Iwi's big plans for North Shore housing land

This shows part of the 21ha of land which Ngati Whatua owns on the North Shore and where hundreds of new houses could rise. Photo / Supplied

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

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.

"The area is well serviced by community amenities such as schools, local shops, parks, sports facilities and public walkways," it said, adding that its land was within 400m of public transport.

It sought to build higher, up to five storeys on some plots, and asked that pre-1944 demolition controls be removed.

It also wanted the single housing zone on Marsden St houses replaced with mixed housing zone, allowing more intensification there.

Holdings declared state the iwi owns 7.14ha on Plymouth Cres, nearly a hectare on Beresford St, 7.26ha on Hillary Cres, 1.86ha on Birchfield Rd and 4.08ha on Marsden St.
Auckland councillor Chris Darby welcomed plans for the land.

"I'm hugely impressed with the hapu's strong desire to build an enduring and connected community rather than a quick-flick housing development. Being long-term owners of the underlying land, they enjoy unique drivers to deliver lasting quality. I've kept close contact with Ngati Whatua and am reasonably aware of their priority areas for comprehensive development. It's been a long time coming."

21.3ha North Shore land

Ngati Whatua land:
• Plymouth Cres, Bayswater: 7.14ha
• Beresford St, Bayswater: .96ha
• Hillary Cres, Belmont: 7.26ha
• Birchfield Rd, Hauraki: 1.86ha
• Marsden St, Hauraki: 4.08ha
Total: 21.3ha residential land

Further Ngati Whatua land nearby:
• Navy officers' training school, Vauxhall Rd, Narrow Neck: 3.2ha
• Wakakura, Ngataringa Rd, Ngataringa Bay: 4.3ha
Total Shore holding: 28.8ha

Source: Ngati Whatua