Media Releases

June 2007

 

28 June

A night for the stars to shine

Te Taumata Runanga yesterday (Thursday 27 June 2007) held their Biennial Maori Community Awards. This year's award ceremony coincided with Matariki, the Maori New Year marked by the rising of the Pleiades constellation.

The Taumata is a standing committee of Waitakere City Council, providing advice and guidance regarding Maori aspirations and priorities in the city. The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate Maori Community achievement, leadership and service. The award recipients for 2007, along with their nominated categories, are:

Guests were entertained by an impressive line up of local Maori musicians, and the guest speaker was the inaugural chairman of Te Taumata Runanga, Dr Pita Sharples. Pita reflected on the achievements of local Maori over the years, and on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The evening celebration concluded with a rousing performance by Pounamu, a group established by local Maori Performing Arts icons, Ngapo and Pimia Wehi.

28 June

Nominations close shortly

Who is your favourite "Westie" icon?

There are just a few days left for people to nominate famous people for inclusion in Waitakere City's Walkway of Fame.

Each year the hand and/or footprints of locals who have gained national or international recognition are etched into granite tablets and inserted into the Walkway, which is outside the Council's civic centre in Henderson.

The project began in 2000 and already honours the likes of All Black legend Michael Jones, musician Neil Finn, and chief justice Dame Sian Elias.

This year will see up to four new inductees.

The criteria are:

• Must be nationally or internationally recognised and they must have been born in or lived for a substantial part of their life/career
• Those who have helped raise the profile of the region or whose work/career has been inspired by the region (for example actors or artists)

Nominations can be made on-line or by writing to:

Walkway of Fame
Waitakere City Council
Private Bag 93109
Henderson

Please include your name and contact details (phone and/or e-mail) as well as the name of person you wish to nominate.

 27 June

Vector trials micro wind turbine in Waitakere

Vector has launched a trial of urban micro wind generation in an initiative to assess this renewable energy solution and Waitakere City Council is proud its Waitakere Central roof is the site of the first turbine.

At the launch yesterday (June 27) Vector Chief Executive Mark Franklin said the trial of a micro wind turbine was beginning in Auckland and Wellington where Vector operates electricity networks.

"Given the challenges currently facing the energy sector we believe that as a key multi-infrastructure company it is important we instigate alternative and sustainable forms of energy," Mr Franklin said.

Vector will trial up to 10 micro wind turbines in a range of locations to see how they perform in the urban environment and to assess their technical viability and commercial potential. Once this evaluation is complete and depending on its outcome, Vector will consider what further steps it will then take.

The Swift turbine has been successfully installed in the UK and other countries and provides a great example of smart technology being used to address changing energy needs.

The two initial trial sites in Waitakere and Wellington will be assessed for its average wind speed, the amount of energy generated, noise and visual impact and for any effects the turbine might have on the operation of the local electricity network.

At the launch Waitakere Councillor Penny Hulse said the trial was a logical extension of Waitakere's eco city status and vision.

"We know that business as usual is not an option if we are to ensure the long term survival of the planet. In Waitakere we are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2051.

"We need to be smarter about the way we operate and there are great opportunities for us as a city and for local businesses in trialling new technologies such as this wind turbine."

The trial will be particularly useful in exploring the benefits of renewable distributed power generation in New Zealand, especially its role in supplementing the more traditional fossil-fuelled grid-connected alternatives.

27 June

Waitakere Completes Budget Deliberations

Waitakere City Council has completed deliberations on its budget (Annual Plan) for the 2007-2008 financial year.

The average residential rates rise across the City is 5.50% (or $1.70 per week for a property with a land value of $150,000). The average residential rate is estimated to be $1669.

Rates include a Uniform Annual General Charge of $628 which all properties pay regardless of their land value and a wastewater charge of $373 for residential properties connected (or able to be connected) to Council's the wastewater network.

Draft budgets had shown an indicative rates rise of 6.69%.

"But after 10 days of listening to public submissions, debate and review of budgets we managed to trim that back. What we have arrived at will be one of the lower rates increases in the Auckland region," says Councillor Janet Clews, chair of the Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Special Committee.

"We have to balance the needs of a rapidly growing City with what our ratepayers want and expect. This budget does that."

"I am particularly pleased that service levels have been maintained, the work programme is in line with our 10 year plan, and that the increase is close to the rate of inflation."

The Council finalised a budget which sees the bulk of the rates money (82%) spent on "the basics" - things like stormwater, wastewater, parks, leisure facilities, libraries, and roading.

Features of the Annual Plan include:

• The next stage of work on the new grandstand at Douglas Track & Field in Henderson- $2.058 million.
• Green Bay Community House upgrade ($180,000)
• $54.2 million for roads and footpaths
• Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre and Library - planning for redevelopment ($100,000). Physical work will start in 2008-2009.
• Ranui Library extension ($617,000)
• Improvements to the rail corridor in New Lynn - $8 million
• Improvements to the town centre (business area) in Henderson -$1.17 million
• Re-development of Lopdell House Art Gallery in Titirangi -$1.029 million
• Ongoing support for Sport Waitakere ($105,000)
• The price of water (at $1.48 per cubic metre) remains unchanged

26 June

Waitakere author returns to city to launch his first novel

Former Waitakere City resident and author Ron Riddell returns to Waitakere City this Friday for his inaugural book launch.

With 14 collections of verse in print, writer and peace advocate Ron Riddell is most well known for his poetry. He has just released his first novel, The Greek Letter, and is coming home to talk about it. His talk is being hosted at the New Lynn Library on Friday, June 29th at 7pm.

While he currently lives in Lower Hutt, Ron says he is very much a "westie", having grown up in the New Lynn area, attended Kelston Boys High School, started his teaching career at Henderson High School and founded The Titirangi Poets.

Ron describes his novel as "a meditation on life and death, of one life lost and a new one gained" and says a primary source of inspiration was the west Auckland he grew up and went to school in during the 1950s and 60s. This is where the novel opens and the main character, Jim Robertson, begins his quest to regain his memory and identity, while at the same time building a new life for himself.

"Jim Robertson needs to wake up to life, to all its rich possibilities," Ron says. "He must go on a journey of exploration and discovery, as we all. He learns how to challenge and accept challenges."

While The Greek Letter is mostly set within New Zealand, there are "resonances and references" in the Greek world. As a child, the book's protagonist recalls waving to his father as a train pulls away from a Waikato mining town to take him to war. The sense of loss and childhood trauma when he doesn't return is a major part of the narrative.

Ron himself feels a strong connection to Greece, having worked there as a teacher in 1973 and found himself in the middle of a military coup in which hundreds lost their lives. His time in Greece was inspirational, not only for his first novel but also for earlier poetry and painting, having listened to both Greeks and New Zealanders reminiscing about what happened in Greece during the war and its aftermath. He is looking forward to sharing these experiences and talking about how they shaped his life and work.

It's been a busy time for Ron. Alongside the printing of his first novel, he's also just completed his latest book of poetry, Selected Poems (1975-2007), has just been published in a bi-lingual edition in Spain. Ron will also be bringing copies to his author talk at New Lynn Library.

25 June

Local election candidates' workshop

Ever thought of giving local politics a go and having a say in the future of Waitakere City?  Then why not find out more about standing as a candidate to become a Community Board member, Councillor, Auckland Regional Council member, elected member of the Portage Licensing Trust or Waitakere Licensing Trust, Waitemata District Health Board member or even Mayor?

Waitakere City Council will be holding a workshop for prospective candidates in this year's local government elections on 10 July at 6.30pm.

"This is an opportunity for people interested in standing in the 2007 elections to learn more about the nomination and election processes and the roles of councils and elected members. It's also a chance to have any questions answered," says Darryl Griffin, Electoral Officer for Waitakere City.

"We are encouraging anyone who wants to make a difference in the local community to stand. After all, local government and local democracy are fundamental to our society giving the opportunity for everyone's voice to be heard. The mayor and councillors and other elected members take on a leadership role in Waitakere representing the views of the community.

"We need a range of elected members of different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to represent the diversity of our community.

"Anyone aged 18 years of age or older can stand for election as long as they are a New Zealand citizen and enrolled on the electoral roll."

Nominations for candidates for the positions available open on 27 July 2007 and close on the 24 August 2007.

20 June

Auckland in vulnerable position with single commercial airport

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says current overseas investment interest in Auckland International Airport, shows the absurdity of the region having only one commercial airport.

Just back from China, Mr Harvey says he is not surprised that AIA is seen as a plum ripe for the picking, but questions whether an overseas takeover is in the interests of Auckland.

"Aucklanders might wake up before then end of the year to find that decisions about the Mangere monopoly are being made in Canada or Australia.

"Assurances by the Auckland and Manukau Councils that they will not sell their shares could be reversed by new councils following the local body elections later in the year - there is no guarantee that the region's monopoly airport will not become overseas monopoly, with future dividends flowing out of the country.

''What is good for Canadian or Australian investors might not be so good for airport passengers and airlines. Auckland ratepayers might also revolt at the prospect of forking out billions of dollars to develop faster access to Mangere, if the real benefit is going out of the country."

Waitakere City Council is a shareholder in Northwest Auckland Airport Ltd, which wants to begin developing commercial air services to Australia, the Pacific and New Zealand destinations, sharing Whenuapai airport at least initially, with the Air Force.

Its other shareholders are North Shore City Council, Rodney District Council and Infratil, which owns and operates airports in New Zealand and overseas.

Northwest Auckland Airport Ltd has always argued that its proposed operation would have a negligible impact on Mangere, but that the existence of some competition would be a valuable restraint on any abuse of monopoly power.

"Last week, the prospect of two commercial airports in the Auckland region was an excellent idea. This week, arriving back to media speculation about a Canadian or Australian buyer for the Mangere monopoly, it seems an even better idea to me says Mr Harvey.

Mayor Bob Harvey

20 June

Ground breaking agreement on film co-operation signed between New Zealand and Korean film industries

The first agreement between New Zealand and Korean film producers to work on co-productions represents a major breakthrough for the film industries of both countries, says Peter Rive (pron Riv) chairman of Film Auckland.

Mr Rive who is leading the biggest-ever New Zealand delegation of film makers to Korea, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Film Auckland and the Korean Film Producers Association.

Signing for the Korean group was Mr Joondong (J.D.) Lee, vice president of the Korean Film Producers Association - whose film Never Forever premieres in Korea this week.

"There is huge opportunity for us here as a result of this agreement to cooperate in exploring and developing productions but to make co-operation really fly, we need the two governments to sign a co-production treaty," says Mr Rive.

"The Korean industry is very large but it needs to break into the world markets more. That's why they want to deal with us. Apart from the high level of technical skill in production and post-production that they can tap into in New Zealand, we know how to develop products for the western markets.

They give us access to the Asian market and notably the 48 million strong Korean market.

Also, there is commercial opportunity for us to do a lot of the work on their productions," he says.

Mr Rive says that co-productions are already happening on a case-by-case basis but a co-production treaty at Government level would provide better access to investment funding.

"We can manage without a treaty - Phillippa Campbell's film Black Sheep is an example of that - but with a treaty we can do even better," he says.

"In fact, in Asia cultural understanding must be established before you can do any real business. Film making - exchanging stories about ourselves - is a classic way to help establish that cultural understanding and so film is in many ways paving the way for other trading opportunities. This will be especially true when the Free Trade Agreement is signed between China and New Zealand."

The New Zealand delegation was a joint exercise between Waitakere City Council and Film Auckland, with Waitakere expecting to attract films to the new sound stage at Henderson Valley Studios.

Due to open in late August, the sound stage is the largest in New Zealand.

One up-coming joint production, Laundry Warrior, is exploring the possibilities of using the studios later this year.

Another prospect is Christmas Cargo.

Laundry Warrior features the Asian mega stars, Don-Gun Jang from Korea and Zhang Ziyi of China. They are regarded respectively as the Brad Pitt and Angela Jolie of Asian cinema.

"The possibilities for us in Asia are just huge," says Mr Rive.

"The MOU is not just about feature films - it opens the door on television productions and even TV commercials in which New Zealand is highly respected internationally."

"And this is not just about Auckland. Film Auckland and Waitakere City put this delegation together but whatever we gain here will be shared with the whole New Zealand film industry.

"We took this initiative because somebody had to and the Auckland region is home to about 70% of the New Zealand industry," he says.

The delegation last week visited China where it met with similar levels of success. In China the party was led by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, a long time contributor to New Zealand film who is highly respected in China where he is an honorary citizen of Ningbo City.

The party was told at the most senior levels of the Chinese film industry, that the door to China was open to New Zealand film makers.

In addition, Steven O'Meagher's film Out of the Blue - the story of the Aramoana massacre - was featured in the Shanghai International Film Festival last week.

Mr O'Meagher is also hoping to have Out of the Blue accepted for the Busan Film Festival in Korea, in October this year.

18 June

Film Auckland and Waitakere City get the red carpet treatment at Shanghai International Film Festival

Yet another market is opening up for the increasingly influential New Zealand film industry - this time in China.

A 14 member strong delegation of top New Zealand film makers, assembled by Film Auckland and led by Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey, is in China discussing co-production deals with the leading Chinese film authorities.

Not only is the group meeting a willingness to explore joint activities but New Zealand film, Out of the Blue, made by Desert Road Productions' Steven O'Meagher also made it into the Shanghai International Film Festival.

The event was attended by top movie stars from around the world, with American Sharon Stone heading the list.

Mayor Harvey, Mr O'Meagher and Film Auckland chairman, Peter Rive, were guests at the glittering, red carpet occasion, representing the New Zealand delegation, all of whom were later popular guests at the invitation-only post event function.

Mayor Harvey, a former member of the New Zealand Film Commission predicts a bright future for New Zealand film makers working with China.

"Film Auckland and Waitakere City - have spent a number of years building up to this and on this trip we met all the top people in the industry here - the people with the power to say yes or no to the Chinese industry working with the New Zealand industry - and they are saying yes, let's talk business," says Mr Harvey.

"We think there's the possibility of up to three co-productions to drop out of this visit but that's only the tip of the iceberg, I believe. The Chinese very much want to have a film making treaty with New Zealand and we want one with them," he says.

Mr Harvey says that the Chinese have a warm respect for New Zealand and that film venture will be a two way street.

"They have a huge industry - one group alone ensures that about 330 films are made each year - some by the company and others financed or part financed by them. And they have already said that if members of the delegation send proposals, they will be forwarded to the appropriate partners in China for consideration," he says.

The Chinese are also interested in tapping into New Zealand expertise both in film making and in gaining access to western markets.

They are also interested in the possibilities of Chinese productions or joint venture being made at Waitakere's Henderson Valley Film studios - soon to open the biggest sound stage in New Zealand. 

 

18 June

Trash to Fashion In Schools

Trash to Fashion is doing things differently for 2007. Over the past few years there has been an increasing emphasis on glamour and adult design showcased at a spectacular event.

This year, the focus is back on encouraging the citizens and designers of the future - our children and young people, to take a closer look at what reducing waste means to us all and how we can re-use waste materials creatively.

Primary and Intermediate school ages will have a Waste Warriors theme where recycling is championed. The secondary school ages will have a Trendy Trash theme which is more fashion oriented. All ages will also be able to enter a special category focused around Project Twin Streams, making garments from trash gathered through the restoration of waterways.

The educational focus this year requires participants to consider environmental protection and sustainable living and also requires entrants to engage their creativity in preparation for a public show in early November.

During the July school holidays a workshop for teachers will be run by Claire Inwood, date and location to be finalised. The workshop will show teachers how to construct a garment out of recycled materials so they can guide their students with their entries.

15 June

Henderson Community Board scoops best practice award

The Henderson Community Board's commitment to engaging the community on local projects has been formally acknowledged at the New Zealand Community Board's Conference 2007.
 
The board scooped the Best Practice Award - Safety following the extensive traffic calming measures that were carried out in Te Atatu South's Vodanovich Road.
 
Henderson Community Board chairman Elizabeth Grimmer says she is delighted to have won the award, Waitakere's first New Zealand Community Board Award, as it highlighted the successful partnership between the council and the community.
 
"From the very beginning of this project it was the council working with the residents in this area - listening to what they wanted and working with them to try and deliver it," Ms Grimmer says.
 
As well as improved signage on the Vodanovich Road, raised entrance thresholds were introduced at either end of the street and traffic islands installed at critical points on the road to narrow it.
 
Traffic volume and speed measuring equipment is currently being employed on the road to assess the impact of these measures and to see if further work is necessary Ms Grimmer says.   
 
"I think it is important to note that there is a review of the Vodanovich Road traffic calming measures underway, and we will soon be meeting with residents to discuss their thoughts on the work."

In 2006, the Henderson Community Board received over 200 submissions from residents in Vodanovich Road - which is a major thoroughfare for motor vehicles accessing the North Western Motorway â€" requesting the council take action to slow these vehicles.

13 Junee

Waitakere mission to China secures important agreement on education

The sister city relationship between Waitakere and Ningbo in China took a step forward yesterday with signing of an agreement to explore cultural economic and professional development through education.

The agreement was signed this week between Mr John Wadsworth CEO of Waitakere Enterprise and Ms WenJi Xu deputy director of the Ningbo Education Bureau, watched by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and Ningbo Deputy Mayor Mr Wang Yong.

Also looking on were Mr Chris Poland, Ms Gail Moore and Ms Miriam Sprague - responsible for international students at Waitakere College, Green Bay High School and Rutherford College respectively.

Under the agreement, the two cities will look to establish sister schools relationships, leading to the exchange of fee paying students. Meanwhile Unitec and the University of Nottingham's Ningbo Campus will explore the possibilities of working together.

The Waitakere representatives then visited, Zhengshi High School, Tongji High School and Zhenhai High School.

The nominated sister schools, all of which will now send students to Waitakere.

In addition to long term fee paying students these schools also send about 100 children overseas for summer education. Summer students often become permanent students.

The agreement is the first achievement of a trade delegation to Ningbo, Beijing and Shanghai being led by Mayor Bob Harvey.

Unitec representatives were to join the mission in Ningbo on Tuesday.

In addition to overseeing the sister schools arrangements, Mayor Harvey gave an inspirational and exceptionally well-received speech to foreign language students at Ningbo Univedrsity, on the subject of the ecocity, the environment and climate change.

Ningbo University is the city's largest with 24,000 students.

The Waitakere team moves to Beijing, Shanghai and Korea over the next week to pursue business for the Auckland film industry and the Henderson Valley Studios.

The mission was greeted at a reception and dinner on Sunday, by a range of Ningbo dignitaries, led by Mr Wang.

Both Mayor Harvey and Deputy Mayor Wang spoke of the great value they placed on the relationship between the two cities and the possibilities for cultural, educational and trade and economic opportunities.

Mayor Harvey conveyed best wishes from Prime Minister Helen Clark to Ningbo.

He then thanked Ningbo for facilitating both the continuing trade opportunities offered by Ningbo last year and for its leadership in helping to establish the education agreement.

Mr Harvey assured the Ningbo officials that Chinese students going to Waitakere would be warmly welcomed and would learn a great deal about the richness of the cultural diversity in Waitakere and New Zealand.

This experience he said would help China as it continued to grow as a world power.

Mr Wang said that the two cities were sisters in more than just name and said he hoped the friendship would continue to grow and prosper. He also paid a generous tribute to Mayor Harvey personally, saying that his six visits showed that he was a committed friend to NIngbo.

"Six is very lucky in Ningbo and this is the sixth month so this will be a very lucky visit," Mr Wang joked.

11 June

Nominations for (In) Famous "Westies"

"Westies" are well-known, indeed in some instances famous, for their deeds.

And once again the area's best and brightest are being honoured in Waitakere City's Walkway of Fame.

Nominations are now open for inclusion in the Walkway, which is outside the Civic Centre in Henderson.

Each year the hand and/or footprints of locals who have gained national or international recognition are etched into granite tablets and inserted into the Walkway.

The project began in 2000 and already honours the likes of All Black legend Michael Jones, musician Neil Finn, chief justice Dame Sian Elias, and long-serving local MP and current High Commissioner in London Hon Jonathan Hunt.

This year will see up to four new inductees.

The criteria are:

• Must be nationally or internationally recognised and they must have been born in or lived for a substantial part of their life/career
• Those who have helped raise the profile of the region or whose work/career has been inspired by the region (for example actors or artists)

A selection panel comprising Mayor Bob Harvey, Councillor Penny Hulse, chair of the Henderson Community Board Elizabeth Grimmer, Ewan McDonald (editor in chief of The Aucklander newspaper) and a former inductee will chose this year's recipients from public nominations.

Nominations can be made on-line here or by writing.

Please include your name and contact details (phone and/or e-mail) as well as the name of person you wish to nominate.

Advertisements containing a nomination coupon will also appear in local community newspapers over the next two weeks.

7 June

The Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards 2007 are open

Nominations have opened for the Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards 2007.

The awards are designed to recognise volunteers are the heart of our community and aim to acknowledge and celebrate the work they do.

The Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards are open to all voluntary groups and not-for-profit organisations - from health support groups to school PTAs to sports and service clubs.

There are five categories for the Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards.

1. Heritage and Environment
2. Health and Wellbeing
3. Arts and Culture
4. Sport and Leisure
5. Education and Child/Youth Development

Find out more about the awards and how to enter.  But get in quick because nominations close on July 6.

The 2007 Supreme Winner of the Infratil - Waitakere City Community Awards will receive an all expenses paid trip to the TrustPower National Awards to be held in Wanaka in March 2008.

7 June

Councillor pays tribute

Waitakere City Councillor Linda Cooper today attended the funeral of 15 year old Richelle Murphy who was tragically killed in a weekend car accident.

Councillor Cooper attended the funeral on behalf of the Council and in her capacity as the City's Youth Advocate. She is also a Massey ward Councillor and former pupil of Massey High School which Richelle attended and where the funeral was held.

"There are not enough words that can give comfort to Richelle's parents, other family and friends at a time like this," says Councillor Cooper.

"But it is important the City acknowledges that we have lost an incredibly bright and talented young person with so much potential."

"Tragedies like this highlight what a treasure our young people are and on behalf of the Council I extend our deepest sympathy to Richelle's family."

6 June

Double tracking full steam ahead

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has praised all those involved in the hard work of the now completed double tracking of the western line to Henderson.

"It's a very happy coincidence the new double track opened on World Environment Day (June 5) because in Waitakere, New Zealand's first eco city, it's not just about planting trees," Mayor Harvey said.

"It's about supporting initiatives like public transport which will eventually reduce our carbon emissions, and that's imperative for the survival of this planet.

"And not only that, this new rail system is easier and cheaper given Auckland's traffic congestion and it's getting more reliable every day. Even better the government has committed dollars to electrification and that's going to be a very exciting initiative for Auckland and the region."

Mayor Harvey said the double tracking and Waitakere's new overbridge from Railside Ave to the council's new civic square was an integral part of the revitalising of Henderson's CBD and he supported calls to the public to use the rail system.

"We've got something fantastic happening out west and I urge everyone to get behind these environmental initiatives which, while Waitakere started, are now mainstream."
 

1 June

Zeal ready to burst onto Waitakere scene

Youth Report by Andrew Wadsworth - Chairman Waitakere Youth Council

Plans for the new Waitakere City youth facility are finally starting to take shape and there's plenty for youth in Waitakere to look forward to.

Zeal are the new youth facility managers and are looking forward to helping up-and-coming local bands in Waitakere to showcase their skills alongside talent from NZ and abroad.

Features of the new facility will include rehearsal space, a performance area, recording rooms as well as art space and room to just hang out with friends.

The new facility won't be open until 2008 but in the meantime Zeal will work closely with schools, helping to run events and create opportunities for young people to express themselves creatively.

This approach has enabled Zeal in Wellington to create a loyal following of youth who regularly attend events and performances.

Stacey Hitchcock, in charge of the day to day operation of the Youth facility in Henderson says 'we realize that Waitakere is a unique city and we look forward to working with exciting new people to develop relationships and engage the youth of the area'.

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with the appointed managers, Zeal, and see how the Wellington facility runs, over an action packed weekend.

I wanted to see first-hand the quality of work Zeal will be bringing to Waitakere and get feedback from people who use the Wellington youth centre.

Youth in Wellington have clearly taken ownership of the venue and Zeal has a strong feeling of community; something I would love to see emulated in the Henderson building.

Zeal catered to a wide range of tastes when they hosted two very successful events in the one weekend with bands from different genres.

The Friday night saw New Zealand metal legends 8 Foot Sativa play to a sold-out venue and Sunday night's line up including Australian band Behind Crimson Eyes had the venue packed out.

It was great to see the youth so excited and getting behind an initiative that is designed to target them specifically.

The events were drug and alcohol free with attendees well behaved and friendly.

It's easy to see why Zeal is swelling at the seams and this is the place to be for Wellington youth; to put it frankly Zeal is fun.

Zeal and Waitakere City Council will be holding a launch for Zeal as the youth facility providers on Wednesday 6 June, 10am at Waitakere Central, 6 Henderson Valley Road.

1 June

Further submissions on District Plan Change 22 close

The opportunity to make a further submission on the Proposed District Plan Change 22 - Whenuapai Airport Special Area - closed today.

The Proposed Plan Change allows for the creation of an Airport Special Area at Whenuapai and, if adopted, would hold open the opportunity for Whenuapai to be used as a commercial airport in the future.

All submissions received, including further submissions from this second round of consultation on the Proposed District Plan Change 22 will now be analysed, then a hearing report will be prepared.

As part of the required RMA process, the Waitakere City Council provided a summary of the submissions received from the first stage of the RMA process at all its libraries and at Waitakere Central.

This commenced on May 4 and concluded today.

In addition, the Council provided a full copy of the submissions to the North Shore City Council head office, and a copy of the summary of submissions to North Shore City Council East Coast Bays and Albany Area Offices.

All submitters from the first consultation period were also advised that the summary of submissions were available for viewing.

Copies of Further Submission forms were made freely available at various specified community centres and libraries and on the Council's website.

Summaries of the submissions received in the first round are currently available online at the Council's website and at Waitakere City libraries and at the North Shore City Council East Coast Bays and Albany Area Offices.

Copies of the submissions in full are available to be viewed at Waitakere Central Civic Centre, and North Shore City Council head office.