The annual Ecowise Community Awards were held in the Council Chambers in the Henderson Service Centre on the 16th November. [Read more…] about EcoWise Community Award Winners 2012
NZTA opening Auckland’s Lincoln Road work site for community
West Aucklanders had an opportunity for a first-hand look at progress on Auckland’s Lincoln Road interchange at a NZ Transport Agency open day on Saturday, 24 November.
The interchange on the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) is a key part of the Western Ring Route – the strategic alternative to SH1 identified by the Government as one of its Roads of National Significance.
“Thousands of people pass through the construction site every day, and we were opening up the door so that they could come in and take a look at what happens behind the barriers,” says the NZTA’s acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton.
”This open day was our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community for the support they’ve given us over the past couple of years. We also wanted people to come along and learn more about the development of the project and its role in the Western Ring Route motorway alternative around Auckland.”
The open day coincided with the start of construction on the third stage of the upgrade – the widening of the Henderson Creek Bridge, east of the interchange.
As work develops on the interchange, two neighbouring projects linked to the Western Ring Route are also underway.
Enabling works have started at the Waterview Connection project before construction of its twin tunnels starts next year, and the upgrade of the SH16 causeway to make it wider and higher will also start in the new year. Staff from both projects were present on the day to update the community.
“The Western Ring Route will have a huge impact on travel around Auckland,” Mr Mutton says. “When it is completed, this 48 kilometre-long motorway will provide much better connections between Manukau in the south,Auckland International Airport, Waitakere and the North Shore, and ease congestion on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the CBD.”
Work at Lincoln Road began in 2010. A new Selwood Road Bridge has been completed, but will not be fully open to traffic until the east-bound motorway on and off ramps are re-built. Mr Mutton says better access to and from the motorway will reduce queues, make travel more reliable and improve safety for drivers.
The motorway around the interchange is also being widened from two lanes to three in both directions. Dedicated bus shoulders along the motorway will improve public transport journeys to and from the city. There will also be better connections for walkers and cyclists between Lincoln Road and Selwood Road, as well as an extended Northwestern cycleway.
“We have a lot to show and tell people and we hope they take advantage of this opportunity to have look behind the scenes,” says Mr Mutton.
The open day is on Saturday, 24 November, between 9am and 2pm. Site access and parking will be available onSelwood Roadand will be well signposted.
People can contact the project at 09 969 9800 or www.nzta.govt.nz/wrr
You can follow the NZTA on facebook.com/nztaakl and twitter.com/nztaakl
Yoga classes coming to Massey Birdwood
Starting in February 2013 is HanneHatha Yoga on Wednesday mornings at 10am.
Hanne is passionate about yoga and enjoys sharing the benefits that regular yoga practice can bring each of us.
Struggling with a lower back injury which kept her in pain Hanne decided to turn to yoga; this was about 8 years ago. It was one of the best decisions she has made. “I have now been free of pain for many years. Yoga is now a strong part of my life. I have practised yoga since 2004 starting out in West Auckland.” Hanne recently returned to West Auckland after living overseas for four years. During this time she tried and experienced a variety of yoga, including Dru yoga, Ki Yoga (Ki Yoga is derived from the teachings of Japanese Yoga Master Masahiro Oki), Satyananda Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. Hanne attended a local community yoga class whilst living in Singapore where she was the only European participant. In this setting where English is second language learning and practicing yoga became part of the Singapore Experience.
Hanne studied yoga with the Integral Yoga Academy of Australasia. This school was started by Dr Swami Savitrananda Devi in 1980 and it is now an international yoga training academy. The academy provides a sound experiential course based on the Eight Limbs of Astanga Yoga.
Hanne teach traditional Hatha yoga; a gentle style with the emphasis on movement, postures and the breath. Each session includes stretching, practising of postures, breathing techniques, meditation practice and relaxation that is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Yoga helps to release stress and fatigue from the body and restores energy levels as it clears the mind. The practice of yoga offers each person a better relationship with the body, a deeper insight into ourselves and the world around us.
Some of the comments from people who have been to her classes;
- “Hanne is a caring, committed yoga teacher and fully supportive of her students. She has a passion for yoga and teaches with love.” John B.
- “Hanne brings calmness to the Yoga room, freedom to go at our own pace, plus I enjoy the variety of movement each time.” Maggie C.
Aucklanders encouraged to attend Royal public walk
- Approx 9.30pm – The Prince and Duchess arrive at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base, Auckland
- 10.10am – The Prince and Duchess arrive at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a mihi whakatau
- 11.00am – The Prince and Duchess attend an Armistice Day Commemoration and meet veterans, at Auckland War Memorial Museum
- 10.20am – The Prince and Duchess visit AUT Millennium, North Shore, Auckland
- 11.15am – The Prince and Duchess attend performance of Hairy Maclary with hundreds of schoolchildren from Auckland, Bruce Mason Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
- 12.15pm – The Prince arrives at the Devonport Naval Base to view Sealegs amphibious vessels and HamiltonJet technology before boarding a Coastguard New Zealand vessel to cross Auckland harbour, visiting the Coastguard New Zealand Headquarters at Mechanics Bay, Auckland.
- 12.25pm – The Duchess joins a briefing for Osteoporosis researchers and members of Osteoporosis New Zealand at The Langham Hotel, Auckland.
- 1.20pm – The Prince and Duchess arrive at Lower Queen Street and walk down to Queen’s Wharf, Auckland
- 1.30pm – The Prince arrives at The Cloud to visit the New Zealand Shear Brilliance event, Auckland
- 1.50pm – The Duchess visits East Tamaki Primary School, Auckland
- 2.40pm – The Prince arrives at the University of Auckland’s Owen Glenn Building, and is shown examples of the University’s research and innovation, Auckland
- 7.00pm – The Prince and Duchess attend the Diamond Jubilee Trust Reception and Dinner at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland
Massey & Birdwood Settlers Association Inc.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given for the above meeting to be held in the Den, Massey Community Hall, corner Don Buck Road and Redhills Road, Massey on Thursday 29th November at 8.00pm to:
1. Approve the 2011/12 Annual Financial Statements
2. elect 2012/2013 Year Officers
3. Attend to General Business
John G Riddell
Secretary