There are so many great viewpoints coming through from people who have talked to us directly or have sent their submissions through. While everyone has their own personal experiences, here is a selection of quotes / points made in feedback provided so far, which may resonate with you for your own submission:

These reserves are a vital part of our communities. They are beautiful green spaces where we enjoy playing with our children and families.

The reserves are a place for social engagement where interaction with neighbours, old and new is vital for our mental wellbeing.

We are lucky enough to have many native birds who live in the trees on the Forty Foot Lane reserve, the Council should be encouraging more planting of native trees and shrubs on the reserve instead of destroying them. 

The Council states that 9R Fortyfoot lane, our local park, is surplus to requirement, this comment is totally unjustified. This green space is a gift to the community and once sold will never be replaced.

Auckland Council cannot and should not be this shortsighted – selling off precious greenspace is not the answer.

These reserves are vital for the health, road safety and enjoyment of young families with children, grand children and pets, who cannot walk unsupervised along dangerous roads to distant parks or  play in busy parks such as Lloyd Elsmore,  where sporting activities make it too hazardous for very young children to run around freely.  

Obliterating these green areas will also destroy the pleasant rural atmosphere of Sunnyhills and Pakuranga, and turn it into a concrete jungle devoid of grass areas, shady trees for the elderly to sit under and areas for the very young to frolic safely without the danger of being hurt by sporting activities. 

No Greenspace means no trees or vegetation, no or little photosynthesis. Nothing to correct the CO2 and O2 generated by pollution and green house gases.

These reserves are a vital part of our communities. They are beautiful green spaces where we enjoy playing with our children and as a family.

The reserves are a place for social engagement where interaction with neighbours, old and new is vital for our mental wellbeing.

There is only a finite, and relatively small, amount of reserve land and the population will continue to increase far beyond that into the future, so it is not a sustainable long-term strategy, merely a short term, short sighted one.