Time to have your say: What’s important to your community?; Letters

Do you use local parks and playgrounds, or sports facilities? Want better transport and town centres, have a passion for the environment, or think more should be done to celebrate our culture and diversity?

These are just some of the topics the Waitākere Ranges and Whau Local Boards want to hear your thoughts on as they each develop a three-year plan to help their communities thrive.

The Waitākere Ranges Plan has seven focus areas spanning a range of topics, including working better with mana whenua and mataawaka (Māori with ancestral links to other places in New Zealand), helping communities to be resilient and strong, and the protection and enhancement of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area, which includes the potential to apply for international Dark Sky park status.

“As one of our seven outcomes, the protection and enhancement of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area will continue to be one of our main focuses,” says Greg Presland, Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair.

“The fact that we can talk about applying for Dark Sky park status shows you how special, unique and important a place it is.

“We would also look to support restoration programmes in ecological areas of the Heritage Area that will improve public areas and support landowners.”

In the Whau, the local board has six outcomes which cover topics such as protecting and enhancing the natural environment, improving walking, cycling and public transport opportunities and strong, resilient and inclusive communities.

Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says that ensuring the community is well catered for with facilities and improved urban centres is something that will have a significant impact on quality of life in the Whau.

“Despite the challenges that the council faces to recover from the impact of Covid-19, the board is committed to working towards making the Whau a better place to live. We know that the area is set to grow in

Have your say on the future of Whau

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Our local board has come up with a three-year plan outlining the key initiatives we want to focus on to help our communities thrive and support the recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

Now we need your help to check if we’ve got it right.

So love local and get vocal about your local community, and don’t forget to provide your feedback before

4pm, Thursday 13 August.

For more information, a copy of the draft Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan 2020 and to provide your feedback go to

akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal

T o g e t h er w e c a n love local .

population in the coming years, and we are blessed with a wonderful cultural diversity too.

“We know that this is a difficult time for many people because of the economic impact of Covid-19. We want to reassure our community that we are working hard on their behalf to do all we can in improving the area, not just on infrastructure, but also supporting our communities to feel better connected.”

Consultation is open until August 13. Visit Akhaveyoursay.co.nz/ lovelocal to read the plans and have your say.

The Government has announced a $182 million investment in four ‘shovel-ready’ transport projects in Auckland. Te Whau, a shared cycling and walking path connecting New Lynn and Te Atatū is to receive $37 million. Auckland Council Planning Committee chair, councillor Chris Darby said, “The new Te Whau Pathway will deliver a stunning six-kilometre shared path and boardwalk along the Whau River, providing a safe, enjoyable and carbon-free way for people to get to school and work.”

letters

Dear Editor

Following on from a fellow ratepayer’s letter to The Fringe in June regarding the yobbos in their four wheel drives ploughing up the grass area between Scenic Drive and Woodlands Park Road, I would like to point out they have taken it up a notch further again this month. The grass verge opposite the dam before Parau has been ploughed up as well as the the reserve at Armour Bay beside the tennis courts where they removed a boulder to get access and also the grass area beside the beach.

Someone knows who they are so please report them.

Name withheld.

Ed: Reports can be lodged with the Titirangi Community Constable on 817 0040, New Lynn Police Station on 826 2454, the non-emergency number 105 or visit https://www.police.govt.nz/105support.

Kia Ora,

I write to draw attention to the proposed development at 207-209 Golf Road (pictured right) and the impact it will have on the future of Titirangi if it goes ahead.

We have lived next to this site for 28 years and this development is not in keeping with the character of the Suburban Housing zone. This not only affects us but every resident surrounding the site and beyond. I have read the Resource Consent Application and every application for consent is as a restricted discretionary activity. Council has numerous questions regarding the development application. I feel if this is allowed to proceed it will be the thin end of the wedge for developers and the future of Titirangi as we know it will be destroyed for ever.

Thank you for your consideration.

Name withheld.

Got something on your mind? Let The Fringe know: Email info@fringemedia.co.nz or write to PO Box 60-469, Titirangi