The Okura Estuary Marine Reserve is under threat from intensive housing development. The Long Bay Great Park Society is opposing the development in a looming court battle. A nationwide funding campaign has been launched to raise funds to help the Society win this battle.
In August, Auckland Councilors voted against moving the rural urban boundary to allow housing development adjacent to the Okura Estuary was saved from destruction by urban development, the developer has struck back by legally appealing the Auckland's Council's decision not to allow intensive housing near the estuary.
To protect all that is special about the estuary and surrounding area, the Long Bay-Okura Great Part Society must go to the Environment Court to challenge the developer;s plans. It is seeking the help of the Auckland-wide community to do this.
As a part of the Auckland Unitary Plan process, a panel appointed by the Government heard evidence from developers wanting the land to be developed and from submitters opposed to development. The Society and others were involved throughout, fighting to preserve the estuary and its environment. the council voted, and the Great Park Society had won.
A combination of features makes the setting of the Okura Estuary unique in New Zealand. It is bordered on the northern side by the Okura Bush Scenic Reserve, a beautiful stand of native bush with kauri and puriri trees several hundred years old. Over 70,000 visitors enjoy the bush walk running between Redvale and Stillwater each year.
The long Bay Regional Park with its magnificent views adjoins the eastern side of the estuary, with 1.4 million visitors each year. The estuary is home to a variety of endangered native shore birds like the Variable Oyster Catcher and is the summer feeding area for migratory birds such a godwits.
The Okura Estuary forms part of the Long Bay Marine Reserve and is a vital environment for regenerating marine life. Pods of Orca and dolphins are seen in the mouth of the estuary many times each year. Developers plan to build between 700-1000 houses on 150 hectares of land on the southeastern edge of the estuary. Such development will put the fragile estuary environment, its rich marine and bird life at risk as well as the recreational enjoyment of visitors.
This is very much a classic David versus Goliath tale. The Great Park Society and other related community groups have victoriously fought these one-sided battles to preserve this unique environment.
The society urges you to take action now by going to givealittle.co.nz and donating to the Long Bay-Okura Great Park Society. This is a one-sided battle to protect the Okura Estuary, the marine reserve, the Regional Park, and the Okura Bush Reserve needs your support now.
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