Archive for April, 2017

Successful Neighbours’ Day on Kerr-Taylor Reserve

April 3rd, 2017

On 2 April 2017 Fergusson Avenue residents, neighbours and STEPS members enjoyed a traditional NZ summer picnic on the Kerr Taylor Reserve.   We had a bouncy castle for kids and a sausage sizzle. Everyone brought food to share and a picnic rug to sit on. The event was delayed a week because of wet weather, so it was held on the first day after daylight saving, an hour later than usual.

At least 54 people attended – this could be an all-time record!   Younger children played on the castle from 2.30 pm onwards. Two sports minded fathers threw frisbees with older children, so many parents could lie back and relax while meeting some new people. We welcomed several families new to Fergusson Ave since our last picnic, and some new STEPS members.  We also welcomed four wonderful homestay students from Austria and their host Reuben. They helped by keeping count and providing chairs from home. They enjoyed the Roy Clements treeway so much they said they could sit there for an hour just watching and listening to tui. At the end some young families were entertained by a short sketch from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ staying until almost 6pm as the rain clouds loomed to the west.

Neighbours 2017

Thanks to Mike and Talia for arranging the bouncy castle with Neverland, John for cooking the sausages, Pat for providing the barbecue and table. And thanks to the many people who turned up, including Peter and Ori who played sports with older children.  Finally special thanks to June and Ellen for arranging behind the scenes.

Thanks to Albert Eden Local Board for their support. AlbertEden LB logo

 

 

Stormwater and Fresh Water Submissions

April 3rd, 2017

STEPS has been campaigning for improvements in storm water for over 10 years now.

While we are involved with the Central Interceptor project, that is at best an interim approach which will not deal with the major overflows.  (See the pictures from the flood this month at

http://www.meolacreek.org.nz/2017/03/16/meola-in-flood-11-12-march-2017/  )

See our STEPS  submission on the annual budget which seeks action from the Auckland Council Healthy Waters (formerly stormwater) team, initially in the form of a visible stormwater strategy/ policy, and to be followed by stormwater infrastructure.

We wrote to Councillors Casey and Fletcher, and the Albert Eden Local Board seeking their active support in asking the Mayor and Council to address the unacceptable flooding of our streets and the contamination of Meola Creek by runoff and sewage overflows from combined sewers.

We believe that Councillors Fletcher and Casey and the Albert Eden Local Board understand the issues and we have asked them to act on our behalf, in the interests of Albert Eden Roskill residents.

Further,  a new “Stop Auckland Sewage Overflows Coalition” set up by Herne Bay and St Marys Bay Residents Associations has been recognised by Auckland Council as ‘Key Stakeholders’. Manukau Harbour Groups and others are members of it, and STEPS is sharing information.  Here is their submission on the annual plan. Coalition submission to Auckland Council 27.3.17 final  STEPS is delighted to hear opposition to combined sewers from this large group.

At this time, Auckland Council is preparing its submission on the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘Clean Water Package’. In STEPS’ view the Government package  has missed the boat entirely by focusing only on rural interests and ignoring swimmability / deposition issues in Auckland. We plan to submit before 28 April close date.

The Auckland Council Environment and Community Committee discussed this package  on 4 April; you can listen at  http://councillive.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/video/40417-environment-and-community-committee-items-12-part-2/ After a robust discussion,  Councillors Mike Lee, Cashmore, and Darby were asked to assist Auckland Council Healthy Waters  team to make it clear to Government that Aucklanders expect a much higher standard of water quality in creeks and harbours, and on the beaches where our large population swims.  We look forward to their submission on our behalf.

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