Why I am Focused On The Unitary Plan

 

 

Because I have pride in my home, my city even with the flaws she (Auckland) does have. 

 

I was asked by a resident from the Weymouth meeting (on THAT bridge) why am I doing what I am doing. That is going to these Unitary Plan community meetings, civic forums, and running the blog in near sole dedication to the Unitary Plan (or The Clunker) through the blog. I answered back simply; “Civic Pride (Duty), and pride in my home – our home, my city – our city.” I love my home and city for its strengths and weaknesses it does have, but also in the same regard I go out there both bringing balance to an often polarised debate and most of all help my fellow residents (of Auckland) with The Clunker as it is a very daunting and honestly frightening document.

 

And this is why BR:AKL has run such comprehensive and dedicated commentary on the Unitary Plan. To dedicate all the resource and expertise I have in giving something back to Auckland and helping her people:

1. Understand aspects of The Unitary Plan
2. Help formulate responses back to The Unitary Plan in issues that can be very affronting (The Weymouth Bridge being one example). My “WEYMOUTH AND THAT BRIDGE” post was one such example.

 

I have noted (and will reply to the comment after writing this post) a comment from Dene Andre thanking me more my tireless efforts with The Unitary Plan. I also send my thanks and regards back to the Deputy Mayor who at the Auckland Transport Board meeting yesterday thanked my contributions so far to often divisive Unitary Plan. My general response to both Dene and Penny is “I thank you both for your tireless efforts, contributions and leadership with the Unitary Plan as well.” It does not mean we all agree with each other constantly but it does mean three of us (as an example) going out there to the residents (haven’t seen much of the business community crop up at the moment although I did see it come through at Weymouth) and doing what we can in helping our neighbours with what ever it may be with the Unitary Plan. Although I am wondering to myself the little can of worms I opened up the other day, more on that later.

 

If you wonder how I do this (running around the city and run the blog); the answer is it taxing on me but it is a case of: “if no one does, then who will (in regards to the Unitary Plan).” Who will bring that balance, that expertise, that passion and dedication, those alternatives others might miss if one does not step up to the plate. The answer frankly is no one – until someone decides take that leap of faith and stand on that plate.

 

In reflection on everything so far with the Unitary Plan and what is still to come, there is still a lot of work to be done. I am writing my submission (and heck it is going to dwarf my 55 page Auckland Plan submission at this rate) and still have plenty of community meetings to attend (although at the moment I am more focusing closer to home – Southern Auckland) with the Clunker. And while the Main Stream Media continue to be as slow as ever with balanced and comprehensive Unitary Plan reporting, blogs like BR:AKL continue to fill that gap.

 

Civic Duty stemming from pride in my city and pride in my home. Auckland is where I was born, Auckland is where I live, Auckland is where I was educated, Auckland is where I work and play, Auckland is where my children will be brought up and inherit the city I leave behind. Thus one who takes pride in their place is one who will look after their place as well. Right now looking after that place is efforts involved with the Unitary Plan so my children inherit something of value – rather than something of future anguish. Thus why my deep involvement with The Unitary Plan as of current

 

Okay sure Auckland is not the perfect city and the Unitary Plan is not a perfect plan, if they both were I wouldn’t be running such extensive commentary as it is. But, as I said: “if no one does, then who will”

 

Commentary, submission writing, and community meetings continue as we draw closer to May 31 – the cut off date for the current round of submissions to The Clunker. I am adjusting my calendar to reflect the next round of Unitary Plan meetings and will post this shortly. However as a reminder in the jet setting around the city, I am more focusing on Southern Auckland at the moment unless giving presentations else where or attending to AT business. However if the other areas of Auckland have something I can cross the city and have a look. Just leave your comments below in the box.

 

BEN ROSS : AUCKLAND