Heritage zone handed to the people of Auckland

19 hectares of land adjoining Auckland’s Long Bay Regional Park has been officially transferred from private ownership into public hands.

The land, which features both Maori and European heritage sites, was transferred to Auckland Council as part of an agreement to place the significant headland in public hands and ensure it is preserved into the future.

The open space also creates a buffer between the residential development and the regional park ensuring that its unique character is preserved for all Aucklanders.

With the additional land, Long Bay Regional Park will now amount to nearly 200 hectares.

Auckland Councillor Christine Fletcher, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee says it is great to see council and developers working together to guarantee the future of historically important sites like this and to keep them open to the public.

Councillor Fletcher explained “its natural geographical plateau provides great views, will protect the beachfront of Long Bay retaining the country side character.

“Special acknowledgement must be given to the Great Park Society whose advocacy and tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing this to fruition.

“I would also like to acknowledge the local iwi, it is not difficult to understand why it means so much to the people of this land. It is a credit to all involved that Auckland Council and Todd Property have been able to achieve this.”

As the previous owner of the Heritage Zone, Todd Property was pleased it was able to facilitate the transfer of this large parcel of coastal land to public ownership.

Todd Property Managing Director Evan Davies  added “this is a proud moment for Todd Property. We’re excited that the community will be able to experience the special features of this land, including the important Maori and European heritage sites, and that it will be protected for future generations to enjoy.

“The handing over of this land reflects our long-term commitment to preserving the unique heritage and natural environment at Long Bay, which also includes the creation of an additional 13 parks and reserves, and an extensive wetland network, within our nearby residential development.”

Long Bay Regional Park was purchased by the Auckland Regional Authority in April 1965 and is visited by over a million people annually. It is among the city’s most visited regional park.

Also of national significance the park is part of the Te Araroa network  (the walk which takes people from Cape Reinga to Bluff) passing through Long Bay following the parks coastal cliff top track. The coastal track is heavily used for walking, running and mountain biking.

The Park’s historical importance can be seen in the form of Vaughan Homestead. Built in the 1860s the homestead is a historic site associated with early European settlement and farming of the land. There are also two concrete machine gun emplacements dating from World War II on the park.

In 2012 The Variety – The Children’s Charity ‘all abilities’ playground was completed and has become a major attraction. Todd Property contributed material free of charge for the landscaping of this popular facility.

Long Regional Park was recently received the international green flag award. The award marks a quality park or green space.

12th April 2013 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL LAUNCHES MULTI-DAY KAYAK TRAIL

17th December 2012 - AUCKLAND COUNCIL SECURES NEW REGIONAL PARKLAND

13th August 2012 - AUCKLAND REGIONAL PARKS TO THRIVE UNDER LONG-TERM PLAN

13th January 2012 - WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN TARGETS HIGH MAORI DROWNING RATES

29th September 2010 - NEW COASTAL PARK PURCHASED BY ARC

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