Media release
23 May 2013

One week to feedback on draft Unitary Plan

Aucklanders have one week to feedback on the draft Auckland Unitary Plan and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is urging people to make sure they have had their say.

“We are undertaking the largest planning process in New Zealand's history, creating a rulebook that will guide Auckland and how it grows over the next 30 years.

“I never expected anything less than robust debate and passionate views on this plan and it is great to be getting so much feedback. This is exactly why it was released as a draft – so everyone would have the chance to be involved before the more formal step of notification. We wanted to consult and listen and change the plan to ensure we develop the best plan possible.

“With a week left to go in this period of informal engagement, I want to remind Aucklanders that the purpose of engaging on a “draft” draft plan is so we can change and adjust things according to feedback. We have always said we will reshape the plan and we will,” said the Deputy Mayor.

So far about 3,000 individual pieces of feedback have been received, 11,000 people have attended the Unitary Plan events, and more than 70,000 people have visited the council’s Unitary Plan website, shapeauckland.co.nz.

“The plan is large and deals with some complex issues. A lot of people have never gone through a district plan before and are not aware of what the current rules say.

“If people have specific questions or need help using the plan, please call Council on 09 3010101 so our team can help. There is misinformation out there so we encourage you to contact us if you have queries on rules, overlays, zones or using the maps.

“I have attended many events since the launch and have heard from thousands of Aucklanders, passionate about where they live and about the future of their communities and their city. I have reassured Aucklanders that we can hear their concerns and will listen.

“We will be going through all of the feedback in June and July to see where changes need to be made.”

To find out about the remaining community events and how to submit feedback by going to shapeauckland.co.nz. Feedback closes 31 May.

How to have your say
• It’s easy to give your feedback and we want to hear all views
• Leave a comment on on one of our blogposts – it can be short, detailed, in support, what you would change, tweak etc
• You can fill out a Unitary Plan feedback form
• Comment on our facebook page, or tweet @aklcouncil using the hashtag #shapeauckland

Feedback based on facts
• Have questions, need help - ask us! Call us on 09 3010101 to speak to a Unitary Plan experts or email questions to unitaryplan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
• Find out about your local area by viewing the local board fact sheets and zone maps.
• Find out about your own property by using the electronic maps and e-plan text, need help? Read the how to guides or call us on the numbers below
• Read over the fact sheets proposed residential controls, centres: building heights and setbacks
• What does this mean for Auckland? Read the draft unitary plan overview, easy read, translations or watch our videos

Ends

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