Auckland faces many property problems -- house prices, rates increases, urban sprawl -- but now the quiet area of Karaka faces a new issue -- a children's playground. And they don't want it.
Auckland Council is planning to build a kid's playground on Milano Reserve, however locals are concerned about the effects the playground's noise may have on the community.
Karaka resident Chris Martin told Newshub this is about "the right of us to enjoy peace and quiet in our own house", and doesn't want the playground to be built.
In a suburb with a demographic of mostly 50 to 60 year olds, he says the reality is this is not, and never will be, a suburb with small children.
He is worried because "playgrounds do tend to draw disaffected youth", and "people who might use it as a gathering spot after dark".
He points to issues nearby -- rubbish left overnight, and condom and needles left lying around.
Mr Martin also disagrees with the way the local board arbitrarily pushed it through with "no due diligence", and he questions whether the $200,000-plus cost of the playground is a "sensible use of ratepayer's money".
Ultimately, he argues that "kid's playgrounds aren't actually a desirable neighbourhood attribute".
We have contacted the board and are waiting for their response.
Newshub.
