Submission on Draft Variation No. 2 Regional Parks Management Plan Section 55: Waitakere Ranges To: Group Manager, Visitor Services & Assets Auckland Regional Council Private Bag 92012 Auckland Email: management.planreview@arc.govt.nz ________________________________________________________________ This submission is in regard to Section 55 of the Regional Parks Management Plan (Waitakere Ranges) and Proposed Draft Variation No. 2. The submission is in made in regard to: (a) The operation of ‘discretionary’ activities within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park being sections 18 to 25 in the Draft Variation. (b) The investigation of mountain biking opportunities within the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park being section 37 of the Draft Variation. Discretionary Activities The submission is in support of the continued allowance of discretionary activities within the park but opposes the proposed limits on discretionary activities prior to any assessment being completed on the actual benefits and impacts of such activities. Specific items opposed include: “In the meantime, discretionary activities, involving 50 or more participants, will be limited in some locations in order to protect their amenity qualities for casual visitors and protect sensitive environments. These limits generally reflect current levels of activity and will be applied at the following coastal locations; • Piha (North Piha) = 5 • Piha (Glen Esk) = 5 • Karekare = 5 • Pararaha Valley = 3 • Whatipu = 3 • Anawhata = 3” Discretionary activities and events within Regional Parks encourage new users to parks and direct participants to areas which they may not have previously visited. Increased awareness of parks, their facilities and tracks is likely to encourage reuse and re-visiting on a casual basis after the event. Events and casual users can be managed where total number of participants, events centre locations and timing is appropriate. Mandatory event number limitations as proposed are not an appropriate method of assessing effects and benefits of discretionary activities. Individual applications for discretionary activities need to be assessed on their own merits. When completing assessments of the suitability of areas to support discretionary events, consideration also needs to include the views of the participants within discretionary events in addition to views of casual park users. Consideration of the views of event participants will provide a more balanced assessment of the benefits and effects of the activity. Mountain Biking This submission supports the proposed investigation of further mountain biking opportunities within the Waitakere Ranges. “Mountain biking is permitted on some regional parks on specified tracks and is specifically provided for in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. Mountain biking is however prohibited in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Nevertheless, illegal mountain biking is occurring, reflecting a demand for this type of activity in the Waitakere Ranges. Investigate whether mountain biking would be suitable and could be adequately managed in the Waitakere Ranges, in consultation with the community, recreation specialists, the Department of Conservation and WaterCare Services Ltd. and other stakeholders , taking into consideration the following factors: • Accessibility for informal riders with a focus on casual, unstructured biking suitable for family groups; • Suitability for a range of riding experiences; • Availability of or capacity for suitable visitor support infrastructure such a car parking, toilets and the impact on traffic volumes and road safety; • The ability to manage and contain mountain biking to approved locations; • Adverse effects on the natural and cultural environment; and • Adverse effects on other park users and adjoining communities. The results of the investigation will be considered at the time of the review of the Regional Parks Management Plan in 2008/2009.” I do not wish to be heard in support of my submission but ask that this written submission be considered. Submitter Contact Details (add your name and email/ph here)