Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill, First Reading

Lynne Pillay: Labour

Introduction:

I move, that the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill be now read a first time. At the appropriate time I intend to move that the Bill be considered by the Local Government and Environment Committee.

I stand here today, a proud activist for protection of the Waitakere Ranges, the foothills, and the wild West Coast beaches. These are not just features of the land; together they represent a crucial part of our natural heritage and our national culture. This land is a beacon of enjoyment, worthy of celebration and deserving of protection for generations to come.

I want to pay tribute to many who have come before, who have protected this land and who have campaigned to recognise its importance. I acknowledge Rt Honourable Jonathan Hunt who decades ago had a vision for protecting the Ranges. I acknowledge the Waitakere Ranges’ Protection Society and the many others who have worked tirelessly for so long to promote protection, to challenge inappropriate development and to nurture a dream so many of us hold dear.

And I acknowledge Tangata Whenua whose comprehension of the splendour of this land and commitment to it was never in question.

And the families – here for generations – who have contributed so much to the history, to the culture – to the special place we know today.

And now to the present – to the landowners in Swanson, Oratia, Henderson Valley, Titirangi, Piha, Kare Kare and the wider community who recognise the uniqueness of the Ranges and have willingly taken on a responsibility to ensure that uniqueness is protected.

The Waitakere Ranges form the western backdrop to metropolitan Auckland. They are a Range of high volcanic hills, bush covered with steep slopes and high rainfall. They fall on the west to the rugged coast of the Tasman Sea and to the south to the Manukau Harbour. On the City side they grade more gently through rural foothills.

In places like Titirangi, the Ranges are urbanised, but in a form that leaves the natural character dominant over the built environment. In other places they remain a wilderness on Auckland’s doorstep.

The heart of the Ranges is the 17,000 hectare Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, founded on reserves set aside from the late 1890’s and incorporating the Auckland Centennial Memorial Park, established in 1941.

The Heritage Area to be established by this local Bill embraces this public land, and a further 10,000 hectares of private land in the Ranges and foothills. The Heritage Area is mainly in Waitakere City, but extends (naturally) into southern Rodney District.

Three Councils – Auckland Regional Council, Waitakere City Council and Rodney District have come together to promote this Bill. They have worked closely with Iwi and local MPs - I acknowledge my colleagues Hon David Cunliffe, Hon Chris Carter and Hon Dover Samuels. They have engaged in a huge programme of public consultation on the drafts of the Bill and have received outstanding endorsement both locally and throughout the region.

Madam Speaker, it is appropriate that this measure is a local Bill. The Waitakere Ranges and Foothills are a discrete and distinctive area. Their natural beauty and landscape is outstanding in all of New Zealand but they are under pressure of urban sprawl. Their heritage value – natural and rural – is at risk from metropolitan pressures.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has advised this House of the need to take action to protect this area before it is too late. It was recognised that ad hoc development was having a detrimental effect on the Waitakere Ranges – 'death by a thousand cuts.'

Madam Speaker this is not just a matter of protection – draw a line around the land, lock the door and throw the key away. It is a matter of promoting a compatible style of development and economic activity that is appropriate. This Bill does that.

In doing that it does not erode private property rights; it does not take any private land. Rather it enhances the rights of the vast majority of residents who do not want to see ad hoc development. It also strengthens the existing parkland, but it does not turn private land into parkland.

It does identify and protect heritage features including important current activities such as farming. The Waitakere foothills have micro-climates very favourable to horticultural crops. This area has been famous for its apples and pears, tamarillos and grapes. But that is changing. The Bill focuses on managing the transition from now obsolete rural uses, to new vibrant uses that are also rural in character. The Local Area Management Plan provisions will allow communities to express their own character and assess development proposals against long-term goals.

This Bill builds on the Resource Management Act and provides guidance to Councils in decision making to consider the long-term and cumulative effects.

Madam Speaker, the key to this Bill is that it has a goal, a vision of what this area might be in fifty or a hundred years, and it works towards that goal. It does not freeze development, but it does ensure that this precious area does not just become another example of urban sprawl.

The Ranges and foothills will continue to provide a quality choice of residential life – but residential growth is nearing capacity. They will continue to supply more than a third of Auckland’s metropolitan water supply, the Ranges and beaches will be a mecca for the relaxation and recreation of Aucklanders; respite from urban life - and a showcase to visitors; a celebration of our unique landscape..

The Bill recognises the Tangata Whenua of the area and imports from the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000, and claim settlement legislation, statutory devices to better recognise those important associations. It also builds on the heritage richness of pioneer families for which the West is famous.

This Bill secures the heritage of the Waitakere Ranges and foothills. It creates a new “place” – the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area, and it provides for the nurturing of what makes this place special.

But more than that, the Bill reinforces the containment of urban Auckland. It points towards an urban future away from the Ranges where urban development is intensified around transport nodes and activity centres.

The Bill preserves the Waitakere Ranges foothills and coastline as a special area – which people live in, work in and enjoy – an area which is valued and will be protected for our children, our children’s children and beyond.

Madam Speaker, I am proud as the Member of Parliament for Waitakere, to take charge of this Bill in the House. I warmly congratulate the three Councils for their foresight in drafting and promoting this Bill.

It is my strong recommendation to the House that the parties support this legislation. I commend the Bill to the House (sit down)

NOTE:

All debates – 5 x 10 minutes then 5 minute reply – Lynne.

Speaker moves Bill read first time and then after voting –

Madam Speaker I move that the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill be considered by the Local Government and Environment Committee.