Judy Mitchell at TDC's Public Forum

Judy Mitchell was given 5 minutes and did a great job stating the case against the ramp. It set the tone for the rest of the discussion, which was marked by tacit criticism of the Trust's approach to the community. Watch her excellent presentation here (starts at 10:20).

Judy Mitchell (Friends of Māpua Waterfront):

• Representing a group opposed to the boat ramp, with some members preferring to remain anonymous becuase they have faced harassment for their views.

• Argued the council is indirectly endorsing the proposal without independent assessment.

• Mentioned historical rejection of the boat ramp idea in 2017 due to still-valid reasons.

• Criticized the proposal’s scale, consultation process, and lack of independent engagement.

• Highlighted concerns about privatizing public space for a facility not accessible to all.

• Pointed out environmental, safety, and traffic impacts, urging the council not to fund the private group further.

• Emphasized the misuse of reserve funds for private projects, contrary to council policy.

• Noted significant past community efforts to remediate the land for public use.

• Questioned the financial transparency and escalating costs of the project.