New Projects going forward in the Otara-Papatoetoe Area

Otara Papatoetoe Local Board is unique in that it houses Auckland’s second City Centre and largest of the 10 Metropolitan Centres under the Auckland Plan – that being Manukau City Centre. While the Local Board Plan does not specifically cover Manukau but rather the smaller Town Centres in the Local Board area, the Local Board was one of very few to have an Area Plan done before resources were diverted to the Unitary Plan. Apart from Papakura, Otara-Papatoetoe will usually have my eye watching over it on developments and happenings.

From the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board:

Local projects to enable Ōtara-Papatoetoe communities

Following feedback from people across Auckland the final version of Auckland Council’s 10 Year Budget 2015-2025 (Long Term Plan) has been adopted.

Thanks to local community input, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has agreed on the local projects they will progress over the next 10 years.

Local Board Chair Fa’anānā Efeso Collins says 420 people from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area gave feedback on the LTP and the local board’s proposals for 2015/16.

“It’s fantastic that most residents supported all of our specific proposals. After considering feedback, the board has agreed to fund all the projects proposed in the consultation,” says Mr Collins.

“With safety being a priority, we will be funding business associations to promote public safety and improving the Ōtara, Hunters Corner, and Old Papatoetoe town centres – a total of $410,000 for the next financial year.

“To enable healthier, more active lifestyles, our policy enabling free adult access to swimming pool facilities will be continued as supported by the targeted rate.

“For a good mix of fit for purpose facilities, we will be developing two community skills sheds, refurbishing Te Puke o Tara Community Centre, and Developing Ngati Ōtara Park multisport facility and marae.

“I’m particularly pleased we are going ahead with our two community skills sheds, one in Ōtara and another in Papatoetoe. Our local board plan identified the need for a place where people of all ages can meet,  practice crafts and hobbies, and run small community enterprises.”

The board will be advocating for the funding of other projects like the Papatoetoe and district museum and arts facility, the Hampton-East Tāmaki Sports Park, and the realignment of the Ormiston, East Tāmaki and Preston Roads intersections.

As well as the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s current local board plan initiatives, it has decided to progress the following projects over the next 10 years:

• Fund business associations to promote public safety and improve the Ōtara, Hunters Corner and Old Papatoetoe town centres
• Promote rehabilitation of Ōtara Lake and waterways
• Develop two community skills sheds
• Continue adult entry to swimming pools without charge, funded by a targeted rate
• Refurbish Te Puke o Tara Community Centre
• Develop Ngati Ōtara Park multisport facility and marae for community, cultural and health benefits
• Advocate for funding to develop a Papatoetoe and district museum and arts facility, and Hampton-East Tāmaki Sports Park
• Advocate for funding to realign intersection of Ormiston, East Tamaki and Preston Roads
• Continue to deliver initiatives from its local board plan.

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  Ōtara-Papatoetoe 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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