Residents are being encouraged to Love Local by expressing their opinions on the draft Manurewa Local Board Plan, which will guide the board’s activities over the next three years.
Board chair Joseph Allan says the plan has been updated to incorporate feedback from earlier in the year.
“People told us what they wanted and what was most important to them, and now it’s time for residents and community groups to let us know if we have it right.
“It’s not our plan, it’s a plan for all of us, because this is our community. We all share it.”
The plan features six outcomes:
- Our communities are inclusive, vibrant, healthy and connected
- We are proud of our strong Māori identity and thriving Māori community
- Our people enjoy a choice of quality community spaces and use them often
- Our safe and accessible transport network meets community needs
- Our prosperous local economy supports local people
- Our natural environment is valued, protected and enhanced.
The draft plan also outlines initiatives planned to reach those outcomes, including improvements for Clendon Reserve, Nathan Homestead, Totara and War Memorial parks, and maintaining a focus on road safety.
Mr Allan says more trees will be planted to filter stormwater to safeguard the Manukau Harbour and local waterways, and to create corridors for native birds.
“We are committed to advocating for the Manukau and its inlets and estuaries. So much is done for the Waitematā, and we want the same for our harbour.”
The board will also continue to support pedestrian improvements like those in the Wordsworth Quadrant, where traffic has been slowed to make life safer for residents and schoolchildren.
“Safety is a priority. People never say a speed measure is too expensive if it saves someone they love.”
While he says the COVID-19 recovery will bring challenges, people will remain at the heart of board decisions. “As we enter the recovery phase, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together.”
When feedback has been considered, the board will adopt a final version of the plan.
To read the plan, check out where upcoming events are taking place, and for have your say information - go online to akhaveyoursay.nz/lovelocal. There is a message from the chair here.
Feedback to the draft plan closes 13 August.
