Media Releases

May 2002

31 May
Waitakere City calls on other councils to reject Waikato River water

27 May
Community centre finalist in supreme architecture award

27 May
PoolSafe Award for Aquatic Centre

27 May
Bag fraudster ordered to pay $37,500

27 May
Last Day Friday

16 May
A Lesson in Democracy

8 May
Famous Westies honoured

6 May
Rachel quick off the mark

2 May
Waitakere Aquatic Centre wins environmental award

2 May
Peoples Park Submissions

1 May
Glen Eden Library opening at new premises

27 May 2002

Community centre finalist in supreme architecture award

The New Lynn Community Centre was a finalist in the 2002 NZIA-Resene New Zealand Supreme Award for Architecture, held in Christchurch on the weekend.

Designed by Architectus, the Waitakere City Council building won the 'Community and Cultural' category of the national awards last month, as well as a 'Special Jury Award' for local body initiative in architecture, making it an automatic finalist in the Supreme Award on Saturday night.

However, the Community Centre was narrowly beaten by another Architectus finalist, the new St Peters College technology building, which also shared the supreme award with a Paraparaumu beach house. 

Designed to be energy and water efficient, the $3.6 million New Lynn building embodies Waitakere's Eco City principles. It was also the first major facility in the city to incorporate arts design in the building process.

Judges described the eco-building as "an oasis of calm, welcome and elegance in the midst of New Lynn's hurly burly, and a key building in the area's regeneration". They also felt it was an "engaging and inclusive building with flexible spaces", despite its road-locked site on the corner of Totara and Rankin Avenues.

"Well planned and finished, this building deals clearly and effectively with difficult traffic circulation and the intrusion of the adjacent railway line," the judges said. 

"The environmental design elements are a creditable response to Waitakere City's eco policy and demonstrate how architecture can be informed by this approach. The transparency of the activity spaces to the street and the fabulous covered forecourt with its lofty canopy are truly civic gestures. This building is one for local authorities to take note of."

The New Lynn Community Centre opened in June last year.

27 May 2002

PoolSafe Award for Aquatic Centre

Being a safe and well-managed facility has earned the Waitakere City Aquatic Centre a national PoolSafe Award.

The independent assessment, undertaken as part of the ACC PoolSafe Quality Management Scheme, looked at the Centre's supervision standards, operational procedures, water quality, emergency action plans and health and safety procedures. 

Run by Water Safety New Zealand and the New Zealand Recreation Association, with sponsorship from ACC, the PoolSafe scheme aims to reduce the number of water-related injuries in pools.

More than 400 people were injured in and around pools last summer - many of them home or school pools. This year, the PoolSafe scheme has put a number of initiatives in place to reduce that number, including the promotion of good behaviour at public swimming pools, undertaken with the help of proactive, qualified, lifeguards.

"Our priority has always been to proactively guard our pools to ensure people don't get into difficulties in the first place - so it's great to have this award as recognition of our efforts to provide a safe and well-run aquatic facility," says Waitakere City Aquatic Centre Manager, Doug Guthrie. 

"All our lifeguards hold a National Lifeguard Award and are fully trained to deal with emergencies. There are also a number of staff who have attained the Level 4 Certificate in Community Recreation (Aquatics), which gives them advanced skills in customer service, staff supervision, water treatment and pool maintenance."

Meanwhile, the Aquatic Centre's $14m redevelopment remains on track for completion in October this year - the roof having been completed last week.

The redevelopment - which incorporates recreational water features, spa pools, saunas, extra swimming lanes, a hydrotherapy pool, fitness centre, café and integrated art works - will turn the Waitakere City Aquatic Centre into one of the biggest and best aquatic facilities in Australasia, with something for people of all ages, Mr Guthrie says.

The original part of the Aquatic Centre remains open to the public throughout the construction period.

For more information contact us. 

27 May 2002

Bag fraudster ordered to pay $37,500

The Waitakere City rubbish bag fraudster was today sentenced in the Waitakere District Court to 100 hours community service and ordered to pay Waitakere City Council a total of $37,500 reparation within two months.

The 48-year-old shopkeeper, Mr Ashok Kumar Masters of Massey, Waitakere City, was sentenced on the charge of Uttering a Forged Document

In October 2001, the Council became aware that counterfeit official refuse bags were being sold in the market place. This was through a tip off describing a man selling the bags for cash, from the back of his car.

Council officers identified 21 retail outlets selling counterfeit bags. About 30,000 unsold bags were recovered, some of them directly from Mr Masters. This indicates the scale of the operation. 
Mr Masters was not only selling the bags directly, but engaged an associate on commission to help him.  Waitakere City Council Environmental Management Committee Chairperson, Cr Penny Hulse says: "The funds used from bag sales covers the cost of collection and disposal. Ultimately, therefore, the ratepayers of Waitakere City will be the victims of this loss, as funding designated for other facilities will have to cover this fraud."

For more information contact us. 

27 May 2002

Last day Friday

Waitakere residents have until this Friday (May 31) to have their say on the City's Annual Plan for 2002/03.

Public submissions on the Council's draft budget close at 5pm on Friday. Already more than 140 submissions have been received.

The draft budget signals a rates rise of 9.19% (or around $2.30 a week for the average ratepayer).

The main reason for the increase is depreciation. That accounts for almost all (8%) of the proposed rates rise. Funding for depreciation on its assets (roads, pipes etc) is a legal requirement and each year the Council has to find more than $23 million.

The Council's own costs account for just 0.97% of the proposed increase. This is below the rate of inflation. Nine months of intensive reviews by staff lie behind the draft budget.

The proposed increase also takes into account external costs outside of the Council's control (such as levies from the Auckland War Memorial Museum and MOTAT).

Key features of the draft budget include:

• New libraries for Glen Eden and New Lynn
• No increase in water charges
• A start on physical work on the "People's Park" in Te Atatu
• An extra $195,000 for new library books ($1.112 million in total)
• An annual inorganic rubbish collection, rather than twice yearly. This will save an estimated $120,000 a year.
• $450,000 for new footpaths
• A start on the new indoor stadium sports complex in Central Park Dr, Henderson
• $100,000 to implement Stage 1 of the Glen Eden town centre plan (signage, planting, and a heritage trail among other things).

Submissions can be made on line or for further information (and a submission form) contact us.

After Friday, the Council will hold hearings for those people who wish to present their submissions in person. A final decision on the budget will then be made in late June.

For further information: Cr Janet Clews (chair of the Annual Plan Special Committee) phone 818 7262

16 May 2002

A Lesson in Democracy

Whenuapai Primary School students care about their City.  So much so that they are taking the opportunity to have a say in how the City will look in the future.

What started as an exercise in formal letter writing for the year 5 and 6 students of Room 18 quickly evolved into a full-blown lesson in Council decision-making. 

Whenuapai School teacher Barbara Lloyd, looking at ways to liven up the class' formal letter-writing unit, suggested they drop a note to the Mayor, Bob Harvey, who had visited the school in the past.  Mrs Lloyd suggested her students write to him about what they thought was needed in their local area.  This led to the question of what the Council does and what their parents' rates are spent on. 

Coincidentally, at the same time the Council was calling for public submissions on its Annual Plan (budget) for 2002/03 and the children's ideas will now be fed into budgeting process.

Ms Lloyd says that on further investigation the children were surprised at the variety of work the Council undertook and how it impacted on their everyday lives. 

Alex Reid (10) wrote about needing more footpaths: "Most kids get driven by car or bus as they can't walk to school", she said. 

Thomas Munro (11) wants a skatepark in the area: "We often skateboard on the roads around here.  Someone usually sits on the corner and watches for cars. I like asking the Mayor for new stuff", says Thomas, "I didn't realise we could do it". 

"A highlight of the exercise', says Barbara Lloyd, 'were the individual letters each child received back from the Mayor.  That left a big impression." 

Warren Spanhake, Principal of Whenuapai School, agrees.  "The reply made the difference. People only get involved if someone from the top shows interest.  These ideas from the students are important to hear."

Mayor Harvey thinks the letter writing exercise is a great idea. "This is probably the most direct feedback I have ever been given from the young people of the City', he stated.  "It will certainly be a great addition to Council's Annual Plan process when it comes to determining priorities in the local area", says Mayor Harvey. 

The next step of the democratic process for these students will be attending the Council's draft Annual Plan hearings in June.  The students will present their ideas to Council in person. "I'll be nervous going to Council, but I'm excited.  There are lots of new things to learn", says Alex. 

To date the Council has received more than 80 submissions to its draft Annual Plan.  These range from requests for more playgrounds through to the need for a tertiary institute. Public submissions on the Council's draft Annual Plan are open until May 31.  The Council will then hold hearings for those who wish to present their submissions in person before making final decisions and setting its rates for 2002/03. 

For more information contact us. 

8 May 2002

Famous Westies honoured

Three famous local residents are being honoured at Waitakere City's second Walkway of Fame unveiling at 10am on Saturday 18 May.

The achievements of Maori educationalist Dr Pita Sharples, former mayor and councillor Assid Corban, and musician Neil Finn, are being celebrated on granite plaques bearing their handprints.

The plaques will be inlaid on Catherine Mall in Henderson (off Great North Road, outside the Westfield Shopping Town). They will be placed alongside those of inaugural Walkway of Fame inductees - rugby legend Michael Jones, decathlete Roy Williams and writer Maurice Shadbolt. 

About 50 Walkway of Fame nominations were received from the public and the successful three chosen by the Henderson Community Board. The only criteria was that the person must have been born or have lived in Waitakere City or contributed significantly to the region's success. 

Dr Pita Sharples of Te Atatu is being honoured as a leading Maori educationalist and cultural leader. He was the creator of the kaupapa Maori education system and a founder of the restorative justice programme for Maori. Dr Sharples is also well known for his involvement in Maori performing arts and weaponry, tutoring Te Roopu Manutaki - one of the country's top kapahaka groups.

Former mayor and long-serving City councillor, Assid Corban, is being honoured for his service to local government. A Henderson resident all his life, Mr Corban served as a mayor or councillor in the Waitakere region for 39 years. He was first elected to the Henderson Borough Council in 1956, was Mayor of Henderson from 1974 to 1989 and the first Mayor of Waitakere City from 1989 to 1992. He also served on the Auckland Regional Authority for 12 years.

Celebrated musician Neil Finn is being honoured for his contribution to New Zealand music. A West Coast beach resident, Mr Finn is an internationally acclaimed soloist and was singer/songwriter for groups Split Enz (1975 -1985) and Crowded House (1985 - 1996). He received a Brit Award in 1994 and was a Silver Scroll winner last year.

For more information contact us. 

6 May 2002

Rachel  quick off the mark

Rachel Catlin, of Henderson Valley, wasted no time in letting the Council know what she wants to see in next year's budget.

Within hours of submissions on the Council's 2002/03 Annual Plan (budget) opening, Rachel had e-mailed her thoughts through.

She wants the Council to better maintain its parks. 

And while Rachel is pleased that in the draft budget an extra $100,000 has been allocated for mowing of parks and other public areas ($968,000 in total), she wants some of that spent on her local reserve, in Grassmere Rd.

Rachel says she will be watching the budget process with interest over the next few months.

Public submissions on the Council's budget are open until May 31. The Council will then hold hearings for those who wish to present their submissions in person before making final decisions and setting its rates for 2002/03.

The draft budget proposes a 9.19% average rates rise (or around $2.30 a week for the average ratepayer). 

Depreciation- the legal requirement to provide for replacement of City assets (roads, pipes etc)- is the single biggest factor, accounting for 8% of the proposed rise.

The Council's own costs have risen just 0.97%, which is below the rate of inflation, while external levies which the Council has no control over (such as charges from the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Watercare Services Ltd and MOTAT), make up the remainder of the increase.

Key features of the draft budget:

• New libraries for New Lynn and Glen Eden
• A start on the "People's Park" in Te Atatu
• No increase in water charges
• $100,000 for improvements in the Glen Eden town centre (signage, planting, a heritage trail etc)
• More Council-run events and support for community events
• $450,000 for new footpaths
• Building of a new indoor sports complex in Central Park Dr, Henderson
• An annual inorganic rubbish collection, rather than twice yearly (estimated to save around $120,000 a year)

To date the Council has received more than 60 submissions, ranging from requests for new footpaths to skateboard parks.

Click here for more information on the Annual Plan

2 May 2002

Waitakere Aquatic Centre wins environmental award

The Waitakere City Aquatic Centre redevelopment is already winning accolades, despite being five months away from completion.

The $14 m Aquatic Centre extension has won an inaugural IPENZ Environmental Award for engineering work that "best exemplifies care for, and consideration of, environmental values and the preservation of public enjoyment."

IPENZ (Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand) judges were impressed by the centre's energy efficient and eco-friendly features, which include the use of roof rainwater and backwash water from filters for the toilets, solar water heating, heat reclaim coils (which extract heat from expelled air to heat incoming fresh air in the building's ventilation system), a heat pump as a secondary heat source and variable flow pumping on pool water circulation systems.

The engineering accolade comes hot on the heels of two recent architecture awards for the Council's New Lynn Community Centre and Massey Leisure Centre and Library.

Aquatic Centre manager, Doug Guthrie, says the award recognises the Council's sustainable building policies, which have not been applied to the same extent in any other aquatic facility in the country.

The redevelopment - which incorporates recreational water features, spa pools, saunas, extra swimming lanes, a hydrotherapy pool, fitness centre, café and integrated art works - will also turn the Aquatic Centre into one of the biggest and best aquatic facilities in Australasia, with something for people of all ages, he says.

The project is due for completion in October this year.

2 May 2002

Peoples Park Submissions

More than 260 people have made their thoughts known during the preliminary phase of submissions on the "Peoples Park".

The 84 hectares, bordered by Te Atatu Rd and the North Western Motorway, is being developed by Waitakere City Council and will be one of the largest urban parks in the region.

Council staff are now analysing and summarising the submissions received for inclusion in the Draft Management Plan. 

Comments received highlight features people would like incorporated into the park. Suggestions include walkways, cycleways, picnic areas, park furniture, a pony club, provision for model gliders, planting of native trees and gardens, protection of the wetland areas, and preservation of the historic houses which are near the site. Other submissions highlighted no school and no buildings. 

Under half of the submissions (around 120) commented specifically on the Council decision to provide a marae on 2.5 hectares of the land. Among those, there is an equal split between support and opposition for the marae. 

As of today, further submissions are still being received through the postal system. 

The comments made in the submissions and suggestions for the design of the park will be considered in the preparation of the Draft Open Space Management Plan.

The City Development Committee will then release the Draft Management Plan for further public comment and submission in July. 

After that, hearings will be held and the public given the opportunity to attend and present their submission to the Committee.

Amendments based on the submissions received will be considered and the Draft Management Plan will then be adopted by the Council.

For more information contact us. 

1 May 2002

Glen Eden Library opening at new premises

The Glen Eden Library on Glendale Road will be closed from Saturday 4 May while library resources are transferred to a new location on West Coast Rd.

The library will re-open on Wednesday 8 May in the former Nationwide Centre building at 277c West Coast Road - where Waitakere City Council has negotiated a short-term lease until a new purpose-built library is built in the Glen Eden town centre. The site is likely to be selected within the next few weeks.

Books and other resources can be returned to the old Glendale Rd building until May 8. 

For more information contact us.

Waitakere City calls on other councils to reject Waikato River water

Waitakere City Council has called on Watercare Services Ltd not to bring the Waikato Pipeline into service until it is needed. 

The Council passed a resolution this week that Watercare should be asked to delay commissioning the pipeline and supporting other Councils in following Waitakere's lead by asking for a "best water first" arrangement.

Waitakere also reaffirmed its long-standing opposition to the pipeline, which was first mooted during the Auckland region's water crisis in 1994. Back then, Waitakere took its case all the way to the environment court before reaching an agreement with Watercare that it would only receive Waikato water in emergencies. North Shore City Council this week elected to pursue a similar arrangement.

"We congratulate North Shore City Council on that decision. Conservation is the key to long term water supply, so we all need to co-operate, regionally, to delay the commissioning of the pipeline," says Cr Penny Hulse, chair of Waitakere City Council's Environmental Management Committee.

Waitakere City Council has consistently said that the real key to a sustainable future water supply, is conservation. 

"About 97% of all treated drinking water is not used for drinking, but for flushing toilets, washing dishes, clothes, cars, pets and people, watering gardens and filling swimming pools. We can do a huge amount to use the available water more wisely, without inconveniencing ourselves," Cr Hulse says.

Watercare has said that once in service .the technology can't be turned off but, says Cr Hulse, that was not what Councils were originally told.

"The pipeline was "sold" to Councils as a back-up supply in emergencies. Now they tell us that the technology has to run constantly and that's why they'll be pumping a minimum of 12,000 cubic metres of water a day from the Waikato to Auckland," 

"But, we don't have an emergency, so why commission it at this time?" Cr Hulse asks.

Alternatively, if Watercare has to commission the pipeline, it may actually be cheaper to pump the water out of the Waikato river, clean it up (without chlorinating it) and put it back into the river, rather than pay the full cost of pumping it all the way to Auckland, she says.

"That way Watercare would honour the original deal, the needs of the technology would be met, long term savings may well be made and there would be a small contribution to improving the Waikato River," Councillor Hulse says.

For further comment phone Cr. Penny Hulse: 027 273 4663