Category: Local Government

Source: Auckland Council

You are probably familiar with the concept of composting, but have you ever heard of Bokashi composting?

Earlier this month, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School (SEHC) in Ōtara hosted 54 teachers from 13 local schools, all keen to dive into the world of Bokashi composting.

Bokashi is a type of composting that uses fermentation in a sealed container. It’s ideal for those with limited space, small gardens, or who need compost quickly. It handles a wide range of kitchen scraps, without the need for stirring or air flow.

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, is thrilled to see several of the area’s 24 enviro-schools contribution to local climate actions and is delighted with the success of the recent cluster event.

“I truly believe the most impactful climate action happens at our schools! The board is thrilled to see our rangatahi leading the charge with such creative, meaningful, and enjoyable approaches to being climate heroes. They’re hosting events where they present, build confidence, show leadership, and network.

“A heartfelt thank you to the middle school rangatahi and Council’s Sustainable Schools team, for bringing together so many like-minded individuals and becoming accessible climate information hubs for our community. While climate change remains a serious threat, knowing our rangatahi are at the forefront of this movement gives us great hope for the future.”

Eight middle school sustainability students from SEHC, who are responsible for their Bokashi system, shared their process and inspired the cluster with their commitment to waste minimisation.

Audience at cluster night.

Their first waste audit showed 81.16 kg of waste daily, with 26.24 kg being organic fruit waste. They tackled this by bokashi composting, as their citrus fruit wasn’t worm friendly. By 2023, their organic waste dropped to 7.54 kg thanks to these efforts.

This year, under the guidance of teacher Marleen George, these climate heroes are on a mission to cut fruit waste to zero.

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School’s Bokashi presentation.

Sustainable Schools Advisor Cate Jessep says, “We honour teachers, for being daily climate role models and for their pivotal role in nurturing future Climate Heroes.

“Special thanks to Marleen for showing how empowering your Sustainability Group with the Bokashi System at SEHC creates real, impactful learning opportunities. It was inspiring to see their dedication to reducing waste and leading by example, and we hope their efforts encourage more schools to start their own Bokashi systems.”

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School’s Bokashi presentation.

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Source: Auckland Council

In Auckland, influential wāhine (women) such as Kate Sheppard, Mary Ann Müller and Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, among others, led the charge for women’s right to vote in elections 

On Suffrage Day immerse yourself in the rich history of women’s empowerment and explore these artworks around Tāmaki Makaurau that recognise women’s efforts for equality.

1. Corban Heritage Wall

The latest chapter in the Corban Heritage Wall will be unveiled at Corban Estate Arts Centre on Women’s Suffrage Day, Thursday 19 Sep 2024, 4:00PM – 6:00PM.

Join this celebratory event, honouring the spirit and strength of the incredible women behind the Corban Estate Winery. Sharon Alexander, great-granddaughter of matriarch Najibie Corban, will share timeless family anecdotes passed down through generations.

She will also highlight the inspirational story of her mother, Miriam Corban, a recipient of the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993.

Sharon recalls her mother’s unique blend of strength and humility:

“Mum always believed in equality — she was raised with three older brothers who treated her like one of the boys. She thought women could do anything, which was quite a departure from the typical patriarchal customs of our heritage,” Sharon says.  

Miriam’s dedication to community and family was unwavering, from advocating for natural childbirth in the 1950s, to leading the charge for improved obstetric services at Waitakere Hospital in the 1990s.

If you can’t make the event on Suffrage Day, you can still learn about the legacy of the Corban women, and the fearless suffragettes who paved the way for future generations, by visiting the Corban Heritage Wall, supported with funding from Auckland Council, Monday to Saturday during opening hours.

2. 1001 Spheres

Head to Monte Cecelia Park in Hillsborough to marvel at 1001 Spheres, a piece of public art dedicated to gender equality in New Zealand.

This interactive stainless-steel sculpture references a quote from Kate Sheppard: “We are tired of having a ‘sphere’ doled out to us and of being told that anything outside that sphere is ‘unwomanly’.

Created by artist Chiara Corbelletto, the sculpture celebrates the contribution of women in all spheres of life and is an expression of infinite possibilities.

1001 Spheres.

3. Beacon

Created by Lang Ea, Beacon is an award-winning, circular sculpture in polished stainless steel that reflects the historical achievements of the suffrage movement while lighting the way for the women of today.

Located at Milford Reserve, Beacon honours the chosen violet colour adopted by the suffrage movement to represent dignity and self-respect, with a violet-hued reflection at its camellia-shaped centre capturing light during the day. A gentle violet light also illuminates the sculpture from dusk until 10pm each night.

Beacon artwork.

4. Women’s Suffrage Mural

Heading into the city centre on Women’s Suffrage day?

Be sure to check out the iconic Women’s Suffrage Mural by Jan Morrison and Claudia Pond Eyley; created in 1993 to mark the centenary of women voting, the mural is made up of 2,000 coloured tiles mounted onto the sides of the Te Hā O Hine Place stairs as 12 separate mosaic panels.

5. The Suffrage Memorial Mural of New Lynn

Or if you’re going west be sure to stop by Sally Griffin’s The Suffrage Memorial Mural of New Lynn – a modernist mural featuring some of the heroes of the suffrage movement – Amey Daldy, Harriet Morrison, Kate Shepperd, Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, and more.

6. Mahi Tahi

For another incredible artistic rendering of the suffrage movement, check out Jae Kang’s Mahi Tahi, a kinetic sculpture at Pukekohe’s Town Square that represents the journey towards women’s suffrage through the rhythmic, flowing movement of ribbons – a symbol commonly used by suffragettes in the 1800s.

7. Soapbox

Or pop over to Takapuna’s Killarney Park for a modern take on the functional soapboxes used by suffragettes to spread messages about the vote for women with Soapbox, by Jasmax, Olivia Collinson, Vanessa Coxhead, Stephanie Darlington, Prue Fea, Jayne Kersten and Madeleine Racz.

Soapbox artwork.

8. Women’s Suffrage Memorial

Located in the adorable gem Wahine Toa Park, in the suburb of Three Kings, this memorial commemorates the local women who campaigned for women’s suffrage. Designed by artists Matthew van Sturmer and Carmen Sosich, the sculpture was commissioned by the Puketāpapa Local Board and Auckland Council.

The design is an abstract depiction of the camellia, the symbol of the suffrage movement in New Zealand in the nineteenth century. The base of the flower is inscribed with the names of the local women who signed the 1893 petition to parliament requesting the vote for women. A nearby plaque records the names of Mt Roskill women who have been elected to local and central government, including former prime minister Helen Clark.

The Women’s Suffrage Memorial was unveiled on 19 September 2013, the 120th anniversary of women gaining the vote in New Zealand.

Source: Auckland Council

Watercare has started works to bring the Pukekohe Water Treatment Plant back into service, after it suffered significant damage during last year’s Auckland Anniversary floods. 

The flood destroyed most of the plant’s critical infrastructure, from the chemical dosing systems and drives for the pumps, to the electrical equipment in the control room.

Since then, most of Pukekohe’s water supply has come from the Waikato River, having been treated at the Waikato Water Treatment Plant, and then distributed to the Pukekohe community.

Watercare head of water Sharon Danks says Watercare is working at pace with construction partner Cassidy Construction to have the plant operational by the end of February. 

“Having the plant operational by early next year is a priority as it will enable us to increase water production by six million litres a day at a time when water demand is at its peak.   

“Pukekohe is part of our interconnected metropolitan water network, so an extra six million litres here is a boost for the whole of Auckland.”

Watercare capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas says instead of rebuilding the treatment plant as a mirror image of its former self, Watercare is spending about $4 million to reconfigure and upgrade the plant to reduce flood risk.

“One way we’re doing this is by relocating the critical components from the control room – which was severely flooded – to higher locations within the treatment plant site to make it more resilient to another flood.   

“The original control room will be rehabilitated and retained for non-operational purposes.”

Lucas says to further increase the resilience of the plant new ducts will be installed underground using a thrusting technique to better protect major electricity cables from flooding. 

“Using this technique, we’ll be able to feed and install the cabling into the ground without causing too much soil disturbance and enable us to get the work done faster.”

Lucas says the rehabilitation is an opportunity to upgrade a chemical dosing system to use self-generated chemicals rather than chemicals delivered in liquid form. 

“Using the generation system, we can produce fresher chemicals as required, ensuring the water produced has minimal residual chlorates.

“It also allows for precise control of the concentration and dosage of hypochlorite, resulting in more efficient and effective treatment.”

Lucas says no traffic disruptions are expected to be caused by the rehabilitation works as they will take place inside the water treatment plant and within the reserve.

“There will be no disruption to traffic, but there will be some small exclusion zones established within the reserve. 

“The work may generate some noise and vibration; however, we aim to keep this to a minimum and within Auckland Council consent conditions.”

Source: Auckland Council

Unique formations of megapillow lava flows at Muriwai, that are millions of years old, are now listed among the world’s most significant geological sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences. 

Only 200 features around the world are recognised as Geological Heritage Sites by this scientific group, for their value and significance to early geological history – including the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, United States. 

West Auckland’s megapillows, located in Muriwai Regional Park were added to the prestigious list in August 2024 and fall under the care of Auckland Council. 

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee, says having an Auckland attraction recognised as one of the best in the world and by one of the largest scientific organisations is huge validation for the work that the council is doing.  

“This special site at Muriwai is one of many taonga natural features that we care for in the regional parks network, to ensure that visitors can enjoy them for generations to come.”  

“It’s also one of around 250 important geological sites in the region that are recognised and scheduled for protection in the Auckland Unitary Plan,” Cr Hills adds.

Auckland Council’s Geologist and Natural Features Specialist, Kate Lewis, says Muriwai is considered by far one of best locations to see lava pillows, with three connected sites showing spectacular examples of this rare volcanic pattern at Maukatia Bay. 

From the beach, visitors can see giant fans of lava pillows stretching 20 metres high and 30 metres wide, across the main cliff face. Each fan provides a cross-sectional view of the pillows themselves and also the vent or feeder tube that once supplied fresh lava to the pillows that surround it, says Kate. 

“These shapes emerged after a massive underwater volcano erupted close to Waitākere 17 million years ago. When flowing lava is cooled quickly by the ocean, it forms a surface crust over bulbous folds that look like pillows. The liquid inside the lava flow pushes forward, and pressure from behind the crust cracks it, so more lava pushes out to form adjacent folds,” she explains.

“Muriwai’s examples have earned the title of megapillows, due to their impressive size – up to 3 metres in diameter. They are extremely rare,” Kate adds.

Megapillow lava flows can also be found in Iceland, Sardinia, Spain, and Tasmania, but none match the size and complexity of the Muriwai megapillow flow – nor are they as accessible. 

Auckland Council Parks Manager Scott De Silva says that while Muriwai Regional Park is often admired for its natural beauty, not all visitors are aware of the geological significance of this remarkable landscape. 

“We are thrilled to see these features receive such widespread recognition. It will enable more people to learn about the history of this area and continue to help us protect it.” 

Four other New Zealand attractions have been selected by world renowned geologists to join the IUGS celebrated list of 200 Geological Heritage Sites. Those sites are the fjords and towering seacliffs of Fjordland, Ruapehu volcano, Rotorua’s geothermal fields (Ahi-Tupua), and the impressive Maruia Falls.  

Source: Auckland Council

The Stand Up Stand Out finals on Saturday 14 September at Town Hall in Auckland, celebrated yet another year of epic young talent, with emerging artist(s) from all across Tāmaki Makaurau announced as this year’s winners.

Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) is an Auckland Council initiative, in partnership with Auckland Live, Rockshop and Auckland UNESCO City of Music with support from the Pacific Music Awards, Serato and The Music Producers Guild. The programme provides an important pathway in development for rangatahi, which promotes song writing, dance performance excellence and a culture of music in schools throughout the Tāmaki Makaurau region.

Chair of the Community Committee, Councillor Angela Dalton says she was blown away by the talent at SUSO.

“Yet another year of incomparable young talent on the stage that left everyone speechless,” says Cr Dalton.

“Congratulations to the winners, who were very deserving of their award! To the talented runners-up for their efforts, dedication and passion. And to the SUSO team, for backing our tamariki, and allowing them a supportive and safe space to create and shine brighter year on year, enriching our region through arts and culture,” she says.

This year’s SUSO judges were Cherie Mathieson, Sam V, Mal Lakatani, Swap Gomez, Rina Chae, Indigo Sagala and Frank Booker. In their feedback, there was a common thread around the calibre of young talent coming through SUSO and how important it is to champion and open pathways for our rangatahi – the future leaders of the music and dance industries in Aotearoa.

Auckland Council Arts and Culture Programmer Gene Rivers says SUSO’s success is driven by the “heart” in the initiative, thanks to all those involved who so passionately embody the culture and the values entrenched in the programme.

“Our culture and values inform everything, from the way the programme operates, to the type of talent it attracts, to the way the competition is run. Over 1600 Tāmaki students participated this year, with a rise in participant numbers to complement the annual rise in talent levels,” says Gene.

“What sets SUSO apart from other youth competitions is its intentional efforts to integrate Māori and Pacific values into its core function. We are now starting to see the fruits, with an increasing impact in the Aotearoa Music scene. The significant presence of SUSO at the recent Pacific music awards demonstrates SUSO’s contribution to the future of our industry”.

Stand Up Stand Out is Auckland’s premiere music and dance competition and has been running for over 35 years. It features secondary school talent from across Tāmaki Makaurau. Representing over 46 secondary schools, 15 outstanding acts, many that have gone on to claim top industry honours in their genre, include group vocal, solo instrumental, solo vocal, dance, bands and a new category this year, SUSO electronic.

The prize pool this year, includes gear and vouchers from Rockshop, mentoring from industry professionals, studio sessions, and time with music producers to record a track.

The total pool of prizes is split between acts placing first and second in each of the five categories and the ‘Best Artist’ and ‘Best Original Composition’, as decided by the panel of judges.

The full list of winners and runners-up for Stand Up Stand Out 2024 are as follows:

SUSO Electronic Winners

Best Collaboration Ready Production: “Manipulation” by Serafim Nikolaev (Pavnik x Shtern) from Birkenhead College

Best Melodic Production: “Gamma” by Cy Jones from Western Springs

Best Vocal Production: “It’s Over” by Charlie Mupopo Miller (twothastars) from Manurewa High School

Best Overall Composition: “Irritation” by Noah Birchall from Pukekohe High School

Best Overall Production: “Feel Me” by Tyler Devcich-Aicken (Underground Child) from Pukekohe High School

Best Original Composition: Isle of Hope (Southern Cross Campus Years 1-5)

Best Artist: Rumpus Machine (Long Bay College)

 

Group Vocal Category

Name	School
Toka Tu Moana Choir (Winner)	Tangaroa College
Rewaken (Runner Up)	Manurewa High School

Solo Instrumental Category

Name	School
Crispin Manikkam (Winner)	Birkenhead College
Ioane Pasikala (Runner Up)	Aorere College

Solo Vocal Category

Name	School
Temaleti Tupou (Winner)	Marcellin College
Cyrus Holloway (Runner Up)	De La Salle College

Dance Category

Name	School
AO Elite (Winner)	Aorere College
Pasifika Mai (Runner Up)	Avondale College

Band Category

Name	School
Rumpus Machine (Winner)	Long Bay College
Chop Stix (Runner Up)	Sancta Maria College

Source: Auckland Council

From today (Monday 16 September) 24 areas, including Auckland’s city centre, will be subject to a freeze on the opening of new off-licences as Auckland’s local alcohol policy starts coming into effect. Pubs, bars and clubs will also need to carry out new practices designed to help keep customers safer. 

The policy was voted for unanimously by councillors at a Governing Body meeting on 29 August this year. Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee, says limiting the number of liquor stores in our neighbourhoods is something communities have asked for and is a step forward in creating a thriving, healthy and safe Tāmaki Makaurau.

“When I grew up, my cousins and I could walk up to our neighbourhood shops and at the time, they consisted of a bakery, lawnmower shop, dairy, and a fish and chip shop. Today the same neighbourhood shops consist of a takeaway, dairy and a heavily branded liquor store. Children today are faced with liquor stores in their neighbourhoods and town centres like it’s a normal thing.

“These communities have been crying out for change – wanting to see better for their neighbourhoods by objecting to new liquor stores opening up. They have said enough is enough!

“The freeze aims to put a stop to new liquor stores opening in areas where alcohol is having a negative impact on peoples’ health, or there is already a high number of liquor stores in the area.”

What changes today?

From Monday 16 September, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) must consider the local alcohol policy when it’s assessing applications to open new off-licence premises, such as liquor stores, bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol. The policy recommends that applications to open off-licences in the city centre, as well as 23 other suburbs across Auckland, should be refused. These areas already have a high number of liquor stores and experience higher levels of alcohol-related harm.

Rob Abbott, Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council says that new stores in the 24 areas subject to the freeze would need to meet a very high threshold for the DLC to consider granting a licence.

“The local alcohol policy says that applications to open new off-licence premises, like bottle shops, in one of the 24 ‘freeze’ areas should be refused due to the high number of existing bottle shops in the area, and as these areas see higher instances of alcohol impacting on peoples’ health and safety. The DLC has to take this into consideration when it’s assessing applications. There would have to be a very, very good reason for a new licence to be granted.”

‘New’ off-licences are shops that have not been licensed to sell alcohol within the past six months. Existing stores in the areas can keep trading. This includes when ownership of a store is being transferred to another person, or when the licence comes up for renewal – as long as it continues to meet the required conditions.

Outside of the 24 areas, applications for new off-licences in neighbourhood centres face a ‘rebuttable presumption’. Rob explains that this means it will also be tougher to open a new off-licence in other areas of Auckland.

“There are over 400 neighbourhood centres across Auckland – they’re usually areas with rows of shops. The local alcohol policy will also make it more difficult to open a new off-licence in these areas,” he says.

From today, the DLC will also assess applications for new alcohol licences and renewal of existing licences, to decide if they should have special conditions put on them. This will apply to off-licence premises, as well as pubs, bars and clubs, and includes requirements for them to do things like keep an incident register; display information on transport, such as taxis, to help customers get home safely; have CCTV; and train staff to a certain standard. 

For more information on the local alcohol policy, visit OurAuckland or read the policy on the Auckland Council website.

Source: Auckland Council

Older people make a huge contribution to our communities, and ageing is something that should be celebrated. But getting older can be challenging for people physically, mentally and socially. The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) on 1 October and New Zealand Grandparents Day on 6 October are chances to recognise our senior citizens’ value in society and highlight their unique needs.

In 2022, Auckland joined the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, a network of communities worldwide united by the common goal of making their regions great places to grow old.

Auckland Council is committed to improving the wellbeing of older New Zealanders through the Tāmaki Makaurau Tauawhi Kaumātua / Age-friendly Auckland Framework. This framework recognises that Auckland’s ageing population is diverse and that the needs of senior citizens across the region are varied. The Seniors Advisory Panel was created to identify the issues facing the region’s older citizens and provide advice on improving wellbeing.

Auckland Council supports many programmes and activities in Tāmaki Makaurau that are designed with seniors’ needs in mind, including exercise classes and initiatives to help older people navigate technology.

Research conducted by the University of Otago showed that approximately 10 per cent of people over 65 are lonely all or most of the time. The rates of loneliness rise to 50 per cent amongst those over 80, and it’s estimated that a quarter of people who experience loneliness also died prematurely. To combat issues of social isolation, Auckland Libraries offer a range of services to help older people stay connected and included in the community.

“Auckland Libraries offer lots of programmes for seniors because we recognise libraries are often the backbone of our communities,” says Chloe Pope, Programme & Events Manager at Mt Albert Library. “A lot of the patrons of our libraries have been coming here for decades, and that means a lot to staff like me, who enjoy seeing people using our facilities.”

Seniors who want assistance researching a particular subject such as family history can use the Book a Librarian service.

One way in which older people can feel disconnected and isolated is through technology, whether it’s a phone, tablet or computer. The Auckland Libraries team can help seniors struggling with technology to connect to the digital world through various services.

“Libraries have always been places to share knowledge. We have programmes designed to help older people, such as the Digital Drop-in Sessions held at Mt Albert Library and many other libraries,” says Chloe. “Digital literacy is a form of literacy, and we are here to help in the same way we help with reading and writing.”

In the sessions, seniors can pull up a chair to get assistance with their device or software. Librarians can help with a range of activities, including paying bills online, sharing photos with family, using the Auckland Transport app, or using messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Those who want one-on-one assistance with technology or software can reserve help with a librarian using the Book a Librarian service.

The Book a Librarian service also allows seniors and other members of the community to book one-on-one time with a librarian to help with basic computer skills, such as writing in a document using Microsoft Word, doing family history research, and accessing council records.

“Anyone can use the Book a Librarian service, and it’s often good for people who need a little extra time with technology or who are a bit shy about participating in the group for the Digital Drop-in Session,” adds Chloe.

Auckland Council also supports many services to help seniors stay active. To keep mobile and help with heart and lung health, it’s recommended that seniors are active for at least 150 minutes a week spread over five sessions. Several times a week, Mt Albert Library becomes an exercise hub for seniors, and the popular Steady As You Go class run by Age Concern New Zealand is often booked out. The programme, designed by physiotherapists using exercises from the Otago Exercise Programme, offers gentle fitness activities to help keep seniors agile and prevent falls.

“I like the class as the exercises are not too strenuous for us oldies,” says Steady As You Go attendee Caroline. “The improvement in my balance has been very good, and the library is convenient.”

Another class participant, Jee, has a more personal reason for attending the class. “I come because I think of my mum who passed away following multiple falls… She inspired me to go for the class. It’s important for the elderly to motivate them to exercise. It’s good for their wellbeing, especially those who are lonely. The library setting is fun, and I have made friends.”

There are many other exercise classes across Auckland that are especially tailored for older people, such as Seniors Yoga, aqua fitness and Pickleball.

The tai chi class takes place amongst the bookshelves in the children’s area of Mt Albert Library on Mondays.

Social isolation is a particular challenge in Auckland for seniors for whom English is their second language. Epsom Chinese Association was launched in 2007 by a group of older Chinese Aucklanders who came together to practice tai chi. Since then, the organisation has grown to more than 300 members and is supported by Albert-Eden Local Board. On Monday mornings, the Mt Albert Library is transformed into a zen tai chi haven, with many older Chinese community members coming together to practice the ancient martial art. Likened to ‘meditation in motion’, tai chi is intended to bring harmony between the body, mind and spirit.

“The movements in tai chi are quite slow, and it’s good for seniors to help them to keep stable,” says Susan Li Kwan, chairperson of the Epsom Chinese Association.

“Tai chi has no age limits. We love coming to the library to share our culture, and we love having other people in the community join us and become our friends. Most of our members are seniors, and some have come to New Zealand to live with their children and look after their grandchildren, but they have a language barrier with other people outside their family. The class is a good way to meet new people and also sometimes practice English too.”

The Epsom Chinese Association offers many activities and classes for older Chinese people, including folk dancing, singing and English lessons. Susan says the association members are also keen to give back to the city they are proud to call home, performing at the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital and sharing cultural festivities such as the Moon Festival and Chinese New Year. The Epsom Chinese Association and the Chinese Conservation Education Trust recently held a series of sewing repair cafes to help the community mend clothes, and these repair cafes were funded by Albert-Eden Local Board.

“Our sewing volunteers help people repair clothing, and our seniors feel very proud because they can help the community,” says Susan. “The sewing repair cafes can help combat climate change by reducing the waste sent to landfill and we are pleased to make a contribution. Thank you to Albert-Eden Local Board for making this possible.”

To encourage seniors and other community members to get involved in IDOP, there are a range of activities and events supported by Albert-Eden Local Board, such as art exhibitions, chair yoga, a vintage fair and even a Craft-along Cinema screening of Casablanca. Visit the Albert-Eden IDOP website for more information.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland’s local alcohol policy starts coming into effect on Monday 16 September when 24 areas, including Auckland’s city centre, will be subject to a freeze on the opening of new off-licences. Pubs, bars and clubs will also need to carry out new practices designed to help keep customers safer.   

The policy was voted for unanimously by councillors at a Governing Body meeting on 29 August this year. Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee, says limiting the number of liquor stores in our neighbourhoods is something communities have asked for and is a step forward in creating a thriving, healthy and safe Tāmaki Makaurau. 

“When I grew up, my cousins and I could walk up to our neighbourhood shops and, at the time, they consisted of a bakery, lawnmower shop, dairy, and a fish and chip shop. Today the same neighbourhood shops consist of a takeaway, dairy and a heavily branded liquor store. Children today are faced with liquor stores in their neighbourhoods and town centres like it’s a normal thing. 

“These communities have been crying out for change – wanting to see better for their neighbourhoods by objecting to new liquor stores opening up. They have said enough is enough! 

“The freeze aims to put a stop to new liquor stores opening in areas where alcohol is having a negative impact on peoples’ health, or there is already a high number of liquor stores in the area.” 

What changes on Monday? 

From Monday, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) must consider the local alcohol policy when it’s assessing applications to open new off-licence premises, such as liquor stores, bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol. The policy recommends that applications to open off-licences in the city centre, as well as 23 other suburbs across Auckland, should be refused. These areas already have a high number of liquor stores and experience higher levels of alcohol-related harm. 

Rob Abbott, Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council says that new stores in the 24 areas subject to the freeze would need to meet a very high threshold for the DLC to consider granting a licence.  

“The local alcohol policy says that applications to open new off-licence premises like bottle shops in one of the 24 ‘freeze’ areas should be refused due to the high number of existing bottle shops in the area, and as these areas see higher instances of alcohol impacting on peoples’ health and safety. The DLC has to take this into consideration when it’s assessing applications. There would have to be a very, very good reason for a new licence to be granted.” 

‘New’ off-licences are shops that have not been licensed to sell alcohol within the past six months. Existing stores in the identified areas can keep trading. This includes when ownership of a store is being transferred to another person, or when the licence comes up for renewal – as long as it continues to meet the required conditions. 

Outside of the 24 areas, applications for new off-licences in neighbourhood centres face a ‘rebuttable presumption’. Rob explains that this means it will also be tougher to open a new off-licence in other areas of Auckland. 

“There are over 400 neighbourhood centres across Auckland – they’re usually areas with rows of shops. The local alcohol policy will also make it more difficult to open a new off-licence in these areas,” he says.  

From Monday, the DLC will also assess applications for new alcohol licences and renewals of existing licences, to decide if they should have special conditions put on them. This will apply to off-licence premises, as well as pubs, bars and clubs, and includes requirements for them to do things like keep an incident register; display information on transport, such as taxis, to help customers get home safely; have CCTV; and train staff to a certain standard.  

For more information on the local alcohol policy, visit OurAuckland or read the policy on the Auckland Council website.  

Source: Auckland Council

Five ducklings have been reunited with their parents and six siblings after falling down a three-metre-deep manhole at the launch site of Watercare’s tunnel boring machine, Piper.

The McConnell Dowell crew, who are helping Watercare deliver the Warkworth to Snells Beach wastewater transfer pipeline, discovered five ducklings were missing after one of the parents returned with only six of their 11 ducklings after a two-hour sojourn last Friday.

Soon after noticing there were only six ducklings swimming in the sediment pond at the site, members of the crew went into search and rescue mode to find the missing ducklings, says McConnell Dowell’s senior stakeholder and environmental advisor Celeste Rauner. 

“The crew made their way towards a scruffy dome – a large steel grille placed over the inlet to allow for stormwater run-off on site – where they suspected the ducklings may have fallen through into a stormwater manhole.

“As the crew got closer to the scruffy dome, they could hear a faint chorus of quacks.

“Without wasting any time, the crew safely rescued the two-week-old ducklings.

“After the successful rescue, the crew transported the ducklings to the smoko room at the launch site, where the ducklings could rest up before being reunited with their parents.” 

Rauner says the ducklings were carefully released, one by one, into the pond where the rest of their family was.  

“It was super cute seeing how they swam straight over to their parents. They were all quacking happy to be reunited.”

Watercare project manager Dirk Du Plessis says this isn’t the first time a flock of birds have decided to make the Piper’s launch site their temporary home. 

“For instance, in late December 2022, a dotterel family halted the Warkworth to Snells Beach wastewater project when it chose to build a nest over the Christmas break.

“As soon as it was spotted the nest with three spotted eggs inside, they put a protective fence around it. 

“All operators were alerted to avoid the area until the eggs hatched and the family had moved on. 

“Luckily, we were able to get the project underway early in the new year when the dotterel family had packed their bags and set up nest somewhere else. 

“Also, when we were upgrading our Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, we captured and relocated native skinks to protect them before construction began.”

Du Plessis says taking this approach reflects Watercare and McConnell Dowell’s joint safety and values to care for everyone around us and the environments we work in.     

“We always do everything we can to protect the local flora and fauna in our infrastructure projects.”

“I’m proud of the efforts made by the crew to reunite the ducklings with their parents.”  

Du Plessis says the construction of the Warkworth to Snells Transfer pipeline is running smoothly, and Piper is expected to finish tunnelling the final leg in early November.

“Piper is moving at a good pace, averaging 25mm a minute, and has so far drilled 350 metres of the final 1.5km of the 5km pipeline.” 

Source: Auckland Council

A popular suburban Waiuku park, home to rugby league, has had a strategic assessment approved by Franklin Local Board. 

Waiuku subdivision representative Sharlene Druyven says the 1.6 hectares of Hamilton Estate Recreation Reserve contain a community hall, playground, and mature exotic trees.  

“But probably the dominant feature is the rugby league field and lighting that make it home to the Mighty Waiuku Toa junior teams.  

“The hall has been leased to Marama Hou Ministries Trust, an organisation focusing on community development, for some time. It is a valued and well-used asset.” 

A strategic assessment ​helps determine the recreational outcomes to be considered, and to that end, discussions have also been held with stakeholders.   

Out of that process, various improvements have been recommended, and once reviewed and approved by the board, they will guide decision-making around future development.  

The reserve is zoned open space – sport and active recreation. In recent years the trust that leases the hall has expanded to support a food security initiative, but the hall is at storage capacity.   

​“It’s clear there are competing priorities and demands around the park,” Druyven says. 

“This assessment seeks to determine the best fit for the park, and where additional activities can be accommodated.” 

​Renewal recommendations in a building assessment focus on removing a shower to create storage space, toilet upgrades, accessibility improvements and electrical work. 

Druyven says the community has indicated a basketball facility would be welcome, and the inclusion of a halfcourt has been recommended.  

“We’re a long way from seeing changes, but it’s sensible to have a plan. We should see a draft plan later in the year.” 

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