Quietly slipping under the radar will be an Extraordinary meeting of the Henderson-Massey Local Board on Tuesday 3rd April to vote on the following remit.
“That the Henderson-Massey Local Board: endorses Corporate Property’s recommendation to the Finance and Performance Committee to dispose of 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson.”
In 2005, amidst howls of protest from ratepayers, Waitakere City Council (WCC) forged ahead with plans for a new Civic centre. The existing Civic Centre in Waipareira Ave had been architecturally designed to allow for expansion outwards and upwards and provided adequate car parks for ratepayers. It was sold to Unitech for an undisclosed sum but it is my understanding that Unitech bought it and on-sold it for a tidy profit in a delayed settlement that did not even require payment of a deposit.
On 28 November 2005 Waitakere City Council Chief Executive, Harry O’Rourke advised me the expenditure to date had been $20,286,566 and the net final cost would be $36,040,000.
On 19 July 2006 WCC issued a Press Release stating ”Customers to Waitakere City Council’s new headquarters can expect enhanced service when it opens its doors on Monday 24 July at 8am.”
On the opening day it was pandemonium. There was a total of 41 car parks allocated for ratepayers (including 6 handicapped). Parking for staff had been severely reduced from normal requirements and many staff parked in streets neighbouring Henderson High School. When parents dropped off and picked up their children from school the chaos was exacerbated.
I visited the Centre for the first time on 28 July and noted parking wardens issuing tickets to frustrated ratepayers. — So much for enhanced service!
Recently, on 6 March 2018 it was reported in the Herald that the Service Centre was to be relocated, possibly to Albany. The Chairmen of both the Waitakere Ranges and Henderson-Massey Local Boards expressed surprise.
Recent figures have put the total cost of the Service Centre in 2007 at $46m. It has been reported that Council will decide on a proposal to sell on 17 April.
Important questions are:
- What is the anticipated sale price estimate?
- Where will the new Service Centre be?
- Will there be adequate parking for ratepayers?
The meeting will be held at 1.30 pm on 3 April in the Council Chambers at 6 Henderson Valley Rd.
Accountability in Auckland Council 