Latest news with #ŌrākeiLocalBoard
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland Cricket Welcomes Decision Supporting Development Plans For Colin Maiden Park
Auckland Cricket welcomes the decision of the Ōrākei Local Board to support a proposal to reinforce Colin Maiden Park as a regionally significant sporting precinct and home of cricket in New Zealand's largest city for generations to come. The proposal is underpinned by a $22.3 million investment that will be required to see Colin Maiden Park host Auckland Aces and Hearts matches, with the development to feature modern all-weather training facilities, broadcast infrastructure and the refurbishment of existing buildings to serve as Auckland Cricket's offices. 'This is an important step towards securing a bright future for cricket in Auckland,' Auckland Cricket Association chief executive Ian Francis said. 'There is a lot more work to do – however it is fantastic to have the support of the Local Board for what is an extremely detailed, well-considered plan to transform the existing sporting precinct at Colin Maiden Park into a modern, future-proofed community asset capable of supporting high-performance cricket.' Francis pointed to Auckland Cricket's broader strategy for Colin Maiden Park to become a sport hub similar to Mt Maunganui's Bay Oval, Hamilton's Seddon Park and Christchurch's Hagley Oval. 'This development not only meets cricket's pressing immediate - and long-term - needs but represents a significant development both for the Ōrākei community and wider Auckland,' Francis said. 'We believe this proposal to develop Colin Maiden Park is a suitable option for the future of cricket in Auckland. 'The reality is that the Auckland's sporting landscape is vastly different from what it was even 20 or 30 years ago, and with that has come new requirements for sporting organisations and stadia usage. 'Any major change such as this should be done in a way that it provides positive results for all parties involved – and this plan delivers that. 'Auckland Cricket looks forward to working with the Eden Park Trust Board, Council and our partners to meet the stipulations outlined by the Ōrākei Local Board in its support of the proposal.' Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne said: 'It's taken some time to agree on an arrangement that balances the needs of high-performance and community sport. 'But it's been worth the wait, and we believe this deal is a win-win situation. Auckland Cricket's investment will deliver high performance and also allow Ōrākei Local Board to upgrade other sports fields at Colin Maiden, and nearby, earlier than would have otherwise been possible.' Eden Park Trust chair Kereyn Smith said: 'We support today's decision by the Ōrākei Local Board which marks a positive step forward for Auckland Cricket's plans to develop Colin Maiden Park. 'We are committed to working with the Ōrākei Local Board, Auckland Council, Auckland Cricket, and New Zealand Cricket on a solution that complements the growth of the code across Auckland and the country.'
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- RNZ News
Murdered Kyle Whorrall remembered with pohutukawa tree at St John's Reserve
Family and friends gathered in Auckland on Monday to plant a tree in memory of American student Kyle Whorrall , who was killed in an attack at a Meadowbank bus stop on 19 April. Whorrall was a PhD student of entomology - the study of insects - at the University of Auckland. Now a fixture at St John's Reserve in Meadowbank, the young pohutukawa tree would become a playground for the insects that were his passion. Visiting from the United States, mother Carole Whorrall, joined his friends and flatmates to plant the tree, after a short ceremony organised by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The American student moved to New Zealand four years ago, and left a significant impact on his friends and flatmates in that short time. By Carole's side throughout the ceremony, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said the tree represented that impact. "Carole, we've talked," she said. "I know you will be back, but I want you to take back the aroha, love and warmth from this community to you and your family, and [Kyle's] flatmates. "A forever, peaceful, resting place to remember your son." Carole Whorrall attends a service to remember son Kyle at St John's Reserve, Meadowbank. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi After the ceremony, Simpson told RNZ the council would keep in contact with Carole. "We've made a commitment actually to forever send her updates of this tree, as it grows and the seasons it has around it." Simpson said the pohutukawa tree was chosen by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and would be nurtured by council arborists. Carole Whorrall plants a pohutukawa tree in memory of son Kyle. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi "A special tree obviously, native to New Zealand, but also come Christmas, come those special times in a family's life, where families come together, it will blossom in remembrance of Kyle." Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne said the community remained shocked and angered that such a tragedy could happen in their neighbourhood. "There was also, I think, an element of shame," he said. "I don't think we ever expect this sort of behaviour in our neighbourhood and we were deeply hurt as a community." Mourners remember Kyle Whorrall at St John's Reserve, Meadowbank. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi Kyle Whorrall was attacked at a bus stop on St John's Road in Meadowbank last month and died from his injuries in hospital. A 16-year-old youth was charged with his murder, along with aggravated robbery , and a 32-year-old woman was charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. Milne said the tragedy had brought the local community together and they were determined to honour Kyle's life. "We have seen such a coming together of the community and such an acknowledgement that we need to spend more time talking with each other," he said. "Carole being here and her extended family, they will come back and we will show them that this is not a flash in the pan, that Kyle's life has made a difference." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
02-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Kyle Whorrall: Mother honours 'brilliant, gentle' son
'He was passionate about his work and admired greatly by his colleagues and friends of which he had many. 'He was dedicated to making a difference and about to embark on a brilliant career. He was deeply loved and admired by his family.' Kyle Whorrall was studying a doctorate at the University of Auckland. Kyle, who was originally from Los Angeles, was in the last stages of a PhD in entomology at the University of Auckland and was based at Landcare Research in St Johns. On Monday, the Ōrākei Local Board has arranged for a memorial service at St Johns Bush where a pōhutukawa will be planted to honour Kyle. His mother will fly home to California on Monday evening and said the family planned to hold his funeral there. 'There have been a number of memorials here in New Zealand by friends, colleagues and those who never knew him but wished to celebrate his life,' she said. 'We are deeply moved by the kindness and concern of everyone here in New Zealand.' A family friend has set up a crowdfunding page to help the family cover the costs of their travel, the funeral and other expenses. So far, $51,000 has been raised towards a goal of $60,000. 'The circumstances of Kyle's death have introduced unexpected and uniquely challenging obstacles to his family who must now travel thousands of miles to deal with this horrible tragedy,' said the organiser of the fundraiser. Last week, the family arranged for professional photos to be taken of Kyle's bedroom in his St Johns flat as a memento. Photographs showed a room crammed with plant life on every surface, a sprawling collection of stuffed animals, US National Park posters, and natural artefacts. Display cases of insects filled one corner of the room. Kyle Whorrall's bedroom at his flat in St Johns, Auckland. Photo / John Rata Police investigation A 16-year-old boy has been charged with Kyle's murder and aggravated robbery and a 32-year-old woman has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said there had been no further arrests or charges in the homicide investigation but search warrants had been executed in the past few days. Police were following 'positive lines of inquiry', he told the Herald. Police had also found the occupants of a silver Mitsubishi Grandis they were seeking last week, saying that they could hold information about why Kyle was killed. Carole said the police had been 'very diligent' in their investigation and 'extraordinarily kind' to the family. Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Scoop
Deputy Mayor And The Minister For Auckland Turn The First Sod For Final Section Of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai
Press Release – Auckland Transport The Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) is not only a stunning community asset which locals have advocated for over a decade, but also a great visitor attraction as well due to its proximity to the city centre, Councillor Simpson says. Auckland is one step closer to having a safe, accessible and iconic path connecting the Eastern Bays and city centre as work begins on the final stage of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path. Jointly funded by the Government and Auckland Council, the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Dr shared path – 'Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai' (the path of land and sea) is a 7km path that connects Glen Innes, Meadowbank, Kohimarama with the city centre via Ōrākei Basin, Hobson Bay and Tāmaki Drive. Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne and Deputy Chair Sarah Powrie, and AT Board Chair Richard Leggat gathered in Ōrākei earlier this afternoon to turn the first sod for the shared path's vital final stage. Works on the fourth and final section, an 870m concrete boardwalk in Hobson Bay next to Ngapipi Road, began this week and will take around 20 months to complete. This final section will replace the temporary walking and cycling path on Ngapipi Road installed as an interim measure to offer a safer link to Tāmaki Drive. Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Ta already becoming a cherished community asset As well as providing improved travel options for the local community, the completed sections of the path have already become a popular visitor attraction says Deputy Mayor and Ōrākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson. 'The Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) is not only a stunning community asset which locals have advocated for over a decade, but also a great visitor attraction as well due to its proximity to the city centre,' Councillor Simpson says. 'The path runs through lush green spaces and across the water linking to other walkways around the Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay. Whether commuting or exploring, people of all ages can safely experience Auckland's stunning natural environment by foot, scooter, or bicycle. 'Already cherished by the community, the pathway's upcoming Stage 4 completion will open this coastal treasure to even more people. With construction underway, there's a real buzz of anticipation (relief) in the air by many who have wanted to see this main route finally competed,' she says. Boardwalk rest area and ramp included following community feedback Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne says the community is excited about this final section and work getting underway 'This pathway is not just one of the most impressive transport solutions in New Zealand, it is an exercise opportunity, a sightseeing opportunity and a feel-good opportunity,' Mr Mline says. 'We already have some great connections to the path along the route and there will be more over time as funding becomes available. 'Auckland Transport listened to community feedback and have included a rest area for people to take in the surroundings and where the boardwalk connects to the reserve on Ngapipi Road a ramp is being provided for ongoing water access.' Shared path giving Eastern Bays communities real travel choices With more than 6km of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai already completed, the shared path is already proving hugely popular and providing Eastern Bays communities with great transport choices, says AT Board Chair Richard Leggat. 'Hundreds of people already use the shared path each day and that number will grow sharply when this final section is completed,' Mr Leggat says. 'This shared path benefits everyone who lives in this wider part of Auckland, because providing safer travel choices for those who want to walk and cycle helps reduce congestion on local roads for those driving. 'Connecting to the popular Tāmaki Drive shared path, this connection is part of a growing network of walking and cycling routes that provides Aucklanders and visitors with improved travel choice. 'People can also walk, cycle or scooter on the path to the Glen Innes, Meadowbank or Ōrākei Train stations to travel across the region on Auckland Transport's public transport network.' The design of the boardwalk has been carefully developed to minimise the effects of construction and the long-term infrastructure on the tidal inlet ecosystem of Hobson Bay. The boardwalk has been carefully designed to blend in the with local environment, with a textured finish on the piles that will darken over time and will encourage healthy marine growth. It features concrete piles, a concrete deck and steel balustrades meaning it will be built to last in the tough marine environment. Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the path of land to sea Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai is a 7 km-long shared path from Merton Road near Glen Innes Train Station, to Tāmaki Drive – allowing people to walk, run or cycle from Auckland's eastern suburbs to the Waitematā Harbour. The path is one of the city's most scenic walking and cycling routes, travelling through reserves, native bush and crossing the waters of both Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay. The shared path connects with other paths, cycle routes, walkways and public transport along the way, giving locals more options to get around the city and to travel locally to shops, schools and parks. The route appeals to people commuting into the city and locally, as well as those using the path for fitness and recreation. The shared path has been designed with the help of Mana Whenua, key stakeholders and the local community. Key features include: A path width of approximately 4.5m – plenty of room for the demand we expect to see when the final section is completed. Gradient and rest areas designed for accessibility for a range of users. Smooth concrete surface material for the comfort and safety. Built to last with concrete piling and decks and steel balustrades. The path is fully separated from on-road traffic. The path includes good lighting to extend the hours people will be comfortable using it, particularly during winter months. Section 4 – Ōrākei Train Station to Tāmaki Drive Work on Section 4 began on Monday 28 April with the beginning of site establishment works. Construction is expected to be completed and the path opened by the end of 2026. AT has awarded HEB Construction the construction contract for Section 4, with a contract value of $28.1 million. The boardwalk is 870m long and 4.5m wide and will from Ōrākei Road (by Purewa Bridge) to Whakatakataka Reserve, connecting Ngapipi Road. The boardwalk has a low (1.2m) balustrade, so people can take in views of the surrounding environment, includes a rest area, unobtrusive lighting and CCTV for the safety for all users. More than 80% of submitters on the public consultation on Section 4 said they liked the design. Work should not be too disruptive for locals, with most work occurring from barges in the bay. Laydown areas will be set up in Whakatakataka Reserve and at the rear of the Orakei Train Station carpark along with a site compound. You can find out more at
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Scoop
Deputy Mayor And The Minister For Auckland Turn The First Sod For Final Section Of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai
Press Release – Auckland Transport Auckland is one step closer to having a safe, accessible and iconic path connecting the Eastern Bays and city centre as work begins on the final stage of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path. Jointly funded by the Government and Auckland Council, the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Dr shared path – 'Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai' (the path of land and sea) is a 7km path that connects Glen Innes, Meadowbank, Kohimarama with the city centre via Ōrākei Basin, Hobson Bay and Tāmaki Drive. Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne and Deputy Chair Sarah Powrie, and AT Board Chair Richard Leggat gathered in Ōrākei earlier this afternoon to turn the first sod for the shared path's vital final stage. Works on the fourth and final section, an 870m concrete boardwalk in Hobson Bay next to Ngapipi Road, began this week and will take around 20 months to complete. This final section will replace the temporary walking and cycling path on Ngapipi Road installed as an interim measure to offer a safer link to Tāmaki Drive. Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Ta already becoming a cherished community asset As well as providing improved travel options for the local community, the completed sections of the path have already become a popular visitor attraction says Deputy Mayor and Ōrākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson. 'The Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) is not only a stunning community asset which locals have advocated for over a decade, but also a great visitor attraction as well due to its proximity to the city centre,' Councillor Simpson says. 'The path runs through lush green spaces and across the water linking to other walkways around the Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay. Whether commuting or exploring, people of all ages can safely experience Auckland's stunning natural environment by foot, scooter, or bicycle. 'Already cherished by the community, the pathway's upcoming Stage 4 completion will open this coastal treasure to even more people. With construction underway, there's a real buzz of anticipation (relief) in the air by many who have wanted to see this main route finally competed,' she says. Boardwalk rest area and ramp included following community feedback Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne says the community is excited about this final section and work getting underway 'This pathway is not just one of the most impressive transport solutions in New Zealand, it is an exercise opportunity, a sightseeing opportunity and a feel-good opportunity,' Mr Mline says. 'We already have some great connections to the path along the route and there will be more over time as funding becomes available. 'Auckland Transport listened to community feedback and have included a rest area for people to take in the surroundings and where the boardwalk connects to the reserve on Ngapipi Road a ramp is being provided for ongoing water access.' Shared path giving Eastern Bays communities real travel choices With more than 6km of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai already completed, the shared path is already proving hugely popular and providing Eastern Bays communities with great transport choices, says AT Board Chair Richard Leggat. 'Hundreds of people already use the shared path each day and that number will grow sharply when this final section is completed,' Mr Leggat says. 'This shared path benefits everyone who lives in this wider part of Auckland, because providing safer travel choices for those who want to walk and cycle helps reduce congestion on local roads for those driving. 'Connecting to the popular Tāmaki Drive shared path, this connection is part of a growing network of walking and cycling routes that provides Aucklanders and visitors with improved travel choice. 'People can also walk, cycle or scooter on the path to the Glen Innes, Meadowbank or Ōrākei Train stations to travel across the region on Auckland Transport's public transport network.' The design of the boardwalk has been carefully developed to minimise the effects of construction and the long-term infrastructure on the tidal inlet ecosystem of Hobson Bay. The boardwalk has been carefully designed to blend in the with local environment, with a textured finish on the piles that will darken over time and will encourage healthy marine growth. It features concrete piles, a concrete deck and steel balustrades meaning it will be built to last in the tough marine environment. Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the path of land to sea Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai is a 7 km-long shared path from Merton Road near Glen Innes Train Station, to Tāmaki Drive – allowing people to walk, run or cycle from Auckland's eastern suburbs to the Waitematā Harbour. The path is one of the city's most scenic walking and cycling routes, travelling through reserves, native bush and crossing the waters of both Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay. The shared path connects with other paths, cycle routes, walkways and public transport along the way, giving locals more options to get around the city and to travel locally to shops, schools and parks. The route appeals to people commuting into the city and locally, as well as those using the path for fitness and recreation. The shared path has been designed with the help of Mana Whenua, key stakeholders and the local community. Key features include: A path width of approximately 4.5m – plenty of room for the demand we expect to see when the final section is completed. Gradient and rest areas designed for accessibility for a range of users. Smooth concrete surface material for the comfort and safety. Built to last with concrete piling and decks and steel balustrades. The path is fully separated from on-road traffic. The path includes good lighting to extend the hours people will be comfortable using it, particularly during winter months. Section 4 – Ōrākei Train Station to Tāmaki Drive Work on Section 4 began on Monday 28 April with the beginning of site establishment works. Construction is expected to be completed and the path opened by the end of 2026. AT has awarded HEB Construction the construction contract for Section 4, with a contract value of $28.1 million. The boardwalk is 870m long and 4.5m wide and will from Ōrākei Road (by Purewa Bridge) to Whakatakataka Reserve, connecting Ngapipi Road. The boardwalk has a low (1.2m) balustrade, so people can take in views of the surrounding environment, includes a rest area, unobtrusive lighting and CCTV for the safety for all users. More than 80% of submitters on the public consultation on Section 4 said they liked the design. Work should not be too disruptive for locals, with most work occurring from barges in the bay. Laydown areas will be set up in Whakatakataka Reserve and at the rear of the Orakei Train Station carpark along with a site compound.
