Water shock, music in parks and Naked Samoans

[So Auckland] Kia ora Aucklanders It is alarming three electronic [SafeSwim signs that cost ratepayers $75,000 are malfunctioning]( but far more scary is the information they convey. SafeSwim is giving us a whole new awareness of how often Auckland beaches aren't safe for swimming. It's easy to be cynical, but technical lead Dr Martin Neale is convincing the information is based on rigorous science. Mayor Phil Goff warned SafeSwim would be a wake-up call when it was launched last September. A [big shock has been how poor the water quality is]( one of our most popular city beaches, Takapuna Beach, with a major ocean swim recently relocating. While sewage is still a serious issue at beaches city-side, Takapuna Beach raises the issue of stormwater pollution, some of which settles in the ocean and doesn't clear away. None of these issues is easy to fix. [The proposed water rate of $67 per year would help]( but central Government will need to pitch in, especially capturing transport-related waste from roads. The solutions will be multifaceted, but, with the population growing apace, they need to come soon Meanwhile down south, PJ Taylor points out that some believe ratepayers' money should not be spent on the [Auckland Council's Music in Parks and Movies in Parks]( programmes each summer, but he reckons they're great value for money - being free to enter and enjoy. The events provide a priceless feel-good factor and a chance for us all to get together in our wonderful public parks and reserves to indulge in a little culture - and to marvel at the talent in our wider community. This Saturday East Auckland hosts the last highlight of this season of Music in Parks, the Open Air Orchestra, with the 20-piece Blackbird Ensemble backing Kiwi music stars Tami Neilson, Julia Deans, Alae, Bailey Wiley and Jessie Cassin at Lloyd Elsmore Park. [Bastion Point 40 Years On]( Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei's battle to win back land and dignity. [They're Watching You]( The unprecedented level of surveillance in Auckland. Saturday, 24 March 2:00pm and 7:00pm & Sunday, 25 March 1:00pm - 6:00pm [The Naked Samoans Do Magic -]( 20th anniversay of comic genius Civic, Queen St, CBD --------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, 24 March 6:30pm [A Brisk Wind Whistling Down Twin Oak Drive -]( For cynics, romantics and those who like biscuits The Basement, Lower Greys Ave, CBD --------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, 24 March 2:30pm and 7:30pm [Still Life with Chickens -]( Mama’s struggle with palagi daughter-in-law, immigrant neighbours and a chicken ASB Waterfront Theatre, Halsey St, CBD --------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, 24 March & Sunday, 25 March 11:00am - 9:00pm [Pop Ping Pong -]( Pick up a paddle and play Aotea Centre, Mayor Dr, CBD --------------------------------------------------------------- Did a friend forward this to you? [Sign up to get So Auckland to your inbox]( [Unsubscribe]( [Newsletter Settings]( [Privacy Policy]( [Advertise]( [Feedback](