Future of island 'at risk' from motel plan

By SCOTT KARA

Wedding guests and tourists could soon be staying overnight at an island homestead beside the Manukau sewage ponds.

The owners of Puketutu Island's Kelliher Homestead - which hosts weddings and functions - and surrounding land want to expand their commercial venture to include 24 motel units, a covered swimming pool, a gym and a bigger restaurant.

The island homestead in the Manukau Harbour is owned by the Sir Henry Kelliher Charitable Trust.

The development has drawn opposition from groups who fear that more commercial enterprise will threaten the island's future as a regional park and have a negative impact on the environment.

It will be the subject of a Manukau City Council commissioners hearing on April 13. Fourteen submissions were received and all were opposed to the development.

The island looks set to become an increasingly attractive destination because the sewage ponds will be removed by 2003.

Groups supporting Puketutu's becoming a regional park say it is the only sizeable island in the Manukau Harbour and the trust should step aside so everyone can enjoy it.

Bill Burrill, chairman of Auckland Regional Council parks committee, confirmed that Puketutu was near the top of the list to become a regional park.

Mr Burrill did not want to comment on the hearing but said the ARC was watching the outcome closely.

The chairman of the Friends of Puketutu, Tony Brunt, said he respected the trust's rights as a private property owner. However, the new development would jeopardise the island's future as a regional park.

"We think it is about time the Kelliher Trust stopped tampering with the island and let the people of Auckland buy it as a regional park. Our sources tell us that the ARC are willing purchasers."

Bryan Pippen, deputy chairman of the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society, said: "We see it as a heritage site. It should remain uncontaminated by commercial development that could be located elsewhere."

But David Williams, for the Kelliher Homestead, said that while the trust respected the island's environment and the wishes of locals it would push hard to develop the site further.

"Our vision of the island is for it to be more than just an events centre. A homestead on its own can only offer x-amount to people," Mr Williams said.

Puketutu has evidence of early Maori and Pakeha occupation, including terracing and a rock wall garden system. It was also quarried. The 192ha island was first sold in 1842 and Sir Henry Kelliher, a brewing magnate, bought it in 1938.