The Interim Tāmaki Transformation Board met on November 4 to review progress on theformation of a Tāmaki urban development entity.

Since our previous meeting the Board has learned that the report we submitted to Government and Auckland Council, which recommends setting up a company to transform Tāmaki, has been received and we have been asked to do further detailed work on the next steps.

This is a significant step forward as we believe such a company would bring together the right public and private partners, the right level of resource, authority and mandate to get results in Tāmaki.

The approval in principle means the Board can move forward and undertake further work to resolve the legal, shareholding, financial and resource matters that will be essential to establish a company.

Part of the work is to ensure the company is set up in way that enables it to get on with its

business, but also to ensure there is accountability through mechanisms such as a Statement of Intent.

We would expect to complete this programme of work within the next few months with a view to setting up the proposed company by May 2012.

We have clear goals for the next few months and we are very focused on achieving them. As we make progress we will raise the level of communication and engagement with the Tāmaki community.

We are aware that the initial phase of Housing New Zealand’s redevelopment in northern Glen Innes is underway with residents being advised of proposed changes. The ITT Board

believes this project can contribute to and build upon the Tāmaki Transformation Programme’s vision of better results and better outcomes for all of Tāmaki, and the wider Auckland region.

Although this Housing NZ project is significant, it is only one part of the Tāmaki Transformation Programme, which is about improving the housing, education, recreation and community facilities, and job opportunities for people who live here now, and those who will live here in the future.

The aim of successful transformation is to create a better living environment for more people in Tāmaki. The Board would like to see people remain in Tamaki if they wish to do so.

Tāmaki has a special character and we would like to see that continue to develop as the area transforms over the next 20 years.

May I once again thank everyone who has contributed to our forums and has helped the Board create the framework for a company that will lead the transformation of Tāmaki into the future.

Kind regards

Dr Lee Mathias

Chair of the Interim Tāmaki Transformation Board