Waitakere foothills protection law closer

The proposed law to protect the Waitakere Ranges and foothills has been lodged with the District Court for public inspection.

The final draft of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill has been agreed to by the Auckland Regional Council, Waitakere City Council and Rodney District Council.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey said this was a significant milestone.

Extensive feedback from the public had strengthened the draft bill and he looked forward to further discussion.

ARC parks chairman Sandra Coney said there was "still a way to go" on the journey to see a law passed that would effectively protect 28,000ha.