Council agrees to custodian role at Tamaki

North Shore City Council has kept its promise and agreed to maintain a significant area of the crown-owned reserve land in Devonport, formerly known as HMNZS Tamaki, and could soon be given formal responsibility for its upkeep.

Three years ago the council won a landmark court battle to have the 11-hectare headland - located between Cheltenham and Narrowneck beaches - protected as reserve, after the previous government had announced its intention to sell the land for residential development.

Now it will help to keep it looking its best, as the America's Cup approaches. With panoramic views of the gulf - the reserve will provide unrivalled natural vantage points for locals and visitors during New Zealand's defence of the 'auld mug'.

The agreement will allow the Department of Conservation (DoC) to focus its attention and resources on removing some unwanted buildings and conserving valuable heritage structures on the site.

Chairperson of the council's community services and parks committee, Margaret Miles, says the Tamaki land is unique and belongs not only to North Shore City, but to the nation.

"This is a fantastic asset for our community and we're happy to do our part to help maintain it, and to promote the development of the heritage site," says Councillor Miles.

DoC requested last year that the council take on the role of maintaining three hectares of grassland at the Tamaki Reserve, with a view to making the arrangement permanent. This should be finalised in the next few months.

DoC has asked that mowing of the reserve begin immediately and will underwrite any maintenance costs should management of the reserve not be vested as planned.

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