Despite overwhelming support for a People’s Park devoid of buildings and adoption of an Open Space Management Plan by Waitakere City Council in 2003, numerous attempts have been made to give the green light for a marae.
Henderson-Massey Local Board is currently calling for submissions on yet another plan.
This opened on 13 August and closes on 9 September. I urge you to have your say.
Here is my own submission:
I wish to make a submission on the Harbourview-Orangihina draft masterplan.
I would like to see management of the park in accordance with the 144 page document on the Open Space Management Plan adopted by Waitakere City Council in February 2003.
People wanted a People’s Park akin to Cornwall Park for all people unfettered by buildings except for toilets and essential amenities.
On 25 Oct 2000 WCC voted that the land become an open space park.
This followed extensive public consultation.
I remember well the levy imposed on ratepayers — $9 per annum per property for 5 years. I had more than one property.
In mid-2003 there was a proposed plan change to allow a marae.
In November 2003 it was revealed there were 91 submissions –74 against, 17 for.
In February 2017 it was claimed “In 2003 Waitakere City Council were about to gift/handover 2.5 hectares of land to re Atatu Coalition Marae.”
Despite my request I have seen no minutes that support that claim.
I am opposed to any buildings on the park (including a marae) other than essential amenities.
I would also like to see the historic brick house retained in the Harbourview People’s Park.
Yours sincerely,
Gary Osborne
Accountability in Auckland Council 