Sustainable Neighbourhoods Programme
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| Paul Woodward - Wai Care, sampling Opanuku Stream in
Henderson Valley. Photo: Chrissy Henley |
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| Chris Ferkins from WCC discusses the
planting
plan for Glenesk Reserve,
Piha.
Photo: Bobbie Carroll |
The Auckland Council’s Sustainable Neighbourhoods
programme helps neighbourhoods to improve their environment,
and protect and enhance heritage features in their local
area.
Projects are initiated and self-managed by members of the
public and the council assists in a number of ways. A
council facilitator can help you: define your project’s
goals and set an action plan, facilitate meetings and
organise events, and grow and retain interest in the
neighbourhood. The council can also support your project by:
- supplying products, plants and equipment or
services,
- providing training and advice,
- building networks with other Sustainable
Neighbourhoods,
- helping monitor and evaluate beneficial changes to
the environment.
The programme was piloted in January 2008 in two
neighbourhoods within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area -
Piha and Henderson Valley. By May 2011, there were 55
participating neighbourhoods, approximately 340 households
and with community stewardship over 300 hectares of land.
Within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area, there are
Sustainable Neighbourhoods already operating in Piha,
Titirangi, Laingholm, Henderson Valley and Oratia. In some
neighbourhoods, the actions of local residents benefit
nearly all public and private land in their area.
Neighbourhood projects typically start with an environmental
restoration focus, for example:
- eradicating weeds,
- planting native plants,
- improving stream health,
- encouraging birds and wildlife,
- developing eco-friendly landscaping,
- implementing eco-friendly farm production
- developing lifestyle block management strategies.
The programme can also support eco-city initiatives like
community gardens, fruit tree planting on public land,
neighbourhood composting facilities and more.
If you have objectives that require the involvement of other
council departments or external organisations, the
Sustainable Neighbourhood team can help you connect with
these organisations. Some recent examples include pedestrian
safety, household insulation, transport planning, stormwater
works and septic tank upgrades.
One of the desired outcomes of the programme is that after
approximately 3 years of facilitation, programmes have
strong community backing and neighbourhood groups have
sufficient technical and leadership skills to become
self-sustaining.
Contact Information
If you are interested in learning more about the
Sustainable Neighbourhoods, or would like to initiate a
project in your neighbourhood please:
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