Neighbours fighting to save a local reserve

The Whau Local Board is hoping to meet Auckland Council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee (PACE) this month to present their objection to the council’s plans to rezone a small local reserve into a mixed housing zone and eventually sell it off as part of its ‘resource recycling’.

PACE deals with strategy and policy decision-making that relates to social, community and cultural activities.

Davern Lane, off Hutchinson Avenue in New Lynn, is a cul de sac of 12 privately owned homes. It includes a 300 metre square reserve, listed as Number 13, where the neighbours gather to chat or socialise and where their children can safely and freely play in the grassy area surrounded by native trees including two mature pōhutukawa, tītoki and other native plants and trees.

In February this year, the residents became aware of the council’s proposed plans and formed an incorporated society, paying from their own pockets to hire a lawyer and planner to protest the rezoning.

Spokesperson Lisa Kachappilly says a lot of people in the lane are doing a lot of hard work to save the reserve and they had to move quickly to get their submissions (which closed last month) lodged.

The residents were told the reserve is one of a number across Auckland that could be rezoned and sold off to raise funds after budget shortages resulting from Covid-19.

The Whau Local Board has lodged a Notice of Motion objecting to the revocation of the reserve status and subsequent sale by Auckland Council’s governing body. Proposed by chair Kay Thomas and seconded by member Jessica Rose, it passed unanimously.

The motion says that as well as providing for passive and active recreation, the Davern Lane reserve fosters social cohesion and wellbeing within the community. It says the Whau area is undergoing a significant increase in density and intensification in the surrounding streets means existing green spaces need to be retained.

Board members visited the site and Kay Thomas says they were surprised at the size of the mature pōhutukawa and younger trees on the reserve which would most likely be felled should the site be sold, noting the sensitivity around the removal of native trees in the Whau area.

Lisa says the reserve is very much part of their community. “That small patch of land really matters to us. If it was rezoned and sold, we could end up with three houses or apartments there. Three levels would be allowed for, there would be increased traffic and it wouldn’t be safe for children playing. It would be an eyesore. Most importantly the greenness would be gone.

“I understand the need for housing but think there are better ways of doing it than using this small patch. I am hopeful the council will hear the voice of reason and leave it as it is so we can all enjoy it.”

– Moira Kennedy

Lisa Kachappilly: “That small patch of land really matters to us.”

Your local MP

Dr Deborah Russell

MP for New Lynn

New Lynn Electorate Office 09 820 6245 newlynn.mp@parliament.govt.nz 1885 Great North Rd, Avondale, Auckland

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