Joint Waitakere City Council & Auckland Regional Council

28 January 2004

Ranges’ feedback due

Waitakere City residents and Aucklanders from around the region have until Friday (4 February) to provide feedback on proposed new legislation to provide long term protection of the Waitakere Ranges and foothills.

A postage paid questionnaire was included in a December Ranges Update, which was distributed throughout Waitakere City during November and December. Feedback closes at 4.30 pm on 4 February. Copies are available from Waitakere City Council, phone 839 0400. Completed questionnaires can be faxed back to 09-836 8057 or you can complete the form on-line at www.waitakere.govt.nz.

So far more than 2200 responses have been received.

Over the past two months, eight meetings have been organised by residents and ratepayers, private groups and Rodney District Council, with Waitakere City Council and Auckland Regional Council Councillors and staff attending to discuss proposed steps to protect the ranges.

Further meetings are planned before 4 February by resident and ratepayer and community groups at Bethells on 1 February and Oratia on 2 February.

The Ranges and foothills protection project proposes a package of measures, including legislation specific to the Ranges, to help ensure protection against inappropriate development and subdivision. If legislation goes ahead, there will be further opportunities to have a say, including formal submissions, as part of Parliament’s Select Committee process.

In addition to the questionnaire, Waitakere City Council has also contracted a professional research company to survey local residents’ views.

Waitakere City Council is expected to make a decision on whether or not to support legislation on 16 February, after taking into account the results of the consultation. New legislation is already supported by the Auckland Regional Council and local MPs Hon David Cunliffe and Lynne Pillay..

Subs: Will be sending an update early next week, as the submission total is likely to change due to an influx of last minute submissions.

ENDS

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