News in Brief

 

High praise for KDC food safety
The Kaipara District Council has passed a review of its accreditation as a recognised agency to conduct food verification with flying colours. At a recent Audit, Risk and Finance meeting council staff were congratulated for the glowing audit report they received from International Accreditation NZ (IANZ).

Chief Executive Louise Miller says the result is a reflection of the work the food safety team does with the 173 registered food providers across the district.

“This means the community can feel safe in the knowledge that our food operators and vendors are being held to a high standard,” says Ms Miller. “Kaipara is punching well above our weight, and leading the country in our quality management system. Expert independent recognition of the great work we’re doing at Kaipara is always welcome, backing my belief that Kaipara District Council continues to excel.”

Road work alerts at Johnstones Hill tunnels
The Ara Tuhono-Puhoi to Warkworth Project is advising motorists there will be night time lane closures and road layout changes on State Highway 1 near the Johnstones Hill Tunnels over the next few months.

The works will be carried out in stages to enable the widening of SH1 north of the tunnels where it will eventually connect to the section of new motorway still under construction.

The work, which started late last month, will make temporary lane closures and road layout changes on the Puhoi side of the tunnels.

Road users are being asked to plan ahead and allow more time for their journey over this time.

Planner turns nose up at landfill
Environmental groups and those opposed to the proposed Dome Valley landfill, including Kaipara mayor Jason Smith, are tentatively celebrating the news that Auckland Council planning consultant Mark Ross has recommended to commissioners considering the resource consent application for the project, that the application be turned down.

Controlling the ecological, residual and cultural effects were some of the reasons behind Ross’ report, which ultimately concluded the landfill would not meet Resource Management Act requirements. Though the Ross report could have some influence on the final outcome of the hearing there are still options open to project owners Waste Management, including rezoning the land to a special landfill precinct.

Commissioners will consider all applications during hearings at Warkworth Town Hall starting around mid-November.