Happy Medium Sought For Mayor And Residents

Friday 14 May 2004

Ken Shirley - Environment & Conservation

ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Environment Spokesman Ken Shirley today wrote to Auckland Mayor John Banks seeking an assurance that the Waiaturua Reserve's amenity and reserve values would not be compromised by the Auckland City Council's engineering plans to enhance stormwater retention and disposal functions.

"The Waiaturua Reserve is a substantial area serving the recreational needs of a significant number of Aucklanders. With the planned intensification of the Panmure-Ellerslie corridor, this reserve will assume an even greater significance," Mr Shirley said.

"Having met with local residents last week, I have no doubt that a mutually beneficial outcome can be achieved, provided the council maintain a balance between engineering works and the amenity values.

"In fact, some of the engineering works could even be modified to improve the amenity values, with the retention of large trees planted on islands and extended boardwalks over wetland areas.

"I was greatly impressed by the commitment and dedication of these residents to ensure that the reserve's amenity values are not adversely affected by this development, and am calling on Mr Banks to heed their call, for the benefit of everyone concerned," Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

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