Media Releases

In a coup for Waitakere champion athlete and Dancing with the Stars celebrity Beatrice Faumuina last night became the city's first Health and Wellbeing Ambassador.

As the 1997 discus World Champion and three time Olympian rose to formally accept her new role as Health and Wellbeing Ambassador she received a standing ovation from the audience at Waitakere Central.

Ms Faumuina says that if her high public profile can help positive and healthy messages get through to the community then she is only too happy to fulfil that role.

Mayor Bob Harvey says Waitakere is delighted to have Ms Faumuina in such an important position - "she is a very proud westie that the west is very proud of," he says.

"It's just great having Beatrice on the team and she will be a great ambassador and role model for the children and future generation of this city," Mayor Harvey says.

As Waitakere's Health and Wellbeing Ambassador Ms Faumuina will be working together with the council, Sport Waitakere on the Active Waitakere programme.

This will involve visiting local schools and encouraging our children to be physically active and to live healthily.

In 2003 Ms Faumuina joined Waitakere's Hall of Fame.

31 May

Waitakere Cautious

Waitakere City Council is taking a "proceed with caution" approach to proposed changes to Regional governance.

The eight local authorities in the Auckland Region (including the ARC) have been asked by government to develop a structure to improve governance and provide better sources of funding for things like transport.

A draft proposal was submitted to the Government in December and suggests, among other things, the establishment of a Greater Auckland Council (GAC) which would have a broader role than the current ARC. Further work was subsequently done by representatives of all the local authorities in the region and that was released in May.

Councils have now been asked to further comment on that draft proposal, which is available, with other information, on www.strongerauckland.org.nz

Last night Waitakere City Council considered the proposal. Councillors decided to look at the material in more depth at a series of upcoming workshops after which they also want to work with the community on the issue.

However they did signal an unwillingness to support a plan which would see the region's bulk water supplier, Watercare Services Ltd, able to pay dividends to local authorities with that money used for stormwater projects.

"Fundamentally we don't believe in hammering our ratepayers by making water turn a profit," says Councillor Penny Hulse, who, along with Mayor Bob Harvey and Councillor Derek Battersby, represents Waitakere on a region-wide political reference group on regional governance issues..

"We want the current structure to remain, with Watercare owned by the shareholding Councils and accountable to them. That way water remains publicly owned and is not used as a money-maker to pay for huge infrastructure projects. We need to re-look very carefully at the full implications of what is being proposed," she says.

Waitakere Councillors also reiterated previous concerns that the general public have not, as yet, had the opportunity to comment on any of the proposals.

"Whilst everything is still in the early stages these sorts of things can quickly become finalised before anyone realises the full implications," says Councillor Hulse.

"Before too much longer we want to see a serious, open, and honest dialogue with the people of the region on the future of Auckland. The people of Auckland must be fully consulted and the long-term sustainable and affordable management of water needs to be one of the fundamentals if that discussion."

Councillor Battersby agrees.

"This thing shouldn't be rushed," he says. "In fact, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Here in Auckland we can't even agree on whether to fly flags on the (Auckland) Harbour Bridge, so I can't see regional agreement on any radical change."

"We're not saying that things can't be improved. The region needs new sources of funding so that things like passenger transport can be improved without having to hit the poor old ratepayers over and over again.

"That's why we are taking things cautiously and not rushing into agreement on anything until we have all the information and until we know what our residents think."

30 May

Waitakere moves to accelerate "superyacht capital" at Hobsonville

Waitakere City Council has announced a major move towards expanding superyacht building and facilities at Hobsonville, with the purchase of 15 hectares of land, an area three times the size of the existing marine cluster, as part of the planned overall redevelopment of the area.

Mayor Bob Harvey says the objective is to make Hobsonville the Southern Hemisphere capital of superyacht building.

" We want to create a cluster of marine industries and a centre of excellence at Hobsonville to enable New Zealand to compete better with new facilities in Australia trying to muscle in on the lucrative international market for building, outfitting and maintaining superyachts.

"Waitakere has identified filmmaking and boat building as two industries which the council wishes to foster, by making best use of natural competitive advantages, existing skills and infrastructure in our city.

"By helping make these industries in our city internationally competitive, we will help create employment and wealth", he said." Creating local employment is a fundamental principle of the city's sustainable development strategy."

Mr Harvey said Waitakere has already achieved spectacular success through fostering the film industry, investing in studios in Henderson and attracting sufficient business to nurture a range of skills attractive to international film makers.

"In July this year we will be opening a 2000 square metre sound stage building which will be the biggest in the country, making a total council and private sector investment of $13 million in these film facilities.

"Now we are taking the opportunity to take a major step forward in fostering our marine precinct at Hobsonville, which currently consists of Sovereign Yachts, Yachting Developments Ltd with two superyachts under construction, Bluewater Boats and a traditional boat building school."

The Hobsonville move is strongly supported by the marine industry, which is keen to see the existing fledgling marine precinct at Hobsonville develop into a major marine cluster, close to the centre of Auckland and to deep water.

The council has purchased 15 hectares of land at valuation for $15. 3 million. The land will be developed on a commercial basis by Waitakere Properties Ltd, a council subsidiary, which will make land available to new entrants to the Hobsonville cluster.

The 15 hectares of vacant land are being purchased from companies associated with Sovereign Yachts, which will continue boat building on an adjoining site.
The land purchased by Waitakere City Council also adjoins an area of land owned by Housing New Zealand Corporation on which boat building companies have established operations in former hangers.

An existing slipway leading to deep water allows boat builders to launch major vessels directly into the upper harbour.

The Waitakere land purchase is a major step forward in the creation of the marine precinct at Hobsonville which is a central component in the overall redevelopment of the former air base.

It creates the opportunity for other boat builders and related marine industries to relocate to Hobsonville, strengthening the cluster and creating jobs and economic growth in the area.

Next steps are the re-zoning of the land which is to be determined in the next couple of months in conjunction with the Auckland Regional Council's decision s on adjustments to Auckland's Metropolitan Urban Limit..

Mr Harvey said the expanded Hobsonville marine cluster would be readily accessible from the new motorway linking North Shore and Waitakere, with a possible commercial airport at Whenuapai in the future and rail not far away. Hobsonville could also be serviced by ferry from downtown Auckland and the North Shore.

INDUSTRY ENTHUSIASTIC

Mr Ian Cook, President of the Marine Industry Association New Zealand
(and managing director of Yachting Developments Ltd) has hailed the move as a major step forward for the marine industry, which now accounts for annual exports of some $570 million.

"There was a feeling when we lost the America's Cup that international interest would wane in Zealand as a place to have a superyacht built and outfitted, but this has not been the case," said Mr Cook.

"The ability of New Zealand craftsmen is well established, as is our ability to build these complex vessels on time and on budget, to a superb standard.

"One of the keys to doing this is for builders to be able to integrate all of the suppliers of joinery, spars, sails, rigging, engines, refrigeration, sound systems, computer and navigation systems and a host of other specialised components which go towards making up the whole package. In doing this we will work cooperatively with the marine industries based at Westhaven to present a seamless service to clients"

Mr Cook said the New Zealand industry faces strong competition from Australia, where State Governments have encouraged and subsidised the establishment of new facilities for the building and maintenance of superyachts.

"It is great to have Waitakere City Council so strongly encouraging and supporting the development of a marine cluster at Hobsonville to allow New Zealand to compete in this lucrative market, which has so many flow-on benefits in the retention and development of skills, and the creation of new jobs.

Mr Cook says New Zealand is firmly positioned on the world superyacht stage, with the New Zealand sponsored Millennium Cup for superyachts starting in the Spain next month a number of the fleet having been built in Waitakere.

"We are on the world stage already. The industry needs to stay there and consolidate and grow our position through this new initiative, as the best place to be in the world to build or maintain a superyacht."

Mayor Bob Harvey

29 May

Youth gain seat on Waitakere's Council

The Waitakere City Youth Council has been given official representation at the main council in order to ensure the city's youth voice is heard.

At May 's council meeting, the youth council was given a formal seat at the council, enabling it to bring forward reports and recommendations that the main council can use in developing the kind of city tomorrow's citizens will want to inherit.

Proving it is taking youth seriously, the council has now provided a seat for youth council delegates alongside the community boards and Te Taumata Runanga, at Council meetings.

Like the other groups, the youth council will provide a report of its activities in the preceding month and be available to contribute to the council's debate.

Waitakere is thought to be the first council in New Zealand to provide such a privilege to its youth representatives.

"The eco city is about providing a community that can sustain or even improve its quality of life, generation after generation and part of getting that right, is taking note of the genuine concerns and aspirations of today's youth," says Mayor Harvey.

"We can't get that right if we do not listen seriously to what they have to tell us. The youth council in its turn has to give us good advice and we have been impressed by what we have seen from them over the last year. And it is very encouraging to see that they have surveyed 11,000 young people in the city, during this month, in order to get an accurate sampling of youth opinion," Mayor Harvey says.

Deputy chairman of the youth council, Amanda Mitchell, says the move is a "great way of breaking down the boundaries between the youth and the older generation".

"Just by being able to sit in on their meetings we will be able to see how their decisions get made," she says.

25 May

Water is a precious (and public) resource

Water is the most fundamental of human necessities and, as such, must remain under direct public control.

That is the view of Waitakere City councillor Penny Hulse, commenting on news that a parliamentary committee is looking into dealings between Auckland City Council, its water company Metrowater and the region's bulk water supplier, Watercare.

This follows revelations that Auckland City ratepayers face water price increases of up to $400 in order to subsidise a general rates increase.

In Waitakere, the price that residents pay for water has remained constant for six years (since 2001) and no increase is forecast in the 2006-2016 Long Term Council Community Plan.

"Of course there are huge costs associated with getting clean, drinkable water to people- and taking wastewater away- but in Waitakere our fundamental belief is that water is a basic human right and shouldn't be used to turn a profit," says Mrs Hulse, who is chair of the Council's City Development Committee.

"There should be no cross-subsidy between water and rates. Water is a basic necessity and shouldn't be used as a tool to off-set rates. When you turn on a tap you expect to pay for the water- not for the local library, park or footpath."

Mrs Hulse also says that the current review of governance in the Auckland region has raised questions about the future and role of Watercare. "This Council's bottom line is that there should be a clear split between Watercare as a wholesaler and local authorities as retailers/customers. That way there is public accountability and control over the resource."

She adds that Waitakere has resolved that any proposals to change governance in the region and through that the structure of Watercare must be fully consulted on with the public for a minimum of eight weeks.

*In the 2007-2008 financial year (starting July 1), Waitakere City will pay just over $7.2 million to Watercare for water.

24 May

All Blacks in Waitakere

The All Blacks will again base themselves in Waitakere City for the 2007 domestic season. In the build up to the Iveco Series, the Philips Tri Nations campaign and the Rugby World Cup at the end of the year the team will train on the number 1 field at the Douglas Track and Field (Central Park Drive, Henderson). And while details are to be confirmed, local rugby fans may be able to see their heroes up close during an open training session in mid-August, just before the team leaves for France.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says the City is proud to once again host the team. "For the past couple of years the AB's have used our facility, including the magnificent Trusts Stadium says Mayor Harvey. By providing these top notch fields, free of charge, Waitakere is doing its bit to ensure the All Blacks carry on their winning way". Mayor Harvey also points out that the current squad has a close association with his City through Coach Graham Henry (a former Principal at Kelston Boys High School) and players such as Mils Muliaina and Troy Flavell both of whom grew up and were schooled in the West.

21 May

Mayor Bob Harvey's address from Samoa

From Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey

"The funeral of His Highness the Head of State Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili 11 was an astonishing occasion and I was proud to be in Apia representing Waitakere at his funeral.

"I was accompanied by Waitakere's senior Pacific Island policy analyst Koroseta To'o and we had the honour of paying our respects to him after we disembarked from the Hercules which arrived from Whenuapai on Thursday night Samoa time.

"Dr Pita Sharples joined us on the flight and at Parliament where we paid our respects to the late leader. The atmosphere was sombre but it was also a commemoration of His Highness' life and service to the people of Samoa.

"I paid a tribute to his family, to the Prime Minister of Samoa and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to Waitakere's Samoan community.

"I was part of the Prime Minister's delegation to Samoa and was joined in Samoa by Mayor Dick Hubbard, Sir Barry Curtis and Mayor Jenny Brash. All have large Samoan communities.";

18 May

Building Consent Authority has been established

Waitakere City Council has been "working flat out" to create a Building Consent Authority (BCA) within the council, to enable it to continue issuing building consents after 30 November.

All councils are required to establish a BCA under the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006 - strict new regulations established by the Government in the wake of the weather-tight homes issue.

The new BCAs have to comply with 19 different regulations which set out how the BCA will operate and what resources it staff must have.

Of these, 13 regulations must be met by 30 November 2007.

Councillor Vanessa Neeson, chair of Waitakere City Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee, says, "the timeframes are challenging to say the least but we believe we can meet them".

"The establishment of a BCA and its accreditation requirements will lift the overall standard of building consents within Waitakere but the reality is that there are also increased compliance costs."

"On the plus side, we are already seeing an increase in the number of consents processed within the 20 day statutory timeframe," she says.

The BCA sits as a 'virtual organisation' within the Waitakere City Council.

Existing consent processing and management staff have become part of the BCA and they are now moving to meet the accreditation requirements.

14 May

Changes to Clearwater Cove Trailer Parking

New charges for parking trailers at Clearwater Cove are now operating. The carpark has become a pay and display area for trailer parking at weekends and public holidays. The charge is $5 a day and spaces are available for cars free of charge.

Tickets can be dispensed from the onsite pay and display machine. The carpark continues to be available free as park and ride during the week.

The trailer park enables boat owners to leave both car and trailer in a secure environment while they are on the water. There will be no trailer parking in other areas of Clearwater Cove and this will be strictly enforced.

Waitakere City Council manages the car and boat trailer park at the Cove and has adopted these measures in response to on-going concerns and dissatisfaction from local residents over trailer parking.

9 May

Waitakere City Council has received 2655 submissions to its proposed District Plan change (Plan Change 22) to create a special airport area at Whenuapai, the Planning and Regulatory Committeee heard today.

Of these 82 supported the proposal, and 2571 were opposed, of which 2000 were pro-forma.

The Council has notified all submitters that the submissions are available to be viewed and that submitters have until 1 June to make further submissions based on the existing submissions.

The council's spokesperson on the Whenuapai issue, Councillor Penny Hulse, says that the council has still to decide whether to consider the submissions itself or appoint a commissioner.

The hearings will not be heard until later this year or early next.

"Even if we appoint a commissioner or commissioners to conduct the hearings, the council must still make the final decision. The RMA specifically prohibits commissioners from making decisions on District Plan Changes.

"Probably the most important thing to emphasise at this time, is that the proposed plan change does not bring an airport into being", she says.

"If the airforce was to leave, the land would revert to the underlying zoning and an application for an airport would be a non-complying activity and probably quite difficult to obtain.

"So, all the proposed plan change does, is establish that this is an area where an airport could be operated. We may never have that airport, but the plan change keeps the option open," she says.

Councillor Hulse says that if there is ever a firm proposal to establish a civilian airport, it will have to go through the full resource consent process, which will give residents opposed to the airport idea, "every opportunity to state their opposition to the airport".

"It will also require the applicant to satisfactorily explain how any effects on people and the environment would be managed - but that is all way in the future, if it ever happens," she says.

Councillor Hulse says that of the 2655 submissions received, some 2000 were pro-forma, circulated by the Whenuapai Airport Action Group. Many of the submitters are from the North Shore.

Ms Hulse points out that the number of submissions is about the same as was received against Eden Park floodlights.

The Council 's submission amends some wording in the proposed plan change to make the proposal clearer on a variety of points.

"The fact that we were considering it today was just 'crossing the T's' of bureaucratic procedure. The submission was made before the deadline on the CEO's delegated authority and we were just asked to approve that action," says Councillor Hulse.

"The only reason that we are making the submission is also procedural. Work goes on and as a result we felt some wording needed to be amended for clarity. But, we're like anyone else; If we want to change anything in the proposal that has been publicly notified, we must make a submission.

The proposed changes to wording can be read on line.

Summaries of the submissions are currently available online at the Council's website and at Waitakere City libraries and copies of the submissions in full are available to be viewed at Waitakere Central Civic Centre.

Copies of submissions will also be made available at the North Shore City Council office early next week.

7 May

Uncompromising stance on road safety

Waitakere is continuing its uncompromising stance on road safety - with schools being targeted by the council and local police to ensure our children are travelling safely.

Last week, in connection with World Road Safety Week the council together with the police began conducting checkpoints and patrols outside local schools focusing on seatbelt compliance.

Waitakere's road safety coordinator Kitch Cuthbert says the city will not just be conducting a road safety week but rather a road safety year.

"Waitakere is determined to increase road safety and what better way to do this than by targeting the people who are transporting our most precious resources - our children," says Ms Cuthbert.

"Children and young people are massively over-represented in road casualty statistics and so that's where our focus will be."

"It was a real positive to see so many people wearing their seatbelts and taking their safety seriously," she says.

There will be increased patrols and checkpoints outside Waitakere's schools for the rest of the year.

Further, the Waitakere City Council has just successfully implemented 40km/ph school zones outside two more of its primary schools.

Woodlands Park Primary and Henderson Valley School will soon both have 40km/ph speed limits on the roads outside the schools.

"Slowing cars down around schools when children are there is just commonsense," says Ms Cuthbert, "Waitakere will hopefully have these speed restrictions at all of its schools in the near future."

According to the United Nations road accidents kill 1.2 million people throughout the world every year, while millions more are seriously injured.

"They [road accidents] are the second leading cause of death for people aged five to 25 years, with devastating impact on families and communities," says Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations.

4 May

Trash to Fashion - "Gap Year"

Waitakere City Council's Trash to Fashion show is to take a "gap year" after a decade of eco-friendly entertainment.

Trash to Fashion has grown from humble beginnings to become a unique and valuable programme for the Waitakere City community.

To reach its full potential - progressing the community education programme, re-energising the show and placing the programme on a more commercially viable footing - Waitakere City Council has decided the Trash to Fashion programme is to make 2007 its "Gap Year".

Waitakere City Council's Manager Arts, Naomi McCleary, says the Council has been delighted with the progress of the Trash to Fashion programme since its inception.

"Taking a time out will allow time for everyone involved in Trash to Fashion to examine the different options for expanding and refreshing the programme, and to develop a three-year plan to realise the full potential of this unique initiative."

The Council has also decided to look into whether a community trust of some sort would be appropriate to partner with the Council and Keep Waitakere Beautiful in running the event in the future.

Ms McCleary emphasises that the gap year does not impact the youth education programme, which will kick off in later this month and culminate in a schools event later in the year. But for 2007 there will not be a 'big bang' show.

"The Trash to Fashion programme certainly has a part to play in raising community awareness of the need to reduce, reuse and recycle our solid waste products. We all look forward to the complete return of the Trash to Fashion community education programme and show at the Trusts Stadium in 2008 - Trash to Fashion as we have never known it before."

Long-term sponsors of Trash to Fashion in the past include Keep Waitakere Beautiful (who were also the originators of the show), The Trusts, Kensington Swan and Unitec.

4 May 2007

Public art tour

Students in front of the Dean Buchanan mural on the Henderson Air Bridge.

A delegation of American university students visited Waitakere today to learn about the city's public art programme.

The fifteen students from throughout the United States, visited Waitakere as part of their 21st Century Cities Programme.

The group heard that Mayor Bob Harvey's leadership and enthusiastic support for the arts have been a significant force in supporting the focus on public art and culture in Waitakere.

As Waitakere City Council's arts manager Naomi McCleary told the students, Waitakere started out as a city with a 'wild Westie reputation' - yet, with the natural beauty created by the Ranges, it has evolved into a sanctuary for creative-minded people and artists.

She said that 'westie edginess' now has a much more sophisticated expression.

The students were shown the Henderson precinct with a tour of the Civic Centre and a walk around public art features in Henderson and the Central Library - that contain examples of the arts/design practice which has given Waitakere a leading edge reputation.

"One of the key things that Waitakere has done is tied its principles of respect for the environment and sustainability to its public art," Ms McCleary told the delegation.

3 May

Waitakere acknowledged at sister city conference

Waitakere has a couple of new additions to its trophy cabinet with awards in two categories at the recent sister city conference in Te Anau.

Waitakere gained second place in the youth/education category with its programme for youth with disabilities from Kakogawa - Waitakere's Japanese sister city .

Another second placing was in the business/commercial category with its trade mission to Ningbo, its sister city in China, last year.

Waitakere was the only council to win two awards.

In the youth category, Waitakere City told how it had responded in 1995 to an initiative of the then mayor of Kakogawa, Mr Seiichi Kinoshita, to provide better support for students with disabilities.

Mr Kinoshita felt that such students were finding it difficult to make the transition between the fully supported junior high school environment, to the less-supported environment in senior high school and the tertiary and workplace environments.

He launched initiatives to bridge this gap in Kakogawa and Waitakere decided to host a visit for students with disabilities as a means to boost their self-confidence and desire for independence.

Waitakere has hosted a week long visit for the selected students, every year since.

The programme includes sailing, horse riding, learning New Zealand art forms, visiting the ranges, fishing and other activities.

Mr Kinoshita who stepped down as Kakogawa's mayor in 2002 would often time his own diplomatic visits to New Zealand to coincide with the students' visit.

His work on building relationships with Japan and New Zealand was recognised last year when he was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The second award was for the way Waitakere took advantage of the invitation to participate in the 2006 Zhejiang Trade Symposium in Ningbo.

It is well known that China approaches relationships by building friendship through cultural and educational exchanges for a number of years, before opening up discussion on economic issues.

Having worked with Ningbo for a number of years on building friendships, the city was formally offered a free space at the symposium. This was a gift of considerable value and placed Waitakere's businesses at the heart of the world's biggest emerging market alongside countries from around the world.

The trade mission was led by Mayor Bob Harvey - which impressed the hosts - and included representatives of business, the marine industry, education and film.

Waitakere opened the opportunity to showcase several New Zealand films - River Queen and The World's Fastest Indian - with River Queen winning China's prestigious Golden Goblet for best music.

The city also co-organised the 2006 New Zealand Film Festival that toured Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing with six feature films and six short films, to considerable media attention.

The good relationships already established between Waitakere and Ningbo opened many doors for delegation members that would otherwise have remained closed - and established the beginning of an economic relationship that theoretically has no limits.

3 May

A step in the green direction

The Waitakere City Council today congratulated the Government for announcing a significant step in the green direction.

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that the Government will be introducing new energy efficiency requirements in homes and buildings.
Waitakere Councillor Penny Hulse says that the Government is doing the right thing by bringing in more effective insulation requirements and making environmentally friendly heating options cheaper.

"There is no doubt this is a positive move, not only for the people who will have cheaper access to quality materials but also for the environment in terms of a reduction in home heating bills and the energy needed to heat those homes," Councillor Hulse says.

"But the concern I have is that the cost is still to be met by the individual homeowner - I would like to see a major investment from Government to help those homeowners to ramp-up the energy efficiency of the housing stock," she says.

"The whole nation will benefit as carbon dioxide emissions are reduced."

Councillor Hulse adds it is highly appropriate that the Government chose to make this announcement in Waitakere - the Eco City.

"Indeed, Waitakere has already waived its building consent fees for anyone wanting to install solar water panels in existing homes," she says.

"Further, the Waitakere City Council is also a major supporter of the EcoMatters Trust, which provides advice for our residents on how to make their homes more energy efficient, and sponsors advisors who provide free eco-building advice to builders and developers."

2 May

New Lynn Community Board seat left vacant

The New Lynn Community Board has decided not to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy created by the death of board member Bill Buchanan two weeks ago.

The position will be filled following this October's local government elections.

2 May

Snap this

If you have an eye for the unusual then the digital photography competition being hosted by Waitakere Libraries could be just for you.

Throughout May, Waitakere Libraries is calling for digital photographs of Waitakere's landmarks - albeit ones taken from angles that make the identifying the iconic sites somewhat difficult.

The top 10 photos will form part of a giant digital treasure hunt - with the public encouraged to try and pinpoint the location of each of the photos during June.

There are great prizes to be won including a digital photo printer.

To help get people who are not familiar with digital technology up to speed Waitakere Libraries is also offering free digital photography workshops throughout its learning centres - but bookings are essential.

1 May

Ready, Set, Read!

Students from eleven Waitakere primary schools are gearing up for the annual New Zealand Post Book Awards Quizzes.

Each team must study around a dozen books to compete in this year's novice and advanced events.

They will have their knowledge of the finalists put to the test in May, with the winning teams collecting book vouchers for their school.

Waitakere Library & Information Services run the competitions as part of the annual New Zealand Post Book Awards festivities which begin on 7 May.

Teachers and librarians from participating schools prepare groups of year five and six pupils to answer questions on the junior fiction, picture book and non-fiction category finalist titles in the awards.

Those new to the yearly competition will take part in the novice quiz, at Ceramco Park Function Centre, at 10am on Tuesday 8 May.

Competing teams come from Arahoe School, Colwill School, Lincoln Heights School, Oratia District School, Peninsula Primary School, Royal Road School and West Harbour School.

The more experienced teams from Green Bay School, Summerland Primary, Titirangi Primary and Woodlands Park School will compete in the advanced quiz, at Glen Eden Intermediate School, at 6.30pm Friday 11 May.

The public are being encouraged to come along and support their local school.

For a full list of finalist books across all four categories in the New Zealand Post Book Awards, please visit www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz.

The New Zealand Post Book Awards for children and young adults is a nationwide celebration of books and reading for children and teenagers.

This year 20 finalist writers and illustrators are touring regions throughout the country.

The celebrations culminate in the announcement of the winners at Parliament on Wednesday 16 May.

New Zealand Post has been a steadfast sponsor of the New Zealand Post Book Awards for children and young adults since 1997.

Their partnership has seen the awards flourish, growing from strength to strength, over the last decade.

New Zealand Post's support of these awards reflects its deep commitment to promoting literacy and literature throughout the country.

Working closely with Booksellers New Zealand, New Zealand Post and other dedicated segments of the community actively encourage New Zealand children to read and enjoy books.

For those with limited access to new works, New Zealand Post purchases and distributes books by the New Zealand Post Book Awards finalists through the Books in Homes programme each year.

The New Zealand Post Book Awards are also supported by Creative New Zealand and Book Tokens (NZ) Ltd and are administered by Booksellers New Zealand.

1 May

Prize-winning children's author out West for book festival

Award-winning children's author Ted Dawe will visit three Waitakere schools on Monday 7 May.

He will be talking about his latest book, And did those feet: , a junior fiction finalist in this year's New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, to students at Green Bay School, West Harbour School and Henderson Intermediate.

Ted is one of twenty finalist writers and illustrators to tour the country in celebration of the New Zealand Post Book Awards from Monday 7 May 2007.

A teacher for many years, Ted says he wrote his new book with a particular reader in mind. "I wanted the reader who wasn't a reader. The sort of person who would not say that reading was one of their favourite activities."

He is passionate about encouraging young people to read. "As an English teacher hooking kids on books has been my biggest blast. Better than the one I get from students who top the class, or who have read every book in the library."

Ted's first novel, Thunder Road, won Best First Book Award in 2004 and was, according to the author, written in 40 days one summer.

Students at Green Bay School are already busy reading And did those feet : in preparation for Ted's visit. Librarian Sharon Giacon says the children are looking forward to meeting the author they've heard so much about. The year seven and eight students will spend an hour with the writer talking about his life and work.

The author tours and festivities culminate in the announcement of the winners of the New Zealand Post Book Awards at Parliament on Wednesday 16 May.

New Zealand Post has been a steadfast sponsor of the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults since 1997. Their partnership has seen the awards flourish, growing from strength to strength, over the last decade.

New Zealand Post's support of these awards reflects its deep commitment to promoting literacy and literature throughout the country.

Working closely with Booksellers New Zealand, New Zealand Post and other dedicated segments of the community actively encourage New Zealand children to read and enjoy books.

For those with limited access to new works, New Zealand Post purchases and distributes books by the New Zealand Post Book Awards finalists through the Books in Homes programme each year.

The New Zealand Post Book Awards are also supported by Creative New Zealand and Book Tokens (NZ) Ltd and are administered by Booksellers New Zealand.

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