Media Releases

November 2003

27 November

Marae Development Group Appointed

Waitakere City Council last night appointed the following people to the Te Atatu Marae Development Group:

• Tau Henare
• Mihi Te Huia
• Melba Wellington
• Te Warena Taua
• Poata Northcroft
• Maurice Young
• Kelvin Martin
• Judge Jim Rota (subject to confirmation of his availability)

The development group is responsible for moving forward work on the marae project at Harbourview until a trust is established under the Te Ture Whenua Maori Act, 1993. That trust will then be responsible for building and managing the marae.

The appointment of two members and a chairperson for the group will come back to the Council for consideration in February. 

27 November

Massey Library celebrates second birthday

Massey Library marks its second birthday next month with a week of celebrations.

From December 8 to 14, the library celebrates its birthday with decorations, giveaways, displays, storytelling and a quiz competition that offers prize packs of books and passes to the leisure centre, which is part of the same award-winning complex. A special birthday-themed story-time will be held on Wednesday 10 December at 10.15 am.

Two years ago, the Massey Library (on the corner of Westgate Drive and Don Buck Road), was opened by Prime Minister Helen Clark, who symbolically placed her new biography on top of a pile of books at the entrance.

At three times the size of the old Massey Library, the new library offers a spacious, inspiring environment in which to learn, source information, listen to stories, meet others or simply relax with a CD or book. The complex itself is an award-winning example of an eco-building that showcases local arts, history and environmental sustainability - complete with stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour.

Massey Library is popular with its local community. Over 400,000 items are now being borrowed from the library each year - around 100,000 more than in 2001.

The library adjoins the YMCA-run leisure centre with its gymnasium, exercise room and crèche, the Massey Citizens Advice Bureau and community meeting rooms. 

Since last year’s birthday, the library and leisure centre have both expanded their range of programmes and events to cater for this fast-growing part of Waitakere City. There’s always something going on, whether it be a children’s reading programme or leisure activity, book club meetings, author talks, information huis, literacy events, fitness classes or school/pre-school leisure programmes. The Massey reference librarian also conducts introductory talks for new visitors, including information on the building’s “eco-features”.

Through a partnership arrangement, pre-school groups visiting the leisure centre also come to the library for story-telling sessions and children and teens participating in after-school programmes can use the John Lawson community room as a quiet place to do homework. A member of the Library Kidz Team is always on hand to answer questions and offer guidance.

27 November

Council passes liquor ban bylaw

Liquor will be banned from Piha beach, at night during public holidays, under the new Control of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw 2003 passed by the Waitakere City Council last night.

The new bylaw was enacted under the Local Government Act 2002, which gives the Council the power to make bylaws to control where liquor can be taken to and consumed in the city.

In the same way as previous liquor bans under the Local Government Act 1974, the new bylaw permits the Council to impose special event liquor bans by publicly notified Council resolution, and also provides for a liquor ban at Piha Beach, from 5pm to 5am, on the following days:

During the ban, liquor is prohibited at Piha beach, foreshore and adjacent carparks and roads.

The liquor ban area stretches from the northern to southern-most ends of Piha beach and foreshore and also includes North Piha Rd and Marine Parade North and South. It extends from Lion Rock in the west to the Piha Domain and the adjacent part of Seaview Rd in the east.

In the words of the bylaw, nobody may “bring, possess or consume liquor in any public place” in the liquor ban areas, so just having it – even in an unopened container - may be an offence. The bylaw confers upon Police the rights of search and seizure described in sections 169 and 170 of the Local Government Act 2002.

A map of the liquor ban area is attached to the bylaw or can also be viewed at the Civic Centre.

Formal public notice of this ban will be given in the NZ Herald and by on-location signage.

For further information contact us.

26 November

Diving pool back in business

A world champion junior diver, Kaitlyn trains six days a week at the West Wave complex. When she’s not diving off the tower or springboards, she can be seen working out in the fitness centre or swimming in the main pool, which re-opened in early October.

It’s a world-class complex and the staff are very supportive, not only of my training needs, but of New Zealand diving in general,” she says. 

Kaitlyn current goal is a top 20 placing at the World Cup Diving Championships in Athens next February, which would likely gain her qualification for the Olympic Games.

26 November

Mayor Bob at Lord of the Rings

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey will join special guests at the world premier of the third instalment of Lord of the Rings. The premier is being held on Monday (1 December) in Wellington, where much of the filming and post production took place.

Mayor Harvey was personally invited by the film’s director, Peter Jackson. “Peter and I have been friends for many, many years, he says. “We worked on a couple of features and television ads together before he became world-renowned.”

Mayor Harvey and Peter Jackson were also friends and mentors of the young filmmaker Cameron Duncan who died of cancer earlier this month.

Mayor Harvey is a member of the New Zealand Film Commission and Waitakere City is one of the most sought-after locations for both local and overseas productions in New Zealand. The film and television industry is estimated to bring in excess of $1 billion a year into the Auckland region, with much of that going into the Waitakere economy.

“Like everyone else I can’t wait to see the third instalment of Lord of the Rings,” says Mayor Harvey. “ I feel honoured and privileged to be at this special premier”.

21 November

Waitakere says marina issue should be more about access than ownership

Waitakere City Council has voted to support the retention of the Westhaven Marina in public control in perpetuity, as long as it is providing commercial benefit to the region.

The marina has been put up for sale by international tender by Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL), as it "no longer represents an investment in the core business strategy of the company". At present, Infrastructure Auckland holds 80 per cent of POAL's shares on behalf of Aucklanders, with the remaining 20 per cent owned by private investors.

North Shore City Council is leading the campaign for the marina to be owned and managed as a public facility and has asked Waitakere to support its stance.

At a special council meeting, Waitakere councillors agreed that public control of the marina is important for ensuring continued public access. However, they expressed concern about the possibility of the region being locked into public ownership of a commercial liability that would cost ratepayers money.

The Council recommended that its representative on the Infrastructure Auckland Electoral College, Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone, call for a comprehensive report, exploring all the possible long-term ownership options for Ports of Auckland shareholding.

The issue is also likely to be raised at today’s meeting of the Auckland Mayoral Forum, where Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey and North Shore City Mayor George Wood will argue the case with their counterparts.

“While we believe public access to recreational areas, such as the Westhaven Marina, is important, we wouldn’t want to be locked into public ownership if that ownership became a liability,” says Councillor Stone. 

“We should ensure that public control of the marina brings commercial benefit to the region. There is little point in owning a marina to allow a few people to walk down there and eat their sandwiches, if it’s going to cost ratepayers money to keep it.”

19 November

Award finalists announced

Finalists in the Bank of New Zealand Waitakere Eco-City Business Awards have been announced for 2003. A panel of nine judges have spent the past week sifting through a record number of entries and announced 28 finalists across nine categories.

Yola Macken, from organisers Enterprise Waitakere, said that the judges were impressed not only by the number of entries this year, but also the high quality of the Awards submissions. This year has also seen a record number of first time entrants to the Awards.

Ms Macken commented: “The number of first-time entrants has really reflected the growing and evolving business community in Waitakere City. Companies are realising the many business benefits of entering the Awards, including public recognition of business excellence, expert feedback from a panel of commercially experienced judges, and the chance to evaluate business performance in order to successfully manage its future.”

“We are now looking forward to the Awards Gala Dinner event when the overall category winners and Bank of New Zealand Supreme Award winner will be announced!”

Convenor of Judges, Chad Wilkie, added: “The effort and hard work that companies have put in to complete their entires has really paid off, with an excellent variety of businesses and high quality submissions being entered. Waitakere City is home to some outstanding businesses and the judging panel is in the fortunate position of being able to read and see these business success stories first hand. Whether they go on to win an Award or not, I congratulate all finalists on their business growth achievements.”

Bank of New Zealand Waitakere Eco-City Business Awards 2003 Finalists

Vector Innovative Business Award - for businesses that show innovation in developing or marketing a new product or service, or add a new perspective to an existing product or service.

• In-Work NZ Ltd
• Exeloo
• Cervina Industrial Control Ltd
• Organic Bakeworks

Drake International Staff Development Award - for businesses that demonstrate an active approach to investing in people and encouraging continual staff development and training.

• Phoenix Organics
• Westgate Mitre 10
• Face & Body

Lineset Design & Print Ltd Export Award - for businesses that demonstrate success in terms of export earnings. Market conditions and influences are considered as well as the company’s overall performance.

• Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
• Exeloo Ltd

Waitakere City Council Environmental Progress Award - for businesses that demonstrate the highest level of commitment to continuous improvement in environmental management and sustainable business practice

• Phoenix Organics
• Corbans Viticulture Ltd
• Westgate Mitre 10

Butts Bainbridge and Weir Best New Business Award - this Award is open to businesses that have been operating for less than two years as at March 31, 2003. Judges reward businesses that have a clear understanding of their competencies and objectives, that have planned and are on track for achievable success.

• Organic Bakeworks
• BerNZ Enterprises Ltd
• A Head of Nature

Waitakere Licensing Trust and Portage Licensing Trust Tourism Award - for businesses that have achieved most in contributing to the quality of tourism in Waitakere City

• Bush and Beach
• Outdoor Discoveries
• Moka Restaurant

Corban Revell Best Small Business Award - recognising the efforts of a business with ten or less full time equivalent employees, that can demonstrate successful growth strategies, effective management and financial control.

• Moka Restaurant
• Cervina
• Arum Café

Telecom Local Directories Excellence in Service Award - recognising a business that shows consistent dedication to superlative service and which demonstrates its commitment through its service policy, staff training and / or other specific means.

• Westgate Mitre 10
• Face and Body
• Moka Restaurant
• Utilitech Training Centre

Western Leader Community Contribution Award - recognising a business or organisation in Waitakere City committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community.

• In-Work NZ Ltd
• Les Mills New Lynn
• Aqualab (NZ) Ltd

Unitec Research & Development Award - for businesses that have adopted a structured approach to developing innovation through research and development. Unitec will be nominating a business that has demonstrated excellence in this field to receive this newly introduced Award.

All category winners are eligible for the ultimate mark of business excellence - The Bank of New Zealand Supreme Award. This prestigious Award will be presented to the winner of any one of the above categories in recognition of all-round business excellence.

Winners will be announced at a glittering black tie gala dinner at The Falls on 27 November. This high profile event is a great opportunity for all Waitakere businesses to celebrate excellence and to entertain customers, staff and suppliers.

The Bank of New Zealand Waitakere Eco-City Business Awards, now in their eighth year, are renowned throughout the region for championing excellence in the Waitakere business community. This year, winners of all categories will win a place on the Enterprise Waitakere LaunchPad programme, an advanced training course designed to boost high potential companies.

19 November

Bridge closed until further notice

The footbridge over the Piha lagoon is closed for repairs.

The bridge, which is about 20 years old, is the main access way between Piha Domain and the beach.

During a routine maintenance inspection, Waitakere City Council staff found that parts of the bridge supports were unsafe as a result of weather corrosion.

At this stage the cost of repairs is unknown, but the work will hopefully be completed before Christmas.

In the meantime, residents and visitors to the beach are warned that it is unsafe. Notices have been posted on the bridge and wooden barriers and fencing have been erected to stop public access.

11 November

Council to consider impact of gambling in Waitakere

The location of TABs and gaming machine venues will be decided under a new policy being considered by Waitakere City Council.

The policy is required under the new Gambling Act 2003 (formerly the Responsible Gambling Bill), which gives councils more control over the growth of gambling venues in their local communities.

The policy must specify where venues with gaming machines (or ‘pokies’) can be located - and it may also place restrictions on the number of gaming machines at such venues. In addition, the Council must also state whether or not new TAB venues can be established in the City and, if so, where they may be located.

Waitakere City is working with other Auckland councils to research gambling issues. 

The first step in drafting the policy is to consider the social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts that gambling has on the community. To assist, the University of Auckland is preparing a regional impact assessment report on behalf of all councils in the region.

This work involves gathering statistical data about gambling, preparing a cost-benefit analysis and seeking input from a variety of stakeholders, such as community trusts, gambling operators, business associations and support groups for problem gambling. 

The Council is holding a workshop in mid-November to gain community group and agency views on the direction Waitakere’s gambling venue policy should take.

Following the completion of the gambling impact assessment and workshop, a draft policy will be prepared. This will be available for public consultation in early 2004 to ensure the wider community has the opportunity to comment on gambling in their local area.

11 November

Council to ask public about Kaikoura Island purchase

Waitakere residents will be asked for their views on whether or not the City should contribute to buying Kaikoura Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland’s mayoral forum, representing the region’s eight councils, has asked each of its members to consider the purchase. The forum has also asked central government to contribute at least half of the $6 million asking price for the island. There would also be initial costs for pest eradication and ongoing management and maintenance costs.

Waitakere’s City Development Committee considered the request and decided that the proposal to part-fund the purchase to the sum of $210,000 (calculated on a per capita basis) be a key issue for consultation in its 2004/2005 draft Annual Plan. No funding for the purchase is provided for in the Council’s current Long Term Council Community Plan.

City Development Committee chair, Carolynne Stone, says while the island would provide a magnificent asset for the people of Waitakere City and the wider Auckland region, the Council wants to make sure local residents are happy contributing to the purchase.

“On one hand, it is a great opportunity for a Hauraki Gulf island to be brought into the public domain for conservation and recreation purposes. But on the other hand, there is still so much to do here in Waitakere,” Cr Stone says.

“Purchasing Kaikoura Island is achievable with regional and government co-operation, but we must now decide whether it’s desirable. We want to give our residents the chance to have their say.”

Kaikoura Island lies just west of Great Barrier Island. Covering 564 hectares, the island is the seventh largest in the Hauraki Gulf. Its purchase is seen as an opportunity to create a sanctuary for endangered species that did, or can, exist on the island and provide an opportunity for Auckland’s youth to experience the wilderness of a remote Hauraki Gulf island.

Tiritiri Matangi Island, also in the Hauraki Gulf, is an example of how an island can be successfully rejuvenated. Pests have been eradicated and native animals and plants introduced to make the island a wildlife refuge popular with visitors.

10 November

Christmas comes to Waitakere!

Santa Claus is coming to town… 

Actually, he’s coming to about five towns – and he’s coming early!

Santa will be making an appearance at five different Christmas parades and two Christmas events around Waitakere City in upcoming weeks.

All of the festivities are supported by Waitakere City Council.

The first parade on Waitakere’s events calendar is in Glen Eden on November 22 - run by the Glen Eden Protection Society. The parade starts at 2pm, beginning at the Glen Eden RSA (Glendale Rd) and moving along West Coast Rd, down Captain Scott Rd, along Glenmall and back to the RSA.

The Henderson Rotary Christmas Parade follows on November 29, at 11am. Starting at the Falls Hotel carpark, the parade continues along Sel Peacock Drive, Ratanui St and Railside Ave and finishes at the WestCity carpark on Edsel St (adjacent to Henderson Creek). Santa will be there to have some fun with the kids and prizes will be awarded for the best float and best group.

The Swanson Christmas Parade takes place on December 5, starting in O’Neills Rd at 7pm.

The New Lynn Christmas Parade takes place the following day on December 6. Starting at 10am, the parade moves along Great North Rd, Totara Avenue and Memorial Drive, finishing at Memorial Square. The parade is organised by the Lions Club of New Lynn.

Santa makes his final parade appearance on December 13 at Te Atatu Peninsula. The parade starts at 11am and moves along Te Atatu Rd.

Other Christmas events out West include the second annual Waitakere Christmas Festival at Parrs Park on November 29 and the Waitakere Children’s Christmas Gift-Making Day at the Henderson’s West Wave Recreation Centre on December 6. Santa is also expected to make an appearance at these events.

The Christmas Festival kicks off at 2pm with a powhiri at the Hoani Waititi Marae, followed by a raft of entertainment at Parrs Park by local singers, dancers and musicians, including a twilight Carols by Candlelight led by the Waitakere Combined Church Choir and music from Paua - Nation. The event is being hosted by celebrity presenters Pio Terei and Ewen “The Westie” Gilmour and continues until 10pm.

Bring a picnic basket and rug or enjoy the food and drink on site. The West Auckland Hospice has been chosen as the beneficiary of the charity bucket collection on the day.

Jewellery, bookmarks, drums, calendars, fridge magnets, potpourri bags, photo frames, notebooks, hairslides and Christmas angels are among the treasures that will be made at the Children’s Christmas Gift-Making event.

More than 800 children are expected to participate in the free gift-making extravaganza, supported by volunteers. The majority of gift-making materials are donated by local businesses, with an emphasis on recycling and re-using waste materials.

Children may only attend one of two sessions - 9am to noon or 1pm to 4pm – and must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is essential.

For registration or to volunteer your help on the day, phone Barbara Cade at Waitakere City Council on 836 8000, ext 8780.

10 November

Ningbo delegation to visit

A delegation from Waitakere’s Chinese sister-city of Ningbo is to make a two-day visit from November 26-28. 

The visit marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the sister-city agreement. 

The six-strong delegation, led by the Advisor to the Municipal People’s Government, Mrs Lee, is expected to attend Waitakere’s November Council meeting to present a gift of two porcelain vases to the City in recognition of the anniversary. 

The delegation also hopes to discuss business interests with Mayor Bob Harvey, before flying on to Wellington and Christchurch.

6 November

City’s newest “arts bridge” to open in Henderson

A new “arts bridge” linking the Corban Winery Estate to Henderson Park is being officially opened on November 15 at 1 pm.

Designed by artist Neil Miller and made by local company Parks and Maintenance Services Ltd, the steel pedestrian bridge continues the City’s tradition of building artistic bridges and signifies the transition through railway land, the Opanuku Stream, Corban Estate and Henderson Park.

The bridge was constructed as part of the upgrade of the Corban Estate and will improve pedestrian access to Henderson Park, the surrounding residential area, Great North Road and the Henderson town centre. 

The bridge opening also coincides with the inaugural Waitakere Heritage Festival – a West Auckland Hospice fundraiser held at the Corban Estate and supported by Waitakere City Council.

“When we do things in Waitakere, we do them with style. Even our bridges are works of art,” says Henderson Ward councillor Annette Fenton, who will be officiating at the opening. 

“Creativity an cultural diversity are what make this City so special. That’s why we decided to have the opening in conjunction with the Heritage Festival.”

From 10 am - 4 pm, Heritage Festival visitors can enjoy free music, dancing, theatre, poetry, old-fashioned games, auctions, raffles, lucky dips, face-painting, wood-turning and paper-making demonstrations, classic motor vehicles, friendly farm animals and stalls selling arts and crafts, gifts and a range of refreshments. Visitors are also encouraged to wear old-time clothes, with prizes for the best dressed.

Other Waitakere City arts bridges include:

• The award-winning Rewarewa Footbridge, which provides access to the New Lynn town centre across the Rewarewa Creek). Designed by artist Virginia King, it is based on a twisted triangular canoe form and the Rewarewa seedpod.
• McLeod’s Crossing in Henderson, which links Falls Park with the West Wave Aquatic & Recreation Centre complex. Designed by artist John Edgar, the bridge is named after early pioneer Shepherd John McLeod and signifies the kauri trees that once covered the land.

3 November

Trash to Fashion® attracts record crowds

The 8th annual Trash to Fashion® Awards wowed a record crowd of close to 4000 people at its three shows on October 31 and November 1.

A flagship event for Waitakere City, the ‘eco-fashion’ extravaganza transfixed audiences with its incredible outfits, lighting effects, music, set, choreography and guest entertainers, including opera singer Zan McKendree-Wright, Asian contemporary dancers from Dancemaker Productions, violinist Elena and fa’afa’fine performance troupe Pacifika Divas.

“Trash to Fashion® combines art, fashion and entertainment under one roof, while also highlighting important environmental messages, such as ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. The garments reflect the fact that household and industrial products can have more than one use. They can be recycled and reworked into something beautiful and practical.”

Winning garments will be exhibited at the Corban Estate Arts Centre from November 7 - 30 giving people the opportunity to view them up close.

The show was presented by Waitakere City Council, in partnership with Keep Waitakere Beautiful and The Waitakere and Portage Trusts. The premier sponsor for the event was Toyota New Zealand, which displayed its new hybrid petrol-electric car, ‘Prius’, at the awards.

For a list of winners see Trash to Fashion® Awards 2003 Winners page.

4 November

Rating information now available online

Rating information on any property in Waitakere City can now be accessed on the Internet.

The online Rating Information Database (or RID) is a public register of information held about properties in Waitakere City, as required by sections 27 and 28 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

The RID provides access to property, valuation and rating details. However ratepayers’ names, postal addresses and rating accounts information is not available. 

“The database will be of particular use to real estate agents and other people wanting information about a property they are considering purchasing,” says Councillor Janet Clews, chair of the Council’s Finance and Operational Performance Committee.

“It is also an example of how the Council is using the Internet to pave the way for quicker, easier and more convenient access to public information.”