Media Releases

May 2004

28 May

Council Responds to Community by Capping Pokie Numbers

Waitakere City has formally adopted a Gambling Venue Policy to cap the number of pokie machines at family restaurants and entertainment venues, at the existing level of 501 machines.

The Environmental Management Committee’s decision on 26 May was prompted by a clear message from the community which demanded that gambling activity should be in the hands of responsible operators, with restraints to ensure that negative social impact of gambling is minimised, says Chair Penny Hulse.

Under the new policy, gambling venue and machine numbers will be capped at existing levels for the next three years, after which it will be reviewed. Further work will be done to assess whether signs at gambling venues should be controlled and Council will support a ‘responsible gambling venue operation’, as part of the Citywide Alcohol Strategy.

“Under the Gambling Act, the Council is required to develop a policy regulating the number and location of Class Four gambling venues (pokie outlets) and the number of gambling machines in a venue,” says Councillor Hulse

Venues may also be required to hold a liquor licence as licensed venues were considered to have better systems in place to prevent underage gambling. The new by-law also includes a voluntary Code of Conduct to promote responsible venue operation and encourage gambling societies to publicly divulge their fund distribution. New restrictions have also been placed on mergers between clubs.

The new policy specifies that, in general, gambling activity adheres to Council’s strategic objectives of Sustainable Development, First Call For Children and Strong Communities.
A key component of the decision making process was an Auckland-wide social impact report on the impact of gambling on communities.

28 May

Matariki Begins

A series of community events celebrating the Maori New Year begin this week, and continue throughout June and July.

Waitakere City’s Matariki celebrations include a variety of activities such as art exhibitions, displays, live performances of traditional Maori poi and a festival day at Corbans Estate.

Matariki itself means ‘little eyes’ or ‘little points.’ It is a cluster of seven stars also known as Plaedies which signify the Maori/Polynesian New Year.

One of the highlights of the celebrations will be the Old Maori Show bands Night and Friends, to be held in the Titirangi Memorial Hall on Saturday 3 July.

This will feature musicians from the hugely popular show bands of the 1950s and 60s.

28 May

Mayoral Citation for 30 Years Service

Awa Hudson, a teacher for thirty years at Massey High School, was honoured this week by Mayor Bob Harvey for her continuous service to education.

She was also Deputy Mayor of Waitakere City Council 1986-1989.

Mayor Harvey thanked her for giving her life to education and youth.

Mrs Hudson was humble in accepting the award, saying “I am no different to any of you. We [New Zealand] are a template for race relations around the world.”

She also thanked the thousands of Massey students she had taught during her time there.

Mrs Hudson is formally retiring but is looking to help further the teaching of Maori language from schools out into the community.

Asked what is most important to her, she says “People, people, people. Thank you for your aroha.”

28 May

Plant Giveaway

Hundreds of local residents will receive free plants at the Westgate shopping centre next Thursday (June 3).  The giveaway, from 12 noon to 2pm on Thursday 3 June, marks the start of an Auckland regional Council campaign, supported by Waitakere City Council and TV One, to encourage Aucklanders to plant more natives trees and shrubs.

In New Zealand at least 80% of plant species are endemic, which means they occur nowhere else in the world. More than 300 of these plants are at risk of extinction. In Auckland about 180 plants are at risk.
ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chairman Bill Burrill says the campaign is part of the Council’s role to protect and enhance the Auckland’s natural heritage.
“The ARC, with the help of volunteers, has planted an estimated two million trees in the Auckland region over the past 20 years,” Cr Burrill says. “In areas like Wenderholm Regional Park that has led to reforestation and a thriving native bird population.
“Now we want to encourage Aucklanders to plant natives in their own back yards and enjoy the benefits they bring.”
Cr Burrill says native plants can add aesthetic appeal to any garden, provide privacy, shade and attract native birds such as the tui, pipiwharauroa (shining cuckoo), kereru (native woodpigeon) and piwakawaka (fantail).
Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens manager Jack Hobbs says New Zealand native plants have long been considered high status plants in vogue for gardens overseas.
“Cabbage trees are so popular in the United Kingdom that they have become known as Torquay Palms, while Hebes are so popular that the Brits have set up a Hebe society, “ Mr Hobbs says.

The Westgate Shopping Centre plant giveaway is open to all comers on a first in, first served basis. Waitakere City Council environmental management committee chairperson Penny Hulse will also be on hand to give away the plants.
As well as 500 native plants, there are also discount vouchers to give away.

27 May

Arts Laureates for Waitakere

Waitakere will soon have its first arts laureates.

Mayor Bob Harvey proposed the idea which was supported by the Council at its meeting last night.

A laureate of the arts is an honorary title given to someone who demonstrates an excellence in the arts field. It is usually a poet, playwright, painter, sculptor or writer.

Mayor Harvey proposes a small working group will establish guidelines, criteria and roles for four laureates. The recipient will receive a medal and citation specially designed for the project as well as a celebratory function hosted by the Council. It may be given for a fixed length of time or granted for life.

“Waitakere has long had a reputation for producing some of the best cultural art forms in the country and the aim is to acknowledge, celebrate and honour truly outstanding achievers in the arts field,” says Mayor Harvey.

“We have our Walkway of Fame and other functions like the Sports Awards and Business Awards. But this is something on a totally different level,” he says.

27 May

Rising Costs of Waitakere Central May Not Cost Ratepayers if Developers’ Contributions Policy is Adopted

Increased costs on the new Waitakere Central project do not automatically mean that ratepayers will pay the bill.

The rapid overheating of the construction market and significant increases in supply costs – including the costs for fuel – have been major contributors in increased costs for the Waitakere Central project which anchors the economic and transport development strategies for Waitakere City

However, the impact of cost increases on ratepayers, could be minimised if the Council adopts its proposed Developers’ Contributions and Financial Contributions Policy, says Councillor Janet Clews, chair of the Council’s Finance and Operational Performance Committee.

The Developers’ Contributions and Financial Contributions’ are being proposed in the Annual Plan to help fund the costs of growth in the city that are brought about by developments. Waitakere Central is needed because of the growth of the city.

Furthermore, she says, savings from moving all administration functions under one roof, are increasing also as the .inflation in the property market generally, will drive up the costs of leased properties thus, the project savings in one area, will help offset rising costs in the other.

Quantity Surveyors now anticipate that the net cost “envelope” for the buildings will be between $33 million and $35 million. This is the figure the development will cost after the sale of the present Civic Centre and the development returns from the two hectares of land at Henderson Valley Road not used for Waitakere Central.

The main cause has been rocketing construction costs from a variety of causes. Very high value developments elsewhere in Auckland, and in the rest of New Zealand and Australia, are forcing prices up. The world construction market has become enormously volatile in the last year also. Meanwhile, the costs of steel and cement have skyrocketed. World steel costs – which flow through to New Zealand - have increased 80% in a year, mainly because China’s massive building boom is soaking up world steel production.

As a result, the quantity surveyors advising the Council have advised that the contingency for today’s market should also be increased and be of the order of 8% - 12%.

At a confidential Council meeting recently, the Council decided not to initiate cost cutting measures to offset these increases. This was because all the attributes of the buildings were considered fundamental to Waitakere Central fulfilling its function as a key transportation hub and economic stimulator.

“There is no extravagance in the buildings to begin with and to cut things out will be a false economy. They will have to be added in again later, at even greater cost,” says Councillor Clews.

“Nor is there any merit in deferring the project because it will never be cheaper than it is now. The fact is that the city needs it. It is a well founded project designed to revolutionise the way Henderson CBD works and to attract regional, national and even international investors to the city – bringing jobs with them,” she says.
Councillor Clews says that in any event, if the Council adopts a Developer’s Contributions and Financial Contributions policy in this Annual Plan the extra building costs may not, make much difference to ratepayers, if any at all.

“That isn’t the reason we have proposed the new policy. Growth imposes new costs on the city. We believe that developers who impose those costs should pay a contribution towards them. The burden should not just fall on ratepayers most of whom have been paying the existing costs of the city for years – in some cases, many years,” she says.

“The fact remains, however, that if we adopt the policy we anticipate a new income stream to the Council of about $100 million over 10 years, that does not come from rates.”

27 May

Softly, Softly on the Ranges

Waitakere City Council is taking a cautious approach to long term protection of the Waitakere Ranges.

Last night the Council decided to extend consultation on a plan which may better protect the Waitakere Ranges and their foothills from development.

Over the past 18 months the Council, together with local MP’s David Cunliffe and Lynne Pillay, the Auckland Regional Council, local iwi, property owners and other stakeholders have been looking at how the unique environment of the Ranges, a regenerating rainforest, can be protected.
The project was sparked by some community group suggestions that the current protection for the Ranges may not be sufficient in the long term- despite a large part of the bush area having been made a regional park, District Plan rules and Council funding to combat pests and weeds.
Research was conducted on the state of the Ranges and foothills, what values people place on them, and how current management roles are working.
Dozens of meetings and workshops were then held with land owners and other stakeholders. Whilst there was widespread agreement that the Ranges need to be protected, the Council feels that any “package” of measures needs to have more community input.

Chairperson of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee, Penny Hulse, says that the extensive consultation to date has raised a number of issues, with the most contentious being proposed legislation. Any legislation would effectively “freeze” the current District Plan, meaning it would not have to be reviewed.

Councillor Hulse says that any protection package must not only take into account environmental concerns but also those of property owners.

“No-one argues that the Ranges are special and need to be protected for future generations”, she says. “But just as important are the property rights that people have under the current District Plan. We need to look at whether enough protection is given by the Plan and other mechanisms, such as structure plans, or whether anything further is needed.”
“Having said that, we won’t support legislation that landowners and residents don’t want.”
The Council will now undertake further consultation with landowners, residents and the wider community. A report on timelines for the project overall will be brought back to the June Council meeting.

“This is a complex issue that is important to everyone who lives in the Ranges and foothills,” Councillor Hulse says. “We can’t rush things. We have to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to have input.”

Councillor Hulse was also delighted at the number of people who attended last night’s meeting (around 100).

“It’s not a case of environmentalists on one side and developers on the other,” she says. “Everyone sees the Ranges as unique and wants them protected. It’s how that happens that we need to work on together.”

18 May

Trends in Annual Plan Submissions

Waitakere City Council Annual Plan co-ordinators are processing 400 submissions covering 100 issues for the Draft Annual Plan 2004/2005.

The issue of land purchase for Te Kawerau a Maki Marae accounts for the most submissions. There are 57, with 56 of them negative. This was complemented by a number critical of the emphasis on the Treaty of Waitangi which is a statutory requirement.

Comments on the Treaty are the only really negative responses from the observations on the Council’s strategic principles and platforms. Chairperson of the Annual Plan Committee, Councillor Janet Clews says there seems to be a trend for submissions on these, especially from organised groups – and, Treaty aside they are generally constructive.

Rates and Financial Management between them have 46 – mostly saying that the rates are too high or that the Council does not spend wisely.

“This type of submission is up slightly but generally we expect them on these subjects, regardless of the other issues,” says Mrs Clews.

Roading is the biggest general issue as always. With 43 submissions, there seems to be a campaign for better footpaths, kerb and channel in Glengarry Road., Glen Eden.

The issue of Council contributing to the purchase of Kaikoura Island has received a mixed reception. Mrs Clews says that the 17 submissions received on the Waitakere Ranges protection project “looks a bit orchestrated because of the number linking to the Swanson Structure plan”.

The Developers’ Contribution issue has attracted 12 submissions to date. However, this is running to a different timeframe with submissions closing on 1 June.

17 May

Policy May Affect Pokies at Family Venues

Restaurants and entertainment venues may not be able to get Council consent to operate pokie machines in future, if a recommendation on Waitakere City’s draft Gambling Venue Policy is adopted.

In hearing submissions to the City’s Gambling Venue Policy on 11 May the Environmental Management Committee considered that such venues were not suitable for gambling because they were often visited by families with children.

The Committee also recommended that further work be done to assess whether signs at gambling venues should be controlled and that Council look at supporting a ‘responsible gambling venue operation’, as part of the Citywide Alcohol Strategy.

“Under the Gambling Act, the Council is required to develop a policy regulating the number and location of Class Four gambling venues (pokie outlets) and TABs in Waitakere, and the number of gambling machines in a venue,” says Environmental Management Committee Chairman Councillor Penny Hulse.

“The draft Policy proposes that gambling venue and machine numbers be capped at existing levels for the next three years, when the policy is due to be reviewed. We are capping the number of pokies in response to a clear message from the community, ” says Councillor Hulse.

Venues may also be required to hold a liquor licence as licensed venues were considered to have better systems in place to prevent underage gambling. The draft Policy also includes a voluntary Code of Conduct to promote responsible venue operation and encourage gambling societies to publicly divulge their fund distribution.

Issues raised in the 26 submissions received on the draft Policy included the location of gambling venues, the number of machines allowable in gambling venues, the use of the citywide cap on existing venues and the inclusion of a voluntary Code of Conduct in the draft Policy.

The Environmental Management Committee’s recommendations will be considered at a Council meeting on 26 May.

12 May

Waitakere Advocates for Traffic Powers

Waitakere City Council wants the ability to set up speed cameras and other traffic safety measures.

This week, the Council’s Finance and Operational Performance committee decided to take a remit to this year’s Local Government Conference for support to encourage the government to empower local councils to enforce traffic regulations.

The Council considers that traffic safety will be enhanced if local authorities are given the choice to operate speed cameras, radar, red light cameras and to enforce traffic and speeding offences, where police have insufficient resources to meet Council’s expectations.

The proposal follows changes to the law in March, which now allows Councils to process the setting of speed limits subject to consultation and compliance with strict technical criteria. “After the law came into effect, we were told by police that even if we lowered speed limits, they didn’t have the resources to enforce them,” says committee chair Janet Clews.

“We want the speed limits lowered on dangerous rural roads and around schools in particular. But without adequate enforcement resources any changes are pointless. So we’re asking for the power to enforce the limits,” she says.

The remit approved by the committee would enable a dedicated focus on traffic enforcement in the city and allow for an integrated approach to the engineering, regulation and enforcement aspects of road and traffic safety, says Cr Clews.

The proceeds from any fines would be spent on road safety.

11 May

Te Taumata Runanga awards

Twenty four people received Te Taumata Runanga Maori Community Awards at Waitakere City Council on Saturday 8 May.

This is the fifth year the awards have been held.

The awards seek to acknowledge those in the community who have made an important contribution to the well-being of Maori within Waitakere City.

The awards were hosted by Te Taumata Runanga, a standing committee of Waitakere City Council that, along with iwi, advises the Council on policy and issues pertaining to Maori in Waitakere City.

Candidates were nominated for their involvement in such areas as politics, health, education, culture, economy, the environment and spirituality.

“These awards celebrate the achievement of those people who work away behind the scenes, often unrecognised, for the well being of Maori,” says Te Taumata Runanga chairman, Te Warena Taua.

“Ui mai ki ahau he aha te mea nui o te ao, maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata” (If one asked what is the most important thing in this world, we would answer, it is people, it is people, it is people).

The recipients of this year’s award are: Margaret Glover, Carolyn Makiri, Hemi Tahuri, Rev. Charles Joe, Patrick Thompson, John Hokai, Liza Rangihuna, Ngarino Jerry-Stowers, Echo Shortland-Tucker, James Tai Tin, Maaria Horne, Pat Matthews, Phil Paki, Hohepa Renata, Mihi Pene-Ellis, Eric Edwards, Margaret Stankovich, Te Wheri Hokai, Hilda Thomas, Te Ara Totoro, Victor Pei, Ngahiriwai Tai Tin, Georgina Parata.

7 May

Massey Board Recommends: ‘Upper Harbour Motorway’

The Massey Community Board favours the name ‘Upper Harbour Motorway’ for the new State Highway 18 motorway extension between Westgate and State Highway 1, near Albany.

The Community Board’s choice was backed by 32% of residents who took part in a Council on-line poll.

The board’s second preference was for ‘Westgate Motorway’, recognising that the Massey/Westgate area is destined to be a major regional growth centre in the next 15-20 years.

Transit New Zealand sought local input for an official name for the motorway from Waitakere and North Shore City.

Several weeks ago, the full Waitakere Council recommended the name ‘Chris Timms Memorial Drive’ in recognition of local sportsman, businessman and community leader Chris Timms who was tragically killed in an air accident earlier in the year.

The Council will offer the ‘Chris Timms Memorial Drive’ name to Transit New Zealand as well as forwarding the Massey Community Board’s choices of ‘Upper Harbour Motorway’ and ‘Westgate Motorway’.

The next preferred names for the highway extension in the on-line poll were Whenuapai Motorway (18%) and North Eastern Highway (7%).

7 May

Roads and Marae Funding Favoured Topics

Most of the submissions to the 2004/05 Annual Plan, relate to roading and the proposed funding for a marae.

Out of 124 submissions received to date, 35 refer to roads, while a similar number say ‘no’ to Council funding a marae.

The latest batch of roading concerns ranges from a need for tarseal maintenance outside Oratia School to a call for footpaths at Laingholm.

Several submissions say that double tracking of railway lines is a priority. Others suggest that boy racers need a legal drag strip.

34 submissions oppose any funding for a marae for local iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki. Currently there is no funding for the project in the Draft Plan.

There was mostly favourable comment about whether the Council should contribute around $180,000 to the purchase of Kaikoura Island in the Hauraki Gulf which would be turned into a marine reserve (the Government has announced today that it will put up $10.5 million, with a short fall of $750,000 which it hopes will be met by local councils).

Other submissions ask the Council to provide more facilities for youth more playgrounds, halls and skate parks have been requested.

Waitakere City’s 2005-2005 draft Annual Plan is open for submissions until 5pm on 13 May.

Hard copies of the plan (and copies of the submission form), are available for viewing in libraries, the New Lynn Council Service Centre, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, community centres and Waitakere City reception..

A 50 page Summary of the Annual Plan is also available.

Residents wishing to have their own copy of either the draft Annual Plan document or the Summary document, can obtain them through Waitakere City libraries or contact us.

Included in this year’s Draft Annual Plan is a rates increase of 3.97%. This is approximately $45 for the average inner residential property with a land value of $90,000. The total proposed rates is $93.5 million.

The biggest slice of rates goes to Wastewater in the inner area, (25%), with parks and roads/footpaths taking up 14.5% and 14.3 respectively. Democracy accounts for 9.0%, libraries 7.4%, stormwater 6.6% and leisure 6.6%. Other areas include: rubbish collection and disposal 4.5%; city development 3.1% and business development and promotion 2.6%.

6 May

New Chief Executive at Waitakere Properties

Waitakere Properties Ltd has appointed Greg Parker as its new chief executive. He replaces Alan McGregor who left the company to pursue private interests. Aged 36, Mr Parker was previously treasurer and company secretary at Evergreen Forests Ltd. He has also worked as a consultant for Ernst & Young, and as chief executive at Tainui Development Ltd.

He has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and brings a wealth of experience in all areas of property development, from commercial, to retail, industrial and residential developments. One of his first tasks will be to focus on developing the land around the new Waitakere Central site in Henderson Valley Rd. “I have always been passionate about property development and am excited about an opportunity to create shareholder value as well as having a positive impact on people’s working and living environments,” he says.

Waitakere Properties chair Ross Jewell has welcomed the appointment. “He has tremendous business acumen, a huge amount of experience of the property sector, and has managed multi-million dollar projects. We had a number of high quality candidates for the job, and Greg shone out,” he says. Waitakere Properties is the wholly owned property development arm of Waitakere City Council.

6 May

New Era at New Lynn

Greg Presland, Janet Clews and Derek Battersby at the library site.

The 21st century is rapidly unfolding at New Lynn. Today, Waitakere’s City Development Committee approved the next step of the New Lynn Library which includes a developed design for the New Lynn Library, Service Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau and Memorial Square. The New Lynn Library Project aims to add activity and vitality to the town centre, as part of the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy which encourages people to live, work and play locally, in quality spaces and amenities.

The Council approved the Preliminary Design for the library building in February. The Developed Design Report, prepared by project architects CraigCraigMoller, intends that the new building and public space are fully integrated into the existing town centre context, to prompt increased activity in the town centre. The report says that infrastructure will be completed in time for construction to start in October 2004. Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone says she is delighted that the project is now well underway. “It will enhance the Heart of New Lynn,” she says. The City Development Committee decided that a proposed ceramic heritage wall display a permanent timeline of the ceramic industry in New Lynn would go ahead only if external funding can be found. Artwork is an integral part of the project and the Lead Artist, Iona Matheson has been named. A bas relief wall facing McRae way will have artwork cast in situ.