Category: General

Everything else

Otara-Papatoetoe Area Plan Approved – And Ruled by Technocracy?

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A Shame

 

As expected although one had to try (see: Council Fails South Auckland – Again) the Auckland Development Committee has adopted the Otara-Papatoetoe Area Plan into operation this afternoon.

While disappointing as the Area Plan is now nothing but platitudes backed up with very little funding for most of the projects listed in the ‘5-year’ project lists any how.

 

I will evaluate the situation in a podcast tomorrow as well as other happenings that came of the Committee today including this:

 

Ruled by a Technocracy we are….

 

One thing I will say though, if I do ever serve as an elected representative in the Auckland Council Governing Body technocracies is something I despise and that Area Plan would be fully reviewed and rebuilt – properly!….

 

Environment Funding Dished

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Funding or Grants allocated for Environment Projects

 

From Auckland Council:

$634,000 for Auckland’s environmental projects

 

Auckland Council has awarded $634,000 in grants through its Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) to 133 community projects which enhance Auckland’s natural habitat and historic heritage.

The fund supports local residents’ initiatives from the enhancement and conservation of important environmental and heritage sites to community-led projects.

The recommendations were approved by the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee today.

Councillor Wayne Walker, chair of the committee, says it is important that the council helps the community to care for Auckland’s natural environment and heritage resources.

“The Environmental Initiatives Fund is a really good way to help the community play an active role in looking after our environment,” he says.

“The way it is set up means we can fund a number of different projects that make a real difference to preserving our wonderful natural environment.

“From water storage tanks to coastal restoration programmes, there are a wide range of projects the council is supporting through this fund.

“We are passionate about ensuring our natural habitats are well-maintained and cared for. It’s fantastic to know that we have an active community who want to look after it and I am delighted that we have been able to support that work through this fund.”

Some of the 133 funded projects include:

  • $15,000 to Stephen Thomas to support the set up costs for the Rakino Community Nursery project, providing an on-island source of native plants for local restoration projects
  • $12,000 to Glenfield Community Centre towards painting the exterior of the Glenfield Mission Hall and installing sub-floor ventilation in time for the building’s centenary in September 2015
  • $1,300 for Bucklands Beach Intermediate for a coastal restoration project to provide a healthy habitat for threatened species
  • $3,000 for The Chapel Community Garden to establish a healthy garden to grow fruit and vegetables for the community, and teach people about gardening and composting
  • $5,500 to Michael Penn for native plants, site preparation and weed control to support re-vegetation in Warkworth.

Recommended grants range from $200 to $15,000. The average grant is $4,729.

 

—ends—-

 

Auckland Development Committee – December Meeting

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Area Plans, Mill Road, and Special Housing Areas

 

Tomorrow for the last time this year the Auckland Development Committee meets in Town Hall. The agenda items cover:

  • Public Input around the Mill Road Corridor, and Special Housing Area Tranche 4
  • Adoption of a couple of Area Plans including the Otara-Papatoetoe Area Plan
  • Takapuna Centre Plan
  • Updates around various items including housing, infrastructure, and a growth study

 

The Agenda and Addendum Agenda for December

 

 

Podcasts on a walk through of Manukau, plus why the Auckland Development Committee has attracted my ire will be going up today and tomorrow

 

Excellence Awarded

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Two awarded for community excellence

 

And some good news today from Auckland Council:

Two West Wave staff win leisure awards

 

Cindy Stewart and Romina Veseli from West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre have scooped prizes at the 2014 New Zealand Fitness Awards held in Auckland on Saturday night.

Cindy won the Community Excellence Award while her colleague Romina took out the Outstanding Club Support Person title.

The West Wave pair were among four Auckland Council staff who were recognised at the annual awards. The other two were Matt Nash (Marina Fitness) and Barbara Joseph (Otara Pool and Leisure Centre), who were both finalists in the Gym Instructor of the Year category.

Auckland Council Pools and Leisure Manager Rob McGee says to have two winners and two finalists is a superb achievement for the council’s network of leisure centres, and shows that they are delivering not only top quality programmes but some ground-breaking initiatives.

One of those initiatives is the West Wave Wellness Long-Term Programme, driven by Cindy.

The senior fitness instructor has been at the Henderson-based centre for 12 years, and for the past eight has worked closely with Health West and the Green Prescription programme opening doors to referrals from the community.

“To achieve our vision of getting people into exercise we needed to illustrate the benefits of physical activity, which has improved our clients’ motivation and self-belief,” says Cindy.

Recently she has also been able to deliver hydrotherapy and aqua aerobic classes to help people with health issues such as stroke, arthritis and cardiac problems.

Her colleague Romina has worked at West Wave since 2009 and is currently the Fitness Team Leader. She helps run the club’s events and special initiatives such as the weight loss club, running club and the wellness programme.

Auckland Council is committed to increasing individual and community wellbeing through participation in recreation and sport.

Now in their 10th year and coordinated by industry association Fitness New Zealand, the awards celebrate the dedication and success of the country’s world-class fitness leaders and the important role they play in the health of our society.

 

—ends—-

 

Congratulations and well done indeed

What Do We Want at Waterfront Auckland

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What we want

 

From Auckland Council

Fun, sun and a run – what Aucklanders want from their waterfront

 

Fun and quirky spaces, sunshine, sea views, places to eat, public gatherings and events, areas to swim, walk and run, and children’s play space.

These are some of the recurring themes on the list of what Aucklanders want from new downtown spaces.

Auckland Council’s City Centre Integration team is seeking feedback on what people want to see in the downtown spaces, from outside Britomart train station to the waterfront areas between Princes Wharf and Captain Cook Wharf. The survey runs until 12 December 2014 and has elicited a variety of responses since it began earlier in the month.

Waitemata Local Board Chair Shale Chambers says: “We’re seeing a range of requests coming through; basically we are finding that Aucklanders want a lot of different things.

“There are some trends emerging from public feedback, for example, we can see that people want views of the water rather than the city, they want sun rather than shade options, they want to be able to run and walk, to attend events and gatherings and free play space for their kids.”

The survey asks people to rank a variety of options under different headings. It also asks what else they would like to see, with ideas put forward so far including bike parking, family sporting events, places to swim, improving transport connections and an outdoor cinema.

From feedback received to date the top two options under each heading are:

Environment and setting:

–       Looking at harbour views

–       Relaxing in sunny, open spaces

Community, Arts, Culture and Heritage:

–       Spaces that are fun and quirky

–       Attend public gatherings, demonstrations, events, performances and celebrations

Hospitality and retail:

–       Eat or drink at café and restaurant tables

–       Picnic at freely available eating spaces

Recreation activities:

–       Walk and/or run

–       Playspace for children in a natural area (trees, rocks, grass, sand etc)

 

Findings from this public consultation will help to inform the design and planning processes. The survey is open until 12 December 2014 and can be accessed through shapeauckland.co.nz.

—–ends—-

 

I have done the survey have you?

 

Cracking Down on Window Washers

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Tougher Line to be taken

 

From Auckland Council – and to be distributed widely please:

Crackdown on window washers for public safety

 

Auckland Council is clamping down on window washers’ intimidating behaviour at intersections throughout the city and is targeting repeat offenders.

The council has begun pursuing the prosecution of window washers found to be in breach of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw. The bylaw, which came into effect six months ago, was designed to protect the public from nuisance but, after taking a graduated enforcement approach, council officers have had to take a harder line.

“When the bylaw first came in staff took an educational approach with offenders, focusing on voluntary compliance. However this has not deterred people window washing in an unsafe way, which makes drivers feel uncomfortable and even threatened, so council is taking a tougher line,” says Max Wilde, Manager Bylaws and Compliance.

As the lead agency for enforcement on window washing, council is working closely with the Police to address problem hotspots around the region where there has been a noticeable increase in window washers. As part of a targeted approach to tackle this continuing issue and better protect public safety, an increase in enforcement activity is expected. The court can impose a fine of up to $20,000 on a person convicted of breaching a bylaw under the Local Government Act.

The Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw is in place to make sure public spaces feel safe and are convenient for people to use and enjoy without being disturbed or experiencing offensive behaviour. Auckland Council wants to ensure that residents and visitors to the region can freely drive on public roads and enjoy shopping and other activities in public areas without feeling intimidated or unsafe in any way.

 

 

What to do if you encounter a window washer:

  • Make it clear that you don’t want your window washed – shake your head or say no
  • Roll up your car windows and don’t engage in conversation
  • If they continue to wash your car and demand payment in an intimidating way, make a complaint to the council by phoning 09 301 0101
  • Take a photo on your phone of the offender if you feel unsafe and send to the council or Police
  • In cases of criminal activity such as assault or wilful damage, call 111.

 

 

—-ends—-