In 2019/2020 we plan to invest $1.5 million to renew and develop assets and $4.5 million to maintain and operate assets, as well as provide local programmes and initiatives.
Investment plan
For information on the investment plan, see section 2.18 (page 57) of the supporting information document for the capital spend and operating spend for Waiheke Local Board 2019/2020.
What we are doing
Progressing the Matiatia Masterplan remains a priority, including ways to address traffic and public transport flows, and create safe, functional facilities.
The estimated 1.3 million visitors that come to Waiheke annually are having a major impact on our infrastructure and we are investigating a visitor levy to invest in protecting and enhancing the island's amenities and ecosystems.
We plan to continue environmental projects including ecological restoration, improving the quality of our waterways and predator management. The effects of climate change are becoming more obvious and we will be actively encouraging and supporting carbon reduction initiatives.
Providing healthy and affordable housing is also a challenge and we'll continue to implement actions identified in our new Housing Strategy.
Our new Local Paths (Greenways) Plan identifies several walking, cycling and riding routes for development over the coming years.
Management plans for our local parks will ensure use and development aligns with our values and aspirations. Renewing our skate park and progressing a community swimming pool remain high priorities.
What we are proposing
We're not proposing major changes to the existing work programme for 2019/2020 as we continue to deliver the projects identified in our 2017 Local Board Plan.
Message from the chair
On behalf of Waiheke Local Board, I am pleased to present our key priorities for our 2019/2020 Local Board Agreement. This is our second local board agreement since the adoption of our 2017 Local Board Plan. We're making good progress on the delivery of initiatives within that plan and are proposing no major changes to existing budgets or work programmes.
Progressing the Matiatia Masterplan is a priority. Subject to NZTA approval, allocation of $15 million will be available within Auckland Transport's 10-year Budget. This means we can commence integrated planning for Matiatia in earnest. This will include ways to address traffic and public transport flows, and create safe, functional facilities. You will have further opportunity for input as the project progresses over the coming year. We will also be advocating to Auckland Transport to ensure our ferry services provide users with reliable and affordable ferry services.
Programmes involving community partnerships continue to be a great success. Ecological restoration, improving the quality of our waterways and predator management will remain a focus.
Our new Local Paths (Greenways) Plan identifies several walking, cycling and riding routes for development over the coming years. We will be prioritising safe walking access, particularly to and from schools.
Management plans for our local parks will ensure use and development aligns with our values and aspirations. Renewal of the skatepark at Tawaipareira Reserve is underway, and in partnership with Ngati Paoa we will be looking at ways to improve facilities at the park for all users. We also intend to invest in the repair of Rakino Hall.
Options for a community-managed swimming pool will be clearer following completion of the feasibility study in February 2019. If positive, a detailed business case will follow, which will provide recommendations on scope, cost and operational requirements. Depending on the outcome, we will advocate to council's Governing Body and consider a targeted rate or partnership opportunities in future years.
We face some major challenges. The estimated 1.3 million visitors that come to Waiheke annually are having a major impact on our infrastructure, so we are investigating a visitor levy to enable us to invest in protecting and enhancing the island's amenities and ecosystems.
The effect of climate change on our environment is also becoming more obvious. We intend to actively encourage and support carbon reduction initiatives. There are some exciting community proposals underway for which Waiheke would be ideally suited. In line with previous community feedback, the local board is supporting a full redesign of our waste stream to ensure we reduce our costs and usage over time.
Healthy and affordable housing provision is a challenge, and we will continue to implement actions identified in our new Housing Strategy.
We look forward to hearing whether you think we are still heading in the right direction.
Cath Handley
Chairperson, Waiheke Local Board
Have your say
Ways to have your say about your local board priorities.
