It’s more important than ever to speak up and help shape the future of your community by giving feedback on Waitākere Ranges 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.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Greg Presland says the next three years will be part of a major rebuild after COVID-19 and recent extreme weather events, so understanding local priorities really matters.
“Clearly the financial pressures that the council is under will have an effect. But our role is to preserve and enhance what is important to our local communities and that local preferences are very clear.
“We need you to let us know what is important to you and if this draft plan accurately reflects your wishes.”
The board has five priorities that will help guide the decisions they make over the next three years: people, environment, community, places, and economy.
Take a look at the first two priorities and what they mean for the Waitākere Ranges area.
Priority 1: Our People
The board plans to foster strong and productive mana whenua and mataawaka relationships, enhance the health, wellbeing and resilience of local communities, and ensure people from their diverse communities are connected and feel as though they belong.
To achieve these goals, the board will fund or support events and activities that promote Māori culture and identity. They will also work on community resilience plans to help people prepare for future emergencies, and provide community space, services and events that meet the needs of their diverse communities.
Priority 2: Our Environment
The board aims to restore and enhance ecosystems in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area and ensure Manukau Harbour beaches and west coast lagoons are clean and safe for swimming. They will take action to reduce climate impacts and are prepared to adapt and respond to future events.
The board will advocate for the enhancement of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area, and the continuation of the Natural Environment Targeted Rate to enable delivery of environmental programmes in the area. They will also advocate for the Piha Wetland restoration to improve its natural function and hydrology.
Ways to have your say
There are several ways for the Waitākere Ranges community to have their say.
For those who prefer to connect through kōrero in person, there are drop-in sessions at Glen Eden Library and Titirangi 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 West Auckland.
Another way to view the plan and give feedback is online at akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitakere-ranges-local-board-plan-2023/
It’s your place, your voice.
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