Auckland Council and Mayor Phil Goff pay tribute to woman who gifted Ātiu Creek Regional Park to New Zealanders
Jackie Chatelanat, who with her late husband Pierre gifted 843 hectares of their land at the Kaipara Harbour to the council in 2005, has died.
The Chatelanat's gave their farm to the then-Auckland Regional Council in 2005, so that all New Zealanders could enjoy access to the Kaipara.
The couple had always dreamed of improving the land and building a sheep and cattle station, before giving it back.
Auckland Council general manager of parks, sports and recreation said Ātiu Creek had a special place in the regional parks network, rivaled in size only by the Waitākere and Hūnua regional parks.
“Pierre and Jackie were incredibly private people who only wanted to see their property turned into a public park. They refused publicity or widespread recognition but were delighted to see their property go from working farm to a countryside park humming with visitors."
Since it opened in 2008, the council has carried out pest management, native planting programmes, established a campground and built houses available for public bookings. The park has also hosted more than 1800 people at the Earthbeat Festival and been development for a wide range of recreational activities, including horse-riding.
"Today we pay tribute to Jackie who recently passed away but also to her late husband Pierre for this vision, for their contribution, for their service to our city," Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said.
"To come to this country with a determination that you were going to give this land to the country of your adoption is a very special thing to have done."
Click below for our 2018 story on Jackie and Pierre Chatelanat.
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.4% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️