Ask Phoebe: Shore access will remain as airport spreads out

Q. The airport is expanding towards Renton Rd, which leads to a parking area with wonderful views towards the Manukau Heads. Why has the road never been sealed? Is access to the Manukau Harbour going to remain? Will the public have continued access along the shoreline back towards the airport? Why are there survey stakes out from the beach just past the lava formations? Why are shrubs and undergrowth along part of the shore being bulldozed? Is there going to be no vegetation break between the shore and the airport development?

This is a neglected area. It has one small rubbish bin which is almost always overflowing because people go to the area to fish, collect seafood, drink or eat takeaways. The mess is sometimes appalling.

The lava formations and the remains of old trees embedded in the cliff make this a very interesting area. Why is it so neglected? Chris Daisley, Mt Roskill.

A. Manukau City Council tells me that this area is indeed part of the land designated for the airport's second runway project, as you surmised. Access to the foreshore will remain, and the area improved, but the road will need to be realigned, which is why it is still unsealed. The council says the bins are emptied every second day. If you see overflowing bins, ring the council on (09) 262-5104 and it will come out and empty them.

And Richard Llewellyn of the airport company confirms that stage one of the northern runway will not prevent public access to the shoreline, but wildlife hazard management or airport operational issues may take precedence. The survey pegs mark the extent of a stony bank which forms part of a bird roost during neap tides, when there is the least difference between high and low water. The roost may provide a bird hazard for aircraft, and needs more investigation.

The shrubs were removed for the building of a stormwater outfall. For safety reasons, vegetation has had to be removed for the full 150m width of the new runway.

Q. The new high occupancy vehicle/transit lane on the Waterview/ Great North Rd onramp citybound has been open for a month. But now it is closed for the next five weeks. There is no explanation on the sign about why it is closed, but barriers and workers were on the site last Wednesday. Was there some mistake in the construction? Or has some problem developed? Harry George, Blockhouse Bay.

A. There is a nearby stormwater pond which needs to be cleared and improved. The work is being done quickly so the priority lane can be re-opened as soon as possible.