{"id":16,"date":"2026-06-29T20:25:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T08:25:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cherpa.icepick.co.nz\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2026-06-30T11:22:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T23:22:58","slug":"an-inner-waitemata-eco-sanctuary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cherpa.icepick.co.nz\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Parks in One"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actually, it already exists – but we need your help to protect it.
Help us build a clear vision for its future!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heritage protection <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info<\/strong>
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Biodiversity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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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More info<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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An educational opportunity right on our doorstep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The lungs of T\u0101<\/strong>ma<\/strong>ki Makaurau<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Better community awareness and a stronger commitment to infrastructure and wai ora<\/strong> is needed to protect the freshwater and marine ecology of the stream, lakes and inner beaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Seeking serious supporters <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will it take to make it happen? Let’s unpick the pros and cons…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What will this eco sanctuary be called?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The headland has many names. The headland pa Te M\u0101t\u0101rae \u014d Mana<\/strong> was used by various iwi to defend the upper harbour settlements and vital food sources. There was also seasonal fishing village at Rongohau<\/strong> (Kendall Bay aka Shark Bay). The Wawaroa<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More info<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our vision…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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STEP 1. Protect the heritage and biodiversity<\/strong>
Unify the three linked reserves of Chelsea Estate<\/strong> Heritage Park<\/strong>, Chatswood Reserve<\/strong> and Kauri Point Centennial Park<\/strong> 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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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STEP 2. <\/strong>A commitment from council for a pest-free headland: <\/p>\n\n\n\n