The 1.6 hectares (4 acres) of land in Manurewa purchased by the council to extend the iconic Auckland Botanic Gardens will be the focus of a new master plan for its use.
The council’s Planning and Policy Committee today approved the approach, ahead of any future garden development at 120 Hill Road.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Tāmaki Makaurau’s Māori identity and culture,” says Planning and Policy Committee deputy chair and Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Angela Dalton.
The existing Auckland Botanic Gardens Masterplan 2009 is largely fit for purpose, so the council proposes an additional masterplan giving focus to an ethnobotanic or traditional Māori garden that connects to the existing gardens.
The co-creation of this garden with mana whenua means that the site can be used to preserve, study and cultivate a comprehensive selection of native plants valued for their cultural significance to Māori.
“It’s exciting that the mahi ahead of us includes the creation of a traditional Māori garden, with the potential for a Pacific garden to reflect the ethnic diversity of local communities and the Auckland region.
“We will carry out a robust process of planning, research and design in partnership with mana whenua, including appropriate public consultation and decision-making before the spades get busy.
The proposed masterplan to be developed over a three-year period will provide council with strategic direction and an investment case to support the development of the site. It will also cover external funding options, such as partnership and philanthropic funding.
“The new gardens will require funding, so the master plan will also consider development costs and funding options, including external funding. These steps will help inform budget allocation as part of the next Long-term Plan in 2027,” says Cr Dalton.
Resourcing for the masterplan process will be through existing council budgets and external support from the Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
The development of the master plan is supported by the Manurewa Local Board. Their views will be sought at each phase of the process and continue to inform decision-making on the project.
The site was acquired by the council in October 2023 for $12.37 million. Read about the council’s purchase of the Hill Road property on OurAuckland
