Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

A range of diverse events across Tāmaki Makaurau for Aucklanders to enjoy have been given a helping hand totalling $404,000 from the Regional Event Fund Grants Allocation 2023/2024, approved by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on 5 October.  

The events funded through the grants programme deliver a range of outcomes and benefit to communities through building and maintaining a sense of place and connection. 

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says regional events play an important part Auckland’s cultural calendar. 

“It’s vital Tāmaki Makaurau regularly hosts dynamic events for the community to participate in, and celebrate the diversity in our city and feel a sense of pride and belonging.  

“We thank the organisations and community groups for the work they put into preparing and hosting those events. 

“Many of the events we have supported with funding will also bring an economic boost to the communities hosting them and nearby local businesses.”  

A number of iconic Auckland events were among the 21 applicants to receive funding, including Farmers Santa Parade, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park, Big Gay Out 2024 and ASB Polyfest. 

Two events that champion sustainability are being funded by the Regional Event Fund Grants allocation for the first time – Kelmarna Harvest Festival and EcoFest. 

Auckland Council considered a range of factors in allocating funding, including how much the event supports other council strategic outcomes, builds regional identity, showcases Auckland’s assets and has a positive impact across the region. 

Auckland Council Acting Head of Events Karem Colmenares says the fund helps facilitate events which give Aucklanders the opportunity for new experiences and to connect with each other. 

“A wide range of events are being supported by the fund from music, to sports, to cultural events – all of which add vibrancy to Tāmaki Makaurau and offer residents opportunities to connect.”  

“There will be many events for Aucklanders to enjoy over the coming months and into the new year supported by this fund, so keep a look out for them.” 

The next round of applications for the regional events fund will open later in October. To learn more about the type of regional events we support and how you can apply for this grant, visit the Auckland Council website. 

Regional Event Grant Programme Fund allocation for 2023/2024
Applicant	Event	Funding
Crackerjack Events	Auckland International Buskers Festival	40,000
The Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust	Farmers Santa Parade	17,000
Auckland Region Outrigger Canoe Association Incorporated	Auckland Regional Waka Ama Sprints	10,000
Domain Concerts Trust	Coca-Cola Christmas In The Park	45,000
Show Jumping Waitemata	Show Jumping Waitemata Festival	11,000
Auckland Pride Incorporated	Auckland Pride Month	27,000
Eventing Auckland Incorporated	Puhinui International Horse Trials	15,000
Kelmarna Community Farm Trust	Kelmarna Harvest Festival	3,000
Athletics New Zealand (Incorporated)	2024 Sir Graeme Douglas International	6,000
Auckland Anniversary Regatta Incorporated	Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta	17,000
Interacting	InterACT 2024!	16,000
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa	Big Gay Out 2024	17,000
The Polyfest Trust	ASB Polyfest	75,000
Mahurangi Action Incorporated	Mahurangi Regatta	6,000
Waiheke International Jazz Festival Ltd	Waiheke Jazz Festival 2024	8,000
The Preparatory Committee of New Zealand Taiwan Day Trust	New Zealand Taiwan Day 2024	11,000
Easter Classic 2024	The Easter Classic 2024	10,000
Total Sport Limited	The DUAL	8,000
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Foundation	Mana Moana | Songs of the Pacific	25,000
Environment Hubs Aotearoa	EcoFest	25,000
New Zealand Eid Day Trust	New Zealand Eid Day_Eid al Fitr 2024	12,000
Total		$404,000

Source: Auckland Council

Nine months after floodwaters swamped West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre’s basement and operations hub, Auckland Council has turned the catastrophe into a positive for pool visitors this summer.

The aquatic centre’s popular leisure and hydrotherapy pool – including wave pool, toddler pools, hydroslide, spas and sauna and steam reopens to the public on Monday 9 October, for the first time since Auckland’s Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

The council has future-proofed West Wave by completing maintenance and seismic strengthening work at the same time as extensive repairs to flood and cyclone-damaged systems.

A $1.4 million insurance settlement has provided funding for the renewal and repair work, while the Henderson-Massey Local Board has enabled capital works to be fast-tracked with $750,000 in funding.

Local Board Chair Chris Carter says the board has done its best to help West Wave reopen in time for summer and plan ahead for the future.

“Despite tight budgets, our board prioritised the need to sort this to the best of its ability and we are really proud of what we’ve achieved,” Mr Carter says.

“West Wave’s structured programme of works is now fully completed, through to next year – so local families and people of all ages can enjoy the new pool revamp and benefit from more hours of active entertainment in the warmer months ahead.”

West Wave’s finished leisure pool, prior to refilling.

Images show the impact of flooding on operating equipment earlier this year.

Mr Carter has also praised the council’s Aquatics team for coordinating the complex range of tasks needed to reinstate complete recovery in such a short time and set West Wave up well for the future.  

As part of necessary repairs, the council has replaced entire electrical wiring and heating systems, along with technology operations that ensure the West Wave pools can keep running efficiently.

Auckland Council’s Active Communities General Manager Dave Stewart says bringing a building works programme forward has enabled the council to ensure the pool, recreation centre and adjacent Zeal area are all up to the current code with a seismic rating of 67 per cent New Building Standard.   

“As kaitiaki or caretakers of Auckland’s pool network, it’s always a difficult balancing act to build the resilience of our pools while maintaining ongoing access for our communities to participate in aquatic recreation,” says Mr Stewart.

“Capital works and seismic strengthening often present a significant safety hazard to the public and pools usually have to be drained. This means, as much as we’d like to keep pool facilities running, we can’t always continue to while we carry out renewal work.”

West Wave’s recently finished works include:

• seismic strengthening to the ceiling, internal columns and foundations
• a complete review of the pool’s wastewater system
• renewed flooring and features in the leisure pool
• renewed earth bonding links in the hydrotherapy pool.

The council’s Aquatic team reopened the centre’s main lap pool, dive pool and learn to swim pool several weeks after storm damage this year.

The family spa pool area will re-open from 9 October.

West Wave’s relaxing adult spa pool zone.

Source: Auckland Council

Seed-funding from Auckland’s local boards has allowed Conservation Volunteers New Zealand to grow a pool of people who do amazing things across the city, Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames says.

“The winner in all of that is the environment.

“We continue to work in partnership with the Papakura and Manurewa local boards on a project to restore the Papakura Stream and without Conservation Volunteers New Zealand what has been achieved would have been impossible.

“Landowners along the stream, and along waterways across Auckland, have welcomed planting projects designed to filter water that eventually finds its way to our harbours.

“We all benefit alongside our precious environment from what these willing extra hands achieve.”

Local boards continue to provide funding for environmental initiatives across Tamaki Makaurau, many involving volunteer and friends’ groups, others corporate teams co-ordinated by CVNZ.

Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says so many people are willing to give their time to do something to help protect the environment.

“We often hear about climate crisis and the increased adverse weather events we are suffering, but we also hear that people think there’s nothing they can do about it.

“That’s simply not true and people who give of their time to enhance local waterways are making a difference.

“We are seeing native plants dotted along waterways, wetlands being created, native birds returning to areas that haven’t hosted them for years, and the quality of the water in those sites improving steadily.”

CVNZ has been working since 2006 to connect people with nature through practical engagement by providing volunteer and employment opportunities around environmental management.

What started out as a two people in a cramped Auckland office has grown to a staff of more than 100 across, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Punakaiki on the West Coast.

Auckland manager Kiri Huddleston says meeting the people who get involved is the best part of her work.

“They are all passionate, believe in the cause, and come from all walks of life.”

Manurewa Local Board chair Glenn Murphy says the city’s three southern-most boards have been in partnership in the Papakura Stream Restoration Project, CVNZ Auckland’s current largest undertaking, for three years.

“Something like 12,500 trees were planted in the first year, and that rocketed to 45,000, in the second, with another 36,000 expected to go in this year.

“That couldn’t happen without CVNZ, whose goal is to plant as much of the Papakura Stream waterway as it can. That’s more than 60kms, so clearly no one is scared of hard work.”

Alongside improving the stream’s water quality, a wildlife corridor from southeast Auckland through to the Manukau Harbour in the west will be shaped.

Anyone interested in partnering with CVNZ or getting involved in its volunteering projects, can visit www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz.

Stay connected

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area? Sign up for our Manurewa Local Board E-news, our Papakura Local Board E-news or the Franklin Local Board E-News and get it in your inbox each month. 

Source: Auckland Council

If you’re dreaming of an affordable summer holiday by the beach that doesn’t involve hours of driving and having to pitch a tent, Auckland Council has a range of accommodation options to provide a dynamic experience. From caravans to cabins to backpackers, here’s a selection of options to suit whānau, large groups, couples and solo travellers.

Cosy cabins at Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park

Adorable is the word to describe the standard cabins at Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park with their teal-trimmed windows, wee balconies, and ply-lined interiors. Perfect for families, each cabin has rollaway / portable single beds or is also available for max occupancy with costs of $85-$100 a night.

The beach is right at your doorstep (no crossing the road) and tamariki will enjoy making new friends in the adventure playground. There are some great pedal cars available for kids to play with also.

If you’re after a bit more comfort, deluxe cabins are still great value for money at $145-$160 per night with two bedrooms, cooking facilities and a large covered deck.

The Standard Cabins at Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park are ideal for families.

Ease into the outdoors in a deluxe EcoStructure

Tired of the same camping experience? Why not book an EcoStructure at Ōrewa Beach ($190 per night) or Martins Bay Holiday Parks. With amazing views of the local scenery and a homely feeling to its interiors, the Ecostructure is an ideal alternative to your standard camping experience.

They’re eco-luxe with attractive rattan furniture, a double bed and a separate room with two bunk beds. You don’t even need to bring your own bed linen. And if you’re a group of five, the Martins Bay Holiday Park EcoStructures ($180-$220 per night) have a foldaway bed for a fifth person.

Please note that Ecostructures may vary in style or experience depending on location.

Host everyone at Huia Lodge

Looking for a location for a get together? Holding up to 30 people and only $385 a night, it would be hard to find accommodation cheaper than Huia Lodge. This old schoolhouse, which was built in 1893, looks out across the beautiful tidal waters of Huia Bay in the Waitākere Ranges and contains six bunk rooms with two double bunk beds and one single bed in each. Book it for large family and friend gatherings.

Rent a retro caravan

Everyone should sleep in a caravan at least once in their life. The caravans at Martins Bay Holiday Park have oodles of personality with their 70s colour schemes, petite light fittings and ingenious cubbies for storing your stuff.

They’re fully furnished with cooking facilities and crockery – all you need to bring is bed linen and towels. They sleep up to six and range in price from $160-$180 per night. Or head further north up the coast to Whangateau Holiday Park near Leigh, and stay in one of their equally-sweet beach-front caravans.

Cross the water to Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

If you fancy some time alone, Waiheke Backpackers Hostel overlooks the stunning white sands of Onetangi Beach. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and a short taxi, shuttle or bus ride away, the hostel contains a range of rooms, including single-bunk rooms for two or four, an assisted-mobility room with a queen-size bed, or nab the room with a queen-size bed and an ensuite. Prices range from $45 per person for a room in a mixed dorm to $170 per night for the ensuite.

Bach it up out south at Āwhitu House

With its mint green exterior and French doors, this three-bedroom 1930s house in Āwhitu Regional Park is a charming escape (and a former rangers house). Enjoy countryside views (the park is also a working farm) then take a five-minute stroll to the safe, sandy beach on the southwest shores of the Manukau Harbour and visit the Āwhitu Golf Club close by for a round or two.  Prices per night for accommodation at range from $105-$169 depending on the time of year.

Baches and other accommodation at Auckland’s regional parks and holiday parks can be booked on the Auckland Council website, where you’ll also find more information about amenities and check in/out times.

Enjoy seaside and countryside views by booking accommodation at Āwhitu House in Āwhitu Regional Park.

Source: Auckland Council

One of Auckland’s largest community spaces for recycling and zero-waste education officially opens in early October.

The Tāmaki Community Recycling Centre in Point England is the 13^th site to open in Auckland providing residents with a one-stop shop to take items for recycling or buy pre-loved items.

If the item is beyond repair, it could even find a second lease on life as part of a robot or artworks.

Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Councillor Richard Hills says the network of CRCs is vital to creating Auckland’s zero-waste, circular economy.

“As the 13^th CRC, Tāmaki is an important link in Auckland’s expanding Resource Recovery Network. The community groups at Tāmaki are diverting valuable resources away from landfill in creative ways. As the network grows, we expect to see more opportunities for innovation benefiting residents, the environment and the economy,” says Cr Hills.

Operated by social enterprise localised as a Zero Waste Hub, the Pilkington Road site has operated for more than eight years as a drop-off point for Auckland Council’s inorganic collections. It processes around 90 tonnes of items every month, including fridges, tools, furniture and appliances.

Six community groups work on-site repairing and recycling many of the items brought in.  One of these is the Octalien run by Sean Boyd, a junk artist, whose robot artworks have captivated many. He also teaches art at a local school.

Others include Tardigrade World which specialises in sustainable projects in art, design and community workshops to support a zero-waste lifestyle, and the Upcycler who repairs and restores bicycles for sale.

Glen Innes Family Centre also has a presence at Tāmaki giving families in need access to good quality pre-loved items.

Localised Zero Waste Hubs General Manager Carla van Walen says the furniture and even the plants in the office and warehouse at Tāmaki CRC were upcycled from unwanted items that were dropped off.

“We wanted to create an attractive space that showcases what can be achieved with sustainable practices. We want to change the perception that second-hand is second-best,” says Mrs van Walen.

The official opening takes place on Friday 6 October at 1pm.

The Tāmaki Community Recycling Centre is open to the public from Thursday to Saturday, between 9am and 3pm. Items can be purchased or dropped off for recycling and reuse.

Where: Tāmaki Community Recycling Centre, 153 Pilkington Road, Point England, Auckland.

To find out more information visit https://localised.nz/our-enterprises/tamaki-zero-waste-hub

To find out more about the CRC network, visit the Auckland Council website and search for ‘community recycling centres’.

Source: Auckland Council

Stand in an Auckland dog park and yell “Bella” or Charlie”, and there’s a good chance a furry friend or three (or more!) will come running. 

That’s because the two names have once again topped the list of Auckland’s 10 most popular dog names, as revealed in the newly released 2022-2023 Animal Management Annual Report. 

The rankings are much the same as last year, but with Bear and Nala nudging out Ollie and Lola for the 10th most-popular male and female names, respectively. 

Top 10 most popular dog names:

Ranking	Most popular name	Total	Ranking	Most popular name	Total
Male dogs			Female dogs
1	Charlie	1048		Bella	1538
2	Max	977		Luna	974
3	Buddy	744		Molly	933
4	Rocky	633		Poppy	931
5	Milo	615		Coco	888
6	Toby	610		Ruby	828
7	Teddy	577		Daisy	715
8	Oscar	544		Rosie	671
9	Archie	536		Roxy	616
10	Bear	477		Nala	595

 

The report also highlights some of the region’s most interesting dog names. “Thor, God of Barking and Destroyer of Toys” gets a mention, as does “Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.” 

And while Labrador Retrievers are still the most popular pooch by a golden mile, the report shows Tāmaki Makaurau is home to some much rarer breeds. If you’re the proud owner of a Tree Walker Coon Hound, Icelandic Sheepdog or Great Swiss Mountain Dog, congratulations — they are the only canines of their kind in the region.  

Rarest dog breeds in Auckland

Primary Breed	Male	Female	Total
Bergamasco Shepherd	0	1	1
Bolognese	0	1	1
Bluetick Coonhound	1	0	1
Tree Walker Coonhound	1	0	1
Eurasier	0	1	1
Great Swiss Mountain Dog	0	1	1
Otter Hound	1	0	1
Icelandic Sheepdog	1	0	1
Pyrenean Mastiff	1	0	1
Clumber Spaniel	0	1	1
Glen of Imaal Terrier	1	0	1

Increasing aggression and attacks

The Annual Report also highlights some more serious statistics, including a rising dog population and increased reports of dog aggression, roaming dogs and dog attacks in the region. 

Manager of Animal Management Elly Waitoa says a 28 per cent increase in reported dog attacks is particularly concerning. 

“There were 250 more attacks on people and 280 more attacks on other animals reported this financial year. However, we know by looking at data from ACC that only about 20 per cent of dog bites are reported to the council.

“These numbers are really worrying, especially when you consider that dogs who have attacked once are more likely to attack again unless sufficient interventions are put in place.”

Reports of dog attacks, roaming dogs and aggression in Tāmaki Makaurau have been increasing steadily since 2020, with the effects of COVID-19 believed to be a contributing factor. 

“Lots of people were getting puppies while they were at home during lockdown, but because of restrictions in place, vets weren’t able to perform de-sexing and dogs weren’t able to be adequately socialised.  

“Now these puppies are dogs and their owners have gone back to work, meaning there are more dogs in homes and out on the streets behaving undesirably,” says Elly 

Increased pressure on staff – 33,301 call outs!

Animal Management staff respond to and investigate all reports of dog attacks and aggression in Tāmaki Makaurau, as well as performing proactive patrols on popular beaches and parks, property visits, and registration checks throughout the year.

Between June 2022 and June 2023, field officer teams responded to 33,301 requests for service (RFS) — 34 per cent more than the previous year. Despite these RFS taking up increasing staff resources, the teams were also able to increase their proactive work this year and conduct 6,913 patrols and checks. 

“Our staff are working tirelessly to keep Aucklanders safe and to care for the dogs who come through our shelters, but there is a limit to what we can do. We really need help from the community if we’re going to get on top of this issue and start seeing those numbers come down.” 

Dog owners must step up 

Regulatory and Safety Committee Chair Councillor Josephine Bartley says it’s the responsibility of dog owners to keep their pets off the streets and out of the council’s shelters. 

“Dog numbers are out of control in Tāmaki Makaurau and our shelters can’t keep up with the demand. We need people to be more responsible, starting with thinking carefully before even getting a dog about whether they can give it a home for life.” 

In addition to keeping dogs contained and under control at all times, she says one of the most important things dog owners can do is de-sex their pets. 

“Not only does de-sexing help reduce the number of unwanted puppies, but de-sexed dogs are less likely to be aggressive and are less likely to roam. Unsurprisingly, about 80 per cent of the dogs that come into the council’s shelters are not de-sexed.” 

What we’ve achieved 

Despite ongoing challenges related to rising dog numbers and increasing dog aggression, the Animal Management unit has plenty to be proud of.

Teams worked hard to assist the community during the storm events earlier in the year, receiving and distributing donations of dog food, providing free board to flood-affected pets and putting on free grooming, registration and microchipping events for those most affected. 

The unit also held a number of community registration, de-sexing and microchipping drives throughout the year, as well as education events to increase dog safety awareness. This included dog safety sessions with at-risk frontline staff of other organisations such as NZ Police, Kāinga Ora, Census NZ and Oranga Tamariki. 

Several adoption drives and shelter open days were organised to raise awareness of the dogs in the shelters that are available for adoption, with a total of 382 dogs adopted from our shelters or transferred to rescue organisations.

Councillor thanks staff 

Cr Bartley congratulates the Animal Management unit on their wins and thanks them for their mahi to keep Aucklanders safe. 

“I believe our Animal Management staff have some of the toughest jobs out there. They face difficult situations every day, and they do it because they genuinely care about our region’s dogs and about keeping the people of Tāmaki Makaurau safe.

“I thank them for their dedication and have offered my full support in addressing these issues of dog attacks and aggression in our communities.” 

You can read the Animal Management Annual Report 2022 – 2023 at Auckland Council’s website.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has appointed Mark Darrow to the Acting Chair of Auckland Transport from 1 November 2023. Mark will be the Acting Chair until the council selects a permanent chair to lead the Auckland Transport Board.

Mark will replace Wayne Donnelly who has been the Acting Chair since 8 October 2022. Wayne Donnelly asked to remain on the board as the Deputy Chair until March 2024, continuing to provide his transport expertise to the board.

Outgoing AT Board Chair Wayne Donnelly

“We are very grateful to Wayne for stepping up to the chair role over the past year. It has been a year where Auckland Transport has started to show improvements as they work to implement the direction given to them by the Mayor and Councillors.

“At the best of times chairing the Auckland Transport board is a challenging job and Wayne has stepped up to this admirably for the last year. I thank him wholeheartedly for his efforts and continued commitment to Auckland. I wish him and his family all the best and am pleased he is staying on the board,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.

“In Mark Darrow, we have a highly skilled director with real-world experience in the transport sector and I have great confidence in him to professionally deliver on what Aucklanders need. He is well placed to steer Auckland Transport while we go through the process to select a new chair.”

Expressions of interest for the Auckland Transport chair may be submitted to Auckland Council from 3 October 2023 via the council’s careers website. 

About Mark Darrow

Mark was first appointed to the Auckland Transport Board in 2021 and has been supporting Wayne Donnelly as Acting Deputy Chair and as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Mark Darrow lives in Auckland and is an experienced Independent Board Chair and Director with extensive knowledge across many sectors. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, and a Fellow of Charted Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Mark is currently Chair of TSB Bank, Armstrong’s, Invivo & Co, MTF Finance, and Riverton Farm and Chairs Inland Revenue’s Risk and Assurance Committee.

Previous Board roles have included Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Counties Manukau DHB, The Lines Company, Leighs Construction, Primary ITO, Sime Darby NZ, Charlies Group, Trustees Executors, MTA and VTNZ and was seconded to the Eke Panuku Audit and Risk Committee during 2020-21.

Source: Auckland Council

North Shore walkers and cyclists can now experience one of the area’s most unique natural environments as they travel the newly upgraded $2.6 million Patuone Reserve Walkway funded and developed by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and Auckland Council.

Travelling north from Esmonde Road, the path takes users along the edge of an estuary, through mangroves then up through native treeline to emerge in central Takapuna at Auburn Reserve. Users can also exit the path at Greydene Place behind the Takapuna Countdown.

Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder feels the walkway is a great asset for the North Shore.

“This beautiful walkway shows off some unique environments that people may not be aware of in Takapuna while improving our sustainable transport options for those who need them,” she says.

Development of the walkway, which was in disrepair, began in 2018 and designs were greenlit by the board in 2021. Local mana whenua were consulted throughout the design process. The $2.6 million project also takes in the walkway’s surrounding environment with invasive plants removed and over 1500 natives planted with help from local community groups since the walkway opened to help establish local bird life.

Design of the walkway has also been future-proofed to accommodate plans to improve nearby stormwater infrastructure, including adding pollutant traps to reduce contamination of the estuary.

Stay up to date 

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from your area? Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest direct to your inbox each month. 
 
Sign up for the Devonport-Takapuna E-News.

Source: Auckland Council

Love a challenge and the planet? Then take part in the daily challenges this Recycling Week. It’s an excellent opportunity to rethink your waste minimisation and recycling behaviours and to support Tāmaki Makaurau’s goal to be zero-waste by 2040.

Buy wise on Procurement Monday

Your mission for Monday is to only purchase products that can be recycled, reused or repurposed.

Before you buy anything, consider how much waste the product or its packaging will create. Where possible opt for products packaged in cardboard, paper, glass and aluminium. If plastic is the only option, use types 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE) and 5 (PP) as these are the most easy to recycle in New Zealand.

Consider buying in bulk as well. Instead of putting individually-packaged chips or snacks in kids’ lunchboxes, opt for ‘naked lunches’ without any packaging and keep food fresh in bento-style lunch boxes with separate compartments.

Waste not on Waste-free Tuesday

Yes, waste is a dirty word and the stats are filthy: More than 1.6 million tonnes of total waste end up in Auckland’s landfills each year, and a third of that could be recovered, reused or recycled.

Your mission is to create less of it. If your workplace recycling system could do with improving, encourage your colleagues to recycle correctly by providing them with bins for food scraps, recyclables and waste. Make it super easy by printing out guides with images of what goes in what bin.

Make sure you also recycle paper separately, and better yet, reconsider whether you really need to print that document out – it’s the digital age, remember.

Use it again on Reusable Wednesday

With loads of cute keep cups and drink bottles around, there’s plenty of reasons to switch out single-use takeaway coffee cups and water bottles (which take more than 450 years to break down in landfill!) for reusable options.

Make sure you take your keep cup to work on Reusable Wednesday and every day after that forever!

If you’re ordering takeaways, ask the restaurant to pack them into your own reusable containers. You might feel a bit self-conscious the first time you do it but the more people do this, the more mainstream this practice will become.

Top marks for recycling but set yourself a goal to try and reduce the amount that goes into your recycling bin by reusing as much as possible.

It often feels impossible to avoid buying products with large amounts of packaging but times are a-changing and more manufacturers are using minimal-waste packaging. Buy cleaning products in small sachets that can be mixed with water in reusable spray bottles and bring back the bar of soap instead of purchasing flowing soap in plastic bottles.

Scrub up well on Rinse and Clean Thursday

We all know a wish-cycler – someone who sneaks unrinsed food containers into the recycling bin or items that aren’t meant to go in there. Not only is this a massive headache for the people who sort recycling, but it costs the council hundreds of thousands a year.

Dispose of food scraps in your adorable new food scraps bin so they can be transformed into clean energy and liquid fertiliser, and encourage your household and workplace to empty out containers and rinse and dry them before popping them into the recycling bin.

Remember to take lids off all bottles and containers before putting them in your rubbish bin.

Encourage your household to rinse their recyclables.

If you’re unsure what you can put in your recycling bin, read the rules here. Make it fun for your whole family, workplace or flat by taking this fun quiz.

Take a good look at yourself on Reflection Friday

If we’re going to move from a take-make-waste model to a circular economy, we all need to examine our recycling behaviours.

Brainstorm ideas and adopt the ones that appeal the most to you. Maybe you want to set yourself a challenge to only buy second-hand clothes for a year rather than fast fashion, or repair broken items or have them repaired, rather than throwing them away.

Consider how you can make celebrations low-waste events. Reuse wrapping paper, give experiences or acts of service rather than things, or spread the kaupapa (purpose) by gifting people items such as keep cups or drink bottles.

Sort it out during Spring Clean Weekend

It’s time for a big sort-out sustainability style. Motivate your household by setting everyone a challenge to donate 10 items they no longer use or want that can be donated to your local community recycling centre.

Get yourself some boxes, label them with their intended destination, e.g. ‘community recycling centre’ or ‘op shop’, ‘sell online’ and ‘clothing bin’. 

Auckland Council has 13 community recycling centres across the region that accept a range of items, from fridges to bicycles to household odds and ends. Check out the list here for locations, opening hours and a list of what they accept and what items, e.g. old tyres, incur a fee.

Donate unwanted items to your local community recycling centre.

Don’t forget that once a year, Auckland Council will pick up a cubic metre of unwanted items for free during the inorganic collection. Find out when this is next happening in your area and how to book here.

If you’re unsure about whether an item can be recycled, this comprehensive list covers pretty much anything you can think of, and for more recycling inspiration, learn more about Auckland’s zero-waste journey here.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has purchased 1.6 hectares (4 acres) of land on Hill Road in Manurewa to extend the iconic Auckland Botanic Gardens and protect access to this treasured park.

Mayor Wayne Brown says a large land acquisition is a difficult decision to make at a time of significant budget constraints, but the benefit for future generations and open space provision in a fast-growing part of the region weighed heavily in favour of the purchase.

“We have made a decision that will protect one of the region’s most treasured assets and provide both guaranteed access and greater protection to the Gardens. We had to act now to protect it from inappropriate development, or this opportunity would have been lost forever.”

The council has paid $12.37m for the property. Excluding GST, this will see $10.76m funded by debt.

“We don’t have funds sitting in reserve for open space purposes, so the choice to debt-fund this acquisition is based on spreading the cost of a strategic capital investment across the generations that will use it,” says the Mayor.

Only natural – our long relationship with the Nathan Estate

The first and largest block of land acquired for the Auckland Botanic Gardens was purchased by the Auckland Regional Authority from the Nathan Estate in 1967 beginning a long association between the Gardens and the Nathan family.

“Our father’s generation chose to make their family farm available as a botanic garden for Auckland, instead of subdividing it.

“As neighbours, we have remained passionate supporters of the Gardens and are thrilled that we can continue to be part of the Auckland Botanic Gardens history and to see the Gardens grow.

“We think Jack Hobbs and his team has done a wonderful job and look forward to seeing how they integrate this property into the Gardens for everyone to enjoy,” says a Nathan family representative.

The Pōhutukawa Walk leads visitors up to the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre

Realising masterplan an opportunity too good to pass up

Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Chair Cr Richard Hills says this land acquisition offers room for growth and a future opportunity to develop themed gardens in alignment with the Auckland Botanic Gardens Masterplan. 

“Ethnobotanical gardens are one of the masterplan’s elements and it’s exciting to think that this space could offer the opportunity to include Māori and Pasifika traditional gardens that provide educational, ecological and cultural experiences for visitors and future generations. 

“Alongside meeting our core purpose of a being a spectacular south pacific botanic garden, there’s also a practical element that scored highly when assessing whether to buy this land. 

“The ever-increasing popularity of the Gardens draws more and more visitors each year, putting pressure on busy Hill Road and creating traffic safety and management challenges. 

“Being able to extend the Gardens’ frontage further along Hill Road has the potential to address current traffic management issues when budget allows,” he says. 

Auckland Botanic Gardens opened in 1982 and now welcomes around one million visitors each year

With a little help from our Friends

The Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens has congratulated the council on acquiring this strategically important property.  

Friends President Viv Canham says the property will ultimately add so much value to the experience of the Gardens’ one million-plus annual visitors.

“Its elevated north-facing aspect and roadside location opens up exciting possibilities, and the Friends look forward to actively supporting its development,” says Mrs Canham.

Auckland Council’s representative on the Friends’ executive, Councillor Christine Fletcher, says the Gardens is a particularly important piece of the heart of south Auckland and, had this opportunity been lost to development, it would have been lost forever.

“The Gardens carries all the hallmarks and values of the regional parks network, whose founders were referred to as ‘dreamers of the day’ for their foresight in securing such valuable land as open space for generations of Aucklanders to enjoy. It is heartwarming to think that we have been able to add to that legacy.”

Cr Fletcher also acknowledges the incredible partnership that the Friends has with the council.

“Through its membership, support and fundraising, the Friends continue to add value to the Gardens and have signalled their ongoing commitment to ensure operating costs can be minimised as we bring this land into the Gardens’ footprint,” says Cr Fletcher.

• Auckland Council has confirmed an unconditional purchase of the 1.6187 hectare (4 acre) site adjacent to the Auckland Botanic Gardens at 120 Hill Road in Manurewa, at a cost of $12,377,299 (including GST). Settlement is scheduled for the end of October 2023.
• Funding for any future development would need to be considered in the outer years of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034, including consideration of partnership and external funding.
• In the interim, the expected immediate operational expenditure for maintenance of the site will be met from existing Auckland Botanic Gardens operating budget and staff resource.
• The future use of the land will be held as a regional park and be protected in perpetuity under the Local Government Act 2002. This means that the land will be held in public ownership for natural, cultural, ecological, botanical and recreational purposes, and is protected from disposal.

Auckland Botanic Gardens gets around one million visitors annually. Visitation peaked at 1,142,057 in 2019/20 when it hosted Sculpture in the Gardens and has almost doubled since 2004/05 – due to the opening of the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre.