18 September 2013
Will all of Auckland get the Howick treatment?
“Disturbing revelations over new zoning rules are beginning to emerge from the notified Unitary Plan which is still not
open for public viewing despite the imminent release of voting papers,” says Mayoral candidate John Palino.
“The suburban neighbourhoods of Howick and Pakuranga will be completely transformed under new provisions, leaked
documents show.
“In the draft version of the Unitary Plan which was released to the public earlier this year, the controversial mixed
housing zone, which permits multi-storey apartment developments, was limited to the Pakuranga Highway and Buckland’s
Beach Rd corridors.
“This level of development carried a degree of resident acceptance, but now mixed housing zoning has been extended right
throughout those eastern suburbs.
“That means that anyone in the entire Howick and Pakuranga area with 1200m2 can redevelop their property with three
level apartments, no off street car parking and without consulting neighbours.
“If these apartments block sunlight, restrict views, remove trees and crowd quiet suburban streets with parked cars,
neighbours will not be given the ability to object if these provisions become operational.
“How can the people of Howick and Pakuranga not be allowed access to this information before unaware voters are sent
electoral papers this weekend?
“What other suburbs in Auckland have suffered the same fate? How many other residents who gave their time to engage with
the Council will find their communities exposed to unscrupulous development?
“Where is the evidence that shows that these areas possess the transport, water and other public services sufficient to
accommodate this many people?
“There is none.
“This is truly outrageous. Residents must at the very least be given the opportunity to see these plans before they
vote.
“If I’m wearing the Mayoral chains next month, I’ll be completely overhauling the appalling process behind the Unitary
Plan and handing decision making over to communities because I believe in our people to make the right decisions,” said
Palino.
ENDS
The Office of John Palino 63 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
Email: info@palinoformayor.co.nz Web: www.palinoformayor.co.nz Authorised By John Palino