On 1 September, the Environmental Defence Society released its third and final report examining the government’s phase 3 resource management reforms. It explores seven keys shifts that are being proposed for the new system, including: Narrowing the scope of the system to externalities, and the implications for land use, urban...
This letter was published in the Sunday Star-Times recently. Civic Trust Auckland is planning to post a copy of our book “The Partingtons and their Mills” to the author of the letter, Barry McKay of Sydney, who is a member of the Partington family. More about the book (copies of...
Instead of demolishing the old library in Pt Chev to make way for the new modular library, due to open in October, Auckland Council recycled 88 per cent of the building, with less than 10 per cent ending up in landfill. Timber framing has been transformed into furniture, benches, tables...
The Eastern Bays Songbird Project carries out pest trapping, weed control, and monitoring in parks and reserves throughout the Ōrākei and Maungakieie-Tāmaki Local Board areas. A recent bird count across 28 parks and reserves in Auckland’s eastern bays area has seen a 32 per cent increase in the native bird...
Auckland’s coastal monitoring data is now publicly viewable on Auckland Council’s newly launched Coastal Monitoring Portal. Aucklanders can now access data like sand levels, coastal camera imagery, and wave and water levels at key Auckland beaches. Auckland Council’s Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit collects a wide range of environmental data to...
Temporary repairs have been made to the various roof leaks and the outdoor lighting has been reinstated. Security cameras have now been installed, offering better protection from vandalism. The interior has been stripped out and some investigative work has been done, in preparation for the main restoration. The resource consent...
The International Court of Justice, on 23 July, released its advisory option on Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change The General Assembly had two questions for the ICJ: (a) What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other...
Adam Richards of Christchurch has won first prize (a $200 Toyworld voucher) in the first CBS Heritage Competition at this year’s Christchurch Brick Show with his model of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Accuracy to the historical building was one of the criteria for the competition. The judges said,...
The Environmental Defence Society has filed extensive submissions on the government’s review of national direction under the Resource Management Act 1991. The government’s proposals prioritise use and development at the expense of the natural environment. “Taken together, the changes set out pose a significant risk to indigenous biodiversity, freshwater, wetlands,...