New report sets out key achievements for ratepayers

Orakei Local Board is delivering key projects and will make itself accountable to local ratepayers with a new series of half-yearly reports launched last night, says board chair Desley Simpson.

In the first report, released to the Orakei Local Board meeting held last night in St Heliers, Ms Simpson identifies 11 key projects the board has delivered for the people of Orakei in its first six months.

The achievements deliver on commitments set out by Ms Simpson in her inaugural speech as board chair last November.

“This report is not required by law, but demonstrates that we are prepared to stand up and be accountable. After only six months in office we are getting things done. There is no doubt that our board members’ combined political experience and local knowledge has contributed to some great results,” says Ms Simpson.

The first report sets out key achievements including progress with the Orakei Basin Walkway; opening of new community facilities in the Shore Road area; improvements at Madill’s Farm; Remuera business district plinths; Crossfield Reserve artificial wickets; and an upgrade of toilets and pavements in Ellerslie.

“We are also proud of the significant levels of community engagement and participation throughout the ward. We have proven ourselves to be responsive: so far we have dealt with 762 issues raised by local ratepayers, including advocating on a wide range of transport concerns and a major Ellerslie drainage issue,” Ms Simpson says.

“We are not necessarily beholden to the views of the Auckland Council governing body, but are working closely with them in the best interests of our community. We want to ensure the ‘local’ stays firmly in local government and are constantly providing ideas to make that happen.”

The second half-yearly report will be published by Christmas.