Media Releases

January 2009

30 January

Waitakere Postpones Hearings

Waitakere City Council will delay public hearings on a proposed district plan change intended to create a Whenuapai Airport Special Area (comprising most of the current airbase).

At a meeting this morning, the Minister of Defence Hon Dr Wayne Mapp told Waitakere City that there is a significant paper going to Cabinet by the end of March on the future of Whenuapai air base.

Mayor Bob Harvey says: "With that development it makes sense to delay and then look at going forward with all the available information."

Mayor Harvey says the Council received assurances from Dr Mapp that both parties will work together on the future of the air base, that the Air Force will be remaining at Whenuapai for the foreseeable future and that an early start will be made to upgrading the runway and other aspects of the Airfield so that the infrastructure will be preserved and enhanced.

"The Minister's commitment today takes the time pressure off. It looks like some real certainty will come out of this so that future generations do not regret any option being closed off. A postponement until a Cabinet decision makes sense."

Mayor Harvey adds that the airfield and land surrounding it is a vital piece of national infrastructure to keep intact, with its potential to create economic activity and jobs. "That is why we moved with Infratil and other partners to explore the possibility of commercial development at Whenuapai, when the previous Government announced the Air Force would be moving to Ohakea."

"It is important to understand that the district plan change, if approved, would not have ushered in commercial flights. The plan change is about safeguarding the infrastructure for the future."

"It's great to be working with this new government on a project of national significance and we await the Cabinet decision, which will give all stakeholders real certainty."

23 January

Eight to contest Massey by-election

Massey Community Board by-election voting closes 11 March

Eight people will contest the Massey Community Board by-election following the retirement this week of candidate June Kearney.

The by-election follows the resignation of board member Michael Neeson last year and is required under the Local Electoral Act 2001.

Those candidates now vying for the position are: Arthur Albert, Bob Jessopp, Gayleen Jacqueline Maurice, Leigh Morrow, Brian Neeson, Karen Perri, Graeme Smith and Jean Webster.

Voting papers will be mailed to registered voters in the Massey ward from Monday, February 16 with all papers expected to be delivered by Saturday, February 21. They must be returned by midday, Wednesday, March 11.

Residents who have changed addresses since the last local elections should update their details with the Electoral Enrolment Centre (0800 867 656) to ensure they are eligible to vote.

For more information contact Waitakere City Council’s Electoral Office on 836 8000 extn 8712.

21 January

Candidates announced

Massey Community Board by-election voting closes 11 March

Nine candidates have been nominated for the 2009 Massey Community Board by-election.

They are Arthur Albert, Bob Jessopp, June Kearney, Gayleen Jacqueline Maurice, Leigh Morrow, Brian Neeson, Karen Perri, Graeme Smith and Jean Webster.

Candidates now have the opportunity to campaign for votes for the one vacant position before voting papers start appearing in the Massey ward letterboxes.

Voting papers will be mailed to registered voters in the Massey ward from Monday, February 16 with all papers expected to be delivered by Saturday, February 21.

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

"Although electoral rolls have closed, people can still enrol to vote. However, they will need to request special voting papers," Electoral Officer Darryl Griffin says.

Voting closes 12 noon, Wednesday, March 11, 2009.

Great sounds wafting through Waitakere parks this summer

Music fans are set to flock to Waitakere parks this summer for the Waitakere Sounds series of concerts

Cornerstone Roots play Waitangi Day Out West at Henderson Park on February 6

16 January

Two trains - two tracks - take care

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to take extra care when trains return to the tracks on Monday

Waitakere City Council and ONTRACK, the government agency that owns and manages the railway network, are urging pedestrians and motorists to be extra careful at level crossings as the Western Line reopens on Monday (January 19).

The line has been closed, and commuters using buses, since Christmas Eve to allow ONTRACK to carry out significant construction work at several sites around the network including the New Lynn undergrounding project.

With the double tracking from Titirangi Rd to Swanson and trains running more frequently, means commuters and motorists should always expect a train at any time.

"Over the past month people may have got used to there being no trains but as of Monday if you make a mistake you may not get a second chance," said Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Tragically the risk is very real - two pedestrians were killed when they were struck by trains at level crossings in Waitakere in late 2008.

"It's timely to remind people to pay heed to the warning bells and signs - if the alarms are still going it means another train is coming, so don't cross until they stop and you're sure it is safe to do so," says ONTRACK Northern Regional Manager Stephen Collett.

"Trains take a long time to stop and cannot swerve to avoid people or vehicles. Road users should be prepared to stop every time they approach a level crossing and must obey the warning signs."

In New Lynn the construction work to underground the railway line will eventually eliminate two busy level crossings and create at least two more crossings over the corridor which will ensure motorists and pedestrians can easily and safely move across the rail corridor.

16 January

Bobbie's plight touches hundreds

The horrific abuse of Bobbie (pictured) has attracted messages of support, donations and offers of a new home from around the world

The story of a badly mistreated dog has led to hundreds of offers of a good home and donations towards vet bills- from as far away as Ireland.

Bobbie, a mastiff cross, had its mouth bound shut with electrical tape. His legs had also been tied with rope leaving deep scars.

Because its mouth had been taped up Bobbie's was unable to pant properly and part of his tongue had to be surgically removed says Neil Wells, manager of Waitakere City Council's animal welfare division. He describes it as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he has ever seen.

But since media reports of the incident, Mr Wells and his team have been inundated with calls, offering homes and donations towards Bobbie's vet bills.

One e-mail even came from Ireland (below).

"This was a horrific case but the response from the public really does restore your faith in humanity," says Mr Wells.  He and his staff are now sifting through the many offers and will interview prospective owners in the next few weeks. "Bobbie has a lovely nature. He's quite boisterous but has a great temperament. I'm certain we will find him a loving home."

Meanwhile Mr Wells expects to prosecute Bobbie's previous owners, for ill-treatment under the Animal Welfare Act, within a fortnight.

E-mail message: Hi there, just read about Bobbie on the stuff.co.nz website. Am utterly shocked and very concerned for Bobbie. If you get a chance, can you email me and let me know how he is getting on? Also if there is some way I can donate money to his upkeep? What will happen to him now? Thanks,
Karen

15 January

Royal Commission speculation

Mayor Bob Harvey is relaxed about media speculation surrounding the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is relaxed about media speculation as to the outcome of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into governance in the Auckland Region.

The Commission is due to report to the Government in March and today's New Zealand Herald points to a "Super City", stretching from Pukekohe to Wellsford, among other things.

Mayor Harvey says such speculation is nothing new.

"There is clearly a strong lobby for a super city. But equally many thousands of Aucklanders made it clear that democracy and public services are best delivered at a local level," he says.

Key points of Waitakere's submission to the Commission were:

• Four cities (based on Waitakere, Auckland, North Shore and Manukau)
• Waitakere would include the existing Avondale ward of Auckland City (which includes Blockhouse Bay).
• A strengthened Regional body responsible for regional planning and policies (e.g. housing), transport and other major infrastructure, regional economic development (including international investment attraction), tourism, and major events.
• Local authorities would make two appointments each to the Regional body, which would also have members elected from across the region.
• The chairperson or "head" of the Regional Council would be appointed from within it, rather than being elected "at large".
• A common rating system across the region.

"There have been a lot of claims, but no proof, that a super city will bring financial benefit to ratepayers," Mayor Harvey says. "And in these tough economic times it is financial benefits and seamless service delivery that people are looking for."

13 January

Dog's mouth muzzled with electrical tape

Animal Welfare Waitakere staff have been appalled by the abuse of a dog, which had its mouth bound with electrical tape

It was a sight that made even professional Animal Welfare staff weep.

Waitakere City Council animal welfare staff see their fair share of abandoned, ill-treated and injured animals but even they have been sickened by the condition of a dog found on a Massey property.

"The dog, named Bobbie, had its mouth tied up with electrical tape, more than once it would seem and his face was very swollen with scars and dead tissue," says Animal Welfare manager Neil Wells.

"It was a horrific sight."

"It was initially difficult to tell what breed it is because its face is was so disfigured," he says of the animal, whose legs had also been tied with rope leaving scars.

"Now that the swelling has gone down we can see that it's possibly a Mastiff crossed with a Labrador," he says.

Officers were alerted to the animal's plight by a member of the public who'd noticed the dog wandering the street with rope tied between its legs. When they located the dog they found its mouth taped shut with electrical tape.

Mr Wells says the do-it-yourself muzzling of the dog was a crude solution by its owner to stop the animal ripping into rubbish bags.

Bobbie underwent surgery on his face last week and had to have part of his tongue removed.

"Because its mouth had been taped up it was unable to pant properly and part of its tongue had died," says Mr Wells.

Bobbie's owner will be prosecuted for ill-treatment.

In spite of its ordeal, Mr Wells says the dog has a lovely nature and once healed will be put up for adoption.

Anyone interested in adopting Bobbie or any animals can contact Animal Welfare Waitakere through the council's 24-hour call centre.

Summer is a particularly busy time for the Animal Welfare Waitakere team with many unwanted and abandoned pets ending up at its Henderson headquarters.

"It had actually been relatively quiet leading up to Christmas and we had wondered if there had been a change in attitude towards responsibilities towards animals" says Mr Wells.

"But it seems as soon as Christmas was over and people started heading off on holiday that things have really picked up and we've had a lot of calls of animals being abandoned or left at home without adequate provision."

See related story - Bobbie's plight touches hundreds.

13 January

Arson fears in Glen Eden

Councillor Janet Clews is concerned community facilities may be being targetted by arsonsits.

There are fears that an arsonist may be targeting sports club buildings on local parks.

The Glen Eden United Football Club rooms at Singer Park were set ablaze on January 9 and Waitakere City Council says fires have also been deliberately lit at nearby Parrs Park (home of Oratia United Soccer) and Ceramco Park, which is headquarters for Glen Eden Harriers and Athletics Club.

"It seems too much of a coincidence that these fires are within a few kilometres of each other," says local Councillor Janet Clews. "They could well be the work of the same arsonist. The Singer Park fire caused significant damage and we are lucky that the others didn't take hold. These community-owned facilities are there for the use and enjoyment of everyone and I can't begin to imagine what goes on in the minds of people who would deliberately set fire to them," she says.

Police have been informed and Councillor Clews says night-time security patrols have been stepped up. The council is also asking residents who live near parks to keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity to the police.

8 January

Time running out for candidates in Massey

Massey Community Board by-election nominations close 20 January

Potential candidates for the Massey Community Board by-election have until midday on Tuesday, January 20 to get their nominations in.

Waitakere City Council Electoral Officer Darryl Griffin says anyone who is a New Zealand citizen, over 18 years of age and on the electoral roll can stand as a candidate.

"All you need is the desire to represent your Massey community and make a difference to Waitakere. We've had some interest but potential candidates need to act soon if they are to meet the deadline for close of nominations."

Anyone wishing to stand as an elected member must be nominated by two people enrolled in the district or ward they are standing in, and pay a deposit of $200. Nominations close at noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

"Based on enquiries, this could well be a keenly contested by-election so candidates will need to campaign vigorously in order to differentiate themselves from their competitors," says Mr Griffin, who urges people not to wait until the last minute to get nominations in.

"If you do leave it until the last minute and there is something wrong with, or missing from, your application there will not be any extensions of time."

A position on the board is vacant following the resignation of board member Michael Neeson, who is moving to Australia on business.