The wheels of council consultation processes roll on relentlessly but it doesn’t have to be a drag to have your say in Waitemata.
Consultation on the Annual Budget 2017/18, with its proposed rates increases, service level changes and planned activities for the year ahead is now underway, closing 27 March. As we are into the third year of the Long Term Plan (Council’s 10-year budget) and no significant changes are proposed by the governing body, the approach can be described as a light touch. We don’t want consultation fatigue to kick in before we launch into a heap of local engagement events and activities planned for mid-year on our draft Local Board Plan which set the priorities for our work over the next three years (more on this in May).
For 2017/18, the board is continuing with our work programme to deliver projects like the Ellen Melville Centre upgrade and the construction of a multi-purpose sports facility in Grey Lynn Park (a new home for the Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club). We propose maintaining the budget allocated to areas such as community grants and events funding. There are few minor changes within the board’s funding envelope including an increase for ecological restoration and a budget to take forward Meola Reef and Western Springs Lakeside Park development plans. We will be hosting a public event on the Annual Budget on Wednesday 8 March, 2pm - 4pm at the local board office, which is the ideal opportunity for you to bring a submission to present to board members directly, give feedback in person or just hear from the community.
Beating the Bounds
The Waitemata Local Board in partnership with Walk Auckland has established a triennial 'Beating the Bounds' event. It is a local re-enactment of an old English and Welsh tradition of formal perambulation of the parish boundary. It is an opportunity to share knowledge of the board area, acknowledge mana whenua connections and ensure there have been no 'encroachments' from our neighbouring Albert-Eden and Orakei local boards! All are welcome to 'walkshop' and talk together with board members as we explore Waitemata from west to east.
The walk will take place Saturday 4 March at 10am and covers the Waitemata inland boundary - an interesting, varied walk including reserves, native bush, cunning shortcuts and street footpaths. It will take approximately 4 - 5 hours but we welcome you to join at any point along the way.
Start point: Meola Reef car park. End point: Pt Resolution Bridge
Check our Facebook page for details (Facebook.com/waitemata)
You’ll be able to find information on the Annual Budget 2017/18 and details of engagement events in your local paper, on our Facebook page at libraries or in the OurAuckland magazine. (PIPPA COOM)
Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board: pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz