It’s more important than ever to speak up and help shape the future of your community by giving feedback on Whau Local Board’s draft three-year plan.
The Board has prepared a draft plan and wants to know if they have got it right. It’s easy to have your say – just fill out the simple online form by 14 August.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas says the Board is committed to working for the betterment of its local area.
“We want to continue to foster our distinct identity through celebrating the rich diversity of our area, investing in arts and culture, and honouring our Māori heritage, amongst other things. It’s time for you to tell us whether you agree with that direction,” says Kay.
The Board has five priorities that will help guide the decisions they make over the next three years: Our people, Our environment, Our community, Our places, Our economy. Delivering outcomes for Māori and taking action on climate change are also important features of the plan.
Take a look at the first two priorities and what they mean for the Whau area.
Priority 1: Our People
The Board will promote greater whanaungatanga (sense of connection) in their communities to promote belonging and wellbeing. They will strengthen partnerships and encourage engagement with mana whenua and mataawaka groups and organisations, and ensure the voices of multi-cultural groups, community-led groups, and organisations representing people with disabilities are heard.
The Board will advocate for inclusion of a strong Māori focus and use of Māori design principles in regional projects, as well as positive outcomes for their diverse communities and less prosperous populations.
Priority 2: Our Environment
The Board aims to build resilience against climate change and reduce carbon emissions and waste through partnerships and with external resources. They will prioritise the planting of more trees while protecting existing significant ones. The Board is committed to protecting and enhancing the streams, waterways and harbours, and restoring their mauri.
The Board will advocate for protection of trees and green space, completion of shoreline adaptation plans in partnership with mana whenua and in consultation with local communities, and better infrastructure and investment in projects and plans that adapt to and mitigate climate impacts.
Ways to have your say
There are several ways for the Whau community to have their say.
For those who prefer to connect through Kōrero in person, there are drop-in sessions at New Lynn Library, New Lynn Community Centre, and Blockhouse Bay Library. You can find the key dates here.
A combined West Wide Hui will be held at Hoani Waititi Marae on Wednesday 9 August, for the mataawaka and whānau Māori communities in Hikurangi, West Auckland.
Another way to view the plan and give feedback is online at akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/whau-local-board-plan-2023
It’s your place, your voice.
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