GM Column: Progress and Partnership in Wiri
The past few months have been one of significant progress, strategic engagement, and successful community collaboration for the Wiri Business Association (WBA). I am pleased to report updates on several key initiatives that go toward improving the operating environment for every business in the district.
AGM & New Board Members
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 23rd was a success, with all agenda items passed. We are delighted to welcome Kate O’Leary and Carl Cummings to the Board; their expertise will be invaluable as we shape the WBA’s strategic direction for 2026 and beyond. I would like to take the time to thank Dave Pizzini, WBA Chairperson, who is stepping down after seven years on the Wiri Board; we appreciate your dedication to Wiri.
Advocacy and Operational Wins
A core focus for the WBA remains addressing nuisance and unsafe truck parking, and I am pleased to highlight the wins we have secured through proactive advocacy.
Salters Cartage on Bolderwood Place has faced significant site access and safety issues. Following our lobbying efforts, Auckland Transport (AT) has confirmed they will install ‘hockey stick’ road markings next to the Salters Cartage driveway to ensure clear access. Additionally, a concept plan is underway for broken yellow lines on the opposite side of Bolderwood Place to further improve traffic flow. This is a clear example of how direct engagement delivers practical, timely solutions for our members.
We’ve also made significant strides in the Environment pillar. Following persistent odour complaints from businesses around Mana Place, the WBA arranged for an Auckland Council site inspection at a premises in the area. Auckland Council identified immediate and substantial structural and procedural changes to address the source of the odour and improve runoff control. The Council is confident these measures will significantly address the concerns, and will conduct a follow-up inspection to confirm progress
Legislative Advancement on Truck Parking
Our sustained efforts to achieve legislative change on illegal truck parking have reached a significant new stage. The formal complaint we submitted to the Regulations Review Committee in August raised concerns about the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and the Vehicle Use and Parking Bylaw 2025 (Auckland).
The Committee considered our submission in September and has formally agreed to proceed with consideration of our complaint. This action elevates our concerns to the highest level, forcing accountability from the Minister of Transport and Auckland Transport, to whom the Committee has already sent a request for a formal response.
This process is a major step towards potential legislative change that could ultimately grant local authorities greater power to manage and mitigate the negative impacts of truck parking, not just in Wiri, but nationwide.
WBA remain focused on these key areas in 2026. We thank our members for their continued support and input and look forward to connecting with you in the New Year.