On 13 September, a discussion organised by the Environmental Defence Society revealed party policies for the environment and conservation. Hon David Parker (Labour), Hon James Shaw (Greens), Hon Scott Simpson (National), Hon John Tamihere (Te Pāti Māori) and Simon Court MP (ACT) were questioned by EDS CEO Gary Taylor. The...
Te Tukunga pūtea ā-takiwā taonga tuku iho / the Regional Historic Heritage Grant Programme opens for applications from 5 October until 10 November. With grants of up to $50,000, it is open to groups and individuals that contribute to the protection and improvement of regionally significant historic heritage places, sites...
This local community hub in Western Springs for reusing, repurposing and recycling goods was opened on 11 August. It is the 12th recycling centre in Tāmaki Makaurau. The recycling centre is located in a heritage building at 990 Great North Road where extensive remedial work was required. The refurbishment was...
St Heliers Library reopened on 15 August. For about a year, the library was housed in a temporary site as the building underwent earthquake strengthening and renewal work. The temporary library location at Tāmaki Ex-Services Association Hall has now closed. Built in 1926 as the Tamaki West Road Board offices...
On 16 August, the Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill passed their third and final readings in Parliament. The two bills replace the Resource Management Act 1991. The bills include new features of mandatory, integrated national direction in the form of a National Planning Framework, a clearer...
Last week, the government announced that 17 new marine protected areas and extensions to two existing marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf will proceed This will help restore the overall productivity of the Gulf, including enhancing fish production. . The Gulf has been experiencing long-term declines in biodiversity, depletion of...
Two CTA members joined a small group at Mutukāroa Hamlin Hill for an event for World Ranger Day on 31 July. This regional park is one of the more central parks, being accessed at 1014 Great South Road, Penrose. Kit Howden from Friends of Regional Parks talked about the work...
The Minister of Transport has announced the final Reshaping Streets package of regulatory changes, which will give councils and communities more options to improve urban spaces and encourage healthier, safer and more sustainable travel. Reshaping Streets will enable councils and communities to work together to modify their existing streets to...
There are 12 community recycling centres across the region. Many of them accept most types of waste. Look up your local recycling centre to find out what items they take. Some centres charge a fee for particular items, so check first. Your local op shop will take items that are...
The government has just announced that it will match Auckland Council’s $15 million pledge to restore the St James Theatre. The restoration works and the construction of the associated St James Suites have been stalled for about 15 years. Listen to this RNZ interview (10’25”) with owner Steve Bielby. Image:...