Manukau’s local boards are pleased to see their advocacy has reaped significant investments for the south Auckland region following Auckland Council’s recently announced 10-year Budget.
A multi-million dollar investment in public facilities, future development and transport for the Manukau Ward has been committed to, following a comprehensive period of consultation.
Following the enormous amount of feedback on local board priorities and the Regional Land Transport plan, the local boards also want to extend their thanks to everyone who gave feedback, as the input has been of vital importance towards shaping the respective Local Board Agreements for 2018/2019.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board's priorities
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli says improved transport links and ensuring recreational spaces are enhanced will be among the key areas of focus in the board’s upcoming activities.
“We are confident this plan will make Ōtara-Papatoetoe a better place to live, work, study, play and visit,” she says.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is also pleased to see that the Governing Body has agreed for Colin Dale Park to be recognised as a key regional motorsport facility.
Māngere-Ōtahuhu Local Board's priorities
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene says the board has taken on the community’s feedback and will continue to work strongly on issues like reducing waste, recycling, environmental sustainability and championing community-led initiatives.
“Along with working to reduce the proliferation of alcohol off-licenses, we will continue to fund projects that support active lifestyles, along with improving our local parks and playgrounds.”
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board has also been given approval by the Governing Body to begin the process of developing Māngere East as a vibrant community hub.
Councillors heartened by new investment for Manukau Ward
Councillor Filipaina says it’s pleasing to see Manukau receive a large amount of investment from the 10-year Budget.
“I have long advocated for initiatives and funding that addressed our community’s needs, and this budget also reinforces how vital the public’s input has been to this whole process,” he says
Councillor Collins says ensuring progress for the Transform Manukau project is another positive aspect of this recently announced budget.
“The funding for Transform Manukau will ensure this area becomes South Auckland’s hub for jobs, housing and public facilities,” says Cr Collins.
Planned investment for Manukau over the next 10 years includes:
- Improved public transport access to Auckland Airport – particularly enhanced bus services to the airport.
- A new high-quality bus/rail interchange at Puhinui Station
- The establishment of a $104 million Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.
- Investment in water quality that will address wastewater overflows, pollution from road run-off and sedimentation. This fund will be used to clean up Ōtara Lake.
- $60.3 million invested to 'Transform Manukau' to be an attractive visitor destination with a strong resident population and to be a desirable and innovative place to do business.