We welcomed scott Milne (Chair of the Orakei Board) to our luncheon meeting this week.
Scott updated us on what's happening within his area of responsibility whilst deftly avoiding the looming elections.
Summarising Scott's address;
He acknowledged the Leyland family and thanked our club for its efforts in the community. He emphasised the importance of community groups and open spaces in Auckland.
Scott moved on to updating our understanding of the Orakei Board commenting on the role and responsibilities of the local board, including managing community groups and open spaces. He highlighted the economic challenges facing the country and the importance of community efforts. He spoke about the population density and diversity of Auckland, noting the challenges in communicating with Asian groups in particular.
Scott put particular emphasis on the value of community and open spaces, using statistics to illustrate the points he was making.
Scott talked about Eden Park and the proposed move by Auckland Cricket and possibly Auckland Rugby to Colin Maiden Park Developments. He commented that Eden Park needs to become an event center to sustain its operations as numbers of sporting events diminish along with crowd numbers. If the moves take place then Colin Maiden Park, which will require significant upgrades to cope, especially if the park becomes a test venue for cricket similar to Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Plans include developing new facilities for the Auckland University Cricket Club and improving existing parks.
One of the issues the Orakei Board faces is limiting or reducing the privatization of public land when it is used for elite sport and also to ensure community access to facilities. This forms a significant part of the Orakei Boards thinking. How that will be dealt with at Colin Maiden Park is yet to be resolved.
Scott told us about the Fix and Finish Fund, which was created from the sale of airport shares. The fund provides $20 million for local boards to contest, with the local board applying for $3 million. This was to fund projects such as improving Thomas Bloodworth Park and Shore Road East, focusing on sports facilities for rugby, football, and cricket. The local board is also addressing the growing demand for sports facilities, particularly for women's sports.
Scott went on to tell us about the Eastern Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Program (UQIP) and its success in improving water quality. The program involves senior executives from Auckland Council and Watercare, working together to address water quality issues. Plans include building a holding tank and tunnel to manage stormwater and wastewater during heavy rains. He highlighted the central interceptor tunnel project, an astonishing engineering feat taking place literally under our feet, and which will help manage water flow and reduce pollution.
During a lively question session Scott was asked about Newmarket Park and its management by the local board. He noted in reply that Newmarket Park was located in the Waitemata Local Board so that entity has jurisdiction. He did comment on the challenges that the unstable ground poses for his board as it sits downstream from the site, so to speak. Scott was also asked about the St Heliers Bay Pony Club development, which has been proposed following the sale of the land to a consortium of iwi for housing. He noted that there were concerns about the development's impact on infrastructure and the local board's opposition to it.
Thank you to Scott for providing an insight into the workings of our local democracy.