3.2.1 DESCRIPTION
Located at the Tasman outfall of the Waitakere River catchment, the area is strongly coastal in character, the landform, landscape and vegetation dominated by marine and climatological processes.
Between the two prominent headlands of Erangi Point and Raiakiaki Point, sand dunes have accumulated, partially damming the Waitakere River to form extensive ecologically valuable wetlands on the broad valley flats.
Inland from the fixed backdunes, sandwiched between a pine plantation and the steeply rising landform, an area of sand blow has dammed the stream, creating a fresh water dune lake.
Settlement patterns reflect these natural processes and have developed in three distinct areas.
Scattered dwellings on the fixed back dunes present an unstructured and visually unattractive landscape. With the exception of areas of Pampas grass, and scattered rogue pines (both problem exotic weed species) the exposed nature of the area has discouraged the growth of taller vegetation.
On the higher ground overlooking the dunes, beach houses have been established more recently. Retention of predominantly bush in this area has allowed for more successful integration of the development into the landscape.
On the nose of the Te Aute Ridge, overlooking the Waitakere wetland, recent access has opened up the lower bush slopes for development which now contain houses.
3.2.2 ISSUES
Protection and management of hazard prone and sensitive areas.
Protection of significant ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Provision of recreational opportunities and facilities.
Bush clearance and management.
The encroachment of sand onto productive, or potentially productive land.
Potential wind erosion of slopes following removal of plantation areas.
Inappropriate development and subdivision.
Protection of water quality.
Design and location of development.
Enhancement of the visual environment.
3.2.3 OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
OBJECTIVE
To recognise and protect the sensitivity, function, natural values and natural processes of coastal sand systems and wetlands and to enhance the existing degraded character of the area.
POLICIES
By ensuring appropriate vegetation cover, consistent with natural character and intrinsic values of the area through:
Restrictions on vegetation removal and disturbance.
Encouraging removal of exotic vegetation species whilst paying due regard to potential erosion.
Encouraging planting and stabilisation using native species appropriate to the specific location.
By controlling vehicular and pedestrian access so that:
Sensitive areas are not adversely affected.
Appropriate public access to the coast is provided.
Wildlife habitats are not disturbed.
The natural buffer functions of sand systems are not compromise
By limiting landuse activities and buildings to particular locations and to a scale and intensity compatible with the capability and capacity of the Policy Area.
By enhancing and improving existing settlement patterns, utility provision and roading layout.
By recognising that sand systems and wetland areas are hazard prone entities and that land-use activities and subdivision should be managed accordingly.
By carefully managing the visitor and recreational activities in the Policy Area so that potential adverse effects are mitigated or avoided.
By encouraging and promoting appropriate and sensitive building location, design and colour.
