TE WHAU PATHWAY Kotahi te ara, he maha ngā huarahi

Transcription

1 TE WHAU PATHWAY Kotahi te ara, he maha ngā huarahi LANDSCAPE AND URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK VOLUME 1 Context + Analysis MARCH 2017 PUBLIC CONSULTATION DRAFT Fig. 1 WORKING 95% DRAFT

2 Document History + Status Rev Date Issue Author Approved Organisation Signed 1 10/03/2017 Public Consultation Draft N.Scarles M. Thomas Jasmax ii

3 Foreword THE PROJECT Te Whau Pathway is a collaborative project between Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, the Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Henderson / Massey & Whau Local Boards to provide a shared path from Te Atatū to Green Bay. The pathway is approximately 12km long and has a minimum width of 3m. It is part of the West Auckland Cycle Route linking the North West Cycleway to major public transport routes and the metropolitan area of New Lynn with Auckland City Centre. It provides an easy grade walking and cycling experience connecting the Waitematā Harbour on the east coast to the Manukau Harbour on the west coast through areas of culturally significant and outstanding natural landscapes. For the majority of its length the pathway is accommodated along the western edge of Te Whau along boardwalks (within the intertidal zone of the Coastal Management Area) and through extensive areas of existing public parks, reserves and esplanade strips. Te Whau Pathway is more than an express route. It enables new community connections linking the suburbs of Te Atatū South, Glendene, Kelston, Avondale and New Lynn to 23 schools and 33 parks, reserves and open spaces. The pathway will enable opportunities to: + + Promote safe cycling and walking as alternative mode of transport for commuting and recreation + + Strengthen cultural, historic and social connections of people to Te Whau + + Enable safer access to the Whau River. Te Whau Pathway requires a cohesive and distinctive identity to highlight its dual purpose of an express route and a local connector and to acknowledge its unique and distinctive cultural, social and ecological environments. In response to this together with its importance as an express route and: + + Responds to the unique historic, ecological and cultural qualities of Te Whau + + Acknowledges and helps to restore the mana of Te Whau + + Provides a stimulus for ecological restoration and improved water quality + + Recognises contemporary kaitiaki role of Mana Whenua within Tāmaki Makaurau + + Recognises the many layers of Māori and European history and heritage of the area and provides new opportunities for learning + + Enables place-making through human centred and culturally appropriate opportunities for creative expression. Fig. 2 Location Plan Existing Cycleways Proposed New Lynn to Avondale Shared Path Te Whau Pathway Major Parks on the Route iii

4 Contents - Volume 1 Document History + Status... ii Foreword... iii 1.0 KUPU WHAKATAKI / INTRODUCTION 1.1 Document Purpose Mana Whenua Mana Whenua (continued) Te Aranga Design Principles HOROPAKI WHENUA ME TE HAUROPI / LANDSCAPE + ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT 4.1 Existing Landscape Vegetation - Indigenous Coastal Forest Vegetation - Existing Coastal Ecology TĀHUHU KŌRERO / BACKGROUND 2.1 Planning Context Coastal Ecology (continued) Design Standards WĀHI HARATAU / PUBLIC FACILITIES 5.1 Existing Facilities HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT 3.1 Built Environment Precincts West Auckland Cycleways NGĀ TAONGA TUKU IHO / CULTURAL HERITAGE 6.1 European Heritage Community Connections Community Connections (continued) Community Connections (continued)...13 iv

5 Figures - Volume 1 Fig. 2 Location Plan...iii Fig. 3 Significant Cultural Sites + Places... 4 Fig. 6 The Gathering of Kuaka Flocks in Green Bay... 4 Fig. 5 Whau Point Pā, Fig. 4 Waka Curfeww in Waitematā and Manukau... 4 Fig. 7 Sensitive / Important Views & Potential Installation Sites... 5 Fig. 8 Matariki Celebration... 5 Fig. 9 Creative Installations, Olympic Park... 5 Fig. 10 Park Facilities... 6 Fig. 11 Auckland Unitary Plan Extract... 6 Fig. 12 Park Facilities... 6 Fig. 13 Te Whau Pathway and Greenways Fig. 14 Neighbourhood Reference Plan... 8 Fig. 15 Built Extents... 8 Fig. 16 Major Road and Rail Network... 8 Fig. 20 Precinct Reference Plan... 9 Fig. 17 Expansive Estuary... 9 Fig. 19 Urban Intertidal Creek... 9 Fig. 18 Portage Road... 9 Fig. 21 Planned Cycleways Fig. 22 Whau Local Board Greenways Plan Fig. 23 Henderson / Massey Open Space Network Plan Fig. 25 Archibald Park, a Location for Community Events e.g. Floatilla Whau Fig. 26 Playground in Olympic Park Fig. 27 Active Recreation Fig. 28 Schools + Educational Facilities Fig. 29 Schools + Route Distances Fig. 30 Avondale College Fig. 31 Kelston Girls College Fig. 32 Safe and Accessible Access Fig. 36 Existing Landscape Types Fig. 35 Intertidal Zone, Mudflats + Mangrove Forest Fig. 34 Coastal Forest Escarpment Fig. 33 Parkland Fig. 37 Indigenous Vegetation Fig. 38 Existing Vegetation Fig. 39 Exotic Pines Frequent on Headlands Fig. 40 Abundant Weed Species along Te Whau Fig. 41 Coastal Ecology - Representative Cross Section Fig. 42 Riverglade Esplanade Fig. 46 Existing River Access Fig. 43 Roberts Rd Informal Jetty to the Low Flow Channel Fig. 44 View from Archibald Park Boat Ramp Fig. 45 Te Atatu Moorings and Private Boat Club Fig. 50 Significant European Heritage Locations Fig. 49 Laurie s Brickworks - Hepburn Esplanade Reserve Fig. 47 Archibalds Landing - Archibald Park Fig. 48 E Astley & Sons Tannery v

6 1.0 KUPU WHAKATAKI / INTRODUCTION Reference Material 1.1 Document Purpose The purpose of the Urban and Landscape Design Framework (ULDF) is to define the design principles and concepts of Te Whau Pathway to support the consent process and to guide subsequent design development. The document shall also be used for consultation with project partners, stakeholders and the community. The design principles and concepts defined in the ULDF build upon previous studies and proposals by a multi-disciplinary team ensuring that the aspects of each inter-disciplines design are appropriately considered and integrated in relation to specific planning, environmental and social factors for the project. Volume 1 of the ULDF identifies: + + Te Whau Pathway in relation to the strategic and local movement network. + + Urban, social, landscape and environmental contexts that the project will need to integrate with or be responsive to + + Cultural context and Te Aranga Design Principles. Volume 2 of the ULDF identifies: + + Design objectives/concepts for paths, bridges and boardwalks, including accessibility, landscape design, wayfinding and legibility of the whole route + + Opportunities for the application of Te Aranga Design Principles in the design. 2

7 KUPU WHAKATAKI / INTRODUCTION Te Aranga Design Principles Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Te Kawerau ā Maki are both active partners in Te Whau Pathway development and, along with Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, have provided detailed information on the cultural significance of this area to Mana Whenua. Their values, aspirations and narratives provide a rich and extensive kaupapa for integrated design, creative expression, as well as for ecological restoration of the awa and its associated catchments. The ongoing commitment of these Mana Whenua partners through their direct participation in the project provides a strong cultural base to ensure that this kaupapa is integrated with integrity within the new development. Te Aranga Design Principles have been developed in consultation with Mana Whenua by Auckland Council and apply to built form and public space design responses within the Auckland region. Te Aranga are universal principles that underpin the commitment of the Council to Māori and these can be holistically applied across various design, development and creative situations. principles. While all Te Aranga principles have holistic relevance in Te Whau Pathway scheme, there is a particular desire to bring the awa (river) to the fore, to restore the mauri of its waters and acknowledge the mana of its people. The deep, longstanding association of Mana Whenua within this area brings with it a distinct identity and wairua that should recognisably permeate the new development. Consistent with Te Aranga principles, Te Whau Pathway project increases the visibility of Mana Whenua presence in this landscape, allowing them to see and be themselves and assert responsibilities of kaitiakitanga with ripple-on, community-wide effects and benefits. 3

8 1.0 KUPU WHAKATAKI / INTRODUCTION Cultural Heritage 1.3 Mana Whenua Te Whau Pathway aligns with the flow of the Whau River and its associated waka portage. This route was of pivotal importance to both resident and visiting iwi as an efficient bypass across the landmass separating north and south, east and west waters. As such, was a busy thoroughfare for waka traversing between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours. Its waterways were wellstocked fishing grounds, coastal ecosystem provided habitats for numerous species and adjacent fertile soils sustained kainga and nohoanga, places of permanent and seasonal residence. As such, the area has remained highly valued and significant to Mana Whenua over many centuries. Fig. 6 The Gathering of Kuaka Flocks in Green Bay Mana Whenua Significant Sites Archaeological Sites Fig. 5 Whau Point Pā, 1863 Waka Kuaka Fishing Areas of High Potential for Creative Installations Fig. 3 Significant Cultural Sites + Places Fig. 4 Waka Curfeww in Waitematā and Manukau 4

9 KUPU WHAKATAKI / INTRODUCTION Mana Whenua (continued) Through a collaborative, iterative approach to design and agency over creative expression of their mātauranga (traditional knowledge and customary practices), Mana Whenua will be able to engage in the design process to achieve relevant and meaningful outcomes in the proposed development of the lands and waters of their ancestors. Fig. 8 Matariki Celebration Mana Whenua Significant Views Views From Pā Areas of High Potential for Creative Installations Fig. 7 Sensitive / Important Views & Potential Installation Sites Fig. 9 Creative Installations, Olympic Park 5

10 2.0 TĀHUHU KŌRERO / BACKGROUND 2.1 Planning Context The Auckland Unitary Plan The Auckland Unitary Plan sets out the strategies, objectives and policies for the future social, cultural, economic development of the city and makes provision for the protection and enhancement of valued environmental features. Te Whau Pathway route occupies areas of extensive Coastal Marine Area, open space and to the south of New Lynn, existing road reserve. Adjoining land uses are varied and include different types of housing, industry and business. Housing is predominant with areas of intensification to help accommodate Auckland s expanding population, particularly around the metropolitan centre of New Lynn Whau Neighbourhood Greenways The Whau Neighbourhood Greenways was approved by the Whau Local Board in August Te Whau Pathway is considered by the local board as an important element in meeting the Whau Local Board s objective that people in the Whau Local Board area regularly use the greenways to go safely about their daily business, and take pleasure in the social connections, the thriving natural areas and the learning opportunities afforded along the greenways network. Three sections of Te Whau Pathway have been completed under the stewardship of Auckland Council and the Whau Local Board at Olympic Park, Ken Maunder Park, Archibold Park with an additional section also constructed in the Henderson / Massey Local Board area at McLeod Park Henderson-Massey Local Board Open Space Network Plan (LB OSPN) The Final Henderson-Massy LB OSNP identifies the Whau River Walkway (Te Whau Pathway) and its greenways as high priority actions for an outstanding network of connections to the recreational parks and esplanades located along its coastlines and waterways which will improves the quality of life and environment for its communities and could become a major destination corridor for Auckland. Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Auckland Unitary Plan Extract Fig. 12 Fig. 13 Te Whau Pathway and Greenways Local Board Boundary Planned Cycleways Greenways Parks + Reserves Schools 6

11 TĀHUHU KŌRERO / BACKGROUND Design Standards Te WHau pathway design guidelines Te Whau Pathway Design Guidelines, 2016 identified an early pathway alignment, concepts and principles which have been built on and developed in the current scheme plan described in this LUDF. LOCAL PATH DESIGN GUIDE (lean version) Auckland Council and Auckland Transport provide guidelines and a range of tools for the design of local paths that connect communities to local destinations and provide connections to the strategic Auckland Cycle Network. ATCOP Auckland Transport Code of Practice (ATCOP) provides quality standards to ensure that the function, condition and useful service life of transport assets is consistently achieved across the Auckland region. Standards are far ranging across multiple aspects of the highway and include geometric, landscape, earthworks, surfacing and lighting. AUSTROADS Austroads is the association of Australian and New Zealand road transport and traffic authorities. Its purpose is to contribute to the achievement of improved Australian and New Zealand road transport outcomes through research, promotion and collaboration to avoid duplication, promoting consistency and uniformity in road and related operations. NZTA New Zealand Transport Agency provide guidance on the design of walking and cycling infrastructure for major cycling networks. NZTA also provide guidelines for the integration of urban and landscape design into highway projects together with the preparation of landscape and urban framework documents. SAFETY IN DESIGN + CPTED Safety In Design (SID) is a process for hazard identification and risk assessment during the design process to eliminate or minimise risks of injury throughout the life of a structure. It has been given significant emphasis in New Zealand law under the Health and Safety at Work Act The process of SID can identify risks and actions beyond those required by compliance to existing safety codes and legislation. National Guidance for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in New Zealand is provided by the Ministry for the Environment. CPTED principles are generally applied to urban and built up areas where design can influence the incidence and significance of criminal acts. It introduces concepts for safe movement, activation of spaces, eyes on the street, sense of ownership and quality environments for evaluation amongst others. ACCESSIBILITY New Zealand Standard NZS 4121:2001 Design for Access and Mobility - Buildings and Associated Features. The standard applies to the safe access for the mobility impaired to and within buildings. These guidelines provide a good practice template for important civic spaces. 7

12 3.0 HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT 3.1 Built Environment NEIGHBOURHOODS BUILT EXTENTS major ROAD + rail network Residential Industrial + Commercial Major Road Network Western Railway Line Train Stations Fig. 14 Neighbourhood Reference Plan Fig. 15 Built Extents Fig. 16 Major Road and Rail Network Te Whau Pathway will connect the metropolitan neighbourhood of New Lynn and local centres at Te Atatū South, Glendene, Kelston, Avondale and Blockhouse Bay to each other and to the West Auckland Cycle Network The metropolitan centre of New Lynn is a significant growth area in the delivery of the Auckland Plan. Housing near the pathway is the dominant land use. Housing has the potential to enable passive surveillance and custodianship from residents for the new facility. Close proximity of individual dwellings to the pathway should be carefully considered to limit potential visual impacts and nuisance on individual properties. Industrial and commercial areas occur around the metropolitan centre at New Lynn and near the local centre at Glendene. Generally these are composed of large scale buildings with secure boundaries that limit visual and physical access to the pathway. The pathway is well connected to the public transport network operating on major roads and along the Western Railway Line within the metropolitan area of New Lynn. Public transport connections between New Lynn and Te Atatū South are limited being confined to Great North Road and Te Atatū Road corridors. 8

13 HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT Precincts PRECINCTS Fig. 17 Expansive Estuary Fig. 19 Urban Intertidal Creek Fig. 20 Precinct Reference Plan Three significant precincts occur along the pathway: 1. Expansive Estuary: the largest precinct dominated by high quality views of Te Whau and extensive areas of public open space. 2. Urban Intertidal Creek: narrow tidal creeks surrounded by a combination of housing and industrial buildings in New Lynn. 3. Portage Road: along the road corridor between the urban centre at New Lynn progressing through housing areas and extensive public open space to the coast at Green Bay. Fig. 18 Portage Road 9

14 3.0 HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT 3.3 West Auckland Cycleways Planned cycleways The existing and planned cycle network for West Auckland connects population centres within the Henderson and New Lynn areas to each other and to Auckland City. Off road cycle ways are currently provided along State Highway 16 (the North Western Cycleway) and as part of the Project Twin Streams in Henderson. A planned off road cycle way is also proposed along the existing rail corridor between New Lynn and the City (New Lynn to Avondale shared path project). Most other planned networks are to be provided within existing road corridors along Rata Street, Great North Road and Te Ataū Road. The pathway unlocks extensive residential areas west of Te Whau estuary and links them to the North West Cycleway and planned cycle routes through New Lynn. The pathway follows the low lying landscape of the river corridor which provides the basis for an off road facility at easy grades and away from cars. Metro Centres Local Centres Existing Cycleways Planned New Lynn to Avondale Shared Path Planned Cycle Way (beyond 2018) Fig. 21 Planned Cycleways 10

15 HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT Community Connections GreenwayS The Whau Local Board are undertaking an extensive network of greenways that link local communities and destinations to each other. Te Whau Pathway is an integral part of this plan. The Henderson Massey Local Board Open Space Network Plan identifies the Te Whau River as a key defining feature of Henderson-Massey and Te Whau Pathway as an important future project that links the diverse communities at Te Atatu South, Glendene and Kelston. Arrival/End Points Schools/Educational Institutes Parks and Reserves Planned Cycle Way (beyond 2018) Greenways (Whau Local Board) Existing Cycle Ways New Lynn to Avondale Shared Path Fig. 22 Whau Local Board Greenways Plan Fig. 23 Henderson / Massey Open Space Network Plan 11

16 3.0 HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT 3.4 Community Connections (continued) parks + open space Fig. 24 Archibald Park, a Location for Community Events e.g. Floatilla Whau Fig. 25 Playground in Olympic Park There are 33 parks, reserves and esplanade strips which will be united to provide a range of accessible resources for communities along Te Whau Pathway. The pathway will provide access to quality open spaces and recreational facilities promoting healthy communities. Destination Park Local Reserves Playgrounds The larger parks provide a range of sports facilities / playgrounds and host special events that attract large visitor numbers. Smaller spaces accommodate local resident needs for informal play and passive recreation. Fig. 26 Active Recreation 12

17 HOROPAKI TĀONE / URBAN CONTEXT Community Connections (continued) Schools Pre-school + Primary Intermediate Secondary School Tertiary Fig. 29 Avondale College Fig. 30 Kelston Girls College Fig. 27 Schools + Educational Facilities Te Whau Pathway is within the catchment of over twenty eight educational facilities. The Pathway creates new safer off road linkages that connect schools with the community. Fig. 28 Schools + Route Distances Typical distances between the pathway and schools range from 550m to 1500m, equating to journey times of 8 to 18 minutes from the pathway. Fig. 31 Safe and Accessible Access Enabling Active Lifestyles for School 13

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19 HOROPAKI WHENUA ME TE HAUROPI / LANDSCAPE + ECOLOGICAL Existing Landscape INTERTIDAL ZONE Te Whau estuary dominates the northern section of the pathway from Te Atatu South to Ken Maunder Park. The river estuary is tidal with a height range of up to 3 metres. As a consequence the river is dominated by extensive areas of open water, mudflats and mangrove forest along the edges and river channels. The coastal edges which are slightly elevated from 1 to 15 metres are typically vegetated with a mixture of native bush and exotic tree species. TIDAL CREEKS From Ken Maunder Park through to New Lynn and Olympic Park the river progressively changes character to a tidal creek made narrower by dense mangrove forest edges and steep embankments dominated by exotic trees and weed species. The tidal creek which was once navigable by waka for most of its length is impeded by accumulated sediment, dense weed vegetation, road and service crossings. A large engineered litter trap is prominent north of the Great North Road Bridge. Fig. 34 Intertidal Zone, Mudflats + Mangrove Forest PORTAGE ROAD AND RIDGE At the frontage of Olympic Park to Woolverton Street the Pathway diverts following the road network along Portage Road at a gentle gradient gradually climbing to a shallow ridge and saddleback at Godley Road near Craigavon Park. Here views south toward the Manukau Harbour begin to reveal themselves on the decent to Green Bay. At the end of Portage Road the park at Green Bay is obscured by tall native and exotic vegetation and steep escarpment landform. PUBLIC OPEN SPACES Fig. 33 Coastal Forest Escarpment Parks, reserves and esplanade strips are frequent and extensive with large areas of mown grass, mature parkland trees and mixed native bush vegetation where the coastal edge occurs. Intertidal Zone Channels Mudflats Mangroves Parkland Fig. 35 Existing Landscape Types Fig. 32 Parkland 15

20 4.0 HOROPAKI WHENUA ME TE HAUROPI / LANDSCAPE + ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT 4.3 Vegetation - Indigenous Coastal Forest The document Indigenous Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems of Auckland 2013, produced by Auckland Council identifies the original vegetation types and species that existed before human occupation of the land. Two broad forests types are identified that relate to the Pathway, these are: KOWHAI-KOTARE HARBOUR COASTLINE ECOSYSTEM The Native to the West document produced by the former Waitakere City Council identified a coastline ecosystem with lowland forest including abundant nikau, mamangi and west coast kōwhai. Ngaio and tawapou are present. Pittosporum ellipticum may also occur on dry hillsides above the salt spray zone with abundant kohekohe, pūriri, kauri and very diverse lowland forest including karaka and occasionally tītoki with common occurence of Coprosma macrocarpa, and the coastal astelia. WF5: POHUTUKAWA PURIRI KARAKA BROADLEAVED FOREST This critically endangered broadleaved forest ecosystem occurs in parts of the coastal zone that receives winds and salt spray. Broadleaved species dominate with pōhutukawa, pūriri, karaka and kohekohe most common and, locally, taraire, tawa, tītoki, mangeao, rewarewa, puka, tawāpou, ngaio and nīkau. Kauri, kōwhai species and kānuka were likely to be present on dry ridges with local occurrences of tānekaha and tawhai raunui (hard beech). Hīnau, rewarewa and pukatea were present in the canopy with local areas of mangeao. Kamahi or tōwai, pūriri and nīkau also occured locally at lower altitudes. Tōwai and mangeao are locally absent or rare in some districts, while tōtara is more common. WF14: TAWA KOHEKOHE MANGEAO BROADLEAVED FOREST The ridge between the two harbours contained a small area of inland hill-country where kauri is absent but with abundant tawa and kohekohe as canopy species. There are several regional variants with many co-occurring trees. Rimu, northern rātā, miro and kahikatea are the most common emergent species. Pohutukawa Pūriri Karaka Tawa Kowhai, Kotare Harbour Coastline WF 5 Broadleaved Forest WF 14 Broad leaved Forest Fig. 36 Indigenous Vegetation Kohekohe Rewarewa Kanuka Kōwhai 16

21 HOROPAKI WHENUA ME TE HAUROPI / LANDSCAPE + ECOLOGICAL Vegetation - Existing MANGROVE Mangrove occurs extensively in shallow sheltered tidal zones and along tidal channels and creeks. The extent of mangrove has increased extensively in the last century due to the combined effects of sedimentation and nutrients from land clearance and previous agricultural activities. Taller mangroves approximately 3 to 5 metres high occur at the edges and along channel ridges. COASTAL FOREST The original coastal forest has been severely degraded by land clearance and the introduction of exotic plant species and weeds. Remnant pockets remain along the coastal edges RESTORATION INITIATIVES Recent native planting and weed control undertaken by the community have begun to redress loss of ecology in balance with the aid of extensive weed control. The planting s include rare or endangered species, many of which can only be established in subsequent stages when the new native planting s are able to provide suitable conditions. Fig. 38 Exotic Pines Frequent on Headlands ETHNOBOTANICAL PLANTING This planting philosophy has been undertaken in Archibald Park It involves the study of plants and their practical uses through traditional knowledge. Plants used include kōwhai, kumerahou, harakeke, tānekaha, nīkau and tōtara. WEED AND INVASIVE SPECIES Weeds along the coastal edge and inlets are prevalent and present a major threat to the natural forest and waterway ecosystems. Without active control measures weeds smoother and suppress native plants. Exotic weed species include pine, chinese privet, moth plant, honeysuckle, blackberry and tradescantia and account for over 60% of the vegetation in some areas. Mangrove Forest Tall Mangroves Degraded Coastal Forest Fig. 37 Existing Vegetation Fig. 39 Abundant Weed Species along Te 17

22 4.0 HOROPAKI WHENUA ME TE HAUROPI / LANDSCAPE + ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT 4.5 Coastal Ecology COASTAL FOREST EDGE Tall Mangrove Forest Margin Native Forest Birds + Invertebrates Low Flow Channel Low MANGROVE FOREST + ESTUARY Mudflats HIGH ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY moderate ecological SENSITIVITY HIGH ECOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY Shellfish Seabirds Tall Mangrove Forest Margin LOW FLOW CHANNEL Typical Fish Species The proposal seeks to minimise pathway impacts on existing coastal habitats. Despite long term degradation from recent human activities the coastal habitats are still an outstanding resource which with long term custodianship can provide a healthier environment. The most sensitive habitats are large mangrove forest, critically at risk coastal forest remnants and channels. Coastal and mangrove forest margins stabilise the banks and provide significant opportunities for roosting and nesting birds. Low flow channels provide a refuge for fish and foraging for birds. Fig. 40 Coastal Ecology - Representative Cross Section Pathway construction and whole of life impacts on low growing mangrove and mudflats between the forest margins and channels are lower partly due to their abundance in the estuary. 18

23 HOROPAKI WHENUA ME TE HAUROPI / LANDSCAPE + ECOLOGICAL Coastal Ecology (continued) Fig. 41 Riverglade Esplanade 19

24 5.0 WĀHI HARATAU / PUBLIC FACILITIES 5.1 Existing Facilities RIVER access Formal water access for recreational activities is limited by a 3 metre tidal range and extensive areas of mud flats. Therefore access is typically determined by the proximity of the coastal edge to the low flow channel. Private facilities include Te Atatu Boat Club which provides wharves, launching and maintenance facilities for large and small boats. A boat ramp is located at the end of Bridge Avenue which appears to be unused due to sedimentation. Only one public boat ramp occurs close to the pathway and this is located within Archibald Park. As this has a large car park it is capable of meeting the ramp users parking needs. Uncontrolled informal access areas through mangroves and mudflats are widespread from private plots. Uncontrolled public access is sporadic, more notable areas occur in Archibald Park, near Roberts Road, under the railway bridge and the steep path down to Karaka Park at Green Bay. Fig. 42 Roberts Rd Informal Jetty to the Low Flow Channel There are a limited number of private consented jetties that need to be considered in the boardwalk design. Boat ramp (private) Informal access Boat ramp (public) Fig. 43 View from Archibald Park Boat Ramp Fig. 45 Existing River Access Fig. 44 Te Atatu Moorings and Private Boat Club 20

25 NGĀ TAONGA TUKU IHO / CULTURAL HERITAGE European Heritage From 1840 European settlement led to the rise of industry, settlement and infrastructure resulting in the loss of coastal forests and wetlands, the degradation of water quality (through pollution and sedimentation) and severance of watercourses (through bridges and culverts). Former tanneries and an abundance of brick works / clay extraction sites on the banks of Te Whau were early agents for these changes. Brick from Te Whau was used for many buildings in Auckland such as Unitec in Point Chevalier. Water based activities have historically been a focus for the European settlers. In the 20th Century regattas for rowing and later power boats were major public attractions on the Whau River. Boating and boat building are still major uses whilst swimming has declined. Today rising environmental awareness and appreciation of natural places amongst the community has led to a resurgence of interest to improve Te Whau environment for the environmental, social, cultural and physical benefit of the community and its visitors. Fig. 48 Laurie s Brickworks - Hepburn Esplanade Reserve Brickworks Tannery Fig. 46 Archibalds Landing - Archibald Park Crown Lynn Whau Regatta Fig. 49 Significant European Heritage Locations Fig. 47 E Astley & Sons Tannery 21