JOINT RELEASE: Auckland Regional, Rodney District, North Shore City and Waitakere City Councils, and Transit NZ

Councils and Transit collaborate on Upper Waitemata study

11 November 2002

North Shore and Waitakere City Councils, Rodney District Council, Transit NZ and the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) have started a collaborative project assessing the effects of development on the Upper Waitemata Harbour.

Project leader Geoff Winn says the joint effort is a commitment to sustainable development in the region.

“The study seeks to address some core questions - how much development the Upper Harbour can sustain, how we can mitigate negative effects and what part will policy have to play,” said Mr Winn.

The Upper Waitemata Harbour has a wide ‘catchment’ of 202 sq km, taking in drainage and run-off from Waitakere, North Shore City and Rodney District.

“The area is home to a diverse variety of birdlife, marinelife and represents some of the largest untouched natural environmental resources in the Harbour,” says Mr Winn.

The study will look at the extent of sediment and contaminants running off the land and waterways, develop maps of the area to illustrate current stress levels, and will run extensive modelling exercises to predict what future effects might be.

The Upper Waitemata Harbour Study will run until June 2003 at a total cost of $390,000, being shared between the project partners.

“The results of the study will be available to anyone who is interested, and will be used by City and District Councils as a tool to assist the various communities of the region set direction for future development.”

Interested members of the community can register their interest to receive more information by contacting your local council or the ARC.

ENDS

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