Piha Local Tracks Update - 20th October

Your Piha Rayepayers & Residents Assn. has received the following correspondence from Auckland Council. We understand there are priorities, but after more than three years with no action, we question the importance Council places on Piha, and their obvious over-the-top aversion to risk.

Kia ora

 The following is a short update on the track renewals for Lion Rock, Tasman Lookout and Laird Thomson. Any questions please let me know.

 Lion Rock Track

The current track is considerably unsafe, with ground cracking evident along sections of the track alignment and near steep drop-offs. With the upcoming summer period and public safety in mind we are planning to replace the existing barrier gate at Lion Rock with a new, stronger and safer gate to restrict access beyond this point while we gather further information to better understand any longer-term access options.

Any reinstatement proposal would need to consider cultural heritage values, public safety and minimise visual impacts on the natural character and appearance of the rock. Geotechnical assessments will commence shortly.

Provision of a new track and associated safety barriers would require resource consent and an Outline Plan of Works.

 Tasman Lookout Track

Auckland Council is investigating how best to reinstate the Tasman Lookout Track at South Piha. A significant slip at the South Piha end of the track necessitates an alignment to be established. We are working with ecologists, geotechnical experts, mana whenua and engineers to come up with an acceptable solution.

The intent is to restore the walking track access to both the lookouts on the track as well as access to The Gap. We are conscious of the seabird nesting habitat and are mapping burrow locations to ensure new alignment avoids them.  

The project will require a resource consent and approval of an Outline Plan of Works.

 Laird Thomson Track

Auckland Council is assessing how the slip damaged section of track at North Piha can be reinstated to its original standard in accordance with the New Zealand Track Design and Construction Guidelines, providing a safe and accessible walking route while protecting environmental and ecological values.

Geotechnical investigations are underway to inform the decision making given the history of slips in this area.

The project will require a resource consent and approval of an Outline Plan of Works.

 Ngā mihi nunui,

Grant C Jennings (he/him)| Manager Sustainability & Environmental Delivery