As the community seeks meaningful growth, there’s a powerful call for a new development to be embedded within our neighborhoods, championed by Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
This vision emphasises inclusivity, connectivity, and a shared sense of belonging.
For those in the community, Sparky Road is a well-known landmark, positioned just off Ōtara and alongside the Southern Motorway, otherwise known as the power station place (old Transpower site).
A change is being proposed for that space, known as Plan Change 90 - where 4.4 hectares at 8 Spark Road, Ōtara, will be turned into a new residential area.
Led by Highbrook Living Limited, it also proposed new rules for the area, including guidelines on transport and noise.
The board expressed strong concerns about major environmental impacts, increased traffic congestion, and the isolation from schools and the town centre due to its location, among other issues.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “As those familiar with the area will know, the proposed development site is cut off from the rest of Ōtara, bordered by the Tamaki River, State Highway 1, and the busy main arterial Highbrook route.
“The board is concerned an elite enclave will be built, disconnected from the rest of Ōtara. There are no nearby schools, no connection to the Ōtara Town Centre, no physical connection to existing people of Ōtara to be neighbours with. This is going to be a multi-million-dollar housing development, with million-dollar views to the river, but with the back to Ōtara.”
With the plan now approved, the expectation is now on the developer to work diligently to blend this new development with the Ōtara community.
Apulu adds, “The independent hearing panel seems to think the developer will create an integrated community. We urge the developer to do so – bring your new residents to our schools, to our sports clubs, to our shopping areas; ensure your development enhances the natural environment; come and join the rest of Ōtara.”
Numerous submissions of opposition from around the area as well as from Highbrook and East Tāmaki were made.
Due to the cultural significance of the site, located within a vital cultural landscape, mana whenua was engaged.
Highbrook Precinct borders the Tāmaki River, an important awa leading to the Hauraki Gulf (Tikapa Moana) and Waitematā Harbour. These waterways were vital for iwi and hapū, serving as traditional food sources and historical transport routes for coastal and island settlements.
Mana Whenua maintain a spiritual connection to the Tāmaki River and have ongoing guardianship (kaitiakitanga) responsibilities. Also, the Pukewairiki Tuff Ring, one of the oldest volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field, is located to the northeast of the precinct.
Go here to find out more about the key findings from the decision by the independent hearing commissioners.
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