The Puhinui reserve located on Prices Road, Mangere was established by Council as a passive reserve suitable for equestrian, bird watching, orienteering, walking, photography and the like.

The reserve has been used for a number of equestrian events, the most recent and well known being the Puhinui 3 day event. NZ Sporthorse Inc is working with the equestrian community to develop Puhinui as a premier facility capable of hosting significant international events such as the World Equestrian Games and national events such as the annual Horse of the Year show.

Counties Distance Riding Club, Auckland Showhunter, Eventing Auckland and Auckland Showjumping are the clubs who currently make up the Puhinui Development Group spearheading this initiative.

A vision and mission for Puhinui has been developed and continues to evolve.

VISION

“A World Class Equestrian Facility in harmony with its environment and providing wider public enjoyment”

MISSION

“To provide a facility for Auckland that:

(i) is recognised internationally amongst the equestrian community so that Auckland becomes the destination in the southern hemisphere for equestrian events

(ii) enables the development and growth of equestrian sports in New Zealand,

(iii) adds value to a public park and

(iv) encourages broader public use.

NZ Sporthorse Inc is working closely with Manukau City Council to progress this initiative. To enable development, such as what is planned, will require a public private partnership that is dynamic, enabling and set up to achieve results.

The equestrian disciplines have already undertaken preliminary work to scope the project which has included:

• Facilities needs analysis based on what we know and on local equestrian needs
• Preliminary concept designs for Puhinui as an equestrian park
• Value Management Workshop
• Discussions with ASB Community Trust regarding funding
• Establishing a close working relationship with Manukau City Council

The next stage of the project is the development of the feasibility study.

Acknowledgement for their support of the project:

• Mayor, Councillors and staff of Manukau City Council
• Paul Robinson of Davis Langdon NZ
• Leigh Wilson of Boffa Miskell
• Peter Dodd of Dodd Civils
• Phil Creagh of Anderson, Creagh, Lai
• Glen Beal of Campbell Tyson Cooper White
• Jeremy Craig of Ignite Architects Limited

Shortly we will have a copy of the draft concept plan, but following is a copy of the Schemtic Layout: