Imagine if Auckland had 45-hectare, urban eco-sanctuary and world-class heritage site – just 15-minutes drive or 10-minutes ferry ride from the CBD.
Actually, it already exists – but we need your help to protect it.
Help us build a clear vision for its future!
Heritage protection
Future-proof the layers of history, archeology and existing heritage protection before it is lost… Pa site fortifications and other heritage features in lakes, bush and parks have been largely forgotten. Now that urban intensification has brought more foot traffic, is it time to make steps to improve their protection?
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Biodiversity
From coastal bush, kauri forest, wetlands, lakes to parkland, this headland is a haven for native wildlife including several rare species. Kaka visit regularly to feed on centuries-old kauri… Around 80 species of marine and terrestrial birds visit on a regular basis. Could a predator fence work on the headland?
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An educational opportunity right on our doorstep
Our goal is simple – to restore this headland’s mana. If we show respect for nature and history – before it is lost – the mauri / life will return. A world-class heritage site, pest-free headland with potential for educational and sustainable spaces, tours and events to protect, educate and increase wellbeing of local community and regional visitors.
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The lungs of Tāmaki Makaurau
The tree cover on this headland filters much of the city’s air, noise pollution and wastewater overflow. The bush, streams, wetlands and lakes absorb runoff and sediment from the Chatswood – Wawaroa catchment and are filtered by the heritage dams and four man-made lakes.
Better community awareness and a stronger commitment to infrastructure and wai ora is needed to protect the freshwater and marine ecology of the stream, lakes and inner beaches.
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Seeking serious supporters
And why a Regional Park? Our councillors, local board and local MPs have campaigned on and supported a transition to a regional park for its many positive outcomes, but with no budget in this economic downturn, we are looking for private funding partners to help reach our goals.
What will it take to make it happen? Let’s unpick the pros and cons…
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What will this eco sanctuary be called?
The headland has many names. The headland pa Te Mātārae ō Mana was used by various iwi to defend the upper harbour settlements and vital food sources. There was also seasonal fishing village at Rongohau (Kendall Bay aka Shark Bay). The Wawaroa estuary – where Chelsea built four dams to use in the refining process – was known as Duck Creek by the early settlers. We hope that local iwi and other stakeholders will find a suitable name for the proposed eco sanctuary.
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Our vision…
STEP 1. Protect the heritage and biodiversity
Unify the three linked reserves of Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, Chatswood Reserve and Kauri Point Centennial Park as a REGIONAL PARK or transfer management to an iwi-QEII-DOC-donor group to manage the pest-free headland for future generations to enjoy. These reserves hold unique potential – horticultural and ecological diverse habitat and landscape (native coastal bush, pine forest, podocarp forest, wetlands, lakes, heritage English estate grounds and extensive heritage exotic tree collection).
STEP 2. A commitment from council for a pest-free headland:
- Increased budget to eradicate pest weeds
- Install predator fencing
- Enforce weed control in residential and commercial properties
STEP 3. Build a self-sustaining ecomomic model… there is plenty of potential for engagement and development for businesses and organisations to extend the horticultural collection, offer tours, workshops, outdoor classes, workshops, edible gardens, etc.
- generate carbon credits
- heritage buildings converted to welcome tourist revenue for the local economy
- guided tours
- wildlife education centre with native wildlife breeding
- north shore bird rescue
STEP 4. Succession planning – if and when NZ Defence Force and Wilmar International (owner of NZ Sugar Limited) wish to sell or return the land on this headland – how can it be protected from development or expansion?
Kauri Point Centennial Park was once granted to the people of Auckland in 1888, but transferred to the Auckland Harbour Board in 1914 and still to this day occupied as a NZ Defence Force Armament Depot.
If NZDF land was made available to Auckland Council or QEII or DOC (with help from major donors) then Kauri Point Domain, Fernglen Gardens and Kauri Park (three exemplary reserves north of NZDF boundary) could once again be reunited with the headland block and offer even more horticultural value, educational and tourist opportunities.
What else could be possible in the future?
- A cycleway or gondola across Meola Reef? (no motorway thanks, Mayor Brown).
- Eco-transport connections to the CBD by ferry (via NZDF or a new wharf at Sugar works site?
- Could some of the NZDF land be made into a forested mountain bike park?
What would you like to see?
Resources
Guides and info
- Chelsea Archives – a summary
- Heritage walk – download pdf
- History of Kauri Point – factsheet
- Headland walking tracks – download pdf
- Chelsea Heritage Tree List – download pdf
- Recap of key council projects since 2008
- Pest weeds
- Lake health
Citizen Science
- Intro – volunteer impact
- Weeding bees (summary of restoration plans)
- Current restoration projects
- Stream health data
- Birds of the headland list
- Carp eradication data
- iNaturalist project
Articles and Links
- Chelsea Estate report
- Chatswood biodiversity list
- Archeology sites report
- KPCPCR anniversary booklet
- Current Kaipatiki Reserve Management Plan
- Link to media articles
About us
CHERPA (Chelsea Regional Park Assn) is an Incorporated Society with subscribed members supported by a committee:
- Chair –
- Secratary –
- Treasurer –
- Other committee members
Thanks to all our Supporters
- Pest Free Kaipatiki
- Kaipatiki Local Board
- Auckland Council
- NZ Sugar (Wilmar International)
“Quote here from John.”
John Gillon
Councillor
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