I’ve just attended the Velo-City 2014 conference in Adelaide. One of the best speakers was Tim Papandreou, Director of Strategic Planning & Policy at the San Fransico municipal transportation agency. Tim spoke about the range of strategies his agency is employing to achieve sustainable streets.
One of the most important tools, he says, is parking demand management to create more sustainable streets and promote alternative transport options. In SF they estimated 20% of congestion was caused by drivers looking for parking. The approach they have taken with lots of success (SF Park) is to provide flexible parking options using smart technology to optimise existing parking resources.
There is a lot to be learnt from SF but their parking management approach is particularly relevant as Auckland Transport starts consultation on the Parking discussion document. Feed back on the document will determine how future parking is managed in Auckland to cope with continuing growth and competing demands on public space.
This following article was first published in Ponsonby News
Parking discussion document
Parking for cars causes one of the biggest headaches for Aucklanders particularly in our historic inner city suburbs and the city centre. In Freemans Bay commuters are waking up residents from the early hours as they start circling for “free” parking. In Ponsonby residents on narrow streets are frustrated at getting infringement notices for parking on the footpath. In Herne Bay residents are feeling the downside of the successful St Marys Bay resident’s parking zone as commuters get pushed into neighbouring streets.
On the Strip the most frequent complaint is about the lack of parking. There are many more issues around price, availability and how public space on our streets is allocated to parking often to the detriment of other transport priorities. As further development occurs (with less parking built off-street under the Unitary Plan) and the inner city population increases greater demands are going to be placed on space for parking.
The super city restructuring brought together seven legacy council systems of managing parking which created inequalities across the city and failed to resolve long-standing parking issues. For the first time a comprehensive region wide parking policy review is being undertaken by Auckland Transport. Public consultation is open until the end of June to give feedback on how the key parking issues facing Auckland should be addressed.
For the city fringe the proposed approach applies “demand responsive pricing” for parking adjacent to businesses (using pricing to create capacity – this is how the new city centre parking zone works), the introduction of resident parking scheme (like that currently trialled in St Marys Bay) with priority given to heritage properties with no off- street parking , and paid parking for residential streets close to business, shopping, leisure or public transport.
On arterials it is proposed to prioritise public transport and cycling ahead of parking. Auckland Transport has suggested this may require replacement parking for businesses at convenient locations (as it is currently planned for Dominion Road).
Feedback on a parking discussion document will shape Auckland Transport’s parking strategy and open up the way for the roll out of resident parking zones. These zones will be a game changer for busy areas like Ponsonby Road and neighbouring suburbs where huge amounts of parking could be freed up from commuters for residents and short term visitors.
The Waitemata Local Board will be providing feedback on the discussion document. Our starting point is for effective parking management to provide residents with access to parking in inner city suburbs and to prioritise parking in town centres to support local businesses and welcome shoppers. We will be listening to our community’s views before commenting.
There is often a perception that the problem with parking is just that there is not enough. However a look at the overall policy approach shows the current issues are really about poor and inconsistent management of our available resources. We welcome Auckland Transport tackling this challenging and at times emotive topic with community input and look forward to the implementation of solutions as soon as possible.
The parking discussion document is available on Auckland Transport’s website: at.govt.nz
Frocks on Bikes is delighted to welcome to town New York’s transport revolutionary Janette Sadik-Khan, with a frockalicious bike tour along central Auckland’s scenic paths and shopping streets on Saturday 24th May.
New York City’s former Department of Transportation Commissioner worked miracles during her tenure under Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Her team transformed many of NYC’s ‘mean streets’ to increasingly friendly shared spaces with innovations such as a pedestrian mall in Times Square, and more than 480km of new bike lanes. Now, as Transportation Principal at Bloomberg Associates (alongside her former boss), she is inspiring other cities to create “complete streets” with space for everyone, whether they are on foot, on bike, in buses or cars, and Frocks on Bikes are thrilled to be able to share their experiences of cycling in Auckland with Sadik-Khan.
Frocks on Bikes, which began in Wellington in 2008 and now has 13 “frock flocks” across New Zealand and Australia, celebrates the casual chic and cheerful freedom of women on bicycles. “Our philosophy is you can ride however often you want, at whatever speed you like, in whatever you love to wear – yes, even a frock!” says Auckland Frocks on Bikes co-ordinator Nic Williams.
“The research is clear: the more women out and about on two wheels, the safer your city for everyone. Women on bicycles are a “indicator species” for a healthy urban environment. The sight of women on bikes sends a message that cycling is fun and that roads are for sharing, which encourages even more people.”
Safety is not the only benefit. New York studies show that bike-friendly streets are great for retail and real estate: Manhattan’s 9th Ave retailers experienced sales increases of 49% after a protected bike lane went in. Potential bike lanes on Auckland’s shopping streets such as Karangahape and Ponsonby Roads are guaranteed to have the same positive retail impact. With baskets and panniers typical on the springy, upright commuter bikes we like to ride, Frockers are well-placed to shop, shop, shop.
And then there’s our health. European studies show that women (and men) who cycle for just 30 minutes a day sleep better, look healthier, think better, concentrate more, live longer, save more money and lower their risks of heart disease and cancer. The best part? Most of this research is based on studies of moderate cycling, the kind of cruisy, pleasant cycling that Frocks on Bikes loves best.
However, says Williams, yet more research concludes that to get more women out cycling, streets must be transformed into bike-friendly avenues. Frocks on Bikes are looking forward to rolling along some of central Auckland’s magnificent ridgeline roads with Janette Sadik-Khan, and hearing her thoughts on how our city can improve our streets for all the people who use them.
Itinerary for Saturday 24 May
2.30pm: Q&A at The Cloud, Queens Wharf, with Janette Sadik-Khan, Mayor Len Brown, Ludo Campbell-Reid and Frocks on Bikes members
3.00pm: Frocks on Bikes ride begins
Dress Code: Frocks or your normal, everyday clothes!
RSVP to: Nic Williams – frocksonbikes.aucks@gmail.com or Ph 021 110 7148
Auckland Council, who is hosting Sadik-Kahn will also have a video recording of her free talk on Monday 26th May (now at full capacity) – posted to the Auckland Conversations website.
WHAT THE FROCK?!Frock-busting the big myths about cycling in Auckland:
Too rainy? We can count on one hand the number of times we’ve gotten drenched while out cycling in Auckland. (The former North Shore City Council did the numbers: if you rode to work every day of the year, you’d only get wet on a dozen of those days.)
Too hilly? Looks are deceiving! Most Auckland roads are pleasantly manageable. We ride at our own speed and barely break a sweat tootling up College Hill in first gear. We arrive at our destination with a fetching blush to our cheeks.
Too inconvenient? We love our lycra-clad sport-cycling brothers and sisters, but we have no need for a shower and a change of clothes by the time we get to work. The point of Frocking is to be able to ride from A to B in your fabulous everyday clothes. Plus, we can always find a park (and we don’t have to pay for it).
Not safe? While Auckland’s roads can definitely do with improvements, there’s interesting driver psychology in play when more women are cycling in “ordinary” clothes. A UK study showed drivers are more likely to slow down around female urban cyclists (or at least a bloke wearing a long, blonde wig!), and give them a wider berth when passing. This heightened attention to courtesy pays off for everyone on the road.
In other words, there has been never been a better time to ride.
This report covers my Board activities during April 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: Community
Community Grants
The Central Joint Funding Committee made up of members from Orakei, Albert-Eden, Puketapapa and Waitematā Local Boards met on 15 April to allocate funding from round two of the Community Group Assistance Fund (this is a legacy Auckland City Council fund). In total we allocated $210,093.50 to groups in the central board area including in the Waitemata Local Board area Circability Trust ($25,000), Toi Ora ($25,000), Artist Alliance ($3,888), TAPAC ($13,685), Triangle TV ($18,000), Youthline ($8,050) and Volunteering Auckland ($7000). The minutes of the meeting are available on the Council website.
Community centres
The Community portfolio has been assisting community centres over the last month with funding issues. The Community Facilities team have confirmed that funding grants available for the centres have been rolled over for 14/15 at the same levels as 13/14. This is creating concerns for centres who are trying to improve facilities and programming.
A report should be on our agenda this month seeking a decision on approximately $20,000 available as additional grant funding. We have encouraged centres to consider proposals focused on sustainability (such as waste minimisation) and accessibility.
Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio
A range of meetings were attended during April relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.
Portfolio report: Transport
Shaping Auckland’s transport
The CEO of Auckland Transport led a workshop on 14 April with Central Local Board’s regarding Transport Plans for the 2015- 25 period. The workshop was an opportunity to discuss issues of interest in our area directly with AT senior management to ensure Auckland Transport better understands Local Board priorities before transport plans are developed.
As part of the scene- setting for the workshop Auckland Transport presented the 2013 Census data for each local Board. In Waitemata there were 42, 882 employed adults (people aged 15 years and over) out of a total population count of 77,136. Of the 16,182 who commuted on census day 49% made the trip to work by car, 1% by motorbike, 16% by public transport, 31% walked and 3% cycled. The Auckland average for travel by car is 83% and only 5% average for walking.
The census data strongly shows the benefits of investment in PT and active transport to provide transport choice.
Great North Road resurfacing
The resurfacing of Great North Road between Western Springs and K’rd got underway in April. We raised with Auckland Transport that this could have been a great opportunity to better use existing infrastructure through improvements for all modes not just locking in the current deficiencies as planned.
One win from the maintenance work is that Auckland Transport is installing a feeder lane at the approach to K’rd/Great North Road intersection. This pinch point on the network was first logged with Auckland Transport by the transport portfolio over three years ago and is a priority project in our Local Board agreement.
Design for a feeder lane and advance stop box on Great North Road
All the St Mary’s Bay residents I have spoken to are strongly in support of the project and can see the many benefits it will bring to locals.
The Trust intends to apply for resource consent in June. It is great to see this transformational project progressing.
Grafton Gully Cycleway
As these photos show NZTA is making great progress on the Grafton Gully Cycleway. Auckland Transport continue to give assurances that the connection to the cycleway at Beach Road is on track to be completed by September this year between Churchill Street and Quay Street via Mahuhu Crescent (in line with NZTA’s proposed finish to the Grafton Gully Cycleway). We are monitoring this closely and also progress on the Upper Queen Street connection which is being progressed by Auckland Council’s city transformation team.
Monthly transport update
We’ve attended two transport catch up during April. 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.
Other board activities
Annual Plan Local Board hearings
Every year each of the 21 Local Boards has an opportunity to present to the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors of Auckland Council) on their activities, advocacy areas and budget requests that the Board wants included in the Annual Plan.
On 29 April the Waitemata Local Board, led by Shale Chambers, had our turn to outline our priorities for 14/15. I spoke to our transport advocacy areas (attachment A).
Local Board Plan
In early April we completed our early engagement on our Local Board plan with a series of meetings with resident groups. During April we have been working on our draft plan which will be going to our June Board meeting for approval to go out for consultation
Out and about in Waitematā
Newly painted electrical boxes on Picton street just off Ponsonby Road (photo left)
The Central Library has a newly refurbished children’s area which is bright and fun. It was officially opened in April with member Yates representing the Board. (photo centre)
Te Whānau Whāriki from Richmond Road School has adopted the Rose Road Gully in Grey Lynn Park for a restoration project. On their first morning they collected 200 bags of tradescantia and 10 bags of rubbish. (photo right)
Progress on major projects:
Sky City can thank the Waitemata Local Board for opposing the overbridge development proposed in 2011 for Federal Street. It would have created a dark oppressive road. Instead the street has received a shared space over haul which is nearly complete.
The new steps and upgrade of Khartoum Place is progressing (photo above). The transport portfolio has raised with the project team the need to slow down the traffic on Kitchener Street to provide for an improved pedestrian connection to the Art Gallery
Thank you Generation Zero and Transport Blog for getting Auckland Transport to take action on the Fanshawe Street bus lanes. Only four months from the original proposal to installation! It really shows that Auckland Transport can act quickly and decisively as a CCO when there is clear leadership.
Workshops and meetings
In the period 1 April – 31 April I attended:
Local Board workshop on 1 April
Local Board Plan engagement meeting with Freemans Bay Residents on 1 April and with Grey Lynn Residents Associations on 3 April
Local Board Plan Breakfast meeting with Parnell Community Committee and eastern stakeholders on 2 April
Monthly transport portfolio meeting on 2 April
Monthly Community Development portfolio meeting on 2 April
Meeting to discuss feedback on Draft Auckland Energy Resilience and Low Carbon Action Plan
Community Portfolio meeting with Libraries for Geoff Chamberlain (retiring) to introduce Mirla Edmundson (new Manager Local Libraries North & West)
Briefing meeting with Ponsonby Cruising Club Inc regarding leasing issues
Briefing on Community Facility Fees and Charges on 3 April
Meeting with John MacDonald, Minister at large (Splice coordinator)
Orakei & Waitemata Local Boards meeting on 7 April to discuss Greenways connections
Central Joint Funding Committee workshop on 7 April
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 7 April at Graham Street
Ponsonby Road masterplan catch up
Site meeting with Transport Portfolio and the Chair to discuss pedestrian improvements at Anglesea Street
Financial scenario information for LTP presentation by the Council’s CFO to Local Boards on 8 April
Meeting to discuss proposed concepts for 254 Ponsonby Rd
Briefing of the Auckland Development Committee and Waitemata Local Board by Precinct Property Ltd on its proposed redevelopment of the Downtown Shopping centre.
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 10 April
Myers Park Centenary event – initial meeting
Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association and Chris Rupe SPQR to discuss the draft Ponsonby Masterplan
Early Engagement on Transport Planning – Workshop with AT Senior Management
Meeting with Grey Lynn Community Centre on 14 April
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 15 April
Central Joint Funding Committee meeting on 15 April
Catch up with Ponsonby Business Association on 16 April
Joint briefing for Orakei and Waitemata Local Boards on the proposed stormwater ports of Auckland project on 16 April
Ponsonby Road masterplan meeting on 16 April
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 22 April
Community Development portfolio meeting on 23 April
Extraordinary Workshop to discuss the Local Board Plan on 28 April
Arch Hill Residents Meeting on 28 April
Presentation to the Governing Body Annual Plan Local Board Hearings
Popped in to a CAB catch up at the Central Library (meeting organised by Deborah Yates)
Ponsonby Community Centre Meeting
Transport portfolio monthly catch up 30 April
Deputised for the Chair at the Governing Body (Budget Committee)/Local Board Chairs Annual Plan discussion on 30 April
Events and functions
In the period 1 April – 30 April 2014 I attended:
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 3 April
My Bed my Universe – Massive Company and NZ Trio collaboration
Ponsonby Community Centre Open day on Saturday 5 April
Richmond Road School Gala on Saturday 5 April (congratulations to the school on organising a Zero Waste event)
Barry Coates farewell from Oxfam on 9 April
After 5 networking event organised by the Uptown Business Association on 10 April
Launch of K’rd and Newton Plans on 10 April
Newmarket Business Association Business Excellence Awards on 11 April with John Kirwan as guest speaker
Skypath Open Day at Westhaven on Saturday 12 April
Ponsonby Bike corral video shoot with Auckland Transport
At Risk preview at Whitespace on 22 April
ANZAC day ceremony hosted by the Grey Lynn RSC
Launch of the electric train from Britomart Station on 27 April (photos here)
Walking in the Trees in Albert Park part of Waitemata Pop Project between March and June, 2014.
Guest Judge and attendance at Awards ceremony for Roots Pollinate. The Roots, Albert Park Project” consisted of The Roots Creative Entrepreneurs working with year 12 and 13 students. Working in four groups they designed and built “Pollen Hotels” from recycled materials – hanging baskets with plants that will provide food for our local bees during the winter. I received an Eco Store gift box for being a judge.
At the Fair Trade Auckland Power of You celebration this evening we heard from Rose, a cocoa farmer from Ghana who highlighted the many benefits the fair trade premium has brought to her village including clean water.
Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse also spoke about how much Fairtrade certified product has been consumed at Auckland Council since May 2012 (when Auckland became a Fair Trade City)
10,905kg of fairtrade coffee
2,796kg of fairtrade hot chocolate
1430 kg of instant coffee
4290kg of sugar
and a staggering 1,253,250 tea bags!
In total this has returned more than $20,000 in fair trade premiums to producers. It really shows the Power of You and the direct benefits of purchasing fair trade.
Every year each of the 21 Local Boards has an opportunity to present to the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors of Auckland Council) on their activities, advocacy areas and budget requests that the Board wants included in the Annual Plan.
Today the Waitemata Local Board, led by Shale Chambers, had our turn to outline our priorities for 14/15. I spoke to our transport advocacy areas:
Introduction
I come here today still buzzing from having experienced the future of transport in Auckland on the electric train on Sunday and with good news from the latest census data that clearly shows that when Aucklanders are provided transport choice they are eager to take up PT, walking and cycling. On census day 51% of residents in Waitemata travelled to work by means other than a car.
We have developed a comprehensive list of 20 transport advocacy areas for 14/15 that respond to the transport expectations of our residents, visitors and businesses that can be summed up as investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, pedestrian safety and amenity, quality street design, and effective parking management as we work towards an outstanding public transport system as part of a congestion free network
We are seeking a clear direction from the Governing Body to Auckland Transport that our local board transport initiatives must be incorporated into their 14/15 programme of work.
I would like to quickly highlight 5 specific areas.
Greenways The GB is very familiar with the concept of greenways and it is great so many Boards have either developed or are developing Greenways plans. The successful implementation of the Greenways Plan requires co-ordination and commitment from not only Waitemata Local Board but also the wider Council family. We are advocating that a regional greenways budget is secured in the Auckland Transport budget and included in the Auckland Transport Statement of Intent
Inner City Parking Scheme – The number one complaint received by Auckland Transport is in relation to parking issues in our inner city suburbs particularly Freemans Bays as a result of all day commuter parking. The situation is getting worse and has a number of negative impacts not just on residents but on local businesses. We support the roll out of resident parking zones for our inner city suburbs like the scheme currently being trialled in St Marys Bay. We want to see this happen by the end of the year following Auckland Transport’s consultation on their parking strategy.
Franklin Road – The much needed upgrade of Franklin Road has been postponed for many years as it has been in the too hard basket.This project includes 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.
The good news is that Auckland Transport has recently put the project back on the table and is revisiting a design from 2011 but needs a budget allocated to the upgrade by Council.
Intersections and Amenity for pedestrians and cyclists – After a really slow start there are positive signs that Auckland Transport is starting to make progress on improving the pedestrian and cycling experience in Waitemata.
We have provided a very detailed list of safety and infrastructure improvements in our advocacy section, which has been done deliberately to make sure local priorities are included in AT’s work programme and funded from the regional safety and maintenance budgets. This includes cycle lanes on Carlton Gore Road, linking Beach Road with the Grafton Gully Cycleway , and advocating for a change of the give way rule at intersections in favour of pedestrians
Skypath – Lastly thank you for supporting the Auckland Harbour Bridge Skypath so far. One of the most exciting and transformation projects currently underway in Auckland.
We would like to request that the Governing Body continues to progress and provide regional leadership for the skypath.
Our full list of transport advocacy areas for 14/15
Auckland Transport
Cycle infrastructure
Consult with local boards on the development of the Cycling Business Plan and routes and priorities of the Auckland Cycle Network.
Improve cycle infrastructure through the completion and extension of the Auckland Cycle Network with safe, connected, dedicated cycleways including:
Carlton Gore Road (bike lanes currently planned).
Beach Road, linking with the Grafton Gully Cycleway and with Tamaki Drive and Parnell Station.
Parnell to the City Centre walk/cycleway, through the new underpass south of the Parnell Train Station.
Nelson & Hobson Street (with separated two-way cycleways, as described in the City Centre Masterplan).
Wellesley St connection to Auckland Domain under Symonds St overbridge and on-road connection to the NZTA funded / constructed Grafton Gully Cycleway.
Prioritise the upgrade of all routes in 2014/2015 currently identified as “complete” on the Auckland Cycle Network within the Waitematā Local Board area, but are not of a safe standard.
Traffic calming
Undertake a trial of a slow speed zone in a residential area.
Implement the city centre 30km per hour speed zone (as described in the City Centre Masterplan) and the Wynyard Quarter slower speed zone.
Cycle safety
Prioritise the installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes including in the following locations: I. Williamson Avenue northeast coming onto Ponsonby Road
II. College Hill Road westbound coming onto Ponsonby Road
III. Tamaki Drive, westbound at The Strand
IV. St Stephen’s Avenue westbound coming onto Parnell Road
v. Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge
VI. Great North Road eastbound coming on to Karangahape Road.
Ensure safe, connected and continuous cycling is provided for in the St Lukes bridge widening including undertaking cycling safety works at the Bullock Track and Great North Road intersection.
Pedestrian safety and amenity
Improve intersections for pedestrians with substantial foot traffic and develop solutions to improve safety and amenity for pedestrians. This includes:
I. All intersections with left–turn slip lanes and no pedestrian facility
II. Intersections with long pedestrian crossing delays.
III. Undertaking route optimisation for pedestrians in the city centre including automatic pedestrian phases on one way streets.
Advocate for a change of the give way rule requiring motorists to give way to pedestrians crossing parallel to the priority (main) road at intersections.
Richmond Road Safety Plan
Complete the implementation of the safety improvement action plan during the 2014-2015 financial year in conjunction with Auckland Council for the shopping areas and school zones of Richmond Road, concentrating on the following elements:
I. Pedestrian and cycle safety
II. Traffic calming and slower speeds
III. Urban design.
Franklin Road upgrade
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).
Newmarket traffic management plan
Develop a traffic management plan for Newmarket to make traffic flow in a way that is logical and supports public transport, walking and cycling and economic development. This would include consideration of parking, arterial infrastructure, motorway access and signage.
Residential parking zone
Auckland Transport to implement the residential parking zone scheme to manage commuter parking in central Auckland suburbs following consultation with residents.
Auckland Domain traffic management
Auckland Transport to improve walking and cycling access to and around the Domain, while discouraging commuter parking use of the Domain through:
I. Implementation of a parking scheme for the Domain that works to discourage commuter parking (e.g. through pricing)
II. Improving walking and cycling options
Contribute to the development of a Masterplan for the Domain (to be led by Auckland Council).
SkyPath
Auckland Transport and Auckland Waterfront to progress the Auckland Harbour pathway project (the SkyPath) for delivery in 2014/2015.
Footpaths
Prioritise the 2014/2015 footpath renewal programme in conjunction with the Waitematā Local Board.
Create an agreed public consultation framework for the footpath renewal programme.
Greenways
Fund and deliver the on-road components of the Waitematā Local Board greenways project prioritised for 2014/2015.
Set the three year programme of works in collaboration with the Waitematā Local Board with regards to footpaths, road safety initiatives, cycleways, parking, greenways.
Support other Waitematā Local Board agreement priorities including:
the introduction of low impact storm water solutions in the Local Board area;
delivery of green walls, roofs and community gardens on Auckland Transport assets e.g. car park buildings;
drinking water fountains in the street environment;
development and implementation of the Ponsonby Road master plan, the Karangahape Precinct Plan and the Newton Precinct Plan;
Wayfinding signage for pedestrians; and
Upgrade of Teed Street (western part), York Street and Kent Street, Newmarket.
In March I started learning beginners te reo Māori at AUT University as part of my professional development on the Board. The free course covering Te Kākano I is held over 10 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm. I highly recommend the course.
Portfolio Report: Community
Community Gardens
A Community and Teaching Gardens tour in March organised for community development officers and board members was a great learning opportunity about the different types of gardens, the benefits and challenges and the potential role Council can play in developing and fostering community gardens.
The Old Station Reserve teaching garden is particularly impressive. This garden is on Council land and was originally set up in 2009 with the support of the then Manukau City Council Parks department. They have a philosophy of recycling everything and an open door policy for anyone who wants to work and share the produce. The garden is particularly popular with elders of the Chinese community.
Community Grants
The Community Grants Committee meeting was held on 24 March for applications to the third round of funding for the 13/14 year. The committee is recommending that the Board support applications to a total of $33,254.70.
If the Committee’s recommendations are accepted $28,459.56 remains for the fourth and final round of funding. Applications close on 25 April 2014.
Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio
A range of meetings were attended during March relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.
At our March Board meeting I reported on concerns that Auckland Transport and Auckland Council were failing to meet the deadlines for constructing the connections at Beach Road and Upper Queen Street to the Grafton Gully Cycle way that is due to open in September by NZTA.
I am therefore pleased to report that significant progress has been achieved over the last month with efforts to bring the project governance under one structure. In addition:
$1m additional City Transformation funding has been allocated to the Beach Road project to ensure quality public realm outcomes, as well as a cycleway.
Auckland Transport is working to achieve connections from Grafton Gully to Beach Road by September this year
City Transformation have developed a concept design for the urban design and landscape enhancements to Upper Queen Street bridge (funded from a $900k budget) and the team is currently working through a funding agreement with NZTA, who have agreed in principle to contribute $250k to the Auckland Council Upper Queen Street project..
It is very exciting to see the Grafton Gully project progress.
Bike Parking
The transport portfolio has long advocated for ATEED, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to provide bike parking at events. It was therefore great to experience ‘valet’ bike parking at the Pasifika festival. Over the 2 days of the festival the service was heavily used. There is a lot further potential to promote active transport to events during the summer months.
Richmond Road School safety plan
The Richmond Road school community have long been advocating for safety improvements on Richmond Road. During March a parent raised three outstanding major issues:
There has been a notable and significant increase in traffic density on Richmond Road particularly in the mornings, even over the last twelve months. This may be partly due to the high level of renovation in the area around the school at present.
Driver distractability and irritability seems to be far greater. It is routine to see cars on Ponsonby and Richmond roads running red lights, texting and talking on phones, and I have personally witnessed a number of occasions when cars have driven across the pedestrian crossings outside Richmond Rd School when the children are putting the stop signs out.
The speed of cars is well over the 40kph limit.
The Chair of Auckland Transport, Lester Levy has responded directly to these concerns and promised to undertake a site visit.
In the meantime I have confirmed that the Waitematā Local Board initiated the Richmond Road Safety Plan (of which safety improvements around the school are part) as a result of the school’s advocacy going back over many years and to address the safety concerns along the entire length of Richmond Road. This plan is one of our many advocacy areas to Auckland Transport in our annual agreement (part of the annual plan)
At our March Board meeting Auckland Transport reported that a number of safety improvements are under investigation:
Cockburn Street and Chamberlain Streets intersections (about to start)
West Lynn shops
Countdown/Farro Fresh intersection (also part of our Greenways project connecting Coxs Bay with Grey Lynn Park)
Peel Street/Richmond Road intersection is also being looked at with a roundabout as a possible option.
We very much want to see a “complete” street approach by Auckland Transport to slow the traffic over the entire length and for works to happen as soon possible with the area around the school prioritised for safety improvements.
Monthly transport update
Our regular monthly transport update was postponed this month however 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.
Other board activities
Annual Plan hearings
We had a very positive day of annual plan hearings with Cr Darby and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse joining the Board. One strong theme that emerged is the need for art groups to receive guaranteed annual funding from Auckland Council.
The Local Board Agreement (budget and activities for 14/15) will be finalised in June as part of the Annual Plan.
Local Board Plan
Community engagement on the Board’s next local board plan has continued in March with stakeholder workshops.
I attended a session for the disability sector led by Christopher Dempsey on 24 March in Parnell. The participants were unanimous in their positive feedback about the value of the session and the Board providing an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to those who are differently abled.
I also led a well-attended session for representatives of the migrant community in Parnell. The discussion was again very positive with many universal themes emerging from the engagement.
The Board was part of an Auckland Council engagement stand at Pasifika on 8 March and further consultation continues in April with resident groups.
The draft local board plan will go out for formal consultation in July 2014.
Local Board Plan public engagement sessions on 1 March in Grey Lynn
Fortnightly communications catch up on 3 March
Meeting organised by the GLBA to discuss with Auckland Transport the development of the Great North Road Corridor Management Plan on 3 March
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 March
Briefing on progress on the Greenways Project
Meeting on 5 March to discuss scope for Herne Bay Walkway Project
Presentation to the stage 2 Urban Planning: Urban Policy Analysis class at Auckland University as a guest speaker of Joel Cayford “Policy setting process: the political journey”
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 11 March
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 11 March in Grey Lynn
Attended the Infrastructure Committee Meeting at the Town Hall on 12 March
Auckland Council Investments presentation by Gary Swift (CE – ACIL) (Albert-Eden, Puketapapa, Waitemata)
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 13 March
Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association to discuss the local economic development plan feedback
Meeting to meet the new communications adviser and discuss photos for the draft Local Board plan on 14 March
Waterfront Auckland up date to the Transport Portfolio on the Westhaven promenade and cycleway on 14 March
Community Facilities Network Plan and Community Grants Policy workshops on 17 March at the Flicking Centre
Resource Recovery Centre meeting with Albert-Eden/Puketapapa/Waitemata Local Boards on 17 March
Waitemata Local Board Annual Plan Hearing
Meeting on 19 March to provide the Board with an update on concept design, costing, timing, etc for Freyberg Place and the connections with Melville Hall.
Local Economic Overview for Waitemata by Jonathan Sudworth, Economic Development
Community Facilities Fees & Charges meeting on 20 March
Waitemata Local Board Grants Committee Meeting on 24 March
Community Garden Tour on 24 March
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 25 March
Meeting to discuss the community facility work programme
Ponsonby Community Centre Monthly meeting
Local Board Plan Stakeholder Meeting with Disability Groups in Parnell on 26 March
Brent Toderian lunchtime talk in Takapuna – Balancing heritage protection with city intensification
Meeting to discuss Local Board funding policy
Migrant Communities Local Board plan Engagement in Parnell on 27 March
Meeting regarding the Local Board plan on 31 March
Meeting with O’Neill Street residents on 31 March to discuss parking issues
Events and functions
In the period 1 March – 31 March 2014 I attended:
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 6 March
Celebration of International Women’s Day 2014 on 7 March at Freyberg Place
Joined the Mayoral walkabout at Pasifika Festival on 8 March
The Olympic Pool 75th Jubilee in Newmarket on 12 March
Transport Blog movie fundraiser on 12 March
Grey Lynn Business Association Networking drinks at Malt Bar on 13 March
Opening of Andy Tolhurst and Mauricio Benega’s ‘Energia’ exhibition at Artstation on 19 March
Otago Law Students Alumni Function at Chapman Tripp on 20 March
Liveable City Art Auction to raise funds for the Arch Hill residents fight against the Bunnings big box retail development on Great North Road
Grey Lynn School Aloha Night on 21 March
Cat walk in the street event hosted by the Newmarket Business Association on 22 March
Pecha Kucha and the showing of the Human Scale at Silo Park on 28 March
Neighbour’s Day – Grow in the city at Myers Park on 29 March part of Waitemata Pop Project between March and June, 2014. Pop has an overarching theme of urban ecology, includes mini projects such as “bee hotels”, “walking among the trees”, hanging gardens, neighbours day pop out gardens and workshops to engage various communities.
Newton School Fia Fia fundraising day on 29 March
Surrey Cres Street Party hosted by the Grey Lynn Business Association in celebration of Neighbours Day Aotearoa (I volunteered on a resource recovery station to reduce the rubbish going into the street bins)
Opening of the Auckland International Cultural Festival in Mt Roskill War Memorial Park
Between the Tides sculpture event at Westmere Beach on 30 March
One of things I appreciate about walking and cycling around our Board area is seeing small but meaningful improvements take place. Many happen quite independently of the Board when residents decide to take action themselves.
I have no idea who commissioned “Menswear Dog” by Paul Walsh on the electrical box on the corner of Williamson Ave and Great North Road but I think it looks great and has received lots of positive feedback on social media.
A local resident alerted me to the fact there was no mirror in the women’s public toilets at the Grey Lynn shops. After a request made through our Board office (thanks Alana!) the property team acted promptly to install the mirror and a new toilet seat on the disabled toilet.
This path in the Domain has been in need for repair since I used to cycle through here daily to my job at Vector on Carlton Gore Road over 5 years ago. It doesn’t look pretty but this resealing is long overdue and very much welcome by those who use this pleasant route through the Domain.
Auckland Transport has acted on my request to install a walkway sign for the pathway between Beach Road and ANZAC Ave. It would just be good if it stated where the path goes!
These fruit trees (left ) have appeared in Tole Reserve. Hopefully whoever planted them is also giving the trees a good watering.
Our Parks Advisor, Mark Miller acted promptly to a request from a resident for the community fruit trees in Grey Lynn Park to be mulched.
After years of feeling like we are making very little progress, as Cr Chris Darby said “we reset the compass for cycling in Auckland” when the Infrastructure committee voted to support a significantly enhanced effort to improve cycling infrastructure in Auckland with the following resolution.
a) acknowledge the importance of cycling in contributing to the vision of creating the world’s most liveable city particularly through enabling Auckland Plan Transformational Shift #3, “Move to outstanding public transport within one network” and Auckland Plan Transformational Shift #4, “Radically improve the quality of urban living”
b) working with the Auckland Development Committee, support greater financial commitment within the Long-term Plan for cycleways, including the preparation of an integrated regional implementation strategy.
c) encourage Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to explore innovative trial projects in the near-term that increase safety and attract a wider range of people to cycling
d) request staff to review baseline data monitoring and its adequacy in understanding cycling and walking contribution to transport, and further to provide recommendations on key performance indicators (kpi’s) that may then be incorporated into the Auckland Transport Statement of Intent (SOI)
e) endorse that the committee Chair writes to the Chairman of Auckland Transport forwarding the report ‘Role of Cycling in Auckland’ and communicates the Infrastructure Committee decisions on the need for a significantly enhanced effort to improved cycling infrastructure in Auckland.
Generation Zero, as one of the groups presenting, made some compelling points:
Auckland’s per capita cycling investment spend is $6.05 compared with Christchurch’s $38.47
With the current budget it is going to take 40 years to complete the Auckland Cycle Network (the Auckland Plan target is completion by 2030)
Just by increasing cycling to 5% mode share of transport trips will lead to big health benefits (such as avoiding 116 deaths a year from increased physical activity)
Cycle lanes are the best tool in the urban tool book for attracting young talent to cities.
The US experience is that the number one thing tech companies want is cycle lanes
An excellent officer report “Role of Cycling in Auckland” (search on the agenda for the Infrastructure Committee) was also presented to the committee. I highly recommend this report for providing a comprehensive analysis of the benefits of investing in cycling.
The decision of the committee is great news as it means we are going to see a very different integrated transport plan come out of Auckland Transport and increased funding in the LTP.
Covering activities from 1 February – 1 March 2014
Portfolio report: Transport
Beach Road – Grafton Gully Connection
At our February Board meeting Auckland Transport reported on the very positive feedback in response to their consultation on the Beach Road separated cycleway that will connect to the Grafton Gully Cycleway currently under construction by NZTA.
The Board confirmed our support for the project however we raised concerns regarding the delay by AT in completing Beach Road to coincide with the opening of Grafton Gully cycleway planned for September 2014 (NZTA’s original completion date was April 2014). AT are approximately 6 months behind NZTA which means cyclists using Grafton Gully will exit Churchill Street on to the potentially very unsafe environment of Beach Road (similar to the location where a cyclist was killed in January).
We therefore requested at our February meeting that Auckland Transport takes all steps necessary to ensure those parts of the Beach Road Cycleway that connects to the Grafton Gully Cycleway is completed by September 2014.
At the same time Auckland Council is meant to be delivering the connection from Grafton Gully to Ian McKinnon Dr on Upper Queen Street. The latest update from the City Centre Transformation team confirmed that the design is not even under way and the budget of $900k has been re-allocated
Having raised concerns about the delays I hope to be able to report next month that Auckland Transport and the City Centre team are taking all steps possible to prioritise safe connections to the Grafton Gully cycleway.
St Lukes interchange – Great North Road widening
In early February NZTA awarded the contract to construct the next stage of Auckland’s Western Ring Route – upgrading the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) between the St Lukes Road and Great North Road interchanges. The $70m project is jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport.
As part of the project AT and NZTA want to widen Great North Road to provide an extra lane turning onto a newly widened St Lukes overbridged to feed a two lane motorway onramp. Last year AT sought the Waitemata Local Board’s consent to remove 6 mature pohutukaka trees on Council land opposite MOTAT on Great North Road to create an additional lane (I reported on the reasons for opposing the widening in September).
The Board declined consent but gave approval for the trees to be trimmed as part of stage one of the project (allowing for the Great North Road lane to be raised to meet the height of the new St Lukes Bridge). The conditions of this approval were confirmed by the Manager – Local and Sports Parks Central (acting under delegated authority) including a request to prioritise cycling and pedestrian improvements as part of the Great North Road corridor management plan that is currently underway. (Refer ATTACHMENT A)
At a meeting on 19 February AT confirmed it is going ahead with seeking a notified resource consent to remove the trees (and will hold off trimming the trees until a decision on the removal has been made). The public will now have a say in whether AT and NZTA have made a case for widening Great North Road at the expense of the trees. I certainly don’t think they have and the proposed design delivers very poor outcomes for PT users, walkers and cyclists.
Pedestrian safety
Gordon Price, a visiting speaker from Vancouver (details below), emphasised the importance of making walking our first transportation priority.
Some examples of where the Board is pushing for pedestrian priority is at intersections such as Angelsea Street and Ponsonby Road. Auckland Transport is proposing safety improvements with pram ramps and curb extensions however the first draft of the design still prioritises turning traffic. We have asked AT to go back to the drawing board to look at a pedestrian table that will create a continuous walking experience along Ponsonby Road (and is consistent with the feedback we heard on the Ponsonby Road masterplan).
At the Monthly Transport catch up with the Transport portfolio the following issues were discussed:
Auckland Transport’s hosting of the Cowie Street bridge design public meeting (various issues regarding the facilitation)
Proposed drinking station design and locations
Beach Road cycle way update
Auckland Transport’s Parking strategy (approved by the AT Board in February for consultation)
Bike parking at events
Route optimisation for walkers entering the city centre particularly at the Mayoral Drive/Greys Ave intersection
Current issues are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.
Portfolio Report: Community
Community-led place making champions Group
A group has been set up by Roger Blakely, Chief Planning Office to promote community-led place making through the local boards. The Terms of reference for the group have now been confirmed (ATTACHMENT B). I am chairing one of the teams set up to look at identifying best practice and effective ways of promoting community-led placemaking.
Berms policy and guidelines
Wedding flowers from the berm
In mid-February Auckland Transport confirmed it was reviewing its policy on berms and would be drafting guidelines.
I have asked Auckland Transport to ensure that in drafting the guidelines AT takes into account the place making role of berms/grass verges and the many benefits to the community (not just the road corridor operations view of the issues). For example – litter reduction, storm water management, streetscape amenity values, community development and bio-diversity.
It would be great to see the positives stated up front by AT out of which flow the guidelines on best practice rather than just a list of what not to do. (Photo of my neighbour Char picking flowers from her berm for her wedding)
Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio
A range of meetings were attended during February relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.
Other board activities
Local Board Agreement
In February Council had three overlapping consultation processes underway which put considerable pressure on the community to understand the issues and to respond on time.
Council’s consultation on the draft Annual Plan closed on 24 February. Publicity was very low key this year because there were few new spending proposals or changes from the Long Term Plan. As in previous years I found the Council website difficult to navigate for making a submission on the Annual Plan and sought a number of changes to make it easier to find relevant information.
Unitary Plan
Submissions on the Unitary Plan closed on 28 February. The role of the Board during the consultation process was to encourage submissions and respond to assist with queries. For example I had an extensive dialogue with the Freemans Bay Residents Association regarding minimum parking requirements and attended a meeting in Herne Bay at short notice regarding the zoning on Jervois Road.
Local Board Plan
In February the Board kicked off the development of our next local board plan with a series of public meetings (photo from the meeting in Grey Lynn on 1 March). The plan sets the objectives for our local community for the next three years and beyond. This is an opportunity to let the Board know what projects and initiatives we should prioritise. A feedback survey is available on the Council website (due by 31 March) .
A draft plan will go out for formal consultation in June 2014.
Long Term Plan 2015-2025 scene setting workshop
The workshop represented the formal launch of the development of the Long Term Plan 2015-25. The Workshop was an important scene setting day proving insights from experts about future trends and challenges facing Auckland. These insights will inform the debate and discussion that will take place in the course of developing the Long Term Plan. Rod Oram was MC the day with external speakers Gordon Price, Arthur Grimes and Professor Natalie Jackson.
An afternoon session covered a high level ‘stocktake’ across the Auckland Council’s Senior leaders who provided an update on current plans and the challenges and opportunities ahead for their part of the business.
I found the day gave purpose to our role as elected representatives, assisted with an understanding of the Long Term Plan process and provided a value opportunity to discuss and debate the transformation change required in Auckland.
Gordon Price session with Local Boards
Gordon Price, a former six-term Vancouver city councillor, spent a week in Auckland during February. Gordon spoke at a special session for local boards and at the all of council LTP 2015 – 2025 scene setting workshop. Here are some of the key points I took from this presentation which drew on his experience of planning and implementing a liveable city with a focus on “density done well.”
The test is whether you can you raise children – if yes then good enough for everyone else
As the rate of change slows down perception of change increases therefore incremental change is appropriate for established neighbourhoods.
Recipe for urbanity – 5 practical choices:
Car (there is NO war on the car)
Car share/taxi
Transit of all kind
Bike
Walking
Aspire to:
Mixed use compact cities
Clean green and safe
Variety of housing options
Many transportation choices (where feet replace wheels)
Well designed public spaces
His key message is to apply it consistently – and the lesson is that this works!
Workshops and meetings
In the period 1 February – 1 March I attended:
Fortnightly communications update on 3 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 February
Transport portfolio: Informal presentation on the options for a Boulevard on Stanley Street/The Strand
Meeting organised by the GLBA for Grey Lynn groups to discuss the Unitary Plan
Arch Hill residents meeting on 10 February regarding progress on taking Bunnings to the Environment Court
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 11 February
Meeting with Chris Davidson, CEO, Parnell Trust on 11 February
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 11 February at Parnell
Meeting to discuss issues with Sea Scout’s Leased Premise – 55 West End Road, Cox’s Bay and update on Basement Theatre car parking on 12 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 13 February
Intro meeting with the Community Portfolio and Mary Dawson, Chief Executive, Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS Trust)
Meeting to discuss AT’s Code of Practice on 17 February
Community Liaison Meeting for SH16 St Lukes to Great North Road hosted by NZTA on 17 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 18 February
Parks portfolio meeting to discuss way finding
Waitemata Local Board briefing on Emergency Management with Shane Webb (Civil Defence – Central Zone Manager) on 18 February
Project briefing on Auckland Transport’s proposal to install a bus turnaround at Coxs Bay
Meeting with John McDonald – Minister at large in the City Centre
Meeting of the Sky path project steering group on 19 February
Meeting on 19 February with Auckland Transport to discuss phase 2 of the St Lukes Interchange Notice of requirement (resource consent to widen Great North Road)
Meeting with Edward Bennett of the K’rd Business Association to discuss transport projects proposed for the K’rd precinct plan
Site meeting at Campbell Free Kindergarten with Frances Kelliher, Circability Trust 20 February
Waitemata Local Board Finance Committee on 20 February
Public Meeting in Parnell on the Waitemata Local Board Plan 20 February
Community-led Placemaking Champions Group meeting
Unitary Plan meeting with Herne Bay residents on 24 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 25 February
Local Board Members seminar with Gordon Price on 25 February
Community Development monthly catch-up on 25 February
Meeting for the Community Liaison group for the Cowie st/Laxon Terrace bridge project hosted by Auckland Transport on 25 February
LTP 2015-2025 scene setting workshop for all elected representatives on 26 February
Transport catch up on 27 February
Meeting to discuss on-going safety issues raised by a resident in Myers Park (meeting brought together NZ police with council safety and community development teams)
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting on 28 February as the Board’s representative
Local Board Plan public engagement sessions on 20 February in Parnell and 1 March in Grey Lynn
Events and functions
In the period 1 February – 28 February 2014 I attended:
Public meeting on Fluoridation public information evening with a presentation by Professor Paul Connett on 4 February 2014 organised by Fluoride Free Auckland
Cycle Action Associates breakfast on 5 February at the Auckland Art Gallery
The sun shone down on the Splore Festival for an amazing three day event in mid-February (thanks to my mum for buying me a ticket!). As well as soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the fabulous food (the best I’ve ever experienced at an outdoor event) and marvelling at the stunning location I was super impressed with the overall organisation and the commitment to sustainability. Splore set a high standard for a Zero Waste event that should inspire all event organisers. Splore partnered with ACZWA (Auckland Community Zero Waste Alliance) to make sure all waste items ended up in the right place and not in the landfill and to create a clean and green environment.
Here are some of my observations:
Refundable Globelets removed the need for disposable cups and demonstrated why we need container deposit legislation – kids do all the clearing up when there is an economic incentive (my photo below is of Nathanial who told me he had “hit the big time” by collecting Globelets to receive the $2 refund – for each cup!)
There is now a full range of economically priced compostable products for stallholders to use – they no longer have the excuse that “doing the right” thing is too hard or expensive (at Splore all the stallholders were audited to ensure they used compostable containers)
The 3 bin waste stations – recycling, organics and landfill waste – worked really well because they were staffed by friendly, happy volunteers (including Winnie pictured below from Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away. All the waste was then sorted through at the Trash palace to achieve an impressive diversion from landfill (I understand it is likely to be about 80% but Splore don’t have the final figures yet)
Wash against Waste is an inspired idea to reduce the need for disposable packaging
Cigarette butts are still a big challenge. Splore is held in a smoke free regional park but of course smokers still needed their fix. Many brought their own ashtrays (eg film canisters ) but unfortunately a majority of smokers drop their butts even in a “leave no trace” environment (would love to know the answer to solving that one).
Congratulations to the Splore team on a truly inspirational event. I look forward to event organisers in the Waitemata Local Board area taking your lead to host Zero Waste festivals of such a high standard.
Parking discussion document
