Iwi’s plans for North Shore housing land

Ngati Whatua soon to announce intensive housing proposal on North Shore holdings.
By Anne Gibson

Ngati Whatua is poised to announce a huge redevelopment of part of its North Shore land holdings, capable of taking hundreds of new residences.

Its plans for five streets of housing in the Belmont/Bayswater/Hauraki areas between Takapuna and Devonport are yet to emerge.

But indications are the iwi is planning a major intensification, perhaps in conjunction with a private developer.

At Wakakura, the ex-navy land it bought in Ngataringa Rd, the iwi has already signed a lease to retirement village owner and operator Ryman Healthcare.

The iwi refers to its 21.3ha as the Hillary Block, named after the single biggest holding: 7.26ha on Hillary Cres, Belmont.

A double-page full colour aerial photograph appears in the latest annual report for the year to June 30, 2015, showing some of the Belmont/Bayswater/Hauraki land, now occupied by dozens of weatherboard or brick navy houses, most stand-alone but including some duplex units.

“In a sense we are only just beginning,” says Ngarimu Blair of commercial arm Ngati Whatua Whai Rawa. “That is to make good on the promise of our ancestors, to be a force for creativity, imagination and inclusivity on our land and waterways of Tamaki Makaurau.”

The properties are leased mainly to the navy until 2018 when the iwi can progress.

In its unitary plan submission, Ngati Whatua emphasised the land’s advantages and indicated that it would dismiss all objections based on its plans putting pressure on existing roads, schools, parks, retail and other infrastructure.

“The subject sites are generally large and compact in size, located in close proximity to public transport routes and community amenities and typically have good outlook, amenity and views. In particular, the majority of sites have stellar views towards the Waitemata Harbour, Hauraki Gulf and the CBD or Waitakere Ranges,” it said.

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