Media Releases

Waitakere City Council's efforts in developing a new threatened species policy designed to protect endangered plants on public land is one initiative that helped win it a prestigious award from the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network.

The 2009 Network Plant Conservation Award recognises the efforts of local government towards plant conservation in New Zealand, with Waitakere City Council undertaking a large number of conservation projects on the ground.

Councillor Brenda Brady, who received the award on behalf of the council, says the award recognises that Waitakere is proactive in trying to protect the New Zealand's native plants.

"This award reflects the 17 years since we became an Eco City - 17 years of hard work by Waitakere's enthusiastic and passionate staff and its elected representatives who have worked together to protect our native flora and fauna," Councillor Brady says.

"The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Act, Project Twin Streams and Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust are just a few of the environmental initiatives employed by Waitakere to help create an incredibly strong, community inspired green network," she says.

In announcing the award the judges said that Waitakere "engaged contractors and volunteers to survey for threatened plants and was the first in New Zealand to develop an eco-sourcing policy for restoration plantings".

30 November

Waitakere News

The new-look Waitakere News

The new-look Waitakere News

The new-look Waitakere News is delivered to your letterbox this week and also available online here.

Brighter, fresher and easier to read, your council newsletter covers news, information and the exciting events coming to our city this summer.

If you would like more information on Waitakere News please email waitakerenews@waitakere.govt.nz

30 November

Lifelong love honoured in Waitakere

Jack and Joan Kingston celebrated 69 years of marriage last year and were honoured at a reception with Mayor Bob Harvey.

Jack and Joan Kingston celebrated 69 years of marriage last year and were honoured at a reception with Mayor Bob Harvey.

It's a hard road finding the perfect woman.

But 91-year-old Jack Kingston reckons he struck gold when he met his wife Joan at a dance in 1940.

The Piha couple married they same year and are still going strong 69 years later.

"Her heel broke off her shoe and I offered to take her home. I've been taking her home ever since," he says.

"We've had a great life. It's about commitment. You make up your mind and you do it."

He and Joan will be among the guests at morning and afternoon teas honouring Westies who have been married 50 years or more on December 4.

It will be hosted by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and his wife Barbara, who have been married more than 40 years.

"Waitakere is a city that honours marriage," says Mayor Harvey.

"A good marriage is a cornerstone of a good home. It makes for a better community.

"Too often we see violent and turbulent relationships; relationships that pull down rather than build up.

"Couples like the Kingstons are role models for us to follow. Their lifelong dedication and love is something we should all aspire to."

The morning and afternoon tea celebrating 50 years of marriage has been held at council for the last three years.

About 300 people attended the event in 2008.

It is open to any Waitakere couple who have been married more than 50 years.

27 November

Christmas picnic for bike lovers

Claire Dann tests out the peddle-powered blender.

Making smoothies with a pedal-powered blender is just one fun two-wheeled activity at the special festive bike event at Henderson's Tui Glen Park on December 5.

The Bike Fun and Xmas Picnic is Waitakere City Council's way of saying thank you to cyclists for supporting the eco city vision of sustainable transport.

The bike-powered blender designed by Tabitha Langford is just one of the bicycle-powered machines that will be on display throughout the event, from 11.00am to 1.00pm.

There will be family-friendly fun, games and challenges and riders are encouraged to dress up their bikes for the occasion.

The team from Avanti Plus Waitakere will be on hand to give free bike safety checks and everyone who rides to the event will receive a Christmas present.

So get on your bike and head to Tui Glen Park on December 5.

20 November

Project Twin Streams walk and cycleways scoop top award

Project Twin Streams' 9.3 km network of walk and cycleways has scooped the Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility at the recent CAN (Cycling Advocate Network) Annual awards.

The award is one of the top five awards given annually by CAN.

The award recognises the practical contribution the Project Twin Streams walk and cycleways have made to encourage walking and cycling within Waitakere.

A recent survey showed a 49% increase in the number of Waitakere cyclists from 2007 to 2009; 32% of this increase coinciding with the completion of the majority of Project Twin Streams pathways.

Waitakere City Councillor Linda Cooper said, "We are delighted that the Project Twin Streams walk/cycleways have collected another award - this time from the cycling community."

"We aimed to make the walk/cycleways attractive and interesting as well as functional and we are pleased that Waitakere residents - of all ages - are using them to get around their communities."

The pathways have been built alongside the Oratia, Waikumete, Opanuku, Pixie and Swanson streams, as part of the 2003-2012 Project Twin Streams restoration and revitalisation of the stream-banks.

The three-metre wide paths are constructed to enable use by a wide-range of residents; cyclists of all levels and experiences, pedestrians, care-givers with push-chairs and those with mobility devices.

They connect local communities and provide non-vehicular access to Henderson CBD, Glen Eden town centre and local schools.

Construction on the walk/cycleways alongside the Oratia stream, Lower Opanuku and Lower and Upper Waikumete are complete.

The final 1.85 km Upper Opanuku section is under construction and due for completion in April 2010.

The Project Twin Streams walk/cycleways won a Golden Foot award; New Zealand's Best Practice Walking Facility, in July 2009.

Project Twin Streams is a council-community partnership where local community organisations work with residents and groups to restore their local stream and become more sustainable.

Waitakere City Council receives funding from the Auckland Regional Council to carry out Project Twin Streams.

25 November

Funding brings a better future for Auckland

Henderson Rail Station was opened in 2006.

The $500 million funding for an electric train fleet is a step toward an eco city Auckland, says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“This is great news for the West and for Auckland. Waitakere’s eco city vision is becoming regional.

“Electric rail is the future for Auckland. The idea of having a personal car is going out of date. Our children and grandchildren are going to take rail.”

Waitakere is investing heavily in its rail network and is building communities around rail hubs. More than 250,000 rail passengers travel the Western Line every month and patronage is growing.

The Henderson Central Rail Station was opened in 2006.

A $300 million transit development with capacity for electric rail is due to open in New Lynn in October 2010.

Double tracking of the Western Line will be completed as part of the wider upgrade to the Auckland rail network.

Electric rail complements the environmental vision of Waitakere and brings economic gains to Auckland, says Mayor Harvey.

“We have done a lot of work establishing a strong rail network in Waitakere. This funding proves it was a great investment. It’s going to create a better transport structure for all Auckland.

“A good transport system goes hand in hand with a good economy. Electrification is going to stimulate further economic development and give returns across Auckland.”

He only wishes the investment had been announced earlier.

“Electrification has been delayed for the better part of this year, but better late than never.

“The transition to the Auckland Council and Regional Transport Agency must not create any more delays.”

24 November

Cr Linda Cooper was among those to welcome the new Pacific Wardens which are now patrolling Waitakere

Wardens start patrolling to a Pacific beat

Pacific Wardens are on the beat in Waitakere.

Waitakere City Council, Waitakere Police and the Waitakere Pacific Wardens Trust recently launched the initiative at the Pacific in the Park event in Massey - where wardens were on duty for the first time.

The wardens' role is to support local police and the council's community safety initiatives to provide reassurance and an ambassadorial role to deter public violence, vehicle crime, graffiti and vandalism. At times they will be required to patrol problem hotspots, as directed by police and the council via its Safe Waitakere unit.

"The wardens are our eyes and ears in the community," says Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, who chairs the Crime Prevention Reference Group.

"We already support other groups doing similar work and now with their Pacific colleagues coming on board, Waitakere has an extremely valuable resource in the push to deter crime and antisocial behaviour in our city."

The council has a funding agreement with the Waitakere Pacific Wardens Trust to provide this service, and there are now 15 trained and police-approved people ready to do the job.

The wardens' role involves listening to the concerns of residents, visitors and the business community during patrols and reporting important issues back to the council.

"For young Pacific people, talking with someone of their own culture may just make the difference and be the support they need to make good choices," says Cr Hulse.

The programme has been welcomed by Waitemata Police District.

"We are very supportive of programmes like this that involve people in the community working together, with support of the local council and police," says Waitemata Police District's Maori and Pacific Ethnic Services advisor, Senior Sergeant Richard Kapa.

The Crime Prevention Reference Group agencies are working together to keep our city safe and includes Police, Neighbourhood Support Waitakere, Victim Support, Corrections, Child Youth and Family, Ministry of Justice, Westfono Pacific Healthcare and Tag Out Trust.

24 November

Chair of Waitakere City Council's Cultural and Community Committee Judy Lawley with West Auckland Historical Society chairman Trevor Pollard, left and a committee member Jim Black.

Cottage mural brings timber milling past to life

A formerly drab retaining wall in the car park of Henderson's historic Mill Cottage has been given a new lease of life with the completion of a mural celebrating the area's timber milling past.

Measuring 1.2 metres by 12 metres, the mural was created by local artist Louis Stratham for the West Auckland Historical Society and has historic photographs featuring bullocks pulling large timber logs.

The West Auckland Historical Society was among recipients to receive money from the 2008/09 Waitakere City Council Heritage Fund, from which it received $4000 to create the mural.

"It's such a large space which was very uninteresting to look at. We've wanted to do something with it for years," says society president Trevor Pollard.

"The reaction has been really positive. A lot of people have stopped for a look and come up to us to say how wonderful it is and want to find out more about the history behind it - that's the reaction we want."

Mr Pollard says the mural has also helped to bring attention to the cottage itself - the size and impressive design encouraging people to stop and look, and then take in the displays inside the historic cottage.

Chair of the council's Cultural and Community Committee, Judy Lawley says murals are a great way to remember the city's heritage and preserve it for future generations.

"The heritage fund is all about helping local organisations like this to care for the city's heritage.

"We are proud to work with the West Auckland Historical Society and other groups to preserve our heritage. I know from the feedback that I receive that the public is very interested and supportive of heritage development in Waitakere."

2009/08 Heritage Fund
Applications are now open for the 2009/10 Heritage Fund which has a pool of $54,000 to be shared among successful recipients for this round.

The fund is to assist local museums, owners of heritage buildings, archaeological sites, heritage trees and marae to care for the city's heritage.

It can be used for education programmes, assistance with physical works for heritage buildings, trees and historical sites, refunds on building consent fees (where appropriate) or specialist advice on the care of artefacts and artworks owned by marae in Waitakere.

View information on the Heritage fund criteria and an application form or contact us. Applications close December 18.

20 November

Mayor welcomes announcement

Mayor Bob Harvey says proposed boundaries announced today retain the unique communities of interest that make up the west.

Today's announcement of proposed boundaries for the new Super City has retained the unique communities of interest that make up the west, says Mayor Bob Harvey.

Under the plan, a new ward has been created called "Whau". It includes New Lynn, Green Bay, and parts of Kelston, as well as Avondale, New Windsor and Blockhouse Bay, which are currently within Auckland City.

The proposed Waitakere ward includes the rest of the existing Waitakere City and takes in a small part of Rodney, near Taupaki. That ward comprises four "subdivisions" (Waitakere, Henderson, Massey and Titirangi/Glen Eden) whose members would make up the Local Board.

"Much of this was the basis of our original submission to the Royal Commission," Mayor Harvey says.

He is also pleased that the northern boundary of the new Waitakere Ward has been extended.

"It's a big area but there is a good mix of urban and rural character."

Mayor Harvey is more cautious in his views on Local Boards.

"Unless they are given meaningful powers you are just going back in time to when there were feuding little boroughs."

"I hope the boards will be filled with a cross-section of people that reflect our communities including young people and ethnic groups of the area.

"The boards could be a very real reflection of our diverse communities or a meaningless talkfest," he says.

"Getting that level right is critical."

Mayor Harvey stresses that these are his personal views and says his Council will now collectively review the proposals before making a submission to the Local Government Commission.

He also urges members of the public to have their say.

"These proposals are setting Auckland up for the next 50 years at least so if people aren't happy they won't get the chance to change things for a very long time."

* The Local Government Commission is now seeking feedback on its proposals, which can be viewed at www.lgc.govt.nz.

Submissions must be received by 5pm on December 11.

19 November 19

Treasured trees to be considered for protection

The council is calling for people to nominate trees on private properties in the suburbs to be considered for protection in the District Plan

If you've got a favourite tree in your neighbourhood - Waitakere City Council wants to know about it.

The council is asking residents to nominate trees of significance located on private properties in the urban suburbs of the city to be considered for inclusion on the list of protected trees in its District Plan.

Changes to the Resource Management Act mean that after January 1, 2012, trees in urban environments that are not specifically protected in the District Plan can be removed without consent.

"At the moment most trees in suburban areas of the city are protected if they are over six metres in height - once these new national regulations come in to effect that protection will be removed," says chair of the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee, Vanessa Neeson.

"Before that happens we want to identify trees worthy of ongoing protection and who better to ask than the people of Waitakere."

People can make nominations from 1 December through until mid-February 2010.

Not every tree nominated will make it to the final list for protection.

"At this stage we are simply seeking nominations for further assessment by council arborists," says Cr Neeson.

In assessing the trees arborists will look at a range of criteria including species, age, and health of the tree, together with its significance from a visual, historic, botanical and ecological perspective.

The council will then compile a final list and consult with tree owners on whether they think the tree should be protected. This list will be considered by the council's Planning and Regulatory Committee mid-next year.

The focus is on trees on private properties in the suburban areas but it is happy to receive nominations for any tree that has value to you.

Nominations need to include some basic details including address where the tree can be found, the type of tree and anything else of relevance.

Send your nominations to treeprotection@waitakere.govt.nz or write to the council at Private Bag 93109, Henderson.

Rules allowing property owners in most urban areas to trim trees and vegetation on their properties without consent came in to effect on October 1 this year.

People are reminded that rules regarding tree and vegetation removal in Waitakere have not changed at this stage, and that they may still require consent to remove trees. If in doubt, contact us.

17 November

League legend support for White Ribbon Day in Waitakere

Poster to join the Waitakere White Ribbon Parade on November 25 calling for an end to family violence.

Join the Waitakere White Ribbon Parade on November 25 calling for an end to family violence.

What do a couple of rugby league legends, a mayor and a group of motorbike-loving blokes have in common?

They're among those throwing their support behind this year's White Ribbon Day parade in Henderson on November 25 - a chance for people to stand together and say: "Family Violence - It's Not OK in Waitakere".

It's a sentiment that sits well with rugby league legends Ruben Wiki and Awen Guttenbeil, who are happy to use their profile to get men to realise that violence against women is not acceptable.

"We have a duty to our families, our friends and our whanau to stand up, acknowledge the problem and begin to change," says Wiki, a national White Ribbon ambassador.

"As men, what we can do to help is speak up when men say or do things that we wouldn't want our sisters, wives or children to experience."

The parade starts at 11.15am from Mount Lebanon Lane in Henderson before making its way down Great North Road, through central Henderson, finishing at Falls Park around midday, where people can enjoy fun lunchtime entertainment with family.

And while Wiki will join the national event in Wellington on White Ribbon Day, Awen Guttenbeil will be in Henderson for the big day, leading the parade from the front.

He will join Mayor Bob Harvey and some of the city's other male leaders on the parade's front line. The all male line-up references the White Ribbon movement which was established by men to stop violence against women.

"Just because you might have been exposed to violence in your home growing up - that's not an excuse. Be strong and break the cycle. It's never okay to hit, harm or intimidate anyone in your household,” says Guttenbeil.

“That goes for yourself, and for the relationships you observe around you. Keeping silent is not acceptable when someone is in harms way. We need to stop being afraid to call out people who are bringing violence on our precious sisters, mothers and children.

“As a father, I know that my actions will determine how my daughter looks at relationships and what she will require from a partner in her future. I want to teach her to expect respect, care, love and security," he says.

Revving up the participants will be a group of riders from the Kiwi Trikers Social Club.

This is the fourth White Ribbon parade held in Waitakere, and each year, community awareness of it grows. Waitakere is nationally recognised for its efforts to rid the city of family violence.

Initiatives include the Mayoral Taskforce on Family Violence launched by Mayor Harvey and Dr Pita Sharples in 2007, made up of family violence and prevention agencies, the council, police and health officials.

The city has hosted forums on family violence and given the issue profile with a series of billboards featuring well known Westies with the tag line, Family Violence - It's NOT OK in Waitakere.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse sits on the taskforce and says one of its successes has been getting the different agencies alongside police, the council and health board to work together for the same goal.

"That unity and commitment has sent a really powerful message to Waitakere and the rest of the country that this city is not going to tolerate violence in our community.

"No one can do it alone. We all have a part to play."

The White Ribbon Parade 2009 is hosted by Waitakere City Council, Waitemata District Health Board and Waitemata District Police, along with the WAVES network of family violence prevention and intervention agencies.

17 November

10-year-old wins top prize in JT Diamond Essay competition

Bella Berman 10, was the overall winner of the JT Diamond Essay Competition and received the Franich Prize from John Franich and his daughter Shannon.

Bella Berman 10, was the overall winner of the JT Diamond Essay Competition and received the Franich Prize from John Franich and his daughter Shannon.

Memories of orchard life on Sturges Road are at the centre of 10-year-old Bella Berman's award-winning essay, which took the top prize at this year's JT Diamond Essay Competition.

Bella was among the winners announced at a special ceremony held in the Waitakere City Council chambers.

The Henderson Valley School student's entry, From past to present: George Ward remembers orchard life on Sturges Road, was judged the best overall essay in the competition with the lucky youngster receiving the Franich Diamond prize of a piece of diamond jewellery.

The judges said Bella's entry embodied what the competition was all about.

"It is a celebration of West Auckland. The author has discovered a local treasure - another Westie diamond, and in turn has created a taonga for the archives," said the panel.

Bella enjoyed double success on the night with Henderson Valley School winning the Bullock Trophy for the school with the highest number of place-getters - their third consecutive win.

Assistant principal Jenny Orsler and Sue Berman, who worked with the students, received the trophy on the school's behalf.

Eight of the school's 10 entries received prizes - a first, two seconds, two thirds and the West Auckland Historical Society prize, the Morris prize and the Franich Prize. Laingholm Primary was runner-up.

First place in the student research category went to Jack Queenin from Laingholm Primary who won the student research category for On the right track! A story of the Waitakere Tramline.

The adult memories category was won by Louise Maich with Kathleen Donaldson remembers Franks Store, penny ice-creams and other stories while Elayne Wilson took out the adult research category for her essay on the history of Glen Eden Baptist Church.

A new award this year was donated by local identities Jack and Val Morris for the best essay using historic or new photographs. The winner was Toni Robinson of Henderson Valley School for her essay -The changing face of Henderson Valley.

Now in its seventh year, the competition is run by the Waitakere Library and Information Services and the West Auckland Historical Society and honours the work of John (Jack) Thomas Diamond, who over many years captured and recorded information about West Auckland. His archive is the core of the local history collection at Waitakere Central Library.

Entrants were encouraged to record their own, or someone else's personal recollections, or to undertake original research, using primary resources such as photographs, personal interviews or oral histories held in the library and West Auckland Historical Society Mill Cottage collections.

11 November

Armistice Day recognised at Waikumete

Waikumete Cemetery

Flags are flying half-mast at Waikumete Cemetery today to mark Armistice Day.

Flags are flying half-mast to mark Armistice Day at New Zealand's largest war graves cemetery.

Waikumete Cemetery is administered by Waitakere City Council. It contains the graves of over 10,000 returned servicemen and women, including more than 100 casualties of WWI.

Cemetery manager Daniel Sales says that while no formal services were held, there has been "a steady flow” of people through the cemetery today, paying their respects.

Visitor numbers are definitely up on a normal week day, he says.

“Many of those visiting are placing flowers and poppies on war graves.”

He adds that ANZAC Day services at the cemetery are attracting more and more people each year.

"New Zealanders, especially young people, are really showing a greater understanding and respect for what our servicemen and women did to ensure we have the country we do have today,” he says.

10 November

Service to remember those lost at Erebus

A service at Erebus Memorial at Waikumete Cemetery on November 28 will remember those who died in the air disaster 30 years ago.

A service at the Erebus Memorial at Waikumete Cemetery on November 28 will remember those who died in the air disaster 30 years ago.

A special memorial service will be held at Waikumete Cemetery on November 28 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Erebus air disaster.

The remains of more than 60 of the 257 people who lost their lives in the 1979 crash are cared for at the cemetery, the majority in a mass grave marked by a special memorial.

Opened in 1981, the memorial features names of unidentified passengers and is now surrounded by attractive gardens, including a cherry tree planted by the Japanese Bereaved Erebus Family Society, and seating for visitors to the site.

"Waitakere has an unbroken connection with this national tragedy as home to a memorial to the victims, many of whom are buried here," says Daniel Sales, Cemetery Manager.

"We've taken pride in looking after the remains at the memorial and its surroundings and making it a place where people can come to reflect and hopefully find some peace in spite of their heartache.

"This service is a time to remember those lost loved ones."

Representatives from Air New Zealand, victim's families, civic leaders and consular representatives from the home countries of victims are expected at the service, along with members of the public.

What: Erebus 30th Anniversary Service
When: 3.30pm, November 28, 2009
Where: Waikumete Cemetery and Crematorium, Great North Rd, Glen Eden, Waitakere. Main entrance is on Great North Road (between Glenview and Awaroa Rds).

5 November

Bell a symbol of peace for Waitakere

The United Nations has one at its headquarters in New York.

Now Waitakere is the new owner of a 105kg Japanese Peace Bell. The bronze bell, which measures 95 by 49cms, is a gift from Waitakere’s sister city of 17 years, Kakogawa.

It is a symbol of the peace principles needed to build a great city, says Mayor Harvey.

“This bell will ring the message of peace across our communities. "It’s saying we want homes without violence, neighbourhoods that support each other. “Peace will always be at the heart of everything we do in Waitakere and Japan’s city Kakogawa recognises us for it.”

The Peace Bell was unveiled at the Japanese Garden at Waitakere Central on November 1.

It is the latest of many gifts from Kakogawa. Those include a first call ambulance and the Japanese Garden where the peace bell stands.

Waitakere donated three Pou Whenua (totem poles) to Kakogawa in 1996.

Kakogawa offers English teaching positions to Waitakere residents, while Waitakere hosts disabled students from Kakogawa. The cities also run a student exchange programme annually.

“Kakogawa has been a huge part of the history of Waitakere,” says Mayor Harvey.

“Our relationship began in 1991 with a “friendship agreement”. Now we’re more like family.”

Waitakere became a Peace City in 2007.

Mayor Harvey is Vice President of Mayors for Peace, which has 3241 member cities from 134 countries.


The peace bell is unveiled by Kakogawa City Council chairman, Akiyoshi Myojo, Kakogawa Mayor Shoichi Tarumoto and Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.	Kakogawa City Council chairman, Akiyoshi Myojo, Kakogawa Mayor Shoichi Tarumoto and Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey applaud the peace bell.	Lady June Hillary celebrated the bell unveiling with Mayor Bob Harvey

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5 November

Minister's comments confirm secret agenda

The Minister of Local Government's reported comments that 700 people could be axed and $66 million saved by ramming through Auckland's "Super City" are nothing short of "sinister", says Waitakere deputy mayor Penny Hulse.

Rodney Hide has been widely reported as making the comments at a business breakfast where he also said the Prime Minister "doesn't do anything".

Mrs Hulse says earlier in the week a discussion document circulated to Councils in the region set out a process and timeframe for transitioning staff.

"That talked about minimising job losses as much as possible. Yet within days the Minister is talking about some very definite numbers both in terms of staff and expected savings."

"Either he is making these things up, or there is a secret agenda that only he is aware of."

"Sadly it's probably the latter."

Mrs Hulse says the Minister's comments closely mirror those made by Auckland Mayor John Banks several months ago- comments Mr Banks later apologised for.

"Coincidence? I don't think so," she says.

"I've always suspected an inner cabal with its own agenda is behind the indecent haste and poor planning forcing amalgamation in Auckland. And everything the Minister says and does confirms that."

"As for the supposed savings of $66 million, well along with every other Aucklander I'd love to know exactly what they are. Because, make no mistake, this Super City will deliver just one thing - super-sized rates increases for years to come."

5 November

Massey West students get travel wise

Lincoln Heights School students are among Massey students leading the charge to be more travel wise.

A group of schools in Massey are making the commitment to reduce traffic on our roads and encouraging students to make more sustainable travel choices.

The Massey West Cluster TravelWise School Travel Plan was recently signed by Massey High School and Massey, Don Buck, Royal Road, St Paul's and Lincoln Heights primary schools.

The plan is the culmination of almost two years effort by the schools in association with Travelwise coordinators at Waitakere City Council and Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA).

The TravelWise programme promotes sustainable transport choices to reduce congestion, advocate mental and physical benefits of active transport and reduce emissions.

Individual schools or 'clusters' of schools develop Travel Plans in partnership with Waitakere City Council and ARTA. Establishing walking school buses, where groups of students and from the same area walk to school in groups, are just one aspect of this.

Waitakere City Councillor Vanessa Neeson was on hand to present schools with certificates signifying their status as a TravelWise school.

"We are so proud of the work you have done to make this happen," she told students.

"It is through your enthusiasm, with the support of council and the TravelWise team at ARTA that is making a difference."

Other school initiatives used by the schools to boost the message have been a HEHA (Healthy Eating Healthy Action) day at Lincoln Heights Primary where the whole school dressed up and walked to school from various points around the community. On arrival the children were given a healthy breakfast.

At Massey High School, students have led the charge for change through a range of initiatives including an environment expo and encouraging classmates to take the bus, walk or car pool to school.

As well as working with schools to develop their plans, the council provides infrastructure support such as safer crossing points, traffic calming measures and new footpaths.

Through the TravelWise schools programme, which includes initiatives like the Walking School Bus, 5010 cars are removed from Auckland's congested roads each morning peak resulting in around 4000 tonnes less CO2 emitted during the course of a year.

There are several travel plans already operating in several Waitakere schools.

For more information about the TravelWise programme go to www.travelwise.org.nz

4 November

Titirangi Library and Learning Centre now open

Councillor Judy Lawley and her grand daughter Mera, 4, were the first to check test out the new learning centre at the refurbished Titirangi Library.

Councillor Judy Lawley and her grand daughter Mera, 4, were the first to check test out the new learning centre at the refurbished Titirangi Library.

Titirangi Library has reopened for business.

The refurbished library was officially re-opened to the public with a blessing and ceremony presided over by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and attended by chair of Waitakere City Council's Culture and Community Committee, Judy Lawley and library staff.

The Titirangi School choir entertained with a few songs while fellow student Angelina Tanner read her poem, Magic in the Library.

Cr Lawley's grand-daughter, Mera, 4, was given the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new learning centre - a major feature of the refurbished library.

"The learning centre is a major boost to the library and extends the number of computers available to the public and these are free to use," says Cr Lawley.

The library, which has been closed since July, also has a new carpet, a fresh coat of paint, a new front counter and an expanded children's area. An expansive window allowing for stunning views of the Manukau also lets in plenty of natural light.

The fresh look Titirangi Library will continue to provide council extended services, enabling customers to pay council bills, register dogs and obtain council information and forms.

The facility has undergone several alterations since it opened in 1965 to cater for the ever-growing needs of the community and this latest work will reduce ongoing maintenance, repair and operating costs.

Titirangi Library is located at 500 South Titirangi Road, Titirangi.

3 November

Still plenty to applaud in a challenging year

Waitakere City Council Annual Report 2008/09 cover

It's been a challenging year for Waitakere but there's still a lot to applaud.

A year of many successes in the face of major challenges are the features of Waitakere City Council's Annual Report for 2008/09.

The report is a snapshot of projects the council has completed over the past year and a summary of its financial position. It also incorporates a sustainability report on Waitakere's ongoing commitment its eco city principles.

The report notes that the global recession, as well as preparing for the change to the new Auckland Council, has made the past year a challenging one for the people of Waitakere and the council although there are still many achievements to be proud of.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey says the city has provided leadership amidst a year of turbulence.

"We have had to manage a complex business through the worse economic downturn since the great depression and also work towards dismantling Waitakere and being absorbed into the new so-called super city," he says.

"The sustainability principles we founded this city on are now becoming mainstream nationally and internationally. We continue to lead the way."

He paid tribute to councillors and staff and was upbeat about what lies ahead under new regional governance.

"Some fear we will lose our identity. I am not worried. Though like the tides of our coast the West will change, like the Waitakere Ranges it will stand strong forever."

Some of the city's achievements in 2008-09:

Majority of Waitakere residents (91%) rated their quality of life as good or extremely good in a national quality of life survey;
Work began on transforming New Lynn - the $300 million project involving building an integrated transport hub, road improvements and rejuvenation of the town centre;
Earthworks begun at the old Hobsonville Air Base, where 3000 homes will be built;
Extension of SH16 to Brigham Creek Rd and SH18 Hobsonville Deviation motorway projects underway;
West Wave Aquatic Centre continues to be one of Waitakere's most popular venues and was this year recognised for its business acumen, winning the Pharmaceuticals Best Large Business award at the 2009 Westpac Waitakere Business Awards;
Completion of the Universal Drive extension unlocked valuable business land that will generate new jobs;
Glen Eden has established a Business Improvement District, with the support of council; in an effort to boost business create a buzz in the town;
Residents are helping to assess the new for new facilities in the Glendene/Kelston/Span Farm area;
A new Water Ambassadors Club is encouraging young people to spread the message of water conservation. It has recently registered its 1000th member;
Introduction of a new user-pays inorganic rubbish collection service;
Launch of the Bags Not! campaign towards a plastic shopping bag free Waitakere;
Plans announced to retrofit 20,000 homes in the next 10 years.

A copy of the Waitakere City Council Annual Report 2008-09 can be viewed here.

Hard copies available at all Waitakere libraries (excluding Piha and Waiatarua Libraries), Waitakere Central, 6 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson or by contacting us.

3 November

Report to police and coroner

A report into the stormwater drain in which toddler Aisling Symes was found will be released to the Police and Coroner, the Waitakere City Council said today.

Since the Council announced it was preparing a report into the issue the Coroner has begun an inquiry into the death. The matter is therefore sub-judice and as such the Council cannot make any further statements on the matter.

The Coroner has requested that the report, which is being prepared with independent input, be furnished to him by 16 November, 2009. This report will also be given to the Police, at their request, to assist in their investigation.

Release of information contained within it is a matter for the Coroner and/or the Police.