Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Former Papakura Mayor John Robertson (2004-2007) returned to the area recently, leading a delegation of Waitomo councillors and the district’s chief librarian to check out facilities in the town.

Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says it was a case of back to the future when the group visited Sir Edmund Hillary Library, because Robertson played a role in redeveloping the floor now occupied by the library and museum.

Until the then Papakura District Council sold its stake in the building and used the proceeds to redevelop and bring the facilities together, the museum was on an upper level.

“He told us it was quite satisfying to see what had been achieved and congratulated us and library staff for leading such a dynamic facility,” Catchpole says.

“The library is about so much more than books, and the role it plays in our community because of that is invaluable.”

Robertson and his colleagues also toured Papakura Museum, Papakura Marae – where staff work with the board in a several areas, Central Park and Te Paataka Korero o Takaanini.

“Our council is very small and that means it doesn’t have a wide rating base. Looking at ways that might allow us to create facilities for our community, particularly ones that can be used in multiple ways, makes sense.

“What has been achieved in Papakura is a model we can draw on.

“It shows you don’t have to be thinking you need to build a museum, a library, meeting rooms and everything else. Instead, you can create something that might meet many of the community’s needs in a more affordable way.”

Like the Papakura Local Board, Waitomo Council is committed to working to promote the social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of its community.

“We say ‘te hanga tahi o tātou Takiwa – shaping our district together,” says Robertson – who also served as Papakura MP from 1990 to 1996. “Members are working hard to enable a thriving economy to create greater benefits everyone can enjoy.”

Papakura Museum staff gifted Robertson a 1993 photo showing the then MP with Papakura Mayor David Hawkins, promotions officer Christine Laurenson, and franchisee Martha Hill, on the site where the town’s original McDonald’s was to be built.

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Source: Auckland Council

In a reserved decision handed down in the Auckland District Court last Friday (18 October), contractor Prameet Sharma was fined $144,500 and ordered $11,575 in reparations for extensive violations of the Resource Management Act (RMA), involving illegal earthworks and environmental contamination at his Drury property at Judge Richardson Drive, Drury.

Sharma was convicted on three charges, including breaching an abatement notice, depositing contaminated fill, and conducting unauthorised earthworks exceeding legal limits.

The fine is the largest handed down to an individual in recent years for breaches of the RMA.

Serious environmental harm

Judge Semple, referencing a report that found hazardous materials including asbestos, arsenic, and lead in the fill deposited by Sharma, described the environmental harm as significant and long-lasting, and the effects of the offending on the environment as serious.

“Even once remediated, the site will remain a HAIL (Hazardous Activities and Industries List) site with ‘no build’ areas, which is a significant consequence of Mr Sharma’s actions.”

The court heard that between 2015 and 2022, Sharma allowed illegal earthworks on his property, depositing over 33,900 cubic metres of contaminated fill, far exceeding the permitted consented limit of 5,000 cubic metres.

The fill, which included asbestos and other harmful materials, was found to have travelled onto neighbouring properties, causing land instability and damaging ecosystems.

Reckless and prolonged breach

Judge Semple emphasised Sharma’s culpability, noting he ignored repeated warnings and enforcement actions from Auckland Council.

“Mr. Sharma was alerted to issues with the volume and placement of fill as early as 2015.

“Despite receiving abatement and infringement notices, Mr Sharma continued illegal activity. His disregard for the legal process and expert advice resulted in long-term environmental damage.”

The judge rejected claims Sharma was merely trying to resolve issues arising from the council’s changing parameters.

“I find limited evidence to support this assertion,” said Judge Semple. She noted Sharma refused to comply with council directives and acted with a high level of culpability. “Mr Sharma chose to continue undertaking earthworks in breach of his consent.”

Public deterrence

Auckland Council’s Team Leader Investigations David Pawson was happy with the outcome.

“The court ruling marks a strong stance in upholding the integrity of environmental laws and sends a clear message to the public regarding the consequences of non-compliance.

“The decision highlights the importance of holding an offender accountable to prevent similar violations in the future.”

Failure to remediate

The court ruled out a discharge without conviction, finding the seriousness of the offences and their ongoing impacts warranted a significant penalty.

While the court acknowledged enforcement orders were issued to Sharma in 2024, Judge Semple noted no remediation had taken place despite these orders and refused to grant credit for remediation work, stating that returning the land to a compliant state is the bare minimum requirement.

Final orders

In addition to the $144,500 fine, Mr Sharma has been ordered to pay $11,575 in reparations to his neighbour, whose property was damaged due to the migration of contaminated fill.

Source: Auckland Council

From 29 October, Aucklanders will be asked to have their say on a strategy for the region’s southern rural area. The Southern Rural Strategy sets out how the area will accommodate a growing population, while enabling industries like farming and food production to thrive.  

Councillor for Franklin ward, Andy Baker, chairs the political working group overseeing the development of the strategy.  

“A lot of the food eaten around the country comes from the rural parts of south Auckland – the unique climate, soils and proximity to markets, airport and port see major growth in our under-glass and kiwifruit industries. We rely on these, and other vital industries found in this region, every day.”  

“The Franklin area is growing and is expected to become home to another 100,000 people over the next 30 years. This is great news for our economy, and means we need a strategy to manage the valuable – and vulnerable – natural resources found here. People all over New Zealand enjoy the produce from this area, so, we need to get the balance right as we develop to maintain our horticultural and agricultural advantage.”  

“Growth needs to be at the right place and right time, with infrastructure in place to support new development. We also need to develop employment at the same time as housing so people can live and work in the same locality. The best places for that are in our existing towns and villages.   

Which areas does the strategy cover?  

The strategy covers the full Franklin ward. It also includes some rural land from the Howick and Papakura local board areas.  

Why do we need this strategy? 

There are many different factors at play in Auckland’s southern rural area. The temperate climate and fertile soils make it ideal for rural production, one of New Zealand’s primary food production areas, and a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). It’s also an area where significant urban development is taking place to accommodate the increasing population.  

The Southern Rural Strategy is being coordinated to manage each of these factors, to ensure they fit together in harmony. This will allow the area to be developed sustainably, as it needs to be, and ensure it continues to evolve as a key economic and environmental resource for the future.  

Importantly, the strategy will reflect the views of communities in the area.  

Where will growth happen in this area? 

Drury, Opaheke, Pukekohe, Waiuku are identified as towns where the most growth will occur, mainly through in-fill development and expansion to future urban areas. Development has already started in some of these towns, supported by water infrastructure, roads, and are expected to have new railway stations from 2025. 

Deputy chair of Auckland’s Policy and Planning Committee, Councillor Angela Dalton, also sits on the political steering group for development of the Southern Rural Strategy. She says it is anticipated that these areas will grow over the next 30 years.    

“Drury and Pukekohe have long-term plans for how they will expand over time – so the communities that live here now have had a chance to say how they would like their towns to grow.” 

“Importantly, the investment in infrastructure to support the growth happening in these towns is already planned through a mix of council budgets, government investments and development contributions.” 

When can I have my say? 

You will be able to have your say on the Southern Rural Strategy from Tuesday 29 October until Sunday 1 December 2024.  

Source: Auckland Council

Steps to creating a sustainable Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland are demonstrated by the region’s economic and cultural agency in its annual sustainability story, highlighting the organisation’s multifaceted approach to climate change and sustainability, and its commitment to continuous improvement.

A snapshot for the 2023/24 financial year shows Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s initiatives and achievements in fostering a more resilient and inclusive Auckland, on the heels of its strong annual results delivering value for Auckland and its people. It shows how the organisation is embedding sustainability practices internally while simultaneously taking on a leadership role across the region.

Nick Hill, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive, emphasises the importance of a holistic approach.

“This is testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Auckland. While Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is charged with the social, cultural and economic outcomes of our activities, we are increasingly considering climate change and environment in decision-making. Taking an integrated approach is crucial for building a resilient, thriving and future-ready region.”

Key highlights include:

1. Climate Change and Environment Strategic Plan: This inaugural plan outlines Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s actions for the next three years towards its sustainability goals and targets.

2. Decarbonisation project at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki: A successful transition from gas- fired heating to electric heat pumps resulted in a 99 per cent reduction in natural gas consumption and a 22 per cent decrease in overall energy use within the first three months.

3. Climate Connect Aotearoa initiatives: The climate innovation hub, established and led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, brought together 115 stakeholders to explore Māori knowledge systems in climate action. This hui was an extension of He Kete Mātauranga, a knowledge hub to connect businesses, communities and organisations with Māori-led climate resources. Additionally, Climate Connect Aotearoa launched ClimateLink, a tool to increase access to connections, resources and funding for climate action.

4. Proactive climate resilience planning: Adaptation planning for the Aotea Precinct to help mitigate risks associated with physical climate hazards, including extreme heat and flooding.

5. PalmOil Scan app: Auckland Zoo released a mobile app in New Zealand and Australia to help consumers identify products using certified sustainable palm oil, supporting rainforest conservation and biodiversity.

6. Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Initiatives include the refresh of Te Mahere Aronga (Māori Outcomes Plan), participation in the whāia te ao Māori self-assessment programme, support for the Rainbow Games and publication of gender and ethnic pay gap data.

Dr Parin Rafiei-Thompson, Head of Climate Innovation and Sustainability at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says, “Our approach to sustainability aligns with Auckland’s broader climate goals in Te Tāruke-ā- Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. Our work in areas like decarbonisation, climate resilience and collaborative climate innovation demonstrates our commitment to driving meaningful change at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited for Tāmaki Makaurau. While there is a lot more work to be done, we are progressing year-on-year towards our goals and seeking out areas for improvement.”

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we also recognise that this is an ongoing journey,” says Nick Hill. “We celebrate our achievements while also setting the stage for future actions. We’re committed to continuous improvement and transparent reporting of our progress.”

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s ‘Our Sustainability Story’ is available on the organisation’s website, alongside the Climate Change and Environment Strategic Plan.

More information is available here.

Source: Auckland Council

It’s official! Watercare has moved out from Dunkirk Rd.

After 27 months, Watercare has completed a new wastewater pump station and a 1.4-kilometre gravity main that will greatly reduce overflows into the Tāmaki River and accommodate planned growth in the area.

The infrastructure was delivered under a $51 million shovel ready project between Watercare and Kāinga Ora at $42.7 million.

Watercare capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas says the wastewater upgrades were delivered on time and under budget.

“This achievement is a testament to the combined efforts of our designers, infrastructure teams, and contractors who worked collaboratively to deliver critical infrastructure that meets the needs of the community without exceeding our budget.”                                                                                                                                                       

The final remediation works on the Dunkirk wastewater pump station are now complete.

Watercare project manager Jason Salmon says that since the pump station went into service in July, teams have been busy.

“They have demolished the old pump station in the reserve and cleared out the laydown site where all the equipment and materials were stored.

“This month our crews worked hard to complete the final remediation, planting and operational works at the reserve and pump station sites.

“They also removed the traffic management, enabling access to Dunkirk Rd from Tangaroa St and Tobruk Rd.

Salmon says the new Dunkirk Wastewater Pump Station – on the corner of Dunkirk Rd and Tangaroa St – can handle flows of up to 225 litres per second and hold up to 700,000 litres of wastewater across its four underground storage tanks.

“The pump station’s increased pumping and storage capacity will play a significant role in reducing overflows into the Tāmaki River during wet weather.

“The gravity main will also help to prevent most overflows into local waterways by diverting the extra flow during heavy rainfall to the new wastewater pump station.

“In the future, stage two of the works will involve construction of a new rising main from the pump station to the Eastern Interceptor – a large transmission pipe that carries wastewater to our Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.”

Salmon thanks the community for their patience and understanding while Watercare and its construction partner Fulton Hogan undertook this critical infrastructure work.

“The completion of the Dunkirk wastewater upgrades marks the end of a significant journey to futureproof for current and future generations.

“The benefits of these upgrades will be felt for years to come, ensuring a sustainable future for our community.”           

Source: Auckland Council

From increasing public transport options, to decarbonising the council’s operations, to community food initiatives and building resilience to flood events, Auckland Council is delivering tangible, positive climate outcomes for Aucklanders. That’s according to Auckland Council’s Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan 2024 progress snapshot.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the council’s Policy and Planning Committee applauds the progress already made but reminds us that to maintain momentum and achieve our climate goals requires continued commitment from all of us.

“As a region, the scale and speed of climate action needed to make an impact on resilience continues to grow and will require increasing levels of cohesion and investment across both government and our council.”

Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan is Auckland Council’s long-term approach to climate action. It sets out eight priority action areas to deliver our goals to reduce carbon pollution and plan in ways that prevent further climate disruption.

Kataraina Maki, Auckland Council’s Chief Sustainability Officer, believes the council plays a crucial role in forward-thinking to make caring for everyone in a climate-disrupted future a reality.

“Imagine the lives we can all live when, across our communities, we are empowered to take the bold climate actions we need, and know are feasible. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan provides long term solutions to make wise decisions now that will prevent further disruption to the climate later for future generations.

“Kia kotahi, Auckland Council supports our communities to unite, work together, and adapt to low-carbon, climate-prepared lifestyles to meet peoples’ needs and make our city better for everyone, especially those most vulnerable to climate disruption.”

The annual progress report highlights the council’s contribution towards the implementation of Te Tāruke-a-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan based on the levels of actions that are completed, in progress, and still required in reducing emissions and improving resilience to climate change. It also provides highlights of progress and key challenges for each priority in the plan along with a summary of key initiatives planned for the year ahead.

Key highlights of 2023/2024 report include:

• Collecting and diverting 20,000 tonnes of food scraps from landfill, exceeding the target of 18,000 tonnes for year one
• Investment in public transport to increase patronage up to 100 million boardings by March 2025
• Issuing three new green bonds increasing total green bond holdings to NZ $3.7 billion
• The Auckland Council climate grant funded 32 community-led projects, with approximately a third going to underserved communities
• Approximately 750,000 trees were planted across the region as part of the Urban Ngahere programme
• Several projects including Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Domain Wintergardens have switched from gas to electricity and alternative energy sources, saving money and reducing emissions.

A planted area and stormwater stream beside the motorway in South Auckland.

Building resilience to future extreme weather events top priority for the council

In response to the 2023 extreme weather events, Auckland Council has partnered with the government to implement a $2 billion flood recovery and resilience package. As severe weather events happen more frequently, the council is preparing for the additional water we know to expect and preventing further flood risks through financial support for affected homeowners, supporting community-led responses and accelerating crucial repairs to affected infrastructure.

The Making Space for Water programme has been integral to this work where $820 million has been given to help build resilience, repair affected stormwater assets and reduce the impacts of future intense rainfall.

Councillor Hills says that rebuilding our infrastructure after big flooding and climate events can prevent worsening climate disruption.

“Rampant carbon pollution has trapped heat like a blanket in our atmosphere and warmed the oceans, leading to a disrupted climate and more extreme weather events. A lot more water is one of the effects,” he says.

“Auckland Council prioritises working alongside mana whenua, communities, and infrastructure experts to redesign our city to be more spongy to soak up this extra water and reduce heat in our neighbourhoods.

“By uncovering our natural waterways and enhancing and maintaining our stormwater systems through programmes like Making Space for Water, we’re giving water space to flow and rise to build resilience and reduce the impacts of future flooding.”

An electric bus on Waiheke Island.

Zero emission transport

Auckland’s public transport network is becoming fully electric. A total of 180 buses are now zero emissions in the fleet, making it the largest fleet of zero-emission buses of any city in Australasia. Investment in the transition from fossil fuels to lower emissions has also seen the construction of the first low emission ferries. The Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate has also increased our frequent bus network to forty routes in total, the most recent addition is the 94, which is seeing almost 400 new users each day.

Te Herenga Waka O Orewa Marae has received funding to repair flooring in the wharekai, an engineering design to improve stormwater management.

Mana whenua partnerships

Auckland Council supports leadership of mana whenua who have expertise in living in harmony with natural systems to care for their rohe and tāngata, using mātauranga Māori to guide how te taiao is valued and protected. The council supports climate resilience programmes across seven Auckland marae as part of the Resilient Marae Programme, and rangatahi Māori-led responses to the environment such as Mātātahi Taio to deliver climate action outcomes using traditional Māori knowledge systems and practices.

About the progress snapshot

The council group this year reports that based on the current allocation of funding for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, meeting the 2050 net zero target set in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri is becoming more challenging within timeframe and financial constraints. Regional emissions are also starting to rise, after they temporarily decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report identifies that we all face big challenges in a climate-disrupted future. Better, resilient lives for everyone are possible through bold community climate planning, and a sustained collective commitment and effort from government, the council, businesses, communities and individuals to climate action.

Source: Auckland Council

Celebrated artist Fred Graham has unveiled a gift to the town he loves in the form of a sculpture carrying its name.

Waiuku becomes the latest addition to Auckland’s public art collection after its unveiling on the Glenbrook-Waiuku Road / Cornwall Road intersection.

It expresses his aroha (love) and whakawhetai (gratitude) for the town where he has lived, worked and raised his family with wife Norma for more than 30 years.

Franklin Local Board member Sharlene Druyven says Graham (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Tainui) is internationally and nationally celebrated and is a taonga of the area.

Now 96, he is still being commissioned – especially in Waikato – where his ancestry anchors him, with Waiuku acknowledging Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua history in the rohe (area) and the immigrants who have made it their home.

Based on the letter W, three of the four inner panels feature the koru, honouring those involved in the story of how Waiuku got its name.

Brothers Tamakae and Tamakou vied for the hand of Waikato chieftainess Te Atairehia – after whom Ngati Te Ata are named – and who is represented by a fourth koru.

Tamakae was the provider, Tamakou the orator. Tamakou was first to meet Te Atairehia but she requested Tamakae be presented. He was working in the kumara gardens and had to be washed in the wai (water) and uku (a type of white clay) at the stream that flows into the Manukau Harbour before he could meet her.

He won her heart and they married, and from then on, the area was known as Waiuku.

Fred Graham’s work is held in international collections.

Graham was born in 1928 in Arapuni, going on to Taita College where his talent was recognised, a gift nurtured at Ardmore Teachers Training College.

From there he developed an interest in sculpture, teaching himself to carve in wood and stone, and later using steel – a cornerstone of Waiuku with its iron sand and mill.

He was part of a collective that ran a Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) initiative in rural Māori communities with artists such as Cliff Whiting and Paratene Matchitt known as the ‘Class of ’66’ after a Hamilton show called ‘Contemporary Māori Painting and Sculpture’.

Friendships with art greats Ralph Hotere and Muru Walters were also established during his early days, while his own works fused Māori and European cultures, often combining wood, stone and modern materials in commissions displayed across Aotearoa.

“Fred is known for drawing on Māori traditions, but that is in the art world. In Waiuku he is better known for his gentleness, kindness and wisdom,” Druyven says.

“This is a man who has walked alongside greats of the art world but who is humble, who celebrates what matters to him, whanau and whenua.

“Very few of us can say we are friends with an art great, and the fact he’s just Fred to so many here in Waiuku tells you everything you need to know.”

Ngaati Te Ata kaumatua Riki Minhinnick leads the blessing of the site.

His son Brett followed his own path, also becoming an acclaimed artist and exhibiting currently with his father and other prominent Māori artists at this year’s Venice Biennale.

Fred Graham received the Te Waka Toi Te Tohu Aroha mō Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu Award in 2017 and a year later the Arts Foundation Icon Award and was also made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The 5.2 metre tall 1.4 tonne stainless steel work was made in Waiuku by retired engineer Rex Erikson, a long-term friend and collaborator.

Waiuku is the second major Graham installation in the town. In 2020 his work recognising NZ Steel’s 50^th anniversary in 2015, was unveiled at Centennial Park – Lions Lake to locals.

That eight-metre steel statue features triangular panels depicting the three Franklin sites that converge to see steel forged at the mill, Taharoa, Waikato North Head and Glenbrook.

Fifty birds adorn the panels, the cut-outs recognising the lives of those connected to the mill who have passed, and the shaped birds the lives of those now associated with the mill, and the whanau supported by that relationship.

Inside the triangle, pipes can be seen, honouring the pipeline that sees iron sand shaped into steel.

Atop the structure three birds rise into the sky, the past, present and the future.

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Source: Auckland Council

ShakeOut, New Zealand’s national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi will take place on Thursday 24 October at 9.30am.

Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says she encourages Aucklanders to embrace this opportunity to practice for a real earthquake.

“I urge all Aucklanders to join in with the rest of Aotearoa and take part in ShakeOut.

“Even though the risk of a major shake in the Auckland region is small, it pays to be familiar with what to do if you are caught up in a real earthquake or tsunami.

“ShakeOut day is also a great opportunity to for Aucklanders to think about their preparedness for a natural disaster – including having a

household emergency plan.

“It’s also an opportunity to talk to family and friends about what to do in an emergency and how to

stay informed.”

What you need to know about ShakeOut

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is encouraging all households, schools, and organisations to officially sign up for ShakeOut. When you sign up, you’ll have the option of going into a draw to win a prize.

• ShakeOut will take place on Thursday 24 October at 9.30am
• It is a self-run earthquake and tsunami drill. An Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) will not be sent out
• You can start the drill in whatever way works for you. All you need to do is Drop, Cover and Hold for 60 seconds and practice your evacuation if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone by walking to high ground or inland by foot or bike
• There are resources you can use to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to practice earthquake and tsunami drills. Download posters, factsheets and more here.
• All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunami. Practicing your tsunami hīkoi is an easy way for you and those around you to learn the right actions to take.

Before the ShakeOut drill

Drop, Cover, Hold

In an earthquake, Drop, Cover, Hold. It stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target for falling and flying objects, and protects your head, neck and vital organs.

• DROP down on your hands and knees. This protects you from falling but lets you move if you need to.
• COVER your head and neck (or your entire body if possible) under a sturdy table or desk (if it is within a few steps of you).

If there is no shelter nearby then cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.

• HOLD on to your shelter (or your position to protect your head and neck) until the shaking stops. If the shaking shifts your shelter around, move with it.

If there is no shelter near you, crawl to an inside corner of the room and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.

Do not run outside or stand in a doorway. Many people are injured while trying to move during the shaking.

It is safer to Drop, Cover, and Hold until the shaking is over.

If you use a walker or a wheelchair

If you use a walker or wheelchair, Lock, Cover and Hold. 

• Lock your wheels and get as low as possible. 
• Bend over and cover your head and neck as best you can. 
• Then hold on until the shaking stops.

Long or Strong: Get Gone

Earthquakes can generate tsunami.

It is important to recognise the natural warning signs of a tsunami and remember, if an earthquake is Long or Strong: Get Gone.

Source: Auckland Council

Retro arcade machines are transformed into art installations at Studio One – Toi Tū, Auckland Council’s community art facility in Ponsonby, this month.   

Arca Arcade “Round One”, is an immersive exhibition that combines retro and new technologies with playful, hands-on art experiences, designed to engage and entertain visitors of all ages. The exhibition blends nostalgic technology with contemporary art under designer Preston Khan McNeil’s guidance. Wall-mounted, playable arcade machines are transformed into nine artistic installations adorned with te ao Māori influences and styles from prominent Aotearoa New Zealand artists.  

McNeil collaborated with local artistic talents Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan, and Otis Chamberlain for the project, and what transpired is art with a distinctive style that is uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand.  

“What started as an industrial design passion project has transformed into an art initiative, now serving a community deeply influenced by 80s and 90s arcade gaming”, says McNeil.  

“When I began designing the arcade cabinet, my brief was to create something compact and elegant, that looked like art, and that my wife wouldn’t mind having in a living space,” he says.  

“The collection stands as a poignant homage to the enduring allure and cultural significance of arcade gaming. Arca Arcade isn’t just a throwback to yesteryear, this modern take on arcade cabinet design becomes a canvas to explore the intertwining of inspiration and fabrication, to create the unexpected.”  

McNeil’s multifaceted expertise—forged by a longstanding passion for arcade gaming, a curiosity for arcade machine tinkering, and a seasoned background in digital design—forms the bedrock of this ambitious venture.   

Siobhan Connelly, Studio One – Toi Tū Manager, says the exhibition is a special opportunity to bring communities together through a shared passion for creativity and the nostalgic joy of arcade gaming.   

“It’s a playful and immersive experience where iconic machines are elevated to art, celebrated for their design, history, and cultural impact,” adds Connelly.   

“Each exhibition we host brings something unique for our visitors and Arca Arcade “Round One” is no different. Not only is it an immersive experience, but it’s also a competition to strive for the top spot on the leaderboards, which is fitting and a pleasant surprise as most exhibits often deter physical interaction,” she says.  

“We’re delighted to offer something new to our visitors, from near and far, to discover and enjoy”.   

Both Arca Arcade “Round One” exhibition, and the competition for the top spot on the leaderboard, are on until 31 October at Studio One – Toi Tū, Ponsonby.  

Source: Auckland Council

The preliminary work for Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades begins next week.

Three midtown sites are being prepared and shafts are being built, ready for a tunnel boring machine to be lowered into the ground in 2025. The machine will reach depths of up to 14.5 metres and tunnel a distance of 585 metres below Queen Street.

These underground wastewater upgrades are a key component of the Auckland Council group’s midtown regeneration. The programme is preparing streets, spaces and infrastructure for the City Rail Link, which will bring many more people into the city centre to live, work, study, visit and do business.

The upgrades will renew the workings of the city centre’s century-old pipes, enable the consenting of a pipeline of commercial and residential apartment developments, and help protect the region’s precious Waitematā Harbour.

Chair of the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Andy Baker explains that this wastewater project is essential for Auckland’s future resilience.

“Midtown will become an even more popular place for people to live beyond 2026 when the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station is operational. With these important works complete, we will have increased the capacity of our wastewater system and upgraded the quality of our pipes in midtown.

“It is vitally important for us to futureproof the area ahead of the population growth expected in midtown, and we are taking steps also with this work to reduce the risk of wastewater overflows entering the Waitematā Harbour during heavy rain.

“I want to emphasise that Watercare has sited the shafts away from shops and businesses, synchronised the works with other construction in the area for maximum efficiency, and ensured that traffic in Queen Street continues to operate.

“As the safety fences go up around three localised shafts next week to enable this work, we want to remind everyone that midtown continues to be open for business,” Councillor Baker says.

This wastewater work around Queen Street, delivered by Watercare and supported by Auckland Council, is scheduled to be complete by December 2026.

For all information please visit here.

Q&A

What else is being upgraded?

While stage one of Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades will increase wastewater capacity, crews will also take this opportunity to reline the Victoria Street section of the Ōrākei Main Sewer. Doing this work during Stage 1 of the pipeline installation eliminates the need for Watercare to return to Victoria Street to do this critical work later. Stage two is in the design phase and will involve laying new wastewater pipes from Vincent Street to Greys Avenue carpark.

Why is this work essential?

The Midtown Wastewater Upgrades support the Auckland city centre’s planned residential and commercial growth, reduce the risk of future overflows into the Waitematā Harbour and safeguard and increase resilience of midtown’s wastewater network.

What are the problems we’re solving?

Currently, the wastewater and stormwater in the midtown area combine into a single pipe which feeds into a large pipe called an interceptor, which takes flows to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.  

Combined networks are designed to overflow during rainfall events at designated overflow points rather than back flow up your toilet or sink.

The focus of the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades is to redirect most of the wastewater away from the combined network and channel it through a dedicated 1.2km pipeline.

The project also involves reconfiguring the current wastewater network to better use under-utilised pipes.

After the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades are complete, overflows from the combined network will become less frequent after heavy rainfall events.

How will the tunnel boring process work?

A large portion of the pipeline will be installed using a method called horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The benefit of using this method is that it will get the job done more safely, faster, and with a higher quality result. Horizontal directional drilling is also better for the environment than open trenching as it lessens the impact on surrounding critical assets and reduces fractures and soil disturbance. This method is also less disruptive for the community as there is much less digging up of the street.

Read more about the city centre’s transformation here.