Waiheke will benefit from Auckland Council’s record capital investment over the next 10-years focused on keeping the region running and continuing to build for the future.
The council’s Governing Body adopted the 10-year recovery budget (2021-2031) last week which provides for a $31.8 billion capital expenditure programme. The spending is at its highest level ever despite the difficult financial circumstances the organisation is facing in the short term due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Waitematā and Gulf ward Councillor Pippa Coom says despite those financial pressures, the 10-year recovery budget still enables the organisation to deliver on the activities and services expected, while also investing in protecting the environment and improving water quality, reducing emissions, and investing in communities.
“The record $31.8 billion investment package will support Auckland’s recovery from the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and delivers locally for Waiheke with significant investment into a number of local board projects.
“I’m particularly pleased that regional funding will support some key projects including an Area Plan for Waiheke and coastal landslips prevention work across the island at well-loved spots like Pohutakawa Reserve (Onetangi), Hekerua Bay Reserve and Picnic Bay.”
Local investment
Among the local asset improvements budgeted for in the Waiheke Local Board area are:
Waiheke Local Board
- Tawaipareira Reserve – following the recent replacement of the skate park, stage two includes a play space, bike track, and other play and amenity features over several years. The board is using its Locally Driven Initiative (LDI) CAPEX funding on additional components such as a flying fox and extending the play space area. $1.3 million in total including the new skatepark.
- Toilets – renew open spaces. There is a shortage of appropriate public toilet facilities on the island, and this is a priority issue given the one million+ visitors that arrive on the island annually. Effluent release from boats into nearby waters is also an issue. With this funding business cases for will be developed for new toilets at Oneroa Village (or other identified priority locations) and for a boat pump-out facility at Matiatia wharf. $950,000 over three years.
- Tracks and pathways - renewal. Tracks and pathways are a major feature and attraction on Waiheke. Tracks such as Church Bay from Matiatia to Church Bay Road, Te Aroha Walkway, Park Point, Te Wharau Bay, Te Wharau Bay - Southern Bay Access Track will be renewed and maintained in the first three years of the 10-year budget. $1.9 million
- Little Oneroa Reserve - renew play space, stairs, and pathways. Little Oneroa play space renewal as part of the adopted Little Oneroa Reserve concept plan. Works include play space replacement, stairs, and existing footpath renewals to meet footpath standards. $311,000 over two years.
- Catherine Mitchell Cottage (part of the Waiheke Backpackers in Onetangi) - comprehensive renewal. Comprehensive renewal (internal and external) of Catherine Mitchell Cottage. $376,000 over three years.
Regional funding through targeted rates
Water Quality
The Water Quality Targeted Rate is enabling the following investment in the Waiheke Local Board area:
- Safe Networks investigations: targeted rate funding is being used to investigate issues with water networks and identify solutions to make popular Safeswim sites more swimmable. On Waiheke, investigations have been completed at Oneroa Beach, Surfdale Beach, Palm Beach and Sandy Bay.
- Stream restoration projects: targeted rate funding is being used to improve the ecology of local waterways across the region, and to support the work of local community-led groups.
- Septic tank and onsite wastewater: educational material is being provided to property owners on swimmability and the potential impact of septic tanks as part of the council’s onsite wastewater programme. Onsite wastewater compliance investigations were undertaken at 417 properties in the Little Oneroa catchment.
Natural Environment
The Natural Environment Targeted Rate is enabling the following investment in the Waiheke Local Board area:
- Protecting green spaces: pest plant and pest animal control has been increased in and around public parks across the region. On Waiheke, pest plant control is being prioritised at many local parks including Anzac Bay Reserve, Awaawaroa Wetland Reserve, Church Bay Esplanade Reserve, Glen Brook Reserve, Kuakarau Bay Forest, Omiha Beach Reserve, Owhanake Reserve, Te Matuku Bay Esplanade, Te Toki Reserve, and Waiheke Island Reserve, as well as Whakanewha Regional Park.
- Rat, stoat, and mouse control at Awaawaroa Wetland Reserve is helping to protect giant kokopu.
- Kauri dieback management: funding has been invested to reduce the risk of spread of plant pathogens threatening native species, particularly kauri dieback. On Waiheke, work is taking place at McKenzie Reserve, Te Matuku to Awaroa Walkway, and Fisher Reserve.
- Marine and islands: A biosecurity champions team provide public education and awareness to ferry passengers at the waterfront during the summer period on how to reduce the risk of spreading pests and pathogens to the Hauraki Gulf islands.
- Biosecurity dogs specialising in detecting plague skinks, stoats, Argentine ants and rodents are situation at vehicle ferry departure points for the Hauraki Gulf islands. A facility has been established at the Auckland Domain to provide a base for the dogs.
- A survey is being undertaken to identify the scale of weed infestations on Rākino, Waiheke and Noises Islands. A programme is being undertaken to protect high-value biodiversity sites on Waiheke from Rhamnus invasion. There is also a programme to eradicate pigs from the island, and a rabbit control programme at Whakanewha Regional Park.
- The Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Biosecurity Management Plan will cover the new Regional Pest Management Plan requirements, which substantially increases the number of pests that cannot be moved to, from or between the Hauraki Gulf Islands. The new requirements also include mandatory Pest Free Warrants for all transport operators, and increased penalties for non-compliance.
- Enhanced support for community groups: funding is being provided to significantly increase support for community-led action to protect and restore local ecosystems and threatened species.
Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley is pleased with the investment into Waiheke and says the island will benefit from it.
“It’s important that support has been given to improving our infrastructure to help the island to cope with the more than one million visitors who arrive here every year; along with support for improving our open spaces for residents and our visitors to enjoy whilst protecting our unique and very special natural environment.”
As part of the 10-year recovery budget, each of the local boards also consulted on its Local Board Agreements for 2021/2022 year which outline its priorities, activities, and budgets for the 2021/2022 year.
Find out more about what’s in the 10-year recovery budget at our website.
