Following a review of the current COVID-19 situation, the Prime Minister announced today that the Auckland region will remain at Alert Level 3 until midnight on Wednesday 26th August as planned. This will be further reviewed on Monday 24th.
Until we change our status, it is important we continue to remain in our household bubbles; try to wear a mask or face covering when outside; and stay local where possible. Businesses are taking another big hit financially so if you can, please support your local coffee shop if they’re doing contactless pick up; your local restaurant if they’re doing takeaways/deliveries; and other small businesses in your area in any way you can. Tempting as it is, also please keep children off our playground equipment which following central government direction, has been taped off for public use.
Many of you have brought to my attention the sad news that several dead stingrays have been found in the Ōrākei Basin. I asked that council staff urgently investigate the cause of death and have the dead creatures removed as soon as possible. To say I have been disappointed with the response would be an understatement. The stingray carcases were first reported on 8th August and, despite my escalating this as a priority, some remained in the Basin 12 days later. It was hoped those removed could be frozen and tested to learn more about their cause of death. Sadly, the delay in retrieving them has meant they were too “far gone” to be tested successfully.
The one positive piece of news that is the quality of the water has been tested, and results have proven that poor water quality was not the cause of death. This incident has provided an opportunity to review and improve council processes. We now have a very clear understanding of which department has responsibility for removing both deceased sea creatures found washed up onshore, and those found floating in the water.
Our Community Facilities team are upgrading the tidal sluice gates which some say may have had a role to play in the stingray deaths, and will operate the gates as often as possible during this time to flush the basin with salt water. The Ministry for Primary Industries will continue to work with council to help determine what actually caused the stingrays to die. More specific details on councils response to the stingray deaths can be found on my website .However I give you my assurance, I’m absolutely committed to ensure updated processes are adhered to so we can prevent further stingray deaths in the future.
You may have read that Watercare’s Chief Executive Raveen Jaduram has resigned from his position and will be moving on to consider new opportunities as of 31st October. Raveen has been with Watercare since 2014 and I wish him all the best for his future endeavours. As of Friday 21st August, dam levels stand at 62.22%, still significantly below the historical average for this time of year (87.95%). Water restrictions therefore continue. Watercare have assured me they are continuing to press ahead with their construction programme to bring on new water sources and upgrade existing ones, while adhering to the strict safety protocols required under Level 3. This includes work to build new modular treatment plants treating water from Hays Creek Dam and the Hickey Springs bore in Pukekohe.
Last week I shared with you details of the planned closure of Tāmaki Drive allowing a crane to lift the pedestrian clip-on into place at Point Resolution. I was delighted when the work was completed a full 24 hours ahead of schedule allowing traffic to resume late Saturday afternoon. Here’s a great timelapse of this essential work being carried out – great work Auckland Transport contractors!
Owing to some urgent repair work required on the rail tracks, Eastern Line services between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu will not be running for two weeks starting from this Monday 24 August.In order for KiwiRail to carry out this work safely and at pace, the line needs to be shut completely. Stopping the trains for an extended period allows a considerably more productive work programme and enables completion of work and a return to normal operations in the shortest possible time frame. This minimises overall disruption for commuters and corridor neighbours.
Public transport should only be used under Alert Level 3 for essential travel such as getting to/from work, the supermarket or medical appointments. If you were planning on using the Eastern Line over the next 2 weeks, you may need to consider alternative arrangements. Buses will replace trains between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu stations during this time, and train services will continue to operate as normal between Manukau and Ōtāhuhu. Auckland Transport have apologised for any inconvenience caused by this work. The latest information and alternative travel options are available here.
Although it was disappointing that so many of the great events planned for New Zealand Conservation Week (August 15th-23rd) have had to be postponed, there are still many great ways to be involved:
*During the April lockdown, Auckland Council Parks Services created a video detailing how we can map our backyards. Taking the time to observe what is literally in your backyard allows you to embrace what has always been there.
*The NZ Tree app is a great tool for learning what is around you, and how you can care for it.
*You can add to some of the amazing photos on Auckland Council’s Instagram feed and share nature from your perspective with others
*The Conservation Week webpage that the Department of Conservation has created is full of quizzes and opportunities to learn about nature in Aotearoa
*Finally, visit the Auckland Parks Facebook page for more videos on subjects like how to make a bug hotel, doing a bird count in your neighbourhood and building a tracking tunnel.
Finally, I’m disappointed to miss out on collecting for the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day next week - something I do every year in memory of my father who died of cancer. Even though we can’t collect in person, there’s still an opportunity to donate to this wonderful cause via their website, and dedicate a daffodil to someone you love.
Enjoy a quiet and restful weekend, and please check in on anyone who may be struggling, especially those who live alone.
Stay safe and please let me know if you, or anyone you know, needs help at this challenging time
Desley