Media Releases

Off road joyriders are making tracks through Waikumete Cemetery.

The after-hours activity has increased over the last few months since major weed clearing at the 107ha cemetery.

Tracks are appearing in areas of Waikumete Cemetery similar to this one in the old Anglican section.

Four and front wheel drive vehicles have made deep ruts on hillsides in old areas of the cemetery.

Cemetery manager Graham Resnick says the cemetery, a favourite place for walkers, is being damaged by a careless minority.

"When you challenge them, they say, 'no, we're ratepayers'. So what do you do? We can't block off the whole of the cemetery, although we will be blocking off some areas. 98 per cent of people have genuine reasons for being at the cemetery. It's the yahoos who are treating it like a racetrack, "says Mr Resnick.

Henderson police are investigating reports of a red Toyota car seen in the cemetery after hours (in summer the gates close at 8.30pm. There is no shortage of Council bylaws to prevent this activity.

Waikumete is a reserve under the Reserves Act and there is a local purpose (cemetery) reserve.

Cemetery bylaw (4.35) prohibits people riding or driving vehicles in the cemetery, other than to attend a funeral or visit graves.

The speed limit in the cemetery (Parks and Reserves bylaw 1711) is 16km/h and bylaw 1712.1 prevents motor vehicles being driven without "due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using: the reserve."

26 November

Waitakere will lobby Government for better Pool Fencing Act

Waitakere City Council will lobby the Government to reform or repeal the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

It will also chair a regional working party to attempt to get a regional approach to interpreting and implementing the current Act. Within the city, the Council will re-constitute its Swimming Pool Exemption Committee, to hear applications from Pool Owners wanting to challenge a Council ruling about how their fence must be built.

The Council is taking these actions after discussing a declaratory judgement from Judge Randerson in the High Court, that was sought when a number of pool owners challenged the Council's interpretation of the Act.

The Council sought the judgement hoping to provide certainty that pool owners would accept, rather than face prosecution for non-compliance.

Judge Randerson upheld Waitakere City Council's view that a pool fence must be in close proximity to the pool. He rejected calls for pool owners to be able to decide where to site their fence.

While not specifying how close a fence has to be to the pool, he did specify a number of things that could not be included in the pool areas. Among them were gardens and clotheslines.

While upholding the Council's view, Judge Randerson disagreed with Department of Internal Affairs guidelines to the Act, which said that outdoor entertainment areas should not be within the pool fence. He declared that provided the fence was in close proximity to the pool, barbeque areas and tables and chairs could be inside the fence.

The judgement however, did not clarify some other matters and Council agreed to lobby the Government to either repeal the act or to revise it to remove the present grey areas.

In the meantime, the Chief Executives of Councils in the Auckland region have formed a joint working party to decide, in light of the judgement, on common interpretations and consistent application of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

It is hoped this will lead to guidelines for all councils to follow and also to clarify suggestions of how the Act can be reformed.

26 November

Signing a cause for celebration

Waitakere's ethnic communities are set to forge closer ties with their local council, when the Waitakere Ethnic Board signs a Community Partnership Agreement with Waitakere City Council on December 17.

Representatives from local embassies, central and local government will be at the formal ceremony.

A formal relationship with the Waitakere Ethnic Board supports the Council's long-term commitment to engage with ethnic communities.

"The signing of this agreement is a cause for celebration .The agreement symbolises Waitakere's commitment to migrant and refugee communities and is a real opportunity for the Council and ethnic communities to work together meaningfully, by building on its cultures," says Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone.

"The Council has a dedicated staff resource to work with the Ethnic Board in identifying additional resource needs to consider for the next financial year," she says.

The Waitakere Ethnic Board was established on 20 September 2003, as an outcome of the New Out West Democracy Project with the intention for ethnic communities to have a "voice" in decision making.

The "WEB" has emerged as a result of an ethnic community initiative to be more active in New Zealand Society and democratic processes, to promote settlement and provide advocacy on behalf of a growing part of the Waitakere community.

"Our common goals include social inclusion - to promote acceptance, bringing cultures together, acknowledgement and respect for cultural diversities. Both parties will seek for Waitakere City to become the city of choice for host communities and new settler communities," says WEB President, Abdul Rafik.

"We are both committed to encouraging and promoting activities that foster great understanding," he says.

26 November

Auckland Airport Way Off Beam

Waitakere City Council's Chief Executive, Harry O'Rourke, is surprised by Auckland International Airport's comments reported in the New Zealand Herald on Thursday, 25th November.

Auckland Airport's Chief Executive, Don Huse, believes that Waitakere City is trying to stymie plans for the second runway by lodging submissions under the Resource Consent process. Auckland Airport along with major client Air New Zealand has strongly opposed Waitakere City's proposals for a second airport at Whenuapai.

However Mr O'Rourke said that has nothing to do with Mangere's Resource Consent process. "Our submission is clearly in support of a second runway. We support economic development and the provision of major infrastructure," he says. "What we have done though is raise concerns about environmental effects on the Manukau Harbour and potential major commercial development, which does not fit with Auckland's Regional Growth Strategy."

"We haven't in the past raised any issues about Auckland Airport's anti-competitive campaign against Whenuapai, but when we ask a few simple questions about their development plans, they squeal like babies."

Mr O'Rourke adds that Mangere airport is already a significant contributor to the region's multi billion dollar transport problems. "I am sure every commuter in Auckland wants to know that those problems won't be made worse by more people flowing south to Mangere".

Mr O'Rourke also notes that at its annual meeting in Auckland this week, even AIAL's own shareholders questioned the campaign against Whenuapai, which has so far cost the company more than $2 million. "The reason Auckland Airport is so vehemently against Whenuapai is they fear it will succeed. Isn't that a convincing reason that Whenuapai should go ahead in the Region's interests?"

"Once again, we are not against the second runway proposal, but AIAL shouldn't think that they can waltz through the Resource Consent process without some very valid questions being asked."

26 November

Bill disadvantages Waitakere

Citizens of Waitakere City will be seriously disadvantaged if the Education (Establishment of Universities) Amendment Bill is passed, says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Mayor Harvey, addressing the Education and Science Select Committee in Auckland today, said if the Bill (commonly known as the 'Unitec Bill) becomes law, it will unfairly prevent Unitec getting university status and disadvantage Waitakere.

The Mayor set out the City's strong support for Unitec gaining University Status. "Unitec is a key part of the equation in strengthening the Waitakere City community which has been disadvantaged for decades due to the absence of a tertiary institute. Unitec is making a huge investment in Waitakere in partnership with the Council, and Unitec gaining university status will enhance this investment," said Mayor Harvey.

A tertiary educational presence is an important strand of the "kete" - that is, the interwoven fabric of the Waitakere City community," says Mayor Harvey. "It is interrelated with job growth, income levels, crime reduction, health statistics and the whole social and economic fabric of the City.

The Mayor stated that Council and international research has indicated Unitec is expected to deliver significant economic, environmental and social benefits for Waitakere City as a whole and specifically for the Henderson Centre. "Unitec have also demonstrated that they are delivering research and teaching programmes at University level" said Mayor Harvey.

Waitakere City's submission to the Select Committee strongly opposes the Bill, criticising the apparent intent of the Minister to deny Unitec a fair hearing in its quest for University status. The Council is particularly critical of Section 6 of the Bill which it says "appears to provide for any successful application by Unitec made before the Bill is passed into law to be invalidated retrospectively."

The Council's submission states that such a law would set an "unfortunate precedent", be "constitutionally unwise", and would amount to a "get out of jail free card" for the Government. The Council asks that Section 6 of the Bill be omitted.

The Mayor concluded the submission by setting out a 'win-win' way forward for all parties involved in the stand-off over Unitec's situation. "It would seem possible to provide for a new category of University, namely a dual sector 'University of Technology'. In reality, there are already two of these - Unitec and AUT" said Mayor Harvey.

"Such a move would signal a specific emphasis on applied research and learning with a specific class of institution to focus on delivery in this area. This would enable the Government to meet its goals of limiting the number of "Blue-sky Research" Universities, and promoting cooperation, coordination and efficient resource use in the tertiary education sector. It would also enable Unitec and Waitakere City to meet their goals", said Mayor Harvey.

24 November

Second Runway Supported

Waitakere City Council has lodged a submission in support of plans for a second runway to be built at Auckland International Airport.

While the Council signalled concerns over environmental effects being managed, particularly with regards to the Manukau Harbour, it says that major infrastructure development in the entire region is long overdue.

Waitakere City Council has been pursuing the retention of Whenuapai Airbase as a commercial airport, and a decision is expected from Government within a matter of weeks.

Waitakere's Chief Executive, Harry O'Rourke, says that for the same reasons as his Council (along with Auckland and Rodney) wants Whenuapai to be retained as an airport, it supports Auckland International Airport's plans.

"We're looking at the big picture here," he says. "Properly planned and managed, airports can be major drivers for economic development. You just have to look at the growth around Auckland Airport in the last 10 years to see what can be achieved. Manukau City's phenomenal growth is due in part to the economic activity generated by the airport, and it is that sort of economic boost that we want to see in Waitakere."

The ability of even more people to access Auckland Airport on already congested roads is a concern, but Mr O'Rourke says he is confident that the resource consent process will mean that any commercial development associated with the runway will be carefully planned.

"There is no doubt that a region growing at the rate of Auckland can sustain two airports - the Whenuapai proposal and Mangere's planned extension are all about offering economic opportunity and travel choices."

24 November

Events calendar up and running

You can now find out about events happening in Waitakere City on the back of the Waitakere City News. The regular events calendar started in last month's issue and will continue listing the city's summer events through to April next year. If you would like your community event listed free of charge, fill in the form or contact us with details of the event and a contact phone number. All event listings are subject to approval.

24 November

Better service through Call Centre

The Council's Call Centre is now answering all Library enquiries, in addition to their regular services. Previously answered by Library and Information Services, the move to the call centre aims to speed up efficiency for both customers and staff. For more information on libraries, they have now integrated their website information into the Council's web address.

23 November

Waitakere Mayor Elected Metro Mayor Chairman

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has today been elected Chairman of Local Government New Zealand's Metro Mayor's Sector.

Elected to the position for the first time, Mr Harvey says it is a great honour because the issues that need to be tackled are large and go right across the country.

"One of our priorities is dealing with local government funding. It is clear we need to talk to the government about the fact rates, our only source of funding, is now unacceptable and unsustainable," says Mr Harvey.

"We are also responsible for many public concerns such as law and order and the sector is a great way for all of the recently elected mayors to work together. We have already made a commitment to work closely with the government going into an election year."

Mr Harvey, who was returned as Waitakere Mayor for a fifth term at the October elections, is also on the Mayors for Jobs Taskforce and is a UNESCO Mayor for Peace.

Metro Mayors is made up of mayoral representatives from the country's metropolitan cities - Waitakere, Auckland, North Shore, Manukau, Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Dunedin, Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington.

At the sector's first meeting today it also voted to admit Rodney and Papakura District Councils into the group.

23 November

Mystery plant leads to new book

An enquiry from a bio security officer has led to a book on carex in Auckland.

Carex in Auckland-A Field Guide was written by former bio security officer Chris McKain and published by the Waitakere City Council.

The full colour, 48-page book was inspired when neither Chris nor Council Parks Officers could identify a plant outside the Ecomatters house in New Lynn. This led him to research the 31 species of carex in Auckland and he hopes that the result will help the public when they're next at the garden centre.

The practical guide is meant for use in the field and has a description, full colour photo and line drawing of each species to assist with identification.

Others involved in production were Ewen Cameron, Curator of Botany at Auckland Museum, Mike Wilcox, President of the Auckland Botanical Society, Peter de Lange, Rhys Gardner and Paradigm Printing.

The booklet is free to Waitakere households and can be obtained by ringing the Council Call Centre.

23 November

Councillor calls for firm LIM directive

Waitakere City Councillor Vanessa Neeson has asked for an urgent directive from the Minister for the Environment on whether LIM reports should include notations of possible chemical contamination.

Councillor Neeson, Chairperson of Waitakere City's Planning and Regulatory Committee, says it is imperative that councils get a clear steer, with consistency around the country.

Hon Marian Hobbs said it is "totally unnecessary" for possible chemical contamination to be included on LIM reports.

"Waitakere has been advised that it has a legal obligation under the RMA to disclose these matters on the LIM report. If we are to comply with the Minister's wishes, the Department of the Environment must provide an absolute indemnity to this Council, should we remove the notation?" asks Councillor Neeson.

Waitakere City currently includes a notation of possible chemical contamination on the records of sites that are, or were formerly vineyards, orchards and horticultural sites.

"It is urgent that the Ministry provides a standard that can be used for judging levels and the effects of contamination. What we need is a straight forward response -are Councils legally obliged to put a statement on a LIM report and advise property owners or not? Property prices are being affected by the uncertainty- not to mention the anguish that homeowners are going through.
"The Government needs to act urgently and sensibly on this issue," she says.

The issue came to a head following the release of a 2001 ARC report which found that almost half of former horticultural and agricultural sites could be contaminated with chemicals such as copper and DDT.

22 November

Ellerslie Flower Show-Council supports speakers' series

Gardeners inspired by the Elllerslie Flower Show this week can learn how to transform their backyards while helping themselves and the environment at the same.

Offered in conjunction with the Ellerslie Flower Show and the Waitakere City Council, Sustainable Solutions is a free seminar at Unitec's Mt Albert campus that is giving gardeners helpful hints and inspirational ideas on how to use sustainable practices.

Brendan Hoare is the director of Unitec's award-winning hortecology sanctuary and is one of the presenters at the seminar. His talk will centre on ecology and diversity in growing food and he says home-grown fruit and vegetables are something that even city dwellers can consider as an option. "From food forests to intensive gardens, herb borders to wild woodlands, there is new a meaning to the term 'Eco City'."

It all starts with dirt, he says, whether it's a commercial market gardening operation or a suburban vege patch.

"We are increasingly aware that the health of our communities relates to our food and soil. Healthy soil creates healthy food and people."

The seminar is a trans-Tasman affair, and the two other presenters have travelled from Australia. Andrew O'Sullivan, is a TV presenter on ABC's Gardening Australia and a landscape designer with a reputation for using salvaged plants and recycled materials in his designs.

Garden designer Kevin Walsh is talking about water-wise gardening, having written Australia's first book on the subject in 1993. Water use is an international hot topic, he says, and changes to the way we manage the landscape may be required to preserve the increasingly scarce resource.

18 November

Ranges timeline begins early December

Waitakere City Council has set timelines for a further round of public consultation on a package of measures for the permanent protection of the Waitakere Ranges and foothills.

Central government and local government are considering developing a special piece of legislation that deals specifically with the Waitakere Ranges. The goal is not to take away property rights under the RMA, but to write a set of guidelines that must be taken into account in this area.

Supporters of the legislation say that the area has unique characteristics in its landscapes, bush, wildlife and lifestyles that are nationally important and vulnerable. They say existing legislation and rules can control major development but they are not geared to deal with cumulative effects of lots of small impacts in the area.

The legislation would define the boundaries of the area needing specific protection, and the various values that must be preserved. Landowners would keep their existing rights under the Resource Management Act but resource consent applications will have to meet specific objectives.

However, if the proposed legislation is to be considered in the term of this Government, it will have to be lodged at the High Court in early March. Accordingly the Council has decided to try to complete speaking with the community by 4 February 2005. If, however, more consultation is needed at that time, the timelines will be extended.

"The timing is not ideal, but New Zealand no longer shuts down for a month as it once did. We have some time before Christmas and from mid January and a lot of people will be on the West Coast for their holidays in early January," says Mayor Bob Harvey.

Mr Harvey also successfully pushed for a professional research firm to independently monitor the process, to see how well-informed the public was by the beginning of February. The results of this will help determine whether to extend the timeline.

"I want this research to be completely independent, so that nobody can accuse the Council of organising things to suit itself," Mr Harvey says.

Communication with the community will begin with letters to people living in the Ranges and Foothills area and a special Ranges Update Newsletter, to be delivered city-wide in late November-early December. This includes a questionnaire. Both newsletter and questionnaire will be also available on line.

The deadline for the questionnaire and comments is 4 February 2005.

From December through to February 2005, Council representatives will also be available to attend meetings organised by communities or groups. Detailed information will be distributed through pamphlets and on the Waitakere City website.

Community feedback will be evaluated during February. A decision on whether to support legislation will be made mid to late February.

If legislation is pursued, a Local Bill will be finalised in late February and lodged at the District Court in March for three weeks. The Bill will then be introduced to Parliament and referred to a Select Committee at which time there will be further opportunities for public submissions.

The option of legislation is supported by the Auckland Regional Council and also local MPs Hon David Cunliffe and Lynne Pillay. Rodney District Council has also been invited to be involved and is considering the invitation.

18 November

Waikumete ceremony marks 25th Erebus anniversary

Sunday November 28th 2004 marks the 25th anniversary of the Air New Zealand aircrash into the lower slopes of Mt Erebus.

A memorial service in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell at 12.00 noon on Sunday 28 November will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Erebus Memorial in Waikumete Cemetery. The Erebus memorial was erected in 1981 beside the mass grave of unidentified victims of the DC10 accident which happened during a sightseeing flight to Antarctica.

Names of passengers and crew whose bodies were either not recovered or identified are engraved on the memorial erected by Air New Zealand.

Around the grave area are a number of wooden seats placed in memory of the Japanese passengers on the 28 November 1979 flight.

Among the 257 passengers were people from New Zealand, United States, Great Britain, Australia, South America and Japan.

16 November

Waitakere Christmas Festival

Mark Saturday 4th December in your calendar now and take the whole family along to enjoy the 2004 Waitakere Christmas Festival at Parrs Park, Oratia. Starting at 6pm, this years festival is again hosted by West Auckland's own Pio Terei and promises another fantastic line-up of Waitakere talent. Rehearsals are underway as festival organisers put together a streamlined Christmas Showcase featuring some good old fashioned favourites, original songs from local songwriters and performers, cultural performances, and this years feature performers the Aotea Youth Orchestra. A newly elected Waitakere Council member (and co-host of the previous two festivals) will also be making a very special Westie Christmas appearance.

Once again the Waitakere and Portage Licensing Trusts' are the Festival's major sponsor, and without their initial and continued support the Festival would not be where it is today. Other sponsors include Waitakere City Council, Lions Foundation and Caters (Henderson).

People are encouraged to bring along their chairs, blankets and picnic dinners, and make an evening of it. Concession stands will be available, along with the ever popular ice-cream trucks and coffee carts.

With an estimated 8,000 at the previous two festivals, organisers are anticipating their biggest crowd yet. Limited parking is available at Parrs Park, with festival goers encouraged to car-pool or use public transport where possible. For more event information, email rock@westies.co.nz or call Christine on (09) 836 3239.

So come, and celebrate Christmas the Westie way!

16 November

Bridge over troubled motorway

The death of an 11-year-old boy on the North Western Motorway between the Massey West housing area and Westgate Shopping Centre highlights the quandary authorities face to deter people running across the motorway.

The boy's death in October coincides with an increase in children running across the North Western motorway to Westgate, a disturbing trend which is being studied by the Council's road safety team in partnership with Transit New Zealand and the Police.

"It's a shame someone had to die before something is done. With the rapid expansion of Westgate, it's now become critical to find a practical answer," says Councillor Ewen Gilmour, Council appointee for Safe Waitakere Injury Prevention and also youth affairs.

Mr Gilmour will use his profile as a comedian-actor to visit schools in the Westgate area in the next couple of weeks to bring home the message that running across the motorway is a highly dangerous practice.

He is keen to promote the idea of an overbridge at the crucial spot.

"I've always been passionate about road safety and I strongly believe that a walkway across the motorway to Westgate would benefit the entire West Massey community. There are bridges over the motorway at Remuera and Manukau - so why not at Westgate and why not build one of Waitakere's famous arts bridges?

"There was a sizeable community here long before Westgate ever got going," says Mr Gilmour.

Waitakere's Senior Road Safety Co-ordinator Kitch Cuthbert says a "campaign is needed to help change attitudes. Ewen is really keen to help here and the kids will listen to him."

Transit New Zealand director of strategy and traffic, Terry Brown, says his team is working with the Waitakere City Council road safety co-ordinator and the police to improve safety in the area. "Transit will be improving the security fencing along the part of the motorway as soon as possible," he says.

16 November

Key player sought for youth transition initiative

A key player is sought for the Council-Government initiative to assist marginalised youth in Waitakere City.

A tender is being run by Waitakere City Council for the appointment of a lead agency to work with Work and Income to follow up on school leavers and engage with young people who are at risk of prolonged disengagement from work, education or training.

Tenders open next week (Wednesday 24 November) for applications to provide support and guidance for youth in transition.

A forum was held earlier this month for service providers to discuss ways of achieving better outcomes for Waitakere's most marginalised young people.

At the forum, researcher Dr Anne Opie discussed the need for youth transition workers to be skilled in engaging young people so that they "start to build their own skills, rather than imposing knowledge on them."

Dr Opie said it is crucial that workers "recognise the power imbalance between (them) and the person (they) are trying to help: it takes consistent effort to reach out and encourage them to move on and not focus on past disasters, to avoid dead end employment."

Waitakere is one of the first five cities chosen as a Youth Transition City by the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs, a government scheme aiming to steer young people towards education and training.

The City's supportive infrastructure and proven ability to deliver youth strategies are factors in Waitakere's selection.

The government is establishing services in 14 communities across New Zealand over the next three years to follow up school leavers and engage with young people at risk of prolonged disengagement from work, education or training. Funding of $26.9m has been provided in the budget for individualised services which are likely to be contracted to existing community-based organisations to provide customised support and career planning, working with local employers, and training and education providers.

Mayor Bob Harvey, a core member of the Mayors' Taskforce, will take a major leadership role in the Waitakere project.

"This is an absolutely fantastic project that comes with a large funding package.
As a Youth Transition City, we will provide a forum for strategic planning and co-ordination of services for young people - not doubling up on existing youth projects. We're a young city with 39 per cent of our population under 24 and one third of our population under 20," he says.

"We will provide youth with customised support and guidance to ease them into appropriate work, education or training.

"Waitakere's staff will identify and support development of labour markets, education and training opportunities for young people," says Mayor Harvey.

Tenders will close on 15 December.

12 November

Community Board Chairs elected

Following local body elections in October, Waitakere's four community boards have elected their new chairpersons.

Pim van der Voort will head New Lynn Community Board, replacing Elizabeth Francke who held the position 2001-2004.

Elizabeth Grimmer has become chair of the Henderson Community Board after her re-election. She was previously on the board from 1989-1992 and chair from 1992-1995.

Massey Community Board elected Andrew Good to head their team, replacing previous chair Bob Jessopp.

Christine Shepherd was the only chair to be re-elected in the Waitakere ward.

10 November

Largest fine for Waitakere landlord

What is believed to be the largest total fine under the Building Act 1991 has been imposed on a Waitakere City landlord.

Landlord Meng Teck Yeo was fined $49,000 in the Waitakere Court yesterday. Mr Yeo, who had previously pleaded guilty to seven charges under the Building Act, was fined $7,000 for each charge. The Court also awarded Waitakere City Council $750 in solicitors' costs.

The offences relate to four rental properties in Waitakere City which Mr Yeo let to tenants in de-facto boarding-house arrangements, with occupancy levels far higher than was safe or sanitary given the facilities in the dwellings.

Four houses were found to have inadequate means of fire escape.
Judge Phillip Recordon found Mr Yeo's two previous convictions under the Building Act of particular importance. He emphasised the need for deterrence to ensure that landlords do not let unsafe rooms and flats.

For Waitakere City Council, barrister Patrick Mulligan says Judge Recordon's decision confirms the Courts' acceptance that "deterrents are required to ensure that landlords did not seek to increase their revenue at the expense of their tenant's safety".

This continues a recent trend in which the Courts have supported Waitakere City Council's stand on unsanitary and unsafe housing, and environmental abuses.

Past decisions include (in June 2001) a total $40,500 fine and costs for a Henderson landlord, who rented a converted garage to a family of six for four years.

5 November

Debbie Saba and Pam Flynn receive teacher's kits from Margaret Devlin of Safe Waitakere.

Early childhood centres promote road safety

Early childhood centres are playing an integral role in getting the road safety out to parents for the upcoming travelling season.

1500 flyers were distributed by 21 centres throughout Waitakere to advertise free car seat checks on KidSafe Day. For their efforts 76 free checks were completed, with drivers receiving a variety of benefits from flowers and vouchers for car seat installation at their local garages to a range of items for a more secure attachment in their car.

Debbie Saba of Edmonton Community Kindergarten recognises the important part they play in educating parents as well as their children. "As a community kindergarten we very much have a role in educating parents," she says.

Redhills Community Kindergarten used their newsletters to get the message through to parents. "We attached the flyer to our newsletters for every parent. Children are good at reminding parents. You have to keep it up though; children forget quickly," says Pam Flynn, staff member.

Both kindergartens won a prize as part of the initiative, receiving a teacher's kit on the prevention of scalds donated by the Child Safety Foundation.

5 November

Children drawn to new Glen Eden library

Children in the Glen Eden community are taking advantage of their new library, with 70 new members joining in the opening weeks.

A month into operation, Glen Eden's new library and Citizen's Advice Bureau has been welcomed by the community with a record 287 new members registered for free library services.

Unofficial door count numbers put six to seven hundred people a day through the facility.

An integrated learning centre has also proved a hit, with 415 users taking advantage of free internet, printing and software.

Since opening on 5 October, 1148 sessions and 38,282 minutes of internet time have been used. The public are encouraged to take advantage of these free services, that can allow up to five hours internet usage at any one time.

Issues including books, cds, video and audio tapes in the first month were in excess of 20,000.

5 November

Contaminated Soil? Media speculation creates confusion

Intensive Horticultural Sites Study

Questions & Answers

Background

The study was a joint project between the Auckland Regional Council, the Auckland District Health Board and University of Waikato. It was completed in 2001.
There are no immediate risks to human health and more than half the sites in the study show no elevated levels of chemicals.

What is the study about?

The Auckland Regional Council, the Auckland District Health Board and University of Waikato conducted a study into the persistence of chemicals used previously on horticultural and agricultural sites.

The pilot study considered whether traces of chemicals remain in Auckland soils and whether they are at levels that may require remediation of sites before they become acceptable for residential developments.

Recent international studies indicate that some chemicals that were used prior to 1970 have remained in the soils and are at levels which are above conservative human and environmental health guidelines of those countries.

The study can be found on ARC website www.arc.govt.nz.

What horticultural sites have been studied?

The study involved only a sample of horticultural and agricultural sites from around the Auckland region, ensuring sites from within each of the local authority areas were included. It covered 43 sites ranging from Orewa in the north to Patumahoe in the South. Note: the exact locations of the sites are confidential, at the request of the individual property owners.

It covered the wide range of activities that took place in Auckland historically. These included viticulture (vineyards), glass houses, market gardens, orchards and mixed use (ie sites that had changed use over the years) and pastoral activities.

Why horticultural sites?

With much future residential development coming from 'greenfield' land or land that is currently used for horticultural or agricultural purposes, the ARC wanted to be sure that the land and such developments did not bring with them any potential human or environmental health risks. Many land uses in the past required the use of chemicals that have since been prohibited from use and are causing some concerns internationally because of their persistence in the soils and their associated health risks.

What did the initial results show?

Early results showed the persistence of up to five main chemicals on some sites. These are copper, lead, arsenic, DDT and dieldrin.

These chemicals are not showing up on all sites and in fact more than half of the sites tested are not showing any elevated levels of chemicals.

What will this mean to people and the land (health and environmental effects)?

There are no known immediate health problems or risks caused by exposure to these types of chemicals.

Over time, prolonged exposure to such chemicals may cause health problems to individuals or their future descendants but the health effects of long term exposures to mixtures of contaminants are not well understood.

The effects of any exposure to a hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present. The Auckland Regional Council, along with other key agencies are taking a precautionary approach.

Is this soil contamination of horticultural sites a problem just in Auckland or elsewhere in New Zealand?

Until recently, the ARC had not been able to get confirmed results from elsewhere in New Zealand, but was aware of some studies and tests required relating to dairy conversions from horticultural and work around sheep dip sites.

However, when you consider New Zealand's primary producing history and the widespread use of horticultural and agricultural chemicals that have since been banned from use, this would suggest that other regions in New Zealand may have similar issues.

This is not just an issue for the Auckland region nor New Zealand, but it is an international issue and one that many countries are now working to manage.

Where are the sites that were tested?

The ARC does not know the specific location of the sites. In order to gain access to such sites, the student from the University of Waikato that undertook this study provided letters to all site owners guaranteeing them confidentiality regarding their site location and site specific results.

Subdivisions of rural land have been taking place for 20 years now - why wasn't this done then?

It is only in recent years that the lasting effects of these chemicals has become known internationally and in New Zealand there hasn't been the expertise available to test or manage the effects of these chemicals.

What's happened to soil off old horticulture sites - are there risks associated with soil no longer being on these sites?

The ARC is aware that over the last 50 years, soil has been moved around the region as growth and developments have taken place. Where this soil is today, no one knows. and therefore cannot speculate on any potential risks.

If people know that soil on their property did come from a horticultural site, they may consider soil testing and should consider contacting the Auckland District Health Board for advice on what precautionary measures they can take.

Our local school / kindergarten purchased / was given soil off an old horticultural site - what should we do?

The ARC advises that you considered having your soil tested. In the meantime, the ARC advises people to take simple precautions such as ensuring children do not eat soil and wash their hands thoroughly. If you are gardening, wear gloves and shoes and do not wear shoes from outside to inside as the soil can turn into dust once in the house and is difficult to remove.

I live on a site that was / I think was a horticultural site - what should I do?

Even if you are sure that the site was a horticultural site, then without testing of the soil taking place we can't be sure whether you have reason to be concerned. Not all horticultural sites have problems.

The ARC can advise you of some consultants who you can engage to carry out the appropriate testing - there is an agreed sampling protocol that has been developed for both current and past horticultural sites.

I want my soil tested - can you come and do it? Who do I need to speak to? What will it cost?

First we need to ascertain what type of site you live on - is it a current horticultural site or a residential / lifestyle site that you believe may have previously been a horticultural site?

The ARC and local councils do not conduct site testing on request. But they can provide you with the names and contact details of some qualified consultants that can conduct the appropriate tests for you. They will advise you of the costs. The cost will depend on the size of your land.

We eat produce from our soil - what should we do?

Without prior knowledge of what your site was used for, there is no reason to suspect it is has elevated levels of any chemicals. Even with prior knowledge of the land use, you would need to have soil tests conducted by a qualified consultant to determine any elevated levels of chemicals before advice can be given on what you should do.

The ARC can advise suitable consultants to undertake soil testing on your property. This will be at your expense.

You should contact the Auckland District Health Board for more specific information and advice (Phone 638 9909).

Are you saying all produce grown in Auckland is contaminated?

No, not at all. A number of organisations (MAF, Exporting companies, receiving countries) conduct regular tests on produce and overall our food is considered safe. For further information, you should contact the Auckland District Health Board or the Ministry of Health. Auckland District Health Board number: 638 9909

My neighbour sells produce off his / her site at the gate - it's not safe is it? Can you stop them selling it?

There is no reason to suspect there is anything wrong with the produce without a qualified person testing the soil and confirming this or testing the produce itself.

If you are really concerned you may wish to take the produce for testing to a qualified consultant- the ARC or the Auckland District Health Board can advise you on who is qualified to conduct this testing. Without such results, any comments about this are pure speculation and should not be made.

For further information contact Auckland Regional Council on (09) 366 2000 or Auckland District Health Board (09) 638 9909. .

3 November

Waste delegates go back to classroom

Delegates at a national waste management conference will get a taste of what Auckland schoolchildren learn every day at Waitakere City's Waste Minimisation Learning Centre.

The Waste Management Institute New Zealand's 16th annual conference will bring delegates from both the private and public sector to a classroom lesson and a tour of the Waitakere City Recycling and Transfer Station at the Concourse. Waitakere Transfer Station is the only one in the Auckland region to be owned by a council.

The Waitakere Learning Centre has been introducing schoolchildren to hands-on waste minimisation methods since 1999, including basic composting and worm farming.

Waste Minimisation officer Rowan Stenberg-Calder explains aspects of waste to four and a half thousand children from all over the Auckland region every year.

The delegates will sample a classroom situation in the Waitakere Learning Centre on Tuesday 9 November from 9.30am to noon.

After sitting cross-legged in the classroom floor, the delegates will tour the Station's recycling and transfer areas, including the Vertical Compost Unit and the hazardous waste area.

1 November

Solar speed signs milestone for Waitakere

Waitakere Primary School will be the first school in the North Island to use solar-powered 40km/h flashing signs, due to be formally launched on Monday 8 November.

Following new government legislation allowing councils to set speed limits, Waitakere City Council has set a school zone speed limit of 40km/h at Waitakere Primary on Bethells Road, before and after school, when the solar signs are activated.

At other times, the speed limit will return to 50km/h.

The variable 50 to 40 speed limit was trialled voluntarily with great success at Waitakere and Christchurch schools over the last three years.

Waitakere's Senior Road Safety Co-ordinator Kitch Cuthbert says the voluntary 40km/h around schools was well supported by police and community.

"Even without legislation, communities are able to safeguard their children around schools by opting to lower the standard 50 km/h speed limit to 40km/h.

"At Waitakere Primary, we have gone one further by legislating to vary the speed limit. There is international evidence that by creating dedicated speed zones around schools there is a direct impact on children's safety. In Canada, the limit around schools at all times is 30km/h and in Australia, the limit is 20km/h during drop off and pick up times," says Mrs Cuthbert.

In readiness for the 40km/h solar signs launch next month, traffic calming measures around Waitakere Primary have involved both Waitakere City and Rodney District Councils - Waitakere Primary is on the Waitakere side of Bethells Rd, while the land on the other side is in Rodney.

The process of altering high speed environments around schools is only part of the package of solutions used by traffic engineers at Waitakere, in collaboration with the community. Another traffic calming measure that has been successful is working with clusters of schools to stagger start and finish times.

At Waitakere, three other semi rural schools (Oratia, Woodlands Park and Henderson Valley primary schools) may be suitable for the solar powered flashing 40km/h signs because they are sited in areas where there is the potential for high speeds.

"The 40km/h legislation a huge step forward - particularly when you consider that Waitakere's Chief Executive Harry O'Rourke has taken a 40km/h remit for schools to the Local Government Conference two years running and it was thrown out - by rural communities," says Mrs Cuthbert.

Other solar-powered signs have recently been installed at schools in Blenheim and Greymouth.
In Christchurch, 40km/h speed signs were trialled for the past three years, they were deemed so successful that the Government passed legislation in April this year to allow local authorities to set their own speed limits (above 40km/h and under 100km/h).
Local authorities must meet a set of Land Transport Safety Authority and Police guidelines before passing an amendment to the council bylaw made to include the new school zone.
There are two excellent background articles on the 40km/h trial in Christchurch and the new Speed Limits Setting Rule. Contact us to have this faxed to you.