The government has appointed a crown observer today to oversee work taking place within the Christchurch City Council  in an effort to get the troubled organisation back to normal.

The CEO, Tony Marryatt announced that he would decline a $68,000 pay rise after previously explaining he had earned the increase in pay. There was an uproar from locals who protested outside the council buildings disgusted with the fact that he was happy to pay himself more when there were many people homeless.

After the meeting, Smith announced the Government had decided to appoint former Local Government New Zealand chairman Kerry Marshall as a Crown observer to assist the council.  Kerry Marshalls job is to advise Mayor Bob Parker and CEO Tony Marryatt and report back to Smith when required.

Dozens of people are feared buried or killed after a significant landslide in Papua New Guinea  near the Southern Highlands or the country.

The landslide struck during the morning near the Nogoli base for an ExxonMobil-led liquefied natural gas plant site, north-west of Port Moresby. Exxon has been in the area for some time now and employ many staff.

One local said three villages have been covered while another report says only a handful of homes were lost. Its difficult to determine the exact number of lives lost or the level of damage that has occurred.

There has also been reports that the main road in the area has been cut causing additional trouble for rescuers and locals who want to help.

Radio Australia said dozens of people are feared buried, quoting a Tari resident as saying about 40 people are missing however these numbers are still to be confirmed.

It also said the land slide stretches about one kilometre and is 300 metres wide. This is a significant slip and is likely due to the persistent rain that has been falling in the region. Fiji is currently experiencing heavy flooding after several days of rain.

The company says the landslide is not expected to hinder the A$16 billion (NZ$20.7b) LNG project’s completion in 2014. For leading national and international news, log onto Newsy.co.nz

Marton Swimming Pool

Earlier this year, the Marton Community Committee raised concerns about the Marton swimming pool, specifically standards of lifeguarding.

Last week, members of the Community Committee met with representatives of the Marton Aquatic Leisure Trust (MALT) and Council officers, to discuss the issues.

Anne George, Chair of the Community Committee, said afterwards that the meeting had been a good opportunity to get everyone around the table, working together. The main outcome was an agreement that a formal complaints register should be introduced at the pool.

Terry Hammond, Chair of MALT, agreed that a complaints register would be useful, saying that it would ensure that management could act promptly, and the Trust Board would then have a useful record, which it could measure performance against.

The standards for PoolSafe accreditation – which Marton pool has achieved – were outlined. Other suggestions for improving the service at the pool were discussed.

Court Appearance After Hostage Rescue In New Lynn

A 35 year old Auckland man has been charged with three counts of kidnapping, after he held three males hostage in New Lynn.

Police say at about 8.12am Tuesday 10 July 2007, a man who was armed with a gun, entered an automotive workshop in the industrial sector, and took the three victims aged 17, 19, and 53, years, hostage.

After almost three hours negotiation, Police forcefully entered the building and successfully rescued the hostages. The alleged offender was subdued and arrested. No shots were fired and there were no injuries. Victim Support is assisting the three men to recover after their ordeal.

Police say the Armed Offenders Unit, police dogs, hostage negotiators, Eagle helicopter, and officers from Auckland and Henderson were all actively involved. It was a major police emergency operation.

Police are now appealing to the public for sightings of the alleged male offender minutes prior to the hostage incident taking place.

“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a man with a gun. A Police officer was chasing the man on foot. They were near the corner of Portage Road and Great North Road, New Lynn at the time. Anyone who observed this particular incident is asked to contact the Avondale Police as soon as possible on their number at 09 820 5700.”

“The arrested man will appear in the Auckland District Court today on three charges of kidnapping, one charge of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, one charge of failing to stop, and one charge of reckless driving. Police are not ruling out further charges in their ongoing investigation.”

Trash to Fashion – “Gap Year”

Waitakere City Council’s Trash to Fashion show is to take a “gap year” after a decade of eco-friendly entertainment.

Trash to Fashion has grown from humble beginnings to become a unique and valuable programme for the Waitakere City community.

To reach its full potential – progressing the community education programme, re-energising the show and placing the programme on a more commercially viable footing – Waitakere City Council has decided the Trash to Fashion programme is to make 2007 its “Gap Year”.

Waitakere City Council’s Manager Arts, Naomi McCleary, says the Council has been delighted with the progress of the Trash to Fashion programme since its inception.

“Taking a time out will allow time for everyone involved in Trash to Fashion to examine the different options for expanding and refreshing the programme, and to develop a three-year plan to realise the full potential of this unique initiative.”

The Council has also decided to look into whether a community trust of some sort would be appropriate to partner with the Council and Keep Waitakere Beautiful in running the event in the future.

Ms McCleary emphasises that the gap year does not impact the youth education programme, which will kick off in later this month and culminate in a schools event later in the year. But for 2007 there will not be a

Last chance for feedback on Aotea Square new look

There are only five days left for people to have their say on Aotea Square’s proposed new look. Public consultation on the draft design to revitalise Auckland’s civic square closes this Friday, 1 August, at 5pm.

The council is seeking comments on design aspects such as the proposed trees, paving, seating, lighting and relocation of art works.

There has been strong interest since public consultation on the Aotea Square draft design opened on 10 July, with hundreds of people providing feedback online or by post.

The $25 million square upgrade is part of an estimated $80 million project that includes repairing the Civic car park roof ($45 million) and improving the front of the Aotea Centre ($10 million).

People can view the draft design and have their say by:

Leadership United Behind Stadium

Community leaders have united in support of construction starting on the new Otago Stadium next year in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, Otago Regional Council Chairman Stephen Cairns and Stadium Trust Chairman Malcolm Farry said now was the time for the region to seize the opportunity to showcase the region to the world and build a community asset of enduring value.

“Time is of the essence. The Councils have set a target that 60% of private sector funding be committed by 2 February 2009.

“We now need the 1,600 individuals and businesses who have registered interested to convert those into signed contracts as early as possible to give confidence we can meet the February deadline.

“We thank the over 350 people and organisations who have already signed up for lounge memberships and corporate suites in the Otago Stadium.

“Our challenge is simple. Let’s join together and get behind the stadium.

“We’ve done the hard work, the land is secured, design is near-completion, a preferred contractor has been appointed, the University has made its commitment to build student and teaching facilities onsite.

“Together, we are sending a clear message to the country that Otago is determined to develop a modern, multipurpose, fully enclosed stadium for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors. We are a region with a proud heritage and a bright future.

“The Councils are fully aware of the need for prudent management in the current economic environment. That means we have to look for opportunities for growth, to invest in projects that will provide enduring value to the region for generations to come and which will provide over 600 jobs at a time of economic uncertainty.

“We believe, given that the Otago Stadium project is well-advanced, it will be a strong candidate to attract central government investment as part of regional economic development and New Zealand’s preparation for 2011 Rugby World Cup.

“Dunedin and Otago cannot afford to miss out on the opportunities to host a wide range of events and the economic benefits they provide. We have to make our own luck as a region and create opportunities for a vibrant future.”

Busway Traffic Bulletin: 2 to 8 June 2007

Transit New Zealand advises motorists of next week’s proposed closures for work on State Highway 1 for Northern Busway construction (weather permitting).

ONEWA RD Southbound off-ramp from SH1 to Onewa Rd – CLOSED FOR NEXT 18 MONTHS – to allow for construction works.

- Motorists are advised to use alternative routes

Tuesday 5 – Thursday 7 June Southbound on-ramp from Onewa Rd to SH1 – CLOSED – overnight from 9pm until 5am the following morning for link project works.

- Motorists are advised to follow the diversion route via Esmonde Rd on-ramp southbound

NORTHCOTE RD Thursday 7 June Southbound on-ramp from Northcote Rd to SH1 – CLOSED – overnight from 9pm until 5am for water care works.

- Motorists are advised to follow the diversion route via Esmonde Rd on-ramp southbound

NORTHCOTE RD – ESMONDE RD Thursday 7 June SH1 southbound lanes from Northcote Rd to Esmonde Rd SH1 – CLOSED – overnight from 10pm until 5am for water care works.

- Motorists are advised to follow the diversion route via Northcote Rd off-ramp southbound to the Esmonde Road on-ramp southbound

TRISTRAM AVE Wednesday 6 June Southbound on-ramp from Tristram Ave to SH1 – CLOSED – overnight from 9pm until 5am for barrier deployment.

- Motorists are advised to follow the diversion via Northcote Rd on-ramp southbound

- If unforeseen circumstances prevent work at the above time, the closure will be on Tuesday 5 & Thursday 7 June

CONSTELLATION DR Tuesday 5 June Southbound on-ramp from Constellation Dr to SH1 – CLOSED – overnight from 10pm until 5am for barrier deployment.

- Motorists are advised to follow the diversion via Tristram Ave on-ramp southbound

- If unforeseen circumstances prevent work at the above time, the closure will be on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 June

CONSTELLATION DR – TRISTRAM AVE Tuesday 5 June SH1 southbound lanes from Constellation Dr to Tristram Ave – CLOSED -overnight from 10pm until 5am for barrier deployment.

- Motorists are advised to follow the diversion via Constellation Dr off-ramp southbound

- If unforeseen circumstances prevent work at the above time, the closure will be on Wednesday 6 or Thursday 7 June

The above dates include contingency dates, and diversion routes are subject to change. Work planned for adjacent junctions will be reviewed daily to ensure that no two consecutive over bridges or interchanges are closed at the same time & the correct diversions are in place.

Road users are requested to use the sign posted detours whilst the closures are in operation.

Transit New Zealand apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Transit New Zealand Northern Busway Senior Project Manager Mark Johnson (09) 486 0054.

Visit or for more information on the project.

Witnesses to fire at a Ruakaka sought

Whang

Sea travels across the Pacific inspires artist

The creation of a large installation to adorn Waitakere City Council’s civic building has been a journey for artist Fatu Feu’u, reminiscent of that taken by his ancestors, who inspired the piece.

Folau, officially unveiled last night, pays homage to the importance sailing and the sea plays in Pacific culture and is an interpretation of the migration of Pacific peoples to Waitakere.

“It alludes to the adventures and travels of the people of the Pacific as well as the many tools they would have used to navigate, fish and sail their way here,” says Mr Feu’u

“It’s been a big project,” the Waitakere Art Laureate says of the 12-month process.

“It’s probably the largest installation I have ever done and I’ve made several models and even re-did the whole thing at one stage because it just wasn’t right.

“But I am pleased with the way it has turned out and I hope others get enjoyment out of it too.”

Folau is made up of several different components from the large totem-like panels representing a house, a stick map representing the type of map used for navigation and painted copper representing the sea.

“I’ve also tried to incorporate traditional art styles of the Pacific and when you look at it you can see examples of carving, tapa designs, tattoo and the use of shells and natural fibres from the Pacific,” says the Samoan artist.

Highly-polished shells gathered from northern New Caledonia, Rarotonga and Tahiti are not just for decoration but represent shells being shone in the water to attract fish.

In unveiling the piece, Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey paid tribute to the rich culture and colour the Pacific community bring to the city.

“This piece is about aroha, it’s about your culture and our culture and a chance to recognise Waitakere’s Pacific people.

“You have created a gift for future generations, who when they walk through here are going to be dazzled by this,” he said.

Waitakere City Council commissioned Mr Feu’u in 2007 to create a piece for its Waitakere Central civic centre to represent the Pacific community in Waitakere.

The 12 metre Folau has been installed on the wall of the air bridge near the council chambers.