Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has met the final condition in its journey to becoming a Living Wage Aotearoa accredited living wage employer.

The Living Wage Movement executive director Gina Lockyer congratulates Auckland Council on achieving its accreditation.

“It is fantastic to award the council their accreditation at our 10-year anniversary event and recognise the journey our community and Auckland Council have been on together to get to this point.”

“When workers are moved to the Living Wage, the benefits are felt at work and at home, and it’s a win/ win for the council and the wider community,” says Ms Lockyer.

Auckland Council first committed to paying its direct employees a living wage in 2017. This was extended to contract cleaners in 2019. This latest milestone, which completed the requirements for accreditation from Living Wage Aotearoa, sees the living wage commitment extended to indirect council employees – those that work for the council under contracts on maintenance, security, at contracted out pools and leisure centres, and on waste services.

Chief Executive Phil Wilson speaks to his pride of the council’s commitment to a living wage and reaching this accreditation milestone. 

“As an employer of more than 7,000 kaimahi, we are conscious of the contribution we make to employment in Tāmaki Makaurau and the example we can set for others. 

“We began this journey in 2017, we extended it to contracted cleaners in 2019 and have worked with our contract partners and suppliers since then to include a living wage commitment in our supplier agreements.

“It is a proud moment to be able to say that we have taken our suppliers on this journey towards fairer pay, for the people who deliver vital services that keep our region running,” says Mr Wilson.

The council’s elected representatives have also been instrumental in reaching this milestone, with decision-making on budgets and endorsement of pay-related principles being an important part of decisions.

“We couldn’t have delivered this without the support of our elected representatives, many have been champions around the decision-making table as we have worked to balance budgets and support equity in our workforce,” adds Mr Wilson. 

“Alongside Mayor Brown, who included the Living Wage in the Long-term Plan, perhaps one of our strongest supporters was former Councillor Efeso Collins and this milestone is a fitting tribute to him in the year of his untimely passing.”

“The council’s accreditation was announced on 6 November 2024, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the Living Wage movement in Aotearoa – what a great way for us to acknowledge their mahi!”

Source: Auckland Council

When trains return to Pukekohe Station in January, commuters will be able to catch a train at 5.10am and every 20 minutes after until 7pm. 

KiwiRail has told Franklin Local Board members final timetables are still being worked on, but it is envisaged the first weekday service will depart at 5.10am, and at 6.10am on weekends and holidays. 

Services will continue every 20 minutes until 7pm, when they will move to a half-hourly schedule. 

Trains will arrive back at Pukekohe every 20 minutes until around 9pm, and then every half hour until the end of service, with the last train departing Britomart around 10pm on Sunday, 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 1:30am on Friday night and midnight on Saturday. 

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says residents are hanging out for the return of services. 

“It’s been a long time coming, but at this time of year you turn around and it’s Christmas, and the January return of services will be just around the corner,” he says.

“The reward for all that disruption will be a modern efficient service that runs at a higher speed, no swapping at Papakura and obviously saying ‘goodbye’ to lengthy commutes that tie so many of us up on the motorway.”

Timetables associated with the operation of the Central Rail Loop will be another significant improvement to the city’s public transport network when they come into effect, Baker adds.

Local Board members have also been updated on the three new stations being developed.

At Paerata, early earthworks are underway for the rail bridge retaining wall, with main construction imminent. 

At Drury, early earthworks have taken place, including installation of 279 concrete piles. Vegetation clearance has taken place, with construction expected to start before the end of the year. 

At Ngakoroa, communications are expected to begin with neighbours in the coming months. 

“We have asked that buses complement the restoration of train services and Auckland Transport says they are being timed to meet the new services, often with increased frequency,” says board chair Angela Fulljames.

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Source: Auckland Council

With lots of new homes, Northcote is one of Auckland’s fastest growing suburbs and it’s easy to understand why. 

Close to the city-centre, with great schools and nearby beaches, it a multi-cultural melting pot, boasting an array of great Asian eateries and a distinct vibe. 

Northcote shopping centre to get some love

With many new residents, the shopping centre at the heart of Northcote, which was state-of-the-art in the 1960’s, now needs some love. 

Eke Panuku Development, Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, together with development partners, Kaipātiki Local Board, locals, and others, is leading the regeneration of the town centre – Northcote Central. 

Building on Northcote’s unique character, Northcote Central will be reshaped to create a more thriving heart for the community – a place where locals, culture and businesses can flourish.

In stages, over the next 10 years, there will be a larger supermarket, new shops, offices, eateries, homes, car parking, and a town square. 

Combined with this, other developments are underway to help the transformation of Northcote come together and make it an even better place to live, work, shop and do business.

New community hub

Starting mid-late next year, the heritage-listed Northcote Library building will be refurbished and expanded to become a new community hub. The hub will bring together the library, other community services – Northart, Hearts and Minds, Plunket, and the Citizens Advice Bureau – and community rooms for hire, in one modern, multi-purpose space. 

A key feature will be a large, covered verandah that will connect the hub to the green space next door, Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is getting a significant makeover. There will more trees and plants, two new play areas for younger and older children, two garden areas, public toilets, and a large lawn area to make it a more attractive, enjoyable community space.

In early-mid-2025, the library will move into a smaller temporary community hub at 1 Ernie Mays Street, Northcote, to enable construction to begin. From January 2025, Northart, Hearts and Minds, Plunket, and the Citizens Advice Bureau will start to shift into this same space, to bring community services together.

Construction is expected to take 3 years to complete.

New main street – extension of Ernie Mays Street 

To create a new main street and bus route, and key walking, cycling and visual connections to the community hub and wonderful new green space of Te Ara Awataha and upgraded Puāwai Cadness Reserve, Ernie Mays Street is being realigned and extended to Lake Road in stages. And, drainage will be improved to prevent flooding, a significant problem in the past.

For this to happen and create the space for the regenerated town centre, some older buildings are being removed. Rather than being demolished, they will be taken apart – at a similar cost – and material will be recycled and reused, wherever possible. It’s better for the planet and supports Northcote’s aspirations and the council’s vision to be zero-waste by 2040, so little or no landfill waste. 

In December 2024, Aim High Café – a popular spot in the town centre – is shifting a few doors away to 17 Pearn Place, so their current aging building can be taken apart in January 2025. At the same time, two community organisations, based in the opposite Norman King Building, Hearts and Minds and Northart, will shift to the temporary community hub, so this building can also be removed in February 2025. Disruption while this work is happening will be kept to a minimum as much as possible.

Te Ara Awataha – Northcote’s new greenway will be completed

Northcote has a new greenway, Te Ara Awataha. The pathway runs through the Northcote neighbourhood, alongside the Awataha Stream, and links a series of reserves. The stream has been partly brought to the surface from underground pipes to provide many environmental, health, stormwater, and community benefits. There’s one final town centre section of the greenway to complete. Work will be start from mid-2025, to make the area more attractive and useable and, without the Norman King Building, it will be a much more visible feature of the town centre. 

Once completed, Te Ara Awataha will stretch from the source of the Awataha Stream, in Papa ki Awataha Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve, to Te Kaitaka Greenslade Reserve and the town centre and all the way to Kukari pocket park. 1.5km of greenway for everyone to enjoy.

Northcote – it’s coming together 

With some many projects coming together in Northcote, there’s much to look forward to. For more information, visit: www.ekepanuku.co.nz/northcote

Additionally, for a visual of the future Northcote Town Centre click here for a PDF [367 KB] of the map. 

Source: Auckland Council

Occupying a compact 4.3 square kilometre area, Auckland’s city centre is the largest employment centre in the country and home to a thriving residential population.

It plays an outsized role in the region’s economy and culture, generating around 20% of Auckland’s GDP.

At the core of this success is the Auckland Council city centre targeted rate (CCTR) which plays a vital role in supporting the city centre’s economy. Auckland Council recognises that investing in the city centre is an investment in the region’s future prosperity.

The City Centre Targeted Rate Annual Report 2023 / 2024 highlights key investments in projects and developments that are transforming public spaces, enhancing high-value urban living, supporting its place in providing high-quality education and ensuring the city centre is a competitive business location.

Read the full City Centre Targeted Rate Annual Report 2023 / 2024 here.

The CCTR is paid by city centre commercial and residential property owners. It drives the development and ongoing renewal of the city centre, making it an attractive place to work, live, visit, study and do business.

The CCTR generates around $27 million annually for city centre projects. Over $280 million is planned for investment in the council’s Long-term Plan from financial years 2025 to 2031. Any unspent funds will be ringfenced for future city centre projects.

Head of City Centre Programmes at Auckland Council, Jenny Larking says the CCTR has been instrumental in enhancing the streets and public spaces in the city centre again this year, alongside other council investments.

“The city centre targeted rate investment has vastly improved the quality and attractiveness of the urban environment and residential living, improved stormwater quality, tree cover and biodiversity. Key developments include the shared space programme and laneways, improvements to parks, plazas and the waterfront development.

“We encourage people to read the report to see the huge breadth and depth of projects the rate has supported in the 2023 / 2024 reporting year. We’re proud to say that this investment has made the city centre a better place to be,” Jenny Larking says.

Read about the recently opened first section of Te Hā Noa here, and about the ongoing transformation of the city centre here.

Te Hā Noa first section complete; photo credit Jay Farnworth.

The city centre’s guiding document is the City Centre Masterplan (CCMP). Drafted in 2012 and refreshed in 2020, with endorsement from elected members and majority support from the public, the masterplan focuses on making it a more accessible and attractive place to live and work with an increasing number of workers and residents.

Investment priorities for the CCTR, as established in the Long-term Plan align with the vision of the CCMP and focus on these outcomes for the city centre:

• Waihorotiu Queen Street Valley and rapid transit-oriented development around the City Rail Link stations – Supporting development around Te Waihorotiu and Karanga-a-Hape City Rail Link stations. This includes fostering growth near the City Rail Link stations, creating pedestrian-friendly streets, improving public spaces, and enhancing safe access. The goal is to reinforce Queen Street Valley as the cultural, commercial and retail hub of Tāmaki Makaurau.

• City to the villages – Enhancing development at the city fringe and improving connections to ensure safe, accessible, and enjoyable journeys to and from the city centre.

• Green links – Investing in initiatives to connect green spaces and address climate change. This involves increasing planting and canopy cover in the city centre and supporting sustainable development.

Te Hā Noa trees being lifted into place. Photo Jasper Johnstone

• Public life – Creating a vibrant, healthy, and inviting environment to attract people to the city centre.

• Our place in the world – Celebrating the unique identity and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau in the city centre.

• Residential neighbourhoods – Promoting residential growth, improving quality of life, and enhancing the wellbeing of city centre residents.

Looking ahead, the Auckland Council City Centre Advisory Panel has identified six focus areas in the city centre for the council group. These are:

• Improve community and visitor safety, recognising that current safety issues, such as anti-social behaviour and crime incidents, are a barrier to attracting people back to the city centre.

• Enhance the vibrancy and overall experience of the city centre.

Render – Tyler Street upgrade and Waitematā Plaza.

• Grow a thriving residential population with an aspirational growth target

• Develop the potential of the city centre as one of Asia Pacific’s premier learning and innovation hubs.

• Maximise access into and around the city centre through integrated transport networks, capitalising on the City Rail Link, completing the wider rapid transit network, and the planned cycleway network, expanding connectivity, travel choice and resilience.

• Increase climate resilience, particularly through emissions reduction initiatives and adaptation measures in line with Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.

These priorities are aligned with the City Centre Action Plan (2023) which set out the council group’s priorities and programmes across the city centre.

The CCTR investment portfolio for 2023-2031 has been updated to reflect the panel’s priorities and City Centre Action Plan, with increased budgets for the Midtown Regeneration Programme and initiatives focused on activation, placemaking, visitor attraction and city centre promotion.

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Source: Auckland Council

Conservation Volunteers NZ staff and supporters gathered at Nicky and Mark Auld’s Brookby property recently to celebrate what’s been achieved under a plan to revitalise the Papakura Stream. 

The first plantings took place in 2021, and Conservation Volunteers NZ’s Mitch Baber says since the first 1000 trees and flax bushes went in, another 150,000 or so have followed. 

The project receives funding from the Franklin, Manurewa and Papakura local boards, uniting them with landowners, Healthy Waters, Trees for Survival, CVNZ and industry to protect a stream that flows through all three areas and on into the Manukau.

The project fences waterways and adds plants to filter run-off that enters the stream. 

Barber says CVNZ co-ordinates corporate and volunteer support, but work couldn’t take place without funding, or the owners who make their land available.

The Aulds are long-time environmental champions, creating wetlands, attacking weeds, and planting the stream’s banks, and say they’re delighted with progress. 

“We’ve got a lot of our neighbours into it too, because they can see seen what’s been achieved,” Nicky says. 

The success of the scheme on Nicky Auld’s Brookby property has seen neighbours join the project.

“Eventually we will connect different plantings to create a continuous chain along the stream that birds can use, that will prevent stock getting into the water, and which will benefit landowners and everyone downstream.” 

She and Mark say the benefits in the return of birdlife have been enormous. “We even have kaka now, and birds are moving into more areas,” Nicky says. 

Mark says the stream’s water is already clearer and he’s spotted fish, tuna and eels. 

“We’ve come a long way since strangers knocked on our doors talking about the plan. It’s getting easier as we’ve come to work alongside the Conservation NZ team.” 

Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames says without the Auld’s vision the project would have been impossible. 

“You are asking people to give up areas of their land to improve the environment. How many of us in urban areas would do that if someone came and said they wanted to take the bottom of the garden? 

“That takes commitment, and at a time when many people still argue farmers only care about profit, Nicky and Mark and their neighbours deserve our thanks.” 

Thousands of plants and trees have been added to the stream’s banks.

Papakura board chair Brent Catchpole says his board has supported the project for several years and will be just as keen to see major improvements in urban catchment areas. 

“It’s easy to find neglected stretches of the stream but we’re particularly encouraged by the attitude of younger people to the environment. It gives us great hope that things can improve.”  

Manurewa chair Matt Winiata says CVNZ does great work with its partners. “They say the greatest gift you can give anyone is your time, and they have harnessed people and made a real difference. 

“The steam is our border with Papakura but it’s something that unites us, rather than divides us. We are also aware how important it is culturally.

“Everyone we speak to who has been involved comes away a champion for the project. Even if gardening isn’t your thing, there’s something rewarding about leaving the city behind, getting into open spaces and knowing you are making a difference.” 

Papakura Stream flows more than 60 kilometres from its Brookby headwaters to the Manukau via the Pahurehure inlet, its catchment covering more than 4000 hectares. 

The project still needs partners to provide funds and in-kind support, while landowners along the stream have an open invitation to participate. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Conservation Volunteers NZ here. 

Check out CVNZ’s video about the project here. 

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Source: Auckland Council

Welcome to our fortnightly categorisation programme update.

Overall, 3516 property owners have registered for the categorisation scheme which is now closed, and we are no longer accepting new homeowners into the programme. The Recovery Office remains open and will continue to guiding registered homeowners through the process, alongside delivering related services including the Navigation Service.

We are now over 73% of the way through delivering categorisations, having confirmed final property categories for 2550 homes. Of these, 893 are classed as Category 3 and eligible for a buy-out and 107 are eligible for construction grants to reduce the risk at their home (as of 7 November). This has been supported by a huge effort from our technical and engineering teams having completed over 3315 desktop assessments and 2380 site assessments. 

687 Category 3 homeowners have received or accepted a buy-out valuation, and 341 properties had completed their sale and purchase agreements (1 November). With each situation being unique, we are working as flexibly as we can to support homeowners to make their decisions – while remaining fair across the programme. 

Most of homeowners still waiting for a category had registered for the programme more recently. However some homeowners that have been waiting for some time have more complicated situations, including the need to understand if a community or property mitigation will reduce the risk at their home to a reasonable level. 

An ongoing note on the complexity of categorisation

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

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

See key categorisation and buyout figures below.

Categorisation progress (at 1 November 2024) 

Initial Impacted properties	Registered for categorisation	Completed desktop assessments	Completed site assessments
7389	3515	3315	2380

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

Category 3 buy-out progress (at 1 November 2024)

Valuations provided	Buy-out offers accepted	Buy-outs completed
687	442	341

Categories confirmed (at 7 November 2024)

Category 1	Category 2C	Category 2P	Category 3	Ineligible or withdrawn*	Total
1548	2	107	893	22	2572

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

Categories by suburb (at 7 November 2024)

Suburb	Opted In	Category 1	Category 2C	Category 2P	Category 3	Ineligible	Total Final Category
Ahuroa	1	1					1
Albany	5	1			2		3
Albany Heights	8	5			2		7
Araparera	1				1		1
Ararimu Valley	4				3		3
Arkles Bay	3	2					2
Army Bay	4	1			3		4
Auckland Central	11	9					9
Avondale	24	16			2		18
Baddeleys Beach	1	1					1
Balmoral	17	4		2	4		10
Bayswater	5	3					3
Bayview	15	11			1		12
Beach Haven	41	21		4	5		30
Bethells	5	3			1		4
Birkdale	17	8		1			9
Birkenhead	40	21		3	6		30
Blockhouse Bay	65	27			26		53
Bombay	1	1					1
Bon Accord	1
Botany Downs	2	1					1
Browns Bay	50	16			10		26
Bucklands Beach	1	1					1
Campbells Bay	4	1					1
Castor Bay	15	9			4		13
Chatswood	10	5		3	2		10
Clarks Beach	5	4					4
Clendon Park	1	1					1
Clevedon	4	4					4
Clover Park	1	1					1
Coatesville	7	1		1	2		4
Cornwallis	2	1			1		2
Dairy Flat	10	1			6		7
Devonport	6	6					6
Drury	2	1					1
East Tamaki	18	17					17
Eden Terrace	2	2					2
Ellerslie	4	1		1			2
Epsom	120	43		5	48		96
Fairview Heights	2	2					2
Favona	6	1					1
Flat Bush	5	5					5
Forrest Hill	22	8			6		14
Freemans Bay	28	1					1
Glen Eden	18	10		1	2		13
Glenbrook	2	2					2
Glendene	4	3					3
Glendowie	4	1					1
Glenfield	32	17			3		20
Glenvar	4	2			1		3
Green Bay	21	13		1	1		15
Greenhithe	11	4		1	2		7
Greenlane	37	14		5	9		28
Grey Lynn	42	19		2	14		35
Hatfields Beach	4	4					4
Hauraki	5	4					4
Helensville	14	3			5		8
Henderson	110	30			58		88
Henderson Valley	19	13			4	1	18
Herald Island	1
Herne Bay	16	13			1		14
Hill Park	3	1					1
Hillcrest	18	9		3			12
Hillsborough	74	53		2	9		64
Hobbs Bay	1	1					1
Howick	3	2					2
Huapai	38	21			10		31
Huia	1
Kaipara Hills	1	1					1
Kakanui	1	1					1
Karekare	59	39		3	15	2	59
Kaukapakapa	17	6			5		11
Kawakawa Bay	1	1					1
Kelston	2	1					1
Kingsland	2
Kiwitahi	1	1					1
Kohimarama	1
Komokoriki	3	2					2
Kumeu	8				2		2
Laingholm	24	15			2		17
Long Bay	2				1		1
Lucas Heights	3	1		1	1		3
Lynfield	14	9		1	1		11
Mahurangi West	1
Mairangi Bay	3
Makarau	2			1	1		2
Mangakura	1	1					1
Mangere	114	19			9		28
Mangere Bridge	5	2			1		3
Mangere East	46	15	1		1		17
Manly	4	3					3
Manukau Central	2	1					1
Manurewa	7	2					2
Massey	72	27			30		57
Matakatia	1	1					1
Meadowbank	1
Milford	213	29		2	83		114
Mission Bay	2
Mount Albert	32	8			5		13
Mount Eden	106	30		3	54		87
Mount Rex	1				1		1
Mount Roskill	176	77		5	44		126
Mount Wellington	4	1					1
Muriwai Beach	240	162		5	68	9	244
Murrays Bay	12	3		1	4		8
Narrow Neck	1
New Lynn	15	4			5		9
New Windsor	9	2		1	2		5
North Cove	1
Northcote	29	18		1	4		23
Northcote Point	52	21		2	10		33
Northcross	2	2					2
Northpark	1	1					1
Okura	1
One Tree Hill	8	2			1		3
Onehunga	30	18		1	3		22
Orakei	3	1					1
Oratia	8	5			3		8
Orere Point	1	1					1
Orewa	2	1					1
Otahuhu	2
Otara	1	1					1
Oteha	2	1					1
Owairaka	33	7			12		19
Pakuranga	1	1					1
Pakuranga Heights	3	2					2
PAPAKURA	11	6				1	7
Papatoetoe	7	2					2
Parakai	1	1					1
Parau	1			1			1
Paremoremo	12	9		1	2		12
Parnell	35	29		1	1	1	32
Patumahoe	5	5					5
Penrose	2
Piha	118	74		17	20	8	119
Pine Valley	1	1					1
Pinehill	3	1			1		2
Pohuehue	1	1					1
Point Chevalier	20	17					17
Ponsonby	20	7		5	3		15
Puhoi	1				1		1
Pukekohe	43	13	1		20		34
Punganui	1
Ranui	68	13		1	45		59
Red Beach	3	3					3
Redvale	9	5			2		7
Remuera	45	28		1	7		36
Riverhead	13	5			4		9
Rothesay Bay	3	2					2
Royal Oak	32	3			17		20
Sandringham	52	7		2	12		21
Schnapper Rock	1	1					1
Scotts Landing	1	1					1
Shelly Beach	2	2					2
Shelly Park	1	1					1
Snells Beach	2	1					1
ST HELIERS	2	1					1
St Johns	1	1					1
St Lukes	7				2		2
Stanley Point	13	9		2			11
Stanmore Bay	7	4			1		5
Stillwater	1	1					1
Sunnynook	19	2			5		7
Sunnyvale	15	3			5		8
Swanson	81	26		2	41		69
Tahekeroa	3	1			2		3
Takapuna	3	3					3
Tapora	1	1					1
Taupaki	8				4		4
Te Arai Point	1	1					1
Te Atatu Peninsula	11	6			1		7
Te Atatu South	28	18		1	4		23
Te Henga	1	1					1
Te Papapa	5	5					5
Three Kings	19	7		1	5		13
Titirangi	106	60		5	23		88
Torbay	26	12		1	3		16
Totara Vale	21	6		1	11		18
Unsworth Heights	1	1					1
Upper Waiwera	9	3			5		8
Wade Heads	9	8			1		9
Waiake	3				2		2
Waiatarua	24	14			8		22
Waiheke Island	2	2					2
Waikowhai	14	7		1	2		10
Waimauku	10	2			4		6
Waioneke	1	1					1
Wairau Valley	12	1					1
Waitakere	15	11			3		14
Waitoki	1
Waiuku	22	16			2		18
Warkworth	3	3					3
Waterview	9	5		2			7
Wellsford	1	1					1
West Harbour	4	2			1		3
Western Springs	1	1					1
Westmere	4	3			1		4
Weymouth	1	1					1
Whangaripo	2	2					2
Whenuapai	5	3					3
Windsor Park	1
Woodcocks	2	2					2
Total	3,516	1,548	2	107	893	22	2,572

Source: Auckland Council

Repairs to two major slips on Āwhitu Road in south Auckland are now complete and access to the surrounding communities has been restored.

The slips occurred on Āwhitu Road near Pollok as a result of last year’s severe storms – one slip north of West Coast Road and the other further south at 1966 Āwhitu Road, which severely impacted access to the community.

Auckland Transport (AT) commissioned geotechnical testing and a hydrology assessment of the slips prior to developing a detailed design. This included stormwater improvements to minimise the risk of a similar weather event causing damage to the road in the future. 

Work on the slips started in June, with the first slip repair completed in six weeks, and the second more complex slip taking two months to repair. The latter was more than 60m deep and 15m across.

AT Project Manager Royhith Lal says the under slips near 1966 and 2049 Āwhitu Road involved installing 167 soil nails (a cost effective system that uses steel bars inserted in to the soil to reinforce and stabilise the slope) and building new retaining walls, installing guard rails, pavement and vegetation work.

AT worked with the contractor, Liveable Streets, to communicate with Āwhitu District School during the construction. They invited students and teachers, accompanied by local iwi, to bless the site before construction began. Students were later taken on a site tour to view the slip first hand and ask questions.

“The local school is the hub of the community and engaging with the staff, students and parents there was a great way to connect, form good relationships and to also bring the students on a career journey in an industry that needs young blood,” said Royhith.

On a day when no heavy machinery was working students visited the site to see what the contractor was doing, why and how, and an abseiling demonstration showcased the challenges of repairing very steep slip sites.

“They asked interesting questions like there was no tomorrow,” added Royhith.

“The exercise helped convey why complex major repairs like this take so long.

“The highlight for me has been the teamwork, the quality of work, and the reception from the public when they pass the construction site. We were also thrilled that the project was also a finalist in the recent Auckland Construction Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) Hynds Construction Awards,” he said.

More than 2000 slips were recorded across Auckland during the early 2023 storm events. 1200 slips were cleaned up quickly and by the end of October another 622 minor and major slips had been repaired.

Total Āwhitu Road repair cost: $3.5m.

Feedback on the school visits

“Āwhitu District School would like to give an absolute HUGE thank you to Steve, Shaun and the AT team. The visit to the repair site was incredible. Without exception, all the students and parents were in awe of what is being done there and of having this truly unique experience of being allowed to visit the site first hand.

I can’t believe how lucky myself, Awhitu District School and the wider community are to have this partnership develop. You are all just amazing! Thank you so much!”

Megan Allen
Principal, Awhitu District School

“Having spent many more hours with Shaun in the ute today visiting other slips in the region and reflecting on this morning, I would like to thank you all for your contribution, effort and support in setting today up.

“Whilst it is nice for us as a team to show off and show the world the great things we are doing, it was amazing to see the interaction and the faces of the children. The level of interest, the questions asked, and their behaviour was awesome.”

Steve Cooper
South Rural Operations Manager, Liveable Streets

Āwhitu District School visiting the site

Source: Auckland Council

With summer fast approaching, warmer temperatures can bring an increase to pests and odours in the home.

Separating food scraps to put out for kerbside collection or for home composting can seem a bit more challenging, but there are easy ways to beat the summer heat and keep pests and odours at bay.

Prevent pests and odours at home in warmer weather by trying one or more of these tried-and-true tips:

• Pour boiling water over banana skins in the kitchen sink straight after peeling them to kill fruit fly eggs that have hitched a ride.

• Keep vegetable peelings dry. The less moisture the less likely they are to smell and attract flies.

• Throw a handful of baking soda or bokashi zing/bran on top of food scraps.

• Put food scraps in the fridge or freezer (an ice cream container with a lid is the perfect size for this).

If using the kitchen caddy supplied by Auckland Council or another food scraps container for the kitchen, remember to:

• Line the kitchen caddy with Auckland Council pink compostable bin liners – available from retailers and made entirely of cornstarch so safe for home compost.

• Change the bin liners regularly to avoid spills and reduce food odours.

• Empty the kitchen caddy more frequently into the food scraps bin and lock the lid in place.

• Wipe tea tree oil around the lids of the kitchen caddy and food scraps bin to repel flies and other insects.

• Clean the kitchen caddy and food scraps bin regularly – use anti-bacterial spray or dishwashing liquid with water and dry before use.

• Place the food scraps bin in a shady spot – not in direct sunlight.

• Food scraps can be put directly into the food scraps bin, but the liners will help keep pests away if tied up.

Remember to put the food scraps bin out weekly and help continue transforming rukenga kai into renewable energy and fertiliser to grow more kai.

Together, let’s help Auckland reach its goal of being zero waste by 2040.

Source: Auckland Council

Two symbolic characters at the centre of Auckland’s historic Farmers Santa Parade are turning out for the 91^st time, delighting families who will fill the footpaths on Sunday 24 November (rain day 1 December).

The parade may have become bigger and brighter in 91 years, but the philosophy introduced by Farmers founder Robert Laidlaw in 1933 remains the same – a gift of fantasy and fanfare for the children of Auckland.

The star of the show is always Santa himself, but Queen Street has also been a constant presence throughout 91 years in the life of this legendary parade, believed to be one of the most enduring in the southern hemisphere.

Santa and his reindeer.

Queen Street has evolved over the decades. Once it was a four-lane street with narrow footpaths on either side. Now it is a two-lane, plant-filled boulevard hosting a more intimate festive parade.

But the character expected to rival even the longest-serving players is favourite television pup Bluey, who is joining Auckland’s Farmers Santa Parade for the first time. Fans will see the much-adored Bluey in person on her own float in the parade. Bluey and Bingo will later bring their live interactive experience to Santa’s Party at the close of the parade.

Bluey and Bingo on stage.

Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, will also participate in the parade.

“Every year, the Farmers Santa Parade brings the centre of Auckland to life, filling our city with joy, wonder, and community spirit. It’s a time for families, friends and whānau to come together and welcome the magic of the season.

“This parade is more than an event; it’s a beautiful reminder of the unity and vibrancy that define our Auckland community,” Councillor Simpson says.

A new entrant in the parade this year will be the city centre’s newest elves – a team of community wardens who cast a watchful eye over city centre streets and spaces every day and night. The wardens are from the Auckland Council Community Safety Team, New Zealand Police, Māori wardens, Community Patrols NZ and Auckland Transport.

They will decorate their uniforms with Christmas tinsel for the occasion and walk with their families, accompanying Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson who graces the parade every year waving to the crowds from a vintage car.

After representing New Zealand at the 2024 Olympics, gold medal winning high jumper Hamish Kerr will open the parade as this year’s official grand marshal, leading the vibrant and colourful procession of festive floats.

One float will be constructed entirely of LEGO®, another inspired by K-pop in the shape of a giant pink guitar, and crowds will also witness a Kiwiana caravan float that encapsulates the essence of a Kiwi summer.

Additional funds have been made available this year from Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, helping bring the delight of the Farmers Santa Parade to the city centre.

Key moments to plan for:

The Farmers Santa Parade attracts around 150,000 spectators, 4,000 participants and over 200 items of Christmas magic over a 1.6km route.

Learn more about the 2024 parade here.

Transport options will be available additionally here. 

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Source: Auckland Council

The Pest-Free Kaipātiki Restoration Society (Pest Free Kaipātiki) is working with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, helping local communities plan for their recovery. This is part of a series of partnerships in heavily- impacted communities across Auckland. Communities will be supported to develop practical plans, which will include activities and priorities that can be delivered to improve wellbeing and flourishing as they recover. 

More than 230 homes in Beach Haven, Northcote Point and Birkenhead were affected by landslips or flooding last year, with 118 of them having serious access issues.  

While most locals have moved on with their lives, the road to recovery continues for others: some of these homes will never be safe to live in again. 

As affected residents work toward their recovery, Pest Free Kaipātiki has partnered with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office to help coordinate a wider recovery plan for these communities. 

Pest Free Kaipātiki started out from a collection of localised community reserve groups wanting to make a more united impact in restoring and protecting their special places. It is now providing support to 55 reserve and cluster groups in the Kaipātiki area with anything from pest control advice/equipment to guidance on planting natives that reduce landslide risk.  

You might wonder what a pest-free group is doing leading a community conversation about storm recovery.  

“The social and natural environment are both our kaupapa,” says Annie Dignan, Pest Free Kaipātiki’s General Manager. 

“The way we look after the land and water around us has a direct impact on flooding and landslips, and vice versa. And our neighbourhoods really felt the impact of last year’s storms.” 

Healing and resilience through nature  

“I had barely finished mopping out the bottom of my place when we decided to set up a get together for locals at our hub. I will always remember sitting here and seeing people crying and still in shock,” Annie tears up describing the moment.  

“It was a loss on a number of levels – their land, their homes, and the experience they had just had. There is also a big fear of when this will happen again.  

“We knew we had to do something practical. So, we pulled together a taskforce to focus our efforts on remediating one reserve as a start. The turnout was great, and you could see the emotion and processing that was taking place in how hard people were working.  

“Then we started reaching out to a range of other experts and pulled together information relevant to our area about planting for slip stabilisation. We know ground and tree cover is so important.  

“From there we created a guide so that people could plant natives at home to reduce their own landslide risk. We even helped people provide feedback on plans for how council will be responding to coastal hazards and climate change.

“People realised it wasn’t a hopeless situation, that there are things they can do to make a difference the next time a storm comes around.”

Pest Free Kaipātiki’s planting for slip stabilisation guide

Planning a way forward 

Working with the Recovery Office, Pest Free Kaipātiki has been engaging with these communities to help them plan for their recovery. 

“The key question we want people to think about is what the community needs to feel like they are moving forward and flourishing. It’s up to people to shape the outcomes, so the results could be anything really – from physical things and places, to programmes and events.  

“We’ve done a series of in-person events and there will be more opportunities for people to engage and contribute to the recovery plan for their neighbourhoods, including individual and group interviews, workshops, library displays, and online polls. There will even be Mandarin events to engage our growing Chinese community.” 

“So you can participate in whatever way makes sense for you!” 

Engagement for Beach Haven, Northcote Point and Birkenhead recovery plans will continue with Pest Free Kaipātiki’s support until mid-2025. 

Visit Pest Free Kaipātiki’s website to find out how to participate. 

Community recovery planning session in Kaipātiki