Auckland Council and Auckland Transport (AT) are currently investigating a range of options to deal with the slip material deposited at Pōhutukawa Glade, Karekare following the 2023 storm events.
AT placed approximately 2275m3 of material in the area after it undertook emergency works to clear significant landslide debris from the roads within Karekare.
Kauri dieback disease is also known to be present and the material must be handled appropriately to manage the risk of spread.
Options considered
A number of options have been considered for the material, including:
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Leave within Pōhutukawa Glade and reshape it – while this is possible for a small amount of material, there is too much there to leave in Pōhutukawa Glade long-term.
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Dispose of it at an approved waste disposal facility – the only option in Auckland is Redvale which is approved to manage the Kauri dieback pathogen. This option represents a significant cost.
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Relocate it within the Waitākere Ranges, with two options:
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Hettig Paddock – dismissed due to size and environmental concerns.
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Waitipu Quarry – preferred given the quantity of material and the ability for the site to be developed for future public access and recreation opportunities. However, the quarry is still subject to an agreement with the previous quarry operator and the council’s Parks team have some concerns that would need addressing. A resource consent would also be required.
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Dispose of it within Karekare private property – a local land owner has offered for the material to be disposed of at their property. We are currently investigating this option.
Funding to cover the works required
AT have Flood Recovery Programme funding from NZTA Waka Kotahi and Crown Infrastructure Partners. This funding model is very prescriptive in how the funding can be spent. It will cover the removal of the existing material and disposal along with any related consent conditions.
Feedback considered
Auckland Council and AT staff have met with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on three occasions. Concerns were raised by elected members as to the potential costs of transporting material from Karekare to Redvale. The team were asked to explore alternatives within the district for not only the Pōhutukawa Glade material, but also potential future slip material.
Local iwi representatives have asked us to keep the material within the Waitākere Ranges if possible.
A community meeting was held in Karekare on Sunday 9 June 2024 to discuss the material and its use. A range of views were shared by the community – from retaining the material on site to full removal and restoration of the site.
In addition, an informal survey was undertaken by the Karekare Residents and Ratepayers Trust, with a copy of feedback shared with AT and the council. Thank you for the feedback – it has informed us to date and will be useful going forward also.
Next steps
We want to assure you that Pōhutukawa Glade will be restored to its previous standard. The council’s Regional Parks Team are also open to retaining some of the material to provide a suitable open space for the public. This will be considered as we move forward.
We will hold a community meeting and provide an update as soon as we have some clear direction as to a viable option that is agreeable to all parties.
More information and how to contact us
If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact Auckland Council or Auckland Transport via ATEngagement@at.govt.nz.
