Auckland City Council - City Scene - Briefs

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

An exhibition of extraordinary foodART opens on the afternoon of October 5 at the Aotea Centre. Working to a "Food for Thought" theme, AIT students or art and design will create and exhibit a feast of images and 3D art, using cake and pastry. The exhibition is open to the public from 6-10 October inclusive.

ART CHALLENGE

An exhibition opening today, Monday September 27, at the Aotea Centre incorporates paintings from more than 100 Auckland artist.

Its unifying theme is that all of the people exhibiting have had some personal experience of mental illness. Debbie Hager, spokesperson for the group organising the exhibition, says the exhibition will draw people's attention to the range of talent that has formerly been hidden behind the mental illness' label.

The exhibition is one of the activities being held in Auckland City to makr Mental Health Awareness Week from October 4 - 10.

AMERICA'S CUP PARADE

A parade along Queen Street on October 15 will mark the start of the America's Cup regatta. The parade will be a spectacular event, showcasing the crews of the various challengers and Team New Zealand. The parade will start at 5pm, followed by the official opening ceremony at Viaduct Harbour at 6pm. Auckland City is contributing $60,000 towards the event.

PORTS' COST CUTTING

Following a reduction of $7.5 million in net profit over last year, Ports of Auckland is looking at ways to improve its position, with a major cost reduction programme already well advanced. This will result in a reduction of contract and staff numbers and more flexible working arrangements. The company is also developing a number of ways to improve customer service and reduce costs, such as electronic Customs clearance.

Imports through the Port reached over $11 million, representing 68 percent of all New Zealand imports by sea. Exports were 33 percent of the national total.

CEO Geoff Vazey says the Port can offer many advantages over competing ports. "Ports of Auckland serves the country's largest city and is therefore the natural 'in' point for imports. It can accommodate the largest vessels, and offers the most frequent services for New Zealand's trading partners."

COMMUNICARE'S QUILT

Day Centres throughout Auckland City have contributed to this special Anniversary Quilt to mark Communicare's 40th anniversary. A grant from Creative New Zealand has funded the quilt, seen here. The quilt will be displayed at the Ellerslie Convention Centre on September 30, to mark the international year of the aged.

SUPPORT FOR RELIEF FUND

Auckland's Mayor Chris Fletcher said while peace keeping forces are now bringing some stability to East Timor, there is still an urgent need for humanitarian aid.

The Mayor is encouraging people to support the Auckland City Relief Fund. Donations can be sent to the Mayor's Office, Auckland City, Private Bag 92516, Wellesley Street, Auckland.

All funds contributed will be chanelled through appropriate agencies to ensure they reach families in greatest need.

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>