Media Releases

July 2005

 

29 July

NOW Home - the future of housing opens in city soon

At first glance the NOW Home doesn't look like anything out of the ordinary: and that's exactly how it's meant to look, even if it is very different "under the skin".

This ordinary-looking house is designed to show how much warmer, healthier and cheaper-to-run a house can be, using the best concepts, products and materials affordably available right now.

The $180,000 research home at Olympic Park in New Lynn will be officially opened on Friday 12 August, by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Helen Clark, before a gathering of environmentalists, builders, architects, and representatives from local and central government, tertiary institutes and business.

The NOW Home will be open to the public in a once only opportunity before it is tenanted, over the weekend of 20 and 21 of August. From 10am until 4pm each day there will be displays and experts on site The adjacent Sustainable Living Centre will also be open.

"Waitakere Council and its partners in this New Zealand-leading project, hope this home will become a benchmark for "best practice" home construction throughout New Zealand," says Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone.

Councillor Stone says The Now Home has been designed to make the most of the sun's natural heating in the winter. It has high levels of insulation throughout, double glazed windows, a concrete floor to store and radiate heat, and many other subtle features.

This results in a house that should have little need for any additional heating or cooling to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature throughout the entire house, all year round.

The difference between the NOW Home and other eco-housing projects, is that it aims to balance affordability and social and environmental aims. The end result is a pilot for delivering attractive ways to make New Zealand homes more sustainable.

The home will be tenanted and the occupants monitored for health and general well being, and the materials used will be subjected to tests for durability. Energy and water consumption will be regularly checked.

The project is a joint venture between the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and a consortium known as Beacon Pathway Ltd comprising Waitakere City Council, Fletcher Building, Scion (formerly Forest Research) and the Building Research Association (BRANZ), the Now Home is a ground-breaking research project leading the way towards a new six-year, $12 million research project for the rest of the country.
 

29 July

City youth event with the F message

Break-dancing and hip-hop displays and workshops are just three of the free youth events expected to attract hundreds of Waitakere teenagers next month.

'Xpose Youth' is organised by youth for youth with the message of Fun which is alcohol and drug free.

On Sunday 14 August from 10.30 - 3.30 pm at the Trusts Stadium, 'Xpose Youth' will feature push play activities run by Wai Health, volley ball, basket ball, hip-hop and break-dance displays with workshops afterwards.

Alcohol and drug-free messengers will be on the spot, including FADE, SPARC, CADS, Youthline, NZ Drug Foundation, Wai Health, Young New Zealanders Challenge.

"The Edge" radio station will also be involved on the day and the Mad Butcher has donated 400 sausages for a 'sizzle'.

A Community Action on Youth Alcohol and Drugs steering group is organising the event which will be opened by a kaumatua.

Youth steering group chairperson and Green Bay High School student Laura O'Connell says the new stadium is an ideal place to host this event.

"It's a really cool design. It has with plenty of room for workshops. Because we are holding the event during the day, that's a good opportunity for people to meet without the pressure of feeling they've got to take drugs and alcohol to have a good time. The message is definitely fun with a capital F," she says.

Councillor Ewen Gilmour says "having break dancing and hip-hop is a definite plus, as dancing is a whole lot of fun and brings people together. I would like to see parents' bring their children along, stay and get involved."

For more Information contact us.

29 July

Further impetus added to town centre

Waitakere Council is seeking to further increase activity levels in the Henderson Town Centre by looking at incorporating a café into the new Waitakere Central Library Development.

The café proposal comes after interest was expressed to the Council by a number of potential operators. Councillor Ross Dallow, Chair of the Council's Project Special Committee, says that Council wants to do everything it can to increase the vibrancy and life of the Henderson Town Centre and that the café concept is another opportunity to do this.

"We still have to look at the concept and see if it will stack up commercially", says Councillor Dallow. "We will do that through a business case process over the next two months". However, from an initial feasibility analysis it appears that having a café within the concept will be a strong commercial proposition and will help deliver on Council's goals for the Town Centre".

Councillor Dallow dismisses any suggestion that the café would have a negative affect on the Henderson Town Centre or unfairly compete with existing commercial enterprises. "That's just nonsense. This will be an entirely commercial proposition with Council leasing out space purely for a commercial return.

"If you look at examples of thriving café cultures around New Zealand and internationally, cafés seem to operate best in clusters - you only need to look at the strip in Christchurch, Courtney Place in Wellington or some of the more successful areas of Melbourne," he says.

"A café in the Library will complement the existing restaurant culture developing in Henderson, and expert design advice tells us it will make the public plaza part of the Unitec and Library complex work better", says Councillor Dallow.

The Council is currently seeking expressions of interest in the operation of a "grab and go" type facility (which has no provision for cooking facilities) and is likely to make a final decision as to whether to proceed with the café facility in September 2005.

28 July

Youth service comes to town

The Waitakere Youth Transition Services is opening a resource centre on the ground floor of the John Henry Centre at 10 Pioneer Street in Henderson from 28 July.

The shop-front location will be a starting point for teenagers between 15 and 17, who are not engaged in education or work, to find a job or to start further training or tertiary study.

"The Youth Transition initiative is for any young people who do not have a clear plan when they leave school," says Councillor Ewen Gilmour, Waitakere City Council Advocate for Child and Youth.

"Often people need a helping hand so they don't fall down the cracks. The service and the youth resource centre will encourage young people to feel a sense of entitlement and to access information on youth issues and services.

"They'll be able to do a CV, use the facilities to search for jobs, and go to skills workshops. This will be somewhere they can meet their mentors and take some serious steps towards building a real future," he says.

The Waitakere Youth Transition Services has been developed by the Ministry of Social Development with Waitakere City Council. The service is delivered by Youth Horizons in partnership with Hoani Waititi Marae and the Waitakere community.

Mentors are sought for the programme. Full training is given: 21 hours over seven weeks. No formal qualifications are necessary but volunteers will be expected to give references and undergo a police check.

To contact the Waitakere Youth Transition Services phone 0800 WEST UP (0800 937 887) or email waitakere@youthorizons.org.nz. For more information about mentoring, please contact Caitlin Bush, Mentor Coordinator, ph (09) 835 1176 or email caitlinb@youthorizons.org.nz.

27 July

"We'll be back," says Waitakere City Council

Waitakere City Council has lost its bid to have Councils given the power to independently control traffic light offences and speed cameras.

The Council made the bid through a remit on traffic enforcement at the Local Government Conference in Christchurch.

"I'm not down-hearted though. We received a lot of support from the many Councils. It was a close vote and I think it is now a matter of time before this gets the support it needs and deserves. So we'll be back," says Councillor Penny Hulse, chair of Waitakere City Council's City Development Committee, who presented the remit.

"We've come a long way .There was little support when we first proposed this initiative last year and the growth in support this year is very heartening," she says.

The new service was to be funded by fines and would relieve already overworked local police,

The New Zealand Police Association estimates that 10,000 more police will be needed by 2010 to provide the level of service that the public demand.

"Our residents have been asking for action on speedsters and as the Police don't always have the resources to respond, the Council decided it would see if it could take on the task. After all, it's not long since the police did not do traffic enforcement and City Councils had their own traffic departments," says Councillor Hulse.

"It was very common once and Auckland City had its traffic department right up until the police and traffic enforcement were merged by John Banks when he was Minister of Police. And they were considered very efficient."

"We don't necessarily want to return to that model, but Councils are already responsible for stationary vehicle offences like parking and on the North Shore (of Auckland), Council staff enforce the bus lane and fine people who break the regulations."

"So we are confident that the mood is changing and we'll keep on trying."

27 July

Knowledge-based economy a step closer at Henderson as buildings are 'topped off'

Progress on the Waitakere Central Library-Unitec contemporary-style building project represents a further step in Waitakere's evolution towards being a campus city, says Henderson Ward Councillor Ross Dallow.

"This venture represents a brighter future for all the people of Waitakere. The relationship between Unitec and Council is a crucial first step in Waitakere's future as a 'knowledge-economy'," says Chairman of the Special Projects Committee Ross Dallow.

Building at the Ratanui Street site continues despite the wet winter season.

A recent cause for celebration is the 'topping off' of the Unitec building. The traditional 'roof shout', which was held earlier in June, was attended by builders, Unitec and Council staff and next month there will be a similar ceremony to mark the progress of the carpark and library buildings.

"We are obviously very satisfied that the project sitting in the heart of Henderson is up to speed and on target," says Councillor Dallow.

Before the projected opening date in February 2006, preparations are being made for the incorporation of artwork, and a café into the design of the Waitakere Central Library.

Last day to register Rover

Monday August 1 is the last day to register dogs at for the 2005/2006 year at a discounted price.

Owners of Waitakere City's 12,755 dogs can pay for their canines by post or in person at the Civic Centre in Henderson or at Memorial Drive New Lynn or at the Massey Library.

Fees information

 

All dogs over the age of three months must be registered. Non compliance with dog registration may result in an instant fine or court prosecution.

For enquiries or reports on issues relating to animals please contact Council's Call Centre.

Post dog registration fees to:

Waitakere City Council
Private Bag 93-109
Henderson
Waitakere City

Or pay in person at:

Waitakere City Civic Centre
6 Waipareira Avenue
Henderson

Massey Library
Cnr Don Buck Rd and Westgate Drive
Massey

New Lynn Service Centre
Memorial Drive
New Lynn
 

26 July

Animal welfare captures canine delinquents

Two dogs were captured yesterday by Waitakere City Council Animal Welfare staff, following unsuccessful attempts by locals to shoot the dogs as they attacked sheep in the Henderson Valley area.

Seven sheep were killed and five injured before animal welfare staff apprehended the dogs.

"The owners and dogs have been identified. One dog has been signed into WCC ownership and the other one yet may be. Prosecution is very likely to follow," says Councillor Vanessa Neeson, chairperson of the Planning and Regulatory Committee.

"Owners of dogs are reminded to keep dogs controlled at home and realise that an unattended dog will often revert to instinctual behaviour if left to its own devices," she says.

Prosecution of dog owners in this situation may result in a $3,000 fine and destruction of the dog. Dogs running loose amongst stock may be legally shot.

Over the last three weeks there have been stock attacks, mostly sheep but also goats and rabbits, in the Henderson Valley area. About 30 animals, mostly sheep were killed.

26 July

Waitakere City Council wins Creative Places Awards 2005

Waitakere City Council has yet again won prestigious national awards for its civic design and arts and culture.

This time the city has won two awards in the Creative Places Awards 2005 presented by Creative New Zealand. The new Glen Eden Library took top honours in the Built Environment: City and Regional Councils category and the annual Trash to Fashion Awards took out the Cultural Festivals and Arts Events category.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says that the awards continue a tradition for Waitakere City and are further demonstration that it is a national leader in creating a city that combines environmental leadership with arts and culture and "liveability".

The Glen Eden Library, which opened in 2004, was described by the judges as "a perfect example of the seamless blend of art and architecture that results from a generous collaboration between artists and design professionals."

Lead artist John Parker, of Oratia, worked with architects Warren and Mahoney to conceive the building as a sculptural form. The judges said: "This is a brilliant, holistic project that reflects local stories. Involving artists right from the start is highly commendable, and has resulted in an innovative and integrated approach to artworks in the built environment."

Mayor Harvey says that over the years Glen Eden's library moved from a succession of temporary premises. "Now it has a permanent home that is, truly, one of the best in the country."

Trash to Fashion meanwhile is now in its 10th year. This high-profile, high energy show aims to encourage the nation's creative young people not to rubbish their environment. Entries must be crafted from recycled materials. Trash to Fashion has grown from a local event to one that now attracts entries from around New Zealand and overseas.

The judge pointed out it was impressive how it had grown over the years and that "the participation of schools and children give it a very long-lasting cultural and social impact."

The awards were made today at the Local Government New Zealand Conference in Christchurch.

21 July

All Blacks at The Trusts Stadium

Fans get the chance to see their All Black heroes up close at The Trusts Stadium next Wednesday (July 27).

The All Blacks are using the new Stadium and the Douglas Track & Field next door as their training base for 2005.

On Wednesday they will hold one of the few training sessions which will be open to the public. Entry is free, from 2pm.

Earlier in the day, The Trusts Stadium in association with the Waitakere City Council and the Auckland Rugby Union will hold a coaching clinic for several hundred primary school players.

The Stadium is in Central Park Drive, Henderson.

For more information phone The Trusts Stadium (09) 970 5200.

21 July

One stop shop for books and services

The New Lynn War Memorial Library, due for completion in October, will include the Council's New Lynn service centre, giving residents an alternative to the Civic Centre's counter services.

Residents will be able to continue to pay land and water rates, register their dog, apply for LIM reports, purchase official rubbish bags and make general enquiries regarding Council services, all at the new library.

The existing library will close for up to three weeks before the new one opens and the service centre one week prior to assist the move into the new premises.

Payments for these services can be made by EFTPOS and Cheque only. Physical cash payments can be made at the nearby BNZ bank until 31 July and the ANZ from 1 August.

The service centre is just one part of the library, which will also have a Citizen's Advice Bureau, Learning Centre and Public Meeting Room on site.

New Lynn Councillor Derek Battersby says integrating all the services signals how important libraries will be for the city's future as centres of the community.

"The New Lynn community have been looking forward to the library for a long time, and once it is opened it will be another milestone towards the revitalisation of New Lynn's town centre as a space for the community to embrace and enjoy," he says.

The new services are available seven days a week during the opening hours of the library.

The extra services were introduced into Massey Library in February, and have proven popular with residents, particularly around rates payment deadlines.

21 July

Potter fever hits libraries

All 80 copies of J.K Rowling's new Harry Potter book, The Half Blood Prince, disappeared off the shelves within hours of the 11am release last Saturday.

More than 200 requests for the new book were received on Saturday, with 70-80 still willing to wait the 2-3 months to get a copy.

Such is the popularity of the book that a new copy may be ordered for every eight requests received.

If you're after a copy, you can pay $5 to have a bestseller copy for 14 days or wait for a free copy and have it for four weeks.

Waitakere Libraries have about 130 items in the Harry Potter series, including audio copies, titles in other languages and films on DVD/video for $2/wk.

To request your copy online, go to the brand new catalogue at www.elgar.govt.nz and click on Waitakere Libraries.

20 July

Swanson landslip - urgent clearance begins

Priority work to clear a major slip in the Swanson Stream will begin today.

Tonnes of debris crashed into the stream and onto the adjacent Redwood Park Golf Course after heavy rains, blocking the waterway and causing water levels to rise as high as 3m upstream.

Waitakere City Councillors this morning held an urgent meeting to discuss the situation. They have instructed contractors to begin work as soon as possible to clear the dammed debris, which stretches for some 15 metres.

Mayor Bob Harvey says it is too early to speculate as to whether the slip was caused by erosion of the stream bank or work carried out on private property on the hillside above or a combination of both.

The Council has however commissioned an urgent geo-technical report on the cause of the slip.

"The immediate need is to deal with the slip and to allay the concerns of property owners upstream and downstream who are fearful of more damage," Mayor Harvey says.

"But over the next week or so we will be looking closely at the causes, and who might be liable for the costs of clearing the slip and any restoration work that might be required. Naturally we want to ensure that this sort of thing doesn't happen again and the geo-tech report will give us the answers to why this has happened."

Mayor Harvey also commented that resource consents for a model railway being built on the property above the slip site have in the past been issued by independent planning commissioners.

19 July

City tribute to Shelley Mather

Mayor Bob Harvey has arranged - on behalf of his Council and the people of Waitakere - to lay a floral tribute at Shelley Mather's memorial service in London.

Shelley, who was killed in the July 7 bombings of the underground, spent her childhood years in Titirangi and continued a strong association with Waitakere.

The floral tribute will be passed on at the service by New Zealand High Commissioner and former New Lynn MP Jonathan Hunt.

"Our hearts go out to Shelley's mum and dad, (Kathryn Gilkison and John Mather), and her other family and friends," says Mayor Harvey.

"I will be writing to Shelley's parents on behalf of the city on their return to New Zealand to express our deepest sympathies and to offer any help we can."

"The florist engaged by the commissioner on our behalf is a Kiwi and will be creating something special that incorporates elements of Shelley's personality with a Waitakere / New Zealand theme."

"She will be using ferns and other available New Zealand plants and the greenery will reflect the lush Waitakere Ranges and the general New Zealand outdoors environment. Flowers will give the piece colour to represent Shelley's bright personality and love of life."

15 July

Business demand for new recycling bins exceeds expectations in Waitakere

Up to 50% of businesses want bins whereas only 25% used crates.

More Waitakere businesses than expected are taking part in the recycling collection causing the Council to order 1500 more of the blue and yellow wheelie bins.

More than 50% of businesses want a mobile recycling bin for collection of "domestic" recycling, largely generated from employee snack and meal times. Only 25% used the much smaller crate service beforehand.

The Council says businesses have said they prefer the 140L mobile recycling bins over the 45L open-top crates because they are a lot tidier and safer to use.

The Council visited all businesses in May and June inviting them to take part in the new service.

The additional bins will be supplied by Onyx Group Ltd, the company contracted to collect recycling and rubbish from both Waitakere and North Shore cities, at no extra cost to the Council. In the interim Onyx will borrow bins from North Shore City, which have a surplus stored for an anticipated growth in the service.  Waitakere's surplus bins have already been distributed.

"We are obviously very pleased with the uptake of the recycling service," says Waitakere City Councillor Janet Clews. "It's terrific to see that businesses are taking the initiative to reduce what domestic waste they are sending to landfill. Every little bit like this counts."

Waitakere and North Shore cities had anticipated that more than 15,000 tonnes of recycling (excluding paper and cardboard) would be collected every year from both regions as a result of the new service, and this figure was expected to increase by more than 200 tonnes per month within a year's time.

14 July

Friendly cheerleaders sought for youth in transition

What is a mentor? A mentor is a friend who can be an adviser, wise guide, networker, resource, teacher or a coach.

If you think you fit one or more of these categories, the Waitakere Youth Transition Services would like to hear from you.

The Service is looking for adults who are prepared to train as mentors or tauira to support youth, aged between 15 and 17, in transition from school to work or further study.

"We are looking for positive role models in the community: volunteers who are good listeners, non judgemental who want to share their wisdom in a one to one partnership which may last for up to 18 months. But also, we want to find people who will be a supportive friend, have fun together and work to develop the potential of young people participating in our programme," says Mentor Coordinator Caitlin Bush.

"No formal qualifications are necessary".

"People who have been mentors say the relationship with a younger person benefits them just as much, as they learn a lot about tolerance, improve their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of youth issues. They are supported and supervised by programme staff through the mentoring relationship," she says.

Mentors must be over 21 years, live in Waitakere and commit to six hours a month mentoring a young person for an 18-month period.

"We need people to step out of their comfort zone and give mentoring a go. We have over 200 young people who have been referred, or referred themselves to the Waitakere Youth Transition Services. These young people are considered at-risk, having disengaged from school, work or training," says Chairperson of Waitakere City Council's Youth and Advocacy Committee Councillor Linda Cooper.

"The mentor training focuses on bringing mentors up to speed with contemporary youth issues, goal setting, communication, resiliency, child safety and resolving conflicts," she says.

The Waitakere Youth Transition Services is an initiative that has been developed by the Ministry of Social Development and Waitakere City Council.

11 July

Library name decided

New Lynn's new library is now officially named the New Lynn War Memorial Library. The Council's City Development Committee decided to adopt the name this month.

The New Lynn War Memorial Library will encompass the new library and memorial square which fronts onto Memorial Drive and reflects a legal agreement that the memory of New Lynn's fallen servicemen and women would be preserved in perpetuity via a permanent memorial.

Support for retaining the war memorial name was backed up by information from the city's archives that showed the Council as a trustee of the area probably had a legal obligation to preserve the memorial permanently.

"The name was agreed on a long time ago and acknowledges the fallen servicemen and women from the area who gave their lives in the world wars," says Councillor Penny Hulse, Chair of the City Development Committee.

11 July

Changes to library hours at Te Atatu South Library

The Te Atatu South Library will be changing its hours as of 18 July.

The new library hours will be 9 am-5.30 pm Tuesdays and Fridays, with a half day 1-5.30 pm on Wednesdays. The library will be closed Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and will not have any late nights.

Tuesday story times at the library will continue until the end of the school year.

There will be no change to the access service, which delivers library materials to those housebound, and children's and teen's librarians will still provide outreach services such as school visits in the area.

The changed hours will culminate in the closure of the library around February 2006, coinciding with the opening of the new Waitakere Central library in Henderson. The new library will offer enhanced services with a learning centre, permanent reference librarians and free access to the internet through a monitored computer suite. The mobile library will also make regular stops in the Te Atatu South area to accommodate those with transport difficulties.

8 July

Waitakere Muslims must not be punished for the evil of fanatics half a world away says Mayor Harvey

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has appealed for tolerance towards Waitakere's Muslim community, in the wake of attacks on mosques in parts of Auckland region over the weekend.

"Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims are peaceful people. They are as shocked and horrified by what has happened in London, as the rest of us and they must not become a target for hate and spite," says Mayor Harvey.

"The terrorists who attacked London, Bali, Madrid and New York, did not care who got killed. They knew that the trains, buildings and buses and streets in all those places, were swarming with Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and people without a religious belief.

"Their true evil is that they hate everybody," Mr Harvey says. "Peaceful, decent honest, humane Muslims are no safer than the rest of us.

"The Muslims we see in Waitakere City clearly had no connection with the London bombs. The followers of the prophet Mohammed in Waitakere, are people who want to build cross-cultural communities and share their faith and contribute to a richer, more diverse, city.

"I appeal to all the people of this city not to punish our fellow New Zealanders for the random violence of a few fanatical, evil, individuals half a world away. That must not happen," says Mayor Harvey.

8 July

New system makes libraries more accessible than ever before

Waitakere's libraries are set to become more accessible than ever, with today's launch of a new online catalogue.

An online reading log and easy renewals are just two of the features of the new system.

'Millenium', from San Francisco based company Innovative Interfaces, is the software allowing users to search the library catalogue online, renew books, and view items they have on loan in the comfort of their own home. If a favourite book isn't held anywhere in Waitakere City, users can choose to view the library collections of four other councils online through Web Bridge and then request books using the inter loan process.

If still unsatisfied with the selection, users can suggest future book purchases for their local library. They can also save favourite catalogue searches and a new email alert service will advise when an author or book concerning their subject becomes available.

Chair of the City Development Committee Councillor Penny Hulse, says the new system will better utilise the Mobile Library, which stops regularly around the city, visiting outlying areas such as Laingholm and Huia.

"The new library system will allow mobile library users to browse and request books online from home and then pick them up off the bus when it's in their area," she says.

"The outer areas of Waitakere such as Laingholm and Huia will benefit greatly from this new system."

While browsing the catalogue, users will also be able to see the book jackets on selected titles, making it easier to spot once in the library.

With minimal disruptions to service in the two days preceding the launch, the 'Smarter Systems' project is a collaboration between five city councils working together to purchase a software system, updating an 18 year old system that is already in place with the goal of creating smarter systems, better libraries and a greater Auckland.

6 July

Oral history award for 'Crown Lynn story'

Waitakere Libraries and Information Services have been awarded $5000 to record memories of New Zealand's iconic pottery works Crown Lynn.

The Award in Oral History from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage is a highly contested fund and is given only to projects which significantly improve our understanding of life in New Zealand/Aotearoa.

The Crown Lynn story is part of the nation's heritage. Operating during the period 1948 - 1989, the factory produced domestic ware commonly used in most New Zealand homes and while this project tells the story of the products, it also encapsulates the contributions of employees from upper management to workshop floor; from decision makers to the workers.

Crown Lynn pottery is a New Zealand icon. From the ubiquitous railway cup, to delicate hand painted jewellery and crockery; this is an integral part of New Zealand's story. The story began in the 1860s at Hobsonville where a farmer R.O. Clark, encountering drainage problems, made his own clay field tiles. Demand was such that he went into business as a manufacturer of bricks and tiles and began a family business which was to have a lasting impact on New Zealand households.

"Every home in the country has had a piece of Crown Lynn and older homes would still have Clark-made bricks, pipes and tiles. It is very timely to be harvesting the stories which are part of a rich cultural resource specific to Waitakere. The Crown Lynn era is being captured an integral part of local and national history," says Waitakere City Councillor Penny Hulse.

The overall task of capturing the district's oral and pictorial history has become an increasingly important commitment for Waitakere City Libraries. An oral history recording programme has been initiated to carry out urgent interviews and manage existing collections.

5 July

Approval for Waitakere's Vertical Composting Unit

Councillor Janet Clews, Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone, Councillor John Hague and Councillor Penny Hulse

One of the largest cities in Wales is set to take a tip from Waitakere's approach to recycling green waste.

Councillor John Hague, Cabinet Member for Environment at the City and County of Swansea was impressed with Waitakere City's Vertical Composting Unit which produces stabilised compost/mulch*.

"Wales in general has a problem with waste, so much goes to landfill and in Swansea we have one of the best recycling rates in Wales - 20 percent. But 80 percent goes to landfill. We can't continue doing that. What I'm seeing here today is a recipe for increased recycling of green waste," says Councillor Hague.

An independent member of a 72-member council, Mr Hague is one of a 10-member cabinet. His Environment portfolio includes coastal paths, marina berths, waste, technical services and planning.

At Waitakere's Refuse Transfer Station, Mr Hague and three fellow Lions supporters Clarence Thorne, Geoffrey Clement and Dr Paul Brookes were greeted by a trio of Waitakere councillors, Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone, Councillor Janet Clews (Chairperson of Finance and Operational Committee), Councillor Penny Hulse (Chairperson of City Development), Manager of Solid Waste Jon Roscoe, representatives of VCU Technology Chairman Tony Gledhill and CEO Mark Templeton.  

 * The production of compost/mulch from green waste taken to the Refuse and Recycling Station is contracted to Perry Waste Services. The product is a "stabilised mulch" - mulch which has gone through the initial composting process, but has not yet turned to compost. It is stabilised in the sense that it will no longer generate heat.
 

5 July

Ranges' Bill notified by Waitakere, Rodney and Regional Councils

The Bill to protect the Waitakere Ranges and foothills took another significant step today with three councils publicly notifying their intention of introducing the Bill into Parliament.

The local Bill has today been lodged in the District Courts at Henderson, Auckland and Warkworth and is at public libraries for 15 days. The final Bill is now available for public inspection for the first time.

Following this period, the Bill will be sent to Parliament within six months, where it is expected to be referred to a Select Committee for its consideration, prior to consideration by Parliament.

Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Council and Rodney District have adopted the final draft of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill to promote long term protection of heritage features while enabling the 28,500 hectares of public and private land to be lived in and worked in.

"I am pleased to have arrived at this significant milestone. This Bill will ensure that future generations can enjoy the priceless asset of the Ranges and foothills," says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

"Over the past few months we have received extensive feedback from the public on the proposed new law and the Bill has been strengthened by this. I look forward to further discussions on this Local Bill," says Mayor Harvey.

Copies of the Bill are available for public inspection at Council offices and libraries for 15 working days from Tuesday 5 July to Monday 25 July 2005 OR you can download a copy of the Bill from this site.

1 July

Over 350 get active in June

Over 350 people took up the challenge to get active in June with free visits to gyms around the city.

Three local gyms opened their doors for free for people to come and challenge themselves by running, walking, cycling or rowing 2 km.

Everyone who finished received a pedometer (a small device that calculates distance) to encourage them to keep up the challenge.

3,2,1 Get Moving was a Waitakere City Council initiative based on the Push Play campaign to get more New Zealanders off the sofa and leading a more active life.