Media Releases

Waitakere has become the first New Zealand city to join an international initiative aimed at combating the environmental effects of climate change.

The council has agreed to join the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net), an initiative developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Membership requires participants to undertake a greenhouse gas inventory, report it to the network and establish a climate strategy that identifies goals for emissions reduction.

Waitakere is already well advanced in that area with an Action Plan on Climate Change and Energy featuring a target to stabilise per capita greenhouse emissions by 2010 and reduce them by 80 percent per person by 2051. The council also has a target of reducing its corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2021.

"Being involved with the network is an opportunity for Waitakere to stand up and be counted as a city with a strong commitment to addressing climate change," says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

"We gain access to an international forum for networking and strengthening plans for emissions reductions, as well as being able to pass on our expertise in urban sustainability to developed and developing countries."

Participants will also share information on lessons learned, innovative ideas and success stories, which appear on the CN Net website.

Waitakere is just the sixth city to join CN Net, which also has 46 companies and six organisations as members.

It was invited to become a member by the UNEP, whose executive director, Achim Steiner, visited Waitakere earlier this year.

"Cities like Waitakere exemplify that addressing climate change is part and parcel of urban sustainability," Mr Steiner said at the recent UN Climate Conference in Poland.

Waitakere became New Zealand's first eco city in 1993 when it officially adopted Agenda 21, a holistic approach to sustainable development which recognises the inter-relationships between people, the environment and the economy.

The council has also won numerous awards for sustainable urban design, particularly for its Henderson headquarters, Waitakere Central.

19 December

By-Election Exemption Sought

Michael Neeson from the Massey Community Board

Waitakere City Council is seeking government intervention to avoid a potentially expensive by-election.

Under the Local Electoral Act (2001) the Council must hold a by-election to replace Community Board Member Michael Neeson, who represents the Massey Ward. He has resigned and is moving to Australia on business.

However last night the Council decided to ask the Minister's of Local Government and Internal Affairs to consider a change to the law. "We have a Royal Commission of Inquiry into local government in the (Auckland) region due to report in March next year," says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

"It would seem foolish, and a terrible waste of ratepayer money, to hold a by-election when the Commission's findings could drastically change the political landscape."

"We hope that the government can make an amendment to the legislation urgently."

It is estimated that a postal ballot could cost up to $90,000.

Meanwhile, in the event of the by-election going ahead, returning officer Darryl Griffin is having to put preliminary plans in place. Therefore nominations for candidates, will open on December 23, and close at noon on January 20.

"It is not ideal having to do this over the Christmas break, but those are the statutory time-frames we have to work within," Mr Griffin says.

He also reminds those who live in the Massey ward, which includes West Harbour and Hobsonville, to ensure they are on the electoral roll.

People can contact the Electoral Enrolment Centre on 0800 36 76 36 to check or change details. Or go to electoraloffice@waitakere.govt.nz.

18 December

Liquor bans aimed at improving community safety

New bylaw sees liquor banned in Waitakere town centres and some parks and reserves.

Drinking or possessing alcohol in a public place will become illegal in some parts of Waitakere under a strengthened bylaw introduced by the Waitakere City Council.
The council last night passed the Control of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw 2008, which comes into force on December 23.

Planning and Regulatory Committee chairperson Councillor Vanessa Neeson says the bylaw supports local police to combat alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

The bylaw sees 24-hour liquor bans introduced in Henderson, New Lynn, Glen Eden, Titirangi and Westgate and Te Atatu Peninsula central business districts.

Overnight bans have also been imposed on 29 local parks and reserves between 9.00pm and 6.00am. The locations were selected as a result of police statistics which indicated these were potential crime hotspots.

Residents are also reminded that there is a total liquor ban at Piha between 5pm to 5am throughout the holiday period.

Public consultation, which included formal submissions and hearings, showed overwhelming support for the bans.

"This is not about stopping someone wanting to have a picnic with a glass of wine, but about trying to make our parks, reserves and town centres safer for everyone," says Cr Neeson.

"Sadly it is the actions of a few that ends up spoiling things for others but this bylaw will support the police's ability to pre-empt trouble and will in turn protect the whole community."

As well as the drinking, there was also concern about the aftermath of such behaviour, such as broken glass left behind.

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17 December

West Wave turns 20

From left, Councillor Assid Corban, West Wave manager Mark Blake, Henderson Community Board chairperson Elizabeth Grimmer and West Wave staff member Cindy Stewart

The splash of success could be heard by those gathered to celebrate West Wave Aquatic and Recreation Centre's 20th birthday recently.

While guests enjoyed the festivities at the Waitakere City Council-run complex, children splashed around in the wave pool, lazy river and hydro slide below - the scene not lost on former Henderson Borough mayor and current city councillor, Assid Corban.

Cr Corban was instrumental in ensuring the facility got built and was there on December 10, 1988 when Governor General Sir Paul Reeves officially opened the complex.

"It was one of the proudest moments of my life," Cr Corban said of the project.

Just a few years later, the complex hosted the swimming and diving competition of the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Cr Corban said it was pleasing to see the complex still thriving.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey paid tribute to Cr Corban and all those involved in the original project, for their vision 20 years ago and to the staff, that have been the backbone of its success.

Among its many accolades was this year winning the New Zealand Recreation Association's Outstanding Pool Award and the New Zealand Swim Coaches and Teachers' Association Swim School Promotion Award. It was also a finalist in three categories at the Bank of New Zealand Waitakere Business Excellence Awards this year, winning the Employer of Choice award.

The West Wave of today boasts a wave pool, swim school, fitness centre, lazy river, recreation centre and swim, dive, spa and toddler pools.

17 December

New youth information service has it sussed

Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, SUSS-IT youth development worker Adelle Levi and Ministry of Youth Development regional team manager Sarah McGhee

A new facility in Henderson promises to be a mine of information for Waitakere youth.

Located adjacent to the Global Cafe‚ youth facility in Alderman Drive, SUSS-IT is a space where young people can go seek information on a wide range of issues such as housing, budgeting, teenage parenting and health.

SUSS-IT is partnership between the youth services sector in Waitakere, the Waitakere City Council and the Ministry of Youth Development. Earlier this year the ministry awarded the Waitakere City Council a $70,000 grant from its Youth Development Partnership Fund to advance of the project.

The grant provides funding for a 12 month salary for a peer-friendly youth development worker to coordinate information and access to services.

Adelle Levi has been appointed as the new youth development worker and has been working to establish networks in the community.

The name of the facility was decided by the young people who have been working with Adelle to establish the space, and refers to it being a place somewhere, that if they have a question, they can 'suss it' out.

The council's role has been as facilitator and providing a space for the service. Any future funding after year one will be sourced externally.

"This is the culmination of more than two years of hard work by youth sector, young people and the council," says Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, who officially opened the centre on Monday.

"Young people have been telling us for a long time that they want somewhere where they can get information on a range of things in a way that works for them, not for the agencies or the funders. They wanted a place where they can talk to someone about things that they don't want to talk to you and me about," she says.

"This space holds the dreams and hopes of the young people in our city. A place where young people are affirmed for who they are no matter what life is dealing them at the moment."

While run independently of the Global Cafe, which opened in September this year, Cr Hulse says the two services will complement each other.

"It creates the hub for youth information and support that many in the community have always wanted."

Regional team manager for the Ministry of Youth Development, Sarah McGhee says the new space is critical to ensure young people have access to the information they need.

"Research tells us that young people will go out and seek the answers they need, the challenge for us as a community is to make sure there is a place where they can find it and this facility will do that."

SUSS-IT will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.

17 December

Headstone honours American Civil War veteran

American Civil War veteran Andrews Andrew St John's headstone

The final resting place of American Civil War veteran Andrews Andrew St John has been marked with the unveiling of a memorial headstone at Waikumete Cemetery.

News of the unveiling and dedication ceremony is bittersweet for his descendants, who had thought had died in Fiji in 1902, only to be told he had lain in an unmarked grave at the Waitakere City Council-run cemetery for the past 106 years.

That was until historical researcher Audrey Lange came across it and started investigating and managed to track down his last surviving grandchild, Winifred Chappell, now 97 years old and living in California.

The United States Department of Veteran Affairs in Washington then offered a tombstone to mark the grave and arranged for it to be transported to Auckland.

On hearing of the discovery and later the news that a headstone was to be installed on her great grandfather's grave, the daughter of Winifred Chappell told Mrs Lange the family was thrilled and honoured by the gesture and quickly gave permission for the ceremony to occur.

"Mom is thrilled," wrote Lorry Wagner.

"I have tears in my eyes and goose bumps all over. Mom is speechless and crying too. We cannot express out thanks and appreciation enough."

Until this week the site was simply listed as "Non Conformist Div C Row 8 plot 42".

Waikumete Cemetery manager Daniel Sales says when it heard that there was an American Civil War veteran buried at the site it wanted to acknowledge for his contribution to the civil war and the diplomatic corp.

"This has been a united effort from both New Zealand and America and we are very grateful to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, which supplied the stone and arranged its transportation to Waikumete."

Andrews Andrew St John is the only American civil war vet buried at Waikumete.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the American Counsel General John Desrocher, representatives of New Zealand Returned Services Association, American Veterans Association, the Military Association, Federation of New Zealand Historical Societies and the New Zealand Society of Genealogists. Audrey Lange read a message from the soldier's granddaughter.

Who was Andrews Andrew St John?

Born in Fairfield County, Connecticut on August 19, 1835, Andrews Andrew St John was a dentist by profession but at age 27, enlisted as a Private in Company B of the 141st Pennsylvania Infantry. On August 22, 1862 he was mustered in as a Corporal.

Arriving in Washington DC on August 29 for the second Battle of Bull Run, the raw, inexperienced regiment found the first few weeks extremely harsh and it took a heavy toll on the health of the men. Some 300 men were hospitalised at one time and another 500 were reported unfit for duty.

The regiment was assigned to General Robinson's 1st Brigade in Birney's Division, 3rd corps and remained in Washington to defend the city.

It went into winter quarters at Falmouth on November 25th and was in reserve during most of the battle of Fredericksburg. It likely St. John was no longer with the company by that time, having received a Disability Certificate on December 5, 1862 at Roland Chapel Hospital in Washington, D.C.

According to the 1870 US Census, he was the County Clerk for Midland Co, Michigan and in 1879 was practicing as a dentist in New York.

He was married to Clara Dewer of Pennsylvania and the couple had two children. Their daughter Geraldine died at age 13 in New York in 1879. Their son Burr was born in Michigan in 1872.

Andrews St. John was appointed Commercial Agent in Levuka (later Suva), Fiji Islands on 5 May, 1886, a position he held until 1893. It is here where his family thought he had died as his widow and son had spent nine years after his death there before coming to New Zealand.

Burr Gould St John married Clara Amelia Clark in New Zealand before returning to America.

16 December

Harvey and Morrison join forces on Chinatown

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey

New Zealand's "most enterprising entrepreneur", managing director of HRL Morrison and Co and owner of the New Lynn bus depot, Lloyd Morrison, has endorsed Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey's concept for a Chinatown to be developed in New Lynn.

Harvey briefed Morrison and his team in Wellington last week about his plans to develop and open a Chinatown precinct in Totara Ave at the same time as the transport hub opens in 2010.

"Chinatown with all its food and fun needs to be a short distance from the station so that's why Totara Ave is the best option," says Harvey.

"It's also got to be a preferred regional destination as well as local. With full electrification also in the pipeline for 2010 we are onto a winner and I am pleased to have Morrison and Infratil on board.

Harvey will start presenting the Chinatown concept to business and development groups early in the New Year. He will also meet with the New Lynn Business Association to allay any concerns it might have.

12 December

Fines a wake up call for building industry

The parties found guilty of undertaking unauthorised building works at a Te Atatu subdivision have been fined more than $80,000.

It is a case that Waitakere City Council says should be a wake up call for all property developers and building professionals.

In April the council took legal action against those involved in the Riverglade Parkways development at 191 McLeod Rd, where it was discovered that 14 concrete foundations and the framing for nine houses had been constructed without building consent.

Project manager Mark Ma, developers HQH Limited, flooring contractors Jamieson Foundations Ltd and Conqra Contracting (2005) Limited and design and supervising engineers Wilton Joubert Limited and its directors all faced multiple charges for breaches of the Building Act in relation to the work.

The last of the parties to be sentenced, Wilton Joubert Limited and its directors, appeared in the North Shore District Court this week. They had been found guilty of undertaking building works without consent on the McLeod Rd site; namely the inspection of slab foundations on the site and the verification that these were constructed in accordance with its designs, and a building consent, where no building consent had been granted or issued.

The company and its directors were found guilty, and were this week discharged without conviction on 14 charges each and ordered to pay $20,000 in costs.

"We are very pleased with the result and the penalties imposed because it sends a very strong message to the whole building industry that any breaches of the Act will not be tolerated by this council or by the Courts," says Vanessa Neeson, chairperson of Waitakere City Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee.

"It gives us no joy to have to prosecute these kinds of cases. It is disappointing that it is people in the industry, who should already know the rules before they begin, that have carried out this work."

She says that the courts took into consideration the seriousness of the case by imposing very high starting points for fines against some of the defendants.

The starting point fine for Mr Ma of $25,000 and the $50,000 starting point fine against the developers were the highest ever imposed by the Court in relation to Building Act offences.

While pleased with the outcome, the council says it was a time-consuming case to prosecute with so many parties involved and each of those defendants being sentenced by a different judge.

Summary of charges and sentences:

Mark Ma
Pleaded guilty to 14 charges of undertaking building works without consent. Convicted and fined $17, 0000 plus costs. Charges laid under s40(1) of the Building Act 2004.

HQH Limited
Pleaded guilty to14 charges of undertaking building works without consent. Convicted and fined $34,000 plus costs.

Jamieson Foundations Limited
Plead guilty to 11 charges for the unauthorised works in relation to construction of 11 of the 14 foundation slabs for which no consent had been granted. Granted discharge without conviction with the council awarded costs of $7000.

Conqra Contracting (2005) Limited
Initially pleaded not guilty to three charges laid under the Act but later changed its plea. Discharged without conviction with counsels' for the parties agreeing on costs of $3000.

Wilton Joubert Limited
The company and its directors were each charged with 14 charges under the Act for the unauthorised works, namely the inspection of slab foundations post-construction, but pre-concrete pour, and verifying that these were in accordance with its designs, and a building consent, where a building consent had not been granted or issued.

The defendants pleaded not guilty, were found guilty but discharged without conviction and ordered to pay the council costs of $20,000.

15 December

Sea travels across the Pacific inspires artist

Click image to enlarge

'Folau' by artist Fatu Feu'u

Mayor Bob Harvey and artist Fatu Feu'u

Mayor Bob Harvey and artist Fatu Feu'u

The creation of a large installation to adorn Waitakere City Council's civic building has been a journey for artist Fatu Feu'u, reminiscent of that taken by his ancestors, who inspired the piece. Folau, officially unveiled last night, pays homage to the importance sailing and the sea plays in Pacific culture and is an interpretation of the migration of Pacific peoples to Waitakere.

"It alludes to the adventures and travels of the people of the Pacific as well as the many tools they would have used to navigate, fish and sail their way here," says Mr Feu'u "It's been a big project," the Waitakere Art Laureate says of the 12-month process.

"It's probably the largest installation I have ever done and I've made several models and even re-did the whole thing at one stage because it just wasn't right. "But I am pleased with the way it has turned out and I hope others get enjoyment out of it too."

Folau is made up of several different components from the large totem-like panels representing a house, a stick map representing the type of map used for navigation and painted copper representing the sea. "I've also tried to incorporate traditional art styles of the Pacific and when you look at it you can see examples of carving, tapa designs, tattoo and the use of shells and natural fibres from the Pacific," says the Samoan artist.

Highly-polished shells gathered from northern New Caledonia, Rarotonga and Tahiti are not just for decoration but represent shells being shone in the water to attract fish. In unveiling the piece, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey paid tribute to the rich culture and colour the Pacific community bring to the city. "

This piece is about aroha, it's about your culture and our culture and a chance to recognise Waitakere's Pacific people. "You have created a gift for future generations, who when they walk through here are going to be dazzled by this," he said. Waitakere City Council commissioned Mr eu'u in 2007 to create a piece for its Waitakere Central civic centre to represent the Pacific community in Waitakere. The 12 metre Folau has been installed on the wall of the air bridge near the council chambers.

12 December

Book lovers go wild out west

Book lovers Brittany Trask (14), left, and Hasmita Singh (15) were the big winners in this year's Books in the Wild programme

Book lovers Brittany Trask(14), left, & Hasmita Singh(15) were the big winners in this year's Books in the Wild programme

From New Lynn to Bethells Beach and in cinemas and on trains - the 450 books released for this year's Books in the Wild teen literacy programme certainly made their way around Waitakere and, in some cases, beyond.

In September, 10 popular teen titles were "released into the wild" to participating schools with students encouraged to take up the challenge to hunt down and read the titles and register them online before releasing the books back into the wild for others to find.

Run by Waitakere Library & Information Services, and aimed at Year 9 and 10 students, the innovative programme attracted close to 300 student registrations from across Waitakere - 80 more than last year.

"The programme aims to generate excitement about reading among teenagers and encourage them to read and enjoy good quality literature," says Waitakere Library & Information Services' Children's and Teens' Librarian Robert Baigent.

"We are thrilled with the response this year and the recognition the ground-breaking programme is starting to get from our schools."

This year books were found all over Waitakere, from New Lynn and Henderson to Bethells and Piha. They were also found in some interesting locations, including bus and train stops, the cinema and on the seat of a Helensville-bound train.

Each registered book was read an average of 1.98 times with the most popular book being a single copy of the The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. LeGuin, which was registered seven times.

The most popular book was Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine, which was registered 60 times.

All participating students went in to a prize drawer with the winner of the X Box 360 and games being St Dominic's College Year 10 student Brittany Trask.

Henderson High School Year 10 student Hasmita Singh won the prize of an iPod Nano for reading the most books. She was one of 15 students to register all 10 books.

Kelston Girls' College won the school prize of $500 worth of Whitcoulls vouchers for having 35 per cent of eligible students registered for the programme.

11 December

Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, Safe Waitakere crime prevention project leader Michael Alofa and Senior Sergeant Ross Hunter of Waitakere Police

Council pilots carpark safety project

Looking at ways to reduce vehicle crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities is the aim of a government-funded project being piloted in Waitakere.

Waitakere City Council is one of three councils selected by the Ministry of Justice's Crime Prevention Unit to run the Carpark + Safer Parking project pilot. The others are Auckland City and Hutt City.

The initiative is part of the CPU's Vehicle Crime Reduction Programme and encourages parking facilities to meet specific safety criteria guided by the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). Facilities that meet the CARPARK+ standards will be recognised as 'safer parking' facilities, indicating that they have measures in place to reduce levels of crime and fear of crime.

Trained assessors will look at a wide variety of criteria, including whether the carpark has good security and surveillance provisions, lighting and directional signage and whether its design makes it easy for cars and pedestrians to move around safely.

The council's Safe Waitakere division has selected local park and ride facilities at Sturges and Sunnyvale rail stations and the multi-storey Trading Place carpark in Henderson to be assessed as part of the pilot.

"Our two park and ride facilities were specifically designed using CPTED principles so it will be good to re-assess them to see if they are working as well as expected or whether any environmental changes could potentially raise some safety issues for us," says Safe Waitakere's crime prevention project leader Michael Alofa.

"We also want to see what specific issues there may be with the multi-level building."

Waitakere's parking facility assessments are due to begin in the new year.

Waitakere Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse, says any project that aims to make people feel safer and reduces the risk of crimes occurring is worth participating in.

"This initiative will hopefully give operators and developers of parking facilities the incentive to maintain a safe parking environment and allow the public to make informed decisions about where they choose to park," says Cr Hulse, who also chairs Safe Waitakere's Crime Prevention Reference Group.

The trial runs through until October next year and complements a range of safety projects being undertaken in Waitakere.

One such project is Operation Speedo - multi-agency approach to reducing car thefts and break-ins at popular Waitakere recreation spots over the holiday season and providing advice and reassurance to visitors.

9 December

Taking charge of food safety standards

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey presents Wissam Ibrahim and his wife Intisar Shaba of Haddard's Takeaway with certificate recognition as one of the first food outlets to have a Food Control Plan.

Mayor Bob Harvey presents a certificate of recognition to Wissam Ibrahim and his wife Intisar Shaba of Haddard's Takeaway

A new nationwide food licensing scheme aimed at giving businesses more responsibility for their own food safety standards is being introduced in Waitakere.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has developed the new voluntary scheme, which will allow food service businesses to opt out of the current inspection regime and adopt Food Control Plans (or FCPs).

Food control plans will provide operators with the confidence that they are managing their premises and processes in the most effective way to ensure that they provide their customers with the safe and hygienic food.

The plans are a structured approach to managing food safety and feature a series of information sheets that detail how to control risk areas when preparing and selling food. The plan requires operators to actively manage food safety by keeping their own set of detailed records on staff training, food storage, preparation and handling and cooking practices.

The system puts the responsibility for food safety on the person in charge of the operation, rather than the inspector, to find faults.

This is the first step towards plans by the NZFSA to move from an inspection-based to a risk-based system. A new Food Bill is being written and when it is introduced FCPs will become mandatory and the current food regulations will be revoked.

A few Waitakere businesses have already adopted their own FCPs - the first being Haddad's Takeaway in Te Atatu Peninsula, which was recently presented with a certificate of recognition from Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

"I applaud a system that encourages food business operators to be proactive about food safety and not wait for an inspector to tell them what they are doing wrong," Mayor Harvey says.

"This puts the ball firmly back in their court in ensuring the safety of their customers."

Currently, council officers carry out food hygiene inspections and issue a grading from A to E ('A' being the best) that must be displayed in public view. Those who adopt a Food Control Plan will display their certificate of recognition in store, alongside their grading certificate, for customers to see.

"For the operator it will mean a full-time commitment to the systematic monitoring and reviewing of their practises and procedures," says Waitakere City Council environmental management team manager Alan Ahmu.

"The upside is that it will show their customers that they are serious about food safety - and many people in Waitakere look for food premises that demonstrate the high standard," he says.

"We will be auditing the premises and the records that they are required to maintain to ensure that what they are writing down is actually taking place and that they are meeting the required standards of food safety and hygiene."

The council has the authority to decide whether an operator can adopt a Food Control Plan and Mr Ahmu says for now only those businesses they know already exhibit high standards will be given the opportunity.

"We know the history of these businesses through regular inspections over the years and there's no point allowing someone to enter the scheme when we know they would struggle to meet the level of record-keeping that is required."

Mr Ahmu says the food premises grading system will continue for those who do not take up the voluntary FCP system.

The NZFSA is currently conducting a major review of New Zealand's Food Hygiene Regulations, which are now 34 years old.

8 December

Don't let drinking ruin your holiday season

Councillor Linda Cooper

With Christmas, New Year and the summer holidays upon us Waitakere City Council is urging local residents to think about their drinking to ensure everyone has a fun and safe festive season.

"It's important to remember what the holiday season is really about," says Waitakere councillor Linda Cooper, an advocate for the council's Safe Waitakere alcohol project.

"It's about celebrating and spending time with people we care about and this can be so easily ruined when people drink too much."

"With warmer weather, longer sunshine hours and holidays there are a lot more opportunities than usual to catch up with friends and family and have a few drinks," she says.

"Unfortunately, when people go overboard with alcohol it can cause problems and get in the way of what could have been a great time."

The Safe Waitakere Alcohol Project (SWAP) aims to reduce alcohol-related harm in Waitakere.

Since its inception in the late 1990s, SWAP has been involved in a series of projects and developed policies with that aim in mind. This includes Project Respect, which was aimed at reducing incidents of alcohol-related crime among young Maori and Pacific Islanders.

A current proposal is before the council for liquor bans in all town centres and some local parks and reserves.

The Safe Waitakere team recommends taking the following simple steps for those attending or throwing Christmas parties this festive season.

Make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options at functions so people have a choice about what they can drink and can take a break from drinking alcohol.
Make sure there is plenty of food. Why not ask people to bring a plate?
Watch the size of drinks you're having. Remember a standard drink is one small wine glass (100ml).
Plan how to get home safely if you are drinking, or if you're the host, make sure your guests do the same.

For more information view the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand website on www.alac.co.nz or the Safe Waitakere website on www.safewaitakere.co.nz.

5 December

Waitakere agrees to investigate Chinatown precinct for New Lynn

Investigations are underway to develop a Chinatown in New Lynn

Waitakere City Council yesterday agreed to a detailed investigation into a Chinatown precinct for New Lynn as part of its development planning currently underway in the town centre.

The council did, however, stop short of recommending Totara Ave as its preferred location for the Chinatown development, not wanting to commit itself without first investigating the feasibility of other potential sites within the town centre.

The council also agreed to investigate the acquisition of ornamental Chinese gates and other related amenities with its Chinese sister city of Ningbo and other parties. The budget for their provision and installation will be considered next year as part of the Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan process.

In October this year, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey outlined to councillors a proposal to redevelop part of Totara Avenue as a Chinatown precinct, reflective of traditional and modern china. The mayor's vision is to build on the new state-of-the-art public transport hub being created in New Lynn and the town's emerging new migrant culture, to create an attractive new retail area that will make good business sense and act as an activity magnet.

Mayor Harvey says the New Lynn Chinatown would have a region-wide reach for custom and an international reputation for its food, business, cultural events, bustle and quality of presentation. It would also be a dramatic point of difference, distinguishing New Lynn from other town centres in the region and Waitakere from other cities in New Zealand.

"It is an exciting idea - and it's an idea that stacks up in cities like Melbourne, London, Seattle and Sydney," Mayor Harvey says.

"It's not about social or cultural engineering. It's about tourism and marketing. It's about New Lynn as a thriving, buzzing town centre. It's about food, festivals and fun."

The council envisages that the New Lynn Chinatown would become a focal point for Asian cultural events, such as the Chinese New Year and Moon festivals, and for visiting exhibitions of artistic and cultural significance. It could be expected to attract film, museum and educational enterprises to complement gastronomic excellence and a mix of retail activity.

5 December

Another building timber scam uncovered says Waitakere Mayor

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey today called for immediate and drastic nationwide action over substandard timber being sold throughout the Auckland area.

Harvey said the practice of the sale of timber potentially prone to structural failure and leaking, and which does not meet industry standards, is now seemingly widespread throughout the Auckland region.

"Apparently trusses for about 1500 homes have been sold in Auckland in the past two years to unsuspecting builders and homeowners and the timber is not up to standard," says Harvey.

"It's actually designated as suitable only for use as nogs or packers and it's been designated not for structural applications by timber suppliers but that's what it's being used for. And I think this is just the tip of the iceberg."

The mayor was alerted to the issue by Waitakere's building inspectors.

"This is potentially a massive issue - maybe as big as the leaky homes one - and we are demanding the Department of Building and Housing provide guidance."

Harvey added he would seek an urgent meeting early next week with the government and Local Government New Zealand to discuss the issue and stop it in its tracks.

"Of great concern are the houses already under construction with this substandard timber. This will mean considerable anguish which I am determined to warn people about and resolve as quickly as possible," said Harvey.

"Waitakere is taking the lead before we are engulfed in a tsunami of complaints and angst."

Waitakere's Group Manager Consents, Michael Campbell said his department was working with other territorial authorities within the Auckland region to determine the extent of the problem as well as liaising with the DBH, the authority responsible for housing matters.

"Waitakere is not going to let this pass. We are examining the full extent of the problem and we will need to go over historical consents granted as well as be aware of this issue for consents currently before us," said Harvey.

4 December

Standard and Poor's affirms Waitakere City Council Credit Rating

Waitakere City Council has had its financial position re-affirmed by the international credit agency Standard & Poor's. The agency has assigned the Council it's A+ long-term and A-1 short term ratings.

Standard and Poor's says the Council credit rating is supported by its cash position, and the absence of risk associated with substantial Council Controlled Trading Organisations. Waitakere City Council also benefits from being part of the wider Auckland Region which represents a strong economic base.

Standard and Poor's confidence echoes the recent sign-off on the City's accounts by Audit New Zealand.

While retaining the overall rating, in light of the global economic situation and the Council's projected capital works programme, Standard and Poor's did revise its outlook to negative.

Chairperson of Waitakere's Finance and Operational Performance Committee, Ross Clow, says that cautionary approach was expected. "Just a few months ago Standard and Poor's were very positive about our position. But as everyone knows the world economy has changed drastically," he says. "The key thing is that our credit rating has been retained which means we retain the ability to access credit on very favourable terms and service our debt."

He adds that Waitakere is among only a handful of Councils in the country who have a credit rating. "So we remain in a strong position, despite the outlook."

Standard and Poor's will continue to monitor the Council's position and their outlook will be revised after the Council has finalised its Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP). Those budgets and associated work programmes will be publicly consulted on in the New Year.

"Since the global recession we have been working on our budgets, re-prioritising expenditure and we are looking particularly closely at capital projects and how they impact on future debt," Mr Clow says.

The internationally recognised ratings give the Council access to a wider number of investors, and more competitive interest rates, potentially saving ratepayers thousands of dollars a year.

4 December

Agencies join forces to combat car crime

Operation Speedo - reducing car crime at west coast beaches this summer

Speedos might be synonymous with fashion crimes - but in the case of 'Operation Speedo', it's all about reducing crime of the vehicular kind.

In a multi-agency approach to reducing car crime over the Christmas holiday period, police and more than 200 community agency volunteers will join forces to patrol car parks at Waitakere's popular beaches, dams and bush tracks.

Operation Speedo will run from December 22 to January 31, with the aim of reducing car thefts and break-ins at popular recreation spots and providing advice and reassurance to visitors. This is the third summer the initiative has been run and those involved are hoping to continue the trend which saw reported car crimes in Waitakere beach car parks drop by more than half on the previous year.

Operation Speedo is coordinated by Safe Waitakere's Vehicle Crime Action Group and involves Police, Waitakere City Council Parking Enforcement and Civil Defence officers, Auckland Regional Council park rangers, Watercare Services, Arataki Visitor Centre staff, west coast lifeguards, Rural Fire Service volunteers, Waitakere City Council park rangers, Neighbourhood Support Waitakere, ICON Security personnel and members of the Piha, Bethells, Karekare surf lifesaving clubs.

Those on patrol will be able to keep in radio contact with each other and report any suspicious or criminal activity to police.

The council's Safe Waitakere Crime Prevention Project Leader, Michael Alofa, says Operation Speedo is a great example of Waitakere people working together to reduce local crime.

"There is always an increase in car thefts and break-ins over the summer holiday period, predominantly in our beach car parks," he says. "By providing a visible presence in popular recreation spots and having the community working together, Operation Speedo volunteers will be helping to keep visitors safer from crime and ensure they take away happy memories from their day out."

While the Vehicle Crime Action Group will provide police with extra eyes and ears in reserve carparks, Mr Alofa also urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to police.

"We don't want anybody's beach outing or bush walk to be tarnished by a vehicle break-in. We can all play our part in reducing car crime, starting with our own vehicles. Be sure to lock all doors and never leave personal items of value in view," he says.

4 December

Water education features as part of the Huia Easter Market next year

As part of Waitakere City Council's long-term programme to improve water quality, EcoWater is to present a Technology Open Day in conjunction with the well-known Huia-Cornwallis Community Easter Market and Family Festival.

The Technology Open Day will focus on water conservation and wastewater management concerns, presenting new ideas and technologies that show people the seriousness of rural water quality issues. It will be comparable to a very successful and well-received similar event at Piha last year that emphasised wastewater matters and their relationship to the environment's future health and safety.

Huia-Cornwallis Residents and Ratepayers Association Secretary, Jo Quatermass, says the event will give local property owners and others a valuable opportunity to learn about and understand the water quality challenges faced locally.

"Our environment is fragile and we need to seriously start looking after it,"she says.

"With almost 6,000 onsite wastewater systems throughout Waitakere City, and new technologies being constantly developed and updated, the Technology Open Day is a great opportunity to learn about water quality issues in the fun, family setting of a market and festival."

The event will run on Easter Sunday (12 April 2009) between 10am - 4pm and will include fun and games for the whole family including face painting, a bouncy castle, competitions and games, local art, music and community group displays and entertainment, food and refreshments.

Huia is an historic settlement on the northwest side of the Manukau Harbour and about 18 kms drive west of Titirangi Village. For more than 20 years, the locals have held an Easter Market at the Huia Hall and adjacent Settlers Museum, attracting thousands of people including those weekending at other west coast beaches.

3 December

The underfloor area of Clark House was connected with the kilns at Limeburners via an underground tunnel.

The underfloor area of Clark House was connected with the kilns at Limeburners via an underground tunnel.

Remains of underground kilns from former brick works

Remains of underground kilns from former brick works

Heritage protection efforts at Limeburners Bay get council support

Waitakere City Council has confirmed its support for preserving and enhancing regionally significant heritage features at Limeburners Bay in Hobsonville.

The council's Infrastructure and Works Committee has agreed to look at developing a memorandum of understanding with the Hobsonville Heritage Trust (HHT), NZ Heritage Places Trust, Auckland Regional Council and key landowners to work together on heritage preservation in the area.

The council has also agreed to support the HHT's plans for developing heritage trails at Limeburners Bay by transferring to them the balance of compensation paid for the demolition of Sinton House.

The council received the compensation from the New Zealand Transport Authority when Sinton House was demolished to make way for the construction of SH18.

"This will effectively be a public/private partnership where the council acquires land through the subdivision process but a private trust adds value by developing heritage trails and boardwalks," says committee chairman Derek Battersby.

"It's a model that's proven very successful at Olympic Park in New Lynn, where significantly more development, such as the inclusion of art work in the park, has been made possible when the council has not been able to fund it independently.".

The Hobsonville Heritage Trust has four trustees, all of whom live in the area and have an interest in its historical preservation.

Limeburners Bay is identified as one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in the Auckland region by the Auckland Regional Council and contains the remains of Carder's heavy clay pottery works and the RO Clarks Ltd works. The bay is regarded as the birthplace of ceramics in Waitakere, before the industry shifted to New Lynn.

1 December 2008

New inorganic rubbish collection service for Waitakere

Waitakere City is now operating a new user pays inorganic rubbish collection service

Waitakere City is now operating a new user pays inorganic rubbish collection service.

Under the new system, the service is booked and paid for in advance and the inorganic rubbish collected from inside residential property boundaries. Previously rubbish was put out on the street.

The new user pays service will cost $11.25 and must be booked online at www.inorganiccollection.co.nz or in person at the council's customer services counter at 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson.

Collections start in 2009, running from February through to June each year.

Different suburbs are covered by the collection in each of those months and each street is allocated a collection date. Residents must make their booking two clear weeks ahead of their collection week, so are advised to check what month their suburb is collected from (this is available online, at the council, or in the advertisement in your local paper) and to go online well in advance to find their booking cut-off date.

On their collection day, residents need to pile their inorganic waste inside their property, on or near the driveway. The maximum amount collected will be one cubic metre (about two car boots full). Placing inorganic rubbish outside a residential property is now illegal and can result in a fine of up to $400.

As always, the inorganic rubbish collection is provided for the disposal of household furniture, toys and appliances, domestic gardening and outdoor leisure equipment and metal items from household renovations. Residents can also dispose of larger quantities of metal (and appliances made of metal) and re-usable furniture, free, at the Refuse Transfer Station, at 50 The Concourse, Henderson.

Councillor Vanessa Neeson, chair of the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee says the inorganic collection has primarily been changed because the law requires councils to encourage waste reduction and because the old system was inefficient, unsightly and dangerous and made commercial scavenging possible at ratepayers' expense.

"This change is long overdue and will be welcomed by many residents and ratepayers who have been pleading for something better than what we have had," she says.

"Collecting inorganic rubbish from inside properties will eliminate all the unsightly and dangerous piles on the kerb and discourage illegal commercial scavenging. It will also reduce the amount of people from outside the city illegally dumping waste in Waitakere at the expense of local ratepayers. We know that in the past 60% or more of inorganic refuse was coming from businesses and people outside of Waitakere."

Cr Neeson says the new system follows the intent of the Waste Minimisation Act to encourage people to become more responsible for the costs of wasteful behaviour.

"Under our old system there was no incentive for this because people paid the same whether they used the service or not. A user pays service, however, provides the incentive," she says.

"The new system is also another step in the on-going, world-wide battle to reduce wasteful manufacturing and packaging. The Act encourages purchasers, manufacturers and retailers to enter into 'product stewardship' schemes, whereby manufacturers and retailers take back products when consumers are finished with them. This in turn encourages manufacturers and retailers to make and sell products that are recyclable or reusable."

Cr Neeson urges people to check the www.inorganiccollection.co.nz website now to be sure they have booked their collection in good time:

"You can book as far ahead as you like but if you don't get in within two clear weeks of when your street is being collected, you will have to wait until the following year," she says.

For full details on the new inorganic rubbish collection system, visit www.inorganiccollection.co.nz or call the council (24 hours).