Work is now under way to bring Pōhutukawa Glade, a much-loved Karekare reserve in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, back to life.
The partnership project represents a significant step for the Karekare community, which experienced widespread devastation during the 2023 severe weather events.
Pōhutukawa Glade has served as a temporary storage site for slip debris since the severe storms in 2023. Now that roading recovery is largely complete, this work and the removal of remaining storm-affected Karekare homes are some of the last-remaining key elements in the community’s recovery.
From 28 October, Auckland Transport will start shifting 2,275 cubic metres of material from the site to a former quarry on Te Henga Road that is now referred to as Waitipu Park.
At the same time, Auckland Council will be working quickly to remove seven storm-affected Category-3 homes from Karekare. Working closely together, the goal is to reduce disruption and get everything done more efficiently for the community.
Auckland Council’s Western Principal Ranger Dave Markham says that once the slip material has been shifted, Pōhutukawa Glade will again become a welcoming central open space with access through to Karekare Beach.
“We’re aiming to re-open Zion Hill Track once Pōhutukawa Glade has been remediated. We’re really looking forward to reopening this much-loved track that connects Karekare to the Pararaha Valley area,” says Dave.
While the earthworks and house removals are under way, visitors to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park are likely to see some travel restrictions for up to six weeks, with Karekare Road closed during work hours over this period.
Strict controls will be in place to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
At Waitipu Park, work will begin in November to landscape the site so it can fully open to the public. The plans have been shaped with input from local residents, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki to reflect community values and help protect the environment.
Once Pohutakawa Glade has been restored, access to Zion Hill Track is likely to once again be available before the end of 2025.
Once Pohutukawa Glade has been restored, access to Zion Hill Track will reopen.
