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By: Alan Cole, Franklin Local Board chair
Every three years, local boards refresh their plans to prioritise spending and respond to a
range of community wants and needs. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about our
community – what’s important to you, what you could live without, and whether we’re on the right track.
Our draft plan will be released for feedback on Tuesday, June 23, and you’ll have until
Thursday, July 23, to take a look and share your comments. We’ll also be holding public
events so we can discuss the plan in person.
Confirmed events so far include Thursday, July 2 from 10am to 12.30pm, upstairs at
Franklin: The Centre, Pukekohe, and Tuesday, July 7 from 6pm to 8pm at Maraetai Boating
Club, Maraetai.
Since the last local board plan, the Franklin Paths Targeted Rate Programme has moved into its first year of delivery. Three projects in Beachlands and Pukekohe have been completed so far, and the fourth in Waiuku is about to begin.
The Sandspit Reserve Coastal Path is particularly exciting, as it is the catalyst for the entire
programme, driven by the community. Once constructed, the path will enhance Waiuku’s
waterfront, connecting it to major local destinations and increasing visitation, local activity,
and use of the coastal edge. The project was strongly advocated for by the Waiuku Trails
Committee, Waiuku Yacht Club, Waiuku Business Association, and many other locals.
Projects like these come to life because of your voices. That’s why it’s really important we
hear from you – whether you’re happy with the Franklin Local Board Plan or not. If you like
what’s in it, let us know too. Once we consider everyone’s feedback, things could change if
you don’t have your say.
After viewing the plan, we also have some specific questions for you around whether bins on Franklin beaches should stay, and if the board should investigate seeking contributions from sports clubs and organisations that use our publicly funded fields and facilities.
There are more questions, so please take a look and come along to talk with us.
Throughout the year, Councillor Andy Baker and I are also holding regular catch-ups with the community every couple of months across the Franklin area – both centrally and on the outer fringes. We want to stay connected and be available to discuss any matters you’d like to raise. So far, we’ve met with locals in Kawakawa Bay and Waiuku.
Keep an eye out for updates on Facebook (facebook.com/FranklinLocalBoard) or sign up to
our e-news (ourauckland.nz/localnews) to find out where we’ll be next.
If you’re a registered voter living in Beachlands, Clevedon, Kawakawa Bay, Maraetai, Ōrere
Point, or Whitford, remember to vote in the Franklin by-election. Voting closes at midday on Wednesday, June 10, so be sure to learn about the four candidates on Vote Auckland
(voteauckland.co.nz). If you haven’t received your voting papers in the mail, check whether you’re eligible for a special vote.
