Sign In / Register
Future Whangaparāoa Trustee John Davies could be forgiven for wondering if it’s Groundhog Day.
Two years ago, the Trust raised its concerns with the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board about the delay in approving a zone change to land set aside for a new community hub in Link Crescent (Hibiscus Matters, May 30, 2023). The land was first allocated for the project by the former Rodney District Council in 2010, but in 2022, the trust discovered the zoning would only allow a small facility to be built so an application was made for a designation change to allow a larger build.
However last month the Trust presented to the board again, with seemingly no progress made, leaving the project stuck in limbo.
For now, the community hub is operating from Coast Plaza, where it offers community meeting facilities for a range of activities and organisations.
Davies says it has been frustrating for the organisation as the uncertainty of funding and the way it is structured means they are unable to pursue other options that might be better suited as they can’t ethically fundraise without an approved plan. Meanwhile, building costs continue to climb.
“Multiple studies have identified a community hub is needed, especially one that is in a location where it could provide shelter and reliably run as an emergency response centre in a crisis,” Davies says.
“Te Atatu Peninsula has a population a third of Whangaparāoa’s and has a community hub that is fully funded, so it makes no sense that we are expected to build our own.”
Davies says a facility located next to the library might be a better option, but now that there were restraints on wastewater connections, even if the plan change came through, they may not be able to get the necessary consents to build.
Until a viable solution is found, the hub will continue at its current location, and Davies urges anyone needing a regular meeting space to get in contact. The trust supports a number of events, classes and activities including Ember, Zero Waste, Sewing classes, special needs education, natural health and sign language classes.
Davies is also keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in becoming a Future Whangaparāoa trustee.
Info: visit Future Whangaparāoa Facebook page.
