Three Eastern Bays representatives: Tamaki MP Simon O’Connor, Orakei Councillor Cameron Brewer, and Orakei Local Board member Colin Davis, 7 December 2011.

Letter to the Editor – East & Bays Courier – Friday, 24 May 2013:

Dear Editor,

I have been contacted by numerous people concerned about the future of Colin Maiden Park in St Johns following your front-page story on 8 May.

I have also spoken to Sir Colin Maiden and assured him that the Orakei Local Board and myself are absolutely determined that this precious open space and well utilised sports ground should never be sold to developers or ever built over.

This issue of course follows the owners of the 19-hectare park, the University of Auckland, having acquired the former Lion Brewery site in Newmarket and overtime wanting to exit its Tamaki campus.

Given just how short we are of sports fields in the eastern suburbs of Auckland, and the current push for greater residential intensification, councillors have unanimously instructed council staff to look at options for securing the future of Colin Maiden Park should the University decide to sell it.

At the same time all local elected representatives are pushing for the park to be enshrined as protected recreational space in the unitary plan for the ongoing enjoyment of sports clubs and locals alike.

No one wants to lose this gem, and readers can help by giving feedback via www.shapeauckland.co.nz.

Cameron Brewer

Councillor for Orakei