Local boards in the North Shore and Albany are urging residents to share ideas that could improve their communities, as local boards across Auckland commence community engagement for their next three-year local board plans.
The current round of engagement is a chance for residents to submit fresh and innovative ideas via a new online engagement platform. So whether you’re living in Kaipātiki, Devonport-Takapuna, Upper Harbour, Hibiscus and Bays, we want to hear from you.
“Most of the community facilities, services or programmes we offer have come about as a result of our people talking to us about their aspirations,” says Upper Harbour Local Board Chair, Margaret Miles.
“Whether it’s a new pool, such as the Albany Stadium Pool, or an environmental activity that will improve our area’s ecology – they all start off as ideas from our community.”
Kaipātiki Local Board Chairperson, John Gillon, agrees, “The role of a local board is to be the ears and voice for our communities.
“When we know it’s something you care about, it’s our role to listen, act and advocate, whether that’s developing effective ways to protect kauri trees, native birds and waterways, or investing in our public spaces to make them accessible and enjoyable for our residents.
“The roll-out of shade-sails over playgrounds in our various parks is good example of delivering on what our community has told us they value,” says Gillon.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair, Aidan Bennett, says it’s important that voices of all ages, and from all suburbs are heard.
“I am looking forward to hearing and discussing ideas from all corners of our local board area, and from residents of all ages and backgrounds so can get a good mix of ideas to consider and prioritise for our new plan.
“I know we’re named the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, but those are not the only areas our board want to hear from. It is important that we hear from our entire area, so people in Castor Bay, Sunnynook, Forrest Hill and Milford as well as those living in the Devonport Peninsula or Takapuna.
“We have a diverse community, with diverse needs and ideas, so hit us with them and let us hear what you’re thinking,” says Bennett.
You can show your love for your community by getting vocal and going to akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal to post an idea, read and comment on others, and view the current local board plan and other relevant background information.
Feedback for this first stage of engagement runs until the end of March 2020.
About local board plans
Local board plans are strategic, three-year plans. The consultation enables local boards to identify and prioritise the key outcomes, initiatives and projects that are of most value to their communities.
This information will be considered as each of the 21 local boards draft their plans for the 2020-2023 period, for publication at the end of this year.
They will include focus areas or outcomes for the local boards to concentrate on, such as transport, the environment, diversity, working with mana whenua, local economic development, climate issues and ensuring local community facilities, parks etc meet the needs of their communities.
About local boards
Local boards provide governance at the local level within Auckland Council. They enable democratic decision-making by, and on behalf of communities within the local board area.
There are 21 local boards with between five and nine members elected to each board (149 local board members in total).
Local boards are charged with decision-making on local issues, activities and services, and provide input into regional strategies, policies, plans and decisions.
