Environment rates getting to work in Waitākere, say Councillors
Upcycling project making digital waves for West Auckland youth
Auckland’s targeted Environment rates are making a difference to Waitākere, say Ward Councillors Linda Cooper and Shane Henderson. Introduced in 2018, the targeted Natural Environment and Water Quality rates are funding projects, community organisations and infrastructure required to improve water quality and enhance the natural environment. The Natural Environment rate will raise $311 million over 10 years and is currently funding projects such as control of feral goat and pigs in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park as well as pest plant management. It also funds community groups to help protect local ecosystems – such as Karekae Landcare and the South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network. With a significant amount of funding (36%) dedicated to Kauri dieback management, several tracks, such has the Cutty Grass Track, have been opened. Councillor Cooper says that this work is invaluable. “Without the targeted rate, so many of these projects simply wouldn’t be happening. There is significant value in protecting the ecology of the Waitākere Ranges, and we know that the work that is being done to reduce pest plants, upgrading tracks to kauri safe standards, and controlling wild animal populations will make a positive difference.”
A group of fourteen students from Prospect School are creating a unique digital footprint, turning old and broken Chromebooks into working machines in West Auckland thanks to initial funding from Waitākere Ranges Local Board. The year five and six students started the West Tech Project in 2021, which aims to bridge the digital inequality gap, providing opportunity for students and whānau to learn technical skills, and reducing waste going to landfill. It has already turned 20 broken Chromebooks into 14 working machines and has been awarded a $200,000 contract to scale across West Auckland. Fourteen students took part in the programme and kept the devices once they had been upcycled. The students are now mentoring a new student cohort to upcycle a collection of old Chromebooks.
Board support
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair, Saffron Toms was delighted to be able to support the project. “We saw that there was a lot of potential in this project and that it definitely could be scaled up with the right support. All it needed was funding which the board was happy to provide. It’s fantastic to see that the initial idea is turning into something that will make a huge difference for local young people.”
Janelle Saili Naiteitei, Andrew James and Tyrone Doran from the West Tech Project. (Photo taken before level 4 lockdown.) Upgraded track in Waitākere Ranges.
The Water Quality rate, which will raise $452.4 million over 10 years, is funding the significant Central Interceptor project, which will reduce overflows into the Waitematā Harbour, but is also funding water quality programmes in Waitākere. These include investigations at Te Henga / Bethells Lagoon, Huia and Fosters Bay, as well as Wood Bay, Titirangi Beach and Laingholm Beach. Several contaminant reduction projects are also underway, as well as septic tank and onsite wastewater inspection and maintenance regime to increase compliance in properties with onsite wastewater systems. Councillor Henderson says that increasing compliance and regular testing are the keys to improving water quality. “If we can reduce the amount of contaminated water entering our streams and lagoons, it follows that water quality will improve. Many projects, from educational pieces at schools through to increased compliance inspections, will help to improve the quality of our watercourses. “Without doubt the rates are making a difference, and leading us toward a cleaner, greener more sustainable environment that we all want.”
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The Fringe NOVEMBER 2021
West’s resiliency praised by Waitākere Ranges Local Board West Aucklanders are being praised for their resilience and can-do attitude, following one of the toughest months in memory. Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair, Saffron Toms has paid tribute to the Waitākere community following a combination of events that have put incredible strain on the community. “Not only are we all having to deal with the impacts of lockdown, but the devastating storm in August that saw more than a months’ worth of rain hit in one evening, bringing widespread flooding and multiple slips across the ranges, rendering roads, paths and houses unusable,” she says. “It’s certainly been a challenging period, and on behalf of the board I want to acknowledge the mahi and aroha shown by so many of you during this time. From helping during the storm damage to doing the hard yards in lockdown, this community has really come together, which has been so great to see,” she says. Advertisement
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