We're proposing a land swap with Massey University — and we’d love to know what you think.
Atawhai Park (pictured) is a beautiful green space in Summerhill. It looks out over Massey farmland to the Tararua Ranges and is a popular spot for walking, exploring, or letting the kids run around on the playground.
We're looking at a land swap to tidy up boundaries and gain legal access to the park and nearby walkways
This is what we’re proposing:
- Massey will give Council a 564m² section of land at Atawhai Park (marked as Area 1 in the image below).
- In return, Council will give Massey 541m² of our land (Area 2 in the figure below).
- As part of the deal, we’ll also secure legal access to Atawhai Park and key walkways in the area.
There’s no money changing hands for the land. Each party will simply cover their own legal costs.
Even though the area of land is small, it’s classified as recreation reserve, so we need to ask you for feedback before making any changes.
Why are we doing this?
This all started because of a mix-up back in 1981. When Massey University gifted the land that became Atawhai Park to Council, a small part of Massey's land was accidentally left without legal access — meaning Massey can’t get to its paddocks behind the playground from its own property at 91 Atawhai Road.
While looking into it, we also saw a chance to:
- Secure legal access to the existing walkway that crosses Massey’s land (marked Easement 1 in the image).
- Future-proof a better walking route between Springdale Park and Bledisloe Park by protecting Easement 3 — a safer alternative to the current steep and erosion-prone track (Easement 2).
- Protect the mature trees along the edge of the park, so they remain public and continue providing shade and enjoyment.
- Enable Massey to apply to subdivide its land.
What does this mean for you?
- Legal protection for tracks we already use.
- More clearly defined park boundaries.
- Better protection for mature trees and green space.
- Potential for a future walkway that will be more accessible for everyone.
For more information about the proposal, read the report in the 6 August Council meeting agenda (item 7)
Have your say by 5pm on Friday 19 September
We’d love to know what you think about this proposed land exchange.
Fill out the online form to let us know.
Click here to view form.