2017 Local Board Plans like chalk and cheese.

West Auckland Local Board Plans, as different as chalk and cheese.

To get a flavour of the draft 2017 Local Board Plans put forward by the two Local Boards that make up the Waitakere Ward, you only need read the Chairman’s report contained in each.
Henderson-Massey Board chairman writes “Henderson-Massey has a huge opportunity for smart growth. We have good transport links, and green space and community facilities that are the envy of Auckland. Let’s make this an example of how growth can transform a community to be a place we are truly proud of. The dream of this board and many in our community is to live and work here. We will work with local businesses to promote business growth across the West and fill out empty shops with high-value businesses that provide jobs for our community.” A progressive multi-dimensional vision, seeking to identify all potential development opportunities for his community.

Waitakere Ranges Board chairman writes “We want to do our part to encourage sustainability in the way that we live and in our interaction with and care for our environment. What this means in practice is that we will seek to make sure that all of our programs are viewed through a sustainability lens, and that we will advocate within the Council family for the effects of climate change and environmental degradation to be recognised in all of the Council’s policies.” A one-dimensional view with a single narrow focus, no mention of the economic opportunities and jobs our Waitakere Ranges environment offers with things like eco-tourism.

If you want Glen Eden, Titirangi, Oratia, Swanson and Waitakere businesses to grow and prosper like our neighbours, you need to tell our local board through the Local Plan consultation process by the end of this Friday.