Viewpoint – Space savers needed

Enjoyment of our open space – our local parks, beaches, bush reserves, and walkways – is more important than ever. In these ‘lock-down’ times they are in huge demand as Coasties get out for exercise, fresh air and the well-being that comes from walking, running, and biking in the outdoors. We are fortunate to have so many choices close at hand with a network of walkways that link to our beaches and parks. Even though these areas are busier than ever – especially when the weather is fine – there is generally plenty of space to maintain a distance.

Open spaces are also areas we can enjoy from a distance. The views from our houses out to sea, parks, trees, reserves and green spaces like golf courses add to the pleasure of where we live and enhance the value of our properties.

Battling to keep our open spaces – public and private – is also more important than ever. With Auckland’s intensification and the push for more housing to fit a bigger population, green spaces are under threat. Section spaces around homes are smaller and apartment living is on the increase.

Gulf Harbour is a place and community that was planned around the green space that is the Gulf Harbour golf course. Although private, its green open space formed part of the planning consideration for reserves, stormwater, and the population density that infrastructure like roads, water and sewage can cope with. Losing the golf course as green space to housing would change all that – for locals and the Hibiscus Coast as a whole; the impact would be huge.

Challenging any potential moves by developers takes a campaign involving money and effort to stand up to the paid consultants who will say that the effects can be managed. They say it takes a village to raise a child, with campaigns like this it takes a village to stand together.

Our blue spaces need protecting too and it was heartening to see the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board unanimously back a resolution by member Leanne Willis for a seasonal set net ban at Matakatia Bay. Enjoyment of the beach and esplanade reserve has been severely compromised by on-going set netting on a daily and nightly basis. The nuisance and public safety concerns prompted a well-evidenced presentation by local residents for a seasonal ban like those already in place at Arkles Bay, Te Haruhi and Shakespear beaches. Once approved with appropriate signs, the bans require little if any enforcement – they work – protecting people, fish stocks and the many dolphins and marine mammals that frequent our local beaches. The next step is public consultation and engagement and then a decision by the Regulatory Committee of Council.

Time at home on the Coast for many of us has emphasised the importance of our surrounds – the green and blue spaces that make the Coast a great place to live. Our ‘bubble’ has been fortunate to largely escape Covid in our community (as far as we know) and will bounce back quickly. Local vaccination centres have been busy. After weeks of working on-line at home (Council work keeps going with daily meetings via Skype and other platforms) I’m looking forward to supporting local businesses and clubs and enjoying the social interaction as lock-down restrictions ease.

Stay well and safe and look out for neighbours and friends, especially those living alone or needing support.