citynewsWIN TICKETS TO ARMAGEDDON Page 4 17 May 2013 Boom town
Hamilton’s supply of industrial land and cheaper housing and office projects. is tipped to attract more businesses and people from Hamilton was becoming a very “liveable city’’, said Jason Auckland. Cargo, Major Development Case Leader at Hamilton A National Business Review analysis of the most recent City Council. building consent figures – residential and industrial – “We are a small city with ease of commuting and a range shows Waikato is building at a much faster rate than of facilities. We have plans and strategies in place to Auckland. continue to take us forward for the likes of a productive That’s backed up by a recent NAI Harcourts CBRE economy, quality of life and use of the river. industrial land stocktake which showed strong growth “People are coming here for lots of reasons – and we will in the city. continue to make our city an attractive destination and In the year to March, 4764 building consents were provide opportunities.” issued in Auckland, which has a population around 1.5 Mayor Julie Hardaker said the analysis provided proof million. That equals 3.16 consents per 1000 people, of what developers and city businesspeople had known nearly 50 per cent below Waikato’s rate of 4.49 per 1000 for some time – that Hamilton was providing the right with 1871 consents for a population of about 416,000. environment for economic growth which was now According to the latest Housing Affordability Survey attracting key players. Hamilton-Waikato house prices equal 4.7 times the “You only have to see the construction taking place in the average income here; Auckland’s is 6.7 and rising as central city at the moment to realise that Hamilton has www.hamilton.co.nz/our-city/city-strategies house prices soar higher. become the place of choice for many businesses. The was added to Hamilton’s industrial stock of 1.5 million new Citygate building, for instance, opens in July and is Meanwhile, dozens of commercial property sq m last year. At the same time overall vacancy levels almost fully tenanted.” developments are on the go in the CBD and Hamilton dropped from 5.7 per cent in 2011 to 3.6 per cent. City Council planning bosses say the city is reaping Ms Hardaker said a key focus of Hamilton City Council’s “The message from the Auckland market is that Hamilton benefits from having an Economic Development Proposed District Plan was on planning for future growth is fast becoming a viable alternative to any Auckland Agenda which makes doing business here easier and and ensuring the city was well positioned to capitalise sets the scene for economic growth. on its central location. options. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been poured into NAI Harcourts director Theo de Leeuw said Hamilton’s “Hamilton is seen as having a strong workforce, it’s a the city and wider economy in the past few years, with growing industrial and commercial expansion was partly university town with a strong Wintec, being very central the Waikato Expressway, Ring Road, the Waikato driven by a shortage of such land in South Auckland. in terms of transport to either of the two major ports and Hospital redevelopment, education, conference, retail His company’s survey showed 37,000 square metres not being too far from Auckland International Airport.’’ Award for Ring Road communications
The social media communications surrounding the “But it’s a total team effort from both the Council and the ongoing Hamilton Ring Road project have earned a Downer project team.’’ national award. She relies on the knowledge and support of both the One of the challenges for the major roading project – a Council’s engineers and the Downer team. “Otherwise joint effort with Hamilton City Council and Downer NZ the page just wouldn’t work. – has been communicating progress and updates to people affected by works, closures and delays. “These guys put up with all my phone calls, emails The Facebook page has done just that, growing to and questions that come from the page and have been nearly 2000 likes, supported by Twitter and wordpress absolutely amazing as this whole social media thing has channels. really put them in the spotlight. I really couldn’t ask for a The project won the Best Use of Social Media in better team.’’ Local Government award at the Association of While the recent four-laning of Wairere Drive and Pukete Local Government Information Management annual who made the project presentation to the award judges. Bridge has been a key part in the Ring Road project, conference in Wellington last week. Downer’s Brandy Smith runs the page but says work continues with the current big job the upgrade at “This is a fantastic outcome for the joint Downer/ its success is the result of teamwork with Council, Ruakura Rd-Peachgrove Rd-Te Aroha St. City Council project team who have worked hard on construction staff and the public. stakeholder engagement throughout the project to “It really does feel incredible when your hard work is • Keep up with the latest works at date,’’ said City Development Manager Andrew Parsons recognised,’’ Brandy said. www.facebook.com/HamiltonRingRoad
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Intersection work The Peachgrove Rd-Ruakura Gordon the guest Rd-Te Aroha St intersection should be open to all traffic by the end of the month. While work has been under way on green day this month detours have been in place restricting the flow of vehicles through the busy One of New Zealand’s tireless environmentalists Hamilton East intersection. The major work, part of Hamilton’s is the guest speaker at Waiwhakareke this year Ring Road project, is expected to open on Friday 31 May. On for Arbor Day. reopening the new signals will be operational although work After more than 50 years working in the New Zealand Landcare Trust. Waikato will continue until the expected environment, Gordon Stephenson still University recently granted Gordon an completion date in July has plenty of energy left to help. honorary doctorate in recognition of his “Theoretically I am retired ... but I still put work. RECLASSIFY PROCESS my energies into [ecological projects] He is in awe of what has been achieved A process to reclassify more Maungatautari and Barnett Reserve,” at Waiwhakareke. than 13,000sq m of Council- says Gordon, 88, who is the guest “At Waiwhakareke they have taken owned reserve land is expected speaker at this year’s Arbor Day planting almost a bare pond and turned it into to begin next month. The land, event at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage something that is extraordinarily valuable. between Waikato Racing Club Park at Rotokauri on 31 May. And it’s not just that – it’s a project that Man of nature: Gordon Stephenson has and Minogue Park, is currently “I’ve always had a fascination with the is developing bit by bit as people put spent 50 years in environmental work, and classified for recreational unique character of New Zealand’s flora their energies and skills into it. It’s been is guest speaker for this year’s Hamilton purposes, but Council has been and fauna.” built up from nothing to something very Arbor Day event. approached by a healthcare Gordon’s enthusiasm for conservation special – and that is very exciting.” business to get involved as well, as a day provider keen to develop a care work stretches back to 1960, when he Hamilton City Council’s Community in the sun planting trees and shrubs is a facility on a neighbouring site. bought his farm. Planting Co-ordinator Gerard Kelly says great team-building activity, and shows For the facility to be built, the “We had bush on it – which we fenced off Arbor Day at Waiwhakareke is becoming your company cares about Hamilton’s land needs to be reclassified increasingly popular, particularly as environment.” as local purpose (road reserve) – and I realised when we sold our farm, an educational experience for school To register for Arbor Day at Waiwhakareke, to provide access. The the next person might knock it all down ... and that was very concerning.” children who arrive by the class-load. contact Parks and Open Spaces on 838 reclassification, if completed, will “This year we have 25,000 eco-sourced 6622, or [email protected] improve access to Minogue Park His involvement in environmental work trees and shrubs to plant, and so we and other facilities in the area. “grew from there, from one project to Ecological restoration work at another”, including formation of the need lots of help to get the job done,” Mr Waiwhakareke reflects the Council’s PARK SLIDE MODIFIED QEII National Trust, and roles with the Kelly says. commitment to the Sustainable The slide at the Potters Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust and “We’re encouraging local and corporate Hamilton strategy. Children’s Garden in Parana Park has been taken away for repair, and is expected to be back in place by the end of the month. The slide is being modified to make it more user- City’s water assets available online friendly for small children.
T-SHIRT COMPETITION Don’t know where the water toby is on your www.hamilton.co.nz and clicking “Find great time-saver. Four Hamilton children will have property? As of next week you can find this It >City Waters Viewer’’ “People will now have easy and instant and a whole lot of other service information the chance to wear T-shirts In City Waters Viewer you can search access to water asset information instead online when Hamilton City Council they’ve designed themselves, for properties, zoom in to street level of having to request it from council staff” launches the new City Waters Viewer. to view asset locations and view through a competition being run she said. aerial photography overlaid with asset by Hamilton City Libraries. The Contractors, surveyors, plumbers and anyone with an interest in Council’s information. “Anyone considering design or works is competition coincides with the water, wastewater or stormwater Council Acting City Waters Manager encouraged to make a physical check New Zealand Post Children’s services will be able to see what’s Eeva-Liisa Wright said the viewer would on all levels, locations and dimensions Book Awards, and entrants where by going to the council website be a huge help to customers and a before starting”. must base their T-shirt design on an amazing New Zealand tale. For more information, visit hamiltonlibraries.co.nz. The competition closes on 7 June, After nearly 10 years managing the city’s “The environment will be a stark contrast with winners announced 19 June. From Hamilton finest international sports fields, Hamilton from what we have in Hamilton. With City Council’s Turf Manager Karl Johnson summer temperatures reaching 49 THEATRE TICKET WINNERS to Dubai is heading to Dubai to manage one of the degrees and an annual rainfall of only The winners of a double pass to country’s leading sports venues. 100mm compared to our 1100mm or so, see Michael Hurst in the play No Karl leaves at the end of this month to working with these kinds of conditions will Holds Bard last week were: start his new role as Turf Manager at the definitely be a learning curve.” P Garrick, Fleur Marillier, Emirates Sevens Stadium. The 50,000- Karl has a 12-month deal with Emirates. Martin Kennedy, Deidre Morse seat stadium is one of Dubai’s leading Council’s Events and Economic and Rita Ahlers sports and entertainment venues and the Development Group Manager Sean wider complex features 12 pitches and Murray said it was a great opportunity for CONTACT CITY NEWS courts dedicated to cricket, rugby, soccer, Karl to learn some new skills and bring If you have any story netball, basketball and, for something a them back to the city. suggestions or feedback please little different, a camel-racing track. “This is a great opportunity for Karl and is contact us at citynews@hcc. Karl’s main role will be to rebuild two of also a real testament for our own sports govt.nz or ph 838 6666. Heading off: Turf expert Karl Johnson is the cricket blocks, which he sees as an facilities that are regarded both nationally off to work in Dubai. exciting challenge. and internationally as world class.”
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Spotlight on council Comment Mayor Julie Hardaker Safety first in central city Planning the future They know every corner of the CBD like the back of their hand and if of Hamilton something doesn’t look right, they know what to do. Gardens
Ask anyone and they will tell Behind an unmarked door at Hamilton’s you the Hamilton Gardens are Transport Centre in Anglesea St is a spectacular, stunning, wonderful rather remarkable operation. and a fantastic asset for the city. That’s where Hamilton City Council has its City Safe operation – a bank of It’s hard to believe they started computer screens relaying footage from life as a rubbish tip, but the the 21 closed-circuit televisions cameras vision and foresight of those installed around the central city. WATCHING before us has given us what we Watching the screens are some eagle- OUT: City Safe’s Paul Blewman have today. eyed staff keeping an eye on the streets, alleyways, carparks and squares around says active monitoring of the Well over one million people town. closed-circuit TV visit the Gardens each year and City Safe Operations Manager Paul cameras makes they host residents, tourists, Blewman is full of praise for his staff. Hamilton a safe students, weddings, and events “These are people who know every nook city. PICTURE: and performances like the Arts and cranny in the city. They are interested FairfaxNZ Festival. in what’s going on and when something “An incident may be reported to police doesn’t look quite right they instantly pick who then ask us to check whether it is still City Safe CCTV coverage: Early this year, the Gardens was up on it.” in progress. We can do that in seconds.” • Supports police to respond one of the first parks in New They share the work space with police, The other half centres on alerting City quickly to incidents in the CBD Zealand to earn the prestigious a close relationship that relies on mutual Safe foot patrols to incidents so they can • Provides support to businesses Green Flag Award for excellence understanding of each other’s roles. respond. who know offences will be and high standards in public “Our job is to keep people safe. We are The patrols are particularly busy on Friday recorded parks and recently I attended not guards, we offer a non-threatening and Saturday nights when hundreds • Ready tracking of vehicles and/ the Friends of the Gardens presence.’’ of people come into the central city or people escaping an incident A City Safe report to Council this month thank-you lunch and enjoyed hospitality sector. • Crime reduction, as people hearing stories of the work our revealed that City Safe cameras detected know they can be identified “That’s when we see pressure build. 91.5 per cent of incidents in the central City Safe patrols: volunteers are doing. But we liaise constantly with pub door city in the year to March. • Provide high visibility, staff and act as eyes and ears for the The Councillors and I are about Paul says the “huge” success rate is due community when things go wrong.’’ non-threatening presence to start strategic planning for to the active monitoring of the cameras • Promote Hamilton as safe the Hamilton Gardens for a new 17 hours a day – Hamilton’s point of Hamilton, he insists, is a safe city. • React quickly to trouble spots vision and plan for the coming difference compared to other councils. “I would walk through the central city at • Help stop situations that have decades. About half the work undertaken by the 1am with no hesitation. You would have potential to escalate camera staff is in response to police to be very unlucky to have something • Work closely with police Things we will be looking requests. happen to you in central Hamilton.” at include future garden development, how does the Waikato River fit, how to enhance the tourism and the visitor experience, and revenue City Life: A fortnightly focus on issues you raise and partnership opportunities. Lots of information is being gathered in preparation for this Art everywhere planning. Q: More public art seems to be springing up in Hamilton - like Captain Hamilton in Civic Square and now the big This is exciting and important sculpture at the Lake Domain. Who’s behind it and are there work. I am sure the weight of plans for more? those who were involved in A: Yes it’s good to see such landmark works appearing. Captain planning the Gardens back in Hamilton was a gift to the city from the Gallagher Group to mark 1960 and then in the 1970s, its 75 years in business. On display: Mesh’s latest donation to the city, installed at the when the focus changed to The sculpture at Lake Domain is another work funded by Lake Domain. more on garden design rather Mesh Sculpture Hamilton which is a trust set up and funded Q. Hamilton City Council recycles plastics numbered than botanical science, will be locally to provide artworks around the city. Its latest work “Te 1 and 2. Do you plan to expand the recycling of more types on us. Waharoa ki te Ao Marama - The Entranceway to the World of of plastics? Enlightenment’’ was unveiled recently on the corner of Ruakiwi A. Council is conducting a waste services review to determine If you have an idea about the Rd and Pembroke St. The group’s goal is to gift 10 artworks to how to manage residential solid waste in the future. Part of the future of this city treasure, let the city over five years. Interested in Mesh or being a donor? review will focus on the potential to collect all classes of plastic us know. Hamilton Gardens See www.meshsculpture.co.nz for recycling. The review will be completed early next year. belongs to all of us. Got a question about your city? Email [email protected]
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RNZ NAVY BAND IN CONCERT 22 MAY Founders Theatre The RNZ Navy band is made up of some of New Zealand’s best wind, brass and percussion players, and is one of the main military bands in the country. For the first time in more than a decade, the 30-piece Navy THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Band based in Auckland will be enthralling audiences 1 JUNE, 28 June in the central North Island on their ‘’Heartland Tour’’. To Founders Theatre book visit Ticketek outlets, 0800 842 538 or It’s an all-American iconic grouping of highly talented www.ticketek.co.nz musicians, singers and dancers. Even after 75 years, Glenn Miller’s musical arrangements are still heard MUSICAL FEAST around the world – timeless icons of American culture 23 MAY & 6 JUNE such as Chattanooga Choo-Choo, In the Mood, Tuxedo Waikato Museum Junction, A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, Little Waikato Museum is holding a concert series, Musical Brown Jug and Pennsylvania 6-5000 to name a few. To Feast, in partnership with the University of Waikato. The book visit Ticketek outlets, 0800 842 538 or visit BRING ON ARMAGEDDON! Conservatorium of Music is ranked as the top music www.ticketek.co.nz This year it’s bigger and better and strikes Hamilton on 25 and 26 May at Claudelands school in the country and in the intimate setting of the Arena. Armageddon Expo 2013 features an array of international celebrity guests, gallery you will hear some future stars. Taught by world- WINTEC’S HUGE DAY OUT gaming, comics, animation voices, collectibles, amusement rides, live wrestling, class professionals, the students provide music to an 7 JUNE movie screenings, the popular Zombie walk and much more. exacting standard, anything from Beethoven to Lilburn. Wintec City and Rotokauri Campuses The event layout has been updated and expanded, there are more exhibitors as well No bookings required unless your group is larger than We all know deciding what to do after school is a as the usual special events including eating challenges, a Kamehameha Contest, huge decision. Wintec’s Huge Day Out 2013 is such a Cosplay, anime screenings and celebrity panels. 10. Entry by donation. valuable opportunity for you to explore your options. Book at www.ticketek.co.nz NZSO – THE LARK ASCENDING Register at www.wintec.ac.nz/hdo and go in the draw to WIN WITH CITY NEWS: We have a double pass to give away to this year’s 23 MAY win a prize. 9am-1.30pm Armageddon in Hamilton on 25 and 26 May at Claudelands Arena. To enter Founders Theatre email us your name and phone number to [email protected] by midday, The Lark Ascending paints a stunning landscape of KIA WBOP MAGIC v. Wednesday, 22 May. the British wilderness. With Concertmaster Vesa-Matti MELBOURNE VIXENS Leppanen as the solitary lark, lyrical melodies soar 16 JUNE over a gentle body of sound. In contrast, Beethoven’s Claudelands Arena concerto will stir you from your reverie with music After their 2012 ANZ that is dramatic and provides our soloist with plenty of Championship win in opportunities to dazzle. Expansive and unashamedly Melbourne last July the YOUR MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS romantic, Elgar’s symphony is wonderfully grandiose. Magic are keen to repeat To book visit Ticketek outlets, 0800 842 538 or in 2013. Get behind coach Noeline Taurua and the www.ticketek.co.nz team as they strive to keep the title and take out the JULIE HARDAKER MARTIN GALLAGHER championship for a second time. Featuring some of Mayor Councillor: West Ward BABY WITH THE BATHWATER the world’s best netballers in a feast of trans-Tasman m. 021 284 8618 m. 021 241 8434 e. [email protected] e. [email protected] 29 MAY-1 JUNE rivalry, the ANZ Championship is a true showcase of Academy of Performing Arts speed, skill, athleticism and teamwork. Support Magic GORDON CHESTERMAN JOHN GOWER Bringing up a child is a delicate thing. Ordinary couple at Claudelands Arena this season as they try to make Deputy Mayor, Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward John and Helen have decided to raise theirs without their way to the top of the ANZ ladder. To book visit m. 021 922 927 m. 021 318 789 finding out what sex it is. Hilarity ensues as a cast of Ticketek outlets, 0800 842 538 or www.ticketek.co.nz e. [email protected] e. [email protected] equally eccentric characters swoop in and out of their DAPHNE BELL DAVE MACPHERSON lives, including a Mary Poppins-style Nanny, a mother MARKETS Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward who misplaces her own baby, and a school principal Hamilton Night m. 021 341 767 m. 021 477 388 without principles. In Christopher Durang’s Baby with Markets e. [email protected] e. [email protected] the Bathwater, parenthood is gleefully satirised against KMART carpark, Ward St Every Saturday, 5-11pm PETER BOS ANGELA O’LEARY the backdrop of the 1980s. With plenty of alcohol and Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward prescription drug use, it is a play that resonates as Frankton Market m. 021 285 7019 m. 021 343 774 much today as it did 30 years ago. Show starts 7.30pm. Every Saturday, e. [email protected] e. [email protected] $10 tickets - door sales (cash only). Bookings can be 8am-1pm - Commerce St made through Hannah Wright at [email protected] Tamahere Country Market MARGARET FORSYTH MARIA (MARIJKE) WESTPHAL or on 07 838 4922. St Stephen’s Church grounds (off SH1) Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward m. 021 616 562 m. 021 341 782 3rd Saturday of every month, 8.30am-1pm e. [email protected] e. [email protected] Hamilton East Village Market Grey St, 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, 9am-2pm ROGER HENNEBRY EWAN WILSON Hamilton Farmers Market Councillor: East Ward Councillor: West Ward River Rd carpark, Every Sunday, 8am-12pm m. 021 318 439 m. 021 276 6644 e. [email protected] e. [email protected] For more events and further information visit PIPPA MAHOOD Councillor: East Ward www.whatsonhamilton.co.nz or scan this QR code m. 021 809 964 with your smartphone. e. [email protected] www.hamilton.co.nz/electedmembers TIP: Hamilton i-SITE in Garden Place are ticket agents for Dash Tickets and Ticketek
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