Dear Minister and Councilors,
We the underassigned, have recently been informed that the Auckland Council is considering a proposal that if approved, will allow a subdivision adjoining Te Arai Beach. On behalf of us - the undersigned - and the Te Arai Beach Preservation Society, and the 2,733 members of the group 'Save Te Arai Beach from Development', and other ratepayers, we ask you to consider our following objections to this development and that you reject this proposal on the following grounds;
As you will be aware, the dunelands of Te Arai, on the northern boundary of the Auckland region are one of the most ecologically important areas in the Auckland region. Te Arai is the last long stretch of undeveloped coastline on the east coast of the Auckland region, and as a result it is the last refuge for a large number of endangered species, including New Zealand%u2019s most endangered bird, the Fairy Tern. Due to its extremely high conservation values, the Te Arai coastline has been designated an Area of Significant Conservation Value (ASCV 116), a Coastal Protection Area (CPA 87), and an Outstanding Landscape.
Because of the areas high landscape and conservation values, commercial development of Te Arai has been opposed by the ARC, the Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird, the Te Arai Beach Preservation Society, the Mangawhai Residents and Ratepayers Assoc. and over 1700 other groups and individuals who submitted against it. The plan change has been previously declined by commissioners who concluded that enabling greater subdivision at Te Arai would be inconsistent with the Resource Management Act, the Coastal Policy Statement, the Auckland Regional Policy Statement, and the Rodney District Plan.
There are already developments at nearby Omaha and Mangawhai Heads to meet the demand for coastal property in this area. Currently, both of these towns have many times the proposed number of sections available for purchase.
This development is not necessary nor wanted by the large majority of local ratepayers and beach users.
We ask you to decline any proposal to develop Te Arai Beach. Please help us the undersigned to save Te Arai Beach, its unique and outstanding natural character and its wildlife, from development.
Sincerely,