Tag: environment

Funding for Whau Environmental Projects

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$14,000 granted

 

From Auckland Council

$14,000 for Whau environmental projects

 

Two Whau-based projects have been awarded a combined $14,200 from Auckland Council’s Environmental Initiatives Fund to help care for the area’s environment and protect its heritage.

The Whau River Catchment Trust receives $11,700 went to support the rehabilitation of the coastal bush found at the Kurt Brehmer Walkway in Rosebank Peninsula next to the Whau River estuary.

And $2,500 was awarded to the West Lynn Garden Society Inc. providing a contribution towards an audio/visual system to enhance the community education facility.

Whau Councillor Ross Clow says the awards were well deserved.

“It is clear that there is real passion for preserving our natural environment and heritage in Whau. These two projects will make a real difference to the community, and were worthy recipients of the funding.

“Empowering the local community to help benefit the areas they live is an important part of what Auckland Council does, and I am delighted to see these two deserving projects being recognised by the council.

“I am really excited about them and can’t wait to visit them to see how they are getting on,” he says.

The council’s Environmental Initiatives Fund awarded a total of $634,000 in funding to 133 projects across Auckland with an average grant of $4000.

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Feedback Period Extended for Chamberlain Park

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Extended until next year

 

From Albert-Eden Local Board

More time to have your say on Chamberlain Park

 

Albert-Eden Local Board is in the early stages of developing a masterplan for Chamberlain Park and wants to know what users of the park and local residents think.

The board has extended the survey period, which offers Aucklanders the opportunity to provide input into the early stages of the planning process, until 30 January 2015.

Local board chair Dr Peter Haynes says the board has been overwhelmed by the amount of community interest in the future of Chamberlain Park already, and wants to ensure that all groups have the opportunity to provide input.

“This is the first stage of a significant process for the future of the park and it’s important that we start with a clean slate and consider as many ideas as possible.

“Right now, we are faced with a dilemma – the Albert-Eden area has Auckland’s lowest levels of open space with only 2.8 hectares for every 1000 residents.

“We also have almost one third of the region’s capacity shortfall in sports-field provision – this means that, with no real scope to add or improve more playing fields, many players are missing out.

“Projected population growth, lack of suitable land and funds to buy and develop more parks, and the changing needs of our people demands that we make smart decisions about the future use of places like Chamberlain Park.

“We need additional parks and reserves to allow residents to lead active and healthy lives,” he says.

People can complete the Albert-Eden Local Board’s online survey at shapeauckland.co.nz until 30 January 2015. The survey is a first-look at all of the possibilities for the park, including the adjacent Rawalpindi Reserve and the Western Springs Garden site, and asks people’s views on:

  • type of golfing activities – including six, nine, 12 and 18-hole courses, driving ranges, starting-new-at-golf and practice areas
  • sporting activities, including cricket, football, multi-use artificial turf, all types of rugby and baseball
  • passive recreation like walking, cycling, jogging, dog exercise and picnicking
  • play spaces, from playgrounds to skate parks and playing courts
  • cultural uses and community-based ecological restoration.

In keeping with exploring all options for the park, the survey asks for the public’s views on housing; however the board itself does not support this as a future possibility for the park.

“No decisions will be made on the future of Chamberlain Park until extensive consultation has been carried out. It will consider the interests of all users of the park and the wider community,” says Dr Haynes.

Dr Haynes points out that studies of golf trends indicate a preference for shorter courses with starting-new-at-golf facilities and driving ranges.

“Shorter courses are increasingly popular overseas, and learn-to-play facilities enhance the chances that we’ll see another Lydia Ko emerge in Auckland.

“The demand and market for golfing provision is changing. This is an opportunity to review facilities in light of current pressures for open space and recreation provision within the inner city.”

Once survey results have been collected, options will be developed for further consultation. This is likely to be later in 2015.

 

Further Information 

On behalf of New Zealand Golf, O’Connor Sinclair prepared National and Auckland Regional Golf Facility Studies (2013). The studies identified the following golf course trends and issues. This summary is derived from: “Auckland Golf Facility Strategy New Zealand Golf”. Findings include:

  • Increasing operational costs
  • Lack of income diversity: golf courses have traditionally relied upon membership revenue as their main source of income
  • Lack of diversity in golf experiences and player pathways: golf facilities are becoming less relevant to their surrounding community and not evolving alongside societal and technological trends or diversifying the golf experience enough to attract new participants
  • Oversupply of rounds in Auckland and low utilisation of golf courses across Auckland is low at 23 per cent. There is an oversupply of relatively homogenous golf services and facilities and therefore an oversupply of rounds at these facilities
  • Untapped target markets: Golf is currently meeting the needs of a relatively narrow part of the potential market and there is considerable opportunity for participation growth in new market segments.

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Fire Restrictions to Start

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Vigilance Called with Outdoor Fires

 

From Auckland Council:

Extra vigilance for outdoor fires required

 

A restricted fire season for rural areas in the Auckland region will be implemented from 15 December. Lighting an outdoor fire on rural land is still possible but a permit is required for fires in the open air.

A total fire ban is now in place for all Hauraki Gulf Islands.

With summer on its way the days are growing longer and warmer which means fire risk increases. All outdoor fires need to be carefully managed to prevent the spread of fire.

“Conditions are very windy for this time of year and last week there were a number of fire incidents around the region due to controlled burns getting out of control,” says Auckland Council Principal Rural Fire Officer Bryan Cartelle.

Council will be issuing fire permits in Auckland’s rural zones which include farms, forestry areas and large blocks of land. Permits are free of charge.

Auckland Council is introducing an Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw to manage the risk of all outdoor fires in both rural and urban areas. The bylaw will continue with seasonal restrictions but also gives guidance on the types of fire and fuel allowed with an aim to protect people, property and the environment from the risk of fire. The bylaw is due to come into effect on 20 December.

For information on fire safety and tips for the safe lighting of open air fires call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or visit aucklandcouncil/ruralfire.govt.nz

Anyone who sees a suspicious fire should call the fire service immediately on 111.

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It is a reminder if you cause a fire that results in the fire service attending the Fire Service can ping you for “costs”

 

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.

 

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And The Winners for the Environment Are…..

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Awards for sustainability

 

From Auckland Council:

The colour of sustainability is Bronze, Silver and Green-Gold

 

A number of kindergartens and schools across Auckland will be recognised at the annual Enviroschools celebration this Friday for their outstanding commitment to sustainability.

The event takes place at Royal Road School in Massey on Friday 5 December, where 26 Enviroschools will receive Bronze, Silver or Green-Gold certificates of achievement.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse will present the Enviroschools certificates at the ceremony along with Councillors Wayne Walker and Linda Cooper as well as representatives from local boards.

Ms Hulse says: “Enviroschools teaches such important life skills – it shows our children they can become the environmental leaders of the future by taking action and making a real difference in their community.”

The Enviroschools programme allows children to apply their ideas and energy to real-life situations. They, as well as their schools and families, are encouraged to think and act sustainably by participating in a range of fun and useful projects, including community gardens, native tree planting and stream clean-ups.

The programme lets children introduce initiatives to improve their own kindergartens and schools, while also helping their wider community. Initiatives include recycling to reduce waste going to landfill, saving water by installing water tanks, and increasing biodiversity by planting native gardens.

There are currently 966 Enviroschools in New Zealand, which includes early childhood centres, primary, intermediate and secondary schools. In Auckland there are 181 Enviroschools, with more starting their sustainability journey every year.

The celebration will be attended by the students, teacher and parent representatives from each school, and representatives from Auckland Council. The Enviroschools programme is facilitated in the Auckland region by Auckland Council in conjunction with the national Enviroschools Foundation.

To find out more visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/educationforsustainability or enviroschools.org.nz

 

Further Information:

Green-Gold

Elm Park School, Forrest Hill School, Western Springs College

Silver

Avondale Kindergarten, Chelsea Kindergarten, Colwill Kindergarten, Early Discoveries Centre, Freemans Bay Kindergarten, Glenfield Kindergarten

Milford Kindergarten, Pt Chevalier Kindergarten, Takapuna Kindergarten

Waiheke Kindergarten, Dawson Primary, Pakuranga Heights School, St Leo’s Catholic School, St Thomas’s School, Taupaki School

Bronze

Ararimu School, Arohanui Special School, Howick Intermediate School, Milford School, St Francis Catholic School, Vauxhall School, Waiheke Primary School 

Green-Gold review

Grey Lynn Kindergarten

 

Award Definitions

Bronze Enviroschools have been on the Enviroschools journey for up to two years. Students have started work on getting to know their environment and are exploring options and finding ways to take action for a sustainable future.  There are some students and staff actively involved, and everyone else in the Enviroschool is aware.

 

Silver Enviroschools have been on the Enviroschools journey for at least four years and involves students, teachers, boards of trustees, parents and community members. In a Silver Enviroschool you can expect to see sustainable practices and projects that have grown in strength, variety, depth and number since formally becoming part of the programme. Students are fully involved in making decisions about sustainable actions and can show what change has happened because of their learning and action.

 

Green-Gold is the highest level of achievement in the Enviroschools journey and takes at least five years.  Environmental sustainability is part of decision-making within the community and Maori perspectives are embraced to enrich the journey of the Enviroschool. Students have a strong sense of connection to the environment and lead much of the on-going action. They understand how they can effect change for a sustainable world and can measure the difference made by previous initiatives. Green-Gold Enviroschools are involved with their community and honour the diversity of the people within it.

 

Green Gold Review – Enviroschools will continue to holistically reflect on their journey at least every three years using the Green-Gold descriptive paragraph and will decide if there is still a comfortable fit with that paragraph. During this review they will explore how understanding and practices have deepened and broadened.

 

 

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Well done to those recognised

 

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.

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I have done the survey have you?