A plan to inform and guide future development for recreation and experiences at Waitipu in the Waitākere Valley has been adopted by Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
Waitipu, formerly the Waitākere Quarry, has native forest and a pond and is home to native birds, flora and fauna. The plan includes recreation opportunities for unique experiences. How these can be developed within the park will require more investigation as the plan’s outcomes progress.
“Our area’s unique ecology sets us apart. There has been a longstanding commitment to reinstate Waitipu so that people can enjoy its natural beauty. I’m pleased that the remediation is a step closer,” says Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chairperson Greg Presland.
The local board adopted the Park Service Outcomes Plan for Waitipu at its recent business meeting.
“This plan is useful as it will inform future development of Waitipu as a local park should funding become available. For some time now the local board has advocated for funding for the project, and we intend to continue to do this,” Chairperson Presland says.
Currently, there is no public access to the park. In 2022, stakeholders and the public provided their input to the draft plan. There was strong preference for activities like walking and dog walking, picnicking, nature play, environmental restoration, and mountain biking.
“The feedback has been very helpful to us. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time and been a part of the consultation process,” Chairperson Presland says.
Mana whenua worked with staff to help guide the development of the plan. Te Kawerau ā Maki have a long and important connection to the Te Henga area and Waitākere River Valley.
Their guidance on restoring the mauri or mana of the site, which has been heavily degraded through quarrying, leaving the mature native forest in its natural state and the importance of cultural design and storytelling, is reflected in the final plan.
Work in the future will continue to be a collaborative effort between mana whenua and the local community.
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