Public Use Study
Following severe damage to the Te Henga/Bethells Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s facility from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, Auckland Council commissioned a study to assess how relocating the club within Te Henga/Bethells Beach Reserve might impact public use and open space values.
The assessment combined a review of strategic planning documents, on-site public use studies, and discussions with Council staff to understand current visitor patterns, key amenity areas, and potential pressures.
The public use study was carried out on three high-use summer weekends between Christmas and Auckland Anniversay Day. Three different methods were used for this: intercept surveys, observation studies, and drone flights to map activity patterns.
Drone flight images were turned into heat maps which showed areas of high use within the park.
The findings helped inform decision-making on the facility’s location, ensuring it balances community, cultural, environmental, and recreational needs.
