Viewpoint – New term begins for local board

As we begin this new term for the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, I’m honoured and energised to step into the role of chair again and to continue working to deliver great things for our incredible community. 

Our Local Board Plan 2023 is our strategic three-year plan. I’m proud of the work we’ve already done and we will be sharpening our focus on delivering more this year. Shortly, we will start work on a new strategic plan from 2026. I want to improve our process this time and want your input early on, before we start drafting, to ensure your voice is truly the foundation of the plan rather than seeking your views after it’s drafted. More information to come on this.

Two major consultations we need your voice on:

1. Whangaparāoa Bus Station: Auckland Transport (AT) is consulting on the proposed new bus station at the Penlink/Whangaparāoa Road intersection. This project is the result of successful advocacy from the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board. We worked hard last year to secure its prioritisation for funding against many other transport projects across Auckland. Getting a brand new project like this on the Regional Land Transport Plan, for delivery in the first year is pretty much unheard of and I am so proud of  all our early advocacy showing up to AT and Council Committees early and pleading the case. It really paid off. Especially important is that the project is not at the cost of the ferry – the ferry service will remain.

The new station will be a game-changer. It’s designed to extend the NX2 rapid-bus service, providing faster, more reliable public transport. Benefits include:

cutting up to 20 minutes off city journeys

better connections between suburbs, schools, shops, and the city centre

fewer cars on the road, and lower emissions.

Public feedback now can strengthen the case and help secure the delivery of this project. I strongly encourage everyone to review the consultation, fill in the survey, and share your local perspective – what needs to work for you? Access? Safety? Bike parking? Shelter design? Let AT know by December 7.

2. Proposed Plan Change 120 (PC120)

Across Auckland, the rules that govern where and how new homes and businesses can be built are changing under Proposed Plan Change 120: Housing Intensification and Resilience. These changes respond to the need for more housing while strengthening rules around flood risk, natural hazards, and coastal erosion.

For the Hibiscus Coast, it’s vital we participate. We need to make our voice heard about where growth makes sense and where it does not. While the board doesn’t decide everything, we’ll continue to advocate for well-planned growth that protects our character and environment. We had the opportunity to give early feedback in July and did not support the proposed upzoning on the Hibiscus Coast, especially in light of development restrictions with critical Watercare infrastructure unable to support current, let alone future growth.

I strongly encourage you to look up your property to see if the zone has changed. The information online is very dense, so please make use of the “friend of the submitter” service, which are independent planning consultants that you can ring or email to get help on understanding anything (details in the link below).

Submissions close December 19. Please take the time to learn more, check the maps, and make a submission – your voice matters. www.akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan

As always, please get in touch with me or other members of the local board.