Puhinui Gateway - A Typology of Living Corridors by Joe Fan

PUHINUI GATEWAY A TYPOLOGY OF LIVING CORRIDORS

AUCKLAND URBAN GROWTH STRATEGY

Rachel Butler, Carlos Charlton, zhou Fan, Tim Richardson

2014

CONTENTS Introduction Rationale Urban Growth Analysis Context Surrounding Settlements Land Use Contours & Elevation Aspect Hydrology Land Use Capability Land Cover Infrastructure Ecological Sensitive Areas Heritage Exclusions Aircraft Noise Developments Mangere Gateway Methodology Hobsonville Point Case Study Emerald Necklace Case Study GIS Identification for Areas of Design Drivers Density & Infrastructure Public Connectivity Conclusion References

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INTRODUCTION As of 2008 more than half of the world’s population were living in cities. Over the next 20 years Auckland’s population is set to rise from 1.3 million to over 2.5 million people. As a result of this increase, the Auckland Plan has been generated with the goal of “becoming the world’s most liveable city”. 60% of this growth is anticipated as being intensification of existing suburbs, while the remaining 40% will occur as new growth areas on existing greenfield sites. The Auckland Plan was an initiative produced in March 2012 by the Council. It is the framework for Auckland’s future, giving a vision for the next 30 years, as it deals with the current problematic issues of sustaining and protecting our environment, creating jobs, providing better education and dealing with transport and housing issues as the Auckland population continues to rise. Overall they have one guiding vision that shaped the Auckland, Unitary and City Centre Master Plans. This project raises the question of how urbanization can occur outside of the urban city limits, with the key focus points being liveability and sustainability.

RATIONALE “The vision for Auckland : Auckland will be a place that: Aucklanders are proud of, they want to stay or return to, and others want to visit, move to, or invest in. The goal of liveability expresses our shared desire to create a city where all people can enjoy a high quality of life and improved standards of living, a city which is attractive to mobile people, firms, and investors, and a place where environmental and social standards are respected.” Liveability. (2012) The scale, by which liveability will be measured by, has also been set by the Auckland Council. First up will be how Auckland compares on a national and international scale, then the lifestyle opportunities (access to outdoors), connectivity with public space and commercial areas, quality housing, economic prosperity and community well-being. Physical appeal and environmental sustainability also play key roles. The aim for our studio project is to analyse and identify the key areas where sustainable urban development can occur. This process will require the study of our sites topography, hydrology, vegetation, soil quality, transport network, heritage and culture. Through the use of GIS we will conduct analysis on these key issues in relation to our site, highlighting areas of sensitivity, using that information to obtain firstly if and then how we can develop the site, and what effect those changes will have on Auckland’s future. Puhinui is an existing Greenfield on the South western edge of Auckland. We predict that as Auckland continues to expand south Auckland will become a major hub in conjunction with the city as the outskirts of south Auckland including rural towns like Pukekohe, Waiuku and Tuakau all face urban development. Our site being in close proximity to Auckland Airport will be under considerable pressure to cope with the ever expanding population.

URBAN GROWTH This map/plan is illustrative only and all information should be independently verified on site before taking any action.Copyright Auckland Council. Boundary information from LINZ (Crown Copyright Reserved). Whilst due care has been taken, Auckland Council gives no warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any information on this map/plan and accepts no liability for any error, omission or use of the information. Height datum: Auckland 1946.

1996

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Created: Thursday, 3 April 2014,4:26:41 p.m.

This map/plan is illustrative only and all information should be independently verified on site before taking any action.Copyright Auckland Council. Boundary information from LINZ (Crown Copyright Reserved). Whilst due care has been taken, Auckland Council gives no warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any information on this map/plan and accepts no liability for any error, omission or use of the information. Height datum: Auckland 1946.

2006

2008

2010

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1842:

2,895 people 33.2 ha built on

1871:

12,423 people 565 ha built on

1915:

133,712 people 5039 ha built on

1945:

251,667 people 13,642 ha built on

1964:

535,167 people 26,793 ha built on

1975:

707,607 people 37,000 ha built on

1987:

754,845 people 40,022 ha built on

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Created: Thursday, 3 April 2014,4:28:32 p.m.

HISTORY OF AUCKLAND

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1959

2008

2010

2008: 1,160,100 people 49,520 ha built on These statistics have informed the way we respond to urbanisation. They clearly show that it is a growing trend for an increase in highdensity occupation of the land.

ANALYSIS 7

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Auckland CBD

CONTEXT Our focus site is Puhinui, situated on the western edge of Auckland City, with urban development from the North West of the site to the South east, and the Manukau Harbour to the South and South west, it holds a lot of potential as a new urban development. It is encompassed on those sides by the residential developments of Mangere and Papatoetoe with Wiri being primarily heavy industrial use. Puhinui is in close proximity of Auckland International Airport (AIA), and the majority of our site is under the direct flight lines imposed by AIA. Characterised as a rural area, it is divided by the Puhinui Road which links the AIA to State Highway 20 and one of the major roads which links the AIA to the rest of Auckland. The current primary link to the airport is known as the Mangere Heritage Gateway, this area is classified as being between the AIA and the Otuataua Stonefields, defined on the east by the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. Its goal is to increase employment opportunities with 216 ha being zoned as businesses. Puhinui is situated outside of the Metropolitan Urban Limits, currently classified as rural land but it is waiting being rezoned. Currently awaiting a hearing with the Council is ‘Plan Change 35’ which is a move to rezone the agricultural land, bordered by State Highway 20, Puhinui Road, Prices Road and the Puhinui Creek, into industrial land. Puhinui has rich volcanic soil, being surrounded by many volcanic features including Mangere Mountain, the Kiwi Esplanade Lava Flow, McLaughlins Mountain, Otuataua Stonefields, Puketutu Island and Ellet’s Mountain; as well as having onsite Crater Hill and the Pukaki Crater, both being volcanic tuff rings.

Auckland Airport

Puhunui site

SURROUNDING SETTLEMENTS

Mangere/Otahuhu Otara/Papatoetoe

The surrounding settlements around the area of Puhinui are three major South Auckland suburbs that make up 17% of Aucklandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire population. To the North, the suburb of Mangere/ Otahuhu has a population of 78,800, which makes up 5% of the Auckland population. The suburb has 34 schools with most of those schools being rated decile 5 or under. Pacific Islanders create 58% of the entire population of this area, whereas European makeup 20%, Maori 17% and Asian 5%.

Manurewa

To the North East, the suburb of Otara/ Papatoetoe has a population of 83,600, which makes up 6% of the Auckland population. The suburb has 33 schools, all rated at decile 4 or under. Pacific Islanders make up 46% of the population of the area, whereas Europeans make up 25%, Asian 22% and Maori 18%. To the West, the suburb of Manurewa has a population of 90,300, which makes up 6% of Auckland population. The suburb has 32 schools, all rated a decile 4 or under. Europeans make up 40% of the population of the area, whereas Pacific Islanders make up 29%, Maori 28% and Asian 15%. From this data we infer that the surrounding settlements are a lowincome area in comparison with some of the wider Auckland region. We recommend that our proposed developments should be within a similar category, making it an accessible to the wider community. This will result in having smaller, more affordable properties in high or medium density zoning. (Percentages retrieved from Auckland council website, Do not add up to 100%)

LAND USE Within the Puhinui site there is a range of features that create an interesting site layout. For example the volcanoes that are located here have created significant features like the Pukaki craters and Crater Hill along with enriching the soil, creating optimum agriculture possibilities in places. On the north-western edges of the Puhinui site there is a significant Maori Pa that is home to some of the local areas historical archaeological features and cultural values. It is important to that Marae that some of the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural character is retained. At the eastern Papatoetoe edge of the site there is the Papatoetoe Cemetery and the Manukau Memorial Gardens that is the home to the deceased of the local area. There are development plans in place to expand the recreational activities in the area. These plans consist of the Colin Dale Motorsport Park and the neighbouring equestrian circuit proposed to occupy the northern edge of the Puhinui reserve, on the coastline of the Manukau Harbour.

CONTOURS & ELEVATION The Puhinui site has a ridge that runs from the North east to the South west. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The terrain is generally flat to gently undulatingâ&#x20AC;? (Mangere-Puhinui Rural Area), with some steep ridges around Crater Hill and the Pukaki Crater. We suggest that any slopes over 15 degrees should be rezoned as vegetation to minimise future impacts from erosion.

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ASPECT We have identified that all south-facing slopes over 8 degrees will be unpreferable for residential development. It is preferable to build housing on northern facing slopes to maximise use of available sunlight, reducing heating costs.

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HYDROLOGY Our site has two main catchment areas formed by a ridge that runs from North East to South West (as mentioned previously). The Eastern subcatchment, known as the Puhinui Creek catchment, runs parallel along Puhinui Creek and into Puhinui Reserve. It is part of the larger Pahurehure catchment area. The western sub-catchment area, which covers a much larger portion of our site, is the Pukaki-Waokauri Creek catchment and is part of the larger Mangere catchment. Both of these sub-catchments drain into the Manukau Harbour. Reports of the fresh water quality of the surrounding creeks were rated from A to F. Out of the all the indicators, water quality and flow patterns scored D; nutrient cycling, habitat quality and biodiversity all scored F. The report concluded that the overall fresh water quality of the surrounding creeks is very poor. A re-vegetated buffer zone around the coast and waterways will be required to improve water and sediment uptake, while also minimising risks of erosion. Any agriculture development that we propose should have limitations on how fertiliser is used to reduce the risk of chemical runoff, and any farm land will need adequate fencing to prevent stock entering the buffer zones. Any new urban developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presents us with the opportunity to utilise rainwater to our advantage. This can be done by collecting rainwater from houses into storage tanks to be used as part of residential and commercial internal water supply. Their waste water can be separated into grey water (from laundries and kitchens) and black water (from showers and toilets). Grey water can be collected to be reused on vegetation while black water will go into the storm water system. Rainfall can also be collected from impervious surfaces like roads and public spaces to be used in rain gardens, removing pollutants.

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LAND USE CAPABILITY The 1100 Hectare site of the Puhinui area has some of the most fertile soils in the Auckland district, with large agricultural zones currently located around the site. The existing agricultural areas located on the site have virtually no limitations for development and are classified as being suitable for cultivating crops, pasture or forestry. However they are prone to erosion, soil wetness from poor drainage or frequent overflow of streams or coastal water ways that run nearby. As well as having very fertile land, the Puhinui area also has a mixture of moderate soils that occasionally suffer from soil wetness resulting from poor drainage or frequent overflow from streams or coastal waters. However, even though these soils are described as having moderate soil conditions, they are still described as being suitable for occasional agriculture purposes. The development of buildings on site would severely limit the future potential of the soil. Infrastructure, including roading deems the soil unusable, even once removed.

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LAND COVER The mapping of current land cover has allowed us to place values on the importance of the existing site uses. The predominant use of the site currently is as exotic grassland; grazing for stock. While an important aspect of New Zealand rural life, it is not making best use of the soil quality in that area, while stock can also cause damage to archaeological sites, and vegetation and fertilizer runoff from maintaining the grassland causes contamination to vwater quality. Orchards and short-rotation cropland are reliant on soil quality for success, the close proximity to the city is also important as it is minimising the transport links in supplying food to the population. Existing exotic forest is important for amenity values, providing wind protection for surrounding areas and is an important habitat for roosting birds. The Papatoetoe Cemetary and Manukau Memorial Gardens occupy land between State Highway 20 and the Pukaki-Waokauri Stream; they are an expansive parkland and exist as part of our heritage and culture. Further land for expansion should be provided.

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INFRASTRUCTURE The main arterial road within our site is Puhinui Road, also known as State Highway 20B (SH20B). The other arterial roads in close vicinity, (and although not part of our site do create opportunities), are Roscommon Road to the East and Massey Road to the North West. The South-Western Motorway (SH20) runs along the North Eastern edge of our site.

The Auckland International Airport is immediately to the West of our area, so aircraft noise from the take-off and landing have a major impact on our site, the flight line is directly above Puhinui Road and is classified as being 65 decibels creating limitations for residential development. The Southern Railway Line is to the East of our site with the Puhinui Station on Puhinui Road. In 2008, the Auckland Regional Transport Agency proposed several options for connecting the southern suburbs of Auckland to the airport with suitable public transport systems. The options include a light rail transit, a heavy rail rapid transit network or a busway, all connecting the Puhinui Rail Station to the airport through our site running approximately parallel to SH20B. Generally, an easy distance for the average person to walk is around 800m, which equates to approximately a 10-minute walk. The map shows the locations of train stations near our site as well as an 800m walking radius around them. If residents in Auckland all lived within a 10-minute walk from the nearest public transport node, many more people would begin to take the bus or the train over driving. A survey was conducted in 2010 at the Papatoetoe train station. Findings say that 51% of respondents travelled to the station by car and 45% walked. Out of all the respondents that travelled to the station on foot, more than 50% of them walked more than 800m and 15% of respondents walked more than 2180m. The survey also concluded that walking is the most common form of transport for trips under 2km. A main wastewater pipe enters the area from the West at Puhinui Road and runs toward the South East and exits on the East side.

ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS Shelterbelts frame the current landscape which is used for agriculture, the main species include macrocarpa, poplars and eucalyptus, although some weed species have also become established. Groups of amenity trees currently provide shelter along the Puhinui reserve and on agricultural land. The Puhinui reserve is 199ha, and is at the bottom of our site, to the far west of McLaughlins volcano. An extensive, native podocarp-broadleaf forest is thought to have been once present on the reserve. Now the conservation zone is 39.5ha, and encompasses a strip of native planting alongside the coast which is primarily vegetated with manuka but also is home to rare vegetation like the native musk and swamp coprosma. Introduced bird species live in the open pastures of the reserve, including mallard ducks, pukeko, harrier and swallows. The shoreline of the reserve is a roosting spot for migratory birds feeding in the estuary and harbour intertidal zones; they typically arrive in spring, leaving at the beginning of autumn. It will be essential to retain this habitat while being mindful of the possibilities of bird strike from being in such close proximity to the airport runway. The salt marsh next to the Penisula is one of the largest and least disturbed saltmarsh environments remaining in the Manukau Harbour The southern tip of the Puhinui Penisula is a wildlife refuge, with accessibility determined by the tide of the Manukau Harbour.

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HERITAGE This indicates sites which are of significance to Mana Whenua. The MangerePuhinui was first settled by Maori who occupied the coastline from the 1300s, the use of the estuary resources is evident in the shell middens which are visible onsite. Locations such as Otuataua Stonefields and Mangere Mountain still show remnants of this occupation, as does the Puhinui creek. The Manukau Harbour and adjoining lands are under the guardianship of the tangata whenua. The volcanic Pukaki Crater is ancenstral land and of spiritual value to the tangata whenua. Any developments we propose will need to be mindful of destruction of sacred archaeological sites. Protection from development is a priority, and needs to be provided to ensure the land is respected and available for future enjoyment as a public reserve.

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EXCLUSIONS Our GIS analysis has shown many sensitive areas of the site which need to be excluded from development. These are native vegetation plantings, the coastal edge providing a 50m buffer zone and the smaller waterways providing a 20m buffer on either side; this is to minimise erosion around the streams, reduce run off from developments and to minimise pollutants entering the waterways. These zones can instead be utilised in producing either areas for native re-vegetation or as part of public reserves. As the buffers intersect through some of the widest areas of our site by Puhinui Road they can be well utilised as connectivity points across our site, for wildlife and people. The Manukau Memorial Gardens proposed extension has be retained as it provides a necessary place of remembrance and also acts as a form of urban open space. We have chosen to retain the proposed developments for Colin Dale Motorsport Park and the adjoining equestrian centre as these pose potential for attracting users to the site. They are also popular community facilities, and while not making best use of the land or soil are important for occurring so close to the city centre; any new developments of their kind would likely be positioned in rural Auckland towns. Southern facing slopes over 8 degrees have been excluded and these can instead be areas for revegetation. Crater Hill and Pukaki Crater have been both been excluded from urban development, instead being utilised as public reserves. Archaelogical sites have been excluded, most of which occurs around the coastline and therefore is in the buffer zone. Sites around the craters will be incorporated into the reserves.

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AIRCRAFT NOISE

Since our site is very close to the Auckland International Airport and State Highway 20, the area is largely affected by noise pollution. Other forms of possible noise pollution affecting our site include noise from the surrounding industrial areas, people at the public spaces and the proposed Colin Dale Motorsport Park. In an open area of 30m, noise can be reduced by about 21dB. Sound waves travelling on water between -25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius has an average velocity of 330m/s. The cooler air near the surface of the water slows down the sound waves and refract them downwards. A noise mitigation method is a well-placed row of trees and shrubs, this can reduce noise by 3 – 5dB. General double glazed windows on the housing would reduce noise by 20%, while silence glass is able to reduce noise by 60%. The Auckland International Airport Ltd. has some noise control implications that follow a Noise Management Plan. “A summary of the Civil Aviation Rule Part 93 noise abatement procedures is as follows; 1. Departure to the East – Climb on the extended runway centreline to: • At least 3000ft before turning left; • At least 2000ft before turning right; or • At least 500ft and turn right adjacent to McLaughlins Mountain. “ (Noise Management Plan, 2005) and “4. Between 11pm and 6am takeoff to the west and land from the west (i.e. both over the Manukau Harbour) when there is a tailwind of less than 5 knots and air traffic conditions allow.” (Noise Management Plan, 2005)

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These procedures are designed so that the noise from the low-flying aircrafts in the areas north and east of the airport is kept to a minimum. The new proposed Colin Dale Motorsport Park has a large amount of restrictions in terms of noise. Restrictions include, a limited number of events over the period of a calendar year, in this case, 50; no more than 2 backfires from each vehicle per race; racing can only be held for a certain amount of time. The noise from the park must remain under 60dB. Noises of 62dB are allowed to last no longer than 15 minutes. We believe a solid barrier and rows of trees around Colin Dale Motorsport Park will be the most beneficial for residents nearby.

DEVELOPMENTS 21

MANGERE GATEWAY The existing Mangere Gateway is classified as being the area between the Auckland International Airport and the Otuataua Stonefields, bordered to the east by the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. • 216 ha of land are zoned as business. • 76 ha are rural zoned. • 52 ha are designated as public space, including reserves like the Otuataua Stonefields. The Mangere Gateway Heritage Route is intended to promote the cultural and natural heritage of the region, both as an attraction for tourists and to provide more recreation opportunities for tourists.

METHODOLOGY Our group response to urbanisation is based on the Council proposition of being liveable while accommodating population growth. Our project goals are to explore dense urban development with plentiful green space for the public while designing a community where the prominent public facilities are within an easy walking distance; eliminating the need for the residents to travel far for work or leisure. We also aim to upgrade the access ways in anticipation of the expansion of Auckland International Airport, prioritising having a rail link from connecting the airport to the city and to the south of Auckland and having a community bus link. As part of creating a liveable city it will be essential that we have sustainability as key focus around urbanisation. The existing rural character of the site is an essential component, especially because of the close proximity to the city centre. Where possible it would be ideal to maintain some of this character within our development.

HOBSONVILLE POINT

CASE STUDY

Hobsonville Point is a new subdivision, currently being developed north west of Auckland’s city centre. Once the site of Auckland’s amphibious aircraft, the new development has made steps to embrace the heritage of the site. •Creating facilities for all members of the community. •Sustainable developments moves, including water recycling, rain gardens, wetlands and swales. •The development proposes two new schools, for primary and secondary school education. •Residential zoning is higher density housing utilising apartments, terrace type housing and detached homes. This has been deemed as a requirement in order to cater to Auckland’s growth within limited space. •Environmentally focused, low impact infrastructure, including new approaches to transport, energy and storm water management. •Occupying the coastal edge, Hobsonville Point has taken a strong focus on the environment, embracing native and exotic planting to enhance and protect natural features. •24 hectares of land are designated as parks, reserves or open space. There are a proposed 4km of coastal walkways. Hobsonville Point is a great example of a housing development that we would like to achieve on our Puhunui site. A housing development that has a mixture of affordable high density terraced housing and single housing mixed in with large open green spaces and world class and effective transport networks.

EMERALD NECKLACE, BOSTON CASE STUDY

4.5 kmÂ˛ or 445 hectare chain of parks Linked by parks and waterways in Boston Compromises half of Bostonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park acreage The Emerald Necklace connects 9 major parks in the centre of Boston. The Emerald Necklace is a relevant case study for our proposed development as it shows how existing parks can be linked through highly dense urban areas. It creates a large green corridor for people to walk through and gives people an alternative route to get in or out of the city centre and outer suburbs.

GIS IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Reclassifying our land gave us the opportunity to combine what elements we saw as priorities in zoning development. We chose to reclassify land for choosing where we would develop productive land, or residential zones. Land to be excluded from those developments was reclassified as zero (e.g within coastal buffer zone), while other elements like slope and soil quality were ranked with features like south facing slopes and poor quality soils being zero, while northern aspects and high quality soil were given higher values. Through the GIS calculator, using our reclassified features, we obtained the new maps. Highest quality zones for agriculture were prioritised over residential zoning, putting the focus on using the high soil quality to our advantage. These calculations and mapping then informed the best areas for each development. Agriculture: Archaeological features: Y = 0, N = 1 Ecologically sensitive: Y = 0, N = 1 Soil fertility: 1w1= 20, 2e = 10, 3w = 5, 4s = 1 Aspect: N=8, E=6, S=2, W=6 Slopes: <15 = 1, >15 = 0 Proximity to coast: <50=0, >50=1 Proximity to waterways: <20 = 0, >20 = 1 Residential: Archaeological features: Y = 0, N = 1 Ecologically sensitive: Y = 0, N = 1 Slopes: <10 =10, >10 = 2 Aspect: N=8, E=6, S=2, W=6 Proximity to coast: <50=0, >50=1 Proximity to waterways: <20 = 0, >20 = 1

AGRICULTURE

RESIDENTIAL

DESIGN DRIVERS We found ourselves limited by the noise lines created by the Airport, after drawing up some concepts as to how we could work with them we became inspired by the idea of how that is the major arrival and departure point for visitors to New Zealand. The noise lines defined by the airport gave us the inspiration for our zoning arrow. The shape we formed from that was the diagonal blocks with Puhinui Road as an axis. They form a simple arrow on the land, but they also reflect that movement with the airport, whether you are bound for arrival at the airport they axis converge at the main flight line, or they diverge for when you are departing. That idea gave us the concept of the Puhinui Gateway, mimicking the Mangere Gateway concept. As both suburbs will frame the main routes into the airport it seemed fitting that the two developments would mimic each other while each serving a different function. Existing cycleways in the reserve are now made easily accessible by the Green Corridor. The existing coastal walkways around the Manukau Harbour have greater connectivity from the Puhinui Reserve. Hikers who wish to walk to Totara Park and the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens are able to utilise the Green Corridor to travel via Puhinui Creek. Multiple stories of native vegetation across the corridor will also provide an easy migratory route for wildlife, connecting prominent re-vegetated areas.

DENSITY & INFRASTRUCTURE Our proposed Puhunui development is based on having mostly high density Terrace and mixed suburban housing and a small amount of medium sized single housing developments. Our aim is to make more affordable, high density housing areas rather than single housing zones. We want to house as many people as we can in our proposed housing zones to cater for the hundreds of thousands of people arriving in Auckland over the next 30 years. High density, Terrace housing • 56.76 hectares of dedicated land • Each dwelling having 200 m² of space • Estimated 2 persons per dwelling • Estimated 4540 people living in Terraced housing zones Mixed suburban housing zone • 72.5 hectares of dedicated land • Each dwelling having 300 m² of land to build on • Buildings must not exceed 8 metres in height • Estimated 3.5 persons per dwelling • Estimated 6767 people living in mixed suburban housing zones. Single house zone • 51.68 hectares of dedicated land • One dwelling per 500 m² site • Estimated 3.5 persons per dwelling • Estimated 2894 people living in single housing zones All together our proposed development will have 180.95 hectares of land dedicated to housing developments with an estimated 14,201 residents.

AGRICULTURE The high quality volcanic soils of Puhinui create optimum opportunities for agriculture, and therefore the incorporation of agricultural activities have been added to the arrow corridor represented in our map. This zoning incorporates development for short-rotation cropland or orchards and vineyards on the best quality soils around Crater Hill. Alongside Puhinui road we plan for smaller zones of community gardens and crop fields throughout this corridor; expressing the values of agriculture as essential in urban developments along with Auckland’s vision of being a green liveable city . “New Zealand experience would also suggest that farming and forestry are major sources of risk” (to archaeological sites). This prompts our response of eliminating current animal grazing onsite.

REVEGETATION Revegetation zoning has been incorporated to occur as part of buffer zones around residential areas, and on areas surrounding the coastline in the flight line which were of poorer quality soil. The existing conservation area on Puhinui Reserve has been enlarged with the aims of creating diversity amongst the existing native vegetation, strengthening our endemic biodiversity while also providing shelter for bird species in the area. Shelterbelts are to be planted in between our separate urban zones, strengthening the visual lines of the Puhinui arrow (as seen from above being in the flight line of the AIA), while also blending the division between zones as for some zoning it is a distinctive change. Where possible it would be beneficial to retain existing amenity vegetation and shelterbelts and incorporate those into developments. Some areas of sensitivity due to their proximity to the coast and therefore the AIA and flight line have been revegetated, strengthening the proposed 50m bufferzone. As birdstrike from approaching flights poses serious risk to aircraft safety, steps will have to be taken to mitigate the possibility of this occuring. This can be achieved through making the shores of wetlands and ponds steeper, or by covering the water surface with nets or wires.

PUBLIC CONNECTIVITY We have proposed a connection through our site called the Green Corridor. It is designed to intersect our site to connect together both existing and new public spaces. Since Puhinui Road links the West of our site to the East, the Green Corridor will link the Northern and Southern ends of our site together by providing an environmentally friendly and accessible walkway and cycleway. There are a number of major nodes of connection for the Green Corridor. • Residential housing around Portage Road Reserve to the North is isolated from the other residential areas on our site and the Green Corridor going across the water will help to link the area to the rest of the community. • The commercial area will attract many residents in the local area for their shopping needs. The residents living in the areas to the North and the South East will have a much more enjoyable time travelling to and from the commercial area with the Green Corridor in place. • The community gardens are a large area of public space for all the residents in the area to come together and bond as a community. This is especially important for the residents living around Portage Road Reserve. • Colin Dale Motorsport Park will become a major attraction for people living inside and outside our site. Making the park easy to access for people would heavily influence its patronage. • Puhinui Reserve is a large open space suitable for families to take their children to, while also being an ecological hub. Existing cycleways in the reserve are now made easily accessible by the Green Corridor. The existing coastal walkways around the Manukau Harbour have greater connectivity from the Puhinui Reserve. Hikers who wish to walk to Totara Park and the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens are able to utilise the Green Corridor to travel via Puhinui Creek. Multiple stories of native vegetation across the corridor will also provide an easy migratory route for wildlife, connecting prominent re-vegetated areas. 33

CONCLUSION Our response to liveability has been to frame a high-density residential subdivision while providing an easy access transport route to connect to the wider suburbs. As a group we defined liveability as being walkable, minimising the cost of living, providing civic services and amenities, having plentiful green space and protecting the environment. The topic of liveability also brings up this issue of who is it liveable for, it bears a correlation with the concept of urban ecology and making our development function not only for people but also wildlife, supporting the natural environment and encouraging New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biodiversity. We thought our corridors really encapsulated those issues. The development of the zones has been based on the existing features of the land, getting the best use out of them; while the size of the sectors encouraged a lot of diversity in their use. The proposed Green Corridor links pedestrians across our site from North to South, joining the once isolated zones around the Pukaki Crater and surrounding residential area, with the Puhinui Reserve by creating a bridge over the Pukaki-Waokauri creek. The corridor caters for pedestrians and cyclists, while the surrounding native vegetation creates a corridor for existing Puhinui wildlife between prominent ecological zones. The corridor shape was defined by creating access to other parks, reserves and retail zones. Our answer to sustainable urban growth while creating a liveable city has been to focus on creating a quality, highdensity residential subdivision. The Puhinui Gateway strategy provides shared green space enriching the sense of community, promoting guardianship over the fragile environment. Maintaining the light rail link alongside Puhinui Road has meant that our residents will have an easy access route to the wider Auckland and a green link will promote access to the wider landscape, we believe that the combination of these features will be positive steps towards Auckland becoming the worlds most liveable city. The Green Corridor concept is one, which could ideally be implemented to expand across many Auckland Parks, replicating the concept of the Emerald Necklace and enhancing liveability and connections across Auckland. The site is within close proximity to the Mangere Gateway. The two gateways are the first impressions tourists will have of New Zealand; Mangere will operate as the business hub while Puhinui is a model of sustainable residential development creating juxtaposition of residential zones with public domains, and plots of agricultural to maintain elements of rural character All together our proposed development will have 180.95 hectares of land dedicated to housing developments, with an estimated 14,201 residents with 5,029 dwellings in a combination of high density, mixed use and single residence zoning. 34

Aerodrome Land Use. (2008). Civil Aviation Authority: www.caa.govt.nz/aerodromes/Guidance_Material_Aerodromes.pdf

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