Waitakere residents proud of eco status

Two out of three Waitakere City residents say they are proud to live in an "eco city".

In 1993 Waitakere declared it would be guided by environmental as well as economic, social and cultural considerations.

Mayor Bob Harvey said the eco city was "never about tree hugging" and Waitakere was the first council in New Zealand to adopt Agenda 21 - the programme of action from the 1992 United Nations Rio Earth Summit.

Firm support for the approach was shown in the council's February survey of 300 adult residents. Deputy mayor Penny Hulse said the survey showed people recognised its work was of value and something residents could be proud of.

"We have accomplished a lot as a council over 20 years in water conservation, heritage protection, sustainable living and design and the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area," said Mrs Hulse.

The poll showed firm support for banning plastic bags and instead using cloth supermarket bags. About 50 of the city's retailers have pledged to reduce plastic bags and The Warehouse charges 10c per bag as a deterrent.

However, only half of the residents surveyed supported free trials of low-energy lightbulbs. The council gave 10,000 away to mark Earth Hour.

Most agreed there should be more education about the eco city aims, encouraging recycling, giving incentives and keeping the household inorganic collection.

Only 5.6 per cent agreed with developing public transport which the council is heavily investing in with bus lanes, upgrading station precincts and building park and ride facilities.

There was only 7.6 per cent agreement that residents should help the environment by using public transport.

More than half of the city's workforce travel out of the city to work, mainly in their cars.

Most people thought individuals could do their bit by recycling and composting. The council is proposing to spend $1.3 million on climate change projects.

It is seeking public views on the City Plan proposal to help insulate 20,000 homes by 2020 to improve living conditions and efficient use of energy and water. Half of the city's 62,000 homes are more than 30 years old and are inadequately insulated.

RESIDENTS' POLL

What should the council do?
* 86% Walkers and cyclists sharing off-road paths
* 81% Subsidised rainwater tanks
* 80% Banning plastic bags
* 76% Subsidised solar heating

How can residents help?
* 16% composting
* 7.3% Use public transport
* 4% Volunteer for projects
* 0.71% Use cloth nappies