Volcanic feature centrepiece for future

From City Scene, published on 16 September, 2007

Auckland City Council has purchased land containing a volcanic crater at 36 Grotto Street and 29 Heretaunga Avenue in Onehunga to develop a public reserve.

Mayor Dick Hubbard says the land is an exciting addition to the city's collection of volcanic features. "This is a distinctive and valuable volcanic and ecological site and I'm thrilled we have secured public ownership of the site so it can be enjoyed and appreciated by Aucklanders now and into the future."

The site features a wetland within the crater base. The combination of the wetland and volcanic feature is uncommon in the lava flows on the Auckland isthmus.

Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee chairperson Councillor Christine Caughey says the purchase will enable protection of the rare wetland feature. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new reserve that will be geologically fascinating and protect the unique biodiversity of the flora and fauna in this wetland," she says.

The council has prepared a weed management plan and, in partnership with the local community, will be starting work at the site over the coming months.

A heritage assessment is also underway to ensure future use of the site protects its geological and ecological values.