The rules governing what homeowners can and can't do at Hobsonville Point, in west Auckland, hit the headlines this week, after complaints about residents drying their washing in public got a very public airing.
The rules are drawn up by the Hobsonville Point Residents Society, and while reports this week have focused on laundry, many of the people who live in the suburb argue that the society's main goal, protecting the character of the master-planned community, is one that benefits them and their big asset.
Tony Buckwell, who moved into Hobsonville Point a year ago with his family, says the Hobsonville Point Residents Society is absolutely critical.
“When you’ve got a beautifully masterplanned development like Hobsonville Point, with density and shared amenities, you really need to have a framework in place that can manage and maintain everything we enjoy about living here,” says Mr Buckwell, whose connection with the community began four years ago when he started marketing homes there with Barfoot & Thompson.
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Every person who purchases a home in Hobsonville Point is required by law to be a member of the Hobsonville Point Residents Society, whether they live at the property or rent it out. Annual levies of $150 (there is also one-off a joining fee) are paid towards the maintenance and repair of shared amenities and facilities like parks and barbeque areas, and each year members attend an AGM to vote in representatives, raise any concerns or propose spending. All the rules are set by residents through majority vote.
Tony Buckwell, who moved to Hobsonville Point last year. Photo / Supplied
Aside from enforcing rules and maintaining public spaces, Mr Buckwell adds that another key advantage of the society is its ability to advocate on behalf of the 4,000 residents for outcomes that benefit the entire neighbourhood.
The addition of weekend sailings to the existing ferry timetable is an excellent example of this, he says. “If we had tried to do this as individuals approaching Auckland Transport, we would have gotten nowhere. But using the AGM to vote to trial a new timetable demonstrated how we were able to coordinate our efforts and get the result we wanted.”
He also notes that at the last AGM many residents were keen for shade sails to be added to the local playground. “Can you imagine having to apply for funding through council to get that to happen? It would get tied up in endless funding rounds and reviews. The society means we have the money and the ability to undertake local park improvements with our own funds, if there are the votes to support it.”
Mr Buckwell says that whenever he is selling a property in Hobsonville Point, he makes sure prospective buyers have all the information they need to know about the society. “Some people can be a bit fearful of this new ‘suburbia’ but actually, when they see the rules they really understand why it’s an attractive neighbourhood,” he says.
He has recently undertaken a renovation of his backyard and says there was no issue making the changes.
“Realistically, if you’re a pleasant neighbour who enjoys your home and what this community has to offer, you’re unlikely to ever encounter strict enforcement of society rules at all,” he says.
However, it’s not for everyone, he admits. “If you’re the kind of person who wants to paint your house pink, you’re going to encounter some problems living here. But these rules are just part and parcel of Hobsonville Point, and people are seeing the benefits of having a framework that supports this unique neighbourhood.”
- This content was created in partnership with Kāinga Ora
