Media Releases

April 2008

 

30 April

First wave of Waitakere tsunami siren tests a success

Waitakere City Emergency Management Officer, Karl Nuttall, undertakes pre-activation tests before the siren systems are sounded.

Thirty new tsunami siren systems installed in 13 coastal locations around Waitakere received top marks in their first round of tests.

The newly-installed Meerkat sirens, placed in strategic locations on Waitakere's west and east coasts, were tested over a three-minute period at midday on Sunday 27 April. The test comprised a one minute burst of 'alert', 'evacuate' and 'all clear' signals, with a 15-second pause between each test.

"Overall, the activation system worked perfectly and reports from the field indicate that, with one exception, the sirens were heard loud and clear in the areas they were intended to penetrate,' says Waitakere's Emergency Management Manager, Bill Morley.

"The exception was one of the sirens at Huia which, although working perfectly, was not heard very well by some people. A directional position change for the siren is likely to rectify that.".

Mr Morley says while 10 calls were received from Te Atatu Peninsula residents concerned that they didn't hear the siren properly, or at all, in all these cases the residents lived in 'safe zones' where there was no intended siren penetration.

Future tests of the system will be conducted at midday on the Sunday of the change of daylight saving each year.

The next phase of the siren project includes the use of recently-approved national standard tsunami signage to highlight potentially at-risk zones, along with safe zones and evacuation routes.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the siren system should visit the Waitakere City Council website and search under Civil Defence.

29 April

Waitakere wins management challenge

A team from Waitakere City Council has won this year's LGMA Management Challenge and will represent New Zealand in the Australasian finals in Australia next month.

Teams from councils around the country entered the prestigious competition which sees the teams involved in a sophisticated development programme for several weeks leading up to challenge day.

On challenge day teams come together to apply their skills to tasks that typify management in the local government environment. The tasks are crafted to develop individual and team competencies in predetermined management areas.

Waitakere won the Australasian champs in 2006 and will in May be up against winning teams from each Australian state.

"The challenge provides effective staff development through participative learning and we are very proud to be representing New Zealand in the Australasian finals," says Waitakere Chief Executive Officer Vijaya Vaidyanath.

"Our win is an endorsement of our organisation's skills and also celebrates the fact Waitakere City Council has a real team culture.

"I know the team worked especially hard and its determined effort, combined with a high skill level, certainly paid off. We are very happy to have won this accolade and even better the council itself as well as our ratepayers will benefit as a result."

The Australasian final will be held on the Gold Coast on May 25.

28 May 2008

Thousands flock to Waikumete for ANZAC dawn ceremony

Paige Blowers (5) and Thomas Rose (6) from Kereru Massey Scouts lay their candles on the cenotaph

View more ANZAC Ceremony images

Thousands of people flocked to the nationally televised ANZAC Day dawn ceremony at Waikumete Cemetery on April 25th, to acknowledge all those who served and to commemorate those who lost their lives in the service of their country.

Before dawn, people gathered around the cenotaph and war graves and along the cemetery roads, many carrying candles and lights.

The Cenotaph, stage a national flags were illuminated for the occasion so that the ceremony could be broadcast live on TV1's Breakfast programme

The ceremony began at 6am with the parade of returned service personnel, who marched to the front of the cenotaph to the sound of the Waitakere City Trusts' Brass Band and the spontaneous cheers of the crowd. The parade also included family representatives of those who served (many of them with war medals pinned on their chests) and members of the armed forces, Police and community organisations, such as Scouts and Guides.

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and his wife Barbara, the Australian High Commissioner Michael Crawford and MPs David Cunliffe and Chris Carter.

Led by singer Catherine Reaburn, the crowd sang God Save The Queen, the hymns All People That On Earth Do Dwell and Abide With Me and the New Zealand National Anthem. Mayor Harvey read the ANZAC ode, Reverend Judy Cooper led the gathering in prayer and Glen Eden RSA president Earl Boyce-Bacon gave the Act of Remembrance.

Wreaths of remembrance were laid by representatives of the Waitakere City Council, the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Armed Forces and the Returned Services Association. And, as dawn was breaking, an airforce Orion flew overhead.

After the ceremony had ended, many people gravitated towards the cenotaph, placing their candles next to the wreaths and taking photos of each other in front of the memorial.

A second ceremony, attended by several hundred people, was also held at Waikumete Cemetery at 11am.

24 April

Visiting Korean diplomat asks to learn from Waitakere

Mr Won (visiting Korean Diplomat) and Mayor Bob Harvey

A visiting Korean diplomat with interests in sustainability and film production today met with Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey to learn more about the city's initiatives and experience in these areas.

A member of the Republic of Korea (ROK) National Assembly and a senior member of the Grand National Party (GNP), Mr Won Hee-ryong is currently visiting New Zealand as this year's Prime Minister's Fellow.

Tipped as a future GNP leader, Mr Won sits on the National Assembly's Industry and Energy Committee and is a known supporter of a Korea-New Zealand free trade agreement. During his week-long visit, he hopes to learn more about New Zealand's welfare and education systems, energy resources and policy and government sector reform.

"Mr Won has a particular interest in energy resources, so he was keen to hear about Waitakere, New Zealand's first eco city, and our sustainable public buildings and other initiatives," Mayor Harvey says.

"Waitakere's relationship with Korea in terms of film production was another topic of interest. Waitakere actively promoted the 2006 Korean Film Festival and this year we brokered a Memorandum of Understanding between Film Auckland and the Korean Film Producers Association. We are currently advocating for a New Zealand-Korean film co-production treaty. I think together Korea and Waitakere have a very bright future."

Mr Won and his wife, Mrs Kang, received a warm Maori welcome in the Waitakere City Council chambers, which they returned by singing the Korean translation of the Maori song 'Pokarekareana', which they say has been popular in their country since the Korean War.

In his speech, Mr Won spoke of New Zealanders as "very kind, very caring and humble people" and, being the day before ANZAC Day, acknowledged that Koreans "owe New Zealand very much".

Mr Won was also optimistic about forging meaningful partnerships with New Zealand, saying our country's relatively small size is unimportant when it comes to its success.

"Size is not important. It's about (your) passion for advancement and about innovation and new ideas," he said. "We are finding good partners and friends in New Zealand and free trade agreements are in process."

The Prime Minister's Fellow programme for the Republic of Korea was established following the Prime Minister's visit to Korea in May 2001. It is a key part of New Zealand's efforts to strengthen and broaden the bilateral relationship with ROK - our sixth largest export market and an important source of tourists, students and migrants.

24 April

More high profile westies lend support to campaign against family violence

Outrageous Fortune star Tammy Davis and actor Annie Whittle were quick and keen to lend their support to the Waitakere billboards.

Actor Annie Whittle, All Black great Michael Jones, television personality Pio Terei and Outrageous Fortune’s Tammy Davis are the latest high profile westies to feature in Waitakere’s anti family violence campaign.

Last year former All Black and league legend Va’aiga ‘Inga’ Tuigamala and Outrageous Fortune television star Robyn Malcolm featured on a number of billboards around the city declaring family violence is “not OK in Waitakere”.

The Waitakere campaign is a local version of the government’s national campaign for action against family violence and was launched by Mayor Bob Harvey who established a Mayoral Taskforce against Family Violence last year with Maori Party leader and local kaumatua Dr Pita Sharples.

The four celebrities were quick to lend their high profiles to the campaign which features billboards in three key Waitakere locations put up this week.

“I’m a proud westie and as the father of two I want to stand up and say family violence is not OK,” says Michael Jones.

“Too many people in our community are affected by domestic violence and we all need to take a stand and take responsibility to collectively shape a future for our children and families where domestic violence is addressed, once and for all.”

Annie Whittle says she is totally committed to the idea children be raised without fear of physical discipline.

“We must all accept responsibility for the violence in our society and must therefore all pull together to find solutions to this complex problem. I am very proud to have been asked to support this campaign.”

Tammy Davis says that as an actor and someone in the public eye it was a good opportunity. “It’s part of the privilege of being an actor in this country and I hope these billboards help.”

The father of three says the number of homicides, especially of children saddens him and his family.

Mayor Harvey says Waitakere takes family violence very seriously and the taskforce has spent the past few months gathering information about what does and doesn’t work.

“We can no longer sit around and shake our heads at yet another family violence incident or murder. We have had enough of the scourge that is family violence in this city.”

The new billboard campaign is once again designed to raise awareness of family violence and help change attitudes and behaviour towards family violence.

“The taskforce is well on the way to coming up with some measurable strategies to address this city’s horrendous family violence statistics,” says Mayor Harvey.

The billboards featuring the four westie celebrities are in Railside Ave Henderson and on Great North Rd in New Lynn and Kelston.

24 April

Foot off the pedal suggests Mayor

Waitakere City Council supports the principle of regional fuel taxes as the fairest and most sustainable way to fund things like improvements to public transport, particularly in Auckland.

But with the cost of oil nudging (US) $120 a barrel and those rising prices reflected at the pump, Mayor Bob Harvey says that perhaps the introduction of any tax needs to be delayed.

Legislation is going before Parliament which would give regional councils the ability to levy petrol taxes of up to 10 cents a litre.

"In the space of 18 months the price of petrol has become a very real concern for not only businesses but households," he says. "People are buying more efficient cars, making fewer trips, and using public transport more, which we applaud, but constant petrol rises are definitely hitting them in the pocket."

"There are urgent public transport projects in Auckland that need getting on with and they simply can't delayed for too long, but we also have to look at the ability of people to pay," says Mayor Harvey.

"Maybe we need to take a bit of a deep breath and wait for oil prices to ease back before introducing the extra tax."

23 April

Early to bed, early to rise

Go to bed early and set the alarm if you don’t want to miss one of the most moving and poignant Anzac Day ceremonies in the country.

The candle-lit dawn service at Waikumete Cemetery starts at 5.45am and in the past few years has grown to the point where more than 3000 people attended last year.

Waikumete is the largest war graves cemetery in the country, with some 10,000 ex-service men and women buried there. They include three Victoria Cross winners.

Organised by the Waitakere City Council, the ceremony begins with a silent candle-lit vigil beside the cenotaph and war graves.

April 22

People in the west of Rodney want to join Waitakere

That is the thrust of a submission of the Helensville / Parakai Residents and Ratepayers Association’s to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

In its submission the group says western Rodney “naturally gravitates” to Waitakere, a point also made in Waitakere City Council’s own submission.

The association says it has never felt aligned for its social and economic interactions to eastern Rodney and that the area differs quite markedly in its lifestyle.

“We therefore suggest that in order to align our area to where we feel comfortable, and also most importantly to achieve a sustainable structure where cross subsidisation of a large urban area with small rural serviced towns is possible, we recommend the dissolution of Rodney District with the west joining Waitakere and the east becoming part of North Shore,” the submission says.

Helensville and Parakai have a population of around 4000 people living in 1300 households.

The council’s submission suggests there are communities of interest as well as natural and economic catchments which make western Rodney and the Avondale ward of Auckland City logical fits with the rest of Waitakere City.

"People work, play, go to school and shop across what are pretty artificial borders at the moment. It is a logical move," says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

He adds recommendations from local body reform in 1989 initially had the Avondale/Blockhouse Bay area included in Waitakere City.

Waitakere also rejects any notion of a single (or "super") city to manage the region. "There have been a lot of wild claims, but no proof, that a super city will bring financial benefit to ratepayers," Mayor Harvey says. "Our submission presents hard facts, not smoke and mirrors."

Public submissions to the Royal Commission close today (April 22).

18 April

Rutherford College environmental champions

The air in the Waitakere City council chamber fizzed with energy on Thursday afternoon (17 April), when senior students from seven Waitakere high schools competed in a series of team environmental challenges.

The winning team from Rutherford College squeezed ahead of rivals St Dominic’s College, Massey High School, Liston College, Kelston Boys High School, Kelston Girls’ College and Waitakere College to take the Enviro-Challenge trophy.

The Waitakere City Council and Waitakere Youth Council sponsored event pitched high school teams against one another in five environmentally themed challenges to test environmental knowledge, powers of investigation, presentation skills and teamwork.

Waitakere City Council sustainability advisor Cathy Sheehan applauded the students and schools for participating in the Enviro-Challenge programme even though it wasn’t an official part of the school curriculum.

The Enviro-Challenge programme provides practical tools and support for secondary students and schools to examine their use and treatment of energy, waste, water and transport.

It covers many aspects of education and skill development, exposing students to opportunities for careers in the emerging field of sustainability.

Councillor Linda Cooper presented the trophy to Rutherford College for achieving the most points, in a close finish.

The Rutherford College team showed strong teamwork and capability, with impassioned speakers making the case for the environment. They shared the results of their investigations honestly.

Second place-getters Massey High School provided innovative ways to manage water at their school, and carried out a scientific survey of transport to and from school.

Kelston Girls’ achievements included running a food garden whose produce is given away to food banks and other community groups.

They had some smart ideas for getting more students walking and reducing vehicle congestion around the school.

All the schools noted their big environmental issues and recommended improvements on their own campuses with the potential to save money to be put to better use.

Councillor Cooper said she was pleased the forum topic on sustainable transport and travel plans was being discussed by the students, because the challenge of moving people safely and effectively while sustaining a healthy environment is a priority for the city.

One student from each participating Waitakere high school was chosen to participate in an environmental ambassador programme in Wellington, and to make a presentation on transportation and travel planning to Land Transport New Zealand.

Environmental ambassadors for 2008 are: Julian Kendall, Kelston Boys High School; Lavinia Pahulu, Kelston Girls’ College; Emily Shine, Massey High School; Joshua Fielding, Liston College; Justin Baatjes, Waitakere College; Cresilda Cross, Rutherford College; and Charlotte Fleetwood-Smith, St Dominic’s College.

The council plans to continue working with the schools to make the most of their potential for better management of energy, water, waste and transport.

18 April

Waitakere announces 2008 Arts Laureates

Four new Waitakere Arts Laureates were announced today - soprano Patricia Wright, artist Fatu Feu’u, painter Peter Siddell and Mau dance group director Lemi Ponifasio.

The 2008 laureates join 12 who had laureate status conferred in 2006.

Waitakere Arts Laureates have a connection with the city and their work reflects the vision, values and cultural diversity of Waitakere. The programme was first mooted by Mayor Bob Harvey who was keen to give honour and thanks to artists who had contributed to the city’s diversity and fabric.

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to announce our newest Waitakere Arts Laureates who, like this city, display a unique verve and panache,” says Harvey.

“These four outstanding people will now join an incredible talent bank of people who are internationally recognised.”

The four new laureates were chosen by the original 12 inductees after a number of nominations were considered. “They are treasured arts practitioners who will be asked to advise and guide the ‘city fathers’ in matters relating to the arts and culture of Waitakere,” Mayor Harvey says.

“This College of Laureates is made up of individuals who have demonstrated a ‘life in art’ and a commitment to their particular discipline. They have a deep commitment to Waitakere through their life and work and have documented peer recognition. To have their contribution acknowledged like this and in this way is the fulfilment of a long-held dream of mine.”

The announcements were made at a special cocktail function with cultural commentator Hamish Keith as the keynote speaker.

A special tribute was made to original inductee, musician Mahinarangi Tocker who died on Tuesday.

“Mahinarangi was a flower and a very talented treasure and she will be sorely missed by this city,” says Harvey. “Her passing is a tragedy but she goes with much aroha.”

The inaugural Waitakere Laureates inductees were: Painter Don Binney, filmmaker Niki Caro, potter Len Castle, sculptor John Edgar, artist Graeme Gash, painter Lois McIvor, photographer Geoff Moon, glass artist Ann Robinson, writer Dick Scott, weaver Matafetu Smith, writer C.K. Stead and the late musician Mahinarangi Tocker.

18 April

Waitakere Calls for Four Cities

Waitakere City Council is proposing a Greater Metropolitan Council, along with four territorial authorities as the model for local government in the Auckland region.

Waitakere's submission to the Royal Commission considering the future of Auckland governance was unanimously approved at a special council meeting today.

The key features of Waitakere's proposal are:

• Four cities (based on Waitakere, Auckland, North Shore and Manukau)
• Waitakere would include the existing Avondale ward of Auckland City (which includes Blockhouse Bay).
• The western ward of Rodney District (around Kumeu, Huapai and Helensville) should also be considered by the Royal Commission to be included in the new Waitakere City.
• Local authorities would make two appointments each to the Metropolitan Council, which would also have members elected from across the region.
• The chairperson or "head" of the Greater Metropolitan Council would be appointed from within it, rather than being elected "at large".
• The Metropolitan Council would have responsibility for regional planning and policies (e.g. housing), transport and other major infrastructure, regional economic development (including international investment attraction), tourism, and major events.
• Support for the role of community boards.
• A common rating system across the region.

"Auckland can be an internationally competitive region. But for this to happen strong governance at two tiers of local government is required," says Mayor Bob Harvey.

"At the moment there are confused roles and accountabilities between regional and local government and that needs to be sorted out as a priority. We will also be making strong representations to the royal commission on local governance arrangements and the importance of "place shaping"- by that we mean aligning communities of interest, natural catchments and growth nodes and developing them based on the principles of sustainability."

Mayor Harvey says the four city option means local authorities in the region would be of roughly the same size in terms of population.

"Overseas evidence shows that is the optimum size for any local authority. It gives efficiencies and results in Councils that are big enough to matter, but the right size to connect with their communities."

He also says there are obvious communities of interest between Waitakere, the Avondale/Blockhouse Bay areas and western parts of Rodney.

"People work, play, go to school and shop across what are pretty artificial borders at the moment. It is a logical move."

He adds that recommendations from local body reform in 1989 initially had the Avondale/Blockhouse Bay area included in Waitakere City.

Waitakere also rejects any notion of a single (or "super") city to manage the region.

"There have been a lot of wild claims, but no proof, that a super city will bring financial benefit to ratepayers," Mayor Harvey says.

"Our submission presents hard facts, not smoke and mirrors."

In the past month Waitakere councillors and community board members have held numerous meetings and workshops to refine their position. These have been informed by a series of public meetings, and meetings with representative groups such as residents and ratepayers' organisations, Maori and ethnic communities, as well as neighbouring councils.

Mayor Harvey also travelled to Brisbane to look at the results of recent local government reform there.

"We are very confident that our submission has captured local views and international best practise," he says.

17 April

Waitakere and North Shore City Mayors at one with governance vision

Following a meeting of the North Shore City Council and Waitakere City Council Mayors and a number of councillors, significant agreement is evident in the submission from the two councils to the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Auckland Governance.

Both Mayor Andrew Williams and Mayor Bob Harvey believe that regional government should be enhanced while at the same time “local” government needs to be protected and reconfirmed. Both stress that they wish to see the ‘local’ retained in Local Government.

Its submission is similar to Waitakere’s in that respect, says Mayor Williams.

“The commission’s review is a major and perhaps only opportunity for us to get the governance of this region right.

I believe North Shore City’s approach will help lay the groundwork for our city and the region, and ensure that this area maintains its local identity and governance, yet makes a major contribution to ensuring that the region becomes a true Pacific city with world class attractions and infrastructure.”

North Shore’s submission says that the city understands the Royal Commission’s brief and welcomes this timely review.

“We believe any changes implemented must be robust and flexible enough to allow Auckland to be the growth-engine of New Zealand and to improve its social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being".

“We believe the North Shore is unique because it is well defined geographically, being surrounded by coastline, and has clear communities of interest but also works well regionally".

“Regional government should be enhanced while at the same time “local” government needs to be protected, reconfirmed and strengthened", says Mayor Williams.

Both cities are proud of their uniqueness in their geography and clear communities of interest. As Mayor Harvey says “Who else has the culture of the “Westies””.

Both Mayors emphasise the closeness of the relationship between the two cities that has built up over the years.

Mayor Harvey says in the past few months his councillors and community board members have not only been meeting with and taking on board the views of community groups and local people, but they have also been talking to other elected members from around the region.

“And it is fair to say that we have more in common with North Shore than anyone else. For a start, both councils absolutely reject any notion of a super-city and we both want to see a more streamlined, accountable, regional body.”

“I’m impressed with the measured, logical, approach that North Shore City has taken and I’m confident that many of the points we make in our submissions will be complimentary,” he says.

Mayor Harvey says proposals from the likes of Auckland City and the Auckland Regional Council are “lightweight”.

“They are full of bluster and puff, but have no hard evidence to back up their claims. On the other hand we’ve worked through dozens of scenarios, hundreds of hours of meetings and are proposing a solution that will last for the next 50 to 100 years.”
 

15 April

Titirangi Genius Discovered in Greece by Harvey

One of the most influential artists of the 1950s and ‘60s, David Kennedy, will be celebrated at an exhibition at Lopdell House opening on Thursday (April 17).

The exhibition, The Bronze Goat, runs from April 18 to June 8 and is a retrospective made up from private collections featuring both sculpture and paintings by Kennedy.

As part of the exhibition, Waitakere Mayor and long time friend of Kennedy will speak and play a specially commissioned DVD which features photographs of Kennedy’s work and Harvey’s interviews with the painter and sculptor shot at his home on the Greek island of Aegina.

“This exhibition is the result of many years of research and organisation by me and writer James McNeish and we, along with Lopdell House curator Kate Wells and the Waitakere art world, are absolutely delighted to be paying tribute to this great man,” says Harvey.

“I managed to find a number of exquisite bronzes for the exhibition and to have been able to interview Kennedy was a huge bonus. The DVD and what it captures really complements and adds to the exhibition.”

Kennedy was responsible for the controversial décor in New Zealand’s first licensed restaurant, The Gourmet in Shortland St, which featured lifesize medieval soldiers and irreverent murals including a brothel scene.

He lived in Titirangi for 10 years and the exhibition features some of the graphic designs and sculptures he made for The Gourmet kindly loaned by Otto Groen QSM. McNeish has written the catalogue for the exhibition.

The exhibition opening on Thursday starts at 6pm and is the day before Harvey announces Waitakere’s next ‘intake’ of Waitakere Arts Laureates.

14 April

Interest High in Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into governance in the Auckland Region will hear loud and clear from Waitakere.

That’s if the number of submission forms picked up by locals and downloaded from the City Council’s website is any guide.

With just over a week to go before public submissions close, 366 submission forms have been accessed on-line.

Many hundreds more have been distributed by the council at public meetings, through its libraries and so on.

“This is one of the most significant issues the region has faced in decades,” says Waitakere deputy mayor Penny Hulse, who heads the council’s regional governance working party.

“The Royal Commission was clear that it wants to hear from the people of Auckland- not just big business and others with their own agenda,” she says.

“We ‘westies’ are known for being passionate and getting involved in issues like this, so it’s great to see hundreds are taking the opportunity to have their say.”

Waitakere City will approve its own submission at a special Council meeting this Friday (April 18).

Already it has rejected any notion of single “super city” to govern the region. Waitakere also wants to see a strengthened regional body.

Waitakere will be proposing:

• A “Greater Metropolitan Council” which would have responsibility for regional planning and policies (e.g. housing), transport and other major infrastructure, regional economic development (including international investment attraction), tourism, broadband provision, and major events.
• Local authorities would make two appointments each to the Metropolitan Council, which would also have members elected from across the region.
• The chairperson or "head" of the Greater Metropolitan Council would be appointed from within those elected or appointed to it.
• The Metropolitan Council would be the main interface with central government on behalf of the region.

Issues such as any possible boundary changes, ownership of regional assets such as Watercare Services Ltd and Maori representation will be resolved at Friday’s Council meeting.

"Auckland can be sustainable and resilient and it can be an internationally competitive region. But for this to happen we believe that strong governance at two tiers of local government is required," says Councillor Hulse.

In the past month Waitakere councillors have held numerous meetings and workshops to refine their position. These have been informed by a series of public meetings, and meetings with representative groups such as residents and ratepayers' organisations, Maori and ethnic communities.

”On the basis of that dialogue with our community we are confident of presenting a view that has their endorsement,” Councillor Hulse says.

The deadline for submissions to the Royal Commission is April 22.

11 April

Submissions Now Open

Public submissions on Waitakere City Council's draft annual plan (budget) open today.

The Draft Plan was agreed after two weeks of debate and deliberation.

Janet Clews, chairman of the Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Committee, says that more than in any other year the draft budgets have been heavily impacted by external factors outside of the Council's control.
"We have had to face major cost increases in depreciation ($1 million) and interest on loans ($6.6million). So before we even get to looking at the services we provide we are behind the financial eight-ball," she says.

Other factors also outside of the Council's control, such as the price of oil hitting more than (US) $110 a barrel have also impacted on the Council's finances.  For example, almost half of the cost of re-sealing roads is affected by rising oil prices, says Councillor Clews.   The budgets -including levies for regional facilities such as MOTAT and the Auckland War Memorial Museum (which the Council has no choice but to collect)- would mean a rates increase of around $3 a week for the average residential property.

The public now has the chance to comment. Submissions close on May 14. They can be made on-line or copies of the plan and submission forms are available at libraries, community centres and Council offices.

A special issue of the City's newsletter (Waitakere News) will also be distributed next week and includes a reply-paid submission form.

Councillor Clews describes the draft budget as a balance between providing core services such as parks, water and wastewater, rubbish, roads and libraries and long term planning in high-growth areas such as the northern part of the City.  "Now we want to hear from ratepayers about whether they think we have got the mix right," she says.

A key issue highlighted for consultation is the future of the City's inorganic rubbish collection. At the moment residents have an annual collection of household inorganic rubbish. Councillors are considering a change to an on-demand, user-pays, collection system, managed through a 0900 telephone number or vouchers for the City's waste transfer station.   The present system costs $639,000 year. Any change would help address illegal dumping by commercial operators and people from outside the City, health and safety concerns, and could save up to $589,000.

Road safety measures on the way

8 April

Green roof scoops green award

Mayor Bob Harvey with Parks Planning Manager Renee Davies with the green roof's recent awards  - Click to enlarge -

Waitakere Tsunami Siren system operational

Map of areas where public alerting siren system is situated Click on image to enlarge

A new tsunami alerting and evacuation system for coastal locations in Waitakere City is now operational.

The system is the first in the Auckland region

The Meerkat Alert Systems sirens will be used to warn the public of any tsnami alert or evacuation requirement.

The system comprises a series of pole-mounted sirens situated at strategic locations where there are people living below 10 metres from sea level, who could be at risk from any major tsunami threat.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is delighted that the alerting system is now in place.

“Following the disastrous Indian Ocean 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and a more recent tsunami scare, my council agreed to put a siren warning system in place as a matter of priority. As far as we are concerned, public safety is not negotiable and that includes the threat of any tsunami,” Harvey says.

“Having the system in place means that our coastal communities and visiting public can be informed of any threat by the push of a button. This sure beats the other option of having to listen for public broadcasts on TV and radio which is not much of an option if you want to alert people in the middle of the night."

“I would also like to thank Vector Power Limited for allowing us to use their power poles for the installation of many of the sirens. This community-spirited assistance has been very much appreciated.”

The siren system has three tones for alerting, immediate evacuation and all clear.

A city-wide public information programme has also been developed where the community is informed about the system, what it should do in the event of the sirens being activated and identifying the shortest route to safe ground.

“While the risk of a major tsunami affecting Waitakere is quite small, it cannot be discounted,” says Civil Defence Manager, Bill Morley.

“The system is the first of its kind in the Auckland Region and it is hoped that other councils will adopt the same system in the near future,’ he says.

“Regardless of the signal (alert only or evacuate), when activated, all beaches and foreshore areas are to be evacuated immediately. This point is particularly important for visitors to note who may not be aware of what the different tones mean.

The first live test of the system will be conducted at midday on 27 April where all tones will be sounded for one minute with a 15 second pause between each.

The siren system is the first step of three warning systems that the council is introducing.

The other two systems will allow for warnings to be broadcast via mass telephone messaging via the council's call centre and also a mass text messaging system.
 

7 April

Major increase in recycling capabilities

Waitakere has taken a major step forward in reducing solid waste, with a new deal which means that all plastics numbered 1 through 7, can now be recycled.

This covers most household plastic containers and packaging (although householders need to check the number shown on containers).

This move could represent quite significant savings because nearly 13% of the refuse in the user-pays, grey bags at the moment, is plastic containers.

So, instead of filling up the grey bag at a cost, householders will be able to toss them in the blue and yellow recycling bin for free.

The council is able to take this step after receiving a written warranty that the plastics will only be recycled. In the past, at least some plastics were sent to China and burned – adding to greenhouse gases.

“Obviously we couldn’t agree to that,” says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“Dumping them in a refuse tip is bad enough from an environment point of view. Burning them was unthinkable when the world is struggling to come back from the brink of a global warming catastrophe.

“The new arrangement gives us a win win: we reduce landfill and don’t add to the carbon in the atmosphere,” he says.

“Of course, we’d prefer to see the use of plastics reduced still further and there were some very good examples of replacement products made from vegetable starch, at the recent Pacific Trade Expo in the city. But this is a good start,” Mayor Harvey says.

Nearly 3,000 tonnes of plastics will be recovered under the new arrangement.

7 April

Planning A Community Facility

When it comes to planning a community facility who better to ask for input than the community itself?

This is the approach the Waitakere City Council has taken regarding the building of a community facility in the McLaren Park Henderson South (MPHS) area.

Extensive consultation was carried out in the MPHS area, with 10% of the local population surveyed, in a bid to identify the characteristics residents thought were important and should be considered as part of any local facility.

Residents were asked what they would like to see included in the facility, where they would like to see it located and what characteristics they thought should be incorporated into the site.

For example, a designated arts and craft room was frequently mentioned, as was a large multi-use hall space which could accommodate activities as diverse as basketball and badminton to cultural dances and concerts.

The results of the survey were impressive with 62% of residents asking to be further involved in, and kept informed about the project.

Fifty eight per cent of respondents indicated they would like to be personally involved in contributing towards the programmes/services provided at the facility.

Having received the valuable feedback, potential building sites will now be scouted, and draft preliminary designs of the building drawn up within the next six months which will be brought back to the community for comment with hopes of building work initiating before the end of the year.

7 April

Auckland Regional Governance Meetings

A series of meetings will be held this week to provide Waitakere residents and the general public with information on the Auckland Regional Governance issue.

Tonight at 7.30pm there will be a briefing at the Massey Community House, 365 Don Buck Road.

On Thursday evening, 10 April, at 7pm there is a special Pacific meeting – with language specific groups, open to the public.

This will be held at the Waitakere Resource Centre, Ratanui St, Henderson

And on Friday, 11 April, at 7pm there will be a third public meeting held at the Waiatarua Hall in Scenic Drive, Waitakere.

6 April

Forum Supports Waitakere Thinking

A more tightly focussed regional entity will be the key aspect of any proposal that Waitakere City Council will put to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland Governance.

That thinking was endorsed at a forum held over the weekend at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson and attended by around 100 key business and community leaders.

The broad thrust of the Waitakere proposal was endorsed by the gathering and will now be incorporated into the Council's formal submission to the Commission of Inquiry.

Waitakere is proposing:

• A "Greater Metropolitan Council" which would have responsibility for things like growth and better alignment of local authority planning, transport and regional economic development.
• Local authorities would make two appointments each to the Metropolitan Council , which would also have members elected from across the region.
• The chairperson or "head" of the Greater Metropolitan Council would be appointed from within those elected or appointed to it.
• The Metropolitan Council would have responsibility for regional planning and policies (e.g housing), transport and other major infrastructure, regional economic development (including international investment attraction), tourism, broadband provision, and major events.

"Auckland can be sustainable and resilient and it can also be an internationally competitive region. But for this to happen we believe that strong governance at two tiers of local government is required," says Penny Hulse, who is Waitakere's deputy mayor and chair of the Council's Regional Governance Working Party.

"We need a totally different regional entity to look after the region - at the moment there are confused roles and accountabilities that lead, often, to delays and frustration for customers. Transport is a classic case in point."

The GAC would also be the main interface with central government on behalf of the region.

In the past month Waitakere City councillors have held numerous meetings and workshops to refine their position. These have been informed by a series of public meetings, and meetings with representative groups such as residents and ratepayers' organisations, Maori and ethnic communities.

Councillor Hulse says it is disappointing that much of the public debate so far has centred on possible local body amalgamation.

"This exercise shouldn't be about a land-grab.

"It should be about what is best done at a regional level and what is best delivered locally. Decisions about local parks, libraries sportsfields and so on are best made by local people, using local knowledge, taken in consultation with local people," she says. "Amalgamation is a simplistic approach to a very complex issue- and it is far from the right answer."

Councillor Hulse says that some interest groups - including big business - claim that "bigger is better" and that existing local authorities should be amalgamated.

"But where is the proof that one super city, or even amalgamating into two or three cities will bring financial benefit to ratepayers?" she asks.

"That's what we were told after local authority amalgamation in 1989 and it just didn't occur."

The deadline for submissions to the Royal Commission is April 22.

Waitakere City Council will finalise its position within a fortnight.

Upcoming public meetings in Waitakere:

• April 7- Massey Community House (Don Buck Rd). 7.30pm.
• April 9 - Briefing for Waitakere Ethnic and Pacific Board  6pm at Waitakere City Council
• April 10 - Pacific Community meeting (Waitakere Resource Centre, Ratanui St) 7pm
• April 11- Waiatarua Hall (Scenic Dr) 7pm

4 April

Development and Democracy

Development and democracy, privilege and poverty; these were the key themes of the thought-provoking presentation given at the Waitakere City Council during a key visit by the Minister of Local Government, Sport and Youth, Government of India, the Honourable Mani Shankar Aiyar.

In the past 15 years, India has embarked upon a rigorous development regime, which has seen India’s growth rate reach 9.6%, and in the process lifted hundreds of millions of its people from the clutches of poverty, the Honourable Minister said.   But at the same time, hundreds of millions more continued to struggle living on the equivalent of less than $2 a day - in terms of purchasing power parity.

“There are segments of India that have done so well, that the nation could be considered a world leader in development,” the Honourable Minister said . He added "there are more billionaires and millionaires in India ranked second to US" and “then we also have hundreds of millions of people suffering in abject poverty.”

The economic inequalities and difficulties in managing the world’s most populous nation, of nearly 1.2 billion people, were plain for all to see. The Minister very eloquently expanded on the notion of 'true democracy' and community engagement.  As Mayor Bob Harvey said in response: “we are aware there is extreme wealth in India, and we are also aware that there is extreme poverty in your country - but most importantly, in between these two, there is extreme hope”.

The mutual benefit of a possible future free trade agreement between the two countries was discussed during talks.

Also, the budding business relationship between Waitakere and India was another topic touched on by both Mayor Harvey and the Honourable Minister.   In the past several years over 120 Indian film crews have visited New Zealand - India produces more films each year than any other nation – and with Waitakere’s new film and sound studios both leaders said they were keen to see the relationship grow.

“We have the scenery, we have the infrastructure and we have the people,” Harvey said, “we want those film crews coming to this city.”   The Honourable Minister’s delegation included the Indian High Commissioner, K.P. Ernest and Pam Dunn the Head of South East Asia Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

3 April

Landmark Legislation Passed to Preserve the Waitakere Ranges
 

Waitakere Ranges Heritage Map - Click to enlarge -

Waitakere City Council has applauded the passing of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 as a significant landmark that will have a positive impact for many generations to come.

The Act was passed after its third reading in parliament tonight.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says the new Act will preserve the unique character and heritage of the communities that make up the Waitakere Ranges - from Whatipu to Titirangi, from Oratia to Piha and from Swanson to Bethells Beach.

Mr Harvey says the new Act will help meet the great challenge of maintaining the character of the rural, coastal and bush areas of the Ranges which are right on the doorstep of New Zealand's biggest and fastest growing region.

He says the legislation builds on the traditions of Auckland's far sighted forefathers who had the presence of mind to protect places such as Cornwall Park and the Auckland Domain.

"It is no surprise too that the late Sir Edmund Hillary was a keen supporter of this legislation."

Sir Ed said when he was on the other side of the world in places such as the Himalayas he would think of his holiday home at Anawhata on Waitakere's West Coast as one of the most beautiful places on earth.

He wrote to Jack Colmar, a long time passionate advocate for the ranges and Bethells' activist: "I heartily support the establishment of the Waitakere Heritage Area. It is a magnificent piece of coastline and forest and Auckland is very fortunate to have it so close."

The legislation was sponsored through Parliament by Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay and jointly promoted by Waitakere City Council, Rodney District Council and Auckland Regional Council.

It establishes the 27,000 hectare 'Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area', which includes the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, residential areas around Titirangi, the foothills of the Ranges, coastal villages such as Piha, Karekare and parts of south-west Rodney District.

Mr Harvey says the law is not another set of rules and regulations but rather a tool to help implement other pieces of legislation such as the Resource Management Act.

"It is all too easy for decisions to be made unwittingly in isolation that stretch the boundaries of development that, added up over time, have a significant detrimental impact," he says.

"The Act will function like a future benchmark of what the people of the Waitakeres would like their communities and environment to be in 100 years time."
Mr Harvey says the new law will prevent what former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Morgan Williams, called the threat to the Waitakeres of 'death from a thousand cuts'.

Morgan Williams said that without further protection: "the area will be some version of suburbia by the end of the 21st century; the result of many little decisions adding up to changes that were not desired."

During consultation of a draft of the legislation, the Council received 3,500 written responses, which showed majority support for legislation to be pursued (71%).

Waitakere goes solar

Solar panel installed

The hunt is on for the oldest hot water cylinder in Waitakere.

Waitakere City Council has launched a major campaign to switch residents on to the money saving benefits of solar energy for water heating and has removed previous barriers of consent fees and lack of information.

Building consent fees will be reimbursed for solar installations and a total of five households will soon receive a brand new system each, installed free.

Four households will become lucky winners as a result of taking a Water-wise action; the fifth free system will be won by the oldest hot water cylinder in Waitakere, in a New for Old competition. Residents are urged to check the date labels or any other documentation that proves the age of their old water cylinders and get their entry forms in to council.

These incentives are open to all Waitakere residents (except council employees).

In respect of the prize draw to find four lucky winners, households must take at least one of seven WaterWise steps between 28 March and 30 May.

Residents can choose to buy a 4-star rated water efficient washing machine; buy a 4-star water efficient toilet; install a water-efficient showerhead; install a rain tank of at lest 2000 litres; buy a rain barrel for the garden; book a free WaterWise check for their home; or request a free set of WaterWise brochures containing water-saving tips.

Entry forms for the prize draw and the competition will be posted out with water bills over the campaign period and are available now to be downloaded from the council website by typing in the key words 'consumer promotions'.

Residents who would like to learn more about solar water heating technology may request an information brochure from the council. The brochure is also available on the website.

Solar energy is free, renewable, abundant and non-polluting. It can provide between 50 and 75% of household annual hot water needs. It is effective even on cloudy days and helps reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions by less reliance on oil and coal-fired electricity generation.

Waitakere City Council is committed to helping residents improve water and energy efficiency in Waitakere, to contribute to more sustainable living in the eco-city.

2 April

Royal Commission chair assures Maori will be heard
 

The Hon. Peter Salmon QC addresses  the Waitakere hui

Maori meeting in Waitakere to discuss the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance received a surprise visit from the Commission’s chairman, the Hon. Peter Salmon QC, who assured them their voices would be heard.

Hosted by the Waitakere City Council’s Maori advisory committee, Te Taumata Runanga, the hui was attended by Maori from across the Auckland region, including a number of iwi representatives.

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance has been established by the Government to investigate, and make recommendations on, local and regional government arrangements for the Auckland region in the future.

A retired high court judge, Mr Salmon is one of three commissioners tasked with consulting with various groups (such as councils in the Auckland region), reviewing submissions sent to the Commission, conducting hearings and making recommendations to the Governor-General by December 1, 2008.

At the hui, Mr Salmon outlined the role of the Commission and the inquiry process and said that making submissions is “a way for Auckland residents to participate in shaping the future of their city”. He also offered to answer questions.

When asked whether individual or minority voices will be given the same weight as those of large or powerful groups, Mr Salmon replied: “Everybody’s ideas on how Auckland should be governed are worthy of our careful consideration. Some of the very best ideas may well come from individuals.”

Mr Salmon fielded a number of questions and comments, including criticism for there not being any Maori representation on the Commission or an independent body checking that the Commission’s recommendations truly reflect the views put forward in submissions. One popular suggestion put forward to him was that Maori wards be re-introduced to ensure Maori were represented at a governance level.

Another issue of concern for Maori was how changes to Auckland’s governance structure might affect existing tribal boundaries and therefore people’s sense of identity and their ability to be heard in the areas they identify with. There was also wide agreement that submitting consistent messages was the best way for a minority group be heard.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey told the audience to seize the opportunity to facilitate change and urged them to send in submissions before the April 22nd deadline.

“Make sure you go out to your iwi, your whänau, to gather the forces needed to get your voices heard,” he said.

After hearing from Maori at the hui, Te Taumata Runanga committee will now make recommendations to the council about what it believes should be included in Waitakere City’s submission.

Two more public meetings on the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance are being held in Waitakere this week. The first is being hosted at 7.30pm tonight by the New Lynn Community Board, at the New Lynn Community Centre. The second is being hosted by the Massey Community Board on Monday 7th April, 7.30pm, at the Massey Community House (385 Don Buck Road).

Zero Tolerance to Truancy in Waitakere Schools