Category: Local Government

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is seeking expressions of interest for a limited one-off grants scheme to support homeowners with property access impacted by road reserve slips that occurred in the 2023 storms.

On 7 November the council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee voted for the $5 million scheme, with the funding coming from the Crown-council funded transport network repairs budget. 

Expressions of interest are open for the scheme from 13 December to 10 February 2025.

Are you eligible?

Was your property impacted by a slip on a road reserve? A road reserve is the strip of land between your property’s boundary and the road or footpath.

To be eligible to apply for this one-off scheme you must answer YES to ALL the following questions:

• Has access to a residential dwelling on your property been impacted by a landslip?

• Did the damage occur in the weather events in January and February 2023?

• Is the slip within the boundary of the road reserve?

• Has your property NOT been assessed as Category 3?

The full set of criteria was approved by the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee – item 10, in bold at the bottom – clause b) points i) to viii).

Register

If you answered YES to all the questions above please register your interest for the scheme before 10 February 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: The information you provide will be added to the property file for your property.  We will remove personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses.

FAQs

If you have further questions please check out the Frequently Asked Questions on Our Auckland or email recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Source: Auckland Council

Two long-standing hospitality venues, at opposite ends of Auckland, will get some help to future-proof through Auckland Council’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant. The Puhoi Hotel and the Kentish Hotel were among 21 applicants from across the region allocated a share of $530,000 from the grant. Both hotels are scheduled as historic heritage places under the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice and encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant historic heritage places. It is focussed on funding projects that benefit historic heritage places and outcomes that are relevant to all of Auckland.

Allocations for this financial year’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant were approved by Auckland Council’s General Manager Planning and Resource Consents, John Duguid. 

The Puhoi Hotel complex in Auckland’s north was allocated $50,000 and the Kentish Hotel in Waiuku, in the south, was awarded $48,435.

“It’s essential that historic heritage places are preserved so they can be enjoyed by Aucklanders now, and for years to come,” says Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the council’s Community Committee.

“These taonga give a window into the past of Tāmaki Makaurau and preserving them is crucial for the region’s identity.

“The Regional Historic Heritage Grant enables these historically significant taonga to be improved and future-proofed.

“This round we allocated funds to 21 applicants from a total of 35 applications. We thank all those who gave their time and effort to apply.”  

The Puhoi Hotel pictured in the 1987.

Puhoi Hotel

The Puhoi Hotel was established by John Schollum, a Bohemian migrant who arrived in Puhoi in 1863. The first version of the hotel was built in 1876 and Schollum gained his liquor licence that year. The hotel had accommodation for both patrons and their horses. The current Puhoi Hotel was built in 1901, replacing the earlier 1876 building.

Pūhoi is a small rural town, located in a valley, approximately 43 kilometres north of Auckland city. The town developed near the Pūhoi River (along Pūhoi Road) following the arrival of Bohemian settlers in the 1860s and 1870s.

The hotel is recorded as standing out as a local landmark due to its height and picturesque appearance.

The $50,000 funding will go towards repairing the damaged verandah structure, and repainting the exterior and roof.

Bernie McCallion, owner of the Puhoi Hotel thanked Auckland Council for the funds.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Auckland Council for approving our grant application.

“This funding will make a significant difference in enabling us to bring The Puhoi Pub, Hotel and Stables back to life.

“We appreciate the council’s support and commitment to help the hub of Puhoi be used to its full extent and allowing the verandah to be safe and secure for tourists and the community.

The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku, 1877.

Kentish Hotel

The Kentish Hotel was built in 1852 by Edward Constable who emigrated from Maidstone, Kent in England. Constable was granted a liquor licence on 10 January 1853. The same licence still continues today and the hotel lays claim to the longest continuous liquor licence in New Zealand.  The hotel’s close relationship to the Waiuku wharf was key to its early success and it is a rare example of a large wooden colonial building. The hotel is associated with notable political figures Sir George Grey, Richard John Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward. Māori Kings Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and Tāwhiao held meetings there and it was the venue for sittings of the Native Land Court.

The $48,435 will be used for repairing the hotel’s exterior decks and repair and weather-proof the windows.

Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2023/2024 recipients
Place	Approved grant allocation ($)
Berrisville Flats, Anzac Ave, Central Auckland	50,000
Church of Ascension (former), Point Chevalier	15,670
George Courts Department Store (former), Karangahape Rd	50,000
Greenhithe School building (former), Greenhithe	7,931
Gravestone at St Stephens Church, Parnell	1,300
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Silverdale	50,000
Kentish Hotel, Waiuku	48,435
King’s Theatre (former), Newton	50,000
Kohekohe Presbyterian Church (former),Waiuku	7,000
Lake House, Takapuna	13,100
Mission Hall, Glenfield	5,490
New Zealand Guardian Trust, Queen St, Central Auckland	2,000
Northcote Point Senior Citizens Association, Northcote	25,000
Onehunga Primary School, Onehunga	28,900
Puhoi Hotel complex, Puhoi	50,000
Railway worker’s residence, Henderson	8,376
St Mark’s Church, Remuera	43,100
St Sepulchre Church (former), Mt Eden	10,000
Takapuna Library (former), Takapuna	35,000
Theosophical Society Hall, Queen St, Central Auckland	25,000
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse	3,565

Applicants for the Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2024/2025 will open in the second half of 2025. More information will be posted on the Auckland Council website at a later date. 

Source: Auckland Council

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Exploring the Treaty, culture and music for Te Tiriti o Waitangi with headliners Dam Native, MAJIC, and Jordyn with a Why. 

Get ready for a show-stopping, free, community celebration at Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, taking place on Thursday 6 February 2025, at Barry Curtis Park.  

Hosted by Auckland Council, join us for a fantastic day that honours the 185th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, packed with music and rich cultural experiences within te ao Māori (the Māori world). This whānau-friendly event in the heart of Manukau is a fun and significant way to celebrate what Waitangi Day means for us all today. 

Waitangi ki Manukau 2025: Te Tūhura i te Tiriti, te ahurea me te puoro mō Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ko ngā kaiwhakangahau matua, ko Dam Native, ko MAJIC, ko Jordyn with a Why hoki. 

Kia rite ki te whai wāhi ki tētahi whakanui mā te hapori e whakamīharo ana, e utu kore ana hoki, e tū rā ki Waitangi ki Manukau 2025, hei a Tāite te 6 o Pēpuere 2025, ki Barry Curtis Park. 

Piri mai ki tētahi kaupapa rawe e whakatūria ana e Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau hei whakamaharatanga ki te huritau 185 mai i te hainatanga o Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, ka pāorooro te puoro, ka rangona hoki te pārekareka o te ahurea i te ao Māori. He ara ngahau, he ara tāpua hoki tēnei kaupapa pai mā te whānau hei whakanui i te rā o Waitangi me tōna hiranga ki a tātou katoa i tēnei wā. 

This year’s theme, ‘Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau’, commemorates the historical importance of Manukau as a site where treaty signings took place, and will provide a space to reflect on the ongoing relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its role in shaping Aotearoa.  

Cr Alf Filipaina sees this event as a powerful reminder of the historical significance, unity, and future aspirations Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers Aucklanders. 

“Waitangi ki Manukau 2025 is a commemoration for all, showcasing the rich diversity of Auckland communities through music, cultural experiences, and time with whānau,” Cr Filipaina says.  

“Auckland Council is committed to celebrating Māori identity, history and culture as Auckland’s unique point of difference in the world. This event highlights how through Te Tiriti o Waitangi, when Māori thrive, we all thrive in Tāmaki Makaurau.” 

The musical lineup is a standout of the event, with headline performances from Dam Native, MAJIC, Jordyn with a Why, MOHI and Tipene each bringing their own unique flavour to the stage. In addition to these incredible headliners, the event will feature Valkyrie, bringing their indie rock edge to the lineup, and award-winning NLC, delivering fresh, dynamic energy with their reggae fusion. From hip hop to R&B to indie rock, the musical diversity on display at Waitangi ki Manukau will reflect the vibrant mix of cultures welcome in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Auckland Council’s Māori Culture and Identity Programme Lead Melz Huata-Lucas says that while the lineup of artists will help to create a stirring, unified atmosphere through the expression of music, this year’s commemoration of Waitangi Day will be so much more than just music. 

“This year’s Waitangi ki Manukau event will embrace culture and community and the remembrance of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi – the significance for Māori, in particular, iwi Māori from Tāmaki Makaurau, and the impact of the treaty on this region and on our society as a whole, ever since the signing,” Miss Huata-Lucas says.  

The day’s events will begin with a karakia, setting a tone of reverence and unity, before the powerful lineup of performances and activities fills the day.  

Learning opportunities focusing on Te Tiriti o Waitangi will also be at the forefront, allowing attendees to dive deeper into the historical and cultural significance of the Treaty as an important, living document. The Waitangi Village will offer interactive activities, including weaving workshops and kōrero, designed to foster understanding from both Māori and Pacific cultures. 

The festival will also feature a curated market with Māori arts and crafts, and kai stalls showcasing a delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours. A special area for children’s activities including face painting and poi making will ensure that tamariki have a fun and educational experience of their own.  

Event Details: 

Date: Thursday 6 February, 2025 

Time: 10 AM to 4 PM 

Location: Barry Curtis Park, 163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, Auckland 

Cost: Free 

Artist line-up 

• Dam Native, groundbreaking 90s hip hop group, will captivate audiences with powerful storytelling and dynamic urban beats, blending ancestral pride with contemporary Māori experience to speak to social issues and inspire the next generation. 

• MAJIC has quickly gained attention for her distinctive style which combines reggae-roots with waiata Māori. A Waiata Maori Music Award winner for top artist, MAJIC crafts her soulful music to inspire her iwi and provide a positive example for her tamariki.  

• Jordyn with a Why, an up-and-coming star in the Aotearoa R&B scene, will mesmerise attendees with her emotive voice and soulful melodies, inspiring audiences through her unyielding spirit of Māori reclamation. 

• MOHI, with his smooth-groove blend of traditional Māori sounds and soulful-jazz styles, will offer an intimate connection to te ao Māori, inspiring listeners to find their own meaning within the story. 

• Tipene is a hip-hop artist from Hawkes Bay known for blending Māori culture with contemporary rap. His music often highlights social issues, personal stories, and cultural pride, recognising him as one of Aotearoa’s leading bilingual artists. 

Presented by Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council. 

Supported by Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Hustle Management, Flava, Radio Waatea, Auckland City of Music and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 

Follow the Facebook page for updates on stage performance times. 

For more information, please visit ourauckland.nz/waitangiday. 

ENDS 

Source: Auckland Council

February marks one of the most important days in the calendar for Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Waitangi Day commemorates the day when 183 years ago, several Māori chiefs signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi; the founding documents of our nation.  

This day holds great significance in Aotearoa as a day to remember Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and brings with it reflections and celebrations year-on-year. For 2025 in Tāmaki Makaurau, this year’s Waitangi Day theme is ‘Te Tiriti ki Tāmaki Makaurau’, commemorating the historical importance in our region of where treaty signings took place. 

There are also many free, family-friendly events full of tasty kai, great music and enriching kōrero to commemorate our national holiday. 

Here’s a few to get you started: 

Waitangi ki Manukau 

A large crowd in attendance for the Waitangi ki Manukau event, with live music and delicious kai for all to enjoy.

Education is at the forefront this year at Waitangi ki Manukau, located at Barry Curtis Park (entrance opposite 260 Chapel Road, Flat Bush), and welcoming all to enjoy the day with great kai, lively music and exploration of the Treaty and its historical and cultural significance. Plenty of opportunities to get involved await visitors at The Waitangi Village, which has on offer weaving workshops and educational kōrero, designed to foster understanding of both Māori and Pacific cultures. 

Plus, there’s a curated market with Māōri arts and crafts, kai stalls showcasing delicious fusion of Māori and international flavours, and a designated play area for tamariki with engaging activities. 

There’s also an exciting line-up of musicians with headliners Dam Native, MAJIC, Tipene, Jordyn with a Why and many more!  

Waitangi at Waititi 

Festival attendees enjoying the performances at Waitangi at Waititi.

More family fun awaits in West Auckland at Parrs Park, thanks to Te Whānau o Waipareira, who are putting on an incredible event full of delicious kai and some kid-friendly rides for the whole whānau to enjoy. 

You won’t want to miss out on epic performers like Stan Walker, Mark Williams, Che Fu & The Kratez, Ladi 6, Black Slate, Corrella, Troy Kingi, Aaradhna, Rob Ruha and Annie Crummer. 

Waitangi Day ki Tāmaki 

Kapa Haka performers sharing Māori tradition with their waiata / song.

You can also head to Point England Reserve, which will be bursting with family friendly activity for the day.  

Get amongst the celebrations and enjoy yummy kai, arts and craft stalls, and a live music stage featuring top musicians like Katchafire, Teina Mamaori, Norizin, Lopz & the Rasta, Queen Shirl’e Academy, Kas Tha Feelstyle, as well as kapa haka groups. 

Vector Lights for Waitangi Day 

Enjoy a Waitangi-themed light show to delight friends and whānau with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

As the sun sets, enjoy a Waitangi-themed light show to delight friends and whānau with Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  Designed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, in collaboration with Mandylights, the dazzling show is a celebration of the many tūpuna gone before who laid a strong foundation for their descendants, creating a legacy and everlasting connection to their whenua, to their moana and to each other. 

The accompanied waiata ‘Maunga’ by siblings Majic Pāora and Robbie Pāora can be listened to live at vector.co.nz/lights. The show will repeat every 15 minutes from 9pm until midnight. 

Here’s a tip: grab your paraikete (blanket) and catch the show from some of the best viewing places like Silo Park, Bayswater Marina and Takarunga Mt Victoria! 

Please note, due to critical maintenance work by NZTA, some of the lights will not appear on the west side overarch of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Completion of the work is expected by 31 March 2025. 

Source: Auckland Council

It is time to unleash your views on proposed changes to Auckland’s dog rules. You can have your say by taking part in the 5-week consultation from Monday 20 January until Sunday 23 February. 

The changes being proposed are part of a regular review of Auckland’s dog policy, Dog Management Bylaw and local dog access rules.  

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee says the proposals aim to strike a fair balance for everyone who uses Auckland’s public places. 

“We are so lucky to have a variety of public spaces to share in Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s important we maintain a balance that respects everybody’s right to use them. 

“The changes being put forward aim to keep a good mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces so there are places for dogs, and anyone who is not a dog person, to enjoy. This will also help to protect vulnerable wildlife, like endangered shorebirds nesting on our beaches, and kauri in specific places”, she says. 

Data also shows that multiple dogs being walked together appears to be an emerging issue for Aucklanders, so a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at the same time is being proposed.  

“This aims to respond to the concerns in a way that’s fair and reasonable, without imposing unnecessary restrictions. Ultimately, everyone should feel safe and welcome to visit Auckland’s parks, beaches and public spaces – this is at the heart of these proposals. 

“This is a topic that people are passionate about – I know as well as anyone that we want the best for our beloved pets. Testing these changes with Aucklanders is key to making sure we have it right. If this is important to you, I strongly encourage you to have your say online, or at one of the many engagement events being held across the region.” says Josephine.

Some of the changes being put forward aim to help protect endangered native dotterels.

Doggy details – what are the proposed changes? 

The changes aim to maintain a balance of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces in Tāmaki Makaurau. They cover dog access rules (where dogs can go off a leash, on a leash, or are not allowed) at 14 regional parks and 64 places in local parks and beaches across the region. New off-leash areas are recommended, as well as changes to keep dogs out of places with vulnerable wildlife, and to provide some places for the public to visit that are dog-free. 

Under the proposed changes, people can walk a maximum of six dogs at once and only three of those dogs can be off a leash. This means you could walk three dogs off a leash at once, or three dogs off a leash and an additional three dogs on a leash, or six dogs on a leash.  

Finally, some existing rules in the policy and bylaw will be made clearer. This includes the need for any dogs classified as menacing and dangerous outside of Auckland to be neutered if they are moved here, rules and exemptions for working dogs and dogs in vehicles, plus dog access rules for places such as council car parks and camping grounds.  

What does the data say? 

Early feedback from Aucklanders, interviews with groups and individuals that have an interest in dog rules, and analysis of relevant data, including complaints to the council, animal management service requests and dog registrations, has shaped the proposed changes.

An analysis of dog-related complaint data found complaints about dog access rules not being followed and multiple dogs being walked at once. In a preliminary survey in March 2024, Aucklanders told us that owners not picking up after their dog, dogs wandering off-leash in on-leash areas and packs of dogs taking up pathways were of concern to them.  

Reviewing the data available to the council is a valuable first step when updating policies or bylaws. It has helped to show where the policy works well, and where improvements can be made. 

What could change in my area? 

Parks and beaches with proposed changes to local dog access rules include: 

Central/West 

North 

• Long Bay Regional Park 

• Te Ārai Regional Park 

• Snells Beach (Rodney) 

South 

• Waitawa Regional Park 

You can view the full list and changes being put forward in the statement of proposal documents for the policy and bylaw review (including regional parks) and local dog access rules. The documents are available on AKHaveYourSay 

Are we barking up the right tree? Have your say now. 

Have your say from Monday 20 January until 11.59pm on Sunday 23 February. You can take part online or at one of the 23 engagement events happening across the region.  

Visit AKHaveYourSay.nz to view the full list of proposed changes, find out more about the engagement events, and take part in the consultation. 

Source: Auckland Council

For two summers, south Titirangi locals were left scratching their heads over an unsettling sight: an alarming number of dead tūī beneath the same majestic pōhutukawa tree.

As the tree burst into its iconic crimson bloom, attracting a chorus of nectar-feeding birds, it also seemed to be the site of an ‘“avian whodunit’”.

David Blake, a community resident and conservation enthusiast, was the first to sound the alarm.

“When I found the first ones, I thought it might be poison. It was heartbreaking,” he shared.

But poison was ruled out when he called in the experts at Auckland Council, and the investigation eliminated every imaginable culprit—from bird flu to BB gun.

The real breakthrough came thanks to Auckland Council’s senior ecologist Sarah Gibbs, and her colleagues.

“It was a bit like CSI: tūī,” Ms Gibbs said cheekily.

“In all seriousness, tūī are a beloved native bird, and we don’t like to see them turning up dead without explanation.

“We tested everything and got nowhere until a Massey University vet, Dr Alvaro Wehrle-Martinez, carried out a postmortem on the tui and confirmed the cause – electrocution.

Mystery solved: it turns out power lines running through the iconic pōhutukawa tree in south Titirangi were the problem.”

Ironically, the tree feeding the tūī a summer feast was also serving as an accidental hazard.

Tūī, in this nectar rich excitement, were brushing against the power lines, turning a festive feast into a deadly misstep.

The breakthrough prompted swift action. Arborists trimmed the pōhutukawa back from the wires to protect both the tree and its feathered diners.

“It’s not ideal to trim such a magnificent tree,” acknowledged Gibbs, “but this way, the tūī can safely enjoy their summer smorgasbord.”

The case closed with a sigh of relief and some new learnings, while preserving this treasured Titirangi pōhutukawa, an essential food source for nectar-eating birds – as part of the local ecosystem.

David Blake reflects on the saga with mixed emotions.

“I’m glad we solved it but will miss seeing so many tūī in one place, now the tree has had a haircut. Still, better a few less blooms than a few less tūī.”

And so, south Titirangi’s summer soundtrack continues, a little less ‘shocking’, but just as sweet.

Source: Auckland Council

Resource consents have been approved for two much-needed flood resilience projects in Māngere. 

Neighbourhoods around the Te Ararata Stream in Māngere Central and Harania Creek in Māngere East suffered major flooding in 2023. The projects will reduce the flood risk for hundreds of homes, including some where there is a potential future risk to life.  

“It’s good to see the resource consent approvals process sorted so we can get on with work to improve resilience and protect the Māngere community from major flooding in the future,” says Mayor Wayne Brown. 

“Getting things fixed has always been a key focus of mine and these projects are an example of what can happen when we cut out the red tape.  Once more, it will be paid for with money set aside as part of the Long-term Plan. 

“Our Māngere communities were deeply affected by the 2023 floods. Upgrading the current infrastructure ensures any future damage is minimised and will provide confidence to those whose homes are highly prone to future flooding events.”

Craig McIlroy, General Manager Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience acknowledges the collaborative effort and co-funding behind these projects.

“We’re getting all the approvals for these projects in record time thanks to a massive team effort from our community and Government partners,” says Mr McIlroy.

“This means we’ll likely have spades in the ground by the middle of this year and hope to be finished end-2026.” 

Project details 

Work in both catchment areas will address key blockage points so that in extreme storms rainwater can flow more easily out into the Manukau Harbour.  

In Te Ararata, the culverts under the Walmsley Road bridge will be upgraded to increase water flow as well as a debris catching structure to reduce potential blockages.  A permanent maintenance platform and accessway to the Mahunga Drive culverts will also be built to enable quicker and easier access for maintenance crews.  

In Harania, the existing culverts through the embankment between Blake and Bicknell roads will be removed and replaced with a pipe-bridge and pedestrian bridge. This will enable the waterways around Blake Road Reserve to flow more freely and lessen the likelihood of flooding in the future.

“Knowing these improvements are on the way will be a huge relief for residents. We’re committed to ongoing community engagement as the work progresses,” adds Mr McIlroy.

Source: Auckland Council

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has moved Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a restricted fire season from Thursday 16 January until further notice.

A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an outdoor fire will need a fire permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.

Fire and Emergency’s Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says outdoor fires will be restricted in the Waitematā, Auckland City and Counties Manukau districts due to the high fire risk throughout Auckland at present.

“While there is some rain forecast next week, this isn’t going to be enough to counter the effects of the recent warm, dry weather,” he says.

“We continually monitor the weather conditions throughout the region, and keep an eye on how quickly vegetation is drying out.

“Right now, we consider flammable vegetation such as mānuka, kānuka and grass, and forestry areas as being particularly high risk, as these burn easily, spread fast, and can be really difficult to contain.”

The Hauraki Gulf Islands remain in a prohibited fire season, which means all outdoor fires are banned on the islands.

“If you’re thinking about starting a fire, you must go to www.checkitsalright.nz first to find out if you can, and what restrictions apply,” Ron Devlin says.

“There’s also excellent safety advice, which I strongly urge people to follow, to help us keep Tāmaki Makaurau fire-free this summer.”

An image from the end of Anawhata Road, taken on Thursday 16 January 2025, shows the devastation caused by a fire to native vegetation on the headland.

Fire risk prompts warning from regional parks rangers

As a total fire ban applies to the Auckland region , Auckland Council rangers are reminding visitors to avoid taking any risks with barbecues, fireworks and fires in remote park areas to prevent further damage from outbreaks. 

Scott De Silva, Regional Parks Manager, says uncontrolled recent fires at Te Henga Bethells Beach, Long Bay and at Anawhata Beach show how quickly fires can spread at the height of summer.

“We are urging people to be sensible and mindful of the dry conditions, especially now that Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s fire restrictions have been extended.

“Remote locations, uneven terrain, and difficult access to water present a serious challenge to fight fires in our regional parks. Despite this, the support we receive from Fire and Emergency NZ in response to these incidents has been fantastic,” says Scott.

Fire and Emergency placed the season’s first fire restrictions in Tāmaki Makaurau on 2 December across the Hauraki Gulf islands, which remain in place.

With a shift to a La Niña weather pattern, from last summer’s El Niño, bringing warmer than normal temperatures over much of the country, any rainfall during the summer months is unlikely to prevent vegetation from drying out.

“Don’t take the risk of lighting any fires or fireworks – just one spark can get out of control so quickly and have devastating consequences for the safety of people, their livelihoods and of course, the flora and fauna we are trying to protect,” says Scott.

What does a total fire ban mean?

• Open fires are prohibited in all public areas throughout Auckland

• This includes on beaches and foreshores, in parks, conservation areas and forests

• It’s prohibited to light fireworks in any public places.

Firewise tips

• Avoid any outdoor activity that could cause a spark.

• Leave portable barbecues at home.

• Only use established barbecues at parks and beach areas to cook food.

• If you see smoke that could be a threat, dial 111.

Visit checkitsalright.nz for updates to the fire season (currently prohibited, a total fire ban).

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Transport re-opened Pine Valley Road in Dairy Flat late last year after a three-month closure to fix an 18-metre slip and damage to a culvert sustained during the severe weather events of early 2023.

The road reconstruction work began in September 2024 near 257 Pine Valley Road, and the road was closed to all but residents with traffic detoured via Kahikatea Flat Road and Dairy Flat Road.

An 86-metre block retaining wall has been built on the southern side of the road and a large box culvert replacement installed to re-route stormwater beneath the road.

Project Manager Jay Badenhorst says the scale of the project meant the road needed to be fully closed for safety reasons and to complete the works efficiently with minimum cost.

“Construction crews worked six days per week for up to 12 hours per day to complete the works and reconnect Pine Valley Road before the end of year holiday period,” he said.

“I’d like to issue a big shout out to the team that delivered this exceptional work and thank you to the Pine Valley Road residents and the surrounding community for their patience.”

More than 3000 tonnes of soil was removed during the excavation of the roadway and existing culvert and 15 sheet piles were installed to support a 500+ block Magnum stone wall to support the damaged road.

A 2.5m x 2m longbox culvert was then built six metres below the road to direct water from the southern to the northern side of the road, and to prevent erosion and maintain road stability.

Large stones called riprap now protect the embankment by deflecting water energy and stopping soil erosion, and power and internet services relocated during the build have been reconnected.

The Pine Valley Road reconstruction work is one of more than 800 significant flood recovery projects being managed by AT since the 2023 severe weather events. Find out more on the Auckland Transport website.

Source: Auckland Council

Locals and visitors may see slimy algae – usually black or dark green in colour, in the sea and on beaches in the region this summer.

This could be the cyanobacteria Okeania spp. that has occurred during the last two summers. Last summer large quantities of the algae washed up on shore on Waiheke Island and Kawakawa Bay.

More recently, in October and November 2024, the algae has washed up on Waiheke Island and at Algies Bay, in Auckland’s north. In January 2025, the algae has washed up on beaches near Pine Harbour Marina in Beachlands. The algae could appear on other beaches around the region this summer.

Paul Klinac General Manager Engineering, Assets and Technical Advisory, reassures the public there’s no need for concern about the algae, but advises people avoid touching it.

“During summer, it’s common to see all types of algae blooms occurring. We are continuing to monitor Okeania spp. and are ready to act, if required.

“In the meantime, if you see the slimy algae around the region, please avoid contact with it as it could lead to skin, eye and respiratory irritations. Keep an eye on your dogs, as well, and ensure they avoid the algae.”

About cyanobacteria Okeania spp.

Generally, the drivers of cyanobacterial blooms are complex, and it is difficult to predict or explain where they may occur, as well as their size and duration.

This is because numerous environmental conditions need to be met to enable the rapid growth of the cyanobacteria – this includes calm weather conditions, plenty of light, warm seawater temperatures and sufficient nutrients to sustain their growth.

While we don’t know what causes it to bloom in different locations from year to year, the warm sea temperatures are likely contributing to the recurring blooms.

There is still much to find out about the ecology and toxicology of Okeania spp. However, we do know from previous observations in the Hauraki Gulf, and from overseas, that this grows in the shallow seabed area.

Because it is naturally widely distributed in low abundances and growing sub-tidally, it is impossible to remove it completely from the marine environment.

Staying safe at affected beaches 

The beaches where the algae are present remain open to the public but Auckland Council advises the following: 

• Avoid contact with the algae, including wading in affected areas, as it could lead to skin, eye and respiratory irritation 

• If you feel unwell as a result of contact with the bloom, contact your doctor, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 

• Do not gather or take algae from the beach for things like using on your garden  

• Keep dogs away from the algae and any decomposing material which could cause a reaction 

• Do not gather or consume shellfish from the affected beaches. 

Frequently asked questions about cyanobacteria 

What are cyanobacteria? 

Cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) are naturally occurring microscopic organisms that live in a range of aquatic environments, from near-pristine to those more impacted by land use. 

Are cyanobacteria harmful to humans? 

Some species of cyanobacteria (including Okeania spp. ) are known to produce toxins – collectively referred to as lyngbyatoxins – which could lead to skin, eye and respiratory irritations. 

Do cyanobacteria originate from outside New Zealand? 

No. Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring in New Zealand waters. 

Are cyanobacteria common in New Zealand waters? 

The cyanobacteria Okeania spp. occurs in low abundance throughout the Hauraki Gulf. Blooms of the filamentous cyanobacterium identified at the time as Lyngbya majuscula have been reported in various parts of the Hauraki Gulf particularly in the Omana Beach area.

There have also been reports of previous summer blooms at sites in eastern Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf (Musick Point, Eastern Beach and Howick) as well as sites in the Manukau Harbour (Kaitarakihi Bay) and at North Head in the Waitematā Harbour.

Some of the earliest records of Lyngbya spp. go back to surveys in the 1950s and in the 1970’s it was described as a seasonally dominant species on rock platforms around Motukaraka Island. Through the 2000’s there were regular occurrences of blooms around the Beachlands and Ōmana areas. 

Why is the cyanobacteria occurring now?

The drivers of cyanobacterial blooms are complex, and it is very difficult to predict or explain where they may occur, as well as their size and duration. This is because numerous environmental conditions need to be met to enable the rapid growth of the cyanobacteria (calm weather conditions, plenty of light, warm seawater temperatures and sufficient nutrients to sustain their growth), followed by the right conditions to dislodge blooms (ie stormy weather).

Once dislodged, factors such as the tidal conditions and wind direction need to be understood to predict where blooms may eventually be deposited. These requirements mean blooms most commonly occur during spring and summer, and are a natural phenomenon in shallow, productive coasts. It is likely that a perfect combination of conditions in recent months has resulted in the current washed up bloom on Waiheke Island and Algies Bay.

What impact does cyanobacteria have on the environment? 

Some cyanobacteria blooms can have serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems in general including potential toxic effects due to smothering and shading. However, there is a lack of research when it comes to the environmental impacts of Okeania spp. 

What research is being carried out into the cyanobacteria?

• Working closely with Auckland Council, Cawthron Institute has identified the dominant component of the cyanobacterial mats as Okeania. Dr Laura Biessy at Cawthron Institute has carried out some analysis to characterise the species responsible for these blooms on Waiheke Island and assess their toxicity.  However, there is a lack of research surrounding the ecology, toxicity and impact on the environment of benthic cyanobacterial species such as Okeania.
• Cawthron Institute recently published a study of shellfish collected from beaches on Waiheke Island that have been affected by Okeania blooms. They were tested for lyngbyatoxin-A (LTA) accumulation, and the results confirmed LTA had accumulated in marine snails, rock oysters and cockles collected near the algae mats. These results underline the need for further studies assessing the risks of human exposure to LTA through seafood consumption.
• Dr Biessy is currently trying to isolate and culture this species to enable future research, in particular the ecology of the species, its preferred growing conditions (temperature, salinity, nutrients, etc.) and habitat. These answers would allow us to predict when future blooms might occur and what could be done to mitigate these blooms.