The Rakino Way
Introduction | Central
principles | Development strategy | Physical
infrastructure | Social infrastructure | Implementation
and monitoring
An island community's strategy
Adopted 27 February 2003.
Rakino is a small island of approximately 146 hectares (lying north-east of
Motutapu Island ). The island is 2.4km long and about 1.2km wide. The two most
popular bays have public access, but three others also have access from the sea.
There are smaller bays and beaches without public access. The public wharf is at
the south end of Sandy Bay, and a barge access ramp is at the western end of
Sanford Way in Home Bay. The hilly topography comprises a fertile layer of
volcanic topsoil from Rangitoto that overlays a thick mantle of clay soil
which in turn overlays greywacke rock. The island is mostly in pasture with
pockets of coastal pohutukawa. There are approximately 76 dwellings on Rakino
Island (mainly holiday accommodation) with a permanent population of
approximately 16.
Rakino, with its few permanent residents and its small size, little
opportunity for economic growth, and with a limited public ferry service has
little attraction for commuters. Residents welcome its isolation and privacy,
and manage with basic services and an attitude of self sufficiency.
Why have a strategy? The main purpose of the strategy is to establish a community approved
framework for Rakino's development and to signpost the direction towards a
sustainable future, where opportunities for development are facilitated and the
Island's community values and outstanding natural environment are respected
and nurtured. The strategy provides a framework for managing the effects of
future development.
The regional context
The seven local authorities of Auckland and the Auckland Regional Council
have adopted a Regional Growth Strategy, which requires each authority to accept
a proportion of the Region's growth over the next 50 years. Auckland City has agreed to provide for an additional 170,000 people over this time.
While the Hauraki Gulf Islands are not seen as an area where regional growth
will be accommodated, the regional strategy also highlights the need to have a
framework in place for the Hauraki Gulf Islands to preserve their character and
the particular lifestyle opportunities that they offer. Apart from Waiheke the
islands offer a coastal/rural lifestyle which is unlikely to be accessible to
many people.
Click here to view an illustrative diagram which shows
how the strategy fits into national, regional and local planning frameworks for the
Hauraki Gulf.
Key issues
The main issues addressed by this strategy have been identified through
consultation with the community and with iwi, as well as through discussions
with various groups within Auckland City. A summary of the key issues is shown
below:
| Key community issues |
- Protection/enhancement of the island's character and environment
- Future development of the island
- Clarification of the subdivision potential of rural blocks
- Infrastructure improvements - roads, wharf, rubbish and effluent
disposal
- Transport and access to the island
- Control of fire hazard
- Management of uncontrolled stock and or dogs
- Management of pests
|
| Specific iwi issues |
- Recognition of iwi relationship with the island
- Protection of important heritage sites
|
| Specific Auckland City issues |
- Reserve and walkway development and maintenance
- Management of interface issues between residential and rural activities
|
Structure of the strategy
The Rakino Way is built around a set of three central principles that are
derived from consultation with the Rakino community and iwi. The central
principles guide the aims, strategies and actions developed in each section of
the strategy.
The aims are the desired result of the strategy. The key actions are the
methods Auckland City will use to achieve the aims.
Central principles
The central principles of this strategy are derived from the key issues to be
considered as the island develops over time.
- Environmental protection.
- Development and maintenance of strong communities.
- Protection and enhancement of Rakino's natural coastal character.
Auckland City has a two fold responsibility - to the residents and landowners;
and to the general public who have a common interest in public access and
environmental conservation, and in ensuring that developments do not result in a
loss of Rakino's rural and coastal character. It is necessary to balance the
principles which seek to protect and enhance Rakino's character, particularly
its lifestyle values of remoteness, privacy, self sufficiency and a relaxed way
of life, with any demands for city standards of infrastructure and amenity which
could attract more tourists and visitors.
Expected outcomes
The Rakino Way outlines a strategy for managing future growth and development
as the island comes under pressure to provide more residential land. The
strategy seeks positive social and environmental outcomes for the island as it
develops. While the strategy has no statutory basis it does sit alongside
Auckland City's statutory documents such as the District Plan.
Rakino islanders requested that the strategy be a document for residents,
ratepayers and people moving to the island in the future as well as for Auckland
City staff operating in the Hauraki Gulf. Ultimately the success of the strategy will
depend on Auckland City and community support for the principles and actions contained
within it.
It will be necessary to make some changes to the Hauraki Gulf Islands
District Plan to implement some of the key actions recommended by the
strategy.
In terms of the Resource Management Act 1991, all plan changes will be publicly
notified with an opportunity for any interested person to make a submission, be
heard at a hearing and have the right of appeal to the Environment Court.
The following diagram shows how the strategy fits into national, regional and local planning frameworks for the
Hauraki Gulf:
