Pararēkau Island is an erosion-prone island situated within mud flats in the Pahurehure Inlet of the Manukau Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand. Pararēkau and Kōpuahingahinga Island are together known as the Hingaia Islands. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway which runs across Kōpuahingahinga Island.[1] At around 20 hectares (49 acres) in size, it is the second largest island in the Manukau Harbour.[2]
 The long finger of Pararēkau Island and darker form of Kōpuahingahinga Island in Manukau Harbour | |
 | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Auckland |
| Coordinates | 37°03′45″S 174°54′30″E / 37.06250°S 174.90833°E |
| Adjacent to | Pahurehure Inlet, Manukau Harbour |
| Area | 20.0 ha (49 acres) |
| Length | 1,100 m (3600 ft) |
| Width | 280 m (920 ft) |
| Administration | |
New Zealand | |
History
editIt was reported in 2015 that Pararēkau Island was purchased alongside Kōpuahingahinga Island for $41.5 million,[3] although current developers of the island say that the land was never sold.[4]
Development started in 2022 by Ian and Jim Ross, after being approved in September 2022.[5][4] with plans for an automatic gate that will recognise number plates of residents. Future residents of the island will not be allowed to have weeds above 15cm, and will not be allowed to have clothes lines visible on the road. Originally it was going to be developed into a retirement home, but it was decided to be subdivided.[4] There have been local efforts to stop the island from being developed, but they ultimately failed. In addition to potential damage to the ecology of the region, there are concerns that removal of mangroves during the development has increased the risk of erosion. [6]
A coastal walkway around the perimeter of the island was approved, and will be funded and maintained by the Auckland Council.[4]
References
edit- ^ "I429 Pararekau and Kopuahingahinga Island Precinct" (PDF). Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ "Pararēkau Island House & Land Packages". www.selahhomes.co.nz. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ "Resort plans for two Auckland islands". Stuff. 30 January 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d Killick, Jonathan (11 October 2022). "No nudity, no laundry on show at gated island community in Manukau Harbour". Stuff. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ OurAuckland. "Pararekau concept plan approved". OurAuckland. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ^ "Save our island - Aucklander News". NZ Herald. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.