Browns Bay locals believe 'danger is imminent' from house dangling over eroding clifftop
Tēnā koutou neighbours. Browns Bay locals fear property on the edge of an eroding cliff will soon collapse onto the popular beach below, as the property owner battles a lengthy resource consent process to stabilise the site.
The property on Beechwood Rd in Rothesay Bay was issued a dangerous building notice in September 2020 following a spate of slips which sent boulders, fencing and a mature pōhutukawa tree tumbling down onto Browns Bay Beach.
The notice did not apply to the house, but decking, fencing and concrete piles - some of which protrude over the edge of the cliff.
Auckland Council previously told Stuff it was satisfied two houses near the cliff’s edge were not at risk, however regular beach-goer Paul Jury said pipes, balustrades, orange safety fencing, a second pōhutukawa tree and bits of concrete continue to pile up on the beach.
Jury believed it was only a matter of time until “something serious” fell down the cliff during a storm or strong winds.
The owners of the property atop the cliff had applied for resource consent to repair and stabilise the site, but this was taking longer than expected "due to the complexity of the site access and the work required", Auckland Council’s David Pawson said.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.