Environmentalist seeks re-election to the Kaipātiki Local Board
Anne-Elise Smithson is standing with Shore Action for re-election to the Kaipātiki Local Board. “I promised greater protection of our environment and our Local Board is now leading the way for Auckland Council. But we need to do more to tackle the climate crisis,” says Smithson.
Long-term, Smithson wants to see the establishment of a North Shore Environment Centre. She says, “I’m proud of the incredible achievements of our volunteer networks. I would love to see a new facility shared by multiple environmental groups so they can expand their work and reach more people in our community”.
The Kaipātiki Local Board has overseen a nearly 40% increase in environment funding. The 2018/19 Environmental Funding Boost initiatives include:
• Small Sites Ambassador programme: tackling sedimentation and improving building site compliance
• Industry Pollution Prevention: assisting local businesses to reduce their impact on waterways in Birkenhead, Beach Haven and the Wairau Valley
• Stream Quality Monitoring: providing data at eight sites
• Pest-Free Kaipātiki: a big boost for pest removal together with habitat and species restoration
• Kauri Dieback Strategy for Kaipātiki
• Open Space Management Plan: kick-starting a plan to protect and enhance our local parks and reserves
• Increased support for park volunteers
• A contribution to Auckland Council’s Ngahere (urban canopy) strategy.
• A ‘park naturalisation’ project for pollinator paths and natural meadows.
• Continued support for Kaipātiki Project initiatives
Further information:
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Anne-Elise Smithson grew up on the North Shore, studied Ecology at Auckland University and works as a Trusts and Philanthropy Executive for the Starship Foundation. Known locally as ‘Stream Girl’, Smithson believes healthy ecosystems help our communities flourish.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
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!
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
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.
Six tips for improving security around your home
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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