Category: General

Everything else

A Reminder After The Muriwai Beach Tragedy

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Stay safe, seat belts on and OBEY the Speed Limit

From Auckland Council

Muriwai beach tragedy

Auckland Council’s Rodney Ward Councillor Penny Webster says last night’s fatal crash on Muriwai beach is a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this time.

“Muriwai Beach is a very popular destination with both tourists and locals and we are devastated that these young men have lost their lives in such tragic circumstances,” says Councillor Webster.

“The weather patterns and terrain of the beach is unique and can make driving conditions difficult at times. Driving on the beach is also very different from driving on the road,” says Councillor Webster.

Council encourages people wanting to drive on the beach to get a permit and read the corresponding safety advice on responsible driving on the beach prior to heading out to this popular location.

Under Auckland Council’s Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw, vehicles are not allowed on beaches without the written permission of council. On September 1, council began a 12 month trial of a permit system for Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches.

The permit system provides a way for council to explain and reiterate safety requirements for people who choose to drive on those beaches.

Since 1 September, 734 permits have been issued for Muriwai beach.

Rodney Local Board chairwoman Brenda Steele says, “We’re encouraged by the large number of people who have already signed up for this permit, however the permit is the first step. We need to educate drivers further of the importance of being aware of their surroundings, including all the other people and animals using this much-loved beach.”

Under the new system, people driving on beaches are required to fill out a free online permit. In doing so, they must read the rules and guidelines for driving on beaches, which include staying off the dunes, looking out for partially submerged objects, only accessing the beach three hours either side of low tide and slowing down when there are people or animals around.

Auckland Council continues to work alongside other agencies to improve safety and driver behaviour on Muriwai beach and is currently working on communicating further to beach users prior to the busy summer period.

—ends—-

Safety first is no accident. Stay safe this Summer for all’s sakes.

Change in Investor Immigrant Rules to Target Start Ups

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Mayor endorses Government review

From the Office of the Mayor Len Brown:

Auckland Mayor supports changes to investor migrant rules

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has endorsed the government’s review of investor migrant rules and hopes it will see more funds directed into startups and growth companies.

The Mayor’s comments follow the release of a paper from Auckland business incubator Icehouse which proposes changing New Zealand’s Investor Migrant Policy to channel a portion of wealthy migrant investment into New Zealand’s strategic capital needs which include providing capital for emerging growth companies.

“Auckland is creating an innovation city,” says Len Brown.

“We have seen the emergence of companies like Orion Health, PowerbyProxi, Adherium and Wherescape. We are also the location for a number of venture capital and private equity funds, and some of New Zealand’s most active angel investors.  About half of all angel investment in New Zealand goes into Auckland-based startups.

“The key constraint for many technology companies, however, remains investment capital.

“An initiative which deepens the pool of capital available to be invested into growth companies will help shift our economy to one based on technology and innovation. And if that means these companies can grow while maintaining their New Zealand base that will be positive for the economy.

“The Icehouse idea has merit.  If we can attract migrants who want to invest into growth companies and opportunities in Auckland and New Zealand, it can only be good.

“I hope the government gives it careful thought as it undertakes the review.”

—ends—

Sounds good although I hope the idea is not going to be Government handled thus picking winners like Minister Steven Joyce likes to do (and fails).

The idea would benefit Auckland especially as like-type business and industries clump together naturally (rather than having a public authority do it via innovation hubs) for agglomeration bonus effects that start kicking in.

In Southern Auckland’s case that would be:

  1. Education
  2. Food and Beverage
  3. Health/Population/Social
  4. Technology

Have Your Say on City Centre Community Hub #BetterAuckland

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Council wants your input on Freyberg Square

From Auckland Council:

Chance to shape new city centre community hub

Major upgrades are planned for the city centre’s only community centre and the square in front of it, and Aucklanders are being asked for their thoughts on the draft concept design.

The redesign of Freyberg Square and refurbishment of Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall are being funded by the Waitematā Local Board and by city centre businesses and residents through the targeted rate.

The proposals will provide a better pedestrian connection from High Street to Courthouse Lane and the recently upgraded O’Connell Street, building on the success of that popular improvement. It also proposes closing off the roadway to the front of the Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall to improve safety and create an improved public square that better integrates with the community facility.

Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers says, “City centre resident numbers have tripled to 30,000 in the last 12 years and we need our community facilities to catch up. The hall and the square are both already popular and well used; but with these enhancements, they will be able to become a real draw card, meeting the needs of people living and working in this part of the city, while creating more foot traffic for local retailers and landowners.”

Auckland design champion Ludo Campbell-Reid says, “This is an opportunity to create a world-class, vibrant community hub in the city centre and is another step in delivering the City Centre Masterplan. Improving the square and the hall as one project will create a better, more integrated result and save money.”

Concept designs have been drafted for the square and building with input from local groups and key stakeholders. Children were also actively engaged in the design process as part of the Waitemata Local Board’s Child Friendly City UNICEF initiative.

The consultation will give the public, other users and visitors the opportunity to fine tune those designs and ensure that what is delivered meets the wider community needs.

Construction is expected to take 9-12 months, starting in winter 2016. The council is committed to minimising disruption during construction, so is also asking for input on how to retain activity and available public space during the construction period.

Feedback on the draft designs closes on 27 September, 2015. There are a number of on-site drop-in sessions and an open day on Saturday 12 September.

For information and to complete an online feedback form visit: www.shapeauckland.co.nz

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Auckland Development Committee Agenda – September 2015 #AKLPols

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Updates on SHA, Development Auckland, and Manukau

The agenda and attachments for this month’s Auckland Development Committee are up. Given I am tied up with Unitary Plan Hearings this week on the Centres and Business Zones I will not be at Town Hall but might Live Tweet proceedings if I get a chance to watch the Live Stream of the Committee.

The Agenda

The attachment concerning Panuku Development Auckland sites analysis

I will run more commentary on the agenda and attachment come Wednesday.