Leys Institute Library has been closed since 2019 awaiting seismic and general upgrade to ensure it's fit for purpose for the next 30 years.
The building has meanwhile deteriorated and the copper guttering has been stolen. While ArtStation on Ponsonby Road has been seismically upgraded, Grey Lynn Library has faced threats of closure and Pt Chevalier Library has been closed because of leaky building issues. One has to wonder if libraries in general are under attack?
Community consultation on Leys resulted in approving 'Option 1' (adding to the original Historic Category 1A building without ratepayers incurring an additional targeted rate).
Waitematā Local Board October meeting sought approval to start construction drawings. Three presentations were heard: community advocate Helen Geary from 'Friends of the Leys Institute', and a local architect. The latter suggested current costing has been based upon worst case scenarios and savings could potentially be made by detailed structural investigation into floor joist support. Council doesn’t have sufficient funds for the full design.
Council staff claimed ‘Option 2’ was unanimously approved at a specific meeting. It strengthened the original building, with a smaller footprint requiring less ongoing service and costs.
Herein lies the problem. Staff get to have workshops with board members behind closed doors and can state any ‘facts’ they choose. Four other boards have workshops open to the public. The rules and format of the board’s public meetings don’t give the public right of reply to the statements made by staff. Yet under Allan Matson and Alex Bonham’s strong advocacy for 'Option 1', staff admitted that community advocates were not at that meeting, therefore it wasn’t a consulted option.
In a rare moment of empathy, the Chair recessed the meeting while the staged implementation of 'Option 1’ motion was redrafted. Once it was presented, Member Matson (against the rules) asked the three presenters to stand if they agreed with the amended motion – they did.
The motion passed unanimously, with the best outcome occurring.
Grant Mountjoy, Rock the Vote NZ
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Published: November 2023