Kia ora everyone and happy new year. They said, "Survive 'til '25," and that’s what we’ve done. Let’s hope the year ahead is a good one for all.

We finished last year on a high, especially for the folk of Takapuna and Castor Bay. The Local Board approved the design brief for the new Takapuna Library and Community Hub presented by Athfield Architects. For those who know architecture, you’ll know the project is in good hands as Athfield has consistently delivered inspiring and truly special civic and community spaces. Look no further than Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Hau Kapua Devonport Library. At that project’s inception there was opposition to replacing the Devonport library, but today it’s a celebrated and loved community asset that we wouldn’t want to be without. We can’t wait to see the design concepts for the Takapuna Library and hub that Athfield will present for community feedback later in the year.

We also approved an allocation of budget to remediate the Kennedy Park stairs that were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. This will be a targeted repair to make them usable again, with some drainage works to reduce stormwater runoff and limit ongoing coastal erosion. The new stairs will have a lockable gate that prevents access during storms and heavy rainfall, and we will institute regular monitoring of its structural integrity. These stairs have been damaged by storms in the past, as well as by fire and vandalism. The repair cost will be managed through the Council’s self-insurance policy, but it’s important residents understand that if they fail again, it would be unlikely for the local board to justify a further repair. Every set of circumstances differs, however, so I’ll never say never, but I do think we need to take a pragmatic approach to how we repair assets in volatile coastal areas. For now, residents can celebrate that their ‘stairs of doom’ fitness regime will be reinstated later in the year.

We also approved an allocation of budget to refurbish the exterior of 139 Beach Road at Kennedy Park. This innocent and dilapidated little bungalow is an important piece of our military history. It’s the remaining original barracks building that was used to house soldiers stationed at the Castor Bay coastal defence site. The original barracks were constructed to resemble a small housing estate, so it looked much like a standard state house rather than military accommodation. At the end of WWII, the camp was vacated, and many of the barrack buildings were removed. 139 Beach Road (the remaining barrack) was relocated further up along Beach Road to the site where it sits today at Kennedy Park. To protect the reserve land beneath the building, a former Local Board procured 139 Beach Road even though it was in a significant state of disrepair. Given the cost of rebuilding and its limited public benefit, it has been hoarded off for many years and de-prioritised for budget allocation. The good people of the Castor Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association have lobbied the local board for a long time to get it repaired. A petition was established that demonstrated a strong community appetite to have the building restored and the hoardings come down. I’m happy to report that’s what we’ll finally be doing. Because it is a heritage-listed property, renewal of its façade does not come cheap. It’s for this reason we won’t be able to renew the internal space at this time. However, we will be working with our Council Property and Commercial leasing team to get advice and initiate discussions on future commercial use of the building once the property has been upgraded. We’ll also be complementing the renewal with informative signage that educates the public on the unique history of the building and surroundings. Kennedy Park is a fabulous public reserve, and if you haven’t been there before, choose it for your next day out.

Lastly, I wanted to acknowledge that this is the final year of the local government triennium, with candidate nominations opening for the next election on 4 July. Given that Local Board business has only swung into action this month, that doesn’t leave much time left until the election madness begins. It’s an appropriate time to inform you that I won’t be standing in the next election, and in fact, I will be resigning as Chair and Board Member after the February business meeting on the 18th. My family has been presented with an exciting opportunity that we’ve decided to take, but this sees us moving away for a bit. Whilst it’s a huge disappointment for me not to finish the triennium, I know I leave a fabulous cohesive and collaborative board who will continue to represent the community with full commitment. It has been an absolute honour to chair the local board for the last two and a half years and be an elected member representing this community for nearly six years. I’ve learned huge amounts, made many new friends from all walks of life, and have consistently been floored by the passion and generosity each of you has for the place you call home and the people who share it with you. What a privilege it has been.

Toni van Tonder, Chair, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
toni.vantonder@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz