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Council seeks greater public input on Unitary Plan

Thursday 28 June 2012, 5:38PM

By Auckland Council

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AUCKLAND

Providing greater opportunity for Aucklanders to have their say is at the heart of Auckland Council’s proposed changes to the Unitary Plan process.

The Unitary Plan replaces the district plans and regional policies of the eight former councils.

The plan will be the regulatory tool by which the council delivers the vision of the Auckland Plan, and manages development. It will form the rule book which guides property owners and developers, and help protect Auckland’s liveability.

A report to the Auckland Plan Committee on Tuesday 3 July seeks approval for extensive, wide-ranging discussion with Aucklanders prior to the release of a draft Unitary Plan in March 2013.

Deputy Mayor and chair of the Auckland Plan Committee Councillor Penny Hulse says it is vital that the council produces the best and most workable plan to manage the growth and development outlined in the Auckland Plan.

“To get the quality plan that Aucklanders deserve, and to achieve our vision to be the world’s most liveable city, we want the broadest range of key stakeholders, organisations and communities help us determine how best to accomplish outcomes at a regional and local level.

“We need to generate a great plan and we need to get all Aucklanders on board with the process,” she says.

The proposed engagement on the Unitary Plan would be supported by a major communications campaign to inform Aucklanders on what the Unitary Plan will address and seek their input.

“It is an incredibly complex piece of work but the objective is to get a plan that reflects feedback from across the region,” the Deputy Mayor adds.

“The new Auckland needs to look at better ways of doing things. We want to get the best input from every Aucklander with a stake in the region’s future, be they individuals, communities, professional and business groups, or other organisations,” says Penny Hulse.

“In-depth quality input will help us produce a high-quality, workable and robust plan.

“When it comes to achieving the 30-year direction for the city’s future, the Unitary Plan is where the rubber hits the road.”