Monthly Board Report – March 2012

Report to the March 2012 meeting: Covering activities from 1 February – 29 February 2012

Portfolios

Transport (West including Regional portfolio) with Greg Moyle Community (including Regional portfolio) with Tricia Reade Chair, Grants Committee Positions: Grey Lynn Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate)

Portfolio reports

Transport At the beginning of February I worked to finalise the list of initiatives and projects detailed in our draft Local Board Agreement (included in the draft Long-Term Plan 2012-2022) that we will be advocating to Auckland Transport to deliver during 12/13 (the draft was agreed to at our business meeting on 14 February). The Transport Portfolio took the view that a prescriptive transport list is required in the terms of the agreement to best ensure that Auckland Transport will deliver on the community outcomes outlined in our Local board Plan.

I have included the full list taken from the draft agreement in my report below for ease of reference as it is very difficult to locate this part of the document in the draft LTP on the Auckland Council website. (From page Vol 4, chapter 26 page 365) Advocacy

Some of the initiatives and priorities contained within Waitemata’s Local Board Plan fall outside the decision-making responsibilities or budgets of local boards. These will require decisions from the governing body, council-controlled organisations (CCOs) or other agencies. The Waitemata Local Board will advocate for the following initiatives:

Auckland Transport

1. Improve cycle infrastructure through an increase in connected, dedicated cycleways a. Auckland Transport to deliver an initial dedicated cycleway project in the area of Surrey Crescent including from Garnet Road to Great North Road / Williamson Avenue and from the Richmond Road shops to Surrey Crescent.

The form could be any of the following: · cycle lanes protected behind parked cars cycle lanes protected behind low, intermittent kerbing / traffic islands · Copenhagen lanes / raised lanes · high-quality shared path / two-way cycleway with physical separation (southern side – less · side-roads).

b. Auckland Transport to continue the delivery of the below projects, already under consideration:

i. Carlton Gore Road (painted bike lanes currently planned) ii. Beach Road, linking the Northern Western Cycleway, through the Central Motorway Junction, with Tamaki Drive and Parnell Station iii. Parnell to the City Centre walk/cycleway, through the new underpass south of the Parnell Train Station iv. Nelson & Hobson Street (with separated two-way cycleways, as described in the City Centre Masterplan) v. Wellesley St connection to Auckland Domain under Symonds St overbridge.

2. Slow traffic on residential streets and at local shopping centres: a. Auckland Transport and the Board to work together on identifying traffic calming measures for the shopping areas in Parnell, Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and Richmond Road to support 40 km/h zones. This would include for example, raised crossings, raised intersections and kerb build-outs to narrow the road.

b. Auckland Transport to trial a 40km/h (or even 30km/h) speed zone for a residential area for example the area west of Ponsonby Road (between Richmond Road and Jervois Road where the speed environment is already below 40km/h).

c. Auckland Transport to implement the city centre 30km/h speed zone (as described in the City Centre Master Plan).

3. Install advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes Auckland Transport to install advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes 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. Carlton Gore Road westbound onto Park Road vi. Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge vii. Great North Road eastbound coming on to Karangahape Road.

4. Review and improve traffic management in Auckland Domain 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 through the Parnell-City Centre walk/cycleway and Carlton Gore Road (cycle lanes and the pedestrian crossing over Carlton Gore Road at George Street concept).

5. Conduct an audit of intersections that can be improved for pedestrians Auckland Transport to conduct an audit of intersections in substantial foot traffic areas and develop solutions to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians. This includes: all intersections with left–turn slip lanes and no pedestrian facility e.g. Mayoral Drive/Albert Street, Mayoral Drive/Vincent Street; Beach Road to Tangihua Road, and from Tangihua Road to Beach Road other slip lanes with no pedestrian facility e.g. Albert with Wyndham, Victoria and Wellesley streets intersections with long pedestrian crossing delays, eg Curran Street and Jervois Road, St Marys Bay Road, College Hill in Ponsonby.

In addition to the examples above, this list includes for priority investigation the following dangerous intersections: i. Victoria Street East / Bowen Avenue (lack of crossing options, etc) ii. Carlton Gore Road / George Street (pedestrian crossing over Carlton Gore, slowing traffic into and out of George Street – under investigation) iii. Union Street / Hobson Street (improving traffic phasing for pedestrians crossing over Hobson Street) iv. Left-turn slip from Hobson Street onto Pitt Street v. Left-turn slip from Nelson Street onto Victoria Street West vi. Beach Road / Britomart Place / Fort Street (lack of crossing options, opportunities for removal of slips) vii. Parnell Rise / Parnell Road viii. Symonds St on to Southern Motorway (no pedestrian crossing) ix. Left-turn slip from Symonds St onto Karangahape Road x. Left-turn from Parnell Road to Ayr Street.

6. Develop and deliver a Master Plan for Ponsonby Road Auckland Transport to continue the development of the Masterplan for Ponsonby Road, taking a complete street/living arterial approach to meet the community’s desired outcomes (eg, slower traffic, pedestrian friendly, heritage protection and improved urban design) in conjunction with urban design officers at Auckland Council.

7. Develop a Master Plan for Richmond Road Auckland Transport to develop a Masterplan for Richmond Road taking a complete street/living arterial approach to meet the community’s desired outcomes (eg slower traffic, pedestrian friendly, improved urban design), taking into account previous research including the 2011 safety audit. The plan will then be delivered in the 2013-2014 financial year.

8. Upgrade Franklin Road Auckland Transport to 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 (ie, an unbroken footpath on both sides of the road) across all side streets, driveways and intersections (for example by installing raised tables).

9. Develop and implement a residential parking zone scheme for the central Auckland suburbs Auckland Transport to develop and implement a residential parking zone scheme to manage the problem of commuter parking for residents in central Auckland suburbs.

10. Support of other (non-transport) draft local board agreement priorities Auckland Transport to support other Waitemata Local Board agreement priorities including: · Support the introduction of three swales in the Local Board area · Support delivery of green walls, roofs and community gardens on Auckland Transport assets e.g. car park buildings · Support development of green links connecting parks and open spaces. Feedback on the draft Local Board Agreement transport initiatives can be provided as part of the LTP consultation until 23 March (refer http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/AboutCouncil/PlansPoliciesPublications/Long_term_plan/Pages/haveyoursay.aspx) Consultation on the draft Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP) is being undertaken alongside the Long-term Plan. The RLTP will summarise the transport priorities for Auckland over the next 10 years so the Transport Portfolio is working to ensure that our local board priorities are also included in this document. I attended the cluster workshop on 2 February for Auckland Transport to inform all Local Boards about the RLTP as well as a presentation from the Bylaws review team on the preliminary consultation on a Speed Limits Bylaw and a Traffic Bylaw.

As part of February’s Bike wise month I attended the launch of Auckland Transport’s summer cycling guide in Aotea Square and the Go by Bike Breakfast on 15 February. I attended the Walking and Cycling Conference in Hastings (22-24 February) with Christopher Dempsey (a full report will be attached to our April agenda). In February I also attended the Governing Body’s Transport committee.

Community Auckland Council’s consultation on the draft Long Term plan 2012-2022 commenced at the end of February. For the Board this involves hosting 3 community meetings starting in Parnell on 28 February. I presented on behalf of the Board with an overview of the initiatives in our draft Local Board Agreement which forms part of the draft LTP. Consultation is open until 23 March.

At the Economic Forum on Monday 13 February we moved closer to Auckland becoming Fairtrade. I spoke to the Forum in support of the Board’s resolution passed in May 2011 (WTM/2011/85)That the Waitemata Local Board recommends to the Governing Body of Auckland Council that Auckland becomes a Fair Trade City.

The Economic Forum voted to recommend to the Regional Development and Operations Committee and the Tenders and Procurement Subcommittee that Auckland Council support Auckland being a Fairtrade region.(Resolution number ED/2012/7) On 28 February I presented with Tricia Reade the Board’s community initiatives and projects to the Social and Community Development Forum at the invitation of the Chair, Cr Casey. During February I also contributed to the Board’s submission on Auckland Council’s draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (attached to the March agenda).

Other board activities

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended:

Local Boards cluster workshop on 2 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 7 February
Meeting to discuss the location of water fountains (project led by Jesse Chalmers)
Local Boards cluster meeting for an update on the current position with regards to financial contributions – how they are collected and being spent in the legacy areas and a summary of the Draft Integrated Contributions Policy 2012 that will be consulted on as part of the LTP process.
Meeting with Toni Giacon; Acquisitions and Disposals Advisor, ACPL to discuss the potential disposal of 3 Ponsonby Road.
Meeting on 10 February with a multi-disciplinary team from Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, and a representative of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Councillors Lee and Coney to discuss issues associated with cycling and pedestrian safety through the Auckland Domain.
Meeting and lunch with Civic contractors on 17 February
Local Board business meeting in Parnell on 14 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 28 February

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during February:
Lantern Festival in Albert Park
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra concert at the invite of Q Theatre
Playing in the Streets event in Queen Street (sponsored by the Board) on Sunday 19 February

Local Board Members unite to oppose privatisation and contracting out at Ports of Auckland

Local Board Members call for urgent change of approach at Ports of Auckland

Media Release: 23 February 2012

Thirty four Auckland Local Board members from twelve different Boards* are jointly calling for urgent action to resolve the Ports of Auckland dispute ahead of a planned two week strike starting tomorrow, Friday February 24.

“We repeat our call for the one hundred percent AucklandCouncil owned Ports Company to urgently get back into negotiations with theunion for a new Collective Agreement. The strategic importance of resolving thedispute is overwhelming now, and it is time for Ports management to listen andadopt a different approach”, say the Board members.

“The chorus of voices calling for Ports of Auckland totake a more pragmatic approach is growing rapidly. A group of business leadersand major port stakeholders last week called for a new vision for the port and an end to labour casualisation proposals, and key Council leaders havecalled for a return to good faith bargaining with a focus on productivityimprovements with a directly employed workforce”

“The message is simple. The Port company needs to backoff from its extreme proposals to outsource or casualise the workforce. Theseproposals are a barrier to reaching a settlement, and they run counter to thevision of secure employment and stable communities that runs through many LocalBoard Plans, and the draft Auckland Plan. Improved productivity should bedeveloped through a negotiated partnership approach with the workforce, rather than by firingall existing staff and contracting work out”

“The Maritime Union has publicly stated that it will liftthe planned strike action if negotiations resume. We strongly urge Ports ofAuckland to publicly re-commit to negotiations without the threat of out-sourcing. The approach taken to date is creatingunnecessary economic and legal risk for the city and the Council. That isunacceptable and it is incumbent on Ports of Auckland, as a company ultimatelyresponsible to Council and ratepayers in our communities, to re-assess their approach”, conclude the Board members.

ENDS

Contact: Michael Wood – 022-659-6360

Full list of Local Board Members issuing this statement: * Please note that each Board member issuing this statement does so in their own right only, and not on behalf of their Board.

Helga Arlington, Albert-Eden Josephine Bartley, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Leila Boyle, Maungakiekie-Tamak (Chair) Jesse Chalmbers, Waitemata Shale Chambers, Waitemata (Chair) Caroline Conroy, Papakura Pippa Coom, Waitemata Christopher Dempsey, Waitemata Graeme Easte, Albert-Eden Carrol Elliot, Mangere-Otahuhu Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe, Otara-Papatoetoe Julie Fairey, Puketapapa Catherine Farmer, Whau Grant Gillon, Kaipataki John Gillon, Kaipataki Mary Gush, Otara-Papatoetoe Peter Haynes, Albert-Eden (Chair) Neil Henderson, Waitakere Ranges Richard Hills, Kaipataki Viv Keohane, Kaipataki Chris Makoare, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Tracey Martin, Rodney Christine O’Brien, Mangere-Otahuhu Greg Presland, Waitakere Ranges Simon Randall, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Tricia Reade, Waitemata Denise Roche, Waiheke Leau Peter Skelton, Mangere-Otahuhu (Chair) Lydia Sosene, Mangere-Otahuhu Rob Thomas, Waitemata Alan Verrall, Maungakiekie-Tamaki Margi Watson, Albert-Eden Michael Wood, Puketapapa Denise Yates, Waitakere Ranges (Chair)

Local Board Members unite to oppose privatisation and contracting out at Ports of Auckland

Media Release 16 January 2012

In an unprecedented move, 28 Auckland Local Board members from 10 different Boards are uniting to call for Ports of Auckland to return to good faith bargaining and drop plans to outsource jobs at the port (a full list of Board Members is below).

“Ports of Auckland Ltd is a Council-owned company. We support its operational independence, but the current dispute has escalated to a strategic level. We are particularly concerned that actions being taken by Port management, including what appears to be a pre-determined strategy to contract out port jobs, are inflaming matters”, say the Board members.

Internal POAL strategy documents released last week show that Ports management was considering a contracting out strategy well in advance of negotiations. http://www.munz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/poal_labour_strategy.pdf

“Along with everyone else involved, we recognise the need for competitive levels of operational efficiency at the port. But Port management’s proposal to fire a skilled workforce and contract out their jobs to an external provider, with few work-life balance protections for employees and their families, is not the best way to achieve this.”

“We believe that Ports of Auckland has a responsibility to be a good employer, and to live up to the principles that its 100% owner the Auckland Council promotes in the draft Auckland Plan and in numerous Local Board Plans. Driving Aucklanders’ employment conditions and job security down in a race to the bottom is no way to build the world’s most liveable city.”

“We’re also concerned that the dispute is being used as a wedge by some councillors and interest groups to promote port privatisation. We support Mayor Len Brown’s unequivocal pro-public ownership platform, and believe the Port CEO would be well advised to publicly support it too.”

“The details of any settlement are for the parties to negotiate, but it is quite clear to us that a way forward should be possible that improves productivity without privatisation and contracting out being threatened, neither of which are proven cures. We hope that Port management and the Maritime Union will take a constructive approach and negotiate a settlement in good faith on this basis”, conclude the Board members.

ENDS

Contact: Michael Wood – 022-659-6360

Full list of Local Board Members issuing this statement:
* Please note that each Board member issuing this statement does so in their own right only, and not on behalf of their Board.

Helga Arlington, Albert-Eden
Josephine Bartley, Maungakiekie-Tamaki
Leila Boyle, Maungakiekie-Tamak (Chair)
Jesse Chalmbers, Waitemata
Shale Chambers, Waitemata (Chair)
Pippa Coom, Waitemata
Christopher Dempsey, Waitemata
Graeme Easte, Albert-Eden
Carrol Elliot, Mangere-Otahuhu
Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe, Otara-Papatoetoe
Julie Fairey, Puketapapa
Catherine Farmer, Whau
Grant Gillon, Kaipataki
John Gillon, Kaipataki
Mary Gush, Otara-Papatoetoe
Peter Haynes, Albert-Eden (Chair)
Neil Henderson, Waitakere Ranges
Richard Hills, Kaipataki
Chris Makoare, Maungakiekie-Tamaki
Greg Presland, Waitakere Ranges
Simon Randall, Maungakiekie-Tamaki
Tricia Reade, Waitemata
Denise Roche, Waiheke
Leau Peter Skelton, Mangere-Otahuhu (Chair)
Lydia Sosene, Mangere-Otahuhu
Alan Verrall, Maungakiekie-Tamaki
Michael Wood, Puketapapa
Denise Yates, Waitakere Ranges (Chair)

Local Board transport priorities good for business

I prepared this report as an attachment to my February 2012 monthly board report

Introduction

I attended the Auckland Walking Seminar hosted by Auckland Transport on 2 December 2011. Buried within what appeared to be uninspiring programme that gave no hint at the relevance of the seminar to an audience far wider that the usual collection of transport planners, engineers and advocates, was an excellent presentation by the key note speaker Dr Rodney Tolley.

The purpose of this report is to highlight Dr Tolley’s presentation and in particular the findings from the recently published discussion paper Good for Business – the benefits of making streets more walking and cycling friendly. What the paper shows, using examples from all over the world, is the tremendous value in investing in good walking and cycling environments.

The benefits of making streets more walking and cycling friendly

By way of introduction Dr Tolley outlined why walking isn’t just about transport. It is about access to facilities, spending time in a place and the use of public space. Every journey has a walking component but historically the importance of walking has been ignored by planners and politicians.

However what international cities are now recognising is that a good walking environment is a pre-condition for an economically healthy city. It means higher rents, adds value to the area and creates economic benefits. The discussion paper written by Dr Tolley asserts that a well-designed, quality street environment that promotes walking, cycling and public transport is good for business.

A range of relevant points were made by Dr Tolley and covered in the report:

A high proportion of all retail expenditure comes from local residents and workers.
Space allocated to bicycle parking can produce much higher levels of retail spend than the same space devoted to car parking.
Many car-borne shoppers are “drive-through” shoppers, stopping to pick up one item on the way to their eventual destination, rather than people for whom shopping is their main purpose for visiting the area.
Retailers overestimate the importance of the car for customer travel and underestimate the value of spend from those who arrive by means other than cars
The more “walkable” an area the higher the value of the surrounding property
Two thirds of Generation Y say they would like a more walkable environment (many of whom are travelling less by car)

As concluded in the report retail vitality is best served by traffic restraint, public transport improvements, and a range of measures to improve the walking and cycling environment. . There are many ways improve the walking and cycling environment including lowering speeds, shared footpaths, reallocating space and taking a “complete streets” approach so that the design allows for safe access to all users. Possible streetscape enhancements highlighted by Dr Tolley can be low cost and easy to implement such as creating “parklets” on streets using existing car parking spaces.

The report brings together the evidence around the financial benefits to retailers and residents with compelling statistics that will be of interest to all business people and planners. For example on Lygon Street in Melbourne it has been estimated that 1 car space generates $27 of spend per hour whereas 6 bike park spaces generate $97 per hour. What the evidence also shows is that investment in pedestrian and cycle friendly improvements is incredible value for money.

For recent projects in the UK the average BCR is estimated to be 19:1(and this is without factoring in all the possible environmental benefits such as the reduction in air pollution).

What this means for Auckland

Dr Tolley’s report is of huge relevance to Auckland at a time when investment in shared spaces is underway and promises to be taken much further if outcome 9 (A walkable and pedestrian-friendly city centre) of the Draft City Centre Masterplan is adopted. The new enhanced streetscape environments are already having a positive impact. Pedestrian activity on streets that have been designed as new shared spaces such as Elliot and Lorne Streets have increased between 50 and 140% (Auckland Transport media release). The NZ Herald recently reported that the makeover of Fort Street is pushing up rents and creating retail interest in the area. At the same time there is continuing resistance from retailers and businesses who remain unconvinced of the benefits.

However as Dr Tolley highlighted those parts of the city that fail to restrain traffic to the detriment of shoppers such as Ponsonby Road (four lanes of traffic) and High Street (narrow footpaths to allow for excessive on street parking) will struggle to retain their retail vitality without embracing a different approach to the design of the streetscape that welcomes pedestrians and cyclists.

Local Board priorities – good for business

As well as putting the spotlight on the benefits of street scape investment in the city centre, Dr Tolley’s presentation reinforced that we have got the balance right in our Local Board Plan. Within our priority “Connected, health transport options” are proposed projects and initiatives that will be good for business across the Waitemata local board area. As detailed in the plan we support innovative approaches to reduce traffic congestion and enable walking and cycling. We want to ensure that our street environment is constructed in a way that allows people safe and easy movement and enjoyment of their environment . We therefore support the expansion of shared spaces and making streets like Hobson and Nelson Streets pedestrian friendly.

Two projects in particular should reap economic benefits. We are advocating to Auckland Transport to develop and deliver masterplans for Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road taking a “complete street” approach.

Seminar for business

As a follow up to these findings I will be working with Auckland Transport and business associations to host a seminar that is directed at retailers and businesses interested in learning more. It is timely for our business people to be presented with the evidence about how much benefit is to be derived from taking a fresh look at street design.

Monthly Board Report February 2012

Covering activities 1 December 2011 – 31 January 2012

Portfolio Reports

Transport

In early December I attended the Auckland Walking Seminar – stepping into the future hosted by Auckland Transport. Guest speaker Rodney Tolley outlined why a good walking environment is a pre-condition for an economically healthy city. (resolution WTM 2011/321 approved the registration costs be paid from the professional development budget). A full report of this seminar is marked as Attachment A.

During December I also attended:

Meeting with Auckland Transport for an update on the response to the revised 020 bus route consultation and proposed changes to the service;
The quarterly Walking and Cycling Forum hosted by Auckland Transport with a range of presentations
Parnell District School Travel plan launch on 7 December
Auckland Rail electrification project update
Governing Body’s Transport committee

In December new textured surfaces were installed on Ponsonby Road by Auckland Transport at the request of the Transport portfolio to encourage motorists to drive to the 40km speed limit.

On 17 January a briefing was held with board members to outline the feedback from the St Marys Bay resident parking scheme consultation.

The Transport portfolio monthly briefings with Auckland Transport representatives re-commenced on 26 January. Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda (available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemata under agendas).

Community

The community portfolio is working to identify what Council property is available to be used for community facilities and to ensure that potential community purposes take precedence over commercial arrangements. To this end it was confirmed at our December Board meeting that we are looking to the community lease team to consider options for the Campbell Free Kindergarten (newly restored by NZTA) by holding an open day to gather feedback from the community on possible uses.

At our December Board meeting we also took further steps towards becoming an accessible local board. With the support of Member Thomas we have requested Democracy Services to report back on options to ensure all online content is fully accessible electronically.

I attended

Meeting with the Manager Community Development and Partnerships to discuss programmes
Neighbours Day Aotearoa planning meeting on 8 December
Open day at The Kitchen – a new shared working space for social entrepreneurs in Ponsonby

I also attended the Getting Our Rubbish Sorted – Seminar organised by Civic Trust Auckland on 17 January and have taken a close interest in submissions on the Auckland Council’s draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan which were due by 31 January.

Grants Committee

The Committee met to consider applications to the second round of community grants funding 2011/12. A total of $25, 345 was recommended in grants to the Waitemata Local Board ordinary meeting on 13 December 2011. The minutes of the meeting are available here.

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/localboards/waitematalocalboard/meetings/waitematalbgrantscommin20111205.pdf

Grey Lynn Business Association

Attended the GLBA networking drinks and a strategy session with committee members in December and the first meeting of the year for the GLBA committee on 24 January.

Newmarket Business Association

I attended the final meeting of the year as the alternative on the Board (thank you NBA for the bottle of wine!).

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops

Attended:

Waitemata Local Board workshop on 6 December
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 22 December to work on the draft Local Board Agreement
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 31 January

Professional development

I attended:

the IPANZ Auckland One Year on Conference on 13 December
A Community Economic Development /Social Economy Forum
Auckland Conversation – Peter Gluckman: Innovation through science

Official Engagements

Represented the Board, together with member Dempsey, at the 3rd Auckland Northern Battalion Group Charter Parade on 3 December 2011

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during December:

The Outlook for Someday film challenge awards at the Aotea Centre
Franklin Road Christmas Lights
The Twits at Q Theatre (at the invite of ATC)
Heart of the City Christmas party
GLBA networking drinks on 8 December
Grey Lynn Christmas Cheer street party on 9 December
Ponsonby Market Day
Telstraclear Clip on Challenge – bike ride over the Auckland Harbour Bridge with the Mayor on 11 December
Centenary Concert for the100th Anniversary of the Town Hall on 14 December
50^th anniversary of St Joseph’s Parish, Grey Lynn service and lunch on 16 December.
Auckland Communities Foundation Christmas gathering

I also enjoyed everything the Auckland Waterfront has to offer on Auckland Anniversary day including the Regatta, Buskers Festival and Seafood Festival.

Food Bill concerns

Over the Christmas break a huge number of emails were flying around on the Food Bill. Not all of it was easy to follow or correct but there is obviously a lot of genuine concern about what is proposed and amendments are needed.

As Chair of the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market Management Committee I’ve pulled together what I think are the main issues.

Community food under threat

Unique to the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is the community trading table. Back garden growers can bring their excess produce to sell at the table. It works on an honesty box system. Bundle, label and price your produce to leave at the table with a container for coins. Come back at the end of the market to collect your earnings and anything unsold.

The table started at the market in April 2011 as a bit of an experiment to fill the gap left when the Ooooby ended their stall to focus on weekly food boxes. It has become a much loved and popular part of our market that goes beyond just selling home grown veges for extra pocket money. It is a central place to meet, exchange ideas and marvel over the wonders of what can be grown in a back garden.

It is therefore of huge concern that the trading table, as well as the market as a whole, is under treat because of the onerous food regulations proposed in the draft Food Bill. The bill aims to update 30-year-old legislation to better protect consumers and create a new framework for food safety. We support a review of the Food Act 1981 as it needs to be updated, unfortunately the Bill as drafted:

Places onerous and potentially expensive compliance costs on small operators. This is particularly worrying for traders at farmers’ markets who already operate within limited margins
Requires small growers, people who sell food directly to consumers, and those who barter or swap food to have a “national safety plan”. It is unlikely the trading table would be able to continue with these requirements
Includes seeds for cultivation and food seedlings in the current definition of “food” thereby extending the scope of the Bill to seed exchanges
Gives excessive powers to food safety officers to to enter and search premises without a warrant in some circumstances and use any force necessary, while being immune from civil or criminal liability.

Food safety is a paramount consideration at farmers’ markets and we recognise the need to take a best practice approach to keeping our customers healthy. There are many aspects of the Food Bill that improve the approach of the current legislation. However we want to ensure the Food Bill does not have the potential to threaten farmers’ markets and the unique role they play in encouraging local food production and access to reasonably priced produce.

The GLFM will be calling on the Minister for Food Safety, Kate Wilkinson to respond to the genuine concerns about the Food Bill. There is still time to make amendments to the Bill so we can look forward to keeping our trading table operating within a vibrant farmers market providing fresh, local and seasonal produce to our community.

Grey Lynn Farmers Market featured on a Campbell Live item on the Food Bill, 22 November 2011

Petition opposing the Food Bill

Interested in using the Trading Table? Free for Friends of the Market or $3 per casual user . More details here

Monthly Board Report – December 2011

Covering activities from 1 November – 30 November 2011

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

A number of matters are progressing with Auckland Transport. Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda (available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemataunder agendas). The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The November meeting was attended by myself (Transport Portfolio – West) and Christopher Dempsey and Rob Thomas (Transport Portfolio – East). Issues covered at the meeting included:

New textured surface proposed for Ponsonby Road
Symonds St proposed 40km zone
Mid-block crossing proposed for Victoria Street West
Updates on parking design and proposed changes to parking restrictions in the Wynyard Quarter, Eden Terrace, Graham Street and St Marys Bay
Update from ARMA (AT’s contractor) regarding Bowen Street upgrade and proposals for Franklin Road

I also meet with Auckland Transport during the month to discuss the Regional Cycle Network (with Christopher Dempsey) and to progress the report to Vine Street residents on options available to ensure access to the street and sufficient on-street parking (with Greg Moyle) and to consider plans for the signalisation of the Motions Road/Great North Road intersection. At our September Board meeting ARMA and AT were asked to consider options for providing pedestrian facilities on Bowen Street as part of the street upgrade. Despite the goal of the City Centre Masterplan to make Auckland a pedestrian friendly city it is disappointing that after further investigation, Auckland Transport has decided not to make any changes to the initial design. Relevant to the Transport portfolio I also attended the Governing Body’s Transport committee on 18 November.

Community

We have worked to progress:

Input into the developing Community Assistance Framework
Options for supporting groups based within our area that are currently at risk due to missing out on Accommodation support funding
Proposals for the Masonic Lodge Salisbury Reserve Herne Bay- with a public consultation meeting held on 16 November
Feedback to Community Development Arts & Culture on the proposed Graffiti Vandalism plan
Issues relating to anti-social behaviour in the central city. I visited Divan Café in Exchange Lane to discuss issues experienced by this business.

We also met the new Programme Advisor Disability to discuss action for creating an accessible board and attended a regular monthly meeting with Community Developments and Partnerships Central. I also attended Mayor in the Chair at Wynyard Quarter on 1 November that marked the first anniversary of Auckland Council.

Grey Lynn Business Association

Attended the GLBA AGM on 3 November and was re-elected to the Board. Attended the Community Safety Meeting organised by the GLBA on 4 November and the first meeting of the new board on 8 November.

Leadership support

As Deputy Chair I supported the Chair in developing the board’s communications strategy with the Board communication’s advisor in particular to progress content for the Board’s advertorial which appeared for the first time in suburban newspapers during November. Worked to progress the Waitemata Local Board’s First Year Achievement’s Report and coordinated the launch of the Local Board plan on 29 November. I also attended the Local Board Chair’s forum meeting in November on behalf of the Chair.

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops Attended:

Waitemata Local Board workshop on 1 November
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 15 November
Half day workshop with Local boards and the Governing Body on 23 November on long-term plan issues including long -term plan matters such as the funding allocation and methodology, ten-year budgets for local activities, financial policies and issues for advocacy to the governing body and CCOs.

Meetings Attended:

Community Assistance Framework meeting on 2 November
Waitemata Local Board meeting on 8 November (leaving early to attend the SBN awards)
Introduction to the new Programme advisor disability and actions to become an accessible board on 2 November
Waste minimisation and resource recovery options within Waitemata with John Roscoe on 3 November
Green waste recycling presentation
Fortnightly communications update
Coastal Walkway project to discuss the board’s queries re progress on the coastal walkway project, and some certainty around the budget, timeframe and nature of the walkway
Public consultation meeting held on 16 November regarding Masonic Lodge Salisbury Reserve Herne Bay
Resource Recovery Centre feasibility with Warren Snow on 17 November
Board Chair’s meeting on 21 November (stand-in to the Chair)
Meeting with Parnell Inc. to discuss Local Board funding
Follow up on LTP and preparation for presentation to Governing Body

Professional development

Attended the lunchtime learning on 17 November with Jan Gehl “Auckland- Creating a City for People”. He particularly focused on the critical need for cycle infrastructure to transform a city.

Official Engagements Represented the Board at:

Awarding Enviroschools’ Green Gold to St James Kindergarten, Arch Hill (Attached and marked Attachment A is the speech given at the ceremony)
Pohutakawa for Peace Tree Planting Ceremony organised by the Peace Foundation at the Domain on 11 November (Attached and marked Attachment B is the short speech given at the planting)
Citizenship Ceremony (together with Christopher Dempsey) at the Town Hall on Friday 18 November

Events and functions I attended the following during November:

MOTAT aviation hall opening
Launch of Art in the Dark and the event held on 11 and 12 November
Sleeping Beauty at the Civic (at the invitation of the Royal NZ Ballet)
Parnell Festival of the Roses on Saturday 5 November
Grey Lynn Park Festival (where I organised the Eco-space of Grey Lynn 2030)
Cycle Action November Associates Breakfast
SBN awards
Conscious Commuter Breakfast and the Sustainable City Showcase– all day attendance at Shed 10 on a Grey Lynn 2030 stand in the community space and ending with Green Drinks
St Matthew in the City Remembrance Day parade and service
Tamaki Drive Masterplan launch by the Orakei Local Board on 23 November
Cycle Action Auckland’s Christmas function
Waitemata Local Board plan launch on 29 November

RWC transport heaven

In the lead up to the RWC, Cycle Action consistently asked Auckland Transport (and ARTA before that) to consider promoting cycling for transport during the event. Overseas experience has shown that with the right kind of promotion backed up by infrastructure, locals and visitors will use a bike for transport to get to events.

For many people opening night was transport hell. For anyone on a bike it was a delight. Unseasonally warm evening, no wind, empty roads, good natured crowds. As I cycled from Grey Lynn to the Cloud on Queens Wharf I couldn’t help thinking that it was a massive missed opportunity.

There has of course been a lot of soul searching about what went wrong on opening night as Aucklanders flocked to the waterfront and embraced public transport like never before. In the scheme of things getting a few more people to cycle wouldn’t have made a huge difference on the day but it would have provided a lasting legacy. I followed up with Auckland Transport with a resolution at our September Board meeting to see if any action could be taken.

Waitemata Local Board – September meeting 2011
Resolution number WTM/2011/205
MOVED by Member Coom, seconded Member Moyle:
d) That the Waitemata Local Board requests Auckland Transport, as a matter of urgency, to promote cycling for transport during the Rugby World Cup for journeys into the City Centre and to Eden Park.

This is how Auckland Transport responded to the resolution:

“The community transport team have been working hard on initiatives to complement the RWC:

The update and release of the new Auckland Central Cycle Map identifying routes , infrastructure and bike parking .
Installation of 68 new cycle parks have been installed around the periphery of the CBD during the last 12 months to increase the supply of cycle parking.
Introduction of a visitor public bike hire scheme in the CBD
Introduction of additional on road dedicated cycle facilities in the CBD

Promotion of safe routes and parking facilities is provided in the Central Cycle Map which is available for visitor centres, libraries, on line and at the visitor bike hire stations in the CBD. A press release was undertaken last week to promote the publication of the maps. These should now be available at the i sites.

In relation to promotion of a specific event at Eden Park or at the Waterfront to encourage cycling – a major element is the issue you raised around cycle parking and safety of the bicycles and visitors. A level of cycle parking is already supplied by around Eden Park, the CBD and the Waterfront. From experience of previous cycle events, to promote a specific cycling event would see the need to provide significant additional cycle parking at venues which would create additional security and safety measures requirements.

Auckland Transport is putting considerable resource in planning and developing a regionwide 2011-12 spring / summer cycle campaign, in partnership with advocates, which we believe will provide a long lasting and positive behavioural change outcome. This will follow the current promotion of cycle and walking which Auckland Transport is currently undertaking through the RWC.

Community Transport will be happy to arrange a time to go through the proposed region spring summer proposal outline the events proposed, if desired”

Oh dear – maybe next time!

Sustainability Champion Award

I feel incredibly honoured to have won the Sustainability Champion Award at the 2011 NZI National sustainable business awards in November. I received the award for my work with the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market and Cycle Action Auckland but I really want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone associated with these organisations. I am just in the fortunate position of being able to champion what has been put in place by those with the initial vision, passion and commitment.

I also thank Anthea Ogilvie for taking the time to make the nomination and all those who contributed from the market and CAA .

About the Sustainable Champion Award (sponsored by Element Magazine)

The award celebrates key people or teams who have been ‘sustainability superstars’ within their organisation. It recognises people who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in creating and implementing successful sustainability-oriented programmes and initiatives in their organisation.

Background from the nomination

What the judges said:

Clear leader and driver of the Grey Lynn Farmers Market.
Exemplifies and inspires what one person can do to connect community.
Driving local retail and small business when these businesses wouldn’t ordinarily be able to compete in the commercial environment.

The awards are organised by wonderful team at the Sustainable Business Network

Monthly Board Report November 2011

Covering activities from 1 October – 31 October 2011

Transport

The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The October meeting was attended by myself and Greg Moyle (Transport Portfolio – West) and Christopher Dempsey and Rob Thomas (Transport Portfolio – East). Issues covered at the meeting included:

Wynyard Quarter Parking – proposed extension of parking restrictions (at the request of local businesses and to standardise parking restrictions in the area)
Vine Street- update on Auckland Transport’s proposal to remove parking from one side of the street
City Hop – progress on providing car parking spaces for car sharing schemes
Ponsonby Road safety improvements – proposal to install tactile surfaces
Grafton Road planned works

Full details of these proposals and current issues are out lined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda (available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemataunder agendas).

Vine Street: About 25 Vine Street residents attended a public meeting I organsied with Auckland Transport on 20 October to discuss the options available to ensure access to the street and sufficient on- street parking. Residents were concerned about the initial proposal to remove parking from one side of Vine street and the number of tickets issued by Auckland Transport for parking on the footpath.

Parking trial: Consultation on the St Marys Bay parking trial closed on 28 October. The negative publicity received the day before consultation closed was disappointing as the parking scheme had been developed with the close involvement and support of the St Marys Bay Residents Association. We are currently waiting to find out the results of the feedback to determine whether Auckland Transport can go ahead with the trial that is intended to benefit residents and deter commuter parking.

Relevant to the transport portfolio I also attended during October the Governing Body Transport Committee meeting and the Launch of the electric train contract by the Transport Minister at Britomart Station on 6 October.

Community

Our Local board plan was signed-off for printing in late October. It was very satisfying to reach the end of this process after significant community consultation and extensive work on the plan especially by our Senior Local Board Advisor. As a Board we have also supported the consultation process on the draft Auckland Plan by encouraging submissions from our stakeholders and directly informing them about the consultation process. I was very relieved that the consultation period was extended until the end October to provide more time for submissions.

With other members I attended the Auckland Plan road show at Parnell and Grey Lynn Farmers’ Markets.

Grants Committee

The Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee met on 13 October to make decisions on applications to the Community Group Assistance Fund, the Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund and the Accommodation Support Fund. I am the Board’s representative on this committee that is in place for a transitional year to allocate legacy Auckland City Council funds.

During October I also worked with officers to finalise a new Local Board discretionary community grants application form and to ensure it is available on line with relevant guidelines (www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Services/CommunityFacilitiesSupport/grantsfunding/localboarddiscretionary)

Other board activities

Local Board briefings

Attended:

City Centre Rail link
All Local Boards briefing on Mangroves
Bylaws and policy regarding the adult entertainment industry
Isthmus Boards – community assistance framework briefing
Parnell Station
Governor Fitzroy Place – public plaza design by AUT

Local Board Workshops Attended:

Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 Oct
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 18 Oct
All Boards draft local board funding policy workshop
Community Assistance Framework – emerging themes workshop

Professional Development

Attended:

RMA – How it really works. Full day LGNZ workshop. Training provided as part of the Elected Member professional development covered from the Democracy services budget

Resource consents statutory overview provided by Ian Smallburn
Chairperson refresher training. LGNZ half-day session

Meetings Attended:

4 Oct Governing Body Transport Committee meeting
5 Oct impact of the Environment Court decision on scheduled tress in the Waitemata Local Board area
6 Oct Future of Auckland’s waterfront – an international perspective
6 Oct Project Greenways
10 Oct Playing in the Streets project team
11 Oct Waitemata Local Board monthly meeting, Jubilee Hall, Parnell
12 Oct Development of Auckland Council’s open space policy programme
13 Oct Brainstorming session re Working with Children, young people and their families
13 Oct Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee
17 Oct Draft Economic Development Strategy
18 Oct Final meeting of the GLBA adopt a team sub-committee
19 Oct City Centre Master plan feedback
20 Oct Additional Harbour Crossing meeting with Stephen Town (NZTA) and representatives from Kaipatiki and Devonport- Takapuna Local Boards
20 Oct Public meeting with Vine Street Residents
27 Oct Auckland Transport monthly catch up
31 Oct Auckland Council lunchtime session – Fairtrade

Events I attended the following events during October:

Community Festival at St Joseph’s Catholic Church (the final GLBA adopt a team event) on Saturday 1 October
Grey Lynn Creates for kids at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market (end of Grey Lynn 2030’s Grey Lynn Creates week of events for the REAL NZ festival) on Sunday 2 October
Launch of the Royal NZ Ballet 2012 season at Pah Homestead
Cycle Action Associates Breakfast
Victoria Skate Park opening
Fiesta in the Park to mark World Mental Health Day
Opening of the Diwali Festival of Lights in Aotea Square
Opened the Italian Festival at Freemans Bay Primary School at the invitation of the Dante Alighieri Society Auckland
Ultra Local – launch of the architecture students’ drawings of a new centre for the Kaipatiki Project at St Paul Street Gallery
GLBA monthly networking drinks
Auckland Plan road shows at Parnell and Grey Lynn Farmers’ Markets
Spring Festival at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market
Launch of MMP
Opening of Victoria Park Tunnel
Signing of the electric train contract by the Transport Minister at Britomart Station
Critical Mass

October was of course all about the Rugby World Cup leading up to finals day on 23 October and the All Blacks victory. I enjoyed walking the Fan Trail a number of times and think it demonstrates just how much active modes of travel will be adopted by Aucklanders with the right incentives and infrastructure.

During the month I also gave a presentation to supervising social workers from CYF on inspirational leadership.

Sustainable city showcase

Sustainable Business Network’s impressive showcase is on tomorrow Wednesday November 9th at Shed 10, Queens Wharf

Come to the Sustainable City Showcase any time from 7am to 7pm to check out the latest vision for sustainability.

The days starts at 7am with the Conscious Consumer Commuter Challenge. FREE fairtrade Kokako or Atomic coffee for commuters on foot, bike, boat, bus or train.

Plus delicious sustainable food on sale all day- from Ripe Deli, Cosset, the Library Café, Little Bird, French crepes, Paris Berlin Organic Bakery, organic meat barbecue, mussel fritters, gluten free and vegan food, and a whole Farmers Market to do some early morning shopping.

The event on Facebook

I will be there from dawn to dusk with Frocks on Bikes and Grey Lynn 2030

My Auckland Plan submission

The Auckland Plan will be the most important document to set out the development of Auckland over the next 30 years. I feel really excited and hopeful about what is in the draft to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world. At the same time it concerns me that the consultation period has been too short and happening while we have all been distracted by the Rugby World Cup. .

Luckily many clever people have focused on the draft plan to come up with a range of thoughtful comments that have assisted me to pull together a quick personal submission. I’ve followed the questions from the online feedback form just to make it easier to respond.

I’ve drawn particular inspiration from Auckland Transport Blog, EDS, Grey Lynn 2030, Mount Eden Village People, Pt Chev TT and Cycle Action submissions. Thank you for your work and caring so much about the future of Auckland.

Draft Auckland Plan

Q1 There will need to be five transformational shifts to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city. Do you agree or disagree with the five transformational shifts identified in the draft Auckland Plan and why?

I agree with the five transformational shifts required to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world. In particular I strongly support:

All the strategies outlined in Transformational Shift 3 for green growth. It is vital we clean up our air, creeks and sea and build green networks that encourage rich biodiversity. It is also critical we maintain the highest “green” standards for new buildings and work to eliminate waste to landfill.
Public transport as well as cycling and walking networks are vital to underpinning the interconnectedness of our city. I would like to see a re-prioritisation away from the private motor car. Fewer cars would also make cycling safer and more appealing. I strongly support a regional fuel tax which would encourage people to get out of their cars and would provide funding for improved public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure.

Q2 The Auckland Plan contains a high-level development strategy to deliver a compact quality Auckland. Do you agree or disagree with this approach and why?

I support the strategic direction outlined in Section D: Auckland’s High Level Development Strategy: Part 1: Making a Quality Compact City Work. Specifically I support:

The use of a new Rural Urban Boundary (RUB) as essential to avoid urban sprawl, to limit environmental degradation, to protect the food producing capacity of the Auckland region and to use infrastructure as efficiently as possible.
I support more compact and intensive residential and business environments centred around quality local neighbourhoods and connected by an efficient, effective and safe public transport network, including cycle paths and walkways, operating as an integrated system. However more intensification within a RUB must also provide for the maintenance and enhancement of our character and heritage housing and buildings.

Q3 Two big initiatives have been identified to effect Auckland’s transformation on the world stage – City Centre and Southern Initiative. Do you agree or disagree with these two big initiatives?

I agree with these initiatives

Draft Economic Development Strategy

Q4 Do you agree or disagree with the priorities that have been identified for Auckland’s economic development and why?

I agree with the priorities and in particular support the transition to a green economy in Auckland. I would like to see more details about what it will mean in practice to create a sustainable eco-economy and how this will be intergrated into all aspects of the EDS.

Q5 Are there any other economic priorities that the council should focus on?

I support the EDS vision for Auckland to be the most livable city in the world with an internationally competitive and prosperous economy for all Aucklanders. I submit that achieving Fair Trade certification should be included in the EDS as a key action. By becoming an internationally recognized Fair Trade city Auckland will be in a stronger position to be an internationally connected, export driven and ‘creative world’ city. Achieving certification will promote business partnerships, enhance Auckland’s ethical reputation and create new commerce by helping to build diverse ethnic eco economy with our Pacific neighbours and the 1000 cities across the world, already with Fair Trade status.

Draft City Centre Masterplan

Q6 Do you agree or disagree with the general direction of the draft City Centre Masterplan and why?

I strongly support the bold vision of the masterplan.

During the RWC we have seen how much people love a city that is welcoming, accessible, walkable and vibrant. I support all 8 transformational moves that realise the huge potential of the city centre that has suffered from poor development and lack of vision in the past.

Q7 Will the actions in the masterplan make Auckland city centre a place you would feel proud of and why?

I will feel really proud of Auckland if we can make it a priority to action quick wins that will really transform the city centre, in particular:

Making Nelson and Hobson Streets people friendly and installing a dedicated cycle lane
Removing the lower Hobson Street ramp and creating a pedestrian plaza
pedestrian and cycling links from the inner suburbs including turning the old Nelson Street off-ramp into a linear parkway
More shared spaces, “green links”, laneways and boulevards – everything that will make our city centre more friendly to people

Draft Waterfront Plan

Q8 Do you agree or disagree with the general direction of the draft Waterfront Plan and why?

I strongly agree with the vision for the Waterfront and commend the large number of projects that will further transform Auckland’s waterfront. In particular I support actions to provide public access and connections.

Q9 Will the ideas and actions in the plan make Auckland’s waterfront a place you would feel proud of and why?

I think priority should be given to:

the walk- and cycleway proposed along the whole of the waterfront
a cycling bridge link over Fanshawe Street at Victoria Park
a walk- and cycleway over the Auckland Harbour Bridge – for a great transport choice from the North Shore, and a major new visitor attraction for the waterfront

I would like to see future development at Wynyard Quarter include a committment to affordable and key worker housing.

Q10 Comments on other parts of the above plans

I strongly oppose the inclusion of the Puhoi – Wellsford motorway in the Auckland Plan. There are very limited benefits for Auckland from its construction. Safety improvements to the existing route are much more feasible and would cost substantially less than $1.4 billion.

The prioritisation of so many roading projects undermines targets in the Auckland Plan relating to other matters, such as reducing CO2 emissions and limiting urban sprawl.

I would like to see actions to reduce CO2 emissions integrated into all aspects of all four plans.

Overall I congratulate Auckland Council officers for producing such a well-written document, grounded in a strong vision as expressed by the Mayor. I am impressed that the plan seeks to confront the many challenges facing Auckland and supports a transition to a more sustainable, resilient and vibrant city.

I am making this submission in my private capacity.

Monthly Board Report October 2011

Covering activities from 1 September – 30 September 2011

Transport

The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The September meeting was attended by myself and Greg Moyle (Transport Portfolio – West) and Christopher Dempsey (Transport Portfolio – East). Issues covered at the meeting included:

Wynyard Quarter Parking – proposed extension of parking restrictions (at the request of local businesses and to standardise parking restrictions in the area)
Vine Street- Auckland Transport’s reconsideration of a proposal to remove parking from one side of the street
Richmond Road School – Auckland Transport’s handling of the school’s request for a signalised intersection
Richmond Road Feasibility Study – review of safety improvement focusing on pedestrians and cyclists
Cycle Improvements to intersections – costs and options to prioritize
Symonds Street 40 km zone proposal

During the month I met with Auckland Transport officers regarding proposals for the Freemans Bay bus service and consultation regarding the St Marys Bay parking trial. Relevant to the transport portfolio I also attended during September the opening of the Old Mill Road pedestrian bridge, the launch of the RWC visitor bike hire scheme and the September Transport Committee meeting.

Community

I was delegated with the Chair to determine the final draft wording of our local board plan for subsequent approval by the board. Following the conclusion of hearings on 8 September and further discussion on the key initiatives in the plan by the Board at our September workshop the final draft wording was signed off by the Chair on 28 September. The Auckland Plan was launched on 20 September. As a local board we play a role in encouraging community engagement with the draft plan and ensuring submissions are received by 25 October.

I attended our Board’s briefing (led by the Chair) on the City Centre Master plan and Waterfront plan to our key stakeholders at Waterfront Auckland on 21 September. On 20 September I addressed the Environment and Sustainability forum regarding Community Gardens in the Waitemata Local Board area and to support the proposal for officers to report back on options for Council in relation to community garden activity.

The Community portfolio met with the Community leasing team during the month to discuss the leasing process for a number of vacant Council properties (to be reported back at our November board meeting).

Grants Committee

The Grants Committee met on 5 September to consider the applications to the Local Board Community Grants fund ($80,000 is available for 2011/12). The minutes from this meeting are available on the Auckland Council website. The final decision on these applications was made at the Waitemata Local Board meeting on 12 September.

Local Board Briefings

Tepid Bath site visit ·
City Centre Master plan and Waterfront plan briefing to key stakeholders hosted by the Waitemata Local Board at Waterfront Auckland
Auckland Plan briefing for board members
Auckland Transport monthly briefing

Local Board Workshops Attended:

Waitemata Local Board workshop on 6 Sept
Isthmus Local Board joint funding committee workshop on 19 Sept
Local Board workshop on 20 Sept to finalise details of the Local Board plan
Local Boards Financial policy workshop on 30 Sept
All day activity workshop on 26 Sept – the second in a series of workshops leading to the development of the Long Term Plan 2012-22

Meetings Attended:

1 Sept Events and community grants
1 Sept Communications team
2 Sept Elected member IT upgrade training
5 Sept Waitemata Local Board Grants Committee
6 Sept Governing Body Transport Committee meeting
8 Sept Waitemata Local Board meeting – hearings wrap up day
12 Sept meeting with the Waitemata Local Board new communications advisors
12 Sept meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss the Freemans bus issues and St Marys parking trial consultation documentation
13 Sept Waitemata Local Board monthly meeting
14 Sept Governing Body Accountability & Performance Committee to hear the details of the Rugby World Cup Opening Match and Ceremony Event Review
15 Sept Walking & Cycling Forum hosted by Auckland Transport
16 Sept draft BID policy meeting
17 Sept meeting with Vine Street residents
20 Sept Environment and Sustainability Forum
21 Sept Community lease meeting
27 Sept meeting with Transpower and the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board to discuss the strengthening the power supply project

Events I attended the following events during September:

Arrival of the Manu Samoa team at Auckland International Airport on 1 Sept
Launch of Auckland Transport’s visitor bike hire scheme
Auckland Indonesian Festival 3 Sept
Auckland Theatre Company’s production of “End of the Golden Weather” (at the invitation of ATC)
Salmond lecture Dr Richard Simmons “Sustainable Urban Design – London 2012” at Sky City on 6 Sept
Opening of the RWC at the Cloud on 9 Sept
Parnell Heritage AGM 8 Sept
Opening of Te Wao Nui at Auckland Zoo on 10 Sept
Boat show (at the invitation of the Marine Industry Association)
Opening of the Heritage Festival at the Town Hall
Newmarket Business Association AGM (acted as a scrutineer with Andy Waugh, Economic development advisor)
Moving Planet bike ride on 24 Sept
Attended the Fiji v Samoa game at Eden Park with members of the Grey Lynn Business Association
Opening of the Old Mill road pedestrian bridge by Auckland Transport

I was also actively involved with the Grey Lynn Business Association’s Manu Samoa adopted second team events. I attended the Grey Lynn Street Party on 22 Sept, Savalivali Heritage walk on 24 September and Community Festival. I organised the West Lynn Street Party on 29 September and assisted with Grey Lynn 2030’s Grey Lynn Creates Festival as part of the REAL New Zealand Festival.