Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

The NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) final report to the Hauraki Gulf Forum has been released. It states that the value of the Hauraki Gulf’s ecosystem services and natural capital is estimated to be more than $5 billion dollars each year, taking into account its commercial, cultural, social and recreational value.

This latest report ‘Exotic Caulerpa and the Hauraki Gulf: Assessing the ecosystem services at risk’ looks at how a widespread, uncontrolled invasion of exotic caulerpa will impact that value – and the findings are alarming.

The quantifiable impact of exotic caulerpa is estimated to cost up to $109 million on commercial and recreational fishing, with a cost of up to $45 million on our biodiversity.

“I love our harbour, and I hate wasting money. I’m a boatie before I’m Mayor and I have already put a heap of advocacy into cleaning up this invasive weed. To see this huge financial cost, it’s extremely frustrating,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.

“The good news is, through kiwi ingenuity we’ve found solutions through dredging and the like, but I still believe everyone could be doing more in this space. These costs provide an economic argument for this.”

There are also a number of ecosystem services where the impact of caulerpa isn’t quantifiable – including increased costs associated with extra cleaning and maintenance for our ports, shipping and cruise tourism, as well as negative impacts on our aquaculture, recreation and carbon sequestration across the gulf.

While these findings are just a starting point, with further local field research on the impacts of exotic caulerpa ongoing, it is unlikely that this local research will show a lower-risk profile to this invasive seaweed – meaning these current impact estimates are likely a ‘best case scenario’ for the future of the Gulf.

Impact of caulerpa

Forum Co-Chair Nicola MacDonald, who also co-chairs the Exotic Caulerpa National Advisory Group, welcomes the Government’s recent announcement of a $10 million funding boost to further develop tools and techniques to tackle exotic caulerpa.

“Among the challenges facing the Hauraki Gulf, the spread of the invasive exotic caulerpa is the greatest threat facing our marine ecosystem, smothering vital marine habitats, threatening the biodiversity and fisheries of the Gulf. Working together, we can arrest the spread of exotic caulerpa and protect the Gulf from future incursions,” says Forum Co-Chair Nicola MacDonald.

The Government’s cash injection comes at a critical stage and makes an important contribution to the containment and removal of Caulerpa, complementing the Forum’s three-pronged approach:

• Sustained management, ongoing funding and a coordinated strategy involving all stakeholders
• Diverse responses suited to different environments
• Community education and awareness to enable rapid responses.

Commercial and recreational fishing impacts

• When it comes to commercial and recreational fishing, exotic caulerpa crowds out fish nurseries and limits feeding opportunities for fish.
• This puts between a quarter and a half of species at risk by impacting their ability to spawn and feed, with three of the top five commercial species at risk – blue mackerel, snapper and trevally.

Biodiversity impacts

• International evidence indicates that an invasion of exotic caulerpa can crowd out native seaweed and seagrass species, disrupts the existing food chain, and forms dense monocultures on the seafloor, colonising fish nurseries and inhibiting the growth of fish populations.
• It also shows a clear link between an invasion of exotic caulerpa (in this instance Caulerpa Taxifolia) replacing native seagrass and biodiversity decreases, including decreases in species richness and fish biomass.

Protecting the Gulf

While the spreading of exotic caulerpa across the Gulf is the most immediate and pressing issue for the Gulf at the moment, this invasive seaweed comes at a pivotal moment: the Gulf is already in trouble.

Climate change, marine heatwaves, acidifying waters and more frequent storms all pose serious natural threats to the Gulf; and our human impacts of decades of destructive fishing practices, land-based runoffs and population growth have consistently degraded the Gulf.

The Gulf is in dire need of protection and restoration, and eradicating Caulerpa needs our immediate attention to ensure we are on the path towards restoring the Gulf to its former glory.

What is the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park?

The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is New Zealand’s first marine park.

It’s a big park, stretching from Te Arai in the north to Waihi in the south, and out to 12 nautical miles at sea.

At 1.4 million hectares, or more than 20 times the size of Lake Taupō, it includes the Waitematā Harbour, Gulf Islands, Firth of Thames and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Park was established by the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act in February 2000.

It is the seabird capital of the world, and a whale superhighway. But it is a shadow of its former self, as six State of the Gulf reports have shown: https://gulfjournal.org.nz/state-of-the-gulf/

What is the Hauraki Gulf Forum?

The Hauraki Gulf Forum is a statutory governance board established under the Marine Park Act to advocate for the Gulf.

The Forum has representation on behalf of the tangata whenua of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands, the Ministers of Conservation, Fisheries and Māori Development, and elected representatives from Auckland Council (including Aotea Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island Local Boards), Waikato Regional Council, and the Waikato, Hauraki, Thames-Coromandel and Matamata-Piako District Councils.

The Forum is required to present triennial reports regarding the state of the environment of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. It is not a decision-making body and does not manage the Gulf.

More information on the Forum and the Marine Park is available at www.gulfjournal.org.nz

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is succeeding in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability across its $11 billion portfolio of assets.

Parks and community facilities make up 75 per cent of Auckland Council’s carbon emissions.

As the kaitiaki (guardian) of those facilities, we are committed to achieving environmental and social sustainability through meaningful climate action to reach our climate goal.

Winter Gardens: a beacon of sustainable heating

Heating is a major contributor to a facility’s carbon footprint. To address this, Auckland Council has introduced a sustainability initiative with the installation of a fin pellet boiler at the Winter Gardens in Auckland Domain. This energy efficient boiler replaces the previous gas heating system, reducing CO2 emissions by 100 tonnes annually and cutting operational costs by $25,000 annually.

The wood pellets, made in New Zealand from sawdust that would otherwise go to landfill, support a circular economy. The ash produced, rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, is used as fertilizer for the gardens, further enhancing their sustainability.

Harnessing solar power at Albany Stadium Pool

Another exciting sustainability project is Project Gigawatt, a key part of Auckland Council’s climate strategy, focuses on integrating solar PV (photovoltaic electricity) in parks and community facilities. At Albany Stadium Pool, a 206-kilowatt peak solar system, with 376 solar panels covering 982 square meters, generates 286,843 kilowatt-hours of solar energy annually, which is equivalent to powering 36 homes.

This system reduces the pool’s carbon footprint by 35 tonnes per year, equivalent to planting 380 trees, and saves approximately 20 per cent on utility costs, demonstrating the council’s commitment to renewable energy.

Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre: phasing out gas to make a splash

Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre in Māngere has transitioned from gas boilers to electric heat pumps, significantly reducing its carbon emissions. This change saves 1.4 million kilowatt-hours annually, cutting the carbon footprint by 307 tonnes per year and reducing utility costs by $110,000. The new system maintains optimal pool temperatures while providing a more sustainable heating solution, showcasing Auckland Council’s dedication to phasing out fossil fuels from its facilities.

New electric heat pumps installed at Moana Nui-a-kiwa Leisure Centre.

Low-carbon water heating at Laurie Gibbons

The Laurie Gibbons Heat Pump hot water system is another example of sustainable upgrades. This system uses approximately one-third less energy than conventional hot water systems, providing three units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

On a busy game day, the facility hosts four games and manages to provide hot showers for 120 people, demonstrating the effectiveness of this sustainable solution. By choosing a low-carbon option for water heating, the council significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supporting its broader climate goals.

New heat pump hot water system at Laurie Gibbons Memorial Park, Clendon.

Looking Ahead

Auckland Council’s comprehensive approach to sustainability is driving tangible reductions in carbon emissions. Emissions were down 11 per cent in FY20/21 from their peak in FY17/18, with further reductions expected.

The council remains committed to its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, continuing to implement innovative solutions and encouraging community involvement in climate action.

Join us as we work together to stand strong for a sustainable future.

To find out more about what you can do to reduce your climate footprint, visit Live Lightly.

Source: Auckland Council

Dazzling local artworks took centre stage and are being celebrated at the 18th Estuary Art and Ecology Awards in Howick.

The awards opened on 6 July at UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture, showcasing five exceptional artists – selected from 22 finalists – and their works, Tūna, Eyes Wide Open, Mitigation at the Margins, I see you in the estuary, and Life Cycle.

Recognised nationally as Aotearoa’s only art award dedicated to ecological themes, the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards invite contemporary artists to produce new works of art that research and respond to environmental concerns around the Tāmaki Estuary and its extensive tributaries.

Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says, “Contemporary art has a unique way of sparking the public interest and these awards are a great example of using creativity to promote the ecological value of this vital awa (waterway) and encourage action against its pollution.”

Ecologist and writer Annette Lees awarded artist Matt Dowman’s striking painting Tūna first place at awards.

Dowman’s painting captures the poignant loss of a dozen eels he tends in a stormwater drain flowing into the estuary. In her judging remarks, Lees described the artwork as “alive with emotion and story,” noting how the “ tūna appear as spirited shadows, wriggling off the surface of the canvas”.

Second place went to Cathy Carter for her mesmerizing photographic piece, Eyes Wide Open. Capturing a surreal march of toy dolls through estuarine mud, Lees found the work both “arresting” and intriguingly unsettling, noting how it “makes me laugh yet leaves a haunting impression”.

Third place, sponsored by the Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum, went to Alysn Midgelow-Marsden for her captivating digital film Mitigation at the Margins. This silent, layered visual masterpiece beautifully captures the mystical dance between abandonment and nature’s resilience. Lees was entranced by the film, feeling transported to a bygone era where “evolutionary and physical life forces shimmer continuously”.

“Each year we see artworks that inspire, educate, and inform – this year raised the bar yet again with some incredible works. It was wonderful to see such a wide range of styles responding to the challenge – there’s something here for everyone,” says Light.

Two additional Merit Awards, sponsored by Gordon Harris, The Art and Graphic Store, were awarded to Rowan Holt for the enchanting woven paper piece I see you in the estuary, and to Ainsley O’Connell for her mesmerizing glass artwork Life Cycle.

UXBRIDGE Director Paul Brobbel and Visual Arts Curator Zoe May selected the finalists before Lees took on the judging. In awarding the prizes, Lees praised the finalists for their high standards, noting that the key to judging was how each piece “communicates and connects, capturing the essence of the Tāmaki Estuary and evoking an emotional response”.

Brobbel noted the ecological theme of the awards was being underlined as their 20^th anniversary approaches in the next couple of years, commenting that, “Annette’s words at the awards ceremony struck a chord with artists and attendees, reminding us that the communicative power of art is what we are celebrating”.

Vote for your favourite

The Rice Family Partnership People’s Choice Award is still up for grabs, so be sure to cast your vote for your favourite artwork at the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards exhibition at the UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture centre (35 Uxbridge Road, Howick). Votes can be submitted during the exhibition, which runs until 31 August, with the winner announced on September 6. The artist with the most votes will receive a $1,000 prize, so don’t miss your chance to have your say.

Vote for your favourite! The successful winner will receive a cash prize courtesy of the Rice Family Partnership.

The Estuary Art and Ecology Awards

In its 18th year, the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards are Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique contemporary art prize focused on ecology. Artists respond to the Tāmaki Estuary, highlighting its ecological importance and promoting action against pollution.

With a prize pool of $9,800, the awards showcase innovative artworks that raise awareness and support local talent.

The 2024 awards are supported by Howick Local Board, the Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum, the Rice Family Partnership, and Gordon Harris Art Supplies.

UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture

UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture is East Auckland’s creative hub offering classes, workshops, programmes, events, and exhibitions or a base for community activities and hire.

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Source: Auckland Council

North Shore residents are being asked to give input on important plans to manage and protect local coastal areas by having their say on the draft Weiti Estuary to Devonport Peninsula Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP).

“As a coastal community this plan is of critical importance for all our residents. So please get engaged in this consultation and have your say today,” explains Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder.

“Climate change isn’t going away so this consultation is a call to action for everyone here on the shore. Many of us will feel the impacts of coastal erosion and inundation in our lifetime, so we need the input of our community members to put the right plan in place to protect what matters most.”

SAPs are documents focusing on how Auckland Council can manage its coastal land and assets including reserves, coastal defence structures and public facilities over the next 100 years. There are around 20 SAPs in development across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland developed in partnership with mana whenua with guidance from infrastructure providers, technical experts and coastal communities.

The draft Weiti Estuary to Devonport Peninsula SAP consultation is open now until 26 September 2024.

The area covered includes Stanley Point, Bayswater, Belmont, Hauraki, Takapuna, Milford, Forrest Hill, Crown Hill, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay, Rothesay Bay, Browns Bay, Waiake, Torbay, Long Bay, Okura, Devonport, Redvale and Silverdale.

How to have your say

• Fill in the online feedback form

• Attend one of our in-person events

  11 August
  Drop-In Session: Takapuna Markets
  8am – 1pm, Anzac Square, Takapuna

  31 August
  Drop-In Session: Seddon Fields Sports Ground
  8am – 10am, 108 Meola Road, Western Springs

  12 September
  Presentation/Q&A Session: Takapuna War Memorial Hall
  6.30pm – 8pm, 7 The Strand, Takapuna

  17 September
  Presentation/Q&A Session: Hub West
  6.30pm – 8pm, 27 Corban Ave, Henderson

• Drop a pin and leave a comment on our interactive map

• Email your completed feedback forms to shorelineadaptationplans@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

• Print the feedback forms, fill them in and post to:

   Shoreline Adaptation Plans
   Freepost number 232621
   Private Bag 92300
   Victoria Street West
   Auckland 1142.

For more information on Shoreline Adaptation Plans, check out the council’s website. 

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Source: Auckland Council

Flooding concerns over developments at 47 Golding Road and 50 Pukekohe East Road have been raised by Franklin Local Board in its views on a proposed private plan change – Plan Change 98.

Board chair Angela Fulljames says the board was asked to express its views on Plan Change 98 – being sought by OMAC and Next Generation Properties.

“We have concerns around water supply and stormwater management. Both those issues have also been raised by Watercare, whose position that development should align with supply capacity, we strongly support.

“This is a site that needs to be carefully considered for flooding given its topography and adjacent development that will deliver more hard surfaces that will increase waterflow.”

Fulljames says the board also expressed concerns around transport issues.

“We are concerned at the implications for the local traffic network, especially when the road between Golding Road and Pukekohe East could become a rat-run for commuter vehicles and freight.

“It will create new intersections and there seems to be little consideration for how residents would connect with public transport. There is not enough about active transport, and we question if the roading design supports parking when public transport is not anticipated.”

The board also raised issues around open spaces, parks and public amenities, questioning if the scale and access to the proposed neighbourhood park was adequately considered.

“We would like more detail on the park’s form and function, especially the challenges the waterways present in terms of access to open space if footbridges will be needed.

“Our board advocates for developers to build park amenities, so new residents are aware of the facilities when they move in, as opposed to waiting for council growth funding, which in a growing Auckland is always in demand.”

Fulljames says the impact of additional housing on services funded through local board budgets, such as library, arts, pools and recreational activities, can’t be offset through developer contributions.

The board has opted to speak to its views at any Plan Change 98 hearing.

The private plan change seeks to rezone about 27 hectares of land from future urban to mixed housing in an area with an undulating contour with several watercourses, including a permanent stream. 

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Source: Auckland Council

Waiheke residents are being asked to give feedback to Auckland Council on its plans to manage and protect local coastal areas from the effects of climate change by having their say on the draft Waiheke Island Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP). 

“Waiheke’s coasts are a huge part of our community and way of life and the effects of climate change cannot be ignored if we want to preserve that, now, and over the long-term,” says Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley. 

“So please, take 10 minutes to give your feedback on our Shoreline Adaptation Plan so that council has all the information it needs to make a plan that works for all of us, or attend an event to meet the specialist staff involved. Landowners in affected areas will be particularly interested in giving their input.” 

SAPs are documents that cover the ways that Auckland Council manages its coastal land and assets including reserves, coastal defence structures and public facilities over the next 100 years.

There are 20 SAPs across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland developed in partnership with mana whenua with guidance from infrastructure providers, technical experts and coastal communities. 

The draft Waiheke SAP consultation is open now until 1 October 2024.  

How to have your say 

     15 August  
     Drop-In Session: Downtown Ferry Terminal 
     4 – 5.30pm, Quay Street, Auckland CBD
     17 August 
     Drop-In Session: Waiheke Collective Film Festival  
     4.30pm, Waiheke Island Community Cinema, 127-129 Ocean View Road, Oneroa 
     24 August 
     Drop-In Session: Waiheke Ostend Market 
     8am – 1pm, 76 Ostend Road
     5 September 
     Public meeting with presentation/Q&A Session: Waiheke Island 
     6.30pm – 8pm, venue TBC.

• Drop a pin and leave a comment on our interactive map 

• Email your completed feedback forms to shorelineadaptationplans@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz  

• Print the feedback forms, fill them in and post to: 

  Shoreline Adaptation Plans 

  Freepost number 232621 

  Private Bag 92300 

  Victoria Street West 

  Auckland 1142. 

For more information on Shoreline Adaptation Plans, check out the council’s website.  

Stay up to date

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area?

Sign up for Waiheke Local Board E-news and get the latest direct to your inbox each month.

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders are being encouraged to help create a living legacy for their city. 

During the month of August, anyone can share their thoughts on the draft concept designs for the City Centre’s largest new public space in more than a century.

Te Ara Tukutuku is an Eke Panuku Development Auckland project that is continuing the transformation of Wynyard Quarter.

This next stage at Wynyard Point will transform 10 hectares of land into a public open space supported by mixed use development.

Work to open up this land, including the site of the former tank farm was accelerated in advance of the 36^th Americas Cup on the waterfront for 2021.

Since then, Eke Panuku has been creating plans for next phase regeneration of the Wynyard Quarter.   

Eke Panuku is leading the co-design of this space alongside Mana Whenua, using mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge and practice) and regenerative design practices.

This collaborative process has drawn on the wisdom and mahi of design collective Toi Waihanga, the Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Council whānau, and key groups with a special interest in this space.

Last year, Aucklanders were asked for their feedback on Te Ara Tukutuku vision, which aims to transform the land from its petrochemical past into a healthy and thriving foreshore, and to reconnect people with the sea, making the most of this unique location.

Feedback included a desire for places to swim, jump and engage with the sea; walking and cycling paths, spaces for quiet reflection and being in nature; a diverse range of educational and research programmes; being involved in healing and caring for the space; an enhanced marine environment; and native trees to support bird life. 

All comments were collated and fed into draft concept designs which are now available for the public to view and give further feedback on throughout the month of August.

The concept designs offer space for everyone – to enjoy, explore, connect with community, engage in nature, and interact with whenua (land) and wai (water) environments. A shift away from a traditional public space, there are some unique features, including:

• Nature immersion – explore a coastal ngahere (forest), visit a plant nursery and learn in outdoor classrooms, follow an urban stream to the ocean, see climate resilience in action

• Marine interaction – engage with marine life through habitat education… see marine clean-up and habitat from the shore, and dip your feet in the shallow waters of Te Waitematā

• Coastal activities – walk or ride the scenic coastal path around the edge, picnic in a sheltered spot, swim in an ocean pool, enjoy open spaces for passive recreation, wander up the headland

• Events – engage in or watch events in the plaza spaces, be involved in celebrating our beautiful city and harbour, experience something new

• Scenic lookouts – take in the 360-degree views from the headland, enjoy lookouts around the coast for city and harbour views, observe the working waterfront including waka ramp and marine restoration

• Cultural connection – learn about traditional activities and Te Ao Māori (Māori world view) hear Mana Whenua stories, attend ceremony, enjoy live waiata performances

• Cultural immersion – get hands-on with waka, participate in and observe waka launches, engage with indigenous knowledge and regenerative practices.

This is a project for all Aucklanders to be proud of, and the project team are encouraging anyone who wishes to be involved in the restoration mahi (work) and become part of the healing journey for this special land and marine environment, to take part.

Anyone can view the concept designs at www.ekepanuku.co.nz and give online feedback through AK Have Your Say https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/.

Source: Auckland Council

After very successful trials of the Red Boats ferry service as an alternative means to get to from the City Centre to Wynyard Quarter or North Wharf, Eke Panuku has confirmed the Red Boats ferry service is now operating seven days a week.

Commuters and visitors can catch a Red Boats ferry for the short trip across the Viaduct Harbour from 7am until 9pm Sundays through Wednesdays, and until 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Running between Te Wero Island (outside the New Zealand Maritime Museum) and Karanga Plaza (outside the Viaduct Events Centre) the service provides a frequent and fast travel option while the Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge is undergoing essential repairs before it returns to service in December.

Able to carry between 6,500 and 7,500 passengers each day, the Red Boats ferry is a fun way to make the trip across the Viaduct Harbour. At busy times and where needed for special events, an additional boat will be added.

While the ferry unfortunately cannot accommodate bikes or e-scooters, wheelchairs are very welcome and staff are on hand to assist, if needed.

Wynyard Quarter remains open and easily accessible with fun family activities and events, and great hospitality offerings. As week as the Red Boats, there are plenty of alternative ways to get there. 

For detailed information on other available options, including driving and parking, taking the bus, or cycling, scooting or walking to the area, please visit the Wynyard Quarter website.

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders love a good walk on the beach, or in the warmer months, taking to the water to cool down. Tāmaki Makaurau abounds with beautiful coastline but as a region we are also vulnerable to dangerous tsunami.

Do you want to help improve our tsunami resilience? Auckland Council and Auckland Emergency Management have created a survey and we’re asking Aucklanders to take part to give us valuable insights that could ultimately save lives. 

“We are working to improve our understanding of the region’s risks and help our communities prepare and act to protect themselves and their whanau during tsunami emergencies,” says Councillor Sharon Stewart, Auckland Council’s Emergency Management Committee chairperson.

“We’ve created this survey to better understand how and where Aucklanders use the coast, how people currently receive warnings and alerts and how confident people feel about what to do in a tsunami emergency.

“This information will be used alongside tsunami exposure and vulnerability studies carried out by leading scientists to inform decisions about the systems and programmes we can use to increase tsunami resilience and warn people in times of crisis.

“I urge all Aucklanders to take a few minutes of their day to complete the survey. We value your input, and it will have a meaningful impact on your community.

“Feel free to share the survey link with friends and family so they can also have their say.”

The survey runs from Friday 2 August until Wednesday 21 August 2024.

Click here to complete the survey

We also ask mana whenua to use this survey link.

“However small, there is the threat of dangerous tsunami in Tāmaki Makaurau and it’s important that Aucklanders complete our survey, says Adam Maggs, General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management.

“Mana whenua hold a special place in Tāmaki Makaurau and have unique insights to offer around tsunami resilience.

“That’s why we encourage mana whenua to complete a bespoke survey.

“Auckland Council works alongside 19 mana whenua iwi/hapu and is committed to delivering on its responsibilities derived from Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

Aucklanders are also encouraged to check out the region’s updated and simplified tsunami evacuation maps through Auckland’s Hazard Viewer.

Next steps

We aim to gather information and feedback to inform the decision-making process. Once the feedback from the survey is collated and considered with the tsunami exposure and vulnerability information, a series of options will be developed for both building tsunami understanding and alerting people in times of crisis.

In early 2025 we will engage with local boards and the community to explain and seek feedback on the options.

This feedback will be provided to Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee to ensure they have the breadth of information to inform their decisions on how to build resilience and enhance alerting during tsunami emergencies.

What are the natural warning signs for tsunami?  

If you are near the shore and experience any of the following, take action and do not wait for official warnings. 

• Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand or a long earthquake that lasts more than a minute
• See a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• Hear loud or unusual noises from the sea.

Remember! If an earthquake is LONG or STRONG, GET GONE and move to higher ground. 

Be prepared  

Prepare your household emergency plan and practice it so everyone knows what to do in an emergency and what you need to take if you are evacuating.  

Check out Auckland’s Hazard Viewer for updated tsunami evacuation maps.

Check the tsunami preparedness tips and what to do before, during and after a tsunami.  

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s local alcohol policy is one step closer after it was approved by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) last week. Auckland’s mayor and councillors will be asked to choose a date for the policy to come into force at a future meeting of the council’s governing body.

Councillor Josephine Bartley is Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, and says the policy is a big step forward for communities, bringing in some important changes that will help to reduce alcohol harm.

“Local alcohol policies give councils and local communities the chance to influence the location, number and trading hours of businesses licensed to sell alcohol. It’s not a ban on drinking – it’s about working together to create a thriving, safe and healthy region for all of us. We want Aucklanders to enjoy all our region has to offer, and to feel safe when doing so.

“I’m proud that we are taking this step for our communities. It’s a big move in the council’s commitment to minimise the harm that alcohol can cause to people,” she says.

A number of councils in Aotearoa New Zealand have adopted local alcohol policies. Louise Mason, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Policy, says listening to the public and businesses has played a vital role in shaping a policy that works for all Aucklanders.

“At its core, the policy’s purpose is to help minimise alcohol-related harm in our communities, while balancing fair and reasonable requirements for businesses,” she says.

“We asked the public to provide their views in a lengthy consultation process, so we could design a policy that met their needs. We held workshops with residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders to understand what they thought needed to change, and what would have the most impact, while still being practical”.

The policy has been through a lengthy legal process. Submissions from supermarket chains led to eight years of hearings and appeals that went all the way to the Supreme Court.  

The core argument from supermarkets was about maximum trading hours for the sale of alcohol, decision-making on where new off-licences might go and discretionary conditions on alcohol licences.

“In May 2023, the appeals by supermarkets were dismissed by the court. Now, we’ve heard the policy has been approved by ARLA, which is a positive win for our communities. A local alcohol policy would allow us to make better decisions at a local level,” says Louise.   

What will change under the new policy?

The policy has been designed in partnership with residents, community groups and local boards, as well as stakeholders representing businesses and public health organisations. It has been through a full public consultation process, with opportunities to make submissions.

If brought into effect by the council, the policy will introduce measures to minimise harm caused by alcohol and to help people to feel safer when they’re out and about in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It will mean that:

• applications for new bottle shops in the city centre and 23 other suburbs in Auckland are very likely to be rejected for the next two years (unless they meet a very high threshold).
• bottle shops and supermarkets across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will need to stop selling alcohol no later than 9pm. There will be a three-month grace period before this measure comes into effect after the policy is publicly notified.
• bars, restaurants and other on-licences permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until no later than 4am in the city centre, and 3am outside of the city centre.
• sports clubs and RSAs permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until no later than 1am.
• special licences for festivals and events will continue to be assessed by the District Licensing Committee, as they are now.

The local alcohol policy is due to go to the mayor and councillors on 29 August, however this is not yet confirmed. You can check the council’s Agendas and Minutes page for information on meeting agendas near the date of the meeting.

Do you sell alcohol?

Make sure you’re ready for the local alcohol policy. Information will be sent to licence holders by email soon.