Waitakere New Settlers' Guide 2009 - Auckland Council

About WaitakereWelcome to Waitakere, the fifth largest city in New Zealand, with a population of 186,444residents (2006 Census).Fifteen minutes from downtown Auckland and approximately 30 minutes from AucklandInternational Airport, Waitakere is located on Auckland’s west coast and is sometimes referred toas West Auckland. It includes the magnificent Waitakere Ranges and black sand beaches and wasdeclared New Zealand’s first eco city in 1993.As an eco city, Waitakere aims to ensure that care for its natural environment is at the centre ofall development decisions. The eco city vision is about ensuring quality of life both now and in thefuture.Waitakere aims to develop its economy through innovation, including film production, tourism,wine production, value-added manufacturing, the arts, and education services, while protecting itsenvironment for the benefit of all who live here.Sustainability is about building a strong local economy, with astute use of resources, attractiveurban areas, good transport links and a safe environment for all. Waitakere has grown andprospered through the collaboration and commitment of our many communities, and the “greennetwork”, linking our parks and streams from the Ranges to the sea, is a life force of wellbeing forpresent and future generations.Haere Mai! Welcome!7