 |
 |
|
|
January 2012January 31
January 23
January 19
January 17
January 13
January 11
January 10
Toll road charges riseThe NZ Transport Agency says tolls on the Northern Gateway Toll Road (NGTR) on State Highway 1 north of Auckland will increase on 1 March by 20 cents to $2.20 for cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles, and by 40 cents to $4.40 for heavy commercial vehicles. The increases are the first since the toll road opened three years ago. The NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Stephen Town, says the increases are regrettable but necessary to ensure the toll road remains viable and on-track to repay its debt as planned within 35 years. “Although the legislation covering the toll road allows for the tolls to be annually adjusted in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), they haven’t increased since the road opened in January 2009. Inflation and the 2010 GST increase have both impacted on the NZTA’s ability to maintain its debt repayment level, so it has become necessary to adjust the tolls,’ Mr Town says. Transaction charges introduced in August 2011 to some toll payment methods will not increase. They remain at 40 cents for payment by kiosk and $3.70 when payment is made by phone. Transaction charges apply each time one or more tolls are paid for. For example, from 1 March the total cost of purchasing one toll trip at a kiosk will be $2.60 - a $2.20 toll plus a 40c administration charge – and the total cost of purchasing 10 trips at a kiosk will be $22.40 - $22 for the ten trips plus a 40c administration fee. There is no administration fee for tolls paid on-line at www.tollroad.govt.nz, or for ‘set and forget’ toll accounts. ‘To minimise cost and time for road users, we encourage customers to pay by toll pre-pay account or via the website as neither of those payment options attract extra cost,’ says Mr Town. The toll road is a 7km section of SH1 between Orewa and Puhoi which provides road users a shorter, quicker option to its free alternative – SH17 through Waiwera. Borrowing $158M of the total $372.5M construction cost, meant the NGTR was built 10 years earlier than it would have been under traditional funding methods. As at the end of December 2011, the NZTA had repaid $17.5M of the debt. Frequently asked Q&As Leave the bike at homeTomorrow is the first day of Bike Wise Month, the annual cycling extravaganza that sees hundreds of cycling events take place around New Zealand, all with the goal of getting Kiwis onto their bicycles. This year is the 10th anniversary of Bike Wise and to celebrate, as many people as possible are being encouraged to take part in next week’s launch event - Go By Bike Day on 1 February (being held on 15 February in Auckland) – so saddle up and get ready to ride. Go By Bike Day is the one day of the year when thousands of Kiwis all over the country join together, rain or shine, and cycle to work, school, or wherever they are headed. This event is for anyone who can keep a bike upright – whether they are long-time cycling veterans, or have just graduated from training wheels and looking to hit the road. Select towns and cities will be staging free breakfast events on the morning of Go By Bike Day. Check www.bikewise.co.nz for more information and to see what’s happening in your local area. There’s also no better place to share your cycling stories and get updates than on Bike Wise’s new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bikewise) and through the Twitter feed www.twitter.com/bikewisenz. Illegal dog-tracking collar clampdownDespite a clampdown on illegal dog-tracking collars, importers and hunters are continuing to flout the law, with more than 100 devices intercepted this summer. Chris Brennan, Compliance Manager for the Radio Spectrum Group at the Ministry of Economic Development, says the government is cracking down on illegal dog-tracking devices because they dangerously interfere with other radio transmission services. “While not all dog-tracking devices are illegal, some of those being imported operate on the same radio frequencies as equipment used by people travelling and working in rural areas, such as forestry workers, Department of Conservation rangers, or search and rescue crew. This spectrum is licensed to those operators,” he says. “This is an issue we take very seriously. We are particularly concerned that illegal dog-tracking devices could interfere with rescue services in remote areas – for example, a search and rescue crew looking for an injured tramper in the bush.” Individual hunters using illegal dog-tracking devices risk prosecution. If caught, they could face fines of up to $30,000 and a criminal record. Companies face even bigger fines – a maximum of $200,000. “Anyone looking to import radio transmitting equipment should first check whether it is acceptable in New Zealand and authorised for a radio licence.” The dog-tracking collars to be avoided are sold under the Garmin and SportDOG TEK brands, however, all devices should be checked before purchase. Devices should not operate on the 151.820 MHz, 151.880 MHz, 151.940 MHz, 154.570 MHz and 154.600 MHz frequencies. These frequencies were assigned to landmobile services in the 1970s, decades before their use in the United States for dog-tracking devices. The Ministry published the Prohibited Equipment Notice for Dog Tracking Devices in 2009 to highlight the risk and provide additional controls on supply of the devices. Since then, 35 individuals and companies have been fined or prosecuted to deter people from using or selling the devices. More than 100 illegal tracking devices have been intercepted since December 2011, with legal action underway by the Ministry. The Ministry also regularly inspects New Zealand websites and suppliers to ensure the illegal transmitters are not marketed and sold here. For more information, go to the Radio Spectrum website, www.rsm.govt.nz <http://www.rsm.govt.nz> , or call the free helpline 0508 RSM INFO (0508 776 463). Motorway closure – expect big delaysThe NZ Transport Agency is warning drivers of considerable delays during Auckland Anniversary Weekend when it closes a section of Auckland’s Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) to complete work before opening the new northbound Newmarket Viaduct. The motorway’s northbound lanes will be closed between the Market Road off-ramp and the Gillies Ave on-ramps from 5pm Saturday, 28 January, for final preparations to allow drivers on to the new northbound viaduct from Anniversary Monday morning, 30 January. “Travel delays will be inevitable, they will be considerable and they will be widespread” says the NZTA’s acting State Highways manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton. “We’re talking about trying to re-direct up to 65,000 vehicles on the Sunday alone,” he adds. “Even with detours, the impact of the closure will be felt well beyond the Southern Motorway. If people absolutely must travel we’re urging that they allow a lot more time for their journey. “ “We accept that this may cause frustration – particularly on a long weekend - but our best advice is to stay away from the motorway during Auckland Anniversary weekend,” Mr Mutton says. The closure is necessary so that the NZTA can switch the motorway’s northbound lanes across to the new viaduct. At the same time, the blue lifting gantry used for the viaduct’s construction has to be moved on to the existing northbound viaduct to help with its demolition. Mr Mutton says construction of the new viaduct is ahead of schedule and the NZTA and its NGA Newmarket alliance partners (NZTA, Leighton Contractors, Fulton Hogan, Beca, VSL, URS, Tonkin & Taylor and Boffa Miskell) want to deliver the benefits from the project to drivers as quickly as possible. “To have reached the stage where we’re now ready to switch northbound traffic across to the new structure, ahead of schedule, is a remarkable achievement,” Mr Mutton says. “We’ve had fantastic support from drivers while we’ve replaced the old viaduct and we’re now asking people to help us again to keep the city moving through this closure. “We’re taking advantage of a long three-day weekend to complete our work so that we can deliver this important project to Aucklanders. We appreciate the support and patience of all drivers and we’ll be working hard to finish as quickly as possible.” Detours will be in place during Anniversary weekend and detour routes to key destinations are available online, at www.nzta.govt.nz/aklsummerseason and www.facebook.com/switchmyroute. Mr Mutton repeats, however, that alternative routes will not be able to cope if regular weekend traffic flows occur. “Even with a managed closure and detours in place, congestion will be extensive.” The Automobile Association is also urging people to avoid unnecessary trips. If they do have to travel says AA spokesman Simon Lambourne, they should plan their journeys and drive with patience and care. “The closure of the northbound lanes will no doubt cause congestion and delays on the motorway and on local roads,” Mr Lambourne says, “but the short term pain will be well worth it given the long term benefits of the new viaduct.” The new southern viaduct at Newmarket opened in September, 2010, after a similar motorway closure. Like the old viaduct built in 1965, its replacement is almost 700 metres long but it has wider lanes, is seismically stronger, and will produce less traffic noise. “The viaduct stands at the heart of one of the most critical transport links for Auckland and New Zealand – one that carries on average more than 160,000 vehicles daily,” says Mr Mutton. The opening of the viaduct’s northbound lanes on Auckland Anniversary Monday will mark the latest in a series of large NZTA projects to improve travel through the central motorway junction (CMJ). The viaduct is located at the southern end of the CMJ. At its northern end, the Victoria Park tunnel opened last November, and new southbound lanes through St Marys Bay and across the Victoria Park flyover opened earlier this month. “These are huge projects designed to help Auckland’s economy and its communities,” Mr Mutton says. “With the support of drivers during Auckland Anniversary Weekend we will be able to deliver the next very significant improvement to their motorways to make travel more reliable, quicker, and safer.” The NZTA is running an extensive communications campaign using traditional and social media, and a large sign has been fixed to the lifting gantry on the viaduct to make people aware of the closure and its impact on travel. The southbound lanes on the Southern Motorway are not affected by the Auckland Anniversary Weekend closure. Free sun glasses for new entrantsAs part of an ongoing campaign to encourage New Zealanders to look after their eyes, Visique is offering five year old new-entrants in 660 schools, including Warkworth, the opportunity to receive free sunglasses for the eighth year in a row. “Children's eyes can be more susceptible to the sun as generally their pupils are larger and their lenses clearer, allowing more UV light through. It is imperative they learn from an early age to protect their eyes by wearing sunglasses because UV damage accumulates throughout your lifetime”, says Visique Mahurangi Vision Centre optometrist, Phil Ansley. The Back to School campaign is not just about free sunglasses. It is also aimed at educating students, parents and teachers about the importance of children’s vision care and the impact it can have on the academic process. Studies confirm that 1 in 5 kiwi children is struggling with vision issues which can ultimately hinder their learning process in classrooms. “Research shows that 80% of a child’s learning is done visually”, says Ansley. “Young children cannot always tell you if they find it difficult to see well as they may be unaware that what they see is any different from anyone else. Some eye conditions are not obvious to the casual observer so a full eye health check is the way to be certain that your child can see clearly.” “Not seeing comfortably can lead to a child severely struggling at school as their eyes are constantly tired and sore causing them to avoid concentrating. We want to help decrease the number of children affected by poor eyesight so they are able to perform at their full potential.” And don’t worry; the older group isn’t being left out. As part of the Back to School campaign Visique will also be offering excellent quality sunglasses for only $9.95 to kids up to Year 8, available until 30 April. NZTA nurtures floating garden at SilverdaleA murky pond beside Auckland’s busy Northern Motorway is the centre of groundbreaking environmental trial led by the NZ Transport Agency’s Auckland Motorway Alliance to produce cleaner water with the help of a garden growing on a floating island. The pond, located near Silverdale 40 kilometres north of Auckland, is used to catch stormwater runoff from nearby State Highway 1. It is now home to what is known environmentally as a Floating Vegetated Island (FVI) – a hydroponic mat-like platform that allows plants to grow on its surface while their roots dangle into pond’s water for nourishment. “The roots of the plants act as a biological filtration plant, some of the contaminants found in runoff water become part of the plants’ diet; and there are other gains relating to water temperature and the settlement of sediments,” says the AMA’s Stormwater Asset Manager, Peter Mitchell. Plants growing on the floating wetland like the wetlands grass carex vigarta have been selected for their thick and extensive mass of roots, an important factor in helping clean up polluted water. Their “diet” includes contaminants found typically in a motorway environment: oils, zinc, chromium and copper – the residue of tyres, brake linings and fuel flushed into the pond when it rains. “It doesn’t sound the tastiest of diets, but the plants on the FVI are flourishing,” Mr Mitchell says. “How well they adapt to the ‘diet’ will help us discover if there is a way to improve on the work we’re already doing to clean up water in the ponds.” The Auckland Motorway Alliance was established by the NZTA four years ago to maintain and operate 220 kilometres of motorway – a role that also includes environmental accountabilities. It is responsible for the highest concentration of stormwater ponds in New Zealand. “We have almost 90 of the ponds around the Auckland region and that number will grow,” says Steve Mutton, the NZTA’s acting States Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland. Mr Mutton says the trial fits with a key NZTA objective to make better use of the country’s existing transport system. “Transport does have a big effect on the environment. In the next few years, there will be more than 100 stormwater treatment ponds besides Auckland’s motorways. If the result of this trial is positive, we could retrofit other stormwater ponds to help improve the city’s landscape and reduce the environmental impact of transport,” Mr Mutton says. The stormwater pond at Silverdale has been split in two – environmentalists describe it as bifurcation – for the trial. On one side, the section of pond containing the FVI and on the other, the stormwater remains untreated. The split allows environmentalists to see how effectively the floating island helps improve water compared to the standard stormwater pond. Auckland University’s Dr. Elizabeth Fassman says the two-year long trial should provide scientific clues leading to long-term environmental benefits. “Our floating wetlands will give us more information about the way nature works to make stormwater cleaner – it’s something we don’t a lot about at present. We’re also measuring the island against a conventional retention pond compared to see which is the most effective,” Dr Fassman says. Peter Mitchell says the the FVI pond is an example of the innovative work that the Alliance is undertaking with benefits for local and international communities. In line with the NZTA’s own Environmental Management Plan to improve the quality of water, the FVI Special Project was researched, designed, procured, and implemented by the AMA in partnership with the University of Auckland, Auckland Council and Kauri Park Nurseries at Silverdale. ““The results we produce are one part of an international trial to measure and understand the effectiveness of the Floating Vegetation Island to produce cleaner water and get rid of contaminants. At the end of the day, everything we learn will help contribute to an improved environment – not just beside motorways but in our communities as well,” Mr Mitchell says. New baby at Auckland ZooAuckland Zoo has welcomed its 30th giraffe calf, with a female calf born on Monday, 16 January. The newcomer is the fourth offspring of 10-year-old mum Rukiya and 13-year-old Zabulu, who are also parents to Jelani – now at Werribee Open Range Zoo, and Forrest – now at Australia Zoo. Their first calf, born in May 2006, did not survive. Mum Rukiya and the leggy newcomer have undergone vet checks and are in good health, and Auckland Zoo Pridelands team leader Nat Sullivan is pleased about the female addition. “A giraffe birth is always exciting to witness however the birth of a female calf is significant to the Australasian region, as she is valuable for the breeding programme. After Rukiya’s previous pregnancies all resulted in males, we were hoping she would produce a female. “Both mother and calf are both doing well, but we’re going to give her and her calf some time to bond in private like they would in the wild,” she says. Rukiya and her calf will be gradually integrated with other giraffe, zebra and ostrich in the giraffe paddock in Pridelands, and zoo visitors can expect to see them out and about within the next month. Auckland Zoo’s giraffe population now stands at four after the arrival of female giraffe Kiraka from Taronga Western Plains Zoo last year. Visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz for more up-to-date information about the calf and its progress. Birth information
Did you know?
Environmental trial for motorway upgradeThe first stage of work to improve the causeway on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) is underway with the NZ Transport Agency starting construction today of a trial causeway to test the impact the larger project will have on the immediate environment. The trial involves building a 50 metre long temporary causeway and carrying out tests in the surrounding Motu Manawa - Pollen Island Marine Reserve. The work will trial the most effective methods for constructing the larger causeway upgrade. "We're starting this trial on the causeway so we can get a good idea of the conditions inside the reserve and ensure that the construction footprint is as environmentally light as possible," says the NZTA's Acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton. "We recognise that this is an important and sensitive area." The $6M trial is scheduled to be completed in July. The NZTA and its contractor, Downer, will focus on monitoring plants and wildlife in the marine area to minimise the impact of building the improved motorway. A 'cofferdam' will be built around the trial area to protect it from tides and to keep the construction area dry while the temporary causeway is constructed. The cofferdam will be constructed from shipping containers covered with a waterproof sheet and will be removed once the temporary causeway is completed. The temporary causeway will sit 1.5 metres higher than the adjacent motorway. It will be constantly monitored by the NZTA until it is eventually absorbed by the main causeway upgrade. People will need to take care when driving past the trial site and keep to normal motorway speeds. They will be able to see a large crane and machinery from the motorway. A bus shoulder lane has been removed for the work. "Getting the right approach and methodology is important to carry over to the main project which will raise and widen the causeway between Great North Road at Waterview and the Rosebank and Patiki interchanges, and = eliminate flooding onto the motorway which occurs during king tides," Mr Mutton says. The NZTA has invited expressions of interest from consortiums interested in the larger 4.2 kilometre long $270m Causeway Upgrade project between Waterview and Te Atatu. "We're looking at announcing the successful consortia in September and aiming to get going on construction early next year, saving time and money in the long term by having completed the testing work already", Mr Mutton says. The project also includes upgrading the Rosebank and Patiki interchanges, providing treatment to stormwater runoff, widening bridges and improving the Northwestern Cycleway and pedestrian facilities along the route. It is expected to be completed in 2017. The causeway upgrade is part of a suite of projects in the Western Ring Route - Road of National Significance, prioritised by the Government to support growth and economic development in Auckland. The alternative route to SH1 will improve connections between Manukau in the south, Auckland International Airport, Waitakere in the west and the North Shore, and ease congestion on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the central city. Libraries celebrate Year of the DragonWhat do story books, tai chi and dragons have in common? They all feature in this year’s lunar New Year celebrations at libraries across the Auckland region. This year is the Year of the Dragon and Auckland Libraries has a programme of free activities, displays, stories and presentations in local libraries from 18 January to 11 February. The lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in the East says Abigael Vogt, Team Leader of the Multicultural Service Development team. “This year we have a huge range of activities and displays that celebrate the Year of the Dragon and the diversity of our library communities. “The celebrations offer an opportunity to experience Auckland Libraries’ wealth of resources ranging from Asian-language books and magazines, to online services like Chinese Digital Community, Dragonsource and Press Display. “Kids will love ‘Storytime for Little Dragons’ or making their own crafty dragon. There are activities for teenagers and opportunities for adults to broaden their horizons with research opportunities, computer classes in Mandarin and calligraphy workshops,” she says. Also part of the programme are bi-lingual storytimes, tai chi demonstrations, lantern making workshops, a Chinese painting exhibition, concerts, ‘Ask me in Mandarin’ sessions and more. Visit www.aucklandlibraries.co.nz to find out what activities are on in your local area or pop into an Auckland Library near you and celebrate the Year of the Dragon with us. Proposed navigation changes deadline loomsTime is running out for people to have their say on proposed bylaw changes for Northland’s harbours and estuaries. A two-month consultation period on the on the proposed changes to the Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw began early last month and ends Friday 3 February. The consultation period is longer than usual and designed to ensure that both local residents – and those who regularly visit our coastal areas over the summer break – have plenty of time to have their say. Chidambaram Surendran, the regional council’s Deputy Harbourmaster, says about 80 submissions have already been received and he urges as many people as possible to comment ahead of the 03 February deadline. He says the proposed changes will incorporate a number of safety improvements but also reflect changing maritime recreational activities. “Maritime incidents over the past several years have been analysed and the information gathered has led to proposals to amend or introduce a number of bylaw clauses to improve safety.” The bylaw is also being updated to include changes in the way our coastal areas are used and the effects these have on other users and coastal communities. Mr Surendran says some procedural changes are also proposed as a result of incidents and feedback received from various users and user groups. Some of the main changes being proposed are tightened life jacket requirements, new or altered areas designated for high-speed activities, removal of some existing ski lanes, restrictions on the transfer of mooring licenses and an increased emphasis on mooring maintenance. A summary of the main changes proposed in the Draft Navigation Safety Bylaw 2012 – along with a detailed comparison with the current bylaws – is available on the council’s website at www.nrc.govt.nz/draftnavbylaw Information is also available by phoning the regional council on 0800 002 004. Mr Surendran says hearings to consider the public submissions will probably be held late next month and early in March. "The venues and dates will be confirmed once we have a final tally of submitter numbers and where those submitters are from, but at this stage, hearings will probably be held in both Whangarei and the Bay of Islands." Avoid Northwestern Motorway this weekendThe NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to avoid the Te Atatu and Lincoln Road Interchanges in West Auckland this weekend (13-15 January) as it closes a large section of the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) to demolish an old bridge. The citybound motorway lanes will be closed between the Brigham Creek roundabout and Lincoln Road off-ramp starting from 10pm on Friday (13 January) until midday on Sunday (15 January). The westbound lanes will also be closed between Te Atatu Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp. “We want to cause as little disruption as possible, but this is a busy section of Auckland’s motorway network and delays and congestion will be unavoidable and our best advice to people is to stay away if possible,” says the NZTA’s acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton. “We’re taking advantage of the good weather and lighter traffic flows to enable us to demolish the old Selwood Bridge piece by piece. To ensure that the crews can do this safely and as quickly as possible, we need to close the motorway.” The NZTA is recommending that people going west avoid using the Northwestern Motorway altogether from the causeway, as big delays are likely. And for those travelling to east to the city should use the new SH18 Hobsonville Motorway from Westgate, to access the Northern Motorway (SH1) and then travel south over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. People travelling to events in the city are advised to plan their travel well ahead and allow extra time for their journeys. Detour routes will be in place as well as live traffic updates on radio and extra roadside electronic signs to advise drivers of conditions. Mr Mutton says he is confident that the motorway lanes will be opened on Sunday, before most people return from their Christmas break to return to work. “We’re aiming to cause the least amount of disruption to commuters and having our crews work around the clock means we can push on to the next stage of improvements work to complete the new bridge. “Depending on progress and traffic volumes, we may be in a position to open one single lane westbound between Te Atatu and Lincoln Road during the day on Saturday. However, congestion will still be extremely heavy and our best advice to drivers is to stay away completely.” he says. Two lanes on the new Selwood Road Bridge opened to traffic in December completing the first half of the bridge as part of the Lincoln Road Interchange improvements project. The bridge will be fully completed in 2013, with seven lanes for traffic and a shared path for walkers and cyclists. Ramp improvements will improve capacity, safety and trip reliability. The $100M Lincoln Road improvements are part of a suite of projects in the Western Ring Route – Road of National Significance, prioritised by the Government to support growth and economic development in Auckland. The alternative route to SH1 will improve connections between Manukau in the south, Auckland International Airport, Waitakere and the North Shore, and ease congestion on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the central city. For more information, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/aklsummerseason Seasonal weedbusting urged Owners of holiday homes are urged to take some time this summer to get rid of harmful ornamental plant species lurking in their gardens.Holiday home gardens have often been planted with species that are hardy and don’t need much care, are easy to propagate, and grow fast to fill gaps in gardens quickly. Unfortunately, these same traits have meant that some of these species have ‘jumped the garden fence’ and invaded natural areas, crowding out native species and destroying coastal, dune, bush and wetland ecosystems. “You can see this particularly in coastal areas, where weedy plants like agapanthus and pig’s ear have spread from beach baches to surrounding areas, including cliffs, dunes and estuaries”, says National Weedbusters Coordinator, Carolyn Lewis. “It’s a sad fact that the beautiful natural areas that New Zealanders value for rest and recreation are being destroyed by the weedy species that have commonly been planted there in the past by those establishing their gardens there.” “With many holiday homes only getting a thorough garden tidy up once or twice a year, with little maintenance in between, it is important that owners know what species are a problem in their area and do the right thing by replacing them with non-weedy plants,” says Carolyn. Weedbusters ‘Plant Me Instead’ booklets for most regions of New Zealand can help owners identify the species that are considered weedy in their areas, and non-weedy species that can be planted in their place. These booklets are available free on request to info@weedbusters.org.nz, or from most regional council and Department of Conservation offices. Control methods for weedy species can be found at www.weedbusters.org.nz. Public comment sought on draft motorcycle safetyThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) wants to hear from Kiwi motorcyclists on a new guide being developed to help authorities make roads and roadsides safer for riders. The draft Safer Journeys for Motorcycling guide has been prepared with input from MOTO NZ (the Motorcycle Safety Levy Advisory Council), road controlling authorities, and the ACC. One of the aims of the guide is to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes involving motorcyclists on New Zealand roads by providing consistent best-practice guidance for those who design, build and maintain them. The draft guide was distributed to road controlling authorities and other stakeholders in December, and to ensure the guide's success the NZTA is also keen to hear from individual riders and others with an interest in improving motorcycling safety. NZTA Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield says the statistics show there is plenty of scope to make motorcycling safer in New Zealand. "Looking at crash data per kilometre driven, the risk of a motorcyclist being killed or seriously injured on New Zealand roads is 18 to 20 times higher than that of a car driver. There is much more that can be done to improve safety for motorcyclists, and this guide outlines some practical steps that can be taken." While the guide is relevant for everyone interested in motorcycling safety, its primary focus is on how to create safer roads and roadsides, and it will be of particular interest to councils and others who implement safety treatments on high-risk motorcycling routes. The draft guide and submission forms are available online. The deadline for contributions is Friday, 27 January 2012. It is expected that the final version of the safety guide will be available in March 2012. Auckland’s waste competitionAuckland Council’s draft waste plan was the inspiration behind a competition aimed at getting young people involved in tackling Auckland’s waste issues. Local youth organisation Innercredits held the competition encouraging young people to comment on the plan. Their combined contribution is one of the 622 public submissions already received on the draft waste plan. All Aucklanders have until 31 January to make their voice heard on the plan. Manager for Infrastructure and Environmental Services John Dragicevich says there has been a great response from Aucklanders to the draft waste plan. “So far, over 600 submissions have been made by people throughout Auckland. We’ve made a huge effort to encourage people from all walks of life to get involved, and it’s fantastic to see motivated young people, in particular, stepping up to have their say.” The ‘Help stop Auckland from being rubbish’ competition was organised by young people involved in Innercredit’s 2011 volunteering trip to Indonesia and America. Innercredits aims to inspire young people to do good things in their communities. The group compiled a joint submission by using social media and local networks to encourage other young people to share their thoughts on the draft waste plan. The competition, which closed in late December, rewarded the best ideas’ contributor with registration and spending money at the 2012 Summer Jam – a week-long workshop for youth on environmental and social initiatives run by ReGeneration. The winning entry from Riane Ross (17) included: “Collection refunds could be effective. Teenagers buy a lot of bottles/cans and collection refunds would be a brilliant way to encourage recycling as it offers a reward and teaches them the importance of recycling at the same time.” All Aucklanders are invited to make a submission on the draft plan before 31 January 2012. Submissions can be made online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/wasteplan. The draft plan summary and submission form can also be downloaded, or picked up from a local board office, council service centre or library, and submissions returned by freepost. |
INSIDE
|
 Local green solutions for a better future unite business, government and community. |
 The smart money is on local businesses who provide reliable products and service. |
 Sports mad kiwis love to hear the starter's whistle - sports news and results here. |
 Good health and well-being starts at home. Local advice can get you started. |
 Auckland's north boasts a vibrant arts community, embracing all ages. |
LOCAL INFORMATION |
ABOUT USLOCAL MATTERS 2005 LTDProudly Locally Owned |
FOLLOW US
Mahurangi Hibiscus Twitter |
