Nineteen hectares adjoining Auckland’s Long Bay Regional Park, known as the Heritage Protection Zone, were officially transferred from private ownership into public hands in February.
The land, which features both Māori and European heritage sites, was transferred to Auckland Council as part of an agreement to keep the significant headland backdrop in public ownership to protect the semi-rural character of the land. As a result, Long Bay Regional Park is now over 200 hectares in size.
An extensive wetland network, as well as 13 more parks and reserves, will be created in Long Bay’s fast-growing residential development.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chairperson Julia Parfitt says the outcome is a fantastic result both for local residents and all of Auckland.
“Hibiscus and Bays Local Board is committed to ensuring our natural environment and heritage is protected and safeguarded for the enjoyment of generations to come,” she says.
“We celebrated this outcome by inviting a junior class from each of our local schools to a fun heritage day event at the park’s historic Vaughan Homestead. It was an enjoyable day for all.”.