Update February 2009

Update on SH20

TOES is currently having ongoing discussions with NZTA (Transit), ACC and ARC in an effort to reach a conclusion that will ensure  a satisfactory outcome for  our community, prior to the March deadline, which is when NZTA wants to commence construction of the central section of the motorway adjacent to the Onehunga Lagoon.

Although by no means certain TOES is working with key stakeholders to obtain confirmation of funding by March 09. This would allow the design and consenting process for the foreshore restoration to commence immediately.

TOES is still seeking an 11 hectare reclamation, including 4 new beaches, an all tide boat ramp, public ferry terminal and substantial pedestrian bridge reconnecting the Onehunga Community with the Manukau Harbour.  The Sea Scouts would be relocated to a very prominent position overlooking the Manukau Foreshore.

The 11 hectare reclamation would be consistent with the original agreement reached in the 1970's between National Roads Board, Ministry of Works, Auckland Harbour Board and the  Onehunga Borough Council. While these entities no longer exist their role and obligations still continue with NZTA, ARC and ACC.

Judicial Review

During our Public Meeting before Christmas we received a strong mandate from members to proceed with legal action, if necessary, to ensure the Onehunga community has its foreshore restored and easy access is established to that foreshore.

Many members of TOES and people and businesses in the wider community have either donated directly, or pledged to donate funds to launch a Judicial Review of the Onehunga/Manukau Harbour section of the SH20 project. Thank you for your support.

Sufficient funds are held to begin this action. We have engaged a well respected Barrister and action is poised to proceed if we are unable to achieve the outcome our community is seeking.  We intend to only use this option if all else fails. It is a last resort. At this point all parties appear to be working constructively towards a solution and we are hopeful we can reach an outcome acceptable to the community without the need for legal action.

By early March we hope to be in a position to confirm our official position regards the Judicial Review for this project.

Fighting Fund Pledges

As already mentioned a number of people and businesses have pledged funds to support the legal fighting fund. Don't worry if you have not yet paid, or if you haven't been followed up about your pledge. We will contact you during March once our legal position is finalised. For those that wish to donate to the fighting fund, you can do so via our website www.toesociety.org.nz/fighting_fund or simply email us your pledge to  www.toesociety.org.nz/contact

Transpower

What more need we say! Lines falling on houses, widespread power outages from old equipment, shops closed, businesses losing money and people inconvenienced.

Feel free to write to our newspaper Editors asking why Transpower and our politicians are ignoring the one in 50 year opportunity provided by construction of SH20 to underground the lines across Onehunga Bay and future proof the power supply to Auckland and Northland.

The lines crossing Onehunga Bay, near a major motorway, and with the three recent major fires very close to these transmission lines and gas lines are a disaster waiting to happen. Management are probably just hoping it doesn't happen "on their shift."

Onehunga Railway Line Update

As can be seen by driving over the various level crossings, work has progressed with laying the new track and installing the cabling needed for signaling etc.

Shortly work will begin on a consultation progress regarding location and building of the stations to service the line.

Unfortunately some concern has been expressed regarding the station at Te Papapa, with conflicting statements as to whether there will be one built. It is important that all of us who have an interest in the re-opening of the line get actively involved in the consultation process.

In particular, are there people living in the vicinity of Te Papapa who would be willing to canvass the area with a petition of locals in support of such a station.

Several members of the TOES Executive are willing to help. Please contact Garth Houltham on 09 624 2331 or 027 236 7777.

We will provide details of the consultation process when it becomes available.

Communication with Members

We will continue to update members as regularly as practicable via public meetings and email communications.

Your TOES committee is meeting every Wednesday evening. During the week and weekends committee members are typically spending significant amounts of time directly lobbying/briefing key parties in an effort to bring the communities aspirations to the fore, undertaking a huge amount of work behind the scenes.

In respect of State Highway 20 you will appreciate that your Committee is dealing with a wide number of parties within numerous business and political organisations in an effort to bring about a successful outcome. With very few exceptions, members will also appreciate that the people we have been directly dealing with over the past 12/18 months have either moved on to other roles, or have simply exited their roles in favour of new incumbents!

Sometimes we feel as if we are making progress, and other times we feel as if we have moved one step forward and five backwards.

For these reasons, amongst others, it is often difficult to simply "put a stake in the ground" and provide more regular updates - it is that much of a moving target.

We will continue to advise members by email and public meeting of major issues as they arise. We also brief the local newspapers and they have also provided good coverage of the issues.

Meantime, we do not want any our members feeling as if they are "in the dark". Therefore if you have any concerns, contributions or would simply like an update on any aspect to feel free to contact Jim Jackson (chairman) 027 473 0226 or Peter Gibson (vice chair) 027 492 9326.

Once again thank you for your support.