MEDIA RELEASE

21 October 2005

New future planned for Waiheke library and service centre

Auckland City is currently exploring options to enhance both the Waiheke library and the service centre facilities and is seeking input from the community through an independent users' survey.

Chairperson of the Community Development and Equity Committee, Councillor Cathy Casey, has reinforced today that no decision has yet been made about the siting of either the island's library or the service centre and that Waiheke residents and ratepayers will be fully involved in the decision-making process.

The consultation process has been discussed during several councillor briefing sessions on community libraries over the past few months and it was agreed to carry out an independent community survey to canvas the opinions of Waiheke residents and ratepayers.

"These are community facilities and therefore the community's views are paramount," says Councillor Casey, "The survey will target users of the library in Oneroa and the service centre at Ostend."

She says no decision will be made until comprehensive feedback has been gathered from the community.

The library and the service centre have each reached their capacity. The buildings and facilities are inadequate in terms of their size and standard for the current and future needs of the Waiheke community.

One option would be to upgrade each facility. Another is to investigate combining the services at one of the current sites.

"Improving the facilities will ultimately result in better services for Waiheke residents and visitors," says Jill McPherson, general manager, Arts, Community and Recreation.

Investigations will commence shortly in the community to research the preferred location for the facilities.

Once funding has been secured and approved the planning, design and construction will take around two years to complete.

ENDS

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