Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Plans To Remove Auckland Park Benches On Hold
20 March
Two south Auckland park benches, at the centre of anti-social and indecent behaviour complaints from residents, may stay put after plans to remove them fell through.
Last October, the Manurewa Local Board, on advice from Auckland Transport (AT), agreed to remove two benches at Randwick Park, situated opposite Magic Way.
However, the board's decision to remove the benches faced criticism from the community, who complained about the lack of consultation.
The benches were to be removed and relocated for use at a Russel Rd bus stop, costing between $300 to $400 per seat.
At the local board meeting on Thursday, AT's report said following contractor investigations, the bench seats would no longer be usable elsewhere upon removal.
It meant, advice given to the Manurewa Local Board was no longer valid, and the board could consider three recommendations.
"AT could retain one seat, and remove the other, outside the more prominent complaints address, to relieve alleged safety concerns whilst retaining one bench seat for use at this location.
"Alternatively, AT can remove both, or neither bench seats."
A resident told Local Democracy Reporting she witnessed inappropriate behaviour by some bench users, and had complained to council for years.
The bench seats, faced away from the park and directly into the roadway and residential properties.
At one time, she said boys sitting on the bench touched themselves inappropriately, and made suggestive gestures and remarks to her while she was cleaning her home.
The resident said they've had people knock on their door at early hours of the morning, and empty alcohol bottles left on their driveway.
Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata deferred a decision, until further information and investigation from AT.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Local Democracy Reporting
Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.
Gordon Campbell: Gordon Campbell On Winston Peters’ Bad Trip, And The Return Of The PPPs Zombie
New Zealand Police: Three Ps In A Pod
NZ Labour Party: Govt’s Continued Lack Of Action On Gaza Condemned
New Zealand Customs Service: Customs Arrests Three Airport Workers For Smuggling 58 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine
LIANZA: Library Leaders Want Safety Assurances For Staff And Library Users
ACT New Zealand: Is Police Abolition Official Green Party Policy?
New Zealand Government: International Anti-Money Laundering Rule Changes Support Government Reforms
