Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council is proud to be a founding partner of the newly launched Tāmaki Taiao Alliance, a bold new collaboration designed to accelerate nature regeneration at scale across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Established in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), the Alliance brings together community groups, mana whenua, businesses, philanthropy and local government to deliver coordinated, combined conservation outcomes.

The Alliance responds to the urgent environmental challenges facing the region by moving beyond fragmented projects to a landscape scale approach. By aggregating investment, expertise and effort across sectors, the Tāmaki Taiao Alliance will initially support seven high-impact projects that together reconnect ecosystems from the Hauraki Gulf to the Manukau and Kaipara harbours, and from Rodney to South Auckland.

The council’s investment as a founding partner aligns with its commitment to work alongside the community to protect the region’s natural environment and to leverage additional private and philanthropic funding, ensuring that ratepayer contributions are maximised and deliver enduring benefits for both the community and the environment.

Alongside its role in the Alliance, Auckland Council will continue to run its own established environmental grant programme, the Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grant (RENH) which supports a wide range of community-led initiatives each year. The Tāmaki Taiao Alliance complements these programmes by creating an opportunity to partner with other organisations to grow the overall funding pool, align efforts and deliver larger-scale outcomes than could be achieved through individual grants alone.

Auckland Council General Manager Environmental Services Samantha Hill says the Alliance represents a new way of working together for nature.

“The Tāmaki Taiao Alliance is a powerful co-investment opportunity for businesses and agencies to amplify their conservation impact, protect taonga species and grow community-led action.

“By bringing together partners, funding and expertise, the Alliance enables us to deliver greater benefits for people and nature in Tāmaki Makaurau, accelerating landscape-scale restoration beyond what any single organisation could achieve alone.”

The seven initial initiatives span island projects, ngahere (native forests), repo (wetlands), awa (streams) and urban green spaces, collectively reconnecting around 350,000 hectares of fragmented ecosystems. Each project is mana whenua led or closely connected to mana whenua, strengthening kaitiakitanga and ensuring cultural integrity and intergenerational sustainability.

The Alliance is grounded in the principle of taiao ora, mauri ora, “nature is life”, a vision shared by Te Pu-a-Nga Maara. Success will be measured through tangible outcomes such as healthier waterways, increased tree canopy, pest-free islands, protection of drinking water supplies, and thriving populations of native manu (birds). Alongside ecological gains, the initiative supports community wellbeing and creates nature-based employment and training opportunities.

Sustainability Business Network founder and CEO Rachel Brown says the Alliance has been created to meet the scale of the challenge.

“Tāmaki Auckland is facing an ecological crisis that threatens our health, economy and our children’s future. Fragmented efforts are not enough. We need coordinated action at scale, backed by investment that empowers communities to restore nature. Our vision is a region alive with birdsong and connected communities, and we’re seeing that vision take shape through this Alliance.”

The Tāmaki Taiao Alliance will also establish a community of practice, fostering shared learning and collaboration between community groups, mana whenua, business, philanthropy, council and government. Operating as an incubator for nature, it provides structure, expertise and capital while delivering measurable impact.

The three-year pilot aims to raise $3 million, with $1.5 million already secured – if successful the number of projects supported will grow. Auckland Council, Foundation North, OfficeMax and Chapman Tripp are confirmed partners, with additional partners expected to join. The Alliance is inviting organisations to participate and co-invest, helping to secure a healthier, more resilient natural environment for current and future generations.

Source: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Landslides impact homes, infrastructure, roads and services and the effects of climate change can exacerbate these risks over time. The devastating landslides in and near Mauao, Mount Maunganui, are another stark reminder of the risk of landslides to life and property.

In Auckland, we have seen these impacts on a significant scale – from the estimated 50,000 landslides that occurred during the severe weather events of early 2023, the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee, reiterates the importance of understanding the natural hazards in our region, including landslides, and cautions against the spread of misinformation.

“Landslides can have a serious impact, and we’ve seen this in our region and across the country. Landslides had devastating effects in both the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle on both private and public land. This included loss of life, and hundreds of millions of dollars of damage to property,” says Cr Hills.

“Often stable land with no history of slips can quickly change to a landslide when the soil is saturated or during a torrential rain event. Climate change can be a factor in making these impacts more extreme.

“The council has invested heavily in research and tools to improve how we understand and assess landslide risk and arm Aucklanders with information. It’s really important that we look to trusted sources of information during these times rather than listen or spread misinformation.”

What is a landslide?​

A landslide is the movement of a mass of rock, debris or earth (soil) down a slope. ​

Landslides across the Auckland region impact homes, infrastructure, roads and services and they typically occur:​

• On steep slopes (natural or modified)​
• On slopes comprising weak materials​
• Due to stream or sea erosion​
• Due to failure of structures like retaining walls.

Landslides can be triggered by:

• Heavy or prolonged rainfall, which may become more severe and frequent due to climate change​
• Earthworks, where a landslide can be triggered by the weight of material added to a slope, or by loss of support where material is dug out below a slope
• Strong earthquake shaking.

Landslides can happen without warning

Heavy rain can cause landslides, even after the rain has stopped. If you feel an immediate threat to your life or property – call 111.

Stay alert and look out for the warning signs. You’ll need to act quickly if you see them:

• Rumbling or cracking noises that sound like falling trees
• Small landslides or rock falls at the bottom of slopes and sinking land at the top of slopes
• Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building
• Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly
• Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building
• New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
• Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences
• New springs (water seeping out of the ground).

Get out of the path of the landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger.

Once you have made sure that you and other people are safe:

• Alert emergency services (if you haven’t already) – call 111
• Call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 from a safe location
• Report broken utilities (water, gas, electricity) to the appropriate companies
• Stay away until authorities give the all-clear, as further damage is likely – landslides can happen progressively, often days after a triggering event
• Record the landslide details using the landslide reporting tool.

Enhancing our understanding of landslides in Auckland

In 2025, Auckland Council completed a region-wide study to map landslide susceptibility, to help Aucklanders understand and avoid these risks.​ This work means we are better informed on the potential for landslides in the region and helps us plan better for the future.

Landslide susceptibility identifies areas that may be more prone to landslides. It does not predict landslides or their impacts but helps guide planning and builds a better understanding of where landslides are more likely.

It’s important to understand that these maps do not describe hazard or risk. This means that they do not show how many, or how often, landslides will occur (the hazard), or what the consequences could be (the risk). But rather, it helps in our planning and understanding of landslides.

Auckland Council Chief Engineer Ross Roberts explains that the maps were prepared using regional data and, although they are not property specific, provide valuable insight into landslide risk.

“These maps provide vital information to planners, infrastructure authorities, owners, developers, and engineers so that they can understand and manage the risks from landslides,” says Ross.

“However, as detailed, site-specific information is not available across the region, the maps can’t include some site-specific conditions and features – a reality when dealing with granularity and dynamic information. This means detailed assessments may still be required to accurately determine risk for an individual property. Landslide risk assessments completed as part of the response to the severe weather events of 2023 are an example of a method we have used to provide more detailed risk information.”

Using the new data in Auckland’s planning rules

Auckland Council introduced stronger planning rules to respond to natural hazards, including landslides, in November 2025.

Introduced as part of Plan Change 120, Auckland’s landslide susceptibility maps are now used to assess risk when considering resource consent applications in areas that could be prone to landslides.

The new maps give the council a clearer and more reliable view of where the risk may be. Resource consent applications for activities in these areas can be carefully considered and amended as needed to help manage these risks.

Any resource consent application for work in an area subject to natural hazards, like landslides, flooding or coastal erosion, needs a risk assessment. This helps make sure new buildings and activities can withstand long-term risks.

How to reduce your risk

“It’s important for landowners to be aware that insurance is unlikely to cover the full costs of repairing damaged land. It’s much cheaper – and safer – to prevent the landslide occurring in the first place,” says Ross.

Landowners can reduce the risk of landslides, and checking vegetation or thinking about your gardening is a great starting point.

“Plants can be very effective at improving the stability by sucking the excess moisture out of a slope, and by reinforcing the slope with their roots. Trees can also add stability, and slow surface erosion. However, they can also be a cause of landslides if they are unstable, so it’s worth getting an arborist to check on large or old trees on slopes. The type of plant is also important – for example, pōhutukawa can be quite effective, but pines are generally less stable, and their shallow roots do less to reinforce the slope,” says Ross.

Managing stormwater can also make a big difference. Check where the stormwater from your roof flows – it shouldn’t go onto steep or unstable slopes.

Make sure that you know where overland flows from areas uphill of your house go, and that those overland flow paths aren’t blocked.

You can visit Auckland Council’s Flood Viewer website to check overland flow paths in and around your home, as well as make changes to your home to reduce the risk of flooding.

Source: Auckland Council

If you’ve ever spotted a stormwater pipe, manhole or small waterway running through your backyard and wondered who looks after it, the answer is Auckland Council. And from now on, there’ll be clearer communication when council needs to access those assets on private property.

New government legislation, the Local Government Water Services Act 2025, has changed how councils notify property owners about stormwater and wastewater works. The law, introduced late last year, replaces several older acts and sets new requirements for how statutory notices are issued.

Because many stormwater and wastewater assets, including pipes, culverts and manholes, sit on private land, Auckland Council is now required to formally notify property owners and occupants before carrying out inspections, maintenance or new construction work.

Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters Network Solutions Team Manager Shaun McAuley says the change is all about giving people more information and more certainty.

“Property owners and occupiers will receive clear notice about what work is planned, where it will take place, when contractors are expected to visit and how long they’ll be on site,” he says. “They’ll also have the option to request changes to dates and times.

“For new construction works, owners are asked to provide consent for access. While if the work is urgent, council is legally allowed to enter your property without prior permission but we will try and let you know before we enter.”

The new rules also mean councils and developers must plan land access well ahead of time, often three to six months in advance, helping to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Ultimately, the changes are designed to make essential stormwater and wastewater work more transparent, predictable and respectful of people’s properties – while ensuring Auckland’s water networks continue to function safely and effectively.

 

For more information visit the Auckland Council website.

Source: Auckland Council

Work is well underway beneath the streets of Newmarket and Grafton on a major stormwater upgrade that will help protect Hobson Bay and improve the water quality of nearby beaches for years to come.

The Lower Khyber Pass and Kingdon Street Stormwater Separation projects are part of Auckland Council and Watercare’s Eastern Isthmus Water Quality Programme; a joint initiative focused on reducing wet-weather wastewater overflows into local waterways and the Waitematā Harbour.

While much of the work is out of sight, its impact will be far-reaching. By physically separating stormwater from wastewater, the project will stop rainwater overwhelming the wastewater network during heavy downpours, one of the main causes of overflows that can carry contaminants into streams, the harbour and ultimately our beaches.

Construction began in February 2025 and is expected to be completed in late 2026. With a combined investment of $17.5 million, the two closely linked projects provide the backbone infrastructure needed to support growth in one of Auckland’s busiest and most constrained urban catchments.

The works are tackling several long-standing issues in the area, including ageing and undersized pipes, partially combined wastewater and stormwater systems, frequent overflows affecting nearby business areas, and repeated flooding around the rail corridor.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says the project is a real win for Aucklanders and for the city’s future.

“By using smart, innovative construction methods, we’ve saved around $2 million on delivering cleaner beaches, healthier waterways and the stronger infrastructure our growing city depends on.”

Underground, the scale of the work is significant. The project includes deep stormwater shafts near the University of Auckland and Kingdon Street, new stormwater connections from surrounding streets and manholes, and major upgrades to pipes along Kingdon Street, Lower Khyber Pass, Osborne Street and nearby roads. The new network connects into an existing 1,800-millimetre stormwater tunnel, boosting overall capacity.

Auckland Council’s General Manager Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience Craig Mcilroy, says the benefits will build over time.

“This is about long-term improvements, not quick fixes.

 “As each stage comes online, we’re increasing network capacity, reducing wastewater overflows and improving the quality of water flowing into Hobson Bay.”

The project is also setting new benchmarks in New Zealand stormwater construction. It includes Auckland’s first segmental stormwater shaft with a customised seismic design, and the deepest segmental shaft ever built in the country, reaching 23 metres underground. Using precast segments manufactured off-site has reduced construction time, saved around $2 million and minimised disruption for nearby businesses and the university campus.

Once complete, the new system will reduce wet-weather wastewater overflows, improve stormwater quality through a gross pollutant trap, and reduce flooding risk by handling rainfall from a 1-in-100-year storm event.

Auckland Council thanks residents, businesses and commuters for their patience while crews work beneath the streets, laying the foundations for cleaner water, safer beaches and a more resilient city.

Source: Auckland Council

In the countdown to Auckland Pride Festival, Auckland Council’s Director of Community Rachel Kelleher outlines why it’s important to stand with our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Every day, I feel lucky to be surrounded by Aucklanders who reflect a myriad of cultures and identities. 

Nearly half of all Aucklanders were born overseas, a third speak more than one language, and more people belong to our rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau than anywhere else in the country. 

Our diversity is a huge part of what makes Auckland a special place to live. Bringing together different cultures, experiences, traditions and perspectives can enrich our own lives, broaden our understanding of one another, and help us develop new and innovative ways of thinking and living that can support our economic and social wellbeing.  

All Aucklanders should be able to participate and feel safe to be themselves. There are many case studies in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas showing people are more likely to be happier, healthier and thrive when they live in inclusive communities.

Auckland Council strives to be a champion for respect and inclusivity, and our support for rainbow communities is one way that we demonstrate this.

To support the Auckland Pride Festival this year, we are very excited to be hosting more than 130 free and low-cost community-based events and activities at council venues across the city in the upcoming weeks.

Our 45 Proud Centres are community spaces where Aucklanders can come together and celebrate our rainbow communities, and any visitor can feel welcomed and included. 

As an organisation, we respect the right for people to hold and express alternate views peacefully, and in a way that does not impact others – but we will never tolerate forceful and intimidating action that prevents members of our community from being able to safely take part in planned activities.

In preparation for this year’s celebrations, the council has worked closely with our partners and New Zealand Police to ensure staff and participants can feel and are safe while attending events.

As part of this strong line, we’re serious about walking the talk in how we work and care for our staff too. In 2019, we became the first council in New Zealand to gain Rainbow Tick accreditation, and we are now gold members of Pride Pledge. We achieved Advanced Gender Tick Accreditation and we’re working towards an Accessibility Tick with the NZ Disability Employer’s Network, integrating the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion into all that we do. 

As this year’s Pride festivities get ready to shine across our city during the month of February, I encourage everyone to show your solidarity through everyday actions. I know I’ll be enjoying the opportunity to wear some bright colours throughout the weeks ahead! Simply a kind word of validation at the right time can go a long way too.

Our support for Pride Month is bigger than bringing people together to celebrate our rainbow communities. It’s prioritising inclusion for the wellbeing of all our communities. 

Source: Auckland Council

Applications are now open for Te Ara Urutau – Climate and Emergency Ready Fund, a new $1 million combined fund. The fund is designed to help community organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau take bold, practical action on climate change and emergency preparedness.

The fund brings previous and new related grants into a single, streamlined process, making it easier for communities to access support for projects that reduce emissions, strengthen emergency readiness, and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee says, “Every community has unique strengths and challenges when it comes to climate change and emergency readiness. This fund is about empowering local and Māori led solutions, supporting those who know their people and whenua best.”

“I encourage communities to put their ideas forward so we can continue protecting our whānau and the places we call home.”

Applications are welcome from a wide range of organisations delivering positive outcomes for their communities. This includes not-for-profits, mana whenua and Māori organisations, neighbourhood groups, schools, social enterprises, and business improvement districts.

This fund can help groups at any stage on their emergency readiness or climate action journey. Through a single application form, groups can apply for up to two of the following project categories:

Emergency Readiness and Response Funding

Supporting communities to prepare for natural disasters and extreme weather. (Grants from $5,000 to $15,000)

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Funding

Backing community and Māori led projects that cut carbon emissions and support sustainable practices. (Grants from $5,000 to $15,000)

Climate Adaptation Planning and Implementation

Enabling community-led responses to challenges such as flooding, sea-level rise and drought. (Grants from $5,000 to $40,000, with additional funding available for implementation)

Community organisations may recognise elements of this grant fund from prior Auckland Climate Grant rounds.

Key dates

Applications are now open (2 February 2026)
Online webinar: 5 February 11.30am – 12.30pm
Applications close: 8 March 2026
Funding decisions: by end of May 2026

Want to understand more about the fund? Council representatives will provide a summary of the fund and process to apply via an online webinar on Thursday, 5 February. Questions can be sent anytime to funding@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

For full guidelines, eligibility information, and how to apply, visit the Auckland Climate Action website.

Source: Green Party

The Civil Defence Payment is finally being activated for some communities impacted by last week’s climate-charged weather events, after the Greens urged the Government to make the support available.

“While we welcome the Civil Defence Payment, the Government needs to increase the payment and make it available to all regions affected by the extreme weather events” says Green Party Social Development and Employment Spokesperson, Ricardo Menendez March. 

“It shouldn’t have taken this long, and it shouldn’t have taken such persistence from the Greens to activate this payment.  

“We wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this week and we’re glad that pressure worked. 

“We intend to keep the pressure on the Government to double the payment and expand its availability to all affected regions.

“Currently, the maximum amount available is just $400. It hasn’t been updated in at least 13 years, despite the much higher cost of living.” 

The Payment can cover things like food, bedding, clothes, and other essentials that are needed in the aftermath of civil emergencies. 

“Those affected need immediate support. MSD must take a high trust approach to ensure that everyone gets the support they are entitled to, to help them get back on their feet. 

“We know that the impacts of climate change don’t impact everyone equally. People on low incomes are less resourced to cope with severe events such as storms and floods. 

“The Greens are committed to ensuring everyone has the support they need after a disaster and would guarantee liveable incomes for everyone in Aotearoa. 

“Nobody should be left behind in a climate crisis” says Ricardo.

Source: Green Party

The latest labour market figures confirm that the unemployment rate, under the National Act NZ First coalition, has risen to 5.4%, New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate since September 2015. 

“This National Act NZ First coalition is a government of despair” says Marama Davidson, Co-Leader of the Green Party.

The latest labour market figures confirm that the unemployment rate, under the National Act NZ First coalition, has risen to 5.4%, New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate since September 2015. 

“This National Act NZ First coalition is a government of despair” says Marama Davidson, Co-Leader of the Green Party. 

“There are more people without jobs and without income now, under this government, than at any time in over ten years.” 

“Food banks are overwhelmed. Homelessness is everywhere.” 

“Those who are fortunate enough to have jobs still have it tough. Groceries and bills continue to rise ahead of wages for many workers.” 

“A just government would be fighting to make sure everyone had the means to have a good job, food on the table, and a safe place to call home,” says Davidson. 

“But instead, the National Act NZ First coalition is preoccupied with making secret deals to rob New Zealand of our precious wild places and natural resources, to appease Trump’s economic war with China.”  

“This needs to change. The Green Party will deliver hope and real change for New Zealanders.” 

“New Zealand deserves a fairer tax system to help people cover all of life’s essentials, to help New Zealanders afford the weekly shop, childcare, or unexpected costs, even when times are tough,” says Marama Davidson.