A proposed building for 538 K’ Rd has been rejected by the hearing commissioners, even after modifications. “The principal concern for the board is the scale of the development,” the commissioners’ report said. They said the plans failed to meet tests under the Resource Management Act and were contrary to...
Pest Free Howick Ward are again running this competition for school students and preschoolers who live in the Howick Local Board Area. Individuals or teams with the most pods and/or small vines with roots will win cash prizes. In addition, students can bring all their moth plant pods and all...
EDS has published two new reports that address key questions facing policy makers in “phase 3” of the government’s resource management reforms. Phase 3 involves replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 with two new statutes based on the “enjoyment of property rights” and is a key pillar of the coalition...
Consultation on council’s Annual Plan for 2025/2026 is open for feedback until 28 March. This year’s plan focuses on getting on with strengthening the financial and physical resilience of Auckland, as committed to in the Long-Term Plan, while investing where it is needed most to manage growth. Highlights include establishing...
A seamount is an underwater mountain that rises at least 1,000 metres above the seafloor and is a biodiversity hotspot for unique and migratory marine life. This 2-minute video shows you some of the life in a seamount and also looks at the growing threat to the creatures that live...
Vote Orange roughy for Fish of the Year 2025! Orange roughy are in BIG trouble. These incredible fish can live for over 250 years, but they’re caught using destructive bottom trawling, which devastates their deep-sea habitat. NZ is responsible for 80% of the global catch. We have nearly fished them...
Auckland Council confirmed at its 28 February Governing Body meeting its 2016 commitment of $15 million towards the restoration of the St James Theatre, matching funding from central government. Mayor Wayne Brown says he is keen for the work on the theatre to go ahead, “to clean up the eyesore...
The Environmental Defence Society has launched its comprehensive guide to the Fast-track Approvals Act, which came into effect in December 2024. Applications for consents under the act went live last week. “The updated Environment Guide provides clear, accessible and digestible information to help individuals, community groups and businesses understand the...
EDS has lodged its submission on the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill with the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee. The Bill proposes a new framework by which offshore renewables will be authorised. Submissions close on 6 February. “The Bill is a step in the right direction,” says EDS Reform Director Greg...
Rare collection items that have a clear connection to Highwic were recently donated by descendants of original owners Alfred Buckland, his wife Eliza, and his second wife Matilda. The items include a wooden writing box, a modular double bed frame, a series of colour prints from the house, and...