Last Tuesday was officially the first day of Summer, and the good news is that after months of water savings across the region, we finally voted to relax water restrictions! From 14 December, Aucklanders will be able to use hand-held hoses and water blasting devices so long as they are fitted with trigger nozzles. This is great news as we come into Summer and means we can look after our gardens, top up pools, flush boat motors and wash homes and cars. We were only able to make this change due to the 7 billion litres of water we’ve saved since restrictions were enforced in May – so thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made! As of this week, total dam storage level: 72.5%. Please see our water supply update for more information.
You will also remember that this year’s Emergency Budget included a $224million water infrastructure investment to fund improving our water supply, storage and processing. Progress against this is as follows, (figures are in MLD – million litres/day):
· The Hickey Springs Bores in Pukekohe have been is in service since October adding 5MLD
· Expansion of the Waikato Treatment Plant in Tuakau has delivered an extra 25MLD since August, which will increase to 50MLD by May 2021
· Expansion of the Onehunga Treatment Plant has been operative as of September adding 4MLD by January 2021.
· Papakura Hays Creek Dam is in service as of this month adding 6MLD by January 2021, which will increase to 12MLD by March 2021.
This week the mayor presented his mayoral proposal for the next ten years. In summary, he had 4 key propositions regarding spending and rates-setting:
1. Continuing with a strong emphasis on value for money and savings locking in at least $90 million dollars of the $120 million savings achieved in the current Emergency Budget as continued savings
2. A continuation of selling property surplus to need in order to reinvest the proceeds to meet Auckland’s critical infrastructure needs
3. Temporarily increasing our borrowing for three years
4. Having an average general rates rise of 5% in year one then 3.5% for the remaining years
With regard to the rates rise, there were a number of councillors who wanted this to be higher than 5% in the first and subsequent years, but equally there were those who considered 5% to be too high. I want to emphasise that the proposal was the mayor’s thoughts; and that councillors then collectively agreed to let this proposal go out to Aucklanders before making a final decision. This consultation will happen February/March next year - I will keep you updated as to the workstreams and projects relevant to Ōrākei Ward as well as how and when to have your say.
Now for a quick transport update - Auckland Transport open a consultation this week on a proposed raised zebra crossing on Portland Road, Remuera. This is in response to feedback from residents that safety in the area is paramount, specifically children crossing outside King’s School and those accessing nearby bus stops. The proposed zebra crossing would increase visibility of the crossing and also aim to reduce the speed for approaching drivers. Consultation is open until 22 December via the AT website which also contains full details of the plans and reasoning - please let them know your thoughts using the online survey.
From Monday 14 December, Waka Kotahi ( NZTA) will be taking up a little more space in Tahapa Reserve East. It is well within their consented area but will likely be frustrating for users of the reserve. Staff have attempted to keep as much open space available and will maintain the access into Purewa Cemetery. This will be the case until 9 February to ensure the team have a safe amount of space whilst they work on the pedestrian rail bridge.
There will be some heavy truck movements through the compound area at the reserve from 26 December and work will also begin in the ‘bowl’ section of the reserve from early January. NZTA have made affected neighbours aware.
Before I talk about the exciting upcoming America’s Cup races, some important travel advice:
· On race days between 1pm-8pm, Tāmaki Drive will be open to one-way traffic only – city bound between Ngapipi Road to Aitken Avenue. Businesses and residents will still be able to access their premises/residences but will need to go the long way around. Paratai Drive and Cliff Road will be closed for residents only access.
· General advice is to plan ahead, leave plenty of time and travel by bus/rail/ferry if you can.
From December 17-20, four international teams from New Zealand, Italy, United States, and Great Britain will compete against each other for the PRADA America’s Cup World Series Auckland and the PRADA Christmas Race (20 December). The event will see current America’s Cup defender Emirates Team New Zealand; the Challenger of Record Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team; INEOS TEAM UK; and New York Yacht Club American Magic race over four days on the Waitematā Harbour.
Race details you need to know:
· The first race on December 17 sees Emirates Team New Zealand compete against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team. There will be four races per day from 3pm to 6pm, of round robin competition when all of the four teams will race each other twice. See the race format here.
· On the fourth day (20th of December), the PRADA Christmas Race will kick off and will be comprised of two knock out stages, the first stage consists of two head to head match ups, the winners of each will progress to the final, the losers to a 3rd and 4th match which will help decide the final rankings. The pairing of the Christmas Race semifinals will be decided by the results of the PRADA ACWS Auckland double Round Robin.
· Situated at the start of Hobson’s Wharf and continuing on through the Eastern Viaduct and the Western Viaduct, up to the Jellicoe Car Park, the America’s Cup Race Village officially opens December 15 and is free to enter and a great place to enjoy the action from or just soak up the atmosphere. Besides the Village stage and big screens, fans can buy merchandise and test their sailing skills on the AC75 simulator, enjoy a meal or drink at Te Pou, a New Zealand themed bar and restaurant, or toast with champagne at the custom-built two storey Mumm Yacht Club champagne bar, all in the heart of the race village. There will also be concerts, cultural activities and other exciting activations taking place with more to be announced soon. The Village has a limited visitor capacity and will operate from 9am until 11pm on racing days and from 10am until 10pm on non-racing days. Download the Race Village map here.
On Monday 7th I celebrated the life of my friend and former colleague Dick Quax along with other Councillors, Howick Local Board members and Dick’s family. A memorial was unveiled at Wakaaranga Reserve in Half Moon Bay honouring Dick’s contribution to athletics and local government representing the Howick Ward and previously Manukau City Council. Interpretative signage and a series of bollards have been installed along the 5000-metre route of the Wakaaranga Creek walkway commemorating the world record time Dick Quax set at that distance. Dick remains in our thoughts and is sorely missed from the council table.
Finally, whilst we have Council meetings for another week or so, this will be my last newsletter of 2020 -what a year we’ve all had!!
I for one am definitely ready to have a rest! I hope you are all able to take some time out over the summer to relax and spend time with friends and family. To those who celebrate Hanukkah -happy holiday, to those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas and to each and every one of you stay safe, enjoy the holiday season, take care of each other and may 2021 be better for us all
Seasons Greetings and thank you for reading my updates
Desley