| Omaha Park Hearing in Environment Court Finished Wed 10 March 2010 |
The Omaha Park Ltd Hearing in the Environment Court finished just after 1pm today, Wednesday 10 March, 2010. Judge Smith has reserved his decision. The normal ‘rule of thumb’ is for decisions to come out in around three months, but this varies, and although he has said he will try to give a decision as soon as possible this is dependant on other work.
OBC want to thank our legal counsel, Richard and Jeremy Brabant, our instructing solicitor, Chris Allan, and our expert witnesses John Goodwin (with Build Media), Tony Reynolds, John Parlane and David Mead for the preparation evident in developing a comprehensive and consistent case and the impressive presentation of this case to the Court. We would also like to thank RDC and ARC and all their witnesses as it has been a collaborative effort.
We thank all the residents who have come to the Court, and again thank all those who have contributed financially. We still need contributions and urge those who have not yet assisted us financially to contribute to what has been a very expensive case, particularly with the number and significance of changes made or accepted by OPL during the hearing.
Finally, OBC members want to thank OBC President Graham Painter and the whole team who have worked so hard on a voluntary basis, for some two years, on behalf of us all.
Judy O’Callahan
Secretary
Omaha Beach Community Inc
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| OPL Hearing Finishing Wednesday, 10 March 2010 |
The Omaha Park Hearing in the Environment Court* will FINISH tomorrow, WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH. The morning session will START at 10AM with the last cross-examination of an expert witness (ARC's Planning Consultant, Karen Blair). This will be followed by short closing statements from all counsel representing the parties opposing Omaha Park's appeal. Finally, OPL's Counsel have their right of reply.
It appears likely that the hearing will finish around lunchtime or early in the afternoon session. We will provide a final update on the hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, night.
*The Environment Court is sitting in Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court, 69 Albert St, Auckland.
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| OPL Hearing Update - Mon evening 8 March |
Today RDC, OBC and ARC counsel cross-examined OPL’s Traffic Engineer and Economic Geographer / growth strategy consultant and cross-examination of OPL’s Planning Consultant began.
Tomorrow, TUESDAY 9 March, the HEARING WILL START at 9.30am when OBC’s counsel, Richard Brabant, will continue his cross-examination of OPL’s Planning Consultant; ARC’s counsel will follow. OPL will then cross-examine three RDC witnesses, OBC’s two witnesses and ARC’s witnesses. The current estimate is that cross-examination of witnesses will be close to finished by the end of the day.
It appears LIKELY THAT THE HEARING WILL FINISH some time on WEDNESDAY. We recommend that OBC members who want to attend the Court hearing before it finishes come on Tuesday, or on Wednesday morning.
The hearing is being held in the Environment Court, Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court, 69 Albert St, Auckland.
As before, if you have any queries please email us through the website.
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| Omaha Park Ltd Hearing - Week 3 |
The OPL hearing resumes on Monday, 8 March at 10am in the Environment Court, Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court, 69 Albert Street, Auckland.
OBC members are very happy with the way the case has been presented on our behalf. Judging from some of the questions from the Court we feel that our case has been well received and believe the Court has a clear picture of our concerns.
This week’s evidence will relate to traffic and planning issues, with the cross examination of experts for all parties. This is estimated to take 3-4 days and the schedule is expected to be:
OPL’s witnesses:
Traffic - Tony Penny
Growth Strategy - Doug Fairgray
Planning Consultant – Jeff Brown
RDC witnesses:
Traffic - Andrew Murray
Planning – Burnette O’Connor
OBC witnesses:
Traffic – John Parlane
Planning – David Mead
Tunnicliffe witness: Planning – Mike Foster
ARC witnesses: Growth and Planning
At the conclusion of all cross-examinations all counsel will have the opportunity to make a closing statement, as the final traffic and planning evidence had not been received when counsel made their initial submissions. OPL as the appellant have the final statement.
We encourage all OBC members who can manage it to attend the hearing for at least a short time – not just to show our support, but also to see how the hearing ‘works’ and get some feel for ‘how it’s going’. Those who have been in the first two weeks have found it interesting. If you have any queries please email us through the website and we will get back to you.
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| "Mahurangi Matters" coverage of OPL hearing to date |
The March edition of "Mahurangi Matters", just out, has an article p.10 "Tauwharanui future in the balance" about the OPL case, with a photo of Judge Smith and Commissioners Catchpole and Bunting at Tauwharanui during their recent site visit.
"Mahurangi Matters" is a Local Matters paper and on their new website, www.localmatters.co.nz, the lead article for Mahurangi is "Court hears Omaha Park Proposal". |
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| Matakana Service Station re-opens 1 March 2010 |
The Matakana Service Station re-opens today, 1 March 2010 as a Gull outlet. Residents of and visitors to the wider Matakana area will be delighted to have this local service available once more. |
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| Omaha Park Ltd hearing resumes Monday 8 March 2010 |
The Omaha Park Ltd hearing in the Environment Court will resume on Monday 8 March 2010. (NOTE: There are NO hearings this week, Monday 1 - Friday 5 March.)
Traffic and Planning evidence will be presented / cross-examined during the week Monday 8 - Friday 12 March, commencing with OPL's case on Monday 8.
We appreciate the support of members who attended the court in the past two weeks and welcome further support next week. Meantime, please email any queries to OBC through this website and we will follow them up.
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| Press Release: 850 UNITS NOT POSSIBLE, COURT TOLD |
A proposal for a 850-unit development on a site that could not physically hold that number of dwellings, and the siting of a commercial centre in the wrong place were among the many concerns highlighted by Omaha Beach Community Inc in its submissions to the Environment Court on Tuesday (February 23).
Omaha Park Limited has appealed to the Environment Court for a Resource Consent to develop a 850 unit Seaview Village with a commercial centre and provision for a 200-bed hotel at the southern end of Omaha.
The Environment Court set aside three weeks for the hearing, starting February 15, 2010.
Omaha Park Ltd presented its case last week and this week the Omaha Beach Community Inc, in conjunction with the Rodney District Council and the Auckland Regional Council, is presenting its submissions.
Barrister Richard Brabant, representing the OBC, told the court the detailed design and assessment of the Omaha Park Ltd proposal appeared "somewhat chaotic".
"The disjunct between intention and result is painfully obvious when the plan provisions (i.e. 850 units) were not even physically possible due to internal inconsistencies between the area available and the topography limitations," Mr Brabant said.
OPL's primary evidence blithely asserted that the proposal was entirely appropriate yet the site of the policy area coupled with building topologies proposed, resulted in such an outcome being impossible to achieve, he said.
The village was also unable to meet urban design criteria of continuing the tradition of the existing Omaha settlement on low lying land, with the retention of an open space and green environment on the elevated land surrounding.
"The change of zoning of this magnitude proposed should not be pursued on a 'once over lightly' basis, with significant issues seemingly left to the detailed design stage," Mr Brabant said.
The Seaview Village had been advanced as a distinct development with its own commercial 'centre', and a density and form of development entirely out of step with that presently existing in Omaha, he added.
The proposed density was significantly higher than presently existed in Omaha South or Omaha North. OPL had accepted that the proposal could be classified as 'medium intensity' and represented a density normally expected in development in Auckland inside the metropolitan limits.
"The village's commercial centre proposed is clearly in the wrong place to service Omaha as a whole. Geographically the current Omaha commercial centre was located in the most logical place and could be expanded over time. The present commercial activities were finding things difficult from an economic perspective and there was no current need for further commercial space."
"The developers had conceded that the proposed OPL commercial centre was in the wrong place from an urban design perspective, and in fact the proposed commercial centre in the Seaview Village is another example of the muddled strategic thinking underlying the proposal," Mr Brabant said.
The real need in a location such as this was for new recreational benefits rather than additional shops and in this respect the proposed village was woefully deficient, he added.
The OPL provisions did offer public walkways, but there was no indication that the walkways are feasible (with reference to topography) or that any thought has been put into their design.
OPL witnesses were not able to explain how in development of the village it would be possible to alleviate the inevitable pressure on Omaha facilities, in particular the already overstretched boat ramp and beach side carparking.
"Not only is the proposed village quite deliberately designed as a stand alone separate urban enclave with no regard for its impacts on existing inhabitants of Omaha Beach and the four houses adjoining it, but it would reply on existing Omaha beach facilities to meet its essential recreational, parking and access demands.
"There is no doubt that the Seaview Village would result in alteration to natural landforms, destruction of native vegetation and the introduction of infrastructure, roads and high density buildings," Mr Brabant concluded. "These changes will not result in a landscape which is superior to that which will develop under the present East Coast Rural Zoning."
For further information contact Graham Painter, Chairman, Omaha Beach Community Inc, 021 669 265.
Submissions of Counsel for Omaha Beach Community (Inc) [PDF] |
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| OPL Hearing Update Thur evening, 25/2/2010 |
Today Judge Smith recounted aspects of the site visit he and the Commissioners conducted yesterday. Richard Brabant then finished his submission on behalf of OBC, OBC's Landscape and Hydro-geology witnesses were cross-examined, submissions by counsel for owners of two adjoining properties were presented, and counsel for ARC began his submission.
The hearing resumes tomorrow, Friday 26 Feburary at 10am*, with the continuation of ARC's submission, following which six expert witnesses for ARC will be cross-examined. It is expected that this part of the hearing will finish in the afternoon.
The THIRD WEEK OF THE HEARING STARTS on MONDAY, 8 MARCH and we will provide more details before then. We appreciate the support shown by OBC members in attending Court hearings these two weeks and welcome further support in the week Monday 8 - Friday 12 March.
If you have any queries please email us through the website. *The Hearing is in the Environment Court, Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court, 69 Albert St, Auckland. |
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| OPL Hearing Update Wed evening 24/2/20 |
The Environment Court Judge and Commissioners had a site visit today and the schedule for tomorrow, Thursday's schedule will be as advised yesterday: Richard Brabant will finish his submission on behalf of OBC, following which OBC's expert witnesses will be cross-examined by counsel for Omaha Park Ltd.
ARC's counsel will make their submissions after that. |
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| OPL Hearing Update Tues evening, 23 Feb 2010 |
Richard Brabant, for OBC, opened mid-afternoon today and will continue when the hearing resumes, probably at 10am on Thursday, 25th.
The Judge and Commissioners are making a site visit tomorrow, Wednesday 24th, unless the weather 'packs up'. (Should this happen, they will try to proceed with the hearing tomorrow.)
At the conclusion of Richard Brabant's opening, OBC's experts will be cross-examined by counsel for Omaha Park Ltd. ARC will present their case after that. |
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| OPL HEARING UPDATE MONDAY EVENING, 22 FEB |
Today in court (Monday, 22 Feb) started with an application by OPL for an adjournment for them to put forward an alternate Seaview Village development with new evidence to support it.
After hearing what other parties had to say, the Judge took particular note of the position this put the Omaha Beach Community in.
This afternoon the Judge refused the application for adjournment and declined to accept any further evidence. OPL went on to call their remaining witnesses and their evidence is now virtually complete. Tomorrow, Tuesday 23 Feb, the hearing will resume at 9:30am.
Rodney District Council will then present their case.
Richard Brabant, for OBC, is expected to start one side or other of the 1:00pm luncheon adjournment.
Wednesday 24 February, may be a site visit. We will update as information comes to hand. We encourage members to attend the hearing in Environment Court, Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court,69 Albert St, Auckland.
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| Omaha Park Ltd Hearing - Week 2 (20/2/10) |
Week Two of the OPL hearing starts at 10am on Monday, 22 February in the Environment Court, Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court, 69 Albert Street, Auckland.
After cross-examination of the final two OPL witnesses counsel for the parties opposing OPL’s application will each state their case and their witnesses will be cross-examined. These will be in the following order: Rodney District Council, OBC, ARC, owners of two adjoining properties.
Timings are estimates only:
RDC likely to be Monday – maybe in the afternoon
OBC TUESDAY
ARC and others Wednesday onwards
The Judge and Commissioners may do a site visit Wednesday, or later in the week.
We encourage members to attend the hearing and will continue to post updates on this website as the week progresses.
If you have any queries please email us through the Contacts page.
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| OPL Hearing Friday February 19 |
The OPL hearing continues on Friday 19th at 10am in Room 8.1, 8th Floor, Auckland District Court, 69 Albert St, Auckland. The afternoon session is expected to finish around 4pm.
Cross-examination of OPL's expert on wastewater treatment and disposal will continue, followed by water supply, stormwater, erosion and sediment control. |
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| OPL hearing continues Thur 18 Mar starting 9.30am |
OPL's urban design planner has faced a lot of questions today, Wednesday, from Richard Brabant, OBC's lawyer, and is yet to be questioned by the Court, therefore will still be before the Court early Thursday, starting at 9.30am.
Following that, the order of witnesses will be tourism analysis, ecology assessment and infrastructure engineering.
Scroll down through the earlier items below this one for more information and recent images.
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| OMAHA BEACH COMMUNITY INC - OMAHA PARK LIMITED - ENVIRONMENT COURT HEARING (16/2/10) |
The Omaha Park Limited (“OPL”) hearing started in the Environment Court on Monday, 15 February, 2010 and we encourage Omaha Beach Community Inc (“OBC”) members to attend (see practicalities* below).
It is not possible to give a precise timetable, but we expect most of the first week to be taken up with expert witness evidence for OPL, with OBC’s expert witnesses to be heard probably from the beginning of Week 2 (Monday 22 February). We will update the information on this website page as the hearings proceed; any queries please email us through the Contacts page of this website.
OPL Evidence:
1 Stephen Brown - Landscape Analysis
2 E J Van Der Leeden - K2vi
3 Nicholas Rae - Urban Design
4 Dianne Harlow - Archaeology
5 Rob Greenaway - Planning Recreation
6 James Parkinson - Tourism Analysis
7 Nigel Clunie - Ecology Assessment
8 Michael Lee - Infrastructure Engineering
9 Robert Docherty - Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
10 Barnaby Harding - Water Supply
11 Roger Seyb - Stormwater
12 Brian Handyside - Erosion and Sediment Control
13 Shaw Mead - (rebuttal)
14 Richard Knowles - Geotechnical Assessment
The rest of the timetable to the end of the second week (26 February) will be for evidence from expert witnesses for Rodney District Council (one), OBC (two) and ARC. (Details later)
Hearing of Traffic and Planning evidence for both sides is scheduled to start on Monday, 8 March 2010, and will continue in the week starting Monday, 15 March if not completed by Friday, 12 March.
There will be no hearings on this matter during the week starting Monday, 1 March.
* Due to alterations to the Court building, the former access in Kingston St is closed, and the Environment Court is now accessed from the main entrance in Albert St. Take the public lifts to the Environment Court on Level 8; the hearing is in Room 8.1. The morning session will most likely start at 10am and the afternoon session at 2pm. |
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| Omaha Park Limited - Revised Plan (16/2/10) |
On Wednesday 10th February we received a revised OPL plan which attempted to get closer to their target density of 850 lots. This is now the plan before the Environment Court whose hearing commenced yesterday, Monday 15 March.
Attached is the OPL plan prior to Wednesday 10th Feb at 306 lots, as we have previously circulated, and the OPL revised plan as of Thursday 11th Feb at 697 lots. This is as close to “Coronation Street” as you could imagine however it would get even worse if they increased the density to the OPL target of 850 lots.
The third image shows the visual construct of what the development would look like at the new density. This can be compared with the image forwarded with our latest letter which depicted the previous and lower density.
We find it hard to understand how the OPL counsel and experts can continue to argue that this will be an improvement to the existing landscape.
Our first day in court went pretty well so please keep that money coming in as we cannot allow the seascape of Omaha to be a trial for some architects idea for seaside high density development.
Graham Painter, President, OBC
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| Omaha Park Limited - Hearing Update 15/16 March |
The Omaha Park Limited hearing commenced on Monday 15th in the Environment Court. Counsel for Omaha Park Limited opened their case, and cross-examination of their expert witness on Landscape Analysis followed. OBC's counsel, Richard Brabant, commenced his cross-examination of this witness on Monday and this continued yesterday, Tuesday. Cross-examinations of the landscape and visualisation witnesses were completed yesterday.
Today, Wednesday 17th, there will be cross-examination of the OPL Parks and Recreation, Archaeology, and Urban Design expert witnesses, with Urban Design expected to take the bulk of the day.
The court is likely to adjourn some time before the end of next week for Judge Smith and Commissioners Stackpole and Bunting to make a site visit.
Refer to our item "Environment Court Hearing" for the OPL witness schedule and estimates of possible timeframes. We will update these as appropriate. |
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| Art In The Woolshed, Tawaranui Open Sanctuary |
TOSSI (Tawharanui Open Sanctuary) announces the 5th Art In the Woolshed.
This annual event will be held from 6th to 14th March 1010.
For full details see the Events pages of this site.
TOSSI would also like some help to turn the woolshed and surrounding area into spaces fit for the fine works of art that will be on display.
If you are able to help on the 28th, we need a few more paint brushes, long paint-brush handles, rollers and paint trays, so bring anything of that kind that you have.
If you are interested in helping further with promoting Art in the Woolshed please get in touch with Jan Halliday, Art in the Woolshed Committee, 09 422 2356 / 021 212 5312
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| Omaha Beach Community - Omaha Park Limited (24/1/10) |
ENVIRONMENT COURT HEARING
The hearing is to proceed as originally notified on the 15th of February. However the Judge has made some directions principally in relation to traffic, as a result of which the Court is going to hear all the traffic and planning evidence of all parties at the end of the case. There are 2 consecutive weeks
of hearing starting 15 February, a week gap and then the 3rd week starts 8 March. This is also as originally advised by the Court.
Finally due to alterations to the Court building, the former access in Kingston St is closed, and the Environment Court is now accessed from the main entrance in Albert St. Your attendance is encouraged to show the Court support from the OBC community.
We will keep you posted as news comes to hand.
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| LOST |
A visitor to Omaha Beach has lost the following items of great sentimental value:
Engagement Ring - Yellow Gold with White Gold setting and Solitaire Diamond.
Wedding Ring - Yellow Gold with White Gold inset with three Diamonds.
Lost on the beach last Sunday, 27 December 2009 - near the fence line on the beach to the north of the Surf Club, walkway 11.
Reward offered for the return of one or both rings.
Phone Mary, 027 414 3302 or email mary@jafaslawrence.co.nz |
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| HOLIDAY RUBBISH Summer 2009/10 |
The following information has been supplied by RDC.
MASON BINS HOUSEHOLD ORANGE BAGS COLLECTION
Thu 24 Dec - extra collection
Mon 28 Dec - normal collection
Thu 31 Dec - extra collection
Mon 4 Jan - normal collection
Monday and Friday collections for the remainder of January 2010.
Any queries to Mason Bins 09 425 8567
SMART ENVIRONMENTAL HOUSEHOLD RECYLCING COLLECTION
Mon 21 and Mon 28 Dec – normal collection
Thur 31 Dec – extra collection
Mon 4 and Mon 11 Jan – normal collection
Thur 7 Jan – extra collection
Please make sure:
: plastics are squashed;
: paper/cardboard is flattened and bound/tied securely in manageable bundles;
: use plastic open topped crates as receptacles (NOT beer boxes, plastic bags etc)
Any queries to RDC ph 0800 426 5169
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| Whangateau Harbour Cockle Die-Off Management Options Paper |
The Ministry of Fisheries has released the Initial Discussion Paper on management options to address the cockle die-off in the Whangateau Harbour. This paper is now open for public submissions. SUBMISSIONS CLOSE ON 24 DECEMBER. Submissions can be posted, faxed or emailed. The relevant addresses are provided on the Ministry’s website.
To down load the paper either click on this link : http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/Whangateau+Harbour/default.htm?wbc_purpose=bas
OR
Go to the Ministry’s website www.fish.govt.nz, then click on “Consultations” (in blue column on left hand side) and then click on the heading “Proposal to temporary close the Whangateau Harbour to the harvest of cockles and pipi.”
PROCESS:
Once submissions are in, a Final Advice Paper will be presented to the Minister (probably in late January) and he will be asked to make a decision on the matter. If he agrees to a management option, it will be published in the New Zealand gazette. Normal procedure is that it will come into effect 28 days later. |
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| Storm Water Upgrade. December 2009 |
Residents of Ruby Cove and The Southern Isle are advised that Rodney District Council will be undertaking storm water drainage upgrades in these streets.
The work will involve the installation of Atlantis modular tanks for storm water permeable infiltration and detention at both locations. The contractor is Mason Contractors from Warkworth for both installations.
Letter drops will made be to residents in the vicinity of the works, but all work has been programmed to be completed prior to Christmas.
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| ANNUAL MEETING - OBC Inc - Sun 3 January 2010 |
NOTICE OF MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS of Omaha Beach Community Incorporated will be held in the Omaha Beach Community Centre, North West Anchorage, Omaha Beach, at 4pm on Sunday 3 January 2010.
BUSINESS
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Annual Meeting held 3 January 2009
4. Receipt of the President’s Report for 2009
5. Receipt of the Annual Accounts for the period ending 31 October 2009
6. Confirmation of the appointment of a Chartered Accountant to conduct a Review Engagement for the period ending 31 October 2010
7. Confirmation of Amount of the Annual Subscription Fee for the 2010 Subscription Year as recommended by the Committee
8. Election of the Committee for the 2010 year from nominations received in accordance with the Constitution
9. Receipt of Club Reports – Golf, Bowls, Tennis, Surf Club, Outrigger Canoe
10. General Business
Judy O’Callahan, Secretary, 1 December 2009
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| New on this Website |
For NEW ITEMS OF INTEREST on this website go to
1. The Events Calendar - information on
a) RDC's Council Community Meeting on Thursday 26 November; AND
b) Power interruption Monday, 7 December (reserve date 8 December)
2. In the Communications section the re-named: Sports Clubs, Social and Environmental Groups. New to the website is the Omaha Beach Bubs group - you'll also find them through the Directory Pages / Clubs and Groups.
3. In the Directory Pages / Services: new advertiser "Sure Shine Home Services" in new category "Window Cleaning and House Wash".
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| Flooding on Median Strips |
If flooding occurs after heavy rain residents should make a ‘stormwater request’ to John Nutter through RDC Call Centre (09 426 5169).
This includes the drains on the median strips at the southern end,which have been cleared.
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| Agenda - Planning Forum Sat 21 Nov 2009 |
OMAHA BEACH COMMUNITY INC.
PLANNING FORUM 21 NOVEMBER 2009
AGENDA
Welcome – OBC President, Graham Painter
Apologies
Opening Address – Mayor Penny Webster
Councillor Comments
STATUS OF PREVIOUS / CONTINUING OBJECTIVES
1.1 Seawall & Dinghy Ramp
1.2 Boat Ramp & Trailer Parking
1.3 Vehicles on Walkways / Dunes / Beach
1.4 Rabbits
1.5 Signage
1.6 Public Property Maintenance (RDC)
1.7 Footpath Omaha Drive
1.8 Inundation Issue
1.9 Rates
1.10 Storm Water Rates
1.11 Warkworth Medical Services
1.12 Omaha Taniko Wetlands (Kahikatea) Scientific Reserve Walkway
0BC 2009 INITIATIVES
2.1 Submission - Warkworth Parking Meters
2.2 Submission - Liquor Licensing Authority
2.3 Submission - Auckland City governance & Follow-up; What Next?
2.4 Northern End Walkways
2.5 Road Markings – Speed Restrictions
2.6 NZ Post ‘Street Receiver’ & Mail Box Placements
2.7 Security: Summers 2008/9 and 2009/10 & Ongoing Issues
2.8 Christmas / New Year Rubbish Collections
2.9 Civil Defence – Tsunami Warning Testing & RDC Management Plan
2.10 Omaha Park
Dotterels
Suggestions for future – from the floor
Guest Speaker: Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, MP for Rodney
Close of Meeting
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| Matakana Motors Closed Temporarily - updated |
Matakana Motors is closed* until at least mid-January while its three underground fuel tanks are replaced.
When the station re-opens, it will be re-branded as a Gull station.
Until it re-opens the nearest fuel for Omaha residents and visitors is at the following locations:
Snells Beach BP (open 7 days 6am-8.30pm )
Warkworth Mobil (open 24 hours daily)
Warkworth Shell (open Sun–Thur 7am-7pm, Fri-Sat 7am-8pm)
Leigh Motors (BP; open M-F 8am-5.30pm, Sat 9am–1pm)
* Matakana Motors will continue to supply LPG customers as much as possible during the enforced closure.
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| Omaha-Taniko Wetlands Scientific Reserve Planting Day Wed 4 Nov 2009 |
Department of Conservation staff have arranged a planting day for a small part of the area that has been slashed and mulched behind the second 9 holes of the Omaha Beach Golf Course (the southern end). It is being organised in conjunction with the BNZ "Closed for Good" day: Wednesday, 4 November, 2009.
Omaha Beach residents who can help - for as long or as short a time as they have available - are urged to come along, especially as many potential supporters of the planting - and of the proposed walkway discussed at OBC meetings and in OBC newsletters - will be unable to attend on a weekday.
The information below has been provided by local DOC staff:
Meet the ranger at the northern corner of the reserve, 9.30am.
There are 900 manuka plants of root trainer size to be planted in the Omaha-Taniko Wetland Scientific Reserve.
The reserve is beside the golf course at Omaha Beach. The planting area can be seen behind the fence, on the south side of the road after driving over the causeway and reaching the roundabout at Omaha Beach.
The purpose of the planting is to rehabilitate a part of the reserve formerly covered in gorse. The gorse has been cut down and mulched on site, and the aim now is to establish a canopy of manuka to suppress gorse regeneration, and under which a mature native forest can start to regenerate. This may one day resemble the kahikatea swamp forest which dominates the rest of the reserve, and forms a backdrop to the planting area. Until then, the manuka will provide a buffer to this forest against weed invasion, desiccation and other threats. It will also provide more habitat for threatened species in the reserve, such as North Island fernbird and Auckland green gecko.
Planters will need to bring the following:
Suitable footwear; preferably gumboots as it is a wetland and there will be water underfoot.
Spade and gloves if you have them, but these will be provided for people who don’t. The gloves are necessary to protect the hands from gorse prickles, so need to be leather or something equally tough.
Food and drink
Sunhat, sunscreen
Please feel free to come along for as long or short a time as you have available, every bit of man/woman power will help get the plants in the ground.
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| Protecting the Omaha Beach environment |
Labour weekend 24 – 26 October 2009 was for the most part a great weekend at Omaha Beach and many people were out and about enjoying our beautiful surroundings. We hope this is the start of a great summer!
Unfortunately, the weekend was marred by some incidents of antisocial behaviour and vandalism. The latter included the lighting (and subsequent rekindling) of a bonfire on the beach at the Northern end of the spit and the riding of trail and quad bikes on the beach north of the dotterel sign.
Any residents who become aware of these incidents as they are happening are urged to call Insite Security: 0800 OMAHA HELP (0800 66 234 24) at the time.
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| OBC Planning Forum Sat 21 Nov 2009 |
The OBC Planning Forum for 2009/2010 will be held in the Omaha Beach Community Centre, North West Anchorage, Omaha Beach at 4pm on Saturday, 21 November, 2009.
Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, MP for Rodney, will be the guest speaker.
This is an opportunity for you to have your input into the future direction for Omaha beach and we encourage your attendance.
The agenda will be posted on this website closer to the date. |
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| TSUNAMI WARNING SIREN TESTS Sun 25 Oct (14/10/09) |
The information below has been supplied by Rodney District Council. It will be further updated later in the year.
In summary:
There will be TESTS of the currently installed Tsunami Warning Sirens between 12 and 12.30pm on the SUNDAY of LABOUR WEEKEND. Tests of each of the 3 different tones will be made periodically and each test will last for 40 seconds only. The different tones of the sirens - and their meanings in the event of emergencies - are described below.
THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM or reason to evacuate when the sirens are tested!
OBC and RDC would welcome your feedback through this website. From the Home Page select Beach Talk / Current Topics... / 25 Oct 2009 Tsunami Warning Siren Tests.
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TSUNAMI WARNING SIRENS have been installed in parts of OMAHA (the Boat Ramp and the Surf Club), POINT WELLS and WHANGATEAU. This completes phase 1 of a siren installation programme. The second phase, which will commence before Christmas, will see additional sirens being installed at Omaha (between Boat Ramp and Surf Club) and south of the Surf Club.
At 12pm (midday) on SUNDAY the 25th of OCTOBER 2009, a TEST of the installed Tsunami Sirens will take place.
The purpose of this test is to ensure that:
* The sirens are operational and can be activated from the Emergency operations Centre located in Orewa.
* Residents are familiar with the three different tones of the siren in the event of a Tsunami threat.
The sirens will be activated in test mode periodically between 12pm and 12.30pm on Sunday 25th October 2009. During the test residents will hear three different tones each tone signals a specific action that should be taken.
For the purpose of the test each tone will sound for only 40 seconds.
A letter has been put in Omaha Beach letterboxes and a pamphlet is currently being produced which will provide further information on the Tsunami Warning siren system.
The Council’s Emergency Services Team Leader Scott Marchant says that the exercise is an opportunity for residents to learn to recognise what the different sirens sound like. He says residents should remain calm during the exercise as there is no cause for alarm.
Tsunami Warning System - What to Expect in a Real Emergency
The following signals will be used during an actual Tsunami threat.
1. The ALERT SIGNAL ( dash – dash – dot – dot ) sounded for 15 minutes
This signal is used to notify residents that a Tsunami threat has been received by Rodney Civil Defence. Residents should respond to hearing this signal by:
*
Evacuating beaches
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Listening to the radio / TV for information
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Preparing to evacuate their homes/ businesses if required
2. The EVACUATE SIGNAL (dot-dot-dot) sounded in continuous burst for 15 minutes
This signal is used when a specific threat to Rodney’s coastline has been confirmed. Residents should respond to this signal by:
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Evacuating immediately to the nearest high ground: Caroline Heights at the Northern end; the hills at the Southern end of Mangatawhiri Road.
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Avoiding using personal transport (e.g. cars) unless absolutely essential, as this may cause congestion
3. The ALL CLEAR signal ( a continuous tone for 5 minutes)
This signal is used to notify that the threat of a Tsunami has passed. Residents response to hearing this signal should be to:
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Return to their home/business if not affected
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Follow the directions of the emergency services if your area has been affected.
As the exercise being conducted on Sunday 25th October is a test exercise only, each of the tones will sound for 40 seconds only. |
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| TOSSI Events |
You and your friends are invited to the up-coming TOSSI dinner at Ransom Wines. In case you have difficulty in opening the attachment the details in brief are:
Ø Date and time: 17 October at 7pm
Ø Cost: $55 per head, including a $15 donation to TOSSI.
Ø Guest speaker: conservation biologist Kevin Parker, who will give a presentation on translocations and Tawharanui.
Ø To book: phone 09 425 8862, or email info@ransomwines.co.nz
AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEA BIRDS
There is a large variety of sea birds in the Hauraki Gulf, and Steve Palmer is planning a boat charter for mid-December, or possibly January, to get a closer look at them. Chris Gaskin will be the guide for the day – great for those on the trip, as when it comes to birds Chris is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Covering the cost of the boat charter will be about $120.
If you are interested please email or phone Steve in the near future (stevepenny@xtra.co.nz / 09 422 6441) and let him know whether a week day or weekend is better for you.
Any questions, please call
Jan Halliday
TOSSI Committee
09 422 2356 / 021 212 5312 |
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| Uurgent Security Alert - From Insite |
MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM CHRIS
At approximately 1.45am this morning (26/9) 4 offenders were disturbed attempting to steal a runabout boat parked in a driveway of an Edith Place Resident.
These persons decamped from the scene but in the process left or dropped some other obviously stolen items. Some of these items have now been recovered and we are awaiting information from potential victims to have them returned. It would appear that properties that have been targeted by this group are pre-dominantly in the Northern End of Omaha Beach.
During your next visit to Omaha, please can you carry out a survey of your property and advise Insite on chris@insitesecurity.co.nz if you had any valuables stolen? (in particular several large and expensive looking vases).
At this time the Warkworth Police do not have any formal Complaints from Residents who have been affected by these criminals
It is possible that these persons may be associated with or using a red Mazda, Registration number CZZ 860 who were disturbed earlier this week interfering with or trying to steal property from a boat parked up the driveway of a Residence in Argo Rise.
All Omaha Residents, as a matter of prudence, are urged to secure their boats correctly and to remove and lock away any attractive equipment that may be contained therein.
In my personal opinion these offenders are probably based locally and any information concerning possible suspects or suspicious behaviour we can provide to the Warkworth Police would be of great value in getting these criminals apprehended?
Many Thanks
Chris Martin
General Manager
Insite Security
09-425-7113 |
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| Whangateau Harbour Cockle Die-off-Public Consultation |
TWO YEAR BAN TO BE CONSIDERED
A two-year ban on gathering cockles and pipis in Whangateau Harbour will be discussed at a public meeting at the Omaha Community Centre, 6.30pm, this Friday (September 18).
Alan Moore and John Taunton Clark, from the Ministry of Fisheries, will talk about the cause of a cockle die-off which occurred in the Whangateau Harbour from between January and May this year.
Future management options of the shellfish beds in the harbour, including a temporary fisheries closure for up to two years, will be discussed.
They have already met with the Whangateau Harbour Care Group which decided to support the proposed closure for cockles and pipis.
For further information contact Jo Forsyth at 0212 755 055.
The restaurant and bar will be open should you wish to stay for a drink/meal |
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| Urgent: Meeting venue Change |
NOTE VENUE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO ALLOW FOR A LARGER AUDIENCE
We have just been advised that there is to be a public meeting THIS Saturday. Please attend if you can and advise any you know may be interested.
Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, MP for Rodney, is hosting a Public Meeting to discuss the Select Committee's recommendation to split Rodney
Date: Saturday 12th September
Time: 2.00-3.30pm
Venue: Ascension Wine Estate, 480 Matakana Road, Matakana
Everyone Welcome
For further enquiries please contact:
Email: rodney@parliament.govt.nz |
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| Urgent-Speak Out against the proposal to merge Northern Rodney with Kaipara |
From: Graham Painter, Chairman, Omaha Beach Community Inc
The proposal to merge the northern part of Rodney with Kaipara District has absolutely no logic.
It greatly disadvantages Omaha and Warkworth ratepayers, and we must all express our outrage immediately to its author Rodney Hide and our local Member of Parliament, Lockwood Smith.
The ?supercity? Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill is being tabled in Parliament this week and it is expected to be passed on September 24. Please email your views (addresses below) to help us persuade Government that this boundary change will seriously affect the economic viability of our area.
? The economic focus of Omaha and Warkworth is south ? Auckland ? not a two and a half hour drive away in Dargaville.
? The boundary line at Waiwera strips out Rodney?s revenue base of Whangaparaoa and Orewa and puts the political base at Dargaville. This makes no sense.
? The greatest revenue base for Dargaville will be Omaha and Warkworth ? what benefits will we get apart from even higher rates?
? To supplement rate revenue we are likely to see more development proposals like Omaha Park. The uncoordinated and unplanned development of Mangawhai is not an encouraging example.
We have expressed our concerns and dissatisfaction to Prime Minister John Key and Lockwood Smith. We have also met with Rodney?s mayor Penny Webster and ARC chairman Mike Lee. We are meeting with Penny Webster and other community leaders today ? and we need your help.
A Unitary Council structure embodying the existing Rodney boundaries during the settling in period for the Super City would make sense.
If as an alternate the Government is committed to Rodney in its entirety becoming part of the Super City then there must be two elected representatives to properly represent the Rodney geographic region.
Email your views to:
Lockwood Smith ?lockwood.smith@national.org.nz
Rodney Hide ?rodney.hide@act.org.nz
PLEASE COPY your email to OBC at us@omahabeach.co.nz so that we can monitor responses. |
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| New NZ Post 'street receiver' |
Following requests from residents that they be able to post mail at the new shops OBC has taken this up with NZ Post and can now advise that a new 'street receiver' will be installed on Matariki St, hopefully by the end of this month. It will replace the old one on Darroch Slope (which will have a notice on it in advance). |
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| Michael Dow Memorial Golf Day |
This Saturday, 8 August 2009, the Omaha Beach Golf Club is holding a Golf Day in memory of Michael Dow. (Go to the Events Calendar on this website for details.)
Starting around 4.30 ? 5.00pm, after the tournament, the Golf Club will be hosting a casual BBQ at which some entertainment will also be provided: for just $10 a head. They will be unveiling a little memorial for Michael at the BBQ and all Omaha Beach people are more than welcome to attend.
For more information phone John Phillis at the Golf Club: 09 422 7551 ext 1.
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| Tree Trimming 2009 (30/7/09) |
The following advice has been received from RDC.
Omaha Tree Trimming 2009
Rodney District Council will again be running a program to prune and remove trees in the public places of Omaha.
We would to invite residents to submit requests for pruning and removals between;
1st August 2009 and 18th September 2009.
For any request to be successful we insist that contact be made with any effected neighbours particularly if shading, screening and privacy are factors. Written consent must be received from these neighbours and sent to City Care, our Parks and Coastal Contractors who will carry out this work. This request form with neighbours? approval must be submitted before the
18th September 2009.
Forms for submission can be found on the following web site:
Rodney District Council: www.rodney.govt.nz
Once forms have been signed and filled out they can be sent to one of the following options:
Email: omahatrees@citycare.co.nz
Faxed: 09 4269735
Postal Address: City Care Ltd, P.O Box 187, Silverdale 0944
Any request received after this date will not be considered this year.
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| Community Events |
BRIGHTEN UP THE LAST OF THE WINTER AND SEE IN SPRING:-)
See the Events Calendar for more information on these events:
1. Saturday 25 July: Dotterel Protection. 10.30am meeting at the Community Centre followed by a site visit with experts in attendance.
2. Sunday 2 August: TOSSI (Tauwharanui Open Sanctuary) final planting day for 2009.
3. Saturday 8 August: Michael Dow Memorial Golf Day
4. Saturday 15 August: Trivial Pursuits Evening at the Omaha Beach Community Centre. |
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| No Pay and Display Parking in Warkworth (25/6/09) |
We are very pleased to note that Rodney District Councillors, after considering submissions from the community, have resolved to approve the general parking bylaw but have dropped plans to introduce pay and display parking in central Orewa and Warkworth.
?A total of 485 submissions were received on the draft bylaw. 482 submissions opposed the introduction of pay and display parking. After listening to submissions, Councillors unanimously agreed that pay and display parking should not be introduced.
The Council also resolved at their meeting to set up a working group to investigate parking provision in Orewa. Destination Orewa Beach will be invited to join the working party to represent the views of the business community.? (RDC website)
We understand that the bylaw still allows for pay and display parking to be reconsidered at some stage in the future, but that all references to specific areas in Orewa and Warkworth have been deleted and any future proposal would have to go through the full hearing process again.
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| Michael Dow (18/6/09) |
We regret to advise that Michael Dow passed away on 17 June 2009.
Michael gave so much to the Omaha Beach Community over the years, and all at Omaha Beach will miss his cheerful personality and happy smile.
Our sincere condolences go to his family.
A service to celebrate Michael will be held at St Matthews in the City, Hobson St Auckland, on Tuesday 23 June at 2pm. |
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| Whangateau Community Workshop - ARC Findings and Implementation Plan |
Auckland Regional Council has invited all interested parties to attend a workshop to hear the findings* of its investigation of the Whangateau Harbour and catchment, and discuss the next steps in developing an implementation plan.
The Workshop will take place on Saturday, 13 June 2009 from 1.30 - 4.30pm (with afternoon tea provided) at the Point Wells Community Hall.
Any OBC member who wishes to attend is asked to RSVP to sarah.mccrae@arc.govt.nz by 12 June 2009 to confirm your attendance to help with catering.
*The key findings of the investigation are that:
: The Whangateau is a highly valued harbour with outstanding ecological, habitat, heritage, recreational and landscape values.
: While the harbour is still of high quality, the existing situation is potentially threatened by a number of specific but linked problems.
: Effective solutions cannot be developed without a holistic approach.
: An integrated strategy needs to address the cumulative effects of existing and future activities.
: Work must consider the entire catchment and harbour, while implementing actions in particular locations.
: It was recommended to establish an Information Exchange Forum to share information and activities relating to the catchment and harbour through regular meetings.
Based on these findings, the ARC is now looking to develop an Implementation Plan for the Whangateau Harbopur and catchment over the next financial year (July 2009 - June 2010_). |
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| New Beach Talk Subjects (5/5/09) |
The OBC committee welcomes feedback from financial members in relation to two new Beach Talk subjects: the RDC bylaw change which would pave the way for 'Pay and Display' parking in Warkworth; and the Northern Gateway Toll Road.
Select Beach Talk from the home page; from "Current Topics and Members Opinions" see "A Chance to Have your Say" and "A new route south..." , then go to Members Feedback to submit your feedback. Please include your email address and your name; these will not appear on the website.
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| TOSSI - Volunteers Needed |
In addition to Planting Days (see Events section on this website) TOSSI needs volunteers for Bird Monitoring and Fence Checks. If you can help, contact Rhys Thompson whose email address is at the end of the items below, supplied by Tossi.
"Bird Monitoring: We are still monitoring the pateke released in February, and with more pateke arriving mid- May (an unexpected, smaller translocation), and additional kakariki, we are again wanting people to help us to keep track of these treasures. Monitoring post-release is a vital part of the translocation process, and is also very rewarding. If you are happy to make a regular time commitment for the next month to six weeks please email or phone me ? numbers below.
"Fence Checks: Two more volunteers are needed for the fence check roster. The commitment would be to do it once every 10 weeks, and there is some flexibility as to when you do it. If you are able to help please email Rhys Thompson at gordini@clear.net.nz." |
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| Vodafone News for Omaha Beach residents (5/5/09) |
Vodafone have supplied the following information. For details of the mobiles and mobile data solutions refer to their website.
Omaha goes 3G
Vodafone has completed its rollout of 3G coverage in Omaha, a month ahead of schedule. The expansion of its 3G network to Omaha is part of Vodafone?s plans to extend 3G coverage to 97% of the places New Zealanders live work and play by 31 May 2009.
Vodafone?s Northern Region General Manager, Andrew Fairgray, says the rollout of the 3G network ensures residents and businesses in Omaha can access Vodafone?s best technology. ?This means that many people who haven?t had access to fixed broadband can now get super fast mobile broadband, as well as popular 3G features such as video calling and mobile internet,? says Andrew.
For just $1 a day for up to 10MB on the days you use it, Omaha Vodafone customers can browse Facebook, Bebo, TradeMe, Air New Zealand and other sites, easily and inexpensively on their mobiles. Or for just $10 per month data-heavy users, including business customers, can access up to 100MB with a tethered modem or by putting their SIM directly into a Vodem or Vodafone Connect Card.
Customers after more interactive entertainment can access full-track music downloads and even use their mobile phone to watch Sky Mobile TV. ?We?re very excited to be able to offer Omaha residents and businesses world class mobile technology,? says Andrew. ?Whether for home or business, Omaha Vodafone customers now have the best choice for all their telecommunications needs ? from mobile phones and mobile broadband to landlines and fixed broadband.?
For more information on coverage, visit www.vodafone.co.nz/easy.
3G Broadband Extended [the coverage which will apparently apply in Omaha]
By 31 May 2009, there will be 14 mobiles and two mobile broadband products available for use on the extended 900 MHz 3G network. All 900 MHz mobile phones can also be used as a modem, giving access to the internet and the ability to make simultaneous voice calls.
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| TOSSI Planting Days 2009 |
TAWAHARANUI OPEN SANCTUARY SOCIETY INC
TOSSI have 20,000 high quality trees from their nursery to plant this year and are looking for volunteers to participate in putting the plants in the ground. Volunteer Workdays for planting are scheduled for
Sun May 3
Sat May 30 and Sun May 31: Big Plant weekend
Sun June 7
Sun July 5
Sun August 2
Further information specific to each planting day go to the ?Events? section of this website. For a link from this website to TOSSI?s website, to find out more about TOSSI and their programmes, go to Communication / Omaha Beach Attractions and Activities.
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| ARC Planting Workshop 23 May 2009 |
ARC is running a series of workshops across the Auckland region and one is scheduled for 23 May at the Warkworth Masonic Hall.
The workshops are designed to encourage planting projects which establish and restore native vegetation on a broad range of riparian sites, and include
: How to plan and prepare a riparian zone management plan?
: Simple planning solutions?
: Case studies
: Field trip to look at a restoration project
: Riparian zone management strategy, guideline and planting guide
: The reasons for riparian management and important riparian issues in the Auckland region
For more information go to www.arc.govt.nz and search ?planting workshop? or use the link below to ARC's media release:
http://www.arc.govt.nz/index.cfm?58A620FD-14C2-3D2D-B9CA-EA5858882785&objUUID=21F62DFC-145E-173C-989B-78C9682D6E36
The workshops cost a small fee. Anyone who is interested in going to the workshops or would like more information on future ARC planting workshops can contact Joanne Walton on 09 366 2000 x8692 or email joanne.walton@arc.govt.nz.
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| Omaha Beach Golf Club Winter Golf Package (9/4/09) |
OMAHA BEACH GOLF COURSE - 45 minutes from Auckland - has the good drainage of a links course which makes the course playable in all but extreme conditions.
Significant work has gone into the Omaha Beach golf course over the past five years to realise the designer's vision to create a world-class 18 hole course in the tradition of a "links".
The club is offering special winter Golf Packages in 2009:
: WINTER MEMBERSHIP from April 2009 until end of August 2009 only $350.
: SPECIAL RATES for Individual Affiliated Members: $25 green fees (normally $35) with a free drink after your game included.
: SPECIAL FOR GROUP BOOKINGS OF 8 OR MORE PLAYERS: Green fee, cart, a bottle of Waiwera water and a sandwich before you play followed by a meal and a drink after the game. All for only $75 a person.
Call Warren on 09 422 7551 xtn 2 for tee times and bookings, or book direct on www.golf.co.nz and go to tee bookings.
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| Matakana Toilets Opened Wed 8 April (9/4/09) |
The long-awaited toilets by the Matakana roundabout were opened on Wednesday, 8 April by the Mayor, Penny Webster, in the presence of many of those who had participated in the planning and implementation of the project and members of the local community.
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| Free text-based Civil Defence Notification Scheme (31/3/09) |
For residents who may not be aware of the free text-based Civil Defence notification scheme, the information below is supplied by Rodney District Council. Please note that text messages will only be sent once there is confirmation from the Ministry of Civil Defence that the impending disaster/emergency is actually at response status - no alerts will be made at the monitoring stage. This is important as it is of a high priority NOT to cause panic or alarm to the public.
"Rodney residents have the option of notification of civil defence emergencies sent direct to their mobile phones. This is a service provided by the Rodney District Council and Auckland-based communications provider OPTN limited.
The service is free. However, mobile phone users will have to register their numbers to have the service provided. There will be a small one-off charge of 50 cents if registering by text.
The new service is based on an existing texting product provided by OPTN, but has been modified for emergency alerting purposes specifically for Rodney.
At this stage the messaging service will be activated only in the event of a tsunami, an impending localised emergency such as a cyclone, or when a Civil Defence Emergency is likely to be declared.
The only costs to the subscriber are a one-off 50 cent registration fee if registering from their mobile phone, and a 50 cent deregistration fee.
Registration can be made by texting OPTNRDCD to 2678.
Alternatively registration is FREE by signing a permission form available at Rodney District Council Offices in Orewa, Warkworth, Helensville, and Huapai, and you can also deregister by calling 0800 OPTN4ME (0800 678 6463)."
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| Website Changes www.omahabeach.co.nz (10/12/08) |
A number of items previously in the Latest News and Projects section of the this website have been moved.
Reference to new and current items can and will still be found under LATEST NEWS AND PROJECTS and/or EVENTS.
Items relating to a number of completed projects (eg 2008 tree trimming, broadband availability) have been moved to COMPLETED PROJECTS.
Annual Planning Forum notices, agenda, minutes are in the COMMUNICATION section, under a new heading: PLANNING.
Minutes of SPECIAL MEETINGS OF MEMBERS are in the ADMINISTRATION Section under their own heading (below Annual Meeting).
Please note that ADMINISTRATION / ANNUAL MEETING includes Formal Notice, Nominations for Committee and Proxy Votes and Forms.
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| Rubbish Collections Christmas/New Year 2008/9 (4/12/08) |
We are delighted that Rodney District Council has agreed to provide extra facilities this year for the disposal of excess recyclables. The usual Monday collections of rubbish and recyclables remain, and additional rubbish collections will take place every Friday from 26 December to 30 January.
TEMPORARY SKIP BINS FOR EXCESS RECYCLABLES (not rubbish) will be in place by the BOAT RAMP, GREENKEEPERS SHEDS, and the OMAHA SOUTH CARPARK (details below) between 23 Dec 2008 and 9 Feb 2009. We urge residents to use these, and to use them responsibly to ensure that we can retain this service now and have it again in the future.
The information below has been provided by RDC.
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2008/9
KERBSIDE RECYCLING COLLECTION
Monday 22 December ? collection as per usual
Monday 29 December ? collection as per usual
Monday 05 January 09 - collection as per usual
Please remember to;
? Have your recycling out by 7am Monday
? Squash plastic bottles and cans
? Place excess recyclables in an open rigid container (NOT plastic bags or cardboard boxes)
? Bind paper and flattened cardboard securely with string or plastic bags
Any queries ? phone RDC on 0800 4265169.
TEMPORARY PUBLIC RECYCLING SKIP BINS
From 23 Dec 2008 to 09 Feb 2009 there will be temporary skip bins for excess recyclables placed at the following locations around Omaha;
? Boat ramp x 2 (Omaha Drive)
? Greenkeepers shed (Omaha Drive)
? Omaha south carpark (Mangatawhiri Rd, between Inanga & Paraoa)
These bins are for public use and for RECYCLABLES ONLY. No rubbish. Abuse of these bins will result in their removal.
Any queries ? phone RDC on 0800 4265169.
RUBBISH COLLECTIONS
Ph 4258567
? Mason Bins Orange Rubbish Bag and wheelie bin collections will be Monday as per usual.
? Bags and bins must be out by 7am on collection day.
? Extra collections will be provided every Friday starting from Friday 26 Dec 08 until Friday 30 Jan 09.
Any queries ? phone Mason Bins 4258567
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| Matakana Rd speed limit now 80km/hr (30/11/08) |
From Mon 1 December 2008, the speed limit on Matakana Road, all the way between the 50km/hr limits at Warkworth and at Matakana Village, is 80km/hr.
For more information see Rodney District Council website (www.rodney.govt.nz) Public Notice dated 27 Nov 08 Road Speed Limits Bylaw.
The GHD 2008 Speed Limit Review of all roads reviewed this year for RDC can be found at
http://www.rodney.govt.nz/YourCouncil/meetings/agendaminutes/Documents/Agenda%20Minutes%202008/August%202008/Full%20Council%2028%20August/item4_appendix1.pdf |
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| Graffiti Removal |
If you see any graffiti, contact CityCare through Rodney District Council on 09 426 9085 as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of it being discovered.
If you are interested in becoming a Respect Rodney Rapid Removal volunteer, contact Rodney District Council on 09 426 5169, or for more information go to the RDC website www.rodney.govt.nz and the 4 September 2008 news item "Graffiti Busters Wanted", or contact Paul Green, Acting Community Development Manager, RDC. |
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| Coastal Indundation & Flooding |
Coastal Inundation and Flooding Variation 61
Rodney District Council letter to OBC Inc 22 May 2008
22 May 2008
Reference RG/23/1
Merv Dry
Vice President
Omaha Beach Community Inc.
PO Box 123
Matakana
WARKWORTH
Dear Merv
INUNDATION HAZARD : RODNEY'S EAST COAST
This letter is intended to convey the Council's current position in relation to the management of the coastal inundation hazard along Rodney's eastern coastline.
While overall management includes control of land development including subdivision), foreshore protection, building; control and provision of advice, this letter focuses on the latter two as these are of the most immediate interest to current landowners.
By way of background the risk of inundation arises from a combination of factors that would result in very high sea levels along the coast-line, typically in conjunction with significant wave action. The inundation could result in surface flooding, possible flooding of floors, damage to buildings and coastal structures and erosion of the coastal margin.
The combination of factors that could result in inundation to this extent would typically include a significant low pressure weather system off the east coast, strong easterly winds, peak high tides and the possibility cf sea level rise associated with climate change. While this is an extreme event the duration of such storms and time of year they typically occur does make it quite possible.
In assessing any risk, a critical step is the selection of an appropriate risk level. A low risk approach would use the most extreme predictions and would result in the most conservative management controls. However this would also impose the greatest costs and several generations cf residents might never see such an event, Typically this might be described as a 1 in a 100 year return period (or 1% Annual Exceedance Probability) although more extreme events are still possible. At the other end of the spectrum a high risk approach would utilise perhaps a 20 year return period (5% AEP) and would have the most permissive management approach. It would however mean that buildings and facilities would almost certainly be exposed to more extreme events within their economic lives with inevitable damage, personal risk, insurance claims and expectations that it should never happen again.
The overall approach adopted by Rodney District Council is to adopt a moderate risk approach which highlights that - the risk exists in this area but has minimal impact on the existing community or future development.
We have used information and predictions generated by Tonkin & Taylor (T &T), perhaps New Zealand's foremost coastal engineering consultancy. From a range of options we have adopted a 50 year return period (2% AEP) standard which is generally consistent with Building Act requirements but less conservative (higher risk) than Resource Management Act interpretations. Within this we adopted a smaller allowance for possible sea level rise than recommended by Government agencies and the IPCC outcomes to reflect the ongoing debate and uncertainty associated with this issue.
The T&T report predicted inundation levels at various locations on Rodney's east coast based on tidal information and the predicted acted storm effects. This included predicted levels in harbours and estuaries which can be significantly less than the adjacent exposed coastline. The information includes predictions with "wave setup" (the combination of the factors described above) and "wave run-up" which is higher than the setup level as it includes the effect of the waves breaking and running up the land.
Within this framework Council is pursuing 4 specific bodies of work:-
a. LAND DEVELOPMENT
Aspects of the District Plan are being reviewed primarily to ensure that inappropriate development does not occur in areas potentially subject to inundation.
b. COASTAL PROTECTION
The information is being utilised in Coastal Compartment Management Plans (CCMPs) focused on protecting the coastline and the amenity values it provides.
c. BUILDING CONTROL
Minimum floor levels for new houses, or significant alterations, have been based on the modified T&T report using the 2% AEP predictions for wave set-up plus a freeboard allowance of 200mm. Houses within 50m of the coast-line might also be subject to the higher wave run-up levels and are required to undertake specific design to allow for this.
d. PROVISION OF INFORMATION
Council is required to provide Land Information Memorandum (LIM) when requested. A LIM provides a summary of specific information relating to a property and must include information identifying any special feature or characteristic of the land concerned, including potential inundation and other potential or known land hazards.
Regional or localised hazards including inundation, flood prone areas, expansive soils and the presence of Northland Allochthon soil types, are recorded and held in Councils Electronic Mapping system (GIS).
Every LIM produced includes a series of Maps from the mapping system, including four hazard maps, each depicting the target property and indicating the extent of the specific hazard in relation to that property. These four hazard maps are always included within a LIM, even if the maps indicate the property is unaffected by a hazard, as the absence of a hazard may be as important to the LIM purchaser as any presence.
I have attached a wide area printout for Omaha which shows the extent of the inundation hazard using Council's current approach and a printout of the pages generated for each hazard when a LIM is produced. It is important to note that the inundation hazard in relation to properties within 50m of the coast-line is expanded in the notes on that page.
It is apparent from the maps that very few properties in Omaha are directly affected by the inundation mapping, albeit that most waterfront properties are affected by the cautionary note.
There is a group of properties in the vicinity of Esme Grove, The Southern Isle and Ruby Cove that warrants further consideration. They are lower than the set-up inundation prediction but are partially protected by a higher foredune. Determining how the foredune would respond to a severe storm would require additional specific investigation that is not funded at this level of detail.
In addition to the above we have also developed processes that allow the general information used by council to be modified to reflect site-specific investigations into either the local levels or the way that the inundation hazard might impact on the property. With respect to contour information, we believe we have demonstrated that there is very close alignment between the LIDAR regional data that Council uses and local information and this is highly unlikely to result in incorrect hazard mapping.
While Council has yet to consider and adopt a consolidated policy encompassing all of the above points they have been closely involved in its evolution. The processes described above are all in place at this time and seem to be working.
Relatively low-lying communities such as Omaha will always have an expose to extreme coastal events and Council policy cannot change that. However we believe that the current approach, particularly in relation to the LIM process, strikes an appropriate balance between Council's legal obligations and the interests of existing and prospective land-owners.
It is Council's intention that the consolidated policy will be shared with interested parties before it is presented to Council and I would anticipate that Omaha Beach Community Inc. would be included in that process.
Please contact Paul Utting, Director Assets and Facilities if any of the above comments require clarification.
Yours sincerely
Roger Kerr-Newell
CHIEF EXECUTIVE |
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| Omaha Park Development - Update (14/08/2008) |
The letter below was sent out to all OBC members earlier in the year.
Subsequently, Environment Court Judge Craig Thompson AWARDED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT S274 STATUS, which will enable Omaha Beach Community Inc to make submissions to the Environment Court on behalf of the Omaha Beach community.
Dear Omaha Beach Community (OBC) member,
Omaha Park development update
We, the OBC committee, want to thank those of you who attended Easter Saturday's meeting. We had a splendid turnout ? over 320 members came for the update on where we are currently at in regard to our objections process. We appreciate the support our presentation received and it's good knowing our community is right behind us. We will keep you informed of any significant developments as they occur, such as the status of the 274 application or of any other subsequent events.
We also issue an invitation for Omaha residents to contact us to have a personal presentation and explanation from a committee member. Clearly, in the interest of efficiency, our preference would be for neighbours to group together for this. Please refer to the OBC email address above.
For those of you who could not make the meeting, we want to give you a sense of the current position and where to from here.
Background
By unanimous direction from the Omaha Beach community at the November Planning Forum meeting and the subsequent January AGM, the OBC is opposed to a proposal by Omaha Park Ltd (OPL) to develop a large area of property which overlooks the southern end of Omaha Beach. The proposed Seaview Village comprises a huge residential development, which, in the opinion of OBC, is out of character, but, more importantly, is against the principles of the RMA and the Rodney District Plan. See latest montage below.
The OBC has initiated a series of actions to challenge this development. Rodney District Council (RDC), together with the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) have opposed the re-zoning necessary to make the development a reality.
Who is Omaha Park Ltd?
According to a title search Omaha Park Ltd is financed by Providence Investment Company Ltd a company based in the Jersey Islands. The apparent controlling parties are Pamela Raspe and her husband Herman Hauser, both of whom are based in Europe. The directors of OPL include David John Hubbard and Valerie Joan Hubbard who is the sister of Pamela Raspe.
What are they planning?
The "Seaview Village" on the southern end of Omaha Beach. The application comprises 830 residential units, made up of houses and townhouses and apartments in high density and up to 9 metres in height.
Also included is a commercial centre and a 200 room hotel including a restaurant, conference and other facilities on Te Kie Point.
What this will mean to us...
- More than double the presently planned Omaha Beach population
- Mangatawhiri Road will become a main highway
- Whangateau Estuary will suffer the effects of sedimentation runoff and resultant heavy metal pollutants plus the effects of increased boat useage
- Boat ramp is already at capacity
- Negative effect on property values ? the solicitors for Omaha Park have advised Bayleys in a letter that they should not refer to a property at the southern end of the beach as "private, tranquil and secure" as this could be misrepresentation in view of their proposed development
- Bulk of existing native regeneration will be obliterated
- There is no extra beach parking available
What are we doing about the situation?
With the mandate of OBC, we have engaged leading Environment Law Barrister and Omaha Beach resident, Richard Brabant, who is receiving instructions from OBC committee member and Omaha Beach resident Chris Allan from Grove Darlow, solicitors. Also on our team is Pt Wells resident, Paul Dale, a senior Barrister.
We have applied for a 274 Party Hearing, which will enable us to make submissions to the Environment Court on behalf of OBC. This will be supported by evidence including the original Di Andre decision in which the decision was made by the Environment Court that the land should not be further subdivided.
If we are not granted leave to make submissions, we will appeal to the High Court. We are totally committed to not letting this environmental assault go unchallenged.
Our legal team were all involved in the original Di Andre decision and the decision that was made then that the land should only be subdivided to the level which exists today, i.e. into 5 residential sites.
We will be engaging appropriate expert witnesses to support our case such as Dennis Scott who was a party to the original Di Andre decision and who is a landscape and environment specialist.
We will be actively involved with other avenues of redress such as approaching local government to ensure that this matter receives the attention it deserves. We will keep you informed as we progress.
Fundraising
We will soon be commencing a major fund-raising effort and we will be in contact with you regarding this in due course.
Graham Painter ? President, Omaha Beach Community Inc
8 April 2008
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| Urgent notice to all OBC members.....your attention needed...this affects all of us (19/3/08) |
The OBC (Omaha Beach Community Inc) wrote to you two weeks ago requesting that all OBC members who are interested in maintaining the value of our properties and in preserving the beauty and tranquility of our environment attend a Special Meeting of Members to be held at the Omaha Beach Community Centre, North West Anchorage, Omaha Beach, this Saturday 22nd March 2008 at 4pm.
Our beautiful beach is seriously under threat and we are determined not to let this happen.
The proposed major development will turn our lovely beach into just another Auckland suburb. We already have your mandate to act and mount a coordinated challenge now. You need to be informed of where we are at. We need the support of every one of you. Please bring your neighbours if they are members and have not received the communication.
Please be there on Saturday.
Graham Painter
President
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| Omaha Beach - Place Name Change [July 2007] |
Residents of Omaha received the support of the Rodney District Council at their 26 July Council meeting, to change the name of the peninsula to Omaha Beach.
Proponent Omaha Beach Community, Inc. [OBC] is the society that promotes and safeguards the interests of the property owners at Omaha.
According to the OBC's representative Peter Jackson, the name change will primarily eliminate the inconsistencies naming their wonderful location.
Signage from Warkworth to Omaha either refers to the place as 'Omaha' or 'Omaha Beach'.
Another issue raised by the OBC is that the official description for the place name of Omaha is "defined area of low or nil population".
While Omaha started as a beach resort in 1970, it now numbers some 1300 properties with as many as 200 families now calling it their permanent home.
The approx 350-hectare peninsula boasts a beautiful white sandy beach, clean air, crystal clear waters and uninterrupted gulf and island views.
With support from the Council, the OBC is now set to make its submission to the New Zealand Geographic Board--NZGB--for place name change.
"The support of the Council adds strength to our proposal," Mr. Jackson says.
"The most significant requirement for a submission to the NZGB is that, although not mandatory, submitters are encouraged to undertake consultation and provide documentary evidence accompanying their submissions," Council Geographical Information Services manager Neville Perrie says.
"We have done much of what is required for a NZGB submission," Mr. Jackson says. "We intend to lodge within a month at our own cost."
He says the name change proposal has been widely circulated through the OBC's newsletter and website and was unanimously approved at the Omaha Beach Planning Forum in November 2006.
"Our membership of 1150 allows us to speak for the Members of OBC with a united voice."
Shakespeare wrote, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
But for the members of the Omaha Beach community, renaming the peninsula to Omaha Beach is but appropriate.
[Acknowledgement to Rodney Times] |
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| Omaha Beach - Application for revised Place Name [May 2007] |
| Application has been lodged with Rodney District Council for assistance to change our Place Name to OMAHA BEACH - currently recorded as Omaha. This move has been widely notified to our Membership through our Newsletters and our Website, and was unanimously approved by Members at our Planning Forum held on 18 November 2006. |
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| Civil Defence FREE Emergency Notification Service [May 2007] |
Rodney residents will now have available, notification of civil defence emergencies sent direct to their mobile phones, thanks to a new service provided by the Rodney District Council.
The council's emergency management officer, Chris Laird, says the service will enhance his team’s ability to ensure people have immediate access to timely and consistent information.
Mr Laird says that the messaging service, which will be managed by the emergency management office in terms of content and updating, will be activated only in the event of a Tsunami, an impending localised emergency such as a Cyclone, or when a Civil Defence Emergency is likely to be declared.
The only cost to the subscriber is a one-off 50 cent registration fee which
can be made by texting OPTNRDCD to 2678.
Alternatively registration is FREE by signing a permission form available at Rodney District Council Offices in Orewa, Warkworth, Helensville, and Huapai. |
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| 80 km per hour Speed Limit [1 July 2006] |
| Council has set an 80 km per hour speed limit from the roundabout on Takatu Road to Omaha Beach as of 1st July 2006. The new speed limit runs along Omaha Flats Road to the Point Wells Road intersection and continues along Omaha Flats Road to Broadlands Drive where the 50 km per hour speed limit commences. |
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