Media Release
13 June 2005

Sunday is Open House Day in Manukau

Starting this month, Manukau, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland will each open the doors of significant buildings and sites in their cities to the public. This 'look behind the scenes' in Manukau takes place this Sunday, 19 June at te tuhi - the mark, Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant, Streetsmart recycling plant and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple.

‘Open House’ – a Year of the Built Environment 2005 event - is a chance for the public to learn about the stories behind places they have passed a hundred times, wondering what goes on inside. The buildings and sites illustrate the themes of the Year of the Built Environment 2005.

Open House sites provide a snapshot of where New Zealand has come from and where it is going in terms of its built environment. Collectively, they tell the stories of how we have lived and contributed to the development of our country and how we might live in the future.

The sites depict the range of uses and services to be found in our urban areas: new ways to live, improved ways to learn, the infrastructure required to make cities work, traditional and new places of worship, and the mercantile development of this country.

Entry to ‘Open House’ is free and expert hosts are on hand to tell their special story. Venue details and information attached.

Ends

Notes for editors:

Venue details are as follows:

te tuhi - the mark
13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga, Manukau City

A successful coming together of the Fisher Gallery and Pakuranga Community Centre.

COME TO: Front entrance

OPEN: 10am - 4pm (Hear architect Ivan Mercep speak at 11am.)

The Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant
500 Island Road, Mangere

This $450m scheme has given Manukau Harbour back to the people of Auckland. Enjoy a film and bus tour around the Wastewater Treatment Plant

COME TO: The visitor centre.

TOURS: Every half hour from 10am to 4pm

Details of hazards the public should be aware of:
Public will be contained within Admin Section/Visitors Centre and thereafter on bus

Streetsmart
192 James Fletcher Drive, Otahuhu
That recycling bin we all fill weekly - where does it all go?

COME TO: Main Entrance. Proper shoes please. Parents need to supervise children.

OPEN: 10am - 5pm, last admission 4pm.

Details of hazards the public should be aware of:
This is a factory floor and has machinery and other objects in an environment that is not typically a place where the public visit
Good footwear is essential
Parents need to supervise their children on the site

Security issues to protect the site:
All plant is turned off
No climbing on plant or platforms
No touching or wandering off

Fo Guang Shan Temple (Buddhist Temple)
2 Stancombe Road, East Tamaki

You’ve driven past often enough, now come inside and see it! It’s sneak preview as parts are still under construction. The courtyard, the buildings and atmosphere transport you to a different world. Site development plans for neighbouring Barry Curtis Park (part of the Flatbush development) will also be on display, courtesy of Auckland City Council.

COME TO: Main temple entrance

BUDDHIST SERVICE: 10am to Noon

TOURS:
Hourly from 1pm - 4pm
Manukau City Council's plans for Barry Curtis Park also on display
Free shuttle bus available from the bus loop at Westfield Manukau Mall leaving every hour on the half hour starting at 9:30am. Return trips from the Temple leaving every hour on the hour starting at 10am.

Details of hazards the public should be aware of:
Main Shine Building is out of bounds
Please do not enter areas with "No Entry" signs
As this site is still under construction, we will try to ensure all safety measures are in place
We cannot be held responsible and entry is at your own risk especially at the cordoned off areas

Security issues to protect the site:
Do not touch Buddha Statues and implements (bell, drums and other instruments) in the Shrine Hall

Additional notes for editors - Year of the Built Environment 2005:

The built environment is the house we live in, the office, school or shop we work in, the cafe and theatre we relax in and all the spaces between. The built environment contributes to the activity and energy that makes life in cities hum. By celebrating it we will better understand the forces that shape the environments we create.

2005 is The Year of the Built Environment in New Zealand (YBE2005). It focuses public attention on our achievements in the built environment and fosters greater understanding of how we can make more liveable and sustainable environments for ourselves and future New Zealanders.

YBE2005 embraces whole communities and has the support of various sectors who play a part in creating our built environment. The Ministry for the Environment is working together with these organisations to present a programme of events to celebrate YBE2005 including public lectures, design competitions, conferences, awards and training opportunities. The flagship event is a nationwide public event called ‘Open House’.

For more information on Open House and the Year of the Built Environment 2005 visit www.ybe.org.nz

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