Media Releases

October 2008 

31 October

Annual Report shows Waitakere building on commitment to sustainable future

Adoption of Annual Plan Report for 2007/08

• The passing of the Waitakere Ranges and Foothills Area Act 2008 - a ground-breaking piece of legislation championed by the council to preserve the unique character and heritage of the communities that make up the Waitakere Ranges.
• Reducing the council's corporate greenhouse gas emissions by more than 98 tonnes of carbon equivalent compared to 2006/2007.
• The launch of a local version of the 'Family Violence - It's Not OK' campaign by Mayor Bob Harvey as part of a Mayoral Taskforce against Family Violence, established with Maori Party leader and local kaumatua Dr Pita Sharples.
• Development of the integrated Henderson transport centre and new Park and Ride facilities and cycleways
• Developing the local economy through new business investment marketing, work on world-class marine cluster at Hobsonville, planning for new employment areas in the northern growth corridor, the establishment of a Business Improvement District programme for Te Atatu Peninsula and the development of the Henderson Vineyards business campus.
• The construction of new Civil Defence headquarters (which has not used any electricity from the national grid due to its photovoltaic and solar hot water systems) and the installation of tsunami warning systems for key coastal areas.
• The opening of the new Global Cafe youth facility in Henderson.
• Community programmes on crime prevention, graffiti removal and road safety and settlement support for migrants.
• Numerous national and international awards, most notably for the sustainable Waitakere Central civic and admin building and the West Wave Aquatic Centre.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says it has become clear that the city's commitment to sustainability principles is going to stand it in good stead as we enter tougher economic times.
"This city's time has come, and the 15 plus years we have worked on sustainability policies, projects and infrastructure are now coming into their own," he says.

You can obtain a copy of the Annual Report and its summary document from this website or Contact Us.

30 October

Storms Cost Millions

The road on Scenic Drive, near the Arataki Visitors' Centre bares the scars of the heavy rain that fell across the region between July and August this year.

More than $1.8million will be required to restore essential infrastructure in Waitakere which was damaged by land slips.

Heavy storms in recent months led to a number of slips which took out roads and underground pipes.

The Waitakere City Council has agreed to raise an extra $1.8 million by way of a loan to pay for work requiring urgent attention.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has indicated that the council would be eligible for a 43 percent subsidy towards repair costs.

Priority has been given to repairing landslips affecting roads.

The schedule includes 15 sites with repair costs ranging from $5000 to $500,000. All the sites are considered to pose a high risk to the community and public safety if not reinstated.

Throughout July to the end of August, Waitakere experienced several prolonged spells of very heavy rain and by the end of August, a total of 46 slips had been reported. Some included residential properties that needed to be evacuated, some roads have been partially closed and streams were partially blocked.

The heavy rain followed a dry summer and below average rainfall since August 2007 and the soils became heavily saturated with groundwater.

The number of landslips was significantly more than would have been expected in a normal year and unprecedented since Cyclone Bola.

"This year's weather patterns were extreme and many councils throughout the country reported an unusually high number of problems. It was something we couldn't have predicted but have to be aware that it could be indicative of future weather patterns associated with climate changes," says Derek Battersby, chairperson of the council's Works and Infrastructure Committee.

The sites to be reinstated are:
Sturges Rd/Candia Rd; Whatipu Rd; 16 Triangle Rd; Huia Rd -1km east of township
4 Opua Rd; Huia Rd - 50m past Shirley Rd; Karekare Rd (downhill); 92 Lone Kauri Rd; 63 Christian Rd; Scenic Drive - near Arataki Visitors Centre; 135 Victory Rd
15, 27 and 31 Warner Park Drive; 227 Forrest Hill Rd.

30 October

Festival celebrates Pacific art and culture

Waitakere's Pacifica Living Arts Festival is becoming increasingly popular.

Instilling a sense of cultural pride through art, crafts, language and music is a key focus of next month's Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival.

This popular event runs November 9 to14 at the Pacific Arts and Cultural Centre at the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson and is a celebration of the sights, sounds, tastes and colours of the Pacific.

The festival combines displays of traditional arts and crafts with educational workshops, storytelling and cultural performances. It also incorporates the Waitakere Schools Multicultural Festival (November 10-14), which features performances from local primary and intermediate schools.

Now in its 11th year, organisers say the festival is becoming increasingly popular and last year attracted around 15,000 people.

Chairman of Waitakere City Council's Culture and Community Committee, Councillor Judy Lawley, says the festival is becoming one of the iconic cultural events on the Auckland calendar.

"Many people from outside Waitakere are now coming to the festival; such is its growing reputation. It's a fantastic few days of stunning art and culture and a colourful celebration of the people of the Pacific, particularly the young."

"Once again the festival will feature the schools of Waitakere and thousands of young people from a huge range of cultural backgrounds will bring the noise and fun that makes for a great event," she says.

While providing a chance for Pacific peoples to introduce their cultures to a new audience, the festival is also about passing on their knowledge and skills to young New Zealand-born Pacific Islanders as a way of keeping their heritage alive.

Visitors can also enjoy a taste of the Pacific at a variety of food stalls or find a gift at one of the many art and craft stalls.

The festival is a time for young and old to immerse themselves in the richness of Pacific cultures and this year the Samoan and Cook Island communities are holding special events at the Pacific Arts and Cultural Centre as part of the festival.

On November 11 from 6.30pm, the Cook Island community host, Return to Avaiki - A Taste of the Cook Islands. This will feature traditional arts and crafts, pearl shell carving, tivaevae, weaving and garments by TAV Fashions. The label was recently featured in New Zealand Fashion Week and is the work of Cook Island designer Ellena Tavioni.

On November 13 between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, the Samoan community host a Fiafia night featuring all forms of the traditional Siva (Samoan dance). Fire dances with knives, slap and clap dances will also be a feature.

The Waitakere Pacifica Living Arts Festival is organised by the Waitakere Pacific Arts & Culture Centre with support from Waitakere City Council.

For more information go to www.pacificaarts.org

29 October

Make a Manga Competition Winners

Make a Manga winners (from left) Janssen Uy, Jenny Kim and Anton McGee. Absent Debbie Keal.

The winners of Waitakere Library and Information Services' inaugural Make a Manga comic competition have been announced.

Run by Waitakere's Children's and Teens' Services librarians, the competition invited Waitakere teenagers to create a manga or comic. Manga (pronounced mahn-ga), is the Japanese term for comics and this style of graphic-based novel is becoming extremely popular with young readers.

There were two winners in two age groups with each winning an iPod Shuffle and a book from competition sponsor, Heroes For Sale. Several highly commended prizes of a certificate and a book were also presented.

Organisers were delighted with the standard of the entries received and the variety of styles.

"Some were done in the classic manga style and the illustrations and storylines were excellent," says Children's and Teens' Services Librarian Robert Baigent.

Entrants had to create a comic that was four to 16 pages long, each featuring Waitakere as a setting or a word in the story. They also had to include at least one of the following phrases: "You can't save me", "These books are out to get me" or "It's in the library".

Mr Baigent says Waitakere Library and Information Services plans to run the competition again next year.

The winning entries will be featured on the Waitakere Library and Information Services website. They can also be viewed, along with other entries, in the J.T. Diamond Reading Room at the Waitakere Central Library.

Winners:

11 - 14 year age category:
Janssen Uy for Rick & Caroline and Anton McGee with Strike of Damage.

15 - 18 year age category:
Jenny Kim for KAJA and Debbie Keal with Woah! Roscoe.

28 October

Vandalism of tsunami warning system puts lives at risk

Vandalism of tsunami warning equipment at Bethells Beach is putting the emergency system at risk.

Vandalism of tsunami warning equipment at the Bethells Beach surf club is placing the future of the emergency system at risk and endangering lives in the process.

Waitakere Civil Defence manager Bill Morley says that over the last three months there have been three occasions where the antenna used to activate the siren has been broken.

This was further compounded by a break-in to the siren control cabinet and what appeared to be an attempt to remove the solar panels used by the power the siren.

"These mindless acts of vandalism and intrusion immediately impact upon the siren system's ability to warn the public of an impending tsunami and are potentially putting people's lives at risk," says Mr Morley.

"Unfortunately, if we are unable to further bolster security at the site and stop the damage from occurring, we may have no choice but to remove the siren - and for public safety purposes, we do not want to have to do that."

"We are asking beach-goers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police. This is a life-saving community asset that we don't want to lose," he says.

A meeting of civil defence, police, surf club and siren system staff is being held to consider options to reduce the chances of further break-ins.

24 October

McLaren Park Community Centre Design Concept on Show

The McLaren Park community has played a signifigant role in planning for a new community centre. They want something that will cater for all ages.

A design concept for a new community centre in Henderson's McLaren Park area will be on show at a community meeting on October 30.

The concept is the result of extensive community consultation by Waitakere City Council through a series of surveys and focus groups in which residents gave feedback on their preferences for building location and characteristics and the types of activities they would like to have in the new facility.

Activity ideas include a community market, youth art and sports programmes, a stage and performance area, playgroup, holiday and after-school programmes, adult education opportunities and seniors programmes.

Residents say they want a multi-use facility that offers a sense of belonging and which is a safe place for local youth.

The feedback has been used to form an initial concept design, which the council now wants to share with the community to see if the concept mirrors its expectations.

"Here in Waitakere we always strive to provide the type of facilities that best fit the needs of our communities and residents play a big part in helping develop those amenities," says chairman of the council's Culture and Community Committee, Councillor Judy Lawley.

"Too often things happen to communities, rather than communities making them happen," she says.

"Waitakere City Council is committed to working with our communities to develop the best facilities."

Waitakere City Council has budgeted more than $1 million in its Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) to build the facility, which will be located on Corban Ave, in the 2010/2011 financial year.

Those unable to attend the meeting can still have their say by filling in a quick survey response form. These are available from the McLaren Park Henderson South information office, 64D Bruce Mclaren Road. Phone (09) 836 4141.

Where: Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 29 Corban Ave, Henderson South.
When: Thursday, October 30, at 6pm.

24 October

Outreach Pet Therapy a Winner

Click image for large version

Winners of the supreme award at the Infratil-Waitakere City Council Community Awards, the St John/SPCA Outreach Pet Therapy programme.

The Outreach Pet Therapy service was the supreme winner at the 2008 Infratil-Waitakere City Council Community Awards announced last night.

The annual awards celebrate the work carried out by voluntary groups and organisations throughout Waitakere in the past year and were presented at a ceremony in the Waitakere City Council chambers.

The Outreach Pet Therapy service, which also won the health and wellbeing category, is run by the SPCA and St John and involves members taking their pets into rest homes, hospitals, special needs classes in schools and rehabilitation centres.

The service not only allows people to enjoy pats and cuddles with animals, but offers an alternative form of therapy for those recuperating from illness.

The group has won a trip for two of its members to represent Waitakere at the Trust Power National Community Awards in Palmerston North on March 13 to 15, next year. It also receives a cheque for $1500.

A total of 43 entries were received this year, all vying for a win in one of five categories: Sport and Leisure, Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Education and Child Youth Development and Arts and Culture. Category winners receive $500.

"Volunteers in Waitakere are the glue that holds this community together and these awards are a great way to recognise the people who put in hours and hours of work for the whole community to benefit from," said councillor Janet Clews.

Category winners:

Health and Wellbeing: SPCA/St John Outreach Pet Therapy.
Sport and Leisure: Waitakere Bear Softball Club.
Heritage and Environment: Waitakere Tramline Society.
Education and Child Youth Development: Leataata Ole Lumanai Trust Pasifika Preschool.
Arts and Culture: Waitakere Indian Association.

Recipient information:

Health and Wellbeing - St John and SPCA Outreach Pet Therapy
Outreach Therapy Pets is a programme jointly run by St John and the SPCA which sees their members taking pets in to rest homes, hospitals, rehabilitation and mental health facilities and special needs classes at schools throughout Waitakere and the wider Auckland region. Two of the original therapy pets are from Waitakere.

Heritage and Environment - Waitakere Tramline Society
The Waitakere Tramline Society is a group dedicated to the preservation and continuing operation of the Waitakere tramline for the public. The line runs from the Waitakere Filter Station at the end of Christian Road in Swanson to the base of the Waitakere Dam.
The small group of enthusiasts has restored and upgraded the line over the past 33 years, making it New Zealand's oldest operating bus tramway. Very popular with the public, the tramway ran more than 250 trips and carried 4880 passengers between May 2007 and April 2008 alone.

Arts and Culture - Waitakere Indian Association
Established eight years ago, the Waitakere Indian Association dedicates itself to keeping alive the Indian culture and traditions among those who have moved to Waitakere and organises events to share that culture with the wider community.
The association organises the Waitakere Diwali Festival each year, has run several children's concerts, sports events and business network meetings. It also a school catering for Indian language, drama and music needs.

Sport and Leisure - Waitakere Bears Softball Club
A large club with more than 600 members, Waitakere Bears Softball Club offers the opportunity for people to play tee ball (three to nine year olds) and softball. It boasts more than 50 teams across all ages, which play in local and regional competitions.
In addition to having a strong player base, the club is blessed with a large number of volunteers. Each team has a coach, manager, scorer and umpire - all trained by the club.
The club works closely with local schools to develop the sport and also hosts a college sport softball module at its grounds. It holds at least five tournaments throughout the year which members both participate in and help run.

Education and Child Youth Development - Leataata Ole Lumanai Trust Pasifika Preschool
The Samoan language preschool is more than just a place for young people to be educated in their mother tongue; it has become a focal point for the wider school community.
As well as retaining the language and culture for future generations, the preschool aims to remind adults about the importance of a good education.
Among its many services is a literary course for parents to up-skill themselves to help with their reading and to help with children's homework.
Other community involvements are traditional weaving, arts and craft days by grandparents, story and action song days by community elders, baby massage by local kaumätua and a night of pampering for mothers in the community.

23 October

First Local Plan Underway for Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area

Oratia has been selected as the first area to develop a Local Area Plan

Work on the first Local Area Plan to be drawn up under the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act gets underway next month with a public workshop in Oratia.

Oratia has been selected as the first area to develop a Local Area Plan to put the provisions of the new Act in place.

Chair of the Waitakere City Council's Policy and Strategy Committee, Penny Hulse, says the Local Area Plans are a great opportunity to blend local knowledge, residents' aspirations and council processes to map out the future of the ranges and foothills.

"The new Act is clearly focused on defining the distinct character of the many environments of the ranges; from coast and bush, to rural and urban fringe. The aim is to preserve these unique features as identified by local communities so they are not compromised in the future," says Councillor Hulse.

She says as Auckland continues to grow at a rapid rate the new act will become increasingly important as a tool for maintaining the different character and landscapes of the west coast, bush areas, rural foothills and urban fringe.

Cr Hulse says the Local Area Plan for Oratia will be an opportunity for residents and those with an interest in the area to influence the future of the area through council plans and legal processes.

She says another positive outcome from the Local Area Plans will be to start mapping out the future economic opportunities in the Ranges.

The Oratia Local Area Plan will be the first in a programme for the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area that will see a total of 10 to 12 plans drawn up with communities throughout the ranges and foothills over the next decade.

An open day and community meeting about the Oratia Plan will be held on November 19 at the Oratia Soccer Club at Parrs Park.

20 October

Final phase of Olympic Park development begins

Olympic Park

Work started today on the final phase of playground developments at Olympic Park in New Lynn.
The latest improvements to this award-winning park include increasing the range of play equipment, landscaping and installing new seating and picnic tables.

For safety reasons, certain areas of the park will need to be closed to the public while this work takes place, but contractors aim to keep the impact on park users to a minimum.

The $200,000 project has been funded by the Olympic Park Trust, which was established to find funding to support development work in the popular park.

Among the new equipment being installed is an 'access swing', which allows more than one child to be on it at the same time and for special needs children to be accompanied by caregiver, a climbing frame, a themed rocker for younger children and equipment for older children that encourages balance and coordination.

The design concept of the park has been developed over the past six years and is based on an Olympic stadium theme. It includes a concourse area complete with flying flags and a path laid out according to the dimensions of early Olympic stadium tracks.

Located around the edges of the track are play spaces catering for specific age groups. The centre piece is a challenging double mast climbing frame. The park
also features a range of public art works, from traditionally-inspired carvings to abstract art pieces.

In 2007, Olympic Park was awarded the New Zealand Recreation Association's Outstanding Park Award.

Trust chairman and Waitakere City councillor Derek Battersby says it's pleasing to see final stage of the project about to begin.

"It's been a long development process but one that has been exciting to be involved in. The end result will be an impressive park full of fun play equipment for children and a place the whole family can enjoy," he says.

Waitakere City Council officers have worked in partnership with the trust and contractors on developing the project, which has also involved the restoration of the Whau River and extensive landscaping.

17 October

Five in running for club honours at sporting excellence awards

Two surf lifesaving organisations join cricket, football and swimming clubs as finalists for the Waitakere City Club Award

Five clubs will vie for the Waitakere City Council-sponsored Club of the Year award at the Unitec Waitakere Sporting Excellence Awards next month.

Sport Waitakere have announced the finalists for this year's awards, which will be announced at the Trusts Stadium on November 14.

Finalists for the Club award are: Waitakere Cricket Club, Waitakere United (football), Piha Surf Lifesaving Club, United North Life Guard Services and West Auckland Aquatics (swimming).

A total of 134 nominations were received from a wide range of sports with judges having a tough task whittling them down to finalists for the 13 categories.

"We received a large amount of quality nominations and this is reflected in the judges' selection of so many outstanding finalists," says Sport Waitakere project leader Hollie Evans.

She says being an Olympic and Paralympic Games year; there were some excellent achievements from Beijing to consider as well as contributions to sport by volunteers, coaches and administrators.

The 13 categories include: Harvey Norman Henderson Sportswoman, Steinlager Sportsman and Masters Sportsperson, Youthtown Junior Sportsman and Junior Sportswoman, Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust Maori Achievement, Ed Johnston & Co Barristers and Solicitors Pacific Island Achievement, Canam Construction Sports Team, Alloy Yachts Coach, Italian Stone Ltd Administrator, Waitakere City Council Club, Western Leader Official and Foster Signs Volunteer Service to Sport.

The Lion Foundation Sporting Acknowledgment Awards, recognising a club administrator, volunteer or sportsperson who has made a significant contribution over the past year, will also be announced on the night.

In addition to the main awards, three Wattyl Wall of Fame athletes will be profiled and interviewed as way of looking back on Waitakere's sporting history and acknowledging local sporting heroes.

Tickets are now available for the awards evening by phoning 09 966 3120.

16 October

Community meeting on New Lynn's Clark Street Fly-over

Meeting at New Lynn Community Centre on Oct 23 to discuss plans for a new Clark Street fly-over.

Plans for a new Clark Street fly-over are being discussed at a community open evening in New Lynn on Thursday, October 23.

Waitakere City Council is undertaking a comprehensive town centre redevelopment programme in New Lynn. This work includes an upgrade to the local roading network to complement significant changes to rail infrastructure through central New Lynn.

Part of the programme of works includes an extension to Clark Street in the form of a raised fly-over that directly links traffic from Clark Street to Great North Road, crossing over the New Lynn rail trench. Construction of the one-kilometre rail trench, which will stretch from Titirangi Road to Portage Road and separate road and rail, is expected to start next month.

The open evening runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the New Lynn Community Centre on Totara Ave. Project managers will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the fly-over and other New Lynn town centre developments.

Earlier this month the council adopted the New Lynn Urban Regeneration Framework and Concept Plan, which outlines the council's vision to revitalise the town centre and cater for significant population growth in the next 50 years.

Copies of the framework are available here, the civic centre, by calling the council's 24-hour call centre and from the New Lynn Library. The New Lynn Library also contains displays and information on planned town centre developments, including the rail trench and bus and rail transport interchange.

16 October

Council votes to retain existing NorSGA committee membership

The NorSGA Urban Development Committee is responsible for matters relating to planning and development in the Northern Strategic Growth Area, which includes Westgate.

Waitakere City Council has decided against inviting a representative of the Massey Community Board to sit on its NorSGA Urban Development Committee, saying community interests are already well served by the seven councillors on the committee who have been elected to represent them.

Following a Massey Community Board request to reconsider a council decision made in October last year to limit elected member representation on the NorSGA (Northern Strategic Growth Area) committee to councillors only, the council this morning voted to stand by its earlier resolution.

The standing committee of council also includes representatives of organisations involved in building major public and private infrastructure in the Northern Strategic Growth Area, which includes the former Hobsonville Airbase land, Hobsonville village, Massey North and Westgate.

"We made a decision last year and we need to stick by it and not bow to pressure to change because a few people are unhappy," said NorSGA committee member, Councillor Derek Battersby.

"Councillors have been elected by the community to manage the city and, as such, have extra rights to make the decisions on citywide issues. However, community board chairmen already have speaking rights at all council standing committees and therefore have an opportunity to bring any issues to the fore."

NorSGA committee chairman Councillor Linda Cooper says the committee operates at a strategic level, where the various agencies such as Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Transport Authority and property developers come together to share project information and updates.

"This committee is a unique model aimed at bringing together the council and all of the organisations that have the expertise needed to ensure we develop the best new town centre we can" she said.

"There is nothing secret about what we are doing and all meetings are open to the public to come along and see what is going on.

"Waitakere councillors have been elected by the community to act in its best interests - and the community board needs to trust in that. We are there to ensure we get the best outcome for all residents and ratepayers," Cr Cooper said.

15 October

New Building Act exemptions mean fewer projects require building consent

New Buidling Act exemptions mean fewer projects require building consent

The types of building projects not requiring building consent have been increased due to new changes to Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004.

Effective from 16 October 2008, the exemptions are part of a range of government initiatives to streamline the building and consent process by removing work of a low risk or minor nature from the consenting process.

Examples of building projects which no longer require a building consent include:

• Removal or alteration of a wall that is not a structural or bracing element.
• Awnings, pergolas or a veranda over a deck (15 sq m maximum).
• Installation or replacement of windows, exterior doors or roof windows, provided that structural elements are not modified.
• Alteration of dwellings to improve access for persons with disabilities, including doorway modifications and access ramps, but excluding wet area accessible showers.
• Internal shop or office fit out where the work does not modify, or require modifications to, any specified systems or means of escape from fire.
• Alterations to existing plumbing in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and toilets, including minor drainage alteration (e.g. shifting a gully trap) but excluding new connections to services. Any such alterations must be carried out by a registered plumber in accordance with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 1976.
• Erecting tents and marquees of up to 100sq m where they are for private use and up to 50sq m where they are intended for public assembly.

However, while the Building Act provides for the above exemptions, the work must still comply with other legislation, such as the New Zealand Building Code, the Resource Management Act, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act, the Electricity Act, the Health Act and local government bylaws.

"The law change is essentially good news for the council and for builders and property owners. It's enabling us to streamline the building consent process and gives people the opportunity to undertake a greater number of building projects without the extra cost and time associated with seeking council approval for it," says Councillor Vanessa Neeson, chairman of the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee.

The Department for Building and Health advises owners and builders to read Schedule 1 in full to assess whether or not their work requires consent before starting work on projects of this kind - and to be aware that in specific situations it may be necessary to seek independent technical and/or legal advice. They must also decide whether or not to include the work in any building consent applications, as not including it will mean no inspection is undertaken, no Code Compliance Certificate is issued and no record of the work is contained on the official property file held at the council.

Further details are available from the Department of Building and Housing website at www.dbh.govt.nz.

15 October

Applications sought for Massey Matters funding

Massey Library

Applications are now open for the 2009 round of the Massey Matters Community Projects Fund.

Established by Waitakere City Council and the Massey Matters community project, the fund aims to support groups or individuals to carry out innovative projects which help to build a strong sense of community in Massey.

Successful projects can receive up to $3000 each.

In 2007, 13 diverse community projects and events were funded, with a further 17 being recipients in 2008.

"Collectively these projects have helped build a stronger sense of community," says Massey Community Board chairman John Riddell.

"They have also increased base of information available about the various services, community groups and history about Massey, encouraged local organisations to work together in new ways and helped build skills, leadership and confidence within Massey communities."

In 2009, weighting will be given to projects which contribute to key priority areas of:

• Early childhood education
• Preventing family violence
• Getting Massey more active
• Youth development and engagement
• Engaging residents and connecting neighbourhoods

However projects outside those criteria will also be considered.

Examples of the kinds of projects sought are community gardens, photographic and story collections about Massey's past, good neighbour awards or a youth leadership and mentoring programme.

Applications are assessed by a joint funding group of the Massey Matters Community representatives and Massey Community Board, with a decision made before Christmas.

Applications close Friday, November 21, at 5pm.

Massey Matters is a 10-year project aimed at making Massey an even better place to live. It was established by Waitakere City Council and works alongside other partners to build and strengthen community activity, networks and a sense of local identity and pride in Massey. It also aims to improve the way Massey looks, feels and functions.

10 October

Changes to western line weekday evening services from Avondale onwards

Western line evening weekday services will be replaced by buses from October 20.

From Monday , October 20 all evening weekday train services from about 7.30pm onwards between Avondale and Waitakere will be replaced by buses. This service change is to allow Project DART construction work on the future New Lynn rail trench which can only be done when no trains are running.

New Lynn’s rail line is about to undergo a transformation – it will be duplicated and lowered into a trench to enable improved train services and allow seamless movement and development over and around the rail tracks. Building the trench is a big job that needs to be complete by mid 2010.

To reduce overall disruption to residents and passengers construction will be carried out 24 hours a day up to seven days a week. Some of this construction can only be done at night, when no trains are running.

The service changes are expected to remain in place for 12 to 18 months, as construction continues. Over the coming months there will also be occasions where rail-buses will replace trains at weekends on the Western Line. This will be to allow the continuation of construction at Newmarket, Boston Road, and between Avondale and New Lynn. This includes three weeks over the Christmas/ New Year holiday period – more detailed information on this will be available in the next month or two.

Passengers can visit MAXX www.maxx.co.nz or call 09 366 6400 for further details. Normal train fares will apply.

Find out more about building the trench www.projectdart.org.nz

About the changes:

• Last train west to Swanson departs New Lynn at 7.33pm
• Last train to Britomart departs Waitakere at 7.10pm
• Last train to Fruitvale Road departs Helensville at 7.15pm

10 October

Cycle lanes get the green light

New cycle lanes will offer safer routes for cyclists and encourage more people to use bikes as a mode of transport

Plans to make Waitakere a more cycle-friendly city are moving forward with the commencement of detailed design work for cycle lanes on three city roads.

The Waitakere City Council cycle projects are planned for Triangle Road in Massey, Te Atatu Road in Te Atatu Peninsula and Central Park Drive in Henderson.

The Triangle Road project involves creating on-road cycle lanes on both sides of the road between Don Buck Road and Lincoln Road and a new walk and cycle bridge alongside Huruhuru Creek. Some recessed parking bays will be installed along Triangle Road.

In Te Atatu Peninsula the plan is to create on-road cycle lanes on both sides of Te Atatu Rd from Harbour View Road to Cellarmans Street, as well as an off-road cycleway on the eastern side of Cellarmans Street to State Highway 16 (alongside Harbourview Park).

The third plan, for Central Park Drive, combines a section of on-road cycle lanes with an off-road shared path.

An off-road path shared with pedestrians, is planned for the northern side of Central Park Drive from Lincoln Road to the entrance of the North Western cycleway. On the opposite side of the road, an on-road cycle lane is planned. An off-road shared path will also be provided in front of the Trusts Stadium to the Universal Drive extension.

Consultation was held with residents, businesses and road users earlier this year, with many respondents welcoming the introduction of cycling infrastructure to help make roads safer and more user-friendly for cyclists. Opposition centred on the loss of on-road parking.

"Cyclists require dedicated infrastructure to move around the city safely and efficiently. One of the main reasons people give for not cycling is that they feel unsafe on the roads," says Waitakere deputy mayor Penny Hulse.

"These projects not only respond to the safety needs of cyclists but encourage and promote active modes of transport.

"By providing more dedicated cycling infrastructure the council aims to encourage more people to cycle and to make our roads safer for those people already choosing to travel by this sustainable mode of transport," she says.

Construction of the new cycleways are expected to begin this summer.

9 October

Old library building for hire

The old Te Atatu South library

The former Te Atatu South Library building will continue to be made available for hire to community groups.

The Henderson Community Board has approved use of the building, located on Lloyd Morgan Park, as a general hire facility until the redevelopment of the Te Atatu Peninsula Library and Community Centre is complete.

The vacant building is located next to the Te Atatu South Community Centre and would provide additional hireable space for the community, including those groups likely to be displaced during the redevelopment of the Te Atatu Peninsula facility.

Henderson Community Board chairman Elizabeth Grimmer says the board is pleased the building will continue to be a community facility.

The building requires some remedial work to the floor and the Waitakere City Council expects this work to be complete by the end of November.

Mrs Grimmer says the community board has recommended the building be hired out for short-term periods to a variety of groups rather than have a single occupancy.

"We've also asked for a further report to come back to the board outlining the future use of the building once the Te Atatu Peninsula redevelopment is complete."

Te Atatu South Library was closed in March 2006, coinciding with the opening of the Waitakere Central Library, which offered a much wider range of services and facilities.

In 2007 Henderson Recreation Centre user groups relocated to the old library building while the Henderson facility was renovated.

Meanwhile, the council is currently exploring options for the redevelopment of the Te Atatu Peninsula Library and Community Centre - a project that could take up to 18 months to complete, depending on the option chosen.

9 October

Big changes ahead for parking

Provision for carparking in many Waitakere town centres will come under scrutiny in proposed parking plan

Waitakere City Council will seek community views on options to change the way car parking provisions are catered for in its town centres and growth corridors.

A report considered by the council's Policy and Strategy Committee highlighted concern that current parking policies would not support medium and high density development plans in town centres.

"Any plans for parking need to result in thriving high density town centres" says committee chairperson Penny Hulse.

"The idea is to get developers to think about how many car parks they really need and whether car parking is really the best use of available land and to consider the availability of public transport in those areas.

"The current approach has aimed to accommodate parking without regard to the availability of other travel choices, the impacts on development or the ability to share parking," she says. "We need more efficient use of land in our town centres to accommodate future growth."

Three options have been developed for public comment.

The first retains the existing minimum parking requirements but would give the council more flexibility to allow less parking than prescribed.

A second but more restrictive option is to introduce maximum parking levels, which over time would reduce the number of car parks that could be provided on a particular site. This would only apply to areas where high levels of public transport services are available. This is the option proposed in the Auckland Regional Council's Draft Regional Parking Strategy.

However, the council indicated its preference for a third option, which would introduce parking maximums set at around the current minimum number of parks allowed. This option would also give officers flexibility to grant an exception by allowing more parks if they can be justified by the developer and if it supports the town centre goals. Examples of businesses which may require parking in excess of the maximum are supermarkets, malls and bulk retail stores.

"This approach would send a clear message that the applicants need to assess the level of parking they require and if it is above the maximum allowed, they need to justify that to the council," says Councillor Hulse.

The council acknowledges that this approach could lead to a reduction in parking in some centres but these would need to occur alongside improvements to bus and rail services. A greater emphasis on managing parking in town centres and the effects on surrounding areas will be required.

It is expected that electric trains and feeder bus services to town centres will be in place by 2013. At that stage, new District Plan rules could allow this new approach to parking to take effect.

During the next two months the council will engage in informal consultation with stakeholders, including the public, on the overall approach to parking across the city.

That information will form the basis of Draft Parking Plans for the city and the main town centres, scheduled to go out for formal consultation in April next year.

8 October

Construction begins on new Hobsonville motorway

Click image for large version

Turning the first sod on the site of a new motorway at Hobsonsville

New motorway for Waitakere commuters has officially begun construction after a sod turning ceremony yesterday.

Transport Minister Hon. Annette King turned the first sod on the NZ Transport Agency's SH18 Hobsonville Deviation and SH16 Brigham Creek Extension. Also joining Minister King was Associate Minister of Transport Judith Tizard, Mayor of Waitakere Bob Harvey, Deputy Mayor of North Shore City Julia Parfitt and Mayor of Rodney District Penny Webster.

The $220M project will help to reduce travel times for motorists by providing a better connection between Waitakere City and North Shore City. Construction is expected to take four years with an opening scheduled for 2012.

Mayor Harvey says the new motorway will link Waitakere, Rodney and the North Shore with the rest of the Auckland region, benefiting both business and commuters.

The new six kilometre, four-lane motorway is the last section of the new SH18 to begin construction. The project also includes a three kilometre, two-lane extension of SH16 to a new roundabout at Brigham Creek Road.

The Hobsonville Deviation features four interchanges at Hobsonville Road, Brigham Creek Road, Trig Road and Buckley Avenue. A cable-stay bridge at Clarks Lane will give pedestrians and cyclists direct access across the motorway. The existing cyclist and pedestrian path on the Upper Harbour Bridge will connect to Hobsonville Road via the new Buckley Avenue Bridge. There will also be provision along the motorway route for bus shoulder lanes to be installed in the future.

"The new Hobsonville motorway will increase capacity and help to relieve congestion that often builds along Hobsonville Road. The NZTA's Greenhithe Deviation and Upper Harbour Bridge projects opened last year and are already improving travel times. This project is the final connection to the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) at Hobsonville Road," says NZTA acting regional manager Tommy Parker.

The motorway will provide the transport infrastructure to support planned urban growth in Waitakere City. It will also give extra capacity to cope with a new housing development planned for the site of the old Hobsonville airbase.

The project also forms the northern link in the agency's Western Ring Route. When completed, the ring route will give an alternative to SH1 between Albany and Manukau City via SH1, SH20, SH16 and SH18.

Those wanting to know more about the project can attend an open day.

8 October

Light to shine on park's historical treasures

Orangihina/Harbourview Park

The historical treasures within Te Atatu Peninsula's Orangihina/Harbourview Park are being put in the spotlight.

Waitakere City Council's Finance and Operational Performance Committee have agreed to put aside $80,000 from the Harbourview Park operation expenditure budget for heritage design concepts within the park.

This will see fencing, lighting and interpretative signs highlighting the history of significant sites of the gun emplacements, brick villa, Auckland Brick and Tile site, Maori middens and McCormick's Cottage, all situated within the park.

The Te Atatu Anti-Aircraft Battery, with its five gun emplacements, was built in 1943 to protect the western airfields, in particular Hobsonville Airbase, from aerial attack. It carries a Category 1 heritage rating in the District Plan because of its association with the defence of Auckland during World War II.

It was one of 12 of anti-aircraft battery built in Auckland and is now the only one of its kind still standing.

At present many of the heritage features within the park have little or no information about their history for those enjoying the area, particularly those new to Waitakere.

Committee chairperson councillor Ross Clow says the park is one of the most frequently visited in the city.

"The council has put considerable resources in to developing Harbourview-Orangihina Park over many years and ensuring its heritage treasures are preserved and maintained," he says.

"By highlighting the park's heritage we can greatly enhance the visitor experience."

The council's principal heritage advisor will report back to the committee with design concept options. These will be developed in consultation with the New Zealand Heritage Trust and local Maori.

7 October

Green light for pedestrian bridge over SH16

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and Councillor Linda Cooper.

Waitakere City Council has welcomed a New Zealand Transport Agency decision to build a pedestrian bridge over the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) near Westgate shopping centre.

NZTA acting regional manager Tommy Parker made the announcement on Monday following a request from deputy mayor Penny Hulse, asking that the agency consider the building of the bridge as a matter of urgency.

"Council is delighted by this decision and thankful that NZTA has recognised the importance of this bridge in ensuring the safety of the people living in this community," says Councillor Hulse.

"This is absolutely the right thing to do and we now look forward to working alongside NZTA on the design and funding aspects of the project."

The request followed growing concern by the council and the local community following the 2004 death of an 11-year-old boy who was struck by a car as he ran across the motorway.

Despite that tragedy many locals, particularly children, continue to put their lives at risk by crossing the motorway instead of taking the safer, but longer route, by footpath.

In making the announcement, Mr Parker acknowledged this was a significant safety issue.

"The NZTA is currently working on the design of a bridge across the motorway. The bridge will include connections at each end, including a connection into the Westgate shopping centre.

"It is likely that funding for the bridge and connections will also come from contributions by Waitakere City Council and the NZ Retail Property Group, which owns Westgate," Mr Parker says.

He says construction of a bridge may coincide with work already taking place at Westgate for the new SH18 Hobsonville Deviation and SH16 Brigham Creek Extension.

Massey Ward Councillor Linda Cooper has been a strong advocate for the bridge, which she says is paramount for providing a safe journey for pedestrians and cyclists between two sections of Waitakere's largest community.

She says the NZTA decision makes good sense.

"The bridge will provide a faster, more direct, route for trips to Westgate and to the Massey Library and Leisure Centre," she says.

"The motorway death in 2004 hit the community hard and it is something no one wants to have to go through again."

Camera footage commissioned by NZTA earlier this year showed an average of 28 people illegally crossed motorway each week day and 45 illegal crossings on a weekend day.

Community consultation conducted by council last year on preferred options to address the problem attracted more than 350 submissions, with the majority of respondents clearly showing support for a new pedestrian connection.

6 October

West Wave rides crest of success to Waitakere Business Awards

West Wave Aquatic Centre

The West Wave Aquatic Centre is a finalist in three categories of this year's Bank of New Zealand Waitakere Business Awards.

The Waitakere City Council-owned facility is a finalist in the Best Large Business, Employer of Choice and Tourism and Leisure categories. Already this year the West Wave Aquatic Centre has won the National Swim School Promotion of the Year award from the Swimming Coaches and Teachers of New Zealand and the New Zealand Recreation Association Outstanding Pool Award. For the first year ever, the centre also exceeded one million visitors.

The award winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner at the Trusts Stadium on October 31, hosted by popular broadcasters Jeremy Corbett and Hilary Barry.

Awards organiser Waitakere Enterprise is encouraging the local business community to join in the celebrations and show support for their business colleagues.

"The gala dinner is a rare opportunity for local businesses to take some time out and celebrate their own and Waitakere's collective business success," says Waitakere Enterprise chief executive John Wadsworth.

"The stronger our local businesses are, the more opportunities there are for residents to work in Waitakere and for the entire community to benefit. That's something to celebrate for sure."

The $100,000 prize pool includes business development training grants, mentoring with some of Waitakere's most successful entrepreneurs and the opportunity to be invited onto Waitakere Enterprise's High Growth Programme.

06 October

Diwali lighting up Waitakere

Waitakere Diwali Festival 26 Oct 2008

The sights, sounds and tastes of India will come alive at Diwali celebrations in Waitakere this month.

The Waitakere Diwali Festival at The Trusts Stadium on October 26 will feature live music, Bollywood-style dances, traditional cultural performances and drama items. The event culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.

Satisfy your appetite at one of the 18 stalls offering Indian cuisine or look for a bargain at more than 20 Indian merchandise stalls. Other attractions include traditional henna hand-painting, Rangoli art displays and a children's amusement area.

The festival is organised by the Waitakere Indian Association with support from the Waitakere Ethnic Board and Waitakere City Council. Now in its eighth year, the event is one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in Auckland and regularly attracts around 15,000 people.

It is also considered a premier community event in Waitakere.

26 October 2008
The Trusts Stadium
Free entry

03 October

Piha footbridge opened

Waitakere Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse joins locals to walk across the new "Story of an Eel" footbridge in Piha.

Piha's new eel-inspired footbridge is finally enjoying the pitter-patter of many feet.

Waitakere City Council's deputy mayor, Penny Hulse, recently opened the 'Story of the Eel' footbridge, joining local residents to be among the first to set foot on the award-winning structure.

Under construction for the past few months, the bridge runs over the Piha Stream and links the Piha Domain to South Piha Beach. Piha Domain is a focal point for the community and visitors and the new bridge provides a key access way to the beach.

It replaces an ageing timber bridge that was nearing the end of its life. However, a link to the past remains, with one of the timber piles from the old bridge installed at the side of the new structure to act as the post for a sign on the bridge's artistic interpretation.

The concept of the new bridge was created by Piha artist Mandy Patmore and represents migratory eel, celebrating the long and short fin eels that still live in the Piha Stream.

Its winding eel-like shape is combined with a floor surface inlayed with motifs representing the different stages of the eel's life cycle.

The council worked closely with Piha residents to ensure the final design was both functional and in keeping with the rugged coastal environment.

The bridge proved to be a winner before its official opening, winning the New Zealand Recreation Association's Outstanding Project Award for 2008.

The judges praised the council for the holistic approach it took to the project and going that extra mile to make the bridge interesting.

The Piha footbridge is one of five 'art' bridges throughout the Waitakere which integrate art with modern infrastructure. Others include the Rewarewa footbridge in New Lynn, a bridge over the Opanuku Stream in Henderson and McLeods Crossing, also in Henderson. Another is planned for Tui Glen.

"This innovative, award-winning bridge continues to demonstrate the integration of functional art into parks projects, resulting in a bridge that is practical and beautiful," says Councillor Hulse.

02 October

Mayor Harvey to take strong peace message to old Belgian battlefield

Mayor Bob Harvey

Waitakere City mayor and New Zealand Peace Foundation president Bob Harvey was today appointed to the Executive Committee of Mayors for Peace.

However, he puts his appointment down to the hard work of his city and country to build safe and peaceful places to live.

"This is simply a reflection of the reputation that Waitakere City and New Zealand have built up throughout the world over many decades," he says.

In November, Mayor Harvey will be taking New Zealand's message of peace to annual general meeting of Mayors for Peace in Ypres, Belgium - the site of many fierce battles during World War One.

Many countries will be represented there, including Croatia, Spain, Iraq, Japan, The United States of America, Italy, Germany, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and Russia, with the aim of advancing the global peace initiatives, including the United Nations Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"I will bring Waitakere City's practical experience in standing up for everyone in the community. There are huge billboards around our city saying simply: "It's Not OK". This campaign stands against family violence. It's that simple leadership for peace in our homes, peace at a local level, that I'm privileged to be able to take onto the world stage."

Mayor Harvey said that holding the meeting so close to a major battlefield is particularly appropriate: "There are still villages in Belgium and northern France who remember with real affection and honour the efforts and sacrifice New Zealanders made," he says.

"In fact only two weeks ago, a plaque in memory of Victoria Cross holder Sergeant Henry James Nicholas was unveiled to mark his "exceptional bravery" in World War One in the Belgian village of Zonnebake."

Mayor Harvey's reputation as a civic leader has earned him a number of honours. In 1998 he awarded a UNESCO "Cities for Peace" prize, in recognition of leadership in promoting safe communities. He was only one of eight mayors in the world to receive the award.

Waitakere declared itself nuclear free in 1986 and the city has flown the Nuclear Free Peace flag for over 15 years. "It's important that we continue to take positions against war on the world stage," he says.

In March 2007, Waitakere declared itself a City for Peace.

"By becoming a City for Peace, Waitakere has built on its eco and safe city agendas and joins the increasing number of 'peace cities' around the world," says Mayor Harvey.

"Some people might say our City for Peace declaration is merely words but they are definitely not hollow ones.

"All successful causes start with a vision and an invitation to other people to share it. This is about hope for the future and we can wear this with enormous pride."