Plot thickens – tough call

As Franklin’s population booms, the region’s infrastructure must grow with it. To this end, land secured in Karaka by Auckland Council will ensure the region is well covered when it comes to burial space.

However, not everyone has been on board with the plan every step of the way.

Purchased for $16 million, the 100-hectare site consists of two adjacent properties at Linwood Road and Biddick Road, Te Hihi. Settlement is set for October.

Despite some local opposition, purchasing the land was the right call, asserts Franklin  Ward Councillor Andy Baker.

“It was a tough decision, but with our increasing population we have an increasing number of people who need to be buried somewhere,” he told the Times.

“If we had to go through compulsory acquisition or keep looking for the magic location, we would have a shortfall of capacity.

“[This would mean] people may not be able to be buried near where they may have lived and we would have some pretty unhappy families, unhappy for good reason.”

Despite recognising the need for a new cemetery, Franklin Local Board did not support acquisition of the site.

The board’s concerns relate to land use, rural amenity, traffic and road safety, proximity to Te Hihi School and alternative site options.

Initially, Baker and local board chair Alan Cole objected because some of the land is classified as highly productive according to the National Policy Statement (NPS) on Highly Productive Land.

However, after further consultation and discussions with legal and planning staff, Baker’s position shifted.

“The NPS allows for regionally significant infrastructure to be located on highly productive land, so we didn’t have a leg to stand on with our original opposition,” he explains.

“Alan and I discussed this. He said the board would retain their view but respected the fact that I had a tricky decision to make. Our initial opposition was found to have no legal basis [so] I made a decision based on regional need.”

Concerns were also raised by some mana whenua – Ngati Tamaoho and Whātāpaka Marae objected for cultural reasons.

A statement from Auckland Council reads:

‘While differing views remain, the council is committed to engaging openly, respectfully and constructively. We will work closely with [mana whenua] throughout the planning, development and establishment of the cemetery.’ Baker confirms this.

“I was made aware that one of three iwi were opposed [and the other two] supported the stance of the one that opposed. Collectively, we are working together with staff and the
concerned iwi,” he says

“I also had conditions put into the decision regarding design, how we inter bodies and ashes, working with neighbours including [Te Hihi School], an environmentally focused approach and road safety improvements. [The decision] also sets out that the local board and iwi will be involved in all of this.”

Securing the land is just the beginning. Planning will begin later this year, but development of the cemetery will be a multi-year process.

“South Auckland requires more cemetery capacity to meet the needs of this fast-growing region. Finding a suitable location was a challenging and lengthy process,” Baker adds.

“The land meets the criteria for a cemetery, and this is a sensible and timely acquisition by council with appropriate cemetery land in Auckland being hard to find.”