Media Releases

October 2006

 

27 October

It's full steam ahead for a joint military/civilian airport at Whenuapai

Today Rodney District Council voted unanimously to join with neighbouring Waitakere and North Shore Cities, and international airport operator Infratil, to form an Airport Company to progress the proposal.

The Government has announced that the RNZAF will move its operation from Whenuapai to Ohakea within the next 10 years. The new North West Airport Company Limited will now push for joint civilian and military use of Whenuapai in the sort to medium term, which will see domestic flights and travel to and from Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Mayor Bob Harvey says that airports are "economic hubs" which provide thousands of jobs and inject millions of dollars into local economies.

"Whenuapai is already a fully functioning airport with hundreds of military flights every year. But it is under utilised. There are many examples here in New Zealand and overseas where military operations run side by side with commercial flights and forming this airport company means that this option can be fully explored."

Mr Harvey says as well as economic benefits for the North West of the region commercial flights at Whenuapai will bring airline competition and cheaper travel.

He also points out that with 500,000 people living within 15km of Whenuapai it is much more convenient for thousands of travellers.

"And with the Auckland Region promoting itself as a 'world-class' city, it's a little ironic that it is the only such city to have just one airport."

A poll taken across the Auckland Region and released last week shows that overall 53% of people support the idea of commercial air services running at Whenuapai as soon as possible, compared to 15% who oppose the idea.

The main reasons for supporting the concept are:

• Better access (18%)
• Facing less traffic congestion (10%)
• Cheaper airfares (11%)

26 October

Pacific Arts Wall unveiled at Waitakere central

Waitakere's newest significant original artwork is a 3 metre by 1.5 metre Pacific Arts Wall unveiled yesterday in the Civic Wing of Waitakere Central.

The wall was created by the "Mamas", a group of women dedicated to preserving traditional Pacific Island arts and crafts.

The Mamas are co-ordinated by the council's Pacific arts advocate Mary Ama and are an inseparable part of the Waitakere Pacific Arts and Cultural centre on the Corban Estate.

The centrepiece of the work is dozens of highly polished sea-shells surrounded by intricately woven fans arranged layer upon colourful layer on a woven flax background.

The "Pacific Arts Wall" has a pride of place in a foyer outside the mayor's office, where it will be seen by visiting dignitaries and other guests of the council.

Mayor Bob Harvey describes the Mamas' art work as "'luminous'. It's the most beautiful piece of Pacific Art by our marvellous Mamas who work so tirelessly on all sorts of art work, both traditional and modern. They're down at the Corban Estate every day of the week.

"At Waitakere we make a point of having the work of local artists in and around our buildings and even as parts of the buildings themselves. Our arts-design practice is second to none," says Mayor Harvey.

Peta Si'ulepa, chairperson, Waitakere Pacific Arts and Culture Trust says art work is one of the key outcomes of the government's Heart of the Nation Strategy for Aotearoa - "Identities Affirmed - Heritage Revealed."

"This beautiful art piece captures and weaves together the unique relationship between the people of the Pacific and the people of Waitakere City; the Mana Whenua - Kawerau O Maki, and the tapestry of diverse cultures who make Waitakere special.

It also reflects the creativity and vibrancy of things to come," says Ms Si'ulepa.

26 October

Aucklanders being blackmailed over Western Ring Route

Transit New Zealand was last night accused of blackmailing Auckland, with its proposal to make the Western Ring Route a tolled road.

Dr Hans Grueber, of the organisation Highway Robbery Incorporated, told the Waitakere City Council at its October meeting (Wednesday October 25) that the toll road would have effects over a longer period than the 35 years of tolls being collected.

"It will change the social, economic and political fabric of New Zealand," Dr Grueber said.

The proposed Western Ring Route will bring traffic from north of Auckland along a new motorway between Albany and Westgate and along the North Western motorway before linking to the new State Highway 20 via Auckland city's western suburbs, to Mangere, Manukau City and ultimately reconnecting with State Highway One, south of Auckland.

Transit says it does not have $800 million it needs to complete the road in the foreseeable future and to ensure it is completed quickly, it proposes to introduce tolls.

Aucklanders will pay about $1.6 billion in tolls over 35 years to cover the $800 million shortfall.

"It's a licence to print money over the next 35 years," Dr Grueber said.

Transit was deliberately misleading the people of Auckland by giving them false choice, he said.

Transit could not foresee whether this or a future Government would choose to find the extra $800 million, he said, reminding councillors that a similar situation had been faced in Tauranga.

"Transit gave the people of Tauranga the same Clayton's choice between a toll bridge and no bridge. How wrong they were. The government found the few hundred million dollars when it mattered. Why would Transit be any more accurate about the Western Ring Route?" he asked.

Waitakere Councillors replied saying that the city was unhappy with the toll proposal put forward by Transit.

"How can we get to the Government and say this is not acceptable?" Councillor Carl Harding asked, while Councillor Penny Hulse, chair of the council's City Development Committee said that Dr Grueber was talking to the converted.

"We share your concerns. As we see it, with this toll proposal we are in danger of becoming the sewer for Auckland's traffic," she said.

25 October

Waitakere Fireworks Display

Fireworks containing one and half tonnes of gunpowder will go into the Waitakere Fireworks Display on November 4 - claimed to the biggest and most spectacular in Auckland.

The Waitakere City Council is recommending the display as a way to enjoy a wonderful Guy Fawkes in complete safety.

It is also asking people to keep pets indoors through the fireworks period and to be extremely careful with their own fireworks.

"Every year people - often children - are badly hurt by fireworks and many animals are terrified. So, please, if you are going to have fireworks at home, keep pets inside and make sure children are safe," says Deputy Mayor Carolynne Stone.

"Older kids should have a responsible attitude if they are going to handle fireworks - and they will learn that from adults. Meanwhile, really small children should watch from a safe distance - and if they are going to do that, they will probably have a much more awesome fireworks night at the Waitakere Fireworks Display," she says.

Waitakere City Lions Luncheon Club secretary and display organiser Colin Ball agrees and promises this year's event will be the biggest, most spectacular fireworks display in Auckland.

"The Waitakere Fireworks Display is for mums, dads, and kids - it truly is a family affair with safety as our biggest priority," Mr Ball says.

"This gives punters the best of both worlds. With over one and a half tonnes of gunpowder to be used during the night, I can guarantee it will be a tremendous visual spectacle, combined with safety."

"We will also have a laser light show, motor-cross riders, as well as a surprise for every child who attends."

"Further, every dollar we raise will benefit Waitakere youth - the future of our city."

The Waitakere City Council-supported display will take place on Saturday, November 4, from 5-9pm, at the Douglas Track and Field venue on Central Park Drive, Henderson.

A family pass costs $25, an adult and one child $15, a student pass (15-18 years of age) is $5 and under 15's cost just $2.

If there is heavy rain the display will be automatically rescheduled for November 5.

In keeping with its family focus no alcohol is allowed.

Last year fire services were called to over 700 incidents during the 10-day firework sale period leading central Government to consider restricting public sales.

For a detailed timetable please visit: www.waitakerefireworks.org.nz

24 October

Councils need to show leadership in tackling climate change says Waitakere's Mayor Harvey

"Councils in New Zealand can and must take an effective lead on tackling greenhouse gases to reduce climate change, and the need for them to do so is urgent: very urgent," says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Mr Harvey was commenting on the value of New Zealand's first national forum for Communities for Climate Protection, NZ, (CCP-NZ), being held in Auckland today (Wednesday, 25 October).]

The forum is being attended by 27 councils to discuss their role in tackling climate change.]

"We are in a race against time as Al Gore's film 'An inconvenient truth' shows," says Mayor Harvey, who is speaking at the forum.

"Waitakere has been a pioneer since 1992, in this sort of work in New Zealand and we are very pleased to see that another 26 councils have also seen the need to take action," he says.

"Waitakere can be proud of its achievements to date. Our aim has been to direct the future planning of New Zealand's fifth biggest city, along the most environmentally friendly and sustainable lines possible.

"Our new Waitakere Central civic centre, for example, was deliberately located beside the rail to encourage more use of public transport and help get cars off the road," says Mayor Harvey.

"All our buildings minimise the energy we take from the national electricity grid, they use renewable timber and recycle their storm-water."

"Measures like this do make a difference. Every little saving multiplied many times, does make a difference, and this is where councils can take effective leadership in their community. The role we can take is to do these things ourselves and show the value of them for others to copy, " he says.

20 October

J.T Diamond Essay Competition Winners Announced

The winner of the annual J.T Diamond Essay Competition is Annemarie Endt of Oratia for her essay Aunt Dorothy's Memories of Sunnydale. She received the grand prize of the Franich Diamond kindly donated by Franich Jewellers.

Sunnydale is reputed to be the oldest remaining homestead in Waitakere City, having been built around 1860 and was Aunt Dorothy's (Dorothy Alice Davidson) home for more than 30 years. She was well-known to long-time Oratia residents having bought her property there in 1907.

Winners of the J.T Diamond Essay Competition 2006

The competition prize-giving on Tuesday 17 October was attended by more than 70 adults and children and guest speaker was Mayor Bob Harvey.

Along with overall winner Annemarie Endt, the other prize winners were Paul Thurston Willie Sharp, Julie Redman Auckland's First Settlement at Cornwallis, Caitlin Davey The History of Crum Park, Lucy Dixon John Thompson, Alexandra Holt Woodlands Park School, Georgia Harris The History of Whatipu Wharf, Louisa Shen The Timber Industry in 19th Century West Auckland, Georgia Rae The Nihotupu Dams. The Mayor's prize went to Jack Morris for his Wine Makers & Their Labels, and Elizabeth Elphinstone received the West Auckland Historical Society's prize for her essay on Fond Memories of West Auckland.

The J.T. Diamond Essay Competition is held by Waitakere Library & Information Services and the West Auckland Historical Society to encourage an interest in, and the study of, West Auckland history. This annual event is named in honour of Jack (John T) Diamond, a man who spent a lifetime studying, writing and documenting the history of West Auckland and the Waitakere ranges.

20 October

Bring it On Trust Supreme Winner in Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards

The Bring It On Trust is the Supreme Winner of the 2006 Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards that acknowledge the work of voluntary groups and organisations in the city, in the last 12 months.

Mayor Harvey,Talanou Fonua, founder of the Bring it on Trust, winner of the Infratil Waitakere City Community Awards 2006, Lloyd Morrison, managing director of Infratil Ltd and Graeme Purchase of Trust Power, sponsors of the national community awards

The Bring It On Trust organises large scale hip-hop dance competitions, workshops and mentoring throughout secondary schools in Waitakere; a programme that is sustained by up to 100 volunteers.

They received their award from Mayor Bob Harvey and Infratil Managing Director Lloyd Morrison, in front of 200 guests at a glittering ceremony held at The Trusts Stadium, last evening, in Waitakere.

Bring It On won a cheque for $1500, a trophy and the right to represent Waitakere in the Trust Power National Community Awards in Taupo, in March next year.

There were 37 entries in the Infratil-Waitakere City Community Awards this year, in five different categories.

The Bring It On Trust was one of two winners in the Arts and Culture category. The other category winners were:

"I think it's wonderful that the winners are youth oriented. Of course, all the entrants were very worthy and make a huge contribution to our community, but we are a young city, as a council we are putting a great deal of effort into our youth, to build the city they will inherit," says Mayor Bob Harvey.

"But, as I said we can be very proud of all the finalists. Volunteers are at the heart of our community - dedicating a tremendous amount of time and energy to help make it a better place in which to live."

Mr Morrison congratulated Mayor Harvey on the standard of the Awards.

"Waitakere has done very well in the last two years and we appreciate your support, led by your own enthusiasm and commitment to the Awards' success," Mr Morrison says.

"We look forward to an even brighter future as Waitakere helps us grow these Awards and give something rewarding and prestigious back to the people who give so much - the volunteers" he says.

Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards Finalist Backgrounders

BRING IT ON TRUST

The Bring It On Trust operates with over 40 volunteers and a Trustee Group of 4 members.

The Trust was established to organise and run large scale hip-hop dance competitions aimed at secondary school students. The Trust works with groups prior to, during and after competitions through workshops and mentoring programmes.

The competition is a vehicle where volunteers are able to work with students and schools to bring out the best in the youth, not just as performers or dancers, but also in the development of how they relate to peers and family units, skills for life, higher education goals and encourages participants not to waste their talents or life by being purposeless.

In addition to working on the programme, volunteers also use their time and talents doing administration, multi-media work, production, sound, staging, website design, ushering and working with schools to ensure that the competition becomes part of the core curriculum each year.

The Bring It On Trust encourages teamwork, setting of goals and bringing the talents and gifts of the students into the public arena by providing a positive and safe event.

NEW LYNN SEA SCOUTS

The New Lynn Sea Scouts has 15 volunteers who volunteer between 70 and 150 hours per week to the Scout Group. The Scout Group currently has over 100 members.

The New Lynn Sea Scouts promotes the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of its members through the use of a varied outdoors based programme. They teach teamwork and leadership skills which members take with them on their journey through life.

Projects undertaken in the past 12 months include training and attendance at the National Sea Scout Regatta, where they successfully competed and won the Regatta.

Volunteers have also worked with senior scouts to help them achieve their Queen Scout Award and this year 6 members were awarded this Award.

Volunteers have worked very hard on producing a programme that appeals to youth and this success is demonstrated by the fact that membership has continued to grow and a second cub pack, for youth aged 8 to 10, has been introduced this year. In addition to this work, the volunteers and members of the New Lynn Sea Scouts also work with other volunteer groups such as the Lions Club, assisting with their fundraising work, the annual clean up of the Whau Creek, and also provide services to the RSA for Anzac Day services.

WAITAKERE CITY ORCHESTRA

Waitakere City Orchestra has around 20 volunteers who on average give 20 hours of service per week, this increasing to around 150 hours per week prior to a concert.

The Orchestra has anywhere between 40 or 50 members at any one time. These members are made up of a mix of professional and amateur musicians.

The volunteer hours are spent in behind the scenes work. This includes a Board of Trustees who meets regularly to monitor governance and the finances of the Orchestra. The other volunteer hours are spent doing a multitude of tasks such as front of house, marketing, stage management, programme writing and production, collating music scores, in fact a lot of jobs that an orchestra needs done, to ensure that the musicians are able to perform the comprehensive programme that has been set for them, to the very highest standards.

Another large task for the volunteers is the countless hours spent preparing and submitting funding applications for funding required to run an orchestra such as this one.

LAINGHOLM BAPTIST FRIDAY CLUB

The Laingholm Baptist Friday Club have a staff of 20 adult volunteers and 20 youth volunteers who give around 40 hours of service per week to help run and produce a youth club for around 100 primary school children, once a fortnight.

The programme provides a safe and fun after-school programme for the community. The Club has been running for nearly 10 years and operates during school terms.

Volunteers run a "walking bus" from Laingholm Primary which deposits around 60 children at the Club every second Friday. The programme is broken down into sessions and volunteer leaders take groups of a maximum of 9 children each through a variety of activities. Those activities include cooking, craft, science experiments, puzzles and active games.

Hours of volunteer time also go into setting up for a Friday session, such as assembling equipment needed for the science experiments, cooking or craft classes, and moving furniture to accommodate the group.

Volunteers also spend time compiling attendance lists prior to each Friday, checking on the safe arrival of child and following up on the safety of anyone expected but who does not arrive.

Volunteers are also responsible for keeping the paperwork in line, especially the health and safety requirements of running such an activity.

WAITAKERE TRAMLINE SOCIETY INC.

The Waitakere Tramline Society has a volunteer membership base of 37, of which 28 are currently active. These volunteers give around 1600 hours of service each year.

These hours are spent in the preservation and operation of the very unique scenic 2 foot gauge train, which runs a 1 ½ hour trip from the Waitakere Filter Station in Christian Road to the base of the Waitakere Dam.

Over recent years the preservation of the track and train has enabled visitors to enjoy and appreciate the difficulties our forebears went through to construct the track through the Waitakere Ranges. The tramway is the longest continually operating bush tramway in New Zealand and has been in operation for 101 years.

During summer months volunteers staff the train as it operates every Sunday. In the past 12 months the train has carried 3770 passengers on 198 trips.

In addition to all of this work volunteers are also involved, on behalf of the Society, in other organisations such as Ark in the Park, Friends of Arataki, Engine Restoration Society and the West Auckland Historical Society.

The Tramline Society celebrated in 2005 its centennial and volunteers produced a booklet to celebrate this event.

Recent changes to government legislation has meant that volunteers have also spent many many hours updating and revising safety procedures to meet the new requirement.

KAREKARE SURF LIFE SAVING PATROL INC.

The Karekare Surf Life Saving Patrol operates with 120 volunteer lifeguards and around 140 members. The patrol recorded 4291 patrol hours on Karekare Beach over the last season.

During these patrol hours volunteers undertook 16 first aid interventions, 9 searches, 26 rescues and 4366 preventative actions.Karekare Surf Life Saving Patrol provides voluntary life guard services to the public using Karekare Beach. As you all know Waitakere City is fortunate to have some very spectacular west coast beaches, but unfortunately these beaches are also the most dangerous in the country.

Annually volunteer members rescue hundreds of people and performance preventative actions to keep the public out of harms way. Many of these preventative actions occur outside of regular patrolling hours.

Members of the Club pride themselves in the high quality of the services they provide and this is reflected in the winning of numerous Awards, including Patrol 4 winning the 2005 Rescue of the Year.

The Club also takes a holistic approach to welfare and provide an environment for members to ensure that the Club has one of the best member retention records for Surf Life Saving in New Zealand. The current average service record is 12 years, compared to 4-5 years nationally.

20 October

Moon Festival a Key Event for Auckland

Waitakere City's spectacular Moon Festival on the 6 and 7 October yet again showcased Asian culture through art, dance, song, martial arts, food and interactive activities, to full houses on both days.

Now in its fourth year Waitakere Moon Festival has become a significant event that attracts acts and audiences from throughout the Auckland region. In addition, dignitaries again included the Consuls-General for the People's Republic of China and Japan along with Mayor Bob Harvey, Councillor Peter Chan and MP for New Lynn David Cunliffe.
The booming Taiko drumming filled the New Lynn Community Centre with exciting rhythms while the Taiwanese dance and Thai cultural performances stunned the audience with their dramatic use of colour. Another crowd favourite was Chinese Opera from the Cantonese Opera Society of New Zealand while highly acclaimed diva Lucy Li gave excerpts in the Beijing Opera style. Soprano Maggie Ding was also popular with her traditional Chinese songs.

A feature was the many young people keeping cultural traditions alive with Korean drum and music group, the Sonar Chand Indian dance group and also a Pacific cultural performance too.

For a gentler pace spectators could watch Tai Chi or pick up the pace with Kung Fu and other martial arts demonstrations. Lion Dancers seemed to defy gravity with their antics. Chinese and Japanese songs were on display and for sheer artistry Yu Fen Dancemaker performers dazzled with their beauty of movement over the two day festival.

Naturally the festival highlights included a fireworks display enjoyed by the young and those less young. Next year there are plans to expand this special event in terms of performances, audience participation and food selections. We hope to see you there!

19 October

Aucklanders support commercial flights at Whenuapai by more than three-to-one

The majority of Aucklanders want to see commercial flights at Whenuapai as soon as possible.

That is the finding of a just-released poll which looks at attitudes towards establishing commercial flights out of the existing airforce base before the RNZAF relocates its operations.

In the north-west of the region, where the airport is located, support for the concept is running at more than four to one, and has increased since an earlier poll in 2004.

The poll was conducted for Waitakere City Council by market research company tns.

The latest poll measures the views of residents in the north west of the region, in Auckland central and in south Auckland.

Overall, 53% of residents in the Auckland region support the idea of commercial air services being developed at Whenuapai as soon as possible, compared to 15% who oppose the idea.

The main reasons for supporting the concept of commercial air services at Whenuapai are: quicker access (18%), facing less traffic congestion (10%) and cheaper airfares (11%).

The main reasons for opposing the concept were noise (4%) and belief that another airport is not needed (3%).

Most people (55%) believe that in five years it will take longer to drive to Auckland International Airport at Mangere because of growing traffic congestion and increasing population. Those who believe travel times will reduce (10%), mention completion of the motorway as the basis for their belief.

Only 36% say they would be likely to use a frequent public transport service running between the central city and Mangere, with 58% saying they would be unlikely to use it.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is not surprised by the positive result. "There is already a fully functioning international airport at Whenuapai. Our armed services, government politicians and other overseas dignitaries use it regularly. But it is under-utilised. There are many examples both here in NZ and overseas where military operations run side by side with commercial flights and we simply want that option explored. Airports are well known economic "hubs"- just look at what Mangere has done for the local economy in the South. It just makes sense to use Whenuapai more efficiently."

Infratil says there is no reason why commercial flights cannot co-exist with military use of the airport, a common practice overseas, and there is no need to delay commercial flights until the air force completes its planned relocation to Ohakea in 2014.

The company says Whenuapai would only ever handle a fraction of the air traffic using Mangere, but would be very attractive to budget airlines servicing other New Zealand locations, the Pacific Islands and the eastern states of Australia, and offering cheaper fares.

Background

• Waitakere City Council has a Heads of Agreement with respected international airport owner and manager Infratil to develop Whenuapai for commercial flights, and is offering North Shore City and Rodney District Council the opportunity of being involved in the venture. Infratil will contribute the necessary capital with the councils sharing in profitability. Waitakere has already begun the process of re-zoning the Whenuapai land as a special airport zone.
• In 2004 the Government decided to delay a decision on the future use of Whenuapai, after the NZ Defence Department concluded, following a public consultation process, that an airport was the best future use of the land.
• Whenuapai airport is already closer to more Aucklanders than Mangere, and there are many advantages in the north west of the having an airport, says Waitakere City Council. These include boosting tourism and offering better connectivity and reduced travelling times to business and individual travellers in the fastest growing part of the Auckland region.
• Three major business seminars held in the North West last year all endorsed the concept of commencing commercial flights at Whenuapai as soon as possible.

17 October

Waitakere Backs Indira

Westies are clearly made of wonderful stuff says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

"Not only do we have the best sportspeople in the world, we have world renown artists and Laureates and we can sing. Is there anything we in the west can't do?"

The mayor is referring of course to Indira Moala's success in TVNZ's New Zealand Idol programme.

Last night she made it through to the grand final and the mayor and council are urging all westies to vote for the 21 year old from Glen Eden, just as they supported former New Zealand Idol winner and fellow westie Ben Lummis.

Twenty one year old Indira is studying music at university and has four brothers and sisters. She has been singing seriously since she was 10.

Indira's father, Aisea Moala, is delighted Waitakere is getting behind Indira.

"I would like to say thanks to everyone who is supporting Indira and keep that westie support coming," he says.

"Having a 'home crowd' will make all the difference to Indira."

To vote for Indira people can phone 0900 88288 or text Indira to 2299.

17 October

International youth compete and share cultures

The finest young basketball players from around the Pacific, are currently locked in competition at Waitakere's TheTrusts Stadium, to carry off the title of Oceania champions.

Young men's and women's teams (under 21 years old), from eight countries are contesting the 6th Oceania Youth Basketball Tournament. New Zealand is the defending men's champion and Australia, the women's.

The event which runs until 21 October, builds through a series of round robin games leading to the playoffs and finals on Saturday.

This international youth competition is designed to promote basketball, develop young players' basketball skills and to give them an opportunity to experience international sport at a high level.

It also encourages cultural exchange and the celebration of diversity.

Entry to the round robin matches is free and entry to the playoffs and finals on Saturday will cost a gold coin.

Countries represented are American Samoa, Australia,, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Guam, New Caledonia, Fiji and New Zealand.

16 October

Waitakere to investigate feasibility of Museum

The Waitakere City Council is to investigate the feasibility of establishing a regional museum at Corban Estate as part of an integrated re-development of that site.

The Culture, Arts and Events Special Committee has decided to look into options for creating a museum at Corban Estate, which includes a cluster of historic buildings near the centre of Henderson.

"First of all, just because we are investigating the possibility of setting up a Waitakere museum doesn't mean we will do it," says Culture, Arts and Events Special Committee chairman Judy Lawley.

"While a museum would be a wonderful asset, museums are highly specialised buildings, so we need to do our homework and make sure it is affordable."
"What is for certain though," says Councillor Lawley, "is that Waitakere's heritage plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and local identity and this is why we are investigating the possibility."
External consultants for the council recently identified Corban Estate as the only council-owned site that has the realistic potential to function as a museum.
"The museum would sit within this site's wider development which would make an enormous difference in terms of us achieving a 21st century museum that makes a big contribution to the people of Waitakere by being part of a wider creative, cultural and educational complex with close links to industry and employment," says Councillor Lawley.

"A museum could form part of a creative quarter at Corban Estate but the type of activities, space requirements and costs still need to be carefully worked out," Cr Lawley says.
The feasibility study ties in with a proposal from Unitec to investigate the relocation of the School of Performing and Screen Arts and the School of Design to the Corban Estate Arts Quarter.
The council has also recently received some nationally significant works, for example the collection bequeathed to it by artist Peter Sauerbier, which if they are to be done justice, need to be on permanent public display.

13 October

Bravery Award for Waitakere Warden

Waitakere City Council parking warden Pes Fa'aui has received one of this country's highest bravery awards.

Mr Fa'aui receives the New Zealand Bravery Decoration. He is among just five people nationwide to receive the Decoration, announced in today's Special Royal Honours list by the Governor-General.

The honour is in recognition of his efforts in subduing a knife-wielding man in Railside Ave, Henderson, in late 2005.

The man had attacked and seriously wounded a store owner before fatally stabbing a 65-year old shopper. He was advancing on a police officer when Mr Fa'aui, who was on duty at the time, wrestled him to the ground.

The NZBD citation says: "Mr Fa'aui's act of exceptional bravery led to the arrest of a dangerous offender and possibly saved a police office from serious injury. Mr Fa'aui's action prevented any further possibility of injury or death to others in the vicinity, including the police officer who had originally confronted the offender as well as the offender himself."

Mr Fa'aui (36) himself received cuts and stitches in the struggle but was back on the job within days of the incident.

Soon afterwards Mr Fa'aui- a quietly spoken father of six - also received a special citation from Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, on behalf of the City.

In accepting the latest honour Mr Fa'aui acknowledges the victim of the knife attack (65-year-old Kevan Newman). "He was an innocent old gentleman and while I am deeply honoured and humbled by the award I can't help but think of him and what his family has gone through."

"I have been labelled a 'hero' since the incident. But that term is not for me. The real heroes in our community are those men and women in our armed forces and those who fought for this country- and especially those that died in the process. And also our emergency services- the fire, ambulance, police, and hospital staff who deal with major incidents, every day, that we never see or hear about."

"They are potentially at risk every day and often they are taken for granted by the wider community- until we need them," says Mr Fa'aui.

It was not the first time that Mr Fa'aui has displayed bravery above and beyond the call of duty. In 1997, also whilst on duty as a parking officer, he chased and caught a couple who had stolen jewellery from a store in a suburban shopping area. With the help of a fellow officer, Mr Fa'aui tried to remove the keys from the ignition before leaping into the backseat of the get-a-way car. The delay gave police enough time to get to the scene and arrest the pair.

Mayor Harvey describes the Council employee as "an exceptional bloke".

"Pes clearly puts others before himself, even in the most dangerous of situations and we are all just so pleased that such a humble, down to earth, person is being honoured like this."

12 October

Waitakere library users offered new service

From this week, library users in Waitakere are able to search for and reserve books at their library, using mobile phone technology.

Waitakere libraries, together with libraries in Auckland , Manukau, North Shore and Rodney form eLGAR (Libraries for a Greater Auckland Region) which develops new services that they all use.

Elgar has now introduced AirPAC, a software that allows users to access their library catalogue through small screen devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and WAP enabled mobile phones.

Using such devices, customers can view and interact with their library catalogue from anywhere, providing their network provider has mobile coverage. This means they can place a book on hold, renew items during a long bus ride to work, or search the catalogue while shopping, to see if something they want is available.

To celebrate the launch of AirPAC, eLGAR libraries will be running a competition, from 12 October to 12 November. This gives customers the opportunity to win a Telecom T3G Blade phone. To enter, customers need to visit their library's website for an online tour. The prize will be drawn on 29th November.

Geoff Chamberlain, eLGAR Chairperson and North Shore Libraries' Service Manager, says: "Remote use of libraries is one of the fastest growth areas in our service. AirPAC extends the ability for people to access their library account from virtually anywhere. You can reserve a book while you are travelling home on the ferry, or renew your books from Invercargill."

For information about five of Auckland's major libraries, go to:

www.rodneylibraries.govt.nz
www.shorelibraries.govt.nz
www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz
www.waitakerelibs.govt.nz
www.aucklandcitylibraries.com

12 October

Transit's ring road tolling plan does not address region's most pressing need

Waitakere City Council says Transit's proposal does not help Waitakere and does very little to deal with the region's number one transport problem, which is traffic congestion.

"It's bizarre to build a "hot lane" right through the middle of our city, with an on and off ramp at Hobsonville in the north west - nearly North Shore - and the other at Avondale in Auckland City, says Mayor Bob Harvey

"In between those two points, a city of 180,000 people has no access. Our people - and importantly our business and commercial traffic - will have to continue to sit in dense traffic on the North-Western Motorway and Hobsonville Road,".

"The fact is that this city contributes 30,000 vehicles twice a day to Auckland congestion and congestion costs the region $1billion a year.

"The principal way we are going to solve that in Waitakere is by developing more local employment to reduce the number of people leaving the city. For that we need economic growth and that means more and bigger businesses. Businesses need easy convenient access to the city," he says.

"What we are saying, therefore, is that for this toll road to work for us and the region, Waitakere needs convenient access within the city at Westgate, Te Atatu and Lincoln Road and preferably both," he says.

"Business traffic access is the one thing we wanted from Transit in order to achieve economic transformation that will serve us and the region well into the future - and that is the one thing we're not going to get under this proposal, as it stands," he says.

"Rather than a solution that benefits the whole region, therefore, Transit has revealed a plan that will relieve some congestion in Auckland while adding more congestion, more toxic emissions and more noise to Waitakere," Mayor Harvey says.

"Quite clearly, Transit has not understood the big picture of regional needs and this shows the weaknesses of a centralised highway planning system that is not leavened by local knowledge. It emphasises the need for proper regional road and transport planning," he says.

Mr Harvey says he is going to call a meeting of Waitakere MPs to discuss "in no uncertain terms" how they can support the city achieve what it needs in terms of long term transport planning

11 October

A city says "This is Waitakere" in music

Waitakere has become the only city in New Zealand to not only have its own orchestra but also an overture written specially for it.

Mayor Bob Harvey commissioned Brigid Ursula Bisley to compose the Waitakere Overture as part of the celebrations surrounding the investiture of the city's 12 "Arts Laureates" and the opening of its new civic centre (Waitakere Central).

"The beauty and magnificence of the Waitakere ranges and the West Coast beaches are beautifully celebrated in this piece. These geographic treasures were the starting point for this work which reflects the contrasts of brilliant sunlight and gloomy wet bush, calm sea and violent undertow," says Mayor Harvey.

The Overture also celebrates the coming of age of Waitakere City as a major metropolitan entity and cultural hub. It is likely that it is the first work commissioned for the opening of a building in many decades.

10 October

Waitakere raising arts recognition to new heights

Waitakere City has established a "college" of Arts Laureates to be artistic mentors for the city's political and administrative leaders and to give inspiration to the city's wide range of up and coming artists.

The 12 inaugural laureates are: Len Castle (potter), C.K. Stead (writer), Don Binney (painter) Mahinarangi Tocker (musician), Ann Robinson (glass artist), John Edgar (sculptor), Graeme Gash (artist), Lois McIvor (artist), Niki Caro (filmmaker), Geoff Moon (photographer), Dick Scott (writer/historian), Matafetu Smith (weaver).

Each has been recognised for his or her outstanding contribution to their field and their relationships with the Waitakere environment.

The laureates were invested by the new Governor General Anand Satyanand, as part of the opening celebrations of the new Waitakere Civic Centre known as Waitakere Central.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey also commissioned Brigid Ursula Bisley to compose the Waitakere Overture for the laureates' investiture. An evocation of the Wild West Coast ranges and bush, it was performed by the Waitakere City Orchestra - making the city one of the few with its own orchestra and the only one with an orchestra and its own overture.

"Criteria for choosing our laureates were deliberately kept as wide as possible. Their work reflects the vision, values and cultural diversity of this city", explains Mayor Harvey.

As an active patron of the arts, Waitakere City organises key community events such as the Going West Books and Writers Festival and the Trash to Fashion Awards. A strong arts infrastructure is centred on Lopdell House, the Corban Estate Arts Centre as well as two active Community Arts Councils serving the Henderson and Titirangi areas.

Commitment to arts advocacy is demonstrated in the practice of involving artists in all city projects including the recently opened new Civic Centre which also abounds in Maori carving and other art works.

The formation of the Arts Laureates and the commissioning of the Waitakere Overture show the commitment of this city to developing its artistic future by stimulating and sharing artistic wisdom.

10 October

Waitakere supports Indira

Keep that westie support coming!

Waitakere City Council, Mayor Bob Harvey and MP Lynne Pillay are urging locals to keep supporting Glen Eden's Indira Moala who is into the final of TVNZ's New Zealand Idol.

"Indira has a great voice, is obviously a lovely young woman and very committed to a future in music, "says Mayor Harvey.

"Now that she is just one step away from being crowned New Zealand's Idol every westie should be voting for her.

"Indeed the whole of Auckland should be voting for Indira because she's the only contestant left from north of the Bombays. She could well win this competition and I think she deserves to. Come on Waitakere - get voting."

Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay couldn't agree more.

"There's nothing better than seeing one of your own do so well," she says. "We need to make sure Indira wins this competition. This is great for Glen Eden and Waitakere."

Indira recently revealed that her goal from the very beginning of the competition has been "to take it out" - and now she's just one step away.

Indira's father, Aisea Moala, is delighted Waitakere is getting behind Indira.

"I would like to say thanks to everyone who is supporting Indira and keep that westie support coming," he says.

"Having a 'home crowd' will make all the difference to Indira."

To vote call 0900 88 288 or text INDIRA to 2299.

6 October

Band of Hope

Waitakere Mayor and member of UNESCO's New Zealand Decade of Education for Sustainable Development Committee Bob Harvey today launched a sustainability education campaign he plans to pilot in Waitakere and which he hopes will extend into schools around the country, if not the world.

Band of Hope involves children weaving and wearing flax wrist bands to raise awareness of the importance of thinking and acting sustainably and was officially unveiled at the NZ DESD conference in Auckland today.

Yesterday children involved in the Glen Eden (in Waitakere) Community House's school holiday programme were taught how to weave the funky wrist bands by a group of Pacific Island women known as the 'mamas', based in Waitakere and closely aligned to Waitakere City Council.

Today the mamas and two of the children came to the conference to show off their handiwork. Delegates also viewed a short DVD, commissioned by Mayor Harvey and featuring the work of artist and environmentalist Martin Hill, designed to publicise the Band of Hope campaign.

"This weaving initiative sits under an education strategy aimed at creating a nation of innovative and motivated people who instinctively think and act sustainably," says Mayor Harvey.

"Children are our future and it is vital they learn about the importance of sustainability as early as possible. Band of Hope will educate them about global sustainability issues in a fun way and there's also a funky and trendy product and accessory at the end of the process they will be proud to wear and to show off to others.

"The wrist band is a circle and I believe this initiative will create bigger and bigger circles around the country, maybe even the world. The circle shape symbolises ongoing life and it is just so appropriate. That's why I asked Martin to help because all his work is informed by the cyclic principles on which nature works and he designs products and communications for sustainable ventures."

Mayor Harvey and the Waitakere City Council will establish Band of Hope in conjunction with local schools as a pilot next year after which the initiative will be rolled out nationwide.

3 October

Waitakere City Council welcomes cadets

Waitakere City Council has formally welcomed a group of freshly trained cadets to its work force.

The cadets, 19 long-term unemployed young people, have just completed an intensive three-month work training programme.

This week, they took up nine-month contracts at the council or within the ranks of closely aligned companies.

Council advocate for children and youth, Linda Cooper, says the scheme has given many of the participants some life-altering direction.

"They've had complicated lives in which things have happened to them, like family poverty. Through this training they have become committed and are on track to learning again," she says.

3 October

Keep paint out of the environment!

Keep Paint out of the Environment! This is Waitakere City Council's key message for anyone who is painting this spring.

The council is promoting "Paint EnviroTips" - guidelines for better paint purchasing, safer paint use, safer paint storage and correct paint disposal, to ensure environmental protection.

The guidelines are available from participating paint retailers and it is hoped that they help the city set a new standard for the way its residents keep paint out of the environment.

Paint is one of the most common pollution-causing substances in Waitakere and this is usually because many people don't know how to handle it properly. For example, too often, paint gets into stormwater drains and from there into our streams, lakes and harbours, polluting the water and killing fish and other aquatic life.

Some simple things you can do if you are planning any painting this spring are to only buy as much as you need, wash brushes so that the paint, washing-up water and cleaners like turps don't get into the environment or into stormwater drains. Store paints so that they last and dispose of unwanted paint through your paint supplier or the Waitakere Refuse and Recycling Transfer station.

More information