- By Josie Lu, journalism intern
Speeding cars are putting children at risk in Bucklands Beach, a Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association member says.
A public meeting about proposed safety improvements for Bucklands Beach will be held on Thursday.
To address issues of speeding traffic and pedestrian safety, Auckland Transport has proposed changes such as installing raised zebra crossings, speed bumps and traffic islands in the area.
“It’s really about facilitating consultation with the community,” says Peter Seekup, president of the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association.
“Instead of Auckland Transport just going ahead and doing what they think would work, it’s involving the local residents that live along that road, that are going to directly have a speed bump put in front of their house and asking whether they’re happy with that or not,” says Jamie Kent, the association’s secretary.
She says cars have been speeding in the area and many residents have expressed concerns about kids and dogs almost being hit.
“It’s really dangerous around here so we need to get something sorted,” Kent says.
The Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association was resurrected in August last year and now has 282 members in its Facebook group.
Seekup says the association aims to inform residents about local projects and to try and get community involvement in them.
“We want to bridge the gap between the local board, council and the community; just really open that communication line,” says Kent.
The association’s committee holds monthly meetings and has identified five projects to focus on, including traffic on The Parade, Macleans Park, Bucklands Beach War Memorial Hall, fishing bylaws and coastal erosion.
These issues will be addressed with the help of the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council.
“They seem, so far, to have been brilliant in helping us,” Kent says.
“They’re very on board and trying their best to help.”
Aside from keeping residents up to date on local issues, the association’s Facebook page also aims to unite the local community and celebrate its residents.
The page has recently started a ‘Good Sorts of the Peninsula’ initiative which periodically rewards someone who does good for the local community.
Due to the area becoming more multicultural, the association is also working on a multilingual website and WeChat group to promote inclusivity for local residents.
Currently people can get involved through the group’s Facebook page.
“If any of the projects that we’re working on resonate with you, then come and get involved,” Seekup says.
“We’re all just really passionate about the peninsula. We love it. We think it’s the best place to live in Auckland so we want to keep it that way,” Kent says.
All are welcome to attend the public meeting where Auckland Transport, Howick Local Board and the Bucklands and Eastern Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association will be presenting.
It’s at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 9, at Bucklands Beach Bowling Club.
