Liz December 27th, 2017
A study conducted for Auckland City’s integrated catchment study looked at two large aquifers on the isthmus, comparing current with “maximum probable 2050 land use” in Meola and Onehunga. This picture shows the “paleo ridges” and “paleo valleys” of pre-volcanic Waitemata sandstone, along which the groundwater flows. It seems Meola Creek and its former tributaries closely follow the valleys of the old landscape.
The study concluded that although spare capacity existed in the aquifers to accommodate additional stormwater disposal there was a major unresolved issue is to find practical ways to capture and inject large volumes of stormwater generated by short, high intensity storms. It noted that additional flooding would occur in high rainfall years. See ICS Groundwater Behaviour and Assessment
This poses a few questions such as:
- what is the significance of ‘spare capacity’ in the aquifer? Does it mean that groundwater supplies have been reduced?
- what methods would Auckland Council (AC) grant itself consents for, in order to reduce flooding and recharge the aquifer?
- how would AC guarantee no reduction of groundwater quality as it tries to deal with further urban development and intensification?
- what stormwater treatment methods can AC show us now as functional examples?
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Liz November 11th, 2017
STEPS has worked with Council Biodiversity, Wildlands and other experts over the years. We have developed starter plant lists of ‘naturally occurring’ species for three habitats which occur along Meola Creek:
- Lava Rock forest
- Stream side planting
- Wetland planting
These lists are useful for community plantings and for site re-instatement as improvements take place in the catchment. Thanks to Nick Goldwater and Sel Arbuckle for plant lists. Below is a photo taken by Roy Clements of a wetland community planting.
Planting the STEPS Wetland May 2009
Rock Forest planting schedule FoM STEPS plant lists- wetland and streamside (riparian)
Auckland Lava Rock Forest plant list (from Friends of Maungawhau – first published in their book: Maungawhau – a Short History of Volunteer Action 2014)
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Liz October 1st, 2017
Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta Aquifer and the Waititiko – Waiateao Creeks
Inspired by the commitment of the Puketapapa Local Board to Te Auanga Oakley Creek, we joined with the Weona walkway community group and approached Albert Eden Local Board regarding protection and enhancement of Meola and Motions Creeks. We proposed that the AELB annual plan include a vision for both creeks, for Council and Community groups to work towards. We have asked Puketapapa and Waitemata Boards also to contribute as key landmarks such as Te Tokaroa Meola Reef, Western Springs and Three Kings all play a major role in the Meola-Motions natural landscape.
Our catchments our the largest on the isthmus and have many different communities of interest. Both streams have poor water quality. Over centuries they have been cut up 
by public works including national roads and other infrastructure; stormwater and wastewater from whole suburbs disappears, surfacing several kilometres away in local parks like Kerr Taylor reserve. The map shows Motions and Meola catchments in yellow, and the underlying aquifer in pink.
We are entering a time of great change with a $1 billion central Interceptor and Chamberlain Park projects causing landscape changes. We feel the community needs a ‘big picture’, partly to provide a background for the community work between Watercare and Meola Forum on Meola catchment changes from Central Interceptor. We also felt it could boost recognition of the need for a (formal and informal) mountain to sea path way to connect communities for cyclists and walkers.
Here is our draft plan. Please read it and let us know what you would add or change. We welcome your input. Waititiko – Waiateao Vision
[Contributing Authors: Jeanette Budgett (Unitec Institute of Technology), Sandra Anderson (University of Auckland). With thanks for contributions from Sharon Eccleshall, Andrew Mackintosh, Nick Goldwater and others.]
We look forward to progressing this plan and vision for the community.
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