patumahoevillage

inc
your community, your design

Submission for Auckland Unleashed – Discussion document

30 May 2011

Our community group has submitted several personal submissions and also a
submission from one of our project groups. This is a submission that comments on
the items which concern our group as a whole.

It follows the sequence of the full Auckland Unleashed discussion document.

5.0 People and Environment

Q18. In developing the Auckland Plan, the Mayor and Councillors seek feedback on
the following:
How can we help Auckland become an eco city?
How can we maintain rural values, character and lifestyles?

As a community group formed in response to unmitigated residential growth in a rural

village, we believe the best way of maintaining rural values, character and lifesyles is
by allowing each community to define their own set of values and priorities. This
should be supported by appropriate council planning and resource departments and
will ensure that the diversity and individuality of each community is protected and
enhanced.

We also believe that sustainable policies and methods of infrastructure will reduce the
impact of communities on surrounding areas and environment which will allow
growth while reducing impact.

Q20. In developing the Auckland Plan, the Mayor and Councillors seek feedback on
the following:
Through the Auckland Plan, how can we celebrate and further protect our distinctive
natural and rural environment?
What are the most important values of Auckland’s rural land that we wish to protect,
and how should we do so?

One method of defining local values and character is by giving rural communities and
villages a model that encourages local engagement with decision making. The
grassroots community planning model mentioned before will aid in this.

We should create a network of alternative transport routes that connect up ecological

and environmental sites, so that we engage the public with the wonderful environment
in which they live – other than through the window of their car.

Page 1 of 3
Patumahoe Village Inc, P O Box 172, Patumahoe, PUKEKOHE
www.patumahoe.org.nz
email: patumahoevillage2050@gmail.com
Franklin District council plans allowed for the fragmentation of productive rural land
through conservation lots, which took land out of production, and created lots which
were not accessible to the public. This is an ill advised approach when trees can be
planted on ecologically unstable corridors which can also provide alternative transport
routes.

We also need to encourage adoption of land management methods which reduce the
impact of agriculture and horticulture on the land and water quality which we retain.
And in some cases, we need to reverse the adverse effects of bad management.

Our small rural village is undergoing previously unprecedented residential growth,

which although planned for was not mitigated by any review of community facilities,
spaces or zoning.

This is due in no small part to demonstrably conservative population figures and

reserve allocations. We would like this to be addressed, not only for us, but for any
other community that finds itself in the same position. Support of grassroots
community planning programmes, especially for rural areas would be of benefit in
dealing with this situation in different communities.

In Patumahoe we already have a robust infrastructure in terms of water and waste

management. We also have on our southern edge an existing operating railway. We
would like to see our community spaces, facilities and zoning reviewed and planned
before residential growth removes the best and most favoured options.

Q24. In developing the Auckland Plan, the Mayor and Councillors seek feedback on
the following:
What do you think about the idea to re-categorise our centres as suggested?
How should Auckland’s network of centres be categorised (eg. By their role and
function; or by the nature and extent of intervention categories)?

Agree with the need for identification – but this needs to be followed with plans to
invest and engage these communities.

Pukekohe is a satellite town, and my village, Patumahoe would be a rural village.

These do not have a presence on your maps that have been included and projects for
infrastructure do not include any major projects for Franklin or other outlying areas.
We would like to see a South Auckland (and west and east) version of the North
Auckland Village planning programme that was iniated by NSCC before
amalgamation.

This will give all communities an opportunity to frame their own values and priorities
and communicate this effectively to Auckland Council.

Page 2 of 3
Patumahoe Village Inc, P O Box 172, Patumahoe, PUKEKOHE
www.patumahoe.org.nz
email: patumahoevillage2050@gmail.com
Q25. In developing the Auckland Plan, the Mayor and Councillors seek feedback on
the following:
What controls are needed to manage and achieve intensification with high quality
outcomes?

Developing a rural strategy.

As a community group intending to submit a LTCCP in June 2012 we have
undertaken an extensive consultation programme using newsletters, community
meetings, formation of incorporated society, website development, street parties and
open days to engage the community in self determination. The enthusiasm has been
mostly positive, but muted by the expectation that support from council will be
unforthcoming.

We ask that council puts procedures and programmes in place that facilities effective
community engagement with policies and outcomes.

Thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely,

Paula Crosswell
CHAIRPERSON
Patumahoe Village Inc

Page 3 of 3
Patumahoe Village Inc, P O Box 172, Patumahoe, PUKEKOHE
www.patumahoe.org.nz
email: patumahoevillage2050@gmail.com