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Resolution
number MO/2025/54
MOVED by Chairperson
N Bakulich, seconded by Member H Fatu Toleafoa:
That
the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu
Local Board:
a) ohia
/ endorse the final amended Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open
Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy in Attachment B
b) ohia / endorse updating the open space
provision standards in the strategy with Option package two –
capacity-focused approach: provide more open space than currently enabled in
high- and medium-density areas where residents have low or moderate levels of
provision.
c)
tuku / provide
the following feedback:
i.
thank the
Planning, Environment and Parks Committee for engaging with local boards
during the development of the draft strategy and for considering our earlier
feedback
ii.
acknowledge that
some clear improvements have been made, especially around equity, the role of
local decision-making, environmental goals, and the importance of localised
advice
iii.
welcome the
stronger emphasis on equity, recognising that not everyone has the same level
of access or experience when using open spaces and facilities. However,
equity still remains as a guiding principle, not a requirement, the local
board believes that this is not enough and should be weighted heavily in
conjunction to deprivation when resources towards implementation decisions
are made
iv.
does not support
the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy in relation to Policy 2, Open
space provision and acquisition. The board believes it is too narrow to meet
local needs for example:
A)
focuses too much
on growth. Open space should also support community wellbeing, cultural
value, and connection to place, not just be added when more houses are built.
It needs a broader purpose beyond growth
B)
Māngere and
Ōtāhuhu face high deprivation, large families, and transport
barriers. Many needs walkable spaces and free activities, especially girls
and disabled rangatahi. Policy Two notes this but doesn’t show how
investment will change to reflect these needs.
C)
Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa
Park is marked as “well supplied” due to its size and range of
facilities. But the board says this doesn’t reflect reality. The
facilities are ageing, demand is high, and especially from rangatahi. Some
areas feel unsafe or poorly lit, making it unwelcoming for some whānau.
The board argues that this kind of “provision” fails to meet real
needs, highlighting the gap between what’s on paper and the lived
experience of the community
v.
request that
deprivation and equity be built into the funding formulas and weighted accordingly
when decisions are made. The strategy must move beyond strategic words;
equity must be embedded in how the rules work, not just the language. We ask
for:
A)
a strong local
lens, not just a regional one
B)
a practical
approach that looks at who’s missing out and what gaps need filling
C)
clear advice on
how the strategy applies to this board area
vi.
activation and
community-led use is important to the local board and request visibility of
more support for regionally funded activation programmes that bring our parks
and spaces to life. These programmes add value and access, not just space,
but meaningful use. We ask for:
A)
funding or
in-kind support for events like community sport days, Pasifika youth leagues,
or women-led initiatives, and Māori sports led by Māori
B)
investing in
local providers that deliver inclusive, culturally safe programmes
C)
supporting
schools and informal groups that rely on open spaces for social sport or
recreation
vii.
support the
strategy’s aim to work in partnership, especially with mana whenua and
strong local organisations. However this needs to go further. We recommend:
A)
local design
input, communities should help shape how open spaces are used and improved
B)
better support
for groups who activate and maintain community spaces – including
marae, churches, and schools
C)
flexible funding
that allows these groups to lead programming in ways that work for them
viii. note that implementation is the real test - do
the principles guide action? The strategy appears robust however, the test
will be when implementation is actioned. Are these values just nice words, or
do they drive decisions? We request that future investment decisions be
guided by:
A)
levels of
deprivation (e.g. using the NZ Index of Deprivation)
B)
gaps in access to
quality open space, sport and recreation
C)
who’s
missing out, including Māori, Pasifika, faith-based groups, disabled
people, and high-growth, underserved areas
D)
not just
proximity to a park, but whether it meets the population’s needs e.g.
play space for large families, walking loops for kaumātua
ix.
acknowledge the
draft strategy signals a move toward stronger local board involvement, but
the empowered local board framework is not yet clearly or consistently
embedded throughout. The board requests clearer recognition of local
decision-making, timely and localised advice, so the strategy better supports
locally led, equitable outcomes
x.
acknowledges the
improvements made in the strategy. But the practical tools, funding formulas,
prioritisation methods, and clear local advice – are where change needs
to land. Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board will continue to advocate
for a strategy that delivers fairness, relevance, and real access for our
communities.
CARRIED
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