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    • Prison’s bike recycling initiative donates 30 bikes to local school
      • Students at Fergusson Intermediate are the latest recipients of Rimutaka Prison’s community bike recycling partnership with Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the Cycle Centre, receiving 30 bikes for their bike programme. The initiative which started in 2016, sees the people in Rimutaka Prison’s care ‘upcycle’ donated second-hand bikes into quality, refurbished bikes, gifted to those who would not normally be able to access them. It was extended in 2021 to support local school bike programmes. “New bikes can be expensive and are currently difficult to source due to COVID-related demand and shipping delays” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy. “It’s great to see people donating bikes that are going back out into our community, it’s more sustainable and benefits the children in our schools. Win-win.” Providing children with bikes is also popular way of encouraging physical activity, with children getting the associated benefits (health, fitness, self-esteem, coordination, balance, focus/concentration at school). The bikes donated to Fergusson Intermediate are stored at the school, with children having access to them during school hours. Ed Banks, a teacher a Fergusson Intermediate who has been coordinating the bike programme, says “We are excited to be working closely with Upper Hutt City Council’s Activation team, and receiving a class set of bikes. This will enhance our students' education outside the classroom, especially with the wonderful River Trail so close and accessible. Our vision is to Amplify the Awesome, in this case, we can Amplify their confidence as cyclists, their physical activity and the accessibility to bikes to a larger number of students.” The initiative is a true community partnership with a number of organisations working together to help Upper Hutt benefit: The men working on the bikes are supervised by a qualified bike mechanic, who is also a Corrections Officer. Rimutaka Prison allocates funds towards the project. Andrew at the Cycle Centre in Upper Hutt has provided the people in Rimutaka Prison’s care with training and support to refurbish bikes to a safe standard. Andrew will also support the school with a follow up bike mechanic service. GWRC supports schools with cycling skills and education through their Pedal Ready programme. They also gifted helmets to Fergusson Intermediate to accompany the 30 bikes. Upper Hutt City Council’s Activation team manages the administration, promotion, and bike collection and drop off. The Council also provided financial support for the project this year through its COVID-19 Relief Fund. “From my time on the Board of Trustees here at Fergusson, I know the tamariki will benefit from these bikes and grow their knowledge of active travel options,” says Greater Wellington Councillor Ros Connelly. “The people in Rimutaka Prison’s care are enabling more Upper Hutt schools to take part in biking activities, like Bikes in Schools, Movin’March and Pedal Ready, that Greater Wellington delivers with Upper Hutt City Council.” Aaron Jeffs from Corrections says “the men love working on the bikes, learning transferable skills that they can pass on to their own whānau. The community support has been consistent since 2016, with bikes being dropped at the prison for refurbishment and rehoming.” The next bike donation drive will be held on Sunday, 12 December at Maidstone Park, between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. Donate your unwanted or unused bikes to support the project and get bikes to people in need. You can find out more on Facebook, @ActivationUH. If you or someone you know needs a bike, but is not in a position to purchase one, you can nominate them at activation.org.nz. 

    • Fallen falcons spark changes to park’s power poles
      • A pair of native kārearea (New Zealand falcons) found dead in Whitireia Park have evoked a significant infrastructure adjustment to the park’s power poles.   One of the coordinators of the Whitireia Park Restoration Group (WPRG) and former Greater Wellington biodiversity advisor Robyn Smith, recounted the events that led to this change, “Wendy Barry, a member of our group, discovered the kārearea under a pole on the hill in the park. An email to Radio New Zealand voicing my concerns made its way to the lines company, Wellington Electricity (WE), who were very concerned to hear that the kārearea had been electrocuted”.   Kārearea electrocution is a common problem throughout Aotearoa as they like to perch on high vantage points to find their prey and defend their territory. The power pole in question is the highest one in the park.   Conducted by Nick Fox and Colin Wynn, a 5-year radio tracking study of kārearea on the Wairau Plain, Marlborough identified the cause of death in 21 birds, with 47% dying by electrocution.   “It may be a common problem but it is avoidable. “We were devastated by these deaths and prevention would allow these beautiful birds and any young falcon, looking for their own territory, to live and breed safely in Whitireia” added Smith.   In the New Year, alongside regular maintenance to the park’s poles, an innovative solution devised by WE will be installed across the park’s poles. When completed, the risk for these precious birds will be greatly reduced allowing them to breed and thrive in the park once again.   “It goes to show the strength in community voice, backed by the ongoing support of Greater Wellington’s biodiversity and parks team. The support they’ve shown our group, it’s as if I never left!” remarked Smith.   Gratitude for the upcoming work by WE was echoed by Kim Broad, Greater Wellington’s Biodiversity Advisor “We are extremely thankful for the action taken by both groups. It’s comforting to know there will soon be mitigations in place”.   WPRG’s work in Whitireia Park predates even any Greater Wellington involvement, with pest control and revegetation starting back in 2006. As Kārearea nest on the ground, the group’s efforts are critical to maintaining the birds’ safety in the park.     A herculean effort we’re incredibly grateful for acknowledged Broad, “With the group managing pest control and community planting projects, we can put more resource in to large scale weed control in the park. It’s about working together but to each of our strengths.   Kārearea numbers in the park are being further supported with members of WPRG planting tōtara for future roosting places.  

    • Signs of progress in regional land transport strategy report
      • The first annual monitoring report 2021, which charts progress against the Wellington Regional Land Transport Plan 2011, was presented to Greater Wellington’s Regional Transport Committee today.   “Despite the impact of Covid-19 over the period, we’re seeing encouraging trends in a changing world,” says Regional Transport Committee chair Cr Adrienne Staples.   “Given the impact of Covid-19 over the past two years, and the general level of uncertainty being experienced by our communities, it’s difficult to pick whether the emerging travel patterns we’re seeing will be temporary or a new normal”   The report uses a new framework focusing on three headline targets, which are the main performance indicators of progress towards the regional programme’s ambitious objectives and outcomes.   These are increasing mode share for public transport and active travel, reducing deaths and serious injuries on regional roads, and reducing land transport generated carbon emissions.   “We’re pleased by the rigour of the monitoring process, which will ensure we tailor our long term programmes to get people out of vehicles, keep them safe on the roads and deal to transport emissions.   “This report shows the impact of how Covid-19 has dramatically influenced how we live our lives and, in particular, the transport choices we’ve made at different alert levels in recent years.   “While it is difficult to understand if Covid-19 has caused permanent long-term changes in our travel behaviours, there were some positive changes in the headline targets during the reporting period.”   Performance against the target to increase active travel and public transport mode share by 40 per cent to 2040 shows that mode share had increased by four per cent from 2019 to 34 per cent, including a 3 per cent increase in walking to 26 per cent and cycling by 1 per cent to 2 per cent.   Covid-19 affected, however, the mode share of public transport patronage for 2020-21, which sat at 19.5 million passengers, down 14.6 per cent on 2019, though public transport patronage has rebounded to 86 per cent of numbers under Covid-19 Alert-Level 1.   The target for deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads is a reduction of 40 per cent by 2030. They dropped for the third consecutive year, with figures for 2020 again lower, most likely due to less road traffic under Covid-19 restrictions.   The plan also targets a 35 per cent reduction in transport-generated emissions by 2030 to lower the impact of transport and travel on the environment. While overall carbon dioxide emissions have risen by four per cent over the last five years compared to 2019, per capita emissions show a three per cent decline over the last five years.    “While the impact of Covid-19 is yet to be fully understood, there are some green shoots sprouting through the monitoring,” say’s Cr Staples   “Better bus network services have reduced average journey times since 2017, electric and hybrid vehicle registrations has risen to 18 per cent of the private vehicle fleet, 98 new EV buses are joining the  Metlink fleet in 2022, increasing the proportion of EVs to 18 per cent of the fleet. Since 2017 levels of nitrogen dioxide across the region, except in Wairarapa, have decreased by nine per cent.   “These are all positive signs, but real measurement against our objectives won’t be possible until the prominent influence of Covid-19 on our use of transport and its impact on us significantly reduces.   “We will be looking forward to seeing the impact of some our major investment programmes such as Let’s Get Wellington Moving, improvements to our public transport network and the roll-out of cycleways across the region.   “One this is sure, however. While we will learn how to manage and mitigate Covid-19, the most pressing issue facing us is climate change. I hope that future monitoring reports record a posit8ve response to its challenge by showing increasing mode shift to public and active transport and therefore lower damaging carbon emissions,” says Cr Staples

    • WELA offers a lifeline for Wairarapa
      • The increasing volatility of climate-change driven weather has thrown the spotlight on maintaining lifeline services following disruption and potential threats to people and assets from the consequences of natural disasters. Storms and flooding will become an ever-present threat, and the fault lines in the Wairarapa are a reminder of the earthquake risk that faces the region. “We’ll need, among other things, to open our rail and roads as quickly as possible, keep drinking water flowing, enable food to be delivered, power kept live to the places that need it most and understand impacts on the wastewater system,” says  Greater Wellington’s Wairarapa councillor, Adrienne Staples, Making sure these services can be delivered in emergencies is the focus of the recently re-invigorated Wairarapa Engineering Lifelines Association. Chaired by Cr Staples, its core membership comprises Greater Wellington, Masterton District Council, Carterton District Council, South Wairarapa District Council and network operators Powerco, KiwiRail and Waka Kotahi, key agencies in a natural disaster. “Our core role is to understand the impacts of hazards on lifeline utilities and minimise them to enable the utilities to get on with delivering services during an emergency. Our lifeline utilities collaborate through the association to engineer solutions designed to ensure they can protect the wellbeing of people who may face very challenging circumstances. “Preparation for an emergency is often unsung but vital, and that’s where the association fits in. The better the planning the better the delivery and the lower the impact of an emergency on the community.” The association has committed to an expanded budget and is at the stage of planning an ambitious collaborative programme of long term projects. “While we will rely on lifeline services during an emergency, personal and household preparedness will be still be needed to get through during extended periods. The message for people is to store water and food, think about how they would do without networked power and, generally, think about how they would manage until lifeline services resume following a major event”, says Cr Staples.

    • Fine among the negative legacy of dumped tyres
      • Kevin Anderson and his company Combined Projects (2016) Limited have been convicted and fined for the illegal disposal of waste tyres at a Castlepoint property in Wairarapa. Greater Wellington Regional Council laid four charges against Mr Anderson and his company in 2019 for offending that occurred early that year. This included breaching an abatement notice issued by the council to stop further illegal disposal of tyres. The case went all the way to trial but half way through proceedings Mr Anderson changed his pleas to guilty and so appeared again at Wellington District Court yesterday for sentencing. In addition to seeking a fine from the defendants, the council asked the court to impose an Enforcement Order requiring the removal of the illegal tyres. On Wednesday 3 November Judge Dwyer issued a fine of $50,000 to the company and convicted and discharged Mr Anderson due to his financial position. Costs were imposed on both parties. The Judge declined to make an order requiring the removal of the, 4000 or more, tyres to an authorised disposal site; he suggested the Regional Council could seek such an order from the Environment Court. In passing sentence the Judge commented that the council had clearly established the case on all charges and the conviction and fine were an inevitable outcome of the proceedings. In deciding on the level of fine, of particular note was the risk to the environment from a tyre fire and the defendant’s poor management of the site for a number of years. The Judge also commented that if the direct effects had been more significant at the time and Mr Anderson had the ability to pay the sentence, the individual fine for him could have been up to $70,000k In deciding on the level of fine the Judge listened to submissions from the defence and Greater Wellington on the seriousness of the offending and applicable aggravating and mitigating factors. “We had repeated contact with the defendants in this case advising them to take action”, said Greater Wellington Environmental Protection Team Leader, James Snowdon, “There are legitimate ways to dispose of tyres, instead Mr Anderson and his company chose to receive these tyres and dispose of them illegally, creating a legacy problem for whoever eventually bought or inherited the land. “They have been carrying out this activity outside of the law for a number of years, placing their own interests over those of the community and environment. In addition to the eventual contamination of the land these tyres may cause, they also pose a serious fire risk.”

    • Planting is nature’s best medicine
      • A medicinal plant garden, or rongoā, has been established as part of Greater Wellington’s flood protection work on the Ōtaki River. Council Flood Protection staff were joined by members of local iwi Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Friends of the Ōtaki River to plant the rongoā at Chrystalls Bend. Greater Wellington’s Field Supervisor for Kapiti, Graham Winterburn, was among 30 green-fingered helpers getting their hands dirty on 15 October, planting 500 native medicinal trees and shrubs. “It’s great because the work they’ve contributed to is part of a larger project in Chrystalls Lagoon and feeds into a wider Flood Management Plan to provide erosion stability for the area and restore natives along the banks of the Otaki River.” Winterburn says. The planting was led by Kairongoā (medicine maker) Joanne Hakaraia, who welcomed Kaumātua Rawiri Rikihana to the rongoā to bless the site. “I grew up in the area and the river has always been a popular destination. Parts of the river were inaccessible,” Hakaraia says. “Years later, we now have an open plan space where groups can gather to learn the basic principles of rongoā with native plants that grew there long ago. It’s a joy to be part of especially because we can view the Ōtaki River, Waimanu stream and the maunga.” Friends of Ōtaki River Chair Max Lutz expressed delight at iwi led teaching of the medicinal qualities of native plants. They include Whauwhaupaku (five finger) used to treat eye infections and Rengarenga (Cape Reinga Lily), the leaf base of which can be used to relieve ulcer inflammation and soreness. The 500 trees in the iwi lead rongoā planting are among 7,000 planted this season and 400,000 region wide over the winter as part of Greater Wellington’s wider $6m flood protection maintenance programme. For Hakaraia, the investment in rongoā is a symbol of the blossoming partnership between Ōtaki Mana Whenua and Greater Wellington. “To look to the health of the community is to look to the health of the river, this relationship is key for the future health of our Rohe”. Greater Wellington’s Flood Protection department will supply a further 500 medicinal plants next year as the work to safeguard our communities, with the help of local groups across the region, continues.

    • Rivers advisory committee seeking new member
      • A member of the Wairarapa community, who resides in the Upper Ruamāhanga area, with an interest in the health of local rivers is being sought to join the Upper Ruamāhanga River Management Advisory Committee (URRMAC) as the Waipoua Urban member. The committee, formed to oversee the implementation of the Te Kāuru Floodplain Management Plan (FMP), features councillors from both Greater Wellington and local councils, their officials and Wairarapa locals. Committee Member and chair of the environment committee, Penny Gaylor says “Te Kāuru allows significant transformation to the way we work with our regions’ awa (rivers) to reduce flood risk. We now know that rivers need room, rather than being forced into a channel like shape. It’s quite an exciting change in direction and will align with a number of Whaitua recommendations.” says Cr. Gaylor. The new member would join a committee actively contributing to prioritising projects, developing guidance for landowners, and helping with funding proposals. Project Manager for the implementation of the FMP, Madeliene Playford adds, “It’s really important that members of the community have a voice on this committee – they add real value”. Members of the public wishing to submit a self-nomination form for the Waipoua Urban member vacancy please either visit www.tekauru.co.nz to fill out the form, or can collect a form from our Masterton office at 35-37 Chapel Street, Departmental Building, Level 4, Masterton. If you would like to know more about the plan or committee please contact Madeliene Playford on madeliene.playford@gw.govt.nz or 021 819 509. Nominations close on 10 December 2021.

    • Local leaders welcome 3 Waters decision
      • Source: Porirua City Council Porirua’s Mayor and the Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair welcome the Government decision on an "all in" approach to 3 Waters reforms as a positive step towards improved and consistent delivery of water services across New Zealand. Minister of Local Government Hon Nanaia Mahuta announced this morning that the Government will create four publicly owned water entities to ensure every New Zealander has access to affordable, long-lasting drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure without ballooning costs to households and families. A working group will be established with the local government sector, iwi and water industry experts to work through issues raised by councils about representation and accountability. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker supported the move. "I am pleased the Government has stepped up and made this decision as we owe residents and ratepayers the truth - and the truth is, without reform, the Council does not have the resources or borrowing capacity to deliver the 3 Waters to an acceptable standard. The cost of doing so is in the billions. "Porirua City has already put aside $800 million over the next 30 years - and that's not even half of what's needed. How can we expect 19,000 ratepayers to foot a bill of that magnitude?" she said. "We will take every opportunity as a Council to get the best deal we can for Porirua. We will push for improvements to the proposal before it's enacted, including through stronger democratic mechanisms." Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter agreed that today’s decision was the right one. "This is a bold step, but precisely what is required to address chronic under-investment and looming requirements across the sector. The mandatory all-in approach will provide greater certainty to New Zealanders about the delivery of drinking water, the management of storm water and enables the sector to better meet increasingly stringent requirements around the discharge of sewage," he said. "It is good to see that the Government has listened to Councils and is forming a reference group to work through outstanding issues related to accountability and representation" The Government initially launched the 3 Waters reform programme in July 2020, to look at how best to deliver to regulate and deliver the three waters - drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services - across New Zealand. Today’s decision follows feedback from councils on the Government’s initial proposal and data. In her announcement Minister Mahuta said it was a bottom line for the government that the entities remain in public ownership. "We will continue to work with councils and ensure that local participation is evident in the critical next phase. "As we look to next steps, I will be introducing legislation to progress the establishment of the entities. The Select Committee process will provide an opportunity to get public feedback on the reforms".

    • Students encounter scooter safety lessons of the Wellington Paranormal kind
      • Primary school students are learning to safely glide along Wellington’s spooky streets with practical lessons thanks to Wellington’s premier paranormal police officers and Greater Wellington’s Scooter Ready programme. Supported by Micro Scooters, New Zealand Police and Waka Kotahi, the practical lessons teach students to safely share the footpath and avoid making any boo-boos on their scooters. The programme also introduces further benefits including supporting student’s health and wellbeing. “We didn’t think we stood a ghost of a chance of getting them but working with Wellington Paranormal has been a perfect opportunity to capture the attention and deliver important safety lessons to primary school students. The great thing about the videos is they also appeal to adults and caregivers, the people that kids learn habits from,” says Greater Wellington Cycle Skills and Scooter Ready programme lead, Matt Shipman. The four videos focus on scooter set up, stopping, sharing and safety on the footpath and feed into a wider road safety programme that encourages active and sustainable travel. While the videos might feature spooky characters they don’t scare students off important safety lessons. Matt says, “In the past, there has been a lot of stern messaging out there to scare kids into safe active travel. We’ve found it’s more effective to teach kids the positives of scooting and walking safely – and really emphasise, through a bit of laughter, all the good things that come out of taking care on the road and foot paths.” Wellington Paranormal producer, Paul Yates says “We were delighted that our spirited officers, Karen and Maaka agreed to do these videos to help keep our tamariki and others safe on our footpaths when on a scooter or bike. “In the role of Officer O’Leary, Karen comes across as a real police officer whilst being funny in a way that kids can both giggle at and learn from. “Maaka has the same appeal as his ‘Sarge’ character, so we hope that these two loveable characters help get an important message across in a way that’s both entertaining and educational to children and parents alike.” Similar videos produced on this topic pale in comparison to these, which are being shot in Te Reo Māori as well as English for the first time, exciting Paul Yates. “This is probably the first time scooter and bike safety videos will be available in both Te Reo and English and that’s not only exciting but logical, as engagement with these messages becomes possible all across Aotearoa says Paul Yates.” Despite this, students taking to the streets on scooters might still make some parents white as a sheet. Parents can rest easy however as the sessions are part of a wider programme soon to be etched in stone. Previously, these sessions were only offered on a more ad hoc basis around the region. Now with the introduction of a more developed programme, it shows the growing importance of these initiatives while bringing together active travel and supporting our tamariki’s health and wellbeing on the road. Scooter Ready supports Greater Wellington’s goals to reduce transport-generated carbon emissions by 35 percent and achieve a 40 percent increase in active and public transport ‘mode share’ by 2030.   Keen viewers will be available to view the videos on Greater Wellington’s Facebook page this week.

    • Updated flood protection policy puts climate change at the fore
      • Working with nature by allowing rivers natural movement is among the key points from Greater Wellington’s updated climate change flood protection policy put before Greater Wellington’s Climate Committee today.  While the policy strongly advocates for this important work to be updated in line with the latest guidance and build on the work already being done, some of its resulting actions are in unchartered waters of innovation for the council notes Graeme Campbell, Greater Wellington Manager, Flood Protection. “I’m buoyed by the innovative developments this will bring to flood protection projects, communities and the environment as well has how it can be used when considering landslide and coastal inundation risk”. It will allow us to build stop banks that are adaptable to future change, take more consideration in where new buildings are located and critically, find a balance between dependable protection for homes and businesses while giving the rivers room to move naturally”.   Through the Flood Hazard Modelling Standard, a bespoke set of modelled scenarios relating to climate change, and ultimately into cities’ district plans the future benefit of the policy is shown explains Graeme Campbell. New developments that fall into flood risk areas will be identified prior to construction and any changes in flood vulnerability to existing areas will be assessed with the changing climate in mind” The new approach responds to the latest guidance from the Ministry for the Environment which reveal a projected increase in climate change driven rainfall of between 20 to 30% by 2120 in some catchments, the new basis for planning for increased rainfall.  Greater Wellington Councillor and Deputy Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Ros Connelly says “it’s a stark reminder of the ever-growing risk we face from climate change. For Cr. Connelly, the recent example of the eroded banks of Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River due to severe weather and rainfall earlier in July is a key driver for action. “It bolsters the decision to include climate change planning and the work done will ultimately contribute to safeguarding our communities from these unpredictable, volatile events”. With the reality of these flooding events, an exponential risk, it’s clear a policy and resulting projects are only a first, albeit positive step towards effectively managing these events. “With climate change, ensuring our policies and resulting projects continue to adapt over time is key” says Cr. Connelly.

    • Time to scrub up on toxic algae urges Greater Wellington
      • Summer swimmers, dog owners and the community should be scrubbing up on spotting toxic algae as we approach the warmer months and our refreshing rivers beckon. Toxic algae is harmful to people and deadly to dogs, so owners need to take the lead and check either the LAWA website or Greater Wellington’s safe to swim webpage before getting in the water. “Dogs like the smell and taste of toxic algae mats. Scarier still, an amount as small as a 50 cent piece, is enough to kill a dog” says Dr Evan Harrison, Team Leader of Marine and Freshwater. Vigilance is key as dogs are likely to sniff out the leathery dark green or black toxic algal mats which can wash up at river edges. Prevention however, is better than any treatment so checking for warnings online before swimming and letting your dog in the water is paramount says Dr Harrison. Greater Wellington also urges caution to members of the public. The risk for dogs is higher but we also need to take care ourselves and our tamariki. The danger is still there for us”. Awareness for summer swimmers and people with dogs about toxic algae is supported by Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA), who provide a platform for swimming water quality data and warnings across New Zealand. “Water quality sampling is routinely conducted at over 80 freshwater and coastal sites region wide. It’s this data which is shared” says Sheryl Miller, Senior Advisor, Environment. Rather than rely solely on physical monitoring results, Greater Wellington uses a ‘risk model’ to identify safe swimming levels. This takes into account changes in water quality due to rainfall and the ‘long term condition of the site’. “Communities can be sure that they are seeing up-to-date information about the suitability for swimming at popular swimming sites” says Sheryl Miller. Members of the public who think they or their dogs have swallowed toxic algae should seek urgent medical attention by dialling 111 and for their dogs, take it immediately to the nearest vet. Learn more out toxic algae. Check for toxic algae alerts at the LAWA website.

    • Greater Wellington lifts the lid on its regional role and responsibilities
      • A campaign launched by Greater Wellington today is cutting through confusion, showing the value the regional council adds to communities and the importance of its role in navigating change facing the region in the coming years. Nigel Corry, Chief Executive for Greater Wellington, says getting people to focus on the variety of services the regional council provides, and the differences between what it does compared to other local organisations and groups, is a real challenge. “As ratepayers, people buy our services – often without any choice - and it’s up to us to explain ourselves and show the value we deliver. So, we’re lifting the lid over the next couple of years to do exactly that,” says Greater Wellington chief executive Nigel Corry. The regional council’s multi-year ‘Listen to the Land – Whakarongo Tātou ki te Whenua’ information campaign focuses on Greater Wellington’s core environmental restoration, enhancement and protection roles to begin with – telling its story through street posters, digital billboards, online, radio and local and community newspapers. “Whakarongo Tātou ki te Whenua shows how Greater Wellington, iwi, community groups, and landowners listen to the land and keep our region’s environment thriving, and it’s a story which we hope will also inspire more people to experience and join us in caring for our taonga. It’s a story which the regional council wants to shine light on”. Unlike the high profile services of city and district councils, such as rubbish collection, road maintenance and parking enforcement, much of Greater Wellington’s work deals with fundamental long term issues that lie behind and underpin regional development and resilience. “Among other things, our services protect people and billions-worth of assets from flooding, ensure we prepare for the life-changing onset of climate change, eradicate pests before they eradicate our forests, provide our regional parks and protect our freshwater sources to ensure clean regional supply. We also provide the catalyst for regional economic development and connect our communities through Metlink public transport services,” say Nigel Corry. Chair of Greater Wellington Daran Ponter says the campaign is bang on time given rapid and significant changes to the range and intensity of services being provided by regional councils and potentially the structure through which they will be delivered. “We need the public’s confidence if we are to successfully manage and steer the region through proposed changes to the way we manage and value water, the Resource Management Framework, and the likely review of our system of local democracy and governance. These are huge issues which will affect people in the region for decades to come. “Confidence is built on knowledge, and that’s the purpose of our campaign. It’s more important than ever for the regional council to make itself heard and understood. “It’s also important to show Greater Wellington’s commitment to connect more with iwi and communities and demonstrate that we are also continuing to learn and evolve as we manage these transformational programmes,” says Cr Ponter. Listen to the Land – Whakarongo Tātou ki te Whenua cost $200,000 to produce and will roll out over the next two years. It is designed and delivered by a range of providers that have committed to sustainable ways of working. Find out more about the Listen to the Land – Whakarongo Tātou ki te Whenua campaign. Find out more about Greater Wellington’s roles and responsibilities.

    • East Harbour Regional Park Article October 2021
      • What is it? Although it looks a little bit like an alien spacecraft this NIWA wave bouy rider “landed” on the Parangarahu lakes beach after a storm on 14 October. Usually located off Baring Head, it sends accurate live measurements of the waves off Wellington’s south coast directly to the harbourmaster at Beacon Hill. It has now been safely retrieved. Weed of the Month As you walk about the Northern Forest you may notice or smell a beautiful white flowered climbing vine. At this time of year it’s likely to be the native Clematis paniculata (in Māori puawhananga) which flowers between August and November. It is one of seven species of clematis native to New Zealand all with three leaflets (except the leafless C. afoliata). Soon the very weedy not native Old man’s beard, Clemitis vitalba will start to flower (December to May). The easiest way to tell them apart is that each leaf on Old man’s beard has five leaflets (rarely 3). Both these vines grow high into the canopy, if you can only see the stems clearly Old man’s beard has six prominent ribs or furrows and the bark easily rubs off. The woody stems of the native clematis are unfurrowed. The hardy Old man’s beard produces many seeds, grows rapidly, forming dense, heavy, masses that dominates, smothers and kills all plants to the highest canopy. It also prevents the establishment of native plant seedlings and moves readily into established forest over the canopy. The deer DNA scat survey will take place on up to 19 days between 25 October and 3 December.  120km of survey lines will be walked to find fresh deer scats. To enable full and systematic coverage of the entire park, survey lines are set approximately 175m apart in the interior 100m apart around the edge to ensure it captures all deer utilising the private land fringe. Once all transect lines are complete the samples will be sent to Massey University for testing. The analysis will display the number of individuals identified, hotspot areas and a home range map. Greater Wellington Regional Council established several deer exclosure plots throughout its parks in the early 2000’s, one in Gollans valley, Northern forest. Measurements collected from the exclosure and control plots in 2001, 2010 and 2018 has recently been analysed. Wide-spread removal of palatable species from the forest had already occurred by the time the exclosure plot was established. Since 2001 there has been a continued removal of palatable species from the surrounding unfenced control plot. Results from inside the fenced exclosure plot did not identify a significant growth in palatable species, but did show that there has been no loss of these species and that small increases may be occurring. This may mean growth of palatable species have not yet been able to recover in a slow growing beech forest environment, and more time is needed to uncover trends. Deer pellet count data also showed the relative abundance of deer in East Harbour Regional park at approximately half that observed in other regional parks of similar forest cover. Even with theoretically low numbers of deer remaining, the already degraded plant communities have to date been unable to recover. This is continuing to have a negative effect on recruitment and is leading to sustained declines within palatable plant communities.

    • Greater Wellington wants action on the Emissions Reduction Plan
      • Greater Wellington is urging the regional team of half a million people to actively respond to the Government’s just-released National Emissions Reduction Plan, which outlines a proposed framework to meet the emissions budgets required to limit greenhouse gases. “This proposed framework shows we can achieve our goal of staying in line with 1.5 degrees of warming. Its importance can’t be overestimated, as it foreshadows the transformational change that will have a lasting impact on all areas of our daily lives,” says Cr. Thomas Nash, chair of Greater Wellington’s Climate Committee. “This is where things get real, we have to break through Greta Thunberg’s ‘blah blah’ critique and start making the tough calls that will shape a safe future for all of us. “This plan will lay the foundations of the lives we are going to live if we are to avert the climate crisis that scientists have forecast. The proposals are out for consultation today and the more of us that submit on the plan, the better. “We really need emissions to peak within the next couple of years and then start rapidly declining. The emissions reduction plan is our best chance to make that happen.” The regional council will highlight a number of crucial areas in its submission which, it believes, will continue to contribute to meeting the Government’s climate change commitments. Greater Wellington sees major emission reduction opportunities in the Wellington region in transport, urban design and natural infrastructure. That means much more public transport and less dependence on cars; higher density living with high quality apartments and terraced houses that enable people to live easily without cars; and a flourishing natural environment that soaks up and stores carbon. Work is well underway to convert Metlink’s bus fleet to electric and even bigger emissions reduction will come from more government investment to expand public transport. “Meeting future climate goals will require more than buying electric buses. We need a massive expansion in a bus and rail fleet, low or perhaps in some cases no fares, and relevant and reliable services. This way we can provide the carrot for mode shift, while restrictions on unnecessary use of private cars will provide the stick,” says Cr Nash. “Walking and cycling will play a big part as transport norms of the future, encouraged by more compact cities served by public transport that encourages mode shift. Initiatives like the Let’s Get Wellington Moving transport corridor for urban development will be essential in fostering more compact suburbs with high quality new homes and green spaces.” Greater Wellington’s focus on expanding natural infrastructure in its regional parks – such as native restoration and wetlands – through its Low Carbon Acceleration Fund will also play a role in emissions reduction by storing carbon and providing a buffer against the increased droughts and flooding we can expect in our changing climate. The first planting and restoration projects under the fund are already in train at Queen Elizabeth Park and Battle Hill Farm Park, and grazing is progressively being phased out. Collective action from Greater Wellington, local authorities, central government agencies and Iwi will continue under the Wellington Regional Growth Framework, which is a critical part of the region’s action on climate. Work under this framework will include regional emissions reduction plans; planning for and managing climate change impacts; providing for east-west access across the region; scaling up housing and resilient infrastructure. In all of this the Regional Growth Framework will need to ensure that the projects and initiatives that flow from it do not lock in emissions for the future.  “Collective action is vital. No single organisation can pull all the climate action levers on its own. We must work together as a region to reduce emissions, build the right infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and adapt to the impacts we know are coming. “If we do all of these things well, we will go a long way to delivering the proposals in the government’s framework for a national emissions reduction plan. “We want to see the widest possible public feedback on the proposed emissions reduction framework so that the Government hears from communities throughout the region that now is the time to act on climate,” says Cr Nash.

    • Plastic in waterways criticised by regional council
      • With the clean-up of plastic found in the Tauherenikau River in August nearing the halfway mark, the focus for Greater Wellington now turns to stopping rubbish being dumped in waterways across the region. Greater Wellington deputy chair and Wairarapa Councillor, Adrienne Staples says while the dumping occurred on private property, its consequences affect the wider community and highlight the need for greater community awareness about the problem. “I appreciate that this rubbish was not dumped deliberately along the river but rather as a result of high rainfall, however the outcome is the same.  The Tauherenikau is a real taonga (treasure) for the Wairarapa so I’m calling on everyone in the community to take care of their rivers, routinely advocate for the sustainable and environmentally conscious disposal of waste, and hold each other to account when people mistreat our waterways and wildlife,” says Cr Staples. In the Wellington region the responsibility for the management of waste is shared between city and district councils. Greater Wellington always encourages the environmentally sound disposal of waste, which is crucial to supporting regional sustainability. The plastic found floating in the water and entangled in driftwood needed an excavator and a dump truck to pick up the larger pieces of plastic, followed by an expensive, time consuming, manual clean-up of the remaining smaller pieces. “The real cost is on the environment and our communities. To add insult to injury these clean ups take away valuable time from our flood protection teams who have more important tasks in protecting our communities and businesses from future flood events,” says Cr Staples. Caring local community members offered to help with the clean-up but had to be turned away due to the specialist training and numerous risks involved with water based work. Despite the good work so far, the erosion of the river berm, where plastic had been dumped and buried, needs more attention. Significant flood protection work is underway on the private land, alongside work to protect the affected berm to ensure no further rubbish enters the river. Hamish Fenwick, Section Leader of Operations Delivery in the Wairarapa says, “It is a carefully staged approach. In the short term, we protect the affected berm site with gravel. Engineers will design and construct a solution to protect the site with rocks without impacting the natural character of the waterway in any significant way.”

    • New report starkly outlines Wairarapa climate change
      • A new report that brings home the impact of climate change in Wairarapa in never-before seen detail has just been released by Greater Wellington. Commissioned by Greater Wellington and written by NIWA, the report provides the latest update on the climate science for the Wairarapa since last year. It comprises state-of-the-art climate change projections, with a suite of high resolution maps, providing a targeted view of the different climatic zones and climate change impacts across the vast Wairarapa geographical landscape.  Dr. Alex Pezza, Greater Wellington’s senior climate scientist, says that while the report doesn’t provide new modelling since NIWA’s previous climate change modelling, its value lies in the clarity with which it presents the impact of climate change in the region. “The clearer we can be in presenting the stark reality of climate change in Wairarapa, the better people will understand what the future looks like and the more likely they will be to change it for the better. “So If people can grasp the scientific message from a position of strength and balance, they will naturally contribute towards a better future in their local community”, says Dr Pezza. As well as high resolution maps, the report is supported by a  short, yet detailed explanatory ‘user-friendly’ video which provides an overview of NIWA’s scientific projections. It animates different future scenarios based on known changes plus additional different impacts that will affect agriculture, water resilience, environmental, economic and community resilience. Greater Wellington Climate Committee Chair, Cr Thomas Nash, says that hammering home the climate change message is vital. “This report reinforces what we know – that we can already see rising temperatures and the intensification of extreme weather events. We also know that the sooner we all bring our emission generating activities into line with the reality of our changing climate, the better off we will be long term. “One thing is certain - natural infrastructure, like healthy soil, forests and wetlands – will be more and more important in a climate stressed world. Natural infrastructure is the best value infrastructure money can buy and it not only stores carbon, but protects against drought and flooding and boosts biodiversity. “As part of the 30-year Wellington Regional Growth Framework we are undertaking serious regional climate planning, both on emissions reduction and on adaptation. Reliable scientific data is crucial for this planning work so this new updated report is an important contribution.” To reflect the changes projected for Wairarapa’s climate, a Water Resilience Strategy was recently approved by the three local councils, local iwi and Greater Wellington.  This strategy principally evolved from both the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy and NIWA’s earlier climate change work for the entire Wellington region. Work has just begun on planning implementation of Water Resilience Strategy, covering ‘green’ projects such as plantings, though to infrastructure such as water supply pipe repairs.  NIWA’s latest Wairarapa climate change projections confirm the nature and scale of the efforts needed to help mitigate climate change effects. Greater Wellington’s Wairarapa Committee Chair, Cr Adrienne Staples, says that Greater Wellington is working with local communities to mitigate one of the key threats outlined in the report, the likelihood of more intense rainfall events and the potential for resulting flooding. “Given the impact of intense rainfall on our rivers, it’s no longer viable to focus solely on engineering solutions to flood management. So we’re looking to the future by enabling, within limits, the natural flow of our rivers, developing natural solutions to the impact of flooding and adapting land use to the conditions of the future.” Read the report Watch the video

    • Ruamāhanga planting to deliver jobs and environmental benefits
      • Planting is coming to an end in the year one work programme of the Major Rivers – Riparian Management programme as Greater Wellington closes in on establishing more than 36,000 of 120,000 plants allocated towards improving water quality and habitat in the Ruamahanga River. Part of riparian management under the Te Kāuru Upper Ruamāhanga Floodplain Management Plan, the five year project has a value of $5 million and covers a total of 100 hectares or public and private  land, including installation of 30 kilometres of fencing. Pest plant and pest animal control will also feature, a significant investment to ensure sufficient plant survival rates. “This is a major project, the long term outcome of which will be stock exclusion, stable river banks and, as the regional community has called for, the benefit of cleaner fresh water,” says Greater Wellington regional councillor Cr. Adrienne Staples. “The Ministry for the Environment Jobs for Nature programme, which is equally funded by the ministry and Greater Wellington for this programme, is also expected to generate 35 very welcome jobs equalling 66,000 labour hours, great for the people involved and a positive input into the local economy”. The whole of the Ruamāhanga catchment is included in the programme, with current sites in Masterton and further south at the Geoffrey Blundell Barrage Gates and Tauanui river confluence with the Ruamāhanga River. Mana whenua were consulted on the programme and Ra Smith and Horipo Rimene provided valuable feedback, particularly on the sites selected so far. Clearance works and pre-planting spray have been completed at all three sites. Planting of 12,000 native plants is complete at the South Road site near the Hood Aerodrome and planting has started at the remaining two sites. Each planting site has a 3-5 year maintenance (pest plant and animal control) period to ensure successful establishment, with w plant guards being used to minimise plants from being eaten by hares and rabbits. Planting across the catchment will also create seed islands, with birds and wind helping to distribute seed throughout surrounding areas, increasing the potential for reintroducing native species without the need to plant. Pest plants such as Old Man’s Beard, Tradescantia, Honeysuckle and numerous other invasive species will be actively managed, and trapping and baiting will be carried out to manage pest animal populations where necessary. Looking ahead, plant supply discussions with individual nurseries have started for next planting season and procurement discussions are also occurring to secure plant supply for the life of the programme, with 72,000 plants planned over a further 20 hectares, and 3km of fencing installed.

    • Greater Wellington welcomes $1.2 billion boost for regional transport funding
      • Greater Wellington Regional Council has welcomed Tuesday’s announcement by Minister of Transport Hon Michael Wood of the Government’s transport funding priorities for the next three years contained in the National Land Transport Programme. The announcement will see funding for the Regional Land Transport Programme 2021-24 increase by over $3.1 billion for transport projects, a rise of more than 60 per cent over the previous three years’ funding. This will allow progress to be made on key projects aimed at increasing use of public and active modes of transport and decreasing carbon emissions, to proceed. Public transport gets a significant boost, with the Government signalling a 40 per cent increase in funding for public transport infrastructure and services nationally, with the Wellington region being allocated $1.2 billion in funding for public transport through the NLTP as well as additional funding for the Let's Get Wellington Moving programme." Chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport Committee, Cr. Roger Blakeley, applauded the Government for its support in addressing the NLTP funding shortfall.  He highlighted public transport’s role as a cornerstone for delivering a variety of economic, social and environmental benefits including addressing climate change and supporting denser urban development. “The Government’s announcement will enable Greater Wellington to make significant progress towards delivering a more efficient, accessible and low carbon public transport network, and all the benefits that will flow from that. “Greater Wellington has set clear targets for our council to be carbon positive by 2035 which includes full electrification of our core bus fleet by 2030. The NLTP announcement strongly supports further electrification of our bus fleet, ferries and longer distance rail services.” Chair of the Regional Transport Committee, Cr, Adrienne Staples, echoed strong support for the Government’s announcement, noting the NLTP announcement shows strong Government support for the Wellington region’s ambitious climate change and road safety targets. With 30 per cent of journeys already made by public transport and walking or cycling. Increased funding this latest NLTP will help the Wellington region work towards an ambitious target of a 40% increase in regional mode share from public transport and active modes by 2030.  The funding will allow continued expansion of the region’s cycling and walkway network providing more options for people to move around the region and promote mode shift from cars. Projects that will meet this objective include the Petone to Ngauranga cycle and walk way and Wellington City’s cycle network. Cr. Staples also noted the strong inter-regional travel benefits with business case funding included for the procurement of new rolling stock for the Wairarapa and Manawatu lines, and funding for a programme of work to upgrade our rail infrastructure to make it more frequent, reliable and resilient.

    • Rural communities urged to report sightings of crop-eating pest bird during ‘look for rooks’ awareness campaign
      • Greater Wellington is calling out to rural communities in the Greater Wellington region to ‘look for rooks’ in its annual awareness campaign. A large, glossy, purplish-black bird with a harsh call, rooks cause significant damage to agricultural crops by destroying newly sprouted crops’ seedlings and reducing crop yields. With less predictable weather patterns also making crops more vulnerable, reducing rook numbers becomes increasingly important to ensure our regions food security, when viewed through the lens of a changing climate. Adding in the risk of these unplanned, potentially volatile weather events that could further damage crops, the consequences of not controlling rooks, become far greater for our region. Greater Wellington Climate Committee Chair, Councillor Thomas Nash says, “Protecting crops from additional damage is not only important to the economic wellbeing of our region’s primary production, but is also important for resilience to climate change in this sector.” Every year, as part of our Regional Pest Management Plan, Greater Wellington’s biosecurity team work with local and neighbouring councils to monitor and control this pest bird. While rook numbers are down, with Greater Wellington reporting an 86% decrease in rook population over the last 10 years. Glen Falconer, Pest Animals Team Leader at Greater Wellington, urges landowners to report any sightings on their land, “there aren’t many left, but we need help from landowners to make sure the population doesn’t persist or have opportunities to re-establish and grow.” People are most likely to spot a rook nest (rookery) in large exotic trees such as pines or gums, and sometimes near buildings or houses. Senior Biosecurity Officer, Steven Playle says “while we want our community’s assistance with monitoring rooks, rook control is a specialist task which needs to be done by a Greater Wellington Biosecurity Officer. Attempting to do this yourself can make the problem worse, or cause unnecessary distress to the birds.” Members of the public who have spotted rooks or a rookery can get in touch with Greater Wellington on 0800 496 734 or email pest.animals@gw.govt.nz

    • Around 200 submissions received on Waiōhine River Plan
      • Around 200 submissions were received from the community on the Waiōhine River Plan, developed by the community-led Waiōhine Action Group and supported by Greater Wellington. Consultation on the plan, which opened on 25 June, ended on 16 August. “During the submissions period, the project team was active in the community talking to people about the plan, answering questions and urging community members to make submissions,” says Greater Wellington Councillor and Waiōhine Steering Group chair Adrienne Staples. The plan reflects far-reaching work to deliver affordable flood protection, public safety, meeting the interests of the people and their assets, and protecting the environment. This 70 plus-year vision aims at gradually improving and restoring a living corridor of pristine water, flora and fauna for better environmental, cultural, social and economic outcomes for the Waiōhine River. “We’re currently reviewing submissions and preparing the summary documents for the Hearings Panel to review. “We are closely monitoring the quickly changing pandemic scenario and following the guidance from the central government. “It is unlikely that we will be able to conduct the hearings at Covid-19 Alert Level 2. We may have to wait until we return to Level 1,” says Cr Staples. The Hearings Panel will hear oral submissions from the public and the plan will then be amended as necessary in response to the feedback before it is presented to the Greater Wellington’s council for endorsement.

    • Greater Wellington welcomes report on congestion charging as part of emissions target
      • Greater Wellington has welcomed a report from the Transport and Infrastructure Committee on congestion charging in Auckland, describing it as a necessary enabler for mode shift and zero emissions targets. The report, Inquiry into congestion pricing in Auckland, recommended that Auckland be the first scheme of its kind in New Zealand, with congestion charging implemented in other New Zealand cities in the future.  In its findings the report stressed the need to engage with the public about what congestion pricing is, what purpose it serves, and how it can be implemented, as well as the importance of showing how the revenue would be used to benefit people affected by congestion pricing. Roger Blakeley, chair of Greater Wellington’s Transport committee wholeheartedly agrees with the findings. “If we are serious about reducing emissions then we need to talk more and invest more in mode shift programmes. This means providing walking and cycling infrastructure, much better, cheaper, accessible and more frequent public transport. This requires a serious rethink and a reprioritisation of funding from the Government and tools like congestion charging and parking policies can be part of the funding model,” says Cr Blakeley. In June, the regional council made a submission to the Government on Hīkina te Kohupara – Kia mauri ora ai te iwi - Transport Emissions: Pathways to Net Zero by 2050 urging a significant shift in policies, institutional arrangements and planned investment to accelerate the change needed to reduce transport emissions. Greater Wellington’s Regional Land Transport Plan includes a target of ‘40 percent increase in active travel and public transport mode share by 2030 but believes that a shift to electric vehicles by itself will not be sufficient and that mode shift, rather than electrification of private vehicles, should be the government’s main transport priority. “Of course we need to transition to electric vehicles, but focusing on this as a priority risks undermining the urgent mode shift required away from investment in motorways and towards energy efficient transport infrastructure that will actually carry the number of people we need to carry now and in the future. “We need to design our transport systems within the basic geographic constraints of our cities, with climate and the social pressures baked in so we don’t short change the planet or people who are not currently well served by transport system including people with disabilities and people who are less well off. “Three quarters of the Government’s National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) is already allocated for the decade ahead, so a review of the NLTF’s scope and priorities will be needed as well as additional funding. If congestion charging can play a part in helping us get there quicker the Government should explore that as an option for our region,” says Cr Blakeley.

    • Regional Climate Change Forum unites leaders for climate action
      • Today’s Regional Climate Change Forum brought together leaders from regional and local councils, and Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw, to discuss climate action in a Wellington regional context.   This was the first meeting of the newly established Forum, which builds on a previous working group and invites elected members from Greater Wellington, district and city councils across the region, and mana whenua representatives, to share climate-related challenges, knowledge and insights from their own communities.    Greater Wellington Climate Committee Chair and newly appointed Forum co-chair, Thomas Nash, describes the Forum as a much needed opportunity to coordinate regional climate planning and to amplify local voices.    “It’s a place for regional leaders to come together and discuss how we’re tackling climate change in our communities, and then come away and champion what we’ve learned within our respective councils or iwi.      “It’s also an avenue through which we can present a united front for engaging with Government. It’s often up to us as community leaders to implement the Government’s climate strategy, so we need to ensure our voices are heard loud and clear when these decisions are being made.”   The Wellington Regional Leadership Committee, which brings together the region’s Mayors, Chairs, Iwi leaders and two Cabinet Ministers, has asked the Wellington Regional Climate Change Forum to lead the work on two major climate planning projects as part of the 30-year Wellington Regional Growth Framework that is currently underway.  “The Wellington Regional Growth Framework will shape the future of our region for the next 30 years and determine whether or not the region is operating within a climate safe context”, says Cr Nash. “This Forum’s regional climate planning - both to reduce emissions and to adapt to a warmer climate - will be central to the success of this wider regional spatial planning exercise." Earlier this year, the Forum provided advice to He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission as the Commission prepared its draft report to Government. The Forum pushed for increased policy ambition, stronger recognition of the role of transport and urban design in delivering a low carbon environment, better partnership between local and central government, and integration with wider resource management reforms.   Informed by the Commission’s report, the Government is required to publish a plan before the end of the year setting how carbon emissions will be reduced across Aotearoa. Today, Climate Minister James Shaw spoke to the Forum about the work ahead, including the need to adapt to the impacts of unavoidable climate change.   Shaw also commended the region’s work toward climate positivity, saying “The councils in the Wellington Region are a leading example of what local government can do to help address climate change, including through the setting of ambitious carbon reduction goals.” He added that councils will have a crucial role to play in implementing many of the new emission reduction policies that the Government is developing through the forthcoming Emissions Reduction Plan and resource management reform. Cr Nash says, “We spoke to the Climate Minister with a strong collective voice today about the climate responsibilities of local government. We look forward to continuing our climate advocacy work through the Forum and building a stronger partnership between councils and central government.” Upper Hutt City Council Deputy Mayor Hellen Swales, who is a member of the Forum, says its vision is one of a resilient, connected community that can make the changes necessary to lower the impact of climate change.   “This Forum has been an asset to the conversations around climate change and how we collectively mitigate and adapt to our changing world. As a collective, through this forum, we exchange values, resources that ensure our region is in a strong position,” she says.   The Forum will continue to provide a place for regular kōrero on climate action, meeting four times a year at locations across the region as well as virtually. COVID-19 restrictions meant everyone attended the inaugural meeting from home, fittingly making the August meeting a carbon-zero Forum.  Cr Nash adds, “This lockdown and COVID more generally have put a lot of pressure on people and families, and at the same time we can’t afford to delay our action on climate, so we were pleased to be able to keep this crucial Climate Change Forum on the agenda this week.”

    • Applications open for Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Greater Wellington’s fund that boosts community environmental projects
      • Applications are open for this year’s Community Environment Fund which supports community groups to restore, maintain and protect our native ecosystems, a joint initiative between Greater Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The fund supports local community groups who are protecting and restoring our environment on public land in the Te Awarua-o-Porirua whaitua area, from Churton Park to Pukerua Bay and inland of Pauatahanui. Ngāti Toa Rangatira, general manager of Treaty and Strategic Relationships, Naomi Solomon says, "This is an important initiative that provides opportunities for our community to connect with our taiao in a way that is meaningful. "It is also a very practical step towards meeting Ngāti Toa’s aspiration to restore the mauri of Te Awarua-o-Porirua which will have positive implications for us all," says Naomi Solomon. The funding originates from Greater Wellington, with both Greater Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira co-managing the allocation of the funds. This year, two new aspects have been introduced to the assessment criteria which focus on how projects adapt to climate change, and improve opportunities for people to connect with the land and contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Ngāti Toa Statement. Greater Wellington senior biodiversity advisor Jo Fagan says, “Every year we receive submissions from an impressive cohort of environmental projects, some are short in nature and others apply for up to three years of funding.” Over the years, many groups have received support including the Aotea Conservation Volunteers, who over the last six years have transformed areas of Bothamley Park through weed control, planting and pest animal control. “The group has noticed a huge increase in bird life in the area since they started restoring sites that were once overrun with blackberry and other weeds. They have worked extremely hard to restore Bothamley Park into a vibrant, healthy ecosystem for future generations to enjoy,” says Jo Fagan. “Hongoeka Marae is another group to benefit from the fund, they have been clearing climbing asparagus and other weeds by hand from native bush around Hongoeka Bay, without using herbicides and other chemicals. “They’ve used the fund for tools and equipment including animal traps and de-weeding equipment, so native plants can regenerate naturally without being smothered by weeds or eaten by pest animals,” says Jo Fagan. Greater Wellington’s Catchment general manager, Wayne O’Donnell says, “At its core, this fund is about the community having the support and autonomy to nurture what they love most in their backyard, while connecting their hard mahi to wider catchment environmental goals.” “We are encouraging all groups who fit the bill to apply for the Community Environment Fund, applications close on 17 September 2021,” says Wayne O'Donnell. Find out more about the Community Environment Fund.

    • Applications open for Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Greater Wellington’s fund that boosts community environmental projects
      • Applications are open for this year’s Community Environment Fund which supports community groups to restore, maintain and protect our native ecosystems, a joint initiative between Greater Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The fund supports local community groups who are protecting and restoring our environment on public land in the Te Awarua-o-Porirua whaitua area, from Churton Park to Pukerua Bay and inland of Pauatahanui. Ngāti Toa Rangatira, general manager of Treaty and Strategic Relationships, Naomi Solomon says, "This is an important initiative that provides opportunities for our community to connect with our taiao in a way that is meaningful.  "It is also a very practical step towards meeting Ngāti Toa’s aspiration to restore the mauri of Te Awarua-o-Porirua which will have positive implications for us all," says Naomi Solomon. The funding originates from Greater Wellington, with both Greater Wellington and Ngāti Toa Rangatira co-managing the allocation of the funds. This year, two new aspects have been introduced to the assessment criteria which focus on how projects adapt to climate change, and improve opportunities for people to connect with the land and contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Ngāti Toa Statement. Greater Wellington senior biodiversity advisor Jo Fagan says, “Every year we receive submissions from an impressive cohort of environmental projects, some are short in nature and others apply for up to three years of funding.” Over the years, many groups have received support including the Aotea Conservation Volunteers, who over the last six years have transformed areas of Bothamley Park through weed control, planting and pest animal control. “The group has noticed a huge increase in bird life in the area since they started restoring sites that were once overrun with blackberry and other weeds. They have worked extremely hard to restore Bothamley Park into a vibrant, healthy ecosystem for future generations to enjoy,” says Jo Fagan. “Hongoeka Marae is another group to benefit from the fund, they have been clearing climbing asparagus and other weeds by hand from native bush around Hongoeka Bay, without using herbicides and other chemicals. “They’ve used the fund for tools and equipment including animal traps and de-weeding equipment, so native plants can regenerate naturally without being smothered by weeds or eaten by pest animals,” says Jo Fagan. Greater Wellington’s Catchment general manager, Wayne O’Donnell says, “At its core, this fund is about the community having the support and autonomy to nurture what they love most in their backyard, while connecting their hard mahi to wider catchment environmental goals.” “We are encouraging all groups who fit the bill to apply for the Community Environment Fund, applications close on 17 September 2021,” says Wayne O'Donnell. More information on the Community Environment Fund

    • Taranaki Whānui sign a new increased funding agreement with Greater Wellington to build partnership capacity
      • Taranaki Whānui sign a new increased funding agreement with Greater Wellington, one of six revised agreements with iwi of the region, to build their capacity to partner, co-design and deliver on work programmes alongside Greater Wellington by 2023. Taranaki Whānui are the first iwi to sign the new increased funding agreement, with other iwi to do the same in coming weeks.  Chair of Taranki Whānui, Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, Holden Hohaia says, “The increased funding is an indication that Council recognises the importance of the voice of Māori, and in particular the renewed agreement enables iwi to contribute strategically and thoughtfully.” Greater Wellington’s Pou Whakarae Monica Fraser says, the signing ceremony began with kōrero on the deep significance that Taranaki Whānui is the first iwi to sign the agreement. “The current Greater Wellington premise on Cuba Street was blessed at our opening by mana whenua in 2020, this was historically protected and nurtured gardens that spanned from central Wellington to Island Bay, and provided kai and resources for its people.” “Acknowledging this is vital to open discussions on how we can look to the future of building engagement and partnership, and transforming systems and approaches to working with mana whenua within our council.” The boost in funding will see better engagement with iwi across an agreed and aligned work programme, with the first and primary focus on coming together and building capacity within iwi to do so. “Each iwi will drive how they wish to allocate the funds to building their capacity, tailored to individual needs of the iwi and the unique ways that they operate,” says Monica Fraser. The second stage of the agreement is working with each iwi to co-design a work programme that is of mutual benefit to both parties by 2023. Greater Wellington’s Deputy Chief Executive and incoming Chief Executive in mid-September, Nigel Corry says, “This is an exciting step forward in aligning and co-designing programmes with iwi across our region to ensure we have stronger mana whenua input and lens on our future work.” “These programmes span from initiatives within our catchment and environment areas to strategy and policy development,” says Nigel Corry.

    • Climate resilience work begins at Heretaunga in Upper Hutt
      • Work has begun on stabilising the banks of Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River at Heretaunga near the Royal Wellington Golf Club in Upper Hutt, alongside the popular Hutt River Trail. “Erosion from severe weather in July has undermined the riverbanks and adjacent trail, taking out up to 20 metres of the bank and severely damaging the trail making it dangerous to use near the club. “We’ve cordoned the area off to ensure public safety and we ask people to keep out of the area, which is now a construction site,” says Greater Wellington Manager, Flood Protection, Graeme Campbell. “We will reopen the trail near the club once construction is completed and the area is safe which, it is estimated, will take three months subject to the weather and availability of materials.” The work is being co-funded by Greater Wellington and the Government’s Kānoa Resilient River Communities Programme, which arose from the Government’s post-Covid infrastructure funding package, and is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.  It is a major project, involving the construction of a protective rock wall and rock groynes to defend the river bank from further erosion. It will require rebuilding 100m of bank edge and the installation of around 5000 tonnes of protective rock. “The recent flood is a harbinger of the intensity and frequency of climate change-induced weather events that will continue to place increasing stress on existing flood protection structures and on emerging areas of vulnerability,” says Mr Campbell. “The river at Heretaunga emphatically shows the impact of volatile weather, and the importance of undertaking resilient river community projects which are increasingly vital to our regions,” says Greater Wellington Te Awa Kairangi ki uta/Upper Hutt councillor and Climate Committee deputy chair Ros Connelly. “We had planned this work for later in the year, along with bank strengthening works at several other locations along the river. But I’m really glad we were able to bring it forward given the damage sustained to the riverbanks and the trail, which is much used by the community.  “The stark recent warning from the International Committee on Climate Change on the pace of growing risks we face underscores the urgency of preparing for more frequent floods. “It also shows the positive and growing influence of government direction on Te Mana o te Wai, under which our first priority is the health and well-being of the river and its waters. Our approach to incorporating it in this project is to widen the river channel to better enable the natural flow of the river. “Once the project is completed the outcome will be protection against further erosion from extreme weather and the reinstatement of the Hutt River Trail,” says Cr. Connelly.

    • Grazing land out to pasture at QEP and Kaitoke, permanent carbon sink to take its place
      • Major restoration work has begun at Queen Elizabeth Park (QEP) and Kaitoke Regional Park to provide a permanent carbon sink for the region that will cut Greater Wellington’s carbon footprint by 2.5 percent in the first decade of its creation. The work is part of Greater Wellington’s planting programme which will see 400,000 trees planted across the region this winter, but these two restoration projects are unique because they are the first to be funded by the council’s Low Carbon Acceleration Fund (LCAF). Greater Wellington Climate Committee Chair, Councillor Thomas Nash, says this new and innovative fund is a nature-based solution that will help Greater Wellington meet the challenges of climate change and build regional resilience - themes that were the focus of the council’s recently adopted Long Term Plan 2021-2031. “Wetlands, forests and healthy soils are natural infrastructure, which is the best value infrastructure that money can buy. Up and down the country, we face a deficit in this natural infrastructure that has accumulated over the years, and local government has too few tools to fix it. With this fund, we can start to make a real dent in that deficit.  “We’re putting the first tranche of funding toward phasing out grazing activities, which is a double whammy for emissions. Grazing cattle emit harmful greenhouse gases, and at the same time, the land they graze on isn’t able to absorb carbon like it would in its natural state as a forest or wetland. By retiring pastureland and restoring the parks’ native ecosystems, we’re not only emitting less, but also creating an active sink that will take carbon out of the air and store it,” explains Cr Nash. At QEP, $1,399,101 will go towards restoring 128.5 hectares of peatland and duneland – the largest restoration project of its kind in Aotearoa. As part of this restoration, 17.5 hectares of pioneer species such as Kanuka, Kānuka, Mānuka, Karamu, Akeake, Harakeke, Whauwhaupaku (Five Finger), and tī Kōuka (Cabbage Tree) will be planted this winter. “In the past, the coastal wetlands around Raumati stretched all the way up to Horowhenua and were crucial for keeping nature in balance. It is our duty to restore them and that is what we are now doing,” says Cr Nash. A further $370,810 is dedicated to removing livestock from Kaitoke parkland and replanting 21.8 hectares of pioneer species such as Mānuka, Toetoe, Makomako, and Kowhai. Within the first 30 years of the restoration work being complete, the two areas will absorb 41,659 tonnes of carbon from the air and permanently store it, plus a further savings of 6,054 tonnes of emissions from reduced grazing on the land. Taken together, this accounts for 47,703 tonnes in carbon saving - that’s the equivalent of driving around the earth more than 6,600 times! The carbon savings won’t stop there, but will continue for many hundreds of years. There are significant collateral benefits to the wider catchment too, says Al Cross, Greater Wellington’s General Manager for Environment.   “As a result of this work, we expect to see restoration of regionally threatened forests; significant improvement to biodiversity by providing more places for native birds and other fauna to live; more opportunities for people to enjoy our greenspaces; improved water quality and a buffer against floods and drought. “At Kaitoke, we’re even hoping the new forest will provide the potential for mānuka honey production,” says Mr Cross.  Before restoration work of this scale can even begin, though, extensive work is needed to prepare the sites. “There’s a misconception that restoration work simply means plopping plants into the ground, at which point they’ll take root and work their magic on our environment.  “But there’s actually a lot of science behind preparing these sites to ensure we give the seedlings the best possible chance of survival. Wetlands especially require significant hydrology work before restoration is undertaken. At QEP, we monitored three sites over 2.5 years, and six more over the last six months. This helps us understand what we need to do to raise water levels to the amount necessary to sustain a wetland. It’s not a matter of just blocking the drains. “We’re also about to undertake fish surveying of the site in QEP to get a baseline measure of their health, and track how the restoration work is affecting them. And we’re using a drone to map the effects of rising water levels on existing vegetation,” adds Mr Cross. Cr Nash says while these two projects are the first to be funded by the LCAF, they are just the beginning, “We see the LCAF becoming a major funder of natural infrastructure projects like these.”  The LCAF was established in April 2020 by Greater Wellington’s Climate Committee for the express purpose of giving projects that lower the council’s carbon emissions a financial boost. It’s a unique scheme that does not rely on public funds from rates; to fund it, Greater Wellington borrows against carbon credits it already owns from planting work done decades ago, now worth an estimated $12.2 million and growing. The scheme is believed to be the first of its kind in the country, and was highly commended at the 2021 LGFA Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards earlier this year. The Taituarā judges called the fund an innovative, yet practical, way for councils to show leadership in climate change mitigation at limited additional cost to ratepayers. “By borrowing against the carbon credits we hold from permanent forests on Greater Wellington land, we can increase the amount of planting and restoration we can do now,” adds Cr Nash.  A major motivator behind creating the fund, says Cr Nash, is the council’s recognition that reaching carbon neutrality is not good enough. “To secure a sustainable future, we need to do better. We need to be in a position where we’re actively absorbing more carbon than we emit – that’s becoming climate positive, and that’s what we’re aiming for by 2035. It’s a bold, but essential, target that we know from our community engagement on the Long Term Plan has strong support. This fund is just another way that we’re delivering on our promise to keep climate action at the heart of everything we do.” 

    • Greater Wellington supports banded dotterels' increasing hatching stats with new strategy
      • As tūturiwhatu/banded dotterels hatching stats rise on the Eastbourne to Wainuiomata coastline, Greater Wellington and the project partners are unifying conservation efforts under a new strategy to build on this success. Since 2011, Greater Wellington, MIRO, Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika, Birds New Zealand, the Friends of Baring Head Trust and Hutt City Council have conducted pest control, placed rāhui, erected signage and fencing, and provided community education – all of which has resulted in an increase of annual hatching success from only 3% of nests to a high of 57%. Lee Hunter, co-chair of the Rōpū Tiaki for Parangarahu Lakes Area says the Taranaki Whānui fully supports the recognition of our native tūturiwhatu. “Kaitiakitanga, Wairuatanga and Manaakitanga are important principles that preserve and conserve our precious resources, the spiritual connection between mankind and our taiao (environment), and of course the strengthening relationships between organisations involved in the tūturiwhatu mahi being carried out to nurture and protect,” says Lee Hunter. This project has identified the Eastbourne to Wainuiomata coastline as one of a network of sites used by locally-breeding tūturiwhatu, with banded birds migrating to Pauatahanui Inlet, Lake Wairarapa and even as far as New Caledonia each year. “The Tūturiwhatu Management Strategy sets out the vision, objectives and activities to care and protect a large area of land from Eastbourne to Wainuiomata. One of those areas is Parangarahu,” says Lee Hunter. “Parangarahu is of cultural importance, and within that reside our tūturiwhatu, therefore by the mere presence of these rare birds residing in Parangarahu makes the tūturiwhatu culturally important to us as well,” adds Lee Hunter. Greater Wellington general manager of Catchment, Wayne O’Donnell says the Tūturiwhatu Management Strategy will unify current initiatives under one roof to support tūturiwhatu/banded dotterels, in Eastbourne to Wainuiomata, including those nesting in Parangarahu Lakes Area and Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui Key Native Ecosystem sites. “Work done already in this area has provided great insights on the challenges these birds face in the region such as cats and hedgehogs, which are the number one threat to tūturiwhatu survival, as well as habitat disturbance and spreading weeds in their breeding areas.” Greater Wellington expects to see the ongoing success of the breeding population along this coastline now that these threats are included and prioritised for management under this new strategy. “Already with this strategy, we have seen rising numbers in hatching and now we have a blueprint for future conservations initiatives – which is all thanks to the collaborative effort by all partners,” says Wayne O’Donnell. Parker Jones, who coordinates the volunteer monitoring says it’s been a huge focus for the volunteers who have been involved in a lot of aspects and partners to bring it to life. “After 16 years of voluntary trapping, and 5 years of working with the nationally vulnerable banded dotterel guided by Nikki McArthur and Greater Wellington's science, it is very rewarding to see the positive results from our volunteer efforts," says Parker Jones. Nikki McArthur, lead author of the new strategy says this management strategy will protect one of the largest tūturiwhatu breeding populations along the greater Wellington coastline and provides a shining example of how iwi, local communities and local government work together to achieve a significant conservation gain. “The goal of this new strategy is to bring together the many arms of work being done to protect tūturiwhatu, and ensure all of the wonderful people helping with this work are following a united approach. “This strategy aims to achieve the shared vision of the partners to ensure that the Eastbourne to Wainuiomata coastline continues to support a healthy, self-sustaining breeding population of tūturiwhatu/banded dotterels, for our future generations to encounter and enjoy,” says Nikki McArthur. Learn more about the tūturiwhatu/banded dotterel strategy and how you can help.

    • Accessible suspension bridge swings into action at Kaitoke Regional Park
      • The highly anticipated suspension bridge at Kaitoke Regional Park is now open, meaning more visitors can connect with nature at one of our region’s most beloved parks. “Having the new bridge means I, like many others with access needs, can finally visit the rain forest on the other side of the Hutt River, something that hasn’t been possible until now,” says Genevieve McLachlan, who helped Greater Wellington ensure the bridge’s design was up to accessibility standards. Genevieve is a contractor for Be. Lab, an organisation which aims to make New Zealand the most accessible nation in the world. To do this, they work with organisations and citizens to enable greater accessibility for all, while redefining the way accessibility is thought about and discussed. The new bridge makes it easier for the one in four New Zealanders with access needs or disabilities to experience the magnificent natural setting at Kaitoke. The bridge connects a stunning walk that goes through rainforest containing centuries-old rata, rimu, beech and the Hutt River gorge. “It’s a fantastic outcome for our whole community,” says Greater Wellington Councillor and Upper Hutt local Ros Connelley, “People were a bit gutted when the bridge closed for construction earlier this year because it cut off access to a really well loved track. But everyone was a good sport about it, they understood the old bridge just wasn’t fit for purpose – it wasn’t wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, prams, or the popularity of the track.” On busy days, people would have to queue up to cross the bridge. “The fact the view from the bridge makes for an ideal selfie location didn’t help with getting people across efficiently! Now, people will be able to cross in both directions at one time,” says Cr Connelley. Genevieve reckons that the bridge is one of the first of its kind in New Zealand. “When I did the initial research for the design plan review, I couldn’t find any similar bridges in New Zealand,” she says. Built by Abseil Access, the bridge is a triumph of both engineering and the human spirit. Its unique location required the three-person team to camp overnight in the park for 45 days while construction was completed. When torrential rains fell in June, the team not only worked through the rain, they camped out in it. The work involved a 15-foot crane truck, a chopper, and four days spent in the river as the team dismantled the old bridge piece by piece. Once the bridge was officially opened, Genevieve was invited by Greater Wellington to be one of the first people to cross it. She describes it as an amazing experience – if a bit scary. “Initially I wouldn’t look around but with encouragement, I quickly gained more confidence and looked at the amazing view. I just wanted to stay there. Being able to get into the rain forest on the other side was also amazing. I had no idea of its rich history. I’m looking forward to spending more time there in summer. “I’d encourage anyone with access needs, whether you’re a parent with a pram, or use mobility equipment, to explore this amazing park and cross the bridge to the rain forest on the other side,” adds Genevieve.

    • Greater Wellington is investing in navigation resources to boost accessibility in public facilities
      • Greater Wellington is working with Blind Low Vision NZ to install tech in the office’s public facilities to enable members of our community more independent and safe access. Six BlindSquare beacons have been installed in Greater Wellington’s Cuba Street office reception area, right through to the council chamber and emergency exits. BlindSquare is a Bluetooth and GPS enabled app developed for the blind, deafblind and low vision community that provides detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel on the street and within buildings.  Greater Wellington’s Metlink technology and data lead, Andrew Myers says, "Our goal is to make Greater Wellington’s facilities more accessible for our diverse communities, more equipped for emergencies and general health, safety and wellbeing.” “Providing different ways for people to access information is really important, especially since we have individuals within our communities who have varying needs,” says Andrew Myers. On a continuous basis, Blind Low Vision NZ and the blind community provide Greater Wellington insights and help with user testing on accessibility, tech and services. “The beacons are very much a starting point for Greater Wellington. Technology like this will be explored down the line to identify how we can integrate it into other facets, services and resources,” says Andrew Myers. “Similar technology could be used to notify bus drivers that someone with an accessibility requirement is waiting at a stop.” Blind Low Vision NZ national technology advisor, Thomas Bryan says, “The beacons do little on their own, but in combination with data, and specific messages delivered via apps such as BlindSquare - it can provide information on a specific location, transport information and wayfinding. “Often such information is only available via print such as signage, so providing access to such information and the environment is essential in getting safely around the city and accessing public transport. “Beacons act like signposts; they provide key places of information for the blind traveller or those who have trouble reading printed words. It’s really about providing individuals with the means and ability to know one’s environment. “The beacons provide people with information that makes it easier to be independent and safer,” says Thomas Bryan. Greater Wellington councillor Ros Connelly says the new Council premises on Cuba Street, right beside the bucket fountain, is a gorgeous space and it's wonderful that it is now more accessible for our blind and low vision community.  "Greater Wellington wants to remove barriers to enable everyone to access our services. These BlindSquare beacons are a small step in this accessibility journey, I look forward to learning where we can utilise this technology next," says Cr Connelly.

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