By Torika Tokalau of Local Democracy Reporting
Aucklanders can now have their say on how Auckland Council provide and manage open public spaces and recreation areas.
The public consultation on the draft Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy closes on March 10.
Council wants feedback on their approach to investment, how they make the most of open spaces, if they’re providing the right open spaces in the right places and how they can support Aucklanders to be more active, more often.
Manukau councillor Alf Filipaina, who chairs the group overseeing the development of the strategy, said it aimed at contributing to a healthier Auckland in different ways.
This included supporting Aucklanders to live active lives, greening the city, and helping the region respond to climate disruption.
“We know Auckland will continue to grow, increasing the need for housing and urban development,” Filipaina said.
“As this happens, we want to continue to weave vibrant open spaces into the fabric of our region, so all Aucklanders have places where they can be in nature, relax, be active and connect with friends and whānau, no matter where they live.”
Auckland has 4500 local parks and 28 regional parks spanning 45,000 hectares, as well as beaches, coastlines and urban spaces like civic squares.
Filipaina said the many benefits of open spaces were well documented.
“They provide meeting spots, a home for wildlife, and areas that can soak up excess rainwater which makes us stronger against climate disruption.”
Council was refreshing its approach to providing open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation so all Aucklanders could benefit.
“We also have an opportunity to support more Aucklanders to be active and get involved in something they enjoy.
“We are thinking about how we can do this and reap the benefits over generations, so we enhance the quality of life for our residents, our whānau and our environment.”
Filipaina said they wanted to hear from as many Aucklanders as possible, and urged them to have their say.
The draft strategy guides councillors and local board members to make decisions on what to invest in.
You can have your say on the draft Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy now, on AKHaveYourSay
