Gary Taylor: Care of unique region a challenge for council

Opinion

With all the gloom about the state of the economy, it's timely to consider how blessed we are, living in the environment that is Auckland. There's nowhere like it.

Auckland, on its narrow strip of land in the South Pacific Ocean, ranked fifth in the world in the Mercer's quality of living survey last year - ahead of all Australian cities and bettered only by Zurich, Geneva, Vienna and Vancouver.

The survey puts considerable emphasis on environmental factors.

It's a place with two distinct coasts: the west is wild and exposed to the prevailing winds, with long, black-sand beaches and rugged landscapes blanketed by native forest; the east is warmer, more sheltered, compact and populated.

We have quite different harbours - the Manukau and the Waitemata - and to the north, half of the Kaipara.

None of us is far from the coast. It resonates in our many cultures and gives us our sense of identity. We use it extensively: rock-fishing at Muriwai, surfing at Piha, dog-walking at Anawhata, Polynesian church visits at Narrow Neck, swimming everywhere - preferably between the flags.

Then there's the boating. People take to the sea in big motor launches, classic yachts, tinnies and kayaks. The size of the many marinas and trailer-parks show how many of us are boaties. And a generation of new sailors is coming through the thriving Optimist sailing schools.

Away from the coastline are the recreational and scenic wonders of our extensive parks network. No other region in New Zealand has such parkland. It started with land set aside for water catchments and expanded over the years with a major acquisition drive very recently. There are now 26 parks covering over 40,000ha.

The Waitakere Ranges forms the western backdrop to urban Auckland and is habitat for many precious native birds and plants. It is protected by special legislation and is a living, working environment with many kilometres of walking tracks.

Then there is the Hauraki Gulf with its many islands - sophisticated Waiheke, the wonderfully remote Great Barrier, the bird-rich Tiritiri Matangi, the nature reserve of Little Barrier and the iconic Rangitoto.

This is the region the new Auckland Council is to govern. It is a stewardship role that will require much wisdom and care. The biggest challenge will be protecting our environment. That is what makes Auckland a truly outstanding place to live.

When the time comes, we should all listen very carefully to what political contenders say before we vote.

* Gary Taylor chairs the Environmental Defence Society, www.eds.org.nz