Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has appointed Brett Ellison and Aaron Hockly as directors of Eke Panuku Development Auckland.

The council sought candidates with experience in the property industry relevant to the governance of Eke Panuku, experience in driving outcomes from board level and the ability to work in regulatory frameworks. Council also sought candidates who would bring expertise in iwi relationships, understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori, legal expertise and experience of health and safety.

Councillor Greg Sayers chaired the selection panel and welcomes the appointments.

“I am pleased to welcome Mr Ellison and Mr Hockly to the Auckland Council whanau as two seasoned property professionals with the leadership skills and experience to provide real strength to the Eke Panuku board. They each bring a set of skills that will complement the existing board members and support the good governance of this organisation, with Mr Ellison providing the board with a strong Māori perspective and Mr Hockly bringing legal expertise,” says Cr Sayers.

The appointment was approved by the Performance and Appointments Committee on 24 September. The committee is responsible for all appointments to the boards of council-controlled organisations, in accordance with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members and the Local Government Act.

About Brett Ellison

Brett is an experienced executive across the iwi commercial sector, having spent over 10 years in senior roles across the Ngāi Tahu Holdings Group and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu – focusing on their seafood and property sector, and Crown relationships and Settlement rights. He was formerly the GM for Business Development at Ngāi Tahu Property which has played a key role in the urban development of Christchurch.

Brett is an Investment Manager with Koau Capital Partners and supports the property activity of various iwi, and acts as investment manager for the Hāpai property collective – an iwi owned and governed property vehicle with a focus across the commercial, development and housing sectors.

Born and bred at Ōtākou, and a graduate (BA, MA) of the University of Otago, Brett has been a director on Rangitāne Holdings, and chairs Te Rūnaka Ōtākou Ltd.

About Aaron Hockly

Aaron Hockly has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, property and law and currently heads up the NZX-listed, Vital Healthcare Property Trust, which owns hospitals and other healthcare facilities across New Zealand and Australia valued at ~$3.2 billion. Originally from New Zealand, Aaron spent 17 years in the UK and Australia until returning in 2018. He was Chief Operating Officer for a large ASX listed property group for ~10 years where he was responsible for strategy, major transactions and investor relations.

Among other qualifications, Aaron has a Masters in Applied Finance and a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland. He is a Fellow of both Governance New Zealand and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (NZ) and a member of INFINZ.

Aaron has served on the boards of several charities in both New Zealand and Australia and is currently a member of the Auckland Urban Design Panel.

Source: Auckland Council

Protection of a vulnerable stretch of popular Ōrewa Beach is underway with construction due to start soon on an erosion-preventing seawall and walkway. 

Auckland Council is pleased to announce that the contract has been awarded for the construction of the Ōrewa walkway and seawall to JFC Limited as our construction contractors.

The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a 600m-long seawall and shared path in Ōrewa, between Marine View and Kohu Street as well as a shared space at Kinloch Reserve.

Through value engineering (a thorough process that ensures value for money without compromising on function) and robust negotiation, the tender has been awarded for approximately $12.5M – which is under the estimated cost to construct and within the council’s allocated budget.

Ward Councillor John Watson emphasises the importance of Ōrewa beach not only to the local community but also to the wider region.

“Ōrewa Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the entire Auckland region. Its year-round attraction means it’s always in high use by the community. It’s one of the jewels in the crown of the Hibiscus Coast.

“The Ōrewa walkway and seawall is a multi-million-dollar investment into managing the impacts of coastal erosion to a much-loved area. I’m pleased that we’re in a position to move forward with this next phase and the steps that were taken to deliver the project under budget without compromising on essential aspects.”

Along with the seawall and shared pathway, the project includes planting along the walkway and in Kinloch and Kohu Street Reserves, inground lighting, three ramps and five sets of stairs to improve access to the beach. The design has also sought to minimise impact to trees and protect the pōhutukawa trees near the marine reserve.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum says that the local board is pleased that construction of the seawall is about to begin.

“We have supported the seawall project for a very long time, and it’s been through quite a process, going all the way up to Environment Court. Ōrewa Beach faces several challenging erosion issues with this narrow section of the beach which is at the highest risk of progressive erosion.

“Our community and visitors need access to the beach and the shared walkway will improve access for a range of people wanting to enjoy the beach,” says Chairperson Poppelbaum.

About the Ōrewa walkway and seawall

Ōrewa Beach has several challenging erosion issues. It is one of Auckland’s highest priority at-risk coastal areas. The aim of the Ōrewa seawall is to manage the impacts of erosion, while maintaining access along and onto the beachfront.

The Environment Court granted resource consent for the seawall in August 2020. This was achieved with funding from Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s One Local Initiative. Construction was delayed due to COVID-19 and funding challenges.

“It’s great to be at this point and awarding the contract for what will be a monumental project for Ōrewa,” says Taryn Crewe, Auckland Council General Manager Parks and Community Facilities.

“Over the last few months, we have been discussing aspects of the design with JFC Limited (JFC), negotiating the tender price, agreeing the programme and staging of work. Our thanks to the community for their patience as we’ve gone through this necessary process.

“Thanks to value engineering and negotiations, procurement will be within the budget approved through the Long-term Plan as demonstrated by the final tender amount. Despite delays, we are still planning to complete the project before the end of 2025 as originally planned.”

“We acknowledge and appreciate the involvement of Ngāti Manuhiri in the project. We’re excited to be finalising the design of mahi toi elements including stencils etched into the concrete walkway.”

Our contractors, consultants and council staff will also attend a cultural induction led by Ngāti Manuhiri, prior to construction starting.

Next steps

Construction will begin in October 2024 on the stage between Kohu Street and Kinloch Reserve. Work will stop prior to Christmas and recommence in March 2025 to avoid construction activity on the beach and in front of properties over the Christmas and summer holiday period.

Extent of the works – courtesy Tonkin & Taylor

In the next couple of months, you can expect to see our contractors establishing their site compound on Kinloch Reserve and installing fencing.

While part of Kohu Street will also be fenced during the construction period, there’ll still be access to residential properties and the beach.

Keep in touch

Quarterly project updates are planned as the walkway and seawall project progresses. If you would like to receive the project newsletter, please email: orewaseawall@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

For further information about the project and to view previous editions of the newsletter, please visit our website.

Source: Auckland Council

A promising discovery has been made in a forested area of Auckland’s Puketāpapa – in the form of a “significant” population of ornate skinks. 

As ornate skinks are highly vulnerable to rat and hedgehog predation, their survival in Puketāpapa is in part thanks to years of pest control work from Auckland Council and volunteers. 

Throughout 2023 and 2024 an Auckland Council contractor carried out a survey of the skink and gecko populations across the Manukau coastal reserves network in the Puketāpapa Local Board area, for Auckland Council. 

The survey found that the reserves have a “significant” population of ornate skinks (Oligosoma ornatum). The survey also found the reserves potentially hold a “locally, if not regionally, significant population” of the rare species of indigenous skink. 

The Puketāpapa Local Board have played an important role in this success story – fully funding the survey and pest control work. 

Local Board Chair Ella Kumar says she’s thrilled with the discovery of the ornate skink population. 

“It’s extremely heartening to know that a significant population of ornate skink has been found in Puketāpapa, especially as the species is classified as At Risk – Regionally Declining. 

“It’s great to see the conservation efforts paying off for a forested area much loved by the local community. 

“This area is one of the largest pockets of bush in the Auckland isthmus, so it’s important that we look after it and try and preserve and enhance its biodiversity.” 

The coastal reserves provide a connected forested corridor along the Manukau foreshore from the Waitākere Ranges to State Highway 20 and are likely to form an important corridor for fauna species, such as the ornate skink. 

The significance of the ornate skink population was based on comparisons with other known populations in Auckland. 

Taryn Crewe, General Manager Parks and Community Facilities, praised the conservation efforts of those involved. 

“Protecting and helping boost endangered species is essential for healthy biodiversity across Auckland Council’s parks and reserves. 

“Pest management initiatives across the region, such as this, play a critical role in conservation efforts in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“The discovery of a significant population of ornate skinks is testament to the mahi put into pest control by volunteers from the community and council staff.” 

Reptiles are declining in New Zealand. They play an important part in the natural ecosystem in terms of pollination, seed dispersal and to fulfil their roles as prey and predator in the food web. 

Keeping your cat well fed and indoors at night can help limit their impact on local skink and bird populations. Selecting breeds of companion cats that are happier indoors, such as rag doll breeds, can also help protect native species.  

Ornate skinks can be identified by a white or yellowish teardrop shaped markings edged with black, below each eye. 

If you see a lizard, you can report it to the Department of Conservation’s Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS).   

There will be more survey work across the same reserves network that will improve knowledge of the area’s lizard populations and inform ongoing conservation work. 

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has a strong message for Aucklanders as the latest Animal Management Annual Report figures are revealed: if you can’t commit to caring for a dog properly, please do not get one.

The appeal comes as new data shows Animal Management staff responded to a staggering 37,558 requests for service in FY23/24 – the highest number to date and a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.

The report also shows rises in dog-related incidents across the board, including a 19 per cent increase in roaming complaints, a 14 per cent increase in dog attacks on people and a 19 per cent increase in attacks on other animals. Worryingly, welfare-related complaints saw an 80 per cent increase on the previous year.  

Animal Management Manager, Elly Waitoa, says it’s clear that many people are struggling to look after their dogs properly.

“What we have seen over the past year is that fewer Aucklanders are getting their dogs desexed or registered, they’re not socialising them properly and not keeping them contained to their properties. As a result, we’re seeing higher numbers of aggressive dogs out roami­­ng the streets and putting the public, other animals and themselves at risk.

“Our plea to Aucklanders is that if you are thinking of getting a dog, please carefully consider whether you are ready for this responsibility. A dog can be a wonderful companion, but love alone is not enough to keep a dog happy, healthy and out of trouble.”­­

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More dogs impounded, fewer collected

There were 8306 dogs impounded across the council’s three animal shelters in FY23/24 – an increase of 26 per cent on the previous year, when shelters were already operating near capacity.

In the same period, the rate of impounded dogs claimed by their owners within the seven-day holding period hit a 10-year low at just 43 per cent.

“Shelter staff work hard to find homes for unclaimed dogs that pass temperament tests, but a high number of dogs coming through our shelters have behaviour issues that mean they are not safe for rehoming,” says Elly.

“This, combined with the sheer number of dogs going unclaimed has sadly meant more dogs have been euthanised than in previous years.”

Proactive response

Despite the challenges, Animal Management continue to do all they can to keep Aucklanders safe from dog-related harm.

As well as responding to hundreds of complaints every day, the unit created a new proactive team last year which carries out daily patrols around schools and other high-risk areas. The proactive team also has a strong focus on education, regularly giving presentations around dog safety and responsible dog ownership at schools, libraries and community events.

To help promote the adoption of unclaimed dogs and ease capacity pressure on the three current shelters, work to open an additional shelter in early 2025 is underway. 

Elly says that while Animal Management is working hard to stay on top of rising dog-related issues, they need all Aucklanders to start being part of the solution.

“It’s not just dog owners, but non-dog owners as well. If you see that your neighbour or whānau member is letting their dog out to roam, or they’re not supervising it around young children, call them out on it. If you witness a dog attacking a person or other animal, report it to the council before it happens again. It’s only when we all come together that we’re going to be able to turn this trend around.”

Councillor thanks staff

Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Josephine Bartley, says Animal Management staff deserve praise from Aucklanders for their dedication to an incredibly tough job.

“The role of keeping Aucklanders safe from harm is getting harder every year for our Animal Management officers and shelter staff. Not only are they under huge pressure to respond to complaints and find room in our shelters, but they are often abused by the public for carrying out their work.

“Despite the challenges, they remain committed to their job and are always looking at new ways they can help to address Auckland’s dog problems. I would like to commend and thank all Animal Management staff members for their efforts.”

Read the full Animal Management Annual Report 2023-2024. 

Source: Auckland Council

The Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge has been closed since March 2024 to undergo a significant programme of preventative maintenance works.

Work on the bridge is making good progress, with a return to full service on track for December 2024.

Stay connected and informed. Sign up for our Wynyard Crossing Bridge maintenance newsletter to receive updates on bridge maintenance, special announcements, and exclusive insights by email. Click here to sign up.

What is happening in October 2024?

Throughout October the project team’s focus will be on the massive job of reassembling and reinstating the disassembled bridge parts.

The engine rooms, lifting spans and back spans, which were relocated to a work-site on Wynyard Wharf, have been refurbished and are almost ready to be reinstalled. High-pressure water and abrasive blasting revealed the full extent of the corrosion, and extensive repairs along with new protective coatings are almost complete and will ensure the structural reliability of the bridge into the future.

Additionally, works have been underway on the steel structural parts of the bridge located in the harbour that couldn’t be removed, with the team working around the tides and wind conditions to access these areas to make any necessary repairs and apply a new protective coating.

The main contractor HEB Construction will be redeploying their jack-up barge (JUB) in and around Viaduct Marina at various times through October as these parts are returned. It’s expected it will take around five weeks before all the steel parts that form the ‘skeleton’ of the bridge are back in place, ready for the next stage as the bridge is prepared to return to service in December 2024.

Once these pieces are secured, the bridge spans will be winched to an upright position in line with the resource consent to allow free passage for marine traffic while it’s being recommissioned.

Where possible, the mechanical and electrical works required to return the bridge to service have been underway. However, it’s important to note that while the bridge will, from a visual perspective, look like it’s ready for public use again once the structural parts are back in place, there is still a considerable amount of on-site mechanical and electrical work to be completed and tested as part of the commissioning.

Most of this work will happen in November. We’ll have more updates on that and other activity at the beginning of next month. In the meantime, the popular ‘Red Boats‘ ferry service will continue to operate seven days a week and as well as being a handy way to get across from the Maritime Museum to the Viaduct Events Centre, will also offer those interested a great view and perspective of the team working on the structural refit.

Background

The Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge, an important link between Auckland City Centre and the Wynyard Quarter, has been closed to the public since March 2024 to undergo a significant programme of preventative maintenance works.

This includes a full overhaul of old mechanical and electrical parts, sand-blasting and remedying steelwork and applying new protective coatings. At the completion of the physical works, a thorough commissioning process and acceptance tests will be conducted to ensure the bridge is reliable and safe for public use.

While the works are carried out, the bridge will remain closed to pedestrians. When the spans are in place, but the bridge is out of operation, the spans legally have to remain upright to allow free access to marine traffic, a condition of the bridge’s resource consent.

Because of the complexity of this project and the nature of the works, a date for the bridge to reopen to the public is still to be confirmed. As the project team get further through the programme and gain more certainty around remaining tasks, they will be able to more accurately specify a completion date.

There are two work programmes underway – structural, i.e. the physical bridge itself, and mechanical and engineering (M&E), i.e. everything needed to operate the bridge.

These programmes have been running concurrently and will soon start integrating fully as we enter the final phases of this large, complex project and the bridge is reinstalled in Wynyard Quarter.

The return of the physical structures, including the spans and engine rooms, will allow specialist technicians to begin the works to reanimate the bridge. So while it might look like it’s back and should be open, there will be a lot going on behind the scenes for the recommissioning in December to ensure long-term durability and reliability.

Source: Auckland Council

As the community seeks meaningful growth, there’s a powerful call for a new development to be embedded within our neighborhoods, championed by Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

This vision emphasises inclusivity, connectivity, and a shared sense of belonging.

For those in the community, Sparky Road is a well-known landmark, positioned just off Ōtara and alongside the Southern Motorway, otherwise known as the power station place (old Transpower site).

A change is being proposed for that space, known as Plan Change 90 – where 4.4 hectares at 8 Spark Road, Ōtara, will be turned into a new residential area.

Led by Highbrook Living Limited, it also proposed new rules for the area, including guidelines on transport and noise.

The board expressed strong concerns about major environmental impacts, increased traffic congestion, and the isolation from schools and the town centre due to its location, among other issues.

Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “As those familiar with the area will know, the proposed development site is cut off from the rest of Ōtara, bordered by the Tamaki River, State Highway 1, and the busy main arterial Highbrook route.

“The board is concerned an elite enclave will be built, disconnected from the rest of Ōtara. There are no nearby schools, no connection to the Ōtara Town Centre, no physical connection to existing people of Ōtara to be neighbours with. This is going to be a multi-million-dollar housing development, with million-dollar views to the river, but with the back to Ōtara.”

With the plan now approved, the expectation is now on the developer to work diligently to blend this new development with the Ōtara community.

Apulu adds, “The independent hearing panel seems to think the developer will create an integrated community. We urge the developer to do so – bring your new residents to our schools, to our sports clubs, to our shopping areas; ensure your development enhances the natural environment; come and join the rest of Ōtara.”

Numerous submissions of opposition from around the area as well as from Highbrook and East Tāmaki were made.

Due to the cultural significance of the site, located within a vital cultural landscape, mana whenua was engaged.

Highbrook Precinct borders the Tāmaki River, an important awa leading to the Hauraki Gulf (Tikapa Moana) and Waitematā Harbour. These waterways were vital for iwi and hapū, serving as traditional food sources and historical transport routes for coastal and island settlements.

Mana Whenua maintain a spiritual connection to the Tāmaki River and have ongoing guardianship (kaitiakitanga) responsibilities. Also, the Pukewairiki Tuff Ring, one of the oldest volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field, is located to the northeast of the precinct.

Go here to find out more about the key findings from the decision by the independent hearing commissioners.

Stay connected

Sign up for our Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board e-newsletter and get it delivered to your inbox each month.

Source: Auckland Council

Following public consultation, Auckland Council has publicly notified its final proposal for representation arrangements across the region ahead of the 2025 local body elections. This means Aucklanders can submit an appeal or objection if they wish, from today until 3 November.

Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the council’s Joint Governance Working Party that has led the extensive review, says she’s pleased to have reached an outcome shaped by submissions from Aucklanders.   

“This has been a huge piece of work for staff and elected members, and the communities most impacted, and I want to thank them for their mahi.  The submissions and feedback shaped the final proposal significantly, as in the recommendations for the Rodney subdivisions and keeping Parnell and Newmarket in the Ōrākei ward,” she says.

Councils are required to review their elected representation arrangements at least every six years. This includes reviewing the number of councillors in the Governing Body and the number of members of local boards.

The council must also review whether members are elected from the whole area, or by electoral areas such as wards for councillors and subdivisions for local board members. There are rules which require the council to provide effective representation of communities of interest and, where there are electoral areas, spread representation evenly.

The final proposal amends the initial proposal in a couple of ways. It amends boundaries and names of subdivisions in the Rodney Local Board area. It also amends ward boundaries in Central Auckland. No changes have been made to proposals for Howick Local Board subdivisions or local board minor boundary changes.

In early November, any appeals and objections that have been received will be referred to the Local Government Commission (LGC) to make an independent decision.

Aucklanders can expect to hear an outcome on the council’s final proposal by April 2025, allowing time for changes to be introduced before next year’s council elections.

The final proposal includes these changes to current boundaries:  

Central Auckland wards

The boundaries of the Waitematā and Gulf Ward, Ōrākei Ward, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward and Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward will realign with local board boundaries, except that:

• Parnell and Newmarket to remain in Ōrākei ward

• St Johns to remain in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward

• Eden Terrace to remain in the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward.

North Shore wards

North Shore/ Albany wards – the boundary between the wards will move to include the Bayview area and align with the proposed local board boundary along Sunset Road.

Minor local board boundary changes

• Upper Harbour / Devonport-Takapuna – all of Saunders Reserve to be in Upper Harbour

• Kaipātiki / Upper Harbour:

  • boundary will run along Sunset Road

  • land near Kereru Reserve to Upper Harbour

  • area near Bayview, north of Glendhu Road

• Kaipātikti Puketāpapa / Maungakiekie-Tāmaki – all of Taumanu Reserve to Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.

Rodney Local Board subdivisions

The boundary between the Northern Rodney and Southern Kaipara subdivisions has changed to include Kaukapakapa in the Southern Kaipara subdivision.

Howick Local Board subdivisions

• Howick, 3 members (no change)

• Pakuranga, 3 members (no change)

• Botany, 2 members (changed area)

• Flat Bush, 3 members (new subdivision).

Variances to the 10 percent rule  

Decisions were made to prioritise communities of interest, resulting in the number of people represented by each elected member in a subdivision area not being within 10 percent of the average for the whole local board area (which is the ideal population-based ratio):

• Hibiscus and Bays Local Board

• Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

• Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board

• Franklin Local Board.

For more detail, visit AKhaveyoursay.representation.

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders will soon be asked for their feedback on Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee encourages all Aucklanders to have their say.

“We’re going to ask you how we can all work together to protect our environment. We can’t do this alone – we know this mahi takes a collaborative effort from so many community groups, volunteers and individuals, all working together with the council and other agencies.”

“Let’s protect our environment will ask what we can do to continue to protect what Aucklanders value. Like our native species and ecosystems, Māori cultural values, rural primary production, and the safety and wellbeing of our communities and natural habitats.”

Why are we asking for feedback?

“Our current approach to protecting Auckland’s natural environment has us covered until 2030. So we’re in the early stages of planning what the updated approach will cover, which includes formal public consultation in 2027. As part of our preparation, we are going out early to ask Aucklanders for their views on select topics to inform and update our approach,” explains Dr Imogen Bassett, Auckland Council Head of Natural Environment Specialist Services.

“This pre-consultation will give us some great early feedback on critical topics and new issues. We are also working closely with mana whenua to understand their aspirations for the taiao / environment, and we have planned an extensive programme of engagement on specific topics.”

The public feedback, as well as engagement with mana whenua, stakeholders, and technical experts, will be used to draft a new plan for how we protect the natural environment from 2030-2040. When this draft plan is ready, you’ll be asked for your feedback on this, too.

What has changed since our current plan was approved in 2020?

“A lot has changed since our existing plan was drafted. Many new species have arrived from overseas, such as myrtle rust, exotic caulerpa seaweed, and freshwater gold clam. We need to consider how – and if– we should address these new risks in the future,” says Dr Bassett.

Additionally, as our climate warms, and severe weather events become more frequent, we also need to adapt our approach. Species that originate from warmer climates may pose a greater risk to Tāmaki Makaurau in the future. Acting now can help us prevent those problems.

Storms and floods, damage the resilience of our ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to damage from introduced species, while simultaneously spreading introduced species to new places.

“Of course, all species are indigenous to somewhere in the world, and have value and whakapapa to those lands, regardless of the impacts they may have here in Aotearoa. We also know that there’s an economic impact to this work. Together, we need to work out where the balance lies to manage different species in different contexts,” says Cr Richard Hills.

Auckland Council’s ‘Let’s protect our environment’ consultation opens soon (25 October to 8 December 2024). Sign up for updates on akhaveyoursay.co.nz.

Source: Auckland Council

Watercare’s three-stage plan to replace the flood-damaged wastewater main beneath the Parnell Rose Garden is underway at the intersection of Judges Bay and Bridgewater roads.

Instead of doing a like-for-like repair that would see a wastewater pipeline installed through the Parnell Rose Garden, Watercare is building around it.

The $13.2 million permanent three stage solution consists of a small prepackaged submersible wastewater pump station, rising main and gravity sewer.

This permanent solution will replace the temporary robust repair that has been in place since last March when a broken wastewater pipeline, located approximately 25 metres beneath the Parnell Rose Gardens, was discovered during a CCTV inspection.

Parnell Rose Garden.

The break in the pipeline was caused by extreme flooding during last year’s summer storms.

Watercare head of wastewater planning Andrew Deutschle says the permanent solution will reduce maintenance difficulties and increase the resilience of the local wastewater network.

“We did consider the possibility of installing a gravity sewer main beneath the rose garden, however, it was not feasible as our crews would have needed to install the pipeline down to 28 metres underground and we would have lacked flexibility for future infrastructure upgrades.”   

Deutschle says by installing both pipelines around the park, it will enable our crew to use Horizontal Directional Drilling [HDD].

“Using this drilling technique will enable us to install both pipelines at shallow depths underneath the road without having to excavate the surface, reducing cost and disruptions.

“Plus using horizontal directional drilling will enable us to get the job done faster and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 18.7 per cent.”

Watercare project manager Frank Lin says Watercare and construction partner Pipeline & Civil are working at pace to have the permanent works completed by July next year. 

“Our crews are carrying out excavation works for Stage one, the installation of a small prepackaged submersible wastewater pump station near Judges Bay and Bridgewater roads intersection.

“The circular wastewater pump station is 3.5 metres in diameter and is prepackaged with two pumps, operational and electrical equipment already installed.

“The pump station will be buried underground and can pump up to 30 litres of wastewater per second, enabling more capacity in the network to service the current and future population growth. 

Lin says Stage 2 of the works, the installation of the rising main along Judges Bay Rd, will start in early December, with Stage 3 of the works – the Cleveland Rd Gravity Sewer main works – beginning in January next year.

“The rising main will connect in at the pump station and make its way up Judges Bay Rd to connect in with the gravity sewer main from the corner of Cleveland and Gladstone Rd.

“From there, the gravity sewer main will run all the way down Cleveland Rd to connect in with the existing network underneath St Georges Bay Rd.”

Lin says residents and motorists can expect traffic disruptions.

“Residents will be notified in advance and traffic management plans will be implemented to minimise the interruptions.

“Working hours will be 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, with traffic management in place 24/7 for safety.

“On-street parking will be limited. Pedestrian access will be maintained. Noise and vibration may occur, but monitoring and management measures are in place to ensure the impacts are within the permitted levels.”

Waitematā Local Board chairperson Genevieve Sage is impressed with Watercare’s permanent solution for Judges Bay.

“This permanent solution will help to increase resilience of our wastewater network as well as further protect our local waterways.

“Watercare has created a bespoke solution that caters to the community’s current and future needs.

“We thank the community for their patience as Watercare works at pace to get the job done.”

Source: Auckland Council

Twenty-four regional arts organisations, communities and artists have been approved for Auckland Council funding to deliver an array of art-related activity across Tāmaki Makaurau in the upcoming months.

The council’s Community Committee has granted a total of $381,440 to 24 applicants in the first round of Auckland’s Regional Arts and Culture grants for 2024/2025.

Committee chair, Councillor Angela Dalton, says the three types of grants available through this fund provide exceptionally good value to Aucklanders for the money allocated by the council.

“This programme recognises the ongoing value that providers of art and culture across the region can bring to support wellbeing and connectedness in our communities,” says Councillor Dalton.

“More than 300,000 people were able to see projects delivered with help from these grants in 2022/23. Of that number, at least 50,000 people were able to physically take part in those events and activities.”

“On top of that, a huge number of people enjoy the well-established regional performances and programmes put on each year by larger providers, who are receiving multi-year funding through strategic relationship grants.”

The council’s regional grants budget provides contestable funding to support art and culture projects of varying sizes and scopes. The three categories are:

• Audience development and programming grants support a wide range of experiences that are often one-off events. Sixteen recipients will receive these grants, from $5,000 to $15,000.

• Business and capacity development project grants help providers to develop strategic plans; feasibility studies; and digital development activities. Four applications have been approved.

• Strategic relationship grants provide larger, more established providers with multi-year funding to deliver significant events recognised as the ‘cornerstones’ of a thriving arts and culture sector in Auckland. Five organisations will receive two or three-year funding support.

All applications are assessed by an independent panel, with recommendations based on how well they meet the programme’s criteria and funding priorities.

Grants delivered through the programme align with the Toi Whītiki – Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan, and the council’s goal of integrating art and culture into our lives to create a culturally rich and creative region.

Auckland Council’s Regional Funding Advisor Catherine George says many of the recipients provide unique experiences to their audiences, such as the Tim Bray Theatre Company’s regional ‘Mrs Wishy-Washy’ tour, Te Tuhi’s Chinese art appreciation programme, and Panacea Arts’ Māpura Studios programme for disabled people.

“One criteria we consider is the ability to reach Aucklanders who may not otherwise get to enjoy art and cultural experiences. Our view is that it’s important to support these activities, so we continue to grow culturally and inclusively,” says Ms George.

Māpura Studios spokesperson John Ferriss says the council’s generous $15,000 grant will help to resource classes and make a positive difference in many people’s lives.

“It will go a long way to help us provide art and art therapy classes to disabled and marginalised people in our central Morningside Studio as well as our satellite classes throughout Greater Auckland and our free community classes in South Auckland. We are very appreciative to receive this support,” says Mr Ferriss. 

A total fund of $1,331,869 is available to support Regional Arts and Culture through the programme this financial year over two allocations. Applications for the next round will open from 1 October to 26 January, with allocations to be made in April 2025.

Artists in Māpura Studios take part in the Leading a Creative Life programme, supported by Auckland Council funding.

Grants approved on 24 September 2024:

Organisation	Activity Name	Funding Allocation
Audience development and programming
Auckland Pride Festival	Pride Elevates	$15,000
Connected Media Trust	Day One Hāpai te Haeata – Stories for a better tomorrow	$10,000
Girls Rock Aotearoa	To The Front Tāmaki Makaurau	$5,000
Kāhui St David’s / Friends of St David’s Trust Kāhui Rangi Pūpū	“Green Door Open” and “Refugee Choir” programmes	$7,000
NZ Barok	NZ Barok Celebrating 20 Years 2004-2024	$3,000
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Foundation	Mana Moana | Songs of the Pacific	$10,000
Panacea Arts Charitable Trust	Outreach arts for disabled and diverse communities	$15,000
Plumb Productions	A Dolls House – Part 2 by Lucas Hnath	$9,019
Polynesian Entertainers	Siva Afi Festival	$10,672
Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre	Music Therapy Holiday Programmes in Tāmaki Makaurau	$12,530
Te Pou Theatre	Kōanga Festival 2025	$15,000
Te Rehia Theatre	“Kōpū” Christmas Season	$10,000
Te Tuhi	Chinese art appreciation programme	$12,000
The Rebel Alliance	Retirement village performances of ” Back to Square One?” Tāmaki Makaurau	$5,000
The Theatreview Trust	Auckland Theatre Editor	$12,000
Tim Bray Theatre Company	‘Mrs. Wishy-Washy’ regional tour	$15,000
Total		$159,221
Business capacity and development
Depot Arts and Music Space Trust	Digital Transformation and Implementation of Digital Business Strategy	$15,000
Performing Arts Network New Zealand	PANNZ Arts Market	$15,000
The Massive Company Trust	Google Analytics GA4 Migration and Marketing Coordinator Professional Development	$7,219
The Rebel Alliance	Strategic plan	$10,000
Total		$47,219
Strategic relationship grants
Artspace Aotearoa	Artspace Aotearoa provides an artist-led non-profit contemporary art gallery located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It presents an outstanding annual programme of contemporary art.	$45,000 over 3 years
Depot Arts and Music Space	To provide regional services including Wayfind Creative, Depot Sound, Creative Careers Services and Whare Toi	$20,000 over 2 years
The Big Idea Re Aria Nui Charitable Trust	Provide an online hub of creative possibilities, learning, employment, news, events, connection and inspiration	$25,000 over 1 year
The Documentary New Zealand Trust (Doc Edge)	Celebrate, support and showcase documentary film through a range of programmes including a festival, schools programme and professional development for filmmakers	$45,000 over 3 years
Touch Compass Dance Trust	To provide Aotearoa’s leading professional disability-led arts organisation. Create accessible high-quality performances, inclusive arts education and arts activations.	$40,000 over 2 years
Total		$175,000
TOTAL APPROVED		$381,440

To learn more about the range of regional and local grants we provide and how you can apply for them, visit the Auckland Council website.