Consultation opens on 13 July on two plans which will provide a blueprint for the future of Waiheke.
Residents can now have their say on the draft Waiheke Local Board Plan and the draft Waiheke Area Plan which are both open for feedback until 13 August 2020.
Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley says these consultations are an opportunity for residents to put their stamp on all future policies relating to Waiheke.
The Waiheke Area Plan, led by Waiheke Local Board, is a 30-year vision which intends to ensure a more sustainable and liveable future for Waiheke and the other inner Hauraki Gulf Islands.
“The Waiheke Area Plan will be a guidebook to the future and includes nine proposed outcomes that will help convert the plan’s vision into more specific goals.
“These outcomes cover infrastructure, the natural environment, sustainability, transport, housing, the economy, social infrastructure, heritage and public open spaces.
The Waiheke Local Board Plan will guide the local board’s work in the more immediate future, over the next three years, and is developed in close consultation with the community.
Following an initial phase of feedback on the local board plan earlier this year, action on climate change, better marine and waterway protection and supporting community and business resilience were among several proposals identified and now included in the draft.
These ideas and further measures are proposed in the draft local board plan with the aim to ensure the island boasts a remarkable natural environment, along with thriving, resilient communities that are engaged and connected.
Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley says the draft local board plan sets an agenda that puts the island’s environment and its communities at the heart of all the board does.
“We have woven the themes that emerged during our first phase of community consultation into the concept of Waiheke as an island sanctuary in the Gulf.
“This is a place where we work together to restore the environment of both the island and the Hauraki Gulf and a place that supports and celebrates our diverse, yet tightly-knit communities.
“Our draft local board plan also takes into consideration the impact that COVID-19 has had on our people. In response, we’ve included some additional initiatives that will work to sustain our economy and build for future resiliency while endorsing the essential character of Waiheke.
“It’s vital that we hear from Waiheke residents to make sure we’ve got it right for both of these plans as they will guide our decision making and priorities, now and in the longer term.”
Have your say
Have your say on the draft plans at akhaveyoursay.co.nz
You can also give your feedback in-person at one of these drop-in sessions:
- Thursday 16 July 5.30–7.30 pm - Onetangi Residents’ Hall
- Monday 20 July 5.30-7.30 pm - Waiheke Local Board office
- Saturday 01 August 9.30–11.30am - Passage Rock Wines & Bistro
- Friday 07 August 10am–12noon - Waiheke Library meeting room.
Feedback closes on Thursday 13 August 2020.
