Why can't we remove the closed landfill material?

These are two of our larger closed landfills, there is many millions of cubic meters of landfill material in this site. Removing a closed landfill is a complex and challenging task due to several factors, such as:

• Environmental concerns – Landfills contain a mix of waste, including hazardous substances. Excavation can release harmful chemicals and gases, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.
• Structural stability – Over time, landfill material compacts and settles. Disturbing it can lead to ground subsidence, potentially affecting nearby structures and infrastructure.
• Cost and logistics – Landfill removal is expensive and logistically challenging. It requires specialised equipment, significant labor, and proper disposal of the excavated material. This would mean relocating waste to another landfill, shifting the problem elsewhere.
• Regulatory issues – Closed landfills in New Zealand are strictly regulated under Ministry for the Environment guidelines, making removal difficult and heavily controlled.

Rather than removal, closed landfills are usually repurposed, for example, such as parks, with long-term monitoring and maintenance to ensure safety. This includes ensuring the landfill cap is intact, managing any potential gas emissions, and monitoring groundwater for contamination.

Why can’t we complete the landfill recapping now?

Recapping a landfill involves covering the landfill material with a barrier, typically a thick layer of compacted clay, to prevent water from entering and gases from escaping. This process also includes restoring the land for future use, which might involve planting grass, and using the area for other purposes like recreation.

Large amounts of fill material are required to complete the necessary works. There are a few important factors to consider when it comes to sourcing fill, such as transport costs, consenting requirements (the material must be clean), soil testing, and certification from the source – not all fill is equal. The landfill team also has a broader programme of works to consider and generally prioritises projects where costs can be absorbed within existing contracts to keep things cost-neutral. Recapping at Appleton Park will be undertaken by the Council’s landfill team as soon as practicable, likely within the next 5-10 years, whereas Ian Galloway Park requires a larger amount of fill which is more likely to take place in 10+ years.

What will happen to existing assets at Appleton Park when landfill remediation work is completed?

The courts and shared path at Appleton Park can likely be retained when recontouring works take place at Appleton Park. The closed landfill at Appleton Park is fairly settled now as most of the settlement takes place in the first 20 years following closure of the landfill.

Is it safe for recreation assets to be located on these closed landfills?

Yes, it is generally considered safe to locate recreational assets – excluding buildings or structures that may be susceptible to subsidence or pose a risk due to landfill gases - on closed landfills, provided that appropriate management and monitoring measures are in place. Key risks must be actively managed:

• Landfill Gas Management – Landfills produce methane, which can be explosive or contribute to air pollution. Effective Management strategies include gas collection, venting systems and ongoing monitoring to detect any leaks or buildup.
• Groundwater Contamination – Contaminants from the landfill can leach into groundwater. Regular groundwater monitoring is essential to ensure that recreational areas and users are not exposed to harmful pollutants.
• Landfill Cap Integrity – The clay cap, designed to prevent infiltration and erosion, must be kept in good condition. Regular inspection and maintenance ensure it remains structurally sound and effective.

Thorough risk assessments are conducted under Council’s Landfill Policy to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate mitigation strategies. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance help ensure the safety and viability of recreational use on closed landfills.

What is the effect the of closed landfills on Kaiwharawhara Stream?

Given the age of the Ian Galloway Park landfill, any leachate produced is expected to be mature and low strength, particularly from surface runoff. Most of the residual leachate is significantly diluted before it reaches the Kaiwharawhara Stream.

Water quality monitoring of stormwater entering the drain at the base of the landfill has shown that the majority of leachate is diverted to the sewer. Ongoing periodic monitoring of the Kaiwharawhara Stream is carried out to confirm this diversion and assess potential impacts.

What is proposed for courts?

The Play Spaces Policy identified that there is no basketball court provision (either half courts or full courts) in Karori. This gap will be further exacerbated with the anticipated closure of Cardinal McKeffrey School which has historically been used by the wider community for weekend sports.

The plan supports modifying the court at Appleton Park to be multi-purpose and considering a half-court as part of the new play space at Ian Galloway Park as part of the next stage of design. Any further court provision, would be considered as part of the Play Spaces Policy review.

What is proposed?

We’re proposing to explore potential dog park improvements, informed by feedback in the Dog Policy Review.

Capital BMX have proposed relocating the dog park. Will this happen?

Relocating the dog park would require identifying a suitable alternative site that offers the same or improved level of service, as well as funding for relocation. Following analysis, the Council has not identified a viable alternative location, so the dog park will remain in its current location.

A new neighbourhood play space is proposed for Ian Galloway Park, to fill a gap in the network identified in the Play Spaces Policy (2017). There are two possible locations within Ian Galloway Park for this to be located, which we are seeking feedback on.

• Option 1 is centrally located by the sports fields and pavilion.
• Option 2 is located at the southern corner of Ian Galloway Park, by the skate ramps and BMX track.

What is typically included in a neighbourhood play space?

Guided by the Play Spaces Policy (2017), a neighbourhood play space provides play opportunities for at least one age group (ideally junior children as a minimum). Nature play and kick-about space is considered to broaden play experience alongside swings/slides for example.

Why isn't the proposed play space located closer to Karori East, where there's an identified gap?

With limited suitable sites available Ian Galloway has been identified as the preferred location to address the provision gap. In making this decision it's noted that:

• there will be coverage overlap due to the proximity of Creswick Terrace play area.
• The benefit in extended coverage is fairly evenly split between Karori and Northland.
• West Karori has good provision of community play spaces.
• There are benefits of co-locating the play area at the community sports park, which Karori residents are likely to utilise.

What is being considered?

The draft plan includes two possible locations for a community scale pump track, which we are seeking feedback on.

• Option 1 is centrally located south of the sports fields, north-east of the BMX track.
• Option 2 is located at the southern corner of Ian Galloway Park, by the skate ramps and BMX track. This area has more constraints and may result in a smaller pump track.

What is a pump track?

A pump track is similar to a BMX track but enables riders to 'pump' through a series of features in a continuous loop. Depending on the facility type and the surface finish, pump tracks can also cater to a wide range of wheeled-users and range from beginners to experienced, essentially making them a fund and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy riding on wheels.

Is Council funding the pump track?

No Council funding has been committed to the pump track. It is a community-led initiative that will require external funding.

How big is it?

The final scope and size of the pump track will be determined through a needs assessment and feasibility study to ensure its fit for purpose. This project would be subject to any necessary regulatory approvals

These three park are situated along the Kaiwharawhara Valley between Zealandia and Otari-Wilton’s Bush. The Kaiwharawhara whaitua (catchment) is unique in Wellington City as the largest stream system, and only catchment with an open estuary on the Wellington harbour. Ian Galloway Park, Wilton Park, and Appleton Park have the potential to play a greater role in connectivity for indigenous biodiversity between Zealandia and Otari-Wilton’s Bush.

What is proposed?

The plan proposes replanting steep areas, building on existing restoration planting, to reduce mowing and improve environmental outcomes.

Why can't we daylight Kaiwharawhara Stream?

Parts of Kaiwharawhara Stream are piped under the closed landfill. Daylighting Kaiwharawhara I Stream is not a feasible project. It would require removal of the material within the closed landfill, with the potential for significant adverse environmental effects. The key to safely managing a closed landfill is to ensure the landfill cap is intact, and managing any potential gas emissions, and monitoring groundwater for contamination.

Why can't we create constructed wetlands at Ian Galloway Park?

Water retention systems, such as a constructed wetland, are generally not recommended on a closed landfill due to several key issues:

• Structural stability – Landfills are typically capped with impermeable layers to prevent leachate from escaping. These caps can make it difficult to create the hydrological conditions necessary for a wetland. Introducing a water retention system could disrupt these caps, leading to potential leaks and structural instability.
• Leachate production – Infiltrating water produces leachate, a potentially hazardous liquid containing various contaminants. To minimise leachate production, surface runoff at Ian Galloway Park is directed via grass swales to sumps to reduce precipitation on the surface infiltrating the topsoil and percolating to underlying cover material and fill. Rather than diverting water off of the cap, like the current system, a water retention system like a wetland would encourage unwanted infiltration.
• Regulatory and safety concerns – There are strict regulations govern the use of closed landfill sites to ensure public safety and environmental protection. A wetland would require ongoing monitoring and management to ensure it does not pose a risk to the environment or public health.

While constructed wetlands can treat certain types of stormwater, their use on closed landfills is limited by these challenges.

International examples show wetlands can be used to manage and treat leachate from closed landfills, prior to discharge. However, the process is complex and requires a large amount of space and careful design and monitoring. The open spaces in and around Ian Galloway Park and Appleton Park, which are not closed landfill, are not large enough to support a functional stormwater wetland.

What is proposed?

Ian Galloway Park is a facility with the size and ability to cater for more use, but it is currently underutilised in winter, this is due to the poor ground condition. We’re proposing these grounds are improved following the recapping and recontouring of the park.

Why are the sports fields not being upgraded now?

Before any development can take place at Ian Galloway Park, the closed landfill underneath the fields needs to be recapped. This work is a priority for the Council’s Waste Operations team, but it depends on the availability of clean fill material. Currently, there is no confirmed timeframe for when this will happen, as it relies on a large-scale infrastructure project generating suitable excess fill.

Why are you considering an artificial turf at Ian Galloway Park given the environmental impacts?

Installing an artificial turf at Ian Galloway Park is something we may consider in the future. Any decision would be based on a needs assessment of the wider network of sports fields, particularly of artificial turf, and how they are being used.

We understand community concerns around synthetic turf. Any new field at Ian Galloway Park would use organic infill—not microplastics—and high-quality, durable fibres that meet international safety standards. Designs will include runoff controls to protect the environment.

While artificial turf recycling is limited in New Zealand, we’re tracking international innovations and are committed to sustainable, low-impact options as they become available.

What is proposed for skate?

Some minor maintenance is recommended for the skate ramps as well as introducing some supporting landscape amenity such as footpaths and seating. These minor works are intended to enhance the longevity and usability of the facility.

Why is a skatepark not proposed?

In 2024, skatepark consultants were appointed to systematically audit and document the ‘current state’ of the skate network in terms of provision and condition and create an overall plan for the network. The final plan did not recommend additional skatepark elements at Ian Galloway Park, in part due to the poor ground conditions.