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A deputation of Kawau Islanders appeared in Warkworth last week, when a hearing into the reintroduction of charges for parking at Sandspit Wharf was held at the Rodney Local Board offices in Elizabeth Street.
Parking charges were dropped at the carpark in 2020, when responsibility for managing the carpark switched from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, which has since led to over-use at peak times and vehicles being left for long periods.
The independent hearing panel, chaired by commissioner Bill Smith, with local board members
Louise Johnston and Ivan Wagstaff, will decide on whether a licence should be granted to a contractor to charge for parking and, if so, what the rates should be.
More than 100 people made submissions, with most generally in favour of the reintroduction of paid parking, although many had concerns that fees charged would be too high for residents, especially those relying on a pension.
Long-time Kawau resident Lin Pardey said islanders shouldn’t be penalised for living there.
“Mismanagement of the carparking area will cause both businesses on Kawau and businesses in Sandspit to close,” she said.
After hearing from more than a dozen submitters, the panel sought advice from council staff about the preferred service provider and how any charges might be instigated fairly. They are expected to release a decision and hold a public meeting early next year.
