Media Releases

March 2005
 

31 March

One of the last five beams is levered into place at the new Paremuka Bridge

Paremuka Bridge nears completion

A new bridge connecting traffic from Sturges Rd through to Munroe and Metcalf Roads is expected to relieve peak-hour congestion between Sturges Rd and Swanson.

The two span 60m long reinforced bridge is expected to be finished around October.

Last week, the last set of five beams, each weighing 48 tonnes, was transported from the casting yard at Airdale Rd Ranui, through Summerland Drive, to be lifted into place by two of the largest mobile cranes in New Zealand.

"This bridge forms the basis for an arterial route to connect the suburbs of Ranui and Swanson with Henderson and Glen Eden," says Chair of the City Development Committee Councillor Penny Hulse.

"It is going to make an enormous difference to the lives of people living in Sturges Rd, and the Summerland and Palomino areas," says Councillor Hulse.

30 March

Stream water monitored until clear again

A significant sewage blockage at Glen Eden on 29 March was cleared by Council contractors Techscape by midnight. The blockage was understood to be caused by tree roots from a tree growing on private property on the edge of a stream. A flushing truck worked for several hours to clear the blockage, and a pump was used to clean up the stream.

The next morning (today 30 March), more sewage was discovered further downstream and again, the cause of the blockage was found to be tree roots.

Council's EcoWater officers erected signs and distributed flyers to 50 households in the area to advise of the overflow and potential heath risk posed by the affected section of stream.

Two sucker-trucks were used to clear solid waste and contingency monitoring of the stream's water quality will continue until the stream is back to normal.

23 March

Survey shows most are satisfied with quality of Waitakere life

The majority of Waitakere residents (86%) rate their quality of life as "good" or "extremely good" in a Quality of Life Survey, while an overwhelming majority (98%) of the city's residents have had some positive contact with people in their neighbourhood.

The survey's results show that about 84 percent of Waitakere residents take part in regular physical exercise and the same percentage are satisfied with life in general.

Over half (54%) have confidence that the decisions the council makes are in the best interest of the city. This is above the national average (50%) and that of other cities in the Auckland Region.

The survey was a joint effort between the Ministry of Social Development and the 12 Quality of Life Project Cities and is part of an ongoing series of research exploring quality of life and well-being issues in cities throughout New Zealand.

The 12 cities include North Shore, Waitakere, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Porirua, Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin and Rodney District.

This information is used to help inform central and local government policy, particularly for cities undertaking monitoring of progress toward achieving community outcomes under the Local Government Act.

Survey interviews were conducted over the telephone with 7,800 people, with a margin of error of +/- 1.2% on the 6,300 interviews conducted in the 12 cities and +/- 1.1% on the total New Zealand sample of 7,800.

Waitakere City's results were similar to those of the larger cities in New Zealand, particularly those in the Auckland Region, highlighting that the issues that face residents of large urban areas are very similar.

The overall purpose of this study is to identify common issues facing urban communities with the objective of working together with central government, community organisations, businesses and residents to improve the lives of people living in cities.

Survey Results:

• The majority (86%) of Waitakere City residents rated their quality of life as "good" or "extremely good".
• Over half (58%) of Waitakere City residents rated their overall health as "good" or "very good".
• Of those residents who had experienced barriers to their leisure activities (42%), most attributed this to lack of time due to family and/or work commitments.
• The majority (84%) of Waitakere City Residents say they participate in some form of physical activity at least once a week, with 35% participating in some form of physical activity everyday.
• 84% of Waitakere City residents are satisfied with their life in general.
• Over half of Waitakere City residents (54%) have confidence that the decision that Council makes is in the best interest of their city which is above the national average (50%) and that of other cities in the Auckland Region.
• The majority of Waitakere City residents agree that they are using their work skills, training and experience in their current job.
• 67% of Waitakere City residents are satisfied with their balance between their work and other aspects of life.
• The majority of Waitakere City residents feel safe from crime in their own neighbourhood after dark (67%), but just under one third (27%) do not feel safe from crime in their town centre after dark.
• Waitakere City Residents are more likely to see dangerous driving as a problem in their city compared to the national average (67% and 60% respectively).
• Over half of Waitakere City residents (53%) stated that the group or social network that mattered to them the most was mostly made up of people who had the same interests, culture or beliefs as them, but who did not necessarily live in their area. Twenty-two percent stated that their social networks were mostly made up of people who lived in the same area as them (that is, their local neighbourhood), while 22% stated that there were no particular groups or networks that they felt part of.
• Waitakere residents are less likely to see air, water and noise pollution as a problem in their city, compared with the national average.
• About three quarters (74%) of Waitakere City residents agree that their city has a culturally rich and diverse arts scene (much higher than the national average of 63%).
• Of those that had a sense of pride in the way their city looks and feels (67%), the majority said so because of the "green city, beautiful parks and gardens and friendly, welcoming people."

22 March

'Fried brains' on youth, alcohol and drug menu

People of all ages with concerns about the safety of young people are invited to attend the Waitakere City Community Expo on Thursday 24 March 2005.

The expo aims to inform the community to deal more effectively with youth substance abuse.

Westie comedian Councillor Ewen Gilmour will open the Expo at 9 am. The Council's spokesperson on Youth, he is concerned that "the kids are out there frying their brains. They don't realise that drugs these days are that much stronger.  And those parents who are doing drugs need to keep their drugs habits away from their children."

"Children as young as nine years are using marijuana and P is being sold at high schools.

"Our purpose at this Expo is to let people know there are a considerable number of agencies to help. No situation is so hopeless, that it can't be bettered.

"Solutions can come through raised awareness of the impact drugs have on youth, whänau and community.

"This expo is about becoming better informed about the resources available for young people who are trapped in unhealthy situations.

"The community is part of the solution. We are keen to get the all the groups working in this area together," says Councillor Gilmour.

Equipping the community with information is the aim of facilitators CAYAD (Community Action on Youth and Drugs) Waitakere City Council and social service providers.

"The forum is an opportunity for people to take part in a process that will in turn reap positive results for Waitakere youth.  We want public input and feedback as a vital part of our collaboration process," says Councillor Gilmour.

There will be presentations from Hoani Waititi Marae, Police Youth Aid, Wai Health Addictions, Mental Health Foundation, Pasifika Health Care.

18 March

Council to provide composting for Round the Bays

The 100,000 cups used in the HSBC Round the Bays this Sunday will be composted at Waitakere City Council's Refuse Transfer Station for free by Perry Waste Management.

Delivered to Perry Waste Management's vertical composting unit (or VCU) for disposal after the event, they will turn into water, carbon dioxide and biomass within 45 days under the right heat and moisture conditions.

Councillor Vanessa Neeson says, "We are happy to provide such an eco-friendly service for free, especially as Round the Bays supports a charity each year."

Supplied by New Zealand plastics manufacturer Vertex Pacific, the cups are made from a new, sustainable plastic derived from the natural sugars found in corn.

"We believe that polymers made from organic matter - such as corn - will eventually supersede those made from hydrocarbons," says Vertex Pacific Sales and Marketing Manager (Dairy Packaging) Murray Antram.

"Biodegradable plastic is an extremely important new method of dealing with New Zealand's ever-increasing waste, making the development of new technology such as PLA vital to any sustainable management strategy."

18 March

New Building Act will provide stronger consumer protection

The new Building Act 2004 which comes into force on 1 April will tighten technical aspects of building legislation in the wake of the leaky home syndrome.

Consumers will be better protected from builders who are less than scrupulous, says Waitakere City's Planning and Regulatory Committee Chair Councillor Vanessa Neeson.

"The new act is designed to prevent the sort of things that caused the leaky homes problems of the last few years. It will provide an enhanced level of protection to the consumer," says Councillor Neeson.

The far-reaching changes to the Building Act 1991 include a tightening of the rules around obtaining code compliance certificates and change of use. The building levy will rise and a new certificate of acceptance has been introduced for unauthorised building work carried out after 1 July 1992 and for urgent work.

Some building consent applications will need to be referred to the NZ Fire Service while some others that do not meet current criteria will be asked to supply extra documentation to normal plans and specifications.

Two main areas will not change: these are safe and sanitary inspections for unauthorised building work carried out before 1 July 1992 and code compliance certificates for buildings constructed under the Building Act 1991.

What changes:

• The building levy increases from $0.65 to $1.97 per $1000 of value of work on building with an estimated value of work over $20,000. This increase is retrospective, with consents uplifted after 31 March 2005 charged at the new rate, regardless of when the application was lodged.
• It will be an offence to permit public use of a building without a building consent or code compliance certificate having been granted. Fines of up to $200,000 and $20,000 per day will be charged for continuing offences. It will also be an offence for a residential property developer or 'spec builder' to sell a household unit without first obtaining code compliance certificate.
• Building consent applications will have 20 working days to be processed.
• Interim code compliance certificates cannot be issued after 31 March 2005.
• Code compliance certificates will no longer be issued by requesting a final inspection. Owners must apply in writing for a code compliance certificate, using the prescribed form and the work will be inspected within 20 working days.
• The code compliance certificate must be obtained within two years of the granting of a building consent.
• Owners must give written notice to the council if they propose to change the use of a building. If the change of use involves creating a new household unit (eg changing a basement into a flat), the building will require upgrading in all respects to comply with the NZ Building Code to the same extent as reasonably practicable as if it were a new building. In all other cases (eg changing a garage into a hairdressing salon) the building will only need upgrading in terms of fire escape and rating, protection of other premises, sanitary facilities, structure, access and facilities for people with disabilities to comply with the NZ Building Code.
• The new Certificate of Acceptance is required when unauthorised work has been carried out after 1 July 1992, for urgent work and for any building work where the building consent authority that is not a territorial authority (previously called a building certifier) is unable or unwilling to issue a code compliance certificate. This does not apply where the territorial authority refuses a code compliance certificate or the certificate has not been obtained within the required two years.
• Some types of building consent applications must be referred to the NZ Fire Service for comment on provision of fire escape facilities.
•  Applicants for building consents will need to supply additional documentation to the normal plans and specifications (eg justification for alternative solutions).

What does not change

• Safe and sanitary inspections for unauthorised building work carried out before 1 July 1992.
• Code compliance certificates for buildings constructed under the Building Act 1991.

18 March

Summerslamz set to rock Te Pai Skate Park on 2nd April

SummerSlamz, a free youth event staged by Waitakere City Council, hits Te Pai Skate Park on Saturday 2nd April to round out the summer in style. From 1pm till 4pm, Te Pai Skate Park will be a hive of fun activity - all for free.

In celebration of the new $210,000 skate park extension, Cheapskates West will host the best Skate Park & Mini-Ramp Comp to hit Waitakere skate parks, with awesome cash prizes and products up for grabs. A BMX competition is also being held. Be there at 1pm to see the Cheapskates West team take on the Globe skaters as they rip up the park to see who's got the best tricks.

Kick back and listen to some of Auckland's up & coming bands as they rock the stage - featuring The Rabble, Incursa, Mesa Dupree and Runninghouse. Or cruise around admiring the many Muscle Cars/ Drag Cars and the like, that will be on display around the park. The Edge is sponsoring the event and will be there on the day with plenty of prizes to give away.

And for the more adventurous, the GoVertical Rock Climbing Wall & Bungee will be in operation throughout the day - for free of course.

17 March

Friendly face of Council appointed at Piha

Public calls for a Council presence at Piha have been answered.

Piha lifeguard Geoff Calvert has been confirmed as Piha's Park Ranger following a one month trial over the Christmas period.

Mr Calvert is warranted under the Reserves Act 1997 to carry out a custodial role at Piha.

He has the authority to interfere to prevent an offence happening on a Piha reserve and to ask a member of the public for his/her name and address in regards to an offence being committed. He does not issue infringement notices, but is in a largely advisory capacity regarding Council bylaws.

"I am pleased that Geoff Calvert has been confirmed as the friendly face of Council. It takes a particular sort of temperament to do this type of work and we believe he has already proved that he can promote the Council in a positive manner and handle the custodial part of the job," says Waitakere Community Board Chair Christine Shepherd.

"The Council ranger's duties will be complementary to those of the ARC Ranger. Andy Peterson deals with the far north and south end of Piha," she says.

The Waitakere Community Board and Piha Residents and Ratepayers' Association have been submitting to Council for last three years through the Annual Plan process for a dedicated ranger at Piha. The appointment of a park ranger was asked for at a public meeting following the disappearance in November of Iraena Asher as one of the strategies to make the community safer.

"Geoff is not here to fix things, but he will keep an eye on what's happening. For example, he has already monitored film crews to ensure conditions of approval are met and answered many questions about the current dog exercise by laws," says Mrs Shepherd.

Piha Park Ranger Geoff Calvert is on duty at weekends and public holidays from 12 noon. Requests for service can be made through the Council's Call Centre

17 March

Building Act causes inspection bottleneck

If you need a building inspected before the new Building Act comes into force on the 1st of April, the best plan is to book ahead.

That's the advice Waitakere City Council staff are giving to builders, plumbers and drainlayers who need code compliance certificates for their work during the month of March.

Councillor Vanessa Neeson says there is a combination of factors involved in the rush for building inspectors.

"Firstly, there is the new Building Act. Many people are trying to get jobs signed off before this comes into force. Then there is the fact that this is the building season; the stretch of fine weather was a long time coming," she says.

At present there is a three to four day delay in getting a building inspected, compared to the usual one to two day wait.

Councillor Neeson says there is also a rush of people trying to get final signoff on older buildings.

"People are saying, why haven't you got enough inspectors? At present there is a New Zealand-wide shortage of trained building inspectors. We have 12 building inspectors and five plumbing and drainage inspectors. The maximum output of the former is 60 building inspections in one day and the latter can handle 45 a day at full stretch.

"We are saying that builders need to plan ahead during this temporary period and book their inspections early," she says.

15 March

More available at your local library

Waitakere Libraries can now give residents internet and "hard copy" access to a complete range of statistical information under a new partnership signed with Statistics New Zealand.

Waitakere Libraries will receive a copy of all Statistics New Zealand publications as well as providing access to the official website via computers.

Any questions can be answered by the trained librarians on hand, who can access information advisers at Statistics New Zealand's national office for further information.

Visit your local library now and discover more about New Zealand and our population.

Did you know in 2003/4:

• 51% of us read a daily newspaper in the morning, spending $2,892,400 each week!
• 38% of households also bought their favourite magazines, making the weekly spend a whopping $3,062,900.

Information now available from your local library includes key statistics, demographic trends, regional summaries, the 2004 Yearbook, statistics on other cultures in New Zealand and reports from the Government Statistician.

Acting General Manager John Palmer of Statistics New Zealand says that the partnership allows easier access to information and is part of the effort to reform the communication channels between the government organisation and the public.

He says the 2006 Census is the opportunity for everyone to help build the picture of New Zealand and its people. It also presents a new challenge, being bigger than ever and with the possibility of online forms as an option for those more internet-savvy.

The 2006 Census will also examine the New Zealand population more than ever, providing a view into how people live by focusing on new communities such as apartment dwellers, as well as collecting the usual information about families, households and income.

11 March

Have your say on transport

Plans to begin extending a network of walk and cycle ways in Waitakere City are moving ahead.

Work on upgrading the Henderson, Glen Eden, Fruitvale and Sunnyvale rail stations and the project to double track the western line, are providing an opportunity to develop a secure walk and cycle way along the rail line.

To get these projects right, we need to hear what will work best for people living near the rail line, stations and walk and cycle ways.

10 March

Career Services opens satellite office in West Auckland

With the opening of a new Career Services satellite office in Henderson people living in Waitakere City can now look forward to accessing the very latest in career information, advice and planning services.

'We are very excited to be able to offer this service. Up until now people have had to travel into North Shore but now people can book in and be seen in Henderson," says Elizabeth Lind-Mitchell, Career Services Regional Manager. "This is very much in line with Career Services stated goals to make career information and advice available for all people."

Initially the branch will operate as an 'on demand service' where a client can contact Career Services to arrange an appointment for the Henderson branch. It is envisaged that staff will be available to meet with pre-booked clients for two days per week.

"We will provide a range of services from there including one-on-one career planning, job search skills, CV development and up-to-date information on jobs, labour market trends and training providers," says Elizabeth. "For clients who do not have internet or phone access they will also be able to access our internet-based KiwiCareers and freephone CareerPoint services."

All bookings and appointments will still be taken through the North Shore CareerCentre on 0800 109901 or (09) 489 2299.

The branch is to be officially opened by the Mayor of Waitakere City, Bob Harvey, on 14 March.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says that in the past two years employment and business growth in his City has been higher than the national average.

"The arrival of Career Services is another important piece in the jig saw which will allow our residents to make more informed choices and, ultimately, get better jobs," he says.

10 March

Manawa wetland extension

Work has begun on an extension to the Manawa Wetland Reserve (in Margan Avenue, New Lynn).

Waitakere City Council purchased the 0.8 hectare vacant site in 2003 and it is now being developed as an extension to the existing reserve. The Concept Plan for the reserve was developed in conjunction with the local community and was adopted by the New Lynn Community Board in August 2004.

When it is finished, the reserve will contain an open, flat, grassed area for recreation and community gatherings, a large planted wetland with a boardwalk, pathways, picnic tables and trees. Two planted swales (natural drains) will carry stormwater from Margan Avenue and Melview Place across the site into the wetland. From the wetland, the water will flow out down a spillway into the existing ponds in Manawa Wetland Reserve.

Construction work, which will cost $271,077 plus GST, will be carried out over the next 3 months and is expected to be completed in early May.

The site is part of the old Crown Lynn quarry and is a former rubbish landfill. New Lynn Community Board chairman Pim Van der Voort says the transformation of the area from and old dump into a reserve over the past few years has been amazing.

"This area was dirty, smelly and polluted. It was an eyesore. The Council has turned it into a natural wetland in just a few years, which is an amazing turnaround. Now there are birds, fish and other wildlife there and this next stage will mean that local residents will have one of the most picturesque parks in the whole of New Lynn on their door-step."

The first few weeks of the development will see tonnes of soil moved around on the site. "That will mean a lot of trucks coming and going," says Mr Van der Voort. "We are trying to keep any disruption to a minimum, but are asking local residents to bear with us for the first few weeks. The end result will be worth any minor disruption," he says.

8 March

Henderson South Primary joins TravelWise trend

Henderson South Primary is the latest school in Waitakere to become part of a growing trend encouraging children to walk or cycle to school.

The school will launch its school travel plan, developed in association with Waitakere City Council and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority under the TravelWise to School programme, on Thursday, March 10 at 6.30pm.

The local community has been consulted on the plan, and provided feedback as to what will suit them best.

The plan includes measures to be taken by the council and the school to help get kids out of their parents' cars, and improve the morning chaos at the school gate, says Henderson Ward Councillor Ewen Gilmour.

Despite most primary students in Waitakere City living close to their schools, research has found the majority are being driven to school.

In the case of Henderson South, over 90% of the school's 280 students live within 1.5km of the school - an easy walking distance for most kids. Yet the Council survey found over half the students are mostly driven to school by mum or dad, says Councillor Gilmour.

Parents are starting to realise it is not good for their child's health to be driven to and from school every day, while they battle for road space, especially around the school gate. And of course every car on the road adds to the pollution problem as well.

Henderson South Primary is looking to set up two walking school buses this year, in which children walk to school in a group, escorted by an adult volunteer (usually a parent).

The Council is investigating options for traffic calming devices around the school, such as judder bars and new road markings to warn drivers they are in a school area.

Fruitvale Primary in New Lynn already has a travel plan tailored to the needs of the local community. Following this success, the Council is also working with schools in the Rathgar and Lincoln Road areas.

For traffic-conscious Aucklanders, parents are realising that driving their children to school is a major contributing factor to traffic congestion around the region.

We all know that it is easier to get around during school holidays because there are fewer cars on the road. People are also starting to understand that kids who walk or cycle to school are fitter, healthier, and more independent and motivated, says Councillor Gilmour.

The launch will also involve a presentation of an enormous tivaevae (quilt) back to the school as part of a memorial for Rosetta Brown, who died unexpectedly last year. Rosetta was Associate Principal for the school, and contributed much time and personal energy to road safety at the school.

8 March

Minister Maharey launches new service for Waitakere

This Thursday (March 10) the Minister for Social Development and Employment Steve Maharey will be in Waitakere to launch one of five youth transition services planned for rollout across the country.

Youth Horizons will be the lead agency to deliver the service in Waitakere, targeting 15-17 year old school leavers, and specifically those who are 'at risk' of becoming unemployed or disengaged with training/further education. The service will be open to young people living in or attending school in Waitakere.

Jeff Richardson, CEO, says Youth Horizons will support young people by providing those identified as being at risk of unemployment or disengagement from further education/training with access to career planning and job-seeking assistance.

Encouraging and assisting young people to take advantage of education and training opportunities, establishing a youth resource centre and developing a network of supportive relationships to enhance the existing services in Waitakere are just a few initiatives aiming to provide customised support and guidance to school leavers, facilitating their pathway into work, education or training.

Work and Income co-ordinated the consultation process to develop the service's three year plan and to identify a lead provider. Work and Income's Auckland Regional Commissioner, Isabel Evans, says the service will help young people to make the transition from school to sustainable employment.

"We want all of Waitakere's school leavers to be able to take advantage of the opportunities in the local labour market. This service will link them into the training and jobs that will enable them to do this."

The Waitakere service is one of the first five youth transition services to be established nationally.  A total of 14 will be set up by 2007.

Bob Harvey, Mayor of Waitakere, says "The beauty of it is that it is based within our community and directed by our community. It aims to give our young people, access to all the support services, advice and ideas they need to harness their strengths and make the transition from school to their futures by linking them to the worlds of work, training and education."

2 March

Council completes deliberations

The Waitakere City Council has completed the first stage of deliberations on its Annual Plan (budget) for 2005/2006. Councillors spent a week considering the draft budgets which are now put out for public submission.

The draft budgets, at this stage, show an increase in Council controlled costs of 7.15% most of which is made up of the costs of rapid growth (for example, the provision and maintenance of community facilities infrastructure such as parks, roading, footpaths etc).

The Council has held its unit operating costs very close to the level of inflation but is faced with escalating world-wide price rises for oil, steel and cement, which is reflected in the cost of bitumen and other construction materials.

Councillors originally started with a proposed rates rise of 6.45%, but during deliberations added in a number of items, including an extra $540,000 for new footpaths (taking the total to be spent on footpaths to $2.25 million).

The indicative rates rise equates to around $117 a year (around $2.25 a week) for the average residential property with land value of $150,000.

Regional levies outside of the City Council's control (Watercare Services Ltd , Auckland War Memorial Museum and MOTAT) increase the overall figure to 7.65%.

Traditional areas of expenditure such as roading, parks, water, libraries, waste-water and storm-water continue to receive major attention. They account for $71.5 million (or 71%) of the total rates requirement.

The Chairperson of the Council's Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Special Committee, Councillor Janet Clews, says the budget is a balance between core functions and providing for the future.

She also stressed that major projects currently underway, such as the new Waitakere Central transport hub in Henderson, the new New Lynn library and the Henderson library (in conjunction with Unitec) have had a minimal impact on rates this year.

"There has been a lot of misinformation around these projects," she says. "This year, all up they account for far less than 1% of the proposed rates rise. That is because they are being funded from loans, and will be paid for over many years. And that is simply because is more equitable - why should today's ratepayers have to fully fund a facility that will be used by others in 2020 and beyond?"

Mrs Clews says that in developing the draft budget Councillors looked closely at all areas of expenditure, as well as income. As a result, the cost of Council rubbish bags ("grey bags") will rise 10 cents, to $1.30. This is expected to bring an additional $270,000 which has been used to off-set cost increases that would otherwise have to be funded through rates.

The draft budget will now be released for public submissions (submissions open on April 4 and close on May 4). After that, hearings will be held, possible amendments made and the final budget adopted by 28 June.

An issue that the Council will highlight during consultation is the proposed closure of Te Atatu South library. "The decision was taken in light of the fact that there is a good library at Te Atatu Peninsula and that the new Henderson central library is coming on stream," says Councillor Clews. "Te Atatu South has a relatively low number of users and these other libraries are within 5km. If we were building a new library, it wouldn't be in Te Atatu South, so the time has come to look at its future."

Closure would bring savings of $230,000 a year.

"Having said that, it is now up to the community to make their views known through the submissions process. But the mobile library is being retained and could extend its services to Te Atatu South if required."

"During the submissions period we hope to hear more from the community about what they want to see next year."