Auckland Council has approved a refreshed open space, sport and recreation strategy for our region.
Carole Canler, Senior Policy Manager at Auckland Council tells us what the strategy is about, and how it will bring a host of benefits for all Aucklanders.
Kia ora Carole! What is Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland’s Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy – about?
“We have an opportunity to protect and enhance what we love and what makes Tāmaki Makaurau such a special place: its extensive and diverse network of open spaces and opportunities for play, sport and recreation.
“This strategy consolidates five strategies into one. It is a unifying roadmap to provide open space, sport and recreation opportunities to all Aucklanders in a fair way. It focuses on investing for multiple benefits: what is good for our mental and physical wellbeing can also be good for the environment, the climate, and wildlife.”
Consolidating five strategies into one sounds good! How will it work – and will it fund anything?
“The strategy guides our investment. Of course, resources are limited, and we need to invest wisely. Auckland Council will implement the strategy as budgets, set through the long-term and annual plan processes, enable us to. So, we need to prioritise.
“To help with this, the strategy sets four investment principles. For example, when planning a new park, we’ll think about where it’s needed most, what it could provide that’s missing in the area, which organisations we can team up with to help delivery, and how we can make the most of the space and support things like climate resilience.
“But we are not delivering this alone. Our partners, stakeholders and community groups have helped shape the strategy, and they have an important role to play in delivering it. Lots of smart ideas come from our communities, so community-led initiatives will also be fundamental."
How does the strategy respond to Auckland's growing population and urban development?
“In the last Rangahau te Korou o te Ora/Quality of Life Survey, 72 per cent of Auckland residents said their area is a great place to live. Our population is expected to grow by more than 500,000 people over the next 30 years. We’re planning ahead so our communities can continue enjoying the parks and play opportunities that are so important to them.
“One way we can do this is by improving public access to a wide range of open spaces, for example walkways by the coast and by streams, and making better use of our streets.
“As Auckland intensifies, we also need to think outside the box and use rooftops, streets, and smaller pockets of land in creative ways. There are plenty of good examples from overseas that we can build on.”
Is there any impact on our regional parks?
“No, regional parks will still be there for everyone to enjoy.”
The strategy focuses on fairer access. How will it make sure everyone can enjoy Auckland’s parks and places to be active?
“Aucklanders have told us just how important access to sports, activities and open spaces is to them. By targeting investment where it’s needed the most, we can create a fairer and more equitable chance to take part.
“The strategy promotes a network of sports facilities and programmes. We’ll continue to team up with Aktive, Sport New Zealand and other groups to jointly deliver those. Accessibility also means feeling safe, welcome, and being affordable. Using community-led design can help create accessible and inclusive spaces.
“Previously, we had separate open space and sport and recreation plans. This strategy brings them together. It makes sense when you think so many of us use open spaces to be active. There is so much synergy between open space, play, sport and recreation.”
How will the strategy enhance Auckland’s response to climate disruption?
“Open spaces can help mitigate climate disruption, such as rising temperatures and more sudden, intense rain. The strategy aims for Auckland to become greener and spongier. Open space creates room for more trees which help reduce temperatures in the city, and parks can soak up rainwater. We have good examples in Auckland of parks that have been adapted to capture more water to avoid or limit flooding, without impacting on their core purpose. We want to see more of those in the future.”
What does the future of Auckland’s open space, sport and recreation look like?
“We’ve set five strategic directions to shape the future of open space, sport and recreation in Auckland. We have a clear picture of where we’re going and how we’ll get there. You can read these on OurAuckland.
“With a new strategy now in place, we have the tools to continue delivering the open space, sport and recreation opportunities our communities love and need now and in the future, so that together we grow a healthier Auckland.”
Find out more about the strategy here, or read more on OurAuckland.
