Franklin residents have delivered a record-breaking response to the Franklin Local Board Plan 2026 consultation.
A total of 1,400 submissions were received, the highest of any local board, helping to deliver the highest level of participation in a local boards plan consultation since council was formed in 2010. Franklin’s result is up more than 800 per cent from 2023.
Franklin Local Board chair, Alan Cole is rapt with the response, which reflects strong community engagement.
“I just want to thank everyone who took the time to complete the feedback form or came out to have chat with us,” says chair Cole.
“Thanks to the team and staff for putting in an enormous number of hours and kilometres across Franklin during the five weeks of consultation.”
The total number of submissions received across the region for all 21 local board plans, reached more than 11,000 – the most ever.
Held in late June to end of July the consultation sought input on the Franklin Local Board’s priorities for the next three years.
The draft plan outlines objectives for Franklin’s five key focus areas: community, the natural environment, the built environment, economic development and transport.
To narrow down the scope, residents were asked for feedback on specific questions to help shape its priorities.
Bins at Franklin beaches question sparked strongest response
One of the consultation’s most debated topics was the proposal to remove rubbish bins from some Franklin beaches.
More than 600 submitters opposed the idea, and around 220 supported it.
Those against the proposal were concerned beach users would leave rubbish behind, leading to environmental impacts, increased clean-up costs and poorer experience for residents and visitors.
Supporters believed removing bins would encourage personal responsibility, reduce overflowing bins and prevent rubbish blowing into waterways, establish a culture of owning one’s rubbish and taking it home, while potentially freeing up funding for other priorities.
Mixed views on proposed sports field maintenance contributions
Fifty-eight per cent of individual respondents disagreed with seeking contribution for sports field maintenance, and just over 30 per cent agreed. More than half of participating organisations agreed with user pays.
Opposers stated public sports fields are core community assets that should be funded, fearing additional charges would reduce participation and add further pressure on volunteer-run clubs.
Supporters favoured a modest, transparent contribution to help cover wear and tear associated with field use.
Respondents such as community hall users and swim club members believe there’s a need to balance investment across all community facilities and services, explaining their fees pay for power, use of furniture and pool lane hire – supporting the option of sports teams paying for upkeep of fields, nets and goal posts.
Karioitahi Beach road status – beach or road?
More than 60 per cent of submitters agreed that the board should review how Karioitahi Beach is managed, due to public safety and environmental concerns, and conflicts between vehicles and other beach users.
Respondents cited speeding and dangerous driving on the beach, impacts to dune and wildlife and the loss of safe recreational space for families, children, walkers, dog owners and horse riders.
Those who opposed believe vehicle access is a longstanding part of Karioitahi’s identity and provides access for recreational sports like fishing, and less-mobile users.
Franklin’s roads and footpaths
Respondents advocated for a range of transport projects, with 21 per cent wanting Pukekohe arterial roads to be prioritised, particularly addressing safety issues at Blackbridge Road and State Highway 22 intersection.
More than 40 per cent of Waiuku/Glenbrook submitters want to see ferry services on the Manukau Harbour investigated. Nearly 80 per cent of Beachlands respondents support more frequent and bigger ferries for the Pine Harbour route, and 68 per cent want the Whitford village bypass prioritised.
Common themes inlcuded more footpaths and completion of missing walking links, improved bus services and connections to trains, and to address road congestion and safety issues.
Next steps
The board is now considering all feedback and reviewing its draft plan. Consultation results will be published in the coming months, and the plan will be finalised for adoption in October 2026.
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