The stairs from Montressor Place and Haseler Crescent into McLeay Reserve have been closed off because of significant health and safety issues.
The stairs have been closed since mid-September while council experts complete a structural assessment and determine the appropriate next steps.
Public safety is of priority, says Howick Local Board chair Damian Light, and given the current situation, there is an imminent risk that required closure of the track.
“Maintaining access to our walkways and reserves is a priority for the board to support active, healthy, and sustainable lifestyles. As part of our ongoing maintenance programme our team have been checking to ensure that our walkways are safe,” he says.
Access to McLeay Reserve is available at the end of Haseler Crescent, but while access is being maintained wherever possible, it may cause some disruption in the short-term.
“Safety comes first and that’s non-negotiable. What we are looking at is the expansive offering of tracks, paths, boardwalks, and bridges that provide connections and active recreation, totalling just over 200 kilometres – so it we need to take every precaution to not only complete the work but do so safety for our council staff and the public,” adds Light.
Once the assessment findings have been peer-reviewed, the stairs will either be re-opened for use, or closed while council work with the local board on options for remediation.
Operations manager Marcel Morgan says: “We appreciate understanding, cooperation, and patience of local people as we carry out future planning.”
McLeay Reserve walking track will be a future renewal project
The local board is supportive of investigation works that need to be undertaken to determine the future planning and recreational use of the McLeay Reserve.
What happens next
Once a plan is in place the board will engage local communities to determine the needs and aspirations of this reserve and there will be an opportunity to provide suggestions and feedback regarding this project. Please email howicklocalparks@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to be sent to the Have Your Say information directly when the consultation goes live online.
The board and council staff ask members of the public to respect and be kind to staff and contractors who are enacting these closures, so they can work on providing great places for the community to enjoy.
Map of track closure
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