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1050 days ago

Auckland Council and Mayor Phil Goff pay tribute to woman who gifted Ātiu Creek Regional Park to New Zealanders

Caroline Williams Reporter from Rodney Times

Jackie Chatelanat, who with her late husband Pierre gifted 843 hectares of their land at the Kaipara Harbour to the council in 2005, has died.

The Chatelanat's gave their farm to the then-Auckland Regional Council in 2005, so that all New Zealanders could enjoy access to the Kaipara.

The couple had always dreamed of improving the land and building a sheep and cattle station, before giving it back.

Auckland Council general manager of parks, sports and recreation said Ātiu Creek had a special place in the regional parks network, rivaled in size only by the Waitākere and Hūnua regional parks.

“Pierre and Jackie were incredibly private people who only wanted to see their property turned into a public park. They refused publicity or widespread recognition but were delighted to see their property go from working farm to a countryside park humming with visitors."

Since it opened in 2008, the council has carried out pest management, native planting programmes, established a campground and built houses available for public bookings. The park has also hosted more than 1800 people at the Earthbeat Festival and been development for a wide range of recreational activities, including horse-riding.

"Today we pay tribute to Jackie who recently passed away but also to her late husband Pierre for this vision, for their contribution, for their service to our city," Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said.

"To come to this country with a determination that you were going to give this land to the country of your adoption is a very special thing to have done."

Click below for our 2018 story on Jackie and Pierre Chatelanat.

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1 day ago

An update on repairing major slips in Northland

The Team from Whangarei District Council

Responding to flooding and severe weather has been expensive. Northland’s local road network has suffered approximately $89m worth of damage from at least 10 different significant weather events since July 2022.

We've worked with other Northland Councils to produce an interactive map showing repair of slips in our Region.

It shows that we have successfully restored the majority of roads in Whangārei District and are focusing on 28 remaining sites, with an estimated cost of around $10 million total. These repairs are expected to take 2 - 3 years to complete.

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1 day ago

Bob Francis Wins Senior New Zealander Of The Year

Jane Mander Retirement Village

Seven-term Mayor of Masterton, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP, has been named the 2024 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

Affectionately dubbed ‘Mr Wairarapa’, Bob has served his community in multiple areas, including health services, commercial development, the arts, aviation, homelessness, conservation and sports.

Bob’s award signifies the sixth time Ryman Healthcare has supported this category of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Kiwi seniors who continue to make positive contributions towards the future of Aotearoa.

Click read more for the full article.

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1 day ago

What's On: Music Therapy Jam-Emily Wills/Cici Kong

Michelle from Auckland Central

Learn about music therapy and play music with the therapists in group making sessions. A Sensory friendly space and Kai will be provided. Plus, Q&A session with registered music therapists.
Music Therapy Jam-Emily Wills/Cici Kong
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