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The new park was a Valentine’s Day gift from Auckland Council to Mahurangi, the purchase settlement took place on February 14.
A $12 million land acquisition by Auckland Council on the Mahurangi East peninsula has created a new 200ha public park at Sadler Point.
Council purchased a 95ha plot from the Nichol and Becroft families last week, which extends southwards along the peninsula from Martins Bay
The plot adds to land that has been owned by the Council at the tip of the peninsula since 1970 but has been inaccessible by road.
The Council expects that road access will not be established until the end of the year. In the meantime, the land is open to any members of the public who can reach it by foot or by boat.
The new park includes a four-bedroom bach built by the Becrofts, which the Council anticipates will be available for hire in the future.
The park will feature three baches in total, including Vine Cottage at Lagoon Bay and Big Bay Bach, both of which are already available for hire on the Council website.
Auckland Council parks chair Alf Filipaina says there is potential to develop the park with campsites, mountain biking, walking trails and picnic spots.
Councillor Christine Fletcher, who holds the Council’s parks portfolio, noted that the proximity to Hauraki Gulf islands and the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary provided opportunities for developing conservation initiatives.
Mayor Phil Goff says that 45 per cent of the acquisition cost has been covered by the John and Margaret Turnbull Trust.
“For the first time, Aucklanders will gain access to the bays, inlets and peninsula of the Mahurangi Harbour,” Mr Goff says.
An Order in Council will be sought from the Minister of Local Government, Nanaia Mahuta, to ensure the park protected in perpetuity as a regional park.
