The need for pocket parks
The topic at last night’s ‘Auckland Conversations’ (a series of meetings run by the Auckland City Council to engage citizens on its future plans ) was the future density of the city and its sustainable suture. Several people raised their concern at the way the City Council is persisting in selling off pocket parks.
With intensification now happening, home gardens will be but a memory for most in the foreseeable future. So we cannot afford to lose any of these public green spaces. In fact we will need more of them throughout Auckland if we value a healthy city where families can connect and play.
In reply to questions, Councillor Penny Hulst said the money gained from sales of pocket parks in one area will be used to establish green spaces in other parts of Auckland which have less of them i.e. robbing Peter to pay Paul. If this was not done rates would have to go up very substantially which would not be popular.
However, developers of subdivisons at present have to contribute several thousands of dollars per unit as a reserve contribution. Surely this money can and should be used to buy new pocket parks, especially in parts of the city where there are few of them and where housing density will be highest.
Lyn Potter
Takapuna
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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