Having been made aware of the Council’s intention to re-examine the future of the Waiatarua Reserve by commissioning an Enhancement Plan, we arranged for Hayley Dauben, Parks and Places Specialist at Auckland Council, the author of the Plan to speak at one of our monthly meetings.
Out of that meeting residents raised the possibility of creating a small area within the reserve, in addition to the existing playground, for family friendly recreation which would necessarily need to be on-leash for dogs. From this idea came our formal submission to the Orakei Local Board and the Board agreed that this concept should be considered for inclusion in the plan. As a result, Hayley Dauben has set up a forum where interested parties will be given the opportunity to debate our submission with a view to finding an acceptable way forward.
To dispel some of the misinformation that has been circulating on this issue, particularly through social media, we have produced some FAQ’s as follows:
Is MBSJRA “anti-dog”?
Absolutely and categorically not – 3 out of 9 of our Committee members are dog owners and in any case, all Committee members understand and accept the close relationship that dog owners have with their pets and the importance of that relationship.
Is MBSJRA “anti off-leash dog areas”?
Absolutely and categorically not – the Committee’s collective understanding and acceptance is that the Reserve is highly valued as one of the local off-leash dog areas.
What was the essential substance of the MBSJRA submission to the Orakei Local Board?
The submission which has always been publicly available, asked that in addition to the small off-leash dog area within the Reserve, a small portion of additional land be set aside for family recreation purposes that would necessarily be on-leash for dogs. This submission has not changed and is the same as it has always been.
If granted, would this additional family area impact on the present off-leash dog area?
In our view, not at all, or at the very most, only to a very negligible degree. It would not impact on walking the outer loop path in the reserve nor necessitate removing any vegetation.
What is the relevant size of the proposed area?
The total area of the Reserve is approximately 42 hectares of which the area available for off-leash dogs is approximately 16 hectares (the balance of approximately 26 hectares is taken up by the wetlands/wildlife area in the centre of the reserve). The area contemplated as a “family friendly” recreation area is less than 0.3 hectares which is around 0.7% of the total area of the reserve or around 1.9% of the current off leash dog area. With 84% of households in Auckland not owning dogs, we believe that this proposed area is reasonable.
Is there another option for the location of the proposed family recreation area within the Reserve?
Yes but the only other option currently being discussed (close to the present playground) is flood prone and therefore often very wet and so not practical for the intended purpose in the winter.
Is Waiatarua Reserve the only off-leash dog area in Auckland?
Auckland Council sources show that there are 2,500 off leash dog areas in the city of which 39 are in the Orakei Ward.
If granted, does this change mean the gradual encroachment of off-leash dog activities at Waiatarua Reserve?
Our Association has no plans for any further submissions on the use of the Reserve and since the time frame of the present Plan is likely to around 20 years, it seems highly improbable that any further changes will be sought in the medium to long term.
Do you have any further questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information on this or any other issues in our suburbs.
