Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Older people make a huge contribution to our communities, and ageing is something that should be celebrated. But getting older can be challenging for people physically, mentally and socially. The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on 1 October and New Zealand Grandparents Day on 6 October are chances to recognise our senior citizens’ value in society and highlight their unique needs.

In 2022, Auckland joined the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, a network of communities worldwide united by the common goal of making their regions great places to grow old.

Auckland Council is committed to improving the wellbeing of older New Zealanders through the Tāmaki Makaurau Tauawhi Kaumātua / Age-friendly Auckland Framework. This framework recognises that Auckland’s ageing population is diverse and that the needs of senior citizens across the region are varied. The Seniors Advisory Panel was created to identify the issues facing the region’s older citizens and provide advice on improving wellbeing.

Auckland Council supports many programmes and activities in Tāmaki Makaurau that are designed with seniors’ needs in mind, including exercise classes and initiatives to help older people navigate technology.

Research conducted by the University of Otago showed that approximately 10 per cent of people over 65 are lonely all or most of the time. The rates of loneliness rise to 50 per cent amongst those over 80, and it’s estimated that a quarter of people who experience loneliness also died prematurely. To combat issues of social isolation, Auckland Libraries offer a range of services to help older people stay connected and included in the community.

“Auckland Libraries offer lots of programmes for seniors because we recognise libraries are often the backbone of our communities,” says Chloe Pope, Programme & Events Manager at Mt Albert Library. “A lot of the patrons of our libraries have been coming here for decades, and that means a lot to staff like me, who enjoy seeing people using our facilities.”

Seniors who want assistance researching a particular subject such as family history can use the Book a Librarian service.

One way in which older people can feel disconnected and isolated is through technology, whether it’s a phone, tablet or computer. The Auckland Libraries team can help seniors struggling with technology to connect to the digital world through various services.

“Libraries have always been places to share knowledge. We have programmes designed to help older people, such as the Digital Drop-in Sessions held at Mt Albert Library and many other libraries,” says Chloe. “Digital literacy is a form of literacy, and we are here to help in the same way we help with reading and writing.”

In the sessions, seniors can pull up a chair to get assistance with their device or software. Librarians can help with a range of activities, including paying bills online, sharing photos with family, using the Auckland Transport app, or using messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Those who want one-on-one assistance with technology or software can reserve help with a librarian using the Book a Librarian service.

The Book a Librarian service also allows seniors and other members of the community to book one-on-one time with a librarian to help with basic computer skills, such as writing in a document using Microsoft Word, doing family history research, and accessing council records.

“Anyone can use the Book a Librarian service, and it’s often good for people who need a little extra time with technology or who are a bit shy about participating in the group for the Digital Drop-in Session,” adds Chloe.

Auckland Council also supports many services to help seniors stay active. To keep mobile and help with heart and lung health, it’s recommended that seniors are active for at least 150 minutes a week spread over five sessions. Several times a week, Mt Albert Library becomes an exercise hub for seniors, and the popular Steady As You Go class run by Age Concern New Zealand is often booked out. The programme, designed by physiotherapists using exercises from the Otago Exercise Programme, offers gentle fitness activities to help keep seniors agile and prevent falls.

“I like the class as the exercises are not too strenuous for us oldies,” says Steady As You Go attendee Caroline. “The improvement in my balance has been very good, and the library is convenient.”

Another class participant, Jee, has a more personal reason for attending the class. “I come because I think of my mum who passed away following multiple falls… She inspired me to go for the class. It’s important for the elderly to motivate them to exercise. It’s good for their wellbeing, especially those who are lonely. The library setting is fun, and I have made friends.”

There are many other exercise classes across Auckland that are especially tailored for older people, such as Seniors Yoga, aqua fitness and Pickleball.

The tai chi class takes place amongst the bookshelves in the children’s area of Mt Albert Library on Mondays.

Social isolation is a particular challenge in Auckland for seniors for whom English is their second language. Epsom Chinese Association was launched in 2007 by a group of older Chinese Aucklanders who came together to practice tai chi. Since then, the organisation has grown to more than 300 members and is supported by Albert-Eden Local Board. On Monday mornings, the Mt Albert Library is transformed into a zen tai chi haven, with many older Chinese community members coming together to practice the ancient martial art. Likened to ‘meditation in motion’, tai chi is intended to bring harmony between the body, mind and spirit.

“The movements in tai chi are quite slow, and it’s good for seniors to help them to keep stable,” says Susan Li Kwan, chairperson of the Epsom Chinese Association.

“Tai chi has no age limits. We love coming to the library to share our culture, and we love having other people in the community join us and become our friends. Most of our members are seniors, and some have come to New Zealand to live with their children and look after their grandchildren, but they have a language barrier with other people outside their family. The class is a good way to meet new people and also sometimes practice English too.”

The Epsom Chinese Association offers many activities and classes for older Chinese people, including folk dancing, singing and English lessons. Susan says the association members are also keen to give back to the city they are proud to call home, performing at the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital and sharing cultural festivities such as the Moon Festival and Chinese New Year. The Epsom Chinese Association and the Chinese Conservation Education Trust recently held a series of sewing repair cafes to help the community mend clothes, and these repair cafes were funded by Albert-Eden Local Board.

“Our sewing volunteers help people repair clothing, and our seniors feel very proud because they can help the community,” says Susan. “The sewing repair cafes can help combat climate change by reducing the waste sent to landfill and we are pleased to make a contribution. Thank you to Albert-Eden Local Board for making this possible.”

To encourage seniors and other community members to get involved in IDOP, there are a range of activities and events supported by Albert-Eden Local Board, such as art exhibitions, chair yoga, a vintage fair and even a Craft-along Cinema screening of Casablanca. Visit the Albert-Eden IDOP website for more information.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s local alcohol policy starts coming into effect on Monday 16 September when 24 areas, including Auckland’s city centre, will be subject to a freeze on the opening of new off-licences. Pubs, bars and clubs will also need to carry out new practices designed to help keep customers safer.   

The policy was voted for unanimously by councillors at a Governing Body meeting on 29 August this year. Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee, says limiting the number of liquor stores in our neighbourhoods is something communities have asked for and is a step forward in creating a thriving, healthy and safe Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“When I grew up, my cousins and I could walk up to our neighbourhood shops and, at the time, they consisted of a bakery, lawnmower shop, dairy, and a fish and chip shop. Today the same neighbourhood shops consist of a takeaway, dairy and a heavily branded liquor store. Children today are faced with liquor stores in their neighbourhoods and town centres like it’s a normal thing. 

“These communities have been crying out for change – wanting to see better for their neighbourhoods by objecting to new liquor stores opening up. They have said enough is enough! 

“The freeze aims to put a stop to new liquor stores opening in areas where alcohol is having a negative impact on peoples’ health, or there is already a high number of liquor stores in the area.” 

What changes on Monday? 

From Monday, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) must consider the local alcohol policy when it’s assessing applications to open new off-licence premises, such as liquor stores, bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol. The policy recommends that applications to open off-licences in the city centre, as well as 23 other suburbs across Auckland, should be refused. These areas already have a high number of liquor stores and experience higher levels of alcohol-related harm. 

Rob Abbott, Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council says that new stores in the 24 areas subject to the freeze would need to meet a very high threshold for the DLC to consider granting a licence.  

“The local alcohol policy says that applications to open new off-licence premises like bottle shops in one of the 24 ‘freeze’ areas should be refused due to the high number of existing bottle shops in the area, and as these areas see higher instances of alcohol impacting on peoples’ health and safety. The DLC has to take this into consideration when it’s assessing applications. There would have to be a very, very good reason for a new licence to be granted.” 

‘New’ off-licences are shops that have not been licensed to sell alcohol within the past six months. Existing stores in the identified areas can keep trading. This includes when ownership of a store is being transferred to another person, or when the licence comes up for renewal – as long as it continues to meet the required conditions. 

Outside of the 24 areas, applications for new off-licences in neighbourhood centres face a ‘rebuttable presumption’. Rob explains that this means it will also be tougher to open a new off-licence in other areas of Auckland. 

“There are over 400 neighbourhood centres across Auckland – they’re usually areas with rows of shops. The local alcohol policy will also make it more difficult to open a new off-licence in these areas,” he says.  

From Monday, the DLC will also assess applications for new alcohol licences and renewals of existing licences, to decide if they should have special conditions put on them. This will apply to off-licence premises, as well as pubs, bars and clubs, and includes requirements for them to do things like keep an incident register; display information on transport, such as taxis, to help customers get home safely; have CCTV; and train staff to a certain standard.  

For more information on the local alcohol policy, visit OurAuckland or read the policy on the Auckland Council website.  

Source: Auckland Council

Five ducklings have been reunited with their parents and six siblings after falling down a three-metre-deep manhole at the launch site of Watercare’s tunnel boring machine, Piper.

The McConnell Dowell crew, who are helping Watercare deliver the Warkworth to Snells Beach wastewater transfer pipeline, discovered five ducklings were missing after one of the parents returned with only six of their 11 ducklings after a two-hour sojourn last Friday.

Soon after noticing there were only six ducklings swimming in the sediment pond at the site, members of the crew went into search and rescue mode to find the missing ducklings, says McConnell Dowell’s senior stakeholder and environmental advisor Celeste Rauner. 

“The crew made their way towards a scruffy dome – a large steel grille placed over the inlet to allow for stormwater run-off on site – where they suspected the ducklings may have fallen through into a stormwater manhole.

“As the crew got closer to the scruffy dome, they could hear a faint chorus of quacks.

“Without wasting any time, the crew safely rescued the two-week-old ducklings.

“After the successful rescue, the crew transported the ducklings to the smoko room at the launch site, where the ducklings could rest up before being reunited with their parents.” 

Rauner says the ducklings were carefully released, one by one, into the pond where the rest of their family was.  

“It was super cute seeing how they swam straight over to their parents. They were all quacking happy to be reunited.”

Watercare project manager Dirk Du Plessis says this isn’t the first time a flock of birds have decided to make the Piper’s launch site their temporary home. 

“For instance, in late December 2022, a dotterel family halted the Warkworth to Snells Beach wastewater project when it chose to build a nest over the Christmas break.

“As soon as it was spotted the nest with three spotted eggs inside, they put a protective fence around it. 

“All operators were alerted to avoid the area until the eggs hatched and the family had moved on. 

“Luckily, we were able to get the project underway early in the new year when the dotterel family had packed their bags and set up nest somewhere else. 

“Also, when we were upgrading our Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, we captured and relocated native skinks to protect them before construction began.”

Du Plessis says taking this approach reflects Watercare and McConnell Dowell’s joint safety and values to care for everyone around us and the environments we work in.     

“We always do everything we can to protect the local flora and fauna in our infrastructure projects.”

“I’m proud of the efforts made by the crew to reunite the ducklings with their parents.”  

Du Plessis says the construction of the Warkworth to Snells Transfer pipeline is running smoothly, and Piper is expected to finish tunnelling the final leg in early November.

“Piper is moving at a good pace, averaging 25mm a minute, and has so far drilled 350 metres of the final 1.5km of the 5km pipeline.” 

Source: Auckland Council

A popular suburban Waiuku park, home to rugby league, has had a strategic assessment approved by Franklin Local Board. 

Waiuku subdivision representative Sharlene Druyven says the 1.6 hectares of Hamilton Estate Recreation Reserve contain a community hall, playground, and mature exotic trees.  

“But probably the dominant feature is the rugby league field and lighting that make it home to the Mighty Waiuku Toa junior teams.  

“The hall has been leased to Marama Hou Ministries Trust, an organisation focusing on community development, for some time. It is a valued and well-used asset.” 

A strategic assessment ​helps determine the recreational outcomes to be considered, and to that end, discussions have also been held with stakeholders.   

Out of that process, various improvements have been recommended, and once reviewed and approved by the board, they will guide decision-making around future development.  

The reserve is zoned open space – sport and active recreation. In recent years the trust that leases the hall has expanded to support a food security initiative, but the hall is at storage capacity.   

​“It’s clear there are competing priorities and demands around the park,” Druyven says. 

“This assessment seeks to determine the best fit for the park, and where additional activities can be accommodated.” 

​Renewal recommendations in a building assessment focus on removing a shower to create storage space, toilet upgrades, accessibility improvements and electrical work. 

Druyven says the community has indicated a basketball facility would be welcome, and the inclusion of a halfcourt has been recommended.  

“We’re a long way from seeing changes, but it’s sensible to have a plan. We should see a draft plan later in the year.” 

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Source: Auckland Council

Since 2019, the Ngā Puna Pūkenga skills for industry programme has supported more than 1000 Aucklanders into sustainable employment with contractors to Auckland Council through social procurement.

To celebrate this milestone, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Minister of Social Development Louise Upston met with some of the programme’s industry partners at the Fulton Hogan-managed Watercare Waikōwhai worksite today. 

“It makes perfect sense for Auckland Council to leverage its considerable purchasing power to support people in business who invest in the people that work for them. In the end, we all share in the economic and social benefits,” says Mayor Brown.

Under Ngā Puna Pūkenga, Auckland Council and MSD work in partnership with council contractors like Fulton Hogan and small-to-medium-sized industry employers to create newly established roles for people who face barriers to the employment market.

The business must provide permanent full-time employment and a living wage, with at least one year of training and workplace mentoring.

The Ngā Puna Pūkenga team, based within council, support these businesses with recruitment, onboarding and pastoral care, as well as MSD-funded training and wage subsidies. 

Based on 1000 job placements, the programme has an impressive employment retention rate of 80% at two years. As of May 2024, 70% of the programme’s participants were still off benefits.

Ngā Puna Pūkenga began as a modest initiative in Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team.

General Manager of Healthy Waters, Craig McIlroy says, “When we started this programme, the aim was to create 60 new jobs in the first year. We encouraged and supported council contractors that we worked with to take on people who were facing barriers to employment, particularly Māori and Pasifika, and young people.”

“Achieving more than 1000 job placements in five years has far exceeded our expectations. It’s humbling to be part of a programme that has changed people’s lives. The success of Ngā Puna Pūkenga means success for people in Auckland who have struggled to gain full-time employment or access to the support and training needed for skilled jobs.”

With the support of Mayor Brown and increased MSD funding of up to $3.8 million for the 2025 financial year, Ngā Puna Pūkenga is now being actively rolled-out across all of Auckland Council.

“We are thankful for the support of the Ministry of Social Development and its continued funding for Ngā Puna Pūkenga. This year, we have committed to achieving 300 employment outcomes putting 300 people into jobs, which is 100 more than last year,” says McIlroy.

“The sectors that Ngā Puna Pūkenga employees work in, such as infrastructure and construction, are helping to keep our region running effectively as it grows.”

MSD Director Industry Partnerships, Amanda Nicolle, reflects that when the right mechanisms are in place, local and central government working together can have significant impact.

“Over the past five years, Ngā Puna Pūkenga has been building a way of working across local and central government, and industry, that demonstrates how local initiatives with central funding can support individuals, suppliers of all sizes and communities to be better off. It is a model we are proud of,” says Nicolle.

The model for the programme, developed and refined by Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team, is now being trialled by other city councils.

“Our Healthy Waters team has set the gold standard for social procurement in local government, and people are taking notice. The secret to this success is their hard work and aroha,” says Mayor Brown.

About Ngā Puna Pūkenga

For Ngā Puna Pūkenga, the goal is simple – to support Aucklanders into sustainable employment today, while building skills for tomorrow.

Ngā Puna Pūkenga partners with council contractors to create sustainable employment. This means getting people into work, keeping them in work, and providing opportunities for them to advance over time.

The programme creates sustainable employment for Aucklanders who may face barriers to the job market, including long-term unemployed, young people not in employment, education or training, Māori and Pasifika, and people with disabilities.

This year, eligibility expanded to include displaced workers, who have lost their jobs due to business closures or downsizing, and women in male-dominated industries like construction and transport.

The types of roles recruited reflect the types of goods, services and works procured by Auckland Council. They can range from entry-level labourer to quantity surveyor.

Under the programme, contractors to Auckland Council enter into an agreement with Ngā Puna Pūkenga to take on an employee in a newly created role.

In return, the Ngā Puna Pūkenga team provides tailored advice and support around recruitment, onboarding and skills development, including MSD-funded pre-employment and in-work training, wage subsidies, and pastoral care.

Source: Auckland Council

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.

The bridge is due to return to full service in December 2024. 

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

These maintenance programmes have been running independently of each other and will soon reach the point where they will integrate as we enter the final phases of this large, complex project and the bridge is rebuilt 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.

Below is further information on what works are underway in September.  We’ll be providing this monthly update until the bridge returns to service.

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What is happening in September?

Structural works have seen the removable steel parts of the bridge, including the spans and engine rooms, relocated to a purpose-build compound on Wynyard Wharf for protective coating repairs using a jack-up barge. Doing this work offsite meant it could be done quickly and efficiently, with less disruption for surrounding users and reduce the risks associated with health and safety.

Safety hoardings have been installed on Karanga Plaza and Te Wero Island to secure the area around the parts of the bridge that can’t be moved to allow on-site works. 

Structures and wraps will enclose these spaces while works are underway to contain any discharge including dust and paint flakes

Once these works are complete, the jack-up barge will return bridge elements for reinstallation. Lifting each part individually into position is just the start, as once secured there is still a lot to do to ready the bridge for service. This includes starting the work to fully refit and rewire the entire structure so that it’s operational again, which will take a couple of months to complete.

Considerable maintenance has been underway on the mechanical components since the bridge closed in March, with the majority of parts replaced or refurbished including winches and cables. 

Because parts for this specific bridge are no longer manufactured, meaning there are no ‘off-the-shelf’ options available, comparable parts have been commissioned or imported and are either being adapted for use off site ready for installation, or will be as they’re refitted.

Additionally, the maintenance team has checked and restocked spares, ensuring good stocks of consumables are available locally when needed in future, and ensuring long lead items are held as critical spares.

Next month will see the engine room reinstallations begin – we’ll have more updates on that and other works at the beginning of October.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council invites all Aucklanders to explore Pacific ties at the upcoming Auckland Heritage Festival, which runs from 28 September to 13 October, with the theme of Moana Oceania.

Returning for its 20^th year, the two-week festival includes talks, walks, exhibitions, performances, and workshops right across Tāmaki Makaurau. It offers the opportunity to explore and commemorate the region’s Pacific history and heritage. This year marks important anniversaries such as the 50th anniversary of Niue self-government. It also recognises the historical impact of the dawn raids on Pacific communities 50 years ago.

“How we define heritage continues to evolve and change, as we learn more about the rich tapestry of our city”, says Councillor Julie Fairey, deputy chair of the Auckland Council Community Committee.

“The Auckland Heritage Festival aims to highlight how heritage influences the character and quality of Auckland’s places and landscapes from maunga (mountain) to moana (sea). This year’s theme, Moana Oceania, gives us all opportunities to better understand and celebrate the many ways Pacific cultures have enriched Tāmaki Makaurau and laid out the foundations we stand on today”.

Auckland Council Heritage Manager Noel Reardon says there will be something on offer for all to enjoy at this year’s festival and emphasises the importance of heritage for the region.

“Our heritage is incredibly valuable and it’s important to make an active effort to share stories and traditions with our rangatahi. Understanding our past not only paves the way for a better future, but also helps keep culture and traditions alive,” Mr Reardon says.  

“We’re very excited to shine a light on our Pacific communities this year and look forward to the events that showcase our Pacific ties through history,”

“Auckland Council has now been running this annual festival for 20 years, and it’s always inspiring to see such dedicated event hosts and a positive turnout year-on-year. One of the many great things about the festival is the range of activities – it lends itself to a wide audience as there’s always something for everyone.”

“I encourage Aucklanders to consider an outing with friends and whānau, perhaps with tamariki over the school holidays, and explore all that the Auckland Heritage Festival has to offer.”

Visit Auckland Heritage Festival for the full programme of 130 free or low-cost events that will run between 28 September – 13 October 2024 throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.

Event highlights include:

Exploring the King of Tonga’s Trees at Atalanga

Learn about the unique history and value of some of Auckland’s finest trees in their historic settings on The Tree Council’s guided walking tour of Atalanga, the King of Tonga’s Auckland Residence in Epsom.

Tongan Indigenous Knowledge Showcase

Our elderly Tongans possess a wealth of Tongan indigenous knowledge, and Fe’unukoula – Academy of Tongan Arts, Dance and Culture – would like to honour the uniqueness of these skills and knowledge in the Heritage Festival. Fe’unukoula Director Losalia Pusiaki Fifita leads a showcase explaining different types of attire worn by Tongan people. Visit our Tongan village and join in to learn about the skills of making table mats, wall hangings, laundry baskets, beautiful and colourful leis, the art of mat weaving and sinnet braiding, Tongan dancing and lots more.

Guided Pasifika Heritage Walk of Ponsonby

Take a stroll with charismatic Samoan street historian Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua along Ponsonby Road and discover the Pacific urban history and stories of Ponsonby. Hear about Pacific urban migration, dawn raids on overstayers, the Springbok Tour protest, the Polynesian Panthers, and much more.

Tuia Mātauranga: The Ocean That Binds Us Together

Uncover the rich voyaging traditions and cultures of Moana Oceania – the Pacific Ocean.

Embark on a journey with storytellers Sonny Natanielu and Tony Marsters as they take you through the extraordinary achievements of the Pacific voyagers, highlighting their mātauranga, innovation and navigation prowess across the vast Pacific Ocean.

Immerse yourself in the Tuia exhibition, delving into the tapestry of our migration history and settlement, prompting reflection on Aotearoa today and our collective aspirations for the future.

Fakafetuiaga

Reminisce and celebrate our beautiful Niue! Niue celebrates its 50th anniversary of self-governing, highlighting its relationship with Aotearoa. The island is commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’ of Polynesia, and it was European sailor Captain Cook who coined the famous phrase ‘Savage Islands’.

Through historical imagery, we explore the timeless stories of Niue, the memories and identity that grounds our Niuean communities here in Aotearoa and abroad.

Sustainable Conservation of Pacific Art and Heritage

The team at Studio Izzo talk about their experiences working with Pacific artists on their artworks and more. As part of its everyday activities, Studio Izzo receives many items including those from public art galleries and communities. The talk explores some of these items, their meanings, and sustainable conservation methods for Pacific treasures. You are welcome to bring your own objects to discuss – the team is keen for questions about your treasures!

Source: Auckland Council

New Lynn’s Ceramic House, the former home of Crown Lynn pottery, is one of 11 places that will be added to Auckland’s heritage schedule following today’s Planning and Policy Committee (previously the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee).  

Chair of the committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says heritage plays an important role in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s identity.  

“Auckland’s heritage schedule contains places that help tell the story of Tāmaki Makaurau. It includes buildings, cultural landscapes, archaeological sites, gardens and notable trees.  

“Though built not that long ago, Ceramic House is an important and quirky expression of New Lynn’s ceramics industry when it was at its peak in the 1960s. It’s one of two places in the area remaining from that time. The other is Ambrico Kiln, which is also on the heritage schedule.” 

Ceramic House was built for Consolidated Brick and Pipe Investments, best known for the Crown Lynn pottery brand. It was built in 1969, when Crown Lynn pottery could be found in around 60% of New Zealand households. Displaying the versatility of the company’s products was part of the brief for the building. They feature throughout – from ceramic door handles and toilet roll holders, to the reinforced brick walls. 

Noel Reardon, Manager of Heritage at Auckland Council says Ceramic House is a reminder of New Lynn’s pottery production. Not only that, but it was also designed by a notable architect and is an intact example of building design being influenced by technology. 

“Ceramic House is one of renowned architect Neville Price’s works, recognisable for its unique three-storey dodecagon (12-sided) shape. It was built especially to house a new computer.” 

“Computers in were much, much bigger in the 1960s than they are today. Price was asked to design the entire building so it could fit the new computer, which took up a whole room. It’s one of the first ‘computer buildings’ in Tāmaki Makaurau and a rare example of when computers defined the form and function of a building,” he says. 

The completion of Ceramic House marked an exciting point in Neville Price’s career. He went on to be commissioned to build commercial and residential buildings across the city and, at one point, had the biggest architecture firm in New Zealand. His best-known work is the iconic West Plaza at 1 Albert Street in central Auckland, completed in 1974.  

Ceramic House has been added to the heritage schedule following a public nomination received in 2019. It falls within Category A on the schedule, recognised for its outstanding heritage significance. 

For more information on Ceramic House and the other places added to the heritage schedule at today’s committee meeting, please visit the Auckland Council website.  

Auckland Heritage Festival takes place from 28 September – 13 October. Find out more on OurAuckland.  

Source: Auckland Council

Time is running out for storm-affected Auckland homeowners to register to find out about any future risk to life at their home, and if they qualify for construction funding or a council buy-out.

Identifying future danger

Following major storms early last year, Auckland Council has been assessing and categorising affected properties based on whether there is an ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future storms, and whether there is anything that can be done to reduce the risk. 

There are construction and consenting grants available for homeowners to do work on their property that will reduce this risk to life, including building retaining walls and shifting or raising the home. Where there is nothing that can be done on the property or in the community to reduce this risk, the council is offering a voluntary buy-out at a valuation before any storm damage.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says 2023 for Auckland will go down in history as one of the darkest times for our city after the pandemic.

“A years’ worth of rain in just a few months was unprecedented and unstoppable. There was tragedy through the loss of lives, homes and livelihoods,” says Ms Simpson.

“Sadly, there is a strong likelihood that we will experience severe weather events like this again. Signing up for these assessments will give those who live in flood prone properties a better understanding of the future risk at their home and a potential opportunity for support, especially where an intolerable risk to life is identified due to the location of their property.

“There are only few more weeks for affected homeowners to register for this one-off opportunity. I strongly encourage you to get in touch, as if you’re not in the programme you will not be eligible for additional support. We are acutely aware of the stress some homeowners are still experiencing so please, if you or someone you know could benefit from this assessment and support, please share the information and deadline date.”

Desley Simpson (centre) visiting flood impacted neighbourhoods in Māngere

A one-off, limited offer

With a 30 September deadline to register for the categorisation programme, Natural and Built Environment Lead, Craig Hobbs, says just over 40% of more than 7000 properties impacted across Auckland have signed up.

“We are making a special effort to reach homeowners we think could be at high risk but haven’t heard back from many of them. Support under the categorisation programme might be the best and last option to receive local and central government support to make their home safe or move somewhere safer,” Mr Hobbs says.

“It’s a voluntary programme, but we are strongly urging high risk homeowners to consider registering. These include those that had over half a metre of flooding in their home, received a red or yellow placard (sticker), or were affected by a landslide. It’s also important owners in impacted multi-unit developments, like apartment buildings or townhouse complexes, look at registering.”

Homeowners in these high-risk situations are strongly encouraged to consider registering as soon as possible before the 30 September registration deadline. To find out more and register, visit ourauckland.nz/storms or call our Recovery Office team on 09 884 2070.

Craig Hobbs, Natural and Built Environment Lead. Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is supporting a raft of events and activations in celebration of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and Mahuru Māori for Aucklanders to get onboard the waka and enjoy.  

The theme for Te Wiki 2024 is ‘Ake ake ake – A Forever Language’. It represents the resilience, adaptability and endurance of te reo Māori. It also reflects the commitment New Zealanders have made to embracing and learning te reo Māori long into the future. 

Te Rawhitiroa Bosch. A Whakairo, Māori Carving. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.

To whakanui (celebrate) this, Auckland Council is supporting an extensive and joyous programme across Tāmaki Makaurau, offering numerous ways to learn and experience te reo Māori and be part of its flourishing through reading, watching, listening, learning, singing and playing. 

‘Ki te hoe!’ ‘To the paddle!’ Here’s our top ten ways you and your whānau can get moving on this waka: 

1. Read a children’s book that reads along with you in te reo Māori 

Auckland Council Libraries has teamed up with global company Library Ideas in a world-first to translate and add spoken Māori to six children’s books. The books come with VOX readers attached to their front covers, which read the books aloud. Listen along to narrators such as renowned Māori actors Miriama McDowell and Kimo Houltham. They’re perfect for tamariki (children) or pakeke (adults) learning a new language to help them match the words to the sounds. 

2. Visit Auckland Central City Library’s uplifting new exhibition: Wawaia Ngā Ngutu 

Auckland Central City Library is thrilled to announce an uplifting new exhibition Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu ahead of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, celebrating the eloquence and expression of te reo Māori from the early nineteenth century to the present day.  

This free exhibition, which runs from Wednesday 4 September 2024 – 1 February 2025, provides visitors with a showcase of never-before publicly seen taonga Māori (Māori treasures) from Auckland Council Libraries Heritage Collections, accompanied by a rich soundscape that brings the written word to life and affirms the essence of te reo Māori: a language heard and spoken with eloquence.      

3. Listen to kōrero from esteemed authors and activists to enrich your reo 

In celebration of the Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu exhibition, Auckland City Central Library is hosting a conversation between award-winning authors Shilo Kino (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Maniapoto) and Hēmi Kelly (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tahu, Ngāti Whāoa) on 12 September 2024 from 6pm-7pm. Kino’s recently published novel All That We Know follows Māreikura as she works to reclaim her reo Māori, while also navigating personal relationships and a growing public profile. Shilo will be joined on stage by Hēmi Kelly, author of A Māori Word a Day, A Māori Phrase a Day, expert translator, and host of the Everyday Māori Podcast. A Māori language teacher, Hēmi started learning te reo Māori as a teenager and is a passionate advocate for the revitalisation of reo Māori. 

4. Watch Ngako, a new documentary film episode at Aotea Square 

Ngako: The Collections Talk is a documentary film series that explores the taonga held in Auckland Council Libraries Heritage Collections. This Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, a new Ngako episode will be released for Waiwaia Ngā Ngutu on the big screen at Aotea Square, taking a closer at the specially selected exhibition taonga that capture the eloquence of te reo Māori in written form.

Come and journey with narrators who illustrate how documentary heritage collections help us understand our past and our present and show us potential paths into our future. Check this out on the digital stage at Aotea Square during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. 

5. Learn te reo Māori from your local library or Maunga 

“Kia ora, ko wai koe? Kei te pēhea koe?” (“Hello, who are you? How are you?”) Auckland Council Libraries offer te reo Māori classes across Tāmaki Makaurau to Aucklanders with any level of ability, an entry point to learn the language of Aotearoa and enrich your understanding of Māori culture.

As Auckland Council Libraries kaiako (teacher) Yvonne Te Wanihi Edwards says, “The more you use the conversation, the more you hear it, the easier it becomes.”

We encourage everyone to give it a go and ako i te reo (learn the language). 

Alternatively, you can head over to Love Your Maunga Facebook and Instagram pages for an audio pronunciation guide of ‘Ngā Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau’ (the ancestral mountains of Auckland). Look out for our ‘Te Reo o Te Taiao’ phrasebook and connect with the beauty of our Maunga. Give it a go, karawhiua! 

6. Take on a challenge for Mahuru Māori 

Mahuru Māori is a reo Māori challenge that came about as a personal social experiment by language revitalisation expert and activist Paraone Gloyne in 2014 as a way of broadcasting te reo and normalising it in everyday interactions. The challenge is to consciously use as much reo Māori as you can during the month of Mahuru. Regardless of whom you speak to, where you speak it, and how long you speak it for – you’ll speak only in te reo Māori. Mahuru Māori is a great opportunity for everyone to speak te reo Māori. It doesn’t matter what your current level of Māori language may be, we encourage you to take up the challenge! Check out some challenge ideas and register here. 

7. Play a giant game of Kupurori (Māori scrabble) 

Auckland City Central Library is hosting a series of ‘Kupurori’, Māori scrabble using a giant board and pū (letters) throughout Mahuru Māori. Come along on the 12, 19, or 26 September 2024 and join the Merge Community and some of our street whānau to a game taking turns to form kupu Māori (words) and test your reo. Kupurori is a project designed by whānau, for whānau, and prototyped by the Merge Community team, through Lifewise. 

8. Put on your own event, learn te reo or spark up a kōrero i te reo Māori  

Head along to the website Te Wiki o te Reo Māori to download their free resources which include Māori wordlists, zoom backgrounds, question prompts, pronunciation posters, event hosting guides, and more! They’re all designed to awhi (help) you to do something for te reo, no matter how big or small.

9. Watch the Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge light up for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori 

15-19 September, 6:30pm to midnight 

Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be shining bright during Te Wiki, drawing on the iconic ‘Kia Kaha te reo Māori’ heitiki (logo) and the colours of the arero (tongue).

The colours represent the rākau (cuisenaire rods) used in teaching the Ataarangi language method, familiar now to decades of school children and adults in the revitalisation of te reo Māori. 

Photo credit: Brett Phibbs

10. See Auckland city centre’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori large-scale activations 

Light installations, a wall of 28 posters, a park, and the pages of a giant book are all celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori in Auckland’s city centre.

From the changing lights of Whai, an artwork on the Victoria Street East carpark inspired by the traditional Māori string game that reflects the red of a teacher’s pen, to a giant book by Peter Gossage ‘How Māui Slowed the Sun’ that takes two or three children to turn each page at Auckland Central City Library, to a fun new way to learn waiata at Myers Park’s Waimahara where a soundtrack and light effects burst into song with you, there’s plenty to check out in our city centre. 

For a full programme of city centre experiences learn more here: City centre turns a new page for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and Mahuru Māori.