1935 days ago

Massive Programme of Track Upgrades Coming for Kaipātiki

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

The Kaipātiki Local Board​ has approved a mammoth programme of bush track and connection projects.
This includes work to upgrade closed tracks to kauri dieback-prevention standard so we can reopen them. We are also investigating alternative non-kauri recreational routes for people to enjoy, including a coastal walkway between Tui Park and Shepherds Park (going out for public consultation in August/September), a connection between the two halves of Birkenhead War Memorial Park, and the Awataha Greenway* in Northcote. This is the largest investment we've had in new and upgraded connections in Kaipātiki and will go a long way in improving our neglected bush tracks :)

Here is a list of the tracks and paths approved for either construction or investigation over the next 12 months:
* Birkenhead War Memorial Park - new walking/cycling connection from Recreational Drive to Mahara Ave
* Chatswood Reserve - upgrade of closed tracks and bridge
* Chelsea Estate Heritage Park - continue to upgrade all tracks; also realign path (where slip happened) and replace bridge from Colonial Road to Chelsea Sugar factory & cafe
* Eskdale Reserve/Birkenhead Domain - stage 2 of track upgrade work throughout the park network
* Fern Glen Native Gardens - renew the upper meadow pathway
* Fordham St to Lanigan St Bridge - replacement of bridge destroyed by fire
* Hellyers Creek Reserve - upgrade of tracks and investigation of new connections
* Kauri Glen Reserve/Cecil Eady Reserve - upgrade of tracks (Note: the re-routed section 18 is due to open soon)
* LeRoy's Bush Reserve - stage 2 of track upgrade work (Note: the waterfall track is due to reopen in a few weeks)
* Leigh Scenic Reserve - upgrade of tracks, including rerouting of track away from 800 year old kauri tree
* Monarch Park - creation of a new "nature trail" through the northern bush area (investigation and design this year)
* Northcote Awataha Greenway* - connection from Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve, through Northcote Town Centre, behind schools, to new housing development area (investigation and design this year)
* Onepoto Domain - realignment of path away from edge of pond to minimise flooding
* Rangatira Reserve - upgrade of tracks at northern end of park, including connection to Birkenhead College
* Rewi Alley Reserve - replacement of paths, bridge and boardwalk around pond
* Shepherds Park - upgrade of bush tracks
* Smiths Bush Scenic Reserve/Kitewao St Esplanade Reserve - Repair bridge over pond and construct new connection to Kitewao St
* Soldier's Bay Reserve - renew access track
* Standish Reserve - renew connection from Pemberton Ave to coastal bush walk
* Tui Park to Shepherds Park coastal walkway connection (public consultation due August/September)
* Tuff Crater Reserve - St Peter's Street boardwalk reconfiguration and new lookout

Funded by the Kaipatiki Local Board. Some track upgrades part-funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR).

* The Northcote Awataha Greenway project is a collaboration between the Local Board, Hobsonville Land Company, Healthy Waters, Panuku and Auckland Council.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

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10 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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17 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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