Media Releases

The Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has been advised the tsunami risk to New Zealand and Auckland has been downgraded to advisory.

"People must still be vigilant," says Auckland Region Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Controller Harry O'Rourke.

"We are still advising people to avoid the beaches and not go out in boats today. There is still a lot of surge activity and this is not likely to die down for several hours."

People need to: Turn on their radios and listen to the advice from Civil Defence

People in coastal areas should:

Stay off beaches
Do not go sightseeing
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities

If told to evacuate people should respond promptly. Where possible, take a radio and cell phone with them and check for updates.

26 February

Feedback sought on Local Board discussion document


Feedback on Local Board Discussion Document closes March 26

The Auckland Transition Agency has released its discussion document outlining proposed roles Local Boards will play in the new Auckland Council.

The document provides background information on local boards, outlines the agency's initial thinking on what decision making responsibilities for non-regulatory activities the boards will have as well as the role they will have in the regulatory activity of the Auckland Council.

A special website, www.discussiondocuments.co.nz, has been set up to provide feedback. Feedback closes at 5pm Friday March 26.

Grant Taylor, local government advisor with the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA), said the agency - which has to plan and manage the transition to Auckland's new local government arrangements - was proposing to allocate significant responsibilities to local boards.

Mr Taylor said: "For many Aucklanders, local boards will be the face of local government. Local boards will meet regularly with the communities they represent, they will understand their needs and help deal with the things that concern local people."

Under the model proposed by the ATA local boards will oversee:

Local facilities - such as community parks, halls, swimming pools, sports fields and libraries
Local programmes and activities - such as local events, community arts and culture programmes, community advisory services and social housing initiatives
Local services - such as enhanced rubbish removal, graffiti control and cleaning programmes for the local area.

The boards will reflect the distinct characteristics and needs of their communities in a wide range of non-regulatory areas. Mr Taylor said: "In allocating these activities instead of asking 'why should local boards undertake this work?' we asked the question 'why not'."

"They are intended to have a significant and wide-ranging role and the budget to deliver local services. For many people the boards will be the face of local government," Mr Taylor said.

Under legislation, the ATA is required to undertake the initial allocation of non-regulatory decision-making.

The delegation of regulatory responsibilities to local boards will be done by the Auckland Council after its establishment on November 1. It is not the ATA's role to delegate regulatory responsibilities.

But in its discussion document the ATA suggests that decisions on things like liquor control (such as a liquor ban in a local park), location and signage for brothels, and restrictions on activity within local public places (such as street trading) could be matters that the governing body may consider delegating to local boards.

Additionally, local boards will provide important input into the development of regional strategies, policies, plans and projects and they will be able to propose local bylaws to the governing body of the Auckland Council.

Under the proposals boards may in future levy "targeted rates" on specific areas - for example for local town centre improvements - with the agreement of the governing body.

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

Local Boards Discussion Document (Size 479K)

Local Boards Discussion Document FAQ's (Size 36K)

26 February

Bag yourself a Bags Not Art Bag

New Art Bags designed by Dean Buchanan being launched in March

This design by Dean Buchanan is one of the four new art bags being launched in March.

Four of New Zealand's leading artists and illustrators have created designs for a new range of Bags Not! reusable shopping bags.

The limited edition range of four bags feature works by Dean Buchanan, Anna Crichton, Judy Millar and Reuben Paterson and will be launched on March 26 as part of Village Night at the Titirangi Festival of Music.

Look out for the Bags Not! stand outside the ASB Bank on the night of pick up from other festival venues.

"Each one of these bags represents a little less coal, gas and crude oil being used to generate plastic shopping bags," says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, who is championing the campaign.

"This quartet represents Waitakere's flourishing art community's contribution to protecting the pristine West coast and we are privileged to have their work associated with this campaign."

The fabric used for the bags is made out of 100 % recycled plastic bottles and there will be just 1000 of each design available.

The council launched the Bags Not! campaign towards a plastic shopping bag free Waitakere in September last year. It is an eco city partnership with residents and businesses to achieve a plastic shopping bag free Waitakere.

As well as reducing the number of plastic shopping bags ending up in landfills and waterways, the campaign aims to awareness of the environmental issues surrounding the over-use of plastic bags and encourage people to make small, sustainable changes to collectively make a difference.

The Titirangi Festival of Music runs March 25-28, for more information go to www.titirangifestival.com

Back to Top - Click here to move to the top of the page

23 February

Day out for toddlers and family

Celebrate National Children's Day with a fun-filled day for the whole family at the Toddler Day Out and Great Parenting Fair at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson on Sunday 7 March.

"The focus is on the development, wellbeing and safety of the under-fives," says Elaine Dyer of Violence Free Waitakere.

"We've been going for six years and each year its popularity has increased, last year 13,000 came along for the celebration."

Guest speakers include Children's Day patron, Lady Susan Satyanand.

Hosted by Violence Free Waitakere and Early Childhood Education Waitakere, with support from Waitakere City Council, the event will feature more than 60 stalls run by various Waitakere support services and community organisations. They will be on hand to help families with a range of issues from health to budgeting.

"This year the theme is 'praise and encouragement' and positive reinforcement, it helps us to remember that our children are precious," says Waitakere City Councillor Brenda Brady.

The day gives parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn new and wonderful education and family parenting tips."

"We want all of our little pre-schoolers in early childhood education as it sets them up for their learning when they go to primary school."

People can enter a draw to win some fabulous prizes, including family passes to Rainbow's End and MOTAT, a trip to Tiritiri Matangi and a trampoline and safety net. All they need to do is complete the Toddler Tips Treasure Hunt form as they go around the arena.

Enjoy the non-stop stage show where multicultural performing groups and well known entertainers, Star Fish, will be on stage to engage children in singing and dancing.

There is no shortage of entertainment, and a petting zoo, storytelling, face painting, clowns, puppet shows, bouncy castles and free rides, including a mini ferris wheel and vertical bungee, are just some of the activities on offer.

Bring your own picnic and sit under the trees beside the playground or you can enjoy the range of refreshments on sale.

What: Toddler Day Out and Great Parenting Fair
Where: The Trusts Stadium, 65-67Central Park Drive, Henderson
When: 7 March, 2010, 10am to 3pm
Cost: Free

18 February

Competition to design logo for Auckland Council launched

Competition launched to create logo for new council

Put your designs on the Auckland Council.

From November this year there will be just one Auckland Council representing the entire region. That council needs a logo that will be used online, in brochures, on buildings, for street signage and much, much more.

The Auckland Transition Agency is holding this competition to come up with the best design. We're looking for a logo that's compelling, elegant and compact. Entry is open to everyone, it's free to enter and we want your ideas, so have a go!

This will become one of the most recognisable and widely used logos in the country. And as if having your design plastered all over Auckland isn't enough, the winning entrant will receive a trophy from the judging panel, plus a prize package of the ‘best of Auckland' attractions to the value of $10,000.

You can find out what we're looking for, read about the judges and get details on how to enter by going to www.aucklandcouncillogo.co.nz

17 February

Waitakere's submission on the third Auckland reform bill

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse

Waitakere City Council is calling on the Government to reconsider the level of authority that council-controlled organisations have in the new Auckland Council.

A more precautionary approach to establishing council-controlled organisations (CCOs) and better connecting them to the purposes of the council and local boards are among suggestions included in the council's submission to the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee on the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill.

Other features of its submission are:

The need for a clearer statement of local boards' purpose
Clarification of the process for preparing local board plans and for negotiating agreements with the council including resolving disputes within the wider council context (council, boards, council-controlled organisations);
Safeguards against the misuse of targeted rates
The need to develop, in consultation with local boards, a local revenue source policy
Water assets be protected from sale
Establishment of a Water Ombudsman.

Also included were council's views on the establishment of Pacific and ethnic peoples' advisory panels, mana whenua and Maori representation in the new council, animal welfare, and the funding of regional amenities.

The bill establishes CCOs which would be responsible for transport (including roads, footpaths and public transport), Regional Facilities (such as Auckland Zoo, MOTAT and the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere), Watercare (which will take over responsibility for water and wastewater), Economic Development (including tourism and major events), and a Waterfront Development Agency.

"The concern is that much of the business and decision-making that the community expects its council to make will not be made by the new Auckland Council proper but by CCOs," says Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.

She says the council opposes the extent that council activities are being placed at arms length from democratically elected and accountable council members.

"Of particular concern is the way all transport activities are being corporatised and removed from the council's control.

"If the transfer of functions to CCOs being proposed remains, then additional safeguards and controls need to be introduced.

"A clearer picture of the roles of the Auckland Council and local boards is needed. This should be in the form of a statutory requirement outlining a governance agreement between the governing body and local boards.

"This is something we have previously submitted on and we feel is not sufficiently addressed in the Bill," says the Deputy Mayor.

"There still is not enough clarity on what powers the local boards will have to make decisions affecting their communities, who makes the decision on how money is spent on local projects, and who will be holding the purse strings," she says.

"The quality of the relationship between the governing body and local boards will be the litmus test of the success or otherwise of this reform."

A copy of the council's submission can be found here

15 February

Charity walk to give public first preview of Hobsonville motorway

The NZ Transport Agency and HEB Construction are holding a charity motorway walk on Sunday 21 February for the public to preview the new SH18 Hobsonville Deviation and SH16 Brigham Creek Extension project. People will be able to walk or cycle a six kilometre-long section of the route under construction.

Date:	Sunday 21 February 2010
Time:	Cyclists only (mountain bikes) 9am -10am, walkers 10am - 3pm
Location:	New motorway lanes of SH18 Hobsonville Deviation
Entrance/parking:	Enter from Hobsonville Road via Sinton Road, Hobsonville
Transport:	Free buses to pick up and drop off along the route
Cost:	$5 for adults, gold coin for children under 12. Cash only (no EFTPOS available)

The Rotary clubs of Waitakere will be collecting an entry fee to fundraise for two charities: a new heart defibrillator (emergency device) for the recently opened St John Ambulance station in Whenuapai and a new training vehicle for the NZ Fire Service in Waitakere.

The NZ Transport Agency's State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland Tommy Parker, says the charity walk is an opportunity to thank people for their co-operation while the motorway is being built.

"We realise that local residents are continuing to be patient during the disruption of construction in the area and this charity walk gives them a chance to see the progress on the new motorway first hand," he says.

The walking route spans six kilometres of the new motorway from Clarks Lane footbridge to Brigham Creek Road roundabout with SH16, with stops at several points along the way. The NZTA advises walkers to wear sensible footwear as the route may be uneven in some sections and cyclists should only use mountain bikes to cycle the route. A wristband will be given on entry and includes a free bus ride back to the start of the route.

Food and drink will be available to purchase on the day at stalls run by local primary schools. Entertainment includes a Police helicopter static display, NZ Fire Service safety demonstrations as well as excavator demonstrations showing how the earthworks are done. A main marquee at the Trig Road site office will also feature Waitakere City Council development displays and information.

The six kilometre, four-lane Hobsonville motorway is the last section of the new SH18 to be completed. It will connect to the Upper Harbour Bridges and Greenhithe motorway at the eastern end and the Northwestern Motorway at the western end.

The $220M project also includes a three kilometre extension of the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) to a new roundabout at Brigham Creek Road. The project will provide a better connection between Waitakere and North Shore cities and Rodney District and complete the key northern link of the Western Ring Route. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2012.

For more information visit www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/upperharbourmotorway or www.walkwest.co.nz or call 0800 520 202.

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.

Download the flyer (Size 241K)

15 February

Open weekend celebrates Waitakere art

The Waitakere Artists Open Studio Weekend is on March.

The Waitakere Artists Open Studio Weekend is on in March.

The Waitakere Artists Open Studio Weekend 2010 is fast approaching so keep your diary clear for 27 and 28 March.

Artists from throughout Waitakere are taking part in this year's studio weekend showcasing their arts practices in their home studios. Clusters of artists, who use a variety of media, will also be at several local galleries throughout the weekend.

Launched in 2005 to celebrate the richness of the West's diverse arts community, the weekend has flourished. In its first year it featured 30 participants and in 2010 will boast more than 100 contributors and feature 38 home studios and 10 gallery clusters.

"The weekend provides visitors with the rare chance to view a creative work in the making, while giving them the opportunity to ask the artists questions and purchase their work," says the council's community arts coordinator, Julie Nash.

Supported by some of Waitakere's most celebrated artists, the range of artistic media is diverse with glass, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture being just a few examples of what is on offer.

Glass and mixed media artist Jenny McLeod is a regular participant in the event and says it means that people, other than gallery patrons and overseas buyers, have access to her work.

"In past years I have had students and budding artists who want to check out my techniques and equipment as well as those who come out of interest, including my neighbours," says Jenny, who be opening her home studio in Henderson during the weekend.

Admission is free and an official map with venue locations will be available at local galleries. It will also be available on the council's website www.waitakere.govt.nz, from early March.

There are also planned mini-bus tours which will visit five home studios. The tour costs $15 and leaves from the Corban Estate Arts Centre at 10:30am and 1:30pm each day. Tickets are limited so bookings are essential.

For further information, or to make a booking, contact us.

15 February

Give us your views on the review of speed limits bylaw

Speed limits bylaw submissions now open

Waitakere City Council is seeking the community's views on proposed changes to speed limits on sections of some of the city's roads and outside most schools.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says the review is desperately needed.

"There is overwhelming evidence that speed is the number one cause of road crashes and fatalities and that a reduction in road speed drastically reduces the damage caused in crashes.

"There is a national shift towards lower speed limits in high-risk pedestrian areas such as schools, so we are also looking at reducing the speed limit outside schools during heavy pedestrian traffic periods," says Cr Hulse, who is also the council's road safety advocate.

Urban intensification into rural areas of Waitakere is another factor driving the need to review speed limits.

"We need to lower the speed limits on some stretches of road to reflect the growing suburban population," says Cr Hulse.

"There are also a number of roads, particularly in some of our rural communities, that are just not designed for high speeds and these need to be looked at to ensure people's safety."

She says this is an important issue for everyone in Waitakere and urges people to make the effort to provide their views.

Submissions can be made from Monday 15 February 2010 until 5pm on Monday 29 March 2010.

The draft bylaw, a list roads being looked at in the review, affected schools, submission forms and the statement of proposal and summary information are available:

In the Have Your Say section
At the council's office
Waitakere public libraries
Community Centres and Citizen's Advice Bureau
Or contact the council's 24-hour call centre to request an information pack.

Submissions must be received no later than 5pm Monday 29 March 2010.

9 February

Sounds of summer rock Waitakere

Midnight Youth leader singer Jeremy Redmore entertains the crowd at Waitakere Sounds' Waitangi Day concert.

Around 4500 people rocked to the sounds of Kiwi chart toppers Midnight Youth and Dane Rumble at first Henderson Park on Waitangi Day - the first Waitakere Sounds 2010 concert of the summer.

Also entertaining the crowd basking in under clear blue skies was the West's own funk/reggae five-piece, Soljah.

Waitakere Sounds is a free concert series presented by Waitakere City Council and running throughout February and March and featuring some of the biggest names in New Zealand music.

Other concerts in the series are:

Hip Hop Lives Here - Sunday 21 February, Henderson Park (2-4pm). Kiwi grand master King Kapisi tops the bill featuring Tha Freestyle, Sellaband and Maitreya.
Motown in the Park - Sunday 14 March, Luckens Reserve, West Harbour (3-6pm). Lotto frontman Russell Harrison and his Motown Band will full the park with sounds of The Temptations, the Four Tops and the Jackson Five.
George FM Beach Party - Sunday 21 March, Piha Domain (1-5pm). Enjoy the turntable talents of a host of DJs including Roger Perry, Clarke Gayford. T Rice and Dick 'Magick' Johnson.

For more information go to www.waitakeresounds.co.nz.

4 February

Puppies needlessly left to die in Moire Park

Animal Welfare at 48 The Concourse, Henderson

Following several incidents of animals being dumped, Animal Welfare Waitakere is urging people to take them to an animal shelter instead.

Last week, six beautiful one-week-old bull terrier-cross puppies were needlessly abandoned and left to die in the sun at Moire Park in Massey.

When the puppies were brought to Animal Welfare they were too young and weak to survive without their mother and had to be euthanized.

Animal Welfare Waitakere manager Neil Wells says people can bring unwanted animals to Animal Welfare at 48 The Concourse, Henderson.

"People should deliver unwanted pets to an animal shelter rather than just dump them," Mr Wells says.

"No animal should have to suffer like the bull terrier-cross puppies last week," he says.

"Better still, having your pets de-sexed would stop the problem of unwanted litters in the first place."

Contact the council's 24-hour call centre for more information on these services, or if you have any information relating to the dumping of the puppies in Moire Park.

3 February

Nuisance phone calls from bogus library staff

Waitakere City Council is advising residents who receive nuisance phone calls from people claiming to work for the council's library service to phone Telecom and report the caller.

In recent weeks members of the public have been harassed by callers claiming to work for Waitakere Libraries. The callers have become abusive or demanded cash for overdue books.

Anyone receiving such calls should record the date, time and length of the call and notify Telecom's Call Investigation Centre on 0800 809 806 or visit www.telecom.co.nz for more information.

3 February

Waitakere's inorganic collections - book now

Waitakere City's annual inorganic collection

Waitakere's annual inorganic collection can be booked online now.

Waitakere's annual inorganic collections start this month so to find out when your collection date is visit www.inorganiccollection.co.nz or by phoning 09 839 0419 (24 hours).

The city's prepaid inorganic collection costs $11.25 and runs from February through June 2010.

Payment can either be made online at www.inorganiccollection.co.nz or in person at Waitakere City Council. Payment must be made at least three weeks prior to your collection date.

Household furniture, appliances, whiteware, garden tools and outdoor equipment will be collected.

The maximum collected will be one cubic metre (about two car boots full) and your inorganic rubbish pile must be placed inside your property on your collection date.

Do not place your inorganic pile on the kerb for collection - this is illegal and attracts a fine of $400.

3 February

Get on down to Bike West Fest

This year's West Bike Fest will be fun for the whole family.

Get the family on their bikes this month and make the most of National Bike Wise Month activities in Waitakere.

On Saturday February 13, Waitakere City Council hosts the West Bike Fest 2010 at Corban Art Estate (10am -12pm), a family fun day aimed at encouraging people to cycle more.

The event includes a competition for youngsters to decorate their bikes, a challenging obstacle course and free advice on bike maintenance and safety.

Participants can also win great prizes including one of five $100 vouchers and cycling accessories.

Leave the car at home and cycle to West Bike Fest on the Lower Opanuku Walk and Cycleway, part of the extensive Project Twin Streams cycle and walkway network alongside the Opanuku, Oratia and Waikumete streams.

"As a champion of healthy modes of transport, the council supports educational cycling programmes and providing facilities that encourage more walking and cycling," says Waitakere City Councillor Linda Cooper.

"The Bike West Fest is a fun way to get people into cycling and encourage our next generation of young riders."

The council's Bike West Cycle Safe programme works in primary schools to encourage more children on to bikes and promote safer cycling on the road.

Now in its third year, the programme is extremely popular, working in 39 schools across Waitakere.

For more information about cycling and walking options throughout Waitakere, visit the Project Twin Streams Walk and Cycleway network. Find out more about national BikeWise Month at www.bikewise.co.nz.

2 February

Hobsonville Motorway Walk on 21 February, 9am - 3pm

Hobsonville deviation/state highway 16 motorway walk

See the motorway project from a new perspective on a public walk of the area later this month.

Check out progress on the Hobsonville Deviation/State Highway 16 motorway project from a different view on the Hobsonville Motorway Walk.

Organised by the Waitakere and other north-western Rotary clubs in partnership with project contractors, HEB Construction, this event is a 6km fun walk from Sinton Rd through to Brigham's Creek . A free bus will be operating to return people to the carpark.

The walk will allow people to see see firsthand the motorway under construction and the scope of this project.

At the mid-point of the walk there will be a large marquee at the Trig Rd HEB office site providing information on development projects surrounding the motorway project. There will also be demonstrations by the Fire Service and St John Ambulance, a police helicopter on display, Air Force parachute and earthmoving demonstrations and much more.

This event also doubles as a fundraiser for the Rotary clubs and four local schools. Registration is $5.

Enquiries can be made online through the Rotary website http://www.rotarywaitakere.org.nz/calendar/contact-us.

When:	Sunday 21 February
Time:	9-3pm
Cost:	$5
What:	6km walk from Sinton Rd to Brigham's Creek
Free bus to return people to carpark