Media Releases

October 2009

22 October

Waitakere Ward and local board boundary preferences outlined to Local Government Commission

The Council has suggested the LGC look at creating a new Waitakere Ward, which would include the Waitakere Ranges & West Rodney.

A new Waitakere Ward stretching from Muriwai to Blockhouse Bay has been suggested by Waitakere City Council in its 'initial input' to the Local Government Commission on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009.

To better reflect the region's communities of interest, the council wants the commission to consider creating a ward extending north to include Muriwai, Huapai, Kumeu and Riverhead, and east to include Avondale and the area between the present Avondale Community Board's eastern boundary and Carrington Road.

The ward would be represented by four councillors on the new Auckland Council, and divided into five local boards of no fewer than six members each, comprising:

• Waitakere Local Board - including the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area and foothills of the Ranges, Waitakere Township and Swanson, with the additional area of Muriwai in the present Rodney District;
• Massey Local Board - centred on the new town centre under development at Westgate and extending to include Waimauku, Kumeu-Huapai and Riverhead in Rodney;
• Henderson Local Board - centred on the existing Henderson town centre and extending to include Western Heights and Glendene as far as Hepburn Rd;
• New Lynn Local Board - centred on the regenerating town centre of New Lynn and its new transport interchange as well as Glen Eden and Kelston;
• Avondale Local Board - centred on Avondale town centre and including Blockhouse Bay (the current Avondale ward of Auckland City).

In areas with larger populations the council would support more than six representatives.

"The multi-member ward option would give transparency to the new governance arrangements by creating more opportunity for representation of the West's diverse interests and groups," says Waitakere City Councillor Janet Clews.

"It will also mean electors have more choice, leading to increased voter satisfaction about making a meaningful contribution to the management and shaping of region," she says.

"Councillors must act in the interests of Auckland as a whole but having four elected from a single ward would enable the workload to be shared, give some scope for specialisation and provide multiple points of contact for the community.

The population of the new Waitakere ward is estimated to be 241,110 (Census 2006).

"There are very strong links to Waitakere in West Rodney and Avondale, so it makes sense to include them in a new all-encompassing ward," she says.

"Many of the people living in these communities travel, work, shop or go to school here and have strong links to this area."

Download the full document below:

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Council initial input to Local Government Commission (Size 1786K)

22 October

Make a banner and join parade against family violence

Make a banner and join the Waitakere White Ribbon Parade on 25 November.

Got something to say on family violence? How about making a banner and joining the Waitakere White Ribbon parade on November 25.

You could win one of five family passes to West Wave Aquatic Centre.

Banners must feature a white ribbon and be at least 1.5 metres wide and 1m deep and be carried by at least two people at all times during the parade. Individual or group entries welcome.

Remember this is a family event so keep the messages respectful. Some examples from last year include "speak out", "you can help" and "you can make a difference." Banners will be judged while you walk with visual impact and strength of message key considerations.

It is free to enter but you need to register first. Entry form and conditions can be downloaded from this website.

Registrations close 5.00pm, November 20, 2009 and banners will be judged on the parade.

The Waitakere White Ribbon Parade is a chance for Waitakere people to stand together and say "Family Violence is Not OK".

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.

White Ribbon Day is the international day for elimination of violence against women and the White Ribbon movement was established in Canada in 1981 by men working to end violence against women.

Waitakere's response was to establish the Mayoral Taskforce on Family Violence in 2007, launched by Mayor Bob Harvey and Dr Pita Sharples.

The taskforce is made up of a network of family violence and prevention agencies, the council, police and health officials.

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.

22 October

Public forum discusses impact of alcohol on community

Do New Zealand's liquor laws and commercialisation of the industry have anything to do with this country's drinking culture?

That's the topic of conversation at a public forum being held at the Trusts Stadium in Waitakere on November 2.

Professor Doug Sellman, Chair in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the University of Otago will speak at the meeting, 'Ten things the alcohol industry won't tell you about alcohol' being held at 7.30pm.

Professor Sellman is in Waitakere as part of a nationwide tour of 30 towns and cities for Alcohol Action NZ, a new organisation working for changes to, in its opinion, New Zealand's alcohol laws. Professor Sellman is one of four medical spokespeople for the new group.

He says alcohol has become totally over commercialised in New Zealand, encouraging a heavy drinking culture that leads to serious health problems, fractured families and increased violence and crime affecting thousands of people.

"Over a thousand people die every year from an alcohol-related injury or chronic disease and there are over 70,000 physical and sexual assaults perpetrated by people who are alcohol affected."

The negative impact alcohol abuse has on families is something close to the heart of Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, who will introduce Professor Sellman at the forum.

Entry is free but registrations are required. Please email Safe Waitakere on safe.waitakere@waitakere.govt.nz

For more information about Alcohol Action NZ go to www.alcoholaction.co.nz

21 October

Waitakere's cream of the crop

West Wave wins the Douglas Pharmaceuticals Best Large Business Award

Waitakere City Council's West Wave Aquatic Centre made a splash at the 2009 Westpac Waitakere Business Awards, judged best large business in the city.

West Wave assistant manager Mary Crosbie says that management and staff are delighted to have won the Douglas Pharmaceuticals Best Large Business Award.

"West Wave has proved itself to be a leader in the aquatics industry over the last two years, winning a host of awards including Best Swim School Promoter for 2008 and 2009, Drake International Employer of Choice in 2008, and the New Zealand Recreation Association Pool of the Year Award 2008," she says.

The judges noted that West Wave is one of the "finest integrated lifestyle centres" in Australasia - providing an "absolute focus on customer satisfaction, expanding the product range, detailed systemisation of all processes and constant upskilling of staff".

Other winners at the Awards were:

20 October

Clay Day in New Lynn

15 October

All Blacks to hold public training for Tsunami Relief Fund

The All Blacks will be at Waitakere's Douglas Track and Field next week to raise money for the Tsunami Relief Fund. Photo: allblacks.com

13 October

Time to check your swimming pool fencing

Pool owners are reminded to make sure fencing and gates are in good working order.

Now is a good time to check pool fencing and gates for any maintenance requirements that may have been neglected over winter.

Waitakere City Council is urging pool owners to take a close look at their properties to ensure that children cannot gain unsupervised access to their pool.

Young children are particularly at risk from drowning in swimming pools and a regular check on your pool fence and gates will help keep them safe.

In particular, gates should self close and latch when released from 150mm and fencing needs to be in a good state of repair. There shouldn't be anything near the fence that could be used by a child to climb over.

Property owners or anyone renting a property on which a pool is situated are responsible for ensuring that the pool fence and gates are well maintained and compliant with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act at all times.

9 October

Intrigued delegates soak up eco information in Waitakere.

Indonesian delegation visit Waitakere for green advice

9 October

The draft Waitakere City Freight Plan aims to guide freight movement and management over the next 30 years.

Have your say on draft freight plan

Feedback is wanted on a draft plan that will determine how freight movement throughout Waitakere will be managed over the next 30 years.

The Draft Waitakere City Freight Plan also provides guidance on key issues including identifying general freight routes and routes for oversized and overweight freight vehicles.

Feedback is being accepted between Friday, October 9 and Friday November 6.

Auckland Regional Council adopted a regional freight strategy in 2006 which led to the development of this citywide plan, which identifies local freight routes as well as investigating possibilities for utilising rail and sea freight.

"Well managed freight movement will support growth in industrial areas and mitigate adverse impacts on local communities by directing heavy vehicles to suitable routes," says the council's transport strategy manager Kevin Wright.

Feedback is sought, particularly on freight movement through the three main town centres of New Lynn, Henderson and Westgate.

The draft plans and feedback forms are available on the Have Your Say section or by calling its 24-hour call centre on (09) 839 0400 to request copies.

8 October

Potential tsunami threat cancelled

Potential threat of tsunami cancelled.

8 October

Tsunami Advisory: Potential threat to New Zealand

Earthquakes in Vanuatu this morning have created a possibility of a tsunami for New Zealand

• Keep off and away from all low lying areas such as all the region's beaches, estuaries, marinas and harbours and all low lying roads, bridges and land. In addition, people are advised to be aware of fast moving currents.
• Listen to the radio or watch TV for further information from civil defence.

Effective immediately, strong currents associated with the arrival of the tsunami will begin to affect New Zealand coastal waters, with a peak not expected until at least 8pm. Areas that are particularly prone to late strong currents are the west coast of the South Island, between Hokitika and Karamea, and the Northland region of the North Island.

8 October

Massey is moving ahead

Massey is moving ahead

What matters to the people of Massey?

That's the focus of a community forum being held at the Nor'West Baptist Church Hall on October 13.

Whether it's more services and recreational opportunities for youth, more local employment opportunities, helping pre-schoolers to get a great start in life or creating opportunities for neighbours to meet, Massey Matters project coordinator Linda Shaw says all are important.

"Two years ago the community identified key priorities that they felt would make Massey a better place to live. They are still important but the recession has had a huge impact on our community so it's timely to go back to see what their priorities are now."

The quarterly forum will feature an interactive session to ask people about five key areas - children, youth, localisation of employment and training, sustainable neighbourhoods - including community gardens and warmer houses, and building resilience, connection and a sense of belonging in our community.

"We want to know whether we are concentrating on the important areas or are there others we should focus on," says Ms Shaw.

As part of the forum, Massey Matters will highlight the great work already being done in the community with the presentation of Massey Marvel Awards.

Councillor Linda Cooper will present these awards, which are for people recognised by their community for making a significant contribution to Massey.

"So many people do wonderful things in our community so it's great to have this chance to honour them publicly and is something I am really honoured to be able to do," says Cr Cooper.

"I want to encourage people to attend the forum because it's important to touch base again with the community to make sure we are headed in the direction they want to go.

"Being a community led project it's vital to check back with our residents so we can support them to meet their aspirations," she says.

Massey Matters supports organisations and individuals committed to improving the quality of life in Massey. It is a community-led partnership with Waitakere City Council.

7 October

Mayor pleads for information on Aisling

Click to enlarge image

Missing toddler Aisling Symes

Mayor Bob Harvey is urging anyone who may have seen missing two-year-old Aisling Symes to come forward.

The Henderson toddler disappeared from a Longburn Rd address around 5:30pm on Monday.

Police and volunteers from the local community have been searching for her ever since.

Investigators are now looking at the possibility Aisling has been abducted.

Waitakere City Council's Civil Defence team has been involved in the search.

The council has provided a list of registered dog owners in the area following reports Aisling was seen talking to an Asian woman with a black and grey dog just before her disappearance.

Mayor Harvey says the area in and around Longburn Rd is extremely busy, especially during rush hour.

"This little girl was wandering in that area. Somebody must have seen something," he says.

"If people have seen anything at all, even if they think it is insignificant, they should contact the police immediately."

Mayor Harvey says the local community's response to the disappearance has been "just amazing".

"It's at times like this that you see the sort of community spirit there is in Waitakere.

"All our thoughts and prayers are with the Symes family at this time. We've got to do everything we can to get this little girl home safe."

Call 0800 4247 5464 (0800 4AISLING) if you have any information on the case.

6 October

New online group brings water advocates together

The Water Ambassadors NZ group encourages environmentally-minded Kiwis keen to preserve our precious water resources.

5 October

Mayor supports day of action on climate change

Click to enlarge image

Photo call for change. Supporters of the 350 International Day of Action gathered at Bethells Beach. Photo Mark Smith

1 October

'We greet you in sorrow' - Mayor Harvey's open letter to people of the Pacific

An open letter to the people of the Pacific from Mayor Bob Harvey

Talofa Lava. Malo le soifua laulelei i le paia ma le mamalu o Samoa.

Malo mu'a 'etau a'usia 'ae ngaahi aho faingata'a ni.

O le fa'aaliga lenei e momoli atu ai le agaga fa'amaise ile mamalu o Samoa o lo'o alala ma afifio i Aukilani nei.

Ko e popoaki fiekaungamamahi ki he kainga Tonga kotoa 'i he fakamasiva kuo hoko 'i Tonga.

In a letter to the people of the Pacific, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey has sent a message of condolence and support to the people of the Pacific following the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis this week.

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.

We greet you in sorrow (Size 855K)

1 October

Tsunami warning siren system passes the test

Waitakere's Public Alert Tsunami Siren system passed its first real test during this week's incident.

New trail honours Sir Ed

Click to enlarge images

Peter Hillary at Piha's Tasman Lookout.  With him Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey,

Image: Ted Scott - Sunset over Karekare

Image: Ted Scott - Muriwai gannet colony

Image: Ted Scott - Whatipu

Mayor Bob Harvey says a just announced West Coast trail is the perfect tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary.

"It's something I talked to Sir Ed about for 20 years. He and I worked hard on this together.

"Finally we are seeing it come to fruition."

The Hillary Trail will span about 100kms of coast and bush, starting at Arataki and going as far as South Kaipara.

It will be a testament to Sir Ed's legacy in New Zealand and the world, says Mayor Harvey.

"Sir Ed's legacy will live on in this magnificent trail.

"A great icon deserves a great walk. This is one to match the world renowned Heaphy and Milford tracks of the South Island.

"The West Coast was Sir Ed's second home. Anawhata was his favourite beach; a place he called the most beautiful on the planet.

"He would have loved walking the black sand beaches and native bush of the Hillary Trail."

The Hillary Trail has been 27 years in the making.

Sir Ed's father-in-law Jim Rose first proposed a public walking track from Huia to Muriwai in 1982.

His notes on the history of Anawhata said:

"My family look forward to the time when we will be able to walk from Huia to Muriwai on public walking tracks like the old time Maori could do."

Mayor Harvey revived the proposal this year, developing plans for a three day coastal walk.

He named it 'The Hillary Trail' in memory of Sir Ed.

His concept received support from the Hillary family, local iwi Te Kawerau a Maki and Prime Minister John Key.

Auckland Regional Council chair Mike Lee supported the concept and extended the trail to start at Arataki.

It will be officially opened on the second anniversary of Sir Edmund's death, January 11, 2010.

"It's great to have the Auckland Regional Council on board as they monitor these wonderful tracks," says Mayor Harvey.

"The views are stunning and the beach and headlands are rich in history.

"This is a tribute to Sir Ed's unique combination of pioneering adventure and self sacrifice."

1 October

Council Withdraws Plan Change

Council withdraws plan change to create a Whenuapai Special Area.

Waitakere City Council will not go a head with a change to its district plan to create a Whenuapai Special Area.

In front of a large audience from both the local area and the North Shore, the Council voted to withdraw from Plan Change 22, which sought to provide more certainty over the future of the Whenuapai Airbase and surrounding land.

Mayor Bob Harvey, a personal supporter of the plan change, says while he accepts the decision the Auckland region has lost a unique opportunity.

Plan Change 22 sought to tidy up the zoning of the area which has a current underlying zoning of "countryside living".

"The long term future of what happens on the base is now uncertain," says Mayor Harvey. "This change was not going to suddenly see a commercial airport set up in Whenuapai. But it did give a pointer to a future - a future of jobs and economic activity. That seems lost now."

Mayor Harvey says development in and around Whenuapai was a project of national significance that had the support of nearly 80% of Aucklanders (through independent polls taken over the past five years).

"This change had been about trying to protect the infrastructure for the future and ensuring that should the Defence Force one day move away or try sell off parts of property there were some controls on what happens with that land."