This document investigates the issues and recommendation in the Foundation Management Plan, summarizes events since that time and suggests future actions. The update was drawn from this document.

1.2 objectives
In 1988 the objective was summarized as: “To provide management planning and guidance for the Karekare area within an overall objective of conservation of the natural landscape”
recommendation:
1. That this objective be carried forward into the updated plan
1.2 Formation of the plan
1.3.1 Participation
In 1988, the community produced the first plan, based on extensive community consultation. Fourteen years later, the update of that plan is also based on community consultation. This process is a unique and important feature of Karekare.
2. Recommendation: That community consultation continue to be the means by which the management plan is updated.

1.3.2 planning area
1988:“This was considered to be the watershed area draining to the Karekare Coast. As such it includes all private land which is accessed from Karekare Road and Lone Kauri Road including that on the Watchman Road, La Trobe Track and Waikarekare Lane. It also takes in those properties on the watershed side of the Piha Road. A substantial part of the area is made up of Auckland Centennial Memorial Park Land. There are also a number of small Waitemata City reserves.”
2002: The planning area is the same. Auckland Centennial Memorial Park Land is now known as Auckland Regional Park. Waitemata City is now Waitakere City. The ownership of reserves is under review by WCC and ARC.
Currently, there is greater awareness of Karekare’s position as a part of the greater West Coast (from Manukau Heads to Bethells) and the Waitakere Ranges (from coast to foothills). While Karekare recognizes it faces many unique issues, some are in common with other West Coast communities and also the Ranges as a whole. These issues become more critical as the nearby Auckland metropolis continues to grow and expand.
3. Recommendation: That the planning area be known as the Karekare Catchment, part of the West Coast of the Waitakere Ranges.

1.3.3 time scale
1988:“no fixed time scale was set for the plan which is seen as ongoing and subject to revision in the future as need arises.”
2002:The plan has proved to be a useful, ongoing document. A full review process could be scheduled by KKRRT every five years or so. If minor additions or revisions are required, these could be advanced at the KKRRT AGM.
4. Recommendation: That the management plan be reviewed by KKRRT at least every five years. The community can call for a revision sooner if desired, or advance minor revisions at the KKRRT AGM.

1.3.4 targets
1988:“….city council, KKRRT, Auckland Regional Authority and Waitakere Ranges Protection Society….all residents and ratepayers.”
2002: The targets remain the same. The Auckland Regional Authority is now known as Auckland Regional Council.
There is a movement to bring the issue of protection status of the Ranges to Parliament in a bid to ensure national recognition of the importance of conservation of the Ranges. There are key national figures who would find the management plan an important document. They should be identified and receive a copy of this plan, together with related documents from West Coast Plan and Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, etc.
11.Recommendation: That national protection of the Waitakere Ranges in its entirety be supported, ideally by means of National Heritage Protection. The management plan, and related documents concerning conservation in Waitakere Ranges (i.e. West Coast Plan), are to be brought to attention of Labour MP David Cunliffe, the chair of Waitakere Ranges Protection Society and others as appropriate (see 8.3,8.4)

1.3.5 revision
1988: “There are no formal procedures for revision of this plan.”
2002: See 1.3.3 for recommendation of timetable of plan review and 1.3.1 for recommendation of participation in that review.2.0 Public Authority Policies and Controls and
3.0 Planning Values
2.1 Waitemata City
2.2 Auckland Regional Authority
Karekare is now part of Waitakere City, not Waitemata City. The Auckland Regional Council replaces the Auckland Regional Authority.
The Resource Management Act (RMA) replaces the Town and Country Planning Act. The District Plan is about to replace the District Scheme.

Natural areas rulings: the vegetation of the entire area, private and public, has been mapped and is classified as one of four

“pasture”
“managed natural area”,
“protected vegetation area” and
“coastal natural area”

Within these areas are also “riparian zones” (classified as 20 metres to either side of a stream) and “sensitive ridge lines” (skyline and hilltop features)
These classifications and the policies built with them are the work of both Council and wider community through extensive consultation and planning processes. Many residents and landowners and the KKRRT have contributed to this process.
5. recommendation: That the City and Regional Council consult with the community regarding planning issues and any development in the area. (see section 1.3.5, 3.1.2)
Through long experience with the Council in consultation matters, the KKRRT recognizes the enormous costs and efforts that the community put into this. The limitations of such a relationship are also clear. KKRRT has become more interested in the development of a partnership between community and both Councils.
6. recommendation: That the relationship between the community and the City and Regional Council continue as consultative and progress to be more of a partnership, incorporating shared decision making and local resource allocation and use (see section 1.3.5, 3.1.2) Recent actions by Council concern the community. In 1999, the “Go Waitakere” faction on Waitakere City Council tried to subvert due process by passing a motion to remove the minimum lot size requirement in the Waitakere Ranges Environment planning zone.
7. recommendation: That the consultation processes with City and Regional Council, of which the community participates in good faith, be honoured by both the elected representatives and staff of these authorities. (see section 1.3.5, 3.1.2). With respect to the partnership aspects of the Treaty of Waitangi, Kawerau a Maki are recognized as tangata whenua by ARC.
8. recommendation: That Kawerau a Maki are recognized as tangata whenua, the iwi to be consulted about sites and related issues here in Karekare (see section 1.3.5, 3.1.2).
The West Coast Plan is now in place, as is the Waitakere Parklands Management Plan. It is important at this time to reiterate the local community’s paramount planning value:
9. recommendation: That all planning for Karekare area has as its base the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural environment. (see section 3.1.1)

2.3 coastal accretion land
1988:“It is of interest to the community that the coastline from Cowan Point to Whatipu is part of the Whatipu Wilderness Area…..some doubts about jurisdiction of extensive sand accretion areas of this coastline and developing wetlands…..ARA acts as a de facto administering body, but it is desirable that some form of reserve status be established to ensure protection of the area.”
2002: After many conversations with ARC and WCC, the status of this land is that of unclaimed Crown Land, classified as open space by WCC and managed as parkland by ARC. The push for reserve status was to help avoid threats like the once proposed sewage outfall pipe. The money and time to create reserve status is considerable. ARC do not see this as a high priority. Meanwhile, community vigilance is required. Four recommendations can be made.
10. recommendation: That Waitakere City and ARC concur with community in seeing Karekare as completely unsuitable place for any schemes involving any urban disposal (sewage outfall pipes, rubbish dumps, etc) or construction of large scale public works for use by urban Auckland (see section 5.1.1)
12. recommendation: That following consultations continue/be initiated addressing

e) transfer of unformed paper roads to ARC
f) purchase by ARC of private lands when made available to expand parkland (esp any seen from beach and along the Cutting)
g) that city reserves/ARC land management be rationalized in consultation/partnership with community
h) that status of accretion lands be secured (see sections 7.4.1, 7.3.1,7.2.1, and 2.3.1).

13. recommendation: That a person in the community be appointed to monitor on a fortnightly basis local resource consent applications and development proposals lodged with Council. Reports to the KKRRT and results lodged on the website and the Billboard (see section 8.1, 8.2).
14. recommendation: That a Karekare community website be created to provide an easily updated platform for information about life in Karekare and current issues and contacts, and to promote discussion and solidarity with other Waitakere City Residents and Ratepayers groups
Information from the website is to be designed so as to be useful as a community booklet and/or factsheets. (see section 9.1).

4. historical sites and items (inlcuding 3.2 planning values: historical)

4.1 district scheme
Historic Items registered in the old Waitemata District Scheme are now the:

Stone walled surf club gear shed
Winchelsea House
The Barracks (now the Butler residence)
Fluming (from Company stream)
Kaka Pa (Watchman)
Rock Shelter Cave
Karekare Mill
Stringer Dams in Karekare and Company Streams

4.2 pre-european Sites
1988: 3 major sites listed and others briefly described. No signs were posted anywhere marking these.
15. recommendation: That landscape features and remnants of early Maori and European activity be protected (see section 3.2, 4.1-5).
16. recommendation: That no action be taken to identify Maori occupation sites or improve access to them without consultation with tangata whenua and the local community. (see section 4.2.5)

4.3 remnants of early european occupation on public land
Five sites listed and briefly described. Four of these have deteriorated to the point that they are no longer visible. One is a tree of historic interest.

4.4 items of interest
Four items are listed. Two are trees of historic interest.

4.5 preservation
Of interest still are pohutakawas straddling road at beach car park which are mentioned as meriting protection.

17. recommendation: That an inventory of trees significant for their history be made and copies kept with KKRRT, WCC and ARC. This could be combined with the record of trees planted as commemoratives on the newly purchased parkland near the beach. A search is to be made for any tree preservation schemes, with the aim of registering these trees with them as well (see section 4.4, 4.5).
18. recommendation: That a history of the recent past (from WW2 onwards) be undertaken, with special emphasis on collection of local oral histories, to create a record of environmental and social changes. The community website is to be one of the places where this information can be published. An acknowledgement of key people and groups identified be made as appropriate (see section 3.2, 4.1-5).
Much of the following is about ecostructure and is brought together by the opportunity offered by the establishment of a Land Care group in Karekare.

5. environment and conservation

5.1 Auckland area sewerage scheme
1988:There was total objection to construction of sewage outfall pipe at Karekare or anywhere along the Waitakere Ranges Coastline.
2002: This is no longer an issue. But the threat of such large scale works will always remain, as we are a rural community adjoining a metropolis.
10. recommendation: That Waitakere City and ARC concur with community in seeing Karekare as completely unsuitable place for any schemes involving any urban disposal (sewage outfall pipes, rubbish dumps, etc) or construction of large scale public works for use by urban Auckland

5.2 water pollution
1988:Karekare, Company and Opal Pools are mentioned as subject to run-off or seepage from residential properties. The water quality of the beach lagoon is a concern. Subdivision is discouraged and amalgamation of small lots on clay soils recommended. A call is made for the monitoring of water quality and the septic systems in the area.
2002: A monitoring programme has been running since the mid-90’s; the results are still discouraging, and KKRRT has asked for the Piha/Karekare Water Quality Working Group to be resuscitated by the new (Team West) Council.

5.3 Auckland centennial memorial park

5.3.1 park management
1988:“Present park management policies…[retain] relatively undeveloped character of Karekare. Opinion of community that the Pohutakawa Glade, the sand dunes and the land north side of the stream should all be kept as recreational and natural areas with foot access only, other than essential access for park and surf club service vehicles…provision of walking tracks and toilets may become desirable.”
2002:This opinion remains unchanged.

5.3.2 car parking
1988: Limitations on parking were recognized. Resistance to developing more parking was clearly made.
2002: This opinion remains unchanged.

5.3.3 recommendation:
1988: That there be no vehicle access, parking or other unsuitable development in the Pohutakawa Glade or Karekare beach access.
2002:This recommendation is still pertinent. The following clause to be added.
“That innovations in parking management within the space available involve and benefit the local community, while any revenue generated be returned to the community.”

5.3.5 planting in park areas
1988: “That planting of appropriate native trees and shrubs be undertaken in areas where natural generation is inhibited by exotic grasses and other weeds.”
2002: Since 1988, community volunteers planted many trees and shrubs in the Glade and other beach areas. They organize regular working bees to keep them weeded and fertilized.
2002: The opinion is that planting and follow up care of appropriate native trees and shrubs continue. The Lone Kauri School has a native tree nursery and authorities should support the school with this activity.

5.4 national heritage area
1988: “That further information be obtained about National Heritage Area concept to protect the Waitakere Ranges.”
2002:This is still a pertinent issue.

5.5 coastal changes
1988: “That the long term instability of the beach and Pohutakawa Glade be taken into account when considering any development work.”
2002: There has been no such development proposed. The opinion of the community is unchanged.

5.6 trees and planting
1988: “That WCC and ARC assist in the provision of native trees and shrubs (preferably local stock) for community planting in agreed areas of the reserve.”
2002:This is an well-established practice now

5.7 weed control
1988: “That Council only carry out road verge spraying where considered essential as the only viable weed control alternative. That it be carried out with prior community consultation and with community supervision. That companion planting to curb the regrowth of kikuya be investigated and introduced.”
2002: Community concern is raised again about verge spraying and a ban on spraying is requested.
1988: “That a programme be undertaken to control the aggressive exotic plant growth in the glade and beach areas, with community assistance available to rangers on request.”
2002: This programme can be continued and enhanced by the Land Care group.

5.8 opossum and other pest control
1988: “The Council continue to make traps available.That WCC and ARC actively undertake in consultation with the community eradication programmes at appropriate times of the year.
2002: Operation Forest Save was a hugely successful Park-wide possum eradication programme run in the winter of 1998. Follow up work is underway via the local Forest Restoration Groups.

5.9 flooding of Karekare stream
1988: “That WCC takes appropriate action for clearing Karekare Stream to reduce flood risk.” “That future culvert or other crossings to stream are not of a design that will raise water at flood times.”
2002: The community worked with WCC to clear the stream and also to create flood banks which are not so prone to erosion. This required the active involvement of community members, including supervision of Council staff and contractors

5.10 pohutakawa glade – fires and fehicles
5.10.1 “That the ARC take firmer measures and provide clear unambiguous signage to control lighting of fires. That ARC endorses the instalment of a gas barbeque.” “That ARC add signs to prevent entry of mountain bikes.”

5.11 dogs and horses on the beach
“That the community endorse the WCC by law legislation for dogs on beaches and the Surf Clubs’ involvement in dog control. That current conditions for riding horses on beach as laid down by ARC are strictly adhered to and monitored by the local community.

5.12 environmental colours and materials
1988: There was concern about how homes and structures in the area blend in with the environment.
2002: This is now an item of the District Plan

5.13 shellfish Ban
People generally refrain from harvesting shellfish on the beach and the rocky shore community is being monitored. The monitoring and rahui at the beach continue to be supported (see section 5.13).

5.14 memorials
The community is concerned that there is at present no management policy on the installation of memorial fixtures within the Karekare catchment.
We ask that stakeholders such as the Auckland Regional Council, Waitakere City Council, Friends of Arataki and the Karekare community consider the impact of memorial installations with reference to the long term protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural environment.
Recommendation: That the Karekare community, in partnership with Waitakere City Council and Auckland Regional Council, endorse a moratorium on all memorial fixtures, including plaques and seats, on Karekare Beach and all bordering park areas and supports the planting of memorial trees through the Memorial Tree Register

6. access and public services

6.1 roading
1988: to remain rural and parklike in character. Sealing to maintain alignment with minor work to improve hazardous corners. No sealing to be done on Watchmans Road
2002: As above.

6.1.1 Karekare rd
1988: Structural work called for
2002: This is underway

6.1.2 Lone Kauri rd
1988:Sealing of the road called for
2002: This has been completed

6.1.3 minor roads
1988: Maintenance of these called for, in keeping with environmental concerns. Watchmans not to be sealed
2002: As above
Also, call for up renewed maintenance of the footpath on Karekare Road. This is important given the volume of summer traffic.

6.2 parking
1988: No more parking desired.
2002: As above. Including if there are any innovations re: parking, that these be created with the community, managed by community and revenues (if any) generated going back to community

6.2.1 main carpark
1988: Wheel barriers, plantings and visual impact are all concerns
2002: Wheel barriers and plantings are now in place. The visual impact is better, though there is need to upgrade information signs and liaise with ARC re content

6.2.2 Karekare rd
1988: Parking restrictions called for
2002: Parking restrictions are in place, and are being maintained by WCC

6.2.3 lower Lone Kauri rd
1988: Parking restrictions called for
2002: Parking restrictions in place. Respect for these restrictions needed.

6.2.4 Huia track entrance
1988: Small carpark called for
2002: This parking space now exists

6.2.5 La Trobe track
1988: Parking at junction with Lone Kauri to be improved so that cars do not go down road to track
2002: Parking here is informal

6.3 access to surf club
1988: Concerns about access is to be considered by a group consisting of the club, the community and the ARA
2002: The ARA is replaced by the ARC. The Resource Management Act now exists and sets requirements which need to be considered when discussions about access arise.

6.4 powerlines
1988: Undergrounding is called for
2002: Undergrounding is still called for, esp around the beach and waterfall.

6.4 drainage and water supply
1988: Call for community to work with Council to find short and long term solutions for water quality management issues
2002: Septic system upgrades are enforced. Water monitoring was started but has been cut back. Flood protection in car park put in place.

6.5 camping grounds
1988: Camping ground continue to be restricted to McCready’s paddock.
Motor camps or caravan parks not permitted.
2002: As above

6.6 tracks
1988: Call for erosion control steps on track from Watchman Rd Saddle down to Union Bay
2002: Erosion control steps now considered undesirable

7. community amenities

7.2 reserves
1988: There are several WCC owned reserves. These are not suitable for development and are best left in regenerating bush. The three reserves in loops of the Lone Kauri Road have environmental value and should not be used as fill areas for roading or other works.
2002: As above with the note that a number of the WCC reserves are now to be managed and maintained by the ARC.
The provision of community facilities is part of WCC commitment to each community. This can take a variety of forms. WCC is negotiating with ARC about putting land aside earmarked as a community facillity. This may or may not be developed (ie a hall or a community house built, etc). The WCC also supports community houses. WCC staff have done planning exercises concerning a research/study centre in Karekare. Meanwhile, the ARC is interested in promoting information about the park and wildlife.
From the 1998 community survey, half the respondents felt there was no need for more community facilities. Half thought there was a need, and held a variety of opinions about how this need could be met.

7.3 paper roads
1988: Call for paper roads to be transferred to ARA
2002: Paper roads are now part of the ARC estate

7.4 land acquisition
1988: That private land visible from the beach put on sale be bought by the ARA and incorporated into park.
2002: Community support ensured that ARC did purchase the Gribble land, near the caves, and incorporated it into the park. Memorial trees are planted on this site and a map is in the KKRRT files.

8 land use

8.1 existing land use
1988: Community supports District Scheme zonings. There is a stand made against commercial development. Shops are expressly discouraged as well as mobile vendors and hawkers.
2002: The District Plan now replaces the District Scheme. The community was deeply involved with the consultation for this plan. The plan does not allow for retail sales in Karekare. Other types of commercial activity and home occupations are described and regulated by the WCC. The community continues to support the plan. The RMA also has sections which apply to regulation of activities.
Home occupations have grown in Karekare and become an important part of the community. This brings a new dimension to the community lifestyle, as there are more people now around during the weekday.

8.2 scheme compliance
1988: Concern that WCC could not achieve compliance with Scheme and greater awareness by locals is called for
2002: District Plan and RMA have changed both the general awareness and compliance by the general public. The role of the local management plan is enhanced by these plans and acts. The local plan should be reviewed regularly and issues relating to it should be brought to the attention of locals using suitable media. Beyond the community, the plan is of interest to groups like the West Coast Plan, Enterprise Waitakere, and environmental groups. These should have copies of updated plan.

8.3 threat of unsuitable developments
1988: Call for community vigilance, esp concerning tourism and public works
2002: As above

8.4 harmful developments
1988: Call for Natural Heritage Area as a means of protecting against harmful developments
2002: Support of this or another scheme encompassing protection of the Waitakere Ranges as a whole continues.

9. community booklet
1988: Call for creation of booklet with local information and planting advice
2002: The booklet was produced but is outdated and out of print. Some of the needs met by the booklet are met by the community website, which can be kept up to date. An information/welcome pack for new residents is still needed.

Mangement plan contents
Introduction
2002 Update of plan
Commentary to Karekare Management Plan Update 2002 (above)
Foundation Management Plan 1988