It’s the last few weeks of daylight saving, March madness is here with increased traffic and busy public transport and lots going on for you to know about and share you views on.
Let’s start with an update on the Parnell sinkhole. The big question asked was why/how did this happen? Last week the independent report by external experts on the “how” and “why” was released. Interestingly the report is not conclusive and does not identify one main root cause but highlights a multitude of factors that contributed to the collapse of the pipe. The three key causes noted were:
1. The immense amount of rain we had in 2023
2. 100-year-old pipes
3. Inspection CCTV images of Ōrākei Main Sewer from 2019, not as clear as they would be today due to technology advances. (even though Watercare led the way with CCTV footage at the time).
I am pleased that Watercare have yet again, apologised to Aucklanders and are taking onboard the report’s recommendations and will put these into action.
Looking after our wastewater network is a priority for Watercare who have allocated $1.9b over the next 20 years for pipe renewals. Included in that figure is an $86.74million investment to upgrade the Ōrākei Main sewer.
I also feel it’s worth noting that well before this incident, (in 2019), works to futureproof Auckland central’s aging water infrastructure began with the start of the Central Interceptor project, due to be complete in 2026 and ultimately designed to free up extra capacity and take some of the pressure off the Ōrākei main sewer.
Watercare responded rapidly to the Parnell sinkhole incident. A temporary pump station (one of New Zealand’s largest) was designed and built at record speed in Parnell to stop the wastewater overflows. However, we cannot ignore the disruption caused to local residents and businesses or the wider environmental effects of having wastewater overflowing into the Waitemata for a prolonged period of time. The impact of the Ōrākei main sewer collapse is ongoing, the whiff in the air is not pleasant but to end on a positive I am reassured that the funded investment on the Ōrākei Main Sewer will considerably reduce the risk of future sewer collapses in Parnell.
The report is publicly available and you can find it on the Watercare website here.
Staying in Parnell with another sewer pipe break in Judges Bay. Remember this was also a result of the unprecedented weather we had in 2023, in March last year, which saw a wastewater transmission sewer line break 25 metres below ground under the Parnell Rose Gardens. A temporary bypass has been in place for 12 months which has not been ideal in the least for nearby residents. Watercare, have now confirmed that they have completed the preliminary design of a permanent solution. It Is not viable to replace like for like, so the solution consists of installing a small wastewater pumping station. Construction of this design is a while away but as I receive more information, I will keep you posted. In the meantime, temporary holding tanks and site fencings have been installed. The tanks provide additional wastewater storage capacity, will keep the network operational and help reduce wet weather overflows. The fencing was installed to protect the septic tank and dampen noise.
How to have your say.
You have until 28 March to have your say regarding the Long-term Plan (10-year budget) which includes proposed options for rates rises and a new Future Fund. A video from the mayor and two webinars are on the council website for you to watch if you missed the local drop-in sessions. You can find them here. Please have your say, if you haven’t already!
There is a second consultation equally as important which also closes on 28 March. It is a mouthful to say but the Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2024 and sets council direction and work to manage and reduce waste (rubbish) in Auckland. The consultation, asks Aucklanders whether they support or not the below options:
Option 1: full implementation of the Waste Management and Minimisation plan, 2018. In simple terms this is what we do now (status quo) – However the consultation notes this would not achieve the required pace to achieve the aspirational goal of zero waste by 2040.
Option 2: Deliver the waste plan 2018 and extend activities into new priority waste areas. This provides scope to achieve significant reductions in waste to landfill and is the staff preferred option.
For context, in Auckland, around 1.5 million tonnes of waste is sent to mixed waste landfills each year. That’s enough to fill Eden Park every week.
The draft plan includes proposals to:
- focus on rethinking how products are designed and extending their life span, and options to re-use, repair or repurpose items
- target construction and demolition waste and focus on organic, plastics, packaging and textile waste, and biosolids (organic materials resulting from the treatment of wastewater)
- move from weekly to FORNIGHTLY kerbside rubbish collections from 2026.
- speed up efforts to minimise operational waste from the Auckland Council Group (Auckland Council and its council-controlled organisations)
- address litter and illegal dumping to protect public health and the environment.
The devil is in the detail, and this directly impacts you. For example, the proposal to introduce fortnightly general waste collection from 2026 (currently the red lid bin is collected weekly) may well impact you and your family. Anecdotally I have heard that the introduction of food waste bins has seen a decrease in the rubbish put in your red bin. I have also heard that with the introduction of government’s nationwide recycling rules last month (meaning Aucklanders can recycle less than before) there is little choice but to put more in the bin! Each household has different requirements when it comes to waste collection, so please visit the website, read the consultation papers and have your say.
https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waste-management-and-minimisation-plan-2024-2030
Last but not least local news.
As part of Ecofest, a celebration of our unique environment and sustainable living across Auckland. On Saturday (16 March 9am – 12pm) you can Recycle your e-waste correctly at the community e-Waste Collection in Newmarket for FREE. The e-waste collection will be located in the Green Basement Carpark of Westfield Newmarket (the building with Farmers in it if you are coming by foot, by car head down Mortimer Pass; take the second entry on the right-hand side down to the Basement Carpark. Look for signs in the valet parking area)
This is a chance for residents and businesses to divert unwanted electronic items, so they don’t end up in our landfills.
These items can all be recycled:
TVs and Monitors,Tablets & Phones, Laptops & Computers, Printers, Toner & Ink, Cables & Wiring,Whiteware,Home Appliances,Modems & Routers,Batteries,Digital Storage Media -
https://ecofest.org.nz/event/newmarket-ewaste-collection/
Splash Landing – As part of Moana Auckland - New Zealand’s Ocean festival we have an amazing FREE event in our ward. Hosted by the Ōrākei Local Board and Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust at The Landing, 8 Tāmaki Drive, there will be 2 days of fun 11am-6pm, 16-17 March. Enjoy markets, food trucks, games and entertainment on the shore, or have a go on a waka-ama, sailboat, or kayak. Waterworld Waterparks will be bringing their inflatable water park. This part of the festival is ticketed.
Ngāpipi Bridge – I have heard a whisper that the separated walking /cycling path over Ngāpipi bridge will finally open on 25 March. The temporary traffic lights will stay in place for a short while after until cyclists and walkers get used to new bridge and I’ll keep you informed when they plan to be removed.
Thanks for keeping in touch and as you know, I’m always available on desley.simpson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or 021971786