The feel of Piha is at risk by plans to better its road, locals say

Friday, 9 November 2018

Piha residents are worried the development of Piha Rd and Seaview Rd will mean the area will loose its historic feel.

Is the Auckland beachside community of Piha a suburb or a village?

That question is at the crux of debate over Auckland Transport (AT) plans to upgrade the main entry-road down the hill after four slips in recent years.

Kath Dewar has lived in the area for 22 years and headed up the Protect Piha Heritage Society.

AT's proposal to fix the road, stormwater system, and shore-up the hillside, ignored its own guidelines to 'maintain the overall informal character of the road' for the heritage area, she said.

* Two bodies found after people swept away by river in Waitakeres, evacuations in Piha**

'The proposal for Piha is so over-engineered and under thought-out.

'Of course, we all want a safe road into Piha … but the plan for a fully urban roadway and tonnes more concrete ignores AT's own design guidelines for the heritage area, developed with Piha people less than three years ago.'

The proposed development included concrete drainage, pathways and retainer walls along sections of Piha Rd and Seaview Rd.

Protected pōhutukawa trees would be cut back.

The Protect Piha Heritage Society wanted AT to go back the drawing board and produce a safe road that was in keeping with the look and feel of Piha, Dewar said.

AT spokesperson Mark Hannan said the organisation was well aware of the location, heritage requirements and the need to protect notable trees.

'There are four slips along this section of road and the existing road requires drainage improvements,' Hannan said.

'In recognition of these three elements: slip repairs, road rehabilitation and drainage improvements, AT is combining them into a single package of work to reduce disruption to local residents and visitors.'

The investigatory work and preliminary design had cost AT about $224,000 so far.

The next step was to assess the likelihood of the project receiving funding from the NZ Transport Agency.

'Once funding has been confirmed, consultation with local residents will commence. We hope to do this in February/March 2019,' Hannan said.

'Input from local residents is vital to ensure the final design is not only robust from an engineering perspective but is also one that serves the needs of the local community.'

Dewar said locals were frustrated AT had already spent nine months on the project without talking with the public.

AT seemed determined to turn the rustic feel of Piha Rd into 'something like Te Atatū Rd', a recent West Auckland redevelopment with wide footpaths and four lanes, she said.