Consultation closes soon

• By Papakura Local Board Chair, Kelvin Hiatt

Our Papakura Local Board Plan closes for consultation on July 23. I encourage you to go online and have a look, or drop into one of our two libraries and pick up a hard copy of the feedback form.

The plan covers the three-year period from 2026 to 2029. It provides high-level strategic direction and influences how budgets are spent and what your local board does in your area through initiatives such as the annual work programme. It also identifies priorities for the local board to speak up about on behalf of the community. This is called advocacy and is often directed to Auckland Council’s governing body.

The plan sets out a vision, objectives, initiatives and advocacy priorities across five focus areas: community, natural environment, built environment, economic development and transport. As you read it, consider whether it reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. Have we got it right?

Papakura’s parks, open spaces and facilities enable active, healthy living. Communities are connected, resilient and supported to thrive. Strong partnerships with mana whenua help guide local decision-making. Māori identity, heritage and culture are visible, valued and celebrated, and Papakura is a socially connected, culturally vibrant and inclusive community.

More people enjoy the environment in and around our local parks, harbour and streams. Air quality is improved, and Papakura becomes a cooler, greener urban area through urban ngāhere initiatives. We champion pollution prevention, climate action and improved local resilience.

Papakura’s open spaces and recreation facilities are fit for purpose and well used. Services and facilities meet the community’s needs now and into the future. Our portfolio of community facilities is fit for changing community needs and supports resilience, safety and universal access. Local identity, kaupapa Māori and community-led design are reflected in regeneration and service property optimisation projects.

Create visible progress, strengthen confidence and help change perceptions of Papakura’s economic future. Strong partnerships with key stakeholders will improve collaboration and investment opportunities. An integrated approach to local economic development, delivered alongside Franklin Local Board, will support growth across the area.

Improve local access so people from every neighbourhood can reach key destinations safely and easily. Strengthen public transport connections so services are reliable, convenient and easy to use. Equitable and inclusive transport options support people of all ages and abilities. Māori identity, partnership, and kaitiakitanga are reflected throughout the transport network. A climate-ready, low-emission transport system will help reduce congestion and provide genuine travel choices.

Ways to have your say: Use the online feedback form at the AK Have Your Say website, a hard copy form from your local library, or email your feedback to papakuralocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.