Media Releases

May 2006

30 May

Comment sought on Draft Whenuapai Airport District Plan Change

The public is being invited to have its say on a draft plan change to the Waitakere City District Plan, that will specifically enable Whenuapai airbase to be a commercial airport.

The draft change includes a new "Whenuapai Airport Special Area" within the District Plan.

"This does not mean that Whenuapai will become an airport, but it creates the planning structure that specifically permits an airport to be operated there, if that is what is finally agreed," says Councillor Vanessa Neeson, chair of the Waitakere City Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee.

"There are existing use rights and it is possible that the airport could be operated under the general rules of the Plan and the RMA, but this change specifies that an airport at Whenuapai will conform with the District Plan," she says.

Councillor Neeson says that the Council has a clear policy position on Whenuapai which it has been pursuing for a number of years.

"We believe the region needs a second airport now and the need is primarily in the north-west sector which is made up of Waitakere, North Shore and Rodney. It will contribute to economic growth and jobs and it will contribute to reducing regional traffic congestion.

"Whenuapai airbase is a fully functioning airport in the right place and the only sensible thing is to keep our options open. It would be difficult if not impossible to replicate this resource elsewhere in the Auckland region."

The council is seeking comment on the Draft Plan Change from the public, the Minister for the Environment, the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Conservation, the Auckland Regional Council, the North Shore City Council, and the Rodney District Council, Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngati Whatua, and local groups within the Whenuapai area.

26 May

UNESCO World Heritage Day - A New Zealand first

UNESCO World Heritage Day will be celebrated for the first time in New Zealand on Sunday 4 June.

The purpose of World Heritage Day is to raise awareness of our historic and cultural heritage. The focus of this year's event is the celebration of diversity and cultural heritage, unwinding the past to discover our ancestry and family history.

"Our cultural and historic heritage defines who we are as peoples," says ARC Parks and Heritage Chair, Cr Sandra Coney.

"Our identities are built on where we have come from and our journey from the past. This day provides an opportunity for Auckland people to explore their heritage and contribute their stories."

World heritage day in the Auckland region is being promoted by an interagency committee representing NZ National Commission for UNESCO, Auckland Regional Council, The New Zealand Historic Places Trust and region's local councils.

"A variety of events that will help people connect with the past are being planned, including heritage walks, heritage property open days and museum and library displays. We hope that World Heritage Day will become an annual event in Auckland and that it will grow from here," says Cr Coney.

Events happening in Waitakere City

26 May

Slip on Great North Road blocks lanes

A slip at 3098 Great North Road outside Cambridge Clothing has reduced traffic to one lane each way between Titirangi Road and Totara Ave.

A section of footpath subsided exposing phone and gas lines. United Networks and Telecom were advised in the early hours of this morning and repairs are in progress.

A sewer line was broken, however there was no contamination of a nearby stream and two pumps worked through the night and continue to remove wastewater from the line.

The council asks drivers to please avoid the area if possible.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

24 May

Waitakere chooses four ward system of representation

Waitakere City Council has tonight chosen a four ward system of representation for the 2007 local body elections and beyond at its Council meeting.

The decision follows over 500 submissions and two days of hearings by the Council's Finance and Operational Performance Committee. Councillor Neeson opposed the motion and Councillors Stone, Flaunty and Dallow could not vote because they did not attend all the Hearings.

Councillor numbers will remain the same at fourteen along with the Mayor. Massey will have three Councillors, Waitakere one Councillor and Henderson and New Lynn both five Councillors. The numbers of Councillors must comply with a formula of population to elected members so that no ward has a greater or lesser differential than 10% to comply with the legislation.

The four ward option chosen will see Henderson Ward extend its boundaries, taking in the Lincoln Road business area as well as the suburbs of Bruce McLaren, Western Heights and Ranui.

New Lynn Ward will retain Titirangi and add the suburb of Laingholm, which is currently in Waitakere Ward.

Community Boards will cover Henderson, New Lynn and Massey Wards with each of those having five Elected Members and two appointed Councillors, and Waitakere will have six Elected Members and one Councillor. This makes a total of 21 members compared with 22 at present.

The Council informally consulted on three representation options before deciding on a three ward system - the Initial proposal - for formal consultation. Each of the three wards was comprised of a mix of urban and rural areas with integrated land use, transportation and landscapes also taken into consideration.

The Final Proposal will now be advertised and the community will have a further opportunity to object. The Final Proposal, together with all supporting material including submissions and objections, will go to the Local Government Commission for consideration. As the proposal has been modified anyone may object, not just those who submitted to the Council on the Initial Proposal.

The Council is required to undertake a review of its electoral boundaries and system every six years, in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001. The current review was always going to result in some change because Waitakere Ward's population was not adequate to elect three councillors.

24 May

Mayor exults over West Coast win

Waitakere's Mayor Bob Harvey is celebrating the success of garden designer Xanthe White whose West-Coast inspired garden won a silver medal at the Chelsea Flower Show yesterday.

The acclaimed garden is inspired by Karekare Beach, a place that Mayor Harvey has loved since his earliest days as a surf lifesaver.

"Karekare is one of the most special places on the planet - that's an undisputed fact," he says.

"The rest of the world has seen Karekare in films like The Piano but the sheer other worldliness of the scenery has to be seen to be believed. The fact that it's so unspoiled compared to so many overblown tourist destinations speaks for itself," says Mayor Harvey.

Xanthe's vision of Waitakere's West Coast will be seen by at least 160,000 visitors to the show.

The dramatic garden evokes elements of the West Coast's temperamental landscape through use of black sand, recycled car tyres, päua insets and glass features.

Mayor Harvey is the author of two books about Waitakere's West Coast, Rolling Thunder and The Untamed Coast.

22 May

Road works start for Waitakere's first TravelWise schools

Waitakere's first Travel Wise school travel plans are a step closer to completion with the start of roadworks around two schools.

The plans' ultimate goals are to reduce congestion in and around schools and encouraging safe, healthy and sustainable alternatives to trips to school by car.

Fruitvale School will get speed humps for Tahi Terrace and Northall Road to reduce speed around the school as well as pedestrian refuges in Fruitvale Road, Tahi Terrace and Northall Road. An additional strip of footpath will be completed on the eastern side of Rua Road.

Henderson South School is also getting their pedestrian access improved as part of their school travel plan. Drainage in Coburg Street will be rectified and pedestrian refuges will be created in busy Henderson Valley Road. An additional piece of footpath will be laid on the south side of Henderson Valley Road east of Corban Avenue.

Work is expected to be finished around mid July.

22 May

The All Blacks are here, at our stadium

The All Blacks will play Ireland on Saturday 17 June at Eden Park, and the team will be hosted by Waitakere City Council and The Trusts Stadium, for training in the week leading up to this match.

The team will be holding a public training session at the Douglas Field, Waitakere Stadium, Central Park Drive, on Monday 12 June from 3.30pm. This session is open to the public, with admission free of charge. The team would love to see as many locals as possible, so come out and show your support.

16 May 2006

Waitakere's information access strategy out for public comment

Waitakere City Council seeks public feedback on its draft information access strategy to improve access to up to date information and communications technology.

The Waitakere Information Access Project aims to improve the city's information communication technology (ICT) to increase infrastructure and the computer literacy of its citizens.

In recent years Council has worked with community representatives to develop a community vision for ICT and engaged with central Government to follow the latest e-Government guidelines and practices.

The Council has also sought partnerships with central and regional government and private sector telecommunications providers to improve connections to broadband infrastructure and provided opportunities for lifelong learning by providing free access to the Internet and skills training.

Key elements of Waitakere's current information access framework include improving connections to broadband, giving citizens the confidence to access and use technology, and providing quality online content and services. Recent successes include:

• The Events Calendar: A new, improved Events Calendar is now online - ready for elected members, businesses and community groups in Waitakere to plan and register events. It's now live at www.waitakereonline.co.nz and in early June it will be available on this site. This calendar is a positive step forward for online communications in the city.
• The Code of Practice: Waitakere City Council has established engineering standards that specify how broadband infrastructure can be installed to meet the technology requirements of the future, in concert with the city's 'Dig Once' philosophy, where utility operators save time by sharing open trenches.
• Broadband Challenge: The council has applied for Government funding to support a pilot project to deliver wireless broadband to the Laingholm and Parau areas. If successful this project will enable residents who have never had more than dial up access to access the Internet at higher speeds. Council will advise residents if the funding application is successful. The success of this project will depend on broadband uptake in these underserved areas.
• Waitakere Online: The goal of the Waitakere Online Editorial Board is for Waitakere Online to be the homepage of choice for all residents, businesses and visitors to Waitakere City. The links to local sites and local content are added daily and the popularity of the site continues to grow with over 6,000 visitors per month.

How to have your say

Read the Waitakere Information Access Strategic Framework Draft. Copies are available at the Civic Centre reception, libraries, or online.

Submissions close on Monday 14 June 2006. Comments will be considered by the Council and may be incorporated into the final review of the framework. The final document will then be considered and adopted.

16 May

Power saving tips for winter

With the winter chills fast approaching, now is the time to look at alternatives to turning up the heater and your power bill.

Here are some quick tips to help stay warm and save on your power bill:

• Book an energy audit with Ecomatters (09) 826 0554 for $39. You'll receive $27 worth of energy-efficient light bulbs from Philips and tips to save hundreds on your power bill each year. For example, if 70% of New Zealand homes (one million households) replaced four ordinary high-use light bulbs with four energy-saving bulbs, the country's energy savings would exceed the capacity of New Plymouth's fossil-fuel fired station and be enough to take either Hamilton or Dunedin off the national grid (Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, 2006).
• Wrap your hot water cylinder and buy draught stoppers to minimise heat loss.
• Only ever heat the rooms you're using, and switch off the second fridge used for drinks in summer.
• Invest in timers for appliances like heated towel rails and heaters, or better still, put on a sweatshirt and add some extra blankets to the bed.
• Check the hot water temperature. If it is above 55 degrees, it may need adjusting. If you have to remove a cover get an electrician to do so.
• Check your shower flow by running the shower at normal temperature and seeing if it fills a two litre container in less than 10 seconds. If it does, you could use a more efficient shower head, available from your local hardware store for between $30 and $60. It could save you approximately $74 a year on your electricity bill.
• Dry your clothes on clothing racks or a washing line instead of using the dryer.
• Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
• Buy energy efficient appliances when shopping.
• Shut windows and pull curtains early to trap daytime heat inside for the evening.
• Fix leaky hot water taps, they can add $20 to $30 dollars to your yearly bill.
• Switch TVs, computers, washing machines etc off at the wall. Even if the red light is all that is showing, this standby function uses surprising amounts of electricity.
• Use cold water washes. A warm wash uses as much energy as drying the clothes in the dryer.
• Have short showers instead of baths.
• Finally, If you do need to buy a heater, use this equation below to work out what kW rating of heater you need: Length x width x height (all in metres) divided by 20 = kW heater needed

Check out Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's (EECA) website at www.energywise.org.nz for more tips or find them on this website here.

15 May

Proposed ratings system majority of submissions

The proposed change to Capital Value for rating and the proposed rates rise itself, are dominating the submissions received so far, to the Waitakere City Long Term Council Community Plan 2006 - 2016.

The Plan includes the Annual Plan for the year 2006/2007. Submissions close on Friday 19 May, 2006 after which the Council will begin hearing submitters who wish to speak to their submissions.

Some 370 submissions had been received with one week to go and Council staff were expecting a last minute rush. Staff expect that the final tally will be between 550 and 600 - which may be marginally more than last year.

"I think we are a little surprised that such a far reaching document as the Long Term Council Community Plan has not attracted more comment, and I hope people realise that they only have a few more days in which to make a submission," says Chairman of the LTCCP/AP Special Committee, Councillor Janet Clews.

Of the submissions received to date, the majority were concerned with the proposed change to Capital Value Rating and the projected 6.85% rates rise. The next largest category was about the passenger transport. Small numbers were concerned with the Council's draft Transport Strategy, cycle ways, a proposed targeted rate in New Lynn and the Council's Development Contributions and Financial Contributions.

"I think the most interesting discussion is going to be about Capital Value rating versus Land Value rating. I'm not sure that most people yet realise that Capital Value rating could see a reduction in rates for more than a third of the city's properties. Under a land value system almost all properties will have a rates increase," she says.

In addition, under Capital Value, almost 20% will have a rates rise of less than 5% - which is below the 6.5% average that we are predicting, Councillor Clews says.

9 May

Go Bea, Go

Waitakere City is backing Bea.

The City Council and Mayor Bob Harvey are urging residents to vote for Beatrice Faumuina, who is competing in the current series of television's "Dancing With the Stars".

Beatrice lives in Waitakere (Glendene) and in the first screening of the show last Sunday night she and her dancing partner were given the highest points of the night by the panel of expert judges.

Dancing with the Stars features celebrity contestants in a ballroom and Latin dancing competition, most of whom have no dance experience. They have just six weeks to rehearse with a professional dance partner in order to perfect a number of dances, which they then perform on the live weekly broadcast (on TV One, Sundays at 8.30pm).

The public now have the chance, during the week, to text or phone the show with their favourite dance duo.

Beatrice, a former World Champion discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medallist also features in Waitakere's "Walkway of Fame" in Henderson and in Mayor Harvey's latest book, titled "Westies".

She is a member of the Waitakere City Athletic Club, based at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson.

"Beatrice is true gem," says Mayor Harvey. "Not only is she an amazing athlete, but she is one of the nicest people you will ever meet- and obviously she can dance too!"

"She is one of the strongest women on the planet but she also has wonderful poise and grace."

Beatrice follows on from Waitakere City Councillor Ewen Gilmour and former Waitemata Mayor Tim Shadbolt who featured on last year's series of Dancing With The Stars.

"The boys were good but we think Beatrice will go one better and win it," says Mr Harvey.

To vote for Beatrice people can phone 0900 89814 or text "Beatrice" to 8981.

9 May

Over 500 have their say on new ward boundaries

Over 500 submissions have been received on the representation review for Waitakere City.

Residents were asked for their views on the proposed new boundaries, which would see the city split into three wards, Northern, Central and Southern; these would replace the existing four, Massey, Waitakere, Henderson and New Lynn.

510 submissions were received during the 42-day submission period, with 68 wishing to speak to their submissions.

Hearings will take place on 16 and 19 May, after which the Council's Finance and Operational Performance Committee will present a recommendation for a decision to Council on 24 May.

Darryl Griffin, Waitakere City Electoral Officer says that Councillors who were absent from the whole, or any part, of the Finance and Operational Performance Committee hearings and deliberations, may, at the Council meeting, vote in support, or to refer the matter back to the Finance and Operational Performance Committee, but they cannot make any changes to the recommendation. "The Council decision is then referred to the Local Government Commission." said Mr Griffin.

The Council decided to consult on this option on March 15.

5 May

Spotlight on Massey

Massey is in the spotlight as part of an innovative plan to revitalise its older suburbs. The Waitakere City Council identified the need to bolster services in the 21,000 resident suburb following a survey of residents.

Findings from the 443 person survey translated into a council report - Building Community in Massey - Our Place, Our People - which outlines a process for building a stronger community in Massey.

Councillor Warren Flaunty, a long-time resident of the suburb that sits in the shadow of Westgate and Royal Heights, says any improvements would be most welcome.

"Massey has pretty much been the forgotten suburb. It was established as a dormitory suburb in the 1960s for first home buyers after the motorway went through to Royal Rd in the late 50s. Residents were reliant on cars to get them to work," he says.

It now boasts one of the biggest co-educational high schools in the country and its 21,000 population is three to four times higher than most New Zealand suburbs.

Cr Flaunty says the genesis of Massey's problems date back to 1979 when Royal Heights was created, splitting the suburb into east and west and making social services hard to target. "That's when we started living in the shadow of our bigger neighbour and it just went downhill from there. When we lost our Post Offices in the late 80s the residents lost their meeting places, and then of course, Westgate was built in 1997/98 and Massey got lost in the neighbouring bright lights."

Moves to enervate the area through roading upgrades and improved social services will be most welcomed by the Massey community, says Councillor Flaunty. "Don Buck Rd wasn't designed to be an arterial road and it's becoming a nightmare. That needs addressing. Massey's young people would welcome a youth facility and the shopping complex is desperately in need of a do up. I'd like to see a statue of Don Buck - one of Massey's founding fathers - centre place on the roundabout in Triangle Rd to give residents a sense of history and identity. These are all good starting places."

"I would really like more support from other councillors on some of the roading issues identified in the Massey area in the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP). Unfortunately, some major works such as the proposed roundabout at Redhills and Don Buck Rds have been deferred for a year."

Cr Flaunty says although Massey has received some bad press in the past it does not deserve its reputation. Residents share his optimism it seems, with survey results showing 90% of residents 'agreed or strongly agreed' that Massey was a good place to live. However, the vast majority felt that 'outsiders' would not share that view.

"I think the residents of Massey are so used to not having facilities that they don't know what they've been missing," says Cr Flaunty. "It's time we did something about that."

Residents, community groups, businesses, schools and other organisations will now work with the council to develop a long-term plan for Massey.

5 May

Waitakere and Housing New Zealand sign agreement to work together on Housing

Waitakere City Council and Housing New Zealand have signed an agreement to work together on developing affordable housing - including Housing for Older Adults - in Waitakere City.

A Partnering Agreement has been signed by the Mayor Bob Harvey; Harry O'Rourke, CEO of Waitakere City Council; Helen Fulcher, CEO of Housing New Zealand Corporation and Angela Pearce, Auckland Regional Manager for Housing New Zealand. In support were the Minister of Housing, the Hon Chris Carter plus Housing NZ Chairman Pat Snedden.

The initiative grew out of an approach made by the Council late last year, seeking Housing New Zealand's assistance in bringing the city's aging Housing For Older Adults up to date.

Minister Carter met with Councillors and officials in December 2005 and agreed to consider a two part arrangement. Under one part, the Council would upgrade 11 of its 12 villages with assistance from the Local Government Housing Fund. Meanwhile Minister Carter agreed to consider the re-development of Wilsher Village in Henderson, as a special case.

The Partnering Agreement signed last night provides for different housing initiatives, including the refurbishment of Waitakere's Housing for Older Adults.

The agreement is not restricted to this one category of housing, however, and leaves the door open to explore other forms of affordable housing that might be needed to meet social needs in the city. Joint housing initiatives are likely to emerge as a result of the Agreement which will strengthen the relationship between the parties.

"This Agreement is good news for people in Waitakere City who are in need of housing and are not in a position to afford market prices," says Mayor Bob Harvey.

"Social housing is primarily a Government responsibility but we are willing to be a constructive partner with the Government, to ensure that our citizens get the housing they need.

"I wish to thank Minister Carter and his team at Housing New Zealand for the very supportive way in which they have responded. I think we can create models here that will benefit communities throughout New Zealand, starting with Housing for Older Adults," he says.

Housing New Zealand Corporation CEO, Helen Fulcher, also took the opportunity at the meeting, to describe the style of housing and housing developments now being undertaken by the Corporation. She noted particularly the significant decrease in health problems that were now being reported from a healthy housing initiative which focuses on social and housing issues.

5 May

Youth Council ready to rock

Waitakere youth are about to start doing it for themselves. Sitting in the Waitakere City Council chamber debating youth issues that is.

From June, some fifteen youth aged 15 to 24 from schools, alternative education systems (including home schools) and universities will meet monthly in the chamber as members of the revitalised Waitakere City Youth Council.

Newly-elected chair of the council, Andrew Wadsworth (20), says he's excited about his role. "I'm not sure if I get to sit in Mayor Harvey's chair yet but it doesn't matter. We've got so much work to do on issues that affect youth, I think where I sit will be low on my priority list!"

The council's first task is organising events over Youth Week, running from May 15-21. "We kick off early with Jam Out West - a rock band event at Kelston Boys High School on May 12. There's also a Disco for Youth with Disabilities at Kelston Community Centre on the 19th and a Youth Forum, with workshops and speakers, on the 18th. It's pretty full on."

Issues on the council's agenda include kick-starting the idea of a dedicated youth centre in Henderson. "The idea has been around for a few years but got put on the back burner some years back," says Andrew, a Bachelor of Science student at University of Auckland. "We're really keen to get that ball rolling again and will push for one centre that has a youth café, recording and performance space for artists and incorporates some sort of sports facility."

Andrew says youth council members have interviewed young people around the city and the general agreement is for one youth centre, rather than breaking the project into three centres in New Lynn, Westgate and Henderson. "We'll fight for funding not to be diluted into three centres because one big, well equipped centre is much better for youth."

The resurrected council held its first council meeting during a three day camp at Bethells Beach this month. "The camp is an opportunity to review our past performance and decide on the issues we'll push hard on this year," says Andrew.

Waitakere City Youth and Child Advocate, Councillor Linda Cooper says she's very excited to see the re-energised youth council up and running. "They are a great bunch of young people who are very enthusiastic about contributing to our city in their own unique and important way. They've been given greater responsibilities and they are facing up to the challenge admirably."

Councillor Cooper says the city council will help the youth council set standards and protocols. "They'll set their goals at camp and then we'll support them to achieve them. But ultimately, it's their responsibility to make a difference for youth in the city."

The youth council will make submissions to the city council's Annual Plan and the triennial Long Term Council Community Plan that focuses 10 year's out, as long as reporting to council. Members are all volunteers but get reimbursed for expenses by council.

5 May

Youth Week challenges stereotypes

International Youth Week will be celebrated in Waitakere from 15-21 May. The theme of the week: 'Redefining youth in Waitakere.'

The week starts with Jam Out West, a free concert on Friday 12 May at Kelston Boys High School featuring My Life Story, The Rabble (who featured at Summerslamz 05), Streetwise Scarlet and False Start. Organised by the Waitakere City Council with the YMCA Raise Up and Represent Youth Crew and Waitakere City Youth Council, this event promises to go off! Limited numbers so be in early! Doors open 7.15pm.

Converse 2006 will be held out west for the first time this year as part of the celebrations at the Trusts Stadium on Friday 19 May. A summit of peer and social leaders aged 15 to 18 invited from every Waitakere high school will discuss the theme of redefining our perceptions of youth crime. The summit will also feature keynote speakers, celebrity debates and workshops.

The third annual disco for youth with disabilities will be held at the Kelston Community Centre on Friday 19 May, hosted by the Waitakere City Youth Council.

A $5 movie night on Wednesday 17 May for ages 13 to 20 at Village SKYCITY Cinemas in WestCity. See any movie between 7 and 9pm and pay only $5.

Youth Week is nationally promoted by the New Zealand Association of Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) and is sponsored by Ministry of Youth Development. There are limited numbers to all events so get there early to secure your place.

5 May

Govt Announcement Welcomed

Waitakere Online has strongly endorsed the government's announcement that internet services are going to become more competitive.

Waitakere Online is an online community for Waitakere City residents and businesses. The portal provides a technological window into hundreds of local businesses, community organisations and services.

Chair of the Waitakere On-line editorial board, Andy Williamson, welcomes yesterday's announcement that the Government plans to regulate the broadband telecommunications sector.

"The change will reduce the cost of fast internet access and increase choice for business and residential consumers. Obviously that is a huge step forward in terms of home computer users, but just as importantly it will give a competitive advantage to businesses up and down the country. We are also pleased to see that, alongside regulation, Cabinet has agreed to extend Digital Strategy funding for remote and under-served communities. This will help ensure that all of us in Waitakere City- and particularly those in outlying areas like Laingholm, Parau and Karekare have access to broadband."

Currently, New Zealand ranks near the bottom of the OECD countries for broadband adoption.

'What comes next is that we have to ensure we all understand why broadband matters - because it does, "says Mr Williamson.

"It is clear from overseas experience that fast, affordable, internet is a catalyst for economic growth. In fact, it's a necessity not just for today's businesses but for tomorrow's. Fast internet access enhances our cultural, social and educational aspirations, helping us and our children to build a better future. Straight away, broadband enables teleworking - a simple and effective solution to rising fuel costs and congestion."

Waitakere Online is supported by Waitakere City Council and was established in 2004 as part of the City's Digital City strategy. A key part of that strategy is the ability for all residents, businesses and communities in Waitakere City, to have access to a broadband connection.

4 May

Council to consult over uses for historic McCormick's cottage

Waitakere City Council has decided to undertake consultation around possible future uses for McCormick's Cottage, one of the city's historic buildings.

McCormick's Cottage was built on the sea-front at what is now Harbourview - Orangihina Park in Te Atatu Peninsula, in the 1880s.

The Waitakere City Council's Projects Special Committee today heard that there was significant public interest in different uses for the building, if it was restored.

"We think it is important to know what use the building could be put to, before making any other decisions on its future. This is because the final use could impact on the cost of restoration and also show us how that cost could be afforded," says Committee Chair, Councillor Ross Dallow.

"For example, if it were restored as a café or restaurant, the costs could be significantly different from the costs of restoring it as a house or a council information centre. On the other hand, there would be commercial income from the lease of a restaurant that could be significantly more than from other uses," he says..

"We haven't changed our minds about wanting to preserve it, but the building could be considered extremely dilapidated. It has structural problems and the damage is such that we need to consider if the cost of virtual re-construction is worth it," Cr Dallow says.

"So, we want to know exactly what sort of proposal and costs we will be dealing with and have asked the officers to establish that with the public as a first step. They can then write a Conservation Plan that includes those specifics, and we can put it out for public consultation," he says..

The committee was in favour of preserving the cottage and voted up to $20,000 to make the building weather tight in the interim. It will also explore having the building registered with the Historic Places Trust.

McCormick's Cottage is named for Henry McCormick who arrived in New Zealand from Scotland in the 1860's. It is believed the cottage was built about 20 years later.

It stands on land that was at the time owned by Henderson and MacFarlane, one of whose founders was Thomas Henderson, the pioneer industrialist, farmer and orchardist for whom Henderson was named.

As a result of this history the cottage was closely connected with early European economic activities such as timber milling, gum digging and brick making - ventures upon which the early Henderson town ship was largely founded..

2 May

Submissions on the 10 Year Plan roll in

So far 120 submissions have been made to the draft Waitakere City Long Term Council Community Plan 2006 - 2016.

This 10 year plan incorporates the annual plan for 2006/2007 and is open for submissions until 19 May.

The draft 10 year Long Term Council Community Plan was developed with input from the community. Public meetings, focus groups and specific targeted forums were held to assist in the development of community outcomes and levels of service that the community can expect from the Council.

The main themes of submissions so far include the proposed change to a capital value rating system, the proposed rates rise, and public transport issues.

The draft budget shows a Council controlled rates increase of 6.85% for the coming financial year with similar figures indicated for the next 10 years. The major financial drivers are inflation, depreciation and interest expense.

As part of its consultation, the Council is asking the public for its views on a proposed change in rating methodology. The proposal is to change from a system based on land value to capital value (and a move to a Uniform Annual Charge for wastewater on residential properties, rather than having wastewater assessed against property values).

Other issues highlighted for consultation:

• Targeted rates - whether specific areas that are being developed with significant Council funding, and which will benefit economically, should be rated separately. For example, levying businesses that are within an 800 metre radius of the site for the proposed New Lynn transport project - double tracking of the Western Railway Line - to improve transport in the city and to revitalise the town centre.
• Cycleways - The Council is planning to build approximately a third of its cycleway network over the next ten years.
• Transport Strategy - The Council is seeking the public's views on its draft strategy and associated programme of around $380m over the next 10 years.

After submissions close, the Council will conduct hearings and the final plan will be adopted late June.

1 May

Waitakere Best Managed in Country

Waitakere City Council has the best management in the country - and that's official.

A team of six staff have won the annual local government "Management Challenge", which saw them pitted against 16 other Councils and local authorities from around New Zealand. Teams for the final had been selected after a series of regional competitions held over the past few months.

The challenge (run by Local Government Management Australia) required teams to come up with strategies and solutions "on the spot" to a series of problems- a test of ability to respond under pressure of time, working with a lack of full information and personnel who may be unavailable.

It is designed to develop new skills in the areas of leadership, teamwork and issue resolution.

One scenario faced by the Waitakere team at the New Zealand finals involved a report which found the Council was not performing in terms of environmental outcomes.

"We had to brief the Mayor and then the press - our line was not to put any "spin" on it, that we had commissioned the report because we needed to know the facts and we had to act on the recommendations," says team member Monica Sharma.

The Waitakere team is: Peter Sewell, Dai Bindoff, Philip Brown, Ross McLeod, Setareh Masoud-Ansari, Monica Sharma and Bronwyn Allerby.

Waitakere City chief executive Harry O'Rourke says the win is tangible recognition of the calibre of staff at the Council..

"This team is made up of people from across the organisation, from the likes of consents area, project management and policy development, which shows the depth of outstanding ability we have," he says.

The Waitakere team received an all-expenses paid trip to Perth (in late May) to represent New Zealand at the Australasian finals. That will see "Team Westies" up against state winners from around Australia.