Latest news with #AucklandCouncil
RNZ News
5 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Warning on end of Auckland's alcohol licence freeze
An expert believes parts of Auckland's new Local Alcohol Policy is outdated and needs urgent review. Photo: Stuff / Braden Fastier Auckland's local alcohol policy (LAP) is fast becoming outdated according to one legal expert. The LAP, which outlines the location, amount, and trading hours for alcohol businesses in the region, was implemented last September. Drafted in 2013, it took 10 years to get it approved after it was tied up in legal battles. Dr Grant Hewison, a lawyer who works with Community Against Alcohol Harm (CAAH) in south Auckland, was concerned that parts of the LAP was losing its relevance, today. Presenting to the Safety and Regulatory Committee of the Auckland Council this week, Hewison warned that a raft of new liquor licenses could be on the way. "The temporary freeze in the priority overlay areas will stop next year." Photo: Stuff / Braden Fastier Hewison added that assuming there would remain a high bar to new licenses may not be a robust enough position. "My concern is that that may not be sufficient to really address the ongoing proliferation that we're still seeing outside of those priority overlay areas in parts of the region," he said. The LAP came into effect in two stages - the first change was September 16, 2024 which included a two-year freeze on new off-licences in the central city and 23 other suburbs with the highest alcohol-related harm. He urged the committee to consider reviewing the LAP, before the two-year freeze lapsed. "The freeze will end in 2026 so you have a small window of opportunity looking to extend it. "I really encourage you to take some advice from your officers and have a briefing on how this temporary freeze operates, and the consequences of it being lifted." He also urged council to look into protecting neighbourhood centres better, in what he called was a 'technical error' in the LAP. According to the LAP, there was a rebbutable presumption for off-licence outlets in neighbourhood centres. Neighbourhood centres are commercial centres within residential areas. "Unfortunately, the drafting of the neighbourhood centre in the LAP links it to the Unitary Plan, as notified in 2013." He said the LAP only protected neighbourhood centres that existed in 2013 under the Unitary Plan. "Since then, we've had developments of paddocks and fields ... new neighbourhood centres that aren't protected by the LAP." He said the the consequence of that was that the District Licensing Committee recently approved three new liquor outlets in new neighbourhood centres. "I don't think the community and yourselves ever intended that the LAP only protected neighbourhood centres as they were in 2013." He pleaded for council not to wait for six years to review the LAP, but to act sooner. "I think its urgent, and there is provision under section 95 of the Act to make amendments to a LAP to correct what is essentially a minor technical error." Hewison said a lot of work went into the drafting of the LAP, but it was now relatively an older document. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
18 hours ago
- RNZ News
Investigation underway after two fur seals found decapitated at Auckland's Muriwai beach
The seals were found on Muriwai beach. (File photo) Photo: RNZ / Tom Taylor An investigation by the Department of Conservation (DOC) is underway after two fur seals were found decapitated at a West Auckland beach last month. DOC was alerted by a member of the public that a fur seal had been found dead at the beginning of June but decided it did not need a burial. But, on 5 June, DOC was called by Auckland Council to reports of a fur seal found at Muriwai without its head. Images showed it was the same fur seal reported to DOC staff a few days prior. DOC investigator Eva Obushenkova said while rangers were at the scene they found another seal without its head. "It appeared the seals' heads were removed using a sharp blade," she said. RNZ reported on a case of six fur seal pups found decapitated and their bodies dumped in a bay on Banks Peninsula in 2018. "In terms of actions we are taking: the seals were buried," Obushenkova said. "The DOC investigation was on-going and we are asking for anyone who might have information about this incident to contact DOC." It was not acceptable for people to tamper with protected wildlife, and it was illegal to remove a protected species' head, Obushenkova said. DOC said it was also investigating a recreational boat skipper seen steering his boat through a pod of bottlenose dolphins after reportedly being launched at Waiake Beach on Auckland's North Shore in May. "[One witness] reported seeing the boat head straight toward the dolphins, which were clearly visible, and get very close to them," Obushenkova said. Boats were prohibited to travel through a pod of dolphins under the marine mammals protection regulations. "Our witness has also stated the boatie later changed direction and began following the pod, steering his vessel among the dolphins and eventually stopping the engine to take photographs." The boat involved in the incident was a Haynes Hunter named Plaisir, Obushenkova said. "We'd like to talk to the owner or skipper of Plaisir, and encourage them to come forward." Anyone with information on the boat could contact DOC with the CLE Works case number 9189, while those with information on the decapitated fur seals should cite CLE Works case 9390. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
21 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
The big issues for Auckland's leaders
Auckland is expected significant growth in population by 2034, with another 200,000 people in the region. Photo: Stuff/Chris McKeen Auckland's rapid population growth is considered one of the key challenges for incoming council elected members, a report has revealed. The city's population is expected to jump to 2.3 million people over the next three decades, leaving questions on how Auckland Council will pay for the increased demand on services. Auckland Council's pre-election report, prepared to support the upcoming local elections, lists how leaders can best use resources for the region's future. Key issues identified were productivity and growth, infrastructure investment, asset management, climate resilience, community services and funding. Photo: Council chief executive Phil Wilson, in a statement, said the report will give Aucklanders and its future leaders greater awareness of the opportunities and challenges facing the region. "By 2034 we are projected to see an additional 200,000 Aucklanders joining our diverse community," Wilson said. "That is slightly more than Hamilton being added, in only nine years. This rapid growth brings increased demand for services and infrastructure, such as transport, water services, parks and community facilities." Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson. Photo: Supplied to RNZ Auckland was a vibrant and rapidly growing city, and council's elected members face some tough decisions over the next three years on how to pay for that growth on a tight budget, he said. "To accommodate this growth, we must confront the challenges our region faces, while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. "These include addressing Auckland's relatively low productivity and lifting the region's economic growth to support development." Wilson said council exists to be an effective agent for the needs and aspirations of Aucklanders, and good governance should be prioritised. "To ensure this, it's vital that people standing for roles as mayor, councillors or local board members are well-informed as to the state of the city, key challenges and the council's financial situation." Current council strategies respond to growth by integrating land use and infrastructure planning, improving transport networks and advocating with central government for greater input into policy. However, Wilson said more will be required as the council continues to plan for a projected growth of 540,000 people over the next three decades - bringing Auckland's population to 2.3 million. "To increase productivity and influence positive growth, Auckland must address long-standing barriers, including congestion, infrastructure bottlenecks and regulation. "We also want to maintain the council's sustainable financial direction where we affordably deliver the infrastructure and services Aucklanders expect, to help them live their lives better." The council estimates the need to invest $295 billion on maintaining, operating, enhancing and growing Auckland's infrastructure over a 30-year timeframe. "Unlocking the potential created by infrastructure investment is an opportunity to be considered by our elected members, including working with central government agencies and other partners to identify and maximise the opportunities. "Infrastructure investment makes up 86% of the council's total budget to 2034, so it's a significant part of decision-making for elected members." Wilson said council must also respond to greater demand on its community services and an increasingly diverse community, with equally diverse needs. The current services require further investment to ensure they remain relevant, accessible and effective in addressing the changing needs of Auckland's communities, he said. The Pre-Election Report is a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 2002, where council chief executives must prepare a report independently of the mayor and councillors. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Local Business Owner & Advisor, Dene Green, To Stand For Franklin Ward
Press Release – ACT New Zealand ACT Local has selected Maraetai resident and small business owner Dene Green as its candidate for the Franklin Ward in this year's Auckland Council election. Dene will also stand for the Wairoa Subdivision of the Franklin Local Board. Dene has over 30 years of experience in logistics, business ownership, and mentoring. He runs a service supporting small businesses and local development and holds an EMBA and a PostDoctorate in Global Business from the University of Oxford. He has championed renewable energy projects such as offshore wind power, supported aquaculture ventures, and pushed for Free Trade Zones in New Zealand, including the proposed Marsden Point in Northland. He also advised the campaign to position Auckland as a strategic 'Southern Link' transport hub between China and South America. Now Dene is focused on Franklin. As a proud Franklin local of Ngāti Hine descent, he understands what matters to families and businesses here. For too long Franklin has been treated as Auckland's forgotten rural fringe. From Whitford and Beachlands to Pukekohe and Waiuku, fastgrowing communities have seen clogged roads, stalled infrastructure, and rising rates with little to show for it. Auckland Council keeps adding climate levies and hiking business rates instead of delivering practical solutions. Franklin deserves better, investment that matches our growth, infrastructure that keeps up, and leadership that puts local priorities first. 'Franklin deserves better than being treated like a rural afterthought,' Dene says. 'Our communities need practical, people-first representation. I'll focus on fixing roads, improving local facilities, and making housing easier, not endless bureaucracy and red tape. 'Council should make life easier, not harder. Ratepayers deserve value for money and a council that works for them.' – Dene Green Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Ending the war on cars Cutting the waste Stopping race-based politics Restoring accountability Lower rates ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Local Business Owner & Advisor, Dene Green, To Stand For Franklin Ward
ACT Local has selected Maraetai resident and small business owner Dene Green as its candidate for the Franklin Ward in this year's Auckland Council election. Dene will also stand for the Wairoa Subdivision of the Franklin Local Board. Dene has over 30 years of experience in logistics, business ownership, and mentoring. He runs a service supporting small businesses and local development and holds an EMBA and a PostDoctorate in Global Business from the University of Oxford. He has championed renewable energy projects such as offshore wind power, supported aquaculture ventures, and pushed for Free Trade Zones in New Zealand, including the proposed Marsden Point in Northland. He also advised the campaign to position Auckland as a strategic 'Southern Link' transport hub between China and South America. Now Dene is focused on Franklin. As a proud Franklin local of Ngāti Hine descent, he understands what matters to families and businesses here. For too long Franklin has been treated as Auckland's forgotten rural fringe. From Whitford and Beachlands to Pukekohe and Waiuku, fastgrowing communities have seen clogged roads, stalled infrastructure, and rising rates with little to show for it. Auckland Council keeps adding climate levies and hiking business rates instead of delivering practical solutions. Franklin deserves better, investment that matches our growth, infrastructure that keeps up, and leadership that puts local priorities first. 'Franklin deserves better than being treated like a rural afterthought,' Dene says. 'Our communities need practical, people-first representation. I'll focus on fixing roads, improving local facilities, and making housing easier, not endless bureaucracy and red tape. "Council should make life easier, not harder. Ratepayers deserve value for money and a council that works for them.' – Dene Green Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Ending the war on cars Cutting the waste Stopping race-based politics Restoring accountability Lower rates ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
