Latest news with #FranklinLocalBoard
Scoop
4 days 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
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Local Politician Continues Fight For Better Drinking Water For Waiuku
A local politician is questioning why Watercare isn't investing in water softening treatment in its upgrade of the Waiuku treatment plant. Watercare's plan for Waiuku does not include water softening treatment for hard water, which Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes said has been a long-standing issue for the community. Watercare maintains drinking water in Waiuku meets the safe drinking standards. 'Watercare's response misses the point entirely,' Holmes said. 'While the water may meet basic drinking standards, it is demonstrably failing to provide Waiuku residents with the same level of value and service enjoyed by most other parts of Auckland." Hard water is water that contains dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Soft water contains lower concentrations of these minerals. The amount of these minerals in a city's water supply varies by region, depending on both where the water comes from and how the water is treated. According to Watercare, hard water is moderately hard in Waiuku, Bombay, Warkworth, Helensville and Pukekohe. Holmes said what Waiuku residents' need for better water wasn't about luxury, but about fairness and ensuring they weren't bearing excessive costs. Watercare's new era of financial independence was the perfect opportunity to address the significant financial burden placed on Waiuku residents, he said. "Now, with their new ability to borrow in their own name, without support from council or the government, Watercare has even less excuse to neglect the needs of Waiuku residents.' Holmes said Waiuku residents have been forced to shoulder the financial burden of installing their own water treatment systems, frequently replacing damaged appliances, and even incurring costs for items like water cylinders at a much higher rate than other Aucklanders. 'Watercare claims 'fairness and equity' in its service provision across Auckland. 'But, where is the fairness for Waiuku residents who are forced to pay more out of their own pockets for essential water-related infrastructure and maintenance, simply because Watercare is unwilling to invest in a solution that would benefit the entire community?" Holmes said in a recent survey he conducted, widespread dissatisfaction with Waiuku's water quality and the resulting financial strain was revealed. Key findings included most households reporting spending thousands of dollars on appliance repairs and individual softening systems. 'The survey responses paint a clear picture of frustration and financial burden. 'Residents are tired of replacing appliances, battling limescale buildup, and feeling like second-class citizens when it comes to water quality and the associated costs." Watercare head of water Sharon Danks said like a third of the country's drinking water, Waiuku's water supply came from a groundwater source. These water sources tend to contain higher elevated levels of minerals that have dissolved from surrounding rocks, commonly referred to as hard water, she said. "We are committed to providing the Waiuku community with safe, high-quality drinking water that meets the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards. She said the hardness in Waiuku's treated water was in the 'moderately hard' range, and well below the guideline recommended in the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards of 200mg/L. "As all of our water meets Drinking Water Standards for hardness, we have no plans to add water softening treatment, which comes at significant cost."
Scoop
02-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Waiuku's Hard Water Crisis
Local Board Representative Demands Equitable Action From Watercare, Leveraging New Financial Independence To Address Unfair Burden On Residents Waiuku, Auckland, 1 July 2025 Franklin Local Board Representative Gary Holmes is intensifying his call for Watercare to address the long-standing issue of hard water in Waiuku. This demand comes as Watercare embarks on a new era of financial independence, a change highlighted in their own press release today. Despite Watercare's recent statement at an open Franklin Local Board meeting that it cannot single out the community for water softening treatment, Holmes argues that this new financial autonomy provides the perfect opportunity to address the significant financial burden placed on Waiuku residents. Watercare stated at the recent Franklin Local Board meeting it cannot include water softening treatment as part of its $45 million upgrade of the Waiuku water treatment plant due to ongoing maintenance costs. They maintained that because the water meets safe drinking standards, further intervention is unnecessary. "Watercare's response misses the point entirely," says Holmes. "While the water may meet basic drinking standards, it is demonstrably failing to provide Waiuku residents with the same level of value and service enjoyed by most other parts of Auckland. This isn't about luxury; it's about fairness and preventing residents from bearing excessive costs. Now, with their new ability to borrow in their own name, without support from council or the government, Watercare has even less excuse to neglect the needs of Waiuku residents." Hard water, characterized by high mineral content, causes significant damage to household appliances, reduces the lifespan of hot water cylinders and kettles, and negatively impacts the taste and appearance of drinking water. Waiuku residents are currently forced to shoulder the financial burden of installing their own water treatment systems, frequently replacing damaged appliances, and even incurring costs for items like water cylinders at a much higher rate than other Aucklanders. "Watercare claims 'fairness and equity' in its service provision across Auckland," says Holmes. "But where is the fairness for Waiuku residents who are forced to pay more out of their own pockets for essential water-related infrastructure and maintenance, simply because Watercare is unwilling to invest in a solution that would benefit the entire community? Watercare Chief Executive Jamie Sinclair himself stated that their financial separation allows them to 'borrow more to deliver our ambitious $13.8 billion infrastructure programme without steep price rises for our customers.' This newfound financial flexibility should be used to deliver equitable services for all Aucklanders, including those in Waiuku." A recent survey conducted by Holmes revealed widespread dissatisfaction with Waiuku's water quality and the resulting financial strain. Key findings include: • Appalling rating: Residents ranked their drinking water a dismal 1.8 out of 5. • Financial strain: Most households reported spending thousands of dollars on appliance repairs and individual softening systems. • Overwhelming demand: Nearly 90% of respondents believe Watercare should incorporate water softening in the plant upgrade. "The survey responses paint a clear picture of frustration and financial burden," says Holmes. "Residents are tired of replacing appliances, battling limescale buildup, and feeling like second-class citizens when it comes to water quality and the associated costs. Watercare's refusal to implement a water softening solution effectively means Waiuku residents are paying for a lower quality of service, despite contributing to the same utility. With Watercare planning to invest around $1 billion on new and upgraded infrastructure for Auckland over the next year, it's imperative that a portion of this investment addresses the long-standing hard water issue in Waiuku." Holmes is urging Watercare to reconsider its decision and include a water softening system in the upcoming upgrade. "This is a critical opportunity to address a longstanding inequity and provide Waiuku residents with the same standard of water and value enjoyed by the rest of Auckland," he states. "It's time for Watercare to listen to the community, acknowledge the real financial impact of their policy, and leverage their new financial independence to deliver a solution that is truly fair and equitable for all.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Waiuku's $383k safety improvement project paused after criticism from local board
Gary Holmes has pointed to the use of raised rubber crossings used in Australia. Photo: Supplied *This story has been updated to clarify that the pedestrian crossing proposal is part of the $383,000 multi-street safety improvement project. A $383,000 multi-street safety improvement project in the South Auckland town of Waiuku has been put on hold. The Auckland Transport proposal has been a source of contention among the local community. Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes said he had major concerns about the project and it's impact on local businesses. In particular, he was worried about the costs related to a raised pedestrian crossing which would need to see the town's main street of Queen Street needing to be closed for 30 days for work to be completed. Holmes said the proposal has been paused following a meeting yesterday. "I'm pleased my fellow local board members are supporting my recommendation that we pause this project," he said. "We ask Auckland Transport to come and workshop that with the board so we can fully understand what the project entails, the cost involved and potentially other alternatives." Auckland Transport group manager of infrastructure project delivery Mark Banfield said the cost for the raised crossing element of the project is $65,000 out of a total project estimate of $383,000. "This is only a small part of the proposed project, which encompasses a multi-street safety upgrade scheme that also includes footpath and drainage upgrades". "AT proposed a multi-street safety improvement project which includes works on Queen Street, George Street, Mellsop Avenue and Kent Street in Waiuku." "Our pedestrian surveys showed dozens of unaccompanied children walk through this area on weekdays and when we engaged with the Waiuku community in April 2023 most respondents told us the changes would benefit the community." "There have been some recent concerns raised by the Franklin Local Board and community members about the cost of the project, the time it will take to complete, along with our shared concerns about the disruption that the project will cause during construction." "We are committed to listening and responding to the needs and concerns of our communities and balancing the disruption that comes with road construction projects against the safety and benefits they will deliver." "Our project team will now work through these concerns and possible solutions with the Franklin Local Board in a workshop before we progress any further with this project or start construction. We will also engage with the community again on any potential changes to the proposal," Mark Banfield said. Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes, who has been involved in discussions about the AT proposal, said he disputes the breakdown of costs. "I see that AT is stating that the raised pedestrian crossing part of the project is $65,000 only, well I call them on that." "Any sort of project like that, includes consultancy fees, traffic management etc, so they're putting a spin on that which I is disingenuous," the Franklin Local Board member said. The local politician is advocating for rubber alternative, which he said would cost about $100,000 and one day to install. Holmes pointed to a similar example of a rubber raised pedestrian crossings in Australia and the success of a trial rubber roundabout which has been used in Waiuku for several years. AT said a temporary rubber device would need to be replaced within five years. "Waiuku already boasts one of this company's rubber roundabouts, proving the efficacy of these solutions in our community," Holmes said. "It's time Auckland Transport stopped operating in a vacuum and started listening to common sense and embracing solutions that are better for ratepayers and better for our communities." "Waiuku is ready to lead Auckland on pedestrian crossings, demonstrating a forward thinking approach to road safety that is both efficient and economical, without compromising on the safety of our most vulnerable road users," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
30-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Parent Calls For Better Playground Fencing To Stop ‘Runners'
Article – Torika Tokalau – Local Democracy Reporter The lack of fencing around a destination park in rural south Auckland, where 17,000 cars zoom by each day, has come under fire. After hearing the safety pleas from a local parent and principal, the local board has agreed to fence the whole of Te Pae Mahara Roulston Park. The upgrade of the historic Te Pae Mahara Roulston Park began last October, by Eke Panuku's Unlock Pukekohe High Level Project Plan. Once complete in mid-2025, Te Pae Mahara Roulston Park is expected to feature improved play facilities to cater for a wider age range. However, residents were unhappy that the playground on the corner of one of Pukekohe's busiest intersections, with a traffic volume count of 17,000 vehicles per day, was not going to be completely fenced. Valley School principal Roger Goulstone, speaking at the Franklin Local Board meeting on Tuesday, said barriers or fencing was needed to keep children safe. 'With the busyness there, and attraction of a new facility, it's going to quite a higher traffic area,' Goulstone said. 'With the high amount of families coming, they would like the security of a barrier going at least around the park to stop kids wandering from off … [It's] a very busy intersection.' The park, located at the corner of East St and Stadium Dr, is costing $1.5 million to upgrade. The local board considered three design options – initially going with the first option which included a 900mm-high wired fence at the top of the park, leaving multiple areas of the park with no fencing or gates. Option two included two additional gates with latches, including a sliding gate and a wired fence completely around the park. Resident Sam Ross said she was stoked the park was being upgraded but felt it needed to be safe and inclusive for all users. 'As a mother of two neuro-diverse children, I'm particularly concerned about the safety issue. 'My kids have a tendency to be runners as do a lot of autistic children, they're brilliant climbers so they can easily scale the fence as is.' According to Eke Panuku's overview of the project – the park was bordered by major arterial roadways that were expected to get even busier as Pukekohe grew, its website stated. The local board moved a motion to adopt option two for fencing – supported by five of its nine members. Member Logan Soole said the difference in design options was huge. 'They involve the addition of two more gates and extension of fencing,' Soole said. He said one of the main issues board members debated about was accessibility, and highlighted Auckland's only accessible playground in Weymouth. 'If we choose to retrofit later, it will cost more and the likelihood of that happening is not very high. 'The one thing I don't want to see is us opening this park, and something happens and it undoes all the good work that the Pukekohe Unlock programme has brought for our town.' Member Gary Holmes said they should upgrade the playground once, 'and do it right'.
