Media Releases

June 2008

 

30 June

It pays to install Solar

Waitakere City Council launch of long term campaign assisting residents with installing solar water heating

Waitakere City Council is launching a new long-term campaign to assist residents wanting to install solar water heating into their homes.

From 01 August until 31 December households that install solar water heating systems can fill in an entry form to go in a prize draw to win up to $1500 off their installation costs.

Each month two prize winners will be drawn. The council also waives the building consent cost for all approved solar installations.

This campaign supports the recently increased grant/loan available from the government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority for solar water heating.

The council adopted the Waitakere City Action Plan on Climate Change and Energy with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2010. Community consultation revealed that the community wanted incentives for solar water heating and to increase the use of renewable energy.

Solar water heating can provide between 50% and 75% of a household’s annual hot water needs and is effective even on cloudy days.

27 June

Old Hotel to Go

26 June

Waitakere residents urged to check properties before next storm

Despite last night's stormy weather that brought heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning, no reports of flood, property or road damage have been reported to Waitakere City Council.

However, with weather forecasts predicting downpours for the rest of the week, the council is encouraging residents to be proactive in protecting their properties from any potential storm damage.

"Check that your roof, gutters, gully traps and stormwater drains are clear of debris and working to capacity," says Councillor Derek Battersby, chairman of the council's Infrastructure and Works Committee.

"It's no fun on a dark, wet and windy night to have to deal with the consequences of blockages, split pipes, leaks and overflows, so it's best to go out and check your property during the next fine spell to ensure everything has been working as it should."

People should also remember that if they think they have a blocked drain, they should contact the council first and we will check the problem for free. This saves paying to get in plumber, only to find out that the problem is not on their land. If the council knows about it, we will check the problem and then be able to say for sure, whether the problem is on the resident's land or not. If it is, the resident can then call in a plumber or drainlayer - but if the problem is in the council's pipe, we have to fix it," Cr Battersby says.

Councillor Battersby says that it is gratifying that there was no significant stormwater damage in the city.

"Apart from the fact that it is good that people are not suffering, we have invested very heavily in stormwater management over a lot of years and it looks like it may be paying off," he says.

25 June

Huge response to abandoned puppies story

A Western Leader story about a litter of puppies dumped in a rubbish sack has resulted in most of them finding homes.

The front page article (17 June) told of how 12 puppies were found stuffed inside a rubbish bag at a Te Atatu South Reserve.

At just 10 days old they were close to death but have now been nursed back to health. Eight of the pups have gone to loving homes, with four still available for adoption.

"The response was just fantastic," says Waitakere City Council Animal Welfare manager Neil Wells.

"They are absolutely delightful little puppies and the story certainly struck a chord with readers. We had dozens of calls from people wanting to adopt them. So it was a great result."

"And even better we also managed to find homes for other dogs through those calls as well."

Anybody interested in adopting one of the puppies, or other animals, can contact the Council.

25 June

Waitakere delivers a 'balanced' budget

Waitakere City Council has unanimously approved its Annual Plan (budget) for the 2008-2009 financial year.

The budget shows a rates increase of 6.95%, on average. That is almost half a percent below the draft budget which went out for public consultation (showing a proposed 7.4% increase).

Regional levies from Watercare Services Limited, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), which the Council is required by law to collect, resulted in an additional rates increase of 1.36%.

The 2008/2009 budget includes a significant new capital works and renewal programme of $157 million. Among the key new capital projects are parks ($4.8 million), work in and around New Lynn ($45 million), roading and transport ($29.9 million), wastewater ($4.5 million), stormwater ($10.5 million), Project Twin Streams ($9.8 million) and an upgrade of the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre and Library ($4.7 million).

The new budget, which comes into effect on July 1, adds about $3 a week for the average residential property (with a land value of around $270,000).

Councillor Janet Clews, chairman of the Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Committee which oversaw the budget process, says that more than in any other year the City finances have been heavily impacted by external factors outside of the Council's control.

Councillor Clews cites major cost increases in depreciation ($1 million) and interest on loans ($6.7million). "And things like graffiti and repairing other vandalism in public places including town centres and parks costs close to $1.5 million a year."

Councillor Clews adds that the Council's rate of inflation, which includes a rising construction index, runs at about 5%.

The price of oil hitting more than (US) $135 a barrel has also hit many areas of expenditure hard.

"When we started looking at the budgets in March oil was at (US) $110 and it has been going up virtually every day since then," Councillor Clews says. "Almost half of the cost of re-sealing roads is affected by rising oil prices, so that gives some idea of how hard we have had to work to trim and cut costs in other areas."

A special budget review group comprising Mrs Clews and fellow councillors Derek Battersby, Ross Clow and Penny Hulse worked with senior staff to present a final draft budget for consideration by the full Council.

"We spent hours going over hundreds of line items and either cutting or deferring projects and looking where income could be increased," says Councillor Clews.

"The Council's own internal costs in areas like administration have also been kept at a minimum."

She describes the end result as a "balanced" budget.

"With any more cuts we would seriously have compromised service standards in basic areas like parks and libraries," she says.

As it is, over 80% of the budget will be spent in those "basic" areas which also include such as water and wastewater, roads and rubbish disposal.

One key issue highlighted in the draft Annual Plan for public consultation was the future of the City's annual inorganic refuse collection. The roadside collection will cease and be replaced by a new system where residents have the option of contacting the Council and having inorganic refuse picked up from within their properties once a year. There will be an $11.25 (including GST) charge for the service; until now that was included in rates.

Councillor Clews says the service is still partially funded through rates, but having a user pays component makes it fairer for everyone as in previous years around a third of residents did not use the service, but paid for it through their rates.

The new system comes into effect in January 2009 and shaves around $339,000 a year off the overall rate requirement. The new system also helps address illegal dumping in streets, as well as health and safety concerns.

As signalled in the draft Annual Plan, increased charges from the region's bulk water supplier (Watercare Services Limited) and the cost to the Council of complying with the new Drinking Water Act see the price of water rise to $1.53 a cubic metre (from $1.48).This is the first water price rise in eight years.

Funding for 'youth helping youth' project

Waitakere City Council has been granted $70,000 government funding for an innovative project - Youth Action 4 Change - to assist local young people help their peers to make the most of their lives.

Youth Action 4 Change will build on an existing project, Project Free Space that has been guided by the Waitakere youth services sector, with assistance from Youthline over the past six months.

"Youth Action 4 Change is an exciting new development that will make all the difference for youth who are associated with the project, through having advisors who understand where they are coming from. It will operate like a youth Citizens Advice Bureau, giving information to young people.

"It has been proven that youth respond more readily to someone near their own age who has come through the school of hard knocks," says Waitakere Youth Advocate, Councillor Linda Cooper.

The funding will allow a peer-friendly youth development worker to co-ordinate information and access to services from the Project Free Space for the next three years and funding for one scholarship in year one of the Youth Action 4 Change scholarship programme.

"Many existing youth workers have come from situations of adversity, and it is often only by chance that they have managed to turn their lives around and work with young people, and often this is later in life. We are seeking to target young people in a cohesive way that supports them to build their own personal capacity and develop their passion to work with their own peers," says Councillor Cooper.

The YA4C scholarship will provide a 12 month salary and some project money to a young person who has had first hand experience of a particular social issue affecting young people.

"The role of the organisation will be to support/mentor the young person to work with affected young people including teen parents, those in gangs or on drugs and those with education difficulties. Any opportunities we can take to help these kids turn their lives around is positive"," says Councillor Cooper.

"Young people have told us they want better information and support services, so the council has agreed to provide a space within in the new youth facility for a young people's community information and support hub," she says.

Youth Action 4 Change will operate from a space supported by the Waitakere youth services sector and managed by a youth development person and young people independently of the wider youth facility.

Youth Affairs and Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the funding from of the Ministry of Youth Development's Youth Development Partnership Fund.

"I'm delighted to congratulate Waitakere City Council whose innovative project, Youth Action 4 Change, is among those to be granted funding. I am excited that the Ministry is able to support this initiative, which will involve, challenge and encourage local young people," Minister Mahuta said.

"It's great to see central and local government along with the community, working together by investing in the needs of young people to improve engagement, foster leadership, increase participation and conduct a whole range of events and activities for young people," says Nanaia Mahuta.

"The fund reflects the fact that councils not only need to develop projects which address the needs of young people in their communities, but that they also need to be innovative and inclusive in their approach if they are to truly engage with young people and keep them involved and enthusiastic," she says.

The Youth Development Partnership Fund provides an opportunity for the Ministry of Youth Development, territorial authorities and young people to work together to provide new and innovative local youth development projects.

18 June 2008

Printer error causes confusion

An error in notices sent out through a private data mail company shows dog registration fees at about $3 less than they should be.

Waitakere City Council Animal Welfare Manager Neil wells says that the company contracted to produce the notices made the error by using data from January-despite being provided with the correct information.

The result is that notices contain the old (ie current year's) fees. "We will honour those notices and will be seeking recompense for any loss incurred from the company involved," says Mr Wells.

New owners who register pets during the 2008/2009 financial year will be required to pay under the new fee structure.

Also due to the same error, people who during the year advised the Council that their dog had died, or who have moved to another district, received a notice for dog registration based on the old data. The number of these notices could be as high as 3000, says Mr Wells.

"We will be writing to those owners of dogs which have died, apologising for any distress caused," he says.

11 June 2008

1959 a good year for Waitakere family

Eco-Design Advisor Fred Braxton inspects Anne-Maree Sapich's water cylinder.

Anne-Maree Sapich was ecstatic when she learned she had the oldest hot water cylinder so far discovered in Waitakere. It means she wins a brand new cylinder free of charge.

Anne-Maree had entered the Council competition to find the oldest hot water cylinder in a household of at least three people, and including a child under 18 years.

She will now have her leaky old 1950's cylinder replaced with a cylinder powered using solar technology supplied by EcoSolar.

"We've been in this 1950s house for the past two years. It needs fixing up but it's hard for a family to afford to do that these days. Then we discovered our hot water cylinder was leaking. It's definitely on its way out," said Anne-Maree.

The council's Senior Plumbing and Drainage Inspector John Nicholls agreed when he saw the 1959 cylinder. "It's in a bad way and urgently needs replacing. The floorboards are quite damp", said John.

The family, that lives near Liston College, consists of two adults and two children so electricity and water usage are always key expenditures. Solar water heating is expected to save between 50 and 75% of the family's annual hot water bills and could potentially increase the re-sale value of their home.

Over the course of a year, this household will have the performance of its new solar water heating system closely monitored.

The competition was part of a campaign by the council to raise awareness of the benefits of solar water heating and provide information to residents on what may be involved with a purchase decision.

AnnAnne-Maree is a Waitakere businesswoman, a landscape designer who recently donated her time and skills to a $Wasted TV programme. She is keen to do the right thing by using a renewable source of energy in her home and actively promotes water conservation measures in home gardens. Her business partner, Coralie, saw the notice about the competition and urged Anne-Marie to fill in the entry form. Now the household and home-based business will both benefit.

11 June 2008

New powers for police applauded

Annie Whittle and Tammy Davis feature in the 'It's Not OK' campaign

Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey applauds moves to give stronger powers to police in the area of family violence.

UndeUnder changes to the Domestic Violence Act, police will have the ability to order abusive partners out of their homes for up to 72 hours to enable them to "cool off".

Mayor Harvey co-leads a Mayor Taskforce on Family Violence in Waitakere (along with Maori Party leader and local kaumätua Dr Pita Sharples).

Mayor Harvey says the law changes are another useful tool in the battle against the "cruel underbelly of life in many New Zealand homes".

"Not only does this send a stronger message to wife and child beaters, but it also gives the innocent victims some safe time and space to sort things out," says Mayor Harvey.

Among its initiatives, Mayor Harvey's taskforce has joined with the Ministry of Social Development to roll out a localised version of the "It's Not OK" campaign in Waitakere.

That includes billboards and advertising featuring prominent "westies" such as All Black Michael Jones, actors Annie Whittle and Robyn Malcolm and Tammy Davis (from the TV show Outrageous Fortune), and entertainer/comedian Pio Terei.

The billboard campaign is once again designed to raise awareness of family violence and help change attitudes and behaviour towards family violence.
"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 country and in this City."

In New Zealand Police deal with more than 70,000 family violence calls a year.

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

When approached to lend her high profile to the campaign Robyn Malcolm was quick to accept.

"All that is good in our communities starts with the family. Children are our future and our hope," she says. "Violence within the family contributes to the erosion of our communities and hope for a good future. If we do nothing else we must work all seasons for safer environments in which to raise our children.

"We must also work to provide greater support for those many families under such extreme pressure they then use violence as an out. It is a complex problem but one that must be dealt with. We are all responsible."

Margaret Devlin is the Family Violence Prevention co-ordinator at Waitemata District Health Board. She says there are simple but effective measures people can take to keep themselves, and those they love, safe.

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

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

11 June 2008

Waitakere to use independent commissioners for plan change hearings around Whenuapai

Waitakere City Council is to use independent commissioners to hear submissions on its proposed District Plan change, that will reserve the Whenuapai Airbase area for aviation uses only.

Waitakere City Council has been a prime mover in having Whenuapai retained as a civilian airport after the air force moves out. The proposed District Plan change - referred to as Plan Change 22 - would create the zoning for that to happen.

The decision was made by the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee which had to choose between the options of using fully independent commissioners, the council conducting the hearings or having a mix of council and independent commissioners with the independents in the majority.

"Usually councillors would conduct hearings but this affects North Shore and Rodney as well. There has been a lot of strong feeling both for and against the proposed airport and I believe it is essential to do everything we can to re-assure the public, that the process is objective, transparent and without bias," says Councillor Vanessa Neeson, the chairman of the committee.

Mrs Neeson says she expected the hearings to be conducted towards the end of the year.

"In the meantime, it is important to remember that this is not a decision to create an airport. The plan change only changes the zoning around the base so that an airport can be operated from Whenuapai, if and when the air force leaves.

"That decision may not be made for years yet - and may never be made - but if that is the choice, the plan change makes it possible to have an airport there," says Councillor Neeson.

Waitakere City Council received around 2500 submissions - but notes that a large number were pro forma.

10 June 2008

Waitakere Council to consult on 24 hour liquor bans in main town centres

 Waitakere City Council is to start consulting the public about a proposed by-law imposing 24 hour liquor ban in parts of the main town centres.

The Planning and Regulatory Committee today agreed to recommendations supported by the police, to consult with the public on the proposed liquor bans.

"The public are completely fed-up with alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour that makes them feel unsafe. So, this is in response to the plea from the people for us to do something," says Committee Chairman, Councillor Vanessa Neeson.

"Police data and our own data gathered from the public show that there is significant alcohol-related crime in parts of the city.

"Because the bans would make it illegal to consume liquor - or even possess liquor without good reason in the ban areas - liquor bans give the police the ability to pre-empt trouble. They could take the liquor off people even before they had a chance to get drunk," she says.

Councillor Neeson says that the bans would be part of a range of measures designed to reduce alcohol related crime and improve the safety of the general public.

Parts of the Henderson CBD, New Lynn, Glen Eden, Te Atatu Peninsula town centre and Westgate would have liquor bans if the by law is adopted. There is also a proposal to impose bans in selected parks and reserves - or possibly all of them.

Two public surveys have already shown about 90% public support for the concept of liquor bans.

The council will host a public meeting on the subject, on 16 July, starting at 6pm in the council chambers,

Information packs will be available from the council, libraries and community centres, or it can be found on-line from 20 June 2008.

9 June 2008

Council rejects any change to rates relief policy

A proposal to limit Waitakere City’s Green Network rates relief policy has been rejected by the council’s Policy & Strategy Committee.

Councillors felt that limiting rates relief to a maximum of five years, or until the property is sold, would discourage private landowners from seeking covenants to protect and restore significant natural areas on their properties.

The council introduced the Green Network Community Assistance Programme (GNCAP) in 1997 as a way of encouraging the long-term protection of significant or outstanding vegetation. Landowners are eligible for rates relief if they have either a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Open Space Covenant or a Green Network Conservation Covenant.

However, with an increasing number of property owners applying for covenants and seeking rates relief each year through the GNCAP, a review of the current policy was needed to ensure that it can be financially sustainable.

An additional $27,000 is required to cover the expected $45,500 total rates relief payout for the next financial year, leading the Policy & Strategy Committee to request that future funding for the programme come through the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) process.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, chair of the Policy & Strategy Committee, says the city relies on the goodwill of these landowners, most of whom allow public access to their properties, to help protect the city’s streams and green corridors for future generations.

“It would be somewhat contradictory for us to encourage people to preserve environmentally-valuable tracts of land for the city through the Heritage Act and yet provide a disincentive in our own Green Network programme by limiting assistance,” says Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, chair of the Policy & Strategy Committee.

“As an eco city, our natural areas are important to us, so we need to be doing something positive and meaningful to help landowners with the long-term costs associated with their preservation and restoration.

9 June 2008

Three great westies join Waitakere's Walkway of Fame

The multi-talented Oscar Kightley of Te Atatu with his plaque on the Walkway of Fame.

Granite plaques bearing the handprints of famous westies Oscar Kightley, Paul Radisich and Karen Walker were unveiled on Waitakere's Walkway of Fame on Saturday.

Film and TV actor and writer, Oscar Kightley was on hand to unveil his plaque but both race-driver Paul Radisich and Karen Walker were overseas. Mr Radisich was represented by his mother Robyn and father Frank - a former racing driver. Karen Walker was represented on the day by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and MPs Pillay and Bennett.

Former inductees Graeme Douglas and Cr Assid Corban were on hand to welcome the new members, along with Mayor Bob Harvey, Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, other councillors and community board members and MPs Lynne Pillay and Paula Bennett.

Mayor Harvey paid tribute to former community board member Barry Shaw, who initiated the idea of the Walkway of Fame, which came into being in the year 2000. Mr Harvey said he was disappointed to be unable to publicly present a certificate of the council's appreciation to Mr Shaw - who was unwell and unable to attend.

The Mayor also unveiled a new, hand-made book recording the first 16 inductees into the Walkway of Fame.

Oscar Kightley - a critically acclaimed writer, actor, director and television presenter, renowned for his comedy work - told the crowd that he was glad he had been brought up in Waitakere where people were just accepted and given an opportunity. He said he was honoured to be included on the walkway alongside some of Waitakere's greats, such as All Black Michael Jones, champion discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina, musician Neil Finn and writer Maurice Shadbolt.

A former Kelston Boys High School pupil from Te Atatu, the multi-talented Oscar is probably best known as a creator of the award-winning Bro' Town TV series and hit movie Sione's Wedding and the comedy group The Naked Samoans.

Due to a V8 Supercar racing commitment, Henderson lad and former Liston College pupil, Paul Radisich, was unable to attend in person and instead sent along a speech read by his father. Paul Radisich is a twice world touring car champion and the only New Zealander other than Denny Hulme to have won a world title in racing cars.

"I grew up and spent the first 20 years of my life in Henderson. And you know what they say - you can take the boy out of Henderson, but you can't take Henderson out of the boy. I am proud to be a 'westie' and of my Henderson roots and know it's a big part of who I am today," Paul says.

"I had the pleasure of visiting Henderson last year and was astounded at the growth that has taken place over recent years. It's great to see Henderson thrive and build on its solid foundations. Of course a city is nothing without its people and it is the people of Waitakere region that make it the warm and forward-thinking place I have been proud to call home. It seems only yesterday that I was riding my bike from Sturges Road to Central Motors, which was right in the middle of Henderson at that time.

"I am honoured you have included me in the Walkway of Fame and thank you for cementing me in the heritage of Henderson."

Karen Walker was also unable to be in New Zealand to unveil her plaque but sent a message to be read out at the ceremony, saying it was wonderful to be acknowledged for her hard work in such a public and permanent way.

"Thank you for the honour, especially wonderful as I am an adopted westie. I'm proud to have called Waitakere City my home for 12 years now and do consider it very much that; my home, special for so many reasons. I find my little retreat in the bush a wonderful antidote to the madness of the fashion business. I hope to have it be my home for many years to come. Thank you Mayor Bob Harvey and the Waitakere Council for making me feel so welcome in this city and for honouring me in this way."

Applications are now being called from residents for nominations for the 2008 inductees to the Walkway of Fame.

Applications can be made online or by completing nomination forms that will shortly appear in local newspapers and our website. The nomination period has now been extended to August 30.

6 June

Earthquake advice from overseas is condemned by Civil Defence and Emergency Management

5 June

New Director Appointed

Jaine Lovell-Gadd has been appointed to the position of Director; Corporate and Business Services at Waitakere City Council.

Jaine Lovell-Gadd has been appointed to the position of Director; Corporate and Business Services at Waitakere City Council.

A graduate of Auckland University with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Business Diploma (Marketing), Mrs Lovell-Gadd has an impressive background in senior public sector roles and project management.

She is currently Group Manager of Auckland City Council's property division and has project managed a number of large-scale redevelopments including Mt Smart Stadium, Aotea Square and the City's public art gallery.

Waitakere City CEO Vijaya Vaidyanath says Mrs Lovell-Gadd headed a strong field of candidates.

"We had over 40 applications, a number of which were from Australia and the UK. That is a sign of how keenly contested the position was and of how highly Waitakere City is regarded as a leader in sustainability," she says.

"Jaine came through a rigorous process and brings with her not only experience in managing major projects, but also a passion for and in depth knowledge of sustainability issues which are, of course, central to Waitakere City Council's ethos."

Mrs Lovell-Gadd has also been involved with a number of national organisations. She is currently a board member of the New Zealand Green Building Council and was a founding trustee at Leadership New Zealand. She has also been a trustee at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Mrs Lovell-Gadd's role at Waitakere sees her responsible for risk management and governance matters, including key relationships with Council Controlled Organisations. The portfolio also includes Information Management, Human Resources, and Legal and Insurance Services.

Married with two teenage children, she lives in Titirangi.

5 June

Waitakere celebrates World Environment day with two Green Ribbon Awards

Waitakere City has celebrated World Environment day with two Green Ribbon Awards from the Ministry for the Environment.

Waitakere Central - the Civic Centre and transport interchange - won its 11th major award by taking out the Green Ribbon Award for Urban Sustainability. The Te Piataata Trust received the "Community action for the environment - young people" Green ribbon for its work in engaging young people in Project Twin Streams.

The awards were announced by Minister for the Environment, Trevor Mallard and Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Prime Minister Clark also travelled to Waitakere on Wednesday night (4 June) to help the city celebrate the passing of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act to protect the Waitakere Ranges.

The Green Ribbon judges agreed that Waitakere City Council has made an outstanding contribution to urban sustainability culminating - to date - in the Waitakere Central development in Henderson.

The Waitakere Central building was designed on sustainability principles, using the council's own Better Building Code for the design brief.

The judges were also impressed with the efforts of Te Piataata Trust which has actively engaged rangatahi (young people) in Project Twin Streams since 2005.

Since 2005 rangatahi (young people) from have been actively involved in Project Twin Streams devoting four hours a week to restoring the banks of the Swanson Stream.

They have adopted significant areas of the stream banks which they have transformed from being weed invested, over grown and strewn with rubbish, to being planted with eco-sourced native plants and well cared for.

Rangatahi have been involved in all aspects of restoration from site preparation, crown lifting, planting, weeding and on-going maintenance.

Te Piataata also participate positively in other Project Twin Streams activities including supporting community planting days, talking to overseas and national visitors - including the Minister for Climate Change David Parker - about the project and showing them the extent of the project from their perspective.

Related media release: Kick the Habit! Towards a low carbon economy.

Winning submission

Note: For the following you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print this document.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

2008 Green Ribbon Awards - Urban Sustainability Category - Waitakere City Council Submission (Size 109K)

5 June

Kick the Habit! Towards a low carbon economy

Today, World Environment Day in Waitakere is offering the opportunity to win a year's free public transport - or at least an energy efficient lightbulb or a re-usable cloth shopping bag - as a reward for using public transport.

To be in to win, people need to be at Henderson Transport Interchange (train platform, bus stops and airbridge) on the morning of World Environment Day to be to be able to claim the cloth bag or lightbulb and go into the draw for the year's travel, courtesy of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority.

The initiative is a collaboration between Waitakere City Council, Auckland City Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Auckland Regional Council and the Ministry for the Environment. Similar events are planned for Britomart Transport Centre, the downtown ferry building, Albany bus station, Manurewa train station and Papakura train station.

Also at the Henderson event will be live entertainment, displays and an interactive tool to calculate your carbon footprint.

World Environment Day is an annual event of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). New Zealand, one of the first countries to pledge a carbon-neutral future, will be the main host of World Environment Day 2008. Celebrations will be held in Wellington where delegates will attend events as well as around the country.

The theme of World Environment Day 2008 is 'Kick the Habit! Towards a low carbon economy.'

The focus of the 2008 celebrations hosted in New Zealand, will be on the solutions and the opportunities for countries, companies and communities to "Kick the habit" and de-carbonize their economies and life-styles.

4 June

New John Edgar sculpture unveiled

Red Cross, by Karekare artist John Edgar.

Pictured with Waitakere City's newest public art work is (from left) artist John Edgar, the council's Service Delivery Manager for Parks Planning, Renee Davies, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, the council's Arts Manager, Naomi McCleary, and John Edgar's assistant, Martin Lelonge.

'Red Cross', a brand new sculptural piece by renowned Karekare artist John Edgar, was today officially unveiled outside Waitakere Central.

Waitakere City Council commissioned the stone sculpture (with funding assistance from Waitakere Properties Ltd) to complement Mr Edgar's earlier piece - the obelisk-like 'Transformer' sculpture - located outside the Japanese Garden.

Mr Edgar says the two sculptures together represent important steps forward in his art practice, with the 2.5 tonne Transformer being the tallest and the 3.2 tonne Red Cross the largest he has created to date.

He says he hopes Red Cross will draw the public in:

"While Transformer is tall and perhaps somewhat daunting on a human scale, the Red Cross is tactile and welcoming and I hope that people will want to sit on it, feel it, explore its wonderful porous texture and contemplate the ageless nature of stone and its place in the modern world," he says.

Both sculptures are made from the same material - grey-black basalt from South Canterbury and red sandstone from Rajasthan, India. The basalt came from the eruption of the Mt Horrible volcano near Timaru about two million years ago.

The porous nature of the dark basalt (caused by pockets of trapped air in the molten lava during eruption) adds to the simplistic beauty of Red Cross, aptly named due to the smooth red sandstone cross that graces it.

"For me, Red Cross could reference the markers of place or the symbols of identity so important in our society, in the way that survey points delineate land boundaries, or perhaps it could represent the mathematical sign for addition," Mr Edgar says. "Or simply it could be itself - a red cross - the sign of succour and refuge."

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey congratulated Mr Edgar on producing a beautiful, functional piece of art that will stand the test of time.

"It's a privilege to have artists such as John contributing to the city's public spaces," he says. "Given the scale and weight of the work, it will be around to surprise and delight people for centuries to come."

4 June

Top UN environmental official asks to visit Waitakere City

One of the United Nations' top officials for the environment, Mr Achim Steiner, visited Waitakere City yesterday as part of the celebrations of World Environment Day.
 
Mr Steiner, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, specifically asked for the opportunity to visit Waitakere.
 
He was welcomed by Mayor Bob Harvey, who is himself rapidly developing an international reputation as New Zealand’s Al Gore and was recently keynote speaker at the Ecocity World Summit, at Arlington, near Washington DC.
 
Mayor Harvey gave Mr Steiner a presentation about Waitakere's achievements over the 16 years since it declared itself an eco city. Mr Steiner was then taken on a tour of Waitakere Central – which has a reputation at home and overseas as a leading example of sustainable architecture.
 
Waitakere Central – which has been open for two years - has so far received 10 national awards for its architecture, design and technology, the most recent being last week, when it won a New Zealand Institute of Architects National Award.
 
"It was a privilege to host Mr Steiner who is one of the world's top officials working on behalf of the environment.  It was also a great honour that he came here at his own request,  Mayor Harvey says.
 
"That shows that what we are doing has developed an international reputation for leadership. I hope that the interest being shown us from around the world will be reflected locally. 
 
"Sustainability is the way of the future and not only is it good for the environment – which is vital if we are to survive on this planet - but it is great for the economy and business.
 
"It opens almost limitless new opportunities to harvest energy from inexhaustible sources like the sun, the wind and the tide; to use water much more wisely, to replace plastic products with vegetable starch equivalents; to restore public transport and find new ways to power personal vehicles and many more. 
 
"In Waitakere City we are doing everything we can to urge people and businesses to get involved and take advantage. So it is very rewarding to have our efforts recognised in this way,"  Mayor Harvey says.

4 June

Council puts case to Royal Commission

Waitakere City Council this morning presented its submission to the Royal Commission looking at governance for the Auckland region.

Mayor Bob Harvey and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse made a joint presentation, and were joined for a lengthy question and answer session by senior councillors Janet Clews and Ross Clow.

Waitakere reiterated key points of its formal submission, which 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.
• A strengthened "Regional Council", responsible for regional planning and policies (e.g. housing), transport and other major infrastructure, regional economic development (including international investment attraction), tourism, and major events.
• Local authorities would make two appointments each to the Regional Council, which would also have members elected from across the region.
• The chairperson or "head" of the Regional Council would be appointed from within it, rather than being elected "at large".
• Support for the role of community boards.
• A common rating system across the region.

In her presentation, Ms Hulse pointed to the support of the likes of the Helensville / Parakai Residents and Ratepayers Association's which supports western Rodney becoming part of Waitakere.  She says the residents of western Rodney "naturally gravitate" to Waitakere, a point also made in associations own submission.

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," Mayor Harvey told the Commission. Mr Clow added that early 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."

Today was the first of three days of hearings being held at the Trusts Stadium, in Henderson.

Mayor Harvey said the commissioners were well acquainted with Waitakere's key themes, and he was pleased with the lively interaction during questioning. "We reiterated quite clearly that there needs to be clearer roles and accountabilities between regional and local government," he says. "And importantly, any decisions made at a regional level must be binding on local, regional, and central government."

The commissioners (Dame Margaret Bazley, Honourable Peter Salmon and Mr David Shand) asked for the Council to provide more information in the form of written papers on the role of community boards, and also for its views on where the ownership of the water network should lie.

"We are encouraged that the Commission wants to engage further on some key aspects of our presentation, and we will be submitting material over the next week or so," says Mayor Harvey.

For a full copy of Waitakere's submission to the Royal Commission see the Royal Commission webpage.

3 June

More westies to be honoured on Walkway of Fame

Te Atatu entertainer Oscar Kightley

Henderson motorsport champion Paul Radisich

Three more of Waitakere’s most famous and high-achieving citizens are to be inducted into the “Walkway of Fame” in Henderson.

After public nominations, motor sport driver Paul Radisich, actor and comedian Oscar Kightley and international fashion designer Karen Walker, will be inducted into the walkway, located outside the Civic Centre in Henderson Valley Road, Henderson.

Their hand and footprints will be etched on granite slabs and placed into the walkway in a ceremony on 7 June, 11am

Radisich, who was born and raised in Henderson, is a previous FIA Touring Car world champion and winner of numerous touring car and grand prix titles.

Internationally-acclaimed fashion designer Karen Walker, of Bethell's Beach.