Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie

9 May 2013 Media Statement

Over 300 Residents Attend Public Meeting On Auckland Unitary Plan

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie, is delighted with the turnout of over 300 local residents and business owners to a public meeting held on Monday 6 May at the Onehunga RSA regarding the draft Auckland Unitary Plan.

“Residents and business owners have come to me and my office with concerns and queries about some of the negative effects this plan will have on our community.” Mr Lotu-Iiga says

The Plan is one of the most crucial documents for the future of Auckland and lays out the foundation for what you can and cannot do on your property. It also proposes a plan for the intensification of housing and future protection of Auckland’s Heritage, harbours, volcanic cones, environment and character.

“I have had strong feedback from the community with the main areas of concern relating to the issues of intensification of future developments, height restrictions, urban design, infrastructure development, heritage protection and transport issues”. Mr Lotu-Iiga says

“There is major change in store for our local areas with housing intensification tagged for large parts of Onehunga, Royal Oak and smaller parts of Epsom, Ellerslie, Greenlane, Mount Wellington, One Tree Hill and Panmure.”

“In response to the many concerns of my community, I met with Auckland Council officials and decided to host a public meeting to better inform residents and encourage them to ask questions, make submissions and have their say.”

“Out of the over 300 people in attendance, only 6 people raised their hands in support of the draft Unitary Plan”

“As the local MP, I believe it is important that our communities have a constructive forum to hear from Auckland Council officials and to have their concerns addressed. It is for this reason that I engaged with officials and hosted this successful public meeting. I will continue to support the interests and concerns of our community.” Mr Lotu-Iiga says

ENDS

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