Remuera Library turns 100

Remuera Library was built in 1926, in the Neo-Georgian Classical style of architecture, and opened to the public on the 31 July that year. The photo was taken a few years after it was opened. The library’s 100th birthday was celebrated on 25 July with speeches, cake, balloons, live music,...

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Zero Waste Awards

The 2026 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards, held on 6 August, recognised Aucklanders doing the practical, everyday work of zero waste: rescuing materials, restoring taonga, and finding new uses for what would otherwise go to landfill. The awards honoured outstanding contributions to zero waste initiatives from people right across Auckland....

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City centre’s transformation

Auckland Council is justifiably proud of the upgraded streets, lanes and squares in the city centre. The City Rail Link, the midtown regeneration, Karangahape Road upgrade and downtown programme are among the big drivers of positive change in the city centre, alongside the private sector. Six projects have transformed the...

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Building One facing demolition by neglect

A detailed and well illustrated article about the former Carrington Hospital building, which continues to deteriorate, was published on 10 August by RNZ. That article is here. Protestors continue to gather in front of the building from 11am to midday on Saturdays, highlighting the lack of protection for the building....

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Five recycling mistakes to avoid

More than 30% of what’s put in Auckland’s recycling bins ends up in landfill because it’s contaminated or can’t be recycled in the first place. That’s costing ratepayers $3.5 million a year and preventing valuable materials from being turned into new products. As part of Auckland Council’s Let’s sort it...

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EDS on Environment Select Committee’s report

Parliament’s Environment Select Committee released its report on 20 July on the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill. EDS Reform Director Dr Greg Severinsen says the committee’s recommendations will make the Bills even worse. “Councils will still have to give compensation to landowners when certain public interest protections are imposed,...

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New funding round for zero waste projects

Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF) is back, with $500,000 available to support projects that reduce waste and help build a circular economy in Tāmaki Makaurau. Applications open from 1 to 31 August, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Previous WMIF projects: Ae Ka Taea e Koe...

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Press pause on new AI data centres

This is a call for the Government to put a one-year pause on the development of new AI data centres so that we can decide which AI data centres are in the public interest, where they should go, what rules they should follow, and who should pay for the resource and infrastructure they need to function. The recently consented Datagrid hyperscale...

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Energy efficiency at home

Aucklanders can find out how to make their homes more energy efficient here. You will find practical ways to save energy, cut costs and make your home healthier and more comfortable: Lower your bills and energy use Upgrade from gas to electricity Generate clean energy at home You can also...

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Regional Historic Heritage Grant Programme

Auckland Council is taking applications for the 2026 Regional Historic Heritage Grant Programme. Individuals, iwi or Māori groups, community groups and trusts can apply for up to $50,000 for the preservation of heritage places. Applications are open from 20 July until 14 September. The funding priorities include: Conservation of regionally...

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