Outstanding Natural Landscape Assessments of the Auckland Region

Transcription

1 Auckland Regional Council Appendix F -2 Outstanding Natural Landscape Assessments of te Auckland Region Auckland Regional Landscape Assessment Explanatory Material Text amended by decisions of te Hearings Committee is sown in underline and striketroug. Appendix F-2 F replaces te notified Table One, but it is not sown in underlined text to make it easier to read. Introduction Capter 6: Heritage contains objectives, policies and metods relating to te identification, protection and management of Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te Auckland Region. Tese areas are sown on Map Series 3a. Appendix F-2 contains information on te attributes of te mapped Outstanding Natural Landscapes (ONLs). Tis information is derived from two regional landscape assessments. Te first is te Auckland Regional Landscape Assessment , and te second is Auckland Regional Policy Statement, Outstanding Natural Landscape Areas, Assessment Against, August Te purpose of tis appendix is to explain te metodology used in te study ies and to present te key findings. Te Regional Landscape Assessment provides an update of te earlier 1984 landscape assessment metodology, adopting a revised public preference metodology and a focus on te identification of te Region s Outstanding Natural Landscapes. Te second 2008 landscape review applies nationally accepted landscape assessment criteria to te same study area. Auckland Regional Landscape Assessment Study Te purpose of te Regional Landscape Assessment Study of identified was to identify te Outstanding Natural Landscapes (ONLs), of te Auckland Region bot mainland Auckland and te islands of te Hauraki Gulf, consistent wit section 6(b) of te RM Act. Te assessment was undertaken in tree stages. Stage One: Identification of Representative Samples of Regional Landscape Types A representative examples of te different landscape types in te Auckland Region as was determined Tis study divided te region into four different landscape types, based on geomorpological and geograpical caracteristics. Te division into landscape types was made primarily to assist wit te later stages of te metodology and to enable te landscape qualities of te Region to be realistically represented troug potograpic sets. Te landscape types are: Coastal Harbour and Estuary Hill Country Lowlands and Wetlands All landscape types were field surveyed and colour potograps tat tat represented te varied caracteristics and qualities of eac type. From a regional sample of nearly 1,500 potograps, tirty potograps were selected for eac landscape type, giving a total of 120 potograps representing te diversity of landscapes in te Auckland Region. Tis selection was based on te different combinations of landform, vegetation pattern and degree of modification exibited in eac landscape type. Stage Two: Public Preference Survey Tis stage of te study involved a public survey of te Auckland regional community to ascertain wat landscapes tey considered qualified as outstanding natural landscapes. During December 2002-January 2003, intercept interviews were undertaken at ten street and sopping mall locations around te Auckland Region, wereby passing members of te public were invited to view and evaluate one or more sets of potograps. In addition a small number of people from Auckland s local autorities and government agencies, and representatives from iwi, conservation advocacy and land development organisations were invited to act as key informants. All interviewees were invited to sort te 30 potograps from at least one of te four landscape types. A furter fift set of combined potograps from te four landscape types was also sorted. Tis process involved ordering te potograps in response to te instruction Please order tese potograps from tose wic represent te most outstanding natural landscapes to tose tat least fit tis description. Having ordered te potograps to distinguis between te most and least outstanding, respondents were asked to identify te tresold of wat tey regarded as truly outstanding. Tey were also asked to comment upon te reasons for teir coice by stating te caracteristics or qualities tat made tose landscapes truly outstanding and wat canges or modifications would eiter degrade or improve te outstanding qualities of te landscapes. Te individual potograpic sorts were ten factor analysed to identify te key factors or perceptions tat te interviewees ad identified. Tis analysis revealed tat tere was a ig loading on one factor (nearly 95 percent of all respondents), wit a ig percentage loading on two main factors. Hence two clear 1

2 Auckland Regional Council Appendix F -2 perceptions of wat constitutes an outstanding natural landscape emerged from te public preference survey. Tese perceptions or factors are: Representative potograps of tese landscape types were ten evaluated by members of te public troug a public preference survey to determine wat landscapes were perceived to be outstanding natural landscapes. Te public preference survey identified two clear, but distinct perceptions of an Outstanding Natural Landscape of te Auckland region. Outstanding Natural Landscapes as Wild Nature Tis perception sees an Outstanding Natural Landscape as being one were tere is little or no evidence of uman presence, modification or management. Te landscape is dominated by elements, suc as indigenous forest, tat are distinctly New Zealand. Wild nature potograps identified cosen by interviewees as being truly outstanding were tose closest to te pristine environment in te particular landscape type. Outstanding Natural Landscapes as Cultured Nature Tis perception of an Outstanding Natural Landscape does not differentiate between natural elements tat are indigenous to New Zealand and tose tat are introduced. Exotic vegetation including pasture is seen as a composite part of an outstanding natural landscape, particularly were te pattern of land use is in armony wit te pattern of te landform. Potograps identified cosen by interviewees as being truly outstanding sow a picturesque mix of bus and extensive pasture on ills and lowlands. Were built structures suc as ouses are present in bot wild nature and cultured nature outstanding natural landscapes, tey are well integrated into te landscape and teir presence is visually subservient to te natural elements. Te second perception is Outstanding Natural Landscapes as cultured nature. It does not differentiate between natural elements tat are indigenous to New Zealand and tose tat are introduced. Exotic vegetation including pasture is seen as a composite part of an Outstanding Natural Landscape, particularly were te pattern of land use is in armony wit te pattern of te landform. Cultured nature potograps identified as truly outstanding sow a picturesque mix of bus and extensive pasture on ills and lowlands. Were built structures suc as ouse are present in bot wild nature and cultured nature Outstanding Natural Landscapes, tey are well integrated into te landscape and teir presence is visually subservient to te natural elements. Outstanding Natural Landscape Qualities Based on te analysis of te public preference survey, te qualities tat caracterise outstanding natural landscapes in te Auckland Region are summarised as follows: Strong pysical landforms wic give structure and pattern to te landscape; Pristine and relatively unmodified coastal environments, estuaries and arbours; Unmodified wetlands wit standing water; Te presence of lowland bus; Picturesque or open ill country tat includes a significant proportion of bus or bus remnants, wit minimal presence of uman artefacts or buildings. Endemic (sense of place) values. In terms of eac landscape type, te caracteristics are: Coastal: undeveloped coastline framed by medium to ig relief, wit cliffs, bus cover or roug pasture and only very low levels of uman modification tat are clearly visually subservient to te overall setting. Harbour and Estuary: open water, intertidal margins and soreline tat are igly natural, backed by low to medium relief wit significant areas of tall vegetation, bus and pasture. Only very low levels of uman modification tat is clearly visually subservient to te overall setting. Hill Country: relatively ig relief wit significant areas of maturing native vegetation interspersed wit pasture and extensive open views. Landscape structure and vegetation patterns are visually diverse, and clearly express te underlying geology, landform and natural drainage. Only very low density of settlement tat is visually igly integrated into te overall setting. Lowland and Wetland: unmodified wetlands wit areas of open water and well-vegetated margins, and open rolling pastoral landscape wit lakes or watercourses and remnant bus. Only very low density of settlement tat is visually igly integrated into te overall setting. Stage Tree: Field Survey of te Region Te tird stage of te study involved te on te ground determination of te Outstanding Natural Landscapes. Tis involved an initial desk-top mapping of areas considered likely to be outstanding natural landscapes based on te extensive local knowledge of a team of experienced landscape arcitects. Tis was followed by field survey, wereby areas were accessed by road in te case of te mainland, Great Barrier and Waieke Islands and observed from te sea in te case of all oter islands in te inner Hauraki Gulf. Based on te selections made in Stage Two, four Outstanding Natural Landscape Visual Summary 2

3 Auckland Regional Council Appendix F -2 Seets were prepared. Tese Summary Seets provided a potograpic summary of te visual caracteristics identified as being outstanding by te public preference survey for eac landscape type. Areas were evaluated against tese Visual Summary Seets and a Field Survey Seet completed for eac Outstanding Natural Landscape delineated. Tese field survey seets provided te basis for te information in Table One: Outstanding Natural Landscape Areas Summary Information. Based on te visual caracteristics determined by public preference survey, on te ground areas of Outstanding Natural Landscape were determined by a team of experienced landscape arcitects. Tis work involved bot desk top mapping, following by field survey. Eigty five areas in te region ave been identified on Map Series 3a as Outstanding Natural Landscapes and tey are listed in te second part of tis appendix below. Appendix F-2 identifies eac Outstanding Natural Landscape area by its landscape type and weter it as been identified as being a wild nature or cultured nature ONL. Outstanding Natural Landscape Qualities Based on te analysis of te public preference survey t Te qualities tat caracterise Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te Auckland Region are summarised as follows: Strong pysical landforms wic give structure and pattern to te landscape; Pristine and relatively unmodified coastal environments, estuaries and arbours; Unmodified wetlands wit standing water; Te presence of lowland bus; Picturesque or open ill country tat includes a significant proportion of bus or bus remnants, wit minimal presence of uman artefacts or buildings; Endemic (sense of place) values; In terms of eac landscape type, te caracteristics are: Coastal: undeveloped coastline framed by medium to ig relief, wit cliffs, bus cover or roug pasture and only very low levels of uman modification tat are clearly visually subservient to te overall setting; Harbour and Estuary: open water, intertidal margins and soreline tat are igly natural, backed by low to medium relief wit significant areas of tall vegetation, bus and pasture. Only very low levels of uman modification tat are clearly subservient to te overall setting. Hill Country: relatively ig relief wit significant areas of maturing native vegetation interspersed wit pasture and extensive open views. Landscape structure and vegetation patterns are visually diverse, and clearly express te underlying geology, landform and natural drainage. Only very low density of settlement tat is visually igly integrated into te overall setting. Lowland and Wetland: unmodified wetlands wit aras of open water and well-vegetated margins and open rolling pastoral landscape wit lakes or watercourses and remnant bus. Only very low density of settlement tat is visually igly integrated into te overall setting. Reassessment of Areas Using te In 2008 a second landscape assessment reviewed te areas identified as Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te report. Tis work included a review of eac ONL boundary. Te areas were also reassessed using te WESI 1 criteria and te results of tis assessment are also contained in te Appendix F-2 table. Te WESI criteria are a set of landscape assessment criteria developed by professional landscape arcitects, wic ave been subsequently endorsed by te Environment Court in various decisions involving landscape matters. Tese criteria ave now been incorporated into te proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2008 in its Policy 32 relating to te identification of Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te coastal environment. Tere is considerable similarity between te conclusions of te public preference survey landscape study and te WESI criteria assessment results. Tis is because te WESI criteria place considerable empasis on te concept of naturalness and te use of natural science assessment factors. Landscape appreciation expressed troug te public preference survey in te first study as been expressed in te second study troug oter WESI criteria suc as memorability, naturalness and expressiveness. Te WESI criteria assessment of te region s eigty five ONL areas in tis appendix addresses some, but not all of te criteria contained in te proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement s policy. Tere are two reasons for tis. Firstly te WESI criteria assessment of Auckland s Outstanding Natural Landscape areas pre-dates te most recent Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement guidance on tis matter. Secondly some of te WESI assessment criteria relate to matters tat are not easily assessed at te regional level, or deal wit matters tat are covered in oter scedules in tis RPS. Reference sould also be made to Appendix B of tis RPS for information on ecological values. Te information on eac Outstanding Natural Landscape area in Appendix F-2 sould be used to guide te application of te Outstanding Natural Landscape policies in Capter 6: Heritage. 1 Wakatipu Environmental Society Inc and Oters v Queenstown-Lakes District Council C180/99 [2000] NZRMA 59 3

4 Auckland Regional Council Appendix F -2 Findings Outstanding Natural Landscapes of te Auckland Region Eigty-nine areas in te Auckland Region ave been identified as Outstanding Natural Landscapes. Tese are sown on Map Series 3A. Te Auckland Region as a total land area of 500,133 ectares of wic 450,005 ectares are on te mainland and 50,127 ectares comprise te islands of te Hauraki Gulf. Te Outstanding Natural Landscapes identified on te mainland area of te Region cover some 84,709 ectares or nearly 19 percent of te land mass. On te Hauraki Gulf Islands, tere are about 40,430 ectares of Outstanding Natural Landscapes, wic constitutes about 81 percent of te area of te islands. Te distribution of Outstanding Natural Landscapes by local autority area is as follows: Local Autority Hectares Auckland City Hauraki Gulf Islands 38,016 Franklin District 22,915 Manukau City 6,954 Nort Sore City 314 Papakura District 421 Rodney District Mainland Islands 34,803 2,414 Waitakere City 19,302 Coastal Marine Area 59,607 Total Land Area 125,139 Total Region 184,746 Te 1984 Regional Landscape Assessment Study identified te following areas: Area in Category 6 & 7 42,453a Area in Category 5 60,513a Combined Areas 5, 6 & 7 102,966a (mainland only, adjusted for 1989 regional boundary cange) Te 1999 ARPS identified Category 6 & 7 landscapes as Outstanding Landscapes, and Category 5 areas as Regionally Significant Landscapes. Comparing te 1984 Category 6 and 7 landscapes wit te mainland area identified as Outstanding Natural Landscapes in 2003/04 indicates tat tere as been an increase of 42,256 ectares. However if te 1984 Category 5 areas are included wit te 6 and 7 figures and compared wit te mainland area 2003/04 landscapes, tis area is less tan te 1984 total area. However a strict comparison of total area figures between 1984 and 2003/04 does not give a full explanation of te regional canges in te region s landscape during te 20 year period. Te 1984 Regional Landscape Study identified a public preference for unmodified landscapes particularly open beaces and enclosed arbours, a presence of indigenous vegetation (te more extensive te vegetation cover, te iger te rating), te presence of varied and often convoluted landforms and diversity and variety witin eac landscape. Tis was reflected in te dominance of coastal landscapes and extensive areas of indigenous vegetation suc as te Waitakere and Hunua Ranges being rated 6 and 7. Some pastoral landscapes wit scattered areas of indigenous and exotic vegetation were recognised as being visually attractive (Category 5 ratings) wile wetlands and salt mars areas were relatively poorly rated. Te 1984 landscape study was also completed under different legislation, were te identification of outstanding natural landscapes was not recognised as matter of national importance. Findings Outstanding Natural Landscapes of te Auckland Region A general comparison of te landscapes identified in te 1984 landscape assessment study and regional landscape study, supported by te 2008 WESI review, reveals te following trends: 1 Importance of te Hauraki Gulf Islands Te most extensive areas of Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te Region are on te islands of te Hauraki Gulf, and in particular Great Barrier Island. Oter parts of te islands of te inner Gulf, bot publicly and privately owned are also identified as Outstanding Natural Landscapes. Te 1984 Regional Landscape Study did not cover tese islands. However given te fact tat many islands are in Crown ownersip, and managed for conservation purposes, or were privately owned ave experienced relatively little land use cange, it is likely tat tese islands would ave been identified as being worty of Outstanding and Regionally Significant Category 5, 6 and & 7 landscape ratings, ad tey been included in te 1984 study. 2 Continued Importance of Coastline Te coastline continues to be a major area of Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te Region. However tese landscapes usually include a narrow band of land, and a more extensive area of te adjoining coastal marine area. Tis reflects te importance of te land-sea interface on te open east and west coasts, and te interrelationsip between te land and enclosed bodies of water suc as arbours and estuaries, as significant visual components of an outstanding natural landscape. Te inclusion of new areas of te coastal marine area in Outstanding Natural Landscapes also reflects te extended scope of te RMA, over previous legislation. 4

5 Auckland Regional Council Appendix F -2 3 Continued Significance of Extensive Areas of Indigenous Vegetation Te Waitakere and Hunua Ranges continue to be te most extensive areas of Outstanding Natural Landscape on te mainland of te Region. Oter areas wit significant indigenous vegetation suc as Mt Tamaunga continue to be igly valued. 4 Loss of Significant Landscapes Two inter-related trends ave emerged during te period Te first is a reduction in te natural landscape values of particular localities trougout te region due to increased levels of subdivision, use and development. Areas tat were previously outstanding or regionally significant landscapes are no longer classified as suc due to increased levels of built development. Examples of tis cange include parts of Kawau Bay (Leig, Omaa), te Matakana River, Snells-Algies beaces, te eastern edge of te Maurangi Harbour, Pia, te western edge of te Hunua Ranges and te Pukekoe Hill environs. 5 Emergence of Non-Indigenous Elements in Outstanding Natural Landscapes Te second cange is te emergence of nonindigenous elements and managed land use as accepted components of outstanding natural landscapes. Te perception of an outstanding natural landscape encompassing cultured nature means tat te presence of umans undertaking recreational activity, or some forms of low intensity production witin a landscape, is considered to be consistent wit it being an outstanding landscape landscape wic include a picturesque mix of bus and extensive pastoral agriculture on ills and lowlands tat are igly valued (Stage Two report 2003, page 6). Tis means tat areas of te region, including places tat were rated regionally significant 5 in 1984 are now accepted by te public as being as Outstanding Natural Landscapes. Tis perception means tat areas suc as te western side of te Awitu Peninsula and inland areas of Rodney between State way 1 and te Maurangi Harbour are now identified as Outstanding Natural Landscapes. Map Series 3a: Outstanding Natural Landscapes Areas identified as Outstanding Natural Landscapes were initially determined on a topograpical base and not a cadastral base. Tis means tat te areas follow biopysical indicators, particularly ridgelines, significant canges in topograpy and significant vegetation patterns, rater tan legal property boundaries. Te Outstanding Natural Landscapes areas are produced on an aerial poto base to improve teir readability. Te information is eld by te Auckland Council and can be reproduced on a topograpic or cadastral base on request. Te boundary lines of eac Outstanding Natural Landscape area are not intended to be exact lines, but indicate a zone of up to 50 metres widt. All requests for Outstanding Natural Landscape maps sould be made to te Customer Service section of te Auckland Council. BIBIOGRAPHY Tis appendix is based on information contained in te following reports: An Assessment of te Auckland Region s Landscape, Planning Department, Auckland Regional Autority, Auckland Regional Landscape Assessment Assessment Metodology Report, Stepen Brown Landscape Arcitecture for te Auckland Regional Council, Public Perceptions of Outstanding Natural Landscapes in te Auckland Region, J.R. Fairweater and S.R. Swaffield, Lincoln University, for te Auckland Regional Council, Delineation of Outstanding Natural Landscapes of te Auckland Region, Boffa Miskell Ltd, Stepen Brown Environments Ltd and Lincoln University, for te Auckland Regional Council, Te latter tree reports form Stages 1, 2 and 3 of te Regional Landscape Assessment Study , compiled version Auckland Regional Policy Statement, Outstanding Natural Landscape Areas, Assessment Against WESI Criteria Stepen Brown Environments and Boffa Miskell Ltd, August 2008, 5

6 Auckland Regional Council Appendix F-2 Outstanding Natural Landscapes Area number refers to te number sown on te maps in map series 3A WEST AND NORTH WEST RODNEY Area No & name: Area 2; Ararimu Valley West ONL Hill Country Retention of indigenous Wild nature (ill vegetation reinforcing Clearly defined Hill ridge sequence overlooking topograpy. sequence of te Ararimu Valley tat descends ills/ridges, steep to te Ararimu stream, overlaid Maintaining low levels of slopes and remnant by a mixture of remnant native built modification. forest framing forest and srubland on te valleys and stream iger slopes and ridge tops, and corridors. Relatively also following local stream dramatic corridors, intermixed wit open topograpy. pasture on te unit s margins. Area No & name: Area 3; Taylor Road, sout of Helensville ONL Retention of indigenous Wild nature (ill vegetation in patterns Linear sequence of stream related to underlying corridors and some more topograpy. elevated ridge land tat is notable for te presence of remnant pockets and bands of native forest. Very clear sequence of stream corridors and ridges tat are defined by pockets and bands of remnant native forest dominated by kauri, puriri totara and oter canopy species. Pronounced sequence of native forest cover linked across major ridges and slopes togeter wit stream corridors. Amalgam of strongly dissected to rolling terrain and native forest cover intermixed wit lower lying stream corridors (Ararimu Stream) and areas of pasture to create a clearly defined structure and pattern. Pronounced sequence of native forest cover linked across ridges, slopes and valleys, togeter wit stream corridors Amalgam of rolling terrain and native forest cover intermixed wit lower lying stream corridors and areas of pasture to create a clearly defined structure and pattern. ity Combination of terrain and vegetation cover creating a clearly defined matrix, wit a relatively ig level of coesion and continuity. Relatively intact sequence of regenerating forest cover and stream corridors, especially near and above te Ararimu Stream. Combination of terrain and vegetation cover creating a clearly defined matrix, wit a relatively ig level of coesion and continuity. Relatively intact sequence of forest cover and stream corridors, especially near te eadwaters of te Warauroa Stream and around te Kumeu River. Very clearly defined relationsip between topograpy and vegetated land cover creating a quite distinctive and Auckland/ New Zealand landscape. Very clearly defined relationsip between topograpy and land cover creating a quite distinctive and Auckland / New Zealand landscape.

7 Area No & name: Area 4; Lake Kereta ONL Lowland Retention of dune Wild nature lake/wetland landscape Cultured nature (lowland) and remnant vegetation Impounded dune lakes (two) wit low levels of framed by ig inland dunes to subservient te east and te combined dune development (ouses, / pine forest margins of Rangitira roads, infrastructure). Beac to te west; containing raupo wetland. Also flanked by remnant native forest (kanuka dominated), particularly towards Kanae Road and down te coastal side of Lake Kereta, as well as some pasture. Very strongly defined dune based terrain descending into two lake basins, wit native vegetation on teir margins and between te lakes reinforcing tis topograpic variation, more notably toward Kanae Road. Area No & name: Area 5; Lakes Ototoa and Kuwakatai ONL Lowland Retention of dune lake/ Wild nature wetland landscape and Cultured nature (lowland) remnant vegetation wit Deeply incised and impounded low levels of subservient dune lakes wit raupo wetland development as well as flanked by native forest (kanuka more modified pastoral dominated) margins and step and vegetated slopes containing open pasture. landscape. Strong linkage between lakes and raupo wetland wit te surrounding dune topograpy, including tat acting as a backdrop to Rangitira Beac, and adjacent native vegetation. Strong linkage between lakes and raupo wetland wit te Lake Ototoa/ Patauoa Creek corridor and enclosing native vegetation. Very strongly defined dune based terrain descending into deep lake basins, wit marginal native vegetation reinforcing te topograpic variation around te lakes and teir stream corridor via Patauoa Creek to te Kaipara Harbour. Waionui Inlet/Sout Kaipara Head Area No & name: Area 6; Papakanui Split Wa ONL Harbour & estuary Retention of remote Very Wild nature (coastal) natural duneland. Sout Kaipara Head Extensive/massive duneland formations Combination of massive dune Relatively rare lake basin sequence associated wit very expressive landforms tat are reinforced by te native vegetation framing tem: very marked interplay between bot te lakes and vegetation and adjoining open pasture, as well as te pines beind Rangitira Beac. Very obvious interaction between te underlying dune landform, te actual lakes and teir wetlands, and te remnant terrestrial vegetation overlying parts of tis landscape. Relatively rare and dramatic lake basin sequence associated wit very expressive landforms tat are reinforced by te vegetation across tem: very marked interplay between te lakes and vegetation wit surrounding open pasture. Very obvious linkages from te remnant terrestrial vegetation to te lakes and raupo wetland ten, via te Patauoa Creek, to te margins of te Kaipara Harbour. Confluence of A relatively rare and ocean and arbour igly expressive Very A unified landscape dominated by natural Bot lakes are clear focal points witin te basin landforms tat frame tem. Tis is reinforced by te surrounding vegetation and tese elements contrast wit adjoining farmland and te extensive pine forest beind Rangitira Beac. Bot lakes are clear focal points witin te basin landforms tat frame tem. Again, tis is reinforced by te surrounding vegetation and tese elements contrast wit adjoining farmland. Te dune and inlet features are a very Interplay of coastline and te open waters 7

8 duneland, Papakanui sand spit and Waionui Inlet extending nort of Rangitira Beac and dominated by a massive dune system tat denotes te sout ead of te Kaipara Harbour mout. combined wit Wainui Inlet and extensive mangroves/salt mars creating a dramatic natural feature at te mout of te Kaipara Harbour. Extends from Ocean to inner Harbour edge. formations, salt mars and mangroves around Wainui Inlet and on te edge of te Kaipara Harbour, creating a coesive natural landscape. igligted by te signature landforms of te dune system and inlet. Area No & name: Area 7; Muriwai/Rangitira Beac (nort of Muriwai settlement) ONL Coastal Retention of remote Wild nature (coastal) beac environment and Very extensive Very linear and extensive open dune backdrop beacfront and dune beac on te edge of te system interacting Tasman Se, extending as far wit te open inland as its dune system expanse of te Tasman Sea. Very extensive and open ocean beac togeter wit a clearly articulated dune system tat is a prominent feature of te Auckland region s west coast, an iconic landscape. Area No & name: Area 8; Kaukapakapa River Escarpment ONL Regenerating indigenous Wild nature vegetation reinforcing Prominent Cultured nature (ill topograpy. escarpment covered A prominent escarpment feature in native forest. covered in remnant forest, including several stream corridors and catcments tat extend down to, and include, part of te Kaukapakapa River. Strongly expressed coastal evident in sequence of dune and beac landforms, and teir dramatic interaction wit te ocean. Native forest linked wit river margins including low lying pasture and meandering river corridor. coastal landscape tat combines natural elements wit dynamic. elements, features and tat mark te confluence of te Tasman Sea and Kaipara Harbour in a very dramatic and dynamic fasion: a wild, remote and natural landscape iconic. Altoug part of te backdrop to tis landscape includes pines and farmland its seer scale and internal coerence prevent te level of naturalness being overly compromised. Very Arising from te combination of te beac s expansive aestetic seer lengt, togeter wit openness, remoteness and wildness. /Moderate Despite te incursion of a pine forest backdrop and te Muriwai settlement, te unit s naturalness is derived from an amalgam of its natural elements, te dynamic & obvious natural at play along te beac & its relative remoteness and wildness Prominent landform Combination of natural reinforced by its native landform and natural vegetation cover tat vegetation cover closely contrasts wit te low linked to te tidal river lying flats and margins. farmland eiter side of te Kaukapakapa River. eloquent expression of te coastal at work at tis key junction between te open seas and arbour. Very Very obvious combination of natural elements and dynamic natural in particular related to te beac/dune corridor Strong amalgam of natural elements tat, in conjunction wit te adjoining river edge are strongly suggestive of a natural endemic landscape contrasting wit adjoining pine of te Tasman Sea, including variation resulting from atmosperic day/year, tide and wildlife. Sea birds prevalent. Interplay of coastline and open waters of te Tasman Sea, including variations resulting from atmosperic day/year, tide and wildlife. Sea birds prevalent. 8

9 Area No & name: Area 9; Kaukapakapa ONL Wild nature (ill An extensive sequence of ill country and ridges extending down into stream valleys and gullies - defined by a mixture of remnant native forest, and srubland intermixing and contrasting wit farmland bot witin te unit and on its margins. Remnant and regenerating indigenous vegetation reinforcing topograpy. Pastoral landscape wit remnant pockets of indigenous vegetation wit ig aestetic values. Prominent sequence of rolling ills and ridges including stream corridors. Intact indigenous vegetation (kaikatea particularly prominent) on ills and framing riparian corridors and catcments. Sequence of remnant forest interspersed troug farmland and open pasture. Combination of landcover structuring te landscape.. Native forest and srubland sequence, linked to and framing stream corridors. forestry and farmland. Complex interplay of native forest and open pasture wit te forest dominating te iger slopes and ridges framing bot te farmland and water catcments stream corridors.. Area No & name: Area 10; Makarau Valley, nort Helensville ONL Remnant and Wild nature (ill regenerating indigenous Combination of ill country vegetation reinforcing ridges and escarpments topograpy. Pastoral descending into stream valleys landscape wit remnant tat displays an intermixing of pockets of indigenous remnant native forest, srubland vegetation wit ig and areas of open pasture. aestetic values. Very clearly defined sequence of major ill ridges and stream escarpments framing valleys and stream corridors. Relatively dramatic topograpy. Area No & name: Area 11; Headland, Makarau River ONL Intact indigenous Wild nature (ill vegetation Prominent eadland Wild nature (arbour & estuary) extending to water covered in native A distinctive eadland edge. forest. promontory around wic te Pronounced sequence of native forest cover linked across major ridges, slopes and escarpments togeter wit stream corridors. Amalgam of strongly dissected to rolling terrain and native forest cover intermixed wit lower lying stream corridors and areas of pasture to create a clearly defined structure and pattern. Native forest linked wit arbour margins including intertidal flats and Mod/ Qualities arising from te eadland s projection out into Combination of terrain and vegetation cover creating a clearly defined matrix, wit a relatively ig level of coesion and continuity. Relatively intact sequence of forest cover and stream corridors, especially near and above te Makarau River. Prominent landform reinforced by its native vegetation cover tat contrasts wit te low Combination of natural landform and natural vegetation cover closely linked to te river and Very clearly defined relationsip between topograpy and land cover creating a quite distinctive and Auckland/New Zealand landscape.. Strong amalgam of natural elements tat, in conjunction wit te adjoining Transient nt values /mod Interplay of coastline and te open waters of te Kaipara 9

10 Makarau River sweeps, defined by bot its relatively steep topograpy and remnant forest/srubland cover wic is particularly pronounced towards te apex of te eadland. Linked wit te mangrove colonies witin te river corridor and te river itself. Area No & name: Area 12; Mataia Headland ONL Prominent coastal Wild nature landform wit largely Cultured nature (ill intact cover of Wild nature (arbour & estuary) indigenous vegetation. Clearly defined coastal and stream corridor escarpment, including te margins of te Mataia Creek tat are covered in remnant native forest and srubland facing te open water of te Kaipara Harbour. Area No & name: Area 13; Glorit Knoll ONL Intact indigenous Wild nature vegetation retained on Cultured nature (ill discrete elevated knoll A prominent, if small scale, knoll landform. feature covered in mature native forest tat overlooks part of te central Kaipara Harbour and adjacent coastal flats tat are now extensively farmed. Togeter wit unit 15 local landmarks because of teir contrast wit te surrounding Prominent eadland and escarpment covered in native forest and srubland extending into and along te Mataia Creek corridor. Prominent knoll landform covered in native forest. mangroves at te mout of te Makarau River. te river corridor and te landmark combination of te eadland s steep topograpy wit an intact area of native forest, including kauri, kaikatea and totara. Native forest linked wit te Mataia Creek corridor and escarpment, and te Kaipara Harbour s intertidal flats and mangrove colonies. Very marked amalgam of natural terrain and vegetation tat provide a backdrop to bot te wider arbour and more confined Mataia Creek corridor contrasting wit te intertidal area and adjacent farmland. /mod Native forest close to Te Karaka Creek and arbour margins including intertidal flats and mangrove colonies sout of te Hoteo River. lying coastal flats around te arbour mout and te actual river corridor. coastal margins. Prominent landform reinforced by its native vegetation cover tat contrasts wit te low lying coastal flats and intertidal area tat flank it. /mod. Combination of natural landform and indigenous vegetation cover closely linked to coastal margins tat retains a strong endemic signature despite te presence of an adjoining sand mine and open rural pasture. Distinct landform Combination of natural reinforced by its native landform and natural vegetation cover tat vegetation cover closely contrasts wit te low linked to te coastal lying coastal flats and margins. intertidal area tat flank it. coastal edge, are strongly suggestive of a natural endemic landscape contrasting wit adjoining farmland. Strong amalgam of natural elements tat, in conjunction wit te adjoining coastal edge, is strongly suggestive of a natural endemic landscape contrasting wit adjoining farmland and sand extraction operations.. Harbour and te mout of te Makarau River, including variation resulting from atmosperic day/year, tide and wildlife. /mod Interplay of coastline and te open waters of te Kaipara Harbour and te mout of te Mataia Creek, including variation resulting from atmosperic day/year, tide and wildlife. Wading and sea birds prevalent. Mod Strong amalgam of Association wit natural elements nearby Harbour) tat, in conjunction wit te nearby coastal edge, are strongly suggestive of a natural endemic landscape contrasting wit adjoining farmland. 10

11 rural environment. Area No & name: Area 14; Mt Auckland and part of te Hoteo River ONL ses Intact indigenous /mod Wild nature vegetation reinforcing Very clearly Cultured nature (ill locally prominent articulated amalgam Te igest peak immediately topograpy. of ill country and inland of te Kaipara Harbour native forest tat is covered in mature extending down into remnant forest extending down local stream to te Hoteo River, including a corridors and te series of stream corridors. margins of te Hoteo River. Area No & name: Area 15; Sout Hoteo River ONL Wild nature Cultured nature (ill Wild nature (arbo ( arbour & estuary) Headland / ridge feature overlooking te mout of te Hoteo River in te Kaipara Harbour tat is prominent because of its intact cover of remnant forest. Contrasts very markedly wit surrounding farmland and te arbour margins. One of several local landmarks. Intact indigenous vegetation reinforcing locally prominent topograpy. est peak witin te immediate Kaipara Harbour interland; a prominent feature overlooking te lower alf of te arbour, its eastern coastal margins near te Hoteo River. Profile reinforced by extensive native forest across most of its slopes. Prominent eadland covered in native forest. A distinctive local landmark tat contrasts wit adjoining pine forest and nearby farmland to clearly express te endemic values of te area prior to European occupation and rural development. Native forest linked wit arbour margins including intertidal flats and mangrove colonies at te mout of te Hoteo River. Evocative mix of ill country terrain and native forest associated wit Auckland s natural eritage. Intact sequence of native forest, stream and river corridors. Prominent landform Combination of natural reinforced by its native landform and natural vegetation cover tat vegetation cover closely contrasts wit te low linked to te coastal lying coastal flats and margins. intertidal area tat flank it. Very clear expression of natural elements and associated tat capture some of te vernacular endemic landscape values of Auckland and te Kaipara Harbour s interland. /mod Strong amalgam of Interplay of natural elements coastline and te tat, in conjunction open waters wit te adjoining of te Kaipara coastal edge, are Harbour and te strongly suggestive mout of te Hoteo of a natural endemic River, including landscape variation resulting contrasting wit from atmosperic adjoining farmland. day / year, tide and wildlife. Wading and sea birds prevalent. 11

12 Area No & name: Area 16; Tauoa River Margins ONL Estuary Sequence from river Wild nature (estuary) cannel/arbour waters Very extensive (long) series of troug mangrove to eadlands, promontories, inlets terrestrial indigenous and bays wic define te vegetation. Pattern of Tauoa River estuary and are vegetation cover in reinforced by bands of remnant relation to topograpy coastal forest, native srubland and natural. and mangroves. Very complex but Strong extensive sequence interconnection of eadlands, coastal between te Kaipara slopes and terraces Harbour, river tat frame a margins and stream/ multiplicity of small inlet corridors. scale inlets, stream Strong connection corridors and wit adjacent intertidal flats. Tis pockets of coastal topograpy is vegetation tat reinforced by te frame muc of te bands of native CMA. vegetation more intermittently scattered around te Tauoa River margins. Area No & name: Area 17; 1 Hill Creek & Kautaewao Creek valleys (Burma Road) ONL Pattern of remnant Wild nature/cultured(estuary and vegetation interplayed arbours) wit pasture Wild nature/cultured (respondent to nature (Hill topograpy). Comprises a sequence of nort sout aligned ridges and eadlands togeter wit te stream corridors of Hiki and Kautaewao Creeks extending down to embrace te mangrove colonies, intertidal flats and part of te Tauoa River corridor. Clearly expressed sequence of ridges and stream corridors aligned from nortwest to sout east tat drain into te Tauoa River margins incorporating a mix of remnant Kauri forest, re-emergent srubland, mangroves and intertidal flats / islands. Very marked sequence of native forest, streams, mangroves and oter coastal edge features tat create a clear continuum. /mod Very clearly aligned continuum of features from te top of te peninsula catcment to te Tauoa River. C /mod Derived from te amalgam of coastal fringe elements tat clearly evoke te coastal associated wit te Kaipara Harbour. Related to te combination of naturalelements and wit strong interconnection between te river corridor, intertidal flats and inlets, streams and coastal ridges and eadlands. Very clearly expressed sequence of natural elements and features tat interacts wit farmland to evoke a readily apparent structure and patterning in te landscape, wic contrasts wit te relatively bare nature of muc of its rural surrounds. Clearly linked network of natural features largely contained witin two main valley corridors and water catcments linked to two enclosed bays on te edge of te Tauoa River. Very clearly expressed confluence of natural terrain and vegetation interacting attractively wit te Tauoa River and its margins to create a distinctive endemic coastal landscape.. Clear structure and patterning evoked by te combination of native forest, srubland, stream corridors and coastal features tat ave a degree of continuity and natural expression not apparent in muc of te surrounding peninsula landscape. Interplay of coastline and te open waters of te Kaipara Harbour and more enclosed waters of te Tauoa River, including variation resulting from atmosperic day / year, tide and wildlife. Wading and sea birds prevalent. Interplay of coastline and te open waters of te Kaipara Harbour and more enclosed waters of te Tauoa River, including variation resulting from atmosperic day / year, tide and wildlife. Wading and sea birds prevalent. 12

13 Area No & name: Area 18; 1 Fitzgerald/Burma/RunRoads ds ridge, Okaukura Peninsula ONL Intactness of forest and /mod Wild nature/cultured nature (Hill pattern of remnant Prominent elevated Sequence of native vegetation interplayed coastal ridge and ill forest and stream Very prominent tract of ill wit pasture respondent landform togeter corridors. country and mostly native forest to topograpy). wit two stream tat directly overlooks te corridors tat are extensive Tapora coastal flats articulated by te and Kaipara Harbour, acting as a presence of remnant gateway to Tapora itself. native forest and srubland along wit some pasture. Amalgam of clearly expressed landform and native forest on ridge crest and ig slopes tat create a distinctive feature among te wider surrounds of relatively bare pasture land. Area No & name: Area 19; Oruawaro Heads, Okaukura Peninsula ONL Natural Science S Factors Harbour, eadlands & estuary Intact remnant Wild nature/cultured nature indigenous vegetation Clearly articulated Amalgam of native (Harbour and estuary) cover at river sequence of coastal forest, small lake An amalgam of coastal mout/arbours edge, ridge and ill and stream corridor eadlands, ridges and slopes, responsive to landform. landforms reinforced connected wit te largely covered in remnant native by te native forest intertidal bank and forest tat culminate in te across tem, mangrove margins Oruawaro Heads, in togeter wit te of te Orauwaro conjunction wit a large river corridor and a River. enclosed bay and mangrove strongly defined bay. colony tat, togeter wit intertidal banks extends out into te Oruawaro River. Very marked interaction of te coastal landforms and vegetation wit te natural elements and of te adjoining tidal river system Due to te combination of elevated terrain, and bus remnants, as well as local stream corridors tat intermix pleasantly wit open pasture and contrast markedly wit te surrounding farmland. Derived from te combination of native forest and natural landforms including bot ridges and stream gullies. Very strong remnant landscape values tat reflect te qualities of Auckland / te Kaipara Harbour as it once was, in a more natural state. Very obvious continuum of natural forest impounded lake and stream corridor wit te river margins and its intertidal areas.. Coerent mixture of natural terrain and native vegetation tat bot interacts positively wit open pasture and contrasts wit te more bare farmland and exotic woodlots tat oterwise largely prevail across te central Okaukura Peninsula. ly legible sequence of natural features tat contrast wit te muc more open, and relatively bare, farmland tat oterwise prevails sout and west of te Orauwaro Heads.. Interplay of coastline and te open waters of te Kaipara Harbour and more enclosed waters of te Oruawaro River, including variation resulting from atmosperic day/year, tide and wildlife. Wading and sea birds prevalent. 13

14 Area No & name: Area 20; Tapora Dune islands and CMA ONL Harbour & estuary e Intact duneland Wild nature (Harbour & estuary) landforms, barrier Very extensive area of low dune islands. islands togeter wit intertidal flats/banks, wetland / salt mars, mangroves colonies and marginal coastal terraces tat contain a mixture of wetland species, manuka wit some pampas. Very extensive series of arbour flats, dunelands/sand banks and islands wit very extensive mangrove colony and salt mars margins. Defines te entire end of te Tapora Peninsula and its interface wit te Kaipara Harbour. Continuum of coastal edge and intertidal features tat create a very extensive abitat and area of interaction wit te main Kaipara Harbour. Sensitive sequence of inner arbour features tat create te interface between te arbour and peninsula strongly influenced by conditions on te arbour itself and in a dramatic sense - to te tidal, weater and day to day, conditions of bot te arbour and te Tasman Sea. Amalgam of low lying coastal features tat, as well as being very extensive and coesive, promote te feeling of being in a very raw, exposed, wild coastal environment. Extensive amalgam of coastal features tat are only affected to a limited degree by te more developed nature of adjoining farmland and te Tapora settlement, a landscape tat as te feeling of being remote and wild. Exceptional combination of coesive coastal elements tat display a ig level of naturalness and natural structure/patterning, complementing te wider expanse of te Kaipara Harbour.. Interplay of coastline and te open waters of te Kaipara Harbour, including variation resulting from atmosperic conditions, time f day/year, tide and wildlife. Wading and sea birds prevalent. LOCATION ATION: NORTH EAST RODNEY Area No & name: Area 21; West Te Arai Point ONL Interplay between Wild nature/cultured nature (Hill remnant vegetation and rural pasture reinforcing Prominent amalgam of ridges topograpy. and spurs as well as stream gullies tat are reinforced and articulated by remnant native forest and srubland. Rural development related to landuse. Clear sequence of ridgelines and gullies, at te back of Te Arai Point and Pakiri Beac, including several stream corridors, wic are reinforced by remnant indigenous vegetation. Mod/ig Related to remnant bus pockets and stream corridors. Clearly defined landform and sequence of ridges tat is reinforced by native forest remnants; strong interplay between bus and open pasture on surrounding farmland creating a very marked structure and pattern. /mod Continuum of native forest /srubland linked wit clearly defined stream corridors. Relates to bot te amalgam of a clearly expressed landform and native forest/srubland remnants togeter wit temarked interplay of bus and pasture. 14