Auckland City Council
Auckland Viaduct to receive artistic makeover for RWC
The viaduct in Auckland’s harbour is receiving yet another artistic makeover just in time for hosting the Rugby World Cup in September.
The Auckland City Council has contracted Auckland fashion designer, Miranda Brown, to design a 50 piece flag installation to be displayed along the waterfront in the central business district.
The council hope that the flags, [...]
A cloud of optimism reigns at Party Central
It is less than three months until Rugby World Cup kick-off and optimism reigns at Party Central.
Despite mixed feelings about developments on Auckland’s Queens Wharf, including some uncertainty about what the “Cloud” structure will really be, the consensus on the waterfront is people will come and business will boom.
Mexicali Fresh, on Princes Wharf, faces the [...]
Beautifying Auckland for RWC includes moving the homeless
To make sure visitors get a long-lasting impression of Auckland during the Rugby World Cup in September, the Auckland Council has launched several campaigns to beautify the inner city – and move on the homeless.
The City Watch Programme has been established to keep beggars and buskers off the streets.
Tania Loveridge, centre manager of Heart of [...]
Christchurch drinking Auckland’s chlorine until Christmas
Christchurch City Council has praised the team of Auckland engineers who helped provide safe drinking water in the aftermath of the February earthquake, but thas said it would be months until the water supply was back to normal.
Water and waste manager Mark Christison said the speed and expertise from Auckland was a “great help”.
Watercare chief [...]
Budget protesters threaten RWC disruption
A public rally along Queen St on Saturday drew hundreds of Aucklanders who protested against the Government’s recent budget – and flagged upcoming trouble during the Rugby World Cup.
With his Unite flag and microphone in hand, stalwart activist John Minto led the protesters from Queen Elizabeth II Square at Britomart towards Aotea Square.
They paused in [...]
New council won’t look at pokie numbers till 2015
The Auckland council will not review its policies regarding pokie machines in Auckland until 2015, despite an appeal to address problem gambling under the new super city planning process.
Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Graeme Ramsey says that throughout New Zealand “one in five people go without something they need because of problem gambling.”
The PGF has [...]
Auckland City Market’s closure a ‘tragedy’ for city
The Auckland City Market is homeless after its lease was cancelled and organisers failed to find another space.
The market had been temporarily held for the past 16 months at a Wilson Parking-owned carpark on Victoria St West while renovations at Aotea Square were carried out.
The market had called Aotea Square home for eight years, and [...]
Eden Park road development ‘all a big hoo-ha’
Business owners close to Eden Park feel the development of nearby roads for the Rugby World Cup has been excessive and feel frustrated they have been left out of the planning process.
Sailmakers’ owner Dave Giddens said footpath upgrades to Rossmay Terrace, are “totally unnecessary for 11 Rugby World Cup games”.
The construction has been “a nuisance [...]
Ukeleles to hip-hop – music month at your local library
Ukelele lessons, music workshops, some “phat” hip hop, rap and R ‘n’ B – these are just a few of the activities at libraries across Auckland for New Zealand Music Month this May.
Music librarian Marilyn Portman has been at the forefront of music month activities at the Auckland central library since it became involved in [...]
Auckland Refugee Council hopes for more support for migrants
Refugee and asylum-seeking organisations are hoping the new Auckland Council will improve support for new migrants to the city.
Refugee organisations say information about Auckland is difficult to find, which is hindering refugees’ settlement.
Elizabeth Walker, executive officer for the Auckland Refugee Council, says while progress has been made with refugee settlement, “Auckland City still [had]a long [...]
