Rotoroa Island facing new life

Rotoroa Island faces an ambitious transformation from alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre to public space.

One of the Hauraki Gulf's few privately owned islands could be opened up to the public in return for carving off a small portion as an exclusive residential development.

The Salvation Army has abandoned plans to sell its valuable Rotoroa Island and has instead proposed a scheme it hopes will generate enough cash to upgrade and maintain the island.

The church wants to demolish some of the buildings at its Home Bay alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre, but upgrade other historic buildings.

The Rotoroa Island Trust has been formed to manage the ambitious transformation, including starting an extensive native revegetation programme, upgrading roads and the wharf, pest-control measures, enhancing native wildlife and refurbishing historic features.

The island's cemetery will be preserved, its brick chapel and tea house refurbished and its detention cells upgraded. Pine shelter belts will be culled and used as mulch for new native gardens, but the two old avenues of phoenix palms and Norfolk pines will be retained.

A network of trails will be established to guide people around the island and the church hopes commercial ferry operators will soon introduce services to the island.

Captain Bruce Vyle, the Salvation Army's business administration secretary, said that after a century of restricted public access, Rotoroa would again be open to the public. Its buildings could accommodate up to 60 guests and would be ideal for visiting school parties.

In return, the army wants Auckland City Council planning permission to sell rights to occupy 10 sections at Cable Bay, at the island's northern end. The sections would be leased for 99 years.

The initial lease money, combined with annual payments, would fund plans to change the island's uses, said Captain Vyle.

Devon McLean, principal of Prow Consulting, said a benefactor had agreed to buy a 99-year lease over the entire island. This had enabled the army to develop its plans and retain ownership. Mr McLean said the benefactor was a New Zealand family who wanted to remain anonymous.

Mayor Dick Hubbard said everyone would benefit.

"It's clearly a win for the Salvation Army, a win for the people of New Zealand to have access to such a beautiful place, a win for Auckland city ratepayers and a win for central government who won't have to fund the purchase. New Zealand needs more of this," Mr Hubbard said.

John Gow, a trustee of the Rotoroa Island Trust, said the bequest was the ultimate solution for everyone involved in the island.

"This is like a gift to the nation, but the ownership will ultimately remain with the Salvation Army," said Mr Gow.

The army expects its plan change proposal to be notified for public submissions in the next few months.