Aucklanders urged to share ideas on their neighbourhoods

A South Auckland leader is urging people to overcome "consultation fatigue" and speak up on the future of their suburbs.

Consultation is open on draft Local Board Plans that will help shape local priorities and spending over the next three years.

It will guide decisions on parks, libraries, community facilities, local events, and environmental projects in Auckland's 21 local board areas.

While neighbouring South Auckland boards face many of the same challenges, their draft plans reveal different areas of focus.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said although Aucklanders had been asked to provide feedback on several council and government consultations recently, this one would help shape the board's decisions for the next three years.

"You know, I have to say that the consultation fatigue is real.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia is encouraging residents to have their say on Auckland Council's draft Local Board Plans. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata.

"We've had consultation on a whole bunch of things recently ... annual budgets and now we're looking at the Local Board Plan."

Apulu said the consultation was particularly important because the final plan would underpin the board's work over the next three years.

"Every local board needs to do a local plan and it's set for the next three years.

"Once it's confirmed at the end of the year, every local board, once they pass it, they have to make sure that all their decisions are based on that plan."

He said the plans were also an opportunity for communities to put forward ideas and influence future investment.

"If you as a person have an awesome idea, then this is where you say it.

"This is the time to get your friends and family to put that feedback in."

Apulu said community support mattered. "It's a numbers game," he said.

"It's no good just one person saying, 'I want a new playground.' You need to get your community backing you."

He highlighted projects such as the recently opened public toilets and free Wi-Fi at Manu-kau Noa Iho Hayman Park, alongside upgraded parks and new walkways, as examples of priorities that had progressed because residents supported them through previous planning processes.

"Things that are celebrated this side of the elections were planned for in the previous election."

The draft plans highlight different priorities despite both boards serving fast-growing communities.

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu's draft plan focuses on creating skilled local employment, improving transport links, supporting business growth and preparing neighbourhoods for continued development. Ōtara-Papatoetoe's draft plan emphasises supporting rangatahi, celebrating cultural diversity, strengthening neighbourhoods, recognising te ao Māori and improving community wellbeing.

Auckland Council is encouraging residents to have their say on draft Local Board Plans during the region-wide consultation. Photo/Auckland Council.

Apulu said the plans also gave residents a way to hold elected members accountable.

"This is what the local boards are going out and saying, 'Hey, this is what we want to do in the next three years.'

"This is how you can keep us accountable."

Residents can provide feedback online, attend consultation events or make a submission before the consultation closes on 23 July.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.