Conveniently located on the corner of Elliot Street and Wellington Street in Howick, Kaleidoprint has been providing print services to businesses and individuals in the local area, and beyond, since 2012.
Owner-operator Clint Edwards feels outstanding customer service and product quality stand at the core of the business, and forging long-term business relationships is especially important.
Clients are always welcome to pop in to chat about their print projects, discuss paper stock options and Clint is always happy to offer advice to achieve the best results possible.
Kaleidoprint’s product offering includes self-adhesive labels and stickers, business cards, café loyalty cards, menus, flyers, brochures, booklets, real estate flyers and brochures, annual reports, customised greeting cards, and the list goes on.
Every job is important, no matter the size. Kaleidoprint is able to accommodate short run print jobs and offer quick turn-around times, as well as larger offset printed jobs.
Whilst Kaleidoprint is based in Howick, they offer courier deliveries across Auckland and countrywide.
Kaleidoprint has recently invested in the very latest digital print technology to ensure outstanding quality, colour consistency and high productivity, so your brand always looks good in print!
There’s been a rise in graffiti vandalism, such as this example, in the Howick Local Board area. Times file photo
The organisation responsible for keeping the city free of unsightly graffiti says it removed a staggering 1814 tags from around east Auckland in 2023-2024.
That’s an average of almost five each day and represents an increase of 40 per cent from the previous year.
Beautification Trust chief executive Daniel Barthow and community programmes manager Sterling Ruwhiu recently updated the Howick Local Board on their work over the past year.
Barthow said in other areas he’s seen a decrease in tagging, so the growth in east Auckland “bucks the trend”.
“That comes down to one or two key taggers, who some of you know about.
“They were found and they were prosecuted, which is quite uncommon nowadays.
“We do expect to see now a real levelling off and decrease in tagging in the Howick Local Board area.”
Barthow says the trust provides a “rapid-removal service” for graffiti.
“So 100 per cent of tags that are reported are removed within 24 hours through Auckland Council.
“Anything that’s offensive, 97 per cent of the time that’s removed within two hours.
“So that’s really about that rate of removal and our proactive approach to tag removal.”
The Times recently reported on the police’s efforts to identify two people responsible for tagging on various locations around Howick.
Howick Police community services supervisor, sergeant Brett Meale, said there had been a spike in graffiti vandalism in Howick and Botany involving an offender using spray paint, permanent marker or white-out pen to “tag” buildings, structures and signs.
The first such incident saw the culprit graffiti on numerous locations in Picton Street and Cook Street, Howick.
“The main street here and even the Cook Street art gallery were tagged extensively,” Meale said at the time.
“Countdown was tagged on as were numerous buildings, rubbish bins and signs. All tagged in one night.”
Meale spotted more tagging on a business at the corner of Picton Street and Selwyn Road in Howick village the following month.
Following the tagging spree, police made a public appeal for information on the potential identity of the offender.
Police then executed a search warrant and as a result a 25-year-old man from Howick was charged.
In August he was convicted in the Manukau District Court of 10 charges of wilful damage in relation to the graffiti in Howick.
He was sentenced to serve one month of home detention and fined $1373.
Meale previously said he appreciates the work of the Beautification Trust.
“With the tagging in Picton Street we contacted them and within a couple of hours they were here and painted all the stuff out. It was amazing and they provide a great service.”
Report graffiti vandalism to the Beautification Trust online at www.beautification.org.nz or phone 0800 363 824.
Bowel Cancer NZ’s Sanskruti Zaveri, Peter Huskinson, and Odessa Weber with Carmen Holmes at the Daisy Chang Christmas Invitational Golf Day. Photos supplied Shona Kebble of Howick Photographic Society
More than 100 golfers have come together to drive, putt and chip to raise money to support Kiwis battling cancer.
They took part in the Daisy Chang Christmas Invitational Golf Day fundraiser for Bowel Cancer NZ staged at Whitford Park Golf Club by well-known local hospo owners Ted Waters and Carmen Holmes.
After they’d lathered on the sunscreen and before heading out onto the course, Waters told them such events weren’t possible without sponsors.
Backing the event were Aramex, Hancocks, Jayco Auckland, Paragon, Gilmours Manukau, Clevedon Coast Oysters, Swiss Deli, Barfoot and Thompson Howick, Daisy Chang, The Apothecary Licensed Eatery and Despensa.
“It is a fundraiser for Bowel Cancer NZ,” Waters said.
“Many of you know one of our guys here who’s had that journey, and everyone knows someone who has.
“There’s lots of raffles and good gambling holes [on the course] so enjoy the game.”
Among the people on hand was Bowel Cancer NZ chief executive Peter Huskinson. He says the organisation’s very glad to be supported in such a way.
“We’re a small charity and don’t get any central Government funding, but we’re helping people battle what’s the second largest cancer killer in New Zealand.”
He says the most important thing Bowel Cancer NZ does is stand beside the 65 Kiwis who are diagnosed with the disease every week.
It has a nurse who’s available to talk to patients about issues that aren’t covered by hospital care, he says.
“We’re available on our helpline any time to talk to people and we support a lot of people that way.
“The second way we help is by connecting people who are going through the same journey.
“We support close to 2000 people every year who are in that space. We have online virtual coffee groups and provide counselling for people when it’s a really significant life adjustment.
“We provide physiotherapy and help people with nutrition and staying active which helps them with their cancer.
“Also, if you lose income, and the expenses mount up, we provide Countdown vouchers just to help people make ends meet.”
Holmes says the event initially raised $7000 for Bowel Cancer NZ, but sponsor Dayne Riddell from Gilmours matched that figure to take it $14,000 – a gesture she describes as “outstanding!”
A large number of keen golfers turned out to participate in the fundraising event.
Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston. Photo supplied
Almost 100,000 children in New Zealand are living in persistent poverty, according to the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and based on the latest figures from Statistics NZ.
The organisation says the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction was required to set a reduction goal by December, making it the fourth and final primary goal under the Child Poverty Reduction Act.
Persistent child poverty is now officially defined as “children living in households with less than 60 per cent of the median household equivalised disposable income before housing costs are deducted (relative rate), in the current year and for at least two of the previous three years”.
The preliminary Stats NZ data shows 98,900 children are considered to be in living in persistent poverty in New Zealand. That’s 9.4 per cent of all children in this country.
CPAG researcher Harry Yu Shi says: “It’s important to highlight the limitations of this measure, indeed all child poverty measures when viewed in isolation, as relying on one measure risks overlooking the wider causes and solutions of child poverty.
“One of our particular concerns is the selection of the Before Housing Costs 60 income rate means the impact of our particularly high housing costs in this country may be obscured.
“That is, while this definition will indeed capture many children living without the necessary resources to thrive, family incomes after they’ve paid their essential housing costs are vitally important to discussions of persistent child poverty.”
Shi says housing costs are one of the biggest contributing factors to poverty and “we need to be really transparent about that”.
“Our high living costs are sweeping families into poverty and locking them in there.
“If we’re to truly tackle persistent child poverty in New Zealand we need to take a multi-factorial, long-term approach, which includes the provision of high-quality and affordable housing.
“A persistent poverty measure that doesn’t take into account household income after housing costs misses a core piece of both the causes and solutions to child poverty.”
Shi says a holistic plan is needed to help all children constrained by poverty, particularly those who are experiencing the deepest and most entrenched poverty.
“We need a long-term national poverty reduction strategy with the intent to stamp out systematic oppressions, not just short-term policy fixes, to truly address child poverty in New Zealand.
“A coordinated cross-ministerial strategy must be formulated that includes public housing, nutritious food in schools, a welfare system based on dignity and compassion, and benefit levels equal to liveable incomes.”
The Beehive website lists only one press release issued this year by Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston.
It was published in February and states worsening child poverty rates support the coalition Government’s focus on reducing the cost of living and getting people into work.
“Supporting parents into paid work and breaking the shackles of welfare dependency will be the cornerstone of this Government’s strategy for lifting families out of hardship and reducing child poverty rates.
“We also plan to lift the incomes of working households experiencing hardship by providing tax relief, easing mortgage pain, unlocking housing supply, making childcare more affordable, and lifting skills and education to provide our children with greater opportunities.
“This Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living and helping lift more families and their children out of hardship.”
By Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker, ABC Business Sales
The business sales market is an intriguing one, in that there are many ways in which people arrive at a value when assessing the sale and purchase of a business.
Here are some key methods to note.
Earnings multiples (EBITDA): The business’s earnings (typically net profits) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) are multiplied by an industry-specific multiple to estimate value. This is the most common methodology.
Asset-based valuation: Calculates the net value of assets minus liabilities. Useful for asset-heavy businesses but less relevant for service-based companies.
Comparable sales: Examines recent sales of similar businesses in the same industry to estimate a fair market price. Particular attention paid to EBITDA, assets and stock value.
Industry benchmarks: Uses industry-specific metrics, such as revenue multiples, to gauge value. Depending on the sector will dictate what multiples that are used. These multiples are typically in sectors that have larger opportunities, require lower specialist knowledge to operate, and are less risky.
Each business is unique, and it’s important to have your business broker guide you through the appraisal process and involve your advisors, to ensure you’re getting true value when it comes time to sell.
For expert advice, contact Daren Leng at ABC Business Sales – Your Business Broker of Choice.
Compliments of the season to everyone and see you all in this New Year.
Daren Leng, Senior Business Broker, ph 021 0278 6045 or email darenl@abcbusiness.co.nz.
Police say a person was injured after jumping off Maraetai Wharf today. Times file photo
Claims made on social media that a person died at a popular coastal location in east Auckland today, January 2, are false.
Rumours were spread on community Facebook pages that a person died at Maraetai Beach after several local residents reported hearing sirens in the area.
A police spokesperson told the Times the incident did not involve a fatality.
“Someone jumped off the Maraetai Wharf. They were taken to hospital with a serious spinal injury shortly after 3pm.”
Hato Hone St John has been contacted for comment.
In a second recent event, police say that shortly before 3am officers were made aware of intruder alarms at a liquor store in Beachlands.
“Offenders made off in a vehicle. It’s unclear whether anything was taken from the store.
Auckland Council’s chief financial officer Ross Tucker has told councillors preliminary work for its annual plan for 2025-26 had identified a $10 million budget hole and it was still unclear how some financial pressures would impact the annual plan. Photo supplied Unsplash.com Sultan Auliya
By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council has signalled potential rates increases beyond the planned 5.8 per cent, citing a $10 million budget gap and mounting financial pressures.
At the council’s Governing Body meeting on November 28, the chief financial officer suggested rates rises could exceed the long-term plan’s (LTP) proposed 5.8 per cent rates increase for the next financial year starting on July 1, 2025.
Chief financial officer Ross Tucker said preliminary work for the council’s annual plan had identified a $10m budget hole and it was still unclear how some financial pressures would impact the annual plan.
“We have got some challenges to work through. We might need to adjust some services, some [capital expenditure] and the last cab off the ranks as always is do we need to adjust rates,” Tucker said.
At a previous council meeting, the council’s recovery office signalled buyouts for storm affected properties had been underestimated.
“It’s going to mean more property buyouts, we have already seen that,” said Tucker.
“That means potentially moving money from some of the longer-term infrastructure [projects] into buying properties now, which means more money going out earlier which means higher interest costs.
“There will be impacts on the annual budget.”
Tucker cautioned suggestions for small rates increases for things like events funding or transport projects.
“If you add up a bunch of small increases, it could add up to a number where we are suddenly heading towards a double-digit rate increase.”
Councillor Julie Fairey said she wanted to understand the costs tied to the buyouts.
“We are likely to have increased maintenance of these sites purely because there are more of them and also because it will take more time to clear more sites,” she said.
Council chief executive Phil Wilson said: “We’re on a February timeline to report back on how we’re going to treat the residual land post the buyouts.
Families across New Zealand rely on support from Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ. Photo supplied
Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ is putting out a call for help as record numbers of Kiwis are expected to need support over the holiday season.
While most Kiwi families will be booking their holidays, preparing their festive menus, and planning their gifts under the tree, this year Christmas is going to look very different for hundreds of families across New Zealand, it says.
Each year, the charity welcomes thousands of families with children who are ill or injured, who need life-saving treatment or surgery.
It becomes a “home‑away‑from‑home”, taking care of the practical matters in life so families can focus on what matters most – their child.
But this doesn’t just stop when the rest of the country storms to a halt to celebrate the holiday season.
In 2023 alone, more than 500 families stayed at one of the charity’s facilities across New Zealand through the holiday period between December and January, and it expects it will support just as many, if not more families this year.
Chief executive Wayne Howett says the team put in an enormous amount of effort to turn the Houses into festive grottos with Santa, elves, good food, and wrap-around support for families in need.
“We don’t want families to miss out on the festive season while they’re away from home, so our team and volunteers go all out over Christmas to bring a little cheer.
“However, we’re fully aware the families and kids staying with us would much rather be enjoying their summer break away from the hospital.
“It can be a really tough time to be away from home with a sick child, and we want to make sure the families have the support they need.”
Over the past few years, demand for the charity’s services has significantly risen.
This year there’s no sign of demand slowing down, with it expecting to operate at maximum capacity across all of its Houses.
Howett has concerns it may not be able to keep up with demand in the coming years.
“The numbers from the past 12 months are a staggering reminder of how much work it takes to keep the wheels turning at RMHC NZ and provide help to everyone in need, but they may not be enough in the near future.
“If we were to start turning away families, it’s the children who would be impacted the most. In fact, they could miss out entirely on the treatment they so desperately need.
“Having a child who’s ill or injured impacts the whole family, and it can be even harder over the holiday season.
“Unlike most Kiwis who can take a break over the summer, sickness doesn’t take a holiday, and neither will we.”
In 2023, Kiwi families saved a staggering $9,876,204 in accommodation, food, and parking costs due to the help provided by RMHC NZ.
“None of this would be possible without the support of Kiwis and businesses who donate to RMHC NZ,” Howett says.
“Every year, they make a tangible difference to families who don’t have the privilege of just getting away from it all.
“This summer we’re asking Kiwis to consider adding the gift of a night at RMHC NZ to the Christmas shopping list, to help ensure we can provide support for every family in need.”
To support Kiwi families this Christmas, donate to RMHC NZ today online to https://rmhc.org.nz/give/.
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Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light Face Tint with SPF 30, RRP $50
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Mecca Max Reality Cheek Contour and Blush Stick Duo or Party Cheeks Contour and Blush Stick Duo, $36
On-the-go travel sticks to complete your summer-glow complexion.
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Want more pro Beauty tips? Subscribe to Living Bonita, by heading to our article page bonitartistry.co.nz/blog.
Insurance clients can find their life cover becomes cheaper after bundling it with other types of cover. Photo supplied Unsplash.com Esther Ann
Risk Insurance Advisor Steve O’Connor helps people ensure they have the right insurance cover when they need it most.
As you age, insurance companies consider you a higher risk for claims, which is why your premiums tend to increase.
Additionally, most policies are linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning your cover levels typically rise each year to keep up with inflation – unless you choose to opt out.
For many clients, this can lead to paying more than necessary for their current cover.
However, there are ways to reduce costs:
Adding another type of cover often qualifies you for a multi-cover discount, which can significantly lower premiums.
In fact, many of my clients find that their life cover becomes cheaper after bundling it with other types of cover.
As a broker, I have access to exclusive deals from various insurance providers. For example:
One insurer is currently offering three months of free premiums for new clients.
Another insurer provides two months free cover for new clients, plus an extra 15 per cent discount for non-smokers with a BMI under 24.9.
One of New Zealand’s largest insurers offers a programme where you can receive up to a 15 per cent multi-policy discount (on three or more types of cover) and an additional 20 per cent discount for achieving certain health goals throughout the year.
This holiday season could be the perfect time to review your personal risk insurance.
There are plenty of opportunities to optimise your cover and save money.
Let’s talk…
Steve O’Connor, Insurance Advisor, Insurance Market, 021 862 330, steve.oconnor@insurance-market.co.nz
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush is usually a tranquil place, though on the days it opens its twice-yearly Art Salon, it comes alive with art enthusiasts.
Lived in east Auckland forever but not been to these top spots?
East Auckland has so much to offer, with a vibrant blend of scenic beauty, history, and culture.
Whether you’re a local or visiting, here are 10 must-see destinations and activities that will make your time here unforgettable.
Musick Point
A scenic lookout offering panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, Musick Point is perfect for picnics, walks, and photography.
This historic site, known for its World War II radio station, provides a peaceful escape with stunning coastal vistas from the end of the Bucklands Beach Peninsula.
Howick Village and historic walks
Experience the charm of Howick Village with its boutique shops, cafes, and markets.
Take a self-guided historic walk to explore the village’s rich past, featuring heritage buildings and landmarks that reflect the area’s colonial history.
Howick Historical Village
Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing life in 19th-century New Zealand.
With recreated buildings, artifacts, and live demonstrations, the Howick Historical Village offers a fascinating glimpse into early settler life.
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
This serene and beautifully designed temple in Flat Bush offers a peaceful retreat from city life. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, enjoy vegetarian meals at the onsite café, and learn about Buddhist teachings and culture.
Rotary Walk
A picturesque coastal walk that stretches from Bucklands Beach to Half Moon Bay and on to Pakuranga, Rotary Walk is perfect for nature lovers.
The trail offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Tamaki Estuary and is lined with native bush and birdlife.
Stockade Hill
An historic landmark with panoramic views of east Auckland and beyond, Stockade Hill in Howick is a popular spot for watching sunrises and sunsets.
The hill is also an important site for commemorating Anzac Day each year.
The Rotary Walkway, pictured here hugging the edge of the Wakaaranga Creek, Farm Cove, is a peaceful place to unwind and enjoy the scenery and nature. Times photos
Mangemangeroa Reserve
A haven for walkers and birdwatchers, this coastal reserve features lush native bush, estuary views, and well-maintained walking tracks.
It’s an ideal spot for those wanting to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful stroll.
Ayrlies Gardens
One of New Zealand’s most renowned gardens, Ayrlies Gardens is a must-visit for garden enthusiasts.
Spanning over 12 hectares at Whitford, it features stunning landscapes, ponds, and an array of native and exotic plants.
Howick Pumptrack
Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, the Howick Pumptrack at Nixon Centennial Park offers an exciting space for BMX riders, skateboarders, and scooter enthusiasts.
The track is designed for all skill levels, making it a fun place for kids and adults alike.
Beaches in east Auckland
Bucklands Beach
A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, Bucklands Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
With its expansive sandy shoreline, it’s a great location for picnics and beach games.
Eastern Beach
Known for its wide sandy stretch, Eastern Beach is ideal for family outings. The gentle waves make it safe for swimming, while the grassy areas and picnic facilities provide ample space for relaxation and barbecues.
Mellons Bay Beach
A hidden gem, Mellons Bay Beach offers a quiet escape from the bustle of city life.
Surrounded by native bush, it’s a peaceful spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the east Auckland coastline.
Howick Beach
With its small sandy cove and scenic views, Howick Beach is a favourite for those seeking a tranquil beach experience.
It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk, a dip in the water, or simply unwinding by the sea.
Cockle Bay Beach
A family-friendly beach with safe swimming conditions, Cockle Bay Beach is ideal for a day out.
The shallow waters are safe for young children, and the surrounding park area provides plenty of space for picnics and outdoor activities.
Marian Vosloo is a highly valued volunteer with the Abundance Op Shop in Ti Rakau Drive and Pregnancy Choice. Times photo
The Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our local east Auckland community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero award.
If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible to chrish@times.co.nz.
Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts.
The award is sponsored by New World Howick. Recipients will receive a $50 New World gift card and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website.
The latest recipient is Marian Vosloo.
She was nominated by Pregnancy Choice Auckland regional co-ordinator Rebecca Adams, who writes: “Marian has volunteered tirelessly six days per week, up to 60 hours per week, to assist the opening of Abundance Op Shop and Pregnancy Choice.
“She’s an exceptionally valuable, positive, friendly and compassionate member of our team, always seeking to serve and care for others.
“Marian still works six days per week to ensure the op shop is an exceptionally friendly environment, welcoming customers, listening to their stories, sorting incoming donations, and constantly making sure the shop is tidy and presentable.
“She’s a constant source of joy and warmth and assists our other volunteers with morale and support.
“She’s absolutely irreplaceable, and we’re eternally grateful for her hard work, commitment and dedication to our cause.”
A beyond-the-boundaries guide to an outstanding decade of New Zealand sporting conquest, catastrophe and commentary as seen through the eyes of the Alternative Commentary Collective. Lean into the unhinged world of The Alternative Commentary Collective, where a decade of New Zealand sporting conquest and catastrophe is captured and celebrated in irreverent ACC style. Here is the ACC in full colour, and in their own, inimitable words.
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TO DIE FOR, by David Baldacci
The electrifying third Travis Devine thriller from international no.1 bestselling author David Baldacci. When Dwayne and Alice Odom are killed, the police report states it was a drug overdose. So why is their daughter, who was there when they died, claiming that’s not the truth? When Betsy Odom finds herself in the FBI’s custody after her parents’ deaths, she knows she has to be careful. Her uncle wants to adopt her and as he’s a rich and powerful man, she wants to let him. But his criminal connections mean the authorities aren’t so sure.
People who plan to spend time outdoors over summer are encouraged to protect their skin. Photo supplied engin akyurt on Unsplash
Kiwis are likely to spend considerable time outdoors this summer, with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) predicting warm and dry conditions across most of the country.
SunSmart behaviours are as important as ever to keep people safe, as too much exposure to the sun’s UVR (Ultraviolet radiation) can damage their health by causing sunburn, premature ageing, and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
New Zealand is consistently ranked alongside Australia with the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with more than 90,000 skin cancers diagnosed here every year.
NIWA meteorologist Dr Richard Turner says currently UVR is tracking at or below the levels of recent years but is still very high and will increase further yet to extreme levels.
“UVR levels are generally high in our summer months when the sun is high in the sky and fine days are more frequent.
“People are also often concerned about the ozone hole contributing to high UVR exposure and we do see impacts associated with that as stratospheric blobs of depleted ozone cross the country.
“These blobs are caused by the later summer breakdown of the ozone hole.
“The good news is this year’s ozone hole was the seventh smallest since 1992.
“The bad news is it’ll be several decades before the ozone hole fills in completely, so New Zealand summer UVR levels and associated risks will remain high this year, and for years to come.”
Even when the ozone hole has completely recovered, summer UVR levels here will still be extreme, but a little less so.
This summer, the outlook is for drier and warmer conditions for most of the country, except for eastern regions like Canterbury and Hawkes Bay, where near normal rainfall but still warmer than normal conditions are expected.
Cancer Society of NZ researcher Dr Bronwen McNoe agrees it’s vital for Kiwis to continue to be cautious outdoors this summer as they take advantage of the good weather, and that simple SunSmart behaviours can protect people from the harmful effects of UVR from the sun.
“You can protect yourself by being SunSmart and remembering to Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap.
“This means slipping on clothes to cover as much skin as possible; slipping into shade, especially during the middle of the day; slopping on sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every two hours; slapping on a wide-brimmed hat; and wrapping on close-fitting, sun-protective sunglasses.”
People can also access daily UVR level forecasts by downloading apps including the UVNZ app, NIWAWeather and the Metservice app.
Early detection is also key to avoiding skin cancer, which means regularly checking skin for any new moles, spots or changes, and seeing a doctor if anything unusual is noticed.
For more information, tips and resources on being SunSmart, visit www.sunsmart.org.nz.
Howick Local Board member Bruce Kendall wants more work done to address pollution in east Auckland’s waterways. Times file photo
Few people know more about the health of the Tamaki Estuary than Bruce Kendall.
The Howick Local Board member and Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum co-chair says pollution in the estuary hasn’t been properly addressed by Auckland Council for many years.
Local boards around the estuary recently voted, and will be voting again in March next year, to advocate to the council to fund investigation of pollution in the estuary and come up with a plan to address it.
“The Tamaki Estuary and its feeder stream are rated as degraded by council and legislation requires council to fix them,” Kendall says.
“Anecdotal evidence going back 50 to 60 years shows the Tamaki Estuary near Pakuranga Creek was a great place to catch a lot of yellow-bellied flounder.
“They’re no longer there, probably because the fish food sources have been killed by pollution and have not established.”
Kendall says coverage by the Times in recent years of eel deaths in local waterways highlighted concerns around pollution in the estuary.
A story in February, 2021, revealed an investigation had failed to determine what killed more than 30 eels in the upper estuary in Huntington Park, near Ti Rakau Drive.
Photos taken of the estuary at the time showed multiple dead eels of different lengths, as well as a dead fish, floating near the water’s surface.
One image showed a dead eel surrounded by rubbish including what appeared to be about 20 small pieces of plastic.
The council said at the time they had been unable to establish what killed the eels.
“When we arrived on site, there were no obvious signs the water was polluted and we were unable to establish the source of a potential discharge,” the council said at the time.
“Further testing upstream showed the water was within normal pH levels.”
Kendall says he’s done his best to get the council to investigate and solve such issues.
“From my investigations and statements from council, it appears the eel deaths in the stream next to Bunnings was due to the stormwater pond ‘Waka Maumahara’ at the intersection of Te Irirangi Drive and Te Koha Road getting over-heated in summer.
“The oxygen is depleted and the eels, and everything else, dies.
“I’ve asked council to address the water quality issues and they came back and said more or less nothing can be done [as] it’s a stormwater pond.
“There are several other stormwater ponds and streams feeding the Tamaki Estuary that will also be over-heating and depleting oxygen to eel-killing levels.”
Kendall says he has environmental DNA (EDNA) data that shows there are endangered species in the catchment such as longfin eels.
“I have photos and video and EDNA to show orca, dolphin, sharks, seals and endangered birds visiting or living in the Tamaki Estuary and its catchment.
“If we want to see these species thrive in the Tamaki Estuary, we need to make sure it is safe for them to feed here.”
