Media Releases

May 2005

 

31 May

Historic Henderson bridge closes

Coronation Bridge, the pedestrian link beside Great North Road, from the Corban Hill Carpark across the Opanuku Stream to Henderson will be closed from 1 June 2005.

Waitakere City Council decided to bring the proposed closing forward because of poor weather forecasts.

High stream levels after storms, in recent years, have undermined the historic bridge's foundations and for the last year, as a safety precaution, it has been regularly closed during storms.

The Council had decided to permanently close the bridge in mid-June after nearly 100 years of service, but brought the closing date forward when the Indian summer came to an abrupt end at the weekend.

Safety provisions will be made for pedestrians to use the footpath on the eastern side of the Great North Road bridge.

The bridge was opened in 1911, in time for the coronation of King George V.

The reinforced concrete bridge spanning the Opanuku Stream at the junction of Great North Road and Henderson Valley Rd will be discussed at the City Development Committee on Thursday.

Councillor Ewen Gilmour says the bridge is showing "clear signs of erosion and structural failure."

"We are concerned for public safety and will be looking at a range of options which include repairing or demolishing the bridge and building a new footbridge," he says.

The Coronation Bridge is listed under the Waitakere City Council District Plan as a Category II heritage item.

Council officers recommend that the bridge is demolished and replaced with a new footbridge attached to Great North Road at a cost of $421,000.

Historical Note:

A brass plaque records that the bridge was erected by the Waitemata County Council and the chairman (A. Cochran), engineer (G.A. Jackson) and builders' (Turner and Beadle) names are inscribed on it.

Henderson's Coronation Bridge is one of many structures throughout the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries built to celebrate King George's ascension to the British Throne in 1911. His coronation, an elaborate affair, sparked a "Festival of Empire" in which competitive sport was played by the U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand - this was the forerunner to the Commonwealth Games, which began following the Great War of 1916-1918.

In New Zealand, the King's coronation inspired a plethora of structures in his honour, including Coronation halls at Waipu, Dunedin, Masterton and Albany.

30 May

Nigel Domestic God-esque by Fifi Colston

Kiwi icons are 'Trashed'

We're calling for registrations for the 10th Anniversary of Trash to Fashion®.

This year's show at the Trusts Stadium will celebrate some of our greatest kiwi icons. The categories reflect what it means to be kiwi to us all, irrespective of age, gender or cultural background.

"We also believe that Kiwis can make anything out of a bit of four-by-two and a length of number 8 wire and we're counting on you to prove it!  Take the Ute (or MPV) down to the farm, the 'dump' or the garage and stock up on all the leftovers you can find. This is a chance to showcase real kiwi ingenuity, so bring it out of the shed and onto the stage, says Project Co-ordinator Glenda Roberts.

"The Trusts Trash to Fashion® awards are a powerful tool for Waitakere City Council to spread the word through creative innovation about recycling, reusing, and of course, ultimately reducing waste amongst its own community, but the event itself is now also reaching a greater audience NZ wide'" she says.

Trash to Fashion® 2005 dates checklist:

• Registration Form due 5 pm, Friday 1 July 2005
• Garment due 5 pm, Saturday 1 October 2005
• Awards Night 8 pm, Friday 25 November 2005
• Performances 2 pm & 8 pm, Saturday 26 November 2005

27 May

How many steps do you do?

If you've ever wondered how many steps you take in a day, get a pedometer.  Better still, get one free by coming along to the Push Play 3 2 1 Get Moving events, running from June 8 to 26 at three venues around Waitakere City.

A pedometer is worn on the hip and counts how many steps you do in a day, with the average adult aiming for 10,000 steps in a day.

To get your free pedometer and a workout voucher, be one of the first 50 people on the day at the venue to walk, run, cycle or row 2km.  West Wave, YMCA Massey and Momentum all have free gym memberships up for grabs, with three double memberships at each venue. There will also be giveaways of spot prizes of bags, t-shirts, drink bottles and family passes.

There's no need to register for these events, just turn up at the venue on the day in gym gear if you're over 16 (normal gym rules apply).

26 May

Major Boost for Film

The New Zealand film industry is set to receive a major boost.

At a meeting last night the Waitakere City Council agreed to enter into a joint venture to develop a major new film studio in Henderson, using private sector investment funds. The new $7 million studio will be built on vacant land at the existing Henderson Valley Studios, which the Council purchased in 2002.

The Council will sell the current studio complex for $6 million to a joint venture company, which it takes a 40% investment in. The company will then be responsible for raising the funds in order for the development to proceed. The Council will also own 40% of the management company that will run the studio complex.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has approved a $1 million grant towards the costs of the new studio (also subject to confirmation of the private sector investment), as part of a Major Regional Initiative through the industry body, Film Auckland.

Plans see work on the new studio, which at around 2000 square metres will be one of the largest in the country, begin at the end of the year be completed by June 2006.

Waitakere has a long record as a film and television production base. The industry is estimated to inject $64 million dollars into the local economy annually. Mayor Bob Harvey says the industry is one of the largest employers in the city and the new facility will enable more national and international productions to be based in the Auckland region.

"Not only will this bring jobs and economic benefit to this city and the region, but it means we will be able to attract truly international productions," says Mayor Bob Harvey. "It cements Waitakere's position as the Hollywood of the South Pacific. Recently the multi-million dollar The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Disney) was shot almost entirely in the city. State of the art new studios and sound stages mean we will be able to attract more projects like that."

24 May

Waitakere Ranges Legislation

Waitakere City Council today voted for legislation to be submitted to Parliament in an effort to better protect the Waitakere Ranges and its foothills.

The Waitakere Ranges and Foothills Heritage Area Bill is also supported by the Auckland Regional Council.

At its meeting today, Waitakere City Councillors asked local MP Lynne Pillay to guide the legislation through the parliamentary process, where the public will have a further chance to make submissions on the Bill through select committee hearings.

Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey says the decision is a momentous one for not only this city and the Auckland region but indeed the country.

"You just have to look at places like Queenstown, Wanaka and Taupo to see that Council regulations and even the RMA (Resource Management Act) often aren't enough to stop rampant development from destroying unique environments," he says.

"This can be a template for communities around the country. The development of this Bill has been one of leadership and is maybe a lesson that the whole of New Zealand local government can look up to - open, honest leadership that looks to the future, with the community being inspired to think beyond today into the tomorrow of our children."

Mr Harvey also says the very thing that has made the west challenging and exciting - its pioneering bloody mindedness - saw more than 70% of those surveyed saying they wanted something done to protect the unique ranges and foothills permanently.

"Like me, Councillors believe the only really effective way to ensure this magnificent area was kept green and glorious, a legacy to future generations, is legislation. In making the decision to send the Bill on its way to Parliament we have made an historic and incredibly significant decision."

The legislation is modelled on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act and Mayor Harvey stresses that it does not take away existing property rights. "It simply gives another layer of protection, above the District Plan and the RMA."

23 May

Michelle Maitland from George Walker Auctions setting a blistering pace at last year's auction

The Odyssey takes off again

Funded by the Waitakere City Council, the Odyssey is an incentive based reading programme for 13-17 year olds developed by Manukau Libraries and adopted by Waitakere's Kidz Team.

Last year's challenge finished with a professional live auction where over a hundred teens bought items with Odyssey dollars, earned by reading books over a period of time.

The Odyssey 2005 is now open for entries.

Running from 20 June till 10 August, this year's auction will take place at the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre. Parents and children alike will take part in another fierce auction for a range of items. Popular items from last year's auction included a satin silver Playstation and jumbo teddy bear.

Pictured: Shared Services Contract signing. Seated from left: Mike Huddleston, CEO Onyx Ltd; Harry O'Rourke, CEO, Waitakere City Council; John Brockies CEO, North Shore City Council. Standing from left, Jon Roscoe, Shared Service Project Manager; Allison Geddes, GM Environmental Services, North Shore City Council

19 May

Clean, Green and Saving Ratepayers' Money

Why councils are collaborating for waste reduction

Waitakere and North Shore City Councils are making local government and business history by commissioning the country's largest ever waste collection contract and by proposing a waste by-law aimed at reducing the region's rubbish.

The new waste collection contract signed by two of New Zealand's largest cities is also a major step towards delivering on the "Zero Waste' policies.

Together with Rodney District Council, which is participating in the waste bylaw and may also join the waste collection initiative when their current contractual commitments expire next year, the councils are the first to seriously implement elements of central government's National Waste Strategy.

Waitakere first publicly tabled idea of collaborating with other councils for waste reduction in a 1999 document titled, "Your waste, whose responsibility," in an attempt to challenge the commercial monopoly of the Auckland waste market. The council's recommendations progressed during a meeting in 2002 between Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey and his North Shore counterpart, George Wood, where they discussed ways at achieving "Zero Waste" in Auckland.

"People often criticise local governments as highly bureaucratic," says Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey. "The new waste collection contract and regional bylaw clearly demonstrate the ability of the councils to work together toward a common goal that will achieve great efficiencies and benefit ratepayers - not to mention the benefits to the environment"

Of New Zealand's five major waste collection operators, Onyx Group Ltd emerged as the outstanding tender for the shared services contract, worth $55 million over ten years.

Waitakere's solid waste manager, Jon Roscoe, who is also project manager of the "shared services" initiative, says that Onyx "raised the bar" with the solutions it is offering the councils for its collection services. "Unlike other operators, Onyx does not own a landfill and has therefore shown the need to refocus its energies on the recycling sector, They demonstrated other initiatives such as tendering high pay scales for their staff, which should lead to better staff selection and retention" says Mr Roscoe.

Onyx has the potential to earn additional revenue by selling the recyclables it collects. Onyx CEO Mike Huddleston says the overseas recycling market becomes much more attractive when you are able collect the larger volumes provided by multiple councils. "The more recyclables we collect means the more options we have to increase our revenues and add to our bottom line," says Mr Huddleston.

The sheer volume of recycling that will collected when the trucks hit the streets on 1 July have justified the building of a new recycling sorting facility at Waitakere City Council's Refuse Transfer Station in Henderson, where Onyx will transport all recyclables for future recovery.

Together with the existing refuse transfer station, the new sorting facility - which is expected to employ 11 new staff once it becomes operational next month - will for the first time enable the cities to closely audit the entire waste stream, thereby forming an accurate picture of what approximately 378,100 people, almost 10% of the New Zealand's population, discard every month.

Without the ability to monitor the waste stream, the councils need to rely on commercial waste collectors to tell them what's being collected, many of which financially benefit from increased waste volumes and do not perform complete waste audits.

A recent memo from the Ministry Environment's senior advisor of sustainable industry, Chris Purchase, states that councils should own or control disposal facilities if they want to succeed with introducing incentives like waste levies. Mr Purchase writes: "where a territorial authority retains ownership or control of disposal facilities, waste levies following the Christchurch model would seem effective."

Christchurch City Council has recently implemented a bylaw that includes waste licensing fees and levies for it cleanfill operations. They join several hundred other cities, mostly in Europe, which have successfully implemented levies as a means of creating financial incentives for people to reduce rubbish.

Central government proposed a system of national landfill levies to support its National Waste Strategy, but abandoned this in 2003, this was a year after Waitakere and North Shore City Councils had started working on combined waste reduction initiatives.

19 May

Land transfer approved for Te Atatu Marae

Waitakere City Council has formally approved the transfer of 2.5 hectares of land at Harbourview-Orangihina for a future marae on the Te Atatu foreshore.

The council agreed in principle two years ago to earmark the land for a marae project.

The land transfer depends on a decision from the Environment Court, relating to a proposed Waitakere's District Plan change to allow marae activities on the land.

The land is to be transferred to a trust under the Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993.

The council set a timeframe of three years from the date that the land is formally vested under the Act in a trust, for the development of the project, with provision for extending the date.

Mayor Bob Harvey says he sees the Te Atatu Marae development process as "similar to that of the Trusts' Stadium. There was very little they could do until they got the land. Once that happened, fundraising began to happen. I see the same thing happening with the marae.

"Maori are a people in evolution and their future is exciting. That's why the proposed marae at Te Atatu is so important. It is a place for the future, for the whole Te Atatu community.

"Te Atatu marae will be the third urban marae in Waitakere City and it will build on the success of the first - Hoani Waititi - which now has an international reputation.

"Just as Te Atatu is the place of the new dawn; so this marae will also be a new dawn," says Mayor Harvey.

The Te Atatu Marae Development Group presented the council with a preliminary design concept for a marae. Te Puni Kokiri has provided initial funding for the project's planning and design phases.

19 May

Council advocates 'University of Technology' status for Unitec

Waitakere Council continues to push for Unitec to obtain university status.

This week the council sent a submission to the Tertiary Education Commission strongly supporting Unitec's application.

The submission said that Unitec's application was made under the provisions of the Education Act in place in 1999, when there was no requirement for the Minister of Education to be "satisfied that the establishment of an institution is in the interests of the tertiary education system and the nation as a whole".

Mayor Bob Harvey says the establishment of a "University of Technology" category of university is a way to strengthen the tertiary education system.

"This would provide a much-needed bridge between research-led universities and purely vocationally focused universities".

The submission asserts that despite being the fifth largest city in New Zealand, Waitakere has until recently suffered from not having a tertiary institute. The city's long term strategies show that access to education is a key issue for many of residents.

"Unitec plays a key role in the tertiary education system in two areas. Firstly, it has a key focus on providing pathways for educational development. That is, it has the ability to make education and vocational training accessible, and secondly, it provides a pathway to degree and post-graduate study," says Mayor Harvey.

"In reality, Unitec already operates as a university of technology. Its research and degree and post-graduate programmes differentiate it from other polytechnics and make it very similar to the Auckland University of Technology, which has already been recognised as a university," he says.

19 May

Civil Defence Crews on Standby

The cities of Waitakere and North Shore have response crews on standby, ready to help with the civil defence emergency in Tauranga.

Waitakere has offered its Initial Response Team of 8 volunteers and North Shore City has 9 of its volunteers ready to go. All are first aid qualified and civil defence co-ordinators are now waiting to hear from Controllers in the flood affected areas.

"In these sorts of situations Kiwis pitch in together and we are ready to do whatever is needed and help wherever we can", says Waitakere Civil Defence spokesperson, Councillor Derek Battersby.

18 May

New recycling bins roll out to Waitakere and North Shore properties

The two cities are first in NZ to use wheeled bins for recycling.

The first phase of New Zealand's largest and newest recycling collection service is kicking off Monday with the delivery of the initial 145,000 mobile recycling bins (MRBs) to Waitakere and North Shore City properties.

The two councils are the first in New Zealand to implement fortnightly recycling collections from 140 litre mobile bins. Other cities in Australia and Canada have been successfully using the bins to increase recycling activity for several years.

Waitakere City Councillor Janet Clews and North Shore Councillor Chris Darby.

The recycling contract is part of a joint initiative between North Shore and Waitakere, which have contracted Onyx Group to provide refuse and recycling services to both cities. The aim is to reduce waste and encourage people to recycle more, but the councils have also identified significant savings by sharing these services.

"The ultimate goal is to reduce the amount of rubbish we are sending to landfill," says Waitakere City Councillor Janet Clews. "But by working together with our neighbours on the Shore we are gaining efficiencies in several areas that will benefit both cities financially and environmentally."

The councils are providing the blue and yellow bins to every property free of charge (75,000 on the Shore and 65,000 in Waitakere). They will be delivered at a rate of approximately 3360 per day (1680 in each city) before 24 June.

Hobsonville residents will be first to receive the bins in Waitakere, with distribution carrying on down south through Massey, Henderson, Te Atatu, New Lynn, Titirangi and Waitakere. On the Shore it will be Albany residents who will be first to get their bins, with deliveries flowing south down the peninsula.

Street litter will also be reduced as the bins will protect the items inside from being blown about by the wind, some of which end up blocking stormwater drains.

Wheeled bins are also safer for the user's back as they remove the need for lifting. The safety of collection staff will also be improved as they will no longer manually lift heavy crates or spend time in the middle of busy roads sorting recyclables.

A purpose-built fleet of vehicles painted with an eye-catching new theme emphasising recycling and waste reduction will empty the bins from both cities. The trucks will bring recyclables to Waitakere's Refuse Transfer Station, where a new sorting facility is being built.

The mobile bins will be collected fortnightly on normal rubbish days from 1 July, replacing the weekly collection of the 45L crates. Paper and cardboard (bundled separately beside the bin) will also be collected fortnightly, on the same day that the bins are emptied. A calendar showing collections days for the year will be attached to all bins on delivery. Individual street numbers will also be marked on every bin.

18 May

Arts Get Boost

A hip-hop CD featuring "westie" artists, an orchestra, and two school festivals are among the recipients of funding from the latest Creative Communities scheme.

The funding comes from Creative New Zealand and is administered by the Waitakere City Council. In the latest funding round, the Council's Creative Communities Scheme Allocation Sub-Committee made grants to 20 different projects, totalling $49,000.

Included in the successful applicants is Henderson-based 833 Records, which is making a hip-hop compilation CD. The double CD will feature more than 30 local artists. Called "Westeez Volume 2", it is a follow-up to a hugely successful CD released last year. The project receives $3000 from the fund.

At the other end of the musical spectrum, the new Waitakere City Orchestra gets $4000. This will enable the semi-professional orchestra to hold a concert at Glen Eden Playhouse in late May and also to record a new work, "Illumination", written by the orchestra's founder and conductor Brigid Bisley. That recording will be used as the score in a new local movie, currently in production.

Sunnyvale Primary will receive $2500 to host this year's West Auckland Multicultural Festival, featuring children from 15 schools.  A further $2000 goes towards the Te Atatu Schools Music Festival, which involves10 schools.

The Creative Communities Allocation sub-committee is made up of representatives from arts and cultural groups, including arts businesses throughout the city and is chaired by the Chairperson of the Council's Arts and Events sub-committee, Councillor Judy Lawley.

She says it is particularly pleasing to be able to support such a wide range of projects. "We have supported everything from hip-hop to kite-making and exciting, innovative, multi-media projects. "Not only is the creative talent out there just staggering, but the quality of the applications demonstrates the arts experience that is building in the City," she says.
 
The full list of grants is:

• Auckland Conductive Education Foundation ($1700) - to run and arts programme and exhibition for people with disabilities
• Stage Challenge Foundation ($1500 -a "Rock Quest" styled event for secondary school bands)
• Sunnyvale School ($2500) - to host the 2005 West Auckland Schools Multicultural Festival
• Te Atatu Cluster Music Festival ($2000) - to enable 10 local schools to take part in the 2005 Choir Festival, hosted by Rutherford Primary
• Te Ukaipo Mercy Initiatives For Neighbourhood ($2500) - A school holiday programme to teach at risk youth traditional Maori craft skills, such as carving
• Titirangi Community House ($1000) - workshops for young singers and musicians, culminating in three concerts in Titirangi
• Torotoro Trust ($3400) - a free dance festival for 14-25 year olds
• 833 Records ($3000) - to produce a double CD from local hip-hop artists
• Angela Main ($3000) - Multi-media workshops culminating in a series of performances and installations, to be held at the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson
• Ann McIver ($3000) - to produce a mural for the new Sturges west Community house, in Henderson
• Briar March ($3000) - to produce a DVD of the movie "Allie Eagle And Me", which premiered at this year's International Film Festival
• Class Act Opera Trust ($2000) - to enable operatic performances at local schools
• Free Spirit Peace Productions ($3500) - for a series of concerts, running through to November, at Lopdell House in Titirangi
• Show West Society ($3000)- for performances of Viennese opera at the Playhouse in Glen Eden
• Waitakere City Orchestra ($4000) - For performances and recording of a new work
• Kotuku Trust ($1650) - a film making programme for people with intellectual disabilities. This will be made into a DVD
• NZ Ethnic Social Services Trust ($1700) - an art and craft course for refugee women
• Pacific Islands Advisory Board ($4800) - to purchase machinery for producing Pacific Islands quilt work
• Rewi Spraggon ($833) - classes in Maori performing arts, to be held at Bethells
• Te Airihi Mitchell ($1000) - kite making workshops, to be held in Henderson

18 May

V8s at Whenuapai

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has reacted enthusiastically to news the government was investigating hosting the V8 Supercar race at Whenuapai Airbase.

Mayor Harvey says that some five years ago the Council was approached by local entrepreneurs Pete Sinton and Frank Radisich and together they put a joint proposal to the race owners (Avesco) for the event to be held at the base.

"The (base) commander at the time got permission for it to happen, and the organisers loved the idea, but in the end they decided to go back to Pukekohe, a tried and true venue," he says.

"This council fully supported Auckland's bid but now with them and Wellington both rejecting the idea it seems things have come full circle."

Mayor Harvey says the prospect of the race being held at Whenuapai is exciting not only because of the tourism benefits to the country, but also the economic benefits to the Auckland region.

"Of course there will be issues such as roading and traffic to deal with and as I understand it government officials will be reporting back to the Minister of Defence Mark Burton on those - but we'll go into this with a 'can-do' attitude."

"We look forward to seeing the details of the proposal and hopefully working with the organisers on delivering this major international event."

12 May

Prosecutions follow Swanson dog attacks

Two people have been convicted over dog attacks on stock at Swanson when a miniature horse was mauled to death and dozens of sheep killed and maimed.

After an intensive investigation, Waitakere City Council Animal Welfare staff rounded up the culprits and prosecuted them in the Waitakere District Court.

Anita Masi and Filipo Masi, both beneficiaries of Ranui, were convicted and sentenced on 9 May 2005 on four charges under the Dog Control Act 1996 section 57(2). There were two counts against each of the defendants who pleaded guilty.

The defendants were ordered to pay reparation of $1674 for horse replacement, vet and burial costs.  Both dogs were destroyed..

"These incidents were clearly horrific, at the higher end of the scale of dog attacks. It was reassuring that the defendants pleaded guilty so the owners of the stock were caused no further distress," says Councillor Ross Dallow, deputy chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committeee.

"Waitakere City Animal Welfare Services staff deserve to be commended for their investigation into the attacks, which included door to door visits and property inspections as well as 24 hour armed surveillance of the paddocks," he says.

The first attack happened on 10 September 2004 at Birdwood Road, Swanson.  A total of 32 sheep died and 40 were seriously injured.  Many of the injured sheep had to be euthanized.

Animal Welfare staff came across dead and injured sheep scattered over the paddocks. Most had their throats torn open and ears ripped off..

Two Pit-bull Terrier cross-breed dogs were seen running loose at Birdwood Rd.  Two nights later, they returned to kill or maim five more sheep.

Again the dogs escaped, although one of the dogs was clearly spotted by a member of the public and an Animal Welfare officer..

On 8 January two dogs killed a miniature horse in Crow's Road, Swanson.  One of the dogs was shot on sight by the owner of the horse. This dog matched the description of one of the dogs involved in the attacks on sheep.

On further investigation by Animal Welfare Staff the second dog involved in the attack on the horse was found and identified as the other dog also involved in the attacks on the sheep in Birdwood Road. The owners of both dogs were discovered at this time.

11 May

Station park has "something for everyone"

A partnership between community and council has resulted in an innovative design for a park at Swanson's heart.

The design for the newly named Swanson Station Park.

The Swanson Station Park completes a project begun by the Swanson community with finding from the Balefill Trust. It will unify the areas along the rail corridor in a uniquely Swanson landscape - a community space to walk, talk and play.

"It is in effect a walkway following natural contours linking the train station and café to the surrounding areas," says Waitakere Community Board Chairman Christine Shepherd.

Traditional and contemporary aspects of Swanson are represented in the final landscape plan adopted by the Board at its last meeting.

"We said to the community, 'what do you want?' and this is the result. This plan reflects very much our past and present. It recognises that the railway and Swanson go hand in hand. The railway has been an essential factor of Swanson life since the late nineteenth century and the design acknowledges that," says Mrs Shepherd.

"This park has something for everyone - young and old - it has informal seating areas, places to stroll and play, attractive plants and interesting design features like the community lawn and a raised pergola a marvellous place for picnics," she says.

"There are all sorts of nice touches to this park. For example, the informal skate area will be surrounded by kowhai trees and a lawn. Also, an exposed aggregate concrete ramp will follow a historical alignment," says Mrs Shepherd.

The design also includes railway sleepers, a mix of native and exotic plants, a nature trail and basketball half-court plus places for artworks by local children and commissioned artists.

Work at Swanson Station Park is expected to start towards the end of this year.

10 May

Under-16 spray paint by-law will be updated

Waitakere Council will continue to have a by-law governing the sale of spray paint cans to anyone under 16 - but in an updated form.

The Planning and Regulatory Committee resolved to consult with Manukau City which has proposed an anti-graffiti bill.

"Many people in the community do not realise that there is a by-law prohibiting the sale of spray paint cans.

"If we do not have a by-law it will be a message to the community, and retailers in particular, that we have lifted the restriction on under-16s being able to buy spray cans," says deputy chair Councillor Ross Dallow.

A revised draft will be presented at the July meeting.

Other bylaws up for review by the councillors were:

• The by-law restricting jaw type traps will continue. Written permission to use the traps has been required from the Council since 1990.
• The committee voted to prepare more technical information to update the Radio Frequency Radiation bylaw. A report to the meeting on the testing of radiation levels at the Broadcasting Corporation Limited's Waiatarua site, using the New Zealand Standard, showed the radiation levels outside the fence to be "barely detectable", less than an electric fence.

10 May

Henderson Heritage Station's future still to be settled

The parties involved in negotiations over the future of Henderson Heritage Station are due to meet again on 16 May to try to find a compromise about where to put the station.

Waitakere City Council has been seeking to re-site the building as it limits the bus and taxi drop off area at the planned transport interchange. The Historic Places Trust and the Auckland Regional Council are keen to retain the building where it is.

Commissioner Les Simmonds has directed the parties to reconvene to find a solution, following his reserved decision on the Council's application to move the station to an historic cluster at Corbans' Arts Centre.

City Development Committee Deputy Chair Councillor Linda Cooper says that she is hopeful that a compromise can be struck.

"Obviously we want to see an outcome that is agreeable to all parties, which would maintain heritage values, while allowing a fully functional modern interchange to be built," she says.

9 May

Community expresses views on rates, technology and library closure

"The Waitakere public appear to be generally satisfied with their city, judging by the number of submissions to the 2005-2006 Annual Plan," says Councillor Janet Clews, Chairman of the Annual Plan and Long Term Council Community Plan Committee.

"Numbers tend to increase dramatically when the public have deep concerns, but there have been only 460 submissions, just 10 more than last year. Submissions closed on 4 May," she says.

Rates increases, the proposed closure of the Te Atatu library and the proposed Waitakere Ranges protection legislation attracted the largest number of submissions.

"The proposed 7.65 % overall rates increase, perhaps understandably, formed a significant section of the 180 general rates submissions," says Councillor Clews.

"In addition, a number of submissions came from outlying areas, such as Piha and Herald Island, reflecting concerns that rates have risen as a result of property revaluation," she says.

Some 44 submitters said that the Te Atatu South library is a frequently used community asset and should not be closed.

30 responses to the proposed Waitakere Ranges legislation were received, varying from clearly defined opposition or support for a protection bill, to questioning the consultation process.

12 correspondents asked that funding be allocated to develop and support an integrated transport and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure so that all commuters have the option of working at or near their homes.

"It is encouraging to see how many people used the on-line form. The submissions followed the usual pattern of a steady trickle turning into a small "flood" in the last few days before the deadline," says Councillor Clews.

"On the issue of rating, 30 people sent letters to the Council, but did not target them specifically to the Annual Plan. Therefore, they cannot be included in it but have been sent to the Rates Group Manager for consideration," she says.

6 May

Waitakere Mayor Challenges Men to do Better

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey today challenged New Zealand men to lift the game in terms of bettering themselves, doing better by women and children and taking their fatherhood responsibilities more seriously.

The mayor was welcoming delegates at New Zealand's First Men's Issue Summit, hosted by Waitakere City Council and featuring a number of speakers including Labour MP John Tamihere.

Mayor Harvey, who wrote the country's first guide to fatherhood book "Hey Dad!' more than 20 years ago, said being a 'real' man was not about being redblooded or blokey but about men challenging, pushing and expecting more from themselves.

"There is still far too much domestic violence, sexism and aggressive male behaviour," Mayor Harvey told the crowd of more than 100.

"We are still seeing too many young men killing themselves - either by taking their own lives or through horrendous car accidents as bravado that seems more important than life itself.

"We still don't understand that women don't want our power, they only want their own and we're still seeing too many fathers not taking their responsibilities seriously enough."

The father of five children, Mayor Harvey said his generation of men was one not blooded by war and the first to start working with their minds.

"We had a different kind of relationship with our mates and therefore our children," he said.

"We made time for our kids. We took them to Saturday morning sport and the supermarket and we took them away from the care of their mothers. Looking after our own children became 'fathering' not 'babysitting'. A lot was thanks to the brilliant invention of the back pack."

While there was still a long way to go, men had achieved a great deal said Mr Harvey.

"We all know that these days women don't fall about laughing as much as they used to when they hear the words 'men's group' and I don't think they've got the same misgivings about men getting together that they once had.

"But we must continue to include women in our plans to redress the educational and social challenges facing men and boys. We must see women as allies not enemies. They are our team-mates in the game of healthy parenting and the co-creation of a healthy society. They are not the opposition and we must stop playing our end of that game."

Mayor Harvey said blokeism and redbloodedness would just perpetuate old thinking that is no longer relevant or useful.

"We can do so much better than that. We can still be staunch but let's be staunch about the right things. We can still be tough but let's get toughness in the right perspective. We need to stand firm and tall for the forward view of what a truly honourable man is - a dynamic, intelligent guy who contributes to his family and community from a healthy place and space."

4 May

Retrofits make "massive" difference to cold, damp houses

Is your home cold and damp because of little or no insulation?

Waitakere City residents can now apply to have their homes retrofitted at a fraction of the normal cost

The 'EcoWise West' - an energy efficiency retrofit project by EcoMatters Environment Trust is funded by Waitakere City Council, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, Waitemata District Health Board and WINZ.

The project is targeted at low income households and households affected by health problems associated with cold damp housing. The cost is $150 for a retrofit worth approximately $2,000.

60 Waitakere homes have been retrofitted since June 2004 and a further 90 will be completed before the end of June 2005. As part of this project, a small number of rental properties will be chosen for retrofitting.

If you own your own home, but don't have a community services card, there are still a limited number of retrofits available at a higher proportion of the installation costs.

New Lynn resident Carolyn Smith says she did not realise the benefits until her home was retrofitted last year.

"Our unit was much warmer and drier immediately. It is massive for us and has been a real turning point in terms our family's health," she says."

The retrofits include ceiling and underfloor insulation, damp-proofing, hot water cylinder wraps, and draughtstopping.

The project is part of Council's climate change action plan and also contributes to local employment, healthy housing and by reducing energy costs for those most at need.

If you want to be part of the project please contact us for an application form (mention Eco-Wise West) or download a copy from this website. Applications close on 16 May 2005.

4 May

'P' Play at Waitakere

The anti-'P' play will be performed to a community audience at Waitakere College at 7pm on 19 May.

10 Foot Tall & Bullet Proof (performed by young, professional, Tai Tokerau actors) reinforces community resilience and the individual's ability to make informed decisions and steer clear of drug abuse and addiction.

Waitakere City's Advocates for Children and Youth Linda Cooper and Ewen Gilmour say the battle against drugs needs every bit of help available.

"These are fictional characters and fictional events - but the reality is that this plot is being played out every day in our own city. This is an opportunity for high school students, their support networks and anyone in the community concerned about P, to listen and learn about the drug problem.," says Councillor Cooper.

"From a mother's perspective, the curse of P is killing them as well," she says.

Councillor Gilmour, who opened the CAYAD conference on Youth and Drugs last month says 'P' is "available at every high school in the city. It's a really scary thing: I don't have a lot of time to help addicts, but I do have time to help the youth," he says.

The play follows the testimony and confession of a young woman and follows her downfall from a very normal, loved and popular high school student, through innocent moments of being an unwitting pleasure seeker, to finally, becoming a burnt out slave to P.

The play presents multiple endings designed to stimulate audience discussion.

Safe Waitakere's CAYAD (Community Action on Youth and Drugs) is a sponsor of the P abuse prevention play and the accompanying programme aimed at 15-18 year olds. It will also play at high schools in Waitakere. This project is in line with National Drug Policy aims following an "education not propaganda" approach.

4 May

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey welcomes government's carbon pricing announcement

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey today welcomed the government's carbon pricing announcement.

"As an eco city, New Zealand's first, Waitakere continually looks for long term sustainable options to ensure our environment is protected and carbon pricing is an excellent initiative in this regard.

"Carbon pricing means New Zealanders will be more aware of their environmental choices and can really take ownership of those choices.

"It will also encourage New Zealanders to really think about how they can cut their petrol bills and their energy bills in general. It's just so important we do that because if we don't this planet will be in a very serious way if it's not already.

"I commend the government for this forward thinking and environmentally friendly initiative."

3 May

What do we want for the future of our city?

Waitakere City Council is about to review its Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) and is calling on the community to get involved and have their say on the direction the city should develop in, long term.

The Council will start its latest round of three yearly LTCCP communication with the community through half day workshops throughout May. 

"These are open to anyone who has an interest in the future of Waitakere City," says Councillor Janet Clews.

"The LTCCP process provides all residents with a meaningful range of opportunities to get involved and have their say about the city they want to live in. These include workshops, focus groups, submissions and making their voice heard at community boards, resident and ratepayers groups, and so on," says Councillor Janet Clews

The Waitakere LTCCP, first written in 2003/2004 after extensive consultation, set a vision for the next twenty years and describes the features, facilities and services residents wanted to see being put in place over the next 10 years, to achieve that vision.

By law, councils have to refresh their LTCCPs, in consultation with their community, every three years.

Waitakere's updated LTCCP will be consulted on during 2006 and be published in a draft form, for submissions, in April next year. It will be adopted in June 2006 and cover the period 2006/2007 to 2016/2017.

Any group or individual who would like to contribute, is encouraged to attend. Experts will be on hand to directly address issues. This will also be a chance for different groups within the community to share thoughts and ideas.

How the community sees the City in the next ten years; what they most value about their neighbourhood; and what their main concerns are relating to the future of Waitakere, are all questions being asked in a project to set out the strategy that will take Waitakere City forward into the next decade.

Councillor Janet Clews says the workshops will be made as interesting and interactive as possible, and there are spot prizes, including free passes to West Wave.

The Council will seek feedback from individuals, organisations, groups and communities committed to improving the quality of life in Waitakere, light refreshments will be provided.

For catering purposes those wishing to attend should contact the Council's Call Centre or by email info@waitakere.govt.nz. If anyone has transport or childcare requirements they are also welcome to contact the Call Centre for assistance.

For general information on the Long Term Council Community Plan please contact us.

3 May

Sustainable talks with Green Party leader at Waitakere

Strengthening philosophical ties are from left, Councillor Penny Hulse, Councillor Janet Clews, Green Party Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons and Councillor Carolynne Stone.

Waitakere City Councillors and Jeanette Fitzsimons met and discussed the Waitakere way of sustainable city development to solve a range of issues facing the city and the region, during an impromptu visit by the Greens Party co-leader yesterday.

Ms Fitzsimons said she had come to have a conversation about transport planning, compact city development, sustainable approaches to energy and the Waitakere model of best practice and sustainable standards in public buildings.

All these are issues the Council has given a national and regional lead to over the last decade, as the country's first eco-city with an international reputation for leadership in sustainable thinking and planning.

Mayor Bob Harvey welcomed Mrs Fitzsimons to Waitakere, "where for the last 13 years this city has made a bold, courageous statement of intent."