Preston's Gully Upgrade

Tawatawa Ridge / Preston's Gully

The Council has redeveloped the former landfill site in Murchison Street, Owhiro Bay. The site is known as Tawatawa Reserve or Preston's Gully.

Improvements

More than 25,000 cubic metres of fill were trucked to the site, and used to contour a gully at the north end of the park where it is planned to develop a wetland.

The improvements included:

• building a circular walkway
• formalising a recreational area
• constructing a car park
• and installing planting mounds.

There are ongoing plans for planting native vegetation, and improving the track network on the surrounding hillsides.

Public Consultation

The Council first surveyed local residents on plans to upgrade Preston's Gully in 2000.

In 2006 – 2007, the Council called for feedback on a proposed landscape plan. More than 80 submissions were received.

Summary of Submissions (45Kb PDF)

An ecologist's report covered:

• the management of a closed landfill
• the feasibility of wetland areas
• other landscape management possibilities.

Ecologist Report (132Kb PDF)

The consultation process included discussions with the Southern Environmental Association, Island Bay and Owhiro Bay Residents' Associations.

Revised Landscape Plan (368Kb PDF)

Finalised Plans

The original plans were altered, fine-tuned and finalised.

Initial design objectives have been retained, but the size and dimensions of some areas were altered.

Planting by volunteer groups will continue.

More Information

David Halliday
Project Officer - Parks and Gardens

Department Details:
Recreation and Events