Auckland Council has extended by a fortnight to 14 April the notification period for public submissions on the proposed revocation of reserve status for 20 sites across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Last year the Finance & Performance Committee approved in principle the sale of a number of properties to support the Emergency Budget, subject to completion of statutory processes, such as revocation of reserve status for certain properties. Panuku is assisting Council with those processes and has no role in decision-making.
Included are several sites that are classified as reserves under the Reserves Act 1977. These are a mix of access ways, small parcels of left-over land following subdivisions, sites purchased with future use in mind but no longer needed, and a small number of spaces that are used as informal recreational spaces.
The reserve revocation process is a statutory process as determined by the Reserves Act 1977, which requires public notification of the proposal to revoke reserve status.
The notification period has been extended to ensure that anyone wishing to make an objection has ample opportunity to do so, given the significant public interest in the process.
“We want to give Aucklanders more opportunity to provide feedback given the interest we have received,” says Programme Lead Ross Chirnside.
“Auckland Council and Panuku continue to encourage submissions on the proposals from all members of the public through to the end of the notification period on Wednesday, 14 April.”
After close of consultation, each property and all submissions received will be reported to the relevant Council committee for a decision about whether to recommend to the Minister that the Reserves Act status should be revoked. Final approval lies with the Minister of Conservation.
Full details of how to submit a proposal as well as copies of the public notices can be found on the Auckland Council website here.
