The Environmental Defence Society welcomes the government’s decision to abandon the controversial conservation land exchange and disposal provisions in the Conservation Amendment Bill, while warning that several significant issues remain unresolved. “The decision to withdraw the land exchange and disposal provisions and undertaking to amend the ‘economic clauses’ removes some...
Construction work on the Leys is anticipated to commence in October. The assessment of the Engineering Plan Approval application has been completed, with the approval decision letter was issued on 19 June, and building consent granted on 2 July. With construction tenders closing on 26 June, tender evaluation is underway,...
Local board plans are open for consultation until 23 July. Local board plans set out what each local board wants to achieve for its area over the next three years. You can give feedback on the draft plan for the area where you live, work or often visit. Five key...
Protests outside Building One are ongoing. The one pictured was on 6 June. Friends of Carrington Building One are organising these demonstrations, which take place near cafe Ol’Mate, 1 Carrington Road, Point Chevalier 11am – midday on Saturdays. They want Building One, a Category 1 and Category A Building, to...
The Environmental Defence Society has lodged a submission supporting Fisheries New Zealand’s proposals for stronger protections for Hauraki Gulf shellfish across the Auckland-Coromandel region. EDS comments that: “Many of the species currently harvested are not monitored, but the information we do have points to declining populations of many species and...
Since 2011, Friends of Churchill Park (FoCP) have planted more than five and a half hectares of park land, monitored a pest trap line, and helped with weed control. FoCP is a community group working alongside council, and council supplies plants for the community planting days they organise. Recently, there...
Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre This local board-funded recycling centre provides drop-off points for recyclables and reusables, supporting local environmental efforts. A new initiative is the Pū Mātauranga/Education Hub activations programme, which offers community zero waste and sustainability related workshops and activations. Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek restoration One of Auckland’s longest...
Howick is known for its mix of waterways, coastal areas, and green spaces, making it one of Auckland’s most vibrant and ecologically rich communities. These are four initiatives the Howick Local Board supports to care for their local environment. Pest-free Howick Ward This is a neighbourhood-led programme that brings schools,...
At Stanmore Bay Wetland, students, volunteers and community groups help restore native plants, improve water quality and create habitat for birds, insects and aquatic life, through planting days and working bees on the first Sunday of every month. Rangatahi Rangers is a youth group for 14–20-year-olds wanting hands-on experience: learning...
The Environmental Defence Society is concerned that the government’s new Conservation Amendment Bill would fundamentally shift the purpose of conservation management towards economic development. EDS has written to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka expressing alarm about new clauses directing the Department of Conservation to recognise economic opportunities on public conservation land...