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:...
Greenwoods Corner, Epsom can now be experienced through a self-guided historical tour. It’s a walking route guided by greenwoodscorner.stqry.app, a free mobile web app that helps you explore part of Epsom, featuring 14 key historical sites in and around Greenwoods Corner. Discover the General Store from the 1900s, learn about...
For over five decades, the Beautiful Awards have provided a benchmark for environmental excellence. It’s a great chance to inspire, recognise and acknowledge individuals, schools, communities, towns and cities who are putting in the mahi across Aotearoa to Keep New Zealand Beautiful. This year’s Beautiful Awards will consist of 12...
The Environment Select Committee has released its report and recommended amendments to the Natural and Built Environment Bill. Supporters of The Tree Council and the New Zealand Arboricultural Association sent more than 3,300 submissions to the select committee supporting the changes recommended in their Stop the Chop campaign. The Parliamentary...
From 1 July 2023, the sale and manufacture of many single-use plastic products have been banned, restricted or phased out. Drinking straws Cutlery Bowls, trays and platters without lids Produce bags used to pack fresh fruit and vegetables Produce labels. The ban applies where items are sold or supplied for...
The National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS IB) will come into force on 4 August 2023. The NPS IB will become part of the Natural and Built Environment Act’s National Planning Framework. “This is a great step forward for protecting nature and has been many years in gestation,” said...
The Environmental Defence Society has released its review of the Conservation Management Planning System, calling for urgent reform. Co-authored by Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke, Raewyn Peart, Bronwyn Wilde and Tracey Turner, the report reviews the adequacy of the legislation and policy settings, statutory planning documents, concessions system and institutional arrangements for...
Within the next 12 months, Auckland Transport (AT) will introduce easier payment options across all of Auckland’s buses, trains, and ferries. This will enable customers to tag on and off with debit/credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, alongside the current AT HOP card. The changes will apply to...
In the 2023 Auckland Architecture Awards, the recently re-opened Domain Wintergardens have been awarded an Enduring Architecture award, and the Symonds Street Public Convenience & Shelter won in the Heritage category. Awarded by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, these awards celebrate projects that have stood the test...
Auckland Council is asking for feedback on how Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland should grow over the next 30 years, with public consultation open until 4 July 2023. Council expects half a million more people to be living in the city by 2058. The strategy is its plan to make sure homes, jobs...