Kaipātiki Local Board wants to hear what residents and community groups think of its new draft local board plan, a plan reflecting community needs and aspirations for the next three years.
“We’ve developed a new draft plan based on things people in our community have told us is important to them, albeit this occurring prior to the current global pandemic,” says Kaipātiki Local Board Chair, John Gillon.
The new plan contains five outcome areas with a range of proposed initiatives to deliver on the plan’s outcome objectives. Outcomes areas cover the natural environment, well-being of communities, our spaces and places, transport, and the local economy.
“Our shade sail installations have received a huge amount of positive feedback, so we plan to continue with these, along with a range of improvements to our parks, reserves, town centres and leisure facilities.”
“We plan to focus on restoration of our urban forests by eradicating plant and animal pests and improving our ponds and waterways. We also want to continue upgrading our bush tracks and protecting kauri from dieback disease.”
Gillon says climate change is also at the top of mind, so the plan will reflect sustainability and building resilience to the impacts.
“We’ll look to develop stronger relationships with mana whenua as we take on these challenges.”
“We will continue to work alongside Panuku and other partners on the redevelopment of Northcote Town Centre, and a business case is underway for a new multi-purpose facility to replace the grandstand at Birkenhead War Memorial Park.”
However, due to the current financial uncertainties pertaining to the impacts of COVID-19 on the council’s finances, the local board is mindful that budgets will be tight for at least this financial year.
“We are not yet in a position to fully understand the implications on our ability to deliver on projects and initiatives contemplated in this plan. As a result, we’re asking residents to carefully consider what they believe are the most critical priorities that we should focus on,” says Gillon.
Have your say
To read the new draft Kaipātiki Local Board Plan, the proposals within and the different ways to have your say and to make a submission go online to akhaveyoursay.nz/lovelocal and click on the Kaipāitiki Local Board tile.
Feedback to the draft local board plans closes on 13 August, 2020.
