New Projects going forward in the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board Area

From the Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board:

Local feedback guides Māngere-Ōtāhuhu projects

The final version of Auckland Council’s 10 Year Budget 2015-2025 (Long Term Plan) has been adopted following feedback from people across Auckland. As a result of local feedback, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board and Council’s governing body have agreed on the proposals they will move forward with.

“We’ve received 565 submissions from locals and had some great conversations about what our priorities should be in Māngere and Ōtāhuhu. It’s fantastic to see strong local support for the direction we set in our recent Local Board Plan,” says Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene.

“Under the LTP we will see funding for a range of essential local transport upgrades including the Ōtāhuhu Bus Interchange, Māngere Bus Station, and the Future Streets project. However the new transport levy gives ratepayers the substantial burden of funding the region’s improved transport system and we continue strongly advocating for a fairer funding option.

“We agree with 82 per cent who strongly supported a Māngere-Ōtāhuhu economic development plan. A strong local economy is crucial to raising local employment and living standards. We will be planning for a business-friendly environment that builds on our local strengths.

“The new Ōtāhuhu Recreation Precinct and swimming pool will open this year and we’ve now decided to explore options for a multi-use community facility in Mangere East – 78 per cent supported this.

“For a healthier community it’s important we enable active lifestyles. Council already provides free child entry to swimming pools and we’ve also decided to continue our free adult entry policy for Māngere and Ōtāhuhu pools. This will continue to be subsidised through rates ($30.53 incl. GST per household per year).

“Libraries are a centre-point for learning at all ages and our funding of extended library opening hours has strong support from the community and the board,” says Ms Sosene.

The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board has decided to progress the following projects over the next ten years:

• Opening the new Ōtāhuhu Recreation Precinct and swimming pool in Ōtāhuhu in mid-2015
• Assessing options for a multi-use community facility in Māngere East
• Restoring Seaside Park playing fields
• A local economic development action plan to deliver on enterprise and tourism aspirations
• Managing mangroves in the Manukau Harbour
• Initiatives such as CCTV in town centres to improve safety
• ‘Ōtāhuhu Linkages’ and streetscapes for  good quality and safe connections around the Ōtāhuhu Town Centre
• Environmental initiatives
• Canopy for Māngere Town Centre and public toilet.

Low income home owners can apply for a proportional refund on their rates by visiting www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ratesrebate or phoning Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. Residents struggling with rate payments can also talk to Auckland Council or contact the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board about their options.

Visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/longtermplan to see the final Long-term Plan and summary of the decisions available later this week.

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