Auckland Conversations: Vancouver Cycle Chic – Chris and Melissa Bruntlett, Modacity
The Bruntletts from Vancouver spoke at the Auckland Conversations on 4 November 2014 from their perspective as parents of young children who gave up the family car in 2010 to enjoy the health, environmental and social benefits of walking, cycling and public transport. They shared their experiences as their home city develops a welcoming cycling environment.
Their observations about what has been happening in Vancouver since the construction of a network of separated cyclelanes provided valuable for lessons for why should also strive to improve every day cycling in Auckland.
They talked about the importance of a bike friendly policy including:
Lower speed limits
Providing for bikes on buses
Improved connectivity
Four common complaints about cycling investment that they have experienced in Vancouver ( “bikelash”) are very familiar to what we hear in Auckland:
Fear about losing parking
Speculation that cycle paths create traffic congestion
“taxpayer” groups – the cost of constructionshould be considered a luxury
Just caters to law breakers – red light runners
However they are able to point to data that tracks the benefits for all road users of installing separated cyclelanes:
Just a 30 second increase in traffic delays
18% decrease in collisions
80% decrease of sidewalk cycling
34% of people cycling are women (an important indication of success)
4x increase in children cycling downtown
Melissa Bruntlett and Leah Murphy (Frocks on Bikes Wellington)
Melissa who blogs about her cycling experiences (and contributes to Momentum Magazine and other publications) advocates for the slower, simpler more civilised bike culture that is provided by “Dutch” style upright bikes. This style of bike, that I am fortunate to enjoy with my Velorbis, is ideal for riding for utility rather than exercise at slower speeds and means the rider can dress for their destination (part of the Frocks on Bikes manifesto)
It was interesting to hear the impact of separated cycling infrastructure on British Columbia’s compulsory helmet requirements. Chris reported that as people have felt more safe and comfortable cycling there is less use of helmets and the law is becoming unenforceable. I think we will see the same thing happen in Auckland eventually.
The presentation was interspersed with Vancouver Cycle Chic films produced by Chris showcasing everyday experiences of riding a bike. A particular favourite features Amy and her dog Winston who travels in a bike basket.
In Auckland the conversation has only just started regarding the business benefits of bikes. Without local data we are struggling to convince retailers that bikes mean business. In Vancouver cycle lanes have resulted in increased revenue, more tourists and additional businesses popping up along popular routes like craft beer tasting rooms. The Vancouver experience made it easy to imagine the benefits that business districts like Ponsonby Road and K’rd will reap from separated infrastructure.
It was really refreshing to hear from non- experts (of the technical engineering and urban planning kind) about what safe and accessible space for cycling means in practice. Melissa mentioned that being a no- car household has improved their quality of life and provides more time together as a family.
Chris and Melissa’s visit to NZ and Auckland Conversations presentation will hopefully inspire Aucklanders, especially parents, to embrace the benefits of our city’s own emerging bike culture.
Other highlights from the Bruntlett’s visit to Auckland
Bcast Green Desk 4 November – my interview with blogger and writer Melissa Bruntlett, who lives life on two wheels in Vancouver, about Van Cycle Chic – Observations from an Emerging Bike Culture.
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during October 2014 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 and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.
PORTFOLIO UPDATES: TRANSPORT
Greenways
At our October meeting the Board approved a budget of $350,000 from the Auckland Transport capex budget, for the Waitematā Greenways Project (Route G1) in-park route. Consultation on the route design will take place alongside the draft Grey Lynn Park Development Plan.
In addition we have asked Auckland Transport to bring forward the budget to progress the on-road sections of Route G1 to connect Coxs Bay and Grey Lynn Park with the North Western Cycleway (the designs are with Auckland Transport ready for public consultation).
Franklin Road upgrade
Photo Credit: Non- Motorist @ByTheMotorway
The much needed upgrade of Franklin Road has been in the too hard basket for many years due to the challenge and costs of accommodating historic trees, utilities, parking and transport requirement. Fortunately the Board and Freemans Bay residents’ persistent advocacy has paid off and Auckland Transport is now planning a major upgrade to get underway in early 2016.
Auckland Transport is consulting on 2 possible options for the design of the road. While it is really positive to see the upgrade progress I have raised with Auckland Transport my concern about the lack of Local Board input at an early stage of the option development and the failure to recognise the Board objectives for the Franklin Road which were finalised following community consultation. The two options only go part way to achieving the improvements we would like to see for this iconic Auckland street:
Auckland Transport to undertake the planned upgrade of Franklin Road including road resurfacing, undergrounding of services, footpath upgrade, pedestrian crossings, cycle path and on road parking and to provide for safe and continuous walking and cycling pathways from Ponsonby Road to Victoria Park including continuous pedestrian facilities (i.e. an unbroken footpath on both sides of the road) across all side streets, driveways and intersections (for example by installing raised tables). Local Board Agreement 2104/2015
Parking
One of the Board’s Transport priorities is for Auckland Transport to implement a residential parking zone scheme to manage commuter parking in central Auckland suburbs (Local Board Agreement 2014/15 Transport Advocacy area). The extension of the successful St Mary’s Bay scheme to city areas suffering the biggest impact from on- street parking has been on hold while Auckland Transport consults on the parking discussion document.
The good news is that Auckland Transport has confirmed at our October catch up that parking occupancy surveys are going to start in Ponsonby and Freemans Bay in November with the aim of consulting on a proposed zone in March 2015.
A zonal approach to parking has the potential to benefit local residents and businesses and provide for short term parking for visitors.
Gladstone Road/Avon Street intersection
Auckland Transport has consulted on safety improvements at the intersection of Avon Street and Gladstone Road in Parnell that involve the removal of angle parking outside the local shops. Following a site visit, consideration of the feedback on the proposal and a public forum presentation from the local building owner and Parnell Community Committee the Board passed the following resolution:
The Waitemata Local Board requests Auckland Transport take a holistic approach to improving cyclist and pedestrian amenity on Gladstone Road and consider traffic calming and mitigation measures that do not require the removal of angled parking at the Gladstone Road/Avon Street Intersection.
Legible Auckland
Wayfinding signage continues to be installed by Auckland Transport where a request is logged. It is surprising how few directional signs exist to guide pedestrians and cyclists around our city.
Although it was great to see this sign (photo right) appear on the corner of Waima Street/Great North Road I have followed up with Auckland Transport regarding the curious content on the sign with the following queries:
The original request was for a directional sign to the NW cycleway however the information on the sign covers everything except that. What is the reason? Has this design come out of AT’s wayfinding project? Is this now the template or just temporary? NZTA have used distance for their cycleway signage. Why has AT used travel time? Is the time intended for the walker or rider? Is this now a standard approach?
Cycling Advisory Group Meeting
At the Advisory Group meeting in October discussions continued on the prioritisation of cycling projects. Richard Leggart, Chair of the NZ Cycle Safety Panel discussed the recommendations in the panel’s Safer Journeys for People who Cycle report which was open for feedback until 24 October.
We also heard from Auckland Transport about improvements to the existing network and the development of a customer charter.
I emphasised at the meeting the need for early Local Board input into Auckland Transport’s work programme to best leverage the maintenance budget to address deficiencies on the network.
Fight to save 6 mature pohutukawa trees on Great North Road
Preparations have been underway during October for the hearing taking place on 5 and 6 November regarding the Board’s objection to Auckland Transport’s Notice of Requirement to remove 6 mature Pohutukawa trees on Great North Road. The removal is sought by AT for road widening to provide for two lanes turning from Great North Road on to a new St Lukes bridge.
The Board’s objection is based on our view that there are alternatives available to Auckland Transport that could retain the trees but achieve the same transport outcomes. All the experts agree that removing the trees will result in a significant adverse effect to the environment. As one submitter put it “the trees provide a buffer of civility amid 19 lanes of tarmac”.
Monthly transport update
A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 29 October. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.
PORTFOLIO REPORTS: COMMUNITY
Parnell Festival of Roses Accessibility
For a second year the Waitemata Local Board is aiming to make the Parnell Festival of Roses accessible for all. With the support of the community portfolio, member Christopher Dempsey has been working with Paul Brown, Strategic Advisor Disability to confirm the initiatives to be funded from an accessibility budget of $2000.
At the Festival on 15 and 16 November there will be an audio described walk and rose-potting workshop for blind and vision impaired visitors taking place from 11:45 -1.15pm and Rudd (the Bugman) Kleinpaste’s talk 1:30-2.00pm will be audio described. Rudd’s talks on both the Saturday and Sunday are being signed in New Zealand Sign Language. Accessibility Information has also been circulated.
Family, Whanau and Sexual Violence
We received an update from Kelly Maung on the work she is doing to progress a multi- sector strategic action plan to deal with Family, Whanau and Sexual Violence. Commitment to this initiative by Council has developed out of the Auckland Plan goal to be the world’s most liveable city and involves partnering with central government.
Kelly has challenged the Board to proactively contribute to White Ribbon day next year. Member Deborah Yates is progressing this with our male colleagues.
Park site visits
I joined the Parks team and iwi representatives on site visits to Western Park and Grey Lynn Park.
The visits identified exciting opportunities to promote cultural values and the unique historic features of the parks. There is particularly strong support for day-lighting Tunamau – the stream that is currently piped through Western Park.
Pioneer Womens Hall activation
Work to activate Pioneer Womens Hall as a community hub prior to major refurbishment taking place next year continues. We recently confirmed a modest budget to support the Jedi Knights Chess Club initiative led by a previously homeless man who has become a regular contributor to the Pioneer Womens Hall working group.
The community portfolio holds a monthly meeting with relevant officers to discuss the on-going work programme. I also attended a range of meetings during October relevant to the community portfolio – these are detailed below.
The former chief planner for Vancouver returned to Auckland at the invitation of Waterfront Auckland to continue his city-shaping advice with a talk on how rethinking our waterfront can transform our city.
Brent was introduced by John Dalzell, CEO Waterfront Auckland as an “Urban Design Warrior”.
Key points I took away from the presentation at Shed 10:
Urban planning & city building best way to influence public health and confront the convergence of global issues such as climate change and aging population.
Millennials are pre-disposed to urban living as they interact with technology like previous generations interacted with the car (baby boomers “broken hipsters” are also turning to urban living)
We need to aim for “density done well on the waterfront” Land use and movement need to be aligned. We need to recognise “induced demand”. It is just politically popular to build roads.
Vancouver shows that if you design for multi-modality it is better for drivers. It is about prioritising not being anti-car. Allows for shorter commute times (20% fewer cars; 40-60% increase in PT; 10-20% increase in cycling)
Brent is a fan of the expression “making streets sticky” for people – it is not just about moving through but how to make people stay
“Walk score” is a powerful measurement tool used in North America that shows the positive impact on property values of walkable neighbourhoods. In Auckland the evidence is that we don’t care about walkers just drivers.
He noted that the conversation about cycling is picking up but believes we will only make progress with separation (ie protected cycleways). This will be the key to a higher bike share. He also noted that there are enough women riders yet
Brent calls buses the heroes of PT as nimble & cheap but we need to change the conversation around buses and to provide a better service
Mobility is a space problem that benefits from car sharing. One car in a car share can replace 20 cars
We need to aim for consistently high density design. We have the challenge of a working Port but we should use this to our advantage. Height is just a design challenge
We also need to ensure that amenities and facilities are built into any development (in Vancouver achieved through density bonusing)
Lots of simple but can be hard to do simple
Final slide (pictured right)
Plan like you love cities
Listen like you love opinions
Design like you love people – and always challenge the word “cant”
Workshops and meetings
In the period 1 October – 31 October I attended:
Meeting with Allan Young from ACPL on 1 October to discuss and the implications for Parnell Station, access to the Domain and the regeneration of Waipapa Stream of Kiwi Rail’s proposals to sell the development site where Mainline Steam is currently located
Engagement adviser catch up on 1 October
Communications catch up on 1 October
Local Board Member briefing in Takapuna on spatial priorities and the draft infrastructure strategy that is being developed through the LTP process.
Community-led Placemaking Champions Group workshop
Local Board Workshop on 7 October
AT/Franklin Road Resident’s Meeting on 7 October – Franklin Road Upgrade
Meeting to discuss the Child Friendly City project
Meetings with the Local Board’s lawyers regarding Notice of Requirement hearing to remove 6 Pohutukawa trees on Great North Road
CCO review – Governing Body / Local Board discussion – workshop on 8 October provided an opportunity for local board members, councillors and IMSB members on the CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee to receive an update about the CCO review.
Review of the Ponsonby Road Plan by Stuart Houghton. A presentation to Board members on 8 October (on 28 October I arranged for Stuart to present his review to Council and Auckland Transport officers involved in the development of the plan)
Meeting with GM of the Ponsonby Business Association
Site Visit to Avon Street/ Gladstone Road intersection to meet a representative from Parnell Community Committee and the building owner to discuss AT’s proposal to remove angle parking
Meeting with GM of Parnell Community Centre
Communications catch up on 13 October
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 14 October
Cycle Advisory Group Meeting
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 14 October
Auckland Transport Taxi operations Plan presentation and discussion with stakeholders
Attended the Events portfolio meeting to discuss the Myers Park centenary celebrations and opportunities for community development
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 16 October
Photo Credit: Cathy Casey
Attended the Waitemata Local Board presentation to the Budget Committee led by the Chair as part of the local boards discussions with the governing body held over 2 days to inform final decision-making on the LTP for consultation. Each local board was given 20 minutes to present and discuss key priorities and advocacy areas (photo right – looking far too happy!)
LTP financial policy discussion on 20 October with Local Board representatives
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 21 October
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 22 October
Queens Wharf site visit: Briefing in partnership with Waterfront and Auckland Council
Western Park site visit and workshop on 24 October with iwi representatives
Attended the Waterfront Auckland Board meeting public forum in support of Ponsonby Cruising Club on 29 October
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 29 October
LTP Local Board Cluster Workshop – Central. Auckland Transport’s engagement with Local Boards about transport priorities for the next decade and how AT has arrived at a prioritised programme, following the Mayor’s budget proposal for the Long Term Plan.
Meetings with Auckland Council planners and the Local Board’s lawyers in preparation for the Notice of Requirement hearing to remove 6 Pohutukawa trees on Great North Road
Meeting with the CE, Newmarket Business Association
Grey Lynn Park Development Plan – site visit to discuss draft update with iwi on 31 October
Events and functions
In the period 1 October – 31 October 2014 I attended:
Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Award on 1 October at the invitation of the Newmarket Business Association
Cycle Action’s Associates breakfast
Pop up smokefree outdoor dining event organised by Auckland Cancer Society in Aotea Square (photo right)
Grey Lynn Business Association AGM on 8 October
Launch of Art week at Silo 6
Opening of Victoria Park Market Art week event
Look at K’rd Art Week event
Opening ceremony of Auckland Diwali Festival 2014 on 11 October
NZ Fashion Museum’s pop-up exhibition, Elle and the Youthquake: The changing face of fashion, at The Nathan Gallery in Britomart.
Heritage Festival events on Sunday 12 October: Civic Trust a toast to heritage and the Grey Lynn RSC’s Gaylene Preston WWI presentation
Auckland Girls’ Grammar Old Girls’ Association Annual Dinner
Auckland Conversation with Brent Toderian at Shed 10. Liveable Cities – Vibrant Waterfronts
Ponsonby Business Association AGM on 21 October
Auckland Arts Festival Launch at the Town Hall on 23 October
The New Zealand Dance Company’s Studio Showing at the Wellesley Studio on 28 October at the invitation of the NZ Dance Company
Rod Oram in conversation with Sir Stephen Tindall at the Auckland Museum on 30 October hosted by Anglican Diocese of Auckland’s Diocesan Climate Change Action Group (at the invitation of Rod Oram)
One thing I love about my role on the Waitematā Local Board is being part of making small, local projects happen. We often hear complaints that local government is slow, unresponsive and wasteful but in my experience I have found Council staff to be passionate, creative and willing to work hard to deliver on a tight budget. With political support they find ways to achieve, as Board Chair Shale Chambers likes to say, the Art of the Possible.
So it has been a special pleasure to see Hauora Garden spring up at Studio One, Toi Tū. In early June I was at Studio One for Bee Jam, part of the POP programme of events (funded by the Waitematā Local Board). Lynda, Parks Team Leader was there for a visit and mentioned that there was still unallocated budget available for community gardening. Knowing that there was a fenced off overgrown section of
Studio One that had been recently been identified as perfect for a garden I introduced her to Tracey the POP programme coordinator to find out if there was an opportunity for an artist’s POP project. Fortunately Tracey knew of a garden project ready to go (it was proposed for POP originally but did not get included in the pilot series), Shale approved the budget and everyone swung into action.
Last Saturday we were able to check out how the site has been transformed into Hauroa Garden. We always need to be careful about not ending up with unallocated budget at the end of the financial year(another criticism of council!). However I think in this case it has been a happy find that has brought about a spontaneous, creative collaboration involving artists, sponsors and volunteers that will provide long term benefits.
Hauora Garden by Auckland-based artists Richard Orjis and A.D. Schierning is an interactive and sensory space that aims to reconnect urban dwellers with the natural world. It will end up including Rongoā Māori, introduced medicinal, edible and endangered native plants. Many of the materials found on the section have been recycled into the garden design.
Many thanks to Lynda and Tracey for the Art of the Possible and all those involved: House of Botanica, Colleen Brennan, Michelle de Clay, Kerrie Van Heerden, Claudia Jowitt, Daddy and the Dames, Donna Kerridge, Richard Orjis, Wednesday Night Pottery, Amiria Puia-Taylor, AD Schierning, Bec Stanley, Bonni Tamati, Imogen Taylor, The Little Caterer, H.E.P.T, CVNZ Volunteers, The Watkins, Char Wiapo and Generation Zero.
Supported by Treescape, Resene, Studio Art Supplies, Mace Contractors Ltd and Uru Whakaaro Ltd
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during September 2014 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 and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.
Highlights:
Opening of Grafton Gully and Beach Road cycleways
Re-opening of Khartoum Place with a new staircase to the Auckland Art Gallery from Lorne Street after a long battle to retain the Suffrage Centenary Memorial in the square
Progress on a programme to activate Pioneer Women’s Hall
Local Board Plan hearings
I also enjoyed a short break in the South Island during September.
Portfolio reports: Transport
Members of the Waitemata Local Board with Mayor Len Brown
Grafton Gully cycleway opening
Report on the opening of the Grafton Gully cycleway ATTACHMENT A
Waitematā Local Board members Shale Chambers, Vernon Tava, Christopher Dempsey, and Pippa Coom with the Mayor at the opening of the Grafton Gully Cycleway
Monthly transport update
A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 25 September. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.
Portfolio reports: Community
Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Memorial Hall – activation
One of the Board’s priorities is developing Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Memorial Hall as a community hub for city centre residents. Fortunately the refurbishment budget for the hall was removed from the proposed list of deferrals and has been funded with $400,000 for 2015/16 to proceed in alignments with the targeted rate-funded renovation of Freyberg Square.
In the meantime the community portfolio is working with officers to activate the hall using a $15,000 community development budget available for 2014/15. Really good progress has recently been made on proposals initiated by a stakeholder working group including setting up a Facebook page for the hall and a programme of activities such as Tai Chi, a chess club, and Rainbow Youth pop in centre.
Local Board Plan
The Board received 213 submissions on our draft local board plan with the majority of submitters endorsing the general direction and priorities of the Board. At hearings held over 2 days we heard from 33 submitters.
A report on the feedback was presented at the Board’s extraordinary meeting on 16 September and is available on the Council website.
A final version of the Local Board Plan is on the Board’s agenda this month.
Community Funding
The Central Joint Funding Committee was re-established on 8 September (I was re-elected Deputy Chair) to decide on applications to the Community Group Assistance Fund (round 1 of 2 rounds) and the Accommodation Support Fund 14/15. These are both legacy grants that will be disestablished when the new funding policy is implemented.
The decision of the committee is available on the Council website here.
Workshops and meetings
In the period 1 September – 30 September I attended:
Mayoral proposal workshop on 1 September at the Aotea Centre for Councillors, local board members, the Independent Maori Statutory Board and CCO Chairs and Chief Executives to discuss the Mayor’s proposal for the draft Long-term Plan 2015-2025. Led by the mayor, the workshop considered the proposal and provided opportunity for round table discussion.
Engagement adviser catch up on 1 September
Meeting to discuss Pioneer Women’s Hall Stakeholder Workshop Outcomes
Grey Lynn Business Association meeting on the signage bylaws
Local Board Plan Hearings on 2 and 3 September
Newmarket level crossing briefing on 3 September
City Centre Integration workshop with Councillors regarding QE2 Square and the proposed Downtown Framework on 3 September
Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss Cycle Advisory Group prioritisation process on 4 September
Central Joint Grants Committee Meeting on 8 September
LTP – Parks, Community and Lifestyle response to Mayoral Proposal presentation to local board members at the Town Hall on 8 September
City Centre Waterfront Building Height and Form Strategy briefing on 9 September
LBP deliberations workshop on 9 September
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on September 9 September
Waitematā Local Board business meeting in Grey Lynn on 9 September
Meeting with the New Zealand Dance Company, Wellesley St to discuss community funding available
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 11 September
Meeting with the developer of 60 Cook Street to discuss plans for the future of Nelson Street
Inaugural meeting of the Maunga Authority at the Town Hall on 15 September
Communications catch up on 15 September
Engagement adviser catch up on 15 September
Local Board Meeting on 16 September – Formal deliberations to consider submissions and resolve direction of the Local Board Plan
Meeting to develop feedback on the community grants policy on 24 September
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 24 September
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 24 September
Meeting with Parnell Community Committee and Parnell Inc to discuss “Weekend Streets” on 26 September
Site visit to Kelston Community Hub with members of the community placemaking champions working group on 29 September
Local Board Workshop on 30 September
Events and functions
In the period 1 September – 30 September I attended:
CRL open day event at the Town Hall on 1 September hosted by Auckland Transport (photo right)
The Great Climate Voter Debate on 3 September at Q Theatre
ATC’s Trees beneath the Lake at the Maidment Theatre (at the invitation of ATC) on 6 September
Grafton Gully cycleway opening on 6 September (ATTACHMENT A)
Child poverty Hikoi on 6 September
Hosted the Green Desk on 95bfm on 9 September talking to Louise Carr- Neill Manager of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market
Upper Khartoum Place opening on 10 September (speech given on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board ATTACHMENT B)
Craft Market at Studio One
Jervios Road Market day on 13 September
Grey Lynn Farmers Market 5th birthday celebration on 14 September (I am chair of the management committee)
Cycle Action Auckland’s AGM at Pioneer Women’s Hall on 24 September
Newmarket Business Association AGM on 25 September
Launch of the Heritage Festival at Shed 10 on 26 September (photo below)
Bike to the Future organised by Generation Zero on 28 September (photo right giving a speech before the bike ride in support of cycle lanes on K’rd)
Festival Italiano in Newmarket and lunch hosted by Dante Alighieri on Sunday 28 September (gift bag from Dante Alighieri contained: a book on Newmarket, pasta, hair product, mascara, cooking apron, balsamic vinegar)
Arriving at the opening of the Heritage Festival at Shed 10 with Christopher Dempsey
Along with hundreds of other I went on Bike to the Future today- a cycle ride in support of separated cycle lanes on Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road organised by Generation Zero. I loved seeing the variety of people on the ride – there were no “cyclists” just Aucklanders of all ages wanting to be able to travel safely on the roads.
Generation Zero have ran a creative, effective campaign pushing for bike lanes (the petition is still open) with the support of the Waitematā Local Board and the K’rd Business Association. The good news is that Auckland Transport is currently at the investigation stage. The turnout today really is a positive indication of the level of support for making Auckland a great place to cycle.
Thank you to everyone involved for organising Bike to the Future.
Ponsonby Road really could be safe and pleasant for kids to ride on every day
Emma McInnes organiser of Bike to the Future with Nic Williams coordinator of Frocks on Bikes – Auckland
Temporary bike lane on K’rd
Waitemata Local Board member Christopher Dempsey dressed in white to symbolise a bike lane
Community owned Grey Lynn Farmers Market celebrates 5th anniversary
Grey Lynn Farmers Market, community owned and operated social enterprise, celebrates 5 years of providing access to local, seasonal food in a vibrant inner city venue for local farmers and producers to sell their goods direct to consumers.
“The market is far more than a shopping experience” says Market Manager Louise Carr- Neil. “Over the years the market has provided an opportunity for budding artisan food producers to test the market and grow business skills. It is a community space with regular workshops, fundraising stalls, buskers and activities for kids.
“The market has also been a trail blazer for operating sustainably. The market aims to be zero waste, with no waste to landfill created at the market”. Producers are prioritised who use locally sourced ingredients, as well as those who use fair trade, organic, free range and are GMO free.
Uniquely, the market has a community trading table, where backyard growers can sell their garden surplus. Any profits are returned to running and promoting the market.
“As a social enterprise we’ve been able to succeed because of the support of the community who want an alternative to supermarkets and the many hours put into the market by volunteers. We think there is lots to celebrate that the market is still operating after 5 years” says Ms Carr-Neil
Contact:
Louise Carr-Neil, Grey Lynn Farmers Market manager Mobile: 0211530714
The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is a community owned and operated by a volunteer management committee (I have been Chair of the Management Committee for the last four years). The idea for a market came from a meeting held by Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Town community group in 2008.
The Grey Lynn Farmers Market opened on 9 September 2009 providing an alternative to supermarkets with locally grown, seasonal produce. The market is committed to working towards zero waste. We prioritise artisan producers who use locally sourced ingredients, as well as those who use fair trade, organic, free range and are GMO free.
The market is on very Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road.
Birthday celebrations are on Sunday 14th September. Live music with Bernie Griffen. Special guest Lynda Hallinan, Editor at large, NZ Gardener. Cake cutting at 11:30am, free entertainment for the kids.
Speech for the reopening of Khartoum Place on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board
10 September 2014
It’s a pleasure to be here to help celebrate the re-opening and upgrade of what is a special and significant space for Auckland city
Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers, your co-host, has stood aside so I can make some very specific acknowledgements today.
As the Mayor touched on, this is the site of the Woman’s Suffrage Centenary Memorial, which honours the strength and determination of Auckland women who worked towards the goal of women’s suffrage. The memorial is made of over 2000 coloured tiles designed by artists Claudia Pond Eyley and Jan Morrison commissioned for Suffrage Centennial Year in 1993
We’ve come together here many times to commemorate Suffrage Day Aotearoa New Zealand – coming up next week on 19 September (all invited back) – and International Womens Day. And yes I always have my bike with me – the transport of the suffragists symbolised in the tiles.!
As many of you may know, during the redesign of this space the Memorial came under attack and was at risk of being moved. Khartoum place was described as a “sordid blot on Auckland’s urban landscape” and the memorial a “makeshift urinal”.
The suffrage mural was designed for this space and brings an added depth to what Khartoum Place is. I hope you agree the re-design that we are celebrating today has enhanced the Memorial and secured its place in the city centre as a cultural and heritage asset. In fact the upgrade would not look so amazing with out the memorial as the centre piece
I’d like to acknowledge all those who have fought to retain the Memorial in particular Margaret Wilson, Michelle Wright, Patricia Woodley, Julie Fairey and pro bono lawyers from Ellis Gould Joanna van den Bergen and Julie Goodyear. I also acknowledge the unwavering determination of Cr Cathy Casey supported by the Mayor and political colleagues who secured the memorial (Cathy moved the last amendment at the end of 5 days of Unitary Plan meetings to get support for lifting the proposed draft Unitary Plan designation of “road reserve” from Khartoum Place and replacing it with an “open space” zoning. Women’s Suffrage Memorial in Khartoum Place is identified as “a historic heritage place” in the Unitary Place).
I think we can now relax that he battle of Khartoum has been won and that the memorial is here to stay.
The Mayor has thanked the many people involved in the Khartoum place upgrade . As a politician I attend many openings when the politicians are acknowledged but really have done very little but show up for the refreshments. Today is different.
Today I acknowledge not just those who politically fought for the retention of the Suffrage memorial in Khartoum Place but also those who had the courage and tenacity to forge ahead with the upgrade. The upgrade project was in danger of being delayed or canned about 2 years ago but Shale doggedly pushed it through with the support of the Mayor. He knew that if we lost our nerve we would lose momentum and the upgrade could be in danger of not happening at all (Some of the opposition to the upgrade was very unstandable neighbouring businesses had already experienced a lot of disruption in the area). I think today he has been vindicated and I thank him.
For too long Auckland has just been ok and our street spaces have not lived up to the majesty of our natural environment or our desire to be taken seriously as an international city. However projects such as this, completed to an exceptionally high standard to last for generations, have allowed us to see our city in a new light and to take pride in our city centre.
The Waitematā Local Board is committed to continue to play our role in making the inner city a more liveable, vibrant and connected place that welcomes all people of all ages.
Looking around now at how beautiful Khartoum place looks with the memorial at its heart I think all that is needed is for this space to be named not after an imperial battle that New Zealand actually refused to take part in but in the future I look forward to it being named Suffrage Place or Kate Sheppard Place.
Margaret Wilson representing the National Council of Women officially reopened Khartoum Place following the upgrade with the Mayor Len Brown and Waitemata Local Board Chair, Shale Chambers.
Entertainment in the square after the ribbon cutting was provided by a band made up of very talented Council employees. Fine arts students from Auckland University provided portraits (Briony right working on my sketch)
Auckland’s biggest ever cycle infrastructure project was opened yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2014) by Barb Cuthbert, Chair of Cycle Action Auckland, the PM and the Mayor Len Brown. The Grafton Gully cycleway links the NW cycleway via Upper Queen Street Bridge to Quay Street via new separated cycle lanes on Beach Road. Transport blog recorded the opening speeches. There were many people to thank and acknowledge for the successful completion of the project after many years work (much of it behind the scenes to keep the project alive)
I’ve never been so excited about a cycleway opening before. Grafton Gully sets a new standard for design, safety and connectivity. It is beautiful to ride and gives a glimpse of what should be possible across Auckland to make cycling pleasant and easy. I especially love how the route has opened up all the long forgotten bush in the gully and provides a stunning view down to the Harbour (the Waitematā Local Board has plans for walking connections into Symonds St Cemetery which will open up even more of the native bush).
What was a bit lost in the applause for NZTA’s work on Grafton Gully was that Upper Queen Street Bridge (the removal of general traffic lanes and slip lanes to provide a new shared path) and Auckland Transport’s Beach Road cycleway was also opened at the same time. The project teams have worked extraordinarily hard to coordinate the opening of all three sections and deserved far greater acknowledgement.
In March I reported that Auckland Transport was 6 months behind NZTA and that Upper Queen Street Bridge was not even at the design stage. The Waitematā Local Board’s advocacy was instrumental in both projects being brought forward. We also funded the installation of a drinking station on the corner of Upper Queen Street and Ian McKinnon Drive ( a location suggested by Cycle Action Auckland).
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during August 2014 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 and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.
Portfolio reports: Transport
Cycle Advisory Group
The Cycle Advisory Group was established by the Mayor as a forum for providing advice, a strategic review and sounding board on cycling issues in Auckland. Members of the group consist of representatives from advocacy organisations, NZTA, ACC, MOT, Waterfront Auckland, AA, the Mayor’s office and Auckland Transport. Councillors Chris Darby, Linda Cooper and Penny Hulse are also invited to attend.
At the chair’s forum meeting in June it was noted that there was no local board representation on the advisory group. I was nominated by the board chairs as the local board representative.
I attended the fourth meeting of the group on 29 August which focused on the prioritisation process for cycling capex projects.
Draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2015
However on 19 August Prime Minister John Key announced $100 million in new funding to be made available over the next four years to accelerate cycleways in urban centres after a record breaking number of submissions were received on the GPS supporting cycling investment. It is proposed that an Urban Cycleway Investment Panel will investigate opportunities to invest in urban cycleways that would expand and improve the cycling network.
What is significant is that for the first time the National government has acknowledged the benefits commuter cycling and the need to provide connected infrastructure. The challenge to Auckland Transport will be to ensure that robust investment proposals are ready to go so that Auckland can tap into this fund (which does not require matched funding from AT).
Drinking fountains
The board has committed to funding three drinking stations in the street environment from the local board capex fund.
The first of the stations has been installed at the corner of Ian McKinnon Drive and Upper Queen Street as part of the Upper Queen Street bridge upgrade (photo right).
Missing connections
A priority of the Board is to improve connectivity around the Waitematā area. One of our advocacy positions to Auckland Transport through our Local Board Agreement 14/15 is for construction of the Wellesley St connection to Auckland Domain under Symonds St overbridge and on-road connection to the NZTA funded/constructed Grafton Gully Cycleway
Last month I came across this Dutch family in the photo right who were lost on the Symonds Street bridge trying to get to the Museum by following a street map. It reinforced yet again the importance of the City – Domain walking connection bvia Wellesley Street (the project is with the City Centre Integration Group to progress).
Cycling network
Thanks in part to Local Board advocacy great progress has been made to complete major cycling projects in the Waitematā area. The Grafton Gully cycleway (NZTA project), Upper Queen Street bridge connection (AC project) and Beach Road stage one (Auckland Transport project – pictured) will all be opening in early September to provide a continuous connection from Quay Street through to the NW cycleway.
Monthly transport update
A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 27 August. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.
Portfolio reports: Community
The community Development portfolio is working on a number of issues that were discussed at our monthly meeting with CDAC officers on 27 August including:
Grey Lynn Community Centre funding
Funding available for tables and chairs at community centres
Leys Institute Lift
I also attended a number of meetings during August relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.
Local Board Engagement
Consultation on the draft Waitematā Local Board plan ended on 6 August. A series of drop-in sessions concluded at the Grey Lynn Library on 4 August. Consultation on the Board’s localised carbon emission reduction plan closed on 16 August.
Community Grants
The Community Grant committee met on 25 August to consider applications to the Board’s community fund for the first round of 2014/15. The Board has $100,000 available for community grants per year.
The Committee has recommended allocating $30,852 in grants from the $80,612 applied for. A final decision will be made at the September Board meeting.
Local Government New Zealand
I attended the LGNZ Zone One meeting on 22 August with representatives from Local Boards, Kaipara District Council, Whangarei District Council, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council. Councillor Penny Webster is Zone One Chair and Auckland Council’s representative on LGNZ.
The meeting received updates from Malcolm Alexander, CEO of LGNZ (Vision of LGNZ: Local Government powering community and national success) and presentations from Surf Live Saving, Fields of Remembrance Trust (WW1 commemorations) and an update on the Financial Prudence Regulations.
Workshops and meetings
In the period 1 August – 31 August I attended:
Communications catch up on 4 August
Engagement adviser catch up on 4 August
Local Board draft plan drop in sessions – Grey Lynn Library Hall on 4 August
Local Board workshop on 5 August
Newmarket Station Signage – Parks Portfolio Meeting on 6 August
Meeting to discuss LTP draft performance measures
WEBINAR Tax – An elected members responsibility
Elections 2016 workshop for local board members on decisions to be made prior to the 2016 local government elections on potential changes to the voting system, establishment of Maori wards and representation arrangements.
Community meeting organised by Community development team at the Freemans Bay community centre – Inner City Network: What would a successful network look/feel like? On Friday 8 August
City Rail Link Project update for local board members on 11 August
Working lunch with Housing NZ board members and housing NZ representatives on 11 August – HNZ provided an overview and details of their presence in the Waitematā area
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 12 August
Waitematā Local Board business meeting in Parnell on 12 August
Waterfront Auckland CEO update for board members on 13 August
Meeting with Dave Peters from Cycling Auckland (bike hire business) regarding Waterfront Auckland’s bike hire operation (attended with Kevin Wright on behalf of Stephen Town and Connie Clackson from Waterfront Auckland)
Newmarket Laneways Precinct proposals – initial plans presented to board members on 13 August
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 14 August
Effective Meetings for Local Board Chairs and Deputy Chairs – This session is the follow-up from Monday 5 May and concludes the examination of styles and approaches that help meetings to run smoothly and generate decisions.
Local Board briefing on the LTP financial policies on 18 August – a briefing for 2 representatives from every board on the financial policy issues that may be considered as part of the long-term plan with an opportunity to provide early feedback
Communications catch up on 19 August
Meeting to discuss photos for the board’s achievements report
Grants Committee agenda run through on 20 August
LGNZ Zone One meeting at the Orewa Service Centre on 22 August
Waitematā Local Board Grants Committee Meeting on 25 August
Local Board Workshop on 26 August
Ponsonby Community Centre committee meeting on 26 August
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 27 August
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 27 August
Auckland Transport meeting with Barbara Holloway, K’rd Business Association to discuss maintenance issues and service levels.
Meeting with Waterfront Auckland and Ponsonby Cruising Club to discuss the club’s lease
Cycling Advisory Group meeting on 29 August
Bus stop interactivity and user experience presentation by AUT students to Auckland Transport representatives
Events and functions
In the period 1 August – 31 August I attended:
95bfm interview on the Waitemata Local Board plan on 1 August
City Givers Launch event at Pioneer Women’s Hall hosted by Splice on Saturday 2 August (photo right)
IPENZ annual debate on the positive team with Darren Davies and Matt Hinton The Car is So last century (photo below)
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 6 August
Vintage Austin Register – Auckland branch AGM on Sunday 10 August
Hosted the Green Desk on 95bfm on 12 August talking to Florence Reynolds from Plastic Diet
Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks
Hosted the Green Desk 95bfm on 26 August talking to Emma McInnes from Generation Zero
Locally left at the Grey Lynn RSC with Jacinda Ardern and David Slack
Grey Lynn Residents Association AGM on 19 August at the Grey Lynn Community Centre
CAB Auckland AGM at the Flickling Centre on 20 August
Herne Bay Residents Association Candidates debate on 21 August at the Ponsonby Cruising Club
Carlton Gore Road market day organised by the Newmarket Business Association on Saturday 23 August (photo right of the new footpaths and bike parking)
Local Board hosted citizenship ceremony at the Town hall on 25 August
Cycle Action Auckland public monthly meeting 28 August
Movie fundraiser for Tearfund on 28 August
Belleville at the Herald Theatre at the invitation of Silo Theatre 29 August
My creative mum, Barbara Grace, found inspiration for her latest art project in the pages of John Roughan’s biography of John Key – Portrait of a Prime Minister. She de-constructed the book and on each page drew different slogans of her own design such as:
“John Key is an overweening populist”
“Q. What is the opposite of a polymath? A. John Key”
“JK is exemplary of neoliberal triumphalism”
“If you don’t want to think too much JK is the man for you
“Q. What are JK’s values? A. He doesn’t know, he hasn’t run a poll on that yet”
“JK is impoverishing future generations.”
“Your children may not forgive you if you vote for JK”
Over a couple of lunchtimes my mum then took her tray of FREE ART around the cafes of Jervois Road, Ponsonby Road and K’rd offering the pages to patrons . Her friend Lynn recorded the art project in action.
I’m always on the look out for ways to improve how we consult with our community so an article by Brent Toderian on 10 Lessons in more engaging Citizen Engagement really grabbed my attention. I was particularly inspired by one of the suggestions to use Pecha Kucha to increase civic participation as I am a big fan of Pecha Kucha Auckland.
I therefore really thrilled when the Waitemata Local Board Chair agreed to collaborate with Pecha Kucha for the launch of our draft Local Board plan on 16 July 2014 .
As far as I’m aware it was the first time in New Zealand the Pecha Kucha format was used as a platform for local government consultation. We called the event a Town Hall special edition. I had the wonderful experience of curated the event with Renee Tanner, Arts and Culture Advisor who has previously worked with Luka from Pecha Kucha Auckland (Luka brought the concept to New Zealand). We aimed for a really good mix of speakers who all contribute in some way to the beating heart of Tāmaki Makaurau. Speakers had free rein over the content of their presentations we just asked that one slide respond to what they would like to see in the Local Board plan.
Over 300 people came along on the night- a huge number for a council consultation event. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the quick format, the venue and most of all the excellent presenters. I especially enjoyed the event because of the young people involved (the youngest presenter was only 11) and the new faces who came along that we don’t normally see at consultation events. It was also fun as a Board member to present with my colleagues using the Pecha Kucha format (20 slides divided between 6 board members)
I highly recommend using Pecha Kucha to engage with the community instead of or in addition to the usual Council- style public meetings. Thanks to Brent Toderian for the idea!
PKN_AKL_ special Town Hall edition in collaboration with the Waitematā Local Board // Wednesday 16 July 2014 // doors open 06.30pm / start 07.30pm // Town Hall, Concert Chambers, Queen St, Auckland CBD // free entry // come early as there will be limited seats
List of presenters (in this order):
Ngarimu Blair // Ngati Whatua // Maori In the City
Jessica Ji // Year 7 Inner city resident // Do Children Feel Safe in Public Educational Spaces
Anja Vroegop // Walking and Cycling coordinator, Auckland Transport // The Future of Cycling in Auckland
Shelagh Coop // Parnell Heritage // Older citizens fired up
Alex Swney // Heart of the City // Tarmac – oh so yesterday – urban place making now past tipping point
Elected Representatives // Waitematā Local Board // Plans plans plans – there’s more to us than plans
Emma McInnes // Generation Zero // Smart campaigning to influence decision makers
Alycea Meredith-Lelei // Year 12 AGGS // Roots Pollinate: Art, community and Youth go POP
Ben Bell // Low Impact // One less rubbish truck
Esther Hjelmstrom // Council Landscape Architect // Greenways – delivering the dream
Denise Bijoux // Inspiring Communities // Building community and being locally-led
UPDATE: As I have acknowledged in my September monthly report when I made my submission on the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport I was convinced it was a waste of time however I was proved wrong – on 19 August the Prime Minister John Key announced $100 million in new funding to be made available over the next four years to accelerate cycleways in urban centres after a record breaking number of submissions were received on the GPS supporting cycling investment. It is proposed that an Urban Cycleway Investment Panel will investigate opportunities to invest in urban cycleways that would expand and improve the cycling network.
What is significant is that for the first time the National government has acknowledged the benefits commuter cycling and the need to provide connected infrastructure. The challenge to Auckland Transport will be to ensure that robust investment proposals are ready to go so that Auckland can tap into this fund (which does not require matched funding from AT).
I made a quick submission yesterday on the draft GPS on Land Transport with one minute to spare before the consultation closed.
I was hoping to present a fuller case for investing in walking and cycling but ran out of time. Thankfully I was able to draw on the submission from the On Yer Bike campaign which encouraged a record breaking 3,400 responses. Sadly I don’t think submissions on the GPS will make any difference to the government’s crazy obsession with building uneconomic roads & motorways at the expense of all other transport modes but I wanted to join those demanding investment in cycling.
Dear Minister Brownlee,
I am Deputy Chair of the Waitematā Local Board representing the central suburbs and city centre of Auckland of almost 80,000 people. The latest census has demonstrated the benefits of investment in public transport and walking/cycling in the Waitematā read. Where people are provided choice in Auckland they are leaving their car at home.
51% of people in Waitematā travelled to work on census day by means other than a car compared with the Auckland average of 16%
25% in Waitematā do not own a car compared with 19% in 2006 (rising to 51% in the city centre)
The draft GPS does not reflect Aucklander’s demand for transport choice. The draft Government Policy Statement proposes to spend well under 1% of the budget on walking and cycling.
I therefore request that the government allocate significantly more funding to PT and walking and cycling in the 2015 Government Policy Statement on land transport.
In particular I request that the budget for active transport is increased from $15-30 million per year to $45-90 million per year for the next 3 years with progressive increases after that. This is a small increase relative to the total budget of $3.5 billion per year, but would start to make a real difference for cycling. The NZ Transport Agency should take an active leadership role in improving cycling.
Auckland Transport’s surveys have indicated that almost 60% of Aucklanders would cycle if they felt safe. Completion of the Auckland Cycle Network would give people a viable choice about cycling and provide more people with access to PT.
Investment in cycling is also consistent with the proposed three priority areas in the GPS
A strong and continuing focus on economic growth and productivity
Internationally competitive cities are now recognising is that a good walking and cycling environment is a pre-condition for an economically healthy city. It means higher rents, increases property values and creates economic benefits.
Road safety
Investing in cycling infrastructure creates a safer roading environment for all road users
For example, after a parking-protected bike lane was installed on Manhattan’s Ninth Avenue, all traffic-related injuries dropped 50 percent. Injuries to pedestrians dropped 29 percent and injuries to cyclists dropped 57 percent
Value-for-money
Investment in cycling infrastructure represents excellent value for money. In the UK the average BCR is estimated to be 19:1 (and this is without factoring in all the possible environmental benefits such as the reduction in air pollution and the health benefits)
By providing transport choice the road system is less congested and provides for the movement of freight and the people and services that need to be on the road.
The roading investment as proposed in the draft GPS is low value for money.
I ask the Minster to consider the data from New Zealand and internationally and transport trends to finalise a GPS that is economically responsible, environmentally sustainable and will meet the transport requirements of Aucklanders now and for future generations.
Auckland Conversations: Vancouver Cycle Chic – Chris and Melissa Bruntlett, Modacity
Blend with the Bluntletts ride on 2 November organised by Generation Zero, Transportblog, Blend Store and the Frockers at Frocks on Bikes – Auckland
