Source: Auckland Council
People are invited to have their say on how parks and reserves are managed in the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board area.
The Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan will guide the management of 287 local parks and reserves from Waiwera to Campbells Bay.
Chair Gary Brown is encouraging residents to give feedback so that the plan reflects what they expect and want to experience at parks.
“Rather than management plans for each park or reserve, this approach brings everything together and will describe how people use parks, which areas need protection, and what to consider before improving a park.
“We know our community really treasures its parks and open spaces so now it’s time to get to grips with the plan and give feedback on it.”
He says it will be an important document that will guide decisions on local parks for a long time.
“We will need to refer to it many times such as when we approve events or grant leases to groups using parks.”
Auckland Council Manager Community Parks and Places Martin van Jaarsveld says the management plan is being prepared according to the Reserves Act 1977.
“The plan’s aim is to guide day-to-day management in local parks in a way that reflects the values of mana whenua and the community. It has a policy more than an operational focus.
“Also included is a comprehensive review of the existing reserve management plans in the local board area.”
He says it replaces previous reserve management plans except those for the Mairangi Bay Beach Reserves Management Plan, Shakespear and Long Bay regional parks and Department of Conservation managed land.
The consultation period runs until Friday, 4 September 2020.
Ways to have your say:
Next steps
The consultation period will be followed by hearings, where any submitter can speak to their submission in person. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the local board later this year or early in 2021.
