Community seek discussion with The Warehouse about Pah Rd development

“Community members are calling on The Warehouse to meet with them to discuss their concerns about the new store being constructed on Pah Rd,” says Julie Fairey, Roskill Community Voice member on the Puketapapa Local Board.

As legal channels to stop or change the “big box” retail development on Pah Rd have been exhausted, the community is now writing to the CEO of The Warehouse. “Locals want to know how The Warehouse intends to address their concerns around noise, traffic, parking, flooding, and construction, as well as the impact of the store on the Royal Oak Town Centre and nearby parks,” says Michael Wood, Roskill Community Voice member on the Puketapapa Local Board.

“As a company committed to New Zealand communities we are hoping that The Warehouse will be open to public dialogue on this issue, and that we can find some ways to mitigate the negatives of this development,” says Wood.

A community letter was sent yesterday by 12 community members, including two Members of Parliament, to The Warehouse’s CEO, Mark Powell. The letter outlines the concerns and questions of the community, and seeks a response from The Warehouse by way of a community meeting to discuss the development. Further groups and individuals are being approached to support the community letter, including the Maungakiekie-Tamaki and Puketapapa Local Boards. A copy of the letter is appended below, after the background information on the issue.

“We look forward to a positive response from The Warehouse, and are hopeful that there are some steps they can take to ease the concerns of the community. Perhaps with some inventive thinking The Warehouse can make sure this development is a bargain for the local community too,” said Fairey.