Viewpoint – Input wanted on LTP

It is great to see that the Ōrewa Reserve structure Airborne is now spraying the mist that it was designed for. There have been modifications to control the timing and flow of the mist to ensure that it only disburses when the wind is spraying towards the beach.

Now is the time to voice your opinion about Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan.

The Long-Term Plan (LTP) proposal aims to strengthen Auckland’s physical and financial resilience, while tackling big budget challenges. Its central proposal includes a $13.4 billion investment by Auckland Transport to make public transport faster, more reliable and easier to use. 

It also includes strengthening Auckland’s resilience to flooding with the new Making Space for Water Programme of more than $1 billion of investment (including government co-funding). 

There has been quite a lot of disgruntled feedback regarding the reduction of waste bins in our area – this is a cost saving that Mayor Brown has introduced. It is a topic that can be entered into in the LTP consultation as well as many others such as: improved and a more consistent Gulf Harbour Ferry service, better bus transportation frequency and service for our area, a bus terminal at the Whangaparāoa end of the Penlink road, maintenance of our parks and playgrounds and the need for increased size of park and rides. 

The Future Fund and proposals around the North Harbour Stadium and the Port of Auckland are important discussions to have. Personally, I’m against the North Harbour Stadium being demolished with the funding of the land sale being distributed out of our area to other stadiums in the Auckland region.

There has been talk about supplying a bespoke 5000 seat stadium on the North Shore, but I don’t have great confidence in this occurring. In my opinion, the North Harbour Stadium requires new management that knows how to run a stadium to make it profitable and also financially accessible for clubs and organisations to hire.

We want to hear from our community on this Long-Term Plan – your feedback will influence the council’s priorities and how we deliver value for rates.

This is why it’s important that we get to hear what your thoughts and suggestions are about the Council’s proposals, not only for the Hibiscus Coast but also for the Auckland region as a whole. It can be viewed at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

On a personal note, I recently attended Efeso Collin’s funeral and it certainly was a wonderful send off. When I campaigned with Efeso for the Auckland mayoralty, I found him to be a genuine, kind hearted, dedicated, great family man, with never a derogative word against any other campaigner. He will truly be missed by many people in the Auckland community. 

Remember to come and say hi at my “Oliver’s Café office” most mornings.

We live in a beautiful area and I believe we have an amazing community that enhances a true community spirit.