Viewpoint – Council on notice re intensification

It’s hard to believe that we are already in the latter half of 2022, but this year has flown by so quickly. I hope that everyone is keeping safe and warm and the wild weather hasn’t caused to much disruption.

I just want to thank and acknowledge the workers who respond to slips and downed trees, often in atrocious conditions and the middle of the night, to keep our roads open and the power on.

It was with great sadness I received a message from Police Area Commander Matt Laurenson, informing me that a young man had died in a vehicle accident on Ara Weiti Road recently. It is understood this tragedy was not related to other issues on this road. However, in June, I met with residents, Police and Local Board Deputy Chair Victoria Short to discuss ways of stopping and mitigating the risks associated with the road being used as a drag strip.

I have also been working with the community and Kainga Ora on the issue of the proposed development at Bonair Crescent. I’m really pleased that, after working with Kainga Ora and our community, there is now a consultation process underway which provides for community feedback on the development.

Something that has been topical for our community and especially on the coast, is the recent changes around housing intensification, in particular for the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Following feedback at a recent public meeting, I have sought clarification around qualifying matters for exclusion – which can mean some areas are excluded from intensification. 

Auckland Council has told me that further work is required to prepare the council’s proposed plan change to the city’s planning rules book. This includes investigating qualifying matters for water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure and transport capacity constraints.

I was clear in the meeting that I will support exemptions through qualifying matters and will take this to the Minister if these are not accepted at council level.

If you have any issues you need help with or topics you want to discuss with me my Ōrewa office is open and I look forward to seeing you all this year.