The Tamaki Drive Protection Society

Clear of the climate issues that have dominated recent years the Society has been able to return to “business as usual” in monitoring developments on and adjacent to Tamaki Drive as a major nodal and tourist route in our area.

A high point has been the successful reprinting, republishing and extensive local distribution (with minor updating) of our “Walk Tamaki Drive” booklet which remains in popular demand. Our sincere appreciation to the Orakei Local Board of the Auckland Council for their funding grant and, also to Margaret Voyce , in particular for her interest and support.

Otherwise during the year our activities have been centred on the following:

Road Upgrading – Most of the significant roading upgrading along Tamaki Drive has now been completed during the year and it is heartening to see the obvious additional bridging work progressing beside the traffic bridge over the Purewa inlet. It is also positive to see the rapid progress toward the completion of the updating at the intersection of Kepa Road and Kupe Streets. This should enhance traffic flows and safety in this area. Hopefully this will relieve traffic pressure on Tamaki Drive as well.

Upgrading of road surfacing and the relocation of traffic pedestrian crossings close to Orakei School should also assist traffic movements in the area.

Roading and traffic improvements in the vicinity of Tamaki Drive itself have included:

the potential for improved pedestrian access around Vellenoeth Green in St Heliers village following recent chances in the area. Minor modifications are being considered, including the suggestion that additional seating be provided for elderly pedestrians;

the potential to redevelop the use of Watene Reserve the limited parking of cars and boat trailers during the day in summer months, particularly on weekends.

Development proposals – The Society and members of our executive committee took an active interest in a number of proposed high profile development projects in the area.

The proposed development of a “drive through” McDonald’s Restaurant on the site adjacent to the petrol station on Kepa Road eventually received planning approval but only after an earlier proposal had been rejected in spite of wide public concern. Measures to address some of the traffic concerns in the initial proposal were addressed in the second proposal.

Kepa Road is one of a few alternative routes to Tamaki Drive for traffic travelling to and from the Eastern suburbs into Auckland city. We remain concerned that the benefits derived from the improved roading design in this area will be undermined by delays caused by traffic entering and leaving that facility.

The Society actively opposed the proposals to extend the Ngapipi Road boat sheds by the construction of three additional boat sheds at the northern end close to Tamaki Drive. We remain concerned that the project threatens desirable sightlines for the increased traffic flows around the Ngapipi Bridge area together with the views of the Waitemata Harbour. The project continues to be a most unwelcome precedent for the authorisation of water edge developments in the area. The potential for these types of development must continue to be closely scrutinised.

A separate project relating to lifting the one existing original boat shed located below the level of all of the others was supported.

A proposal to develop a new multi- sports facility on Watene Crescent is currently being monitored.

“The Landing” – The Society was very pleased to see the substantive upgrading and renovation work that has been (and is continuing to be) done to the “Ferg’s Kayaks” and Auckland Sailing Club/Canoe Paddling Club buildings at the eastern end of the Landing. We look forward to these facilities continuing many years of service to their active users into the future.

It would be good to know whether these upgrading steps are to be the commencement of a planned process toward the sensible utilisation for the Landing area as a whole.

The current marine jetties were in a very deteriorated condition for many months to the point that they were effectively unusable. These jetties are an important component to the safety of the public and of small boat traffic in this area. It is noted that the restoration now appears to be underway. Hopefully these jetties will be in full operating condition prior to the forthcoming summer boating season.

The location of the Landing is a magnificent site on Tamaki Drive, located at a point where the recreational assets of Tamaki Drive and the Waitemata Harbour become fully visible to the visiting public. However it is also an extremely valuable asset for the maritime sporting communities and other responsible users. It is also has an important function in assisting with marine safety activities.

All these features of the site need to be recognised and it is suggested that a system of more active sharing of its use need to be part of a responsible, active, and flexible planning arrangement to enable all relevant community, recreational and sporting activities to be recognised and accommodated. In that respect it was disappointing that the Local Board rejected a recent substantial business proposal for the development of a limited haulout facility by the Auckland Multihull Yacht Association for the area.

The Society is unaware of any further developments regarding the proposal to establish an electric ferry terminal at the Western end of the Landing and any details of which are still awaited.

The Society is also unaware of any progress towards the preparation (either in full

or in part) of an updated plan for the whole Landing area.

The Society continues to look for a clear plan as to how the uniquely valuable Landing property can be developed for the community as a resource for recreational boating about which all Aucklanders can be proud.

Drainage and Coastline restoration – The Society continues its interest in the areas adjacent to Tamaki Drive where residents and members have a close relationship with the beaches and the Waitemata Harbour. In particular we continue to monitor:

Wind Blown Sand – areas of the foreshore, particularly at St Heliers and Kohimarama Beaches, have with recent strong easterly winds, again had blown beach sand on to roads and footpaths. This has affected road traffic, pedestrian movements and access to private residences and property in the area;

Calerpa and other noxious seaweed intrusion – measures to control the intrusion of the marine seaweed plant Calerpa into the waters adjacent to Tamaki Drive have continued to be monitored;

Black Swans – the arrival of a black swan colony at Okahu Bay has been noted and it is understood that measures to control or eradicate their presence in the area have been considered by Council. In other areas where this has occurred there have been reports of children and small dogs or other animals being attacked by these birds in the colony;

Asbestos – the investigation of the causes of asbestos intrusion into the Tamaki River and the seawater around to Karaka Bay together with the measures to reduce or eliminate adverse effects on our beaches caused by tidal flows continue to be monitored;

Collaboration – we have continued to strengthen our ties with other interest groups in the area, directed to protecting our local environment. To that end we have joined them in public presentation events where the interests of all involved are displayed. These groups’ activities often align closely with the work of the Society.

Conclusion – Over the years the outcomes of the Society’s projects have contributed significantly to the protection and values of homes in our area. As to the future, the Society urgently seeks your support to ensure our survival in the current economic environment. While we have been blessed with substantial support from interested associates in the past, we do need to seek your continued support by becoming members and, ideally, joining our Executive Committee. Financial support and donations are vital.

May we urge as many as possible to become members of the Society to enable our voluntary work to be maintained for the benefit of Tamaki Drive and the Auckland community.

As always, we have many to thank for their support. Predominantly, our local Council representative, Desley Simpson, and the members of the Orakei Local Board. We have appreciated the privilege of having OLB member Margaret Voyce at our quarterly committee meetings.

We also recognise and value the collaborative local associations we have worked with, including Ngati Whatua, local boating clubs, the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society, the Orakei Community Association, the Mission Bay Kohimarama Residents Association and the St Heliers Glendowie Residents Association.

Finally, and most importantly, we must give thanks for support and donations which make our work possible.

Graham Jones

Chairman

Annual Report – Oct 2024

Last year’s AGM was held on 8 Oct 2024 at 7pm. The keynote speaker was Paul Klinac of Auckland Council on the topic of Climate Change and Tamaki Drive.

We are pleased to advise that the Society has adopted and submitted a new constitution to meet the requirements of the Incorporated Societies Amendment Act and the Charities Act. Membership in the Society has now to be formalised by payment of an annual subscription. The continued support by our members, associates and supporters will be sincerely appreciated.

2024 has been a less stressful year for many after the challenges imposed by the severe weather events of the preceding year. Our sympathies and concerns continue for owners and those involved with distressed properties neighbouring Tamaki Drive, particularly those still visible on the cliff edges overlooking the area.

Otherwise during the year our activities have been centred on the following:

Weather and Road Upgrading – The weather returned to more manageable and settled fine conditions which assisted the progress to completion of many of the traffic and water system upgrading projects affecting Tamaki Drive. There are still issues including pedestrian, cyclist, scooter conflicts along shared pathways and, most seriously, continuing drainage issues. We were all disappointed by the unforeseen Parnell/Okahu Bay sewage leakage which seemed to take an extended period to remedy. Effects included a prolonged period of concern about contamination when swimming on many of our beautiful beaches all linked by Tamaki Drive.

Development proposals – The appetite for property development adjacent to Tamaki Drive appeared to abate during the year possibly partly as result of the generally more difficult economic conditions.

Nonetheless your executive did take a watching interest in the fast food restaurant proposal on Kepa Road and a more active interest in the proposals to extend the Ngapipi Road boat sheds by the construction of three additional boat sheds at the northern end close to Tamaki Drive. That proposal threatens desirable sightlines for the increased traffic flows around the Ngapipi Bridge area together with the views of the Waitemata Harbour. The project threatens to be a most unwelcome precedent for the authorisation of water edge developments in the area. The potential for these types of development is continuing to be closely scrutinised.

“The Landing” – As mentioned in last year’s report the Society is concerned about the extended period where this potentially magnificent site on Tamaki Drive, located at a point where the recreational assets of Tamaki Drive become fully visible to the visiting public, continues as a somewhat desolate area of land with no evident purpose. Naturally many are concerned at the prospect of pressures which would allow this property to have its unique character undermined by its release to commercial or other development opportunities like residential apartments and shops. The Landing area has a significance to the local and maritime community which needs to be recognised and accommodated.

It is understood that there has been some further progress in developing a definitive plan for the Landing but without any formal steps to involve the Society at any step. It is understood that the following may have occurred:

– private “consultation meetings” with certain groups identified by Auckland Council representatives as the “current users” of the area;

– a call for tenders to operate a “small boat” washdown facility on a fully commercial basis in circumstances where the outcome has been that no viable bid has been received;

– there is a publicised proposal to establish an electric ferry terminal at the Western end of the landing full details of which are still awaited;

– the preparation (either in full or in part) of an updated plan for the whole Landing area which is likely to be publicly notified in the near future.

Meanwhile site clearance of the area appears to have continued unabated apart from the new construction of a large, but impermanent structure constructed to protect certain paddling craft.

The Society continues to look for clear guidance as to how the uniquely valuable Landing can continue to be a resource for recreational boating about which all Aucklanders can be proud.

“Walk Tamaki Drive” booklet – The updated version of the booklet was well received to the point that we are now in the process of issuing a further reprint subject to funding. This would be desirable prior to the forthcoming Christmas vacation period, especially with two major yachting regattas occurring in January 2025.

Drainage and Coastline restoration – The Society continues its interest in all measures to enhance the coastal waters in the Tamaki Drive area. It is pleasing that the massive water drainage separation work by Watercare has been substantially completed. However it was disappointing for all to have to experience the major Parnell sewage pipe failure and its consequences. We continue our interest in the potential “daylighting” of streams, shellfish “seeding” in Okahu Bay, weed and pest control, and all other such steps to improve the Tamaki Drive environment. We approve, in principle, the process whereby there are now regular underwater inspections of the hulls of in-water pleasure craft in the area.

Conclusion – As to the future, the Society does seek your support. While we have been blessed with substantial support from interested associates in the past. We do need to seek your support, ideally by becoming members, to comply with the new record keeping requirements.

Our new Constitution structure requires measures to assist with our records, finances and communications to the benefit of all. May we urge as many as possible to become members of the Society to enable our voluntary work to be maintained for the benefit of Tamaki Drive.

Finally, and most importantly, we must thank you all for your support and donations which make our work possible.

Graham Jones

Chairman

Annual Report – Oct 2023

This AGM was held on 25 Oct 2023 at 7pm. The keynote speaker was Paul Klinac of Auckland Council on the topic of Climate Change and Auckland Cliffs.

2023 has been a busy year with a number of initiatives being actively progressed.

However by far the most dominant factor for the last 12 months has been the weather which has affected us all. And with climate change, this is a sign of things to come. Most particularly the Auckland Anniversary storm which unleashed damage to Auckland and its infrastructure in a manner which, at least in recent decades, was entirely unprecedented. Tamaki Drive and neighbouring areas suffered damage from the atmospheric river. Tragically, there were some resulting deaths and injuries to residents within the area.

Many properties were damaged to varying degrees as a result of landslips along cliff edges and the effects continue to be visible to those travelling Tamaki Drive. The weather has made a significant negative impact on the activities and finances of the Auckland Council. This prompted a review of the Auckland Council budget with inevitable effects on the Council’s ability to support local initiatives, including uncommitted expenditure in the Tamaki Drive area.

Tamaki Drive itself suffered a series of road blockages caused by material including trees with other debris falling from cliffs. Prompt action by Auckland Council cleared most of the damage and the surface of Tamaki Drive held up well. Possibly the limited damage may have been eased in part by the recently completed road raising and re-structuring work on Tamaki Drive. The extensive work on separating storm water and sewerage could also have reduced flooding and the effects of the damage caused by the event. The recent collapse of Parnell’s sewage and stormwater pipes emphasises the importance of the upgrading being continued.

In spite of the storm and its effects we have been able to advance a number of other initiatives affecting Tamaki Drive during the year.

Highpoints of the year have been:

Tamaki Drive Upgrading – while the road raising and upgrading in the area between Solent Street and Ngapipi Road appear to have been substantially completed, other initiatives have been progressed. These relate to the upgrading of the seaward walking path and the widening of the Ngapipi Road bridge which will eventually combine with the link to the sea edge walkway proposal.

“Walk Tamaki Drive” booklet – at the last Annual General Meeting it was noted that the “Walk Tamaki Drive” booklet relating to various features of Tamaki Drive had been completed successfully. Given the continuing Covid-19 delay issues, distribution of this booklet began prior to a delayed official “launch” at an evening presentation by two of our committee members. This updated version of the booklet has been well received and a significant number have now been distributed.

Seawall Recognition – following the reinstatement of the Tamaki Drive seawall, our initiative to recognise the original constructors of Tamaki Drive has been advanced to the point where we have now installed an appropriately authorised plaque on the seawall at the Ngapipi Road intersection. The aim is to make Tamaki Drive users aware of the work of the Dalmatian stonemasons who so skilfully constructed this contribution to the history of Auckland. Our thanks go to our former committee member Ross Duder for driving this recognition to a pleasing conclusion.

“The Landing” – issues affecting the redevelopment of the Landing have been a significant item at our meetings. This property is a substantial area of flat land adjacent to the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre/ Royal Akarana Yacht Club complex and the Orakei Marina.

While there have been a significant number of planning consultations undertaken in relation to this area in the past, consultation has been continuing. Two further consultation rounds have occurred during the year in an atmosphere of some controversy.

Concerns have been expressed about the closing of the yacht and launch haul out and boat maintenance facilities which have occupied part of the area for decades. The steps taken now include the removal of the related haul out equipment and buildings and this has been opposed by the local and Auckland wide boating community. Moreover, valuable equipment of historical character like the Crimea cannon appears to have been stolen in the process.

Of particular concern has been the loss of a facility to allow boat owners to washdown the below water hulls of their boats, when increased concern is being expressed about the prevalence of noxious marine vegetation being spread throughout the Hauraki Gulf. Damage to the natural environment could potentially affect the magnificent sandy beaches adjoining Tamaki Drive itself which is of great concern to our Society.

Meanwhile, the net effect has been to extend the period where this potentially magnificent site on Tamaki Drive, located at a point where the recreational assets of Tamaki Drive become fully visible to the visiting public, now appears for most of the time as a somewhat desolate area of land with no evident purpose. Naturally many are concerned at the prospect of pressures which would allow this property to have its unique character undermined by commercial or other development.

The approach of the Society has included requests for enhanced civic leadership in the future purposing of the Landing to recognise all of the current and practical related interests concerned. The current plan presented for public submission appears to continue an approach where there are “winners” and “losers” with the prospect of a continuing political stalemate. Moreover the Landing area has a significance to the maritime community which needs to recognised and accommodated. The Society looks for clear guidance as to how the uniquely valuable Landing can be fostered to be a resource about which all Aucklanders can be proud.

Drainage and Coastline restoration – the Society has followed with interest all measures to enhance the coastal waters in the Tamaki Drive area. These include the massive water drainage separation work by Watercare, and the potential “daylighting” of streams, shellfish “seeding” in Okahu Bay, and all other such steps.

Collaboration – helpful collaborative interest with the Eastern Bays Community Network meetings and with other interest groups continued, directed to protecting our local environment. Their interests often align closely with the work of the Society, particularly relative to housing density and traffic intensification.

Developments – the Society continued to closely monitor directly or by our members, any significant proposed commercial developments adjacent to Tamaki Drive and any other measures to impede its use and enjoyment by the public.

As to the future, the Society remains in good heart and looks forward to all features of Tamaki Drive continuing to be steadily improved despite the lack of funding and other challenges currently being faced.

As always, we have many to thank for their support. Predominantly, our local Council representative, Desley Simpson, and the members of the Orakei Local Board. We have appreciate the privilege of having OLB member Margaret Voyce and, in her absences, Scott Milne and Troy Churton, at our quarterly committee meetings.

We also recognise and value the collaborative local associations we have worked with including Ngati Whatua, local boating clubs, the Orakei Community Association, the Mission Bay Kohimarama Residents Association and the St Heliers Glendowie Residents Association.

Finally, and most importantly, we must thank all our members for their support and their donations which make our work possible. We welcome new members, particularly any who are willing and able to join our committee.

Graham Jones – Chairman

The Tamaki Drive Protection Society

Supporting the preservation of Tamaki Drive as an outstanding scenic and recreational public resource for over 30 years

Our Mission

Annual Report – Oct 2025

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