The past 365 days have been a whirlwind to say the least. Rain, rain, more rain, floods, landslips, a shooting, the world’s biggest women’s football event – the FIFA Women’s World Cup, sinkholes, broken sewage pipes and everything in between.
I am sure like me you are looking forward to 2024!
Throughout all the ‘chaos’, it is you, Aucklanders, that have kept us going. You have kept us on our toes, kept the council accountable and shared some of your most personal stories and experiences. Your contribution to public consultations has informed the decision-making process and influenced the final votes.
We are at the end of a rollercoaster of a year, and it is forecasted that this summer will bring hotter, dryer weather than usual (El Niño). Aucklanders love getting outdoors and making the most of what our region has to offer. We are spoilt for choice – stunning beaches, three great harbours, native bush and numerous world-class parks. So, on that note, here are a few handy reminders, great resources and council contacts.
Slip, slop, slap and wrap – excessive sun exposure isn’t good for anyone. Protect your skin, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on a pair of sunglasses. Also, remember your pets too. There are some tips to keep your pets cool in hot weather on this website, www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/keeping-pets-safe-in-summer
If you are having a staycation and want to explore what is in our backyard, visit the Discover Auckland website for inspiration. www.aucklandnz.com
Heading to the beach? We would all like to think our beaches are safe to swim in, but accidents do happen. Safeswim.org.nz is the best source of up-to-date information about water quality and other potential hazards at Auckland’s beaches. Here, you will be able to find which beaches are lifeguarded (where you and can safely swim between the flags) as well as information about water quality. If you see a black pin, it isn’t safe to swim.
Camping? You can find and book accommodation in our regional and holiday parks. However, these are popular so check availability at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/stay-at-park/Pages/find-accommodation.aspx
If Freedom camping is more your thing, remember you can only stay for two nights in the same road or off-road parking area. Check out the rules at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/freedom-camping-auckland/Pages/default.aspx
Don’t be a statistic. Those travelling by car locally or further afield, please take breaks, watch your speed and don’t drink and drive. Over Christmas and New Year last year 21 people were killed in crashes on New Zealand roads. This is not a statistic to be exceeded.
Deter burglars. To keep your home safe and appear to be lived in whilst you are away, here are some good tips from the police, www.police.govt.nz/news/release/don%E2%80%99t-let-burglars-ruin-your-holiday
And finally, some practical housekeeping information:
Bin collection days will change due to the public holidays – please check when your collection dates are at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rubbish-recycling/rubbish-recycling-collections/Pages/public-holiday-collections.aspx
We have had our fair share of issues related to Watercare, like faults and outages. If you experience any, please report to Watercare www.watercare.co.nz/Contact/Contact-us
Up-to-date council news and events is provided in a newsletter called Our Auckland which you can sign up to and is a great resource. ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Auckland Council will be operating with skeleton staff over the holiday period. To report something that is causing an immediate risk to the safety of a person, people or property, you can phone 09 301 0101 or contact us online 24/7 at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-problem/Pages/our-contact-details.aspx
Have a fabulous break, enjoy time with your friends and family and see you in the New Year. (Desley Simpson)
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Published: November 2023