Media Releases

New Lynn's Olympic Park has been awarded the New Zealand Recreation Association's (NZRA) Outstanding Park Award 2007.

The award was presented to the Waitakere City Council yesterday at the NZRA national conference.

The chairman of the Olympic Park Trust and Councillor Derek Battersby is overwhelmed with the award and says it is a result of a joint effort of the Olympic Park trustees together with the Waitakere City Council over the last six years.

"Because of the unique way in which this park has been developed it has attracted people from far and wide - people who are now enjoying the park's fantastic amenities," Councillor Battersby says.

"It's environmentally sustainable development together with the state-of-the-art children's playground equipment has seen Olympic Park go from strength from strength," he says.

Portage Trust president and Councillor Ross Clow says that the award will make a perfect Christmas present for the Portage trustees who first envisaged the Olympic Park upgrade six years ago.

"It wasn't long ago that this park was little more than an unattractive site used by BMX riders, but in a short space of time our wildest dreams have come true as this has become an inclusive public space accommodating arts, sports and recreational users," Councillor Clow says.

The park's upgrade has been funded by The Trusts, the ASB and the Waitakere City Council and there will be an official Olympic Park opening in March, 2008.

In presenting the city with the award the NZRA acknowledged that in the past several years Olympic Park has been re-developed and renovated in line with Waitakere City Council's eco-city vision.

And it seems to be a winning formula.

NZRA CEO Brendon Ward says the judges were impressed with the park's sustainability and educational features.

"The judges also liked the way the park was designed for many different purposes," says Mr Ward.

"There are playgrounds for children, areas for brass bands, sports facilities and walking tracks. It's all really well done."

By considering ecological systems throughout the seven hectare park, cooperating with community groups, and providing sporting and cultural opportunities, the council has developed what can officially be called 'the most outstanding park in New Zealand' he says.

Other features, which caught the judges' eyes, were the re-cycling promotion and zero waste policies, planting trees and educational opportunities.

30 November

Karekare Beach public toilets closed

The public toilets at Karekare Beach have been temporarily closed following a positive Ecoli result during routine water testing and signs have been placed there warning the public not to use them.

Two portaloos have been placed on site as temporary replacements and will remain there until the main public toilets are safe for public use.

The Waitakere City Council is carrying out further testing and investigating the positive Ecoli result.

29 November

Mystery substance in playground identified as sulphuric acid

Sulphuric acid has been identified as the substance that burned the trousers of an 11 month-old boy, at Glen Eden's Harold Moody Park on November 15.

After being approached by the child's family, Waitakere City Council immediately closed the playground and sent the clothing to the Ag Research testing laboratory.

The lab today confirmed that that sulphuric acid - the acid used in car batteries - caused the burns.

The report states: "Sulphuric acid is a strong mineral acid and readily attacks cellulosic fibres such as cotton. Damage does not always become obvious immediately but a strong mineral acid would only have to be in the fabric a short time before holes appeared."

Waitakere City Council spokesperson Dai Bindoff says there is still a possibility that the clothes came into contact with the acid somewhere else, but as a precaution the matting around the playground is being replaced.

"The child's parents reported seeing a clear liquid on the matting, so we are being extra cautious," he says.

The findings have been reported to the police.

"If the acid was in the park, we must hope that it got there accidentally," says Mr Bindoff. "There have been no similar reports from other parks, so we believe this was just a one-off incident."

"The playground is close to the carpark and it is possible that somebody was swapping batteries in a car and put one of them down on the matting for some reason. But we just don't know," he says.

27 November

New Director for Property Company

Harry O'Rourke CEO Waitakere City Council

Harry O'Rourke has been appointed to the board of Waitakere Properties Ltd (WPL).

He fills one of two vacancies on the board of the company, which is a wholly owned development arm of Waitakere City Council.

Mr O'Rourke is well known in local government circles, where he has spent the majority of his career. He is currently CEO at Waitakere City Council and retires from that position in March 2008.

"We are delighted that we can retain some of Harry's institutional knowledge of the City and its major projects," says Mayor Bob Harvey after his Council unanimously endorsed the appointment.

"The next few years will see Waitakere transition from a City of potential to one of huge growth and opportunity, and Harry and his fellow directors on the property company have a key role in delivering that vision."

In recent years WPL has been involved in a number of major projects, including the 41.5hectare residential development at Harbourview (Te Atatu Peninsula) and the building of the country's largest film studio and soundstage in Henderson Valley Rd.

It is currently undertaking a large mixed-use development in central Henderson including retail, office and residential development alongside the new Civic centre. The estimated value of the Waitakere Central development, located on the 3.5ha former Carter Holt Harvey site on Henderson Valley Rd, is more than $100 million.

The company is also responsible for delivering on the vision of a super yacht precinct at Hobsonville as a driver of economic growth for the City. The end value of this development is $150 million.

Mr O'Rourke helped establish Waitakere Properties Ltd (under the then Waitemata City Council). He says he is particularly looking forward to a continuing role with major infrastructure developments he has overseen in his time at Waitakere City Council, including the undergrounding of the railway corridor through New Lynn and the "massive development opportunities" that will bring.

27 November

Quality of Life Report 2007

Waitakere City residents have a very high quality of life and the city's economy is performing well but, like other cities in the region, it faces challenges such as improving access to public transport and affordable housing, according to a new report.

The 2007 Quality of Life report, released by the Metropolitan Sector Group today, provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality of life in 12 New Zealand cities, as part of a multi-council initiative.

The report showed 85% of Waitakere City residents rated their quality of life as either good or very good. The average for all 12 cities was 90%. In addition, 83% of Waitakere residents rated themselves happy or very happy, and 80% said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their lives.

The city experienced economic growth of 4.3% and per capita GDP growth of 3.5% during the period 2001-2006. Both results were broadly in line with the national average. Labour productivity grew by 1.1% per year, the third-highest among the 12 cities. The number of economically viable new businesses increased by 23.4% over the period 2002-2006.

Waitakere's population grew by 10.5% during 2001-2006, compared with a national growth rate of 7.8%. The population is projected to grow by a further 43.1% over the period 2006-2026.

The report stated that Waitakere was among the most ethnically diverse cities in New Zealand, with population that is 12.3% Maori, 14.4% Pacific, and 15.2% from Asian ethnicities. Just over half of residents (54%) felt that increasing diversity made the city a better place to live in.

The city's tourism sector has grown, with a 25.0% increase in the number of guest nights purchased during the period 2004-2007.

House prices in Waitakere increased by 74.6% over the period 2001-2006, and rates of home ownership declined over that period but remained above the national average. Of all private dwellings in the city, 53.2% were owned by their occupiers in 2006, compared with 65.1% in 2001. In Auckland, by contrast, only 34.8% of private dwellings are owned by the occupiers. Waitakere City also spent a greater proportion of their incomes on rents than residents of most other cities.

The report also highlighted transport challenges facing the city. Among Waitakere residents, 64% travelled outside their home city to work - the second-highest ratio among any of the 12 cities. Just over 70% of residents used cars to get to work - second-highest of the 12 cities after Manukau. Fewer than half of Waitakere residents rated public transport affordable or convenient.

"This report is positive about life in Waitakere City," said Mayor Bob Harvey. "The vast majority of residents are happy with their quality of life, the economy is performing strongly, and we're working hard to protect the city's environment. However, like other cities in the region, we also acknowledge the need to confront challenges."

The Quality of Life project started with six councils in 1999 and has since expanded to 12 territorial local authorities, including: Rodney; North Shore; Waitakere; Auckland; Manukau; Hamilton; Tauranga; Porirua; Hutt; Wellington; Christchurch; and Dunedin.

The project aims to give decision-makers information to help them improve the quality of life in major New Zealand urban areas.

Project sponsor Jim Harland said the report highlighted the need for action to plan for long-term growth, improve access to services and promote economic and environmental sustainability.

23 November

Marchers say family violence is NOT OK

Marchers arrive at Waitakere Central

The movement against Family Violence is on a roll in Waitakere.

More than 1000 people took time out today to support the White Ribbon Day march from Waitakere Hospital to the Civic Square at Waitakere Central.

The march, organised by the Waitemata District Health Board, the Police and Waitakere City Council was at least twice as big as last year's, says Waitakere City's Advocate-Family Violence Prevention Carol Everard. "Last year there would have been about 400 people. This year's turnout reflects the feeling that the community wants to see an end to violence in families. It was a very encouraging sight," she says.

A number of the marchers were council staff who were encouraged to show their opposition to family violence by Chief Executive Harry O'Rourke. They were also supporting the Mayoral Taskforce against Family Violence co-chaired by Mayor Bob Harvey and Dr Pita Sharples.

Mayor Harvey led the march under the banner 'Family Violence - It's Not OK in Waitakere'. He was accompanied by the Hon David Cunliffe, Minister of Health, Dr Pita Sharples (co-leader of the Maori Party), Labour MP Lynne Pillay, Maori Party MP Hone Harawira, Waitakere City representatives Cr Linda Cooper and Cr Peter Chan and Inga Tuigamala. The latter, with Mayor Harvey and actress Robyn Malcolm are the current faces of the campaign against family violence in Waitakere.

The singing, chanting, good natured crowd was cheered by numerous spectators as it made its way along Lincoln Road, down Corbans Hill and along Henderson Valley Road to Waitakere Central where it was addressed by the Mayor, Minister Cunliffe, Dr Sharples and Mr Tuigamala.

Mayor Harvey said that while Waitakere has not got the problem of family violence nailed, there was some good work being done with the taskforce and a variety of other initiatives in the city.

"I am delighted to see so many people - this is a big improvement on last year and it's great that so many young people and children are here," said Mayor Harvey.

"We must keep working together to rid this wonderful city of the scourge that is family violence. Family violence - it's not OK"

21 November

Waitakere says regional amenities funding right in principle but the Bill needs much more work

Waitakere City Council agrees with the intention of the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Bill but says it has no choice but to oppose the Bill as it is currently written.

The council says that the timing is wrong because the Government has announced the Royal Commission to decide how Auckland will be governed in the future. In addition, it says the Bill as currently written is unfair, not equitable and seems not to have thoroughly explored all options.

Accordingly, the council has authorised its chief executive, Harry O'Rourke, to send a submission to Parliament opposing the Bill as it is presently structured.

The Council also appointed the Chairman of the Finance and Operational Performance Committee, Councillor Ross Clow and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Penny Hulse to present its submission to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee. They will be supported by other councillors who may be available on the day.

Deputy Mayor Hulse says that Waitakere agrees that the region should share the cost of some regional amenities, but not enough thought had been given to what amenities should be regionally funded and how to create a fair charging system.

"If the charge is based on a proportion of rates, as proposed, some councils will be at an unfair advantage. Auckland City Council falls into that category because it charges for water and wastewater separately from rates," she says.

"There is also the issue that Auckland City profits from all the spending by patrons attending the Philharmonia, or the Opera or the Auckland Theatre company, or the Maritime Museum, or the Auckland Festival. This applies to businesses like restaurants and also to the council itself, from parking fees.

Councillor Hulse says that the question of what a regional facility is, has not been adequately defined.

"Other councils in the region support regional amenities. Waitakere has the Trusts Stadium - still the biggest indoor playing surface in New Zealand - and West Wave, still the finest competition pool in the country. We maintain the West Coast beaches and we're developing the Corban Estate Arts Centre plus our own symphony Orchestra," Councillor Hulse says.

"So our chief executive will be saying to Government, regional charging is a good idea in principle, but this Bill needs a lot of work before it is acceptable- and with the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance about to sit, now is not the time to be introducing such a measure," she says.

20 November

Property Price Rises Reflect Booming City

A builder working in our booming city

A builder in the booming city

Residential property values in Waitakere have risen up to 48% in just three years reflect a growing prosperity and climate of confidence says Mayor Bob Harvey.

Latest figures from Quotable Value show sharp increases in values across virtually all suburbs.

"This is great news for families and indeed all property owners," says Mayor Harvey. "This is concrete proof that Waitakere is not only a great place to live, but it is also a very wise investment location."

Mayor Harvey says much of the rise in property values can be attributed to major developments the Council has made, or facilitated, in recent years.

"We have build award winning libraries and other Civic buildings and have the premier indoor sports stadium in the country (The Trusts Stadium). The Council has also invested massively in basic infrastructure like roading, parks, sewerage, stormwater and so on. That expenditure is now paying dividends to our ratepayers," he says.

Mayor Harvey also points to the undergrounding of the railway track through New Lynn (due to start next year) and new growth areas in the North-West of the City around Westgate as developments which will "transform" the region over the next 20 years.

19 November

Mayor Urges Action on Family Violence

Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey is urging people to take to the streets this Friday as part of a campaign to raise awareness of Family Violence.

The November 23 White Ribbon Day March starts at 10.15 am at Waitakere Hospital on Lincoln Rd. The March is being organised by community and government agencies with the theme: "Family Violence- It's Not OK".

"It seems that every day we hear through the media of another act of senseless violence," Mayor Harvey says. "This is an opportunity for people to stand up and be counted and to simply say violence is not OK in our homes or in our community."

Last year several hundred people took part in the march and it is hoped that upwards of 1000 will participate this year.

Mayor Harvey heads- along with MP Dr Pita Sharples- a Taskforce on Family Violence in Waitakere City. In New Zealand Police deal with more than 70,000 family violence calls a year.

"That's an appalling statistic and we've got to do anything we can to bring it down through raising awareness of the issue and the agencies and channels available to help victims," he says.

Waitemata District Health Board Family Violence Prevention Co-ordinator Margaret Devlin says there are simple but effective measures people can take to save their lives and the lives of those they love.

"You can have a code word to let friends know you need help, ask a neighbour to call police if they see or hear something wrong, and tell people you trust about your concerns," she says.

"If you think you are in immediate danger you should call the police by dialling 111."

The march on November 23, starts at Waitakere Hospital at ends at Henderson's Civic Centre at approximately 11.30am.

19 November

Piha water event flushed with success

Members of the Waitakere West Coast communities came out in droves last Saturday to support a water technologies open day and family festival held at one of Auckland's most environmentally sensitive locations - Piha.

Wastewater, stormwater and drinking water product and service vendors exhibited their wares and expertise to a public committed to doing their bit to protect their own potable water supply and their local environment by minimising environmental and public health risks associated with old, aging and/or failing disposal systems and drinking water systems. Vendors reported that they were run off their feet looking after enquiries from visitors hungry for information and action.

"Those of us who live in this area are much more aware of what needs to be done to protect our waterways", says Simon Brown, a member of the Karekare-Piha Wastewater Group and also the Piha Residents and Ratepayers Association. "We know we must manage the septic tanks we have on site because lagoons along this coastline are used for swimming by children and adults who not able to manage the challenging surf here. Lagoons are at risk of contamination if we don't use the best wastewater practices" he says.

Many attendees commented on how effectively the local communities, business interests and Waitakere City Council had communicated and consulted with each other to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.

Suppliers of the latest in onsite wastewater management technologies, filters and solar hot water solutions, botanical options and water conservation were surprised how knowledgeable residents were about the risks and issues involved in protecting water quality. There is heavy interest from exhibitors to have another such day in Waitakere and the Council is keen to support this.

Families enjoyed the opportunity to picnic at one of the Auckland region's iconic beaches and were treated to activities for the children, entertainment by local musicians Heartstrings and displays by local community groups.

There are more than 5,000 onsite wastewater systems throughout the city with most of them being located along Waitakere's West Coast. Rural residents generally supply their own water services via rain tanks and onsite wastewater treatment systems but Waitakere City Council is keen to provide on-going support for them to do this effectively, affordably and sustainably.

19 November

Eco city showers residents with new initiative

Waitakere City Council has launched a new campaign to encourage a major reduction in water-use, this time via showers.

The council has been working with established tapware company Methven NZ Limited to promote increased use of low-flow showerheads.

Methven's Satinjet showers are a WaterWise range that uses new technology to significantly reduce water use with each shower while providing a luxurious shower experience.

All Waitakere City residents will have a choice of five Satinjet models to choose from at specially discounted prices throughout the campaign which runs for three months from 17 November.

Households receiving their water rates bills during mid November - mid January will also receive a flyer which details the promotion and a prize draw open to the 100 purchasers of Satinjet low flow shower heads from Chesters Bathroom and Plumbing, New Lynn. They will receive a $50 rebate from Waitakere City Council.

This rebate can be claimed by filling in the voucher on the flyer and attaching proof of purchase at Chesters. Waitakere City Council will then send the purchaser a $50 cheque as recognition of their action in keeping water consumption down.

17 November

Playground closed after clothes mysteriously damaged

The children's playground at Harold Moody Reserve in Glen Eden has been closed until further notice, following mysterious damage to a young child's clothing after the child had crawled around rubber matting under play equipment.

Waitakere City Council spokesperson Dai Bindoff says it is to early too speculate as to what may have caused the damage but it is being assumed there was a substance on the matting.

"Fortunately ,the young boy is fine but the clothing is badly damaged and has been sent for laboratory testing to attempt to identify the cause of the damage.

"The council itself does not use any substances that could have been the cause," he says.

Waitakere City Council has erected a fence around the playground and posted a guard to prevent access.

Mr Bindoff says that the council is only aware of one incident but is appealing for anyone who has had anything similar happen, to contact the council call centre, on 09 839 0400.

16 November

Waitakere's Ranges garden wins bronze at Ellerslie

Waitakere's Call of the West Garden wins bronze
at the Ellerslie Flower Show.

Waitakere's entry in the Ellerslie Flower Show's 'council bedding garden' section has won a bronze medal at the Ellerslie Flower Show 2007.

The Call of the West garden, a celebration of the blend of nature and culture in the city, was built on locally-quarried rock.

Vibrant threads of colour weave in and around the dramatic geology of the 'Ranges'.

Hovering above the garden are several Hihi (stitchbird) sculptures by Iona Matheson.

These were made from natural objects from the bush, including kauri and rewarewa leaves.

The use of bright yellow marigolds is a metaphor for the hopeful movement of the Hihi since its recent release back to the Ranges by the Ark in the Park project.

The Hihi is a 'ray of sunshine' for the city's efforts at bringing nature and culture together to create an ecologically diverse city.

The council garden competition was won by Christchurch with Waitakere and Hamilton City each taking home a bronze medal..

15 November

Husband and wife Taylor made for community service

Evan and Sandy Taylor

Evan and Sandy Taylor are used to creating firsts. The first husband and wife to become registered soccer referees in Auckland and possibly New Zealand, they have become Waitakere City's first husband and wife community board members.

Customs broker Evan, who is also a senior fire officer at the Titirangi Volunteer Station, is about to embark on his first term, with the Waitakere board. Sandy, a real estate agent and a Justice of the Peace, is starting her third term with the New Lynn board (she did not serve in 2004/07).

Being elected continues a lifetime of community service for Evan. He became a volunteer fireman at 17 and spent 13 years in the Civil Defence Police in Manukau. He's a lifetime blood donor (and now a platelet donor), and served on various school boards. He is also a long serving Freemason having attained the rank (so far) of Grand Director of Ceremonies.

Sandy says that she derives great satisfaction from being "a voice for the little people"

"We have a caring community and community is often about everyday issues. Often people just need someone to talk to who can help them get answers, or take an action, or just tell them who they need to talk to.

"It is absolutely worth doing. It gives me the ability to help people and that's very rewarding she says.

Sandy lists obtaining extra parking at Titirangi for mothers visiting Plunket, as one of her favourite achievements.

"But every achievement is worthwhile because they make a difference in people's lives," she says.

Sandy and Evan came to South Titirangi 13 years ago because they "love the people. We love Westies, we love being Westies. There's such a family feeling in Waitakere and a darned good lifestyle", they say.

14 November

Project Twin Streams 10 metre eel sculpture to be unveiled

A fabulous 10 metre long eel sculpture will be unveiled at Project Twin Streams Opanuku Stream on Wednesday 28 November at 12.45pm.

The concrete sculpture is one of the key Project Twin Streams' art projects for 2007 and will be situated within the Pacifica area at Corban Estate.

Project Twin Streams is a stream bank restoration project which uses art to raise awareness of the creatures that live in our streams and the impacts of our human activity on their habitat.

This installation has a dual environmental focus - it carries the message "healthy eels need healthy streams" and is also, due to the use of recycled materials in its construction, very environmentally friendly.

The steel frame used as a base for the sculpture was left at Corban Estate by a previous artist while a carved stone from the old Henderson Town Hall, which was found nearby, will form one of three seats incorporated into the eel.

An old tramline track has also been put to good use by artist Bruce Courtney..

The concrete sculpture has been covered in over three hundred Maori and Pacific tiles which have been designed and made by five local groups; Liston College, Henderson High School, Mother of Divine Mercy Community Group, Beautiful Daughters (an alternative education school group for teenage girls) and the Pacific Mamas.

Annie Cochrane, Project Twin Streams Opanuku Stream Coordinator said, "Having a physical sculpture as a reminder to care for the environment the eels live in is very powerful.

We plan for the sculpture to become a focal point for meeting, resting and recreation at Corban Estate."

Janet Holt, Project Twin Streams Arts Coordinator added, "It's been wonderful working with the community in this creative way. Seeing the sculpture complete after its very humble beginning as an old frame no longer needed has been a great journey."

The eel sculpture project received assistance from Creative NZ, Pacific Mamas and ARC's Environmental Initiative Fund.

Project Twin Streams is funded by Auckland Regional Holdings (a division of ARC).

13 November

Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival

More than 15,000 people are expected to pour through the 2007 Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival at the Corban Estate Art Precinct, this week.

This signature Waitakere event runs from November 15-17 (Thursday to Saturday) and showcases the sounds, sights, smells and colours of the Pacific.

Highlights include pacific arts, culture and language displays, music, educational workshops, and, of course, live performances.

There will also be plenty of craft, textiles and of course food stalls for everyone to enjoy and you could even come along to kick-start your Christmas shopping.

Now into its 10th year, Pacifica Living Arts Festival has grown from attracting an audience of 2000 people, to an event which brings in 15,000.

Organisers believe there is much more growth to come as the event continues to develop into one of the iconic Pacific Islands' events in the Auckland region.

So come along and enjoy the Pacific flavour of the Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival this week.

Mark the 15 - 17 November 2007 Pacific Centre, Corban Arts Estate, Henderson in your diary now and remember to tell your family and friends to join you at the best festival in the west Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival.

12 November

Waitakere endorses findings of People's Inquiry

"I certainly hope the Government take notice of this groundbreaking report. We said all along the Painted Apple Moth spray programme put our community under huge stress and impacted on their health both mental and physical, this report confirms what we said."

That's the response from Waitakere deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse in the wake of the independent report of the People's Inquiry into the effects of Waitakere City being repeatedly sprayed to eliminate the moth. "Nobody knew what the physical and psychological effects were going to be from such a sustained spraying. There was no precedent, yet MAF said they knew what the health effects would be, and refused to acknowledge health effects that erupted on every spray day," says deputy Mayor Hulse.

"Many people, including the Wellington Medical School researchers, said that there needed to be in-depth study and were ignored.

"The biggest concern we had was that MAF only concentrated on the elimination of the Painted Apple moth and there was not a clear focus on the impact of the spray on the community. We had to fight very hard to be heard on behalf of our community and the report clearly sets out the fact that these mistakes must not be repeated," says deputy Mayor Hulse.

Councillor Hulse said that she congratulated the "determined and intelligent individuals behind the world-leading People's Inquiry." "The lesson is that the next time we have to combat a biosecurity risk, the agency tasked with tackling the incursion would be checked and balanced by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for the Environment. "We asked for such a system and were ignored. But if we'd had it in place I'm sure the people of Waitakere would have been protected from the outset and we would not have had to resort to community led initiatives such as the People's Inquiry," says deputy Mayor Hulse.

12 November

Time to slow down

Driver feedback signs - telling drivers how fast they're going - have been installed throughout the city, as the latest weapon in the on-going battle to reduce the Waitakere suburban toll of road crashes, injuries and even deaths.

The Waitakere City Council has recently installed the signs at 12 locations throughout Waitakere, where speed has contributed to a number of crashes, or has endangered the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

All drivers' speeds are recorded by these signs, but only speeds 10km/ph either side of the speed limited are displayed on the feedback screen.

Vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 10km/ph will only see the message "Slow Down" - however the council will be able to use the data gathered from these signs to let the Police know when to visit these areas.

Back to Top - Click here to move to the top of the page

9 November

Elizabeth Grimmer,
Henderson Community Board Chairman

Henderson community board elects chairman

The Henderson community board elected Elizabeth Grimmer as its chairman at its first meeting of the new political term last night.

Wayne Bainbridge was elected deputy chairman.

The board will meet monthly for the next three years to discuss and make decisions on issues affecting the Henderson area.

9 November

Go New Zealand

Even the plant life in Waitakere is getting right in behind the Silver Ferns bid to defend their world title at the New World Netball World Championships starting tomorrow.

The silver fern was designed and planted by the Waitakere City Council parks team (pictured) to show the city's support for our netballers and also for the event itself - which is being held at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson.

It took five gardeners a full day to plant the garden in a silver fern design.

8 November 2007

Massey community board elects new chairman

The Massey community board elected John Riddell as chairman at its first meeting of the new political term last night.

Allen Davies was elected deputy chair of the Massey community board.

The board will meet monthly for the next three years to discuss and make decisions on issues affecting the Massey area.

7 November

Waitakere community board elects new chairman

The Waitakere community board held its first meeting of the new term last evening and the members elected Kubi Witten-Hannah as their chairman.

The board also elected Christine Shepherd as its deputy chairman.

The board will meet monthly for the next three years to discuss and make decisions on issues affecting the Waitakere area.

7 November

Surf heroes get national day

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey with Cory Hutching and Lifeguards

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey pictured with Cory
Hutching and lifeguards Amber Williams and Jason
Harvey promoting National Jandal Day.

With eight out of 10 Kiwis owning at least one pair of jandals, you'd expect the iconic footwear's inaugural national day to be a huge success.

And that's exactly what Surf Life Saving New Zealand is hoping.

New Zealanders are being urged to don their jandals on December 7 to help raise funds for our heroes of the beach - New Zealand's surf lifeguards and Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, a long time surf life saver, is right behind the cause.

The inaugural Bach 22 National Jandal Day is a joint initiative between Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Bach 22, a fun and great-tasting new range of wine, to encourage Kiwis to show their support for safe summers on our beaches.

Just like on mufti day at school, New Zealanders from all walks of life are being encouraged to wear their jandals on Friday December 7 and in return make a donation to Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Surf Life Saving street collectors will be out in force nation-wide on the day and people can also donate online at www.nationaljandalday.co.nz

Office workers are also being encouraged to take part by registering their workplace online, pledging a donation and donning their jandals to work on December 7.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand spokesperson Geoff Barry says until now the charity hasn't had a national day of fundraising.

"Last year 1,440 lives were saved by Surf Lifeguards, and that's why we're fundraising - to continue this service to the community.

"New Zealand has a drowning rate twice that per capita of Australia, so we need to be doing so much more - like increasing public education, expanding our services to increase our beach access and meeting the demand for more equipment and training for our lifeguards.

"With our partnership with Bach 22 and the support of New Zealanders wearing their jandals on December 7, we are looking forward to the inaugural National Jandal Day being a huge success and becoming an annual event in the Kiwi calendar."

To make a donation or find out more information about Bach 22 National Jandal Day visit www.nationaljandalday.co.nz

6 November

New Lynn community board gets down to business

The New Lynn community board got straight down to business last night at its first meeting since the local government elections, voting in a new chairman and deputy chairman.

Gayle Marshall was elected as the New Lynn community board chairman while Pim van der Voort was voted in as the board's deputy chair.

The board will meet monthly for the next three years to discuss and make decisions on issues affecting the New Lynn area.

5 November

Waitakere votes for new mayor

As of this Sunday, Waitakere City will have a new mayor!

However, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey can rest assured that his job his safe. The newly-elected 'mayor' will hold the title in name only, being the winner of a school holiday workshop competition that challenged kids to run an imaginary campaign for the mayoralty.

Held at Waitakere learning centres, the workshops aimed to give kids an idea of how elections work and asked them to write their own manifesto and use a computer to design their own promotional material. Prior to the workshop, children filled out a workbook at home with their parents, consolidating their ideas for their campaigns.

It was a chance for the kids to think about what issues are important to them and what changes or improvements they would make in their local government if they had the power to do so.

Their wishes for change covered everything from stopping speeding motorists and wiping out graffiti to creating world peace and even outlawing divorce.

The campaign material is currently on display at four libraries and/or learning centres - New Lynn, Glen Eden, Te Atatu Peninsula and Sturges West. Library and learning centre patrons are encouraged to vote for their favourite candidate before voting closes this Sunday. The prizegiving for the finalists is being held at Waitakere Central Library.

2 November

Waitakere features prominently at EECA Energywise Awards 2007

Waitakere City Council has won yet another award, carrying off the Public Sector Award for Energy Management Initiatives at the national Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) Energywise Awards 2007, by saving more than $1million through energy efficiencies in six years.

These achievements reflect the ongoing commitment by the council to incorporate energy efficiency into service delivery and its own internal operations.

The council has saved $1.26 million dollars and 7.6 million kilowatt hours in energy savings since 2001/200 through a wide variety of energy efficiency projects. Included were West Wave's savings of 1,457,264 kilowatt hours (13.46%) in electricity and gas usage and Massey Leisure Centre and Library 's 26,120 kilowatt hours (8.62%) worth of reduction in gas usage.

The installation of LED lights at traffic and pedestrian signals has resulted in a saving of 135,970 kilowatt hours (28.92%) in electricity.

It is estimated that the council will reduce fuel consumption by 17,339 litres per annum, resulting in a reduction of 40.7 tonnes of carbon emissions through upgrading its vehicle fleet.

Other energy efficiency projects have included reviewing building capacities, reviewing gas & co-generation usage, building retrofits (lighting, heating), renewable energy projects, electricity and gas tenders, reducing peak energy usage, vehicle fleet upgrades, energy reviews on lighting designs, and designing energy efficiency into new buildings such as Waitakere Central.

Many of the initiatives have multiple year savings or help the council minimise future energy cost increases.

Savings from the highly energy efficient Waitakere Central - the council's new state-of-the-art civic centre - could not be factored in when statistics were compiled.

Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse paid tribute to staff member Michelle Dawson as the prime mover behind achieving the award.

"Michelle has worked very hard over six years to find, and keep us focussed on, energy savings initiatives. If anyone deserves this award it is Michelle, our manager of Cleaner Production," Councillor Hulse says.

1 November

Minister Parker to launch Project Twin Streams Sustainable Household-Sustainable Living Programme

A whole new era in housing in New Zealand could begin on Friday, 2 November when the Minister for Climate Change the Hon David Parker visits Waitakere City to launch the new Project Twin Streams Sustainable Household - Sustainable Living Programme that day.

The Waitakere City Council demonstration project is designed to assist householders reduce their carbon footprint by reducing electricity and water consumption while gaining quality of life.

If every New Zealand household is energy and water efficient it will not only have a major benefit to the supply situation nationally, it can also contribute significantly to better health and consequent reductions in the cost of health services.

Communities working together to achieve these benefits can massively improve social issues including crime and violence, through stronger neighbourhoods.

In addition the programme will explore ways to reduce solid waste (refuse) from households and also reduce dependence on private cars

The pilot launched by Minister Parker will work at a community level and involve 200 households having water and energy audits with some households then being retrofitted with cylinder wraps and low flow shower heads.

Other households will be assisted to implement other sustainability initiatives.

The Sustainable Household - Sustainable Living Programme is an extension of Project Twin Streams - a stream bank restoration programme which has been running since 2003 and aims to replant 56km of Waitakere stream banks.

Project Twin Streams is funded by Auckland Regional Holdings (a division of ARC), and since it commenced in 2003, over 10,000 volunteers have been involved in planting and maintenance. A total of 309,671 trees have been planted alongside the Oratia, Waikumete, Opanuku, Pixie and Swanson streams. Throughout their lifetime, these trees will absorb the carbon from 13,458 cars doing 15,000km per year

Programme for Minister's visit

<10: 00amPowhiri at Birdwood Rd School, Karepo Cres, Ranui, Waitakere

Followed by a streamside walk where local children and youth from Te Piataata Trust will talk to the Minister about their involvement in Project Twin Streams

10: 45am

Retrofitting demonstration of cylinder wrap and low flow shower head.

Location: 2/208 Waitemata Drive, Ranui, Waitakere City

11: 10am

Launch of the Project Twin Streams Sustainable Household-Sustainable Living Programme

Welcome from Mayor Bob Harvey

Opening remarks, Chairman Lee, ARC

Official launch by Minister Parker

Location: Ranui Action Project (RAP) House, 476 Swanson Road, Ranui, Waitakere

12: 00

Minister Parker leaves

1 November

Coronation Bridge repair work underway

Repair work is well underway on the historic Coronation Bridge which runs over the Opanuku Stream, from Henderson Valley Road to the Corban Estate carpark.

The repair work includes under-pinning the bridge foundations - which do not presently go down to bed rock - and also installing a wall to deflect the stream-flow away from the bridge piers (pillars).

The bridge was built as a road bridge in 1913 and was named in honour of the coronation of King George V.

It has been used solely for pedestrians since 1947 and the present bridge was completed in 1948.

Coronation Bridge was closed by Waitakere City Council in 2005 after a flood scoured the foundations to the point where it was considered that the bridge had become dangerous.

The repair work will cost $600,000.

Work on the bridge will be completed in late 2007after which it will reopen to the public.