View
1
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Addendum 1
to
the Recreation Assessment Report
Auckland Transport
Redoubt Road – Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor
Recreation effects assessment
Rob Greenaway & Associates
23 March 2015
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
2
Auckland Transport
Redoubt Road – Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor Recreation effects assessment
Prepared for Auckland Transport
by Rob Greenaway & Associates
www.greenaway.co.nz
Final
23 March 2015
Author: Rob Greenaway has 25 years’ experience as a consultant recreation and tourism planner. He is an Accredited Recreation Professional with the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), a Fellow of the NZRA, and a ‘core group’ member of the New Zealand Association for Impact Assessment. He has presented expert evidence at more than 60 resource management hearings.
Acknowledgements: Auckland Council Parks and Open Space: Sarah Mossman, Amy Wight, Kristen Ross, Tania Utley. Department of Conservation: John Galilee. Auckland Transport: Richard Black.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
3
Auckland Transport Redoubt Road - Mill Road Corridor Recreation effects assessment Contents
1 Introduction and Summary ...................................................................................................... 4
2 Reserves history and policy .................................................................................................... 9 2.1 Totara Park .................................................................................................................... 9 2.2 St Johns Redoubt Reserve .......................................................................................... 12 2.3 Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm .................................................................................. 15
3 The proposal and its effects .................................................................................................. 19 3.1 Positive effects ............................................................................................................. 20 3.2 Neutral effects .............................................................................................................. 21
3.2.1 Totara Park ........................................................................................................... 21 3.2.2 St Johns Redoubt Reserve ................................................................................... 23 3.2.3 Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm ........................................................................... 23
3.3 Potentially adverse effects and mitigations .................................................................. 23 3.3.1 Totara Park ........................................................................................................... 23 3.3.2 St Johns Redoubt Reserve ................................................................................... 24 3.3.3 Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm ........................................................................... 24
3.4 Summary of effects by NoR ......................................................................................... 25
4 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 27
5 References .............................................................................................................................. 28
Appendix 1: Totara Park brochure text ........................................................................................... 29
Appendix 2: Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 planning map 28 (detail): St Johns Redoubt, planning map 41: northern part of Totara Park, map 40: Murphys Bush ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Appendix 3: Redoubt, Mill and Murphy Roads proposed alignment adjacent to St Johns Redoubt, Totara Park and Murphys Bush ............................................................................................... 35
List of Figures
Figure 1: Totara Park, St Johns Redoubt Reserve, Murphys Bush, Ostrich Farm .................................... 5
Figure 2: Recreation trails and facilities on Totara Park (Auckland Council, no date) ............................. 11
Figure 3: St Johns Redoubt Reserves .................................................................................................... 12
Figure 4: Location of St Johns Redoubt (Dodd 2006). Reserves added – key as for Figure 3 ............... 13
Figure 5: St Johns Redoubt. Google Earth image 5/10/2013 .................................................................. 14
Figure 6: Murphys Bush reserves status and access .............................................................................. 16
Figure 7: Ostrich Farm, Auckland City freehold ...................................................................................... 17
Figure 8: Detail from PC20 Fig 16.11.C – ‘required roads’ ‘subject to specific design’ ........................... 18
Figure 9: Detail from Auckland City Southern Cycle Map. Auckland Transport 2013 ............................. 22
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
4
1 Introduction and Summary
This report considers the effects on recreation of the proposed Redoubt Road – Mill Road
Corridor arterial road connection development. The study area includes Totara Park, the land
that makes up St Johns Redoubt Reserve1, the reserves which make up Murphys Bush, the
Auckland City freehold land adjacent to Murphys Bush referred to as the “Ostrich Farm”, and
the recreation developments proposed within the road corridor which may affect recreational
use of these and other local recreation settings.
This report is based on:
two site visits;
review of the proposal with Auckland Transport staff;
review of documentation prepared for the Redoubt Road to Mill Road Corridor Notice of
Requirement (NoR) (see references);
review of planning material prepared under the Resource Management Act 1991, such
as the Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 and relevant
proposed plan changes,
discussions and a site visit with Auckland Council Parks and Open Space team
members; and
review of public information about the reserves and parks, and their management
plans, draft concept development plans associated with Murphys Bush and Ostrich
Farm, and other literature relating to the St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserves.
Auckland Transport carried out consultation with the Totara Park Pony Club, the Totara Park
Mountain Bike Club and other community members over 2012 and 2013 (AECOM 2014a),
and that consultation has been relied on for this assessment.
Totara Park is approximately 216ha and is one of Auckland’s 24 ‘premier’ parks. The Park
links with the Auckland Botanic Gardens at its south-west corner. Relatively intensive
recreation developments are provided near the Park’s main entrance in the south off Wairere
Road (Figure 2). This includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic and BBQ areas and a
network of walking and dog walking tracks.
In the north and adjacent to Redoubt Road, development is less intensive and includes off-
road cycling and equestrian tracks within a farm-park setting. The Totara Park Equestrian
Centre leases 30ha of land from Auckland Council in the north-west corner of the Park with
access off Redoubt Road.
Two other entries to the Park are located off Redoubt Road: the main northern entry in the
north-west and a double-gated farm-services entry immediately to the east of 193 Redoubt
Road. Pedestrian access is available off Mill Road to the south-east.
The St Johns Redoubt Reserve constitutes an undeveloped park setting, appearing from
Redoubt Road as an empty mown area beside the Manukau Heights Motor Lodge (21
Redoubt Road). It is the site of a fort built in 1863, the contours of which are still faintly
evident. The total park area is 11,000m2 made up of 5,290m2 of historic reserve, 1,510m2 of
recreation reserve, both administered by Auckland Council, and 4,200m2 of historic reserve
administered by the Department of Conservation. The latter area joins Redoubt Road and is
1 The contiguous area of public land which appears as one reserve at St Johns Redoubt is made up of two historic reserves and one recreation reserve administered by the Department of Conservation and Auckland City. When the three reserves are referred to in this report the title “St Johns Redoubt Reserve” is used. When a specific component reserve is referred to, that reserve is named and differentiated by the relevant management agency.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
5
affected by the road corridor development, although there are no effects on the remains of the
fort.
Murphys Bush, as defined in a 1992 reserve management plan, is held in three titles, with, in
the north, a half-hectare square title gazetted under the Reserves Act 1977 as local purpose
reserve (community centre), and immediately south a two-hectare rectangular title gazetted
as recreation reserve, and further south more than 15ha of scenic reserve. All three titles are
developed for recreation and community uses. Immediately adjacent, on the northwest and on
Flat Bush School Road, is a small gazetted recreation reserve; located on which is the
Murphy Homestead. The 48.3ha of the Ostrich Farm is not yet developed for recreation but
has been the subject of several concept plans. It is held as unencumbered freehold title by
Auckland City.
The Redoubt Road – Mill Road Corridor development proposal requires:
The designation of 77,690m2 of land within Totara Park as part of the designation for
road widening and stormwater attenuation (13,610m2 in NoR1, 64,080m2 in NoR2 and
3,393m2 in NoR3);
Figure 1: Totara Park, St Johns Redoubt Reserve, Murphys Bush, Ostrich Farm
St Johns Redoubt Reserve
Totara Park
Murphys Bushreserves
‘Ostrich Farm’
freehold
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
6
The return of 14,933m2 to Totara Park post construction (3,858m2 in NoR1 and
11,075m2 in NoR2), for a final net loss of 62,757m2;
The location of two stormwater detention ponds within Totara Park (included in a land
acquisition area above), one of which could be used as a temporary construction yard;
Redevelopment of the main northern Totara Park entry at 143 Redoubt Road;
Closure of the double-gated Totara Park farm access point to the east of 193 Redoubt
Road;
Realignment of the Pony Club entrance into Totara Park;
Loss of a section of the ‘Pony express’ mountain bike track in Totara Park (see Figure
2);
Removal of established trees in some gully heads adjacent to Redoubt Road in Totara
Park;
Stopping of Mill Road to the north of the pedestrian access in the south east corner of
Totara Park (ie, the creation of a no-exit street);
Loss of 345m2 land on the road frontage of Ste Johns Redoubt Reserve as part of the
designation (all of which would be returned post-construction), potential acquisition of
21 Redoubt Road (currently occupied by a motel) immediately to the west of the entry
to the Reserve, and the possible addition of approximately 2,000m2 of public land to the
Reserve, including an area of the fort which currently abuts and potentially extends into
private land. No decision has been made as to the status or administering authority of
the additional public land, should it be made available;
The designation of 5,977m2 of land within the greater Murphys Bush area as part of the
designation for road widening (4,144m2 in the scenic reserve,1,437m2 in the large
recreation reserve and 396m2 in the local purpose reserve, and none in the small
recreation reserve), all in NoR2;
The return of 2,162m2 of land within the greater Murphys Bush area post construction
(849m2 in the scenic reserve, 917m2 in the large recreation reserve and 396m2 in the
local purpose reserve (ie, all of the area designated in that reserve)) for a final net loss
of 3,815m2;
The designation of 17,109m2 of land in Ostrich Farm as part of the designation for road
widening and stormwater detention
The return of 1,523m2 of land in Ostrich Farm post construction (164m2 in parcel 135
and 1,359m2 in parcel 187) for a final net loss of 15,586m2, 8,046m2 of which is the
stormwater pond which is currently zoned for;
Changes to the road accesses to the former Flat Bush School on Murphy Road and the
Murphy Homestead on Flat Bush School Road;
The removal of some mature trees on the road edges of Murphys Bush and Ostrich
Farm.
New developments for recreation within the road corridor include on-road marked cycle lanes
(both sides) and shared off-road paths on the southern side of Redoubt Road from the
Hollyford Road intersection, on the eastern side of Hollyford Road, on the eastern side of
Murphys Road and on the western side of Mill Road.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
7
The portion of Mill Road from which pedestrian access into the south–eastern corner of
Totara Park is provided is proposed to be stopped to the north of the Mill Road Park
boundary. There is only road-side parking at this site currently.
Potential adverse effects on the recreation values of Totara Park include:
The net loss of land area to Totara Park, post construction, of 2.91% of its total;
Loss of a section of the ‘Pony express’ mountain bike track (see Figure 2); and
Removal of established trees in some gully heads adjacent to Redoubt Road.
Other developments are considered to offer positive effects or are neutral. The remaining
potentially adverse effects on Totara Park may be fully or largely mitigated by the
implementation of the proposed designation conditions currently drafted. Auckland Transport
is exploring options to retain the size of the Park via land acquisition and exchange. However,
if this does not occur, the net adverse effect on Totara Park’s recreation values will remain
slight due to the Park’s large scale and the low level of facility development and dispersed
use patterns in the north. The Totara Park Pony Club is largely unaffected by the proposals
and will benefit from improved traffic safety at its access.
The potential land addition to St Johns Redoubt Reserve – although not required to offset any
immediate effects – has the potential to significantly enhance its road appeal, more than
doubling its road-frontage and increasing its size by approximately 20% (2,000m2). This will
enable the development of off-road parking space and increased scope for recreation
services on-site. The full footprint of the fort will be returned to public land.
Potential adverse effects on the recreation values of Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm include:
The net loss of land area to the Murphys Bush reserves, post construction, of 2.1% of
its total (2.1% of the scenic reserve, 2.4% of the large recreation reserve and none of
the local purpose reserve and the small recreation reserve);
The net loss of land area to Ostrich Farm, post construction, of 3.2% of its total;
Removal of some trees along the existing road boundary.
The scale and type of development for cycling and walking in the road corridor, considering
the ability to link Totara Park, St Johns Redoubt Reserve, Murphys Bush and the Ostrich
Farm with new, proposed and existing residential developments in the area, have the
potential to afford a significant net benefit for local recreation values.
The designation process requires each NoR area to be assessed separately. So while the net
effects in all three NoR areas are well-balanced, if not positive, on a case-by-case basis:
NoR1 includes the loss of 9,752m2 within Totara Park and the potential addition of
approximately 2,000m2 of public land to St Johns Redoubt Reserve (and no loss), as
well as the proposed developments within the road corridor for walking and cycling and
improvements for safety for Totara Park Pony Club. The percentage loss to Totara
Park is small while there is the potential for a large gain for St John’s Redoubt Reserve
should acquisition of 21 Redoubt Road occur. The net effect on recreation in NoR1 is
positive, and more-so if the loss of land in Totara Park is compensated for by other land
exchanges. Without the potential addition of the 2,000m2 of public land to St Johns
Redoubt Reserve and mitigation of land-losses on Totara Park, the provision of public
recreational resources within the road corridor are likely to balance those land losses
via increased ease of recreation access.
NoR2 includes the loss 53,005m2 within Totara Park and the need to redevelop several
park recreation assets, the loss of 3,815m2 at the Murphys Bush reserves and the loss
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
8
of 15,586m2 of Ostrich Farm, 8,046m2 of which is the stormwater pond which is
currently zoned for (see Appendix 2); as well as the loss of some roadside trees. The
development of walking and cycling options within the road corridor are likely to
balance these losses, particularly if Ostrich Farm includes future development for sport,
which will benefit from the availability of good off-road cycling access for at least local
communities. If land exchanges limit the total loss of land at Totara Park, the net effect
would be positive.
NoR3 requires the final loss of 3,393m2 in Totara Park and the creation of a more quiet
road setting for the pedestrian access in the south east corner of the Park; as well as
the walking and cycling developments in the road corridor. The net effect in NoR3 is
likely to be positive for recreation even if land exchange in Totara Park does not
compensate for the land lost.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
9
2 Reserves history and policy
2.1 Totara Park
The 2001 management plan for Totara Park prepared by the Manukau City Council describes
the majority of the land as having been purchased by the Council in 1965 after agreeing with
the previous owner to “preserve the bush and develop the park for public use” (p4). Other
parcels have been added to the Park over time relying on reserve contributions from
neighbouring developments and direct purchase. The management plan states that although
there are “no known archaeological sites” in the Park (p5) part of a route used by European
soldiers to transport artillery equipment from the St Johns Redoubt during the Waikato
campaign of the New Zealand Wars has been reported as forming part of an existing bridle
path; but this is potentially apocryphal (Kristen Ross, Auckland Council, pers comm.).
Figure 2 shows the various facilities and access areas on Totara Park. This map is taken from
the Auckland Council park brochure for Totara Park; the other contents of which appear in
Appendix 1.
The Park is almost entirely held in freehold title by the Auckland Council. The management
plan recommends the Park’s gazettal as recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977, but
this has not been carried out; so while the management plan has no status under the
Reserves Act it remains Council policy under the Local Government Act 2002. Controls on
use and development of the Park are contained in the Auckland Council District Plan
Operative Manukau Section 2002 as they apply to, in the main, public open space, and via
Auckland Council bylaws (such as those applying to dogs and trading and events in public
places). However, the management plan provides some statements about expectations for
the Park’s development and use. When coupled with the Auckland Council District Plan
Operative Manukau Section 2002, the purposes and expectations for land management on
the Park can be identified, against which effects of the road corridor proposal can be
assessed.
The objectives of the management plan are to (p5):
Provide for and encourage a range of outdoor recreation activities and uses throughout
the Park;
Protect and enhance the ecological integrity and natural qualities of the Park;
Extend and enhance the character of the Park as a ‘countryside’ park and confine
developments to specific areas.
The Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 describes the public
open space network as generally contributing to (15.1.2 and 15.5):
Community purposes (the City’s social infrastructure);
Environmental protection; and
Enhancing the City’s form and identity.
Section 15.5 of the Plan expands on these objectives to form a Public Open Space Strategy.
The northern part of Totara Park affected by the proposed works on Redoubt Road is zoned
Public Open Space Zone 2 – Passive Outdoor Informal Recreation (P.O.S.2 – see Appendix
2) with the description:
This zone will protect some public open space for passive outdoor informal
recreation such as walking, resting, picnicking, enjoying nature or jogging. Areas
zoned Public Open Space 2 also contribute to the greening and beautifying of the
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
10
urban environment, and to the City’s walkway and cycleway network.
Neighbourhood reserves are also included in this zone.
Facilities on land zoned P.O.S.2 are generally limited to accessory buildings or
structures such as playground equipment and toilet blocks with some opportunity
for small community buildings. (section 15.9.2)
A range of recreation activities and structures are permitted on land zoned P.O.S.2 (15.10.2).
While bridle trails are a controlled activity, farming and formed recreational walkways, trails
and cycleways (excluding motorised vehicles) are permitted. A range of small-scale
recreation facilities, such as public toilets, restrooms and changing rooms are permitted, and
sports fields, clubrooms and stands are non-complying.
A small area of the Park in the north-west, immediately west of the Redoubt Road access –
upon which is located a residence owned by Auckland Council – is in the Main Residential
Zone. This zoning will ease the development of this part of the Park for more intense
recreation and commercial facilities and services, if these are desired.
The planning map in Appendix 2 shows a recreational walkway route along the western side
of the P.O.S.2 zone on Totara Park and along Hill Top Road. This does not follow routes
available on the ground.
The parcel of land which connects the south-eastern corner of the Park with Mill Road is
Public Open Space 1 – Heritage (P.O.S.1 – see Appendix 2):
Heritage will protect those cultural and natural heritage resources that are
vulnerable to human activity and ensure that any buildings, structures or activities
do not damage, desecrate or destroy these features. (section 15.9.1)
This corner of the Park is largely vegetated with bush, with a walking track along its southern
boundary. Permitted activities in the P.O.S.1 zone are limited to informal recreation and
leisure, park furniture, farming and the maintenance of existing buildings and grounds.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
11
Figure 2: Recreation trails and facilities on Totara Park (Auckland Council, no date)
N
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
12
2.2 St Johns Redoubt Reserve
The St Johns Redoubt Reserve area is an undeveloped park setting, appearing from Redoubt
Road as an empty mown area beside the Manukau Heights Motor Lodge (21 Redoubt Road).
It is the site of a fort built for the Waikato War (part of the New Zealand Wars) in 1863, the
contours of which are still evident (Figure 5 page 14). The total reserve area is 11,000m2
made up of: 5,290m2 of historic reserve and 1,510m2 of recreation reserve, both administered
by Auckland Council; and 4,200m2 of historic reserve administered by the Department of
Conservation (DOC) (Figure 3). The latter area adjoins Redoubt Road and is affected by the
road corridor development, although there are no effects on the remains of the fort. The three
reserves are managed on a day-to-day basis by Auckland Council (which largely involves
mowing the grass).2
The reserves have no operative management plans under the Reserves Act 1977. The
operative Department of Conservation Auckland Conservancy Conservation Management
Strategy (DOC 1995) identifies the DOC parcel as the St Johns Redoubt Stewardship Area,
noting, in 1993 (p303):
Land forms part of a hill top with views to south and west over Manukau City to
Manukau Heads. Visual evidence of redoubt. Visual values heavily compromised
by Telecom exchange, motel and housing.
Visitor use and use potential were both described as ‘low’.
The DOC reserve was subsequently gazetted as historic reserve under the Reserves Act in
2000 (NZ Gazette notice 2000-ln6484). The Recommended Draft Conservation Management
2 John Galilee, DOC, pers. comm.
100m
DOC: St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve
AC: St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve
AC: St Johns Redoubt Recreation Reserve
Figure 3: St Johns Redoubt Reserves
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
13
Strategy Auckland 2014-2024 identifies the St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve as an ‘actively
conserved historic place’ described as in a ‘non-visitor destination management category’
although ‘accessible by car’ (p228).
A heritage assessment3 of the Redoubt was carried out by DOC in 2006 (Dodd 2006); and for
the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (now Heritage New Zealand) and the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2009 (Farley 2009); and for Auckland Transport (via AECOM) in
2015 (Tatton & Clough 2015). The former two reports considered the effects of Church’s
construction activities on their neighbouring property to the west. A portion of the fort (its
western corner) was identified as located on church land, and this has not been included in
the development footprint (Figure 4 and Figure 5. Figure 4 does not show all of the St Johns
Redoubt Historic Reserve administered by DOC). Tatton & Clough (2015) review the heritage
effects of the Redoubt Road corridor NoR.
Farley (2009) noted (p4):
Despite the historical use of St John’s Redoubt, and predictions of significant
archaeological deposits within the property, no intact 1860s deposits were
identified. While it does seem likely that features relating to the military occupation
are situated outside of the redoubt, it appears that, given the topography, any tent
sites or rubbish deposits were located on a flatter portion of the hillside, to the
north and south of the redoubt, outside of the investigated property…. This
suggests that the military occupation of the redoubt did not utilise the land in any
fashion that created archaeological deposits.
Dodd (2006) noted (p6):
St Johns Redoubt has been described in several publications and local histories
relating to the sites of the New Zealand Wars, and is one of the few remaining
redoubt sites north of Pokeno that retains visible earthwork features. St Johns
3 This recreation report is not an assessment of heritage values of the St Johns Redoubt Reserve or how heritage values may be affected by the road corridor development. This work has been completed by Tatton & Clough (2015). The heritage values are reviewed in this report only as they relate to recreational use and values of the Reserve.
Figure 4: Location of St Johns Redoubt (Dodd 2006). Reserves added – key as for Figure 3
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
14
redoubt is featured in the Redoubts of the Great South Road special issue of the
Auckland Waikato Historical Society Journal and it is likely that with on-site
interpretation community esteem for the site will increase.
Dodd (2006) recommended (p8):
The primary issue for the site of the St Johns Redoubt is the potential threat to the
western bastion, and the uninterrupted viewing corridor back to the Great South
Road. The remaining portion of redoubt not in public ownership should be
acquired and vested with Manukau City Council or in the DOC historic reserve….
In the future it would also be desirable to excavate a section of the ditch of the
redoubt as is being currently undertaken by a Trust for the Queens Redoubt in
Pokeno. This would accentuate the defensive features, enhance the site visually
and make it easier for people to appreciate the original form of the redoubt.
To provide for on-going management of the site it is recommended that a joint
Management Plan be developed with Department of Conservation, Manukau City
Council, the Manurewa Historical Society and Latter-Day Saints Church. The
Management Plan could include restoration of earthworks, interpretative panels,
provision of panoramic map showing associated sites such as Woodside
Methodist cemetery, mile posts, and Great South Road (this management
recommendation has in the past been supported by the Manukau City Council).
In the interim the Council should continue the present management and
Figure 5: St Johns Redoubt. Google Earth image 5/10/2013
Redoubt Road
Boeing Place
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
15
maintenance regime of mowing.
Dodd (2006) identifies that a survey error in 1980 resulted in the motel at 21 Redoubt Road
being subdivided “hard against [the] northern corner of [the fort] trench” (p9).
The Reserve is zoned Public Open Space 1 – Heritage (see Appendix 2) under the Auckland
Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002:
Heritage will protect those cultural and natural heritage resources that are
vulnerable to human activity and ensure that any buildings, structures or activities
do not damage, desecrate or destroy these features. (section 15.9.1)
The fort is identified in the Plan as an archaeological site and a ‘heritage resource to be
protected’ (Schedule 6G). A view-shaft from the St Johns Redoubt Historic Reserve
(Auckland City component) looking to the west is also protected (see Appendix 2 and its
effect on neighbouring land development in Figure 5).
2.3 Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm
Murphys Bush is on the west of Murphys Road and is gazetted reserve under the Reserves
Act. Ostrich Farm is to the east of Murphys Road is freehold land held by Auckland City for
open space purposes. Ostrich Farm and/or the wider open space area is occasionally
referred to as Murphys Park; the Farm reference is used here to ease site differentiation.
The 1992 management plan for Murphys Bush prepared by the Manukau City Council states
that the reserve was originally largely farmland with an area of protected forest dominated by
kahikatea. This is described in the management plan, and online, as containing the largest
remaining stand of mature lowland bush in Auckland and the ‘finest examples’ of mature
kahikatea.4
The Murphys Bush area is made up of four reserves administered under the Reserves Act
and classified as local purpose (community centre), recreation reserve and scenic reserve
(Figure 6). The Murphys Bush Management Plan does not refer to the recreation reserve in
the north-west corner which is the site of the Murphy’s Homestead, aka the former Flat Bush
School House. The exterior of the Homestead is a Group 2 protected heritage building in the
Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 (Schedule 6A).
The former Flat Bush School – a Category 2 Historic Place (HNZ list number 2655) – has
been located at the northern end of the reserve since 1894 (within the local purpose reserve)
and is currently leased to the Flat Bush Community Group Inc as a community centre. It is a
Group 1 protected heritage building in the Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau
Section 2002 (Schedule 6A).
In 2012 the historic Stancombe Cottage was relocated to the north-east corner of the large
recreation reserve. Other public facilities, such as parking and toilets, are located in the south
of this reserve. In its previous location (Stancombe Road) the exterior of Stancombe Cottage
was a Group 2 protected heritage building in the Auckland Council District Plan Operative
Manukau Section 2002 (Schedule 6A).
Four entrances to the reserves are located on Murphy Road:
In the south, a pedestrian access leads to a clearing once occupied by a caretaker’s
cottage with no carparking,
An access and small car park (two spaces) for people with disabilities leading to
wheelchair accessible tracks 250m south of the main entrance and parking area,
4 http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/parksfacilities/premierparks/Pages/murphysbush.aspx
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
16
The main car and bus parking and turnaround area, with picnic tables and toilets, and
access to a large flat area suitable for events,
The access to the former Flat Bush School.
A driveway access to the Murphy’s Homestead on Flat Bush School Road is located
immediately west of the Murphys Road and Flat Bush School Road intersection.
The site of the former Flat Bush School is zoned by the Auckland Council District Plan
Operative Manukau Section 2002 Public Open Space Zone 4 – Community Purpose
Buildings and Indoor Recreation Facilities (P.O.S.4 – see Appendix 2) with the description:
This zone will protect
some public open
space for the siting of
community purpose
buildings and indoor
recreation facilities.
These spaces will
provide opportunity
for recreational,
community, and
cultural buildings and
facilities to be
established on public
land. These buildings
and facilities may
accommodate local,
regional or, at times,
nationally focused
events. The majority
of buildings and
facilities to be sited
on public open space
should be
consolidated in areas
zoned P.O.S.4
leaving the other
public open space
zones relatively free
of buildings.
The large recreation
reserve is zoned Public
Open Space Zone 2 –
Passive Outdoor
Informal Recreation with
the description:
This zone will protect some public open space for passive outdoor informal
recreation such as walking, resting, picnicking, enjoying nature or jogging. Areas
zoned Public Open Space 2 also contribute to the greening and beautifying of the
urban environment, and to the City’s walkway and cycleway network.
Neighbourhood reserves are also included in this zone.
N
Figure 6: Murphys Bush reserves status and access
Local Purpose
Recreation
Scenic
Road access
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
17
The site of Murphy’s Homestead (the small recreation reserve) is zoned for Future
Development; opportunities for which will be controlled by the site’s reserve status.
The scenic reserve is Public Open Space Zone 1 – Heritage, with the description:
This zone will protect inland natural and cultural heritage resources that are a part
of the public open space network eg. Mangere Mountain, Puhinui Reserve,
Murphy’s Bush and parts of Totara Park.…
Most of the public open space in this zone is held as either scenic, scientific or
historic reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. Activities on these public open
space areas will be managed to protect and enhance the landscape,
archaeological, geological or other scientific features including indigenous flora
and fauna and ecosystems through a combination of District Plan rules and the
Reserve Management Plan process.
Ostrich Farm, immediately east of Murphys Bush, is freehold land held by Auckland City. It
has been subject to several draft development concepts for public recreation, including
Figure 7: Ostrich Farm, Auckland City freehold
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
18
intensive developments for sport and the provision of large-scale open space and casual
recreation opportunities, as well as management for stormwater and natural values. There is
currently no determined development plan for the site, including the location of future
accessways.
The bush area in the south-west of Ostrich Farm is zoned Public Open Space Zone 1 –
Heritage; the same as the Murphys Bush scenic reserve. This suggests a similar
development outcome in this area as that scenic reserve. The remainder is shown in the
Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 as one of: an Open Space 6
zone – which is land intended for acquisition as open space, which has been achieved; a
Future Development Zone; and areas associated with stormwater management. A strip on the
south-west corner and southern boundary has a designation for gas reticulation. (See
Appendix 2 for the relevant planning maps.)
The Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 Proposed Plan Change
20 (October 2010) shows a ‘Flat Bush Local Road Park Edge’ (mauve in Figure 8) through
Murphys Bush and a ‘Special Park Edge Road’ though Ostrich Farm (green in Figure 8).
These roads are detailed in at least one of the concept plans for Murphys Bush and Ostrich
Farm.
A separate precinct plan (December 2014) as part of a private plan change proposal for the
land south of both areas of open space provide for: a road at their southern boundaries; a
nearby ‘neighbourhood centre’; a recreational walkway connecting to the east of the bush on
the southern boundary of Ostrich Farm; and a collector road along the Farm’s eastern edge
(also shown in Figure 8).
Figure 8: Detail from PC20 Fig 16.11.C – ‘required roads’ ‘subject to specific design’
Murphys Bush
Ostrich Farm
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
19
3 The proposal and its effects
Tatton & Clough (2015) conclude that there is unlikely to be any effects on heritage values at
St Johns Redoubt as a result of the corridor development, and there is therefore no further
reference to such issues in this report.
Appendix 3 shows the scope of the proposed development on the St Johns Redoubt Historic
Reserve (DOC component), along the Totara Park boundaries with Redoubt Road and Mill
Road, and on Murphys Road. These developments include:
Totara Park
The designation of 77,690m2 of land within Totara Park as part of the designation for
road widening and stormwater attenuation (13,610m2 in NoR1, 64,080m2 in NoR2 and
3,393m2 in NoR3);
The return of 14,933m2 to Totara Park post construction (3,858m2 in NoR1 and
11,075m2 in NoR2), for a final net loss of 62,757m2;
The location of two stormwater detention ponds within Totara Park (included in a land
acquisition area above), one of which could be used as a temporary construction yard;
Redevelopment of the main northern Totara Park entry at 143 Redoubt Road;
Closure of the double-gated farm entry to the east of 193 Redoubt Road on Totara
Park;
Realignment of the Totara Park Pony Club entrance;
Loss of a section of the ‘Pony express’ mountain bike track (see Figure 2);
Removal of established trees in some gully heads adjacent to Redoubt Road;
Stopping of Mill Road to the north of the pedestrian access in the south east corner of
the Park (ie, the creation of a no exit street);
St Johns Redoubt Reserve
Loss of 345m2 land on the road frontage of Ste Johns Redoubt Reserve as part of the
designation (all of which would be returned post-construction);
Auckland Transport is currently examining the option of acquiring 21 Redoubt Road
(currently occupied by a motel) immediately to the west of the entry to St Johns
Redoubt Reserve. This would result in an addition of approximately 2,000m2 of public
land to the Reserve, including an area of the fort which currently abuts and potentially
extends into private land. No decision has been made as to the status or administering
authority of the additional public land, should it be provided;
Otherwise, effects of the NoR would result in some minor loss of road-front land to the
existing Reserve entry.
Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm
The designation of 5,977m2 of land within the greater Murphys Bush area as part of the
designation for road widening (4,144m2 in the scenic reserve,1,437m2 in the large
recreation reserve and 396m2 in the local purpose reserve, and none in the small
recreation reserve), all in NoR2;
The return of 2,162m2 of land within the greater Murphys Bush area post construction
(849m2 in the scenic reserve, 917m2 in the large recreation reserve and 396m2 in the
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
20
local purpose reserve (ie, all of the area designated in that reserve)) for a final net loss
of 3,815m2;
The designation of 17,109m2 of land in Ostrich Farm as part of the designation for road
widening and stormwater detention (876m2 in parcel 135 and 16,233m2 in parcel 187),
8,046m2 of which is the stormwater pond which is located in an area already zoned for
this purpose;
The return of 1,523m2 of land in Ostrich Farm post construction (164m2 in parcel 135
and 1,359m2 in parcel 187) for a final net loss of 15,586m2, 8,046m2 of which is the
stormwater pond;
Changes to road access to the former Flat Bush School and possibly also Murphys
Homestead to distance these from a new major intersection;
Redevelopment and retention of the other existing three accesses to Murphy’s Bush
from Murphys Road.
And on the roads to be redeveloped leading to all sites:
On-road marked cycle lanes on all road redevelopment areas on both road sides, apart
from between 21 Redoubt Road and the Hollyford Road intersection where they will be
on only the south side (adjacent to St Johns Redoubt Reserve); and
Shared (walk and cycle) off-road paths on the southern side of Redoubt Road from the
Hollyford Road intersection, on the eastern side of Hollyford Road, on the eastern side
of Murphys Road and on the western side of Mill Road to near the eastern end of the
project area.
Footpaths on the road side opposite the shared paths identified above on Murphys
Road, and on Redoubt Road west of the Murphys Road intersection.
3.1 Positive effects
The amenities for cycling and walking within the road development area, as described above,
are likely to have marked effects on cycling uptake in the area, as well as improving local
connectivity for walking. The existing roads to be redeveloped have limited existing amenity
for either activity.
A recent study completed for the Wellington City Council about demand for cycling identified
the likelihood of between an 8% and 25% increase in cycling uptake on busy roads with new
on-road cycle lanes (‘painted lines’); and between a 41% and 53% increase in cycling uptake
if off-road lanes shared with pedestrians were provided (Pettit & Dodge 2014). Sloman et al
(2010) reported substantial increases in cycling trip counts in cities in the UK where cycling
promotion and infrastructure development occurred in the mid to late 2000s.
The Auckland Transport Southern Cycle Map (Auckland Transport 2013) shows no
recommended on-road cycle links with Totara Park or Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm
(Figure 9). The nearest on-road shared path and dedicated cycle lanes are on Great South
Road to the west. Off-road shared paths are shown within Totara Park. Everglade Road,
which intersects with Redoubt Road from the south, is shown as having on-road space for
cycling.
The proposed on- and off-road cycle developments will serve as the only immediate and
connecting cycle routes to Totara Park, Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm. Considering the
proximate and planned urban development to the north and east of Totara Park and around
Murphys Bush (see section 3.0 of the Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor Project Notice of
Requirement (AECOM 2014b)), as well as the recreation value of the cycle and walking
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
21
tracks within the Park and at Murphys Bush (and likely developments at Ostrich Farm), the
proposed cycling and walking developments have the potential to be of substantial recreation
value. If Ostrich Farm is to include developments for sport, an effective set of off-road cycle
linkages with the local community will be a significant advantage.
The two stormwater ponds to be located within Totara Park are proposed to be planted as
wetlands and are likely to have positive ecological and visual amenity effects. The proposed
stormwater pond within Ostrich Farm is within an area currently zoned for this purpose (see
Appendix 2).
The existing entrance off Redoubt Road to the Totara Park Pony Club has been identified by
Auckland Transport as potentially dangerous in its existing form (Richard Black, Auckland
Transport, pers. comm.) and that redevelopment would be beneficial. Consultation with the
Pony Club has identified several solutions to incorporating the entrance with the new road
layout (AECOM 2014a). These are incorporated in the final design proposal (Appendix 3).
The potential to add 2,000m2 of land to the St Johns Redoubt Reserve (an option currently
being explored by Auckland Transport) (an increase in total area of almost 20%) with the
possible creation of a much-expanded road frontage; and the removal of the encroachment of
the motel subdivision on the northern fort boundary, would all serve to significantly improve
the recreation amenity potential of the Reserve. Such a provision would increase the scope
for the reserve developments recommended in Dodd (1996) (see section 2.2). The
administering authority or status of this new public land, should it eventuate, has not been
decided.
Detailed design work for construction and remedial works on the roadsides of the Murphys
Bush reserves, and Ostrich Farm, have the potential to result in an enhanced edge to these
areas of open space. Designation conditions will require that these plans are completed in
consultation with Auckland City Parks and Open Spaces staff. The proposed off- and on-road
cycle and walkways will enhance connectivity between the parks and local communities.
3.2 Neutral effects
3.2.1 Totara Park
Peake Design (2014) reported on the landscape and visual effects of the road corridor
proposal and identified that the visual amenity effects of the works on Totara Park (as a
landscape character area) were nil (p25): “In relation to Totara Park the visual environment
will not be substantially different from the existing situation.” Landscape character is
considered to be largely unaffected (p25): “Generally, existing land uses, and large scale
patterns and elements [in Totara Park], will remain unaltered. Smaller localised changes will
result in some alteration of patterns and elements, but there will be very slight change to
landscape character overall, and consequently very low effects.”
Redevelopment of the main northern Park entry at 143 Redoubt Road is intended to retain the
status quo in terms of amenity value within the Park. There is no plan to replace the separate
road entry to the neighbouring residence owned by Auckland City (and part of Totara Park).
Access to this site and any future recreation or commercial development in the Main
Residential Zone in the north-west of the Park would be from the immediately adjacent and
established main northern Park entry.
The double-gated farm access point to the east of 193 Redoubt Road will not be replaced in
its current location (Richard Black, Auckland Transport, pers comm.) and alternative access, if
required, will need to be developed off the main northern Park entry, or the Totara Park Pony
Club access.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
22
N
Figure 9: Detail from Auckland City Southern Cycle Map. Auckland Transport 2013
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
23
With the stopping of Mill Road, the pedestrian access to the Park in its south-east corner will
be from a quiet no-exit street with very little passing traffic. This will improve on-road parking
safety, and with local residential development, probably increase public use of this setting.
Therefore, there may be a mixed effect with some enhancement of use, but a drop in passing
surveillance. Maintaining this setting as unlit will limit use at night and reduce the potential for
poor behaviour. Future development plans for Totara Park will need to consider the changed
characteristics of this Park entry.
3.2.2 St Johns Redoubt Reserve
The NoR would result in the designation of 345m2 of land on the Reserve’s road frontage, all
of which would be returned post-construction. Redevelopment of the access to the Reserve
would be completed according to detailed designs in consultation and according to the
Proposed Auckland Transport Designation Conditions in AECOM (2014b) for the Delivery
Work Plan (DWP) for ‘Urban Design’. This would at least retain the status quo for access to
the Reserve.
3.2.3 Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm
Ostrich Farm is currently undeveloped for recreation. As the roading corridor design and
development process may parallel that of Ostrich Farm, there is ample opportunity to develop
appropriate pedestrian and vehicle access. Peake Design (2014) reported ‘low’ and ‘very low’
effects on visual amenity and landscape character in the area of Murphys Bush.
Five accesses to the four reserves at Murphys Bush, including that to Murphys Homestead,
will require redevelopment. Designation conditions will require detailed design of these new
accessways to be developed in consultation with Auckland Council Parks and Open Space.
This should result in either safety improvements, or at least retention of existing access
values.
3.3 Potentially adverse effects and mitigations
This section considers potential adverse effects and potential mitigations. It is important to
note that the designation conditions will be drafted to address the adverse effects identified,
where possible. In addition, the conditions prescribe the drafting of various Delivery Work
Plans (DWPs) for, for example, ecological, landscape and urban design values. These plans
are intended to identify agreed mechanisms for sustaining local amenity values.
3.3.1 Totara Park
Three potentially adverse effects on Totara Park have been identified:
The net loss of land area to Totara Park, post construction, of 2.91% of its total;
Loss of a section of the ‘Pony express’ mountain bike track (see Figure 2); and
Removal of established trees in some gully heads adjacent to Redoubt Road.
The loss of land within the Park represents a fundamental, albeit slight, diminution of open
space value (ie, the loss of open space) and a reduction in grazing capacity. This adverse
effect includes a small loss of scale and opportunity for permitted recreation development
under the Auckland Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002. The maximum
ground coverage by buildings, tennis courts, bowling and croquet greens on land zoned
P.O.S.2 under the Plan as a permitted activity is 5% of any continuous area of land which is
zoned as a particular public open space zone, regardless of any existing legal boundaries. In
the case of Totara Park, the total contiguous land area zoned P.O.S.2 affected by the road
widening is approximately 147ha, 5% of which is 7.35ha (meaning the area available for
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
24
permitted facility development activities for the northern 147ha of Totara Park is 7.35ha). The
removal of 6.28ha of P.O.S.2 land from this contiguous zone (a reduction of 4.27% of the
contiguously zoned area), reduces the permitted development envelope by 3,138m2. This is
less than a third of one rugby field (10,008m2), and is equal to almost four full-sized croquet
greens (820m2 each).
This effect is best mitigated by the replacement of lost land with a similar area contiguous to
the existing P.O.S.2 zone in the northern area of the Park. This option is currently being
explored by Auckland Transport.
Consultation about the loss of part of the ‘Pony express’ trail with the Totara Park Mountain
Bike Club (Totally Totara) is reported in AECOM (2014a). This indicates that it has been
agreed that the trail will be re-instated following construction of the re-aligned corridor. Further
consultation will be required with the club and Auckland Council Parks about the track’s final
alignment.
Appendix 3 indicates the requirement to remove some vegetation in the heads of gullies on
the Park boundary with Redoubt Road. This work has the potential to diminish the natural
qualities and amenity value of the Park, albeit at a low level due to the large scale of the Park
setting. Proposed Auckland Transport Designation Conditions in AECOM (2014b) require
Delivery Work Plans (DWPs) for ‘Urban Design’, ‘Trees and Vegetation’ and ‘Ecological
Management and Restoration’. The latter requires, for example, a botanist to supervise work
which affects native vegetation. For the purposes of this assessment, it is assumed that an
adequate replanting and vegetation management programme will be agreed in accordance
with these conditions.
One of the proposed stormwater detention ponds in Totara Park has the potential to be used
as a temporary construction site. Effects on park use will depend on the potential for noise,
dust and visual amenity effects. These effects are proposed in AECOM (2014b) to be
managed to minimise effects on residential neighbours, and these controls will suit the
expansive recreation setting of Totara Park. However, temporary occupation effects may
arise, although they will be slight due to the scale of the Park and the low level of facility
development and dispersed use pattern in the north.
Consultation with the Totara Park Pony Club during the construction phase will be required to
minimise noise and other disturbance effects on horses.
3.3.2 St Johns Redoubt Reserve
There are no adverse effects identified for St Johns Redoubt Reserve that are not fully
mitigated by the designation conditions.
3.3.3 Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm
Three potentially adverse effects on Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm have been identified:
The net loss of land area to the Murphys Bush reserves, post construction, of 2.1% of
its total (2.1% of the scenic reserve, 2.4% of the large recreation reserve and none of
the local purpose reserve and the small recreation reserve);
The net loss of land area to Ostrich Farm, post construction, of 3.2% of its total;
Removal of some trees along the existing road boundary.
The scenic reserve has a total area of 15.5ha, and the loss of 3,295m2 represents 2.1%. The
maximum ground coverage by buildings, tennis courts, bowling and croquet greens on land
zoned P.O.S.1 under the Plan as a permitted activity is 100m2 or 1% of the net area of the
P.O.S. zone, whichever is the greater, of any continuous area of land which in that zone – in
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
25
this case 1,550m2. The management plan for Murphys Bush does not indicate any
expectation for relevant construction activity in the scenic reserve, and so any loss in
permitted development potential is unlikely to be material. Nevertheless, the net loss is 33m2
of permitted development area.
The large recreation reserve has a total area of 2.148ha, and the loss of 520m2 represents
2.4%. The maximum ground coverage by buildings, tennis courts, bowling and croquet
greens on land zoned P.O.S.2 under the Plan as a permitted activity is 5% of the net area of
any continuous area of land in that zone – in this case 1,074m2. The reserve currently
contains a toilet block and Stancombe Cottage, which cover approximately 120m2, leaving
approximately 950m2 for other relevant permitted site coverage. The net loss is 26m2 of
permitted development area. This reserve may be subject to roading development under the
Proposed Plan Change 20, and site coverage potential might therefore be limited further.
The local purpose reserve is P.O.S.4 and site coverage requirements are dependent on the
recommendations of a relevant reserve management plan prepared under the Reserves Act
1977, which is subject to a public notification process. There is no loss of land post-
construction in this area.
Ostrich Farm is P.O.S.1 in the south-west bush area, and like the same zoned area in
Murphys Bush, is unlikely to be subject to development activities which would trigger the
requirement for a resource consent due to site coverage issues. The remainder of the site is
almost all Future Development zone, allowing for a more flexible approach to site coverage
control. Over 50% of the land lost post-construction is included in the stormwater detention
pond which is an expected use of the land according to the land zoning under the Auckland
Council District Plan Operative Manukau Section 2002 (see Appendix 2).
All losses of permitted development potential within each P.O.S. zone are very slight. The
loss of 2.1% of the total land area in Murphys Bush and 3.2% on Ostrich Farm is unlikely to
materially affect local recreation values due to the scale of the settings. Future development
in the locale and increased demand for recreational uses are likely to influence the need to
harden recreation facilities in Murphys Bush and require the implementation of a development
plan for Ostrich Farm, but neither of these activities is part of the NoR process.
Vegetation clearance at worst is expected to be restricted to a small number trees and
shrubs, including a single puriri, several tawa and a few semi-mature karaka and mahoe.5 On
Ostrich Farm, areas of bush on the road edge will also require removal. This activity should
be carried out in consultation with Auckland Council and minimised where possible, and
mitigation planting completed by agreement. As for Totara Park, the Proposed Auckland
Transport Designation Conditions in AECOM (2014b) require Delivery Work Plans (DWP) for
‘Urban Design’ and ‘Trees and Vegetation’.
3.4 Summary of effects by NoR
The designation process requires each NoR area to be assessed separately. So while the net
effects in all three NoR areas are well-balanced, if not positive, on a case-by-case basis:
NoR1 includes the loss of 9,752m2 within Totara Park and the potential addition of
approximately 2,000m2 of public land to St Johns Redoubt Reserve (and no loss), as
well as the proposed developments within the road corridor for walking and cycling and
improvements for safety for Totara Park Pony Club. The percentage loss to Totara
Park is small while there is the potential for a large gain for St John’s Redoubt Reserve
should acquisition of 21 Redoubt Road occur. The net effect on recreation in NoR1 is
positive, and more-so if the loss of land in Totara Park is compensated for by other land 5 NoR 2014 p175
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
26
exchanges. Without the potential addition of the 2,000m2 of public land to St Johns
Redoubt Reserve and mitigation of land-losses on Totara Park, the provision of public
recreational resources within the road corridor are likely to balance those land losses
via increased ease of recreation access.
NoR2 includes the loss 53,005m2 within Totara Park and the need to redevelop several
park recreation assets, the loss of 3,815m2 at the Murphys Bush reserves and the loss
of 15,586m2 of Ostrich Farm, 8,046m2 of which is the stormwater pond which is
currently zoned for; as well as the loss of some roadside trees. The development of
walking and cycling options within the road corridor are likely to balance these losses,
particularly if Ostrich Farm includes future development for sport, which will benefit
from the availability of good off-road cycling access for at least local communities. If
land exchanges limit the total loss of land at Totara Park, the net effect would be
positive.
NoR3 requires the final loss of 3,393m2 in Totara Park and the creation of a more quiet
road setting for the pedestrian access in the south east corner of the Park; as well as
the walking and cycling developments in the road corridor. The net effect in NoR3 is
likely to be positive for recreation even if land exchange in Totara Park does not
compensate for the land lost.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
27
4 Conclusion
There is a small number of potential adverse effects on Totara Park, Murphys Bush and
Ostrich Farm, and these may be fully or largely mitigated by the implementation of the
designation conditions currently drafted. Auckland Transport is exploring options to retain the
size of Totara Park via land acquisition and exchange. However, if this does not occur, the net
adverse effect on Totara Park’s recreation values will remain slight due to the Park’s large
scale and the low level of facility development and dispersed use pattern in the north. The
Totara Park Pony Club is largely unaffected by the proposals and will benefit from improved
traffic safety at its access.
The scale and type of development for cycling and walking in the road corridor, considering
the ability to link Totara Park, Murphys Bush and Ostrich Farm with new, proposed and
existing residential developments in the area, have the potential to afford a significant net
benefit for local recreation values.
With the proposed works in place, the objectives of the management plan for Totara Park
remain accessible. These are to:
Provide for and encourage a range of outdoor recreation activities and uses throughout
the Park;
Protect and enhance the ecological integrity and natural qualities of the Park;
Extend and enhance the character of the Park as a ‘countryside’ park and confine
developments to specific areas.
Although not specifically required to off-set a significant adverse effect, any area of residual
land adjoining the St John Redoubt Reserve which is amalgamated into the site would
provide a potentially significant benefit by increasing the frontage, reversion of the entire fort
to public land, and the subsequent increased development potential for recreation and
heritage values.
Murphys Bush will retain its core open space and recreation characteristics, and its existing
access and activity opportunities. Ostrich Farm retains its existing development potential, and
as the roading corridor design and development process may parallel that of the Farm, there
is ample opportunity to develop appropriate pedestrian and vehicle access; as well as a high
standard of visual amenity between the new roading infrastructure and areas of public open
space.
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
28
5 References
AECOM. 2014a. Redoubt Rd - Mill Rd Corridor Project Consultation Report. Client report for Auckland Transport
AECOM. 2014b. Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor Project Notice of Requirement for Designation-Assessment of Environmental Effects and Supporting Information. Client report for Auckland Transport
Auckland Council. no date. Totara Park. Park visitor information brochure. Auckland Council
Auckland Transport. 2013. Getting around Auckland Southern cycle map. Auckland Council
Department of Conservation. 2014. Recommended Draft Conservation Management Strategy Auckland 2014-2024. DOC, Auckland Conservancy
Dodd, A. 2006. St Johns Redoubt 1863 Heritage Assessment. DOC, Auckland Conservancy
Farley, G. 2009. Archaeological monitoring of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Religious Services Complex, 9 and 19 Redoubt Road, Manukau. Report to The New Zealand Historic Places Trust and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Manukau City Council. 2001. Totara Park Management Plan – Final subject to classification. Manukau City Council
Peake Design Limited 2014. Landscape and Visual Assessment for Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor Project Appendix R to NoR.
Pettit T, & Dodge N. 2014. Cycling demand analysis. Report for the Wellington City Council
Sloman L, Cairns S, Newson C, Anable J, Pridmore A & Goodwin P. 2010. The Effects of Smarter Choice Programmes in the Sustainable Travel Towns: Research Report. Report to the Department for Transport, United Kingdom
Tatton K, & Clough R. 2015. Mill Road-Redoubt Road Corridor, Manukau City: NoR Heritage Assessment Addendum (St John’s Redoubt R11/534). Clough & Associates client report for AECOM
Auckland Transport | Redoubt Road - Mill Road – Murphy Road Corridor | Recreation effects assessment RG&A
29
Appendix 1: Totara Park brochure text
Recommended