Auckland Agenda

Compiled by PHOEBE FALCONER

FIND ANOTHER WAY

* These streets and roads in Auckland will be closed during the weekend:

* Wolfe St between Federal and Albert Sts from 8am to 2pm on Saturday for the St Patrick's Day parade.

* Wyndham St between Hobson and Nelson Sts from 10am on Sunday to 6am on Tuesday for the Muddy Farmer St Patrick's Day festival.

* Quay St between Lower Albert St and The Strand, Tamaki Drive between The Strand and Goldie St and Auckland Rd between Tamaki Drive and Dingle Rd from 7.30am to 11.30am on Sunday for Round the Bays.

* Link Rd, Silverdale (State Highway 1A) northbound will be closed from 4am to 3pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week for asphalt surfacing. A detour will be signposted.

BEACH POLLUTION WARNINGS

* Beach warning signs have been put up at several North Shore locations after the recent heavy rain, which caused 14 sewage pumping stations to overflow. The signs are at Wairau Outlet, Thornes Bay, Milford South, Little Shoal Bay, St Leonards Beach, Helliers Creek, Chelsea Bay, Eskdale Stream, Hillcrest Stream, Stanley Bay, Mairangi Bay and Lucas Creek. Water quality will be tested daily to assess when the beaches are clear. As a general rule, people are advised not to swim during the 48 hours after heavy rain. Beach water quality test results are available online at www.northshorecity.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 SAFESWIM (0800 723 379)

NEW LANDLORD

* Auckland City Council has sold all its pensioner and residential housing to Housing New Zealand Corporation. Tenancy-related matters can be discussed by ringing HNZC on 369-1081.

CHANGE OF PLAN

* Manukau City Council has suggested a change to the district plan, as it relates to the Howick business area. The proposal expands the special character area, and includes limits on building heights so views and local features are not obscured. To comment on the change, visit the council website at www.manukau.govt.nz/Howick_Bus.htm Submissions close on March 28.

HELP WITH LESSONS

* The West Auckland Home Tutor Society is looking for volunteers in Mt Roskill, Hillsborough and Sandringham to help new New Zealanders learn English The next training course begins today. Phone 846-0398 for more information.

And the Auckland University of Technology needs help in tutoring refugee secondary school students. High demand subjects include maths, science, English and accounting, and Mangere and Manurewa are high demand areas. If you can assist, please phone 846-7773.

STREET TRADE CLAMP

* The Heart of the City organisation has been working with First Security compliance officers in a clamp on illegal street traders in Auckland's central business district. Anyone whose trading environment is being affected by street traders or buskers can phone 307-9104.

SPEAK OUT ON RATES

* North Shore City Council is seeking the views of residents on rating and remission policies that the council might use from July. Phone Actionline on 486-8600 for a copy of a leaflet explaining changes to the rating laws, or see the council website www.northshorecity. govt.nz).

MONEY FOR SPORT

* Money is available from Sport and Recreation New Zealand through the Community Sport Fund, for developing local sport, fitness and physical leisure projects in Waitakere City. For an application form, phone the 24-hour call centre on 839-0400. Applications close on March 28.

* Email us information for this column