Public hearings on the draft Auckland Plan are being extended for the second time, to ensure submitters have time to present their views to councillors.

At least 600 submitters wish to be heard, mostly at formal hearings. It is estimated that submitters need 168 hours to present after a late flurry of submissions met the 4pm October 31 cut off. Submissions total more than 1800.

Additional hearings are being scheduled in November and December including evenings and Saturdays if necessary. 

Councillors will form two formal hearings panels and hope to conclude hearings by December 17 .

Submitters can choose between a traditional formal hearing or workshop forums. The large majority have elected to speak at formal hearings.

Councillors will also take into account submissions to the economic development strategy, the city centre master plan and the waterfront plan

Councillors’ deliberations and decision making on the draft Auckland Plan will be rescheduled from December to February 2011.