An archaeological assessment of the proposed works was undertaken by Clough & Associates in 2016. The assessment established that there are four archaeological sites recorded within immediate proximity of the walkway. The sites all comprise shell midden deposits associated with pre-European Maori encampments. A reported gum digger's camp was also recorded in the general area, although no archaeological remains have been previously identified. The proposed walkway works had been designed to avoid impact on the recorded extents of the sites, however there was considered to be some potential for previously unrecorded archaeological remains to be exposed and affected as a result of the proposed works.

In addition, Auckland Council in coordination with Ngati Manuhiri have proposed to plant the identified extent of R10/803 and erect interpretive signage adjacent to it. The proposal involves the covering of the identified extent of site R10/803 with geotech cloth to protect the site. The area will then be covered with topsoil and planted with appropriate shallow rooting plant species.

Due to the potential for unrecorded archaeological remains to be encountered and the proposed planting of site R10/83, an application for a general Authority under section 44(a) of the HNZPTA(2014) was made. [...] This report serves as both the interim and final for the project."--Introduction.