Today a presentation was made to the HMLB claiming “In 2003 Waitakere City Council were about to gift/handover 2.5 Hectares of land to Te Atatu Coalition Marae.” That is not the case and is a matter for consideration by a full Council. Here is my speech presented in Public Forum.
Mr Chairman, Board members, Ladies & Gentlemen
The Harbourview land was originally private land acquired by Auckland Harbour Board under the Public Works Act. Eventually ownership passed to Waitakere City Council.
In 1999 Chris Carter, MP for Te Atatu canvassed constituents for their views on the land’s future. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of preserving the land as a park similar to Cornwall Park available for all citizens, with no buildings other than toilets and essential amenities.
On 25 October 2000 Waitakere City Council voted that the land become an open space park.
In 2002 there were calls for a ferry terminal.
In February 2003 a 144 page document on the Open Space Management Plan was adopted. Ratepayers were levied $9 per annum for 5 years to sustain management of the park. In mid- 2003 a proposed plan change was advertised. (PC2) This included Reidentification of 2.5ha of Harbourview South Special Area to Marae Special Area. In November it was revealed there were 91 submissions –74 against, 17 for. Meetings went ahead with the public excluded.
In 2013 at a public meeting it was revealed there were plans for a $16m marae and associated commercial ventures. A number of resolutions were passed at that meeting but did not reach Auckland city Councillors.
It has been claimed this afternoon “In 2003 Waitakere City Council were about to gift/handover 2.5 Hectares of land to Te Atatu Coalition Marae.” I have seen no Council minutes that substantiate that claim.
If a marae and associated commercial activities are to be established, then Council should lease the land to the Te Atatu Coalition Marae at a commercial rental. If the land is gifted, ratepayers will lose control and ownership of land in which they currently have a 100% stake.
Mr Chairman, I am quite happy to answer any questions you or your fellow board members may wish to put to me on this matter.
Gary Osborne
Accountability in Auckland Council 