Seaside Park landfill rehabilitation

Background | Timeline | Innovative features

Background

Seaside Park is located on a closed landfill at Brady Rd, Otahuhu on the banks of the Tamaki River. The 17.6 ha park is a highly visible and well used amenity area and an important recreational facility, situated adjacent to a residential area and in a sensitive coastal environment. The western, northern and coastal areas however, were unsightly, posed significant risk to the public and detracted from the amenity of the local area.


South easterm side before construction	Wetlands before construction

The purpose of the closed landfill rehabilitation works was to improve health, safety and environmental conditions at Seaside Park and to create significant positive environmental benefits and enhance amenity value.

The challenge of this project was to arrive at a solution that met council's goals and requirements, and satisfied community and stakeholder expectations, all the while mindful of the fact that the site was a closed landfill and approximately 50 per cent of the area had little to no landfill cap or landfill cover.

Aerial view of Seaside Park

After deliberations with the community and environmentalists, the Seaside Park Landfill Rehabilitation and Wilidlife Protection project was initiated and implemented, over a four year period.

In June 2006 the project won theMinistry for the Environment's Green Ribbon Award for Urban Sustainability for outstanding leadership and commitment to environmental protection.

In April 2006 the project won the New Zealand Planning Institute's (NZPI) prestigious project award. This award recognises excellence in projects that develop a natural resource, and reflects positively on the research and public consultation undertaken to complete the project.

In June 2005 the project won the Arthur Mead premier environmental award from the Auckland branch of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) for engineering activities that exemplify sustainable management of resources and care for the environment.

The project has also featured in a number of publications including NZPI Planning Quarterly and Landscape New Zealand.

Southern area
Western area
Northern wildlife habitat
Coastal area

Southern area

The enhanced southern area which includes existing features such as playing fields,
clubrooms, boat ramp, carpark, new timber landing, etc.

Western area

The western area which includes the new stormwater detention basin (bottom) and
wetland (top). Flow from the stormwater detention basin is conveyed to the wetland
via pipes as well as a landscaped overland flow channel (centre).

Northern wildlife habitat

The northern wildlife habitat which includes extensive landscaping and a specifically
designed skink (native lizard) habitat.

Coastal area

The coastal margins that include the coastal
walkways, grouted rock wall, tipped rock
seawalls, rock reefs.

Groups and companies involved

Primary groups and companies involved with design and implementation:

Auckland City Council - Environmental and Utility Management (overall project management and financing)
Tonkin and Taylor (project design, construction supervision and consultation)
Rogers Earthmoving (capping, coastal works, general assistance)
City Parks Services (planting, landscaping)
Jasmax (landscape design)

Additional support and interest:

Auckland City Council - Arts, Community and Recreation Services
AA Environmental (consenting support)
Royal Forest and Bird Society
Tamaki Estuary Protection Society
Iwi representatives
Auckland Regional Council
Department of Conservation
University of Auckland (School of Biological Studies)