Media Releases

September 2008

Thousands flock to Storyfest

Tall tales and short stories were part of the fun at this year's Storyfest

More than 3000 turned out to enjoy this year's Storyfest event in Kelston on Saturday, September 27.

The theme of this year's festival, On the move - journeys great and small, featured traveller's tales of pioneers, passengers, pirates, nomads, gypsies and explorers.

A fun and free day out for the whole family, the Waitakere City Council-sponsored event at Kelston Community Centre also featured a fun-filled programme of have-a-go activities, workshops and entertainers.

A big hit for kids was a special black light room, where Cyber City Circus performers, dressed in fluorescent costumes, performed juggling and acrobatics. Kids were also encouraged to have a go at circus activities, including juggling, plate-spinning and unicycle riding.

For those feeling creative, there were workshops in poi-making, juggling, ball making, Korean and Burmese calligraphy and story writing.  Storyfest has been running for 13 years, promoting storytelling, literacy and literature among young people. It is an integral part of the annual Going West Books and Writers Festival.

30 September

Festival celebrates arts and cultures of Oceania

Oceania Festival of Arts

The art, cultures and stories of the Oceanic region are the feature of a special festival at the Waitakere Central Library this month.

Held from October 9 to 11, the Oceania Festival of Arts encourages people to try their hand at traditional crafts, such as lei-making and flax weaving, and to participate in dance and music performances, or just sit back and be entertained. There will also be spectacular carvings and tivaevae (traditional Cook Island quilts) on display, as well as lunchtime storytelling sessions.

The event is organised by Waitakere City Council's Waitakere Libraries Multicultural and Migrant Services and the Pacific Mamas Arts and Cultural Trust.

All library branches will display Pacific Island languages books and visitors who complete a 'Wordfind' competition will go into a daily draw to win a free DVD voucher from the library.

Oceania Festival of the Arts programme:

30 September

Waitakere adopts smokefree areas in parks policy

New policy would apply near playgrounds

Waitakere City Council is asking residents to kick a nasty habit in the butt while enjoying some of the city's open spaces.

The council has agreed to introduce a smokefree parks policy in areas where children and young people gather, such as playgrounds, skate parks and sports fields (including netball, basketball and tennis courts) and event areas.

Committee chairman Councillor Penny Hulse says the policy has an educative focus and asks people not to smoke in areas frequented by children - to send a positive message that smoking is not a 'normal' activity.

"There is growing evidence that children are more likely to become smokers if they see others smoking around them. We hope the policy will encourage people to become positive smokefree role models."

Statistics for the 2006 Census statistics around 21 percent of people in Waitakere are daily smokers.

Manukau City Council is introducing a similar policy.

Auckland Cancer Society chief executive John Loof says it is delighted to be working with both councils as they introduce their smokefree areas in parks policies.

"It is estimated that around 5000 New Zealanders die from smoking-related illnesses each year. If we can stop just a few of the region's young people from becoming smokers, then we'll have been successful."

Waitakere City Council is currently working on the policy's implementation, including finalising a launch date.

30 September

Waitakere Ranges Heritage information packs

The Waitakere Ranges are popular with trampers.

All you ever wanted to know about the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area is now available in a handy information pack.

An initiative of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group, the Waitakere City Council and the Auckland Regional Council, the pack is available to residents living in the heritage area and will be distributed by local resident and ratepayer groups. You can also collect a pack from the council's customer service counter.

The pack contains information on a range of issues relevant to the Heritage Area, including its history, culture and biodiversity, protecting and restoring the ecology of the area and community links and resources.

The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act (2008) was passed by Parliament this year, the milestone legislation ensuring the character and heritage of the area is kept intact well into the future.

The community information pack is officially launched on October 23 at the annual general meeting of the West Coast Plan Liaison Group at the Arataki Visitors' Centre, Scenic Drive, at 7.30pm. Guest speaker, Dr Morgan Williams will talk about the Waitakere Ranges area.

29 September

Hundreds attend New Lynn open day

Click image for large version

New Lynn Open Day visitors look at council displays on future New Lynn developments

An invitation to learn more about future developments in the New Lynn town centre attracted more than 300 people to this month's New Lynn Public Open Day.

Hosted by Waitakere City Council and ONTRACK, the open day at the New Lynn Community Centre offered people the opportunity to learn more about the impending construction of a one-kilometre-long rail trench through the town centre and its associated roadworks, as well as future development plans for New Lynn. Visitors were also able to view a scale model of the trench.

Last month, ONTRACK signed a $160 million contract with Fletchers Consortium to start the work, which involves putting the tracks and station below ground level to enable seamless development and movement above ground and improved passenger and freight services.

The massive transport infrastructure project is part of ONTRACK's upgrade of the Auckland rail network and also sits at the heart of the council's redevelopment plans for New Lynn.

When completed in 2010, the trench will stretch from Titirangi Road to Portage Road, within the existing rail corridor, measuring up to eight metres in depth. Roads cut by the trench will be reconnected by bridges.

A new rail station will integrate with a new bus terminal located above ground, allowing people to move quickly and easily between bus and train locations. This will enable very comprehensive bus and rail services within New Lynn to connect it with the rest of the region. The aim is to make these services so frequent (every 10 minutes at peak times) and to serve so many people that a timetable won't be necessary and most people won't need a car to get around quickly and conveniently.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) is working on the development of these services right now so that the first stage of enhanced services can be serving New Lynn when the trench opens in about mid-2010.

Meanwhile, the council is firming up its plans for the future development of the New Lynn town centre. It is due to adopt its final New Lynn Urban Regeneration Framework next month, which will guide how and where future development will take place.

The framework includes seven project areas which will deliver a bustling and vibrant town centre that people will want to live, work, play and do business in.

The Transit Centre is the council's current focus, with the building of the world-class transport interchange. However, the proposed Merchants' Quarter (between Totara Ave, Memorial Drive and Great North Road) will also be a key redevelopment area for the council. It will form the 'heart' of New Lynn's town centre as a place where people can meet, eat, shop and be entertained. The area will also have a pedestrian focus with good connections to the new transport interchange and other parts of the town centre.

26 September

Global Café opening music to young ears

Sina Etiana above of Kelston Girls High School and the Limit Break Dance crew below were the first to peform at the new Global Café youth centre in Henderson

Waitakere's youth finally have a place to call their own with the opening of a multi-purpose youth facility in Henderson today.

The Global Café is a state-of-the-art facility developed by Waitakere City Council, which spent $2.5 million refurbishing the old Henderson Library building to include a performance area, café, media room, sound-proofed rehearsal rooms, recording studio and an art studio and gallery.

Catering for 13 to 25 year olds, the Global Café fills a gap in the youth leisure market and gives the city's young people a place to socialise, learn new skills and be entertained.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says the exciting new facility is the perfect response to the needs of Waitakere youth, which were identified in a 2001 study on their leisure needs.  "Youth today are incredibly diverse; culturally, spiritually and in their abilities and interests. Being a world-class hip hop crew, as we have here in Waitakere, is today as important as being a top rugby team," he says.

"The vision for the Global Café is to be a place that youth can call their own and to express and develop themselves through music, art and performance. That is just what the youth of this city told us they wanted.

"This is the realisation of a 15-year dream for this council and the youth of Waitakere," Mayor Harvey says.

The facility is managed by the Zeal Education Trust, which also runs a similar operation in Wellington.

Global Café manager Stacey Hitchcock gave special thanks to the council for its support and foresight to deliver such an outstanding facility.

"I cannot believe the council we have," she says.

"This has been the most amazing experience for us working with the council, which has been incredibly supportive and has shown great leadership to build something like this for its young people."

The honour of unveiling the plaque to celebrate Global Café's September 26 opening was given to local musician Tau Manukia of the award-winning band Spacifix.

New era for heritage pear trees

Cr Judy Lawley with Elizabeth Francke & Elizabeth Grimmer at Cranwell Park

A commitment to preserving a piece of Waitakere's orcharding heritage could start to bear fruit in less than a decade.

Waitakere City Council this week planted 20 pear trees in Henderson's Cranwell Park. The trees were propagated from varieties first grown by the Cranwell family more than 100 years ago and it is hoped the modern plants will start to fruit in five to seven years time.

The park is where Robert Cranwell established Pomaria Orchards between 1890 and 1891 and where he planted around 100 acres of orchard with pears, figs, apples, peaches, plums and citrus.

Culture and Community Committee chairman councillor Judy Lawley and Henderson Community Board chairman Elizabeth Grimmer and board member Elizabeth Francke were on hand to help with the digging.

"The preservation of these trees on public land means that they can continue to be relevant to the community today," says Cr Lawley.

In July, the council's Culture and Community Committee gave the go ahead to plant the trees in historically significant sites throughout the city, starting with Cranwell Park. More will be planted at Corban Winery Estate, Tui Glen and the Harbouview/Orangihina Park in Te Atatu.

Former city councillor, the late Gordon Sunde, raised the importance of preserving and propagating the pear trees as a link to the region's strong orcharding heritage. Mr Sunde's family is synonymous with orcharding and viticulture in the region.

Elizabeth Francke was another calling for the trees' preservation.

"I'm delighted these beautiful trees will be around for future generations to enjoy," she says.

Orcharding, viticulture and farming became the predominant land uses in Waitakere at the turn of the 20th century, after land had been cleared for the area's early industries, such as timber milling, gum digging and ceramics.

In fact, up until the 1960s Waitakere was known as Auckland's "fruit bowl" but demand for housing soon began fragmenting the existing orchards and vineyards.

Storyfest celebrates tales of travel

Cyber City Circus will perform at Storyfest on Saturday.

If you've ever wanted to run away and join the circus this weekend's Storyfest in Kelston is the place to be.

'Have-a-go' circus activities and performers are included in the jam-packed programme for the September 27 event at the Kelston Community Centre. The event is sponsored by Waitakere City Council.

Storyfest has been running for 13 years and is a free, family event for children of all ages. It promotes storytelling, literacy and literature among young people and is an integral part of the Going West Books and Writers Festival.

This year's theme, On the move – journeys great and small, features travel tales of pioneers, passengers and pirates, nomads, gypsies and explorers.

A black light room performance room has been created for the circus and some of the storytelling events, including the Cyber City Circus neon show and the fluorescent poi show.

For those feeling creative there are workshops in card-making, Somalian calligraphy, globe-making and story writing.

Other events and performers include Puppet Circus with John Rews, Greg the Pirate, Nick Name the magician, bucket drumming with the Travelling Tuataras, gypsy dancing, facepainting and roving entertainment by Bill 'n Kath.

And true to Waitakere's status as an eco city, people can learn more about looking after our precious natural resources though a range of displays from EcoWater, Wai Care and the ARC Stream Pirates.

View Storyfest event details

For more information go to www.goingwest.co.nz or call the council's 24-hour call centre on 839 0400.

Waitakere and Ningbo sign trade agreement

Mayor Bob Harvey with Madam Juhua Liao and Mr Bayin Chaolu

Waitakere has become the first New Zealand city to sign a trade agreement with China.

Mayor Bob Harvey and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Ningbo People's Congress Mr Bayin Chaolu, last night officially signed a trade and investment agreement.

The signing paves the way for Waitakere to take New Zealand businesses to China and open markets for business opportunities between the two countries.

It makes official a commitment made by both cities during Mayor Bob's visit to Ningbo in May this year, where he met with Mr Chaolu and discussed the options of an agreement.

This historic event occurs in the same year as Waitakere and Ningbo celebrate 10 years since its sister city relationship was established.

Mayor Bob says the agreement is a huge opportunity, not just for business in Waitakere but New Zealand.

"The signing of this important document only adds to an exciting economic future for this city and its people, who will benefit."

Mayor Bob says Waitakere can learn much from the Chinese and Ningbo economies.

"They are examples of astonishing economic success and we want to be a part of that."

Mr Chaolu's presence, as well as that of the new Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland Madam Juhua Liao, indicated the significance of the occasion to the Chinese.

Mr Chaolu acknowledged the many strong relationships already established between the two cities, particularly in the areas of education, environmental protection design, arts and culture.

"We are ready to work with Waitakere City Council and its people to further advance our friendly cooperative relationships.

"I believe the frequent visits by high level officials from China and Ningbo will greatly promote these relationships."

Madam Juhua Liao also welcomed the agreement.

"I am very glad with the signing of this a trade and investment agreement and a memorandum of understanding to strengthen friendly cooperation between the two cities.

"I believe that through their efforts the relationships between the two cities will be further enhanced."

With the Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China coming in to effect on October 1, Madam Liao says this signing is another example strengthening bonds between both countries.

About Ningbo:
Ningbo is a coastal city situated in eastern China in the south flank of the Yangtze River Delta, in Zhejiang Province, bordering Shanghai and Hangzhou. It has a population of 5.6 million people.

The port of Ningbo consists of three areas: Ningbo port area, Zhenhai port area and Beilun port area.

Ningbo also has a fertile land and abundant produces; it is an agricultural economy area of comprehensive developed in cereals, cotton, oil, economic native specialities and aquatic products as well as rural industry. It covers an area of 9,365 sq km.

18 September

Council wins two New Zealand Recreation Association awards

The Piha footbridge pays homage to long and short finned eel which call Piha Stream home.

West Wave Aquatic Centre combines fun high quality facilities for fun and competition.

Waitakere City Council enjoyed double success at the New Zealand Recreation Association Awards in Christchurch last night.

The West Wave Aquatic Centre won the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) Outstanding Pool Award while the Piha Domain's Story of an Eel footbridge was took out the NZRA Outstanding Project Award.

The awards were presented at a gala dinner as part of the International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration Asia Pacific Congress.

The accolade caps off a stellar year for West Wave, which is also a finalist in three categories of the Bank of New Zealand Waitakere Business Awards, won the National Swim School Promotion of the Year award from the Swimming Coaches and Teachers of New Zealand and in June ushered in its one millionth customer for the year.

The NZRA awards are considered among the most prestigious in the industry and a mark of all round excellence.

West Wave Aquatic Centre manager Mark Blake says the win confirms that it is on the right track in terms of service, quality of facilities and overall business excellence.

"We've worked hard in the past three years in particular, to boost the numbers of people coming through the door, offering them value for money, great customer service and ensuring we have the facilities they want.

"We are always striving to do the best we can, the challenge now is to continue to improve and it's a challenge we are willing to take on."

The centre has experienced impressive growth in visitor numbers and profits, the lap pools are regularly used by local aquatic clubs and around it hosts 80 percent of New Zealand's national aquatic events.

Built for use in the 1990 Commonwealth Games, West Wave Aquatic Centre now includes a 25 metre and 50-metre lap pool, wave pool, hydro slide, fitness and recreation centres.

NZRA spokesperson Kirsten Malpas says West Wave's managers used strong leadership, excellent communication and comprehensive marketing to turn the pool into a valuable community asset and a nationally regarded facility.

"West Wave caters for the whole community, offering a broad range of physical activities and health programmes," says Malpas.

"Attendance has increased almost 10 percent in the past 12 months and that speaks volumes," she says. "During that time more than 100,000 people have taken Learn to Swim classes (up 13.5 percent from previous year), and customer satisfaction ratings are exceedingly high.

"The pool managers and their staff are to be congratulated for delivering a truly outstanding service," she says.

The new 'Story of the Eel' footbridge in Piha will be officially opened later this month and was praised by the judges as being "outstanding on all levels".

"The council was very holistic in its approach and end result," says Kirsten Malpas.

"They went the extra mile to make the bridge interesting. They engaged the local community in design choices, and considered sustainability across a range of factors. We were very impressed with the project."

The bridge replaces a narrow, steep timber bridge which linked Piha Domain to Piha South Beach. The domain being a popular visitor attraction and council was mindful of consulting Piha residents and other stakeholders, who had an interest in this beautiful coastal environment.

The bridge represents a great migratory eel and celebrates the fact Piha Stream is home to short and long finned eel. Its design is by Piha artist Mandy Patmore.

Historically, eels were of great significance to early Maori, featuring in many myths.

Eels continue to live in Piha stream because of its excellent water quality.

"Having a bridge in the shape of an eel, provides an opportunity to explain the value of conservation to visitors. The bridge has stylized eel life stages inlayed on its floor, helping people understand more about this amazing creature," says Ms Patmore.

The project was managed by council's Parks Assets team.

"This project is a great example of collaboration between the community, Council and contractors working together to achieve a successful outcome," says Waitakere city Council's Parks manager Grant Jennings.

"This innovative award-winning bridge continues to demonstrate the integration of functional art into Parks projects."

Piha's bridge is one of a number in Waitakere that have been designed by local artists and that have drawn both local and international attention. They include the Rewarewa footbridge in new Lynn, a bridge over the Opanuku Stream in Henderson and McLeods Crossing, also in Henderson.

Mayor pays tribute

Bob Harvey has dedicated his latest Mayoral report to slain police officer Don Wilkinson.

The Waitakere Mayor's monthly report will be presented at the next full Council meeting (on September 24).

In a forward to the report Mayor Harvey says: "The killing of police strikes at the very heart of a decent society. I, like all Mayors of the region have forwarded my condolences to the New Zealand Police and our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues."

Mr Wilkinson was shot and killed whilst involved in an undercover police raid on a property in South Auckland.

Mayor Harvey hopes to attend Mr Wilkinson's funeral in Auckland tomorrow.

18 September

New look

Council's new look website homepage

Waitakere City Council's website is having a makeover.

The redesigned home page goes live the evening of 23 September and will feature a much fresher look incorporating greater use of graphics and images to illustrate the many stories, events and other Council activities that make up our daily lives.

Redesigned quick links and the introduction of drop down menus running across the page ensure the site is ultra user-friendly.

You'll be able to keep up to date with all the latest council news, which will be regularly updated on the home page and revolving "What's New?" information box.

An added feature for users is the ability to resize text, sure to be of value to anyone who is visually impaired.

Some of the design features on the home page will gradually be incorporated throughout the rest of the site.  If you're looking for information about paying your rates, places to visit, events, council services and projects, you can find it here.

17 September

Mayor wants 'please explain'

Mayor Bob Harvey has called the region's rail service providers to task over recent disruptions to the service.

In recent days thousands of commuters have had to wait for up to two hours during peak times.

Today the Waitakere Mayor wrote to Ontrack and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority calling on them to attend his Council's next full meeting (on September 24).

"Basically it's a 'please explain' meeting," he says.

"I've received dozens of phone calls from irate commuters who say they won't ever use the rail service again. And who can blame them? It seems that every month there is a breakdown of some sort. Rail is becoming a sad joke, rather than the world-class passenger transport service that it should be."

Mayor Harvey says he and his Council will be asking the "hard questions" of those in charge of running the service.

"In the end we will be seeking an assurance that these sorts of things are rare and unavoidable, rather than the regular, unexplained, balls ups that they appear."

17 September

Ramp signals go west

The first two ramp signals on the Northwestern Motorway go live on Monday 22 September, marking the first step west in the roll out of NZ Transport Agency's comprehensive traffic management system for Auckland.

The new ramp signals are located on the St Lukes Road westbound and Newton Road westbound on-ramps. Signals on the Great North Road (Waterview) and Patiki Road westbound on-ramps will follow shortly.

A further six on-ramp sites between Patiki Road and Royal Road on the Northwestern Motorway will be completed and commissioned over the next few months. The ramp signals will improve a number of capacity and safety issues on the Northwestern Motorway and are also being co-ordinated with Waitakere City's planned improvements to Lincoln Road and Te Atatu. The project includes installing truck, bus and car-pool lanes on the citybound on-ramps at Lincoln Road, Te Atatu Road (Peninsula) and Great North Road as well as upgrading a number of corresponding off-ramps.

Ramp signals - traffic lights at on-ramps that manage the rate at which vehicles move down the ramp and onto the motorway - help improve traffic flows and safety on the motorway, while enabling more consistent speeds, safer merging and more predictable travel times. The signals operate only when needed during the morning and afternoon peaks and through other busy periods. At all other times they remain off.

Operators have a range of cameras giving a real time view of traffic operations throughout the area. At the same time, the NZTA is working closely with Auckland and Waitakere City Councils to manage and assist traffic flows on the local approaches to the on-ramps.

The installation follows successful operations on each of the southbound on-ramps on the Southern Motorway last year, as well as the northbound on-ramps from Mt Wellington to Gillies Avenue. The operation of these ramp signals has seen a 15% improvement in travel speeds and a 5-15% increase in throughput of vehicles.

For more information visit www.transit.govt.nz/projects/rampsignalling/.

16 September

Schools turn trash into high fashion

Click to enlarge

Supreme talent: Layla Bluck-Wulf modelled her award-winning creation, Horizons.

12 September

Motorway runners putting lives at risk

11 September

New Lynn public open day

An artist impression of the new New Lynn transport interchange

New Lynn town centre development plans on show September 20.

Saturday 20 September
10.00am - 3.00pm
New Lynn Community Centre, Totara Avenue

New Lynn is on the verge of a long-awaited transformation of its town centre, starting with the construction of a one-kilometre-long trench that will separate road and rail.

To enable you to learn more about development plans for New Lynn, a public open day is being hosted by Waitakere City Council and ONTRACK on Saturday, September 20, 10am to 3pm, at the New Lynn Community Centre on Totara Avenue.

Come along and find out how ONTRACK plans to build the rail trench and underground station and what changes are needed to enable the construction to take place.

Information will also be available on the council's draft strategy and concept plan for the redevelopment of the New Lynn town centre around its new transport infrastructure.

The concept reflects the unique history and character of New Lynn and provides a guide for the redevelopment of its commercial core, civic spaces and surrounding residential environs to create a mixed-use town centre that focuses more on people than cars.

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) will provide information on future developments and improvements in public transport.

For information on the rail trench construction, visit www.ProjectDART.org.nz.

10 September

Mayor calls for hard line to end child abuse

Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey is calling for tough intervention and the removal of children from at risk families to stem the tide of child abuse in New Zealand.

Opening the "Every Child Counts" conference in Wellington this morning, Mayor Harvey hit out at the continued "fumbling" of government agencies who fail to protect at risk children.

He says despite the work of numerous agencies and much discussion, the statistics of children being maimed, beaten and dying continues.

"Enough is enough. We have to toughen up and say that some people right now are just not fit to be parents."

Mayor Harvey says newborns in particular can, and must, be protected.

"I am talking about intervention at the earliest stage possible- in the maternity ward," he says. "I believe strongly that some children, new born, should not actually be allowed to go home. Doctors, nurses and mid-wives can tell a dysfunctional family situation. They know that as soon as that baby is taken out the door it will go into a home of neglect and dysfunction."

Mayor Harvey wants to see a national register of every child born country and that a system is implemented to monitor and track their lives. "Plunket used to do it. Even the old Family Benefit was a way of tracking a child's wellbeing and welfare. We must go back to the basics, rather than setting up more research and think-tanks," he says.

Mayor Harvey says legislation such as the Privacy Act is also a hindrance. "It stops us sharing information and it stops us thinking clearly. We need to think carefully about whether our laws are putting individuals' civil liberties ahead of the welfare of our children."

Mayor Harvey also advocates having social workers in schools. "Spotting the children that are at risk. At the moment many of our teachers have become part-time social workers. They all know the troubled kids and they know the troubled families but then don't have the networks or authority to intervene."

Mayor Harvey says government agencies appear to operate at arms length - "Out of touch bureaucrats simple ticking boxes and failing to deliver outcomes.'

"The problem lies as much in the hearts of the corridors of Wellington and the dingy government buildings of Queen Street as it does in our communities. For too long, hand wringing professionals have been pontificating about solutions, writing papers, analysing data, forming policy, but never rolling up their sleeves and getting out there into our communities. The only real data that counts are the death notices and hospitalisations we see every day."

Mayor Harvey was asked to open today's conference because of the work he is doing with his own "Taskforce on Family Violence", set up last year.

He says more support needs to go to the 'hands on' agencies, like the Salvation Army and the Waitakere-based Waipareira Trust.

"They need to be allowed to be a 'wraparound' service to provide total solutions, so families aren't lost in the cracks between government departments."

Mayor Harvey says these are times when we need to cheer on organisations that are making a difference at the grassroots of the community; Project K, Roots of Empathy, Cool Schools, Hippy, Family Start and Parents as First Teachers are all helping vulnerable families.

However, he says more is obviously needed.

"We can no longer look away, and close our ears to the cries and screams from next door. We have to 'call people out' if they won't stop or won't listen."

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

Mayor's Speech (Size 24K)

Assessment of housing stocks a priority

5 September 2008

Waitakere City's economy in good shape

Waitakere City's economic performance is running ahead of the national economy, according to a report prepared by BERL.

Waitakere Business and Economy 2007 says for the key economic indicators of population and business growth, Waitakere is out performing the national economy.

Areas of significant growth in the year to March 2007 were tourism that rose by 14 percent with the number of guest nights rating four times the national average.

Growth in employment and local GDP both long term and over the 2006-07 year has been led by the recreation services sector, including industries such as the creative sector (film radio and television services, libraries, museums and the arts)

Mayor Bob Harvey says these long term economic growth statistics for Waitakere are great news and bode well for the city to ride out the current tough economic conditions.

"While times are hard for everyone right now, this progress report for Waitakere is incredibly heartening, especially as it shows we are running ahead of both the Auckland region and the national economy on some key economic indicators."

The BERL report uses business demographic data collected by Statistics New Zealand over the past ten years.

Key figures for Waitakere over the past ten years include:

• Population growth averaging 1. 9% compared to 1.2% nationally
• Business units increased 3.9 % compared to 3.5% nationally
• Local GDP growth in Waitakere at 2.7 % was slightly lower than the national average

Bob Harvey says the economic results can best be described as 'steady' and a number of project that are about to come on stream are likely to improve Waitakere's performance.

These including the major transport project in New Lynn, housing, industry and retail developments in Hobsonville and Whenuapai.

5 September

Waitakere youth celebrate Global Cafe opening

4 September 2008

Rugby World Cup - a shot in the arm for Auckland region

3 September

Take survey and be in to win

Click image to begin survey

Waitakere residents have the chance to win $50 worth of shopping vouchers just by taking part in a quick survey.

Waitakere Properties Limited (a subsidiary of Waitakere City Council) is investigating the potential for an international-standard hotel to be developed along Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson.

Horwath HTL Limited, a specialist hotel, tourism and leisure consulting firm, has been engaged to undertake an in-depth study as part of the research, which includes a short internet-based survey into possible hotel demand.

Waitakere Properties Limited and Horwath HTL are offering a prize draw of retail shopping vouchers to the value of $50 for survey participants.

The winners of the prizes will be drawn from surveys completed prior to 5pm on Friday, October 17, 2008.

Winner's will be informed by Monday, October 20, 2008.

To participate in the survey go to:

http://htl.horwath.co.nz/index.cfm/Resident_Survey

2 September

Sturges park and ride facility opened

2 September

Moves to improve bus efficiency in Waitakere

1 September

Stopping traffic to save lives

Some of the 13 children featured in an innovative road safety campaign to slow down traffic on Vodanovich Road in Te Atatu.

Mayoral citation for hip hop champs

Click to enlarge image

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey presented Sweet and Sour with a mayoral citation in recognition of their victory

World champion hip hop dance troupe have received a mayor citation.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey recently presented members of the Kelston-based dance troupe Sweet & Sour with the accolade in recognition of its win in varsity division of the World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas.

The nine-member troupe, which had its beginnings two years ago while some of the boys attended Kelston Boys High School, was among 1500 dancers from 25 countries to participate in the event.

Mayor Harvey says the young dancers' effort and success was something that the whole of Waitakere can be proud of.

“Your achievement sets a benchmark that I'm sure will inspire other young people."

Sweet & Sour are: Hadleigh Pouesi, Thomas Lose, Arona Leaga-Mini, Hurricane Tamarua, Christmas Tavita, Adam Fifita, Fender Maeva, David Pene and Leon Huinga.