For a quick look at the current state of affairs, visit the Chorus Broadband Capability Map.

Auckland Council have contacted me and the more information we can provide, the more they are able to assess whether Patumahoe would be a suitable recipient of this fund.

Given the increasing residential growth in the community, the existing ADSL system may be less than adequate in the future for providing consistent, reliable and high traffic internet access.

Please take a couple of minutes to fill in the form below, so that we provide a collection of reliable data along with our register of interest.

Many of us have personal experience of the benefit that our local Playcentre has provided – and still provides – to our community.

They are currently looking for business or personal sponsors for this project  and invite local businesses or individuals to be a part of it.  If you are able help out, have a look at the options available for sponsorship and contact Lorna Thompson

Sponsorship form:

Patumahoe/Mauku Playcentre: Recipe Book Sponsorship

Patumahoe will have another intensive poultry farm notch on its belt if the Craddock Farms Ltd resource consent application is approved. The application is to build ten sheds each housing over thirty thousand caged chickens at any given time. With a total of 310,000 chickens this will be one of, if not the biggest intensive poultry farm in New Zealand. Surprising as this comes at a time when the global demand for any caged product is declining. Specifically the social appetite for caged eggs is waning and in New Zealand there are some cases where supermarkets (including Countdown) are reacting to social pressure and banning these products from their shelves. Kudos to them.

Currently there are between 125-140 poultry farms providing eggs for local consumption and a small amount for export. In terms of volumes this is more than one billion eggs or a retail value of $286 million a year. Of those more than 80% of the egg farms are caged – that’s over 2.5 million caged chickens just in the egg industry.

The Patumahoe village already has a broiler operation right in the heart of the township. There have been significant efforts to have this shut down as it is offensive by nature but also it flies in the face of the rural community atmosphere. Patumahoe is an up and coming area that has recently been part of a developmental program to help accommodate the growing wider Auckland region, particularly for those who prefer the country lifestyle. New residents are looking for access to all the surrounding ‘big city’ facilities whilst having a corner of bliss right at their doorstep. Another farm of this nature in Patumahoe will easily dispel these beliefs. This will prevent families like the ones already living here, from choosing Patumahoe as the preferred place to live.

It is an indictment on our council that they consider that the community itself not relevant enough to include in this type of decision making. An operation like this affects the entire community not just those who live on its boundary. No one wants to live next to this type of operation but it begs the question – how close is too close?

Printed at the request of Peta Berry, resident of Patumahoe
Post originally published on 17 June 2014, on FaceBook

Patumahoe Village Inc and St Brides Anglican Church in collaboration with local Iwi would like to invite you to join us on a Historic Walk & Commemoration of the Battle of Titi Hill 150 years ago.

When: Sunday October 20^th, 1.00 – 4.00pm

Where: Park at Bald Hill Rd on the side of the road along from Number 55 next to the cypress hedge.  Parking signs will be put in place as a visual guide.  (If you wish to car share, we will be meeting at St Brides Church at 12:40pm to organise seats)

What : The total walking distance is approximately 6km, although shorter and older legs will have the option of smaller routes.

Why: Acknowledgement of the past while building connections into the future.  A small programme and history booklet will be handed out on the day, and we welcome contributions to this. Please contact us if you wish to do so.

PROGRAMME

Titi Hill & Battle site

We will walk around Titi Hill then up to the summit. From here we will walk down to where the main battle took place, close to the main road and close to the cow shed on Brian & Jan Day’s property. There will be a brief recount of events and a blessing.  (Those wishing to –  can drive around to Brian and Jan Day’s cow shed on the main Waiuku Rd)

Whakaupoko Summit & Old Coach Rd

We will return to Bald Hill Rd and then walk to the summit of Whakaupoko (Bald Hill). From the summit we will return but via the old coach road and visit some historic Pa sites, a small old quarry and see a place where bats live. (You can also drive to the summit).

St Brides Anglican Church

From back at the start we will drive to St Brides Church. Here there will be a brief recount of events at the Church around the time of the battle. We would hope that people remain to share stories of the past and present, and enjoy a late afternoon tea / early evening meal. It is a byo basis for food and drinks. We ask that everyone bring a plate – savoury or sweet – and tea / coffee / water will be provided. There will be a gold coin donation at the St Brides Community Centre.

BACKGROUND

As time has distanced us from personal involvement – and verification of written and oral histories becomes more difficult – we have both an opportunity and an obligation to view these incidents differently.

To begin – an acknowledgement of the cost to both parties of any violent altercation that results in fatalities, dispossession and more importantly, a break in peaceful communication and community.  To continue with the realisation that we can piece together only a fragment of what occurred, and add to this knowledge as best we can, by inviting all to contribute.  While Pākehā written histories can be found, they often contradict each other, and are often only reflections of personal perspectives.  Māori oral histories were not recorded – or if they have been – have not yet come to light.  We would be delighted to have additions to add to our knowledge from both.

From this perspective, the Battle on Titi Hill is one of the more tragic parts of our past that occurred on October 23rd 1863 during the New Zealand Land Wars.

For the Pākehā community – comprised of settlers and militia – there was a loss of eight lives.  The names and deaths of these casualties are recorded in written histories and gravestones.

For Māori the cost in lives were significantly more than this – and estimates in various histories range from 16 to 30.  However, their losses around this time were far greater.  From an area they once owned and worked intensively – they were in effect banished.  The few remaining pieces of land they did own were confiscated shortly before the battle.  This included 700 acres that now takes in all of the present day village of Patumahoe.

We have been able to view a historical map of this area – referred to as the “Native Reserve”.  After confiscation, this area was the beginning of the subdivision of Patumahoe, which continues to this day.

This dispossession of land resulted in a permanent fragmentation of the Māori community that lived here.  The official recording of their home as a “Native Reserve” does not give us a name for the iwi or hapu that lived here.  Day Road, in living memory was once named Patumahoe Hill Road, so perhaps that is the name of the hill where they resided but we have no confirmation of that.

This event is about building stronger links in our community particularly with local Iwi – Ngāti te Ata & Ngāti Tamaoho who are the remaining iwi in this district.  We would like to develop  an annual format taking in a physical activity and at the same time exploring more of our past.

The historical incidents that are being recognised all over Franklin,  were part of a campaign that is collectively referred to  as the New Zealand Wars. From 1860 to 1864 the wars were aimed at dislodging the Māori King Movement, which refused to accept colonial authority, and the acquiring of farming and residential land for English settlers. The 1860s conflicts involved 18,000 British troops and about 4000 Māori warriors and over the course of the Taranaki and Waikato campaigns took the lives of an estimated  800 Europeans and 1800 Māori.

St Brides Anglican Church in Mauku welcome the opportunity to be involved and invite everyone to use their hall for the food and drinks that will follow the commemorative walk.

Be a part of something new….

This is a new approach for all involved – and the format and focus will likely change if – as we hope – it becomes an annual event.  Alongside the sadness of commemoration of the loss of lives on both sides, is a fragile celebration of the ability of people to reconnect.

Local Iwi, and St Brides Church are the present representatives of the past players in this story, we invite you all to join them in helping to weave the histories and future of this place together by simply participating in this event.

How you can help

We would love to hear your stories of the past and over time share these within the wider community.

If you are able to offer support on the day let Andrew Sinclair know.

Email: andrew@climbingjack.com Ph 2363 647

Bring a flouro jacket if you have one as we will need a few people at the front and back of the group as we walk along Bald Hill Rd. We will require people to assist with tea / coffee / running a cleaning up.   You may be able to assist with recording the days events via camera, video or recorder.

Patumahoe waiata

If you are interested in being part of a group singing a waiata on the day, or just want to learn the words, please contact us.  A preliminary session will be held before the day and an ideal group would include members of local residents, St Brides and local iwi to reflect the kaupapa (purpose) of this day.  Beginners are not only welcome, but are running this aspect of the day.  Come along and join in.

While many of you will already be aware, the sudden death of Dave Pufflet, the coordinator of Whakaupoko Landcare has come as a shock to us all.

We have lost a truly great friend our thoughts are with his awesome family.

Puff was coordinating the grand opening of our new walkway (Te Ara O Whangamaire), linking the bush near Patumahoe School to Henry’s Bush on Hunters Rd.

This Walkway opening is planned for November 23^rd 2.30pm Friday afternoon and will still go ahead in what will now be both a happy and sad day.

More detail will follow and in the meantime we will be holding a working bee next weekend to finish the track off.  Puff has been a key part of this project right from the start and we know if you are able to make it along he would appreciate it.

When: Sunday 11^th, 10.00am (Along from North East Fields just off Clive Howe Rd)

What to bring: Yourself and any friends. Bring a sharp spade or shovel, some gloves and the odd hammer.

What we are doing:

1. Killing surviving gorse and convolvulus around the steep part of the track and around the spring.
2. Completing the loop track in the bush at the bottom right. (This will be done by youth for the youth of Patumahoe and just needs a little track shaping to finish it off)
3. Nailing on plastic triangles to trees, fences, pegs – to mark the track.
4. Assembling a gate entrance at the bottom and a stile across one fence.
5. Putting in track signs.
6. Tidying up the entrance way.
7. Carrying some metal down the track to fill up 6 steps that lead through the bush.

We are thinking of finishing off the morning with a pot luck bar b que and brief details will follow.

There will also be more detail re the Walkway opening and if you are willing to assist on the day then please get hold of either Andrew or Peter. We would like to think that it will be a day to remember

See you on Sunday. Any questions contact:

Andrew Sinclair Ph 236-3647

or Pete Hardy    Ph 236-3590

Where: Meet at the start of the track close by the first sharp corner on Clive Howe Rd or if you are late simply walk down to the bottom.
Bring: A sharp spade or shovel and a rake if you have one.

This session  is to design and complete the blue part of the Walkway in the enclosed map. The yellow path is already complete and is metalled etc and looking good. The green part is across farmland and will be a marked walkway. The blue part is through the bush in the bottom of the gully as an extra loop track. This will not be metalled at this stage but just an exploration track primarily for the kids of Patumahoe.

For those of you who knew him, a few of Richard Harris’ friends have already committed to coming along, and it may be a good time to discuss ideas on how we can commemorate one of our people, while also participating in an activity he would no doubt enjoyed being part of.

Remember it is daylight saving starting on Sunday so the start time will feel like 9.00am.

See you there.

Andrew Sinclair

Ph 236-3647

We have raised concerns about the installation of the Kea Crossings with Franklin Local Board and have had a contradictory response from them.

Given the expressed community concern about traffic, and more recently about the Kea Crossing installations the Patumahoe Village Inc committee believed it was important to generate discussion and comment from the community before taking this matter further.

In addition to general traffic concern, specific comments about the Kea Crossing installations came forward at the Community Open Day in October 2010.

The issue was that the narrowing of the roads actually created a hazard and also was a source of confusion for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.  Especially for younger members of the community who seemed unsure  whether this was designated crossing or not and therefore acted inconsistently.  Drivers too, are not sure whether to respond to these crossings in a similar way to pedestrian crossings and will also behave inconsistently.

The signage created for use in a urban environment with other visual noise – is also inappropriate for a rural village and is a predominant urban feature in an otherwise rural landscape.  While visual impact is a fundamental purpose of these signs, we consider that a more appropriate method of traffic calming is available in Patumahoe and should have been considered – especially as no other alternative had been offered by ARTA.

Alternative proposal – Patumahoe village

From the first presentation in early 2011 to Auckland Council we have asked for the installation of traffic calming entrances on the four roads leading into Patumahoe – Woodhouse Road, Kingseat Road, Mauku Road and Patumahoe Road.

Given the rural village community, and the reference materials and direction we had received so far, we believed that an appropriate method of traffic calming for Patumahoe would be a combination of:

• Individually designed welcome signs;
• Appropriate planting to designate the entry to the village ( and required lower speeds).  This could mean that tree choices are deciduous trees with significant blossoms and leaf changes to create a constantly changing visual reminder.  Flower choices could include spring bulbs as well as flowering perennials and colourful annuals for the same reason.
• Change in roading surface – approx 6m of cobblestones – to remind drivers that they are entering a residential area.

This solution was favourably reviewed by our Low Impact Design planner from Auckland Council and an Auckland Council spatial planner before being submitted to our Local Board.

Despite these submissions and ongoing contact with our Local Board and Auckland Council, we were not informed of the Legacy project for Kea Crossing in Franklin until we broached the community concern with council following the first installation.

Franklin Local Board 6 March 2012 presentation

This issue was specifically addressed at a Local Board presentation in March this year.  Due to a scheduling error (on my part) and a late start due to malfunctioning AV equipment – we went overtime and were given a further presentation time in May.

However, we did bring up the concerns regarding the traffic narrowing installation in Patumahoe.

The Local Board members received comprehensive notes and a summary from from this presentation and they included the two page document can be viewed and downloaded below:

Traffic Pages From Presentation Local Board 6 March 2012

During the presentation – Local Board members seemed to share our concerns about the issues we raised and we spent some time in discussion with them on this topic.

Following this – we received an email from the Local Board chairman on April 4th:
Andy Baker: “…Would it be possible for somebody to email me the presentation photos regarding the issues with the speed signs and encroachment onto the road that were presented to us. Am in discussions with Auckland Transport and they need convincing there is a problem and want to see the photos…”

These photos were sent as requested –  and no other communication was received on this topic.  However, during the period between April and our next presentation for the Local Board on Tuesday 15 May, further installations took place in Patumahoe. We made contact with Patumahoe Primary School to see whether the Travelwise programme had been kept informed on this implemention and also to ask if any other alternatives had been proposed.  They indicated that they were not informed until the installation was taking place and that no other option other than the Kea Crossing programme had been offered.

Franklin Local Board  May 15 2012 workshop

This was a question and answer session with the Local Board where we again raised concerns about the installations.  However, this time the response was dismissive – with the caveat that “we will not apologise for being concerned with road safety for children…”

PVI wholeheartedly agrees with this sentiment.  However, we do have some concerns that by rolling out a programme with no consideration or input from individual communities, there is danger of implementation not only failing to meet intent – but resulting in contradicting it.

We believe this to be the case in Patumahoe but ask for your views.

Following is the further correspondence with the Local Board that has prompted us to seek community input on this particular issue:

“Email dated 28 May 2012:

Hi Andy

Just thought I would let you know that now there are even larger concrete structures in Patumahoe outside the School that form a total block and an even more narrowing of the road. This happened last week. Why could not options such as a zebra crossing outside the school and eg traffic cameras be looked at as much safer options for all. This development has been looked at in isolation to do with school and cars with no overall view taken to transport safety for all users.

What are we best to do from here if we think it is more likely to end up killing someone that what was in place before?

What are some other options that slow traffic down around schools but do not form bottlenecks? (It is well documented overseas that road safety for all it is best to make the area wider rather than narrower

Cheers, Andrew”

“Email reply dated 29 May 2012:

Hi Andrew

We had a workshop on an unrelated matter today with the Road Safety Team from AT and I took the opportunity to discuss your concerns raised below with the senior managers who attended.

I also got scale plans of the kea crossing structures that have been recently changed and which you are obviously referring to. I am also waiting confirmation from the school as to what their position is or was during the discussions involved in their travel planning.

The response I have received and is one I find very difficult to argue with (and I did spend 5 years as a road safety coordinator so have a pretty good understanding of these types of things), is that the priority here is to provide the best possible safety for the pedestrian users and in particular the school children who use the kea crossing formally or as an informal crossing point. The changes were made as the belief was that what was initially installed did not provide adequate safety at a number of engineering and other levels. From what I am told, the school have been extremely supportive of this as a kea crossing. The positioning of this crossing has been done at what is believed by the expert safety engineers to be the safest point in regard to visibility of road users and logistical relevance to the school, which is the main purpose of its existence.

The interesting thing in regard to the design is that the width of the small raised islands is actually narrower (or meant to be ) than that of a car parked legally elsewhere on the side of the road. Which does create a conundrum in that if we were to accept that this type of structure or island is unacceptable on this road, then we would have to also accept that following your line of argument, that vehicles parking on the road verge as they can now are also as dangerous and should be prevented from doing so. I am not sure that this is a suggestion the community would think to be all that pragmatic or acceptable and certainly would not be one I would be willing to stand up in Patumahoe and champion. However you may be braver than I.

It is accepted that the road narrows at this point and that does naturally put those on cycles further into the lane. However the AT staff believe cyclists simply have to do what they do elsewhere with parked cars or similar issues by signalling and moving out safely into the lane for the few short metres it takes to pass the islands.

I guess the keys for me is that the priority must be for the pedestrians users and in particular the children and also that these structures are used all over the country and are designed to be less restricting that parked cars. I do not believe there is actually much of case for changing it and that all road users including vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians simply have to share the road and drive to the conditions.

Sorry there isn’t an outcome you desire but I have trust in the experience and expertise in the information provided on this one.

Regards, Andy”

Patumahoe Community workshop 11 June 2012

This issue was briefly discussed during the Open community workshop on Monday 11 June 2012, and the response was in line with our initial concerns rather than the Local Board viewpoint.

Given this anomaly we have sought to gather input from the community before continuing.

One of our committee members has drafted a letter to Auckland Council: Local Board, our representative councillor Des Morrison, Penny Hulse – Deputy Mayor (and Community Development Manager).  This draft is shown below and we invite your comments.

Making the Main Road in Patumahoe Safer – Draft for Community Review July 2012

Community concerns

The traffic issue was raised as early as August 2010 when the initial community workshop identified the traffic speed throughout the village as being a priority concern for residents.  This concern was reinforced from feedback obtained from the street parties held in December 2010 – February 2011, and once again on the Open Day in May 2011.

Most comments expressed concern that no traffic planning had taken place to coordinate the integration of the new subdivisions with the existing roadworks.  This lack of planning by the then ARTA (Auckland Regional Transport Authority) and Franklin District Council – was further compounded by the knowledge that a Kingseat Structure Plan had been approved.  This Structure Plan when implemented would mean the growth of Kingseat to a community of 5,000.  As Patumahoe sits on the only direct commuter road to Pukekohe – even higher levels of traffic would be using our roads than would be anticipated by local Patumahoe development.

Patumahoe Primary School was already undergoing a Travelwise programme with ARTA, and had produced a comprehensive report in 2009 – Travelwise School Travel Report .  This primarily focussed on the modes of transport for pupils attending school and the options to encourage alternative methods of transport rather than vehicular.  As a result, and at this time, a group of parents began work on the Hunter Road pathway loop project which sought to extend both Patumahoe Road and Woodhouse Road pathways to their respective connections to Hunter Road.  Due to the high level of recreational users – this project would also benefit the wider community as well as Patumahoe School pupils.  As you will have noticed, the Patumahoe Road segment of this pathway was recently installed and we understand from the Local Board that the Woodhouse segment will be completed next year.

ARTA was also planning traffic calming instalments throughout Auckland.  Our current Local Board chairman, Andy Baker is well informed on this issue as at that time he was working for ARTA.  It was during this time – before amalgamation – that the decision to roll out Kea Crossings throughout Franklin was made.  These decisions formed part of the legacy packages handed over to the new Auckland Council and Auckland Transport when amalgamation took place in November 2010.  We were unaware of this Legacy project until late last 2011 when we asked about the first installation of traffic narrowing in 2011.

Legacy Project – Franklin District wide implementation

The criteria for the Kea Crossings in Franklin was that they would be implemented in Franklin in the vicinity of any school that had more than 200 enrolments. Patumahoe School – both as a member of Travelwise and with a large number of pupils was identified as a school requiring implementation.  It is important to note that we did contact Patumahoe School as a stakeholder right at the beginning of our process and we took note of the Travelwise programme when making submissions to Auckland Council.  As far as we are aware, no other option to control excessive speed around the school was offered as a solution to concerns – and there are others.

Alternative methods of traffic calming

A few months previously, I had spoken to former FDC staff members who were working on roading and traffic issues.  They had just attended a placemaking conference for Auckland district council and transport staff and were enthusiastic about topics discussed that had shown marked success in traffic calming and speed reduction that did not follow current policies.

The key speaker David Engwicht is an Australian consultant that had completed projects in both Australia and New Zealand and promotes grassworks community placemaking, as well as specifically addressing traffic taming measures.  Patumahoe Village Inc owns a copy of his Mental Speedbumps – The Smarter Way to Tame Traffic book, which is available for lending.  This book – and the ideas contained within – were recommended by FDC staff.

“Mental Speed Bumps: The Smarter Way to Tame Traffic
A practical, down-to-earth guide for residents, parents, health
professionals and city planners that turns conventional wisdom
on its head.

• Find out how to use mental speed bumps to instantly slow drivers without them being aware that they have slowed.
• Learn why removing all traffic signs, white lines, speed humps and traffic lights dramatically slow traffic and makes  streets  safer.
• Discover why building the social life of the street is the most effective way to tame traffic.

Now everyone has the power to tame traffic.”

Proposal for Patumahoe village

Given the level of concern shown by the community, we sought the advice of the new Auckland Transport organisation on how the traffic issue could be addressed.  Due to the recent amalgamation – it has proven difficult to directly connect through to Auckland Transport staff and efforts to do so were unproductive.  Our Local Board member, Lance Gedge is the Franklin Local Board member liaising with Auckland Transport but he has been unable to take this issue on board.  We understand the dilemma as he is unfamiliar with the smaller communities of Franklin and their workload has been substantial, but this has left us in a particularly uninformed  place.

We liaised with the Travelwise programme at Patumahoe Primary School and only at that time did the first implementation of the Kea Crossings take place.  During our October 2011 Open Day, this implementation raised further concerns from the community that instead of improving traffic safety – a traffic hazard had been created.

We raised this with the Local Board during a presentation early this year- at which time we were informed that the Legacy Project of Kea Crossings from ARTA and FDC were now being implemented.  This was discouraging because we had met several times informally with Local Board members, and at least once – formally – and at no time was mention made of this project.

An alternative to Kea Crossings

From the first presentation to Auckland Council we have asked for the installation of traffic calming entrances on the four roads leading into Patumahoe – Woodhouse Road, Kingseat Road, Mauku Road and Patumahoe Road.

Given the rural village community, and the reference materials and direction we had received so far, we believed that an appropriate method of traffic calming for Patumahoe would be a combination of:

• Individually designed welcome signs;
• Appropriate planting to designate the entry to the village ( and required lower speeds).  This could mean that tree choices are deciduous trees with significant blossoms and leaf changes to create a constantly changing visual reminder.  Flower choices could include spring bulbs as well as flowering perennials and colourful annuals for the same reason.
• Change in roading surface – approx 6m of cobblestones – to remind drivers that they are entering a residential area.

This solution was reviewed by our Low Impact Design planner from Auckland Council and an Auckland Council spatial planner before being submitted to our Local Board.

Submissions to Auckland Council to date:

Following the previous work we have submitted on this proposal to Auckland Council via the following methods:

• Auckland Plan
• Auckland Regional Transport Plan
• Local Franklin Board Annual Plan
• Auckland Long Term Plan 2012- 2022
• We have also made presentations to the Local Board – formally three times and informally many times more.

This is the background to the concerns raised at present regarding the installation of the Kea Crossing programmes, and the concern we have that Patumahoe – along with other rural and smaller communities –  are not being adequately informed or considered when blanket implementations are planned and designed.

Patumahoe Walking Track Construction – This Sunday June 17th, 9.30 – 12.30

Free Sausage Sizzle to follow.

With the long range forecast being so good we have decided to go all out with 1 big effort to not only completing the track digging but also spreading metal on the downhill section.

All Welcome – bring your children along. They can help dig for a while and then explore the cool bush and be part of this awesome Village project.

Eight of us had a great morning last Sunday and achieved a huge amount. We do need more helpers with the target more than 50, so bring the family and come and join us helping to create an interactive asset for the community.

Where: At the first corner along Clive Howe Road past the School. (Park at NE Fields).

Bring: Bring spades, shovels, rakes and ideally a sturdy wheel barrow if you have one. Even a sturdy bucket may be handy.

Contact person:
Andrew Sinclair – Ph 236-3647

On behalf of Patumahoe Village Inc and Whakaupoko Landcare – Caring for your Community

(If you can’t make Sunday but Friday afternoon is good then please come along then. We will have people there from 12 noon with Wecks kindly offering the services of some of their staff)

Please pass this message on to at least 5 people before the weekend

As a community group, Patumahoe Village Inc has undertaken consultation to try and document specific plans for community spaces and facilities that can be implemented when development takes place.  For a summary of the consultation process, information gathered and summaries – you can visit our webpages and/or download the consultation document.

Please view the online calendar for the next meeting or email us if you wish to know more about this project.

The Auckland Plan
Hearings on the draft Auckland Plan have taken place and the council will now consider what changes are needed in response to the feedback received. It is expected that the final Auckland Plan will be adopted at the end of March.

The Long-term Plan (2012-22)
This is Auckland Council’s 10-year business plan where the aspirations of the Auckland Plan and the 21 Local Board Plans turn into action.

It outlines our priorities for the next 10 years and how we plan to pay for it. Content will include:

• Rates and funding policies
• Key activities and projects
• Local Board Agreements

The draft Long-term Plan (LTP) is being audited before councillors adopt it in mid-February. It will then be released for public consultation from 24 February to 23 March.

The final LTP will be adopted by the end of June 2012.   Click here to find out more.

Auckland Unitary Plan
The Auckland Unitary Plan will replace the existing regional and district plans of the former councils. As the rulebook for what you can do on your land and property, and how we use the natural and physical resources of the region, it will be Auckland Council’s key land use planning document and New Zealand’s biggest single resource management plan.

Further details are available on the council’s website.

Area Plans
These give local level application to the directions and outcomes of the Auckland Plan and also Local Board Plans. They will help shape the future of local areas and the way people live, work and play in the next 20 to 30 years. Based on the 21 local board areas, the 3-4 year programme to develop Area Plans will also inform the new Auckland Unitary Plan which sets controls on what activities can take place in neighbourhoods and communities. The first Area Plans will be prepared in 2012 for the Hibiscus and Bays and Mangere-Otahuhu local board areas.

Further details are available on the council’s website.

Other consultations and staying in touch
The Waste Management and Minimisation Plan is also currently being consulted on. Submissions close on 31 January. Find out more on this and other local consultations via the council’s ‘have your say’ page.