Clandestine move to break up parks network foiled

The parks, recreation and sport committee knew nothing about the plan. Photo / Natalie Slade

A plan by council management to break up the regional park network has been stamped out after a showdown with councillors and a senior mayoral aide.

Politicians were tipped off about breaking up the network of 26 regional parks last week and confronted chief operating officer Dean Kimpton and senior park staff late on Thursday.

Parks committee chairwoman Christine Fletcher, councillor Mike Lee and mayoral chief of staff Barry Ebert convinced Mr Kimpton to keep the regional parks under one umbrella.

It is understood a plan was well advanced to bundle the regional parks into three geographical units alongside local parks to create operational and cost efficiencies.

The parks, recreation and sport committee knew nothing about the plan, nor did Mayor Len Brown.

"It was complete arrogance. They had no mandate for it. It reeks of a council management out of control," a source said.

The plan has come under fire from the Friends of Regional Parks, whose chairman Bill Burrill wrote to Mr Brown saying it would cause irreparable damage to the parks network.

"Local priorities for already squeezed budgets will end up with parks not getting the resources they need and these incredible regional assets will be degraded," he said.

"Having a regional policy unit making decisions for the network as a whole ensures that all the parks get the resources they need, when they need them."

The regional park network is much loved and treasured by the people of Auckland and visitors alike, said Sandra Coney, chairwoman of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Kit Howden, a regional park volunteer, has written to Mr Brown and council chief executive Stephen Town urging them not to separate the public from their parks.

Mr Kimpton in a statement said the council values the regional park network and has no intention of breaking it up.

"Our focus remains on enhancing how we look after these assets in the context of increased visitation and Auckland's continuing growth, and we will continue to work with the Friends of Regional Parks and volunteer networks."