KEY POINTS:
Part of South Auckland's heritage has been sold off cheaply and lost for ever, say critics of a Papakura auction.
The old works depot in Papakura, a vacant block of land close to the township and overlooking the Pahurehure Inlet, was sold at auction last week to a private investor for $800,000.
The sale has divided residents and district councillors alike since it was proposed more than four years ago.
Papakura Mayor John Robertson said the land had been idle for 10 years and the auction was a positive development for the community.
The land had been divided in two and the council planned to turn the larger portion into a reserve.
"I feel very comfortable that what the council is doing is the right thing - it will make a wonderful reserve," said Mr Robertson.
But Gwenda Purdy, whose family spans four generations in Papakura, was among residents who called the auction "an absolute disgrace".
"It's a pittance of an amount and you have to ask why the council couldn't find the money to save it for the people of Papakura.
Mrs Purdy said the land had "emotional and historical significance".
"It's just terrible. This is land we can't ever get back if it's sold. I think everybody is a bit disgusted that it's come to this."
Maori from throughout Manukau used to bring their waka laden with grain into the Pahurehure Inlet and from there to a mill. The site was also significant for European traders and a flax mill.
The council eventually bought it from the Katavic family in the 1950s under the Public Works Act and used it as a works depot until the 1990s.
Councillor Glenn Archibald said the sale was lacking in vision for future generations.
"It just flies in the face of what's going on when you've got the Auckland Regional Council out there buying up and taking more coastal land for the long-term good of the people.
"It's an injustice that will be done to the future inhabitants of Papakura. You don't get this sort of land back very easily. It's just absurd, to say the least."
Mr Archibald said councillors who had supported the sale would feel the backlash from the community at the local elections in October.
Mr Robertson was concerned about the area's heritage and environment although there are no concrete plans at this stage for the reserve.
"I'm comfortable with what we are doing and I think the council is forming this district into a wonderful place, as indicated by the $3 million we've put into developing the Pahurehure Inlet."
The mayor said the previous council had decided to sell the entire site and had spent nearly $400,000 preparing it for the market.
It had included in its annual budget the money it expected from the sale.
