MEDIA RELEASE

September 20 2004

Waitakere City and Waiheke Island have formed a strategic friendship alliance whereby Waitakere will help Waiheke community groups effectively plan for the future.

The alliance and agreement was made following Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey’s visit to and public meeting on the island to discuss his city’s planning principles, especially those relating to ecologically sensitive and scenic areas.

“I’ve always thought Waiheke and Waitakere had more in common than the ‘Wai’ in their names because both communities are passionate, committed, edgy and grounded,” says Mr Harvey.

“Now, as a result of the meeting, Waiheke will be able to share and benefit from Waitakere’s experiences and successes.”

The agreement’s first initiative, a working party in November, will see a group of Waiheke activists visit Waitakere City Council’s offices for a question and answer session to work through their plans for the island and obtain some advanced, strategic thinking from their Waitakere counterparts.

“It is impossible for Waiheke to join Waitakere however we can and will offer advice, counsel and mentoring to further develop a long-term relationship we can both be extremely proud of,” says Mr Harvey.

Other friendship initiatives will include workshops and reciprocal visits.

ENDS

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