Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

For central Aucklanders who have been putting off dropping off their unwanted items at a community recycling centre (CRC) because they’re too busy to drive across town, it’s time for a big sort out because you now have a local option. Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre at 990 Great North Road in Western Springs is open and ready to welcome you.

Situated just down the road from Auckland Zoo and a stone’s throw away from Te Wai Ōrea Park / Western Springs Lakeside, many Aucklanders will be familiar with the rock gatehouse that stands at the entrance to the site. 

The gatehouse and clubrooms were built in 1939 and were originally part of the Chamberlain Golf Club. This was before the Northwestern Motorway went through and cut off access (you can see the golf course just across the motorway).

After spending the last 20 years as the Auckland Horticultural Council clubrooms, the building and site has now undergone a makeover to transform it into a recycling centre where you can drop off recyclables such as glass, paper, alkaline batteries and cardboard for a small fee (read more on that here) or donate items, such as books, clothing and cookware, to the shop in the renovated building basement (pro tip: if you often feel overwhelmed by the quantity of items when bargain hunting in op shops, this space has carefully curated displays that are a pleasure to browse)

The shop at the recycling centre accepts clothes, toys, books, fabric, furniture and other items that are in good and working condition.

The CRC offers more than recycling though. The upper level of the building is a dedicated community space.

“You can bring your recycling, then you can come upstairs and take part in various community activations from repair cafes to e-waste drop-off days, to learning how to knit, sew and mend, or upcycle furniture.” says Kathryn Lawlor, CEO of MPHS Community Trust, the community development organisation that runs the CRC for Auckland Council.

Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre manager Christine Wang (left) and MPHS CEO Kathryn Lawlor had local schools and early childhood centres create a mural for the facility using upcycled materials.

Kathryn says that various environmental groups, such as conservation organisation Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao, will also be using the space to have their hui (meetings), providing opportunities for the public to pick up traps or learn about planting.

The CRC also has plans underway to collaborate with nearby Te Māhurehure Marae and hold weaving workshops and grow a pā harakeke (a collection of different flax species) onsite.

“Once we’re sustainable, then any funds that are generated go back into running free hui here for the community,” says Kathryn.

At Waitākere Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station by Tipping Point (another zero-waste project managed by MPHS) a big focus is to invest in rangatahi (youth) in the local community. This is done by Tipping Point generating income which goes back to support rangatahi programmes in the community.

So far 21 local schools and early childhood centres have contributed to the community space at Waiōrea CRC by helping create a large mural. Centre manager Christine Wang supplied them with wooden panels salvaged during the building’s renovation and asked them to create a collage of Te Wai Ōrea / Western Springs lake across the road using upcycled materials.

The upcycled mural at Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre features iconic local spots such as the Rainbow Path beside Unitec.

Over time, the plan is to fill a whole wall with panels decorated by different educational institutions.

But whether you live locally or not, Kathryn says that the centre is for everyone.

“A lot of people are coming here for a bargain, some will be coming because they’re very passionate about sustainability. We hope that it’s an inclusive space for education and also just to have those conversations. We don’t have all the answers but we think that everyone’s small contribution can make a change.”

Source: Auckland Council

There has been some public interest in a developer’s decision to fell trees in Auckland’s suburb of Pukekohe. We wanted to take this opportunity to explain how these decisions are made and what Auckland Council is doing to protect and increase our tree canopy across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Why was the developer allowed to fell these trees?

The developer applied for Certificates of Compliance to remove the trees located on private property. We issued the Certificates of Compliance because the activity was permitted under the Auckland Unitary Plan.

As a regulatory body, our role is to check whether activity is permitted or not within the rules of the Resource Management Act and Auckland Unitary Plan, and we must operate within the law.

Because the trees were not identified as being in a Significant Ecological Area at that time and were located within the Rural Urban Boundary, their removal was a permitted activity under the Auckland Unitary Plan and did not trigger the need for a resource consent.

As no resource consent was needed, there was no discretion afforded to us to consider and assess the effects of the tree felling.

“The processing planner actively worked, over months, to check every aspect of the proposal and see if a resource consent was legally required, but it was not. We must be certain that no consent is required, otherwise we cannot issue a Certificate of Compliance,” says Craig Hobbs, Auckland Council Director Regulatory Services.

What is a Significant Ecological Area?

The Significant Ecological Area overlay was introduced to the Auckland Unitary Plan in 2013 and was confirmed in 2016 following a public submissions and hearings process. This was to protect and better provide for the management of areas that contribute significantly to Auckland’s biodiversity.

To date we have 3,234 land-based Significant Ecological Areas protected in the Auckland Unitary Plan covering 79,124 hectares of vegetation and wetlands on public and private lands.

A Significant Ecological Area overlay for this vegetation was proposed as part of Private Plan Change 76 which had legal effect from 23 March 2023, after the Certificates of Compliance were issued. 

Every time land is rezoned vegetation and wetlands are assessed as to whether they should be protected as Significant Ecological Areas, Wetland Management Areas and Notable Trees through protections within precinct plans, or other mechanisms such as covenants.

Did council consider the impact on fauna (i.e. bats)?

Our ability to consider indigenous fauna, such as bats, is limited to when a resource consent is required. It is directly linked to whether the vegetation being removed is protected as a Significant Ecological Area, or if it is located on rural land outside the Rural Urban Boundary.

In this instance, the vegetation was not protected, and no consents were required under the Auckland Unitary Plan. This meant that we could not consider any effects on fauna resulting from the removal of the trees.

“Our planners and compliance officers work to protect the environment every single day when they are processing resource consents and ensuring conditions are adhered to. They consider the effects of a proposal on the environment and on persons under the Resource Management Act, but they can only do this where a resource consent is triggered,” says Craig Hobbs.

What is Auckland Council doing to plant more trees in Tāmaki Makaurau?

As part of the council’s Urban Ngahere Strategy, our aim is to increase canopy cover by 30 per cent across Auckland’s urban area, and at least 15 per cent in each local loard area. We are on track to reach the target set for local boards having 15 per cent tree canopy cover in most of the urban local board areas except in some of the South Auckland areas.

“There were over 1.6 million plants, including trees, planted during the 2022/2023 financial year. This is a significant increase on previous years being over double the annual totals for 2020 and 2021. Many of the planting programmes involve community groups, schools and mana whenua,” says Craig.

The Natural Environment Targeted Rate has invested in planting 89,301 plants through the Trees for Survival programme.

In addition, the 200-hectare Carbon Sequestration tree planting programme (which started in 2021 with 13,000 plants) and has increased to 87,000 plants planted in 2022.

The Mayor’s Million Trees campaign planted 344,291 trees and the Healthy Waters work programmes have planted an additional 624,000 plants which is three times the number of plants in 2021.

Source: Auckland Council

Safety in the central city and its post-Pandemic recovery were two key topics of discussion at the City Centre Advisory Panel meeting on Monday 11 September 2023.

City Centre Advisory Panel Chair, Scott Pritchard, notes the discussion points below:

Source: Auckland Council

The 108-year-old heritage kiosk next to the Tāmaki Makaurau Downtown Ferry Terminal has been repurposed into a cultural and marine education space to create a new public waterfront destination.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, tangata whenua of central Tāmaki, and Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Council have partnered to deliver Te Wharekura, a kaupapa / project which celebrates tangata whenua and the cultural richness of Te Waitematā, and which aims to inspire its protection.

Te Wharekura is one of the projects highlighted in the draft Waitematā Local Board Plan. It has been designed to encourage kōrero about the state of the environment as well as sharing stories of the history and current activities of tangata whenua for the benefit of all.

Kīngi Makoare, delivers the mihi whakatau at the dawn blessing of Te Wharekura.

Kīngi Makoare, Pou Hāpai Tikanga Taiao for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei celebrates the kaupapa of Te Wharekura.

“We have always considered the protection of te Waitematā as essential to the wellbeing of our people.

“When the environment is healthy and thriving, so too are the people. By sharing our stories and heritage, Te Wharekura inspires everyone living in and visiting Tāmaki Makaurau to treat the water as a taonga, a prized possession.”

Housed in a beautiful, category B heritage kiosk, with the re-design respecting its heritage values, Te Wharekura features the mahi toi / artwork of senior Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei ringatoi / artists Graham Tipene, Hana Maihi, Jodi-Ann Warbrick, Leah Warbrick, Joanne Maihi and Kororia Witika which will be permanently located there. Robbie Pāora of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei describes the process of designing the whare.

“The walls of Te Wharekura celebrate the beauty of our unique and rich culture through our reo, our pūrakau, our kōrero, our mahi toi, our waiata, and through a variety of physical taonga and interactive media housed within the space.

“Importantly, Te Wharekura acts as a learning space / laboratory for environmental education, blending kōrero tuku iho and western science to inform and uplift all who visit the space, with a particular focus on tamariki and rangatahi from kura / schools across the region.”

One literal translation of Te Wharekura is a “house of learning”. The name was gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and reflects a shared aspiration to bring minds and hearts together. True to this spirit of collaboration and inclusion, all members of the public are able to visit and participate in the immersive experience of Te Wharekura at no charge.

Located at the western end of Te Wānanga in Quay Street, Te Wharekura injects cultural vibrancy and environmental awareness and education into the waterfront space that Aucklanders and visitors are drawn to and love.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei perform haka at the opening of Te Wharekura.

With kaitiakitanga for Te Wharekura being held by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei as ahi-kā and tangata whenua for the central city and isthmus, in future, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will apply their tikanga to provide opportunities for other iwi to share their mātauranga in this space. The project will deliver a rich display of environmental values, and mātauranga Māori that share the historical relationships and stories fundamental to the past, present and future of te Waitematā and Tāmaki.

Portfolio Lead for Te Kaunihera Māori Outcomes, Councillor Kerrin Leoni (Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Takoto and Ngāti Kuri) is pleased to see the shared commitment of Te Kaunihera and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to improve waterways manifested in Te Wharekura.

“Holistic thinking and collaboration is essential when it comes to addressing the health of our natural environment. It is important that Te Kaunihera continues to partner with tangata whenua in a manner that reflects Taiao ora, Tangata ora – ‘If the natural world is healthy, so too are the people’.”

Te Wharekura is open with free entry to the public from 10am to 4pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 14 September 2023.

Source: Auckland Council

For many in Tāmaki Makaurau, this year has challenged our relationship with water. Two years of drought followed by a year of record rainfall has reminded Aucklanders the importance of a strategic approach to water.

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

“We have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change from droughts to devastating floods. The purpose of the Auckland Water Strategy is to set the long-term strategic direction for the wider council whānau in relation to both its responsibilities and aspirations for water,” says Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.

“Aucklanders should be congratulated for already surpassing our water usage target, although this is partly due to the rainfall we have had it still shows that residents and businesses are thinking about how much water they use and how to conserve it, something we will need to work on as we move into summer.

“The Auckland Water strategy allows us to take a strategic approach as more and more water-related projects and programmes are introduced. It is a foundation for us to ensure we are showing leadership and vision in a sustainable and achievable way while aligning with our commitments in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.”

The Planning, Environment and Parks Committee received the inaugural annual update, covering the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

“The guiding principle behind the Auckland Water Strategy is ‘Te Mauri o Te Wai o Tāmaki Makaurau’ – that the life-sustaining capacity of Auckland’s waters is protected and enhanced,” says Councillor Angela Dalton, Deputy Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.

“The Auckland Water Strategy sets out aspirational and long-term goals and this progress report is the first of a series of annual reports. Due to its nature, it is focused on specific actions but it is important to remember that this alone does not reflect the full value and impact of the Strategy.”

The Water Strategy framework centres around eight Strategic Shifts:

1. Te Tiriti Partnership
2. Empowered Aucklanders
3. Sustainable Allocation and Equitable Access
4. Regenerative Water Infrastructure
5. Water Security
6. Integrated Land-Use and Water Planning
7. Restoring and Enhancing Water Ecosystems
8. Pooling Knowledge

What progress has been achieved?

The July 2023 Annual Progress Report shows that the Auckland Water Strategy is being delivered through multiple new and ongoing work programmes across Auckland Council and council-controlled organisations.

Furthermore, 90 per cent of the actions scoped to begin in year 1 are progressing in the timeframes provided in the implementation plan.

The Implementation Plan identifies three actions for completion in year 1 (2022/2023), which are underway at the time of reporting and anticipated to be completed in Year 2 (2023/2024).

While these three actions are not yet complete, four of the Strategy’s 58 actions have been completed, representing positive progress towards considering te mauri o te wai in the council group’s decision-making.

Watercare’s 2022 Citizens’ Assembly is a great example of empowering Aucklanders to make decisions for better water outcomes, one of eight strategic shifts in Auckland’s Water Strategy.

This partnership between Watercare and Koi Tū (the University of Auckland’s Centre for Informed Futures) started in 2021, and took a deliberative democracy approach to the question of Auckland’s water supply. Watercare’s Board accepted direct recycled water as the next source of water for Auckland, and included feedback from mana whenua in their response to all four (accepted) recommendations on 1 November 2022.

Water Security targets achieved

Auckland has already met the water supply and demand targets set out for 2030, noting that the record rainfall experienced during the reporting period means that efforts to increase efficient use and diversify our water supply will continue through ongoing implementation of the Strategy.

Based on figures provided by Watercare, the average consumption of drinking water in Auckland as of June 2023 was 241.33 litres/day/person.[1]

This exceeds the 2025 target (253 litres/day/person) and even exceeds the 2030 target (247 litres/day/person).

The recycled water capacity for beneficial use in Auckland between 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 was 21.70 million litres/day (MLD), which exceeds the 2030 target of 20 MLD.

This does not include rainwater tank volumes across Auckland, and therefore is estimated to be even greater.

What’s next?

The Auckland Water Strategy identifies 34 actions to be delivered by July 2025.

Resource constraints are already challenging council group staff to progress the significant expectations for delivery in the first three years of the Strategy.

Therefore, staff have undertaken a prioritisation exercise to support decision-making to resource the highest-priority directions from the Strategy over the coming years. This is based on the following criteria:

• Urgency: when the action is targeted for delivery in the Implementation Plan.
• Impact: how directly the action protects and enhances te mauri o te wai.
• Low risk: the likelihood that factors outside our control could derail progress.
• Alignment: with other ongoing and high priority activities for Auckland Council.

We will continue to progress the Auckland Water Strategy and its vision as the Auckland Council group progresses water-related programmes and projects including Resilient Auckland (including the Making Space for Water programme), National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, and Water Services Reform transition.

[1] This is within the territorial authority district (*litres plus/minus 2.5%) (12 month rolling average)

Source: Auckland Council

Taste delicious street food, listen to live jazz, walk among 75 vintage neon signs in the dark, turn the clock back 500 years to the banks of an abundant Waihorotiu stream, imagine an underground ballroom once hosting 1920s glamour, and discover ‘just who was Martha?’

French Toast with Linn Lorkin

On Thursday 28 September the inaugural Midtown Street Party is coming to Elliott, Albert, Victoria, Wellesley, Darby and Queen Streets, and along the historic Strand Arcade – from 6pm to 9pm.

Hosted by Auckland Council, it is a signal to midtown residents, workers, hospitality and retail businesses that midtown is on the threshold of a return to full vibrancy, after several years of construction.

Midtown Street Party curator and Auckland Council city centre place activation principal Barbara Holloway says it’s another way to thank midtown people for their resilience and understanding during the current transformation.

“The Midtown Street Party is a chance for us to shine light on midtown’s unique hospitality and retail experience. It’s a little bit K Road, a little bit Dominion Road, but midtown is evolving a community vibe all its own. Get ready for history, mystery, magic and mayhem, and come along to the first-ever street party in this part of town,” she says.

Aucklanders and visitors joining the street party will sample a symphony of flavours, see art in shop windows, make zines, hear the history of Strand Arcade, spin to win on the wheel of fortune, dance to K-pop, channel Paris with the mellow sound of a French chanteuse, and discover the antics of Martha Lindsay. Outrageous Fortune’s West family have nothing on the Lindsays! Learn more about the event by visting this website https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2023/09/midtown-street-party/ 

Building momentum

The Midtown Street Party sits at the heart of major projects – some completed, some progressing. Thousands of people will pour into Victoria and Wellesley Streets after disembarking trains at Te Waihorotiu Station, when the City Rail Link is operational.

To prepare the area, Auckland Council is delivering the $133million Midtown Regeneration programme, announced in 2021.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson explains that public investment is attracting significant private investment, including the Symphony Centre which will be developed above and adjacent to Te Waihorotiu Station.

“When the station opens in a few years’ time the council group will have ensured the area is ready. In the meantime, our teams are working hard to understand the impacts of construction disruption and do our best to minimise those impacts.

“The street party and our recent

Taurima lighting project are among many initiatives designed to help keep midtown attractive for residents and customers during construction.

Taurima in Elliott Street; photo credit Angus Muir Design

“We also have a real focus on street health and safety, and we’ve offered a Small Business Support Programme for nearby retail and hospitality businesses among many other measures of support,” she says.

With wide footpaths and new streetscapes starting to become visible around the station entrances, and with Te Hā Noa taking shape in Victoria Street, momentum is building. Gifted by mana whenua, the name of the street’s new design points to a neighbourhood with space for people to gather and take time to breathe.

In an update of other midtown regeneration projects: the new street design at the HomeGround end of Federal Street, which opened a year ago, will welcome a significant new public artwork in coming months.

Myers Park is seeing 24 new native trees planted, some manoeuvred into place with cranes last week, as finishing touches are made to the much-anticipated upgrade of the northern end of the park, opening in November.

And completion of the final section of the Waihorotiu path at the northern end of Queen Street will give riders a continuous square to square experience – Aotea Square to Te Komititanga – in time for Christmas. The city’s upgraded Queen Street was opened last November, and this is the last piece of alignment to be completed.

Diary the date

Auckland Council is proud to deliver the first Midtown Street Party, supported by the city centre targeted rate. Diary the date and head to Elliott Street and surrounding streets and lanes at 6pm on Thursday 28 September.

An onsite kiosk will outline to people what’s next in the transformation of midtown.

The schedule of free performances, ethnic food freebies and a feast of art can be found at OurAuckland. This schedule may be subject to weather.

Source: Auckland Council

A range of grassroots sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau have received a $13 million boost to help Aucklanders enjoy time on the field, on the court and on the water. The allocation from the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund was approved by Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee on September 7. 

The significant investment will help more Aucklanders participate in community sport and recreation activities. 

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says sport and recreation is an integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Auckland and it’s vital local sports organisations get funding. 

“A growing number of Aucklanders enjoy participating in sports and recreation, the activities and facilities connected to them help give people a sense of community belonging and have huge physical and mental health benefits. 

“It’s vital that Auckland has a network of local sports clubs and organisations and this partnership funding will help them prosper and thrive as places for residents to meet to participate in and enjoy their chosen sport.” 

Councillor Angela Dalton, deputy chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee says the funding is an opportunity to enhance Auckland’s sport and recreation network. 

“These non-council owned facilities are crucial to Auckland’s sport and recreation network and meeting the evolving demand for sporting opportunities.” 

How funding is allocated 

The fund recognises the important role that non-council facilities play in serving Auckland’s sport and recreation sector.  

The fund allows Auckland Council to get more Aucklanders more active by proactively addressing sport and recreation infrastructure shortfalls; responding to changing participation preferences and delivering value for money by leveraging external investment. 

Projects which will serve communities of the greatest need were prioritised for funding, in line with Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan 2021-2031. 

Dave Stewart, the council’s Active Communities General Manager, says the fund’s focus is on supporting more Aucklanders to get active while ensuring value for investment is achieved. 

“A high calibre of applications were received this year and successful recipients can use the funding to improve and upgrade their facilities and ultimately get more Aucklanders more active.” 

This year $13,040,000 of funding was distributed across 18 organisations. These recipients were chosen by the independent assessment panel from a total group of 47 applicants. 

Success story: West Auckland Riding for the Disabled 

Operating out of Henderson Valley Park, West Auckland Riding for the Disabled (WA-RDA ) gives young people with disabilities the chance to experience therapeutic horse riding with programmes designed to enhance riders’ health, wellbeing, skills, confidence and activity. 

Due to the weather, WA-RDA has been unable to operate during school Term 3. Thanks to funding from various sources, including $1.28 million from Auckland Council through the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund in 2022, a covered riding facility is being built at the site so riding can take place no matter the weather conditions. 

Norma Hayward, the group’s president says they’re “thrilled” more people will be able to use the facility. 

“We are really excited to see the building going up and it will make a huge difference to our riders and their whanau. It will also mean we can extend our service and more than triple the number of sessions we offer annually.  

“The whole facility will also be available to hire to the community. We look forward to welcoming all sorts of groups from equestrian to other sports, activity and special interest groups, to come and enjoy the building. This is a much-anticipated community asset and we are very grateful to Auckland Council for its support.” 

Next funding round 2024/2025 

Stage 1 applications for the 2024/2025 funding round are due to open in November 2023. We encourage sport and recreation organisations to read the funding guidelines PDF to understand whether they could be eligible to apply. 

To discuss your proposal and to initiate the application process, please contact sportandrecreation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 

Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund allocation for 2023/2024
Recipient	Project	Funding up to:
Auckland Netball Centre Inc	Indoor/Outdoor Lights Replacement	$250,000.00
AUT Millennium Trust	AUT Millennium Stadium Track Reinstatement Project	$1,200,000.00
Counties Tennis Association	Counties Indoor Tennis Arena	$990,000.00
Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Trust	Highbrook Watersports Centre	$350,000.00
Hobsonville Point Marine Sports Recreation Centre Charitable Trust	Upper Harbour Marine and Sports Centre	$4,000,000.00
Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre Incorporated	Investigation for improved playing facilities	$20,000.00
Kaitoke School, Claris	Kaitoke (and community) school pool	$50,000.00
Kolmar Charitable Trust	Old Changing Room Block Upgrade.	$2,000,000.00
Lynfield Tennis Club Inc.	Back on court – resurfacing 4 tennis courts	$17,000.00
Manurewa Tennis Club	Project Dome	$400,000.00
Mt Albert Rugby League Football Club Incorporated	Facilities Alterations and Development	$370,000.00
North Shore Canoe and Youth Club Inc	NSCC Facility Upgrade and Extension	$800,000.00
Orewa Surf Life Saving Club Inc	Orewa Surf Life Saving Community Hub Redevelopment	$2,000,000.00
Pakuranga United Rugby Club Incorporated (Howick & Pakuranga Community Sports Centre)	Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre Facility Expansion	$250,000.00
Titirangi Tennis & Squash Rackets Club Incorporated	Squash Courts Refurbishment	$50,000.00
Waitakere Cricket Club Incorporated	Waitakere Multipurpose Indoor Centre	$20,000.00
Waka Pacific Trust	Waka Pacific Climb	$250,000.00
YMCA North Incorporated	Metro Park Hub	$23,000.00

Source: Auckland Council

Local boards in the south of the city have sent similar feedback to Auckland Transport on rail development over the next 30 years.

While each of Franklin, Papakura and Manurewa addressed concerns specific to their areas, they were united in a call for longer-term planning, and in supporting the removal of level crossings, frequently the site of fatal or serious injury accidents.

Franklin board chair Angela Fulljames says removing level crossings by closures or grade separation will enable more frequent trains and minimise the risk to pedestrians and cyclists.

“We have made a point of deferring to the views of Papakura, where communities are directly impacted, while our communities might benefit from shorter train trips that closure and grade separation will enable.”

She says the board recognises the benefit of more tracks that would enable express and limited stop metro services, with travel times to the city on par with off-peak car trips.

“Where we might differ from the other boards is in our call for closer consideration of how road freight aligns with rail, with the potential to reduce truck movements on our roads, and a call for a freight depot on the network to support produce moving out of Pukekohe.”

Changes to the city’s rail network could mean the need for alterations at Manurewa Station.

Papakura board chair Brent Catchpole says now is the time for additional property purchase to provide park and ride capacity at new stations between Pukekohe and Papakura, particularly at Paerata and Drury.

“Papakura and Pukekohe stations are already transport hubs for people coming from the Waikato, yet existing park and ride capacity is limited and does not meet demand.

“We don’t want to see that get worse, with drivers desperate for parking to connect to train services.”

Manurewa chair Glenn Murphy says the boards recognise the need for a well-maintained, resilient and efficient heavy rail network that supports passenger and freight movements.

“We have added our voice to the call for more tracks to increase the speed and frequency of services, but that does raise concerns about Manurewa station, which would need significant alterations to accommodate that.”

He says the board welcomes proposed station upgrades to respond to growth, more passengers and larger nine car trains, but has urged the narrow Browns Road overbridge by Homai station be widened, and that a pedestrian crossing be added to serve the station.

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

A funding system that ensures wealthy areas with existing assets get more money than historically underfunded regions can’t be allowed to continue, Franklin Local Board says.

The board has provided extensive feedback on proposals for addressing local board funding equity, calling for it to be addressed inside three years, rather than the 10-15 years currently foreseen.

Board chair Angela Fulljames says the board acknowledges the funding model now used can’t continue and has submitted feedback calling for change, and that addresses specific concerns for the area.

“Earlier this year boards were invited to provide feedback on various recommendations, indicating support or otherwise for each component of a proposal being championed by Mayor Wayne Brown.

“Next month that feedback will be analysed and become part of a presentation to the Governing Body in October or November, which will then decide on options to be included in Long-term Plan 2024-34 consultations.”

She says it’s wrong that areas with the most facilities and assets attract more funding than historically underfunded areas, although she acknowledges having to consider reallocating funds to other areas of the city will be difficult.

“There is more work to do, but the current system perpetuates inequality. Some areas get more asset-based funding than southern boards, where half of Auckland’s growth is happening, and we’re talking millions. Areas that are already behind, stay that way.”

Fulljames says Franklin stretches from the Āwhitu in the west to Orere Point and Kawakawa Bay in the east – almost a quarter of all Auckland, with three towns, 16 villages and 13 settlements.

“We believe any funding policy should reflect boards dealing with large areas. Reallocation will require a commitment from all boards, and we would suggest they be open to changes that provide equitable outcomes for all.”

All local board feedback can be viewed in full at Auckland Council’s agenda and minutes page (https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2023/07/20230726_PPK_AGN_11634_AT_WEB.htm) by searching the latest business meeting.

Stay connected

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

Source: Auckland Council

For residents who are returning home, you can dispose of flood or landslide damaged household items for free at the Waitākere Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station. To do so, you will need to get pre-approval for disposal by calling 0800 22 22 00. You will need to provide your address so we can confirm it is within affected areas. Please note that you can drop off a maximum of two trailer loads of flood related household goods. However, flood or landslide damaged building materials (e.g. plasterboard) will incur a cost.

Community Recycling Centres, located across the region, can also take a variety of undamaged household goods. Check the Auckland Council website to see what items can be repurposed or recycled, and their locations. Charges may apply.

Reminder: Refrigerators, freezers and heat pumps need to be degassed before disposal. This typically happens at a transfer station or scrap metal dealers. Please do not try to remove the refrigeration mechanisms for the scrap metal, as this allows refrigerants (a harmful greenhouse gas) to escape.