were there at about low tide.  This track is not quite complete - there was some machinery on the tracks and it is still unsuitable for those who have difficulty walking and/or are pushing a buggy.

Media statement: Support for free swimming pools

“Mayor Len Brown’s proposal to investigate the provision of free swimming pools across Auckland is a great idea and elected Councillors and Local Board Members should at the very least be open minded about the idea, rather than writing it off before a report has been produced”, says Julie Fairey, a Roskill Community Voice member of the Puketapapa Local Board.

“The Mayor’s policy on free pools was a centre-piece of his campaign and was widely understood by Aucklanders when they elected him to office. It is concerning that some Councillors are suggesting that the Mayor should not proceed with a proposal that he was elected to implement”, continues Fairey.

“Obviously the proposal needs to be carefully looked at first and that is why a feasibility study has been set up to look at the issues and the costs. Implementation of the policy will no doubt have some complexities, and it will cost. However, it is important that we invest in facilities that give our young people access to safe and healthy recreation opportunities”.

“Free universal provision of services like public libraries is a part of the landscape, and is part of living in a civilised community. There are comparable benefits in providing free access to public pools and we commend the Mayor for taking action on this issue”, concludes Fairey.

ENDS