Latest News

This page has the content from the latest media releases or news issued by Porirua City Council.

For previous media releases, please refer to the Media Releases page where previous media releases are published in pdf format.

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8 October 2009

CANCELLATION OF POTENTIAL TSUNAMI THREAT

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management has cancelled the potential tsunami threat to New Zealand from the Magnitude 8 earthquake that occurred northwest of Vanuatu at 11am this morning.

However the public should still remain cautious of continuing strong currents for the rest of the day and early evening.

8 October 2009

POTENTIAL TSUNAMI THREAT TO NEW ZEALAND

Porirua Emergency Management Office is on standby following advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
The Ministry announced at 12.21pm today that there is a potential threat of a tsunami impacting on New Zealand coastlines.
This tsunami watch notice will remain in effect until either it is upgraded to a warning or a cancellation message is issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management.

Two large earthquakes struck northwest of Vanuatu soon after 11am this morning.

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) with the assistance of scientific advisors are assessing information as it comes in.

The Ministry is advising the public in New Zealand to stay away from beaches and the coast. The National Crisis Management Centre has been activated and the coastguard and other civil defence agencies have been put on standby.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a regional tsunami warning and watch for parts of the Pacific.

 


 

1 October 2009

Council's Response to Tsunami threat

Many Porirua residents concerned about the potential threat of tsunami in the city yesterday turned to the Porirua City Council for information and assistance.

Porirua City Council's Civil Defence Controller Mike Chapman says the Council's Contact Centre received around 100 calls from concerned residents while the website received a significant surge in visitors from about 8.30am until late in the afternoon.

"Many of the enquiries were from parents concerned about the welfare of their children on Council-run holiday programmes, residents in homes situated close to the coast wanting to know what they should be doing to keep themselves safe, and people wanting to know the location of civil defence centres in the city.

"While the threat of a tsunami hitting Porirua was low due to our location on the western side of the island, public uncertainty was high, so Porirua emergency services and the Council Emergency Management team's  focus was to alleviate that concern by being well prepared for any eventuality," Mr Chapman said.

"The Emergency Management team had three main priorities," explained Mr Chapman.

"The first was to closely monitor the news of the tsunami's arrival and magnitude via news reports and the Ministry of Civil Defence, to give us maximum time to take appropriate action.

"Secondly, we identified the places in the city vulnerable to tsunami that may have had large gatherings of people there at the time, such as Te Rauparaha Arena and school holiday programme locations. We made contact with them to advise of the threat and keep them informed if the situation changed.

"Our third priority was to maintain regular updates on our Council website and through the Contact Centre, so concerned city residents could easily access the latest information available."

"Fortunately, the threat never eventuated but the real-life situation was a good test of our systems and preparedness as a city and as a Council," Mr Chapman said.

"An important thing arising from the process for us was how useful the ReadyNet website can be as an emergency communication tool and contact database to key organisations in the city."

Having schools, community groups and businesses contact details and other important information registered in the database means emergency management teams can send email updates directly to them.  Register online at www.readynet.co.nz.

1 October 2009

COUNCIL PURCHASES 4 LYDNEY PLACE IN PORIRUA CBD

Porirua City Council has just purchased 4 Lydney Place from DNZ Property Fund Ltd.

Mayor Jenny Brash says the city centre property, costing $4.09 million, houses stable tenants offering a good return to the Council. These include Porirua's Work and Income offices and retailer Pete's Emporium.

"This property represents an excellent investment for the Council plus it's located on a strategic site for any future development in the CBD," she says.

The building was purchased from Council's Strategic Land Purchase budget which is loan funded. Income from rentals will exceed the loan repayments.

Mayor Brash acknowledged CB Richard Ellis for brokering the satisfactory transaction on behalf of the Council.

 


 

1 October 2009

TRAGEDY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC FELT IN PORIRUA

Many of Porirua's residents are having to deal with the shock of losing loved ones, family homes and villages, following the devastation left by the tsunami which roared through coastal communities in Western Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga yesterday.

"I know I'm speaking for everyone in our city when I say our hearts go out to the people of those countries, but also to the people in our local Pacific communities dealing with the tragic effects of the tsunami from afar," says Porirua Mayor Jenny Brash.

"As almost a quarter of our population are of Samoan origin, many in our community have lost family members or friends, or have had loved ones injured or traumatised by the loss of homes, schools, churches, businesses and entire villages," adds Mayor Brash.

"As a wider Porirua community, we must do all we can to support those among us who we know have been affected by the devastation, or, if we can, render help by supporting the relief funds set up by the various aid agencies, " Mayor Brash urged.

The Red Cross is currently undertaking a needs assessment in the areas hit by the tsunami. Porirua City Council will monitor the outcome of their assessment before determining how we, as a city, can best aid those communities with whom we have such close links."

Red Cross, Oxfam, the Pacific Cooperation Foundation Tsunami Relief Fund and Rotary all have emergency appeals. Deposits can be made at any Westpac branch, ANZ or online.


1 October 2009

PORIRUA FINALISTS IN THE WELLINGTON AIRPORT REGIONAL COMMUNITY AWARDS

Porirua City's Volunteer Firefighters, Sri Lankan Dance Academy, E-Learning Porirua Trust and Porirua ITF Taekwon-Do were recognised for their work in the community at a Mayoral function last night.

Regional Community Awards Recipients.

They will join other regional organisations at a Gala Dinner at Wellington Airport on Thursday 29 October where the overall winners of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards will be announced.

Wellington Airport joins forces with Wellington Community Trust each year to recognise voluntary organisations that do so much to make our community a better place, says Mayor Jenny Brash.

"These awards provide a way for people in the community to say thank you, as well as allowing those within the organisation to nominate their group to receive a reward for all their hard work. Wellington Airport recognises the value of volunteers and their work in strengthening the community."

Porirua City's Volunteer Firefighters took out the Supreme Award as well winning their category - Health & Well-being.

Other categories included Sport and Leisure, Arts & Culture, Child/Youth Development and Heritage & Environment.

Mayor Brash congratulated all the award recipients.

"It was wonderful to see the work of our volunteer fire officers at Porirua, Titahi Bay and Plimmerton stations recognised. Not only do they fight fires, they also help with search and rescue, floods and other emergency management incidents and have a huge involvement in community events and activities in their areas."

She says some categories attracted a high response from quality organisations.

"It was very hard to pick as we had 19 extremely good applications in the Health & Well-being and Child/Youth Development categories. However, it would be good to get more entrants in the Heritage & Environment and Child/Youth Development categories as there are so many local groups who do a fantastic job in these areas."

Further information on the category winners follows:

Award Recipients - Porirua Volunteer Firefighters.

Volunteer Firefighters from Porirua, Plimmerton and Titahi Bay stations are formed with an entirely volunteer staff to operate a first response appliance for their surrounding suburbs. Over 50 volunteers give their time and energy to train weekly and respond to emergency calls at any time of the day or night. The New Zealand Fire Service relies on these volunteers to provide a response for their communities and as an additional resource at large fires. Collectively, the brigades also provide the ability for a prompt response to multiple incidents such as flooding or high winds when the community calls for help come at once.

Award Recipients - Porirua ITF Taekwon-Do.

Porirua ITF Taekwon-Do teaches its members to develop mind, body and moral character through the Art of Taekwon-Do.
The utmost purpose of Taekwon-Do is to eliminate fighting by discouraging the stronger's oppression of the weaker with a power that must be based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and faith, thus helping to build a better and more peaceful community.
Porirua ITF Taekwon-Do provides mechanisms that will challenge Porirua youth to better themselves by practising the values and principles of Taekwon-Do. Porirua ITF Taekwon-Do not only provides self defence, fitness and health and safety classes, but they are also active in the schools, encouraging push play. They do a lot of voluntary work within our elderly community like lawn mowing and building maintenance.

Award Recipients - Porirua e-Learning Trust.

The E-Learning Porirua Trust funds and manages the delivery of digital education and training services in the community be delivering consistent and high quality training services to families in Porirua's low decile areas through The Computers in Home programme.
The Trust has contributed computers or finance for computers to 24 low decile schools in Porirua City. Children are now able to do their homework on a computer, meaning they are not so disadvantaged and are doing much better at school. The Board of Trustees are all volunteers who contribute their various business skills to the Board's primary function of fundraising and administering these funds.
There are also 100s of volunteers over the years who have contributed giving 1000s of hours assisting families, especially in low income areas to become computer literate. This has led to many parents gaining computer skills and getting full-time employment as the Prime Minister found out when, earlier this year, he attended the launch of the Porirua Digital Trust - the umbrella group for E-Learning. The work of E-Learning Porirua Trust had a huge influence on the PDT being awarded US$400,000 by Hewlett-Packard for hardware in the community at Community Access Points and Netpods in our schools.

Award Recipients - The Sri Lankan Dance Academy.

The Sri Lankan Dance Academy provides a platform for practising cultural activities by the Sri Lankan community in the greater Wellington region. One of their main objectives is to enrich the cultural diversity of NZ. The academy with the help of volunteers has so far staged three public productions which were very successful. They have performed at Te Rauparaha Arena, Te Papa Museum, on Waitangi Day and many more locations. All members of the Sri Lankan Dance Academy are volunteers.

 


 

12 August 2009

NEW EXER-SITE ADDED ATTRACTION AT AOTEA LAGOON

Aotea Lagoon's attraction for fitness buffs is about to get stronger with the installation next weekend of an "Exer-site" at the popular park.

The Exer-site's four robust outdoor fitness stations are unique in the Wellington region and include parallel bars, a body twister, sit up bench and stretching wheel. They are being installed on concrete pads at various points around the lagoon.

A launch of the exciting new exercise gear will be held on Saturday 22 August at 10am. Fitness professionals will be on hand to demonstrate their benefits and will split the public into four groups rotating around the park. They will run warm-up and warm-down sessions too.

Council City Services Committee Chairperson Nick Leggett encourages everyone to come along.

"The new equipment will give regular walkers and runners additional fitness options during their training at the lagoon and the fitness stations are designed to cater for all ability levels – not just the super fit."

He says although the stations are pitched at adults, younger people will also be able to build their strength and fitness on the equipment.

"Established fitness groups in the city have also been invited so we should get a great turn-out!"

Signage at each station will outline the muscle groups being exercised and how to use the equipment.

"The Exer-site will be a fantastic addition to the fitness circuit around the lagoon and add to the park's reputation as an outdoor destination for the whole family alongside the children's playground, duck pond, barbecue areas, rose garden and weekend train rides," Councillor Leggett says.

The project was made possible with sponsorship from primary health organisations Tumai mo te Iwi and Te Runanga O Toa Rangatira – Ora Toa Health Services, as well as Regional Public Health and Capital & Coast District Health Board. Some of these sponsors will also have health promotion stalls available on the day.

 


 

27 July 2009

COLONIAL KNOB PURCHASE PROTECTS PORIRUA GREENBELT

Porirua's green belt and opportunities for new recreation amenities have been given a boost with the recent purchase of hill-face land on Colonial Knob.

Porirua City Mayor Jenny Brash, says the 109 hectare property situated between the Porirua Scenic Reserve and the Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve, is economically important as it forms the backdrop to our city.

"It will be used to provide further recreational opportunities for the city. The purchase also provides the last piece of land without native bush required to conclude the city's western greenbelt, enhancing the city landscape and visual amenity."

Council Manager Leisure Assets and Services Karyn Stillwell, says recreation opportunities include the potential for a mountain bike park, a BMX track and further walking and running tracks.

"Any new walking tracks could link to the Council's existing reserves and walkways in the area and to DOC's Colonial Knob Scenic Reserve. There is also now an opportunity for us to link in with Wellington City walkways."

The reserve was purchased using $560,000 from Council's Development of Reserves budget with the balance ($565,000) to be loan funded.

The yearly loan repayments of $50,243 will be off-set by income of $48,000 per anumn from telcos leasing sites on the land, leaving an outstanding balance of just $2,243 per annum to be paid from rates.

The purchase, which has road frontage on Raiha Street, is being subdivided off a larger lot owned by Balanced Investments Ltd (BIL). The remaining BIL property runs in a strip along Broken Hill Road and has been developed into Porirua's newest industrial subdivision.

The proposed 14 lot ‘Westside Industrial’ park will access directly onto Broken Hill Road and will be separated from the Council land by a stream and ecological covenant area.

"BIL is working closely with the Council to ensure that this extensive ecological covenant area will remain intact providing separation between business and recreational users," says Mrs Stillwell.

"They have also generally tidied up the area which has dramatically improved its appearance."

 


 

19 June 2009

PCC & POLICE WINNERS OF PREMIER PUBLIC SECTOR EXCELLENCE AWARD

An initiative by Porirua City Council and New Zealand Police to make Porirua a safer city won the Prime Minister's award for Public Sector Excellence last night.

Image showing PCC-Police Public Sector Excellence Award recipients and supporters with Prime Minister John Key.
Above: Rosie Gallen, formerly HNZC, Dallas Crampton, Porirua Community Guardians, Kaye Calder, Police , Senior Community Constable Rob Gregory, Police, Community Constable Peer Nielsen, Police, Prime Minister John Key, Superintendent Hamish McCardle, Police, Mayor Jenny Brash, Dr Roger Blakeley, PCC, Peter Bailey, PCC, Jenny Lester, Porirua Healthy Safer City Trust, Jo Vilipaama, ACC, Janet Carlyle, PCC.

The ‘Safer Porirua’ project won the category for excellence in 'Working Together for Better Services', as well as the supreme Prime Minister’s Award in the IPANZ Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards.

Porirua City Mayor Jenny Brash says she is absolutely delighted with the win.

"Engagement with our communities is something we do well in Porirua and it's extremely important if we are to be effective and consistent in advancing positive change. I am proud of the way our communities work together and the Safer Porirua Project is a fine example of this. I would like to acknowledge the Police and all our partners, the many community groups and agencies, who together are doing a fantastic job for our city in the area of community safety."

Council Chief Executive Roger Blakeley Chair of the Safer City Steering Group and Senior Constable Rob Gregory accepted the award on behalf of Porirua City and the Police.

"These prestigious awards were keenly contested with 45 entries in five categories open to all Government Departments, Crown Entities and Local Authorities. PCC was the only finalist from Local Authorities in New Zealand," Dr Blakeley said.

"Our entry was submitted jointly by PCC and the Police and acknowledges the other partners in Safer Porirua, namely ACC, HNZC, Porirua Healthy Safer City Trust, Porirua Community Guardians and Regional Public Health."

Safer Porirua achieved World Health Organisation accreditation for Porirua as an International Safe Community in 2008 and already there is evidence of improvements in safety outcomes since the initiative began in 2005, he says.

"These include an improved perception of safety, the lowest crime rates in the Wellington region and a reduced rate of serious and fatal road injuries."

Winners were named in five categories, each designed to highlight significant public sector initiatives making a positive difference to communities. Projects were judged by an independent panel looking at excellence in terms of vision, innovation and results.

Ross Tanner, President of IPANZ, said that the Awards celebrate those projects and organisations that make a difference to the daily lives and wellbeing of New Zealanders, and highlight and reward significant public sector achievements.

Category winners were:

The Russell McVeagh Award for Excellence in Working Together for Better Services

Ministry of Social Development, for ‘Linwood Community Link’
New Zealand Police and the Porirua City Council, for ‘Safer Porirua’

The Microsoft Award for Excellence in Networked Government

Ministry of Economic Development, for the ‘Insolvency Law Reform Implementation Project’

The State Services Commission Award for Excellence in Improving Performance through People

Hawkes Bay District Health Board, for ‘Programme Incubator’

The Leadership Development Centre Award for Excellence in Managerial Leadership

Career Services, for ‘Project Aspire - The Leadership Capability Programme’

The Te Puni Kōkiri Award for Excellence in Crown-Māori Relationships

Department of Labour, for ‘Manaakitanga I Ō Tātou Marae (Taking care of our marae)’

 


 

29 May 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEPPING UP – DIGITAL PORIRUA

An exciting new programme supporting Porirua's commitment to becoming a digital city is now accepting enrolments from Porirua residents.

Stepping Up provides free, community-based computer and internet training for adults and follows up on the successful Computer in Homes programme.

Funding for the programme has been provided by the 2020 Communications Trust supported by Microsoft. It is being managed through the Porirua Digital Trust which aims to have 400 people each year access the programme.

Trust Chair and Porirua City Council Chief Executive Roger Blakeley, says Digital Porirua recognizes the important part technology plays in connecting our communities, helping individuals reach their aspirations and increasing business productivity.

"Stepping Up is designed for anyone with basic computer knowledge to develop their skills a step further in areas of direct relevance to their work and life. They will learn how to use their computers and the internet effectively, from advancing their Microsoft Office skills to managing finances or finding a cheap airfare on line."

The Stepping Up programme offers a selection of learning modules, or Digital Steps, so individuals can choose the four that best suit their needs, says programme tutor Sarah Rivers.

"Each step takes 2.5 hours and is a great way to improve your skills and confidence. Once the four steps are completed this is recognized with a certificate and the satisfaction of knowing what you've achieved."

Dr Blakeley says this latest initiative complements other Digital Porirua programmes also operating in Porirua.

"We have Community Access Points, where many residents have their first encounters with information technology, "NetPods" in our low decile schools that provide the city's young people with greater exposure to IT and a community website www.ourporirua.com for local clubs, small businesses and community groups to set up and manage their own websites."

Anyone interested in learning more about the Stepping Up programme can contact the Council's Digital Porirua Project Coordinator Kay Paget on (04) 237 3593.

 


 

11 March 2009

Digital Porirua Trust Launched by Prime Minister at Te Rauparaha Arena

Digital Porirua was officially launched by the Prime Minister, the Honourable John Key on Wednesday 11 March 2009.

Hon John Key and others at the Digital Porirua launch.

Hon John Key (centre), with the Mayor (seated at right), Porirua City Council CEO Dr Roger Blakeley (standing at back), observe Catherine Mu demonstrate the use of a Digital Porirua computer, at the launch of the Digital Porirua Trust.

Technology changing lives in Porirua

Today, Hewlett-Packard and the Digital Porirua Trust announce an initiative that will dramatically improve Porirua community’s access to essential new technologies.

The Digital Porirua Trust has used a $400,000USD education grant from Hewlett-Packard to build a network of community access points in church halls, marae, community centres and schools within Porirua. The centres are designed so people feel safe to explore new ideas and develop themselves through the use of technology.

The community access points form part of the wider Digital Porirua project. It recognises the important part technology plays in connecting our communities, helping people work together, increasing business productivity and helping individuals reach their aspirations.

"Digital Porirua aims to make access to technology easy: Whether it's meeting the broadband needs of our high tech industries, better connecting our communities with the use of community portals, or bringing the benefits of technology within the reach of all in our community," says Dr Roger Blakeley, Trust Chair and CEO Porirua City Council.

“With the help of Hewlett-Packard, we are on a clear path to achieving our goal to become a digital city. The Digital Porirua Trust has been created to administer the grant and oversee the community activity on a day-to-day basis.”

“It is exciting to see access to technology having such a profound influence on the lives of people from all ages in our city. With many children using the centres to do their homework while retired community members learn how to keep in touch with friends and family online.”

One group of children is setting up its own internet radio station from the Porirua Gospel Church so they can share their creativity with over 800 homes within their community.

HP made the decision to focus the entire grant on one deserving community with a clear goal of effecting considerable change to the way everyone within that community used technology.

“The Digital Porirua Trust received the grant because Porirua could already demonstrate its commitment to becoming a digital city through ICT infrastructure development and community programme initiatives,” says Brent Kendrick, General Manager, Personal Systems Group, Hewlett-Packard New Zealand.

“The Digital Porirua Trust’s vision for its community was very compelling for HP, particularly alongside our own commitment to helping New Zealand businesses, communities and individuals grow through the use of HP’s innovative products and services.”
“HP is proud of to be part of a community project of this magnitude.”

About the HP Education programme

The 2008 Education Grant from HP is worth $400,000USD – comprising approximately $55,000 cash and $345,000 of HP products – including servers, desktop and laptop computers and printers.

HP continually re-focuses its strategy to align its social and community investment more closely with its business objectives as they evolve.

For example, In 2007 three out of thirteen education grants (Technology for Teaching grants) awarded across the Asia Pacific region went to New Zealand projects, and included:

  • Brooklyn Primary School, Wellington: Enhancing student numeracy capability through the use of digital learning objects on tablet PCs.
  • Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology: Building and using interactive engagement software.
  • Massey University, Palmerston North: Fostering integrative learning using mobile learning technologies.
  • In 2006 a Technology for Teaching grant was awarded to Canterbury University.
  • In 2003 the University of Auckland received an HP mobility grant.

About Digital Porirua Trust

Trustees come from: Porirua City Council, Porirua City Community IT Educational Trust, Porirua Community Access Points, Porirua Chamber of Commerce, Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Mana Prinicipals Association, Ngati Toa Rununga, Pacific Islands Forum, Quorum Group Consultants.

Its vision is for Porirua to be a city of well connected communities where taking part in new technologies is easy.

It is working toward the achievement of this vision via the Porirua Digital Strategy which focuses on four areas:

  • Content – ensuring local content meets local community and business needs.
  • Confidence – advocating for or ensuring high levels of service delivery
  • Connection – providing ready access to technology and skills development,

by fostering Collaboration within communities, including residents, businesses and the government.

About HP

HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

  • Images from launch

Digital Porirua Trust launch - official party.
Digital Porirua Trust Launch - official party: from left, Mayor Jenny Brash; Hon. John Key, Prime Minister; Keith Watson - Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard New Zealand; Porirua City Council Chief Executive Dr Roger Blakeley; and e-LearningTrust Chair and Founder Graham Kelly.

Prime Minister John Key talking to a member of the public at the Digital Porirua Trust launch.
Prime Minister John Key talks to Val Dargan using a community computer, looked on by Mayor Jenny Brash and Porirua City Council CEO Dr Roger Blakeley.

Videos:

  • On the Contribution from HP - YouTube (1.49 mins)



  • On Computers in Homes - YouTube (2.15 mins)


  • On the Digital Porirua Trust - YouTube (1.54 mins)

Speeches - Audio Files (all in mp3 format)

Speeches - Video Files - YouTube links

  • Mayor Jenny Brash (3.42 mins)
  • Hon John Key (8.06 mins)
  • CEO Dr Roger Blakeley (8.54 mins)
  • e-Learning Porirua Trust Chair and Founder Graham Kelly (9.30 mins)