Media Releases

The Environment Court yesterday upheld Waitakere City Council’s decision to grant resource consent for a café development at the popular coastal village of Piha.

Consents were approved in February 2008 for a café to be developed on the former telephone exchange and postal service site, bought in 2006 by Preserve Piha Ltd.

However, the Protect Piha Heritage Society Inc appealed the decision to the Environment Court, believing it would set a precedent for development at the beach.

Environment Court judge Gordon Whiting dismissed the appeal, ruling that a 35-seat café be allowed to open between the hours of 7am to 7pm, with the cooking of light meals only.

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27 February

Heavy rain and strong wind warning

The Metservice has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain and gale force winds

Waitakere residents are advised to prepare for a weekend of heavy rain and strong wind across the Auckland region.

The Metservice has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain and gale force winds from about 6.00am on Saturday morning. About 100mm of rain is expected to fall within 24 hours and there may be falls of 20-30mm of rain per hour at times. This raises the possibility of localised flooding and rising rivers.

Audible flood warning alarms are located on properties along Waitakere's Opanuku Stream and act as an early warning system for rising water levels. The stream tends to rise rapidly during periods of intense rainfall.

If an alarm sounds, the council will send out an investigator to assess and monitor the situation and to liaise with residents if they, or their properties, are in any danger.

Waitakere Civil Defence will also be monitoring the weather situation and is on standby for any major incidents.

Meanwhile, the council advises all residents to take the following precautions to minimise the impact of the expected weather:

Check drains and spouting and clear any blockages.
Ensure a torch, radio and spare batteries are to hand.
Stay up to date with weather forecasts on TV, radio and the internet.
Bring pets indoors.
Secure rubbish bins or any other loose objects that could be a danger in strong winds.
Report flooding incidents to the council's 24-hour call centre.

The council's Team Leader for Road Safety and Travel Plans, Kitch Cuthbert, says residents should avoid non-essential travel in stormy weather conditions.

"If you must travel on our roads during heavy rain and high winds, be sure to drive to the conditions," she says. "If in doubt, slow down. Keep your headlights on and keep a safe distance from the car in front. It's also a good idea to check the radio or Internet for regular traffic updates."

For more information on...

Weather forecasts: www.metservice.com
Traffic updates on main routes: www.transit.govt.nz/road/
Taking precautions at home: www.aucklandcivildefence.org.nz or www.getthru.govt.nz

26 February

Council and police join forces

Waitakere City Council and the New Zealand Police renewed a Memorandum of Understanding this week as they work together to tackle crime in the city.

From left Waitakere City’s John Dragicevich, Mayor Bob Harvey, Bill Searle and Scott Webb.

Working together to reduce crime and improve community safety is the focus of a renewed agreement between Waitakere City Council and the New Zealand Police.

The signing of the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last night sets out ways the two parties will work together on a range of community safety and wellbeing issues including crime reduction, road safety and emergency management.

The new agreement, signed by Mayor Bob Harvey, the council's acting chief executive officer John Dragicevich, Waitemata Police District Commander Superintendent Bill Searle and Acting Waitakere Police Area Commander Inspector Scott Webb, replaces a previous MOU established in 2004.

Mayor Harvey says the new agreement takes the council's already strong relationship with the police to the next level.

"If we are serious about making Waitakere a safe place to live it has to be collaborative effort and we are very fortunate to have a police force with the same vision and determination."

Waitemata, Police District Commander Superintendent Bill Searle says signing this Memorandum of Understanding with the Waitakere City Council demonstrates the excellent relationship that exists with its partners in local government.

"We are keen to work even more closely with the Waitakere City Council in our commitment to reduce crime and crash, and solve community problems."

"The MOU document firmly establishes a platform and framework for the council and Waitakere Police to operate collaboratively and it will have positive outcomes for our Waitakere community," Superintendent Searle said.

Every six months Waitakere City's mayor, deputy mayor and chief executive officer will meet with the district commander to look at joint strategies to reduce crime and address community safety and wellbeing issues.

The police's Waitakere area commander and the council's community wellbeing director will meet every three months to provide updates on crime and community wellbeing activities occurring in the city and to implement actions arising from the six-monthly meeting.

Since the signing of the first MOU, several initiatives have been implemented that target issues affecting the lives of everyday people.

One of these is the Mayoral Taskforce On Family Violence, which the mayor co-chairs with Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples.

The taskforce has shone the light on family violence through a series of initiatives, including a high-profile billboards featuring famous "westies". The taskforce has taken a local approach to the national It's Not OK! campaign.

Other joint initiatives, co-ordinated by the council's Safe Waitakere team, include: Crime Prevention Reference Group, City Safety Action Group, Community Action on Youth and Drugs , Graffiti Vandalism Action Group, Vehicle Crime Action Group and Town Centre Action Group.

24 February

Rates rise of 3% signalled for Waitakere

Councillor Janet Clews

After a week of deliberations, Waitakere City's Long Term Council Community Plan and Annual Plan Committee today agreed to recommend to the council that an indicative rates rise of three percent be adopted for its Draft Annual Plan for 2009/2010.

The Draft Annual Plan sets projects and budgets for the next financial year and is part of the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP), which outlines priorities through to 2019.

If adopted, a council-controlled rates increase of three percent would equate to about $1.00 extra per week for the average residential property. This would exclude regional levies outside the council's control.

However, committee chair Councillor Janet Clews says work will continue over the coming weeks to fine-tune the council's budgets before the council formally adopts its Draft Annual Plan on March 20.

"A huge amount of effort has been put in by councillors and the chief executive's budget review group to examine all expenditure and we are still keen to explore ways in which we can trim our budgets further to deliver a rates rise of under three percent," Cr Clews says.

Public consultation on the Draft Annual Plan will open on March 31 and continue until April 30, when residents and ratepayers will be encouraged to provide feedback on the council's proposed budget and prioritisations for the next financial year and beyond.

20 February

Facelift for iconic sculpture

The council is currently carrying out refurbishment of the sculpture on Tititrangi roundabout.

Titirangi village's iconic roundabout sculpture is going green.

The three structures at the intersection of Titirangi Rd and Scenic Drive are currently undergoing refurbishment, work which includes a new paint job more in keeping with the lush green backdrop of the Waitakere Ranges.

The teal green hue was selected by the curator at Lopdell House Art Gallery and has the effect of softening the visual impact of the striking art works while also complementing the organic nature of the pieces, designed by artist Lisa Higgens 16 years ago.

Some essential repair work is also being carried out on the structures.

Higgens won a design competition for graduating students run by Waitakere City Council and the Unitec School of Design to come up with a design for a public art work. In her jewellery work she was inspired by lichen and algae and enlarged some of those designs to create the sculpture, which represents the regeneration of life.

The sculpture, known as the bush markers, has polarised community opinion from the beginning, for its size, design and the original pink colour.

"There were some very strong opinions. As with all public art, people either love it or hate it," says the council's arts manager, Naomi McCleary.

"They were intended to be temporary; to be replaced after about five years but when that time came there was an outcry from the community.

"Despite all the early controversy they have become an icon of the village and appear on logos and letterheads of several organisations and businesses," she says.

18 February

Summer Slamz is back

Top Kiwi band Elemeno P will perform at Summer Slamz on 28 February

Henderson's Te Pai Park will be alive with the sound of Kiwi music and the sight of some of the best skateboarding and BMX skills in the region at the annual Summer Slamz event on 28 February.

Organised by Waitakere City Council, the popular Summer Slamz event successfully combines high action thrills and spills and great homegrown musical talent.

The BMX and skateboarding events feature open and pro sections, as well as under 13 and under 16 categories. Registration opens at 9:30am, with the competition starting at 11.00am.

"Some of the skills of those taking part are amazing and this is an event not to be missed," says organiser Richard Attwood.

Mr Attwood says music lovers are also in for a treat the Tui Award-winning Elemeno P, who headline an impressive line-up that also includes Goodnight Nurse, Midnight Youth and Clap Clap Riot.

Elemeno P is scheduled to play at 12.30pm.

Summer Slamz is one of the many free music events being held in Waitakere parks throughout the summer and is supported by The Edge, Cheapskates, Haro, Bike Barn and Zeal.

17 February

Waitakere begins budget deliberations

Councillor Janet Clews

Councillor Janet Clews

Waitakere City Council began formal deliberations on its Annual Plan (budget) today.

Over the next week Councillors will examine detailed budget material before adopting a draft budget for public consultation.

Their starting budget indicates a Council-controlled rates rise of just 2.93% (around $1.20 per week for the average residential property). This excludes regional levies for the likes of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Watercare, MoTAT and the recently established Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board.

The figure is well down on the 7% rates increase signalled in the Council's 10 year plan.

Councillor Janet Clews, chairperson of the LTCCP (Long Term Council Community Plan) and Annual Plan Committee says that in the next financial year the Council will spend the bulk of its rates money on "basics" such as stormwater, wastewater, parks, footpaths and roads.

Mrs Clews says that over the past six months a special budget review sub-committee has been working rigorously with senior staff to get any rates rise as close to the rate of inflation as possible.

She points to expenditure on items outside of the Council's control such as graffiti removal and repairing other vandalism in public places, which costs over $1 million a year. "That alone adds about one percent to our overall costs."

Mrs Clews says that tightening budgets in times of economic recession must also be balanced by maintaining basic infrastructure and services. "To do that we are going to have to delete or defer some projects and that will be the focus of our deliberations over the next week."

16 February

Voting papers in the mail

Voting papers for Massey Community Board in the mail

Voting papers for Massey Community Board by-election in the mail

Voting papers for the Massey Community Board by-election are being delivered to eligible voters from today (Monday).

The papers are expected to be delivered to eligible Massey ward residents by Saturday, February 21 with voting closing at midday on Wednesday, March 11.

Eight candidates are vying for the vacancy left by the resignation of Michael Neeson. They are Arthur Albert, Bob Jessopp, Gayleen Jacqueline Maurice, Leigh Morrow, Brian Neeson, Karen Perri, Graeme Smith and Jean Webster.

Waitakere City Council had asked the government to consider changing legislation to avoid a costly by-election taking place around the same time as a report on Auckland regional governance was due to be released.

However the Secretary for Local Government has advised the council that the window of opportunity to change the legislation was too small.

People who have not received their papers by then should contact Waitakere City Council's Electoral office at 836 8000 ext 8712.

13 February

Have your say on gambling venue policy

Public feedback sought options to limit gaming machines and venues in Waitakere.

Public opinion is being sought on the best way to manage the number of gambling venues and machines in the city as Waitakere City Council prepares to review its Gambling Venue Policy.

The council is currently looking at adopting one of two options for its reviewed policy and is now seeking public feedback on those options.

The options include:

Retaining the status quo
This would limit the number of gaming venues in the district to 58 and the number of Class 4 gaming machines, commonly referred to as 'pokie machines', to 501 (including those in betting shops).

Introducing a sinking lid policy
This would mean that if an establishment closed or removed their gaming machines, the council would not give the operator consent to re-introduce machines at that or any other location within the city. This would lead to a natural reduction in the number of gambling outlets.

Submissions open Monday, February 16, and close 5pm, Wednesday, March 18.

A comprehensive information pack with a submission form is available from:

The council's offices at 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson
Online at the council's website from Monday 16 February
All Waitakere libraries and Citizen Advice Bureaux.
The council's 24-hour call centre on 839 0400.

Submissions can also be made online on Council's website from Monday 16 February.

11 February

Drivers urged to drive to the conditions

The council wants motorists to drive to the conditions following a spate of accidents on Candia Rd in Henderson Valley

Waitakere City Council is urging motorists to drive with caution on Candia Road in Henderson Valley following three separate accidents this week.

The most serious occurred this morning (Wednesday) when a woman was badly injured and admitted to Auckland Hospital after losing control of her vehicle on a bend between Sturges Road and Vineyard Road.

The council's traffic safety spokesperson, Kitch Cuthbert, says the spate of incidents can be put down to a combination of several factors.

"After a period of dry weather, this week's rain has created a particularly slippery surface and people not driving appropriately for the conditions are putting themselves and others at risk."

"It is also a pretty windy section of road that goes downhill so people have to have their wits about them."

In the five years to the end of 2008 there were 10 reported accidents at the bend where this morning's incident occurred. Four of these resulted in serious injury.

In the same period for the entire road there were a total of 54 crashes. More than half of these occurred in wet weather.

Ms Cuthbert says the council is well aware of the problems and has implemented a series of treatments over several years to try and address the issues.

These include erecting signs on the bend advising people to slow down and that the road becomes slippery when wet. It has also resurfaced several sections of the road.

The current speed limit on Candia Road is 70km/h and the council will review whether there is a need for a reduction.

The road is included in the current list of council works as part of its Black Spot programme, which identifies roads in the region considered to be traffic safety problems and requiring works to improve these.

This week officers will replace road markers which have been damaged or removed, wash the road to remove grime built up in the hot temperatures in an effort to improve the surface.

There are also plans to increase the size of some of the advisory signs.

While the council is doing all it can to reduce the risk to motorists Ms Cuthbert says drivers have to play their part too.

"The road signs are only an advisory," she says.

"Just because it says 70km/h doesn't mean you have to go that fast - especially if it's wet. We are asking drivers to use their common sense and if they don't feel safe to slow down.

"It's also important that local drivers who use that road every day do not get complacent," she says.

10 February

City heritage to be enhanced

Part of Waitakere's rich heritage will come under the spotlight when new fencing, lighting and signage are installed at the Te Atatu Anti-Aircraft Battery on Harbourview/Orangihina Park.

Waitakere City Council's Finance and Operational Performance Committee has given the green light to seek tenders to install fencing at the site and to start the resource consent process for lighting and signage.

The fencing project will funded out of the Harbourview/Orangihina Park Special Fund.

The type of fencing selected will complement the historic nature of the site as well as the surrounding community.

"Some residents are of the view that the existing fencing is of a rural nature, not in keeping with the modern housing surrounding the park," says committee deputy chairperson, Councillor Janet Clews.

"Replacing the fencing is the first priority, as it currently poses access issues for contractors wanting to get to the battery to carry out maintenance work."

It is hoped the fencing will be installed by April.

The battery features five gun emplacements and was built in 1943 to protect the western airfields, in particular Hobsonville Airbase, from aerial attack. It is one of 12 anti-aircraft batteries built in Auckland but the only one of its kind remaining.

The site carries a Category 1 heritage rating in the council's District Plan.

Other heritage areas in the park, such as McCormick's Cottage and midden sites, will also be developed in future years.

9 February

Councillors defer pay decision

Councillor Derek Battersby

Councillor Derek Battersby and fellow elected members want more time before deciding on future pay.

Waitakere City councillors have deferred a decision on whether to accept a pay rise until next month while they continue deliberations on future council expenditure.

The council's Finance and Operations Committee agreed that councillors and community boards needed more time to work through the Remuneration Authority's recommendation that the 2009/10 funding pool for elected members be increased.

It will now be discussed at its March meeting.

"We are currently looking at all our budgets for the next financial year and this decision should be part of that debate," Councillor Derek Battersby told the meeting.

"We shouldn't take this decision in isolation.

"We also need to get a clear direction from the (remuneration) authority on the legal obligations to take up the offer or not."

The government-appointed Remuneration Authority advises how much councils must pay the mayor and a pool from which the council must recommend back to them the allocation of payments for all other elected members, including councillors and community board members. The Remuneration Authority makes the final decision on all payments.

If the council unanimously determines that the increase proposed in the pool should not be applied in full or part, it has to give the Remuneration Authority valid reasons why for the size of the pool to be reconsidered.

9 February

Be wise, get bike wise!

Riding is great for your health and the environment

Riding is great for your health and the environment

A new Waitakere cycling event that promotes "all the fun you can have on two wheels" is being held in Henderson on 21 February.

The inaugural West Bike Fest, hosted by Waitakere City Council at the Corban Estate Arts Centre, will be a day for the whole family.

The event is one of dozens taking place throughout Auckland for national BikeWise month, all of which aim to encourage Kiwis to get out of their cars and on a bike, for their own health and the health of the environment.

At the West Bike Fest, people can test their cycling skills on an obstacle course, learn how to check that their bike is safe to ride and their helmet fits properly and learn tips on bike security.

Children are also encouraged to jazz up their bikes to be in to win prizes, including vouchers from the Bike Barn, in the 'Pimp Your Ride' competition.

Members of the New Zealand under-20 women's cycling team are also attending - and locals will be in for a chance to test their skills against the professionals in a snail race.

The council is committed to encouraging residents and its staff to use more sustainable modes of transport as often as possible. This includes walking, cycling, taking public transport and car pooling.

The council also promotes the use of a 9.6km network of shared walk and cycle pathways across Waitakere and last year approved development of new cycleways on Triangle Road, Central Park Drive and Te Atatu Peninsula.

What: West Bike Fest
When: Saturday 21 February 10.00am to 12.00pm.
Where: Corban Art Centre, Henderson. Entry is free.

5 February

Don't get sick, check before taking a dip this summer

Check out the latest water quality test results before going swimming this long weekend

Check out the latest water quality test results before going swimming this long weekend

People heading to popular Waitakere swimming spots this long weekend are reminded to check whether it is safe to go in to the water.

Piha Lagoon and French Bay are being retested today (Thursday) after levels of bacteria in the water were 'elevated' - suggesting increased levels of disease causing bacteria (pathogens). These pathogens can make people ill with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Waitakere City Council has contractors carrying out weekly water quality tests at swimming spots throughout the region.

Tests are conducted in accordance with national guidelines set down in the Ministry for the Environment's Microbiological Water Quality Guidelines for Marine and Fresh Water Recreational Areas.

At locations where bacteria levels exceed the maximum acceptable level, a warning sign will be erected indicating there is a possible risk and recommending bathers do not swim at that site.

Because each location is tested weekly, conditions can change quickly, depending on weather and other environmental factors so bathers are urged to check out the council's website for the latest test results.

Bacteria levels are influenced by a wide range of factors including broken or leaky sewage pipes, sewage overflows during heavy rainfall, emergency sewage overflows, defective septic tank systems, discharges from boats, urban stormwater run-off, and farm run-off, etc.

Vegetation such as rotting seaweed, seabirds and marine sediment also has an impact.

4 February

Opening door on Waitakere artists

Open Studio Weekend logo

The work of more than 200 Waitakere artists are on show throughout March 7 and 8

Get up close and personal with some of region’s leading artists at the Waitakere City Artists’ Open Studio weekend.

On March 7 and 8, local artists will throw open their studio doors to the public for a rare insight behind the scenes of their creative process. As well as seeing art in action visitors will also meet the artists and purchase their works.

In all, 40 home studios and 10 gallery clusters, featuring the work of more than 200 artists, will be open throughout the weekend.

This is the fifth year the Waitakere City Council has organised the event and whatever your artistic tastes there is plenty to satisfy from bronze casting and iron forging to painting, stained glass, ceramics and handmade books.

Designer knitwear, jewellery, photography, mosaics, weaving, printmaking and engraving are also featured.

"Waitakere is home to many talented artists whose work is recognised throughout New Zealand," says the council's Culture and Community Committee chairperson, Judy Lawley.

"Our open studio weekend is an important showcase for their work - it's a feast of art in various mediums and fascinating to see artists in their own settings and creative spaces.

"I'm looking forward to this year's open studio weekend being bigger and better than ever," Cr Lawley says.

Participating artists are dotted throughout the vast Waitakere region and visitors can download the official brochure and map from the council’s website, www.waitakere.govt.nz. Alternatively, call the council's 24-hour call centre on 09 839 0400 to organise for one to be sent out.

Or you could catch the mini bus that leaves from the Corban Estate Arts Centre at 10.30am and 1.30pm each day. Each trip last 2 ½ hours and tickets are $15 each. Bookings essential and can be made through the council's 24 hour call centre on 09 839 0400.

What: Waitakere City Artists’ Open Studio Weekend.
When: March 7 and 8. 10.00am to 4.00pm. Free entry.
Where: At 40 art studios and 10 gallery clusters open throughout Waitakere.

4 February

Central and local government can lead recovery

Mayor Harvey says local government key in leading country out of economic recession

Mayor Harvey says local government key in leading country out of economic recession

Local government has a key role in leading the country out of the economic recession, says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Speaking at today's announcement by the Prime Minister of support for small and medium sized businesses, Mayor Harvey said local bodies are also vital to the economic recovery.

Local Authorities account for 4% of GDP annually. "That translates into hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs. For local economy, read local government," he says.

"In many town and cities local bodies are not only the largest employers, but their spend has huge down-stream economic benefits."

In Waitakere, he pointed to a number of major capital works projects that have begun or will roll out in the coming months.

They include:

New Lynn transit station - This $300 million project sees 300 construction jobs on site currently. By June tenders will be called for $20 million worth of roadworks associated with the project.
The New Lynn civic development. - In March Waitakere City Council and private investors Infratil will unveil a project to demolish and rebuild the entire centre of New Lynn.
This will be the largest public-private development undertaken in the Auckland Region over the next five years.
Hobsonville - By October this year, Stage 1 of Hobsonville will be under construction. This is New Zealand's largest single development of any kind.
State Highway 16 and 18 - $220 million and 160 jobs on site currently.
Westgate- With partners the New Zealand Retail Property Group, $600 million worth of work on a new town centre. The first stage alone is worth $100 million, over three years.

"These are not pie in the sky projects. They are underway or about to kick-off and demonstrate the very real commitment that this City has to economic development," said Mayor Harvey in his speech. "This is the Waitakere way of economic leadership that we have developed since 1992, and represents a major stimulus package for New Zealand in its own right."

At today's announcement, Mayor Harvey also congratulated the Government on the leadership it has shown.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And this Government has certainly shown that it is getting things moving."

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4 February

Support for Rosebank Peninsula option for State Highway 20

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says that speeding up completion of the Western Ring Road is essential and therefore his council supports a route through the Rosebank Peninsula.

He is responding to a government decision to drop plans for a tunnel option, through Waterview.

"In these economic times it is a matter of cutting the cloth - the important thing is that this important link is completed one way or another," he says.

"We have to get the State Highway completed and this means we have to change direction for the most money-efficient and time-efficient option."

In 2003, Waitakere City resolved that: "The Waitakere City Council strongly prefers the Rosebank option to the Waterview option for the extension of State Highway 20 to State Highway 16."

Mayor Harvey says Waitakere only changed its mind on the issue because it was told that the Waterview option would get built much sooner.

" What we've seen in the past few years is a lot of dicking around and no action," he says. "Hopefully, with the government's announcement, things can get moving."

After consulting in 2006 with Transit (the government's previous roading authority) and Auckland City Council, Waitakere resolved: "While the Rosebank option may provide greater local benefits to Waitakere City, it is necessary to take into account the risk that the project would not proceed within the next ten years under the Rosebank option and the significant impacts of each option on Auckland City and the region."

Mayor Harvey commented: "We are seeing central government choose carefully which infrastructure projects will generate the most jobs into the long term. The Rosebank Peninsula option services a greater employment area and needs to be put back on the table."

3 February

RMA changes welcomed

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has welcomed changes to the Resource Management Act announced today

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has welcomed changes to the Resource Management Act announced today

One of the country's leading environmentalists has welcomed today's announcement of changes to the Resource Management Act.

Bob Harvey says a review of the Act is timely and provides more certainty for both Councils and the development community.

Harvey, who is also the Mayor of Waitakere City, says that in the past implementation of the Act was largely open to interpretation. "I have never met two Councils, or two people, who saw this complex piece of legislation in the same way."

"A much streamlined process also gives greater certainty to investors and developers in these tough economic times."

He particularly welcomes the establishment of a national Environmental Protection Agency. "Again, this will mean that some aspects of the regulations are managed consistently, on a nation-wide basis, rather than being open to interpretation." tightening up of the objection process. "

And Mayor Harvey says limitations put on trade competitors are long overdue- a point made in Waitakere's own submission to the Government. "Too often in the past major projects with solid social and economic benefits have been held up because of petty competitors or vexatious neighbours," he says.

"The RMA was a ground breaking piece of legislation and its intent is laudable. However, after 10 years it was time to re-look at what was working and, more importantly, what was not. These changes will usher in more and better development."

3 February

Environment Court ruling sets limit on Swanson development

Environment Court decision moves debate over future subdivision in Swanson forward.

Waitakere City Council has moved a step closer to resolving debate around future subdivision in the Swanson foothills area following an Environment Court ruling on the issue.

The Environment Court has accepted that it is appropriate for there to be a structure plan in Swanson, but has determined that the final structure plan should take a more conservative approach to subdivision than the version that was proposed by the council.

The council has been directed to re-write the Swanson Structure Plan and make consequential changes to its District Plan to reflect the Court's ruling.

The landowners' group, which appealed the council's decision on the structure plan, had sought 198 additional lots. The council had proposed 116 potential further lots. The Environment Court has found that 52 additional lots are appropriate, which is more closely aligned with the outcome sought by opponents of development in the Swanson foothills.

While the court opted for a lower density than that supported by the council, it has accepted the council's position that subdivision applications that seek to go beyond the density provided for in the Swanson Structure Plan should be a prohibited activity. Under the Resource Management Act, no application can be made for any activity that is classified as 'prohibited'.

In its ruling, the court stated that it wanted the amended structure plan to allow fewer opportunities for subdivision because it considers that "the existing fine balance between rural and urban in the Swanson Foothills is in real danger of being upset to its detriment by further subdivision and development".

Vanessa Neeson, Chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committee says the council is still considering the implications of the ruling.

"The council had carefully considered the most appropriate outcome for Swanson, in terms of striking a balance between subdivision opportunities and environmental enhancement. We had hoped that the depth of this work would be reflected more closely in the outcome," she says.

"It is a large and complex decision though, so our lawyers are currently reviewing it to advise the council on its obligations and the process from this point."

2 February

Air Force band plays free concert

The RNZAF Base Auckland Band brings its brassy sounds to Waitakere with a concert at Falls Reserve in Henderson on 15 Feb

Bold as brass and keen to take the brass band sound to a wider audience is the aim of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland Band which performs in Henderson this month.

The 30-piece brass band is giving a one-off concert at the band rotunda in Falls Reserve on Sunday 15 February from 2.00pm and its leader is excited to be performing at the venue.

"It's really great to be playing in the community but even more exciting is playing at band rotunda like this, something I'd like to do more of as it means these structures are being used for what they were intended," says bandmaster, Flight Sergeant Denis Spurdle.

Waitakere City Council is sponsoring the free concert and hopes to see a big turn out.

"This is a rare opportunity to see a band of this calibre in such a setting and we are delighted that they have agreed to perform in Waitakere," says of the council's Culture and Community Committee chairman, Judy Lawley.

"I would encourage anyone who loves this style of music to get down to Falls Reserve, sit back and enjoy a wonderful afternoon's entertainment."

Mr Spurdle says people who attend the concert can expect a varied programme from traditional military favourites to more modern tunes.

The part-time band is based at Whenuapai and is one of four RNZAF bands throughout New Zealand that play at military parades and ceremonial events as well military tattoo and pageants as well as major sporting and community events.

Many of its members live in Waitakere and it recently returned from a successful trip to Hong Kong were the band were the invited guests of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and performed in the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade and a series of concerts.