The “castle” hosted 30 people for a comprehensive talk by Geoff Richards, the architect of the restoration and renovation works, full of interesting details about not just the recent building project but historical details about the site. Then attendees had the privilege of wandering at their leisure through the entire house and garden, hindered a...
The SOUL campaign, working to protect land next to the Otuataua Stonefields reserve, is continuing to gather supporters and be profiled. TVNZ’s Sunday programme has produced a thorough and thoughtful item on the issue. The SOUL campaigners outline why this special land should not be used for housing, and Fletcher...
Over 100 appeals have now been lodged against the Unitary Plan decisions. Some will be heard in the Environment Court, but others will go to the High Court. See this Radio NZ summary here: This is also covered in the NZ Herald by Bernard Orsman. His article profiles a case...
Today the Character Coalition, of which Civic Trust Auckland is a founding member, has filed an appeal in the High Court to the Unitary Plan decision to up zone many parts of the proposed Single House Zone without informing the residents. See https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/dozens-appeals-launched-against-undemocratic-unrealistic-auckland-unitary-plan?post_id=1150662351693578_1150662561693557#_=_ See also the Character Coalition Facebook page...
See ” More Coming Events” on the home page for full details of the 2nd Winter Lecture for 2016. Devonport’s “Castle” has a fascinating history. Architect Geoff Richards will talk about the restoration and additions to the property, and owner Charmaine Barnett will be on hand to answer questions. Places...
A group of Christchurch citizens, including members of the Christchurch Civic Trust, have organised to save the notable trees of Christchurch. So far they have saved over 900 and now need help to save more than an additional 2,000 trees, from which the Christchurch City Council wants to remove protection....
CTA was approached to support the petition to save Crater Hill in Papatoetoe, a scheduled Outstanding Natural Feature on which the Independent Hearings Panel had permitted the building of more than 550 houses. We provided the following comment: Civic Trust Auckland is concerned about rejection of past local and regional...
The Auckland Unitary Plan has finally been through the long submissions and hearings process, notwithstanding any judicial review or appeal. CTA was involved right from the initial call for feedback to appearing at various hearings, and we also provided assistance to several individuals and a number of community groups. The...
Our first Winter Lecture was held at the delightful home of Mary Barry and Tom Curham in Bradford St, Parnell, on Sunday 10 July. This cottage from the late 1800s has been lovingly restored by Mary and Tom, and they and one of their children, Kieren, shared their memories of...
On Saturday 11 June, a whole day of walks and lectures was organised to educate the public about the Ihumatao peninsula. Over 80 people were guided over the area, with commentary by archaeologist Dave Veart, geologist Bruce Hayward and others. Congratulations to the organisers, including the SOUL group and Ilmars...