The Minister of Transport has announced the final Reshaping Streets package of regulatory changes, which will give councils and communities more options to improve urban spaces and encourage healthier, safer and more sustainable travel. Reshaping Streets will enable councils and communities to work together to modify their existing streets to...
There are 12 community recycling centres across the region. Many of them accept most types of waste. Look up your local recycling centre to find out what items they take. Some centres charge a fee for particular items, so check first. Your local op shop will take items that are...
Waka Kotahi is consulting on whether or not it should renew its E-scooters (Declaration not to be Motor Vehicles) Notice 2018 which expires on 30th September 2023. This is the Declaration that had the consequence of allowing e-scooters to be ridden on footpaths. There is a very short survey to...
The government has just announced that it will match Auckland Council’s $15 million pledge to restore the St James Theatre. The restoration works and the construction of the associated St James Suites have been stalled for about 15 years. Listen to this RNZ interview (10’25”) with owner Steve Bielby. Image:...
Greenwoods Corner, Epsom can now be experienced through a self-guided historical tour. It’s a walking route guided by greenwoodscorner.stqry.app, a free mobile web app that helps you explore part of Epsom, featuring 14 key historical sites in and around Greenwoods Corner. Discover the General Store from the 1900s, learn about...
For over five decades, the Beautiful Awards have provided a benchmark for environmental excellence. It’s a great chance to inspire, recognise and acknowledge individuals, schools, communities, towns and cities who are putting in the mahi across Aotearoa to Keep New Zealand Beautiful. This year’s Beautiful Awards will consist of 12...
The Environment Select Committee has released its report and recommended amendments to the Natural and Built Environment Bill. Supporters of The Tree Council and the New Zealand Arboricultural Association sent more than 3,300 submissions to the select committee supporting the changes recommended in their Stop the Chop campaign. The Parliamentary...
From 1 July 2023, the sale and manufacture of many single-use plastic products have been banned, restricted or phased out. Drinking straws Cutlery Bowls, trays and platters without lids Produce bags used to pack fresh fruit and vegetables Produce labels. The ban applies where items are sold or supplied for...
The National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS IB) will come into force on 4 August 2023. The NPS IB will become part of the Natural and Built Environment Act’s National Planning Framework. “This is a great step forward for protecting nature and has been many years in gestation,” said...
The Environmental Defence Society has released its review of the Conservation Management Planning System, calling for urgent reform. Co-authored by Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke, Raewyn Peart, Bronwyn Wilde and Tracey Turner, the report reviews the adequacy of the legislation and policy settings, statutory planning documents, concessions system and institutional arrangements for...