Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

Last week was tough throughout Auckland and particularly in the South East, with many people reeling as a result of terrible flooding. I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by it.

In my own electorate of Papakura, there has been significant flooding causing damage and sadly the loss of livestock and pets. I particularly want to acknowledge a long-time resident of our area who lost her miniature pony.

There are slips on roads, road closures, broken fencing, power outages and wind damage. This has also occurred in other parts of Auckland, Northland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty.

Community Grants

If you have plans for a project, activity or event that would benefit your local community you can apply for a local board grant to fund it. Applications for Quick Response grants in Papakura are open from 13 March to 14 April and Manurewa applications can be made from 6 March to 7 April.

Local board grants are open until 26 March for Manurewa and for Papakura; grants may be applied for from 31 March to 28 April. Applications can be made by visitingaucklandcouncil.govt.nz/funding or phone 09 3010101 to speak with a grants advisor.

Clean Green New Zealand

The Government is investing $3 million in a new campaign to reduce littering and to uphold our clean green brand.

The ‘Do the Right Thing’ initiative will be funded through a grant to Keep New Zealand Beautiful from the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund.

In Papakura, a $24million stormwater upgrade is underway that will reduce flood risk, improve water quality and take pressure off the existing stormwater network.

The Artillery Drive Storm water tunnel involves laying a pipe between McLennan Park and Katavic Park and will carry water to the Pahurehure Inlet. This work will prevent flooding on a Special Housing Area development that is to be built soon.

In addition, a huge benefit will be provided to existing and future residents and the new pipe will cut the risk of storm water flooding and harbour pollution. The project is part of $80million that the Auckland Council is spending to improve the stormwater network of the city.

Click here for more information on the Waste Minimisation Fund.

Click here for more information about Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

Totara Hospice Sunrise Walk

I will be joining the Sunrise walk again this year, on Sunday 26 March, to support the wonderful free service the Totara Hospice offers to our communities in Counties Manukau. The hospice is part-funded by the Counties Manukau District Health Board and so it needs to fundraise for the shortfall that provides extra staff and services.

The Sunrise Walk starts at 8 am at the Botanical Gardens on Hill Road, The Gardens. It is always lots of fun and the cost of participation is well worth it. I hope you will join me in walking.

For more information see sunrisewalk.co.nz/the-event/event-details

Best wishes to all,

Hon Judith Collins
MP for Papakura

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