Media Releases

May 2008 

30 May

Top UN environmental official asks to visit Waitakere City

One of the United Nations' top officials for the environment, Mr Achim Steiner, will visit Waitakere City on Tuesday, 3 June 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 will be 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, Washington DC.

Mayor Harvey will give Mr Steiner a presentation about Waitakere's achievements over the 16 years since it declared itself an eco city. He will then be 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 16 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's a privilege to host Mr Steiner who is one of the world's top officials working on behalf of the environment. It is also a great honour that he is coming 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," he says.

"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.

Mr Steiner will visit Waitakere from 2pm on Tuesday, 3 June

Achim Steiner Biography

Following the nomination by the Secretary-General, the General Assembly, on 16 March 2006, elected Achim Steiner of Germany as Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for a four-year term.

Mr Steiner was previously the Director-General of IUCN -- the World Conservation Union -- the world's largest environmental network with over 1000 members including States, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in 140 countries.

He has worked both at the grass-roots level and at the highest levels of international policy making to address the interface between environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development.

His professional career has included assignments with governmental and non-governmental, as well as international organizations in different parts of the world. In Washington, where he was Senior Policy Adviser of the IUCN Global Policy Unit, he led the development of new partnerships between the environment community and the World Bank and United Nations system. In South-East Asia, he worked as Chief Technical Adviser on a programme for sustainable management of Mekong River watersheds and community-based natural resources management. In 1998, he was appointed Secretary-General of the World Commission on Dams, based in South Africa, where he managed a global programme of work to bring together the public sector, civil society, and the private sector in a global policy process on dams and development.

In 2001, he was appointed Director-General of the World Conservation Union, widely regarded as one of the most influential and highly respected organisations in the field of conservation, environment and natural resources management. As Chief Executive, he has held responsibility for the management and oversight of 1000 staff located in 42 countries, implementing the Union's global work programme.

His professional track record in the fields of sustainable development policy and environmental management, his first-hand knowledge of civil society, governmental and international organizations, as well as his global experience spanning five continents make him an excellent choice to lead the United Nations Environment Programme.

Mr Steiner was born in Brazil in 1961 where he lived for 10 years. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oxford, as well as a Master of Arts from the University of London with specialization in development economics, regional planning, and international development and environment policy. He also studied at the German Development Institute in Berlin, as well as the Harvard Business School.

Mr Steiner serves on a number of international advisory boards, including the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) and the Environmental Advisory Council (ENVAC) of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

30 May

Western Line double tracking safety measures a first for Auckland

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, and Cathy Turner  'open' the gates to a group of students from Waitakere College

Special safety measures for pedestrians are a feature of the new double tracking between Henderson and Swanson to be commissioned by ONTRACK this weekend

Automatic pedestrian gates - a first for Auckland - are being employed at level crossings at Ranui and Sturges Rd stations, to ensure pedestrians crossing the duplicated tracks, can do so safely.

These gates are used at only two other locations in New Zealand - both in the Hutt Valley.

The new gates at Sturges Rd Station were officially opened by Waitakere deputy mayor Penny Hulse and Cathy Turner, whose son Michael was killed at the Silverstream level crossing in Wellington five years ago.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says "safety in the rail corridor is not negotiable and having Cathy there was a poignant reminder of that imperative and ONTRACK is to be acknowledged for getting these gates installed"

Cathy Turner advocated strongly for gates to be used on the network - and the first set in the country were installed at Silverstream two years ago. A second has now also been installed at Trentham.

ONTRACK chairman, Cameron Moore say the 'fit was right' for gates at the Waitakere sites.

"Silverstream was a prototype and we took time to evaluate its success and determine if the concept could be used elsewhere.

"At both Sturges Rd and Ranui we have large numbers of people crossing the track and we decided automatic gates were the best way to allow them to cross safely."

"There is no doubt that people prefer the direct route across the tracks rather than over-bridges and where we can do so safely we take account of local feeling."

Trains will begin using the new track from Tuesday morning (3 June), with passengers to use redeveloped stations at Sturges Rd, Ranui and Swanson.

The work is another significant step in developing a rail network that will allow more frequent and reliable commuter services, quicker travelling times and faster recovery from disruptions on the network.

It follows the commissioning this time last year of 7.5 kilometres of new track between Titirangi Rd and Henderson, and leaves just five kilometre of single track, in two sections (New Lynn Avondale and Newmarket) yet to be duplicated.

Three stations - Sturges Rd, Ranui and Swanson - have been redeveloped to give improved access and commuter facilities. ARTA has provided shelters, lighting, and signage on the platforms.

29 May

New books inspire kids in library art contest

Library Letterbox entrant Mark Thomas

Eight Waitakere schools combined their literary knowledge and artistic skill in the inaugural Library Letterbox Line-up - a book-based art contest celebrating the New Zealand Post Book Awards.

More than 20 classes of primary and intermediate school children designed letterboxes for their school libraries, based on the finalist books in this year's awards. The best in each class were entered into the contest.

Waitakere Library & Information Services, who ran the competition as part of the annual New Zealand Post Book Awards Festival, encouraged contestants to choose a book that inspired them and design a letterbox that built on ideas from the story.

Students selected from among the 15 books short-listed in the Junior Fiction, Picture Book and Non Fiction categories of the awards.

The letterboxes were displayed in the WestCity shopping mall, where the contest prizegiving was also held. The winning classes in each of three age categories received books and vouchers for their school library.

Winners include Glen Eden Primary's Room 18 in the Year 1-4 category, Colwill School's Room 23 class in the Year 5-6 category and Henderson Intermediate's Room 16 in the Year 7-8 category.

28 May

Inorganics biggest issue at Annual Plan hearings

The future of the inorganic rubbish collection is, as expected, the major issue Waitakere residents want to talk about in their Annual Plan submissions.

The council began hearings on its Annual Plan (budget), having received some 350 submissions covering more than 1,113 individual items.

The future of the inorganic collection has attracted 103 submissions. There were 38 submissions on community safety and crime prevention, while road safety at Waitakere Primary School attracted 24 submissions and parks planning and the proposal to establish a targeted rate for businesses on Te Atatu Peninsula received about 20 submissions each.

The future of the inorganic collection was identified in advance, by the council, as a key issue for consultation. The council noted that the present kerbside inorganic collection has a number of "down-sides", including the fact that it appears to be being abused by commercial operators.

Not only that, but up to 60% of the inorganic rubbish put out for collection is thought to come from outside the city. There are also health and safety issues, plus many complaints every year from residents who consider the piles of inorganic material create an eyesore.

The council suggests there may be other ways to provide a collection that eliminate these negative impacts.

The council has predicted a rise in the rates it has control over, of 7.4%. To this is added levies to help fund regional facilities, such as the War Memorial Museum and MOTAT. Collectively, these rises will add about $3 per week to a property with a land value of $270,000.

"While we wanted a lower rates increase - and we might still get it - the fact is that costs are rising around us and so we have to receive more income just to stand still - and we can't just stand still. This is a growing city and we must provide the facilities that it needs to meet the growth in population," says Annual Plan Committee Chairman, Cr Janet Clews.

"People frequently ask why our rates increase faster than inflation, but inflation is not just measured by the consumer price index (or CPI). The CPI keeps track of household costs but our costs are driven by other things. Fuel hits us hard - both in the form of fuel and also in the costs of fuel-based products such as bitumen. Likewise, the cost of building materials is rising sharply," she says.

"While the CPI is rising at about 2% a year, the Construction Index which impacts us very heavily is rising at 5% a year," she says. The hearings and deliberations continue until 24 June.

28 May

Coronation Bridge re-opens

Mayor Bob Harvey and Henderson Primary pupils follow Reverend Judy Cooper blessing the renovated Coronation Bridge

The historic Coronation Bridge, spanning the Opanuku Stream on the corner of Henderson Valley and Great North Roads, re-opened today after undergoing repair and refurbishment.

The bridge was officially re-opened by Mayor Bob Harvey, who spoke about the historic importance of the bridge to the roading network that helped the west to grow and prosper, as well as the importance of preserving that local history for future generations.

Those future generations were represented at the ceremony by pupils of Henderson Primary School, who sang choir songs on the bridge. Waitakere Community Board member Kubi Witten-Hannah also received special thanks for championing the bridge restoration project.

The original wooden bridge was opened in 1911 to mark King George V's coronation. Spectators reportedly flocked to the ceremony by horse and cart to see the bridge opened by the then Waitemata County Council chairman, Mr Cochrane.

This was replaced in 1947 by the present bridge, which has recently had its footings strengthened and flood protected. New handrails have also been installed and earthworks and stormwater drainage undertaken.

A listed Category II heritage structure, Coronation Bridge is part of the Henderson Heritage Trail, which includes landmarks from the historic township of Henderson. For over 50 years, it served as a two-lane vehicular bridge but it is now only used for pedestrian access to the car park near the intersection and the western side of Great North Road.

26 May

Cemetery chapel re-opens

Rev. Judy Cooper blesses the refurbished chapel

The release of 50 white doves marked the re-opening of Waikumete Cemetery's main chapel this week.

The refurbished chapel now has a new sound and recording system, sound-proofing, carpet, air-conditioning and internet connection. 

The chapel's brass work has been polished and its floors and doors sanded and re-varnished.

The chapel renovations are the latest works to improve the cemetery complex and are totally in keeping with the heritage style of the building. Other new additions include a bereavement lounge for grieving families and a reception area.

"The council has a commitment to providing for its citizens and this facility means that families will find the cemetery to be a more welcoming place when they need the time and space to grieve for their loved ones," says Councillor Derek Battersby, who officiated at the re-opening ceremony.

24 May

Waitakere wins two more architecture awards

The entrance to Waitakere's Central's civic centre

Waitakere Central - the city's sustainable civic centre and the new Colin McCahon artist's residence in Titirangi - have both won the national award in their category, at the 2008 New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) awards, in Auckland.

Renowned for its architectural design and sustainability features, including an award-winning green roof, Waitakere Central has now received 16 awards for excellence since its completion in 2006. It was designed by Architectus Auckland in association with Athfield Architects Ltd.

The NZIA says the project's careful integration of administrative and civic wings, with a busy public transport interchange, makes for "a humming building which actively brings the council together with its local community".

Mayor Bob Harvey says Waitakere Central shows that sustainable design makes good sense. " It is the only way to go and I am proud that Waitakere City has been acknowledged in this way, for its architectural vision.".

The two-bedroom house and studio that comprises the Colin McCahon artists' residence, was designed by Pete Bossley Architects. It stands next to the historic McCahon House in Otitori Bay Road.

Judges praised the architects for their work on what was regarded as a very difficult building site.

"Faced with a site covered in untouchable kauri forest and the need to accommodate an existing building of almost legendary status, the architect does well to dodge both here. The result is a light and playful structure weaving through the tree trunks and floating above the original McCahon House like a thought made real," they said.

The McCahon artists' residency aims to give outstanding artists the opportunity to develop their work through a supportive programme, while living in the environment that impacted so profoundly on the work of Colin McCahon.

Waitakere City Council purchased the historic cottage and the adjoining land for the building of the artists' residency in 1999. For more information on McCahon House and the artists' residency, visit www.mccahonhouse.org.nz

23 May

Iconic Waitakere buildings up for supreme architecture award

Two iconic Waitakere buildings are in the running to win a New Zealand Institute of Architects' 2008 Supreme Award for architectural excellence.

Waitakere Central - the city's civic and administration building - and the Colin McCahon artist's residence in Titirangi are both up for an NZIA supreme award, having already won local and national awards in the Culture and Community category.

The Supreme Award winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Saturday 24 May.

Renowned for its sustainability features and architectural design, Waitakere Central has previously received eight awards for art and design excellence.

23 May

Waitakere set to sign historic trade agreement with China

Waitakere is set to become the first city in New Zealand to sign an historic trade agreement with China.

The deal is a result of Mayor Bob Harvey's recent trip to Waitakere's Chinese sister city Ningbo, which closely followed the Prime Minister Helen Clark's visit there and the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between China and New Zealand.

While in Ningbo Mayor Harvey met Mr Bayin Chaolu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Ningbo People's Congress, a highly placed Beijing-appointed official of extreme importance. The pair spoke about the agreement and indeed identified five Chinese companies keen to do business with Waitakere and New Zealand - a car manufacturer, a computer company, a print business, an environmental housing project and a water purification plant.

"When I was in China it was very clear Clark's Free Trade Agreement had paved the way for a mutually beneficial relationship between China and New Zealand and because of our 10-year relationship with Ningbo we were in a very good position to start negotiations," says Mayor Harvey.

"This is an opportunity not just for Waitakere business but New Zealand business and Mr Bayin Chaolu will visit as soon as possible to sign the agreement with the city."

The planned agreement gives Waitakere the scope to take New Zealand businesses to China and to open markets for business opportunities.

"The opportunity is enormous," says Mayor Harvey. "This will see the start of our business arm, Waitakere Enterprise, acting as the agent in finding New Zealand companies willing to partner Chinese ones."

Waitakere Enterprise is drafting the agreement which will hopefully be signed within the next two months.

Mayor Harvey adds the agreement reminds him of the situation in the 1960s when Japanese companies went looking for partners globally with brands such as Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki.

"Smart, local and often very small companies saw the potential and signed up to what would become world leading brands."

16 May

Nominate an "unsung hero" for a 2008 Waitakere City Community Board Award

Waitakere's community boards want to hear about the "unsung heroes" of your community.

Nominations are now open for the 2008 Waitakere City Community Board Awards, which provide an opportunity for local people to celebrate and honour community volunteers at a grassroots level.

Nominees can be individuals or small informal groups who have got together to achieve something worthwhile - but not properly organised societies or clubs. Nominations close on 20 June.

In about 250 words, describe who they are, what they have done, the length of time they have worked in the community and the impact they have made. Be sure to include your contact details and those of the person/group you are nominating.

Send your nominations to:

Waitakere City Council
'Unsung Hero' Community Board Awards
Private Bag 93 109, Henderson
Waitakere City
Attn: Emma Joyce (Democracy & Support Services)

Or email: Emma.Joyce@waitakere.govt.nz

An awards evening will be held on June 27th, with five awards presented for each ward (Henderson, Massey, New Lynn & Waitakere).

15 May

Japan sends masters swim team to Waitakere

Waitakere's West Wave aquatic centre has been chosen by Japan's national aquatics organisation as the location for their 12th Annual Grand Masters Swim Meet this Saturday.

The friendly meet will see 130 Japanese masters-grade swimmers competing against 40 of their Waitakere City counterparts in a variety of swimming events.

The Japanese Swim Service chooses a different country each year to hold their masters swim meet and its honorary chairman, Yukiteru Okumura, says many members were keen to visit Waitakere as a place of natural beauty, with people "who take good care of nature".

"The purpose of this swim meet is to enjoy and interact with swimmers from different cultures," he says.

Mr Okumura is confident the meet will be "a memorable and fun event" for Japanese and Waitakere swimmers alike and encourages members of the public to come along to cheer on the competitors. A $1 spectator fee applies.

13 May

Books for Babies launches in Waitakere

TVNZ newsreader Simon Dallow reading the book Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy

The Massey Library was filled to the brim with parents and children for the recent launch of Waitakere City's Books for Babies programme.

The new literacy initiative, run by Waitakere Library & Information Services in partnership with Plunket and The Books for Babes Trust, will provide every child born in Waitakere with their first book.

The distribution of books will be undertaken in partnership with Waitakere Plunket and Waitakere Hospital. Waitakere Libraries' children's librarians will also be visiting Plunket and other parents'/mother's groups to discuss the importance of reading, children's literacy needs and the library services and resources that can help with their child's development.

Books for Babies was officially launched at the Massey Library on May 8th, with a hugely popular celebrity story-time with TVNZ newsreader Simon Dallow and award-winning author Dorothy Butler, followed by song and finger games and a morning tea.

Dorothy read her book Higgledy Piggledy Hobbledy Hoy, while Simon delighted the crowd with his kids' bedtime favourite, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy. Simon reminded mothers present about the importance of encouraging men to read to their children also. He said men can often feel left out in the early days of their children's lives but reading books provides an enjoyable way for them to engage and bond with them.

All who attended the event took away a special cloth bag containing a free book (donated by Penguin Books), important information about Waitakere libraries and resources and tips for engaging children in literature and reading to them effectively. There were also lucky door prizes won, including three iPods and tickets to Mystics netball games at Waitakere's Trusts' Stadium.

“The main aims of the programme are to improve literacy levels of Waitakere children by helping to engage them in reading from an early age and giving their parents quality information about how they can best help their child's development,” says Waitakere City councillor Linda Cooper.

“To support this learning, the programme also aims to give parents, as first teachers, important information on accessing their local libraries, quality children's literature and how they can read aloud effectively.

“Importantly, for families struggling to make ends meet, the initiative will provide a new book for the home. It will also let them know that their local library can loan them a huge range of books and other learning resources and that it runs free weekly story-times that their children can enjoy.”

7 May

Waitakere kids apply skills to book-based art contest

Konini School pupils (from top) Thomas Stenburg (8), Sophia Nobbs (7) and Aidan Feeney (7) with their  letterbox creations for the Library  Letterbox Lineup competition.

Eight Waitakere schools are combining their literary knowledge and artistic skill in the Library Letterbox Line-up " a book-based art contest celebrating the New Zealand Post Book Awards.

More than 20 classes of primary and intermediate school children are busy designing letterboxes for their school libraries, based on the finalist books in this year's awards.

Waitakere Library & Information Services, who are running the competition as part of the annual New Zealand Post Book Awards Festival, have encouraged contestants to choose a book that inspires them and to design a letterbox that builds on ideas from the story.

A range of entries are expected, with students selecting from among the 15 books short-listed in the Junior Fiction, Picture Book and Non Fiction categories of the awards.
 
The letterboxes will be on display in the WestCity shopping mall on Friday 16 May, ahead of a prize-giving event at 7pm the same day.

The winning classes in each of three age categories will collect books and vouchers for their school library.

Participating schools include: Green Bay School, Don Buck Primary, Glen Eden Primary, Konini School, Arahoe School, Colwill School, Henderson Intermediate, Henderson North School and Acorn Academy.

The announcement of the New Zealand Post Book Award winners will take place at a ceremony in Wellington on 21 May.

For a full list of finalist books across all four categories in the New Zealand Post Book Awards, visit www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz.

5 May

Waitakere City backs Government buy-back of rail/ferries - if it leads to better rail services sooner

Waitakere City Council welcomes the Government's buy back of rail and ferry services from Toll Holdings, if it will result in quicker investment in modernising rail.

“Rail will be one of the keys to a sustainable future. Therefore, the Government's decision just makes sense, if the alternative is a slower rate of investment in re-building a very sustainable form of transport,” says Waitakere Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse.

“We all know that efficient, well-equipped, rail is a very important part of a sustainable transportation mix that will deliver efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. That is why Waitakere City has been an outspoken advocate for the restoration of commuter rail and public transport in general, in Auckland

“It is why we have embarked in partnership with the Government and ARTA and the Auckland Regional Council, on the massive New Lynn trenching project. This will enable frequent commuter trains pass through New Lynn below street level, without coming into conflict with road traffic. The aim is to maximise rail efficiency, to the point where it is the commuter option of choice, leaving roads predominantly for commercial traffic” she says.

“Rebuilding the public transport system reduces dependency on the private car, which costs the region $1 billion a year in congestion-related lost productivity,” she says.

“But congestion is only part of it. There are massive greenhouse emissions from tens of thousands of private cars crawling many kilometres every morning and evening.

‘And the revival of public transport is working. New services are met by more willing customers. It is very much a case of build it and they will come,” she says.

Councillor Hulse says the Government's re-investment in national rail and ferry systems should have similar benefits, especially if the private and public sectors work together as the government has signalled will happen.

“Investing heavily in the national rail system to build it back up as quickly as possible, is a strategic objective and the Government is to be congratulated for taking decisive action. I think it is also to be congratulated for its wish to continue working with Toll. Private and public enterprise have much to teach each other and if they pool their knowledge, we can have an excellent outcome,” says Councillor Hulse.

1 May

New literacy programme to provide first book for every Waitakere newborn

Books for Babies, a new literacy programme to be launched on 8 May, will provide every child born in Waitakere with their first book.

The city-wide initiative is being run by Waitakere Library & Information Services, Plunket and The Books for Babes Trust, with strong support from The Trusts and the New Lynn Country Women's Institute.

The distribution of books will be undertaken in partnership with Waitakere Plunket and Waitakere Hospital. Waitakere Libraries' children's librarians will also be visiting Plunket and other parents'/mother's groups to discuss the importance of reading, children's literacy needs and the library services and resources that can help with their child's development.

Books for Babies will be officially launched at the Massey Library on 8 May, 10am to 11am, with a special celebrity story-time with TVNZ newsreader Simon Dallow and award-winning author Dorothy Butler, followed by song and finger games and a morning tea.

Penguin Books has donated children's books to be given away on the day and there are also three iPods to be won.

"The main aims of the programme are to improve literacy levels of Waitakere children by helping to engage them in reading from an early age and giving their parents quality information about how they can best help their child's development," says Waitakere City councillor Linda Cooper.

"To support this learning, the programme also aims to give parents, as first teachers, important information on accessing their local libraries, quality children's literature and how they can read aloud effectively.

"Importantly, for families struggling to make ends meet, the initiative will provide a new book for the home and let them know that their local library can loan them a huge range of books and other learning resources and that it runs free weekly story-times that their children can enjoy."

1 May

Council advised to demolish New Lynn Hotel

On the advice of its consultant heritage architect, the Waitakere City Council last night voted to demolish the old New Lynn Hotel.

The state of the hotel has deteriorated in the decade since the council approached the original owners to buy it so that it could be preserved.

The previous owners had wanted to demolish the historic building, so the council felt it had no choice but to refuse the application and purchase the building itself, in order to preserve it.

"If we had been able to move quickly back then, the outcome today might have been different but the purchase didn't happen quickly enough and by the time we acquired the building, it was almost past saving," says Councillor Derek Battersby.

"A fire almost certainly put it out of reach but, nevertheless, we had to explore every option to rescue and restore it anyway. This we have done and, regretfully, the council has been advised that it is just not viable. The building is beyond economic repair.

"This is very sad, but at the end of the day we had to bite the bullet and agree for it to be demolished."

The West Auckland Historical Society and the Historic Places Trust have also both agreed to the demolition.

The West Auckland Heritage Society commended the council for its efforts "in attempting to preserve this iconic building from our unique West Auckland past."

The council purchased three lots from the original owners, two of them occupied by the hotel. They were purchased for the purposes of preserving the building and are required to be offered back to the original owners.