Viewpoint – Focus on Whangaparāoa

Over the last decade, a lot of attention and funding has gone into developing Silverdale as the employment, retail and business hub of the north. For Whangaparaoa the reverse has been true with the peninsula receiving minimal council investment apart from the library some years ago. Whangaparaoa is languishing and this situation has been exacerbated to some extent by the central and local government view that the area is low-growth residential.

However recent housing developments in Red Beach, Stanmore Bay and Gulf Harbour, and more planned, tell a different story. Residents face increased traffic congestion, limited public transport options, poor access to health and other services while retailers face declining retail spend. These issues along with geographical and social isolation are highlighted in a needs analysis of residents undertaken by the local board in 2014.

The local board has also funded an independent community-led placemaking project called Whangaparaoa 2030.
The project is an opportunity for people, from Army Bay to Red Beach, to discuss the future of Whangaparaoa Peninsula and what can be done now to secure that future. The initiative started in early 2015 when community members, including local board member Janet Fitzgerald, came together to talk about local issues focused on the Whangaparaoa town centre. These meetings expanded to discussions on the future of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the opportunities and challenges ahead. The group realised it needed a vision and outcomes which led to the formation of the Whangaparaoa Community Forum and Whangaparaoa 2030.

The local board and the community agree that change is needed. Firstly, the focus is on the area’s infrastructure.
The board is advocating to Auckland Transport for better transport links especially Penlink and improved public transport. The Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre upgrade now underway addresses structural issues and will provide better amenities and programmes. In addition, several new playgrounds are planned along with several playground upgrades. Regional stormwater funding is being used to re-naturalise D’Oyly Reserve.

To boost retail and understand the issues faced by Whangaparaoa retailers, the local board has commissioned a survey of businesses. The results will be used to advocate on the retailers’ behalf with support offered to establish a business association.

Finally, a centre plan will be developed for Whangaparaoa. Future planning is essential given the growth on the peninsula and an Auckland-wide development strategy that encourages growth in existing centres.