AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

29 May 2007

New sports fields planned to extend Waikaraka Park

Auckland City Council is seeking submissions on a proposal to designate land and proposed acquisition in Onehunga as a park as it works to provide more open space for present and future generations.

The council has issued a notice of requirement under the Resource Management Act 1991, seeking to designate the land at 69 Captain Springs Road, Onehunga as open space.

The 4.2ha of land has the potential to be developed to include three new sports fields and a children’s playground, and to improve access to the Manukau foreshore and walkways.

Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says the shortage of available recreational space across Auckland led the council to review sites to identify potential land to develop for this purpose.

“Providing quality recreational space for Aucklanders to enjoy is vital, especially considering the limited availability of sports fields as the city develops. Our population is growing and we need to ensure we identify sufficient open space for recreational use. This proposed designation demonstrates our continued commitment to the provision of open space to meet the needs of our rapidly growing community.

“The land at 69 Captain Springs Road is suitable on a number of levels because of its size, potential to connect with the Manukau foreshore and walkways, proximity to Waikaraka Park, and opportunities to link existing facilities with the proposed site. I would urge the public to participate in the submissions process and let us know whether they think this is a good idea“

A public notice was released on 27 May outlining the details of the proposed designation, acquisition and development of the site. Information about the notice of requirement for 69 Captain Springs Road, and how to make a submission, are available at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/isthmusdistrictplan or during business hours at:

- level 11, Civic Administration Building, 1 Greys Avenue, central city

- the reference section, Central City Library, 44-46 Lorne Street, central city

- Onehunga community library, 85 Church Street, Onehunga.

Submissions can be made in writing to Auckland City Council, Private Bag 92516 Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, online at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/submissions, or by fax to 09 307 7395 and are due by 25 June 2007.

Once submissions have been received, there will be a public hearing to consider whether or not the designation should be confirmed.

ENDS

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