Pippa Coom, Author at Pippa Coom

Ciclovía on Quay reclaims Auckland’s streets

The idea for holding a Ciclovía in Auckland was first proposed over four years ago by Cycle Action Auckland (I was on the committee back then). It was at a time when the concept for “open streets” was becoming popularised overseas following on from the first Ciclovias in Bogota, Columbia where streets are closed for promenading at the weekend.

During the Rugby World Cup Quay street was closed every weekend for party central and people could see how possible it was to reclaim the streets for people. In 2012 the Playing in the Streets event on Queen Street also demonstrated what could be achieved from a temporary road closure. (and on Waiheke they held their own Ciclovia in 2010 in support of keeping traffic off the Esplanade)

Over the last year further momentum has been been building for a Ciclovía as plans get underway for the transformation of Quay Street into a pedestrian Boulevard. A Ciclovía is a logical way to trial the use of the space and to give a glimpse of the future opportunities for our waterfront. The Waitemata Local Board has been championing for an event to happen and was fully supportive of the proposal when it was first suggested by the city centre transformation team at the end of last year.

So it was fantastic to take part in Ciclovía on Quay on Saturday 8 February organised by Auckland Council, Waterfront Auckland and Auckland Transport. I especially enjoyed seeing children take advantage of the wide open space to experience freedom on their bikes and scooters.

As I cycled around the comment I heard the most was “can this happen every weekend”!

Video of Ciclovía on Quay here

Impromptu Ciclovia on Ponsonby Road

In preparation for the Pride Parade on 22 February 2014 Ponsonby Road was closed to traffic from 4pm. This was a fabulous opportunity to experience the freedom of cycling and walking along the strip without any conflict with cars.

Perhaps next time we can take advantage of all the expense and time that goes into the Parade’s traffic management plan with an official Ciclovia beforehand on Ponsonby Road.

Draft Ponsonby Road masterplan update

This update was published in the February Ponsonby News

Last year the draft Ponsonby Road Master plan generated a huge amount of interest, lots of creative suggestions for the future development of Auckland’s iconic street and a number of queries about how the plan was coming together. Here is an update on the draft, the process so far and next steps.

The idea for a master plan came out of work started by the Western Bays Community Group building on previous studies, plans and initiatives such as the 40km speed limit. A working group made up of Waitematā Local Board members, the Ponsonby Business Association, community organisations, stakeholders, and Mana Whenua representatives informed the draft Master plan through a series of workshops. Auckland Council also commissioned a report on Māori heritage values and opportunities to better engage with relevant Iwi for the project area. The working group was assisted by Auckland Council planners, urban designers, heritage advisers, landscape and retail specialists, as well as transportation experts from Auckland Transport.

The working group approach was unique in bringing stakeholders around the table early on in the process and developing a draft from the grassroots up. It was big contribution from a group who volunteered their time. It meant we learnt a lot along the way, challenged “normal” Council processes but ended up with final draft for consultation reflecting a wide range of views.

The vision put forward in the draft is to develop Ponsonby Road as a vibrant, well connected place for people whilst protecting, enhancing and celebrating its unique heritage, reinforcing its role as a key entertainment and boutique shopping destination and improving the natural environment. The draft identifies specific outcomes to achieve this vision over the next 30 year and is framed around four themes – transport and movement, arts , culture and heritage, the natural environment and open space and land use.

The draft plan includes concepts for shared spaces, pedestrian improvements, cycle lanes, bus stops, native planting, street furniture designs, art works and the opportunities at 254 Ponsonby Road (the Nosh site currently owned by Auckland Council) to provide for a new open space.

Consultation on the draft took place over an extended period involving pop in sessions, a public meeting and draft concepts on display at the Ponsonby Community Centre. Almost 300 submissions were received on the draft which is an impressive number for this type of consultation. What was also impressive was the quality of the submissions and the comprehensive, thoughtful responses.

Overall strong themes emerged from the feedback that will inform how the master plan is finalised and what projects should be a prioritised for implementation. A full report of the feedback will be on the Board’s March agenda. It is likely that a final of the plan will be ready to be signed off by the Board mid-year. Updated concepts for the development of 254 Ponsonby Road will be consulted on separately.

The draft plan is available on the Auckland Council website.

Waitematā Local Board transport advocacy areas

Submissions on the Auckland Council Annual Plan 14/15 close on Monday at 4pm. This is a good opportunity to let your Local Board and the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors) know what key transport projects you think should be prioritised.

The plan is essentially the Council budget for year 3 of the Long Term Plan. Publicity has been very low key this year because there are so few new spending proposals or changes from the Long Term Plan and the main focus at the moment is on the proposed Unitary Plan consultation (submissions close on 28 February). But it is still worthwhile making a submission.

As part of the Annual Plan, Local Boards consult on their one year agreements with the governing body – our funding and service levels – and outline our proposed projects and activities (the proposed budget changes of each Local Board are available here)

In their annual agreement Local Boards also put forward all the projects they are advocating for to the Governing Body and the CCO’s in particular Auckland Transport. The Waitematā Local Board has the longest list of advocacy areas of any Board in relation to transport projects that we want Auckland Transport to fund and take forward. Our complete list is below.

So in providing feedback on the Annual Plan 204/15 you can comment on the Governing body’s key transport priorities ( I find the Transport theme very disappointing as it doesn’t include any walking and cycling projects as priorities – full document here ) and your Local Board’s transport advocacy areas. The online feedback form is available here

Waitematā Local Board Advocacy areas to 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

Work with the local board on identifying traffic calming measures for the shopping areas in Parnell, Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and Richmond Road to support 40km per hour zones. This would include for example, raised crossings, raised intersections and kerb build-outs to narrow the road.

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).

Cycle safety

Prioritise the installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes including in the following locations:

Williamson Avenue northeast coming onto Ponsonby Road
College Hill Road westbound coming onto Ponsonby Road
Tamaki Drive, westbound at The Strand
St Stephen’s Avenue westbound coming onto Parnell Road
Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge
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:

All intersections with left–turn slip lanes and no pedestrian facility
Intersections with long pedestrian crossing delays
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

Pedestrian and cycle safety
Traffic calming and slower speeds
Urban design.

Franklin Road upgrade

Undertake the planned upgrade of Franklin Road 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.

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:

Implementation of a parking scheme for the Domain that works to discourage commuter parking (e.g. through pricing)
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;
Wayfinding signage for pedestrians; and
Upgrade of Teed Street (western part), York Street and Kent Street, Newmarket.

Monthly Board Report February 2014

Covering activities from 1 December 2013 – 31 January 2014

This is my first Board report for 2014. At the December meeting of the Waitemata Local Board confirmed Board member portfolios and positions. This term I am the following:

Transport and Community portfolio lead
Chair, Grants Committee
Member of the Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee
Positions: Ponsonby Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate), Ponsonby Community Centre representative, Parnell Trust Liaison

Getting to better know the Waitemata Local Board area

Beating the Bounds

We started the new term by teaming up with Walk Auckland to “Beat the Bounds” of the Waitemata Local Board area. We walked our boundary from Meola Reef to Pt Resolution. It was an excellent opportunity to get to know our Board area and to ensure no encroachments from our neighbours on the Albert-Eden and Orakei Local Boards.

A highlight for me was walking the boundary along Newmarket stream and into Newmarket Park for the first time. Access from Middleton Road has been blocked due to slips. I think there is huge potential to better link Newmarket Park with Ayr reserve and Thomas Bloodworth Park. As we discovered the Shore Road roundabout presents a formidable barrier and is unsafe for crossing pedestrians (the Transport portfolio has logged this issue with Auckland Transport).

Local Board Tour

In January our appreciation of our Board area continued with a tour organised by our local board services team. We spent the day visiting our key projects from Weona walkway in the west over to the Pt Resolution headland in the east including Art Station (under refurbishment), Pioneer Women’s Hall, Freemans Bay Community Hall, and Symonds St Cemetery. We also had an unscheduled stop to pick up an order of Arch Hill War Chest larger from the Grovner brewery.

The Tour really highlighted just how many projects we have underway and what a fantastic board area we are fortunate to represent.

Portfolio reports: Transport

Cycle safety

Tragically the year started with a cycling fatality in our local board area on the corner of Parnell Rise and the Strand. It highlighted the desperate need for safe, separated cycling infrastructure on our busy roads. Unfortunately it also unleashed ill-informed, heartless, victim bashing and the resurrection of myths like cyclists do not pay for the roads therefore shouldn’t ride on them.

I raised concerns with Auckland Transport regarding their communications following the crash which wrongly attempted to put the focus on so called red light running rather than the positive steps AT is taking to improve cycling infrastructure in Auckland. Fortunately the NZ Herald did run a very good series on cycling safety following the crash. (See What my mum knows about cycling attached).

Greys Ave bus parking proposal

At the end of last year we responded to Auckland Transport’s proposal to install bus parking outside 95- 113 Greys Ave with the following feedback.

The Waitemata Local Board supports the work underway to upgrade Auckland bus services and the move to a new network with frequent bus services. The provision of quality public transport as part of an integrated transport system is a Board priority. We appreciate that additional buses in the city centre require layover locations and it will be necessary to re-allocate road space for buses.

However we have met concerned residents on Greys Ave and have considered their reasons for objecting to the proposal.

Greys Ave is one of the few residential streets in the City Centre with apartments at ground floor level. We agree with the residents that Greys Ave is not a suitable location for a bus layover location (for a variety of factors) and object to the proposal to install bus parking.

We ask that AT consider alternative locations and road space suitable for bus parking (which might require the re-prioritisation of a general traffic lane). Our feedback, made under delegated authority, will also be included in the Board’s February meeting agenda for endorsement by the Board.

Sky path

In December the governing body voted to progress the Auckland Harbour Bridge pathway to move towards signing a memorandum of understanding with the Sky path Trust. I spoke in support of the project on behalf of the Board

I attended the meeting on 29 January hosted by the Council’s Sky path champion Brett O’Reilly (ATEED, CEO) with local residents groups and the Westhaven Marina Users Association to discuss the patronage review results.

Way finding

One of Local Board initiatives is way finding for pedestrians and cyclists. A surprising number of access ways in our area have no signage.

It is good to see a walkway sign been installed by Auckland Transport at our request on Ponsonby Road (indicating the walkway through to Arthur Street). We have requested AT investigate including the destination information on the standard walkway sign design

Monthly transport update

Monthly Transport catch ups were held with the Transport portfolio in December and January. Specific issues discussed include:

Coxs Bay bus turnaround proposal
Kingdom Street level crossing upgrade
Signage on Walkways/ access ways – it is the Board’s preference that these include directional information
Auckland Transport Code of Practice – currently under consultation until the end of March
Richmond Road safety action plan – upgrades on Richmond Road currently underway on the intersection of Cockburn street
Ponsonby Road safety improvements proposed for the Anglesey St 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 update: Community

Community Funding

The allocation of grants for the second round of Community Grant funding was made by the Waitemata Local Board’s December meeting (it wasn’t possible to hold a Grants Committee meeting for this round due to the committee not being established following the election). Grants totalled $16, 505.15 were approved.

The deadline for applications to the third round is 21 February 2014.

Freemans Bay Residents Association

Congratulations to the latest Residents Association to be formed in our area. It has been a pleasure assisting the residents who have enthusiastically taken on the task of promoting and protecting the citizens of Freemans Bay. I attended the Association’s well attended first public meeting in December and answered queries.

More information at www.freemansbay.org.nz

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

A range of meetings were attended during December and January relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.

Other board activities

Local Board Agreement

Council’s consultation on the draft Annual Plan got underway on 23 January and continues until 24 February 2014. As part of the Annual Plan each local board agrees with Auckland Council’s governing body on the funding for local activities and the local service levels for the coming year.

The draft Local Board agreement and details of proposed projects and budget changes is available on the Annual plan website

Unitary Plan

The Board hosted a workshop on 29 January to assist with making submissions on the Unitary Plan. I thought the workshop was useful for explaining the process and giving our community representatives the opportunity to raise issues and concerns.

Submissions can be made until the end of February

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 December – 31 January I attended:

Local Board grants workshop on 2 December
Local Board workshop on 3 December
Meeting with the Newmarket Community Association on 3 December
Freemans Bay Residents Association public meeting on 3 December
Meeting to discuss Transport consultations on 4 December
Meeting with Ken Clive regarding SH16 widening project
Review of the Ponsonby Road masterplan meeting on 4 December
Site visit with Arch Hill residents to discuss safety and maintenance concerns on Waima Street
Waterfront Forum on 5 December at Shed 10 – developing a new form of partnership
Newmarket Business Association meet and greet at the Board office on 5 December
Localised carbon reduction plan for Waitemata local board area discussion on draft and next steps
Introductory ATEED meeting on 6 December
Site visit with John Street resident on 6 December to discuss parking on the footpath
Kids in the City (Project: Children Researching Children) presentation by 6 children (aged 10-12) on findings from research they conducted this year on various aspects of what it’s like for children living in /around the Auckland CBD. This pilot research was funded by Massey University and Auckland Council
Ponsonby Road draft masterplan feedback – report to the Ponsonby Road masterplan working group at the Local Board office on 9 December
Pioneer Women’s Hall needs assessment presentation on 10 December
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 10 December 2013 at the Local Board office, Graham Street
Meeting with the General Manager of the Ponsonby Business Association on 11 December
Briefing of local board members on the Sky path project on 12 December
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 12 December
Workshop – Low Carbon Auckland: To seek feedback from Councillors and Local Board representatives on the proposed draft Auckland Energy Resilience and Low Carbon Action Plan (titled ‘Low Carbon Auckland’). Engagement with the incoming Councillors/ Local Board representatives was requested by Councillors and Local Board representatives who attended a workshop held on 19 June 2013 when an initial draft action plan was discussed.
Meeting with Cheryll Martin, GM at Volunteering Auckland on 12 December
Seminar on the second release of 2013 Census data held by RIMU on 13 December
Community-led Placemaking Champions Group meeting on 13 December
Waterfront Auckland workshop for Local Board members and Councillors on the development plans Wynyard Central
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 17 December
Attended the Governing Body meeting on 19 December 2013 and spoke in support of Skypath.
Update on Costley Reserve playground upgrade/concept plan and Playground Design and consultation for the play space renewals projects programmed for 2013/2014
Transport catch up on 14 January
Meeting to discuss the draft Waitemata Local Board Transport Engagement Plan on 20 January
Meeting to discuss Art Station
Site meeting with a mosaic artist to discuss a mural in the Grey Lynn toilets
Waitemata Local Board tour on 23 January
Unitary Plan workshop discussion on 24 January
Meeting to discuss Local Board Plan timetable
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 28 January
Ponsonby Community centre Board meeting on 28 January
Monthly Transport portfolio meeting on 29 January
Board hosted Public Workshop: Making Submissions on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan on 29 January
SkyPath – meeting on 29 January with local residents groups to discuss the patronage review results
Meeting to discuss community leases under consideration 30 January
Workshop on the Local Government Act (LGA) Amendment Bill (no 3) and opportunity for Local Board input in to the council’s submission on 31 January
Meeting to discuss Neighbours Day with the Community Development portfolio on 31 January

Events and functions

In the period 1 December 2013 – 31 January 2014 I attended:

Opening of the Franklin Road Christmas lights on 1 December 2013
Official party at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 3 December 2013
Annette Isbey exhibition opening at the Central Library on 4 December
Cycle Action Associates breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 5 December
Outlook for Someday Awards at the Aotea Centre on 6 December at the invitation of Connected Media (I am a trustee of Connected Media)
Beating of the Bounds – walk of the Waitemata Local Board boundary from Meola Reef to Pt Resolution bridge on 7 December
Carols by Candlelight at Western Park on Sunday 8 December delivered by the Board
GLBA Christmas lunch on 10 December
Auckland Conversations: New Zealand’s Climate Change and Oceans – Professor Sir Peter Gluckman on 12 December
Grey Lynn 2030 Christmas lunch and annual public meeting on 18 December
Sugartree development Christmas function (at the invitation of Sugartree)
Memorial gathering for the victim of the crash at the intersection of Parnell Rise and the Strand
Big Day out at Western Springs on 17 January (two tickets provided by Regional Facilities)
International Buskers Festival VIP Night Show at the invitation of Crackerjack Productions on 25 January
On Anniversary Day I enjoyed checking out all the activities along the waterfront including the Ports of Auckland festival at Captain Cook Wharf, Seafood Festival at the Viaduct Events centre, Buskers International Festival and Laneways
Auckland Conversations: Auckland’s Economic Development – Greg Clark – Global Cities Advisor

Beautiful Waitematā berms

Since Auckland Council stopped paying for the grass verges/berms to be mowed in October last year the landscape of our streets has been changing in new and beautiful ways. Yes there are some scruffy roadsides (and as a Board we have been following up with Auckland Transport to maintain berms that have no obvious “owner”- the NZ Herald has reported on this today) but for the most part as I travel around the Waitematā area I have been impressed with what’s starting to grow and how well cared for our neighbourhoods are looking.

There have been other spin offs too. The bees and butterflies are new beneficiaries enjoying all the roadside food from the flowing berms (one of my neighbours has been leaving a patch of meadow grass for the bees). Maintaining the berms encourages neighbourly interactions as I have seen on my own road. My neighbour mows our berm as we don’t have a lawn mower. I took the opportunity to meet new neighbours when they were outside planting their berm. Other neighbours finally got talking again after a long running dispute.

It’s also made me appreciate how many residents have been proudly looking after their berms for many years despite it previously being a paid service (not surprisingly as the contractors often did a very poor job). It was only in the old Auckland City Council area that berms were mowed at ratepayer expense- the rest of Auckland can’t figure out what the fuss is about. I am all for Auckland Transport maintaining verges that are not getting looked after (usually for very good reasons) but I think we should enjoy, encourage and celebrate our new urban landscapes that have been liberated from expensive Council mono-mowing.

More information

Berm mowing responsibilities on Auckland Transport’s website

Alternative ideas for berm mowing – Auckland City Harbour News, 9 October 2013

Tips for planting bio-corridors – Grey Lynn 2030

Update

Pimp my berm – berm planting in Elleslie on Seven Sharp 12 February 2014

Monarchs love this Buddleia on Richmond Rd

What my mum knows about cycling

My mum, Barbara Grace, has had a lot of time to think about what would make Auckland a great place to cycle. When we immigrated to NZ in 1982 she brought her bike and since then hasn’t stopped cycling for transport around town. Today she has three bikes – her folding Brompton, her bike for performing with the Velociteers (New Zealand’s only synchronised cycling performance group ) and her electric bike which is her new pride and joy. She rarely uses her car as she also has a convenient bus stop right outside her house and a goldcard!

It wasn’t that long ago people used to say to her “I know you, you are the lady that cycles around Ponsonby” – she was recognised because so few people were on bikes. She has been waiting a long time for Aucklanders to appreciate the benefits of cycling and for the roads to feel safe for everyone. She’s had a few scary moments herself – most recently knocked off by a guy who “just didn’t see her” as he turned out of a side street into her path (despite being “high viz” as she was lit up like a Christmas tree).

So my mum has been following with particular interest the recent debate about cycle safety following the tragic fatality in Parnell early in January. I think she nailed it with her most recent letter to the NZ Herald that was published last week.

Dear Editor

Thank you NZ Herald for having a week of bike related stuff. So many opinions from the daft to the very useful.

This is what I know:

A small but significant proportion of all road users don’t obey the rules and are ill-disciplined and arrogant. Trying to work out whether motorists or cyclists are worse is impossible and pointless. An important difference is that its the motorists who kill and injure on a regular basis.

Cyclists contribute as much as anyone to road maintenance etc. and provide a positive cost/benefit.

Because the number of cyclists is increasing all the time (hooray!) we need to get our act together and have bells and lights and show more respect to pedestrians.

Every year cycle tourists from overseas, leave NZ shaken and horrified at the way they were treated on the road, this is no help at all to our tourism industry.

In spite of the problems, cycling in Auckland is the most efficient and enjoyable way to get around the city.

Thank you

Barbara Grace

Declaration of member interests December 2013

Auckland Council’s Code of Conduct requires elected representatives to complete an annual declaration of interests. My first declaration was submitted as requested at the end of June 2012. No request for a further declaration was made to elected representatives until early December 2013 (due date 20 January 2014) requesting a declaration back dated to 1 January 2012. However I have reported all gifts in my monthly board reports and have declared all interests for this term at the Board’s first business meeting on 10 December (recorded in the minutes).

I have also maintained a Registry of interests on my website since August 2012. (A declaration of interest summaries is available for Ward Councillors on the Auckland Council website. The summary is not currently available for Board Members).

As an elected representative I wish to be as transparent and open as possible about all my interests. I take very seriously my responsibility to approach decision making with an open mind, to make decisions in the public interest and to be fully accountable for my decisions and actions. Being completely open about my interests is just one of the ways I personally wish to maintain the high standard of conduct that is expected of me in my role.

December 2013 Declaration

Interests in land: 16 Firth Road, Grey Lynn (jointly with my partner)

Companies: (partner) Paul Shortland Limited, Pallet Lock Limited, Firth Road Trustees Limited

Trusts: Connected Media, Grey Lynn 2030, Kelmarna Community Garden (until May 2013)

Memberships: Grey Lynn Farmers Market, Grey Lynn RSC, Cycle Action Auckland (until December 2013), YWCA (2012-13), Vintage Austin Register, Auckland Girls Grammar Old Girls Association, Sustainable Business Network, Grey Lynn Business Association (until November 2013).

Name of debtors: n/a

Name of creditors: n/a

Appointments: n/a

Gifts: (1 July 2012 – 31 December 2013) Tickets to Auckland Arts Festival, Basement Theatre, ATC opening nights, Tim Bray Productions, Seafood Festival 2012, Taste Auckland, NZ Ballet, Q Theatre (value unknown but only package of Arts Festival tickets likely to be over $300)

Additional Declaration: Partner, Paul Shortland was a member of the Mayor’s consensus building group (representing Cycle Action Auckland)

Walking and cycling on Auckland Harbour Bridge a step closer with approval of Skypath

Yesterday’s Governing Body meeting was dominated by the censure of the Mayor. But also on the agenda was a very significant and exciting project that has strong public support. In a confidential session the council voted to move the project to the next phase allowing council officers to work towards a formal agreement with the Skypath trust and their backers.

The Skypath presentation is available here including details of the proposed construction and a range of impressive design images . Ben from Cycle Action Auckland also spoke in support of the project and highlighted that it is a critical link for walking and cycling. More details on how the path will connect at each end on Transport Blog.

I had a last minute call up to speak on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board (standing in for our Chair Shale Chambers who waited 3 hours to speak) to confirm the backing of the Board.

I noted the Board’s long term support for the project which is included in our Local Board Plan and emphasised that we are now keen to move on to the details which will address the concerns raised by the resident associations. There is no doubt that it is a transformational project that has the Board’s full support to be taken forward to the next stage.

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to get to the project to this point in particular Bevan Woodward from the Skypath Trust.

Monthly Board Report December 2013

I was delighted to be re-elected to the Waitematā Local Board on 12 October 2013 and to be confirmed as Deputy Chair for another term at our inaugural meeting on 4 November.

My first Board report for this term covers my activities from 10 September including the final period of the first triennium of Auckland Council and the election period.

Transport

I look forward to continuing to work on the Transport portfolio (portfolio’s to be confirmed at our December Board meeting). There are some exciting projects underway in our area – Beach Road cycle lanes (photo from the Beach Road open day), the Sky path, Grafton Gully Cycleway, Waitematā safer routes scheme and the Board’s Greenways project that we can look forward to seeing delivered over the next three

Auckland Transport’s draft Cycling Business Plan

The feedback from Christopher and me is on Auckland Transport’s draft Cycling Business Plan is on this month’s agenda. We have raised a number of concerns regarding the draft plan and the failure of Auckland Transport to put forward an investment proposal to meet the Auckland Plan targets.

Greenways Plan

The Board’s Greenways Plan is now online. We heard in November that Auckland Transport are progressing the design work on our priority Greenway Route connecting Coxs Bay to the NW Cycleway via Grey Lynn Park with construction planned for 14/15 .

Work is also underway on an implementation plan for delivering the priority routes in the plan which will be on our February agenda.

SH16 – St Lukes Interchange

During the election period the NZTA and Auckland Transport requested land owner consent from the Board to widen Great North Road into reserve land opposite MOTAT to provide for two lanes on to the motorway. The Board has pushed back on the widening due to the lack of clear transport benefits and the need to remove mature pohutakawa trees. The plans have now been modified to retain the trees and incorporate cycling and walking improvements. Auckland Transport have given an undertaken that outstanding concerns are going to be addressed through the Great North Road Corridor Management Plan that has recently got underway.

Reporting on transport issues

Auckland Transport reports monthly on the issues progressed with the transport portfolio. The report is available on our agenda.

Community Development

I hope to continue working on the Community Development portfolio for a second term. We are making good progress on a number of projects and initiatives (including the redevelopment of Pioneer Woman’s Hall as a community facility for inner city residents) however there are still a wide range of issues and community priorities that need to be addressed.

Meetings associated with the community development portfolio are listed below.

Community Funding

The Board’s Community Grant committee met on 2 September and recommended the allocation of grants for the first round of funding for 13/14. Grant application decisions totalling $24,601.60 were confirmed at our September Board meeting.

The Central Joint Funding Committee met on 20 September to allocate grants from the Accommodation Support Fund, the Community Group Assistance Fund and the Auckland City Cultural Heritage. These grants are allocated within the old Auckland City Council area by representatives of the relevant Boards. The minutes are available online.

Other board activities

Bunnings Decision

I attended most of the four days of hearings in support of the submitters against the application for a Bunnings mega store development on Great North Road. Board chair, Shale Chambers addressed the hearing on behalf of the Board in opposition.

After hearing the evidence I thought the submitters had a really strong case based on the negative impact of the Bunning’s proposal. It is a non-complying activity in a Mixed Use zone that abuts the Res 1 neighbourhood of Arch Hill. The scale of the activity is not intended under the district plan in a mixed use zone. I was therefore hugely disappointed that the commissioners granted Bunnings consent on 20 November. I feel that residents have really been hugely let down by the process and are now faced with taking the fight to the Environment Court

Unitary Plan

The proposed Unitary Plan was notified on 30 September for public consultation. Feedback is open until 28 February 2014.

I attended the public open day at the Central library on 11 November including presentations on Sustainable Design and Universal Access. I also attended the briefing for all elected representatives on 19 November. The plan and key topic fact sheets are available online.

Urban Design

Gentle Density, Brent Toderian

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Brent Toderian, the former Chief Planning Officer for Vancouver City Council. I heard about “gentle density” for the first time – a term that has now been adopted by Auckland Council planners.

Brent covered the magic of density done well:

Reduced energy use in buildings
Allows for active transport
More green design options (in Vancouver called “eco-density”)
Less sprawl
More affordable housing choices
Improved public health
Vitality, diversity, safety

Brent emphasised that it is not about height it is about how well you design it and that the emphasis must be on good design. The best thing you can do for density is have a high design standard. In Vancouver this translated into only accepting “excellent” design. He gave examples of how gentle density can be achieved.

Hidden density “laneway” houses by infill housing
Ground orientated housing
“invisible” housing achieved through secondary suites

His message to the professionals that attended the workshop is that there is no excuse not to achieve density and to have a genuine conversation about the benefits (and challenges)

Demographics on their side
Urban environment perfect condition
Families are choosing urban living (in US 80% of households are childless) – if you design for kids you attract kids

Following the workshop Brent presented at an Auckland Conversation where Ludo Campbell Reid launched the Auckland Design Manual.

In his presentation Brent focused on transportation issues. Key points:

Key problem of sprawl is auto – dependency
It is a myth that is is possible to balance modes – what has to happen is a re-prioritisation with walking first then cycling
No city has made driving better by building roads. In Vancouver they have achieved 20% less vehicles entering downtown and driving has got better
The best transportation plan is a great land use plan
Done well density uses the power of nearness
He recommended designing “eye candy” for walkers
Need to physically protect cyclists only why will increase mode share – cheapest infrastructure investment you can make
It is not about being “anti-car” but “pro-choice”

Local Board Workshops and meetings

In the period 10 September – 21 November I attended:

Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 10 September at Parnell – the final meeting of the first term of the Board (photo of the cake presented at our last Board meeting)
Arch Hill Residents public meeting on 16 September
Community portfolio monthly catch up on 18 September
Meeting to discuss Basement Theatre liquor licence
Meeting to discuss Pt. Resolution master plan
Central Joint Funding Committee Meeting on 20 September
Meeting with Tania Pouwhare, Principal Strategy Analyst to discuss neighbourhood planning/place making
Meeting to discuss plans for the children’s area at the Central Library
Meeting to discuss waste management funding for the Grey Lynn Festival with the solid waste team on 26 September
ATEED tourism update held at Shed 10 on 27 September
Community Facilities renewal programme 2014 meeting
Auckland Transport monthly catch up
Neighbourhood planning working group meeting convened by Roger Blakely on 30 September
Meeting to discuss a first draft of a Localised Carbon Reduction Plan for Waitemata on 2 October
Hearings for Bunnings – attended on 7, 8, 9, and 10 October
Meeting on 9 October with local residents to discuss anti-social behaviour at St Patrick’s Square
Pioneer Women’s Hall redevelopment meeting on 9 October
Paul Steely White breakfast presentation hosted by Heart of the City and AECOM on 11 October
St Luke’s interchange meeting with Parks officers on 11 October
Meeting to discuss Sugar tree development and Corridor management plan for Nelson Street on 15 October
Presentation by Billy Mathieson, Principal Adviser, Social Entrepreneurs to report back from his attendance at the SOCAP13 conference in SF – one of the leading ‘Social Impact’ events in the world.
Waitemata Local Board welcome meeting on 18 October
Ways of working workshop on 22 October
Interview on Radio Ponsonby on 22 October to discuss bike park corral and Ponsonby Road Master plan
One day “Stepping Forward for Auckland” – Conference and Expo for newly elected members (photo of CCO panel at the Expo)
Legal Briefing as part of the induction Expo for elected representatives
Waitemata Local Board New Elected Members Technology Training session 25 October
Stormwater One day Seminar at the Rendezvous Hotel on 31 October
Finance, Comms and Local Board Agreement training for Elected members on 1 November
Waiheke Local Board inaugural meeting on 2 November
Inaugural meeting of the Waitematā Local Board 2013 – 2016 on 4 November
Grey Lynn Business Association Committee meeting on 5 November
Launch of Waterfront Auckland’s Sustainable Development Framework on 5 November at Shed 10
Albert- Eden Local Board inaugural meeting on 6 November
Meeting to discuss Christmas Carols in Western Park
Meeting with Lynne Butler, Freemans Bay residents on 6 November to discuss setting up a Freemans Bay Residents Association
Meeting to discuss the proposed activation of Quay Street with a Ciclovia event (road “opening” for walking and cycling) to be held on 8 February 2014
Coastal walkway meeting with Parks officers on 8 November
Waitematā Local Board weekly workshop on 12 November
Transport update on 13 November
Unitary Plan update for all elected representatives on 19 November
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 19 November
Meeting with Sugar tree and Nelson street developers to discuss Auckland Transport plans for a corridor management plan on 20 November
Advancing Auckland’s Governance induction workshop for elected representatives on 20 November
Greenways meeting with Parks officers and Auckland Transport on 21 November
Environmental portfolio first catch up meeting on 21 November
Community Development and Partnerships monthly catch up with the portfolio holders on 21 November

Events and functions

In the period from 10 September – 22 November I attended the following events and functions:

Tour and lunch at the Crossroads Clubhouse, Great North Road
Great Transport Debate hosted by Campaign for Better Transport on 11 September
Unwrapping a new era in transport – launch of Auckland’s new electric commuter trains at Wiri Depot
Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks on 12 September
Opening of the Age of Aquarius – Fashion Museum on 13 September
Survive and Thrive (a public forum, expo and series of workshops for people working in the creative sector) – attended an afternoon workshop on 14 September at the invitation of the Big Idea
Bayfield School Safe School Travel Plan Launch with the Mayor on 16 September
Parnell meet the candidates event
Grey Lynn meet the candidates event
Spoke at the suffrage day celebrations at Khartoun place organised by the National Council for women on 19 September
Beach Road walking and cycling improvements Public information day at AECOM hosted by Auckland Transport
Park(ing) day event on Hardinge Street organised by the Urban Design team
Ponsonby Market Day on 21 September
America’s Cup races at Shed 10 over various mornings
Arch Hill Street party on 22 September
Newmarket Business Association AGM (I was a scrutineer) on 25 September
Opening of the Heritage Festival at Shed 10 on 27 September
Young and Hungry theatre production at Basement Theatre (at the invitation of the Basement Theatre)
Launch and Lunch at the Italian Festival on 29 September at the invitation of the Italian Society
Mayoral morning tea with Auckland Senior Citizens to celebrate the 2013 United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October
Bayswater walking and cycling pipe bridge opening attended by the Mayor on 5 October
Grey Lynn Savalivali Heritage walk
Grey Lynn Farmers Market AGM on 6 October (I was re-elected Chair of the management committee)
Powhiri for new Voyager director on 7 October
Opening of Art Week at K’rd on 10 October
Newmarket Business Association Young Designers Awards (at the invitation of NBA) on 11 October
RIMU presentation Pseudo-science and caricatures? Reflections on Gen X, Y, X, Z and beyond
Fiesta in the Park on 13 October
Parnell Trust AGM 15 October
Sustainable City Showcase at the Cloud hosted by Sustainable Business Network on 17 – 19 October
Official opening of the 12th annual Auckland Diwali Festival on 19 October
Jam on Toast event at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 19 October
Ground-breaking for the start of construction of the Westhaven walk and cycleway 21 October (see photo)
Pouwhiri for the new Council on 23 October
Opening of the Tall Ships Festival at Queens Wharf on 26 October
Inaugural meeting of the Governing Body at the Town Hall on 29 October
Gentle Density workshop with Brent Toderian on 30 October
Auckland Conversation and launch of the Auckland Design Manual on 30 October with Design for Auckland: Brent Toderian – Toronto, Canada
Meet the Fair Trade Farmers event hosted by Oxfam NZ at Shakey Isles on 31 October
Celebration and opening evening at Parnell Baths on 1 November
Auckland Conversation – Beauty and Biophilia Amanda Sturgeon, Living Buildings International
Auckland Conversation in Association with RIMU Kids in the City – Accommodating Children in an intensifying Auckland Karen Whitten and Robin Kearns on 6 November
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast on 7 November
TRANX drug and alcohol service 25th anniversary celebration on 7 November
Fairtrade Banana event at Ponsonby Central on 7 November
Art in the Dark opening on 7 November
Art in the Dark event 8 and 9 November
Unitary Plan public Open day on 11 November
Newmarket Business Association networking drinks (Buzz) on 13 November
Social Enterprise Forum – Growing the fourth sector on 14 November
Grey Lynn Business Association AGM on 14 November (I stood down from the Committee)
Grey Lynn Community Centre AGM on 20 November
Switching on the Parnell Lights event at Heard Park on 21 November

Deputy Chair of the Waitemata Local Board

I am very honoured and grateful to have been re-elected on 12 October to the Waitemata Local Board along with my City Vision colleagues Shale Chambers, Christopher Dempsey, Deborah Yates and Vernon Tava. Thank you to everyone who supported me and the City Vision Local Government Elections 2013 campaign.

At the inaugural meeting of the Board on 4 November I was delighted to be re-elected Deputy Chair. The Chair’s inaugural address is available here.

I am committed to working full time for the heart of our city and Auckland’s central suburbs both on Council and with several voluntary organisations. I chair the Grey Lynn Farmers Market committee and am a strong advocate for sustainability and transport choice.

My approach is collaborative, inclusive and open. I maintain a full declaration of interests here and report monthly on my activities. Please get in touch if there is anything you would like to discuss.

Taking my declaration at our inaugural meeting. Photo credit: Cathy Casey

Who will be Auckland’s Janette Sadik Khan?

Cycle Action Auckland recently brought the executive director of Transportation Alternatives in New York, Paul Steely White to Auckland.

At a breakfast presentation hosted by AECOM and Heart of the City, Paul discussed what it had taken to start transforming New York into a cycling city.

He highlighted some keys to New York’s success:

Moving beyond “vehicular levels of service” to wider benefits and modal targets which became possible after Janette Sadik-Khan was made the Commission of Transport
Using other metrics for measures of performance such as the number of seniors on a street because they want to be there
Taking a “green paint” approach – for example the quick and dirty work over of Times Square (which started as a trial but has now been made permanent because it was so successful)
Doing it quickly with public input a key part of the success (Janette Sadik-Khan’s mantra: Her mantra: Do bold experiments that are cheap to try out.)

Paul observed that Auckland felt like where New York was at 10 years ago. So what is it going to take to transform Auckland? After being inspired by stories from New York I think we need our own Janette Sadik-Khan who can turn around the culture at Auckland Transport and provide visionary leadership.

From my experience on the Transport portfolio over the last three years I think that Auckland Transport is incapable at the moment of learning any of the lessons from New Year because the organization is fixated on providing a roading network only for efficient vehicle movements. Cycling infrastructure is considered to be an optional extra and nice to have rather than integral to every transport project. Auckland Transport is not even on track to meet the Auckland Plan targets for completing the Auckland Cycle Network.

The good news is that Paul Steely White saw signs that the “liveable streets revolution” is underway in Auckland and acknowledged the work of cycling advocates. What we need now to actually make Auckland the world’s most liveable city with the most liveable streets is our own Janette Sadik-Khan.

Paul Steely White’s visit to Auckland

Auckland Conversation presentation on video

‘Heroic risks’ – US visitor marvels at perils of city cycling NZ Herald 11 October 2013

Kim Hill radio interview

Janette Sadik-Khan: New York’s Streets? Not so mean anymore. Ted Talk September 2013

Strong result for City Vision and centre-left

Media Release from City Vision

13 October 2013

Strong result for City Vision and centre-left

“The 2013 Auckland Council elections have seen a strong performance from City Vision and progressive teams across the Auckland isthmus”, says Gwen Shaw, Campaign Co-ordinator for City Vision.

“On the Auckland Isthmus City Vision achieved the following results:

In the Waitemata & Gulf Islands Ward incumbent City Vision-endorsed Councillor Mike Lee was returned with a strong majority.
In the Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward incumbent City Vision Councillor Cathy Casey was comfortably returned.
On the Waitemata Local Board, City Vision retained five out of seven positions.
On the Albert-Eden Local Board, City Vision retained five out of eight positions.
On the Puketapapa Local Board, Roskill Community Voice increased representation to win four out of six positions.

“When taken together with the Whau Local Board result (five Labour members elected on a Board of seven) and Maungakiekie-Tamaki (four Labour members elected on a Board of seven), this means that all Local Boards on the Auckland isthmus, with the exception of Orakei, are controlled by progressive groupings. This is a major achievement and a huge change from the old Auckland City days of C&R domination.

“Regretfully, some high quality City Vision candidates were not successful this election. We also note with sadness the loss of Richard Northey as Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward Councillor. City Vision has worked extensively with Richard over the years and we know him to be a person of great integrity and knowledge who has served his community faithfully. His contribution on Council will be greatly missed.

“With strong progressive representation across the Auckland Isthmus we will be working hard to engage our local communities over the coming term. We campaigned on public ownership of Auckland’s assets, empowering local communities, treating people and our environment with respect, and building a congestion free network. We thank Aucklanders for their support this election and will work hard to advance the values and policies we were elected upon”, says Gwen Shaw.

ENDS

Contact Gwen Shaw 027 4144074