Media Releases

March 2003

A Million Seeds To Be Planted
31 March

Electoral Representation To Be Reviewed
27 March

Draft Plan Agreed
27 March

War in the Middle East - will it affect you?
26 March

Council Deliberations Begin
17 March

Waitakere City calls meeting of Mayors and studies university health report
14 March

City makes an investment in future
14 March

Council votes on remuneration changes
11 March

Waitakere City not using Health Act to stop aerial spraying
11 March

31 March

A Million Seeds To Be Planted

The legend of Johnny Appleseed has got nothing on this!

Waitakere City Council is doing its bit to keep New Zealand green by distributing nearly 1 million eco-sourced native plant seeds to its residents this week.

All 56,000 homes in the City will receive a seed packet and planting instructions along with the April issue of the Council’s ratepayers’ newsletter.

The massive mail out marks Waitakere’s 10th anniversary as an “Eco City”.

Along with the mix of native grasses, cabbage trees and shrub seeds is information on Waitakere’s “Green Network” programme, which aims to restore native bush and vegetation, remove environmentally damaging weeds and recreate healthy wildlife habitats.

“Over the past 10 years we have restored and protected hundreds of hectares of precious bush which not only provides fresh clean air for humans, but also places for wildlife,” says Mayor Bob Harvey.

“We have done that largely with the help of community groups and private citizens and this is just a small token to say thank-you and to keep up the good work.”

Mayor Harvey says even if just 10% (100,000) of the seeds are sown it will be a huge boost to the environment. “ By caring for these plants we are caring for the welfare of our eco-system, ourselves and our children,” he says. 

Mayor Harvey also says that the project reinforces the importance of eco-sourcing (using locally sourced plants), which is vital to maintaining an area’s unique environmental characteristics. 

Over the next few weeks, free workshops are also being held for residents. They will cover native plant restoration, how to plant the free seeds, and the help available through the Green Network Community Assistance programme.

Johnny Appleseed (real name John Chapman) was an American pioneer who, in the 1800s travelled the country planting apple tree seeds as he went. He spent his life planting and tending nurseries of seedlings over hundreds of square kilometres in what are now the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

27 March

Electoral Representation To Be Reviewed

Waitakere City Council has decided to carry out a review of its electoral representation in 2006.

This includes options for election of Councillors “at large” (across the whole City), or by wards (the current system), changes to ward boundaries, and whether there should be separate Maori wards. The review will also look at the whether to retain community boards and in what form.

An amendment to the Local Electoral Act (2002) requires the Council to review the current system this year, or in 2006.

At their meeting last night Councillors decided to wait until 2006 to allow for wide consultation and community discussion.

Councillor Greg Presland said that such a major decision needed to be debated in detail and understood by the community at large. “And I simply don’t think that we have enough time to do that adequately in the next few months.”

27 March

Draft Plan Agreed

Waitakere City Council has completed the first stage of deliberations on its Long Term Council Community Plan.

For 2003/04, the draft plan shows an increase in Council costs of 1.18%, or $990,000, which is well below the rate of inflation. Interest and depreciation charges have increased by $3.908 million (or 4.62%) to make up an increase of 5.80% in Council controllable costs. The Council will collect $89.9 million in rates for 2003/04. 

Major expenditure will include:

• Library books - $1.05 million
• A start on the new Henderson Library - $2.45 million
• Munroe Rd bridge in Henderson - $1.71 million
• Clark Street roundabout in New Lynn (and associated works) - $1.44 million
• Other new roading projects - $4.46 million
• New parks infrastructure - $4.13 million
• New stormwater infrastructure - $7.33 million
• New wastewater infrastructure - $2.08 million
• New water supply infrastructure - $1.99 million

The draft Long Term Council Community Plan, incorporating the 2003/04 Annual Plan, will be open for public submissions from April 23 to May 23, after which hearings will be held and the plan adopted.

The next financial year, which begins on July 1, also sees the Auckland Regional Council separately rating property owners for the first time. Previously, the ARC levy- amounting to some $8 million for Waitakere - was included in the City Council’s rates bill.

26 March

War In the Middle East - will it affect you?

Probably it won't, but as you know there have been cyanide threats. So, this is a timely reminder to bring your household “B Ready Kit” up to date. Just in case.

The Ministry of Civil Defence Emergency Management urges people to always have a “B Ready Kit” in case disaster strikes.

This should include:

• enough canned and non-perishable food
• water (3 litres for each person) for three days
• torch and batteries or other emergency lighting
• toilet paper, plastic bags and a bucket
• BBQ or other means of cooking
• radio and batteries

Remember, if there is an emergency, the chances are you will get information first and fastest on radio and TV: so keep listening. For a full explanation of how and why to be prepared see the inside back cover of your Yellow Pages or the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website.

Please report suspicious behaviour on 0800 THREAT (0800 847 328).

17 March

Council Deliberations Begin

Waitakere City Council today began deliberations on its Long Term Council Community Plan. Meetings are due to run until Tuesday, 25th March.

Draft budgets for 2003/04 show an increase in the Council’s own costs of just 0.78%, or $659, 000. Interest and depreciation increases are $4.157 million (or 4.92%) to make up an average rates increase of 5.70%. 

This will go out for public consultation through April and May as part of the Draft Long Term Council Community Plan, after which the final plan and budgets will be adopted.

The next financial year, which begins on 1st July, also sees the Auckland Regional Council separately rating property owners for the first time. The previous ARC levy-amounting to $8 million for Waitakere City - was included as part of the Council’s rate bill.

14 March

Waitakere City calls meeting of Mayors and studies university health report

A recently released Auckland University study into health effects of Foray 48B - the spray used against the Painted Apple Moth - is being studied by Waitakere City Council to see if it adds to what is already known.

The Council is also writing to the Ombudsman to urgently have the constituents of Foray 48B released to the Council.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, meanwhile, is calling for a meeting of Auckland Mayors and the chair of the Auckland Regional Council to discuss a regional response to the spraying. 

“The disregard for our public just isn’t good enough in this particular case. Sooner or later other cities are going to face it too, because these incursions are going to go on happening. So it’s time for us to act together for the greater good - both now and in the future,” says Mayor Harvey.

The Waitakere City Council’s regulatory team recently announced that it could not at this time, pursue regulatory action against MAF, over the spraying, because there was not enough evidence to convince a court that the effects were ‘injurious to health’.

“This is very frustrating to all concerned and we have pledged to keep on looking for any evidence that will take us forward.,” says Councillor Penny Hulse, chair of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee. 

“So, naturally, we’re eager to hear the details of the Auckland University research, to see if it tells us anything new,” she says.

Councillor Hulse warned against raising expectations prematurely, however.

“In broad general terms the newly released study seems to be saying things that we already know - and to the deep disappointment of a lot of people, that was enough evidence to stop the spraying,” she says.

“It doesn’t help that we don’t know what the spray is made up of. So, having applied to MAF and the Government and through the Official Information Act, for that information, we are now trying the ombudsman, to see if we can get the information that way,” Councillor Hulse says.

14 March

City makes an investment in future

Waitakere City Council has decided to build its new civic centre in Henderson Valley Rd.

Last year the Council decided to consolidate all of its operations under one roof-in a move that will save around $1.6 million a year in rents and internal duplication (the Council’s operations are currently spread across 7 different buildings in the Lincoln Rd area).

The possibility of the Council moving has been mooted for a number of years and the Council had initially looked at a joint venture development with Unitec in the Ratanui St/Trading Pl area. However recently the old Carter Holt Harvey site in Henderson Valley Rd became available after a proposed residential development failed to go-ahead. Because of its larger size and the ability to off-set costs with other developments on site, easier traffic access and parking and close proximity to the railway station and shops, the Council opted for Henderson Valley Rd instead. 

Work is expected to be completed in 2006.

A new City library in Trading Place will also be built, with Unitec as a joint development partner. This will also open in 2006 at an estimated cost of $11.3m.

The developments in Henderson will be a major catalyst for future growth.

The move is seen as a major statement of confidence in Henderson as the central business district of Waitakere City, adding to the current levels of confidence already being shown in the area.

Mayor Bob Harvey says that the Council has been a catalyst for major growth in places like Te Atatu, New Lynn and Titirangi over the past few years. “And that’s what we want to see in Henderson.”

“It’s no coincidence that the major banks, educational institutions like Unitec, government departments and so on are already in the middle of Henderson. It makes good economic sense and it benefits their customers. That’s what we are aiming for too.”

Already, Unitec has reacted to the Council’s decision by announcing it will invest $18 million in expanding its Waitakere City campus to accommodate 2,500 students by 2006. 

A move into the town centre will bring more jobs and thousands of dollars to local businesses. It also means long term savings for ratepayers as the Council can provide more efficient services under one roof. The new Civic Building will be closer to public transport routes, have more parking and be much more accessible to the public.

The Council’s chief executive, Harry O’Rourke says the savings on rents and other efficiencies from being under one roof will amount to around $1.6 million per year. “And that goes a long way towards off-setting interests payments and depreciation on the new building for example.”

The new Civic Building will take up about a third of the Henderson Valley Road site. The remainder will be developed by the Council’s property arm, Waitakere Properties Limited, incorporating apartments, commercial buildings and possibly a hotel, with the aim of further reducing development costs of the Civic Centre. 

Mr O’Rourke says that use of the site by the film industry prior to construction will also offset costs.

Financial considerations

Exact costings for the Henderson development will come back to the Council for final approval. However they are projected to be between $25.5 million to $29.5 million, net, after the sale or development of the 2 hectares not used for the civic centre and the sale of the present building in Waipareira Ave.

That equates to $5.60 a year per ratepayer (over the cost of refurbishing the Waipareira Ave site).

Decision Backed

One of the major benefits of the site is that it will provide the opportunity to “unlock” Henderson’s potential by creating links over the rail line to connect Henderson Valley Road, the Corban Estate, the railway station, the main street and the mall.

The move is backed by the likes of:

• Moka Restaurant, owner Leza Corban: “Foot traffic is what the main street needs and council staff and customers and more UNITEC students and library users mean that local businesses will have a solid base of new customers.”
• John Widdup, CEO of the Westfield New Zealand Ltd, owners of WestCity Shopping town - Waitakere City’s biggest retail operation and one of the largest in New Zealand: “It maximises the existing investment that has been made by the community in the infrastructure of the Henderson central business area. This development will help compliment all the existing businesses that are located within the Henderson central business area and the Council is to be congratulated on their decision.”
• John Newick, long-time local businessman and former Henderson business Association head: “Everyone wins. Ratepayers get the benefits of improved efficiency and businesses get the benefit of more potential customers. It is very encouraging to see the Council leading by example by relocating to a commercial centre. This is a very good signal to all businesses in Waitakere City that Council is becoming not only customer friendly, but also business friendly. A developing partnership between Council and business has to be good for growth in employment and therefore prosperity for everyone.”
• UNITEC president Dr John Webster: “We have been working very closely with the Council. Our shared aim is to raise the level of tertiary education participation in the region, by providing courses and qualifications that the people of Waitakere want. The collaborative library project will enable us to better serve the local community and will also contribute to the development of a vibrant and prosperous city centre.”

The move is also backed by Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd chairman, Ross Keenan, who has indicated that development of the Henderson Valley Rd site could see a fast-track of rail improvements, including funding for an upgrade of the Henderson station.

The new station will be developed as the core of an integrated public transport hub and this matched by better rail and bus services will make public transport more attractive and accessible. 

Mr Keenan says Waitakere City has continually demonstrated its leadership in innovating and implementing ideas to increase the use of passenger rail transport.

11 March

Council votes on remuneration changes

Waitakere City Councillors will no longer be paid to attend meetings.

Councillors have voted on a raft of proposed changes to their remuneration and pay structures, and that of Community Board members.

The changes had been proposed by the Higher Salaries Commission, which established a “pool” of money and then requested individual Councils to recommend to them how the pool would be paid out.

Waitakere decided that the current daily meeting allowance of $195 would be scrapped in favour of a flat salary payment. As required by the new Local Government Act, the Council will also draw up a code of conduct to ensure that elected members meet their obligations. That will be done before July 2003.

Under the new system, which becomes compulsory for all local authorities after 2004, Councillors will receive between $42,787 and $72,600 a year, depending on whether they chair a committee or carry other responsibilities. The total remuneration received by most Councillors will be very similar to that received under the previous system with some receiving a little less and others getting modest increases. 

Councillors also decided that regardless of the population of their constituencies, all Community Board chairpersons and members should be paid equally. 

The Mayor’s salary - as recommended by the Higher Salaries Commission - increases to $121,045.

The new salaries proposed are:

• Mayor - $121,045
• Deputy Mayor- $72,600
• Chairs of Standing Committees (Finance and Operational Performance, Environmental Management, City Development) - $61,700
• Other Chairs - vary between $46,300 and $54,000
• Councillors - $42,787

The chairs of the four Community Boards will receive $21,365 and ordinary members $10,910. 

*Waitakere has a total of 37 elected members and the indicative total salary “pool” set by the Higher Salaries Commission is $976,311. This covers the salaries of the Mayor and councillors and half the costs of Community Board salaries.

The Council’s decisions are not final. Its recommendations now go to the Higher Salaries Commission, which will issue a determination that the Council is required to implement with effect from 1 July 2003.

11 March

Waitakere City not using Health Act to stop aerial spraying

Waitakere City Council believes it has insufficient evidence to take legal action at this time, against the Painted Apple Moth aerial spray operation.

“Although quite a number of people suffer different symptoms from the spray, the evidence we have doesn’t suggest that these symptoms are sufficiently ‘injurious to health’ as intended by the Health Act,” says Councillor Penny Hulse, chair of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee.

Councillor Hulse said that this was not the end of the road and the Council will continue to monitor the situation.

The Council has been gathering evidence from residents who believe they have suffered health effects from the spray, to determine if there is a public nuisance that is injurious to health. 

If there was a nuisance, the Council would require the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to “abate” the nuisance.

Councillor Hulse said that the Council had always had deep concerns about the people whose symptoms were not being treated by the MAF medical service.

“We have been asking MAF relentlessly, to expand and improve its health services. We are particularly concerned about people who have symptoms that aren’t being investigated by MAF and who are still having trouble accessing the appropriate services.

“As a result, there is a new scientific committee being set up to review MAF’s medical services. We look forward to its recommendations. Meanwhile, we will continue to gather evidence ourselves,” she says.

Councillor Hulse said the Council also continued to press MAF to disclose the ingredients in the spray.

“If the ingredients were known to more independent authorities - like the Council and people’s own health professionals - the public might have faith in the outcome. At the moment, many are anxious simply because they don’t know what’s in the spray and don’t believe MAF’s assurances are independent,” she says.

Find out more on the Painted Apple Moth aerial spray programme.