Harbourview Land Fight Lost But Not Forgotten

In 1991 Waitakere City Council (WCC) released a document on the future use of the Harbourview land. Since that document was published Te Atatu Residents and Ratepayers Association (TARRA) has consistently opposed the establishment of buildings of any purpose other than toilets and the historic house to be located on the Harbourview land in accordance with the majority of their members and local community.

TARRA's main claim towards the Harbourview land has been that it remains a "People's Park" as it was originally designated. We sought to have preservation and protection of the natural and cultural heritage resources, including the open space character and panoramic views, in perpetuity for the benefiot of present and future generations by way of a minimal faculty apart from the information, recreation and park interpretation (education about the resources). This was the appropriate to meet the needs of the people and the community as expressed by the public in council surveys, submissions and public protest initiatives opposing development over the past 15 years. We therefore made an appeal to the Environment Court over Proposed Plan Change 2 -- Harbourview, this proposed plan change gave WCC the option to build on this prime coastal land.

In October 2004 a briefing paper was sent to all incoming councillors of WCC from TARRA with special attention to Councillor Dallow, Councillor Gilmour and Councillor Corban as they were elected to represent the Henderson Ward in which Te Atatu resides.

Whilst we (TARRA) fought this appeal with residents', ratepayers', suppoerters' money and Government grants, residents and ratepayers also funded the appeal against themselves through taxpayers' money!

Whilst we respect judicial process we do not accept the lack of consultation and integrity from WCC and our locally elected councillors throughout this lengthy and costly process.

The implications of this decision mean that the land is currently not protected as a reserve and therefore it can be developed in any way that WCC wishes. WCC is now able to undertake development that is not Open Space Management Plan. If it wishes, it can approve, without public consultation, a range of buildings.

Election time is approaching. Remember the consultation process used by our current Councillors and ensure that we vote with our future clearly kept in our hands with people who genuinely care about anbd represent the vies of Te Atatu residents.

Finally, on behalf of the residents and ratepayers of Te Atatu I would like to sincerely thank the following people for their continued volunteered time and skills over the past 15 years. Consultants: Anne Grace and Trish Fordyce; TARRA Executive Committees over the years: especially: Leo Nobilo, Jeff Nielson, Elizabeth grimmer and Bob Stanic. Legal Team of Consultants: Ian Cowper, Bianca Tree, David Wren, Melean Absolum.

Everybody's efforts have been greatly appreciated and we will endeavour to continue to continue to ensure Te Atatu is our place.

Debbie Reyland, President
Te Atatu Residents and Ratepayers Assn Inc.

ENDS

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