Waitemata Board resolves for restoring the Leys.
The board also resolved to “recognise that there is strong community support for the early restoration and enhanced public use of the Leys Institute buildings.” These resolutions will now be referred on to Council’s Finance and Performance Committee and then the Governing Body for a final decision. The board recognised that the Leys Institute buildings are a very valued gift by the Leys family, a beautiful Category A Historic Place, and a much loved and used library and community meeting place and landmark.
At that September board meeting we heard from a joint deputation from the St Mary’s Bay and Herne Bay Residents’ Associations calling on Auckland Council to make greater efforts to clean up the water flowing into our streams and the Waitemata Harbour. The Local Board will be supporting that call in its own advocacy to the Governing Body about what should be prioritised in Council’s next Long-Term Plan
Thank you to those who let us know their views in our consultation with local community about our proposed Waitemat-a Local Board Plan. At a special meeting on 3 November we will decide which of your ideas are priorities, and that we have the capacity to respond to, to put in an amended Board Plan which will guide our actions for the next three years.
At our 18 August board meeting we amended and adopted a strategic plan for the Western Springs Park. Riparian planting will occur around the lake shore to improve the water quality and protect wildlife. There will be no significant lowering of the level and size of the lake and it will certainly not be turned into a wetland. The playground is now being upgraded with a nature theme.
Apart from the Pasifika Festival, the main part of the park is not intended for major events. In response to public submissions, the double hump bridge will be kept. At our special 3 November meeting we will consider the future of the pine forest on the eastern slopes of the park. Because of their age, many pines now represent a danger and, therefore, that part of the park has had to be closed. The board has long wanted a healthy, restored native forest there and intends to decide whether this is best achieved by the full removal of the pine stand or by gradual selective pine removal over several years.
Ponsonby Road has been chosen as one of four projects in the Waitemata Local Board area for the Innovating Streets tactical urbanism programme. We resolved at our meeting that Auckland Transport needs to work closely with the Ponsonby community and businesses to make the Ponsonby Road corridor safer and more user friendly for all for fun, getting around and business growth. The Waitemata Local Board has opposed an application to extend the summer operating hours of a helicopter pad in Cremorne Street.
We all need to remind ourselves to maintain hand washing and social distancing to combat the return of COVID-19. Because of the drought we all still need to limit our water use. (RICHARD NORTHEY)
Although the Board Office will remain closed at times, I can be contacted at 021 534 546 or richard.northey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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