We, Sarah Trotman ONZM, Greg Moyle JP and Allan Matson are your C&R Local Board Members.
It is our privilege to serve our community on the Waitematā Local Board. This month’s update acknowledges the good work of local Business Associations, challenges with the Waitematā Local Board Good Citizens' Awards, the need for Open Workshops and the extended Meola Road closure.
Good Citizens' Awards
We have been inundated with calls from members of the community upset at the declining of Gael Baldock, Community Advocate, from receiving a Local Board 'Good Citizens' Award. Ms Baldock received a staggering 20 nominations from the community we serve. Ms Baldock met the awards' criteria and should have received the award.
To those who will receive Good Citizens' Awards on 29 February, hearty congratulations and warm thanks for the good you do for our fabulous community. From supporting those struggling with homelessness at Lifewise Merge Cafe to planting at Meola Reef, there is so much good to be celebrated across our neighbourhoods.
Business Associations
The Waitematā Local Board area spreads from Newmarket and Parnell across the city centre through Ponsonby to Grey Lynn and Westmere. This month, the board has had presentations from a number of the Business Associations. Parnell Business Association is deeply concerned that Auckland Transport continues to explore a cycleway on Parnell Road, despite their request for a pause. Across town, in the Uptown Business Association area, we need to see better engagement from Eke Panuku on development around Maungawhau Station. Development around the CRL stations present a once in a generation opportunity, we need to get it right.
Open Workshops
The Waitematā Local Board meets on three Tuesdays each month for Workshops held behind closed doors. The board also meets for one formal Business Meeting each month, typically the third Tuesday of the month. Attendance at the Business Meeting is low, this indicates a lack of interest by community. Interested stakeholders and community share with us that they see the Business Meetings as a “box ticking exercise, the real business being done behind closed doors at Workshops.”
The C&R team agrees that most Workshops should be open to our community. We will table a Notice of Motion at the next formal Business Meeting to advocate for a minimum of two Open Workshops each month.
Meola Road Closure Extended
We were as disappointed as our community to learn, at the 11th hour, that Auckland Transport decided to keep Meola Road closed for longer than previously communicated to the community. We have expressed our deep concern to Auckland Transport at the lack of clarity for our community and the need for better, proactive communication with all stakeholders impacted by projects across the Local Board area. We have arranged a walk through of works at Meola Road to better understand the delay and to hear more about their future communication strategy and timelines for road opening.
It is our privilege to serve you on the Waitematā Local Board, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of assistance.
Allan.Matson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Greg.Moyle@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Sarah.Trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and M: 021 487 583.