Viewpoint – Make your voice heard

This is going to be an interesting year as we will be looking at the next 10-year budget for Auckland Council. Close scrutiny is required to make sure we are getting our fair share for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board area.

I often hear “we didn’t ask to join Auckland Council, we were made to”. Yes it was a shame we didn’t get more say. For me personally a much better model would have been three larger councils rather than one. In saying that, we need to try and work with what we have. Things that our local residents care about seem at times to be neglected. Weeds along footpaths, footpaths in poor repair, gardens not attended to, rubbish bins old and tatty, and signs shabby and out of date. It seems that the council is so big that we aren’t always managing the small things. The constraints imposed by government legislation on local councils can also be extremely frustrating.

Recent storms did not help our beaches, especially at Stanmore Bay and Orewa. This will be something the local board will need to work on. I had emails from the public all suggesting different solutions. Some don’t want sand moved, others do; some want rock walls, others don’t. At the end of the day, we need to listen to everyone but most of all those who are experienced in the field of coastal erosion. Everything we do on the beach itself requires resource consents, which take time and are very costly. The other issue is climate change.

There is so much happening and once again in March, you will be asked for your opinion. I urge you to have your say. I hear all the time “we have given feedback, signed petitions so many times before – not again!” But that is the process and we all need to keep speaking up for what we want and need in our communities.

Along with the 10-year budget we are consulting on the Auckland Plan refresh, the Regional Pest Management Plan, and the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan.

The Regional Land Transport Plan being developed by Auckland Transport is even more difficult this time around.

The government is doing a review of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project that was put in place by the previous government and Auckland Council. From what we hear, this government’s focus is different but planning still needs to go ahead.

There is more housing to come, needing more infrastructure with capacity for sewerage, water and stormwater. Dynamic Laning on Whangaparaoa Road has started but this will not be a long-term solution. Consider 800 more Gulf Harbour properties plus growth on the other side of the motorway and the pressure adds up.

Let’s enjoy the rest of summer; be kind to family, friends and neighbours and those we come across in our daily life.

Have your say on the 10-year budget at akhaveyoursay.nz (after February 28). Keep an eye on this paper for details of any local consultation events.