Renascence: Labouring In The Community

Under Threat Again

Long Bay - Okura Great Park Under Threat Again

A few weeks ago our local Labour Party met to discuss issues arising from the recent General Election. It was agreed that in order for Labour to be more relevant, it has to become more involved in serving communities. As a Party we cannot expect to put our hands out every three years and ask people to donate and vote without putting in the hard work along the way.

With that in mind, my beautiful wife and I attended a public meeting at the Sir Peter Blake Marine and Recreation Centre (MERC), to hear how we can help save the Long Bay - Okura Great Park.

My beautiful Wife and I at the Public meeting to Save Our Coast

We saw this as a perfect opportunity to give our support to a local issue as both representatives of a Labour Party that serves its community and as locals born and bred in Torbay.

The meeting was convened by the Long Bay - Okura Great Park (LBOGP) Society. The LBOGP Society was formed in 1996 to lobby local, regional and central government for the creation of a 1000 acre Great Park at Long Bay - Okura. Over 1.3 million visitors a year visit the park.

Unfortunately, once again, the park is under threat from development. With the formation of the Auckland Super City urban development needed to be standardised across the city. As a result, protections that were previously fought for, now have to be contested again.

If developers have their way they will change this...

To more of this...

At the meeting Chris Bettany and Teresa Moore explained that developers want to build 750 houses in a high density development similar to the one above. They highlighted the negative effects this would have to the marine reserve, native birds, and water ways.

However, protecting New Zealand's beautiful coastline doesn't come cheap. Lawyers, expert witnesses to support their case and hours and hours of litigation mean the LBOGP Society need to raise $10,000 per month.

You can help - Donate now

All members of the LBOGP society work voluntarily. They work tirelessly so we can enjoy an unspoiled coastline with our children and families.

With Chris Bettany of LBOGP Society

This is an opportunity for Labour to get involved at community level. The East Coast Bays electorate needs a stronger Labour presence if we are to make any ground in 2017. We have subsequently become members of the LBOGP society. How will you help? To join up, click here.