Research - Mangere Bridge area, council reports

The Mangere-Otahuhu locality has one of the more diverse and young populations of Auckland.
Info from 2006 census:

• >50% of Pacific descent, 20% European, 17% Maori, 14% Asian
• about 30% were under 15 years (regional average = 22%)
• high unemployment (6.1%), low educational achievement (37.7% with no qualifications)

The draft Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Area Plan shows how the area could change over the next 30 years:

 

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/planspoliciesprojects/plansstrategies/areaplans/Pages/mangere.aspx?tab=5

Goals which are related directly to the potential site at Norana Reserve:

• Improve ... access to and around the Manukau Harbour (along the coastline of the area facing Manukau Harbour)
• "Historically it has been hard to access the Manukau Harbour, and the harbour has suffered from environmental damage. Improving access to the harbour and better managing land use (including stormwater) will greatly increase the environmental and recreational potential of the Manukau Harbour"
• Provide town centres and local centres with suitable night-time activities, such as restaurants and cafés, to improve safety and business activity beyond the day
• Favona: develop a new local centre that includes social infrastructure, community facilities and a primary school.
• Identify and improve important public viewpoints (including along arterial roads) to help people find their way, create a visual link between areas and contribute to community identity
• Integrate Māori urban design principles into the design of the built environment and open space
• Favona: ensure new development is environmentally sensitive to the Manukau Harbour, and improves visual and physical links to and along the coast
• Favona: improve walking and cycling connections, particularly along, across Favona Road, and to the coast
• Funding for Norana Park development has been approved for 2016
• Develop a local centre and facilities including extended shops, new library and improved connections to surrounding community, public transport and schools In Favona
• Revitalise and celebrate the unique Māori and multi-cultural character and history of Māngere-Ōtāhuhu centres (Māngere-Bridge, Māngere, Favona, Māngere-East and Ōtāhuhu centres)

The New Auckland Unitary Plan has the Norana site listed as a 'significant coastal ecological area', plus a 'significant wading bird area'

See also the Mangere Gateway Project