Latest news with #Whanau
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
New Urban Liaison Officers Boost Safety In Wellington CBD
Wellington's central business district has received a significant boost in safety this week as a dedicated team of Urban Liaison Officers (ULOs) start working to reduce harm and provide support on our streets. 'The deployment of our new Urban Liaison Officers reflects our proactive approach to community safety. This team will be an asset to our city, working with hospitality, assisting people experiencing homelessness, and being a friendly face for anyone requiring assistance in our CBD,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'A dedicated Safety Hub, which will serve as a central point for collaboration and support, will be operational very soon to further bolster our efforts to make our streets safer and more welcoming,' adds Mayor Whanau. Councillor Teri O'Neill, Chair of Wellington City Council's Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural & Economic Committee, says: 'Whether it's a student heading home after a late shift, a business owner dealing with antisocial behaviour, or someone sleeping rough that needs support – this team is here to help. 'This is about meeting people where they're at, not waiting for things to go wrong. A true boots-on-the-ground response, built with the people of Pōneke.' A fresh initiative from the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan, Urban Liaison Officers will work with businesses, police, social services and other organisations and the wider City Safety team on initiatives to reduce harm where possible. The team will be out and about in our city from today and, starting in July, they will provide support from Thursday to Saturday evenings as well. The Council's City Safety and Wellbeing Senior Responsible Officer, Sehai Orgad, says the team is just one of a raft of initiatives stemming from the City Safety and Wellbeing Plan. 'They'll be trained in first-aid and emergency management procedures, and they'll be proactive and engaged with our community and businesses. 'The team will be out on the streets every day to support the community, keep a close eye on what's happening, and step in when needed. Whether it's assisting the public, working alongside Police at night, or checking in with retailers and hospitality staff, they're here to help keep the city safe and welcoming. They regularly assess risks in real-time with CCTV teams, report hazards or graffiti, and coordinate with social services and other partners to look after the wellbeing of everyone in our city.' The new Safety Hub will be in the Te Pokapū Hapori site at 105 Manners Street, which has been a community centre run by the Y since 2022. Sehai says the Y has done an excellent job running the centre, and the Council is grateful for the mahi they've done. From 1 July work will begin developing it into the Safety Hub, which will provide a space for City Safety teams like Urban Liaison Officers, and other groups like the police beat team, and community patrols. It will also be a space for safety training for initiatives like Safer Venues training, and the Eyes On initiative. The Hub will be open at times that support the City Safety team, and to support different initiatives operating on the ground. The City Safety and Wellbeing Plan outlines collaborative, adaptable actions designed to address the evolving needs of the city, and enhance the experience of everyone who lives, works, and plays in Pōneke. It focuses on targeted interventions that deliver meaningful results and is dynamic and designed to adapt to the changing needs of our city. The plan is built on strong existing partnerships between the Council, Police, local businesses, community organisations, and residents in our inner-city neighbourhood.
Scoop
6 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Public Invited To Dive In And Share Views On 10-year Coastal Plan
Wellington City Council and mana whenua are calling on residents to help shape the future of the Pōneke coastline – a taonga of the city. Public consultation on Tātou ki Uta – the draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan – is now open until midday Tuesday 5 August 2025. Covering coastal areas from Oriental Bay to Red Rocks, Tātou ki Uta sets out a 10-year plan for how the city and its people will care for, protect, and continue to enjoy our coastal reserves, beaches, public parks, and amenities like tracks, boat ramps, and public toilets. 'Our coastal reserves are a taonga, a treasure, and their future management must reflect the aspirations of Wellingtonians,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'We've worked closely with our community and Takai Here partners to create a draft plan that is integrated and forward-looking. This public consultation is an invitation for every Wellingtonian to help shape the future of our coastal spaces,' adds Mayor Whanau. Councillor Teri O'Neill, Chair of the Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee, says it's important to have your say. 'Our coastline is where so many of us feel most grounded; a place to meet friends and whānau, swim with the dog, or take in the wildlife around us. We've heard how much people care about the dunes, kororā (penguin) habitats, and cultural stories of these places. Now we want your voice in how we care for these taonga for the next decade.' The draft plan includes over 80 proposed actions, ranging from practical upgrades like improved toilets and tracks, to long-term efforts towards erosion control, protection of wildlife, restoring Māori names to reserves, and planning for climate adaptation in high-risk areas. Council has worked closely with mana whenua partners Ngāti Toa and Taranaki Whānui to develop the draft plan. The name Tātou ki Uta, gifted by mana whenua, means 'all of us on the land' and speaks to the shared responsibility of both iwi and the wider community in caring for the coast. Rawiri Faulkner, Pou Toa Matarau, of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, says the coastal environment is incredibly important to Ngāti Toa. 'We welcome the opportunity to strengthen our connection to the places we consider significant and to ensure our obligations to protect our taonga as kaitiaki is enhanced. 'We invite the community to participate in this process and join the council in ensuring our coastal environment is able to be enjoyed by current and future generations.' Tiamana | Chairperson Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika Te Whatanui Winiata says Taranaki Whānui is pleased to be a part of a kaupapa that once again highlights the importance of kotahitanga. 'Kotahitanga is working in partnership to maintain the cultural significance of our coastal areas. Kotahitanga is having a shared view on protecting our coastal areas. Kotahitanga is sharing in the development of the plan for our coastal areas. 'Taranaki Whānui is delighted with the expressions of kotahitanga with the Council and we look forward to more opportunities to collaborate.' Public consultation is open from Thursday 5 June to midday Tuesday 5 August 2025. You can have your say by: Completing the online survey at Filling out a paper submission form available online and at all Council libraries. Emailing coastalplan@ The full draft plan is available to read on Let's Talk or you can find a copy in Te Awe Library. Whether you're a surfer, swimmer, diver, dog walker, jogger, environmentalist, community volunteer, or a proud Wellingtonian, this plan is for everyone – and we want to know if we've got it right.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Mayor Tory Whanau Launches WCC's 2025 Restoration Planting
Press Release – Wellington City Council With around 2.5 million plants and trees already established along the town belt and coastal reserves, the Council is well on its way to planting three million by 2030. Mayor Tory Whanau today launched Wellington City Council's 2025 restoration planting season, an initiative that aims to plant up to 120,000 native trees and shrubs annually in Wellington's reserves and coastal dunes. 'By restoring the once-dense, indigenous forests that cloaked our city, we're bringing back to life a treasured taonga for generations to come,' says Mayor Whanau as she joined Council staff at Ohariu Valley Reserve. Mayor Whanau said the significant effort was part of a 50-year project to reconnect the Wellington Western and Porirua Western Forests, which were diminished by fire, logging, farming, the expanding rail network, and housing development. By creating a seamless ecological corridor stretching from the fringes of Wellington's south coast towards Porirua, native birds, insects and plants will have a continuous habitat to thrive once more. With around 2.5 million plants and trees already established along the town belt and coastal reserves, the Council is well on its way to planting three million by 2030. 'As kaitiaki, we have a responsibility to protect our environment and this initiative is a bold step against climate change. It will also safeguard our biodiversity by creating sanctuaries for our native species, prevent soil erosion, expand our city's green spaces, foster community spirit, and ultimately enrich the quality of life for all Wellingtonians,' says Mayor Whanau. Beyond rebuilding native habitats, Mayor Whanau said restoration planting fosters a community effort to value and care for nature. 'This community-driven approach ensures that restoration efforts are sustained and impactful, delivering a city where people and nature thrive.' Over 100 community groups and landowners support the yearly effort, which follows months of ground preparation and careful plant selection tailored to Wellington's rugged terrain and winds. 'We plant diverse native species to create habitats that support birds and other wildlife,' explains Daniela Biaggio, WCC's Urban Ecology Manager. The Council's plant list covers a range of Wellington environments, and the plants used for restoration planting are propagated at the Council's Berhampore Nursery from local seed. These plants are also specifically chosen for their palatability to certain pest species, such as rabbits, goats and hares. This year's plantings will include: Toetoe (Austroderia fulvida): a tussock grass ideal for erosion control and habitat restoration Kanuka (Kunzea robusta): a hardy and resilient plant that thrives on Wellington's northern slopes, which tend to dry out in the wind Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium): improves soil quality Karamū (Coprosma robusta): dense foliage offers excellent wildlife habitat and abundant fruit for birds and mokomoko (lizards) Koromiko tāranga (Hebe parviflora): can handle all sorts of conditions, especially windy spots, and its flowers are a real treat for pollinators Māpou (Myrsine australis): provides excellent wildlife cover, effectively stabilises soil, and enhances forest structure Mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua): offers excellent habitat for small birds and insects and effectively stabilises soil. Apart from Wellington's windy conditions, sparse soils, and pest animals like rabbits and even escaped livestock, Daniela says the biggest challenge to restoration planting is maintenance. 'While many are keen to plant, not as many are excited to invest in the maintenance, weeding, and monitoring,' she explains. 'We have been lucky to partner with Conservation Volunteers NZ, which helps us to do a lot of this maintenance.' To gauge if its restoration efforts are working, the Council tracks how well the new plants are growing, and the variety and number of native birds, lizards and invertebrates throughout Wellington. It is also digging into the role of soil in helping our native forests flourish.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Mayor Tory Whanau Launches WCC's 2025 Restoration Planting
Mayor Tory Whanau today launched Wellington City Council's 2025 restoration planting season, an initiative that aims to plant up to 120,000 native trees and shrubs annually in Wellington's reserves and coastal dunes. 'By restoring the once-dense, indigenous forests that cloaked our city, we're bringing back to life a treasured taonga for generations to come,' says Mayor Whanau as she joined Council staff at Ohariu Valley Reserve. Mayor Whanau said the significant effort was part of a 50-year project to reconnect the Wellington Western and Porirua Western Forests, which were diminished by fire, logging, farming, the expanding rail network, and housing development. By creating a seamless ecological corridor stretching from the fringes of Wellington's south coast towards Porirua, native birds, insects and plants will have a continuous habitat to thrive once more. With around 2.5 million plants and trees already established along the town belt and coastal reserves, the Council is well on its way to planting three million by 2030. 'As kaitiaki, we have a responsibility to protect our environment and this initiative is a bold step against climate change. It will also safeguard our biodiversity by creating sanctuaries for our native species, prevent soil erosion, expand our city's green spaces, foster community spirit, and ultimately enrich the quality of life for all Wellingtonians,' says Mayor Whanau. Beyond rebuilding native habitats, Mayor Whanau said restoration planting fosters a community effort to value and care for nature. 'This community-driven approach ensures that restoration efforts are sustained and impactful, delivering a city where people and nature thrive.' Over 100 community groups and landowners support the yearly effort, which follows months of ground preparation and careful plant selection tailored to Wellington's rugged terrain and winds. 'We plant diverse native species to create habitats that support birds and other wildlife,' explains Daniela Biaggio, WCC's Urban Ecology Manager. The Council's plant list covers a range of Wellington environments, and the plants used for restoration planting are propagated at the Council's Berhampore Nursery from local seed. These plants are also specifically chosen for their palatability to certain pest species, such as rabbits, goats and hares. This year's plantings will include: Toetoe (Austroderia fulvida): a tussock grass ideal for erosion control and habitat restoration Kanuka (Kunzea robusta): a hardy and resilient plant that thrives on Wellington's northern slopes, which tend to dry out in the wind Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium): improves soil quality Karamū (Coprosma robusta): dense foliage offers excellent wildlife habitat and abundant fruit for birds and mokomoko (lizards) Koromiko tāranga (Hebe parviflora): can handle all sorts of conditions, especially windy spots, and its flowers are a real treat for pollinators Māpou (Myrsine australis): provides excellent wildlife cover, effectively stabilises soil, and enhances forest structure Mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua): offers excellent habitat for small birds and insects and effectively stabilises soil. Apart from Wellington's windy conditions, sparse soils, and pest animals like rabbits and even escaped livestock, Daniela says the biggest challenge to restoration planting is maintenance. 'While many are keen to plant, not as many are excited to invest in the maintenance, weeding, and monitoring,' she explains. 'We have been lucky to partner with Conservation Volunteers NZ, which helps us to do a lot of this maintenance.' To gauge if its restoration efforts are working, the Council tracks how well the new plants are growing, and the variety and number of native birds, lizards and invertebrates throughout Wellington. It is also digging into the role of soil in helping our native forests flourish.
Scoop
05-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fines-free Wellington Libraries See 30% Boom In New Users
Wellington City Libraries are seeing a 30 per cent surge in new customers and over a million books borrowed by children and teenagers each year since introducing their popular fines-free policy almost three years ago. The number of new library users rose by 14 per cent to 10,824 in the first year ending 30 June 2023. This growth more than doubled in the following year, reaching around 30 per cent or 12,296 users. Notably, in just the first nine months of the current financial year, the number of new library users has already surged to almost 10,000. 'We're thrilled to see both a significant increase in new library members and strong borrowing numbers among children and teenagers,' says Mayor Tory Whanau. 'This proves that our decision to eliminate fines is enabling more of our young people to discover the wonders of reading and enjoy the welcoming environment in our libraries. 'It's also about equity – providing equal access to information, resources, and learning opportunities for Wellingtonians, regardless of their financial situation,' adds Mayor Whanau. Councillor Rebecca Matthews, who championed the removal of fines, said the impressive increase in new users demonstrated the positive impact of removing financial barriers. 'The problem with library fines wasn't that the books didn't come back - it was that the people never did. Now our libraries are truly for everyone. 'With job losses and cost of living pressures, our libraries provide a place where cost is no barrier for rangatahi to enjoy, learn, and imagine,' says Cr Matthews. When the fines-free policy was introduced on 1 July 2022, a total of $541,198.78 in outstanding debt was written off Wellington City Council's books. Before this change, Wellington City Libraries collected $335,171 in fines in Financial Year 2020-21 and $227,668 in 2021-2022. Statistics from the Wellington City Libraries show that the removal of fines has increased circulation and readership within the community. As the number of new library users surged, the number of physical books borrowed rose by 2.5 per cent to 1.9 million in the first year after fines were abolished. This initial growth then jumped fourfold to about 10 per cent, meaning 2 million books were borrowed by the end of June 2024. Children and teenagers borrow over a million books annually, and they are on track to maintain this momentum, having already borrowed more than 808,000 in the first nine months of the current financial year. Abolishing fines also led to a spectacular return of long overdue books – a 131 per cent jump in the first year and a whopping 191 per cent the year after. Even more striking, kids and teens returned a massive 153 per cent more overdue books in the first year, and around 190 per cent more in the following year.
