'Save the dream'

BY NICK MARCH

There was a great response from Whangaparaoa residents to the Rodney Times Diamond survey.

In contrast to the other Rodney towns, the survey reveals a broad agreement between the views of the young and not so young for the key areas under examination – liveability, workability, investability and visitability.

It is reflected in the highest overall score so far, an average of eight out of 10 for liveability.

Across all ages, 70 percent of Whangaparaoa residents absolutely love the peninsula for its beaches and natural environment and the lifestyles on tap for young and old.

Residents fear further growth will spoil the dream.

Many of those surveyed are worried about the pressures of growth and the capacity for the environment to cope.

"We are vulnerable – if the beaches become polluted then all of the diamond points would quickly track down," says one resident.

And it is not just the beaches that concern locals. Another survey respondent caught the mood of many.

"We are okay now but is this sustainable in the future? What about our flood plain areas, ground stability, traffic flow, water purity and air, retaining clean sand and treated sewerage," he says.

Residents called the council to rethink current development policies.

"It seems to becoming more and more crowded. The best opportunity for the Whangaparaoa peninsula is to try and reduce the increasing population.

"The main roads are already at saturation point. While I understand growth is important, so is maintaining the beach and bach lifestyle that many moved here for," says another.

Typical of this feeling was the many respondents who condemned the Gulf Harbour development as not in keeping with the style of Whangaparaoa.

One resident is thinking outside the box.

He says the area does need more "significant" development, but not houses.

"Something more worthwhile – maybe a polytechnic or a sports centre. Or more tourism activities such as kayaking and skydiving. I don’t know, but please no more houses," he says.

The second most important strength reflected in the survey is the "small town community spirit without it being too far away from everything – friendly neighbours, and low crime".

Others think that situation is eroding fast.

"Whangaparaoa feels and looks unsafe in some parts – this is definitely not the place that I knew 10 years ago," was one comment.

Clearly the community has some hard thinking to do.

With the wrong decisions the magic of the peninsula could be lost inside of 10 years, according to some diamond survey respondents.

"It’s people. Make sure that whatever decisions are made – are made with their input, so they feel the outcome is their making. That way they cherish and protect it."

For detailed survey results for the Peninsula, visit www.rodney.govt.nz/mycommunity or contact Nick at nick.marsh@nextcorporation.net or visit www.nextcorporation.net Dr Nick Marsh, is a director of NEXT Corporation, strategic foresight researchers and facilitators.

- © Fairfax NZ News