Auckland City Council

Five Y2K "risk" dates have now passed without bugs appearing in Auckland City’s computer or computer dependent systems.

Auckland City Council deputy mayor Dr Bruce Hucker says the latest – September 9th (9.9.99) – was the final risk date before the Council’s computer systems encounter their biggest test, the actual transition from 31 December 1999 to 1 January 2000. The previous dates monitored by Auckland City were 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 21/22 August.

"We are not resting on our laurels because of our trouble-free ride so far.

"We are continuing to test and re-test our systems, and to fine-tune our planning for the possibility that something might go wrong."

Auckland City has been working since 1997 through a programme for identifying all systems and processes that could be affected, analysing and testing them for compliance, undertaking remedial action, and further testing.

Dr Hucker says highest priority were given to the supply of potable water, the removal of wastewater and traffic control.

Remedial work has been relatively minor, but significant. For example, computer components that affect the monitoring but not the operation of sewage pumping stations, have been replaced.

"By the end of June, we were satisfied that our critical systems – including the water and wastewater systems operated by Metrowater – had been tested as Y2K compliant.

"While we cannot give guarantees, we are confident that we are ready and that the suppliers we depend on are also well prepared."

He says Aucklanders are being advised to follow the advice of the Y2K Readiness Commission and to be prepared for up to three days of disruptions and to stay prepared for three months.

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