The Press FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1970. Protecting The Foreshore

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32381, 21 August 1970, Page 10

The Press FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1970. Protecting The Foreshore

The Waimairi County Council is to be congratulated on the important step it has taken towards the long-term development of a seaside recreational area between Spencer Park and North Beach, the increasingly active landscape consulting service of the Lincoln College department of horticulture has provided the council with a survey of the foreshore and set out the principles on which a plan for development should be laid. It is the first such study of planned foreshore development in this part of New Zealand. Others will undoubtedly follow. The Rangiora County Council has given some consideration to the development of the foreshore between the Waikuku and Woodend beach settlements; and it already has firm proposals for afforestation there. This prudent and timely planning is in marked contrast to the unfortunate encroachment on the foreshore of seaside settlements in parts of the North Island, particularly the Auckland area, where the Auckland Regional Authority’s superb development at Wenderholm serves as a constant reminder of New Zealand’s shortsightedness in allowing so much of its coastline to become inaccessible, or not readily accessible, to the public.

Even without the further growth of Christchurch towards the north-east the protection of a valuable recreation area for city people would be desirable. The growing pressure for more building land makes the scheme imperative. The consultants have shown that much of the sandhill area is unstable, vulnerable to the onshore winds and to invasion by people; and that flats behind the dunes must be protected from damage by people and vehicles. Development according to the consultants’ plan depends in part on the co-operation of the Christchurch City Council, which controls the forested area west of the beach. When the Bottle Lake forest was planted about 60 years ago there was no question of this area’s being of prime value for recreation, or of any immediate importance for urban building. The question of alternative uses cannot now be ignored, and as more areas of the forest are felled the progressive allocation of the land to other uses must be considered. Although the consultants have naturally treated the area as a whole, their principles lend themselves to step-by-step development over a long period, subject only to the conservation of certain areas to retain their ‘natural qualities for later enjoyment

It is not generally appreciated how sensitive such areas of wilderness are to an influx of people. The report before the Waimairi County Council makes it clear that even now parts of the area cannot hold their own unless they are protected from human invasion, and that other areas must be safeguarded by planting and the reclamation of sand dunes. It is a matter for satisfaction that the Waimairi County Council is alive to its responsibilities to preserve and improve an area of great importance to the whole city. It should be assured of the sympathy and support of all other bodies that represent the public.