Category: Local Government

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Committee considers plan changes and tree protection in Auckland

Source: Auckland Council

Headline: Committee considers plan changes and tree protection in Auckland

Today’s Planning Committee approved plan changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan and discussed how Auckland Council manages and protects trees in Auckland.

Members of the public addressed the committee on specific transport proposals and on tree protection in Auckland (item 12) together with local board presentations.

The following is a digest of decisions made. The agenda is available on Auckland Council’s website and minutes will be added once confirmed. This meeting was also webcast on the council’s website and items will be available on demand.

Items 1-8 were administrative items except for Petitions (item 4), Public Input (item 5) and Local Board input (item 6).

David Roos, representing the City Centre Residents Group, spoke to a petition presented to the committee requesting safer pedestrian facilities for the Victoria Quarter. The petition was referred to Auckland Council’s Development Programme Office and Auckland Transport for consideration. 

There were three items of public input. Christine Rose and Jon Reeves from the Public Transport Users Association spoke about the trains to Haupai campaign. The committee requested a report from Auckland Transport through the 10-year Budget process.

Olric Thomas from Changda International Limited spoke to item 9 and Dr. Mels Barton of the Tree Council spoke to item 12.

Under Local Board input, Peter Haynes, Chair of the Eden-Albert Local Board, and Saffron Toms, Deputy Chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, spoke separately to item 12. Lisa Whyte, Chair of the Upper Harbour Local Board, spoke in support of the Hobsonville Corridor Plan Change (item 10).

Item 9: Vesting of Land on a Closed Landfill at West Hoe Heights, Orewa

The committee declined a request from Changda International New Zealand Limited, residential developers of the West Hoe Heights Special Housing Area, to vest in council three lots of land on a closed landfill at 207 West Hoe Heights.

Item 10:  Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part) – Hobsonville Corridor Plan Change 

The committee approved of publicly notifying a proposed plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan for road alignments, a future arterial and to introduce stormwater controls and standards and assessment criteria for buildings and development along Hobsonville Road and next to Hobsonville Primary School.

These changes seek to improve the transport network, stormwater and built form outcomes within Hobsonville Corridor.

Item 11: Request to make operative Plan Changes 1 and 2 to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in part) 

Two plan changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan were made operative. These rezone Auckland Council owned land parcels that were surplus to requirements and have been cleared for sale and rezones a portion of Aotea Square from Open Space to City Centre Zone to facilitate the redevelopment of the former Civic Administration Building.

Item 12: Managing and protecting trees in Auckland

The committee noted the council’s current approach to managing and protecting trees in Auckland taking into account the council’s recently adopted Urban Forest Strategy.

The Auckland Unitary Plan provides regulatory tools and the Urban Forest Strategy is a comprehensive regulatory and non-regulatory approach to maintaining and enhancing trees and vegetation in Auckland’s urban area.

The committee also requested that options for managing, protecting and restoring trees and vegetation in Auckland and across New Zealand is discussed with the Government and Local Government New Zealand.

A further report will be made to the Environment and Community Committee with updated Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and resource consent data as part of the reporting on the Urban Forest Strategy by August 2018.

Item 13: Summary of Planning Committee information memos and briefings

A summary and provide a public record of memos or briefing papers that may have been distributed to committee members.

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Auckland wins bid to host major international education conference International education policy-makers, practitioners and experts from around the world will descend on Auckland in 2021 for the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Annual Conference and Exhibition. The three-day conference and exhibition will be held at the New Zealand Inte… Published 29 MAR 2018

Source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED)

Headline: Auckland wins bid to host major international education conference

International education policy-makers, practitioners and experts from around the world will descend on Auckland in 2021 for the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Annual Conference and Exhibition.

The three-day conference and exhibition will be held at the New Zealand Inte…

Published
29 MAR 2018

International education policy-makers, practitioners and experts from around the world will descend on Auckland in 2021 for the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Annual Conference and Exhibition.

The three-day conference and exhibition will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and is expected to attract more than 1,700 delegates and 200 exhibitors, who will stay a total of  8,700 visitor nights and contribute an estimated spend of $3.3 million while they are here.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development’s Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) helped secure the winning bid for New Zealand, working in partnership with Education New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and a consortium of the country’s leading universities, led by Auckland University.

Mayor Phil Goff says, “International education is a valuable contributor to the Auckland economy and the country’s fourth largest export industry.

“It is great news that Auckland will play host to such a major international education conference. It will showcase our region and illustrate the value of this important sector to New Zealand.

“Auckland attracts more than 80,000 international students each year. Beyond the economic value of the sector, these students improve our connections to the world, bring vibrancy and diversity to our city, and fill skills shortages in areas of high demand,” said Mayor Goff.

The APAIE seeks to bring together international educators, universities and related organisations active in Asia-Pacific higher education to promote communication, networking, professional development and learn about new developments in international education.

Head of ACB Anna Hayward says 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Auckland, with a number of major convention wins along with the city hosting the America’s Cup and APEC throughout the course of the year.

“This is a fantastic result for Auckland and New Zealand and is another example of how Auckland is able to compete for events like APAIE at this larger scale with the additional capacity that the NZICC brings,” she says.

“International and domestic business events play an important role in fuelling the value of Auckland, and New Zealand’s visitor economy as well as being valuable contributors to growing the region’s knowledge economy.”

Lisa Gardiner, Manager Business Events and Premium at Tourism New Zealand says: “Conferences such as this one support Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to grow the value of international tourism to New Zealand. The knowledge these delegates will bring to the country has the potential to help grow the country’s international education sector and create more jobs in this area.”

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#BuildAKL attracts 4,500 young Aucklanders into construction and infrastructure sector A novel and ambitious social media campaign has attracted 4,500 young Aucklanders into the thriving construction and infrastructure sector where they have started jobs, education and training. The industry-led #BuildAKL campaign – the first of its kind in New Zealand – aimed to increase the number… Published 28 MAR 2018

Source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED)

Headline: #BuildAKL attracts 4,500 young Aucklanders into construction and infrastructure sector

A novel and ambitious social media campaign has attracted 4,500 young Aucklanders into the thriving construction and infrastructure sector where they have started jobs, education and training.

The industry-led #BuildAKL campaign – the first of its kind in New Zealand – aimed to increase the number…

Published
28 MAR 2018

A novel and ambitious social media campaign has attracted 4,500 young Aucklanders into the thriving construction and infrastructure sector where they have started jobs, education and training.

The industry-led #BuildAKL campaign – the first of its kind in New Zealand – aimed to increase the number of young Aucklanders considering or starting careers in the booming, yet ageing, sector.

#BuildAKL, facilitated by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), finished in September last year and offered 16-24 year olds’ the chance to win four weeks paid work experience through a social media competition.

“#BuildAKL worked to lift the lid on the diverse range of job opportunities, including how technology has transformed the sector, by using social media channels popular with under-25-year-olds,” says Pam Ford, ATEED’s acting General Manager Business, Innovation and Skills.

“There’s no better way to connect with young people than to have them share their real-life experiences with each other, becoming advocates for the sector and dispelling outdated perceptions,” she says.

“Hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to the campaign with Māori and Pacific youth, and girls and women well represented in these new industry recruits and students. This outstanding result wouldn’t have been possible without the industry working together collectively,” Pam Ford says.

The wave of young people attracted to the construction and infrastructure sector include 25 year-old Rawiri Norman-Pakinga, aka Ra, from Mt Wellington.

Ra works full time at Citycare as a Structures Serviceperson fixing outdoor equipment in parks and playgrounds. “I have the best office in the world because I’m always working outside, my job is really hands on, and I get to engage with the public,” he says.

Ra, who has family and friends in the industry, is soon to start a carpentry qualification and says there’s plenty of training opportunities. “Since working for Citycare Property I have secured my EWP licence (to operate on Elevated Work Platforms) and am working towards my WTR (Wheels, Tracks and Roller Licence) driving licence endorsement.

“Longer term, I aim to work my way up to becoming a team supervisor,” he says.

The #BuildAKL campaign has not only brought the industry together around the table,but has also had a positive impact on the way young people are recruited.

#BuildAKL partner, Fletcher Building, used learnings from the campaign to help develop its award-winning online job hunting and application platform, SwitchUp, designed to help young people transition from school or unemployment to the work force.

“One of the main appeals of both SwitchUp and the #BuildAKL campaign is the focus on video content to promote opportunities in the sector as opposed to the traditional wordy job descriptions. This allows young people to visualise themselves in roles and can take the fear out of applying for a job,” says Simon Valentine Fletcher Building Group Talent Acquisition Manager.

ATEED is also supporting employers in the construction and infrastructure industry through its partnership with central government agencies, construction sector stakeholders and industry training organisations in the CBD Jobs and Skills Hub.

The Hub, based in the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct, has placed more than 150 people into employment – largely at city centre construction sites – since it launched a year ago. Almost half of those employed were under 25 years old, and two thirds from Māori and or Pacific Island heritage.

The insights from the #BuildAKL youth recruitment campaign are being shared with construction and infrastructure employers and industry and will guide future industry-led campaign activity. Insights are also being shared with other key industries that need to attract young people – such as tourism and hospitality.

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Governing Body endorses new staff policies

Source: Auckland Council

Headline: Governing Body endorses new staff policies

Auckland Council’s Governing Body today endorsed a new corporate policy framework to guide staff behaviour at work, including a revised approach around sensitive expenditure.

‘Our Charter’ is a single set of six principles and standards to guide council staff when working across key areas, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi, information and security, health and safety, general staff conduct and money and assets.

It includes new expectations around staff travel expenditure based on the principles of delivering value for money, prudence and building trust with Aucklanders around sensitive expenditure.

Mayor Phil Goff says the council has a responsibility to Auckland ratepayers to spend their money wisely.

“The new policies create clear expectations for the council and its CCOs to be restrained on gifts, hospitality and travel,” he says.

“The new principles and standards will address concerns about the level of travel spending with the expectation that there is greater transparency around council travel. 

“In addition the council will be focused on meeting expectations for tighter travel budgets with a commitment to delivering a 30 per cent reduction in the travel budget in this financial year”, says Mayor Goff.

The following is a digest of decisions made. The agenda is available on Auckland Council’s website and minutes will be added once confirmed. This meeting was also webcast on the council’s website and items are available on demand.

Items 1-9 were administrative items

Item 10: Updated Remuneration Policy 2018

The Governing Body approved changes to the council’s Remuneration Policy which must be reviewed by the Council every three years under the Local Government Act 2002.

The policy provides high-level guidance for all remuneration decisions made by the council and is supported by other operational guidelines and policies.

In summary the updates to the policy include:

  • reference to the introduction of a living wage – adopted as part of the council’s Annual Budget 2017/18
  • a new principle of ‘contribution’ that makes clear there is a link between remuneration and an employee’s contribution to the council’s organisational strategy
  • clarification of roles and responsibilities to reflect recent changes within the council’s People and Performance division

Item 11: Initial response of Auckland Transport to recommendations of the Governance Framework Review

The Governing Body endorsed Auckland Transport’s initial responses on recommendations made about engagement with local boards in relation to place-shaping. The recommendations were made by the Governing Body as part of the Governance Framework Review.

Item 12: Auckland Council Staff Policies – Principles and Standards

As noted above, the Governing Body endorsed the council’s new corporate principles and standards called ‘Our Charter’ to guide staff behaviour at work,

This includes a revised approach for travel expenditure that will apply across the Auckland Council Group for the first time. More detailed information is available on OurAuckland

Item 13: 2018 LGNZ Conference and AGM

The Governing Body confirmed its representatives at the Local Government New Zealand Annual General Meeting and attendees at the LGNZ conference.

Representatives include Mayor Phil Goff, Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore, Councillors Penny Hulse, Alf Filipaina, and Richard Hills. Each local board is also invited to approve attendance of one member at the conference.

Item 14: Health, Safety and Wellbeing update

An update was received on the Health, Safety and Wellbeing report for the second quarter of 2017/2018. The report was previously considered at the Audit and Risk Committee on 26 February 2018.

Item 15: Appointing a replacement member to the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority

Councillor Josephine Bartley was appointed as a permanent member to the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority (Tūpuna Maunga Authority).

Item 16: Amendments to the Governing Body Terms of Reference

Amendments to the Governing Body Terms of Reference and committee membership were adopted. These include:

  • renaming the Appointments and Performance Review Committee to Appointments, Performance Review and Value for Money Committee with additional responsibilities for overseeing the Local Government Act section 17A review programme and other efficiency initiatives
  • changing the membership of some committees

Item 17: New appointments to the Youth Advisory Panel

The Governing Body noted the appointment process to fill three vacant positions on the Youth Advisory Panel from the Franklin, Ōrākei and Whau Local Board areas.

Item 18: Summary of Governing Body information memos and briefings

A summary and provide a public record of memos or briefing papers that may have been distributed to Governing Body members.

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Maritime Museum charts new course with RFA

Source: REGIONAL FACILITIES AUCKLAND (RFA)

Headline: Maritime Museum charts new course with RFA

New Zealand Maritime Museum has joined Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), extending RFA’s guardianship of Auckland’s significant heritage institutions.

As RFA’s newest division, the Museum will tap into the benefits of scale and support afforded to the other iconic Auckland brands: Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Conventions Venues & Events, Auckland Live, Auckland Stadiums and Auckland Zoo.

As a heritage institution of national significance, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa is home to New Zealand’s largest maritime collection. On the edge of the Viaduct Harbour, the Museum welcomes around 160,000 visitors a year and offers enriching experiences through exhibitions, events, education and community programmes, and harbour sailings around the Waitematā.

According to Museum Director Vincent Lipanovich, this is a significant milestone for the Museum, and one the respective organisations have been preparing for since early last year.

“An important focus for us has been to ensure we enhance the Maritime Museum’s value and contribution to Auckland, while retaining our unique brand and mission – to explore and unite people with the sea,” he said.

“We see a strong alignment with RFA’s vision of enriching life in Auckland by engaging people in the arts, environment, sport and events. By joining forces, we are ensuring a sustainable and ongoing operational model that delivers long-term value for Auckland.”

RFA CEO Chris Brooks sees the Museum is a valuable asset for Auckland that will benefit from a holistic approach to future development and the opportunity to work directly with the other cultural entities within RFA.

“We are delighted to welcome the Maritime Museum to RFA,” he said. “It is an excellent fit with our RFA ethos and brands, and this integration fulfils the strategic direction as laid out in the Auckland Plan for the city’s arts, culture and heritage sectors.

“It will give us the ability to develop a more holistic approach to managing our waterfront spaces, including public programming, priorities for investment, and developing a cohesive response to waterfront planning.”

Brooks also cited the Museum’s ability to leverage RFA-wide expertise and resources in the areas of IT, HR, marketing, health and safety, procurement, and finance.

“It is a great privilege for us to be working with everyone who looks after this wonderful heritage institution, its fleet and its programmes. RFA looks forward to supporting the Museum in its vital work and to facilitate further growth and development in the future.”

 

Vicki Johnson | Director, Marketing and Communications
vicki.johnson@rfal.co.nz 
021 367 444

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Prepping for Pasifika Festival Tips for having your best Pasifika Festival experience Summary The 26th Pasifika Festival takes place at Western Spring Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March The festival goes ahead rain or shine Western Springs Park is well-served by public transport services, close to the Northwestern Cycl… Published 21 MAR 2018

Source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED)

Headline: Prepping for Pasifika Festival

Tips for having your best Pasifika Festival experience

Summary

The 26th Pasifika Festival takes place at Western Spring Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March
The festival goes ahead rain or shine
Western Springs Park is well-served by public transport services, close to the Northwestern Cycl…

Published
21 MAR 2018

Tips for having your best Pasifika Festival experience

Summary

  • The 26th Pasifika Festival takes place at Western Spring Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March
  • The festival goes ahead rain or shine
  • Western Springs Park is well-served by public transport services, close to the Northwestern Cycleway, and local schools offer paid parking as fundraising activities
  • There is also free parking at Unitec and a free shuttle bus between Carrington Rd and the park.
     

The Pasifika Festival takes over Western Springs Park this weekend, the 26th annual showcase and celebration of Auckland’s Pacific Island cultures and communities (9am – 5pm Saturday, 24 March and 10am – 4pm Sunday, 25 March).

The festival goes ahead rain or shine – this is Auckland and the weather is changeable, so bring sunscreen, a hat and a raincoat.

With tens of thousands of people expected to attend the two-day festival, parking restrictions and road closures in place, the surrounding area will be busy and parking will be in high demand so plan ahead for your travel to and from the event.

Western Springs Park is close to the Northwestern Cycleway and is well-served by public transport services, operating on the regular bus and train weekend timetables. Multiple bus routes stop on Great North Rd, next to Western Springs Park, which is also a 30-minute walk from Morningside or Baldwin Ave Station on the Western Train Line. Plan your journey at https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/events/pasifika-2018/.

Pasadena Intermediate School and Western Springs College have paid parking available on their school fields as fundraising activities. Parking is $10 per car, cash only. Mobility parking and drop off is along Motions Rd.

There is also free parking at Unitec and a free shuttle bus between Carrington Rd and the park, at 30-minute intervals.

For newcomers to the festival, Pasifika has 11 distinctly different villages, each with a performance stage and market stalls selling dishes and crafts unique to the village’s culture. The villages represent the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Tonga and Tokelau.

The festival is free to enter, with lots of free activities and live entertainment. There are food, craft and retail stalls where festival-goers can buy authentic food, clothing, traditional arts and crafts, food stuffs, skin care, novelties and souvenirs. Pasifika Festival sponsors offer a range of activities, competitions and giveaways.

Bring some cash – some food stalls have EFTPOS, but many only take cash. There are three ATMs on-site at the park, marked on the festival map, but be patient – there may be queues as they will be in high demand.

To find your way around the festival, there are wayfinding towers and large-scale fixed maps, maps available from volunteers and at the festival’s three information tents, online at www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika or on the Pasifika mobile site. To access the mobile site, text ‘Pasifika’ to 332 to receive a unique link to the 2018 Pasifika Festival mobile site*, powered by Spark, featuring highlights, tips and an interactive festival map (or visit aucklandnz.com/pasifika). * Standard text rates and terms and conditions apply. See https://www.spark.co.nz/privacypolicy for full Ts&Cs.

#VectorLights is supporting the Pasifika Festival, lighting up the Auckland Harbour Bridge with a regular light show from Thursday 22 March – Tuesday 27 March. The show will run every 30 minutes from 8pm. Vector Lights is part of a smart energy partnership between Vector and Auckland Council in collaboration with the NZ Transport Agency, the guiding light toward a smart energy future.

The Pasifika Festival is organised by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) on behalf of Auckland Council, in partnership with the Pasifika Village Coordinators, who represent the different communities and guide the cultural integrity of the festival.

Pasifika is sponsored and supported by AMI, Vector Lights, Western Union, Mai FM, Spark, New Zealand Post, Air New Zealand, Edgewater Resort, Resene, Pacific Media Network, University of Otago, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Health, Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Department of Internal Affairs, Te Wananga o Aoteoroa, BCITO.

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26th Pasifika Festival coming soon Summary The 26th Pasifika Festival takes place at Western Spring Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March Hundreds of local and international performers, artists and artisans take part Artists travelling from the Pacific Islands include hula groups from Hawaii, the Suluape tattooists from Samoa,… Published 14 MAR 2018

Source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED)

Headline: 26th Pasifika Festival coming soon

Summary

The 26th Pasifika Festival takes place at Western Spring Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March
Hundreds of local and international performers, artists and artisans take part
Artists travelling from the Pacific Islands include hula groups from Hawaii, the Suluape tattooists from Samoa,…

Published
14 MAR 2018

Summary

  • The 26th Pasifika Festival takes place at Western Spring Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March
  • Hundreds of local and international performers, artists and artisans take part
  • Artists travelling from the Pacific Islands include hula groups from Hawaii, the Suluape tattooists from Samoa, the 32-member La Orana Troupe Tahiti from Papara, and the Heimana Hula Band from Rarotonga 
  • Get an insight into the practices of traditional pit oven cooking (hangi, umu or lovo), tattooing, weaving, carving and more. 

Auckland’s world-renowned celebration and showcase of its Pacific Island communities and whanau will rock Western Springs Park on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 March with the 26th Pasifika Festival

Tens of thousands of Aucklanders and visitors are expected to attend the two-day festival, which features hundreds of local and international performers, artists and artisans. 

For newcomers to the festival, Pasifika has 11 distinctly different villages, each with a performance stage and market stalls selling signature dishes and crafts unique to the village’s culture. The villages represent the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Tahiti, Tuvalu, Tonga and Tokelau. 

The festival is free to enter, with lots of free activities and live entertainment. There are food, craft and retail stalls where festival-goers can buy authentic food, clothing, traditional arts and crafts, food stuffs, skin care, novelties and souvenirs from the festival.

Pasifika offers the chance to revel in the sights, sounds and flavours of the South Pacific, and to get an insight into traditional practices across various cultures.

Earth oven cooking is widespread around the Pacific, and this year people can learn more about the techniques and their variations in different cultures. Many of the Pasifika villages are offering hosted earth ovens – hosts will explain to visitors the traditions and techniques behind hāngi, umu or lovo (depending on the culture) when the food is unearthed and made available for sale. 

In the Samoan village, the internationally renowned Suluape tattooists will be using traditional techniques to mark pre-selected people with pe’a or malu (male or female tattoos), culminating in the sacred samaga pe’a ceremony, which marks the completion of a tattoo, lifting taboos, blessing the recipients and acknowledging the tattooist, in a rare opportunity for non-Samoans to see. 

Festival goers can also see tattooists at work in the Aotearoa and Fiji villages. 

Other glimpses into traditional practices include a narrated re-enactment a traditional Tuvaluan marriage, from the potu lama community proposal through to the wedding ceremony; ages-old Māori and Hawaiian healing practices; mini workshops about Cook Island textile art and weaving techniques; traditional kava or ‘ava ceremonies; and Tokelauan carvers creating fishing lures from shells, still in common use today and highly sought after by keen fishers. 

A snapshot of the Pacific’s contemporary marketplace is in the spotlight at Pasifika this year, with the Pasifika Business Market. The market features more than 40 island-based companies that are part of Pacific Trade & Invest’s Path To Market programme, developing and testing their products for the New Zealand market. 

The companies will showcase their wares, including food (and coffee), clothing and accessories, handicrafts and skincare. Sample Tongan frozen seaweed, coffee from Vanuatu, organic skincare from Samoa and the Cook Islands and lots more.

The Pasifika Festival is organised by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) on behalf of Auckland Council, in partnership with the Pasifika Festival Village Coordinators, who represent the different communities and guide the cultural integrity of the festival.

Next door to Pasifika, the Museums of Auckland, including the Auckland Museum, Auckland Art Gallery, MOTAT and Maritime Museum, are celebrating Pacific culture, rhythms and flavours with Pasifika Vibes @ MOTAT, a free event running alongside the festival. People can chill out with great music, live entertainment, and food including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Like Pasifika Festival, this is a smoke and alcohol-free event. Please note: Only the event village will be open to the public. The MOTAT exhibition halls and rest of the Museum will not be open over these days. For more information visit www.motat.org.nz

For more information, see www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika. Closer to the date, festival goers can text ‘Pasifika’ to 332 to receive a unique link to the 2018 Pasifika Festival mobile site*, powered by Spark, featuring highlights, tips and an interactive festival map (or visit aucklandnz.com/pasifika). 
* Standard text rates and terms and conditions apply. See https://www.spark.co.nz/privacypolicy for full Ts&Cs.

Pasifika is sponsored and supported by AMI, Vector Lights, Western Union, Mai FM, Spark, New Zealand Post, Air New Zealand, Edgewater Resort, Resene, Pacific Media Network, University of Otago, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Pacific Peoples, Department of Internal Affairs, Te Wananga o Aoteoroa, BCITO.

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Auckland Council gives green light for Green Bonds

Source: Auckland Council

Headline: Auckland Council gives green light for Green Bonds

Auckland Council today gave the go-ahead for staff to establish a Green Bond framework and to consider the issue of NZD green bonds later in 2018 as part of its ongoing borrowing programme, probably around the mid-year.

Green bonds are vehicles for raising funds which are invested in projects with positive environmental and sustainability impacts. These bonds allow Auckland Council to diversify the pool of funds available by tapping into investors who wish to fund ‘green’ infrastructure assets and projects.

Green bonds are becoming an increasingly popular funding method of both local authorities and sovereign governments internationally. In establishing a green bond framework, Auckland is likely to be the first council in New Zealand and will join other C40 Cities Toronto, Johannesburg and Mexico City that are leading the way in green financing.

Finance and Performance Committee Chair, Councillor Ross Clow, says, “We know that there is increasing investor demand for green bonds with their global issuance projected to reach over $250 billion in 2018.

“Auckland is investing significantly in public transport infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion and emissions, as well as in water infrastructure for healthier waterways. These are exactly the sorts of projects that green investors are looking for,” says Councillor Clow.

No money is currently being sought and Green Bonds cannot currently be applied for under any potential offer.  If an offer is made, it will be made in accordance with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. 

Items 1-8 were administrative and input items. There was no public or local board input.  

Item 9: Green Bond framework establishment and potential Green Bond issuance

The Finance and Performance Committee noted the contents of this report.

Item 10: Auckland Council Group – six monthly financial results to 31

December 2017

Councillors were provided with a report that informed the financial performance of the Auckland Council Group for the six months to 31 December 2017.

The committee:

  • noted the Auckland Council, for the six months to 31 December 2017, generated operating surplus before gains and losses of $1,053 million, and an increase in net assets of $989 million to $36,765 million;
  • noted that overall the financial performance, net of the City Rail Link budget accounting treatment difference, is in line with the phased annual plan.

In order to maintain current credit ratings, staff advised that spending should continue to be tightly controlled. This should be borne in mind as the 10-year Budget goes through its current consultation phase.

Item 11: Council-controlled organisation second quarter report ending 31 December 2017

CCOs presented their quarterly reports to Council, as the shareholder, to keep it informed of key risks and issues, and the status of their operating and financial performance. These reports support the consolidated group financial statements for the quarter ending 31 December 2017.

Councillors received second quarter reports from six Council Controlled Organisations:

  • Auckland Transport (AT)
  • Watercare Services Limited (Watercare)
  • Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA)
  • Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Limited (ATEED)
  • Panuku Development Auckland (Panuku)
  • Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL).

Item 12: Auckland Council parent performance report for the period 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2017

The half-yearly report was presented, laying out how the Auckland Council Group is performing against the revised budget and outlining associated financial risks.

  • The December 2017 quarter’s net operating result was $12 million better than budget, mainly due to lower than budgeted interest rates being applied across a lower than planned level of borrowing. Staff costs are forecast to be aligned to budget at year end.
  • At the end of December, $220 million, (or 36 per cent), of the full-year $605 million capital expenditure budget had been spent. The current forecast is that year end capital
  • expenditure will be $511 million.
  • For Treasury management, the forecast year end closing debt of $8 billion is $165 million above budget.

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Auckland employment hubs benefit over 500 young job seekers Minister of Employment Willie Jackson today visited the Auckland CBD Jobs and Skills Hub and the Southern Initiative in Auckland that have benefitted over 500 young workers and rangatahi in the city.    “There is outstanding work going on in the Hub in response to employment demands in the construct… Published 09 MAR 2018

Source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED)

Headline: Auckland employment hubs benefit over 500 young job seekers

Minister of Employment Willie Jackson today visited the Auckland CBD Jobs and Skills Hub and the Southern Initiative in Auckland that have benefitted over 500 young workers and rangatahi in the city. 
 
“There is outstanding work going on in the Hub in response to employment demands in the construct…

Published
09 MAR 2018

Minister of Employment Willie Jackson today visited the Auckland CBD Jobs and Skills Hub and the Southern Initiative in Auckland that have benefitted over 500 young workers and rangatahi in the city. 
 
“There is outstanding work going on in the Hub in response to employment demands in the construction industry,” says Mr Jackson.
 
“Auckland’s inner city skyline is testimony to the intense infrastructure development that is taking place in the largest commercial centre in New Zealand,” says Mr Jackson. 
 
“Since the Hub’s establishment nearly a year ago it facilitated training for 500 job seekers and over 150 people have been placed into employment with early indicators of success, with 47 percent under the age of 25; 37 percent of Māori descent; and 32 percent of Pacific Island descent.
 
“The Auckland city centre, including Wynyard Quarter and the downtown waterfront, is the commercial, cultural and educational heart of the city as New Zealand’s ‘shop front’ for international tourists, migrants and investors.
 
“The Jobs and Skills Hub’s purpose is to support commercial activity in the city by connecting employers and local job seekers, facilitating workforce skills development opportunities and supporting sustainable employment.
 
“The Jobs and Skills Hub is a testament to how good collaboration is vital to improving outcomes for young people. These two initiatives are a partnership between a number of central and local government agencies, construction sector stakeholders, the Auckland Tourism, Employment and Economic Development (ATEED), and community groups. 
  
“In the Wynyard Quarter alone, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in New Zealand, around 2,500 construction workers are needed within the next two years,” says Mr Jackson.
 
“It’s been pleasing to hear that the Hub is focused on ensuring that we have those workers in place to support the city’s growth and development projects.
 
“It’s also encouraging to see a programme like The Southern Initiative making significant contributions to the community of South Auckland.
 
“The place-based initiative included in the Auckland Plan works with a range of groups including whānau, local social change agents, grassroots entrepreneurs, local businesses and government agencies to create a prosperous and resilient South Auckland where children and whānau thrive.
 
“It’s important that we do more to reduce a lot of the disparities we have in places like South Auckland, and I like the way The Southern Initiative is doing that through various partnerships and a diverse range of programmes.
 
“The Southern Initiative places a major focus on shared prosperity which can be created by lifting the incomes of South Auckland households through quality and sustainable employment and enterprise opportunities.
 
“I’m particularly interested by the whānau-centric approach that they’ve adopted to build whānau capability, leadership and knowledge. We all know that strong whānau are essential to creating strong communities, and with that, a strong workforce.
 
“South Auckland is rich in job and investment opportunities, but our people here still experience high levels of unemployment, underemployment and low wages. This is something that I’d like to see addressed as the Minister of Employment,” Mr Jackson says.
 

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Island getaway for a couple of kiwi chicks Island getaway for a couple of kiwi chicks, some eco warrior sailors and a passionate group of Aucklanders Release summary Volvo Ocean Race team ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ gets up close and personal with kiwi chicks.  Some of the team visited the picturesque Motuora Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki… Published 09 MAR 2018

Source: Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED)

Headline: Island getaway for a couple of kiwi chicks

Island getaway for a couple of kiwi chicks, some eco warrior sailors and a passionate group of Aucklanders

Release summary

Volvo Ocean Race team ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ gets up close and personal with kiwi chicks. 
Some of the team visited the picturesque Motuora Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki…

Published
09 MAR 2018

Some eco warrior sailors and a passionate group of Aucklanders

Release summary

  • Volvo Ocean Race team ‘Turn the Tide on Plastic’ gets up close and personal with kiwi chicks. 
  • Some of the team visited the picturesque Motuora Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. 
  • Motuora Island which when translated means the island of life is one of two kiwi crèches in the Hauraki Gulf
  • Motuora Island public conservation land is managed in partnership with iwi 
     

A couple of kiwi chicks have left a lasting impression on a group of sailors on a mission to Turn the Tide on Plastics, as they sail around the world competing in the Volvo Ocean Race.

Turn the Tide on Plastics crew members Bianca Cook (a New Zealander), and her crew mates Bernardo Freitas and Lucas Chapman, spent a day on Motuora Island, a kiwi sanctuary crèche in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, assisting with the release of two, three-week old kiwis.

The team were also given the chance to name one of the kiwi chicks, which weighed in at 447 grams on its release day.

“It was an amazing experence, something that was very special to me and my team,” says Cook. 

“As most New Zealanders know we don’t often get the chance to even see a kiwi in the wild so having the opportunity to actually release one was incredible and very humbling.” 

“We called the kiwi mōhio, the Maori word for wisdom, which is very close to us because the mascot for the Volvo Ocean Race is an albatros called wisdom.” 
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) General Manager Destination, Steve Armitage, says as New Zealand’s largest marine park, Hauraki Gulf is an important part of Auckland’s appeal as a place to visit.

We know we have a shared responsibility to protect and preserve Auckland as a destination, as a community, and as an economy for future generations. 

“ATEED puts kaitiakitanga or guardianship, at the core of what we do. That’s why working in partnerships with DOC, Kiwis for Kiwi, mana whenua, and organisations like Seacleaners and Sustainable Coastlines is so important for us. It helps to spread the word to our visitors and locals about how important preserving our natural environment is,” he says.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to give a team like Turn the Tide on Plastics, which is focused on the environment, an update on some of the great work on sustainability that’s going on in Auckland, as well as showing them the natural wonders that our region offers to visitors.”

The kiwis were released as part of Operation Nest Egg, a progamme managed by charity organisation Kiwis for kiwi, in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC). 

The programme involves collecting eggs from the wild, incubating and hatching them at facilities like Auckland Zoo, then transferring them to crèches like at Motuora Island, where they stay for a year or so until they are around 1 kg in weight and able to fend off most predators. 

They are then transferred back to where they were found as eggs, or are used to start new kiwi populations on pest free islands in the Gulf.

Motuora Island is managed by the Department of Conservation(DOC) in partnership with Motuora Restoration Society. There are no rats, stoats, possums or other introduced predators on the island, making it safe for kiwi and other threatened native birds. 

It is one of 44 pest-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. DOC and Auckland Council are working to keep these native wildlife sanctuaries free of introduced predators and weeds.    

“Everyone travelling to these island sanctuaries needs to make sure they’re not transporting any predators, pests or weed seeds on their boat, kayak, yacht or any other vessel. And we remind them that cats and dogs are not allowed on pest-free islands,” says DOC Auckland Inner Islands Operations Manager Keith Gell.