Greater Wellington News

Join Wellington walk-off and be in to win

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +1300

Shoe Clinic vouchers, a year’s frequent flyer membership to Zealandia wildlife sanctuary and goody hampers are just some of the prizes to be won in Greater Wellington’s Streets Alive walking challenge.

Coordinator Claire Pascoe says the challenge, open to all workplaces in the Wellington region, is designed to celebrate the joy and ease of walking from A to B in our fabulous region. Teams of between two and six people earn points for walking trips over five minutes. “So if you’d normally jump in the car to get a carton of milk or a paper from the dairy, put on your sneakers and stroll there instead. It’s amazing how all the little journeys like that can add up over a week or so.

“And of course you can really clock up some kilometres and get in your exercise for the day by walking to and from work, or getting off the bus or train a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way.

“As well as being in to win some fantastic prizes, the challenge is a great opportunity to get a bit more active and boost your wellbeing.

“If you haven’t quite managed to stick to your New Year’s health and fitness resolutions, the Streets Alive challenge is a perfect way to renew them.”

Johnsonville resident Elizabeth Norman, who took part in the challenge last year will be walking the 13km journey from home to work in Wellington city four times a week. “I really enjoy it and the challenge is a great incentive to get more active.

Claire Pascoe says another incentive to be part of the walk-off is also the great prizes, kindly donated by the event's sponsors.

The challenge begins next Tuesday 14 February and ends on Walk to Work Day, Wednesday 14 March when the winners will be announced at a special breakfast.

For more information, contact our media team.

Changes to Johnsonville train services

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +1300

As a result of extensive mechanical issues with the English Electric trains that operate on the Johnsonville line and customer calls for more service consistency, a decision has been made by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Tranz Metro to use a combination of trains and express bus services in the morning peak to assist with reduced capacity on trains until Matangi are introduced on the line on Monday 19 March.

Tranz Metro will operate the usual timetabled services on the Johnsonville line using three trains (one four-car train and two two-car trains), supplementing the 7:46am and 7:58am train services from Johnsonville to Wellington with an express bus. There will also be an express bus that leaves Crofton Downs at 8:00am to assist with passenger numbers at that station.

The buses will be express to Wellington, while the trains will make their usual stops.

In addition to the usual train services, these buses will be running at the same time every weekday over the next six weeks.

“Lower passenger numbers on the other services means we will have enough trains to cope with demand. However, we will continue to monitor passenger numbers and extra bus services may be required on some occasions to cope with extra demand,” says Tranz Metro Manager Scott Brooks.

Peter Glensor, Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council's Economic Wellbeing Committee, says the English Electric trains operating on the Johnsonville line are more than 60 years old and beyond their economic life. “After years of sterling service, we have had to recently de-commission some of them due to the extent and cost of the mechanical work required. It is simply uneconomical to pay for the repairs, which could run into the hundreds of thousands, only to have them operating on the line for a very short period of time. I’m sure ratepayers would agree that this is not good use of our funds.”

“We know the disruption Johnsonville commuters have experienced must be frustrating. We are doing the best we can to minimise disruption by implementing a regular and consistent solution to our English Electric shortage. Tranz Metro is looking forward to the introduction of the Matangi trains in six weeks’ time when all English Electrics will be removed, and we will be able to offer passengers a more efficient, comfortable and reliable service,” Mr Brooks says.

Questions and Answers

Why have there been so many disruptions on the Johnsonville line in the past two weeks?

We have been experiencing mechanical issues with the English Electric trains which have caused subsequent disruptions on the Johnsonville line. The English Electric trains operating on the Johnsonville line are 60 years old, making it the oldest fleet in Australasia. The mechanical faults include a compressor fault, electrical faults, wheel replacements and compulsory service.

We have also had to recently de-commission some of the English Electrics due to the extent and cost of the mechanical work required. It is simply uneconomical to pay for the repairs, which could run into the hundreds of thousands, only to have them operating on the line for a very short period of time.

When do the new trains arrive?

Matangi will be introduced on the Johnsonville line on Monday 19 March following the morning peak, when all English Electrics will be removed from this line, and we will be able to offer passengers a more efficient and reliable service.

Why can’t the current ones be fixed?

Extensive and costly repairs to trains that are about to be retired is not an efficient or a responsible use of ratepayers’ money. Tranz Metro is working very hard to keep as many in service as possible.

Why can’t the Ganz Mavag trains be used on the Johnsonville line or Matangi introduced sooner?

The Ganz Mavag trains can’t operate on the Johnsonville line due to its grade, and 19 March is the earliest date we are able to introduce Matangi to the Johnsonville line due to the training and commissioning schedule.

What locations are the train replacement bus stops?

Use Google Maps to see where the train replacement bus stops are located. The bus stops are in the following locations for:

Johnsonville Station – Stop A near the Johnsonville Station car park
Crofton Downs Station – Station car park

Where can customers find more information about these planned disruptions?

You can call Metlink on 0800 801 700 for disruption information or subscribe to the Metro Alert text message or email service.

How are we communicating to customers about this planned disruption?

From Friday 3 February 2012, there will be posters at the Wellington Railway Station and at every station on the Johnsonville line, radio ads, newspaper ads, a media release as well as information on the Tranz Metro and Metlink websites.

Will passengers receive a discount on fares due to the planned disruption?

No, passengers won’t be offered a discount on fares during this planned disruption as a service is still being provided.

What happens if there more mechanical issues with the English Electric trains. Will there be more train services affected?

Greater Wellington Regional Council and Tranz Metro will reassess the planned disruption if more English Electric trains have mechanical issues that aren’t cost effective to repair. Once a decision is made, passengers will be advised.

Increased risk from blue-green algae in Hutt River

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:55:00 +1300

Greater Wellington and Regional Public Health want people to take care around the Hutt River due to the risk from potentially toxic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria).

Moderate growth of blue-green algal mats has been recorded in the Hutt River at Poets Park and Silverstream this week and mats are starting to detach and wash up on the rivers edge. In other parts of the Hutt River the amount of algae remains low but could increase quickly if warm, dry weather continues.

Hutt River users, particularly those with dogs, should keep a look out for blue-green algal mats and avoid contact with them if present.

Blue-green algae, which are naturally present in many New Zealand waters, grow in dark brown or black coloured mats on rocks in the river bed. Some produce toxins that can be fatal to livestock and to dogs. Dogs are particularly susceptible to exposure because they like to scavenge near water. Contact with algae toxins may also cause vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritations in humans.

“Despite the wet summer we’ve had so far it’s now warm and dry enough for rapid algae growth to occur. This is typically the time of year when there’s increased growth of blue-green algae because river flows and levels are usually lower and there’s less frequent rain to flush the algae away,” Greater Wellington Senior Environmental Scientist Summer Greenfield says.
Local councils have posted signs at key access points along these rivers to warn people of the risk. Up-to-date information on blue-green algae growth across the region is at www.gw.govt.nz/current-warnings.

General information about toxic algae, including pictures and what to do if you are worried about possible contact with toxic algae can be found at www.gw.govt.nz/toxic-algae.

For more information, contact our media team.

Showcasing regional parks this week

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:34:00 +1300

Regional residents are spoilt for choice this week [beginning 6 Feb] with three family-friendly events in Greater Wellington’s Great Outdoors summer events programme.

The events are based in Lower Hutt, providing a great showcase for regional parks and what they offer to locals and people from the wider Wellington region, says Parks Marketing and Design Team Leader Andy Nelson.

“Regional parks are for everyone to enjoy – and with these events, we’re showing that there’s something for all ages and most abilities,” he says.

If this week’s events don’t suit you, there are 33 more before the Great Outdoors 2012 programme finishes in April. For the full programme, see www.gw.govt.nz/events.

Summer Sampler – Back of the Bay Forest Walk

Enjoy a guided evening walk with gorgeous sunset views over Lowry Bay and Wellington Harbour. “This walk in native forest is an old favourite, and we’ve had it on the programme for many years – the evening light and the beautiful surroundings make it a pretty special experience,” says Andy.

The walk is ranger-led and as well as enjoying the views, you’ll learn more about the local forest ecosystems.

When: Wednesday 8 February, 6.30-8.30pm
Where: East Harbour Regional Park
How to get there: Turn off Marine Parade onto Cheviot Rd, entrance at the end of the road
This is a free event, moderate fitness required. Booking is essential – bookings@gw.govt.nz or 04 830 4041. More information: www.gw.govt.nz/events.

Daughter, Mother, Grandmother Mountain Bike Ride

“A nice, cruisy bike ride for women of all ages,” is how Ashley Burgess describes this event.

Ashley is the co-founder of Revolve, the women’s cycling club leading this event in Belmont Regional Park.

“We want to show women what a fun, sociable activity mountain biking can be – and that you don’t need to exhaust yourself on difficult tracks. So we’ll be doing some of the beginner trails up to the Korokoro Dam, with lots of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, and then we’ll have a shared lunch.”

When: Saturday 11 February, 10am-12noon
Where: Belmont Regional Park
How to get there: From Ngauranga, turn left from SH2 at Cornish St, or if coming from the north, follow the signs to Korokoro, then turn left into Pito-One Rd.
This is a free event, moderate fitness required. Booking is essential – bookings@gw.govt.nz or 04 830 4041. More information: www.gw.govt.nz/events.

The Hutt Great Gravel Grab

The Hutt Great Gravel Grab is a great opportunity for you to score some river stones for your garden landscaping and at the same time understand why Greater Wellington extracts gravel.

“Gravel can build up in certain parts of rivers, leading to higher flood levels and an increased risk to roads, homes and businesses in these areas,” says Greater Wellington’s Flood Protection Manager Graeme Campbell.

“We extract gravel from rivers to reduce this problem – but the process must be carefully managed because if too much gravel is extracted, the river can eat away at the banks and cause erosion.”

When: Sunday 12 February, 10am-2pm
Where: Hutt River Trail, Moonshine Rd
How to get there: Enter off Moonshine Rd
Bring: Trailer and a shovel
This is a free event. No need to book, just turn up with your trailer and shovel. We will also have a machine on site which may be available to help load your trailer. More information: www.gw.govt.nz/events.

Discover family-friendly pedalling in QEP

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:36:00 +1300

Family-friendly trails, fun downhills and minimal uphills are some of the hidden treasures to be discovered in Pedalling in the Park, a cycling event in Queen Elizabeth Park on Saturday 28 January.

“Cyclists often come to Queen Elizabeth Park thinking it is flat and ride the coastal and inland routes, which for family pedalling are quite hard. Pedalling in the Park is an opportunity to ride with locals who’ll show you some of the lesser known family-friendly routes,” says keen Kapiti cyclist Jan Nisbet, who’s leading this Greater Wellington Great Outdoors event.

Jan regularly cycles in Queen Elizabeth Park with the Paekakariki Primary School Pedallers group, some of whom will help out on Saturday.

“We’ll share our favourite cycling places in the park. There’s an easy 1km route full of fun for young children plus a 4km or 8km loop – just choose whatever you fancy. At the completion of the rides, or if you are back earlier, there will be a skills course with jumps, ramps, seesaws and other challenges."

The highlight of the school rides is usually playing in the stream at the end, so this will be included in Pedalling in the Park. “Kids enjoy getting a bit muddy and wet – so wear old clothes," says Jan.

This event is free. Moderate fitness level required. No need to book – just turn up with your bike and helmet. For more information on this and other Great Outdoors events, visit www.gw.govt.nz/events or phone 04 830 4041.

Pedalling in the park

When: Saturday 28 January, 10am-2pm

Where: Queen Elizabeth Park, Paekakariki entrance

Getting there: Take SH1 to Paekakariki, take a right onto Wellington Rd and follow to the end

Schedule:

10.30am – Short, fun ride for kids (parents welcome to join in)

11.15am – 4km and 8km rides start, skills course available for anyone not wanting to come on these rides

1pm (approx) – Return from rides

1pm-2pm – Enjoy your lunch, have a swim at the beach

For more information, contact our media team.

Putting Whitiriea Park back on track

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:58:00 +1300

Find out on Saturday 21 January how Whitireia Park is bouncing back after the devastating fire in 2010.

Led by the Whitireia Park Restoration Group, After the Fire is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the work being done to put Whitireia Park back on track.

“The fire was a terrible blow to the community and a real set-back for some of the restoration work being done in the park. So we’re looking forward to a busy year of replanting projects and other restoration work, following on from the last two winters of work,” says Angus Hulme-Moir, Coordinator of the Whitireia Park Restoration Group.

“After the Fire is also a tribute to the community’s support for the park’s restoration. More than 60 people turned up for a post-fire planting day – we wouldn’t have made nearly so much progress without all those extra helping hands. Equally, The Mana Charitable Foundation and The Hutt Mana Community Trust have supported our grant applications for plants and weed control,” says Angus.

After the Fire is part of the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Great Outdoors summer events programme.

AFTER THE FIRE
When: Saturday 21 January 2012, 9am-12noon
Where: Whitireia Park, Onepoto Park
How to get there: Turn off SH1 at Porirua, follow Titahi Bay Road and turn right at Onepoto Road to meet at the Onepoto entrance.
This event is free. Moderate fitness level required. No need to book – just turn up. Find out more about this and other Great Outdoors events.

For more information, contact our media team.

Lower North Island Regional Councils and DOC unite

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:28:00 +1300

Lower North Island regional councils and the Department of Conservation are developing an action plan to look at a more collaborative approach to the management of natural resources and hazards.

Representatives from the Hawke’s Bay, Horizons and Greater Wellington Regional Councils and the Department of Conservation met recently to consider opportunities for strategic alliances to improve natural resource and natural hazard management in the lower North Island.

The group agreed to identify initiatives where they could work together on gaps and opportunities that would benefit from a combined approach. The initial areas being looked into include science and technical information and capability sharing, biodiversity and biosecurity, regional park management and community engagement.

“The aim is to make it easier for all involved in natural resource management to act collectively in the best interests of the region and New Zealand as a whole, “says HBRC Chief Executive, Andrew Newman.

“The group believes effective strategic alliances will deliver better results and more value to the community with increased social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits across the region.”

Those attending the meeting say they recognise that investment in caring for the natural environment underpins the overall state and wellbeing of the economy. But they are also aware natural resource management is complex and expensive, and solutions don’t always fit within administrative boundaries. Therefore they believe they need to look more closely at ways they can solve problems together that can’t be solved separately.

The discussions come after comments to the Chief Executives’ Forum from DoC Director General Al Morrison highlighting the opportunities and benefits for natural resource and natural hazard management from a more collaborative approach between Regional Councils and DoC.

He sees the initiative as an exciting step towards greater cooperation between regional councils and DoC, leading to better conservation and environmental outcomes.

“Together we can work more effectively and efficiently and achieve better results and we need to explore every potential avenue to do so,” says Al Morrison.

“This partnership plan signals recognition that all our land and water, whoever is the steward of them, need to be managed in a way that acknowledges that our prosperity depends on our ability to live in harmony with nature. Nature does not respect boundaries, and that means we have to manage our precious and scarce natural resources together for the best outcomes,” Mr Morrison concluded.

Lower North Island regional councils and the Department of Conservation are developing an action plan to look at a more collaborative approach to the management of natural resources and hazards.

He sees the initiative as an exciting step towards greater cooperation between regional councils and DoC, leading to better conservation and environmental outcomes.

“Together we can work more effectively and efficiently and achieve better results and we need to explore every potential avenue to do so,” says Al Morrison.

For more information, contact our media team.

Save water call as Hutt water collection area remains dry

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:05:00 +1300

Greater Wellington Regional Council is urging people in the region’s four cities to remain careful with their water use over the next few months after a “dry” December in the Hutt water collection area, in spite of the heavy rain at the end of December.

Although the level of rainfall at NIWA’s Kelburn monitoring station was well above average last month, Greater Wellington’s Hutt Water Collection Area rain gauge at Kaitoke recorded just 70% of the ‘usual’ level for December – the fifth month in a row of below average rainfall in the water supply catchment area.

“We still have one storage lake empty for upgrading and less rain than usual for this time of year in the headwaters of the Hutt River so we need to remain focused on making water savings where we can,” says Cr Sandra Greig, Deputy Chair of Greater Wellington’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee.

“January and February are typically the hottest, most settled months of the year. It’s also the time when water use usually peaks, with increased garden watering being a big contributor to surging supply levels. The combination of these factors, along with an empty water storage lake and low Hutt catchment rainfall, means that the ‘dry’ summer we’ve been talking about is here.”

Cr Greig says that the dry spring in our water catchments may seem like a distant memory, but it’s had an affect on water supplies, leaving less water in the Hutt River than would be ideal.

“If people make just a few simple changes to their water use, it will help to reduce the chance of harsh watering restrictions and take pressure off the Hutt River. Easy measures to use a bit less, such as targeting garden watering so that you only water your plants’ roots and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth, can make a big difference and leave enough water to see us through summer.”

“People should also be vigilant for water leaks, which can show up more easily in dry conditions. Wet spots on road frontages and water running down street gutters can often be due to leaks. Please phone any information about possible leaks in to your city council, which will investigate these and repair them if necessary,” she says.

Greater Wellington and the Porirua, Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt city councils are kicking off the summer phase of their water conservation campaign next week with “do it now” water saving tips. This follows the “get prepared” phase which took place in spring 2011.

Visit www.gw.govt.nz/water for summer water-saving tips, water situation updates and information on Greater Wellington’s lakes upgrade project.

For details of the current watering restrictions in your area, contact your local city or district council.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Laidlow

General Manager, Water Supply Group

Greater Wellington Regional Council

04 830 4382, 021 516 968, mailto:chris.laidlow@gw.govt.nz

Rainfall and water source data

December 2011 river flow rates and aquifer level (percentage compared with the long-term December average for each site)

Hutt River at Kaitoke (flow) – 70%

Wainuiomata River (flow) – 114%

Hutt aquifer (level) – 102%

The Hutt River at Kaitoke typically provides just over 40% of the total water supply for Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington. The Hutt aquifer, which is fed by the Hutt River, also provides about 40% of the total water supply.

Background to lakes’ upgrade

Greater Wellington supplies bulk water to Porirua, Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. The water comes from rivers and an aquifer, backed up by the Stuart Macaskill storage lakes.

The Stuart Macaskill water storage lakes are being upgraded to increase their strength in an earthquake and to boost storage capacity. Much of the work requires the lakes to be empty and dry working conditions, which is why we’re doing it during summer. The southern lake is currently empty with work on it likely to finish in mid-2012. The northern lake will be empty during summer 2012/ 2013. If there are any delays, a lake may be empty during summer 2013/14.

Cr Greig says that the dry spring in our water catchments may seem like a distant memory, but it’s had an affect on water supplies, leaving less water in the Hutt River than would be ideal.

Visit www.gw.govt.nz/water for summer water-saving tips, water situation updates and information on Greater Wellington’s lakes upgrade project.

For details of the current watering restrictions in your area, contact your local city or district council.

For more information, contact our media team.

Rainfall and water source data

December 2011 river flow rates and aquifer level (percentage compared with the long-term December average for each site)

Hutt River at Kaitoke (flow) – 70%

Wainuiomata River (flow) – 114%

Hutt aquifer (level) – 102%

Background to lakes’ upgrade

Greater Wellington supplies bulk water to Porirua, Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. The water comes from rivers and an aquifer, backed up by the Stuart Macaskill storage lakes.

Make the region your gym this summer

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:13:00 +1300

Get 2012 off to a fun and healthy start by taking part in Greater Wellington’s Active a2b summer programme.

Active a2b is all about making the most of the longer, warmer summer days by giving your car a break and walking, cycling or jogging all or part of the way to work.

Claire Pascoe, Greater Wellington’s Active a2b coordinator, says this is the third summer that the programme has run. “This year we welcome new partners Compass Health, the Cancer Society and Regional Public Health.”

She says Active a2b is perfect for all those people whose New Year resolution is to get more healthy and fit or shed a few kilos.

“It’s amazing what a difference walking or cycling to and from work can make to your waistline and your wellbeing. And as our lives get increasingly busy, an active commute is an ideal way to get some regular exercise into your day. Instead of being confined to a gymnasium with four walls, air-conditioning and electric lighting for your exercise, you have fresh air, natural light and stunning scenery to accompany your work-out. And it’s open all hours.”

The programme is open to everyone in the Wellington region. Registration opens today (Monday 9 January) and it’s free. Registrants receive an Active a2b calendar, regular e-newsletters with some great tips and commuting ideas, a goal magnet and opportunities to take part in some great walking and biking challenges and events.

“And for people who’d like to try cycling to work, but haven’t been on a bike for a while or are a bit intimidated by the traffic, we can arrange a bike mentor for you. Your mentor will accompany you on your cycle commute and give you some great tips on how to be safe.”

Claire says that since Active a2b started in the summer of 2010 it’s attracted more than 1500 participants from 80 workplaces all around the Wellington region including Wellington City, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, Porirua, Masterton and Paraparaumu.

“The programme has been very successful in encouraging people to walk or cycle to work, and leave their cars at home. For example, in both years that the programme has run, people who usually drove to work increased their number of walking and cycling commutes from around 7% to 25%.”

A new feature of the programme this year will be a photo competition. Send us a great picture of your active commute and be in to win.

Details about the competition and how to register for Active a2b

For more information, contact our media team.

Great Outdoors offers full schedule of family-friendly events

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:55:00 +1300

A strong emphasis on family-friendly events in the Great Outdoors summer programme should keep even the most energetic children (and their parents) happy during the school holidays.

“Whatever your fitness level – or that of your kids – there’s something for everyone in the programme. So why not use this summer to introduce your family to the wonderful opportunities in our regional parks and forests? There’s a whole world of fun and adventure just waiting to be discovered,” says Cr Nigel Wilson, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee.

The ever-popular Kev the Wandering Kiwi Walk in Upper Hutt’s Tunnel Gully kicks off the programme on 5 January. A strong favourite with primary school children and younger, participation often tops 200. Following closely on 7 January there’s the Summer Sampler Series’ first walk – a ranger-led tour of Whitireia Park especially designed for families. And then on 8 January another popular event – the Nature Discovery Treasure Hunt in Kaitoke Regional Park – lets kids search the forest for clues to find the treasure.

For bigger kids and grown-ups, why not try Explore the Mainland Island, a new event in the Wainuiomata Water Collection Area? Taking place on 8 January, this fascinating nature walk explores the area’s unique ecology and what’s being done to protect it from pests.

These are just four of the 23 events taking place during January in the Great Outdoors (there are 69 in total from January to April). Visit www.gw.govt.nz/events for a full list of events, email bookings@gw.govt.nz or call 04 830 4041.

KEV THE WANDERING KIWI AND SPORT WELLINGTON BUGGY WALK (FREE EVENT)

Tunnel Gully Recreation Area

Thursday 5 January, 10.30am-12noon

Join Kev the Wandering Kiwi on the beautiful Tane’s Track.

SUMMER SAMPLER – WHITIREIA PARK (FREE EVENT)

Whitireia Park

Saturday 7 January, 9.45am-11.30am

Steeped in history, bring the whānau for a ranger-guided walk to explore this coastal park.

EXPLORE THE MAINLAND ISLAND (FREE EVENT)

Wainuiomata Water Collection Area

Sunday 8 January, 9.30am-2pm

Learn about New Zealand’s unique forest and wildlife communities. Max 30 people. Entry by application, phone 04 830 4406 or email karen.broughan@gw.govt.nz.

NATURE DISCOVERY TREASURE HUNT (FREE EVENT)

Kaitoke Regional Park, Waterworks Rd entrance

Sunday 8 January, 11am-12.30pm

Use clues hidden in the forest to find the treasure. Bring a picnic lunch for afterwards. Not suitable for mountain buggies.