Viewpoint – Infrastructure a key concern

It seems apparent that many people are despondent with the developments that have been proposed on the Hibiscus Coast with regards to the housing intensification plan. 

I attended the third meeting at the Whangaparāoa Hall on Saturday, July 2 and there is a strong feeling for Whangaparāoa Peninsula to be exempted. 

Mark Mitchell also attended and is favour of taking it further once the commissioner has been approached by councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker to see if it appears to fall on deaf ears.  

Personally, I believe that the Whangaparāoa Peninsula cannot sustain many of the future housing developments that the legislation will make possible, due to poor infrastructure for wastewater, stormwater and transportation congestion.

I had mentioned last month in an Auckland Council meeting that whilst Penlink is being constructed over the next five years, it would be an ideal time to improve the infrastructure so that, when Penlink is opened, all the facilities are in a position to cope with any new developments.  

Unfortunately, this did not appear to be a solution that they were prepared to look at. When this housing legislation does come into effect, I believe that it should only be designated to inner-city and town centres where there is sufficient transportation and within walking distance to all amenities that are provided – common sense should prevail. The great thing about our community is its sense of belonging and how we speak out about subjects that affect us all. 

One aspect of our Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, from what I’ve been told, is that we listen to what our constituents are saying and have proved that with the workshops now being open to the public and media. Members also attend many of clubs AGMs in the local board area.  On Sunday, July 3 I attended the Manly Tennis Club AGM with fellow members Andy Dunn and Leanne Willis and it certainly was an eye opener to find out how organised and how well the tennis club is managed. They have even established five-year and 10-year plans that certainly have provided a great future for the club.

Through being an active referee and President of the North Harbour Referees Association, on the committee for No 5 Squadron Air Training Corps and with involvement in many local organisations over the years, I have come to appreciate what community is all about and the importance of understanding the needs of these organisations. 

We are extremely fortunate to have people in our community who take the time to make these types of organisations run successfully. 

With elections coming up soon, I have had the pleasure of meeting so many new people who are now residing in our area and have mentioned that they love the community feel and friendliness.

This is what our Hibiscus Coast is all about and it makes me proud to be a “Coastie”.