Upper Harbour Local Parks Management Plan

This consultation closed on 30 August 2019. Thank you for having your say.

We received 341 feedback submissions about the Upper Harbour local parks management plan.

These included:

• 181 online submissions
• 20 emails
• 140 hard-copy feedback forms.

Key feedback themes

Connectivity and access

• The connected coastal walkway at Hobsonville Point was popular.
• People asked for greater access to esplanade reserves and more coastal walkways such as around the western side of Greenhithe.
• Others wanted connections between suburban parks to create longer walking and running routes, particularly through Rosedale to Albany.
• Some were unsure about whether walking tracks existed or wanted them introduced so they could access parks.
• A few people said access was limited by the poor condition of paths and overgrown plants at certain parks, including Marina Esplanade and Orchard Reserve.

Access to the water

• Several people needed access to the water to get them to the beach, play / swim in the water, launch their boat or kayak, go fishing or collect shellfish, and appreciate the views.
• A few people wanted increased access to the water by creating coastal walkways, such as a track along Wiseley Esplanade or Totara Road Esplanade Reserve.
• Others said esplanade reserves were difficult to access or not clearly marked as public land, including Kowhai Beach Reserve and Landing Reserve at Herald Island.
• People were worried about streams and wetlands deteriorating from weeds, septic contaminants and stormwater run-off.

Flora and fauna

• A lot of people wanted more native plants and trees.
• Several people had participated in community volunteer projects and ecological restoration on parks, but wanted greater council support.
• Many expressed concern about invasive weeds and the impact on the growth of native plants.
• People were worried about reduced harbour views from plant and tree growth at coastal parks.
• There was support for the Kai Rakau project and further development of the North-West Wildlink.
• There was concern about failing pine trees, kauri dieback and pest control.

Walking, cycling and exercise

• Many people enjoy using the park walkways and trails.
• People walk for exercise, to enjoy nature, access scenic views, relax, socialise with family or friends, exercise their dog or reach a cafe or a playground.
• People asked for improvements to walkways.
• People said that they cycle to parks, take their children to parks to ride bikes and scooters, use the cycle trails and go mountain biking at parks.
• A few people asked for greater cycle way connections through, between and to parks.
• Sanders Reserve was mentioned, with a couple of people recommending improvements such as a pump track, a greater variety of tracks and more maintenance.
• Other forms of exercise people enjoyed included playing soccer with the kids and informal basketball or cricket, and using exercise equipment.
• Several people asked for exercise equipment at their local park.

Dogs and horses

• People use a range of parks to exercise and train their dog.
• A few people use the fenced dog park at Hobsonville Esplanade and would like better amenities here.
• Others wanted more off-leash dog exercise areas including the wider Hobsonville Esplanade and Sanders Reserve.
• People were concerned about keeping dogs under control and better disposal of dog poo.
• People mentioned equestrian activities in parks, namely Wainoni Park and Sanders Reserve.
• People wanted Sanders Reserve to better cater for horse riders.

Play

• People mentioned enjoying nature play or their children enjoying playing with and exploring big trees and native plants.
• Play sometimes involved playground, swings, sand pit, water feature, courts, fields and nets.
• Other times play required open green space for riding bikes and scooters, flying a kite, kicking a ball, running around, playing games and playing with water.
• Requests were made for new playgrounds, swings, slide, scooter track, better playground equipment, natural play features and better use of flat areas.

Events and socialising

• Several mentioned using parks to have a picnic or BBQ with friends and family
• A few people socialised with their friends while watching their children play or participate in sports
• People also used parks for events such as kite flying, birthday parties in the hall, summer concerts and using other buildings in parks for community events.
• A couple of people wanted to watch outdoor theatre, movies, music and exhibitions or join a local walking or tai chi group.
• A few people also requested BBQs at their local parks.

Organised sports

• Over a dozen people commented that they go to a local park to watch or participate in organised sports such as football, rugby, softball, cricket, hockey, tennis and basketball.
• Parks specifically mentioned include Wainoni Park North, Greenhithe War Memorial Park, Hobsonville War Memorial Park, Bill Moir Reserve, Picasso Reserve, Malcolm Hahn Memorial Reserve, and Rosedale Park.
• Some people raised concerns about the poor condition of grass turf fields, inadequate lighting and insufficient changing facilities at parks including Bill Moir Reserve, Wainoni Park North and Rosedale Park.
• These concerns relate to issues with reduced playing hours during a sporting season, inability to host games, and pressure on club resources.
• A couple of people felt that there was a need for a sports park in Whenuapai to support field and court-based activities.

Car parking and vehicle use

• Several people requested improvements to parking including using gravel rather than grass, making time restrictions, providing spaces for boat trailers or creating new parking spaces - this particularly relates to Hooton Reserve, Landing Reserve, Bill Moir Reserve and Kingsway Reserve.
• There was concern about camping in parks, cars obstructing access to other facilities and vandalism from driving on parks, including at Picasso Reserve and Bill Moir Reserve.
• Numerous people raised concerns with private parking at the top of Waimarie Beach Esplanade Reserve (Road Reserve) and suggested parking be restricted to the road.

Retention and acquisition

• Many people commented on the importance open space plays in high density living areas.
• More than a dozen raised concerns about there not being enough parks in Whenuapai to support future population growth.
• Numerous people asked that existing open space be retained, and future open space be acquired in Whenuapai and Hobsonville.
• Te Onekiritea / Bomb Point park was specifically mentioned as an area that should officially become a council park.
• Waimarie Beach Esplanade Reserve was also identified as an area that should become a council park.
• A few people noted that the new park land at 1 Observation Green, Scott Point lacks amenities.

Park maintenance

• General issues included the growth of weeds or pest plants, poor drainage and hazards around walkways.
• People felt walkways were not being maintained for use all year round and by all ages due to the surfaces being uneven, waterlogged or covered by overgrown plants or plant debris.
• A few people also mentioned the poor condition of some bridges as connecting walkway structures, such as those at Orchard Reserve.
• Numerous people raised issues about pest plants and animals, and their impact on park users and native plants.
• Poor drainage in some sections of park land, sports fields and around exercise equipment was identified, specifically in relation to Bill Moir Reserve.
  Several people asked for repairs to the boat ramp at Waimarie Beach Esplanade Reserve (Road Reserve).
• Other maintenance issues included dumped rubbish, loose litter, rubbish bins, toilets, playgrounds, fountains and dead pine trees.

Asset requests

• Many people requested new park amenities.
• The most requested amenities were paths, tracks, cycleways and bridal paths.
• This was followed by requests for barbecue areas, picnic tables and seating.
• There was also high demand for children’s play equipment and drinking fountains.
• Dozens of people asked for more sports areas, sports lighting, toilets, exercise equipment and rubbish bins.
• Several people requested safety features (CPTED), shade sails, and playground fencing.
• Signage improvements were frequently identified.

Other comments

• Concerns were raised about safety walking and cycling on the roads due to the lack of footpaths or cycle lanes.
• A few people asked for Māori naming and corrections to existing Māori names.
• Naming of Te Onekiritea / Bomb Point park was mentioned.