Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Tāmaki Makaurau is on track to meet its targets to reduce water consumption  and the water supply target for recycled water capacity. That’s according to the annual progress report for the Auckland Water Strategy.

The Auckland Water Strategy (2022 – 2050) is Auckland Council’s 30-year approach to water, guided by the vision te mauri o te wai – that the life-sustaining capacity of Auckland’s water is protected and enhanced.

The Policy and Planning Committee heard a progress report in its recent meeting. Chair of the committee, Councillor Richard Hills, welcomed this report and acknowledged our complex relationship with water.

“We’ve seen the extremes of our relationship with water in recent years, from severe flooding to drought and water restrictions. The Auckland Water Strategy provides us with a guiding vision while ensuring that strategic direction is being progressed through efforts across the organisation to enhance our resilience to water-related natural hazards, improve our partnership with mana whenua, and improve our planning framework,” says Cr Hills.

“There have been some notable milestones achieved in the last year, especially around enhancing our resilience to water-related natural hazards and updating our planning framework. Through the Storm Response Fund and Making Space for Water programme, there’s been some great mahi to empower communities to prepare for a changing water future and enhance the uptake of resilient infrastructure.

“There’s more work to be done and it’s great to have a guiding vision as we continue to protect and enhance our relationship with, and management of, water in Tāmaki Makaurau.”

Highlights from the report

Highlights from the report included that Tāmaki Makaurau is still on track to achieve the strategy’s water consumption targets to reduce consumption below 253 litres per person per day by June 2025. This is despite a slight increase in per capita consumption in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Additionally, Tāmaki Makaurau has already exceeded its supply target of having at least 20M litres per day of recycled water capacity (that can be used in a productive way) by 2030. This is due to re-using purified wastewater in Watercare’s wastewater treatment plants as well as some major construction projects.

The report also noted that, of the 34 actions outlined by the strategy indicatively scoped for delivery by the end of June 2025, 15 are on track or complete, 16 are at risk of not being delivered within the envisioned timeframe, and three are behind schedule at the time of reporting.

“Strategic direction is being progressed through efforts across the organisation to enhance our resilience to water-related natural hazards, improve our partnership with mana whenua, and improve our planning framework,” says Dave Allen, Auckland Council’s Manager Natural Environment Strategy.

“However, resource constraints mean that delivering all 34 actions identified for delivery by 30 June 2025 will be a challenge. To support implementation, we’ve prioritised actions in the strategy to better support resource allocation over the next year and will be working closely with the leadership and staff in key departments across the organisation to enhance commitment to achieving delivery of the strategy’s actions.”

About the Water Strategy

The Auckland Water Strategy ensures that the protection and enhancement of water is a priority in our decision making. The strategy helps us ensure that all our future decision making, and investments will contribute to improving the health of our waters.

The Water Strategy framework centres around eight strategic shifts:

• Te Tiriti Partnership
• Empowered Aucklanders
• Sustainable Allocation and Equitable Access
• Regenerative Water Infrastructure
• Water Security
• Integrated Land-Use and Water Planning
• Restoring and Enhancing Water Ecosystems
• Pooling Knowledge.

Source: Auckland Council

A spectacular nearly $2m playground designed to offer an exciting range of play options for all tamariki (children), is coming to Barry Curtis Park, after Howick Local Board approved the concept designs.

The Barry Curtis Park playground needs renovation and improvement to serve a large and growing geographic area, and the upgraded playground will include accessible and inclusive play elements to ensure that all children feel included in the play space.

Artist impression.

Board chair Damian Light says, “We’re excited to confirm that we have signed off the concept plans so staff can get underway with delivery of this incredible design. This popular playground was due for renewal so we’re taking the opportunity to give it the overhaul it deserves.”

The concept design was put together following consultation in 2023.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the public consultation – this is a significant investment, and we want to make sure we get it right. Insights from the public, including local tamariki, has helped create an exciting new design that includes a wider range of play opportunities and caters for a wider range of tamariki.”

The approved concept design has been developed, incorporating feedback from the community, iwi, accessibility representatives and the local board.

The project team is working closely with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki to capture and deliver on their aspirations, values and priorities for Barry Curtis Park including the playground.

Map of destination playground.

“As the concept designs show, the playground will have the native wetlands theme enhanced. Having mana whenua involved has helped create a more authentic and interesting concept, with a stronger connection to the whenua (land) and environment it sits in.”

The playground renewal includes plans to increase tree planting to mitigate wind channelling through the park, aligning with the Howick Urban Ngahere Action Plan 2021, which aims to increase tree canopy coverage on public land by three per cent.

A fence is strategically placed within the planting to partially enclose the playground, providing a more secure space, providing the option of full fencing remained available for future consideration.

Shade sail structures have been included over the junior play equipment, picnic tables, and water play area, providing shade in areas where children are likely to spend extended periods of time.

The site features accessible ramps from the car park, benefiting those who use walking aids or wheelchairs. Several accessible parking spaces are located near the main play area entrance.

“Great care has been given to ensure that this new playground will provide more accessible, inclusive and sensory play opportunities. We can’t wait to see this playground completed and open for the public to enjoy”, says Damian.

Construction is expected to occur between February and June 2025, with an official opening once it’s completed.

The board is also looking at a significant overhaul of the nearby Wetlands Building to work better with the new playground – look out for an update on this soon.

Stay connected

Sign up to receive our Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s newly formed Community Committee has met for the first time this week at Auckland House, with chair Cr Angela Dalton referencing the national campaign of Mental Health Awareness Week during her opening speech.

She encouraged councillors, staff, and Aucklanders to reach out to neighbours, check in with colleagues and take a moment to share gratitude, in support of the Mental Health Foundation’s 2024 theme – of ‘Community is…what we create together’. 

“There has never been a more important time to focus on community. It is our strong social connections that keep us moving forward through the tough times and able to navigate the ups and downs a bit easier,” says Cr Dalton.

The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging New Zealanders to focus on one action each day from 23-29 September to improve the wellbeing of people, whānau and communities in line with its Five Ways of Wellbeing.

Deputy chair Councillor Julie Fairey says Council wants to support people to be able to add in the five ways to their daily routines.

“The five ways to boost your wellbeing are to connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active. Today is Tautoko Tuesday, which is about noticing the positives around you and offering your thanks to those who provide them. I think we can all make someone else smile by letting them know how much we appreciate them,” she says.

The Community Committee has community matters at the heart of its focus. It makes decisions on all regional grants and oversees community programmes and assets.

Its yearly work programme includes:

• regional strategy for arts, culture and events
• managing the regional grants programme and decisions
• sports and recreation decisions, plus community facilities and services
• community partner organisation arrangements and reporting.

Source: Auckland Council

Welcome to our fortnightly categorisation programme update.

Final property categories have been provided to 2210 homes, with 743 classed as Category 3 and eligible for a buy-out (as of 10 September). This has been supported by a huge effort by our technical and engineering teams having completed over 3141 desktop assessments and 2080 site assessments. 

544 Category 3 homeowners have received or accepted a buy-out valuation, and 245 properties had completed their sale and purchase agreements (as of 6 September).

Overall, 3218 property owners have now registered for the categorisation scheme out of 7389 known impacted properties (as of 10 September). There is still time for at risk homeowners to sign up to the limited scheme. While the deadline for registering is 30 September, we strongly recommend doing this as soon as possible. See our ourauckland.nz/storms for more information, including translated resources. 

In some locations we have not been able to finalise risk reports and categories until decisions about local infrastructure solutions have been made. 

Muriwai and Māngere stormwater solutions

We are pleased to have received the Government’s approval of its co-funding for our first three infrastructure resilience solutions in Muriwai around Domain Crescent and in Māngere’s Te Ararata and Harania catchments. In Muriwai, work on project feasibility continues. Community information meetings have been held in the two Māngere project areas, and we are waiting to hear back on approval of the ‘Order In Council’ which will allow the project to be delivered as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue progress on these projects. For more information on the projects, email the project team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. 

Categorisation progresses in other infrastructure areas

In other areas, the necessary community infrastructure projects are more complex and could take many years to design, fund, plan, consent and construct. So an amendment to the Auckland recovery co-funding agreement has been approved by the Government which allows Council to offer buy-outs for high-risk properties where an infrastructure solution can’t be delivered in a reasonable timeframe. Council is now progressing risk reports for properties in these project areas, including neighbourhoods around Nile Road in Milford, Clover Drive in Henderson, and some areas in Mt Roskill.

See Our Auckland to learn more about flooding assessments and landslide assessments.

An ongoing note on the complexity of categorisation

Many properties have proven more complex to categorise for several reasons:

• There is an intolerable risk to life, but we need to assess the feasibility of a mitigation at the property. Examples include retaining walls, house raising or moving, altering fences and other structures blocking overland flow paths, or changes to driveways or landscaping
• There is an intolerable risk to life, but we have been waiting on confirmation of a community infrastructure project that could reduce this risk for whole neighbourhoods. Examples include redirecting overland flow paths, making more space for water to flow and pool, stopbanks, and upgrading culverts and roads. These projects are being scoped looking at feasibility of timelines, practicality, costs and impacts
• There are both flooding and landslip issues at the property
• Recent work at neighbouring properties, or the shifting of land, have changed the risk profile since we started.

See key categorisation and buyout figures below.

Categorisation progress (at 6 September 2024) 

Initial Impacted properties	Registered for categorisation	Completed desktop assessments	Completed site assessments
7389	3218	3141	2080

Note: Not every home will need a site assessment, but some may need more than one

Category 3 buy-out progress (at 6 September 2024)

Valuations provided	Buy-out offers accepted	Buy-outs completed
544	317	245

Categories confirmed (at 10 September 2024)

Category 1	Category 2C	Category 2P	Category 3	Ineligible or withdrawn*	Total
1376	5	86	743	22	2232

*​A small number of properties that have registered for the programme are ineligible, including those with vacant land, commercial/non-residential properties, or properties owned by public service providers. The programme is focused on addressing risk to life in residential situations. 

Categories by suburb (at 10 September 2024)

Suburb	Registered	Category 1	Category 2C	Category 2P	Category 3	Ineligible/ Withdrawn	Total Final Category
	3
Ahuroa	1	1					1
Albany	3	1			2		3
Albany Heights	7	5			1		6
Araparera	1				1		1
Ararimu Valley	4				3		3
Arkles Bay	3	2					2
Army Bay	4	1			2		3
Auckland Central	10	9					9
Avondale	24	14			1		15
Baddeleys Beach	1	1					1
Balmoral	16	3			4		7
Bayswater	4	3					3
Bayview	13	7			1		8
Beach Haven	35	16		3	5		24
Bethells	5	3			1		4
Birkdale	13	6		1			7
Birkenhead	35	14		2	5		21
Blockhouse Bay	63	27			22		49
Bombay	1	1					1
Botany Downs	1	1					1
Browns Bay	37	14			8		22
Bucklands Beach	1
Campbells Bay	3
Castor Bay	13	7					7
Chatswood	10	3		2	1		6
Clarks Beach	4	2					2
Clendon Park	1	1					1
Clevedon	4	3					3
Clover Park	1
Coatesville	7	2			1		3
Cornwallis	2	1			1		2
Dairy Flat	9	1			6		7
Devonport	6	5					5
Drury	2	1					1
East Tamaki	18	17					17
Eden Terrace	2	2					2
Ellerslie	5	1		1			2
Epsom	108	37		4	33		74
Fairview Heights	2	1					1
Favona	2
Flat Bush	5	5					5
Forrest Hill	19	8			6		14
Freemans Bay	21	1					1
Glen Eden	15	10		1	2		13
Glenbrook	2	1					1
Glendene	4	3					3
Glendowie	3	1					1
Glenfield	33	16			3		19
Glenvar	3	1			1		2
Green Bay	16	12		1	1		14
Greenhithe	11	5		1			6
Greenlane	30	12		5	7		24
Grey Lynn	40	16		2	13		31
Hatfields Beach	4	4					4
Hauraki	5	4					4
Helensville	11	3			3		6
Henderson	105	28			54		82
Henderson Valley	17	12			4	1	17
Herald Island	1
Herne Bay	16	13			1		14
Hill Park	2	1					1
Hillcrest	15	7		2			9
Hillsborough	70	48		1	8		57
Hobbs Bay	1	1					1
Howick	3	2					2
Huapai	35	21			10		31
Huia	1
Kaipara Hills	1	1					1
Kakanui	1	1					1
Karekare	61	39		4	14	1	58
Kaukapakapa	12	5			5		10
Kawakawa Bay	1
Kelston	2	1					1
Kingsland	2
Kiwitahi	1	1					1
Kohimarama	1
Komokoriki	3	2					2
Kumeu	5				2		2
Laingholm	19	12					12
Long Bay	1
Lucas Heights	3	1			1		2
Lynfield	14	8					8
Mairangi Bay	3
Makarau	2				1		1
Mangakura	1	1					1
Mangere	95	14			4		18
Mangere Bridge	3	1					1
Mangere East	38	11			1		12
Manly	4	3					3
Manukau Central	1	1					1
Manurewa	7	2					2
Massey	66	23			27		50
Matakatia	1	1					1
Meadowbank	1
Milford	204	26		2	51		79
Mission Bay	1
Mount Albert	24	6			3		9
Mount Eden	103	24		2	48		74
Mount Rex	1				1		1
Mount Roskill	159	59		5	38		102
Mount Wellington	3	1					1
Muriwai Beach	246	159	4	5	64	10	242
Murrays Bay	11	2		1	4		7
Narrow Neck	1
New Lynn	14	4			5		9
New Windsor	5	2		1	2		5
North Cove	1
Northcote	27	15		1	4		20
Northcote Point	47	14		1	5		20
Northcross	2	2					2
Northpark	1
One Tree Hill	4	2			1		3
Onehunga	24	13		1	3		17
Orakei	2
Oratia	8	4			3		7
Orere Point	1	1					1
Orewa	1	1					1
Otahuhu	2
Otara	1
Oteha	1	1					1
Owairaka	31	7			8		15
Pakuranga	1	1					1
Pakuranga Heights	2	2					2
Papakura	10	6				1	7
Papatoetoe	6
Parakai	1	1					1
Parau	1			1			1
Paremoremo	12	8		1			9
Parnell	35	29		2		1	32
Patumahoe	5	5					5
Penrose	1
Piha	122	73		18	17	8	116
Pine Valley	1	1					1
Pinehill	3	1			1		2
Pohuehue	1	1					1
Point Chevalier	19	15					15
Ponsonby	20	6		5	3		14
Puhoi	1				1		1
Pukekohe	40	13	1		15		29
Punganui	1
Ranui	63	11			43		54
Red Beach	3	3					3
Redvale	7	5			1		6
Remuera	39	23			7		30
Riverhead	10	3			4		7
Rothesay Bay	3	1					1
Royal Oak	27	2			12		14
Sandringham	39	6			11		17
Schnapper Rock	1	1					1
Scotts Landing	1	1					1
Shelly Beach	1	1					1
Shelly Park	1	1					1
Snells Beach	2	1					1
St Heliers	2	1					1
St Johns	1	1					1
St Lukes	5
Stanley Point	13	8		2			10
Stanmore Bay	5	3			1		4
Stillwater	1	1					1
Sunnynook	14	1			5		6
Sunnyvale	15	3			5		8
Swanson	77	23		1	40		64
Tahekeroa	3	1			2		3
Takapuna	3	3					3
Tapora	1	1					1
Taupaki	5				4		4
Te Arai Point	1	1					1
Te Atatu Peninsula	8	6			1		7
Te Atatu South	25	16			4		20
Te Henga	1	1					1
Te Papapa	5	5					5
Three Kings	21	6		1	4		11
Titirangi	96	54		2	18		74
Torbay	20	11		1	3		15
Totara Vale	22	6		1	8		15
Unsworth Heights	1	1					1
Upper Waiwera	9	3			5		8
Wade Heads	9	7			1		8
Waiake	3				2		2
Waiatarua	22	14			6		20
Waiheke Island	2	2					2
Waikowhai	13	7		1	2		10
Waimauku	9	1			4		5
Waioneke	1	1					1
Wairau Valley	12	1					1
Waitakere	15	11			3		14
Waiuku	22	16			2		18
Warkworth	3	3					3
Waterview	8	5		1			6
Wellsford	1
West Harbour	3	2			1		3
Western Springs	1	1					1
Westmere	4	3			1		4
Weymouth	1
Whangaripo	2	2					2
Whenuapai	5	2					2
Windsor Park	1
Woodcocks	2	2					2
Total	3,218	1,376	5	86	743	22	2,232

Source: Auckland Council

With mind-nourishing art installations, exhibitions and walking tours popping up in the city centre this Art Week, expect a burst of feel-good hormones lifting your soul.

The theme for Art Week 2024 is happiness, so smiles are set to fill the city centre’s galleries, streets, lanes and spaces this October in a celebration of all things art.

Art Week is delivered by Heart of the City and is proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

For the full programme visit heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek

To get started, here’s a ten-day diary of suggestions:

Random Acts by Shannon Novak; photo by Jasper Johnstone.

Day one: 4 October – Random Acts

Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath glows with touches of kindness this Art Week.

Artist Shannon Novak has teamed up with iion, programming the lights to change from magenta to a colourful display in response to the movement of people along the path. As people pass each other the colours merge and intensify, expressing positivity as people connect. This artwork has been commissioned by Auckland Council. It shines with movement, colour and light from 7.30pm to 6.30am every day from 4 to 13 October.

Adding to the light effects, actual random acts of kindness will be shared with people along Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath and in city centre streets and spaces in an evening of art and mindfulness during Late Night Art on Thursday 10 October between 5pm and 9pm.

Learn more about Random Acts here.

RIPPLE – A Light Memory of a lost Shoreline by Catherine Ellis and Angus Muir in Exchange Lane.

Day two: 5 October – Changing Lanes

Changing Lanes is a glittering centrepiece of Art Week. Tasked with transforming some of the inner city’s iconic laneways, artists have created public artworks for these characterful spaces. Drawing on sculpture, painting, design and digital practices the artists have responded to the theme happiness. Pursuing big, bold and immersive ideas, this collection of art is intended to alter our experience of familiar places, prompt us to look with fresh eyes and see our city giving us a new reason to play, explore and discover.

You will find the Changing Lanes installations across Bledisloe Lane, Darby Street, Vulcan Lane, Durham Street East, Little High Street, Jean Batten Place, Lorne Street, Elliott Street and Exchange Lane; brought to the city centre by Auckland Council with curator Ross Liew.

Learn more about the city’s historic laneways here.

Day three: 6 October – Viaduct Harbour – BLOOM

A larger-than-life vase of flowers, BLOOM is set to instil wonder and joy as people meander through the Viaduct in Art Week. This art installation by Angus Muir and Harris Keenan will be seen and heard. Listen to a soundscape by Arun Strickland, while you see bright, vivid colours and neon design elements that radiate an ‘electric kaleidoscope of untamed beauty.’

Day four: 7 October – Freyberg Steps

Despite the fast pace of urban life, Pink Blossoming Spring at Freyberg Steps offers a moment of peace amidst the hustle and bustle. Missed the blossoms this spring? No worries – come to the inner city and enjoy an everlasting springtime!

Full Spectrum; photo credit Auckland Live.

Day five: 8 October – Aotea Square

Auckland Live presents Spring in Aotea Square from 28 September until 13 October. Head down and join a variety of FREE creative fun for the kids (and the big kids). These school holidays show off some moves to your favourite tunes on our Dance-O-Mat, and get involved in our dance workshops from K-Pop to Line Dancing to Bollywood and more.

Make sure you get a stunning selfie for your social media feed with Full Spectrum, our captivating rainbow sculpture, and witness the glorious Late Night Art – including Late Night Latin Dancing – across the city.

Day six: 9 October – free guided walking tours

Explore diverse forms of art and creative expression on free guided walking tours throughout the city centre. Here’s a taste.

• Unlocked Collections – discover the incredible art that is usually hidden away behind closed doors, or in areas you have not noticed in the city’s hotels, institutions and public buildings.

• City Art Walks – walk with heritage and conservation architect Kent Dadson and uncover the Classical world, all the intricacies of the form, function and style, that continue to be expressed in the buildings of the central city. There are two tours taking place, October 6 and 13, from 3-5pm. Bookings essential.

• The art on the walls of a city become part of its fabric, framing as well as reflecting its character. Poster-Art icon and Master of Design Eleanor Whyle will open your eyes to street art both new and old, commissioned and not, on this back-street tour of the inner city.

Head to heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek for details.

Day seven: 10 October – LATE NIGHT ART

Late Night Art’s 2024 line-up of art, innovation, colour, music, lighting, markets, exhibitions, laser art and dance lessons on offer might feel overwhelming, so here’s your checklist:

• Open Late at EMC

• Late Night Art in Freyberg

• Freyberg Steps

• Khartoum After Dark

• Urban Art Village – O’Connell Street

• Jazz on Vulcan

• Late Night Art on High (art market – 20+ stalls, roaming performers, skaters and actual Random Acts)

• Galleries open late

• Lighting installations: Te Ha o Hine Place, Freyberg Place, Deloitte’s Building, Viaduct, Darby St lampposts, Aotea Square, Exchange Lane

• Britomart – performance

• The midtown Street Art Festival

• Aotea Square (Lighting ‘Full Spectrum’ and Dance-O Mat by GapFiller with Latin Dancing)

• Viaduct – lighting (Angus Muir & Harris Keenan – Bloom) and performance

• Commercial Bay – lighting Ngā Huinga o Mataaoho – The Gathered Volcanoes of Mataaoho

• Changing Lanes

• Guided Walks – Unlocked Collections and City Art Walks

• Exhibitions – Maritime Museum, Central City Library, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Gow Langsford, Gus Fisher, Kura Gallery, Fingers 50-year celebration and SO/ Auckland Hotel

• Exchange Lane Rave – with laser art and an explosion of music. Groove with All my Friends (AMF) favourites Tyrun and RNG-sus, along with special guests, as they take over Exchange Lane. Together with Angus Muir Design and Cat Ellis, laser artist, we’re bringing an explosion of colour and music to the city’s heart.

Day eight: 11 October – Kura Gallery Urban Māori Exhibition

Kura Gallery is opening up to all kai mahi toi Māori to contribute to a show looking at the term “Urban Māori”.” The term is provocative and significant for ngā iwi Māori, the majority of whom live away from their papa kāinga, or ancestral lands. The reasons are layered.

The kaupapa is broad and left entirely up to the artists’ interpretation of what the term means to them, which should make for an exciting and fresh exhibition from artists from across the motu, some of whom are already represented in the gallery.

The show will hang in the gallery for Art Week, with a late night kōrerō about the works with the curator on 10 October for Late Night Art.

Day nine: 12 October – Silo Park for the family

Open to all ages, come along to Sonic Playground at the iconic Silo 6 in the Wynyard Quarter from midday to 4pm and explore the unique acoustics of the space. Curated by the Audio Foundation, there will be a playful feast of sonic experiences, with a rolling programme of improvisations, drawing from the rich scene of sound art and alternative music in Tāmaki Makaurau. Supported by Eke Panuku, it’s part of a series of Art Week events at Silo 6, beginning with Drawing Playground on 5 October, 11am-3pm.

Where do the children play? Explore more in Wynyard Quarter here.

Artist Dr Bobby Hung.

Day ten: 13 October – midtown’s Street Art Festival

Murals, street art, graffiti, workshops and talks are coming to midtown for Art Week and beyond. Watch or take part in live painting and a battle of graffiti writers hosted by Dr Bobby Hung in the historic Strand Arcade. A highlight will be Wellington-based adventurist and interventionist Cameron Hunt who fluidly shifts between painting, photography, sculpture, installation, performance and videography, often wrangling a sense of chaotic, playful energy from each distinct form. Brought to midtown by Auckland Council.

For all dates, times and venues visit heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek

Source: Auckland Council

In an algorithm-meets-art collaboration, artist Shannon Novak and iion have programmed Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath to deliver happiness for Art Week.

See below for more about Art Week 2024.

This innovative artwork, commissioned by Auckland Council, is called Random Acts. It will shine in movement, colour and light from 7.30pm to 6.30am every day from 4 to 13 October.

Shannon Novak says it began with the Art Week theme of ‘happiness’. His practice focuses on growing positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQI+ communities which aligns well with the Art Week theme.

“For this commission, I wanted to connect with the wider population – beyond LGBTQI+ communities. We explored how the essence of random acts of kindness could be expressed through this interactive lightwork. The algorithm sees the palette of lighting lift as people pass and connect with each other,” he says.

Hayley Wolters of Auckland Council Public Art encourages you to experience Random Acts on Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath on your way to and from the city centre for Art Week from 4 until 13 October.

“As someone moves along the Lightpath, the lights change from magenta to a colourful display in response to their movement, and as people pass each other the colours merge and intensify expressing positivity as people connect,” she says.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson explains that the lights on The Lightpath are similar to those on the Auckland Harbour Bridge in that they can be programmable to change colour but they can also increase their effect for different experiences like this.

“This time, our programmed lights will respond positively to people as they pass by. This is a much-loved pathway and I’m pleased to see it included in Art Week. It’s always great to be part of something that makes you smile and this extraordinary public space and artwork will do just that,” she says.

Art Week 2024

Art Week is delivered by Heart of the City, and proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

There are over 70 pop up exhibitions, events, music, galleries, art and light installations, free art walks, artist talks, workshops and more between Friday 4 and Sunday 13 October 2024.

Late Night Art is happening on Thursday 10 October 2024 between 5pm and 9pm. It will feature over 40 exhibitions, events, installations, markets, performances, workshops and activations across the city centre.

To celebrate the gathering of people in the city centre during Late Night Art, Random Acts will be activated in two ways – in light effects on The Lightpath and also in person. Actual random acts of kindness will be shared with people along Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath and in city centre streets and spaces in an evening of art and mindfulness.

See the full Art Week line-up here: heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek 

Photos by Jasper Johnstone Auckland Council.

Q & A: Shannon Novak

Can you explain how Random Acts came about?

My work focuses on growing positive mental health outcomes for queer communities in Aotearoa, so the Art Week theme of ‘Happiness’ directly linked into research and work I’ve been doing for many years. I decided to extend this beyond queer communities, to growing positive mental health outcomes for all people. Research shows that engaging in random acts of kindness not only helps brighten someone’s day, but also boosts your own happiness.

Have you worked with light as a medium before in your practice?

Yes, from day one. I initially used sunlight at school where I created miniature greenhouses using different coloured glass. I then began experimenting with transparent coloured vinyl on various surfaces with sunlight and artificial light, then later interactive sculpture using LED’s.

Can you explain how you and your collaborator David Hayes have used technology to express this idea of ‘random acts’?

This pattern for Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath is designed to make use of the interactivity of the lights. When movement on the pathway is captured by motion sensors it causes the lights around them to flare up in a certain hue, saturation and speed. The lighting design then takes on a life of its own as people cross each other on the path, almost like creating a call and response.

You have included a performative aspect to this work. What is it and why have you done this?

A team of people will be distributing badges with an image of the lights on the pathway during Late Night Art. The idea was to take the work from the abstract into the literal, to reinforce and increase opportunities for happiness and kindness. This activity also highlights The Lightpath as an integral, influential, connective artery into the heart of the city.

How will it make people feel? What will people experience?

Random Acts aims to make kindness the norm. In this case, people will experience a direct connection with someone they may not know in a safe and non-threatening way. Hopefully, this will make both people smile and feel positive. If people are feeling alone or unhappy this small act of a smile may cheer them up and they may feel less alone and appreciate that people show care for others.

Source: Auckland Council

Would you like to book a sewing machine when returning your library books? How about a sound recording studio or a puzzle corner with a view of the sea? The North Shore community are being asked to share their ideas on what they want for a new community hub destined for the heart of Takapuna.

The Takapuna Community Hub consultation is open until Monday 7 October 2024 and is part of a project by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board to renovate the Takapuna Library into a combined library and community hub to meet the needs of the North Shore’s growing and changing population.

The board is considering options to either renovate the existing two-level building, or to renovate the existing two-levels while adding an additional third smaller level. Both options will provide parking.

In this consultation the board is asking:

Feedback from this consultation will help to develop a proposed design for the new community hub. Once initial designs are complete, a second consultation will be held for the community to give feedback on the designs.

Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder is keen for all residents in Takapuna and nearby areas to think about the kinds of things they would like to see in the new space.

“Our vision is to create a space where everyone in our community feels welcome and safe. A place where events could be held, public meetings can take place, where people can create, study, read or simply enjoy the company of others.

“Te Manawa in Westgate has sound recording studios, and quiet puzzling corners while in Takanini they have bookable sewing machines and a slide that goes from the top level to the bottom in the children’s area. Why do they have these things? Because their communities asked for them. So, what does Takapuna want?

“We’re designing this hub for you, and with you. So, we need all of your great ideas, aspirations and dreams for this space. So have your say this month and together we’ll build something amazing for the residents of today and tomorrow.”

How to have your say

To have your say online, fill out our online feedback form.

You can also complete a paper copy of the form at the Takapuna Library, or come to our drop in session at the Takapuna Market on Sunday 22 September, 9.30am-12.30pm.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has selected two providers to receive new rental micromobility licences in Auckland.  

Of the seven licence applications received, the chosen providers are current operator Lime and the New Zealand-owned Flamingo. Both will be licensed for a two-year period from 4 November 2024. 

Auckland Council’s Manager of Licensing and Environmental Health, Mervyn Chetty, says the council received a number of strong applications, with the chosen providers demonstrating a commitment to safety initiatives and reducing nuisance.   

“Both Lime and Flamingo have a history of operating in Auckland and around New Zealand. Their applications represented the best offering for Aucklanders, with both committing to a range of initiatives to support public transport connections, improved parking and safer riding.” 

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Lime and welcoming back Flamingo, which currently operates in a number of New Zealand cities and has been licenced in Auckland previously.”  

Fewer operators but allocations the same

The current e-scooter allocation in Auckland is 3000 in total, with 900 in tier 1 (city centre), 900 in tier 2 (city fringe) and 1200 in tier 3 (suburban). This allocation will remain the same from November 4, but with the allocation split across the two providers.

“Having just two operators allows riders to easily find a device with their preferred provider, as well as allowing us to monitor and work with providers more closely,” says Mr Chetty.  

Lime and Flamingo will each be allowed 900 devices split across tiers 1 and 2. In tier 3, Lime will have 700 devices and Flamingo will have 500.  

Rental Micromobility Code of Practice 

Throughout the current licensing period the council has identified improvements that can be made to the Rental Micromobility Code of Practice to better manage operator compliance and influence user behaviour. 

Changes to the rental micromobility code of practice will include: 

• Faster response times required to rectify non-compliant parking, reduced from 90 to 75 minutes in tier 1 (city centre) and tier 2 (city fringe).  

• Faster response times to rectify toppled scooters, reduced from 90 to 75 minutes in tiers 1 and 2. 

• Strengthened data provisions.  

E-bikes 
 
From 4 November the council will no longer license rental e-bikes. Previous e-bike licences saw a low number of trips, with operators having removed all rental e-bike devices from the streets. 

Operators have committed to work with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to develop a strategy to successfully bring rental e-bikes back to Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Assessment of applications 

Applications were assessed against the requirements of the Public Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw 2022 and Auckland Transport’s Activities in the Road Corridor Bylaw 2022, and were considered to ensure that the applicants could demonstrate their ability to comply with the Rental Micromobility Code of Practice (version 3).  

Find out more 

Visit the council’s micromobility web page to find out more about rental e-scooters in Auckland.  

Source: Auckland Council

A project to transform Te Puhinui awa (Puhinui Stream) and create walkways, wetlands, community areas and improve water quality will begin early next year.

Te Aka Raataa is part of Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui, a regeneration programme working with mana whenua and communities to restore the natural environment in the area.

This project unites Eke Panuku Development Auckland, Healthy Waters and Manurewa Local Board to restore the stream’s natural path and create a community asset.

“Te Aka Raataa continues our efforts to build resilient infrastructure using the blue-green network approach,” Healthy Waters general manager Craig Mcilroy says.

Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata says the project builds wetlands to filter stormwater and creates pathways that add to a network that will reach the Botanic Gardens.

“Te Puhinui runs through concrete channels nothing can live in. This allows a man-made drain to be restored to its natural function as a stream.”

Eke Panuku, Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, is supporting the area’s future by preparing for growth, and fostering investment and initiatives to stimulate development.

Manukau priority location director Richard Davison is enthusiastic about working with Healthy Waters, with the $12.5 million first stage (Rata Vine stream works) a strong collaborative effort.

Council partners visit the area to check out proposed changes for the awa.

“We’re excited to be breathing new life into this ancestral awa. Our investment is about creating a foundation for growth. We’re looking at how we can make the area a better place to live and more attractive to investors and developers.

“Along with creating beautiful spaces, we’ll be improving stormwater systems and enhancing the water quality flowing into the Manukau Harbour — steps that will help bring aquatic and birdlife back to the area.”

Winiata says Eke Panuku and Healthy Waters partnered with Waiohua iwi in the design.

“A principle was whakaora – returning health. Regenerating the stream is important to iwi, who gifted the name Te Aka Raataa to acknowledge the white raataa vines that grew here.”

Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman is anxious to ensure the physical works and community amenities can be delivered alongside future stages.

“Naturalising the stream and daylighting drain outfalls, urban wetlands with riparian planting, rock-edging and boardwalks are certainly a transformation in the early stages. I want to ensure the concept is complemented with growth-related facilities west of Great South Road that are planned for and can be delivered to cater for growth.”

Eke Panuku has already bought land for stage two, notably around the Manukau Super Clinic, Davison saying that until then, the public had no access to sections of the stream.

“This is a game­ changer. It’s a chance to invest and return under-used land into green space for all.”

At the time of the purchase Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Angela Dalton called it the largest council investment in south Auckland public space in a decade.

“I’m thrilled that piece of the puzzle was put in place. This project brought the community together and empowered people to participate in it. Now our work continues to make sure it’s a place to be proud of.” 

To find out more visit Te Aka Raataa project page, Transform Manukau page or Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui project page.

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Source: Auckland Council

Hundreds of landowners and groups are working with Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) to regenerate forest on erosion-prone land in the Kaipara Moana catchment.

If you are a landowner in the catchment wanting to fence off waterways or remnant forests on your land this summer, or plant trees or regenerate forest to protect erosion-prone slopes next winter, KMR has funding and support to help you.

They will pay up to 50% towards eligible projects, walking your land with you first to see if your project is suitable and discussing your goals for it. Their Field Advisors will then prepare a plan to access funding and provide support throughout the project.

If you are a community group, marae, iwi/hapū or other collective KMR will also provide support for engagement and project costs.

Further support may be possible if your project meets QEII National Trust goals.

Two grants

 “We offer two grants – Landowner Grants and Whenua Whānui Fund grants with both supporting sediment reduction projects on the ground and contracted directly with the project owners,” says Justine Daw, KMR Pou Tātaki.

“KMR is already working with over 735 landowners across the catchment, and are supporting over 75 projects led by catchment, community, hapū, marae, whānau, schools or other groups.  On average, a new group joins us every fortnight.” 

Global significance

As the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, Kaipara Moana has global environmental significance including 6,000 km² of catchment across Auckland and Northland regions, and over 8,000 km of waterways flowing into the harbour

However, high sediment levels have put the harbour at risk. Decades of deforestation and land-use intensification have degraded the catchment, leading to a seven-fold increase in sediment washing off the land – about 700,000 tonnes a year. Around an eighth of the catchment is highly erodible land.

To turn this around, in October 2020, the Ministry for the Environment, Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Te Uri o Hau, Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly establish KMR.

It is a $200m programme, with $100m invested by the Crown, matched by $10m each from Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council.  A further $80m of project activity must come from landowners, industry, community or philanthropic organisations.  This is because widespread action is needed to restore the Kaipara Moana, and because a matching contribution – often in the form of labour or materials – is required to unlock the Crown funding.

Auckland Council Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says the programme invests in projects that will bring wider benefits to the Rodney area.

“We live in one of the most beautiful areas of Auckland and with that comes the huge responsibility to help our valued species thrive. We need to do everything we can and increase our resilience to storms and other extreme weather events. It’s very clear that restoring wetlands, fencing rivers and streams, planting trees and forest regeneration helps restore the environment. I’d encourage anyone who is able to, to get involved with the programme.”

Contact KMR on hono@kmr.org.nz as soon as possible if:

• Your land is in the Kaipara Moana catchment

• You are thinking of fencing this summer, and/or planting next winter (2025)

• You’d like to know more about how KMR can support you.