It’s the start of the new financial year, in less than 6 months it will be 2025, the colder evenings have hit, and the school holidays are rapidly approaching.
July also sees Auckland host the World Choir games, which is basically the Olympics of choral singing. 250 groups (around 11,000 singers) from 40 countries will be participating in what will be a great celebration of music from 10 -20 July. The event includes an open competition and a champion competition and will truly be a magnificent showcase of choral music. Tickets to performances in some cases are free and others there is a charge. If you would like to find out more, or attend one or some of the events, the schedule can be found here: https://www.wcg2024.co.nz/
With a musical background and connection to choirs in Auckland through my mother, this event inspired me to add another challenge to my life! I thought as host city, we should have a Council choir. So, I’ve put one together and created a choir that will be performing in a smaller form at the opening ceremony and in its full capacity at a couple of the free friendship concerts. If you would like to see us in action, the council choir will be singing at the Auckland Museum (Atrium across from the South Side of the Museum) on Tuesday 16 July at 6.30pm. There will be four choirs and the council choir will be singing first. We would welcome all supporters and the concert is free. 😉
Now for more serious news, last week was a big week for Auckland. After months of deliberation, public consultation, further discussions and adjustments we dotted the i's and crossed the t's in relation to the Long-term Plan. Formally adopting the full plan on 27 June.
We have worked to deliver a greater return from our two biggest income producing assets (the Ports of Auckland and our $1.3billion worth of airport shares), increased our savings targets and delivered the lowest rates rise of any metropolitan council in NZ.
So, what does this mean for the average value residential property in the Ōrākei ward? With the 6.8% increase for the 2024/25 year, residential rates will be $385 higher than last year. The weekly change is $7.41.
With the start of the new financial year, now is a good time to list a few reminders that are happening from/around 1st July.
The kerbside bin collection date for many residents has changed as of this week –if you haven’t received a letter or just want to double check , you can find out online by typing your address into the box of the below webpage.
The early bird catches the worm, however, in this case remember to register your dog to get the early payment discount (if you pay before 1 August). You can save a significant amount so add to your to do list.
As usual it is good to end on some local positives.
Parnell residents - Watercare have confirmed that the work to rehabilitate the Ōrākei Main Sewer around the sinkhole site (St Georges Bay Road) by relining a 116-metre section between two nearby manholes is nearing completion. In the coming months, they’ll reinstate the carpark where the sinkhole formed and will be removing the temporary bypass pumps and pipeline. I know for local residents and businesses this day couldn’t come soon enough.
I would like to congratulate Remuera Intermediate students on their amazing art exhibition last week. My spy on the inside showed me photos of the fabulous works, from yarn art and paper quilling to a trash to fashion parade.
Just in time for the school holidays – several playgrounds have been repaired or upgraded, for example the new platforms for the play unit at Patteson Reserve, a new formed concreted manual skate pad at the Crossfield Reserve Skate Park and renewed travellator flying fox at Little Rangitoto Reserve.
Also, if you like going for local walks, you will be pleased that at Waiatarua Reserve all of the bridges throughout the reserve have been cleaned and new anti-slip mesh installed on the platform at the dog pond. As well as the St Johns Bush walkway project has been completed, which will increase the resilience of the walkway.
You blink and it is the school holidays again! For caregivers, finding things to do in the July school holidays to occupy the children can be a challenge .However, we are fortunate that we have parks, reserves and beaches on our doorstep for when the children need to be outside. For rainy days our libraries and museums are a good option. St Heliers library for example, has a range of activities timetabled, some drop in, like the Fun with Lego sessions on the 9 and 12 July 2-4pm and others that you will need to book in advance - the Matariki Kite Craft session on 18 July 2-3.30pm. If you would like further inspiration, have a look on the “Our Auckland” website, where you can search for fun things to do.
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/tags/school-holidays/
Best to you all as always
Desley