Phase one - Waitematā plan update

Thank you to everyone who shared ideas, insights and gave feedback on what the Waitematā Local Board should include in their next three-year plan. It has been great to hear from you and see your creative ideas and passion for your communities and neighbourhoods.

Who we heard from

In addition to receiving your ideas and feedback here on this site, we held seven workshops and focus groups. We partnered with community groups to meet with those we may not traditionally hear from, such as our Chinese communities, and to have much needed conversations about climate change. We also heard about the benefits and challenges of living in the city centre.

We met with many of you face to face at nine public events such as the Myers Park Medley, Grey Lynn Festival, Big Gay Out, the Santa Parade, Orientation week at Auckland University and Uptown Sounds in Basque Park.

What you said

These are some of the key themes we heard from the feedback received:

• Climate change: we need to respond to climate change through waste minimisation, supporting sustainable communities and businesses, using renewable energy sources, supporting agrichemical free parks, urban forests and low carbon lifestyles
• Inclusive communities: celebrate and support the diversity of our community with more cultural programmes, events, increased accessibility in terms of language, mobility with a focus on families, youth and the homeless
• Transport: more affordable options to get around including cycle lanes, pedestrian friendly town centres, and more buses
• Places: more play and exercise equipment in parks as well as shade, shelter, drinking fountains and greater security. Better connected, multi-use public places with more amenities like toilets and lockers
• Heritage: protect our heritage, such as Leys Institute and celebrate it by including te reo in signage and Māori in public art and design.

What happens next?

All 21 of Auckland’s local boards are developing their new 2020 Local Board Plans based on what we heard and from other inputs such as the Auckland Plan 2050, Long Term Plan, and Annual Budget.

We have yet to fully determine the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities and it may mean some of our plans and aspirations may need to change as a result. Our response will be delivered via the annual budgeting process but the decisions we make will focus on ensuring the benefits for our community.

In July we will come back to you with an opportunity to have your say on the draft Waitematā Local Board Plan. We will be back in touch when phase two opens.

Stay safe - kia kaha