John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

From March 2025, the North Shore will stop using rubbish tags, and instead pay for general rubbish via rates (or rent). The amount that you pay will depend on the size of bin that you currently use.
In fact, you may have noticed that a line to pay for this has already appeared on your rates bills, however it is only to fund the collection from March to June 2025.

There are pros and cons with this move:
➡️ The benefits are that we will no longer be paying more (on average) than other parts of Auckland for our general rubbish; we will no longer have to dash out to the dairy for a rubbish tag when we've run out; there will be no more tag thefts; tags will no longer be going to landfill; there should be less trucks on the road as many private operators will stop collecting general rubbish.
➡️ The disbenefits are that there will be no financial incentive to reduce household rubbish; there will be an increase in the total cost for anyone who doesn't put rubbish out every week.

All of Auckland will move to rates-funded rubbish collection by September 2025. Currently some parts of Auckland already pay through their rates, some use the orange bags that we used to have, and other areas (including Rodney) don't have any council rubbish service.
Originally all of Auckland was going to move to paying for each rubbish collection, however it was found that there was no discernible difference between the amount of rubbish collected in rates-paying areas vs tag-paying areas.

Meanwhile we are waiting on a decision on whether Auckland will be moving from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections in 2026...

If you care about our local coastline, wharves and other assets, please have your say on the draft Waitematā Harbour West Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP), which includes the Kaipātiki Local Board area from Bayview to Akoranga Drive (except for Little Shoal Bay which has already been completed).
Consultation closes 26 September.
➡️ https://tinyurl.com/waitemata-harbour-west

The plan will guide the future of each part of the coastline as sea levels rise - whether there will be limited intervention, managed retreat or "hold the line", over the short term, medium term and long term.
Note that the Kaipātiki Local Board has not yet given input into this plan and are unlikely to endorse it in it's current form.

➡️ Drop-In: Takapuna Markets – 11th August from 8am to 1pm
➡️ Presentation/Q&A: Beach Haven Birkdale Residents Association Hall behind the Beach Haven shops - 2 September from 6:30pm to 8pm
➡️ Drop-In: Birkenhead Library - Tuesday 3rd September from 10am to 12pm
➡️ Presentation/Q&A: Takapuna War Memorial Hall – 12th September from 6.30pm to 8pm
➡️ Drop-In: Glenfield Library - Friday 20th September from 3pm to 5pm

Pictured: Charcoal Bay, Beach Haven,

After a lot of work to try to find the reason for a tomo near 92 Queen Street, Northcote Pt, Watercare contractors have traced it to an old Telecom pipe that is leaking stormwater run-off. The hole has been temporarily backfilled while a fix is planned.

Watercare contractors have been busy this week with ground investigations at Birkenhead War Memorial Park. This is part of preparations for the Chelsea-Birkenhead Wastewater upgrade that will redirect sewage from Chatswood through Chelsea Estate Heritage Park, under Colonial Rd, Highbury Bypass and Mahara Ave, and connect into existing pipes at Birkenhead War Memorial Park.
A new pump station will be built at Chelsea Estate Heritage Park to pump sewage up the new pipes all the way to the Kahika Rd pump station, through the new pipes under Kaipatiki Rd and up to Rosedale.
This new route will replace the current route across Chelsea Bay to the Maunganui Road/Brassey Reserve pump station and then through Northcote.

Thankyou to everyone who provided feedback on proposed changes to the Wairau Road/View Road/Kathleen Street intersection.
61 responses were received with 50 supportive of the proposal.
Auckland Transport have decided to proceed with one significant change: the carparks outside the shops will stay as perpendicular instead of angled, which will retain the current number of parks.
The project is expected to be be underway mid-2025.

For more information see:
https://www.facebook.com/John4Kaipatiki/posts/pfbid035JBbh6qeeSrf82rFt1wU1wAyh3GToSLWQ2BzFvHD4Cg57BcWS2f1JmXuXX6QsRUNl

Well done Mayor Wayne Brown! This is exactly what needs to happen and very similar to what the Kaipātiki Local Board has said many times. The CCOs need to be brought back in-house as council departments answerable to Councillors and Local Boards.

Auckland Transport needs a change to the law to allow this to happen, and I hope that Government MPs (including Dan Bidois) will support that.
But Auckland Council could convert Tātaki Auckland Unlimited now, and Eke Panuku can be converted as soon as they finish their current projects.
Why? Because in a democracy, experts should be advisors to elected decisionmakers, who then make decisions on behalf of the public. If the decision is wrong, then the people can vote them out. The experts should not be making these decisions themselves with no recourse from the public if it goes wrong.

➡️

Wayne Brown's plan to 'dethrone' Auckland Transport in major CCO shake-up We ask for information from AT and don't get it, says the mayor.

A shout out to EsBee - a great group of year 12 Northcote College students who are involved in the Young Enterprise Scheme. They have created the "Slic Stic" to control flyaway hair and are selling it on their website: esbeefornz.com
It's an all-natural, environmentally sustainable, and beeswax-based formula.
I was lucky to meet the EsBee team of Cilla Sukatanaya, Joanne Kim and Amber Orquillo at the recent Northcote College open day. Well done team!

Website: https://esbeefornz.com/
Instagram: .for.nz
Facebook:

Congratulations to all of the AUT team on the new 9000m2 Tukutuku building, officially opened today by the Prime Minister.
Tukutuku is the new home of the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, but also provides a central meeting area for staff and students, along with a new café that is open to the public.

Danielle Grant, Paula Gillon, Tim Spring and I attended on behalf of the Kaipātiki Local Board and Melissa Powell on behalf of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. Good to see local MPs Dan Bidois and Shanan Halbert there too.

It's great to see the footpath being extended on Tui Glen Road to help with the increase in pedestrians visiting the Kauri Glen Reserve bridge.
This is one of a number of improvements that the Kaipātiki Local Board has requested that Auckland Transport consider to help alleviate the issues that are being experienced since the bridge opened. We know that there is a lot more required. Thanks also to Clr Richard Hills for helping to push this new footpath through.
Meanwhile we're aware that the renewed footpaths closer to Pupuke Rd have resulted in a mixture of widths and have raised this with AT.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Kaipātiki Local Board Community Forum in Birkenhead last night!
It was great to hear from the community on a wide range of topics including:
* Placemaking at Kaimataara ō Wai Manawa
* Wildlife and water quality issues in the Le Roys Bush wetlands
* Beach erosion at Hadfield Reserve
* A new 24 hour running event at Eskdale Reserve Network
* Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
* Volunteers at Onepoto Domain
This was a new format so please let us know your thoughts on how it went.
The next Community Forum will be in October, however there is always an opportunity to address the Kaipatiki Local Board on local matters at our business meeting on the third Wednesday of every month.

Congratulations to the 500 new Kiwis from 60 home countries at the North Shore Citizenship Ceremony at Westlake Girls High School tonight! 📜
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder led the ceremony, alongside Melissa Rose Powell, Terence Harpur and Peter Allen; John McLean from Upper Harbour Local Board; and Danielle Grant, Paula Gillon, Tim Spring and myself from Kaipātiki Local Board.
Thankyou to Matua Eddie Hudson, the Department of Internal Affairs and Auckland Council staff in welcoming our new New Zealand citizens.
Thanks to the Westlake Girls' Kapa Haka group for the fantastic performance!

Birkdale Road - New Crossing and bus stop changes proposed:
Auckland Transport is proposing the installation of a new pedestrian crossing, moving 4 bus stops and lengthening 1 bus stop. Some off-street parking will be removed around each bus stop to allow for the buses to pull in.

Have your say by Wednesday 31 July:
* Phone AT: 09 930 5090
* Email AT: [email protected] (include the reference "Birkdale Rd Bus Stops")
* Or leave your comments below and I will pass them on.

Proposal A: New pedestrian crossing and changes to existing bus stops at 247 and 296 Birkdale Road:
o Relocate the exiting bus stop and shelter from 247 to 235 / 237 Birkdale Road.
o Relocate the existing bus stop from 296 to 290 Birkdale Road.
o Install a new pedestrian zebra crossing with a central island at 241 Birkdale Road.
o Paint no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) to ensure clear visibility of the new crossing and to support bus entry and exit of the stop.
o Install new bus stop road marking and signage.

Proposal B: Existing Bus Stop at 266 Birkdale Road:
o Upgrade the existing bus stop road markings, so that buses can enter and exit the bus stop without being obstructed by parked cars.

Proposal C: Existing Bus Stops at 191 Birkdale Road and 236 Birkdale Road:
o Relocate the exiting bus stop and twin shelter from 191 to 207 Birkdale Road. This location is easier for buses to access, closer to the existing zebra crossing to the north and away from the busy Birkdale Road/Flaxdale Street intersection.
o Install new bus stop road marking and signage at 207 Birkdale Road.
o Remove the bus stop line marking and signage from 236 Birkdale Road. This stop is very close to the next bus stop, has no nearby safe crossing points and is no longer required.

Proposal D: Existing Bus Stop at 102 Birkdale Road:
o Relocate the bus stop slightly north, paint no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) so buses can enter and exit the bus stop safely.
o Install new bus stop road marking and signage.

Reasons for the changes from Auckland Transport:
• These bus stop upgrades including road marking and signage will improve and support the bus stop relocations and customer safety.
• It will improve bus frequency and connectivity for the community to access bus stops safely and gives residents more travel options around Birkdale.
• Painting no stopping at all times clears and improves visibility and access for buses to manoeuvre their wider vehicle and makes it easier for buses to access the bus stops.
• The new safety improvements give priority to people crossing, improves visibility and access for all motorists and makes it safer and easier for people walking and crossing the road.

There is still one day left to grab yourself a bargain at the Rotary Kaipātiki fundraising book fair! Lots of kids' books too!
Open Saturday 9am-5pm at the Northcote College hall.
100% of funds go to charitable community projects.
Thankyou to all of the Rotary volunteers who make this annual event possible.

A big update on the future of our three Kauri Kids centres in Birkdale, Beach Haven and Glenfield!

Kaipātiki board explores third party delivery for Kauri Kids At its Business Meeting this week, Kaipātiki Local Board agreed to explore third party delivery for the Kaipātiki Kauri Kids centres now that regional funding for the programme has ended.

Auckland Council are consulting on a range of representation changes to Local Board boundaries and Councillor Ward boundaries across Auckland.
Minor changes are proposed for the Northern boundary of the Kaipātiki Local Board, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and North Shore Ward.
➡️ Consultation is now open and runs until 8 August 2024. Have your say here: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/auckland-council-representation-project

➡️ There are two local drop-in sessions to learn more:
* 8am-1pm Sunday 14 July @ Takapuna Beach Sunday Market
* 9am-2pm Sunday 14 July @ Smales Farm Sunday Market

➡️ And two online Webinars (need to register):
* 6pm-7:30pm Tuesday 9 July
* 6pm-7:30pm Wednesday 17 July

The following changes are being proposed for the North Shore. The changes will simplify the Northern boundary while ensuring that all of Bayview is within Kaipātiki Local Board and North Shore Ward:
👉 Moving the northern side of Glendhu Rd (from Albany Highway to the footbridge), Treetops Way, Hazel Glen and Daldys Bush Lane from Upper Harbour Local Board and Albany Ward to Kaipatiki Local Board and North Shore Ward.
👉 Moving the northern side of Sunset Road (from Albany Highway to Carribean Drive) and Tenbless Court from Kaipātiki Local Board and North Shore Ward to Upper Harbour Local Board and Albany Ward.
👉 Moving a parcel of Kereru Reserve (behind 161 & 163 Glendhu Rd) from Kaipatiki Local Board and North Shore Ward to Upper Harbour Local Board and Albany Ward (as the rest of the reserve is already there).
👉 Moving a portion of Saunders Reserve (behind 270 Sunset Road) from Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and North Shore Ward to Upper Harbour Local Board and Albany Ward (as the rest of the reserve is already there).

You will also be able to put forward other changes that may have been missed from the consultation.

One change that the Kaipātiki Local Board believe should be being consulted on, but councillors decided to remove from the options, is moving ALL of Unsworth Heights from Upper Harbour Local Board/Albany Ward to Kaipātiki Local Board/North Shore Ward. We believe this should happen because:
* Unsworth Heights is a community of interest with Totara Vale, Sunnynook, and Glenfield.
* Unsworth Heights is separated from the rest of the Upper Harbour Local Board area/Albany Ward by motorway and an industrial area.
* Unsworth Heights is in the school zone for Target Rd Primary in Totara Vale.
* The population difference between the Albany Ward and the North Shore Ward exceeds the "fairness of representation" legal rule. As the population of Albany continues to grow, part of it will need to move to North Shore at some point soon. One solution is to move Unsworth Heights. If it doesn't, Council will need to request an exemption of this rule from the Local Government Commission.

The Kaipātiki Local Board and the Joint Governance Working Party (which I am a member of) supported consulting on transferring Unsworth Heights, however Councillors chose not to.
➡️ Have your say here: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/auckland-council-representation-project

Have your say on proposed changes to the Pupuke Rd / Ocean View Rd / Raleigh Rd intersection:
https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/pupuke-intersection-northcote
Consultation is open until Sunday 28 July.

There are two community drop-in sessions to learn more:
Where: Northcote Library
When: 2pm-4pm Friday 12 July, and 11am-1pm Saturday 20 July

This intersection has long been a risky one, in particular for vehicles exiting from Ocean View Rd onto Pupuke Rd, and it is only going to get worse as traffic increases with population growth. There are also growing wait times and difficulties for pedestrians crossing.

The proposed design turns it into a traffic light-controlled intersection with pedestrian crossings.
Changes include:

* Installing traffic lights at all corners of the intersection.
* Installing traffic light-controlled crossings across Raleigh Road, Ocean View Road, and the left turn lane from Pupuke Road, to give people who walk or use a wheelchair safe places to cross.
* Merging of the lanes from Ocean View Road into one lane for both directions.
* Adding high-friction road surfacing on the left turn lane from Pupuke Road on to Ocean View Road to encourage safe turning speeds.
* Upgrading the existing traffic island to include better turning lines for vehicles, and footpaths and ramps for people who walk or use a wheelchair.
* Placing yellow guidance pavers on all pedestrian crossing points for the visually impaired
* Placing ‘no stopping at all times’ yellow lines six metres from the intersection on all sides to discourage stopped vehicles that would block traffic and obstruct drivers’ views. This would remove approximately three north-side and two south-side on-street parking spaces on the Ocean View Road side of the intersection.

Have your say and more information: https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/pupuke-intersection-northcote

Funded by the Kaipātiki Local Board via the Local Board Transport Capital Fund.

The Government is proposing to change some speed limits, reversing many of the changes from the last few years, and implementing 30kph areas 300m from schools only at drop-off and pick-up times. They are also proposing changes to the process to make further speed limit changes.

Locally, the biggest impact will be on Verran Rd, West Glade Cres and Caram Pl, where the speed limit was reduced from 50kph to 30kph and is now proposed to return in 50kph, although with the part of Verran Rd closest to Verran Primary to be 30kph from 8am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4pm on school days.

What are your thoughts on this? Have your say here until Thursday 11 July:
https://consult.transport.govt.nz/policy/setting-of-speed-limits-2024-consultation/

Last week I addressed the Auckland Transport board, highlighting some of the Kaipatiki Local Board's feedback on the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP), inc supporting the prioritisation of renewing and maintaining existing transport assets; establishing a fulltime clearway on Onewa Rd (as supported by 80% of public consultation in 2020); improvements to public transport and ferry services (inc not stopping the Northcote ferry service); progressing the Waitemata Harbour Connections project and constructing a walking/cycling path south of Constellation Drive.
And I also used the opportunity to show the board members video of the traffic chaos in the Tui Glen Rd area since the Kauri Glen Reserve bridge opened, and a video of loose chip seal issues.

Thankyou to Kauri Park School - Kura o Te Papa Kauri for an awesome Matariki event this morning. A great turn-out from the local community! Keep an eye out for lots more Matariki events in our area.
Mānawatia a Matariki!!!

More photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/kauriparkschool/posts/pfbid03hswo84n26pzesjBotb2AxtPoN7S2cYwbjJZnfTD2HfSSkbfsbH559TNPiracjWSl

Thankyou to The Orchards for inviting me to give an update on recent Kaipātiki Local Board projects, storm damage and new housing developments like the one next door on Kaipatiki Rd. It was lovely to meet everyone :)
Metlifecare Retirement Villages

A few people have contacted me about this. But don't worry - the twelve engraved panels on the tree-top bridge at Kauri Glen Reserve haven't been stolen for scrap metal, they've been temporarily removed to receive a polycarbonate backing to help prevent vandalism and trapped fingers.
They should be back in place next week :)

Have your say on the proposed designs for the Leiden Reserve playground in Totara Vale!
There are two options to choose from, or potentially mix-and-match features.
Download the designs and have your say here before Thursday 8 July: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/leidenreserveplayground

In 2023 we asked for initial views on what you would like to see in the new design. These two options are the result. Have we got it right?
If all goes to plan, the new playground is expected to be built by the end of this year.

📍 Leiden Reserve can be accessed from Leiden Place and Lambrown Drive.

- Funded by the Kaipātiki Local Board.

The Kaipātiki Local Board has funded the installation of five large public rubbish bins in busy parks where normal bins have been removed as part of the Mayor and Councillors' cost-cutting.
They have the capacity of two normal bins, so don't need to be emptied as often. The frames contain wheelie bins that are easy for the contractor to retrieve.
The bins have been installed at: Kaipatiki Park, Little Shoal Bay Reserve, Marlborough Park, Onepoto Domain and Shepherds Park (pictured).
If they work well, we can look at installing more, so please let us know your thoughts.
- Funded by the Kaipātiki Local Board.

Here are some great drone photos of Le Roys Bush Reserve, showing why some of the tracks are still closed and why it's still going to be a while before a solution is in place... Thanks DroneSurveyor!

Congratulations to the 500 new Kiwis from 65 home countries at the North Shore Citizenship Ceremony at Westlake Girls High School this week! 📜
I lead the ceremony alongside Kaipātiki Local Board member Dr Janet Tupou, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Toni van Tonder and Clr Richard Hills.
Thankyou to Matua Eddie Hudson, the Department of Internal Affairs and Auckland Council staff in welcoming our new New Zealand citizens.
Thanks to the Westlake Girls' Kapa Haka group for the fantastic performance!

Fantastic performances from the North Shore schools at Showquest 2024 North Shore competition!
Well done to everyone involved, and congratulations to Northcote Primary School and Northcote Intermediate School for winning first and second place in the junior section! 🏆♪💃♫🕺
Some official photos can be viewed here:
https://www.facebook.com/showquest/posts/794916889451536

⭐️ SHOWQUEST AWARDS ⭐️

JUNIOR
1ST PLACE - Northcote Primary
2ND PLACE - Northcote Intermediate
3RD PLACE - Glamorgan School

OPEN
1ST PLACE - Orewa College
2ND PLACE - Long Bay College
3RD PLACE - Whangaparāoa College

Showquest School Spirit - Northcote Intermediate, Whangaparāoa College and Westlake Girls’ College
Whetū Rangatahi (Star of the Show) - Lead student from Northcote Primary and Amy from Whangaparāoa College
Public Speaking Award - Albany Junior High School and Glamorgan School

TECHNICAL AWARDS

ALBANY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL - “Embrace The Change”
Best Live Music
Best Original Composition (student-created)
Highly Commended Theme
BAYVIEW PRIMARY - “Never Underestimate”
Best Theme
ZM Soundtrack Award
Highly Commended Lighting
Highly Commended Drama
GLAMORGAN SCHOOL - “Our Story”
Best Styling
Highly Commended Choreography
Highly Commended Video Wall
NORTHCOTE INTERMEDIATE - “Waharoa”
Best Choreography
Best Drama
Highly Commended Lighting
NORTHCOTE PRIMARY - “Heal, Unite, Uplift with Dance”
Best Lighting
Highly Commended Choreography
OREWA BEACH PRIMARY - “Be The Change”
Best Lighting
Best Video Wall
LONG BAY COLLEGE - “MELAS”
Best Choreography
Best Theme
Highly Commended Lighting
OREWA COLLEGE - “Skool Sux”
Best Lighting
Best Props
Best Drama
WESTLAKE GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL - “The Life of Marilyn”
Best Video Wall
Best Live Music
Highly Commended Choreography
Highly Commended Drama
WHANGAPARĀOA COLLEGE - “What was I made for?”
Best Styling
Highly Commended Choreography
Highly Commended Lighting

For 5 weeks from Monday 10 June, Watercare will be working on replacing an ageing water pipe on Lancaster Rd, near the intersection with Tramway Rd. Please be aware of this if picking up/dropping off children from Beach Haven Primary School.
The work is expected to take up to 5 weeks and take place from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
During the project, there will be:
o Stop/go systems in operation
o Reduced on-street parking
o Reduced lane widths
o Reduced speed limits
o Pedestrian detours/reduced footpath width.

It was great to see lots of people taking advantage of the great weather by exploring Wai Manawa/Little Shoal Bay by kayak and learning about whitebait at Le Roy's Bush today as part of an Experiencing Marine Reserves event.

Thanks to Experiencing Marine Reserves - EMR, Auckland Sea Kayaks and Whitebait Connection- Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
Part funded by the Kaipātiki Local Board via Kaipatiki Community Grants.