Located between Pt. Chevalier and Westmere, Meola Reef Te Tokaroa is a lava reef formation that reaches over two kilometres into the Waitemata Harbour. A landfill was developed on the reef from 1930 to 1976 then closed and capped. The former landfill is now used as a reserve that provides undisturbed views of the harbour.
Today the reserve has significant ecological value and is popular for walking, relaxing, and exercising dogs. Currently, the securely fenced off-leash dog area is not well connected to the car park and dog walking activities extend across the whole reserve.
Through discussions with iwi, stakeholders, dog walking groups, community groups and nature conservationists, the Meola Reef Reserve Te Tokaroa Development Plan has been drafted and is currently open to the wider public for consultation.
What's in the plan?
Providing a 10-20 year vision for the area, the draft plan takes into consideration the current values and uses of the reserve and proposes how to improve them. For example the plan suggests improving the protection for sensitive ecological areas, expanding those areas, and better controlling access.
“We are looking at ways we can improve areas allocated to dog activities and for recreation, better connect the off leash area to the car park and greatly enhance the sensitive ecological areas that need to be protected from animals Says Shale Chambers, Parks Portfolio Lead, Waitematā Local Board.
“We value planting carried out mainly by volunteers to improve the ecology of this significant landscape. We also recognise the importance of the reserve for dog walking. This draft plan looks at the issue in its entirety and comes up with suggestions that improve the reserve for the sensitive ecosystems in the area, as well as for all users, given the constraints of the landfill. I encourage everyone interested in providing feedback on the draft to read the summary or the full plan to understand the proposals and the benefits it would deliver.”
Other factors that the draft plan provides for include:
- The dog park area needing to better cater for the large number of users which are currently overflowing into the other areas of the reserve
- The low water quality of the rivers that run next to the reserve: Meola Creek and Motions Creek
- The need to protect birds and lizards and their habitat and native plants in the area
- The need to expand planted areas to protect the sensitive ecosystems
- Making it easier for park users to enjoy the coastal views and wild character of the reserve they go there to enjoy
- Improving access to the reserve from Meola Road
