Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park

South Kaipara Head, Kaipara Harbour

Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park Recreation and Land Use Planning

The purpose of Regional Parks

The regional parks represent many of the special natural and cultural qualities of the Auckland Region. The parks are purchased, and are managed, to protect their intrinsic, natural, cultural and landscape values and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the enjoyment and benefi t of the people of the region and are held in perpetuity for that purpose1.

Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park is located on the east coast of Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula or South Head Peninsula as it is also known. The park faces into the Kaipara Harbour, and so has gentle harbour beaches. Kaipara Harbour is not very swim safe, and is mostly used for fi shing purposes.

1 Regional Parks Management Plan 2010.

What would you like to see at Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park?

Currently Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park is used for farming and recreational purposes. The park has expanded over the years, and Auckland Council is now looking at what development and enhancement is needed to ensure enjoyment and use of the park.

What types of recreation and land use What is proposed?

Existing recreation includes walking, horse-riding, and other forms of passive recreation. It is intended that more facilities and infrastructure be provided to enhance recreational use and provide different types of use. This may include; camping, BBQ facilities, orienteering and extended walking and horse riding tracks. This is your opportunity to have your say on what you would like to see included in the development of Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park.

Location of Regional Parks

Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula

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Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park - Timeline

Early human occupation Early European Settlers Council purchase of the of fi rst block Council purchase of the prawn farm Engagement

FarmingEarly Māori HistoryBefore human occupation Council purchase of the McLeod farm Start of the Te Rau Pūriri Concept Plan

2016 2018 201919thCentury

20thCentury

21stCentury

Pre 1800s

Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip, 2018.

Four tribes that are known to have inhabited the South Kaipara Head from the time of earliest settlement, including; Te Kawerau-a-Maki, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Whātua and Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara. Radiocarbon ages estimates indicate at least 800 years of settlement and occupation.

After Davidson, J. (1984) The Prehistory of New Zealand. Longman Paul Ltd., Auckland.

During the early 1800s, the battle of Te Ika-a-Ranganui led to the virtual total abandonment of the Kaipara area by Māori (Spring-Rice, W. 1996. Māori Settlement on the South Kaipara Peninsula). In 1837, Māori began to reclaim their ancestral lands in the region. Map showing the Pā site Q09/34.Source: Quickmaps 2013.

Prior to the arrival of humans, the indigenous vegetation of the park was likely to have been tōtara kānuka broadleaved forest with freshwater wetlands in the gullies and areas of rush-dominated saltmarsh at the coast. A terrace situated at the southern side of the Patauoa Creek mouth indicates the height of sea level at the peak of the last interglacial period (about 120,000 years ago), and forms part of the geological record of past sea level change.

In 1860 the Waioneke block (20,600 acres ) was sold to the Crown for £1030 and then on-sold to prospective farmers. The fi rst European owners of what is now parkland, were Daniel Pollen and William Young. Then, a prominent Auckland stock and station agent and coastal shipping magnate Alfred Buckland, took over, managing cattle, sheep and horses including 50 Clydesdales. The Bucklands reluctantly sold parts of their large holding to the Government who split the property up for the rehab farmers Ian McLeod, Paul Lumpp and Bill Luke.

In 2015 Auckland Council purchased the 77.96ha site farm block known as the McLeod Farm.

In August 2018, the concept plan process began for the full 340.9ha site.

European exploration of the area resulted in the exploitation of the region’s resources. This was initially restricted to kauri timber, gum and fl ax and later expanded into agriculture. During this period, the land was on-sold as farming land to early European settlers.

The fi rst blocks of regional park land were acquired in 2005. This 247ha property was previously deer farmed.

In 2014 Auckland Council purchased a 15.6ha block referred to as ‘the Prawn farm’ as it contains several man-made ponds formerly used for freshwater prawn farming in the 1970’s.

Please provide your feedback with the project team today or submit your feedback by email to: teraupuriri@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Feedback period closes 12 June 2020.

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A Regional Park for the future

We want Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park to take to the frontline with Auckland Council’s commitment to fi ghting climate change for the future of our planet and our people. Auckland’s Climate Action Framework identifi es 11 Key Moves Auckland Needs to Make of which can be aligned with the vision for Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park Concept Plan.

Key Move 1: Lay the Foundation

We make decisions based on sound evidence. We have the capacity, resources and leadership to deliver by working together.

Goals• Commit to becoming leaders in combating climate change in public open space• Embed Climate change into our decision-making process• Ensure that the custodianship of mātauranga Māori knowledge systems, practices and the

teachings inform and underpin climate response, actions and decisions• Regularly review and update climate change evidence to inform decisions• Be transparent and provide data and information to enable citizen science, innovation and research.• Monitor all Park operational emissions and offset with future ecosystem restoration.

Goals• Grow, protect and connect our ngahere/forest to capture emissions and build resilience• Grow, protect and connect indigenous biodiversity and ecosystems • Change to a land management approach that creates, preserves and enhances healthy, viable soils• Grow, protect and enhance coastal and marine ecosystems to maximise carbon capture and resilience.

Key Move 2: Enhance, restore and connect our natural environments

Oranga taiao, oranga tāngata: a healthy and connected natural environment that restores the mauri (life essence) of Tāmaki Makaurau and benefi ts every Aucklander.

Key Move 5: Deliver clean, safe and equitable transport options

Aucklanders have more options for getting around.

Goals • Encourage large-scale uptake of zero and low emissions vehicles by providing great facilities for these types

of vehicles in a remote location, commit to moving to zero and low carbon emission vehicles and machinery for park operations where possible.

Key Move 9: Youth and intergenerational equity

As rangatahi, we bring our unique perspective on climate change. We are living in uncertain times with responsibilities to te taiao (the environment), our tūpuna (ancestors) and those who will follow.

Goals • implement transformative educational programmes which foster intergenerational knowledge-

sharing and kotahitanga (unity)• Enable rangatahi to create innovative pathways for meaningful and sustainable behaviour change• Empower rangatahi to be facilitators of whakaaro (ideas) from ao Māori (Māori world)

perspectives.

Key Move 10: Shift to decentralised renewable energy

Energy supply is clean and secure with benefi ts for every Aucklander.

Goals • Use our Place to drive innovation in small scale renewable energy development.

Key Move 11: Grow a low-carbon, resilient food system

A strong and resilient food economy provides all Aucklanders with access to low carbon, fresh and healthy food.

Goals • Commit to supply local trade as Local production is not only important for security of our food

supply, but also contributes to reducing emissions by lowering transport requirements and increasing more sustainable farming practices.

• Monitor and off set all emissions from Farming operations into ecosystem restoration projects.

Key Move 3: Make development and infrastructure climate compatible

All new development and infrastructure complies with our climate goals and encourage low impact lifestyles.

Goal• Ensure new infrastructure is climate-proof and resilient.

Key Move 6: Move to a zero carbon, climate - resilient economy

Auckland leads climate-smart innovation and a fair and just transition to a zero carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Goal• Establish rural, parks and youth education programmes to grow low carbon and climate resilience

skills• Leverage public sector and large business supply chains to deliver on climate outcomes.

Key Move 7: Help Aucklanders become more resilient and reduce their carbon footprint

We are all more resilient to climate change and lead Auckland’s transition to net zero emissions.

Goal• Establish rural, parks and youth education programmes to grow low carbon and climate resilience

skills• Leverage public sector and large business supply chains to deliver on climate outcomes.

Key Move 4: Transform existing buildings and places

Existing buildings and spaces are revitalised to be healthy, low impact and multi-functional.

Goals • Make our spaces multi-functional with broader benefi ts• Ensure existing infrastructure is as climate-proof and resilient as possible.

Key Move 8: Te puawaitanga o te tangata

Self-sustaining Māori communities and a lift in the well-being of Māori whānau across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Actions

Our statement - “Creating a Regional Park that gives back to the environment and our climate rather than taking away.”

Site Specifi c Design Principles to Guide Development

The following site specifi c design principles were established by the project team, mana whenua and internal stakeholders. They provide design guidance for any future development or events that are proposed in or around the park. They recognise the policies identifi ed in the Regional Parks Management Plan and refl ect on Te Aranga Design Principles.

Retain site character and acknowledge history

Retain and protect:

• signifi cant archaeological features including pā sites, platforms, terrace complexes, pits and middens (known and potential)

• geographical features such as coastal cliffs and the interglacial terrace• panoramic views over rolling farmland from the elevated ridges• views of the Kaipara Harbour• elements of the historic heritage landscape.

Recognise and celebrate site history through story telling and interpretation.

Continue to manage open space farming

Continue to farm the majority of the park as open pasture to recognise its rural heritage, retain key views and vistas, and facilitate recreation and use (including farm experiences) (17.17.4):

• land is retired where practical • erosion is minimised• open pasture is retained as a feature.

Auckland Council’s Community Facilities Commercial Leasing and Business Team and Regional Parks will work together to:

• ensure farm operations do not compromise visitor safety• create and maintain sustainable farming practises i.e carbon and

greenhouse gas neutral• continue to upgrade farm infrastructure as required (RPMP Map17 #13)• manage sensitive archaeological and ecological sites to recommended

national best practice standards (Policy 12).

Ensure farming operations retain and enhance without negatively impacting:

• site character and and cultural history (Principle 1) • ecology and education (Principle 2)• recreational opportunities (Principle 3).

Conserve and enhance the natural landscape and improve biodiversity through restoration and education

Restore, enhance and protect:

• the shore and shorebird habitat • wetland species and habitat• existing native vegetative gullies and slopes • threatened plant, bird and reptile species• the health of the Kaipara Harbour• protect and enhance native remnant bush

Conservation actions:

• consider which species would have occurred naturally, reintroduce where appropriate

• tree planting for shade of stream, stock and people using native species• revegetation, ecosource at all times (succession of pioneer species)• ensure horse riding is clear of the coastline• protect the interglacial terrace as a natural formation• create ‘Sustainability Plan’ for the park in accordance with Auckland’s Climate

Action Framework 2019.

Provide education of environmental protection and natural processes:

• Ensure visitors to the park are well informed

Mitigate the effects of farming on the landscape:

• reduce runoff of effl uent into waterways• prevent stock damage (scars or pugs the land)• reduce erosion of the riparian edges by planting a buffer (cross section of

effective stream planting).

Character and Culture of the land

Recreational Opportunities Farming and Custodianship Biodiversity and Education

Manage and maintain recreational opportunities for the enjoyment and well-being of the local community, mana whenua and visitors

Provide and improve access, way-fi nding and connections:

• strengthen walking / tramping connections• provide pedestrian access to allow park visitors to participate in a range of informal

recreational activities, such as walking, picnicking and use of the beach (policy 16)• improve wider connectivity with other public land including DoC land • create safer access points to the park from South Head Road• provide clear wayfi nding throughout the park (Policy 14)• investigate orienteering opportunities.

Encompass all user groups:

• local community• mana whenua• day visitors to the Regional Park• campers and tourists to the area• school and other educational groups

Investigate options for recreation around the prawn farm ponds.

Coastal marginal strip, 2018

Te Aranga Māori Design Principles

The Te Aranga Māori Design Principles are a set of outcome-based principles founded on intrinsic Māori cultural values and designed to provide practical guidance for enhancing outcomes for the design environment. The principles have arisen from a widely held desire to enhance mana whenua presence, visibility and participation in the design of the physical realm1.

The outcome-oriented Te Aranga principles adjacent are underpinned and guided by these values:

• Rangātiratanga: the right to exercise authority and self determination within ones own iwi / hapu realm

• Kaitiakitanga: managing and conserving the environment as part of a reciprocal relationship, based on the Māori world view that we as humans are part of the natural world

• Manaakitanga: the ethic of holistic hospitality whereby mana whenua have inherited obligations to be the best hosts they can be

• Wairuatanga: the immutable spiritual connection between people and their environments

• Kotahitanga: unity, cohesion and collaboration

• Whanaungatanga: a relationship through shared experiences and working together which provides people with a sense of belonging

• Matauranga: Māori / mana whenua knowledge and understanding

This cultural framework provides the opportunity for mana whenua to ensure the incorporation of an appropriate narrative that will enhance the intrinsic and cultural fabric, engender a sense of place, recapture those aspects of their cultural history that are embedded in the whenua and upon the korowai of their people; past, present and future.

Te Aranga Design Principles adjacent have been used as a basis to develop site specifi c principles.

1 Auckland Design Manual

Character and Culture of the land

Recreational Opportunities

Farming and Custodianship

Biodiversity and Education

ā2 WHAKAPAPA Names and Naming

Outcome: Māori names are celebrated.

6 TOHU The Wider Cultural Landscape

Outcome: Mana whenua signifi cant sites and cultural landmarks are acknowledged.

1 MANA Rangatiratanga, Authority

Outcome: The status of Iwi and Hapū as mana whenua is recognised and respected.

4 MAURI TU Environmental Health

Outcome: Environmental health is protected, maintained and/or enhanced.

5 MAHI TOI Creative Expression

Outcome: Iwi/hapū narratives are captured and expressed creatively and appropriately.

7 AHI KĀ The Living Presence

Outcome: Iwi/hapū have a living and enduring presence and are secure and valued within their rohe.

3 TAIAO The Natural Environment

Outcome: The natural environment is protected, restored and/or enhanced.

Lake Rototoa, 2018Lake Rototoa, 2018

Site boundary

5 m contours

Roads

Streams

Lakes and water bodies

Forest ecosystems Includes: dune forest of; totara, kanuka and broadleaf. Hill-slopes and hill-crests of; kauri, podocarp, broadleaf forest. Exotic forest and tree land.

Wetland ecosystemsIncludes: lake lagoon margins of raupo reedland and machaerina sedgeland. Depressions of; manuka, tanglefern, scrub and fernland, hill-slopes. Depressions of gumland heath and exotic wetland.

Planted regenerating ecosystemsIncludes; hill-slopes, ridges, terraces, and plains of; kanuka scrub/ forest. Hill-slopes, ridges, and terraces of; manuka, kanuka scrub. Planted vegetation and native restoration plantings.

Naturally regenerating ecosystemsAreas fenced off from stock regenerating naturally.

Coastal ecosystemsIncludes; Mangrove forest and scrub.

Cliff ecosystemsIncludes; Pōhutukawa treeland, wharariki flaxland/rock-land (cliff land areas outside of scope)

MAP LEGEND:

Ecology

Biodiversity and Education

Actions:

• retire and revegetate steep gullies and faces from pasture (RPMP Policy 4) • plant riparian margins, intertidal areas and wetlands• continue to protect existing native species through disease and pest

regulation • create a succession plan to manage the removal of exotic species,

particularly in areas prone to erosion• Investigate the transfer of management of the marginal strip from

DoC to Auckland Council• create a continuous forested link from the west coast through woodhill

forest, Lake Rototoa and Te Rau Puriri Regional Park to the Kaipara Harbour. Connect this link with the substantial wetland area on the southern boundary (green corridor/ forest bridge).

• investigate options for the prawn farm ponds as a habitat for native species

• work with DoC to ensure protection of the lake• proposed new walking tracks around the lake will improve access for

pest control lines• prevent further erosion of dunes with native planting and protection

from foot traffi c• develop a partnership with South Kaipara Land Care to help develop

and maintain conservation values and create a hub for conservation values for the South Kaipara area

• determine options for environmental remediation of prawn ponds and surrounding area i.e wetlands

• continue to develop and grow plant and animal pest control programs, particularly in wetland areas for the protection of Matuku hurepo (Australasian Bittern) and other threatened species.

Sources: Auckland Council GIS data, and Auckland Council report ‘Indige-nous terrestrial and wetland ecosystems of Auckland’, 2017.

Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park is a mix of rolling farmland, wetlands and steep gully systems broadly covering the Patauoa Creek Valley. There are a range of shorebird species that visit the coastal area of the park, with the Kaipara Harbour being one of the three areas in the Auckland region of national and international ornithological significance. Much of the original vegetation cover within the park boundaries has been removed during its conversion to farmland in the 1800s, and the majority of vegetation seen today is regenerating forest, scrub and shrubland.

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Omokoiti Bay

Kaipara Harbour

Lake Rototoa Scenic Reserve

(D.O.C.)

Woodhill Forest

Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip

Established riparian planting undertaken by Regional Parks

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Archaeology and Geology

MAP LEGEND:

Character and Culture of the land

Actions:

• prepare and implement a conservation plan for the Muriwai pā and interglacial terrace Q09/34 (as per RPMP Map 17 #7)

• develop a human occupation report (include the McLeod’s block and prawn farm cultural history)

• implement the archaeological site management actions for the park identifi ed in the Cultural Heritage Inventory

• provision for cultural harvest such as harakeke to enable traditional skills to be maintained

• develop interpretation of cultural sites• work with mana whenua to understand mana whenua values by:- looking for ‘opportunities for tangata whenua to strengthen their connection to the land, to provide for their hauora (health and to be involved in the park management processes in ways which have particular regard to the practical expression of kaitiakitanga’ (guardianship) (17.17.3) - story telling of the land including the history of the site and surrounding context of the Kaipara Harbour (potential for signage interpretation)• recognise the signifi cance of the grove of pūriri trees that grew in the

area (potential to plant pūriri trees).

There are a number of recorded archaeological sites within the area, including pā sites, platform or terrace complexes, pits and middens. There is a regionally signifi cant geological site at the Patauoa Creek, being “one of the best examples of 6m high coastal terrace formed during the last interglacial sea level high” as listed in the Geopreservation Inventory.

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Omokoiti Bay

Kaipara Harbour

Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip

Lake Rototoa Scenic Reserve

(D.O.C.)

Woodhill Forest

Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip

Interglacial Terrace

Historic P Site

Muriwai P

Looking towards the historic pā site

Site boundary

5 m contours

Roads

Streams

Lakes and water bodies

D.O.C. land

Recorded Archaeological sites

Maritime CHI sites

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Recreation

Existing recreational uses include horse riding (photo locatio

Source: Auckland Council GIS data.

Site boundary

5 m contours

Roads

Streams

Lakes and water bodies

D.O.C. land (possible transfer of management to AC)

Existing conservation areas

Existing walking track

Existing horse riding track

Viewpoints and vistas

Information board

Toilets

Car parking

MAP LEGEND:

Recreational Opportunities

Actions:• Investigate greater public use of the northern end of the park (prawn farm area):- develop this area as the main entry point to the park- create car parking and visitor information/ noticeboard, shared grassed open space for active recreation and seasonal overfl ow car parking- create camping opportunities including camp-ground motor-home - defi ne options for boat launching including parking and safety- investigate potential for bach accommodation in the northern end (Prawn Farm). Existing building to be removed• Investigate potential for volunteer accommodation• ensure key view points and vistas are retained • Locate potential new walking and tramping connections, picnic area locations and

lookouts• Locate areas for potential fi lming or sporting events• Undertake an aquatic risk assessment• Consider a link to the walking track to the north that leads to a fi shing spot• Investigate linking Te Rau Pūriri with the west coast and Hillary Trail at Muriwai

through Ototoa Scenic Reserve (RPMP Map 17 #20) and Woodhill to Te Oneone Rangatira Beach (west coast of South Head). Subject to kauri dieback survey.

Current Permitted activities include; • barbecuing (portable)• group activities (permit required for groups over 100)• recreational cycling (open grassed areas, restrictions apply for archaeological areas and

pest control operations) • walking tramping and running (restrictions apply for archaeological areas and pest

control operations).

Current Controlled activities include;• horse riding on designated farm land (restrictions apply for archaeological areas, pest

control operations and ground conditions).

Presently the park is not heavily used for recreational purposes. There are marked tracks existing through the original block of land (the Neil property) however, no walking tracks exist outside of this to connect through the McLeod Farm block to the Prawn Farm. Horse riding is a controlled activity through the southern end of the park with fl oat and horse truck parking at the entrance off South Head Road.

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Omokoiti Bay

Kaipara Harbour

Lake Rototoa Scenic Reserve

(D.O.C.)

Woodhill Forest

Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip

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Existing recreational uses include horse riding (photo location Waiheke Island)

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Farming

Existing Hereford cattle on Te Rau Pūriri

MAP LEGEND:

Te Rau Pūriri is currently grazed with sheep and cattle with selected land features fenced off due to being unsuitable for grazing, or being retired for forest regeneration.

Source: Auckland Council GIS data.

Farming and Custodianship

Actions:

• Retire selected identifi ed grazing paddocks and manage as conservation areas• Graze sheep on the pā sites (not cattle), to preserve culture features• Implement fencing plan in areas which require sectioning off for retirement• Continue pest management as part of farming • Ensure project to develop underpass for safe access for staff and animals is progressed• Work with neighbouring land owner to manage the pā so it is preserved and protected• Investigate removal of old milking shed.

Farmed settings - Actions from the RPMP 17.17.4:

• Upgrade farming infrastructure as required, including sheep yards and woolshed, waterlines, workshop, storage sheds and replacement of the septic system. infrastructure may be upgraded to provide a park’s operational base.

• Review current farming practices to manage the land in a sustainable manner, in accordance with Part 12, and to ensure farm operations are compatible with the recreation outcomes for the park.

• Upgrade and realign fencing throughout the park as required, with a particular focus on removing deer fencing from internal fence lines, realigning fences to best fi t farm operations and park management, and to remove stock from sensitive archaeological and ecological sites.

• Upgrade boundary fencing to a standard that will exclude deer.

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Omokoiti Bay

Kaipara Harbour

Lake Rototoa Scenic Reserve

(D.O.C.)

Woodhill Forest

Omokoiti Bay Marginal Strip

Existing Hereford cattle on Te Rau Pūriri

Site boundary

5 m contours

Roads

Streams

Lakes and water bodies

D.O.C. land

Grazed paddocks

sheep only grazing

Stock access way

Existing farm fencing

Existing farm gates

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