Te Arai is the last untouched ocean beach in the Auckland region. Help us stop the proposed development and create a regional park at Te Arai.
Te Arai is home to 8 native shorebird species, 5 of which are endangered, 1 is New Zealand’s rarest bird (the fairy tern) there are only 35-40 fairy tern left in New Zealand.
Coastal development threatens landscapes and eco-systems through out New Zealand. Our coastlines natural character is being eroded by rampant development.
UPDATE: 15th March 2010. The developers (TCLT) who want to urbanize Te Arai have proposed a scaled down sub division at Te Arai Beach, some of the parties involved in fighting this development have agreed to their proposal. We believe Te Arai is not suitable for any urban development and should be preserved as an untouched beach for future generations to enjoy.
The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) have yet to decide if they will agree to their proposal. They are meeting this week to decide what action they will take. If the ARC decide to fight the development there is still a good chance Te Arai will remain free from urban development.
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UPDATE: 2nd November 2009. John Darby, who is trying to develop Te Arai has made headlines once again, this time he is proposing developing New Chums Beach in the Coromandel. This beach has been voted by the Observer as one of the best unspoiled beaches in the world. It appears John Darby is determined to subdivide every piece of Kiwiana he can get his hands on. Read the article here. |
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| UPDATE: 1st November 2009. Raewyn Peart has released a very informative book on coastal development in New Zealand. It is called Castles in the Sand. It is a must read for anyone interested in New Zealands coastline. |
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| UPDATE: 23 August 2009. Unfortunately the developers have made an appeal to the Environment Court to challenge the Council's decision to preserve Te Arai. It looks like to battle to save Te Arai from development will continue. |
| Check back soon for more updates on what you can do to help. |
UPDATE: 7th July 2009. The proposed development at Te Arai Beach has been REJECTED. A big thanks goes out to all those who submitted against the development especially the Te Arai Preservation Society who have spent several years fighting this development.
However the developers now have 30 working days to lodge an appeal with the Environment Court, so this may only be round one of the battle.
On the 2nd of July 2009 the Rodney District Council resolved to adopt the recommendations of the Independent Commissioners who heard submissions for, and against the proposed development at Te Arai. They resolved that:
Proposed Plan Change 105 to the Rodney District Plan be declined.
All submissions in support of Proposed Plan Change 105 be rejected.
All submissions in opposition to the Proposed Plan Change 105 be accepted.
Proposed Variation 62 to the Proposed District Plan (2000) be withdrawn.
The Independent Commissioners also recommended the area have stronger environmental controls to protect and enhance the area. They suggested more community involvement and a more coordinated approach to the area by the relevant authorities. They even suggested Mangawhai Wildlife Reserve be reclassified from a refuge to a sanctuary.
Reasons for rejecting the proposal include the possible adverse effects on the rare shorebirds of Te Arai, the loss of the natural environment and the need for future generations to be able to experience remote areas like Te Arai.
Click here for the full report.
UPDATE: 13th March 2009. The hearings for Te Arai have now been heard by independent commissioners. They will study the evidence and make their recomendation to the councilors. The reporting officer Barry Kaye recommended the new proposal be rejected, I am confident the commissioners will also reject the application.
Many different people and advocacy groups submitted against the development including the Te Arai Preservation Society, Surfbreak Protection, EDS, DOC, Forest and Bird, Mark Perry from Heads FM as well as many concerned locals and surfers. I believe there was only one group who submitted in favour of the development!
Please check back for regular updates and if you would like to get involved in the campaign to help preserve Te Arai go to the Te Arai Preservation Society Website www.tearai.org
20th November 2008 The new hearing date has been set for 2nd March 2009. Verbal submissions will be heard over a three week period. If you wish to speak please let Sue Healy from Rodney Council know. If you indicated you will speak but cannot make it please make sure some one talks on your behalf.
The developers have revised their proposal. The proposed development consists of 180 houses, an 18 hole golf course and a 9 hole family golf course, shops, cafe, tourist accommodation, offices, administration blocks, visitor centre, tennis courts, swimming pools,changing sheds, toilet blocks, car parks, maintenance sheds, equestrian facilities, sports field etc. Maps of the proposed development show it will still make a very large footprint on Te Arai's pristine landscape.
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