My board report this month is a selection of photos covering April events in the Waitematā Local Board area.
“We will remember them” ANZAC day dawn ceremony at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Shale Chambers and I laid the wreath at the Grey Lynn RSC on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board
Sarah Smuts Kennedy addresses the honey harvest gathering
The honey from the hives that formed the The Park project (Waitemata Local Board POP project 2014) was harvested and distributed to those who had contributed “pollen hotels” at an event in Victoria Park on 4 April
The Open Streets event on 12 April opened up Quay street for people to play, socialise, walk and cycle. The Auckland Transport hosted and Waitemata Local Board supported event attracted over 30,000 people.
Photo left with Kathryn King, Auckland Transport’s new walking & cycling manager and Auckland’s bike riding police officers.
The St James lobby opened with a celebration on 10 April hosted by the Auckland Notable Properties Trust. The Trust and the St James Suite development group are working to restore the St James Theatre.
Photo with the Deputy Mayor and Jhun Si, General Manager, St James Suites
A dawn blessing was held on 23 April to mark the start of work on the Nelson Street cycle route.Kaumatua from Ngati Whatua o Orakei, Te Aki Tai, Ngati Paoa and Te Kawerau a Maki led the blessing which took place on the disused Nelson Street off-ramp.
The Nelson Street Cycle Route will link Upper Queen Street to Quay Street via the disused off-ramp and connect to the north-western and Grafton Gully cycleways.
Construction of the new Parnell Station got underway at Easter
Construction of the Beach Road Stage 2 walking and cycling project got underway during April.
Photo left: Board member Vernon Tava talks to a Freemans Bay resident
Long Term Plan presentation to the Governing Body by Shale Chambers with Board members in support
(photo credit: Cathy Casey)
Tour of the refurbished Lysaght building, Wynyard Quarter hosted by Waterfront Auckland (new home of GridAKL)
Auckland Conversations: Charles Montgomery author of Happy City
“A happy city is healthy sustainable, resilient and social”
“Walking is the magic of our cities”
“Nothing matters more to happiness than social ties”
“Socially connected people live, on average, 15 years longer than socially disconnected people”
“Walking saves society $1.08, bus saves $0.16, cars cost society $2.78”
Unveiling of the Art of remembrance memorial project by the Friends of St David on 24 April.
A monumental, site-specific Max Gimblett art installation
cloaks the historic St David’s Church – The Soldiers’ Memorial–
to commemorate the 100,000 New Zealanders who served overseas in WWI.
Aucklanders are going to be blown away by the cycling project that got started on 23 April. The Nelson Street cycleway will provide an off road connection from where the Grafton Gully cycleway exists on Upper Queen Street all the way to the waterfront via a bridge connecting Canada St with the old Nelson Street motorway off- ramp and a new separated cycleway down Nelson Street. We are not far off being able to circle the city by bike. Can’t wait!
Media Release NZTA
Nelson Street Cycle Route Gets Underway
A dawn blessing has marked the start of work on the Nelson Street Cycle Route.
Kaumatua from Ngati Whatua o Orakei, Te Aki Tai, Ngati Paoa and Te Kawerau a Maki led the blessing which took place on the disused Nelson Street off-ramp.
The Nelson Street Cycle Route will link Upper Queen Street to Quay Street via the disused off-ramp and connect to the north-western and Grafton Gully cycleways, providing easier and safer access to and from the city centre.
The project will be delivered in partnership with Auckland Transport and delivered in two phases.
Phase one will see the construction of a bridge from Canada Street, connecting with the old Nelson Street motorway off-ramp and continuing as a separated two-way cycle path along the western side of Nelson Street to Victoria Street.
Construction of the bridge is first to get underway. It will be built off-site and when completed will be put in place overnight.
Phase two will extend the separated cycle path from Victoria Street down to Quay Street and will also provide a link along Pitt Street to join Karangahape Road and Union Street.
Canada Street preparation for the bridge to connect to the old Nelson St off ramp
Construction of the cycleway from Canada Street to Union Street will be undertaken by Hawkins Construction. The completion of Phase one to Victoria Street is expected late this year and phase two by the middle of next year.
Looking across to the old Nelson St off ramp to be connected from Canada St
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during March 2015 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association Board and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee and Board liaison for the Parnell Community Centre.
Hon Nikki Kaye cuts the ribbon with Freemans Bays school students
Bikes in Schools: opening of a new bike track at Freemans Bay School
One of the highlights of the month was attending the bike track opening at Freemans Bay School on 20 March. This is the first bike track in the Waitematā area supported by the Bikes in Schools Trust. It was wonderful to see how excited the kids are to ride a bike. For many of the kids at the school who live in the city centre the track offers them the only safe opportunity to cycle.
Portfolio Report: Transport
RLTP Presentation
All local boards and key stakeholders were given the opportunity to present to an Auckland Transport hearings panel on the draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2015 -2025 (RLTP) as part of the consultation process.
I presented with the Chair on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board on 10 March (Presentation attached as Attachment B). As I mentioned in my introduction to the presentation it was a slightly bizarre process to present before the end of the public consultation period and before we had finalised our submission. A copy of the Board’s final submission submitted on 16 March is attached to the April agenda.
Franklin Road
Auckland Transport presented the feedback on the proposed Franklin road upgrade design and the revised options developed on the back of that feedback at a meeting with Franklin Road residents on 9 March.
Overall the residents at the meeting were positive about the new designs but were strongly opposed to cycle lanes due to safety concerns. These concerns were outlined in a presentation to the Local Board public forum at the March business meeting on 10 March. Auckland Transport undertook to do a safety audit to ensure the final design is safe and is able to cater for all users.
Intersection of Curran St & Sarsfield St
For many years residents near to the intersection of Curran St and Sarsfield St have been seeking improvements to slow down drivers who speed up on the approach to the Harbour Bridge. Unfortunately it took a serious crash in February for Auckland Transport to respond.
I arranged a site meeting on 2 March with residents and Auckland Transport representatives to discuss the various concerns about the intersection. On 30 March Auckland Transport responded at a follow-up meeting with a concept design which was positively received. Once the feedback from the meeting has been collated by the Herne Bay Residents Association the design will be finalised by AT for formal consultation.
Portfolio report: Community Development
Empowered Communities Approach
A whole new way for Council to work called “Empowered Communities Approach” is currently being tested with the Community Development and Safety Team.
Local Board members have been briefed and workshops held with the community (I attended the workshop for ethnic migrants) to explain the details and the opportunities arising from this approach. As it is a major shift for Council I have included the following key messages about the new approach in my report:
Why we are doing this:
Supporting community-led development.
Working with communities to develop leadership, skills and capacity is a priority for Auckland Council under the Strengthen Communities goals of the Auckland Plan.
Mayor Len Brown proposed under the Long-Term Plan (2015-2025) to change how Auckland Council works around community development.
Much research and community consultation has been done by Auckland Council around empowering communities – the ECA is building on this work to bring it to life.
While we are developing a ‘whole of council approach’ Community Development and Safety are the first team to have this approach applied.
Purpose of engaging with communities:
You know what you need and want and, in turn, we need to hear that from you.
We would like to hear what you feel about the direction the ECP is taking and what it means for your communities.
Every community is different – a one-size-fits-all approach will not work across Auckland.
Council needs to be more responsive and flexible around community needs and priorities.
Resources and capacity varies across Auckland and council needs to ensure that each community has the same opportunities and platforms for empowerment.
There are benefits from empowering communities including: more responsive to community need; more flexibility and opportunity to change what may not be working; less bureaucracy; and, more opportunity for the communities to show innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Auckland Council is committing to a new, innovative way of working. It recognises that for the ECA to be successful it has to change both the way it works, and how it works, to benefit Aucklanders.
Empowered Communities Approach:
‘Empowered Communities: Enabling Council’ is an approached underpinned by a two-way relationship.
A description rather than a definition is being used to ensure there is room for us all to see ourselves.
What is an empowered community?
An empowered community is one where individuals, whanau and communities have the power and ability to influence decisions, take action and make change happen in their lives and communities. This includes communities of place, interest and identity.
Community empowerment is about providing real opportunities for people to participate and fostering the conditions that support this.
An empowered communities approach is ‘a way of working’ that empowers people to play a more active role in the decisions that affect their communities’.
A ‘whole of council’ shift is required to:
Provide a gateway / portal into council resources and information
Provide more support for local boards and other areas of council to work together in joined-up ways with local communities
Facilitating and embedding the ECA across council
Developing and implement creative new engagement and participation practices
Support the devolution of resources / functions / control to communities.
Currently we are exploring ways to operationalise the Community Development and Safety team functions with a new focus on ways of working.
Feedback is currently being sought from community groups about what needs to change for Council to be “an enabling council” and communities to be called “empowered communities”.
Long Term Plan consultation
Consultation on the Auckland Council’s 10 year budget (LTP) closed on 16 March. 27,383 submissions were received in total with 1097 coming from the Waitematā Local Board area. It was the first consultation process under Auckland Council’s new Significance and Engagement Policy that is required by the Local Government Act 2002. Instead of hearings, submitters were invited to attend Have your Say events where all comments received were recorded as official feedback (Photo right – the Waitematā Have your say Event)
Personally I did not think the Have your Say events were an adequate alternative to Local Board hearings as there was limited ability to meaningfully engage and discuss issues with submitters.
Professional development
In March I started semester one at AUT University as I continue learning Te Reo Maori ( I completed two stage 1 papers in 2014). I attend classes twice a week.
I have also appreciated the opportunity to take part in the training series “Making an Impact with Maori” provided by Council’s advisors. On 25 March I joined councillors and local board members at Te Mahurehure Marae in Pt Chev for an immersive learning experience, designed to take elected members through the protocols and principles involved with entering a marae.
Workshops and meetings
During March I attended:
Street meeting on 2 March of Herne Bay residents and Auckland Transport to discuss the Curran St/Sarsfield St intersection speeding and safety issues
One of the presenters of the LGNZ webinar on 3 March in Wellington: Planning and Investment Opportunities for Cycling (Urban Cycleways Investment Programme) Photo right: delivering the Webinar with Cynthia Bowers, Deputy Mayor, Hawkes Bay District Council
Attended Long Term Plan – 10 year budget consultation events: Have your Say event at the Town Hall on 4 March, the Grey Lynn community meeting on 11 March (co-hosted with the Arch Hill and Grey Lynn Residents Association) and the Fix Our City: A Discussion with the Mayor co-hosted with Generation Zero at Auckland University
Meeting to discuss RLTP feedback on 5 March
HBDI Test result discussion with Board members (HBDI survey provided insight into thinking style preferences)
Friends of St David meeting on Sunday 8 March
Auckland Transport’s meeting on 9 March with Franklin Road residents to discuss the consultation feedback analysis and the revised options developed for the upgrade of Franklin Road
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 10 March
Meeting to discuss the community grants template
RLTP presentation to Auckland Transport
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 10 March
Cycle Advisory Group meeting on 11 March
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 12 March
Meeting on 12 March to discuss the development of a Youth HUB in the City Centre
Site visit on Waima Street on 16 March organised by Arch Hill residents with representatives of Auckland Transport, NZTA, NZ Police, the Prostitutes Collective, and Newton School. David Shearer, MP also attended (photo right)
Grey Lynn community meeting on 17 March to discuss concerns arising from Auckland Transport’s proposals to remove parking at the Grey Lynn shops
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 18 March
Meeting with Albert-Eden and Puketapapa Local Boards to discuss progress on the Central Community Recycling Facility
Empowered Communities approach discussion with Local Boards on 20 March
Community Place-making champions group meeting on 23 March
Meeting to discuss the community grants policy and template
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 24 March
Communications update with the Local Board communications advisor
Making an Impact with Maori – Training for Elected Members. Visit to Te Mahurehure Marae for all local board members and councillors
Local Board Greenways Plans and Walking and Cycling Networks Collaboration Meeting on 26 March
Urban Cycling Investment Panel – meeting 3 in Christchurch on 27 March
Auckland Arts Festival 4 – 22 March I attended various performances and the opening night drinks in the Festival Gardens (at the invitation of the AAF Trust)
Little Day Out at the Mt Eden Village Centre on 7 March
International Women’s Day event in Khartoum Place on 9 March
Presented the 95bfm Green Desk on 10, 17 and 24 March
Grey Power meeting on 12 March at the Fickling Centre as part of a presentation on the LTP (I was invited to present on transport issues in the LTP)
Wet Hot Beauties performance in Judges Bay on 14 March
In early 2010 Paul McArdle, founder of Bikes in Schools came to Auckland enthused from the success of the opening of the first NZ bike track in a Hastings school. At the time I was on the Cycle Action committee that was keen to support this new initiative. Paul and I had the opportunity for a quick scout around for possible locations for a bike track in a central Auckland School. Several schools expressed interest at the time in following up with Paul and the Bikes on NZ Trust but a combination of building projects and land constraints meant progress was slow.
So five years after the initial discussion about the possibility of a bike track in a central Auckland school it was very special to attend the opening of the new track at Freemans Bay School, the first in the Waitemata Local Board area. The school principal Sandra Jenkins is to be congratulated for her determination in making it happen. She has been supported by the school community and a number of organisations and businesses including Sport Auckland, Cyco bike shop (who did a sharp price on the 55 new bikes), Bike in Schools, and Auckland Transport (provided bike training). The Board contributed a community grant of $2500
Hon Nikki Kaye cuts the ribbon with Freemans Bays school students
The track is available not just in school time as part of PE classes but also accessible after school and at weekends for everyone in the community to use. At the opening it was wonderful to see how excited the kids are about the track and the opportunity to ride bikes in a safe environment.
What is also great about the track is that for the first time ever Freemans Bay School is needing to investigate bike racks as the project has encouraged kids to bike or scoot to school.
The Council’s consultation on the 10 year budget (Long Term Plan) has been a catalyst for a wide-ranging conversation about our city’s transport priorities and investment. “Fixing Transport” is highlighted as one of the 4 key issues facing Auckland.
The Mayor has led the way in asking Aucklanders to consider the choices. Do we accept a basic transport network which costs less, or do we invest more to get the advanced transport programme set out in the 30-year vision for our region known as the Auckland Plan. The Auckland Plan transport network includes the new roads, rail, ferries, busways and cycleways our city desperately needs. (From Council’s consultation material)
I was on the panel for the Auckland Conversation event Fixing Auckland’s Transport – the 10 year budget (as a local board member and member of the Urban Cycling Investment panel) to discuss the transport options.
The MC Fran O’Sullivan asked panelists to consider a few points that we wished to get across. Here are mine in a bit more detail than discussed on the night . I’ve also referenced the quotes that I referred to.
What do we really mean by “Fixing” Auckland’s transport.
Brent Toderian (Vancouver’s former Chief Planner and an Auckland Conversations presenter ) says “you can’t fix traffic in a successful city – you have to change it”.
“fixing” is unlikely to result in “getting the traffic moving” for all trips ie there will always be congestion at peak for single occupancy private vehicles.
in order to fix transport we need to re-think mobility and provide transport choice (As Florian Lennert presented at the the Velo city conference last year – the future of transport is “multi-modal sustainable mobility” ). If people are provided safe, effective transport choices it will create more space on the road for the vehicles that need to be there which benefits everyone.
Efficient & smart investment
The presentation of 2 stark choices has been great for forcing the debate about much needed transport investment (and I applaud the Mayor for leading that debate) but I think we have been provided with a Hobson’s choice on the 2 plans. All the benefits for active transport/PT are locked up in the Advanced transport programme (that also included low value roading projects)
Either alternative funding option is going to take at least 2 years to implement so we have to get the “basic” plan right in the meantime to meet Local Board priorities. Can’t have a basic plan that doesn’t provide for “basic” community needs. Eg There is no cycling investment in the first 3 years of the basic plan – this is unacceptable ( feedback so far shows strongest support for AT to focus more on cycling)
Also if cycling investment not included in the final transport programme Auckland cannot leverage off the Urban Cycling Investment Fund established last year by the Govt- there is $90m available over the next 3 years with up to 50% ear marked for Auckland if a local contribution is available
There is huge demand for transport choices to include cycling and there has never been a better time to invest in cycling but the current AT investment proposal in draft RLTP means Auckland is going to miss out on the funds available
The investment model
I agree we need funding for transport investment other than from rates but we are letting the Government off the hook. The Government needs to bring forward their contribution on the CRL and fund PT investment in the same way as state highways – this would be a game changer for the transport budget and the level of alternative funding required
I accept that there is a transport investment funding gap that can not be met out of rates. I support that gap being met from fuel tax as the most preferred option. From a local board perspective motorway tolling is not desirable because of the administration cost, impact on low income households and the negative impact on local roads.
Efficient & smart investment
Even if we agree on alternative funding I think we have been provided with a Hobson’s choice on the 2 plans. All the benefits for active transport/PT are locked up in the alternative funding plan
Either alternative funding option is going to take at least 2 years to implement so we have to get the “basic” plan right in the meantime. Can’t have a basic plan that doesn’t provide for “basic” community needs. Eg There is no cycling investment in the first 3 years of the basic plan – this is unacceptable ( feedback so far shows strongest support for AT to focus more on cycling)
Also if cycling investment not included in the basic plan Auckland cannot leverage off the Urban Cycling Investment Fund established last year by the Govt- there is $90m available this financial year with up to 50% ear marked for Auckland if a local contribution is available
Key point – there is huge demand for transport choices to include cycling and there has never been a better time to invest in cycling but the current AT investment proposal in draft RLTP means Auckland is going to miss out on the funds available
In my concluding comments I mentioned that the Waitemata Local Board has committed to being a UNICEF accredited child- friendly area. At the heart of the initiative is controlling speed and creating an environment where kids are invited to sit, play and walk. I quoted Rodney Tolley who said at a recentChild Friendly Waitemata workshop that“a walking city is a paradise for kids”
I think we often forget who we are building a city for and our focus should be on making the city a great place for children (so far we have let traffic engineers design it to the detriment of everyone).
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during February 2015 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association Board and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee and Board liaison for the Parnell Community Centre.
Highlights
Victory for a liveable city
People power and common sense won the day on February 20th when the Auckland Transport Board went against officer advice in deciding not to go ahead with the planned widening of Great North Road that would have required the removal of six heritage Pohutukawa trees. A well organised campaign challenged an Auckland Transport and NZTA culture that was only willing to consider one option for over 3 years.
It was an important win not just for saving 6 trees but for forcing a rethink about the design of all roading projects. It was also a win for trees in general by raising awareness about the huge range of benefits that a magnificent stand of trees can provide the community and the landscape.
I was proud to be part of the Waitematā Local Board that stood with the community and that has consistently told Auckland Transport the plans needed to be re-considered.
Child friendly Waitematā
The Waitematā Local Board has recently become the first of Auckland’s local boards to be nominated and registered as ‘child friendly’ through the international UNICEF ‘Child Friendly Cities’ accreditation process. UNICEF defines a child friendly city as “a local system of good governance committed to fulfilling children’s rights. It is a city where the voices, needs, priorities and rights of children are an integral part of public policies, programmes and decisions. It is, as a result, a city that is fit for all”.
Claire Stewart, Community Development Facilitator, organised a workshop in February for participants to find out about the work already being done to make Waitematā child friendly, to share their own work and to support the journey towards Waitematā’s child friendly status
Dr. Rodney Tolley, Conference Director of Walk21 and experienced consultant in the field of active, sustainable transport gave a presentation to the workshop. Rodney has a focus on public space and transport and is passionate about equality of opportunity for children. As he points out children are a great indicator of the liveability of a city. Some of the key points from his presentation about growing a child-friendly city:
Loss of ubiquitous play space – children should be able to play everywhere but there has been a societal change and a change in the function of streets. He quotes from a study that found the failure of an urban environment can be measured by the % of playgrounds.
Management of risk – risk of a child being abducted by a strange 1 in x (infinitesimal) if use active travel. If don’t use active travel 100% risk that child will have poorer coordination; less likely to be cooperative; have health issues etc
More car travel diminishes physical health. Only 11% of Kiwi kids meet daily activity guidelines – 10% obese.
Rodney Tolley “child friendly” workshop walkabout on Queen St
The presentation considered what’s being done, for example:
Safe routes to school “if not safe make it safe”
At heart of initiatives – controlling speeds. Highlighted the benefits to children in overseas cities eg 75% of NYC now 20mph; Paris all streets 30kmph
Conclusion – cultural or physical changes needed? A walking city is a paradise for children. A city where kids invited to sit, play and walk. There are co-benefits in getting it right for kids gets it right for everyone.
The workshop included a discussion on what we are doing for children in different parts of Council and a walk around to explore parts of the city from a child’s point of view. The group I walked with along High St and Queen St (including Rodney) found the city centre to be empty of children under 10 and a very unwelcoming place.
Myers Park Centenary
The brief to the event team responsible for the Centenary celebrations was to take a community development approach so that it involved local groups for the benefit of city centre residents (the community portfolio was involved in the early discussion on the centenary)
Congratulations to the organising team who did such a great job. The centenary event on 15th Feb was child- focused, organic and non- commercial. I thought it was a really successful celebration, attracting local residents and all on a tight budget. I would be very supportive of the centenary event being a template for an annual Myers Park kids festival.
Community Development conference
The Unitec hosted conference brought to together practitioners, academics and students to share their knowledge, research and stories about community development. Major themes included placemaking, community economic development, diverse communities and re-claiming democracy. My conference registration of $270 was paid for from the Local Board professional development budget (I cycled to and from the venue).
I enjoyed the conference as a networking opportunity and a chance to hear about the evolution of the practice of Community Development over the last 25 years and to reflect on the role of Local Government.
Key points mentioned by a variety of speakers:
Community Development has to connect most closely with Local Government. LG is the natural unit of CD.
Auckland has suffered from politicians without vision (No social housing; Lack of community centres)
Community Development and Economic development need to merge– not flip sides
Community development is an indirect art
Most important thing that local government can do: Treat people as citizens and not as customers; Stop doing things to people or for them
Long Term Plan consultation
Consultation on the Auckland Council’s 10 year budget (LTP) got under way at the end of January and continues through February until 16 March. The Local Board held 2 community engagement events in February in the City Centre and Parnell (co-hosted with Parnell Community Committee)
As at 1 March Auckland Council had received 6320 written submissions, 427 eligible digital submissions (374 pieces of feedback had been received from the Waitematā Local Board area) and 423 Aucklanders have attended a “Have Your Say “event.
After many years fighting for road safety improvements Richmond Rd School can finally enjoy a signalised crossing and traffic calming treatments. The Transport portfolio were responsible for ensuring a feeder lane was incorporated into the design (as a first step towards cycling lanes for the length of Richmond Road)
Westhaven Promenade
The much anticipated and beautifully built Westhaven promenade was officially opened on 16 February.
My partner Paul Shortland (Deputy Chair of Cycle Action Auckland) had the honour of cutting the ribbon on the invitation of Sir Bob and the Mayor.
I have received only positive feedback about the promenade especially from locals using it with children.
Congratulations to the Waterfront Auckland team responsible for the promenade.
Walk About on Ponsonby Road with the Ponsonby Business Association
Following a serious injury suffered by a visitor to Ponsonby Rd, who tripped on the footpath, the Ponsonby Business Association General Manager & Deputy Chair invited representatives from the Board, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to take part in a walk round. The purpose of the walk was to identify urgent repairs and to discuss options for a full upgrade of the footpath as anticipated in the Ponsonby Plan finalised in 2013.
Workshops and meetings
During February I attended:
Meeting with the organisers of Art in the Dark, ATEED reps and events portfolio on 2 February
Ponsonby Community Centre Management Committee meeting on 2 February
Meeting with volunteers from community group Plastic Diet
LTP Consultation briefing on key issues for local board members on 3 February
Local Board Workshop on 3 February
Community portfolio meeting with Youth Advisory Panel representative to handover from Isabella Lenihan-Ikin (before she departed for Otago) to Alex Johnston
Transport Portfolio meeting on 4 February
Central Local Board cluster briefing on draft Corporate Sponsorship Operational Guidelines on 9 February
St Lukes Intersection design/ Pohutukawa Trees discussion with Auckland Transport on 9 February
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 10 February
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 10 February
Briefing on the New Zealand International Convention Centre on 11 February
Meeting with Matthew Luxton, Envision to discuss social enterprise in Waitemata
Briefing on Trading and Events Bylaw: Communication to businesses
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 12 February
Ponsonby Road Walk About with representatives of Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and the Ponsonby Business Association to discuss the disrepair of the footpaths
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board meeting and induction – 16 February – The purpose of the hui was to provide an in-depth insight into the history, current projects and aspirations in respect to the Whenua Rangatira and Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve (photo right of Richelle Kahui- McConnell leading the tour)
St Lukes Intersection design (Pohutukawa tree removal) – follow up meeting with Auckland Transport and NZTA
Community Development Conference (opening Powhiri at Unitec Marae and one day at Unitec, Henderson)
Urban Cycling Investment Panel – meeting 2 in Wellington on 20 February
Local Board Greenways Plans and Walking and Cycling Networks Collaboration Meeting on 23 February
Cycling Action Group and Urban Cycling Investment update presented to the Local Boards Forum on 23 February
Rodney Tolley – Child Friendly Cities workshop at Pioneer Womens Hall
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 24 February
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 25 February
Long Term Plan – 10 year budget community engagement events on 25 February (City Centre) and 26 February (co-hosted with the Parnell Community Committee)
Meeting to discuss RLTP feedback on 25 February
Central Boards cluster meeting: BIDs and service delivery and policy review
Attended the Auckland Development Committed extraordinary meeting on 26 February
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 26 February
LGNZ Zone One meeting in Auckland on 27 February
Events and functions
During February I attended:
Bike Market at Silo Park on 1 February
Friends of the Festival lunch at Q Theatre on 3 February
Screening with Nga Tāonga – Sound & Vision of two documentaries at Auckland Museum on 5 February to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the signing of te Tiriti o Waitangi. Pita Turei, director of Waka: The Awakening Dream, presented at Q&A session following the screening.
Tour of the Light Show exhibition with Rhana Devenport, Director Auckland Art Gallery (organised for local board members and Councillors) on 5 February
Waitangi Day powhiri at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Marae
Zero Waste Volunteer with Christopher Dempsey at Takaparawhau (Bastion Pt) for the Waitangi Day Festival organised by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Big Gay Out, Coyle Park
Green Desk interview on 10 February (as occasional host of the Green Desk, 95bfm) with Isabella Lenihan-Ikin, Waitemata Youth Advisory Panel representative
Dropped by the NZTA/Auckland Transport Nelson Street cyclelane open day at Tukutai Square on 10 February
Go by bike day pit stop on the Grafton Gully Cycle way on 11 February (free coffee provided by Auckland Transport)
Opening Night Party of Auckland Fringe and X0X Pride at the Box, Aotea Square on 11 February
Cycle Action’s Associates breakfast on 12 February
Launch and Blessing of Twist & Thief by Tanja McMillian (Misery) on K’rd
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 – Opening of Fanzone at Tukutai Square by the Mayor on 14 February
Valentine’s Day bike ride and afternoon tea with Frocks on Bikes
Myers Park Centennial Celebration on 15 February
Blessing and official opening of the Westhaven Promenade on 16 February
With the Deputy Mayor visited the Angel by Kelsey Montague sponsored by the Ponsonby Business Association on the Brown St wall of Ponsonby Central (photo right)
Regional Arts Trust Awards at Q Theatre (congratulations to Shona McCullagh, Hynds Creative Entrepreneur 2015 Award winner)
Auckland Conversations – Shaping Resilient and Collaborative Communities – Milenko Matanovic, Founder & Executive Director The Pomegranate Centre Washington USA
Save our Harbour rally on Queens Wharf (photo below)
Regional Facilities Auckland – refreshments with the Board and senior management at the Aotea Centre
Finns at the Zoo on 27 February (at the invitation of Auckland Zoo)
Grey Lynn RSC commemorative mural blessing (funding provided by the Local Board)
Art in One Day prize giving (event sponsored with a Community Grant)
Rev Mua Strickland Pua at the blessing of the RSC commemorative ANZAC mural
Mobile Library at Big Gay Out
Opening of the Fanzone with Cr Denise Krum, Mayor Len Brown and ATEED CEO Brett O’Reilly
Myers Park Centennial celebration
Go by bike breakfast
Christopher Dempsey at the opening of the Fringe Festival
People power and common sense won the day on February 20th when the Auckland Transport Board went against officer advice in deciding not to go ahead with the planned widening of Great North Road that would have required the removal of six heritage Pohutukawa trees. A well organised campaign challenged an Auckland Transport and NZTA culture that was only willing to consider one option for over 3 years.
It was an important win not just for saving 6 trees but for forcing a rethink about the design of all roading projects. It was also a win for trees in general by raising awareness about the huge range of benefits that a magnificent stand of trees can provide the community and the landscape.
I was proud to be part of the Waitematā Local Board that stood with the community and that has consistently told Auckland Transport the plans needed to be re-considered.
Much has been written during the campaign about the process, plans and final outcome. Here are some highlights:
Auckland Conversations is an exciting series featuring leaders and experts in design, planning, heritage, environment and socio-economics discussing the issues facing Auckland’s development. Tonight Auckland Conversations tackles the topic of Transport and I am really delighted to be one of the panelists.
Fixing Auckland’s Transport – The 10-Year Budget 2015-2025
Monday 2 March, doors open 5pm for a 5.30pm start
Lower NZI Conference Room, Aotea Centre, central Auckland
Auckland is the country’s fastest-growing region with transport considered the single biggest issue. Major investment will be needed in the next decade to avoid worsening congestion and the impact this will have on our economy, environment and way of life.
We have a choice to make. Do we accept a basic transport network which costs less, or do we invest more to get the advanced transport programme set out in the 30-year vision for our region, known as the Auckland Plan.
If we choose to fix Auckland’s transport issues and get our city moving, we need to consider how we should pay for it. This could be through increased fuel taxes and higher rates, or through the introduction of a new motorway charge.
Hear from a range of experts who will outline the key transport issues facing Aucklanders in the 10-year budget.
MC Fran O’Sullivan – NZ Herald
Presentation: Mayor Len Brown: The 10 Year Budget and outline of Transport Options
Panellists
David Warburton – CEO, Auckland Transport
Sudhvir Singh – Generation Zero
Peter Winder – Transport Funding – Independent Advisory Board
This is my first report for 2015 covering highlights from December 2014 and January 2015.
Opening up the city centre to people
Despite the transport messaging that the Central City was “closed” the streets of Lower Queen St and Quay St were very much full and open to people over Auckland anniversary weekend.
I enjoyed the impressive 3 days of events for Auckland 175th birthday that included the Waitematā Local Board supported International Buskers Festival and the Story of Auckland in Shed 10 (I attended the launch of both). It was great see so many people enjoying the waterfront and finding time to give feedback about improving the city centre.
The weekend really showed the huge potential for improving downtown by re-prioritising road space.
Saving the Pohutukawa 6
I have provided regular updates on the Board’s opposition to Auckland Transport’s proposal to remove 6 mature Pohutukawa trees on Great North Road. The latest update is attached (ATTACHMENT A) following on from the Commissioners decision on 17 December to recommend removal.
Cycling & walking investment
I am really delighted to have been appointed to the Urban Cycling Investment Panel by the Transport Minister on the recommendation of LGNZ. The launch of the urban cycling programme was held on 30 January 2015 on the old Nelson St motorway off- ramp (ATTACHMENT B). I attended the first meeting of the panel in Wellington on 8 December.
2015 is going to be the year to celebrate new cycling infrastructure in Auckland starting on 20 January when I joined the Albert- Eden community, Cycle Action, David Shearer MP and NZTA to celebrate the opening of the new causeway bridge on the NW cycleway.
The much anticipated and beautifully constructed Westhaven Promenade opened at the end of January. It is perfect for cycling with children in a safe, attractive environment but still needs to be connected to all the way to Silo Park. Auckland Transport announced on 30 January that construction of the final leg of the shared path on Westhaven Drive continuing along Beaumont Street is starting in February with a completion date in March (the shared path is intended as an interim measure).
Over the summer break I enjoyed one of the many cycling adventures now possible in Auckland (ATTACHMENT C)
Speed enforcement
In response to the many unjustified and ill-informed attacks over the summer on the NZ Police in response to speed limit enforcement I decided to write up my personal experience that influences my personal support for the safer systems approach to road safety (ATTACHMENT D). On the positive side I think there is a growing demand for slower speeds especially on residential streets and in the city centre.
Kelmarna Community Gardens
I attended the Kelmarna Community Gardens Trust public meeting on 29 January that gathered people together to reflect on their connections to the garden and to help plan the future now that Framework has withdrawn as a tenant.
It was an incredibly positive, well attended meeting demonstrating a huge amount of support for the gardens to continue as an organic farm with a place for everyone. The Trust, with the assistance from Council officers, is considering options for managing the gardens going forward.
Placemaking
The January Inner City Network meeting was hosted by Waterfront Auckland. Frith Walker gave an excellent presentation on placemaking that inspired the many people who attended to consider what it is possible to achieve in Auckland with clear vision and creativity.
Way finding
Street signage has been a topical local issue over the summer in response to Auckland Transport’s trial new signs on city streets (so far mainly in the Albert- Eden area). The Board has not yet been asked to give formal feedback on the design. In the meantime I continue to push for way finding signage for pedestrians and cyclists on streets that are only NO EXIT for vehicles (such as on Fort St).
I was impressed to see the new way finding signs that have gone up in Myers Park. They are clear and well-designed providing a best practice template for future way finding designs.
Berm planting
At the Board’s December meeting we passed the following resolution in an attempt to progress Auckland Transport’s draft guidelines to encourage responsible plantings on grass verges. In the meantime “happy berms” have appeared over the summer.
Some of the events I attended during December and January
The centenaries of Parnell Pool and the Tepid Baths were celebrated in December and the Grey Lynn Library’s 90th birthday.
Mayoral Reception on the occasion of the Battle of the River Plate 75th anniversary commemoration with the remaining 5 survivors.
The final Citizenship Ceremonies of 2014 were held on 1 December at the Town Hall (I was in the official party for the afternoon ceremony)
Auckland put on a beautiful morning for the Ironman 70.3 on the waterfront. I attended the welcome function on 16 January.
I attended the Breakers game on Friday 23rd January as a guest of the Mayor
It was sad to farewell Chris Davidson at the end of January as the CEO, Parnell Trust but he leaves the Trust in great shape.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges, Mayor Len Brown and NZTA CEO, Geoff Dangerfield
On 30 January on the old Nelson St motorway off-ramp the Minister of Transport announced the first package of projects to receive funding as part of the government’s $100 million Urban Cycleways programme. He also announced the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel that will recommend projects to the Minister. I’m delighted to have been appointed as one of 5 panel members representing LGNZ.
An exciting new cycleway on the redundant off -ramp (a project included in the City Centre Masterplan) connecting Upper Queen Street with Quay St via Nelson St is one of the projects to receive Urban Cycleways funding from the first tranche of projects.
Ministry of Transport Media Release: 30 January 2015
Panel Members Richard Leggert and Pippa Coom
First set of Urban Cycleways projects announced
Transport Minister Simon Bridges today announced the first $37 million worth of cycleway projects to be rolled out across the country as part of the Government’s Urban Cycleways Programme.
First announced in August 2014, the $100 million Programme is designed to pull together a range of funding sources to invest in expanding and improving New Zealand’s cycling network.
“This is the beginning of a programme that will change the face of cycleways in New Zealand using clever funding leveraging.
By pulling together multiple funding sources, the Urban Cycleways Programme will get high-quality projects underway much sooner than may otherwise have been the case.
The Government’s Urban Cycleways Fund will contribute $9.92 million, with
Nelson St off ramp before/after – City Centre Masterplan image
another $21.12 million coming from the National Land Transport Fund, and $6.26 million from local government and other contributions,” Mr Bridges says.
This year, those sources have made available a total of $37,295,000.
When completed, the Urban Cycleways Programme will have supported the investment of up to $320 million, over four years, to create a safe, user-friendly cycleway network across the country.
“The Urban Cycleways Fund will accelerate the first set of 13 projects, which will get underway in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and almost all will be completed over the next 6-9 months,” Mr Bridges says.
“The projects I am announcing today have been prioritised because of their value to commuter cyclists, and their additional benefits to recreational riders.
“Further projects to receive funding from the remaining $90 million in the Urban Cycleways Fund will be announced later this year,” Mr Bridges says.
Urban Cycleways Programme projects are decided by the Minister of Transport, on the recommendation of the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel.
The Panel has been selected to assess the projects and prioritise funding.
The Panel members are:
Cynthia Bowers, Deputy Mayor of Hastings
Glen Koorey, Senior Lecturer in Transportation Engineering at the University of Canterbury
Richard Leggett, Director of Cycling NZ and Chair of the Cycling Safety Panel
Pippa Coom, Deputy Chair of the Waitemata Local Board
Mike James, General Manager Road and Rail, Ministry of Transport
Dave Brash, Group Manager Planning and Investment, New Zealand Transport Agency.
Pohutukawa Savers will be out in force at the SH16 St Lukes Interchange Upgrade community liaison meeting on Tuesday evening, 20th January, to highlight the imminent threat to six heritage pohutukawa opposite MOTAT, five of which are at least 80 years old.
A growing alliance of concerned residents from all walks of life and from across the region, the Pohutukawa Savers invite key decision-makers from Auckland Transport to front up and listen to community concerns. The meeting will be held at 6pm in the Western Springs Community Garden Hall – ironically, just down the road from the trees the group aims to save.
Auckland Transport claims the trees must go to make space for its preferred intersection design that creates a second turning lane into St Lukes Road. The Pohutukawa Savers believe the trees can be retained via an improved design that also satisfies traffic requirements. They intend to vigorously appeal Auckland Transport’s decision to the Environment Court.
Pohutukawa Savers spokesperson Jolisa Gracewood says, “These grand old trees are a vital element of the area’s history and living heritage. They were planted in 1934 as part of a continuous avenue of pohutukawa along Great North Road, to beautify the newly created public greenspace as a gift to the citizens of Auckland. As such, they belong to all Aucklanders, and are located on open park land under the responsibility of the Waitematā Local Board.”
“These trees form a spectacular streetscape that welcomes visitors to the Western Springs parks precinct. Trees of this stature are crucial to the urban ecosystem, providing shade, air-filtering and stormwater dispersal, as well as a habitat for native birds. People all over Auckland, and beyond, are aghast at their proposed destruction. The spontaneous joy with which people have decorated the trees since hearing about their possible fate shows how valued they are.”
“Sacrificing these healthy, monumental trees would be a hasty, irreversible loss for little demonstrable gain. We know Auckland Transport has workable alternatives to this ‘either/or scenario’, and we believe that smart design can solve the traffic questions while preserving the historic and visual integrity of the space. We are asking Auckland Transport to recognise the value of these trees to Aucklanders of yesterday, today and tomorrow — and to help create a more liveable city by embracing a 21st century design that saves the trees.”
The meeting will be held on Tuesday 20 January at 6pm at the Western Springs Community Garden Hall, Great North Road. All who wish to support the trees are encouraged to attend.
Me, my dad Malcolm Coom and brother Adam. December 1991
Just over twenty years ago my generous, fun loving, warm hearted dad was making plans for an overseas trip. He regularly visited the UK (where his parents lived) but this time he was especially excited about including lots of dancing into his travels leading up to the Rio Carnival. My dad loved to dance Latin American style and was a regular at the old El Inca club on K’rd.
Before he left for the UK he set out on a roadie to visit me in Wellington where I lived at the time. He never made it. At Sanson on SH1 he missed the turn off to Wellington and a few minutes later along SH3 he was killed instantly in a head on crash.
He was 49.
Many years later and now with a role on the Waitematā Local Board advocating for road safety, I’ve come to think of the crash not just as a personal family tragedy but also how it provides an understanding of the “safe systems” approach to creating a forgiving roading network.
Every part of the system failed my dad.
The Road: The signage on SH1 used to be terrible. It was easy to miss the turnoff at Sanson like my dad did. Shortly after the crash Transit upgraded the signage.
The crash occurred where an overtaking lane abruptly ends at the brow of a hill.
Road Use: The driver of the on- coming car pleaded not guilty (I think the charge was careless driving). He couldn’t remember the crash and could not believe that he had caused it. He thought of himself as a safe driver who was very familiar with the stretch of road.
The Vehicle: My dad loved old cars (unlike his dad who after a working life in the Vauxhall factory in Luton was able to upgrade his car every year). The car he was driving (I think a Rover) didn’t have any driver safety features like air bags.
Speed: The other driver made a mistake misjudging a simple over taking move in a passing lane. Unfortunately his speed gave him no time to react when he found himself on the wrong side of the road.
Even the best drivers make mistakes. What we don’t have to accept is that fatalities and serious injuries are just an inevitable consequence of driver mistakes. A safe system approach means that we can demand a lower road toll and even zero road deaths (“Vision Zero“) but we all have to play our part. We need improved road design, safer vehicles, competent road users and safe speeds.
The NZ Police are currently under pressure to get their messaging right about their approach to enforcing the speed limit and need to explain why the road toll has increased during the holiday period (when the trend is downwards). However I absolutely back the Police taking a hard line on speed enforcement (with the posted limit recognised as the limit without fiddling with “tolerances” rounds the edges) . It is a lazy political response to claim (as Ron Marks MP has done) that speed management is about revenue gathering. It is based on international evidence that reducing speeds reduces the number and severity of crashes.
If anything I would like to see the Police put even more resources into enforcing urban speed limits. The Waitematā Local Board is advocating for slower speeds in residential areas (starting with a trial) and supports the City Centre Masterplan objective of a central slow speed zone. Reducing speeds will contribute to liveability and encourage more people to walk and cycle. And of course easing back on the gas will save lives.
The Safe System approach aims to create a forgiving road system based on these four principles:
People make mistakes
People make mistakes and some crashes are inevitable.
People are vulnerable
Our bodies have a limited ability to withstand crash forces without being seriously injured or killed.
We need to share responsibility
System designers and people who use the roads must all share responsibility for creating a road system where crash forces do not result in death or serious injury.
We need to strengthen all parts of the system
We need to improve the safety of all parts of the system – roads and roadsides, speeds, vehicles, and road use so that if one part fails, other parts will still protect the people involved.
A dawn blessing was held on 23 April to mark the start of work on the Nelson Street cycle route.Kaumatua from Ngati Whatua o Orakei, Te Aki Tai, Ngati Paoa and Te Kawerau a Maki led the blessing which took place on the disused Nelson Street off-ramp.
Long Term Plan presentation to the Governing Body by Shale Chambers with Board members in support
A monumental, site-specific Max Gimblett art installation
