On 10 March 2025, Property Council submitted on Auckland Council’s Draft Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy. This sets broad principles on future open spaces across Auckland.
In brief
Property Council is concerned that the strategy has limited details around implementation and financing. We are particularly concerned that the implications will fall onto development contribution fees, impacting the feasibility of development.
At a high level, Property Council recommends that Auckland Council:
- Delete the unachievable proposal to “Make all of Tāmaki Makaurau our backyard”;
- Shift the ‘benefits-led approach’ to an ‘evidence-based approach’ with a particular focus around the need for investment and ability to maintain that investment;
- Amend the Draft Open Space Strategy to include the opportunity to collaborate with the private sector to establish new parks, particularly in greenfield areas;
- Amend bullet point two on page 11 to state: “Prioritise acquiring new parks in high-density areas and new greenfield areas. This could include collaboration with the private sector”;
- Encourage the Open Space project team to gain a better understanding of how planning rules can restrict or disincentivise innovation;
- Partner with others (mana whenua, community, i.e. sports clubs and developers) to collectively deliver local and regional outcomes and alternative funding streams;
- Develop clearer criteria for developer partnerships; and
- Delete the per capita/capacity focused option and instead build in more flexibility to Option 1 with reference to walkable catchments.