It’s more important than ever to speak up and help shape the future of your community, as the Upper Harbour Local Board releases their three-year plan for consultation.
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 at akhaveyoursay.govt.nz/localboardplans by 14 August.
The plan will guide local board decision-making in Upper Harbour over the next three years on things like parks and playgrounds, community funding and group support, as well as events and programmes.
Upper Harbour Local Board Chair Anna Atkinson says this consultation has the potential to have significant impacts across the Upper Harbour area.
“Everyone knows budgets are tight, and that circumstances have changed since the last plan was developed.
“We face many more challenges, such as the extreme weather events experienced earlier this year, and what is expected to be the most difficult financial years we have ever faced.
“We must create a more resilient and sustainable community that can withstand these challenges and we can do that by investing in the priorities outlined in this plan.
The plan reflects community aspirations and needs which are included in five key areas – people, community, environment, places and the economy. Key objectives and the initiatives that the board wants to see delivered are listed under each area.
Atkinson says the plan’s starting point is the community feedback that board members received from past consultations and surveys such as the annual budget and the council’s People’s Panel.
“We didn’t need to start from scratch as we have a lot of feedback, some of it going back several years.
“We spent considerable time reviewing and discussing this feedback, and from it, we developed the draft plan.
“We need your help to check that the objectives and initiatives outlined here are the right ones for our area.
“Talk to your local board members and tell us if we have got it right.”
Ways to have your say
There are a range of ways that the Upper Harbour community can have their say, whether it’s submitting a form online or attending an event.
For those who value in-person conservations and want to find out more about the plan from board members, and give feedback, there is a world cafe style event taking place on Monday 7 August, 1pm-3.30pm at the Albany Village Hall, 21 Library Lane, Albany. If you would like to attend, email upperharbourlocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Local organisations are also hosting community events during July and August. Residents are invited to share their ideas about the plan with neighbours, community leaders and board members.
Another way to give feedback and view the plan, is online at akhaveyoursay.co.nz/localboardplans website. Here people can download and read a copy of the 2023 Draft Upper Harbour Local Board Plan and fill out a simple online form.
A copy of the plan can also be viewed at Albany Village Library, and people can also pick up a submission form.
Feedback must be received before consultation closes at 4pm on Monday 14 August.
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