Residents are being asked for their views on a plan to move several facilities at the Mairangi Bay reserves, which are at long-term risk of coastal flooding.
Feedback is open from 16 April to 18 May on a variation to the Mairangi Bay Reserves Management Plan.
The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board manages the reserves and must review the management plan because of new information about the impact of coastal hazards and ways to reduce those risks.
Chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum says the local board needs to hear from residents, since any proposed changes to the reserve layout will shape how the spaces are used in the future.
“The reserves are very busy especially over summer with residents and visitors enjoying the grassy areas, the beach, swimming and water sports.
“The area is also home to the Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, a very valuable part of our community, who have been saving lives for over 70 years.”
The surf lifesaving club, beach seawall, Montrose Terrace and car parking are all within the coastal erosion zone at risk from extreme coastal inundation and sea level rises over time.
The current management plan, which shows how Montrose Terrace and the car park can be moved inland, has already been approved by the local board and this new layout is included in the draft concept plan.
The wastewater pump station upgraded by Watercare has been located further along Sidmouth Street.
Key moves from the draft concept plan:
- locate a new Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club building and storage to the northern part of the reserve, outside the coastal hazard zone, to improve the reserve's functionality
- move the seawall further inland in the future to protect the reserve's coastal edge and ensure its long-term resilience
- reduce the number of parking spaces in the reserve
- add a new nature play trail as a main attraction.
Poppelbaum says it is important that reserves serve the needs of the entire community.
“Now it’s time to hear what our residents think about the layout of the reserves and the placement of future infrastructure, so the concept plan can be updated with this information.”
Ways to have your say:
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Next steps
A hearing will be held for anyone who wants to speak about their submission. The hearing panel will review both written and spoken submissions and make recommendations for changes to the Mairangi Bay Reserves Management Plan. The local board will then approve the final changes at a business meeting.
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