User:Prosperosity/West Coast

The West Coast of the Auckland Region, also known as the West Coast Beaches, is an area of West Auckland in New Zealand. The area is located between the Tasman Sea and the Waitākere Ranges, and covers the coastal localities of Muriwai, Te Henga / Bethells Beach, Piha, Karekare and Whatipu. The area is known for its iron sand beaches, and are major tourist attractions in the Auckland Region.

The West Coast beaches are the heart of the tribal area of Te Kawerau ā Maki.

Urban development
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018880114/auckland-s-west-coast-residents-frustrated-at-lack-of-access https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/02/stay-away-from-west-coast-beaches-if-you-re-not-a-resident/ https://nzjane.com/auckland-west-coast-beaches-travel-guide/ https://westauckland.co.nz/beaches/

In the aftermath of the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods, the West Coast beaches were closed and road access was closed to everyone except residents.

Local government
In 1876, the Waitemata County was established as the local government of West Auckland, the North Shore and Rodney, becoming one of the largest counties ever created in New Zealand. On 1 August 1974, the western area of Waitemata County amalgamated to form the Waitemata City, which included the West Coast beaches except for Muriwai. With the 1989 local government reforms, Waitemata City merged with surrounding West Auckland boroughs to form Waitakere City. On 1 November 2010, Waitakere City was merged with the surrounding metropolitan and rural areas of Auckland to form a single Auckland Council unitary authority. Within the new system, the West Coast was primarily placed into the Waitākere Ranges local board area, and Muriwai became a part of the Rodney local board area.

In addition to local boards, a number of councillors represent the West Coast on the Auckland Council. Voters in the Waitākere Ranges area vote for two councillors as a part of the Waitākere ward, and Rodney residents vote for one councillor to represent the Rodney ward.