Viewpoint – Canvassing feedback

The rainy and wet conditions that have plagued our summer did have an upside with a better grass growing season resulting in a greater hay yield and agricultural increase in produce. Again, we had some storms culminating in flooding, but it was great to see a lot of the resilience work that the Rodney Local Board (RLB) had worked on with the Auckland Emergency Management teams and community resilience/emergency groups paid off – communities rallied, systems and plans fell into place with some great results. Three years on from the big floods, and lessons are being learnt. There is always room for improvement, but from what I saw, a very pleasing result. Slips tended to be the main issue in rural Rodney with the aftermath still being felt by communities from Mahurangi West to Pakiri. I cannot thank the roading contractors enough, through this time working long hours to clear the debris and try and regain normal operations.

There has been a large amount of roading upgrades and sealing going on across the RLB area and a continuous amount being planned to follow. This is a huge undertaking with the majority of Auckland’s unsealed roads located in Rodney. The board spends a lot of time discussing, planning, advocating to Auckland Transport to facilitate better outcomes for the community, as well as right now trying to complete our Local Board Plan for the next three years, with outcomes that are beneficial to a vibrant, connected and resilient Rodney.

The board is keen to hear from locals as part of Council’s Annual Plan 2026/27 consultation, especially around what matters most in our own backyard. This year, we’re continuing to focus on the things Rodney communities rely on – from renewing well used facilities like toilets, sports fields, playgrounds and tracks, to improving reserves and greenways so it’s easier to get out and enjoy our open spaces. We’re also continuing rural roadside weed control, supporting volunteers doing great mahi restoring biodiversity, and backing our community events, arts activities and youth projects. Alongside this, the wider council is consulting on regional issues such as a proposed a 7.9 per cent rates increase and a $106 million savings target to help manage rising infrastructure costs. We’d really like to know which local and regional priorities matter most to you, and we’re also hosting a hearing style event on Wednesday, March 18, from 4pm where you can share your views directly with the board. Consultation .closes Sunday March 29, and you can find all the details and provide feedback at akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annual-plan-2026-2027.

I have connected with a few communities from Puhoi, Mahurangi West, Waiwera Valley to Waitoki but still need to cast my net further. Rural Rodney is large and it’s important that everyone is heard so Makarau, Tauhoa and Kaipara Flats, I’m heading your way and am interested in catching up with pest groups, ratepayer groups, sports groups, emergency and resilience groups, and so on to better understand your communities. Please reach out if you belong to a group and pass on your contact details, my email is paul.manton@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz