KEY POINTS:
Land in Onehunga which contains a unique volcanic crater has been bought by Auckland City Council as part of its programme to enhance the city's volcanic landscape.
The council purchased two vacant properties with a combined area of more than 10,000sq m which represent one of the few remaining wetlands within Auckland's volcanic field.
A council spokeswoman said the cost of the land purchase could not be revealed as it was commercially sensitive.
The site includes a pond and wetland area at the base of a crater, the depression thought to have been formed within a lava flow from the Maungakiekie One Tree Hill volcano.
It was considered unique because the dish-shaped hollow was uncommon in the lava flows on the Auckland isthmus.
Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard said the land purchase was a distinctive and valuable volcanic and ecological feature. "I'm thrilled that we have secured public ownership of this site so that it can be enjoyed and appreciated by Aucklanders now and into the future."
Councillor Christine Caughey, chairwoman of the environment, heritage and urban form committee, said the purchase would enable the protection of the rare wetland feature and allow it to be kept intact in its entire form.
"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new reserve that will not only be geologically fascinating, but protect the unique biodiversity of the flora and fauna found in this rare wetland."
The council has developed a weed management plan for the land and a heritage assessment was under way to ensure that any future use of the site protected its geological and ecological values.
The site was also scheduled for its geological and ecological significance in the council's district plan.
Future plans to develop the site as a reserve would go through a planning process involving opportunities for public consultation.
