Locals invited to have their say on the future of eastern Porirua

Hui tahi tātou o Porirua is a series of events designed to give the community an opportunity to view and provide feedback on the draft Spatial Plan, May 26-June 10.

Extensive community consultation in 2019 helped shape the draft Spatial Plan, which is a critical document for the Porirua Development—a partnership between Kāinga Ora, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council.

Porirua Development Project Director Will Pennington, says hui tahi tātou o Porirua is an exciting opportunity to reconnect with the community on their aspirations for eastern Porirua.

“The Spatial Plan is designed to help us deliver an even better place to live – both for the people who live here today and for future generations,” he said.

“Previous community engagement helped us identify seven focus areas and five key moves that Porirua Development must deliver on, in order to have the biggest positive impact for eastern Porirua.

“Hui tahi tātou o Porirua is an important step in ensuring that we’ve accurately captured the community’s priorities in the plan and we haven't missed anything important to them.”

Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker said the Spatial Plan outlines critical actions to support local population growth, which is likely to increase by around 25% over the next 25 years.

“Key steps to support this growth include enhancing transport networks, developing thriving town centres, improving and protecting the environment, resolving major infrastructure issues and delivering increased housing options for the area,” she said.

“It’s vital to us that we don’t lose the community voice as we grow, which is why this hui is a great opportunity to share and, most importantly, to listen.”

Eastern Porirua has a proud cultural identity and rich history that Ngāti Toa Rangatira Chief Executive Helmut Modlik is pleased to see incorporated into hui tahi tātou o Porirua.

“Both the engagement events and the draft Spatial Plan itself have paid careful attention to the cultural values of Te Ao Māori, Pasifika and Ngāti Toa,” he said.

“We are committed to honouring the established community and to ensuring local people can see themselves reflected in the development both now and for generations to come.

“We hope everyone brings the whānau down to our hui, shares their thoughts and enjoys the many family activities on offer over the next two weeks.”

The hui tahi tātou o Porirua will be held at Te Akapuanga Hall, 14 Bedford Court Cannons Creek between Friday 26 May and Saturday 10 June.  There will also be activities happening around Cannons Creek shops.

For times and event details visit: www.poriruadevelopment.co.nz(external link) or Facebook @poriruadevelopment.