Media Releases

February 2006

 

28 February

New Auckland 'Wildlink' aims to bring back native wildlife

A groundbreaking new regional initiative was signed today which aims to provide safe and healthy habitats for native wildlife in the Auckland region.

The new initiative also aims to increase community participation in environmental care and to foster collaboration and communication between local and national government, community groups and individuals. The initiative is the first of its kind in the country seeking to have local and national government join together with community groups to co-ordinate conservation efforts towards a significant vision of biodiversity restoration.

The "North-West Wildlink" Accord was signed by the Mayors from Waitakere City Council, North Shore City Council, Rodney District Council, and representatives from Auckland Regional Council, Forest & Bird and the Department of Conservation (DOC), formalising how the agencies will work together to forward the initiative. A regional hui and community forum will be held over the next couple of months to discuss iwi and community involvement.

ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Chair, Sandra Coney says a co-ordinated approach in the region is the most effective way to address biodiversity conservation and community participation issues.

"By focusing on existing and potential restoration projects we will create a patchwork of safe and healthy 'stepping stones' to connect two of the region's biodiversity hotspots â€" the Hauraki Gulf Islands and the Waitakere Ranges," says Cr. Coney.

Waitakere City Council Mayor Bob Harvey says "North-West Wildlink" extends his Council's existing Green Network concept.

"It's an immense step forward for councils to be working cooperatively in the cause of biodiversity. Linking green areas has a beneficial effect on people as well as nature," says Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey.

Forest & Bird Central Auckland Branch Chair and National Executive member Anne Fenn says that the new initiative developed out of Forest & Bird's 'Auckland Naturally' project which already promotes a similar approach to community-based conservation throughout the region.

"This is an exciting new initiative that aims to connect local communities with conservation projects that bring native birds back into urban areas where they can be appreciated by the wider community," says Anne Fenn.

Forest & Bird branches are already involved in many conservation projects across the North-West Wildlink zone, alongside numerous other community groups. The island sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island and the 'Ark in the Park' project in the Waitakere Ranges provide significant areas of safe habitat for native birds, many of which will be able to expand into surrounding urban areas as a result of this project.

North Shore City Mayor George Wood says one of the key strengths of the NWW is that it doesn't just focus on one aspect of the environment.

"It brings together all aspects, from protected island sanctuaries, to our very own backyards. And herein lies a second key strength of North-West Wildlink. As well as the focus on the environment, it also ingrains community partnerships within its objectives.

"In North Shore City the North-West Wildlink gives us a geographic vehicle to focus environmental and community partnership objectives. Not only is it incorporated as a strategic goal of our Open Spaces Strategy, but it will also help us focus community and school education programmes and projects on private land such as Nature for Neighbourhoods," says Mr Wood.

Rodney District Council's Senior Policy Advisor, Maximus Smitheram, acknowledges the important role Rodney has to play.

"The remnants of lowland forest and wetlands in the Rodney District provide important linkages and habitats for flora and fauna between the Hauraki Gulf and other parts of the region and contribute significantly to lowland coastal ecosystems."

"We look forward to working closely with our accord partners and our dedicated community groups to help protect and improve these natural assets for the benefit of all," says Mr Smitheram.

Department of Conservation Community Relations Officer, Bill Trusewich says that co-operative participation in conservation by individuals, families, community groups, businesses and government will produce a very powerful outcome.

"Returning what is considered New Zealand's most urban environment into a thriving natural place will have huge benefits to social cohesion, 'Clean-Green' tourism-based economics and appreciation of and respect for cultural values. We hope to be able to take the massive groundswell of volunteerism already taking place off its own bat and empower it to produce an active support network and large-scale collective vision."

27 February

Budget deliberations begin

Waitakere City Council has begun deliberations on its Annual Plan (budget) for 2006/07 and the Long Term Council Community Plan (10 year plan).
The first stage of deliberations on the Annual Plan (budget) for 2005/2006 is in progress.

Councillors are considering draft budgets over the next week before the plans are put out for public submission.

The Council is facing rapid growth (for example the provision and maintenance of community facilities infrastructure such as parks, roading, footpaths etc) and depreciation.

The Chairperson of the Council's Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Special Committee, Janet Clews, says the budgeting exercise is a careful balancing act. "We have to look carefully at all areas of expenditure and income and bear in mind the ability of our community to pay for the services we must provide."

Submissions open on 13 April and close on 12 May after that, hearings will be held and the final budget adopted by 30 June.

24 February

Library to close on 3 March

The Te Atatu South library will shut its doors on Friday March 3 at 5.30pm.

Waitakere Central Library at 3 Ratanui Street will open on Tuesday March 7 at 8.30 am, so patrons will be without services in the immediate area for as little time as possible.

A grand opening for Waitakere Central Library is planned for March 23, starting at 6 pm with an official opening ceremony and finishing with a stunning laser light display at 8 pm. Everyone is invited to attend an evening of entertainment that has been designed for young and old to enjoy.

23 February

Community Spirit Alive and Kicking in Waitakere City

Music, dance and a good dose of community spirit are the special ingredients in Waitakere City's 2006 Community Centre Open Days.

Following a positive response from last year's events, the 2006 open days are packed full of performances, interactive activities, food and entertainment â€" including clowns, face painters and the ever popular bouncy castle.

Medieval re-enactment group The Dark Company, a Lord of the Rings craft shop, Waitakere's own Sonar Chand Indian Dance Academy and a Kurdish band will form part of the free, family focussed entertainment.

Get down to your local community centre and experience the community spirit first hand.

Kelston Community Centre kicks off the 2006 Open Days on March 4. Get down early to check out a performance from Hoani Waititi School kapa haka group.

On March 11 Rutherford College Cultural Group will be performing at the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre. Be there between 10 am and 1pm.

The third open day on March 18 at New Lynn will feature cultural performances by Kelston Intermediate School and the Te Rau O Te Huia kapa haka group.

23 February

Delight at Ranges Bill Clearing First Hurdle

Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey is delighted that a Bill to protect the Waitakere Ranges and surrounding areas from further development has made it through a first reading in Parliament.

He has previously described the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill as "a ground-breaking piece of social and environmental legislation".

The Bill has been jointly promoted by Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Council and Rodney District Council.

It establishes the 'Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area', which includes the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, residential areas around Titirangi, the foothills area, coastal villages such as Piha, Karekare and parts of south-west Rodney District. Some 17,000 people live in the area.

Mayor Harvey says the successful first reading in parliament yesterday is the result of several years of community consultation- "and a vision which dates back decades."

"The time it has taken to get to this point reflects its huge importance. The Bill has engaged people like no other issue."

During consultation of a draft of the Bill, the Council received 3500 written responses, which showed majority support for legislation to be pursued (71%).

"There is no doubt that the majority of people in the affected area, across the City as a whole and indeed across the Auckland region, see the Ranges and foothills as an icon to be protected from further development", says the Mayor. "No-one wants to see this area become suburbia."

Mayor Harvey says it is an "urban myth" that personal property rights are affected by the planned legislation. The Bill does not replace the Resource Management Act, nor replace or "undo" district plans prepared under the RMA.

"It does not take away or change the status of any private land (or public land). It does not change anybody's property rights. If a property is being farmed today, it can continue to be farmed after the Bill is passed. If a legitimate business is being run from the property today, it can continue to be run in the future. If there are any existing rights the bill does not change these."

Waitakere Electorate MP Lynne Pillay is sponsoring the Bill through Parliament.

The Bill will now be sent to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee, which will then call for public submissions.

21 February

Waitakere Ranges Bill to Parliament

Mayor Bob Harvey and Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay about to enter Parliament with a copy of The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill.

A "ground-breaking piece of social and environmental legislation".

That is Mayor Bob Harvey's description of The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill which is due to have its first reading in Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 February).

The Bill has been jointly promoted by Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Council and Rodney District Council to secure long-term recognition, status and protection for the Waitakere Ranges, foothills and coastal villages.

The Bill recognises the national, regional and local importance of the Waitakere Ranges, their foothills and coastal areas, and promotes the protection and enhancement of its heritage features for present and future generations. While protecting the area, it also enables some 27,720 hectares of public and private land to be lived and worked in.

Mayor Harvey says the first reading in parliament tomorrow is the result of several years of community consultation- "and a vision which dates back decades."

"The time it has taken reflects the huge importance of this issue for Waitakere City. The bill has engaged the city like no other issue. What you have in parliament now reflects a huge level of public consultation and input and the bill is better for it."

Mayor Harvey also acknowledges the work of local MPs Lynne Pillay, Hon David Cunliffe and Hon Chris Carter who have been part of an advisory group which helped draft the Bill.

"The enactment of the bill will be an historic step in the long history of efforts to better manage and protect the Ranges. Those efforts stretch back to the late nineteenth century and include moves to create the area as a national park (prior to the establishment of the Auckland Centennial Memorial Park in 1941). This however is a 21st century approach, embracing both public and private land.

This bill defines forever the western edge of urban sprawl."

Mayor Harvey stresses that the Bill is not designed to restrict property rights. The Bill does not replace the Resource Management Act, nor replace or "undo" district plans prepared under the RMA.

"It simply gives another layer- or filter if you like- before any further development can proceed.It does not take away or change the status of any private land (or public land). Nor does it change anybody's property rights. If a property is being farmed today, it can continue to be farmed after the Bill is passed. If a legitimate business is being run from the property today, it can continue to be run in the future. If there are any existing rights the bill does not change these."
Waitakere Electorate MP Lynne Pillay will sponsor the Bill through Parliament. She says: "This Bill is the culmination of so much energy, commitment and hard work of so many. It is unique in that it has had the co-operation of many diverse and interested groups-, from local and regional Councils to community groups, land-owners, iwi, recreational users and the public at large."

Ms Pillay describes the Ranges as "iconic". She points out that New Zealand's entry at the international Chelsea Flower Show this year is a "Waitakere Garden", depicting the dramatic landscapes of the Ranges and coast. "Nowhere else in the world is there such a treasure on the doorstep of the largest City in the country. This Bill will ensure that this unique environment and the values we all place on it are kept for generations to come."
"I am privileged to be responsible for the carriage of the Bill through the House."

The Bill establishes the 'Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area', which includes the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, residential areas around Titirangi, the foothills area, coastal villages such as Piha, Karekare and parts of south-west Rodney District. Some 17,000 people live in the area.
It is expected that following its first reading in Parliament, the Bill will be sent to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee, which will then call for public submissions.

20 February

First cluster travel plan for Auckland Region

Auckland Region's first school travel plan covering multiple schools is being launched in Waitakere City this Wednesday.

The Lincoln-Rathgar Travelwise Plan is designed to promote safe, healthy travel by the staff and students of six schools and to reduce traffic congestion at the same time.

The Travelwise plan simultaneously covers Pomaria Primary, Henderson North Primary, Henderson Intermediate, Liston College, St Dominic's College and Waitakere College. It involves co-ordinators working with schools to develop safe routes to school that encourage walking and cycling (for health) and reduce vehicle use (for environmental benefits).

Normally travel plans only cover one school but the Lincoln-Rathgar plan is designed to ultimately be a travel plan for the area. Initially, it covers a number of schools but it can potentially be expanded to include rest homes, businesses and leisure facilities.

It is also the first travel plan to incorporate Land Transport New Zealand's Safer Routes project which is designed to improve safety for pedestrian and cyclists, in high risk areas.

"We hope that a combination of safer options for getting to school with walking school buses, new train services and improved cycle networks will encourage people to get out of their cars," says Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone.

Surveys found only two percent of students cycled to school even though 61 percent of families surveyed said they had bikes at home.

Fifty-one percent of trips to work or school were in a car, and 34 percent of parents currently returned home after dropping their kids off at school.

However, 31 percent of students walk to school already.

While the Travelwise plan for the area aims to see that pedestrian figure increase the benefits of school travel plans are more than just reducing congestion and making travel routes easier and safer.

Programmes operating in conjunction with school travel plans, such as the Walking School Bus programme, encourage healthier travel habits. In addition, the consultation process undertaken with schools encourages community engagement and participation is crucial to meeting each school's individual needs.

Environmentally, fewer cars on the road equals less local air pollution and safer routes for walkers and cyclists. All of these benefits co-operate to bring communities closer together and make journeys to work and school active, socially cohesive and sustainable for the future.

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print this document.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

Lincoln - Rathgar Travelwise Plan Fact Sheet (Size 28K)

20 February

Smooth notes at Cranwell

Nairobi violinist/vocalist Richard Adams and saxophonist Andrew Dixon

The second concert in the Waitakere Sounds series drew hundreds of people to Cranwell Park on Saturday night for the smooth sounds of jazz.

Powerplay Big Band warmed up the crowd, followed by the Caitlin Smith Group and finishing with jazz masters the Nairobi Trio.

Bethells Beach local and Nairobi violinist/vocalist Richard Adams and saxophonist Andrew Dixon even ventured out into the crowd, much to the delight of those who had come to enjoy the afternoon.

18 February

Renee Lambert at the Massey Library and Leisure centre

Renee takes Waitakere's landscape to India

Waitakere City Council's Parks Planning Service Manager Renee Lambert is showcasing her city at a major international conference this month.

Renee has been invited to be a guest speaker at a conference hosted by the Indian Society of Landscape Architects, to be held in Bangalore on February 24-25.

Her presentation will include two outstanding examples of landscape architecture in Waitakere.

She will discuss the Massey Library and Leisure Centre and the newly-finished Manawa wetland at New Lynn as examples of high-quality projects that combine the two disciplines of art and landscape architecture and the creation of local identity.

India has only recently joined the International Federation of Landscape Architects, she says. "The Indian members are keen to liaise with landscape architects who have created projects that promote regional character and local identity," she says.

"As a profession, landscape architecture is just emerging in India and the delegates are at a crossroads. They want to define the perimeters of where landscape architecture fits in India today and also in the context of intermingling local and global cultures," she says.

An award winning landscape architect, Renee has worked for Waitakere City Council for five years. She is also the national president of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.

While in India Ms Lambert will visit landscape architecture projects in the garden city of Bangalore and Mysore.

Speakers from USA, France and Indonesia will also address the conference.

All costs are being met by the conference organisers.

16 February

Gorse â€" nature's little helper

Mr. Ferkins examines karamu (Coprosma robusta), with gorse in the background, on Piha Rd. This quick growing native shrub produces berries popular with for native birds.

Gorse acting as nursery plant for natives

In a scenario similar to fighting fire with fire, gorse is being successfully used as a weapon in the fight against weeds on some Waitakere City roadsides.

While people consider gorse an unsightly weed, Waitakere City Council is using it to suppress even worse weeds while acting as a nursery plant for natives.

"It is great people are asking about the use of gorse because it shows they care about the threat from weeds and want to help in the battle. However in this case we hope they will understand gorse is being used for very good reasons," says Chris Ferkins, Parks Environmental Co-ordinator, Waitakere City Council.

As gorse is performing the roles as weed suppressor and native plant caregiver, it will also effectively stabilise soil and prevent erosion until the more welcome species are fully established.

When the natives no longer need the protection of gorse and can take over the role of suppressing other weeds, the gorse can be eradicated to reveal weed-free roadsides lined with native trees and shrubs.

"This approach is acceptable among environmental professionals because gorse cannot survive in shaded situations and therefore, is not a threat to native bush," says Mr. Ferkins.

"It is also cheaper as it sharply reduces the amount of toxic weed killers used in the city's battle to eradicate environmental weeds."

The Council has now changed its flail-mowing practice on roadsides. In the past it removed virtually all plants in the mowed area, including desirable plants that prevent weeds from invading. Contractors are now required to cut at a height of at least 30cm off the ground. This allows native shrubs and ferns to continue growing on the road banks, while shutting out sunlight needed by weed seedlings to grow.

A full list of the weeds in Waitakere (titled Invasive and Environmental Weeds of Waitakere) is available when you contact us

13 February

Popularity leads to change of venue

Over 2000 people packed Harbourview-Orangihina Park last Saturday night for the first Waitakere Sounds concert, meaning a change of venue is needed for this Saturday's jazz concert.

The jazz and swing spectacular including the Nairobi Trio, Caitlin Smith Group and Powerplay Big Band will be playing from 1 to 5 pm at Cranwell Park, not the Falls Reserve, as previously advertised.

Last Saturday's concert saw thousands groove the night away to Graham Brazier, Debbie Harwood, Riki Morris, Jordan Luck and the Believers. This Saturday is an afternoon event and families are welcome to bring along a picnic and enjoy the smooth jazz and sunshine.

9 February

L to R: Cr. Janet Clews, Cr. Mihi Te Huia and Cr. Linda Cooper.

Mihi breaks new ground

History was made in local government today, when Waitakere City Council's City Development Committee met.

Among those present was Mihi Te Huia, representing the Council's Maori liaison committee, Te Taumata Runanga. This follows the Council's decision to allow Te Taumata Runanga a place on the City Development Committee in an attempt to increase its capacity to become involved in the decision making of the Council.

Mayor Bob Harvey described the appointment as "a very bold step â€" but an appropriate one."

"There has been a lot of talk about the need for Te Taumata Runanga to grow and its voice for Maori to be influential. I guess many of us would have gone further, but this is a very important initiative and I have no doubt it will lead to an expanded position when it is reviewed in a year's time," Mayor Harvey says.

Mrs Te Huia says having the tangata whenua more involved with the Council at this level, will "reflect in a better partnership between the tangata whenua and their Treaty partner".

Under the Electoral Act, the Council must explore the possibility of establishing Maori Wards. The Council's Finance and Operational Performance Committee, in October voted against Maori Wards but asked for the workshop to investigate ways that Maori can be more involved in Council decision making.

9 February

Waitakere Online supports Government's internet review

Waitakere Online, an online community for Waitakere City residents and businesses, supports plans to review regulation of internet providers.

The board of Waitakere Online yesterday unanimously endorsed the fast implementation of broadband as key to increasing economic activity in the region. This follows news that Communications Minister David Cunliffe is reviewing internet regulations and will have a decision by the middle of the year.

The Waitakere Online portal provides a technological window into hundreds of local businesses, community organisations and services in Waitakere City. Waitakere Online was established in 2004 as part of Waitakere City's Digital City strategy to provide timely content to its community. A key part of the strategy is the ability for all residents, businesses and communities in Waitakere City, to have access to a broadband connection.

"We welcome the fact the Government acknowledges there is room for improvement in the speed of access to the internet. It's essential everyone who wishes to can get online as fast and as cheaply as anyone else in the OECD," says Waitakere City Councillor Linda Cooper, a member of the Waitakere Online editorial board.

"Currently, New Zealand ranks near the bottom of the OECD countries for broadband adoption. Rural communities such as Karekare, Laingholm and Parau and even parts of more urban areas such as West Harbour cannot receive access to broadband due to old technology. Until there is more action to improve this access we cannot fully become a Digital City," says Councillor Cooper.

Waitakere business leader Ken Stevens, Executive Chairman of Glidepath Ltd, a baggage handling systems company, also supports the Government's focus on internet speed.

"In the ultra competitive business environment in Asia, our key market, we can only compete by using email. The huge files we send to multiple addresses mean we need to be assured of a fast broadband service, or be out of business within 12 months. Comparatively, when we visit our Dallas Texas manufacturing unit, we note their electronic file transfer is many times faster than ours in New Zealand, resulting in increased efficiency and professionalism," says Mr. Stevens.

According to a recent Waitakere City Council survey (August 2005), more than 23 percent of Waitakere households have a Broadband Internet connection. This is above the national average but is still low by international standards.

This same survey found 51 percent of businesses in Waitakere have access to a Broadband connection however it is not clear what the speed and capacity of these connections are.

To fill in these gaps the Waitakere Online Editorial Board is planning a survey to discover how Waitakere City's residents use the internet and what they want in the future.

9 February

Interest in Inaugural Pacific Trade Expo High

All 110 stands at the inaugural Pacific Trade Expo have been filled with more than a month to go before opening.

The fast response from the business community to the foundation event has buoyed Waitakere City Council, a key supporter.

"The speed of the response has illustrated the interest in expanding intra-Pacific trade and is a strong vote of support for this event," says Councillor Judy Lawley, Chairperson of Waitakere City Council Arts, Events and Culture Special Committee.

Waitakere City Council is working with Manukau City Council and Auckland City Council to encourage Pacific trade and industry, both in Pacific nations and across the greater Auckland region.

"The aim is for the Pacific Trade Expo to be bi-annual and move around the region, supporting Pacific trade growth and engaging the wider community," says Councillor Lawley.

"The objective is to develop two-way trade and the representation from both Pacific and New Zealand importers and exporters at the expo is especially heartening," says Councillor Lawley.

The Pacific Trade Expo forms part of the successful celebrate Pacifica festival and formalises a growing interest in Pacific trade.

Currently New Zealand merchandised trade with the Pacific is worth around $1 billion, but the Expo sees huge potential for growth.

"It's a real chance for importers and exporters, large and small to simultaneously expand their business and support the local economy," says Ms Lawley.

9 February

New facility unites community

Six years of planning and building will be realised on Saturday, when the Sturges West Community House is officially open to the public.

Celebrations start at 10am with an official opening ceremony and tours of the house, a bouncy castle, face painting and sausage sizzle.

The house at 58 Summerland Drive, Henderson is the result of six years of work by a local committee who undertook extensive consultation and discussion to find out what the local community wanted in the facility.

In contrast to other community facilities, the house blends in with the surrounding landscape, which is exactly how the residents wanted it.

"The community wanted a house, rather than a centre; a place to meet, learn and discuss with their neighbours. We are currently finding out what courses and programmes the community wants run at the house in the coming months," says Sturges West Community House organising committee Chairman David Hallett.

"The house includes a LearnIT Online learning centre, arts and crafts room as well as a large room for meetings," he says.

Waitakere Councillor Penny Hulse congratulates the organising committee on a job well done.

"By talking with your local community, and finding out what they wanted, you have created a stunning house that will be used for many years to come."

She also echoes Mayor Bob Harvey's comments made at an earlier blessing ceremony for the house, about Waitakere's newest communities being supported by adequate facilities that allow them to grow and develop.

"When the subdivisions of the sixties and seventies were created, they were stand-alone groups of houses, unsupported by community facilities. Today we create facilities that allow people to meet, work and play as a part of their local community," she says.

L to R: Moira Kennedy, Lynne Pillay MP, CBM Christine Shepherd, Iris Donoghue MNZM, John Riddell, Gretchen Schubeck, CBM Elizabeth Francke, CBM Sharon Davies.

9 February

Environmental Trust wins first community awards in Waitakere

An environmental trust, Keep Waitakere Beautiful won the Supreme Award at the inaugural Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards.

250 people attended the awards evening at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson.

Keep Waitakere Beautiful receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Greymouth to represent Waitakere City at the annual TrustPower National Community Awards in March.

Founded with the Waitakere City Council in 1993, Keep Waitakere Beautiful is a registered not-for-profit trust. Led by Council representatives and local residents, the Trust co-ordinates programmes to reduce litter, weeds and graffiti, as well as educating the community.

Affiliated with Keep New Zealand Beautiful Inc, the Trust is supported by a number of community sponsors including the Waitakere City Council.

Waitakere City is the first city in the Auckland Region to hold the awards. Judges were Mayor Bob Harvey, Infratil's Managing Director Lloyd Morrison, John DeVere, a well known Waitakere City resident and JP and Tim Brown from Infratil.

Nominations for the awards were received from more than 80 community groups.

"Waitakere City has produced an outstanding number of entrants of a high standard. Clearly the volunteering spirit is alive and well in Waitakere City, and this is a reminder of the thousands of volunteer hours given to community organisations each year. Many organisations would not survive without their volunteers," says Lloyd Morrison.

Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey congratulated Keep Waitakere Beautiful on their win.

"Waitakere City has some extraordinary volunteers - people who devote hundreds of their leisure hours each year to help others in their community. These awards are just a small token of the City's appreciation of their work," he says. "It's our way of saying thank-you to the ordinary people who keep our communities ticking day in and day out."

"Keep Waitakere Beautiful has been beautifying and educating Waitakere City for over a decade now with the help of an indispensable group of volunteers, who make it all possible."

8 February

Back to school warning â€" be careful, be very careful where you park

People parking illegally around schools are about to be stung in their pockets.

Waitakere City Parking Services warns that they are watching the roads beside the city's schools very closely. For the first month of the school year the Officers will spend time advising motorists of the implications of any parking offences the drivers may have committed however they will still issue infringement notices for any serious breaches of traffic indiscipline.

The extra vigilance will include taking digital photographs of offenders' cars.

"Then the excuse 'it wasn't me' does not hold up," says Councillor Janet Clews, Chair of the Finance and Operational Committee.

"Back to school time invariably brings problems, so we are doing a major push to keep the roads safe.

"Many parents seem to think it is imperative to drive their children to school, even when they are within walking distance of the school. The unfortunate thing is that when everyone thinks this way, the result is a traffic tangle, which is unsafe for everyone concerned â€" children, parents, teachers and members of the public," says Councillor Clews.

All school principals in Waitakere City have been sent a poster with an official warning to parents that when they park illegally, they will be ticketed by either the Council Enforcement Team or the NZ Police.

"Waitakere City Council, LTNZ and the Ministry of Education have been working together to solve the school traffic problem. 'Walking school buses' and staggering school start and finish times in busy school zones are just two of the ways they are trying to improve the safety situation around schools," says Councillor Clews.

The busiest zones include Keegan Drive, Rathgar Rd-Edwards Ave, Strid and Don Buck Roads.

And now for the flip-side: lollipops will be awarded to motorists showing consideration in school traffic zones.

3 February

Hole in wall ensures safe passage

The 'Hole in the Wall Gang celebrates a safer Waitakere Village Railway Station

They're the 'Hole in the Wall' Gang.

Their mission: to make Waitakere Village's railway shelter a safer, more desirable place to wait for a train.

The 'gang' â€" Waitakere Residents and Ratepayers, Waitakere City Council representatives and Neighbourhood Watch â€" aims to safeguard passengers waiting for trains, after reports of about people loitering in the station's concrete shelter.

The group's first accomplishment is to make OnTrack aware of the situation. This has resulted in a "hole" being cut in the back wall of the shelter, to allow visibility from the road.

"The shelter provided a perfect place for clandestine activity." says Christine Shepherd, Chair of the Waitakere Community Board.

"Now that the hole has been cut, it is not as secluded and, hopefully will not now be used as a makeshift toilet or as a place to use illegal drugs. We are delighted that OnTrack has recognised the residents' concerns and we are hoping that ARTNL may see fit to provide toilets at the station," she says.

Negotiations are continuing between the residents' groups, Council representatives, OnTrack and ARTNL, says Waitakere Community Board's Residents and Ratepayers representative Sharon Davies.

2 February

Appeal decision for Harbourview-Orangihina deferred

It could be a year before the Environment Court makes a decision on whether a marae can be built at Harbourview-Orangihina Park (the People's Park) at Te Atatu.

The delay will also affect a decision on whether large amounts of the park land at Harbourview-Orangihina can be re-zoned as an Open Space Environment which is the zoning that applies to all parks and reserves across the city.

The issues arose because Waitakere City Council is proposing a change to the District Plan (Plan Change 2) that will allow re-zoning at Harbourview-Orangihina. The Te Atatu Residents and Ratepayers Association (TARRA) have appealed the proposed change.

The Environment Court, however, has decided that a separate proposed plan change (Plan Change 12) needs to be decided before it can rule on either the Councils proposal to re-zone areas of Harbourview-Orangihina or TARRA's appeal.

The Council's proposed Plan Change 2 would allow 2.5 hectares of the Harbourview-Orangihina Park to be zoned as the Harbourview South Special Area. It would also allow areas currently zoned Living Environment and Harbourview South Special Area to become Open Space Environment.

TARRA, however, have lodged an appeal with the Environment Court claiming that the proposed marae is an inappropriate and unsuitable use of the land. TARRA believes the Open Space zoning will not lead to sustainable management of the 80 hectares of park land.

The Court has now decided that it cannot make a decision on this matter until it knows the outcome of Plan Change 12. This would see tighter controls on activities in the City's 565 parks and reserves under which resource consent could be needed for some activities in parks and reserves.

Under the current District Plan, activities that are included in a reserve management plan for a park or reserve do not need resource consent. Under the proposed Plan Change 12 resource consent will be required if the proposed activities do not meet requirements in the District Plan.

If there are no appeals against Plan Change 12, the Court may fast-track the decision on the marae via a priority hearing.

If the marae project does go ahead, the land is to be transferred to a trust under the Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993.

The Council has set a timeframe of three years from the date that the land is formally vested in the 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," he says.

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.

1 February

Prime Minister at Marae on Waitangi Day

Prime Minister Helen Clark will attend Waitangi Day commemoration events in Waitakere City.

The Prime Minister will spend the morning at Waitangi in Northland, before flying back and attending an 'open day' at Hoani Waititi Marae in Gl;en Eden. She will be accompanied at Hoani Waititi Marae by three Waitakere Members of Parliament the Minister of Ethnic Affairs Chris Carter, Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe and Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay.

She is expected to be at the marae (which is on the corner of Parrs Cross Road and West Coast Rd) around 2.30pm.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Don Brash has confirmed that he will also attend.

Members of the public are invited to the day, which begins with a traditional welcome (powhiri) at noon.

"This event is an ideal opportunity to come and learn about the meaning of Waitangi Day at Waitakere's most prominent marae," says Mayor Bob Harvey.

"Everyone is invited to take part. There will be cultural performances from ethnic, Pacific and Maori communities, art displays, demonstrations and information stalls.

Waitakere City Council and Hoani Waititi Marae are co-hosting the event.

"The commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi is an appropriate time to provide this informative and entertaining day â€" especially for those who have never before had a marae experience," says Mayor Harvey.

View more information on the programme of events at the Open Marae at Hoani Waititi.

1 February

Dates set for Waitakere Ward by-election

Dates have been set for the by-election to find a new councillor to represent the Waitakere Ward.

An 'extraordinary vacancy' has been created by the early retirement, due to ill health, of Pat Booth OBE.

The by-election will be held from Thursday 30 March to 12 noon on Friday 21 April 2006 under the First Past the Post Electoral system by postal vote.

Nominations to fill the position open tomorrow (Thursday 2 February 2006) and must be returned to the Electoral Officer Darryl Griffin by 12 noon on Thursday 2 March 2006.

Intending candidates must submit a nomination paper, obtainable from the Civic Centre, with a deposit of $200 (including GST). They may also submit a candidate profile statement (specifications for these are available on application).

"Candidate profile statements will be used in the send out to electors," says Waitakere's Acting Electoral Officer Charlie Inggs.

Preliminary Residential and Ratepayer Electoral Rolls are available for viewing, enrolling or amending from tomorrow until 5pm 2 March 2006 during normal business hours at the Civic Centre, Waitakere City libraries and Post Shops within Waitakere City.

View more information on the Waitakere Ward By-Election.

1 February

Night of celebration for community groups

The finalists in the Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards have been decided-but will only be announced at the awards night next Thursday.

Held at the Trusts Stadium, all 89 community groups nominated will be celebrating their nominations from 6.30pm.

Nominations opened on November 1 last year with finalists chosen in five categories; health and wellbeing, heritage and environment, arts and culture, sport and leisure and education and youth development. The supreme winners are then chosen from those five finalists.

They will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Greymouth to represent Waitakere City at the annual TrustPower National Community Awards on 17 â€" 19 March. The winners will be required to make a 10 minute presentation, supported by Mayor Bob Harvey, on their organisation and its work.

The judges included Mayor Bob Harvey, Mr Lloyd Morrison and Mr Tim Brown from Infratil and Mr John DeVere, a well known and respected Waitakere City resident and JP. The judges agreed choosing the finalists was difficult, given the high calibre of all the entries.