City heritage to be enhanced

Part of Waitakere’s rich heritage will come under the spotlight when new fencing, lighting and signage are installed at the Te Atatu Anti-Aircraft Battery on Harbourview/Orangihina Park.

Waitakere City Council’s Finance and Operational Performance Committee has given the green light to seek tenders to install fencing at the site and to start the resource consent process for lighting and signage.

The fencing project will funded out of the Harbourview/Orangihina Park Special Fund.

The type of fencing selected will complement the historic nature of the site as well as the surrounding community.
“Some residents are of the view that the existing fencing is of a rural nature, not in keeping with the modern housing surrounding the park,” says committee deputy chairperson, Councillor Janet Clews.

“Replacing the fencing is the first priority, as it currently poses access issues for contractors wanting to get to the battery to carry out maintenance work.”
It is hoped the fencing will be installed by April.

The battery features five gun emplacements and was built in 1943 to protect the western airfields, in particular Hobsonville Airbase, from aerial attack. It is one of 12 anti-aircraft batteries built in Auckland but the only one of its kind remaining.
The site carries a Category 1 heritage rating in the council’s District Plan.

Other heritage areas in the park, such as McCormick’s Cottage and midden sites, will also be developed in future years.