Media Releases

October 2005

 

31 October

Free family fun for Lincoln area

Schools in the Lincoln-Henderson North area can come out to play on November 1, at an event held at Henderson North School in Norval Road from 4.30 to 6.30 pm.

The Bike West programme and Sport Waitakere will be on hand with giveaways for the kids, along with heart-healthy food to curb the dinner appetite.

Parents and kids can see the results of the school surveys that questioned how staff and students get to school.

With the weather heating up the Sun Smart crew will also be on hand to make sure everyone has safe fun in the sun this summer.

MAXX-Auckland’s most famous pukeko will be encouraging kids to think of safe and sustainable ways to get to school, courtesy of co-organiser Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA).

Developers of the walk and cycleways being planned for the Green Network throughout the city, Project Twin Streams presents information about how communities can look after their local stream or creek.

Pomaria’s Walking School Bus routes are looking for more volunteers as they extend the programme into Henderson North, so be sure to hop on one of the buses on site.

28 October

Nominations wanted for community awards

Is there a voluntary group or organisation that has made a real difference in the community? Should they get some much-deserved recognition?  If the answer is yes, nominate them for the Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards.  Infratil, in conjunction with the Waitakere City Council, wants to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution volunteers make to the community.

The volunteers of many groups and organisations working tirelessly for their community can get the recognition they deserve by a nomination in the Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards.

The Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards are not grants. They recognise hard working voluntary groups in the community – from sports clubs to school PTA’s to not-for-profit health organisations.

As well as local and national recognition, the winning groups receive financial reward. This year, Infratil and the Waitakere City Council have more than $5,000 to inject into outstanding voluntary groups in Waitakere.

Nominations closed on 1 December 20095.

26 October

“The Waitakere Way” tackles social wellbeing issues at the flax roots

Over $1 million has been leveraged into Waitakere over the last three years to implement projects as part of the nine ‘Calls to Action’ of the Waitakere Wellbeing Collaboration Project.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Carolynne Stone says that the funding has been achieved through a relatively small investment from funding agencies for the coordination of the Collaboration Project.

“This project comes from a social perspective which is tackling issues at the flax roots,” she says.

On Friday October 28, community groups and individuals will meet with representatives of local and central government at the Waitakere Wellbeing Summit 2005 on Friday 28 November to review the three year focus of the project and discuss the future direction for both collaboration and wellbeing in Waitakere City.

“We believe in inclusion – that’s what this Waitakere City project is all about,” says Waitakere’s Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone.

“At this summit we are celebrating several dozen key achievements of social wellbeing goals known as ‘Calls to Action’, since the Wellbeing Collaboration Project was initiated in 2002,” she says.

‘Calls to Action’ (in bold type) achievements include:

1. Every child has access to quality early child education – Toddlers’ Day Out 2004 & 2005; coordinator appointed, regular newsletters and education and networking events; ECE Express website launched.
2. Every student in Waitakere leaves school with a Plan/Waitakere Employment and Skills Project – ESOL Directory, DVD for young career opportunities in Waitakere; Young Enterprise Scheme; gateway programme for work experience; Massey University work skills demand research; Financial Literacy programme.
3. Every Waitakere Resident has access to affordable, appropriate housing - Collaborative submission made re Residential Tenancies Act; Third Sector Housing Forum; City Wide Strategy development; Secure Home Tenure Research; Tenancy Advocacy Service Proposal.
4. Developing a culture of inclusion in Waitakere - A Charter of Inclusion endorsed by council and Waitemata District Health Board will be signed at the Summit.
5. Information Technology is used by organisations to support wellbeing and collaboration outcomes - Community Events Calendar to be launched at the Summit, West Auckland District Council Of Social Services website being developed.
6. Migrants and refugees settle successfully in Waitakere (Call to Action Steering Group now known as New Out West – NOW) - Waitakere Ethnic Board established, New Settlers’ Guide launched 2004; drivers licence training; Race Relations Day marked in 2004; Migrant Settlement Service being established 2005 through Citizen’s Advice Bureaux and Community Law Centre.
7. Reduction of violence to women and children in Waitakere -Collaborative funding secured; Home Visitor programme developed and initiated; Social Worker employed to work with repeat victims of domestic violence; inter-agency case management meetings initiated.
8. Educators and communities working together - now includes early childhood and tertiary education as well as schools. A one day conference was held this month (October 2005) to provide new direction for this Call to Action.
9. Te Korowai Manaaki (formerly known as ‘Families give their children a great start’) – First Five Years Billboard campaign; Post natal depressed support network initiated; Maori and Pacific Islands Caucuses established; SKIP=Strategies with Kids, Information for Parents’ hui, Great Parenting Forum; Fathering Forums and Community Training.

25 October

Armistice Day Charter Parade

Eighty seven years after the guns fell silent on November 11, 1918 to end World War One, Te Atatu Peninsula will have a special commemoration for all those who have died in wars and a second commemoration for one of its sons killed in World War Two.

Two plaques will be unveiled at the site of historic gun emplacements beside Gunner Drive. The emplacements will be re-opened and the occasion will culminate in a charter parade through adjoining Te Atatu streets by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

The occasion has been organised between the Te Atatu RSA, the Council and the RNZAF, for 11am on Armistice Day, November 11. This marks the day in 1918 on which an Armistice (peace document) was signed between Germany and the Allies (including New Zealand). It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.* This formally brought to an end the First World War in which, at Gallipoli, the term ANZAC was first used.

The Charter Parade – in which the air force celebrates being given ‘The freedom of the city’ - begins in Pringle Drive. It turns into Gunner Drive and Te Atatu Road before returning to finish in Pringle Road.

One of the plaques to be unveiled during the ceremony commemorates all people killed in all wars.
"Millions of people died in many countries which, today, have a connection with New Zealand and we feel it is appropriate to recognise the suffering of all countries," says Elizabeth Grimmer, chair of the Henderson Community Board.

The other plaque pays tribute to Flying Officer Whelan F. Hazard, the only Te Atatu resident to die in World War 2. Flying Officer Hazard, who was known to his friends as "Hap", died after his aircraft was shot down near the Belgian border.

Constructed in 1943, the gun emplacement on Gunner Drive protected the western airfields from aerial attack and is now the only one of its type remaining. Council approved a conservation plan for the emplacement earlier this year.

* The signing of the Armistice at 11am is where the expression that something happens "at the 11th hour," comes from.

25 October

Councillor Vanessa Neeson and owner of Cranwell House Fiona Edgar, at the front of Cranwell House

Cranwell House up for heritage listing

One of Henderson’s oldest houses is being considered by the Council for a Category Two heritage listing under Waitakere’s District Plan.

Cranwell House, built by Robert Cranwell in 1893, now has its address as 7 Crockett Lane in Henderson but originally it was the homestead for Pomaria Orchards that Cranwell established on 898 acres in Lincoln Road in 1890-1891.

In those days the elegant house was reached by an equally elegant gated, tree lined, avenue.

Today it stands as a rare example of a 19th century two storied villa that features heart kauri floors and sawdust insulation.

In a pioneering initiative that sparked an industry and a Waitakere tradition Cranwell planted apples, pears, peaches and citrus trees. After Cranwell and several others showed the way, fruit growing became a key industry – and a way of life - in Henderson.

Robert Cranwell died in 1916 but his grand-daughter Dr Lucy Cranwell became an internationally known botanist and was for many years botanist at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

25 October

Fireworks season - remember your pets

With fireworks "season" upon us, the Council would like to remind pet owners to please bring their pets indoors on Saturday 5th November – Guy Fawkes Night.

Keep animals inside, close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. A quiet place may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort. If your animals do become lost please contact your local Animal Welfare Refuge and SPCA.

Please ensure your animal is properly controlled and/or confined. Failure to do so may put your pet’s welfare at risk and you may be committing an offence should your animal get loose.

If you must be outside with your pet, keep it on a leash or in a carrier at all times.

Keep pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks - especially ones that are lighted on the ground. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks and pet hair can easily catch fire if too close to the fireworks.

Ensure your pet has proper identification and current registration tags with current information, in case he/she gets away. This will help the local authorities (who are quite busy this time of year handling frightened runaways) return your pet as soon as possible.

In particular, those residents surrounding the Waitakere Stadium are asked to take care, as the Waitakere Lions Luncheon Clubs are holding the biggest fireworks display Waitakere has seen for several years at the stadium.

Gates are open from 5pm, with the fireworks at 8.25pm.There will also be other activities starting at 6pm such as displays by Police Dogs, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and an attempt at Waitakere’s first sub 4-minute mile by the New Zealand Athletics Association.

This alcohol-free family event is proudly sponsored by The Trusts and the Waitakere City Council, who welcome all residents to come, bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the fun.

Tickets are available at Trust outlets throughout the city, and the Waitakere City Council Civic Centre. Tickets cost $15 (Adult & 1 child), $5 (Student 15 - 18 years), $2 (Children under 15), $25 (Family: 2 adult & 2 children). Group concession bookings are available – please contact Colin on 838 0616 or email at guyfawkes@xtra.co.nz.

21 October

New Disney fantasy to come to the Henderson Valley Studios

Waitakere has scored another international film coup, with the announcement that Disney Corporation is coming back to the city to film another top children’s fantasy adventure.

Disney and co-producer, Walden Media have announced they will be filming The Bridge to Terabithia., at the Henderson Valley Studios and at various locations. The production will be based at Hobsonville.

“I understand the decision to film here is directly related to the strength of New Zealand special effects,” says Mayor Bob Harvey, who drove the decision to acquire the old Enza cool-stores in Henderson Valley Road and turn them into film studios.

Mr Harvey says the film will be based on the award-winning children's novel by Katherine Patterson. The story follows an 11-year-old boy who befriends a girl who is an outsider and together they build a world with magical creatures, and are changed forever.

Mr Harvey paid tribute to the role Film Auckland played in helping to secure the deal.

Waitakere and Auckland Cities helped create Film Auckland three years ago after Xena, Warrior Princess began winding down.

“People said the film industry would die after Xena but we believed that New Zealand in general and Auckland and Waitakere in particular had talent and other advantages that Hollywood and European producers simply couldn’t ignore.

“Together, we made a DVD about the places and people we offer, around the world. At the same time Waitakere bought the buildings that have become the Henderson Valley Studios – and we have never looked back,” he says.

“A measure of the success of film Auckland is that it is supported by two pro-active councils and partly by the fact that it works in close collaboration with the film industry. We endeavour to work the way film-makers work - and that is attractive,” he says.

Pre-production on Bridge to Terabithia is expected to start within the next few weeks with principal photography starting in late January 2006, for release in 2007.

The film will be directed by Gabor Csupo, who created the Rugrats and Wild Thornberrys and worked on early episodes of The Simpsons.

Mr Harvey said he understood that renowned American director Martin Scorsese is also considering coming to New Zealand to make his next film, Silence. This is based on a 16th-century tale about Portuguese missionaries in Japan.

“We will be trying to interest him in using the studios if at all possible,” Mr Harvey says.

20 October

‘Eco fascist city’ stickers removed

‘Eco fascist city’ stickers have been discovered at several locations in Waitakere City.

The Council’s road sign maintenance team has removed stickers from the Titirangi Roundabout on the back of an island mounted direction sign and on a direction sign on the motorway off ramp at the Te Atatu Rd / SH16 interchange.

‘Eco fascist’ stickers have been removed. If the residents are aware of other stickers the Council would like to know about them.

“More than $300,000 a year is spent on road sign maintenance a year, the majority of which is due to vandalism or vehicle strike. Very few of the culprits are caught in the act. About six people have been caught in the last 18 months,” says Councillor Derek Battersby.

The Council seeks reparations for the damage and if it is deliberate, the culprit is reported to the police.

“It is difficult to extract reparations from vandals, because most of them are adolescents. The time spent chasing compensation can easily exceed the amount recovered. However, I think the eco fascism stickers might come from a slightly older age group,” he says.

12 October

Flare to be shut down

The flare at the Kay Road bale-fill will be shut down for a six month trial period because the site seems to be running out of gas.

Landfills generate gas for a period after they are closed and one method of getting rid of it is to collect it via underground pipes and then burn it off.

The Kay Road bale-fill has had a flare burning-off the gases since it was closed nine years ago but the quantity of gas has now fallen so low that the Waitakere City Council’s Kay Road Bale-fill sub-committee wants to shut the flare off for the six month trial, starting October 14.

“Engineering advice suggests that the bale-fill’s gas-producing time is almost over and it won’t be long before the biggest problem will be in maintaining the flare,” says Ian Hutchinson, chair of the committee.

“The bale-fill will be monitored closely for six months and if the gas builds up, or there are any problems, the flare can be turned on again immediately. If there are no issues after six months we’ll re-evaluate future management options,” he says.

Neighbours of the bale-fill have been notified by letter and any issues can be directed to the Council’s Call Centre.

12 October

Scenic Drive slip

Over night a significant slip closed off part of the Scenic Drive, near Waiatarua.

The slip has completely blocked the road some 200 metres from the West Coast Road intersection, in the vicinity of 440 Scenic Drive

The blockage includes a very large landslide and a substantial tree. Council contractors worked through the night and are on site again this morning. It is expected that the road will not re-open before tomorrow morning.

No driveways are blocked. “This means that everyone can get in and out but some who use Scenic Drive as a through road, will be inconvenienced and will have to detour,” says Council spokesperson Dai Bindoff.

“There may be other delays on the road with heavy machinery coming and going as well and we are simply asking residents and motorists to be patient.”

“A full report into causes will be prepared in due course, but our engineers believe, at this stage, that it is a natural phenomenon caused by the ground becoming saturated by the rain over the past week.”

11 October

Waitakere Council to seek enforcement orders to stabilise Swanson landslip site and meet clean-up costs

The Waitakere City Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee today heard that the Council plans to take urgent legal enforcement action over a landslip on the property of Mr Ross Britten, in Swanson, in July.

The slip blocked the Swanson Stream and had to be cleared by the Council.

“The causes of the landslip are a separate issue. What we are dealing with is the fact that a problem has occurred on Mr Britten’s property and irrespective of the cause, he is liable to put it right,” says the committee chair, Councillor Vanessa Neeson.

Accordingly, the Council will be applying to the Environment Court to recover the costs incurred by the Council clearing up after the slip that has occurred.

“This is not a prosecution; it is an enforcement order. This action rests solely on the fact that the bank on Mr Britten’s property carried away and that is his responsibility. Even if it had been the best engineered bank ever built, Mr Britten would still be required to fix the problem,” Councillor Neeson says.

“Therefore, we are asking for Mr Britten to pay costs for which he is liable. We will also be asking for enforcement orders requiring Mr Britten to undertake remedial works to stabilise the site. This will apply to a larger area than the actual slip because the whole area is considered unstable,” Councillor Neeson says.

The Council commissioned a geotechnical report into the causes of the landslip and that has now been provided to Mr Britten.

“The report discusses potential causes but that is a separate discussion. What we are dealing with at this time is the fact that a slip occurred and the bank has become unstable, and that has to be remedied,” says Councillor Neeson.

11 October

Good news for Waitakere commuters

Mayor Bob Harvey has welcomed a new train timetable for the western line to be introduced on October 25 saying it’s good news for Waitakere commuters.

The timetable will see off peak service increase from one train every hour to one train every 40 minutes, a new morning and afternoon peak express service and a Sunday service to and from New Lynn.

There will also be extended late night services on Fridays and Saturdays with an hourly service from Britomart between approximately 8pm and midnight.

The new timetable for the western line is part of a 25 percent overall increase in train services across Auckland by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority with their operating partner Connex Auckland.

The Sunday service to and from New Lynn will be extended when double tracking construction on the western line is complete.

“This is fantastic news for Waitakere commuters,” says Mayor Bob.

“It’s been a long time coming but I think the new and improved timetable will make all the difference in getting people off the roads and onto the tracks.

“Now the next big job is to get the rail corridor cleaned up. They are third world – covered in graffiti and littered with wrecks and debris. It’s just not good enough and we will be talking to the government agencies responsible about the situation.”

Timetables are available to download from www.maxx.co.nz and from October 14 copies will be available at Britomart or local ticket agencies.

10 October

Waitakere City Council to investigate best ways for Maori participation in Local Government

Waitakere City Council looks set to reject establishing a Maori Ward for the 2007 elections but it has committed itself to establishing a robust process for investigating better Mäori participation in the democratic process.

That was the outcome of today’s meeting of the Council’s Financial and Operational Performance Committee, which was asked to consider a range of recommendations associated with Maori representation.

Because most Councillors were present at the meeting, the recommendation almost certainly reflects the way the full Council will vote when it discusses the issue.

Whether or not to establish a Maori Ward is one of a number of issues that the Council must deal with as part of a comprehensive review of the city’s electoral system. Other issues include whether or not to keep any wards, and if so how many and whether to stay with the First Past The Post voting system or to go to the Single Transferable Vote system (STV) used for electing health boards.

The Council rejected STV at its last meeting.

“There was a range of opinion at today’s meeting. Some Councillors are opposed outright to the principle of Maori Wards but I think the majority want to see more Maori participating in the democratic process. They just don’t necessarily believe that a Maori ward is the best option," says Councillor Janet Clews, the Committee Chair.

“The possibility of losing Te Taumata Runanga, for example, is a very serious one. It is a standing committee representing a wide range of Maori opinion and it conducts its business in public. If we had to choose between that and a single Maori Ward representative who had to privately canvass Maori opinion, raises the question of which would serve Maori best?”

“I don’t have the answer to that. I think we’d also be interested in hearing Maori opinion now that the Maori Party has achieved independent success in the national elections. In short, we feel that this is far too important a topic to rush and with a couple of exceptions, the Councillors were more comfortable with taking more time and getting it right,” says Councillor Clews.

‘Nevertheless, and I want to stress this, this was not a fob off. It was quite clear that the Councillors are determined to have a pretty thorough investigation, starting in the near future so that we have a clear understanding the next time the issue is raised,” she says.

7 October

Choppers to Mangere

It would be laughable if it wasn’t so sad.

That’s the response from Mayor Bob Harvey when he learned today that a North Shore company is charging $365 to helicopter commuters across Auckland.

Increased traffic congestion has prompted Heletranz to start an air service to Auckland Airport. The 12 minute service costs $365 one-way.

“Because of the traffic it can take people longer to get the airport than it does to fly to Wellington. That’s just a joke,” Mayor Harvey says.

“Good on Heletranz for taking the initiative. But this just shows how appalling the traffic situation has become.”

Mr Harvey adds that the news gives even more weight to the argument for Whenuapai Airbase to also be used for commercial flights.

“There are half a million people (in Waitakere and North Shore Cities) who live within 15km of Whenuapai, which is already a fully functioning airport,” he says.

“And every time they have to crawl in their cars or taxi to Mangere it just adds to the traffic problem.”

Waitakere City has not given up on its push for commercialisation of Whenuapai.

In 2002, when the government announced that the RNZAF would quit Whenuapai for Ohakea, the Council campaigned for the base to be reused as a commercial airport.

The government subsequently said that the move could take up to 10 years.

Now, to ensure that it can undertake long-term planning for the rapidly growing north-west of the City, Waitakere City Council will start work on a number of district plan changes for the land that the base currently occupies.

“Those planning changes will recognise the existing use of the airbase, and also the Council’s objective that it be reused for commercial aviation,” says Mayor Harvey.

“Any alternative uses, other than those related to an airport, will have to stack up against the City’s long-term objectives.”

6 October

Pacifica turns 10

Waitakere’s Pacifica Living Arts Festival is turning 10 and this year’s festival, held November 3 - 5 at the Corban Estate Arts Centre promises to be the best yet.

Many entries have already been received for Waitakere City’s 10th Pacifica Living Arts Festival, running from Thursday 3rd through to Saturday 5th November 2005 at the Corban Estate Arts Centre (off Mt Lebanon Drive), Great North Road, Henderson.

The festival team and West Auckland Primary Multi-Cultural Festival co-ordinators will deliver the performing arts component, with over 20 Waitakere schools show-casing their cultural items on stage over three days.

With interest mounting quickly, this Living Festival – now in its tenth year - is now a permanent fixture amongst other events in Waitakere City. It blends the richness of the Pacific’s diverse cultures with the indigenous Polynesian Maori culture and those of other ethnic communities through the schools. True to its name, this “Living” Festival exemplifies why Waitakere has become a thriving cultural hub of Auckland.

In recognition of the increasing significance of the Festival and the potential that it has to contribute to the artistic landscape of Waitakere as well as to the economic well-being and cultural identity of Pacific peoples, the Waitakere City Council has boosted its funds and other support for the Festival. Creative Communities NZ and others are also maintaining their support.

Pacific people are already contributing significantly to arts and cultural development in the city. The Pacifica Living Arts Festival will continue to showcase the arts and cultures of the different Pacific communities. The aim is to strengthen our city’s many cultures and to improve understanding and relationships between them. It is also intended to be a platform from where different cultures and artists can develop their cultural heritage and artistic talents as financial assets for themselves and their communities.

This is a golden opportunity for community groups, art groups, schools and individuals to participate as exhibitors to either sell their artistic/cultural products or to display artistic work or other items.

The festival will offer music, food, a market-type atmosphere, traditional dancing, performances, drumming, workshops and an exhibition of visual arts and crafts from each Pacific ethnic group represented in Waitakere i.e. Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Tokelau, Fiji, Tahitian and Maori of Aotearoa.

Without doubt, this will be the most exciting, informative, educational and provocative Pacifica Festival to date with a much wider array of things to see, hear and experience.

5 October

One day education conference

150 people from the education sector and the community will meet this Friday at the New Lynn Community Centre to discuss how families, schools and the community can better work together to improve the city’s educational outcomes.

Organised by the Waitakere Education Sector Trust (WEST), the Waitakere Wellbeing Collaboration Project, Health Promoting Schools and the Waitakere City Council (WCC), confirmed speakers include Dr. M Henare of business and economics at the University of Auckland, Lesley Max, CEO of the Pacific Foundation and educator, writer and broadcaster Charmaine Pountey.

The importance of educators and communities working well together was recognised at the first Waitakere Wellbeing Collaboration Summit in 2002, after which a Call to Action was developed to further focus on the area.