Do you use local parks and playgrounds, or sports facilities? Want better transport and town centres, have a passion for the environment, or think more should be done to celebrate our culture and diversity?

These are just some of the topics Auckland Council’s 21 local boards want to hear your thoughts on as they develop a three-year plan to help communities across the region thrive.

From 13 July, local boards are inviting Aucklanders to give them feedback on their draft local board plans to make sure they reflect what is important to you.

Local board plans feature a series of priorities or outcomes that local people have already helped to shape. 

Now the boards want to know: “Have we got it right?”

Other areas the draft plans focus on include supporting local youth initiatives, walking and cycling connections, community safety and working to showcase our Māori culture and identity.

You can also find out about how the boards propose to make the most of Auckland’s broad diversity by co-delivering cultural festivals and supporting programmes that reduce barriers to participation.

This year, the local boards will need to balance the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 in their decision making, but are still keen to hear about other ideas.

“It is really important that these plans reflect what is important to the communities of each local board area, so we need to hear from as many people as possible. Love local, get vocal and have your say,” says Auckland Council, General Manager Local Board Services, Louise Mason.

Ways to have your say

From 13 July go online to akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal to:

• Find out which local board represents the community you live in and to read a copy of their draft plan
• Make an online submission
• Find information on opportunities to discuss your ideas with your local board members in person.

You can also make a submission on the Facebook page of your local board, but you need to include #lovelocal in your post for it to be counted.

Also go to your local library, local board office or council service centre to view a copy of your local board’s plan and to pick up a submission form. 

Alternatively, phone 09 301 0101 to request a hard copy to be sent to you.

Make sure you get your feedback to us by 4pm, Thursday 13 August 2020.