Park planned when pines go

A park service assessment to guide redevelopment of the Matakawau Recreation and Planting Reserve is being prepared, says Auckland Council. Franklin Local Board wants the document ready for when the pine plantation in the area is milled. Board chair Andy Baker says, “The reserve’s cultural significance will be important too, so we have asked that Ngāti Te Ata is engaged around design and development.” The reserve sits between the rural settlements of Matakawau and Matakawau Point in southeast Auckland.