A joint media statement
from Housing New Zealand Corporation,
North Shore City Council and,
the Northcote Central Development Group

Northcote Central community asked to speak up
August 15, 2003

Northcote Central residents are being asked to speak up about what they like and dislike about their neighbourhood and how to make it a better place to live.

This process is part of the Northcote Central Project, a long-term partnership involving the local community, Housing New Zealand Corporation, and North Shore City Council working together to improve the area and plan its future.

Last month a group of community representatives formed the Northcote Central Development Group to work with the Corporation and North Shore City Council to make the project happen and ensure community views are heard.

A Northcote Central Development Group spokesperson, Frank Rawiri, says a series of meetings and events will be held over the next six weeks to inform residents about the project and seek their ideas.

"The aim of this project is to improve housing in Northcote Central, improve the environment, create jobs and make our special part of North Shore City a safe and healthy place. The people living within the community are best placed to offer their views, opinions and ideas as to how we can achieve it," Mr Rawiri says.

North Shore City Council's strategy and finance committee chairperson and long-time Northcote resident, Tony Holman, says the project will help to focus the community on what the area needs and what might change in the future.

"We're committed to improving this area in a way that respects the diversity of those living here. This offers a great opportunity for all to say what they would like to happen here. We encourage people to get involved and speak up," Councillor Holman says.

Following the meetings and events, Housing New Zealand Corporation, the North Shore City Council and Northcote Central Development Group will work with the community to develop options for how the area might change.

The Council's Northcote Library will also host a display about the project from Monday, September 8 to Sunday, September 14. Project representatives will be onsite to answer any questions.

(ends)

Background Information:

* The Northcote Central project area is the area within Ocean View Road, Raleigh Road, College Road and Hato Petera College.

* Within this area there are about 2,500 residents, three schools, several parks, churches, housing units for older people and the Northcote shopping centre. Housing New Zealand Corporation owns many houses in the area.

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