“Unfortunately (and even, in some cases, tragically) the effects of severe weather have damaged property and caused safety issues.
“It is now widely acknowledged – including by local government decision makers in the realm of planning – that development should only occur where such plans adequately take into account this reality. We should not be building in areas where the risk of flooding cannot be mitigated or managed by stormwater systems etc.”
The flood-prone community strongly opposes it because of concerns the development could worsen flooding across the valley.
In the letter, Penk, who is also Associate Emergency Management Minister, acknowledged the country needed more housing and that construction creates jobs.
“I express my own view – and I think on behalf of the majority of the community – that any new development in Waimauku and the rest of northwest Auckland should properly account for the risk of flooding, as experienced previously, and also the cost of supporting infrastructure.”
Penk said he was not trying to use his ministerial position to influence decision-makers.
“Clearly the panel will make its decision on the application taking into account all relevant considerations. I do not seek to influence the panel in any improper manner but would be remiss if I did not share some reflections on behalf of the community about the history of development in northwest Auckland more generally, including in particular the devastating effect of multiple recent flooding events.”
The Herald approached Penk about the letter and his stance on the issue.
“I have met in person with a number of constituents who have asked to discuss the proposed Waimauku development,” he told the Herald.
“I have also provided some written comments to correspondents and a letter to the fast-track panel on the subject.”
Chris Penk’s Facebook post opposing the Waimauku West development being fast-tracked.
The Waimauku Community Association is lobbying against the project.
Co-chairwoman Tatjana Ratsdorf welcomed Penk advocating against the project but urged him to go further.
“We want Mr Penk to take a much stronger and more visible stand for the community he represents,” Ratsdorf told the Herald.
“We want to see clear public advocacy from Mr Penk against the proposal unless the infrastructure is properly planned, funded and delivered first, and unless the community can be given evidence that this development will not worsen existing flooding, traffic, environmental and safety issues.
“The community is not opposed to development in general, but we are strongly opposed to this proposal, which would grow Waimauku’s population by nearly 500%. Good stormwater systems, flood protection, schools, health services and basic infrastructure are required to support the development, particularly in an area that is already experiencing serious flooding and years of worsening congestion.”
Penk also told the Herald his position was consistent – he had been careful not to seek to influence the due process in any way.
“None of my discussions with fellow ministers on matters of fast track, including my colleague Chris Bishop, have required me to recuse myself from decision-making relating to the fast-track legislation,” Penk said.
“On the Waimauku proposal, I don’t have any personal interests to declare and nor had I taken a position on the development at the time that the fast-track legislation was introduced.”
The area was hit hard in the 2023 floods. Penk acknowledged the key issues were around water and transport.
“His own electorate has already seen how serious the flooding issues are, including the recommendation that parts of Kumeū may ultimately need to move because the risk is so significant. As Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery we believe he should be focused on getting the right protections, planning controls and infrastructure in place now, rather than leaving communities to deal with the damage once it is too late,” Ratsdorf said.
The group had invited Penk to three community meetings and he’d declined each time.
“We would still welcome the opportunity to meet with him. What residents need now is more than acknowledgement of concern, they need him to stand publicly with the community and advocate directly to decision-makers.”
National MP Chris Penk is being called on to “take a much stronger and more visible stand for the community he represents”.
The proposed development is on approximately 196ha of rural land on State Highway 16, Waimauku.
It is being developed by Halberd Holdings.
In accepting the project into the fast-track scheme in March, approval documents show Bishop was satisfied it “is an infrastructure or development project that would have significant regional or national benefits”.
He said it would have significant regional benefits because it would “increase the supply of housing, address housing needs, and contribute to a well-functioning urban environment”.
Bishop estimated the development would create work for 305 people over 15 years, generating more than $385 million in income.
Once the minister has accepted a project into the fast-track process, it goes to an independent panel to decide whether to approve it.
Among the infrastructure provisions in the project are plans for a green network that integrates existing ecological features, stormwater management and public open spaces.
Infrastructure the developers have promised to build include private stormwater systems, a private water supply solution and two wastewater disposal options.
It comes as communities in other parts of the country have spoken out against large-scale developments being rushed through the fast-track regime.
Delmore, north of Ōrewa, has been approved by the fast-track panel despite opposition from Auckland Council and Watercare to the development.
Mayor Wayne Brown has publicly spoken out against out-of-sequence greenfields developments and the Delmore project.
There are about 150 projects in the fast-track process, with 23 approved so far.
There’s also widespread community opposition to a proposed 1000-home Pegasus development, which is set to go into the fast-track process next week.
Kaipara ki Mahurangi is a safe National seat, with Penk winning it with a margin of almost 20,000 votes at the 2023 election.
It was formerly named Helensville and held by National Prime Minister Sir John Key.
Katie Bradford is a Senior Correspondent at the Herald. She has been a broadcast journalist for over 20 years and was based in the press gallery for 10 years. She specialises in politics, business and Auckland issues.