Plans by Ports of Auckland to further reclaim the Waitemata Harbour have been thwarted, following the decision by the Auckland Plan Committee.
“ The Unitary Plan has raised some contentious issues but none more divisive than filling in more of our unique harbour ,” says Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Chris Darby, who has worked closely with the Mayor’s office and Heart of the City to achieve a resolution.
The council committee amended the draft Unitary Plan, making further reclamation a ‘non-complying’ activity, and ordered a comprehensive study to more fully appraise the long-term future of the port land.
“ I’m relieved to see sanity prevail and Council reach this bold decision, for the sake of the city and all Aucklanders ,” says Mr Darby.
“ We grew up as a port city relying upon sea freight but now we are an international harbour-edge city that recognises the importance of protecting the harbour and gulf from encroachment. ”
“ The port company has been given an unequivocal message that contemplating more port sprawl into our harbour is unacceptable. It’s now time for all Aucklanders to participate in a comprehensive study of what our unique waterfront might offer us over the next 50-100 years .”
“ Let’s be prepared to break the mould and look at how Auckland, Northland and the Waikato can collaborate to best connect by sea to international markets .”
“ The days of incremental reclamation over two centuries are over .”
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Press Release, September 4, 2013