Tackling the issues in Franklin

In recent months, I have taken the opportunity to write to Ministers Chris Bishop and Erica Stanford regarding issues in Franklin.

The first is regarding a Fast Track Approval application for a clean fill in Hunua, which came up against solid and reasonable opposition from Auckland Council and the community. I expressed my view that Fast Track was a cynical attempt to achieve an extremely poor outcome for the area.

I am hopeful that the views of the council and community have been heard, and that it will be declined. I generally support the intent of the Fast Track process insofar as it should speed things up to allow for the timely provision of necessary infrastructure and housing.

However, a recent decision for a staged housing development near Ardmore has dented my faith in the process, and so I look to the Hunua one as a means to restore my confidence.
My letter to Minister Stanford was to ask her to look into a decision by the Ministry of Education to turn down an opportunity to purchase land from the council alongside Ardmore School.

The Franklin Local Board had done all it could to facilitate a deal that would enable the school to expand its grounds, but most importantly, create parking and a student drop-off/pick-up zone that is not on an increasingly busy and dangerous road as it exists currently.

Schools and the Ministry are responsible for providing those types of areas at schools. It is not the responsibility of the ratepayers, particularly when government properties do not pay rates. In this instance, though, the Franklin Local Board has bent over backwards to try and play a part in reducing the danger that exists for students, parents and road users outside this school with an increasing education roll.

I took great confidence from the Minister’s response and hope that her interest will see a change in thinking from the ministry.

Finally, with the by-election underway, I encourage all those in the Wairoa subdivision of the Franklin Local Board to vote.