MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE CHARACTER COALITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12 September 2012

Mayor Says Yes to Coalition

At a meeting at the Town Hall today Mayor Len Brown agreed to the Character Coalition becoming a partner in the development of the Unitary Plan. The Coalition of 23 community groups was formed as a result of widespread dissatisfaction with the lack of protection for heritage buildings and character suburbs.

"Communities were sick and tired of waking up in the morning to find another iconic building gone" says Sally Hughes of the Coalition "so we have joined forces and now represent 23 groups from communities right across Auckland".

At an upcoming meeting with Councillors and staff the Coalition will hammer out the process for ongoing input into the draft Unitary Plan (the 'rule book' that will guide the implementation of the Auckland Plan and replace the current District Plans). The starting point for discussions will be the 10 point Auckland Character Plan presented by the Coalition to the Mayor today.

"The next six months will be challenging" says Sally Hughes "give and take will be required on both sides. But we are really pleased to get meaningful involvement at this early stage. It shows the Council are serious about fixing heritage problems."

ENDS

© Scoop Media