Media Releases

March 2008

27 March

Mokopuna Day

Moire Park will come alive this weekend as the Massey community celebrates Te Raa Mokopuna Day.

Mokopuna Day is designed to celebrate Massey's children, young people, parents and grandparents.

It is one of the new local events developed as part of the Massey Matters project.

Last year, 2000 people attended the inaugural event and this year, organisers are confident of an even larger turnout.

Residents can catch free buses in Massey on Saturday - provided by Ritchies and ARTA - to get to Moire Park.

There will be free entertainment from 10am to 2pm, including rides, story-telling and Sport Waitakere-designed obstacle courses.

Mokopuna Day is jointly organised by a range of local community, church, sporting groups and the Waitakere City Council.

26 March

Waitakere Central receives prestigious architectural award

Waitakere Central, the Waitakere City Council's new civic centre has scooped yet another prestigious architectural award - the Community and Cultural Award at the 2008 New Zealand Institute of Architects Resene Local Awards - Auckland .

The building which represents the cutting edge in sustainable architecture, won the award for its innovative design and green ethos.

The win means that Waitakere Central now advances as a candidate for the Institute's national Supreme Award, to be judged in May

In announcing the award the judges said that Waitakere Central is a "dynamic collection of civic council buildings" providing vital connections between the Henderson town centre, pubic transport and the surrounding urban area".

Councillor Linda Cooper says the Culture and Community Award is the latest in a long list of design awards recognising the many different positive aspects and effects of such quality design and thinking.

"These awards show that council's commitment and investment in Henderson's 21st century redevelopment was absolutely the right thing to do for Waitakere," she says.

"This type of sustainable model for our town centres is something that we are hoping to replicate in our other key town centres."

"Innovative forms combine references to local cultural heritage and refreshingly extend our expectations of the typical office slab with widely deployed environmental and structural design technologies," they said.

"They give full credence to both the consultants' and client's commitment to a sustainable future."

26 March

Green Bags in Green Bay

They're putting the "green" back into Green Bay.

On April 12 the Green Bay shopping centre is declaring itself plastic-bag free.

It's an environmental move prompted by Waitakere City Council and the Green Bay Ratepayers' and Residents' Association and backed by all 24 retailers in the suburban shopping strip. They range from the local supermarket, to takeaway bars, a hardware store and vet clinic.

The campaign kicks off with a community market day on the 12th (from 9.30am-3pm).

"There is a growing awareness that plastic bags are an environmental nightmare," says Green Bay RandR president Glenn Turner.

"Not only are they made using oil and petrol by-products, but they don't rot away. They just sit underground for thousands of years. Also, Green Bay is on the shores of the Manukau Harbour and plastic kills fish and birds," he says.

Mr Turner adds that with re-usable cloth shopping bag alternatives so cheap and available, plastic bags are simply not needed anymore.

"We live in Waitakere, the Eco-City, and this is one small step that this community is taking towards improving our environment," says Mr Turner. "The response from retailers has been absolutely fantastic and now we hope the community comes on board with the idea."

He says that on an average weekend up to 3000 plastic bags could be used by Green Bay shoppers. "It doesn't take long for those thousands to add up to millions- so this is a step that ill have very real environmental benefits," says Mr Turner.

Mayor Bob Harvey hopes the idea will soon spread to other shopping areas. "These things work best when they are community led and driven," he says. "And this community is certainly leading the way."

The Market Day on April 12 will also be used by the West Auckland Community Toy Library as a fundraiser.

20 March

Hui invitation extended by Te Taumata Runanga

Maori from across the Auckland region are invited to attend a special hui on the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance on Monday 31 March.

The hui is being hosted by Te Taumata Runanga, Waitakere City Council's Maori advisory committee, from 2pm to 6pm, at the Waitakere City Council chamber (level 2), 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson. Afternoon tea will be provided. Te Taumata Runanga is a committee that advises Waitakere City Council about issues important to Maori. The committee is made up of representatives from the Waitakere Maori community and has been in place for over 15 years.

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance has been established by the Government to investigate, and make recommendations on, local and regional government arrangements for the Auckland region in the future. The Royal Commission is required to consult and engage with Maori and it is seeking views from Maori about how local government in Auckland can be changed and improved.

The hui will inform Maori about the Royal Commission and the process for making submissions. It will also provide a forum for the discussion of local government issues that are important to Maori, such as:

• How councils can better contribute to Maori community wellbeing
• How Maori can have more influence in council decision-making, locally and regionally
• How Maori can and do contribute to Auckland's development as a world-class city
• How relationships between Maori organisations, councils and Central Government can be strengthened
• Te Taumata Runanga chairman, Warahi Paki, says the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance is an important opportunity to improve the way local government works for Maori.

"We encourage strong participation from Maori in the submission process," he says. "We come from very diverse backgrounds, so it's important that all our views - whether they are those of an individual, business, school or community organisation - are expressed. Let your views be known - you help make a difference."

For more information about the hui or to RSVP, call Wayne Knox on 836-8000 extension 8923, or email wayne.knox@waitakere.govt.nz.

For general information on the Royal Commission visit www.royalcommission.govt.nz  or call 0800 722 400.

20 March

Waste Not Want Not

Waitakere's Waste-Not Fund is now open.

The Waste-Not Fund is designed to provide support and funding for approved community-based waste minimisation initiatives.

Applications are open to all individuals and organisations including community groups, businesses, pre-schools/kindergartens, tertiary institutions, charities and trusts.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says the Waste-Not Fund is a new environmentally-orientated initiative launched to further the goals of the EcoCity.

"I think the Waste-Not Fund is an excellent idea which will help reduce waste in Waitakere, and while it is new, the fund has an inclusive and far-reaching scope," Deputy Mayor Hulse says.

"For example, the types of initiatives that could potentially be funded range from a recycled products business, waste education initiatives in the community, setting up a new recycling system in a school or even waste minimisation promotion."

Each year there is $100,000 available and applications close on May 1 2008.

The fund is made up from the sale of grey rubbish bags in Waitakere.

Applications are generally limited to $10,000, however larger funding requests will be considered on merit.

And while the project must be seen to benefit Waitakere the organisation need not necessarily be based in the city.

20 March

Waitakere town centre committees a New Zealand first

In a New Zealand first, Waitakere City Council has established two new committees that make local business communities and government agencies an integral part of council decision-making on town centre development issues.

Both committees met for the first time this week, bringing together a mix of Waitakere City and Auckland Regional councillors, community board members, land owners, businesses and government transport agency representatives.

The first committee, chaired by Councillor Linda Cooper, deals with new development in the Westgate, Whenuapai and Hobsonville areas (often referred to as the Northern Region Strategic Growth Area, or NoRSGA). The other, chaired by Councillor Derek Battersby, is looking at ways of improving the city's two largest town centres - Henderson and New Lynn.

Councillor Cooper says the new committees allow for in-depth analysis and discussion of town centre planning issues before recommendations are put before the full council for ratification.

"Essentially these committees bring together local and central government, developers, businesses and landowners, etc, to work with us to create the best possible urban centres," she says.

Councillor Battersby agrees. "Regardless of our individual standpoints, we all share a common vision for attractive, liveable communities with integrated public transport systems and thriving retail and commercial sectors - so it makes sense for the council to work with people who have a vested interest in those town centres to ensure that vision becomes a reality," he says.

Waitakere is one of the country's largest cities and growing fast, which means that the scale of its development projects are now becoming significant on a national scale. The rail trenching project at New Lynn is, in fact, of international significance.

At New Lynn, the kilometre-long rail trench allows commuter trains to run every 10 minutes in both directions while road traffic flows freely over the surface. This enables a complete town centre renewal programme, which will see the population and business community double - or more - in size with most of the growth intensified at the centre.

Henderson is being completely modernised with milestone developments by the council "kick-starting" commercial renaissance. This is linked to a partnership with Unitec to create a strong "town and gown" culture, with tertiary education forming a part of Henderson's strategic development. Rounding this out is the strong push for a nationally-important creative centre anchored on places such as the Corban Estate Arts Centre and the Henderson Valley Film Studios - New Zealand's largest and host to international productions.

In the NoRSGA, New Zealand Retail Property Group Limited (RPG) is proposing to build a whole new town centre - "the new Westgate" - with up to 10,000 jobs and a similar sized population. Further north, the government's Hobsonville Land Company is developing a model, sustainable, residential development on the old Hobsonville Airbase. Meanwhile, the council's long-awaited super yacht-building precinct is starting to move ahead. Across the way, proposals for a civilian airport on Whenuapai are still being pursued and various landowners have plans for the other land in the NoRSGA.

Allan McGregor, project director of the RPG and member of the council's NoRSGA Urban Development Committee, applauds the initiative.

"In seeking to deliver a desirable urban outcome in accordance with the vision for Massey North, innovative planning and delivery options need to be considered. A partnership of interests between the private sector, Council and other key stakeholders, such as the ARC and Transit, is the best way forward."

Hobsonville Land Company chief executive, Sean Bignell, agrees.

"Some of the (council's) plan changes require new forms of development and delivery, which is why it's really important that we work together. We're firstly looking at strategic issues and then taking it down to specific detail as we work through them.

"This way of working is an important part of the long-term vision for this growth corridor and will really ensure that what is delivered is consistent with that vision. The council should be applauded for asking us to be involved."

20 March

Meetings on Regional Governance

Two public meetings are planned, giving Waitakere people the opportunity to have their say on the future of the Auckland Region.

The government has appointed a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into how the region should best be managed into the future.

It has published a discussion document (available on www.royalcommission.govt.nz), with public submissions closing on April 22.

The New Lynn and Massey Community Boards have both organised public meetings to encourage people to have a say.

The meetings are:

•  April 1 (at 7pm), at the New Lynn Community Centre.
•  April 7 (7.30pm) at the Massey Community House (385 Don Buck Rd).

"People really need to have their say, otherwise we may have a solution foisted on us that no-one wants," says New Lynn Community Board chair Gayle Marshall.

"We can always do things better, but there has been talk of another round of amalgamation coming out of this Commission. I don't think that bigger is necessarily better- or more efficient."

"This is the opportunity for people to have meaningful input as to whether amalgamation will work for our communities."

John Riddell, chair of the Massey Community Board agrees. "The question is whether we value our unique identity and communities of interest in the west," he says. "If we don't want to be governed from Queen St, people have to stand up and put their views forward.

We want the assistance of all residents in Massey to a number of questions the Royal Commission has asked so that as a Community Board we can advocate on the community's behalf."

20 March

New System For Tagging Offenders

"Get tough on these mindless vandals."

That was the message Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey took today to a parliamentary law and order select committee looking at new legislation to control graffiti.

Mayor Harvey was supported at today's hearing by Iris Donoghue, managing trustee of the Tag Out Trust and member of the Auckland Regional Graffiti Free Project and the STOP (Strategic Advisory Group on Graffiti).

Together they outlined a plan for a new court system. The Youth Reparation Court (YRC) would see young offenders appearing before it within 48 hours of being caught. The YRC would be presided over by Justices of the Peace who would be able to impose instant fines and community service hours spent painting out graffiti.

Repeat offenders would be dealt with through the normal court system.

Mayor Harvey says although local authorities and the Police campaign vigorously against graffiti vandalism, law and enforcement is currently a weak link in the legislation.

"This Bill provides legal instruments that support the efforts that local government have been making for many years. Education and other preventative initiatives cannot work without the support of a law and enforcement approach," he says.

Mrs Donoghue says that the idea of the Youth Reparation Court is to send a "short, sharp jolt" to offenders. "We need to show them there are immediate consequences for their vandalism," she says.

In Waitakere City alone Mrs Donoghue's Tag Out Trust employs eight full time staff who spend their days removing graffiti.

Both Mayor Harvey and Mrs Donoghue support the general thrust of most of the measures in the Bill, such as limiting the sale of spray cans to those aged 18 or over.

However, he is pushing for a few amendments to the bill, such as raising the maximum fine to $5,000 and adding a clause that makes parents of offenders liable to undertake the sentence if their child is unable to carry it out.

"If the defendant is under 18 and can't pay the fine or undertake the community service sentence, then the parents or caregivers should be held to account," he says.

"This will be a strong signal to send to the community that a family must work to change the behaviour of their kids."

In his submission, Mayor Harvey also calls for ONTRACK to be given greater responsibility for the control and removal of graffiti within the urban rail corridor through the Public Transport Management Bill and for Transit NZ to be able to open motorway graffiti-removal contracts to regional graffiti-removal contractors, such as the Tag Out Trust.

"Citizens should expect a graffiti-free city and all of the Crown's entities should assist cities in achieving this," he says.

20 March

Draft Budgets Open For Public Comment In April

Waitakere City Councillors have completed deliberations on the Draft Annual Plan for 2008/2009. The Draft Annual Plan sets projects and budgets for the next financial year and is part of the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP), which outlines priorities for through until 2016.

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

In the next financial year the Council will spend the bulk of its rates money on "basics" such as stormwater, wastewater, parks, leisure, libraries and footpaths and roads.

A capital works programme of $144 million includes parks ($9 million), work in and around the New Lynn town centre ($45 million) and an upgrade of Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre and Library ($4.7 million).

Janet Clews, chairman of the LTCCP and Annual Plan Special Committee says the draft budgets have been heavily impacted by external factors, outside of the Council's control.

For example, graffiti and repairing other vandalism in public places such as parks costs close to $1.5 million a year.

"We have also had to face major cost increases in depreciation ($1 million) and interest on loans ($6.6million). So managing those sorts of numbers whilst also continuing to deliver high quality services is a real challenge.

"What we have arrived at is a balance between every day services, medium to long term planning and implementation," she says.

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

Other factors also outside of the Council's control, such as the price of oil hitting more than (US) $100 a barrel have also impacted on the Council's finances.

For example, almost half of the cost of re-sealing roads is affected by rising oil prices, says Councillor Clews.

The Draft Annual Plan show a Council-controlled rates rise of 7.4%.

This and regional levies from the likes of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Museum of Transport and Technology (MoTAT), which the Council is required by law to collect, will add about $3 a week to the average residential property with a land value of $270,000.

The Draft Annual Plan is open for public submissions from April 11-May 14.

Over that period, a special budget review group comprising Councillors Janet Clews, Ross Clow, Derek Battersby and deputy mayor Penny Hulse will continue to revise budgets, before the final Annual Plan is adopted, in June.

A key issue highlighted for consultation is the future of the City's inorganic rubbish collection. At the moment residents have an annual collection of household inorganic rubbish. Councillors are considering a change to an on-demand, user-pays, collection system, managed through a 0900 telephone number or vouchers for the City's waste transfer station.

The present system costs $639,000 year. Any change would help address illegal dumping by commercial operators and people from outside the City, health and safety concerns, and could save up to $589,000.

It is also proposed that the recommended retail price of rubbish bags will rise 15 cents to encourage waste minimisation.

And in the wake of increased charges from the region's bulk water supplier (Watercare) and the cost to the Council of complying with the new Drinking Water Act, the price of water, will rise to $1.53 a cubic metre (from $1.48).This is the first water price rise in eight years.

18 March

Travelling Wise

There are plans afoot to get Te Atatu South's children to adopt more active, social and environmentally friendly means of getting to school each day.

On Wednesday morning at 10.30am the TravelWise School Travel Plans for Te Atatu South will be unveiled at Rangeview Intermediate.

The programme's goal is to reduce the number of private car trips to school by increasing walking, cycling and public transport - it has been specifically designed in response to interviews carried out with students in which they identified issues which affect their travel; like road safety hazards.

Strategies in the plan include engineering, measures to improve road safety near the schools, education for students and parents, encouragement and incentives to adopt sustainable transport, and lastly, enforcement.

Local politicians including, Te Atatu MP and Education Minister Chris Carter, and Henderson Community Board chairman Elizabeth Grimmer will address students at the launch.

Elizabeth Grimmer says transport to school should be safe, sustainable, active and fun for students.

"The benefits of adopting alternative means of transport are higher levels of physical activity, less traffic congestion around schools, less pollution - and of course less petrol means less expense," she says.

The schools involved are Flanshaw Road School, Freyberg Community School, Arohanui Special School, Tirimoana School and Rangeview Intermediate.

The Waitakere City Council, ARTA, the Henderson Community Board, Waitemata DHB, Sport Waitakere, NZ Police, and Road Sense joined with the schools to spearhead the programme.

17 March

Waitakere gains BCA Accreditation

After months of planning, Waitakere City Council is officially a Building Consent Authority.

In the wake of the leaky buildings issue, the Government established the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006. These are very strict and councils wishing to continue issuing building consents, have had to massively re-structure their consent processing procedures and requirements.

"Obtaining Building Consent Authority status is a terrific achievement. Staff have worked extremely hard to establish better practice in design, regulatory control and construction of buildings in Waitakere," says Planning and Regulatory Committee chairman, Vanessa Neeson.

"It means that people wanting building consents need to pay very close attention to the detail of their plans. However, those that prepare well will find that it delivers a better quality of service to the builder and a better protection to the buyer and other ratepayers," she says.

"As every council in New Zealand knows, being a BCA brings with it the responsibility of maintaining standards as we continue to monitor, review and improve our performance. This project was achieved by the team while continuing 'business as usual," says Cr Neeson.

"The thorough work by the council last year to gear up for BCA status, has established even better systems of record-keeping and information-storage practices to give a clear audit trail of how we, as a BCA have dealt with consent applications, inspections and issue code compliance.

"In terms of customer relationships we know that we are getting better when we hear the range of compliments from clients who are impressed with the higher standard of service from our very professional, hardworking staff.

"We will continue to refine our BCA practice through smarter use of electronic and business processes," says Mrs Neeson.

As a BCA, Waitakere City Council can deliver assurances regarding the robustness of the building consent process to ratepayers.

Waitakere's consent process is presently 89% within the statutory timeframe of 20 days.

17 March

More High Profile Westies Lend Their Support To Waitakere's Campaign For Action Against Family Violence

Annie Whittle and Michael Jones are the latest high profile westies to feature in Waitakere's anti family violence campaign launched today.

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

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

Michael Jones and Annie Whittle were quick to lend their high profiles to the campaign. 

"I'm a proud westie and as the father of two I want to stand up and say family violence is not OK," says the former All Black great.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 March

New Lynn project shows Waitakere delivering with the Government

The New Lynn trench project formally began today when the Minister of Finance (and deputy Prime Minister) drove a crane to lift a section of out of the track at New Lynn.

The Rt Honourable Dr Michael Cullen was watched by a gathering including local MP David Cunliffe, Mayor Bob Harvey, Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and other Waitakere City Councillors, Mark Ford the chair of ARTA, Cam Moore the chair of ONTRACK and senior officials from these organisations.

Preparatory work has already begun on the eight-metre deep, one kilometre long trench through the New Lynn town centre. When completed in mid 2009, the double-track railway will be laid, eliminating two busy crossings, including the Clark Street-Rankin Avenue roundabout.

The separation of road and rail will allow trains to run in both directions every ten minutes and traffic to flow over the rail corridor on bridges.

"Re-connecting" the two halves of New Lynn previously divided by the railway is part of an ambitious plan to revitalise the town centre and see its population and business sector to flourish into a major regional town centre. In the New Lynn of the near future, intensified housing options and a bigger business sector will mean many residents will have the opportunity of working within walking and cycling distance of their homes - while others find public transport is a better commuting option than using their private cars.

To help achieve this vision Waitakere City Council also wants to see a "lid" over at least part of the trench in due course. This will create a walkable public space above the railway and allow pedestrians to walk safely from one side of the railway to the other.

The Council also has plans for a first class station built below street level in the trench, connected to a bus station above.

Dr Cullen thanked the various organisations who are working together to develop the project, saying that it would contribute to the transformation of Auckland as a whole, helping to make it more productive.

He noted that private investment was already flowing into New Lynn in response to the $140 million investment collectively by the Government and Waitakere City.

Waitakere's Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse also praised the various partners for their vision. She said that the idea had germinated a number of years ago when Waitakere officials had visited the Perth suburb of Subiaco and seen a similar transformational project.

She also said that the vision would only work if it delivered excellence. She said the proposed "lid" and added-value station features of the station were needed to deliver excellence and economic transformation to the New Lynn area.

These are not presently funded and she called on the partners to "dig deep" to ensure the best possible outcome, she said.

ONTRACK Chairman, Cam Moore said the project is an example of creative thinking and inter-agency cooperation.

Speaking at a ground breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the trenching project, expansion of rail services in a region in which roads are congested, creates a challenge for transport planners.

Mr Moore said "ONTRACK's role is to build rail infrastructure. Other authorities have their own specialised tasks. Without cooperation among the agencies we will not retain the goodwill of the travelling public if we are seen to creating barriers to the flow of traffic because we can't work together.

"In New Lynn's case, I am happy to say that good cooperation among the agencies - Waitakere City Council, ARTA and ONTRACK - has enabled the best transport option to be identified for the town.

He said the project is the largest single element of the Auckland Rail Upgrade (Project DART) outside the electrification of the network which is scheduled for completion by 2013.

It will involve the removal of 100,000 cubic metres of earth and the pouring of 60,000 cubic metres of concrete for the trench floor and retaining walls.

"I understand that 13 cranes will be working on the site at the project's peak, some so large they have been brought in from as far away as Dubai, Hong Kong and Italy."

14 March

Waitakere Sounds '08

13 - lucky for some as the BFM Summer Series Goes West.

With a 13 strong group Batucada Sound Machine (BSM) are set to fill the stage at the free Waitakere Sounds BFM Summer series event on Sunday 16 March at Henderson Park with more than just their hot brand of samba, salsa, hip-hop and dub rhythms.

The large group form part of an exciting lineup of alternative artists including Tenement Yard, The Managers and State of Mind, all part of a collaboration between Waitakere Sounds 08 and BFM radio's summer brand.

Having just returned from a whirlwind tour of Australia, BSM started out four years ago as a five-piece percussive samba jam and has grown into a vibrant community of musicians that make up the act today. Avondale's James Hughes AKA Jamorito the BSM Musical Director and founding member downplays his key role.

"BSM has evolved into a collaboration of people and influences fusing Cuban, Brazillian and afro beat rhythms with groove based music merging the latin and hip-hop genres into our own pacific soul, funk and reggae flavor."

With their debut studio album Rhythm and Rhymes complete, produced by Neil Sparkes (Transglobal Underground/temple of Sound) following a meeting at Womad UK and mixed by Lawrence Manchester and mastered in New York's legendary Avatar Studios, BSM are now working their magic on the live scene.

Referred to as the cutting edge of Latin music BSM are an act to watch out for! www.batucadasoundmachine.com.

Special Thanks: BFM, GoWest MusicWorks.

13 March

Green groundswell at EcoDay

Waitakere's key environmental event of 2008, EcoDay, attracted a record number of visitors to Olympic Park, New Lynn..

Almost 6,000 residents and visitors to Waitakere viewed the 67 exhibitor stands which were run by community groups, council services and eco-product suppliers while also taking in the entertainment and food on offer.

Prime Minister Helen Clark toured the EcoDay exhibits after officially opening Olympic Park.

Councillor Derek Battersby commented on the excellent public turnout and the broad cross-section of the public who attended.

"EcoDay highlights the opportunities now available for our residents to make sustainable changes in their lifestyles. Environmental solutions were presented to them in the one convenient location", says councillor Derek Battersby.

There were families keen to do their 'bit' for the environment and keep household expenses down, the traditional 'greenies' who already have plenty of knowledge and motivation but were looking for new eco-opportunities to reduce their carbon footprints and elderly residents who felt that they too could find ways to live more sustainable lives.

Many visitors were looking for information they could take home to consider.

This year's EcoDay showed that there is an eco-groundswell building up, as the general public makes small affordable changes to the way it uses resources such as water and energy and how it can reduce waste.

There was also significant interest in environmentally-friendly transport options and sustainable building design.

Sustainable living seminars ran throughout the day on topics for everyday life including alternative technologies, backyard sustainability and green building.

The Waitakere Testing Station provided free emissions-testing for motorists, the Waitakere Libraries' mobile bus also on site engaging people with a poll to gauge attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable living.

EcoDay is brought to the community each year by the Waitakere City Council and EcoMatters Environment Trust.

Financial supporters of the 2008 event included Beacon Pathway Ltd, Auckland City Council, Philips and Newstalk ZB.

13 March

West Wave Fitness Centre extension to officially open

The West Wave Fitness Centre will be officially opening its upgraded premises this Friday night, March 14.

Mayor Bob Harvey will open the new 520m2 gym extension which features state of the art fitness equipment, the latest in individual monitors and members' only changing rooms and which is designed to help West Wave satisfy the burgeoning demand for its facilities.

With over 3000 members the West Wave Fitness Centre is proving that its policy of empowering people by giving them the knowledge they need to meet the fitness goals they are seeking, is tremendously successful.

Each new West Wave Fitness Centre member is given five free sessions with a qualified gym instructor - ensuring they know how to use the equipment properly and why they are using it too.

The Recreation Centre has also been upgraded and renovated with an emphasis on community and specific martial arts rooms.

The Recreation Centre will still be used for exhibitions and shows as well as a community sporting facility for activities such as trampolining, table tennis and basketball.

13 March

Ranges Bill set for final step

Parliament last night completed its detailed debate on the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill and set it on the Order Paper for a third and final reading in April.

"This has been a long and drawn out process," says Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey, "but it's good at the end to see the strength of cross-party support for this bill."

The Bill is jointly promoted by Waitakere City, Rodney District and the Auckland Regional Council. "The Councils have worked together for five years to achieve this important milestone, and local MPs have been there for us when it counted," says Mayor Harvey.

"I want to acknowledge the particular work of Lynne Pillay, David Cunliffe, Chris Carter, Pita Sharples and Hone Harawira within whose electorates the Heritage area is located."

In two long debates, the "House in Committee" stages were completed on Wednesday evening, the House adopting all of the recommended changes of the Select Committee that heard submissions.

Further minor changes that clarify parts of the bill proposed by Taito Philip Field, the Maori Party and the Government were also adopted.

The bill recognises the national significance of the Waitakere Ranges and foothills and promotes the protection of the heritage features in the area.
This is a lived in, worked in, protected area, home to more than 21,000 residents and a major Regional Park.

"We do not intend to lock the door and throw away the key," says Mayor Harvey, "But we do seriously intend to stop the march of urban sprawl into this fantastic area, and we do intend to ensure that the rural, natural and coastal village character of these areas continues into the long term."

"We are now only one vote away from having an Act of Parliament," says the Mayor.

12 March

Get creative with bamboo during War on Weeds month

It's War on Weeds month in March in Waitakere and Project Twin Streams Glen Eden and Weedfree Waitakere have come together to offer some practical and innovative ways of dealing with that most invasive of plant pests - running bamboo.

They are holding a free community workshop to show Waitakere residents easy ways to control running bamboo. The workshop will be held at Harold Moody Park on Sunday 30 March from 10am to midday with refreshments provided.

During the morning residents will also be shown fun and creative ways to put bamboo to good use.

There will be demonstrations on how to make a 'weta home' and staff from Bamboo Specialists will be showing us how to make attractive contemporary and traditional fencing from pest bamboo.

Sarah Cole, Community Coordinator, Project Twin Streams - Glen Eden said, "This is a great chance to come along and find out first-hand how you can control running bamboo. We have a huge amount of this type of bamboo in Waitakere and many people just don't know where to start."

Please contact Sarah Cole on 813 2063 to register for this free workshop.

11 March

Enviromental Challenge for Waitakere Secondary Schools

Secondary school students from around the Waitakere district will compete in the Enviro-Challenge on 17 April 2008.

Enviro-Challenge is an inter-school team event that challenges secondary schools to demonstrate their environmental abilities including presenting an environmental review of their school and performing an energy audit.

Each team has up to 10 students (year 12 & 13) that compete in five environmentally themed challenges.  

Activities in the Enviro-Challenge™ test practical skills, team working ability, environmental knowledge and the effective communication of information.  

The winning school will be the team which demonstrates the highest level of environmental awareness and ability throughout the challenge as judged by a panel of local environmental experts.

One student from each team will also be selected to represent their school and take part in the nationwide environmental ambassador programme.

Prior to the challenge day each school receives a free two hour coaching session where a coordinator prepares your team for this stimulating, educational and entertaining event.

A comprehensive environmental resource kit is introduced at the team training session providing the necessary information, tools and resources to undertake each challenge successfully.  

Schools are encouraged to get their teams organised now, as coaching sessions begin this week.

Waitakere City Council and the Waitakere Youth Council are the major sponsors of the Enviro-Challenge programme designed and delivered by Envirostate Ltd.

For more about the programme go to the website: www.envirostate.co.nz/enviro-challenge.

11 March

Rescued skinks have new home thanks to Project Twin Streams

Just over 50 skinks were released into a new habitat on the Upper Oratia stream last Friday - thanks to the combined efforts of Project Twin Streams Oratia, a considerate developer and Holy Cross School.

The skinks were relocated as part of the resource consent conditions for a residential housing development.  

During a local search for a suitable spot, the Project Twin Streams area which Holy Cross Primary school planted and still maintain stood out as being ideal.

The Oratia stream-banks have been the focus of much weed-clearing and replanting and are now restored to a very high standard.  

Students from Holy Cross School were very excited to be involved in the release - which required a DOC permit last week.  

They excitedly learned all about the skinks and where they like to live.

Simon Chapman, Ecologist at Boffa Miskel said, "This restored stream environment is ideal as it is within the stream corridor.  This gives much improved ecological linkages rather than having the skinks dotted within a sea of residential development."

Green Jon, Project Twin Stream Oratia coordinator said, "It was great for the students to be directly involved in relocating the skinks.  The area they replanted looks great now and the pupils often do casual weeding as they walk past.  We did a huge 'Freedom' shout at the end and they loved it."

Project Twin Streams is a council/community partnership project where local residents and groups, work with the Project Twin Streams co-coordinators to get involved in restoring their local stream.  The Oratia contract managed by McLaren Park & Henderson South Community Initiative (MPHS).   

Waitakere City Council has funding from the Auckland Regional Council to undertake Project Twin Streams.

10 March

Waitakere Begins Budget Deliberations

Councillors have begun deliberations on the Waitakere City's draft annual plan (budget) for 2008/2009.

Over the next 10 days the Council will review all aspects of operations before settling on a budget which will then be released for public comment.

Submissions open on 11 April and close 14 May. After that hearings will be held and a final budget adopted, in June.

The draft budgets under consideration include a major capital expenditure programme of $142 million, which includes parks ($9 million), work in and around the New Lynn town centre ($45 million) libraries ($5 million) and an upgrade of Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre ($2.2 million).

Draft budgets as presented to the Council show possible rates rises of between 6.5% and 8%. The final figure will depend on decisions taken during the deliberations, says Janet Clews, chairman of the Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Special Committee.

Major cost increases are in the areas of depreciation ($1 million) and interest on loans ($6.6million).

Other factors outside of the Council's control, such as a 5.1% increase in construction costs and the price of oil hitting more than $119 a barrel have also impacted heavily.

"For example, almost half of the cost of re-sealing roads is impacted by rising oil prices," says Councillor Clews.

"We have to manage these sorts of massive cost increases whilst also delivering high quality services that our communities want and expect," she says.

"There is a fine balancing act between slashing budgets and lowering service standards to a level that upsets the community."

While the Annual Plan sets the council's budget for the coming financial year the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) outlines the direction and spending intentions for the next 10 years.

"It is important that the public know this is the third year of the LTCCP (adopted in 2006). We are reviewing work and projects that have already been consulted on and agreed, so we can't deviate a long way from that plan," says Councillor Clews.

7 March

Wayne Davis set to gain New Lynn Community Board seat

7 March

New rail platform for New Lynn

As preparatory work on the New Lynn Rail Trench Project continues, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) advises that bus replacements will be in place on parts of the Western Line this weekend.

Train commuters are advised that from Monday 10 March passengers catching the train at New Lynn will use a new platform.

The New Lynn Rail Trench Project is being managed by ONTRACK, who are working closely with ARTA and its train operator Veolia Transport to minimise disruptions to train commuters.

5 March

Waitakere's Pacific Trade Expo

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey today outlined the city's level of commitment to its Pacific peoples - now and in the future.

Speaking at the Pacific Trade Expo at Waitakere's Trusts Stadium, Mayor Harvey told the audience of around 400 that Waitakere is making a particular effort in terms of its Pacific residents.

"We need to. Pacific peoples make up 15 per cent of our population and that's only going to increase," he said.

"Many of our Pacific people have good employment rates and they earn good money and that's absolutely fantastic but it's not all rosy and we must always strive to make things better. In Waitakere we are working hard to improve Pacific peoples' wellbeing."

Waitakere was the first city in the country to have a formal relationship with its Pacific peoples through the Pacific Island Advisory Board.

The city was also a major sponsor and supporter of the Pacific Skilled Employment Programme.

"This programme is designed to up-skill Pacific workers for higher paid re-employment and it also aims to reduce the unemployment rate," Mayor Harvey said.

"In order to reduce the proportion of Pacific peoples without post school qualifications we are working with the Pacific Economic Development Agency on a project called TrainSmart, a concept to optimise the learning environment for Pacific youth."

The Mayor also talked about the Pacific Arts Centre at Corban Estate where everyday the 'mamas' weave their spell to thousands of school children and residents so they can experience that culture first-hand, and in a very Pacific environment.

The centre has huge potential for economic development opportunities and cultural tourism prospects.

Mayor Harvey said the initiatives taking place in Waitakere showed how committed the city is to its Pacific peoples who are valued members of the community.

"With these and other planned initiatives their future is looking brighter."

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Mayor Bob Harvey's speech (Size 25K)

5 March

Community Involvement Urged

4 March

It's Lights Out And On For Waitakere

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is urging local businesses and residents to turn off their lights on March 29 as part of Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is observed by people all around the world as a collective effort to highlight the need for action on climate change.

"Waitakere was New Zealand's first Eco City and we are the leading 'green' city so it is the perfect opportunity for us to prove our commitment to sustainability in our city and on the planet," says Mayor Harvey.

"The Waitakere City Council will turn off the lights at all its buildings and I would like to think every person in Waitakere will do the same because by doing so they can be part of a powerful message on global warming."

Mayor Harvey says the global gesture is a symbolic one to raise public awareness and while that's commendable much more needs to be done.

"These are serious times and we've now got to look seriously at new ideas and technology. In Waitakere's sister city Huntington Beach in California they are turning sewer water into drinking water," he says.

"In Sydney there's an ambitious plan to lift pedestrians and cyclists above the urban jungle onto an elevated path or air-bridge six metres off the ground, held up by columns at intervals to span the road corridors.

"This is big thinking and that's what we are doing in Waitakere. Thinking big - very big. We are going to up the ante in terms of solar and wind energy and we are going to be very creative in our solutions to climate change. Indeed, Waitakere will lead the way on the environmental stage, as it always has, and to do that we must be innovative and inspirational."

Mayor Bob says achieving those goals will be a top priority over the next three years.

"So come on westies. Let's start this exciting journey by turning off the lights on Saturday March 29 from 8pm to 9pm and see the difference that can be made if we work together."