Community and experts should be involved in Watercare site decision

The Green Party is calling for the West Auckland community to be involved in Watercare’s decision over where a new treatment plant should be located, and an independent ecological assessment of the proposed new site in Titirangi.

This follows a decision last week by Watercare to not build the plant in Oratia and to instead look into a plot of land in Titirangi, in the Waitakere Ranges.

“Design and placement for new infrastructure like this should involve the community from the beginning,” said Green Party Auckland spokesperson Julie Anne Genter.

“Watercare needs to involve concerned locals in their decision-making, and not just push on with building a new industrial plant in their neighbourhood. The consultation so far has been inadequate and Watercare must do better.

“Locals do not feel like they are being listened to – a protest yesterday drew a crowd of hundreds and an online petition has received nearly 2000 signatures with further action being planned next week with a public meeting next Wednesday.

“NatureWatch NZ’s observations in the area have found 60 different species in and around the proposed area. The potential loss of over a thousand trees will have a detrimental impact on the wildlife, as well as the look and feel of the area.

“Auckland is a growing city and its water infrastructure needs to be upgraded. It’s vital the community is involved in finding solutions that protect our natural heritage areas,” said Ms Genter. 

Latest Auckland Issues Announcements

Story

Waka Kotahi miss the boat on community needs for Waiheke ferry services

Auckland Central Green MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, this morning received a long awaited OIA with official advice and consultants’ reports on whether to re...
Read More

Story

A new life for St James Theatre

After years of community organising, Green MP for Auckland Central Chlöe Swarbrick is thrilled to announce today alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ho...
Read More

Story

Auckland flood response report requires urgent action

Auckland Central Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick welcomes the findings of the Auckland Flood Response Review and urges Council to not delay implementing t...
Read More

Story

Greens launch submission guide for Auckland Council budget

The Green Party has today launched a submission guide to help Aucklanders give crucial input and prevent potentially disastrous Auckland Council bu...
Read More

Story

Greens launch petition to stop Auckland Council climate action cuts

The Green Party has today launched a petition to stop Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s proposed cuts to climate and environmental programmes that prote...
Read More

Story

Hauraki Gulf in urgent need of protection

The Green Party backs the demands of Forest and Bird and calls on the Government to take urgent action to restore the health of the Hauraki Gulf/Tī...
Read More

Latest Conservation Announcements

Story

Labour must deliver on No New Mines

The Green Party is disappointed tonight that the Government has voted down Eugenie Sage’s members’ bill to stop new mining on conservation land. Th...
Read More

Story

Inquiry into forestry slash and land use welcome, but more needed

Today’s news of a Ministerial inquiry into forestry slash and land use in Te Tarāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa is welcome, but the forestry sector shou...
Read More

Story

Time for Labour to deliver on No New Mines

The Green Party is today welcoming reports of Government progress towards having no new mines on conservation land.
Read More

Story

Urgent action needed at home following global deal for nature

The Green Party welcomes an historic new global agreement to protect 30% of the planet for nature by the end of the decade and calls on the Governm...
Read More

Story

Swimmable rivers and healthy lakes could soon be out of reach

The Green Party is calling on the Government to tighten the rules on synthetic fertiliser use and intensive land use, including intensive winter gr...
Read More

Story

Bill to ban mining on conservation land pulled from biscuit tin

Following months of work by the Green Party and community and environmental organisations, Parliament will have the opportunity to pass legislation...
Read More