6.2 Site Context ISLAND
Puketutu is a small oval shaped volcanic island in the Manukau Harbour, settlement links to Mangere it is connected to the mainland by a causeway which provides the only access to the island. The tidal nature of the Manukau Harbour provides a constantly changing landscape context for Puketutu Island and comprises a series of sandbanks and mud flats at low tides to being fully submerged at high tide. From my observations I noted a lack of development along the mainland creating a sense of isolation at the island and saw a need to reconnect the island back to the mainland.
VEGETATION Source: Retrieved 2012 from http://joelcayford.blogspot. co.nz/2009_07_01_archive.html
During my countless site visits it was noted that the vegetation on the island was minimal. Exotic tree species are dominant on the western side of the island, with Pinus on the northwestern corner but due to the extensive quarrying over the years the vegetation has been depleted leaving only shelter belt on the surrounding edges of the island.
OPEN SPACE
Open space is highly connected around the coastal edge from Ambury farm through to Stonefiels and offers great opportunities to link Puketutu into this connection. Coastal walkways are evident along the edge but a little disjointed to the rest of Mangere
DISTRICT PLAN/ ZONING
From the district plan the entire island is classed under the Mangere Puhnui Heritage zone; a area of soil generally of high quality, have high landscape value, and significant natural and/or cultural heritage values. This also shows the entire island has the character of being waahi tapu, a sacred area and a recognised geological area. Living Earth Site Taken by Author 2012