We Say – Admit the error

Admit the error

Matakana pensioner Brian Leach finds himself in an unenviable position (story page 1). His property is on the market, but buyers are being spooked by a heritage overlay on his title that seems to be the result of some sort of bureaucratic bungle. Not only were the 425 heritage cobblestone setts never on Brian’s property, Brian claims they were destroyed by a council contractor 25 years ago. What’s left of them lies buried under Matakana Valley Road.

Now most of us, I’m sure, would feel this is a reasonably straightforward matter to put right. Council’s own Unitary Plan maps shows the heritage overlay for the setts (that no longer exist) along Matakana Valley Road and not on Brian’s property. Council employs heritage advisors so send one out to the property, examine the evidence and make the correction.

But wait a minute, let’s not forget we are dealing with the multi-layered and faceless bureaucracy of Auckland Council’s planning department here, which will never make anything simple when there is an opportunity to make it complicated.

Brian contacted Council earlier in the month, but the only response he has had so far is an acknowledgement that his inquiry has been received. Meanwhile, the sale of his property hangs in limbo. When this paper asked about the process of removing an overlay from a property, we were told a private plan change would be needed and this would cost upwards of $10,000 depending on the complexity of the application.

As ridiculous as this might sound, there is increasing evidence that ratepayers are getting very poor value for money for the exorbitant rates Council is charging for planning services. This is particularly the case in the north, where planners are demonstrating little or no local knowledge, and even less understanding about the rural environment. Council planners charge $198 an hour for their services. Compare this to the median hourly rate in NZ of $27.76 (Stats NZ, as at Jun 2020). It would be more than interesting to hear how Council justifies this level of extortion. What’s more, ratepayers already pay for these services through their rates so are virtually paying twice.

But back to Brian and his wife Margaret, who are being put through the stress of trying to sort their way through this. Mahurangi Matters will be watching this story closely and providing updates as they come to hand. Let’s hope that Council does the right thing and does it soon.