Author: Pippa Coom

Councillor monthly report March 2022

Annual budget 22/23 Climate Action webinar on the panel with Cr Richard Hills

My Councillor report covers the period from 1 February to 7 March.  It has been prepared for the March business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

The purpose of my report is to detail my main activities and to share information with the public and local boards in my ward regarding governing body decisions, my attendance at events, regional consultations, media updates and key issues.

Positions  

  • Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee
  • Co-Chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum
  • Member, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB)
  • Board Member, LGNZ National Council and Auckland Zone co-chair
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Climate Political Reference Group
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group
  • All Councillors are members of the Planning, CCO Oversight, Finance & Performance and the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committees

Summary  

  • All meetings and workshops continue to take place online.
  • Consultation on the Annual Budget 2022/23 including the Climate Action targeted rate got underway on 28 February. Consultation events are being held online. The first online community webinar was on the topic of the Climate Action Targeted rate (photo above on the panel with Cr Richard Hills)
  • Wynyard Point, January 2022

    The transformation of Auckland’s city centre waterfront continues. The next stage is a Wynyard Point Te Ara Tukutuku plan (what was tank farm and site of America’s cup bases). It will be the largest new park created in Auckland for 100 years.  Eke Panuku has put a call out to designers for this exciting regeneration project

  • This month I also provide updates from the Hauraki Gulf Forum and progress on the scheduling of notable trees.

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions

The minutes for all meetings are available on the Auckland Council website. The following is intended as a summary only of key decisions.

On 3 February the Planning Committee

  • Delegated authority to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee and an Independent Māori Statutory Board member to approve council’s input into Transforming Aotearoa New Zealand’s resource management system: Our future resource management system
  • Approved Private Plan Change 58 – 470 and 476 Great South Road and 2 and 8 Gatland Road, Papakura to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in Part), under clause 17(2) of Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
  • Considered private plan change request – O’Hara Farm, Waiuku
  • Agreed to consider the agenda item “Auckland Film Studios budget update” as a confidential item.

On 8 February the Finance and Performance Committee

 On 8 February the Governing Body

  • Adopted the Supporting Information, and the Consultation Document for the Annual Budget 2022/2023, which include a statement of proposal for the proposed amendment to the council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018.
  • Approved consultation material for Rating of Whenua Māori Changes to Financial Policies noting the need for the correction of minor errors.

 On 14 February the Auckland Domain Committee

  • Approved in principle the Symphony event to take place in the Auckland Domain for early 2023,
  • Received the Auckland Museum Update report.
  • Received the Auckland Domain – general and financial update report noting:
    • achievement of a green flag award for 2022 which recognises and rewards the Auckland Domain as providing a high quality and innovative recreational experience
    • that the Auckland Botanic Gardens will now be responsible for the horticultural outcomes at the Domain, which will deliver improvements in the curatorial management of the plant collections
    • that the addition of $700,000 of lighting and wastewater pipe renewal projects to this financial year’s programme will ensure that assets in the Domain are fit for purpose and Aucklanders can enjoy a world class park
    • that all the projects within the Auckland Domain work programme are on track and within budget.

Auckland Domain was cleared of anti-mandate protesters after a week-long illegal occupation thanks to a joint operation between Police and Auckland Council officers and with the strong support from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Ending the occupation as safety and as soon as possible had the full support of the Mayor and Councillors.

On 24 February the Governing Body

  • Considered the public feedback and local board input received on the proposed changes to the Significance and Engagement Policy and adopted the Significance and Engagement Policy 2022 with the following retained as strategic assets in the policy:
    • freehold interests in central Auckland waterfront land
    • shares in substantive Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs).
  • Noted the Auckland Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report
  • Noted the recommendation from the Appointments and Performance Review Committee – Chief Executive Remuneration Review be released to the public
  • Considered the following under confidentiality:
    • City Rail Link C9 Works Update
    • Eke Panuku Strategic Development Partnership Opportunity

 On 3 March the Planning Committee

  • Approved the grant allocations for the 2021/2022 Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme funding round
  • Approved Auckland Council’s submission on the proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water
  • Endorsed the following principles for the application of the new policy 3(d) in the National Policy Statement – Urban Development for the purpose of developing draft proposals for public engagement in mid-April to early May in order to give effect to what central government has required of council:
    • no change to building heights and density of urban form withinNeighbourhood, Local and Town Centre zones (subject to a review of the Height Variation Controls to ensure consistency with the heights of proposed new zones surrounding the centres)
    • no additional Policy 3(d) intensification (beyond the application of zone(s) containing the Medium Density Residential Standards) for:
      • A)     All Neighbourhood Centres
      • B)      Local Centres that are small in size and/or have low accessibility
      • C)      Town Centres that have low accessibility
    • apply the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone to residential zoned sites adjacent to the edge of a centre zone (up to around 200 metres) for:
      • A)      Local Centres that are both large in size and have high accessibility
      • B)      Town Centres that are small in size, but have high accessibility
    • apply the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone to residential zoned sites adjacent to the edge of a centre zone up to around 400 metres for:
      • A)Town Centres that are large in size and have high accessibility.

Hauraki Gulf Forum

Photo James Liddell

The Hauraki Gulf, Aucklanders’ marine playground, is in a dire environmental state. This was seen first-hand on a visit to The Noises on 21 February at the invitation of the Neureuter family who hold the islands in a private trust.  The visit included representatives of the Hauraki Gulf Forum, the Helen Clark Foundation, Waiheke Marine Project and the Auckland Museum.

We heard about the collapse of the scallop beds, the depletion of key species, and the decline of sea bird populations all in a couple of generations. We also saw the kina barrens, a key indicator that the marine environment is dying. This is in contrast to the lush bush and bird life on the main island Ōtata where the removal of pests opened the way to phenomenal regeneration.

Fortunately, the family, working with mana whenua, are determined to restore the mauri of the moana. They have joined forces with Auckland Museum and the University of Auckland to put forward a marine protection proposal to government for The Noises (60km 2) to be included as a High Protection Area. It is an incredible place just 30 mins by boat from downtown Auckland.

The following Monday, the Hauraki Gulf Forum agreed to adopt an advocacy position for updating and strengthening the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000.  What should have been a very straight forward and logical step became the subject of a misinformation campaign leading up to the Forum’s meeting on 28 February.

The Forum’s decision, which is about how we can better advocate for the Gulf by raising the status of the Gulf for decision-makers and through revitalisation of the Forum under a Treaty partnership model, will have no impact on the ownership of private or public land such as Auckland’s Regional Parks, nor will it restrict access to the Hauraki Gulf in any way.

As I said in our co-chairs’ media release following the decision  “I look forward to taking our proposal to Ministers as I am convinced that we will see far greater action and transformational change by raising the status of the Hauraki Gulf for decision-makers and through revitalisation of the Forum under a Treaty partnership model.”

Scheduling of notable trees

Auckland Council is commencing assessment of 610 tree nominations for inclusion in the Notable Tree Schedule, with work underway to prepare a plan change for notification in 2023 to add trees that meet notable tree criteria to Schedule 10 of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

It follows a Planning Committee decision in November 2020 to schedule the trees when resources permit, with a longer-term focus on seeking the reinstatement by the government of general tree protections.

The November 2020 decision came about because I got support to change the recommendation from “agree that it is NOT financially viable to undertake tree scheduling” into a positive decision to “agree to schedule trees when resources allow”.  It has taken longer than anticipated to secure the resourcing but in the meantime lobbying to the government to reinstate tree protection has continued.

City Centre safety

A number of issues were brought by Chair Northey and me to the City Centre Community Safety Taskforce meeting on 18 February including the need for action on car sirens and the noise from modified vehicles (particularly an issue at the moment for Wynyard Quarter residents), hotspots in the city centre as a result of emergency housing and the safety concerns raised by representatives of the hospitality industry in a meeting I attended organised by MP Chlöe Swarbrick.

The taskforce has a new “Intention to collaborate” replacing the terms of reference of the original group and increased resourcing from council.

The taskforce provides a formal platform to connect key stakeholders including NZ Police with an interest in alcohol and safety management within the central city, and to build effective relationships and coordinate action in line with council’s safety plan.

Events

With Cr Cathy Casey at the ATC production Grand Horizons

Due to the rising cases of Omicron and the on-going red restrictions there have been limited opportunities to attend in person meetings or events.  I was fortunate to work from the Waiheke Local Board office on 18 February from where I participated in an online Kāwanatanga workshop (enhancing the mana and mauri o te moana) as one of the panel members to talk about the Waiheke Marine Project future search experience.  I also met with a constituent to discuss the work underway on the Transport Emissions Reduction plan.

The production of Auckland Theatre Company’s Grand Horizons was able to go ahead but with limited audience numbers (photo right with Cr Cathy Casey)

Community mulching day at Harry Dansey Reserve, Freemans Bay

On 12 February I joined Waitematā Local Board members and volunteers to help spread mulch at Harry Dansey Park in Freeman’s Bay.  The project to revitalise a local park was orchestrated by local gardener Mark van Kaathoven and organised by Local Board member Adriana

Transformational change for the Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf Forum voted on 28 February (11:7) in support of an advocacy position for updating and strengthening the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act.  

For what should have been a relatively straight forward decision Forum members were subjected in advance to a well funded misinformation campaign objecting to the Forum’s advocacy for a refresh in composition to enable the Forum to advocate for the Gulf under a Treaty partnership model (co-goverance).

Here are my speaking notes from the meeting in support:

In speaking in support of the motion before us and the recommended advocacy position for updating and strengthening the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act I would like to first reflect on the two years since I came on to the Forum.  I’ve been fortunate to experience the Forum under co-governance leadership that has put us in a strong position to advocate on behalf of the Gulf,  Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana  Te Moananui-ā-Toi that we all know to be under immense pressure and in a dire state. I’m fortunate to have only experienced a forum that is focused on clear goals, makes decisions largely by consensus and  with co-chairs mandated to take every opportunity to push for improvements for the Hauraki Gulf .

Our co-chairs report that you have just received highlights the progress we have made together as a forum.  As we have stated in the report our co-governance leadership model has been influential factor in our shared progress.  It has also now brought us to a logical next step of what change could look like after 22 years of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act.   Even with the benefit of a well-functioning forum change is necessary. As Attachment A notes at para 18, in recent years the Forum has pushed to the edge of its powers and has done what it can with the current Act to make it as effective as possible.

We are really fortunate that we have Dr Graeme Campbell, the original drafter of the Act, guiding us on this next step.  As Dr Campbell has advised forum members “The time is now ripe to make changes to the Act that will guide the necessary actions of every institution that makes up the Forum. It is timely to review the membership and the mechanisms that will facilitate action. This is not a new idea, and was always anticipated by the drafters of the Act.”

The forum members have come under immense pressure in undertaking, what I think, should be a relatively simple and logical task landing on an advocacy position for updating the Act.  I think this is the first time I’ve had my name on a full-page ad in the NZ Herald ahead of a decision.  This may also be the first time members have experienced such an intense misformation campaign.  I say “misinformation “ deliberately because the communications that have provoked a deluge of emails and petitioners have not accurately represented what is before the Forum today.  For example the email out from Auckland Ratepayers Alliance had the heading “Democratic control of the Hauraki Gulf & Regional Parks is about to be lost” and opened with the line “Aucklanders’ ability to freely use and enjoy the Hauraki Gulf is at risk.   This is because the Hauraki Gulf Forum, a consultative and advocacy body established under the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act, is about to vote to remove elected councillors and in their place establish an iwi controlled model.”

I am sure members were able to see though this non sequitur of sentences that are mutually exclusive, but I think it is important to put it on public record for those listening in who may have misunderstood the role of the Forum and the decision before us and who may have been deliberately misled.   We can not be both an advocacy body AND about to take control over the Hauraki Gulf! (or Auckland’s Regional Parks for that matter)

As members I would like us to focus on what is actually in the report and the information we know to be true to inform our decision making.  I ask that we also hold in mind our governance statement committing us to operate in partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi including the principles under the act and to integrate and respect Te Ao Maori and other world views.

We also have the benefit of drawing on three reviews about the Act over the last seven years. The most recent review in 2016 concluded “The current governance model for the Hauraki Gulf Forum is not effective, and consequently, the opportunity for that independent, influential and effective leadership is not being realised.” I thank those members who have waited patiently for the Forum to have the courage to take this next step in respect of advocating for the necessary changes to the Act.

Thanks to our Executive Officer Alex who has guided our work through what has been an iterative process that has landed on, what I consider, to be a clearly articulated advocacy position. Every member of the forum has had the opportunity to identify issues, contribute options and suggest alternatives.

What is proposed is about being able to BETTER advocate for the Hauraki Gulf.   In summary the main recommendations are to:

  • Introduce a long-term Statutory Vision and Strategy for the Gulf – to raise the importance of the Gulf in relevant decision-making; and
  • refresh the Forum – to enable us to be an even better advocate for the Gulf under a Treaty partnership model

Despite claims to the contrary it is NOT proposed to change the management, ownership or control or access to the Hauraki Gulf.  The report clearly spells this out.

The recommendation under b) then asks that we take our updated ADVOCACY position to relevant ministers to discuss.   As has been highlighted throughout the process it is just an advocacy position and it sits with parliament to reform the act and consult with the public on any proposal.   That discussion will ONLY start with the resolution of the Forum. And if not unanimous we will make that clear to ministers and be transparent to members on the steps we are taking.

We’ve also been asked (by the Gulf Forum Group) to consult before making this decision. This is another tactic to kick this important decision down the road which unfortunately happened after previous recommendations.  It also misunderstands the role of the Forum.  To quote Dr Campbell again “The Forum is framed as a meeting place for those who make decisions affecting the life sustaining capacity of the Gulf. The individuals do not (in this case) represent people, they represent institutions, a government agency, a local authority, an Iwi/hapu.   Those institutions have a legal Treaty/statutory right to make decisions that affect the life supporting capacity of the Gulf/Islands/ catchments of Hauraki. The job of the Forum is to achieve, or to contribute to achieving three things  – purpose of the Act, Treaty obligations, and integration of objectives across agencies“.  Or as the Brady report put it in 2015 the Forum should “act as a political peer group, and provide leadership and oversight to promote the objectives of the Act”.  Unfortunately, some members and the Gulf Users Group seem to be unaware of this expectation and are raising “consulation” direct with the public as a false flag  (something the forum has never done in 22 years before a big decision).

Finally in recommending this motion to members I refer to the Forum’s recent public poll showing overwhelming support for doing more to protect and restore the Gulf, with huge numbers also in favour of the use of indigenous practices like rāhui.  Today’s positive decision is long overdue. The Hauraki Gulf  Tīkapa Moana  Te Moananui-ā-Toi is in a degraded state, suffering from impacts off the land and at sea.

There can be no member around this table (or should I say virtually on zoom!) who truly believes the status quo is adequate.  We now have a clear position on what change can look like.    I strongly commend the motion to members.

Councillor report February 2022: The year ahead

This is my first Councillor report of 2022.  It has been prepared for the February business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

This month I look ahead to what is coming up this year relevant to my various positions*. There is still a great deal of uncertainty about how the year will shape up but the on-going response to the pandemic will continue be a central focus.

There is also no escaping that this year is election year! In September I will be standing again for the position of Councillor for the Waitematā and Gulf ward.

Climate Action (Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee)

In all my decision making across all my Governing Body work I ask the question whether the recommended approach puts us on a pathway for meeting our ambitious emission reduction targets.  The Transport Emissions Reduction Plan progress report received by the committee in December 2021 confirmed Auckland’s emissions are not remotely tracking in line with the target to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

A big challenge that tests the wider council family is how to move away from business-as-usual thinking.  For example, the Eastern Busway project builds in not just PT but a significant widening of general traffic lanes based on “modelling” for growth.  I have asked the project team to explain what has been modelled based on the inputs required to meet emissions targets by reducing vehicle trips.  A decision on the project goes to the AT Board on 24 February.

Another significant opportunity to deliver on Auckland’s Climate Plan Te Tāruke a Tāwhiri comes with the refresh of the Cycling Business Case due with the Planning Committee in March. It will require a massive step up in budget, delivery, and ambition to provide the safe infrastructure needed to provide a genuine alternative to driving, especially for local trips. How Auckland Transport undertakes renewals is another area where I have been pushing for a change in approach from “like for like” renewals that fail to leverage opportunities for safer, climate friendly streets and a reduction in costs.

Some of the key pieces of work coming to the Environment and Climate Change committee this year include:

  • Climate change adaptation targets
  • Corporate sustainability strategy
  • Draft National Adaptation Plan released for consultation in August (TBC)
  • Final Emissions Reduction Plan to be released in May
At Black Bridge Nursery on a visit in September 2020 with Cr Richard Hills and Council arborist Howell Davies

As Deputy Chair of the Committee, I have worked with Chair Hills in support of the Mayor’s proposed Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR) over 10 years that will fund $574 million directly and seek to unlock a further $471 million from Government subsidies and other sources to help us meet our climate commitments.

It will see more than $600 million invested in 10 new frequent bus routes and 69 improved bus routes, as well as 79 additional electric or hydrogen buses. This will deliver improved services available to more than a million Aucklanders and see 170,000 more people brought within 500m of a frequent bus route. $122 million will go towards replacing aging diesel ferries, which contribute 21 per cent of public transport emissions, with low emission ferries.

  • Cycling and walking will benefit from a $228 million investment in new infrastructure and improvements or extensions to existing routes, making our streets safer for our kids to walk or cycle to school.
  • Around 15,000 native trees between 1-1.5 meters tall will be planted on streets and in parks, playgrounds and road reserves, while thousands of additional trees and plants will go to extending bush remnants. Our planting programme will focus on low-income areas that currently have a low tree cover.
  • The CATR proposal is going out for consultation as part of the Annual Budget 22/23 from 28 February until 28 March https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/. I will be taking part in a range of programmed consultation events including in person on Aotea Great Barrier on 12 March (subject to traffic light settings).

Also in the consultation is a proposal to move to a region-wide rates-funded rubbish collection service with a choice of three bin sizes (with different pricing for each) to accommodate different household needs. Standardised services and charges across the region will mean everyone pays the same for the same size bin no matter where you live, which is more equitable. The proposed rates-based service is also more cost effective than the currently planned pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) model with prepaid bin tags or bags.

One-day collection of rubbish washed up on Hauturu Little Barrier Island in January 2021

In December I was a signatory to council’s feedback on the Ministry for the Environment’s proposals for a new waste strategy and the issues and options for new waste legislation (Te kawe i te haepapa para – Taking responsibility for our waste).  Council’s submission noted the need for greater ambition from government to make Aotearoa a world leader in a circular economy approach.  The submission will be available on the Committee’s agenda in March.

Berm planting guidelines

Berm garden on Richmond Rd originally planted by my mum and Grey Lynn 2030 volunteers

A long-standing initiative I have been working on is the development of berm planting guidelines that recognise the community and environmental benefits of appropriate planting on Auckland’s grass verges or berms (also called nature strips).

Auckland Transport has resisted various attempts to develop guidelines and move beyond a prohibitive and prescriptive approach.  I hope to see that change this year with a request to bring the issue to the Committee.

Restoring the health of Hauraki Gulf, Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi ( Co-chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum)

In the first NZ Listener editorial of the year we (co-chairs) had the opportunity to highlight the positive impact of iwi-led rāhui and fishery closures are having in helping to heal the Hauraki Gulf, Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi.

This marked a positive start to what will be a big year for the Forum as we progress our goals to protect and enhance the Gulf.  At our 28 February meeting we will be considering options to upgrade and strengthen the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act. There are likely to be amendments to the Act as a result of the Resource Management and Conservation reforms and as a result of proposals from Revitalising the Gulf. However, there is no process at the moment for a full review of the HGMPA. The Forum is just updating our advocacy position on legislative changes we think are necessary and looking at models of co-governance such as the Waikato River model.  The steps towards forming an advocacy position on how the Act could be strengthened in the best interests of the Hauraki Gulf has been underway for some time and through three separate reviews.

Consultation on the draft Regional Parks Management Plan

The Forum is looking to support the proposal in the draft Regional Parks Management Plan currently out for consultation to investigate including regional parks that contribute to the coastal areas of the Gulf into the Marine Park.

This has created some controversy because it has been incorrectly reported the proposal will in some way give control to the Forum over regional parks. In fact, if it did go ahead, it would mean that Council as owner and administrator of regional parks would have to recognise and give effect to the purpose of the Park.

Takahē walks across our path at Tāwharanui Regional Park

The purposes of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park are—

(a) to recognise and protect in perpetuity the international and national significance of the land and the natural and historic resources within the Park:

(b) to protect in perpetuity and for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of the people and communities of the Gulf and New Zealand, the natural and historic resources of the Park including scenery, ecological systems, or natural features that are so beautiful, unique, or scientifically important to be of national significance, for their intrinsic worth:

(c) to recognise and have particular regard to the historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship of tangata whenua with the Hauraki Gulf, its islands and coastal areas, and the natural and historic resources of the Park:

(d) to sustain the life-supporting capacity of the soil, air, water, and ecosystems of the Gulf in the Park.

Feedback on the draft plan is open until 4 March https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/regional-parks-management-plan

Whale tales

The move to red traffic light setting on 23  January has had a huge impact on the summer of events lined up for Auckland. Cancellations include Fashion Week, Pride Festival, Movies in Parks, Buskers Festival, Waitangi Day festivities and most of the Auckland Arts Festival programme.

One event continuing until April is Whale Tales, a public art trail across Tāmaki Makaurau to raise awareness of the vital work WWF-New Zealand does to look after our ocean, including our beautiful Hauraki Gulf and its endangered resident, the Bryde’s Whale.  In the pic a Whale Tale at Western Park, Ponsonby Road

Local Government Reforms (LGNZ National Council member and Auckland Zone co-chair)

A big part of council’s work this year will be responding to the Government’s reform agenda that is continuing at pace.

Three Waters

At Watercare’s Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant with Cr Josephine Bartley

The council consulted with Aucklanders from 3-19 December 2021 on the Three Waters proposals to ensure the region’s views on the proposed new entity were represented when the working group on representation, governance and accountability reports back to the Minister of Local Government. An independent poll of more than 2000 people was also carried out for council by Kantar Public to ensure the views of a representative cross section of Aucklanders were heard.

The results show Auckland Council’s views on the government’s proposed three waters reforms are strongly backed by the public.

LGNZ sought a delay to the legislation last year until after the Working Group reports back at the end of February.  It is not about “stopping three waters” when there is a compelling case for change but ensuring the new model is fit for purpose and accountable.

Housing

The Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act was passed into law in December.  The new Act brings into effect Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) relaxing key design standards in Auckland’s current Mixed Housing Urban Zone.  The Act removes council’s ability to include standards more restrictive than the MDRS giving rise to concerns regarding the potential for poor quality outcomes.  The MDRS applies across all residential zones except Aotea and Waiheke (this was a positive change made to the Bill) and predominantly rural areas with populations less than 5,000.

The Unitary Plan change incorporating the MDRS requirements must be notified by Council by August this year.  I am working to ensure that a more focused pre-notification engagement around key topics (such as council’s proposals in relation to Special character areas) takes place despite the more challenging timeframe brought in by the Act.  The Planning Committee are due to be advised of the revised timetable shortly.

(Photo taken by my mum from her balcony at Co-Haus Grey Lynn.  This type of housing will be enabled under the new Act. Full disclosure: I live around the corner in a special character zone.  I think we can work towards a win-win of more housing AND heritage protection of what all Aucklanders value).

Resource Management Reform

One of the key issues that I have pushed, along with Cr Hills and the Mayor, through the reform process currently underway has been the need to reinstate tree protection at the earliest opportunity.

The beating heart of Tāmaki Makaurau (member of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board and member of the Auckland Domain Committee)

Fort Street pocket park

In December it was announced that the last three stages of the Wai Horotiu Queen Street Project – from Shortland Street to Mayoral Drive – would be delivered in one cohesive design with construction starting in January. The design will move towards a safer, greener people- focused street with no general traffic. I am pleased to see the project progress and that Eke Panuku is now the lead city centre agency.

At the beginning of the year I met with David Rankin, CEO of Eke Panuku to discuss key city centre issues in the next couple of years and how well the different agencies work together. (David and Eke Panuku reps are meeting a range of stakeholders on this topic).

Parking enforcement and management is one of the areas I am looking to Panuku to focus on so that it is aligned with city centre priorities. Illegal parking in the Domain and improving safe connections is also an issue I have been working on via the Auckland Domain Committee.

A highlight from the end of last year was the Dame Whina Cooper Tunnel Boring Machine breakthrough at the new Aotea Station after it left Mt Eden on its 1.6km journey.

CRL tunnel breakthrough December 2021 with MP Chloe Swarbrick

The breakthrough on 22 December meant the project team were able to enjoy a well-deserved Christmas rest before starting on the second CRL tunnel this year.

Focus on the Waitematā & Gulf Ward

I am fortunate to represent a ward covering three local board areas that includes the city centre, central suburbs and gulf islands.  I respond regularly to local issues and support the local boards to progress their priorities. I value the positive working relationship I have with all three local board chairs and the ability to work together on local issues I can progress through my work on the governing body.

In addition to initiatives outlined above here are some of my ward priorities for the year:

  • Working with local boards,  Quiet Sky Waiheke and the Herne Bay Residents Association to limit the proliferation of helicopter movements
  • Work towards the introduction of coastal occupation charges so that council has the ability to charge an annual fee for structures that occupy public space in the coastal marine area such as marinas
  • City Centre safety and noise issues
  • Destination management plans for the Gulf Islands
  • The successful redevelopment of the Downtown car park and Wynyard point (photo right).
  • Implementation of Access for Everyone
  • Business support in response to the ongoing pressure of the traffic light settings including the provision of additional space for outside dinning

There will be region-wide initiatives that arise as the year progresses for example targeted free fares.   I will continue to report monthly on my activities

* it is not possible to cover everything coming up during 2022 and all priorities.  I will however try to keep this report updated here with new initiatives and developments  as the year progresses

Councillor monthly report December 2021

General update 

My Councillor report covers the period from 6 November to 6 December 2021.  It has been prepared for the December business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

The purpose of my report is to detail my main activities and to share information with the public and local boards in my ward regarding governing body decisions, my attendance at events, regional consultations, media updates and key issues. This is my final report for 2021.

Positions  

  • Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee
  • Co-Chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum
  • Member, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB)
  • Board Member, LGNZ National Council and Auckland Zone co-chair
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Climate Political Reference Group
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group
  • All Councillors are members of the Planning, CCO Oversight, Finance & Performance and the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committees

Summary  

  • At the time of writing this report, Auckland has emerged from 107 days of lockdown. On December 3rd, Auckland entered the Covid-19 Protection Framework at the Red setting. At Red setting, all Council’s staffed services and facilities will require the use of vaccination passes until at least 17 January 2022. All Council meetings and workshops are continuing online until the end of the year.
  • I was acting Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee meetings during November and chaired the final Committee meeting of the year on 2 December
  • Transport Emissions Reduction Plan progress report received at the meeting confirmed Auckland’s emission are not remotely tracking in line with the target to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
  • Major pieces of the work progressed during the month include adoption of the Age-Friendly Tamaki Makaurau Action Plan, Council’s submission on the Enabling Housing Supply Bill, Council’s submission on Te hau mārohi ki anamata – Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future (I was a signatory to the submission), adoption of the Water Strategy Framework and the Annual Budget 2022/23 Mayoral Proposal with a billion-dollar climate action package was announced (it was unanimously supported to go out for consultation at the Governing Body meeting on 8 December)
  • Consultation opened on 3 December seeking Aucklander’s views on how the government might set up a new water entity for Auckland (and the northern councils). Feedback on the Three Waters Reform is open until 19 December.
  • A groundbreaking new poll was released showing huge public support for measures to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf, Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi.

It has been a demanding year dominated by the pandemic response and an extensive lockdown. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a rest and a fresh start to 2022. Ngā mihi o te wā season’s greetings ki a koutou.

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions 

The minutes for all meetings are available on the Auckland Council website. The following is intended as a summary only of key decisions.

On 11 November the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee

  • Received a presentation on Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund 2021/2022 and approved $300,000 from the 2021/2022 Sport and Recreation Facility Investment Fund to be managed by Community Facilities as part of a targeted sports field investment programme.
  • Received the annual Auckland Council Group Māori Outcomes Report: Te Pūrongo a Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Ngā Huanga Māori 2020-2021
  • Endorsed the Te Kete Rukuruku programme and process for Māori naming of regional parks, noting that it supports the visibility of te reo Māori and seeks to capture and tell the unique stories of Tāmaki Makaurau.
  • Adopted the Tāmaki tauawhi kaumātua – Age-friendly Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Action Plan.
  • Received the indicative business case for aquatic provision in Albert-Eden, and agreed that no further investigation of investment options to maintain aquatic services in the Albert-Eden Local Board area as part of a detailed business case be undertaken.

On 23 November the Council Controlled Organisations Oversight Committee

  • Received the 2021/2022 first quarter reports of the substantive Council-controlled Organisations and Ports of Auckland Limited
  • Received the update on the implementation programme for the Council-controlled Organisations Review
  • Considered under confidentiality the Unsolicited Bid Guidelines – Report back of bid

On 25 November the Governing Body

  • Received a COVID-19 briefing and Auckland Emergency Management status update from Phil Wilson, Acting Controller Auckland Emergency Management
  • Adopted the recommended new Public Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw
  • Adopted the recommended amendments to Animal Management Bylaw 2015 and associated controls
  • Adopted the recommended amendments to Water Supply and Wastewater Network Bylaw 2015
  • Approved the transfer of the ex-Glenfield Bowling Club buildings at Ross Reserve, Glenfield to Pest Free Kaipātiki Restoration Society.

On 30 November the Planning Committee

  • Received a presentation from the Herne Bay Residents Association Inc about the nuisance caused by helipads (I have also received a substantial number of emails from Waiheke on this matter). I have confirmed that I share the community’s concern around the environmental and social impact of helicopter landings and take-offs in residential areas. I am looking at what follow-up action to amend the Unitary Plan can be taken in the new year
  • Endorsed Eke Panuku as the lead agency for the implementation of the City Centre Masterplan 2020, by adding the city centre to the Eke Panuku Waterfront Transform location.

On 2 December the Environment and Climate Change Committee

  • Adopted the Auckland Water Strategy Framework as the core content for a new Auckland Water Strategy brought to committee for consideration and adoption in the first half of 2022.
  • Received a progress update on the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan. The following is the resolution in full as it is a significant piece of work and the Committee supported the early implementation of actions. I added e) iv) as a chairs recommendation to progress work by AT to leverage renewals to reduce emissions and realise co-benefits from safer streets.

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      tuhi /note the progress update provided on the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan, in particular the scale of the challenge to meet Auckland’s transport emissions reduction target and that every available lever will have to be pulled as hard as possible to meet that target

b)      tuhi /note the emphasis that Auckland Transport is already placing on climate change

c)      tuhi /note that mode shift is the most powerful lever for reducing transport emissions, and that some action can be taken in advance of having an emission reduction pathway endorsed

d)      request Auckland Council staff to progress the following actions, and to report back to the Environment and Climate Change Committee in March 2022 with a progress update:

i)an investigation into council’s own corporate mobility to ensure alignment with the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan, which would cover, amongst other things, the provision of corporate car parking

ii)further and more detailed research into all people’s willingness and ability to change travel behaviour, taking note of the equity implications of mode shift, the barriers that people face, and the importance of a just transition

iii)          an investigation into a methodology and feasibility of a region-wide spatial assessment of access via walking, cycling and public transport

e)      Requested Auckland Transport and Auckland Council staff jointly progress the following for early delivery and report back to the Transport Emissions Reference Group with a progress update in March 2022:

i)development of a public communications campaign on climate change to present a vision of a low carbon transport system and build momentum for action

ii)a tactical behavioural change programme focused on mode shift to public transport and active modes, for implementation as soon as possible

iii)  work to ensure that all capital and renewals projects on corridors designated as part of the Future Connect active modes strategic networks include safe walking, cycling and micro-mobility infrastructure

iv)    the use of the renewals programme to deliver improved outcomes for sustainable transport modes, including a summary of work already underway, any impediments to taking this approach across the entire renewals programme, and the actions required to overcome these impediments

v)the development of a pipeline of active and public transport projects that could be ready for delivery to capitalise on any potential funding injection from central government

vi)an investigation into the feasibility of different options of public transport fare reductions for particular groups in advance of Government providing further details on its commitment to reducing public transport fares

vii)     an assessment of how the faster roll-out of the public transport related minor infrastructure programme could be resourced

  • Received the Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan Progress Report, November 2021 and noted despite the progress being made, as shown in the Progress Report, Auckland’s emission are not remotely tracking in line with the target to reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and that work on the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan shows the stark reality of the scale of the challenge and the level of intervention required and that more work and investment will be required
  • Allocated Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund, and Regional Environment and Natural Heritage grants

On 2 December the Extraordinary Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee

Other meetings 6 November to 6 December 2021 

  • On 8 November I attended a CCO Oversight Committee briefing from Auckland Unlimited.
  • On 9 November I chaired the Waste Advisory Political Group.
  • On 10 November I attended the Waiheke Community Forum where the forum received a presentation from Living Waters on emergency accommodation.
  • On 12 November I attended
    • LGNZ Sector update for Mayors, Chairs and Chief Executives.
    • Staff briefing on the Wai Horotiu Queen Street project
    • Meeting with Minister David Parker and all Auckland Councillors where RMA Reform, Taxation Bill, and a ban on public sale and use of fireworks (not supported by the Minister) were discussed.
  • On 16 November I presented my monthly councillor report to the Waitematā Local Board business meeting.
  • Also on 16 November I attended a CCO Oversight Committee briefing from Eke Panuku.
  • On 17 November I attended an extraordinary business meeting of the Waiheke Local Board.
  • On 18 November I received a presentation from Seniors Climate Action Network called ‘Thriving within Planetary Boundaries – A Framework for Aotearoa/NZ – Net Zero Emissions by 2030’
  • On 22 November I chaired the meeting of the Climate Political Reference Group.
  • Advisory Panel co-chairs and Governing Body members

    Also on 22 November I attended a meeting of the Advisory Panel co-chairs and Governing Body members where the following were discussed:

    • Recovery and resilience/communities living with covid
    • Climate change and sustainability
    • Diversity in employment and leadership including civic participation in elections
  • On 24 November I presented my monthly councillor report to the Waiheke Local Board business meeting.
  • On 25 November I attended
    • meeting with AT’s Connected Communities Team regarding and received an update on plans for Great North Road.
    • A catch up with Waikehe Local Board members.
    • A meeting with Waka Kotahi representatives to receive an update on Newton Road.
  • On 3 December I attended the LGNZ National Council meeting.
  • On 6 December I attended the Governing Body / Independent Māori Statutory Board joint meeting and the joint Governing Body / Local Board Chairs meeting

Event highlights – all online!

  • Aotea GBI Schools Marine project presenting to an audience of over 100 stakeholders from the island and beyond

    On 12 November I was a guest speaker at the Grey Lynn Residents Association AGM

  • On 19 November I was a presenter at the Wynyard Quarter Neighbours’ Forum celebrating 10 years of Wynyard Quarter (My speech is attached to my report on the local board agenda).
  • On 25 November I attended the Mayoral Conservation Awards as a judge and presented the Penny Hulse Supreme Environmental Award to Aotea GBI Schools Marine project.
  • On 30 November attended Auckland Conversations – Ka hao te rangatahi: The new net goes fishing
  • On 3 December I gave the opening address at the Enviroschools Celebrations for 2021 ‘Papatuanuku is breathing’. (My speech is attached to my report on the local board agenda)
  • On 6 December I attended the Three Waters webinar consultation event

Hauraki Gulf Forum

A groundbreaking new poll was released showing huge public support for measures to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf, Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi. The poll of 1020 respondents was conducted by Horizon Research from 27 September to 17 October 2021. Respondents were asked whether the Gulf was important to them, what they valued about it, and whether they supported or opposed the goals of the Hauraki Gulf Forum. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3 percent. (Attachment 1).

On the same day as the Hauraki Gulf Forum meeting on 29 November we heard the wonderful news that the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries has approved Ngāti Pāoa’s request for a temporary closure around Waiheke. There is no take allowed of scallops, mussels, rock lobster or pāua from the closure area while the notice is in force. It comes into force from 1 December 2021.

The forum supported the rāhui laid down in January and has the ambitious goal of at least 30% marine protection for Tīkapa Moana Te Moananui-ā-Toi.

Councillor monthly report November 2021

My Councillor report covers the period from 9 October to 5 November 2021.  It has been prepared for the November business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

The purpose of my report is to detail my main activities and to share information with the public and local boards in my ward regarding governing body decisions, my attendance at events, regional consultations, media updates and key issues.

Positions  

  • Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee
  • Co-Chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum
  • Member, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB)
  • Board Member, LGNZ National Council and Auckland Zone co-chair
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Climate Political Reference Group
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group

Summary

  • At the time of writing this report, Auckland remains at Alert Level 3 Step 1. This is the first phase of a three-part plan by the Government to ease COVID-19 restrictions across the region. In line with restrictions, all meetings and workshops are taking place online.
  • Remaining water restrictions were lifted on 21 October as water storage reached 93%.
  • Business support was extended by council and a request made to government to amend relevant legislation to support the serving of alcohol at outside dining venues.
  • Governing Body agreed on 28 October to increase local board decision-making over local community services and address inequities in local community services funding.
  • Contactless click and collect library service for Aucklanders started on 2 November.
  • Tāmaki Makaurau was named the best city to travel to for 2022 by Lonely Planet with heading into the Hauraki islands to spot takahē on Tiritiri Matangi or taste wine on Waiheke and seeing the cutting edge of the city’s culture at Auckland Art Gallery named in Lonely Planet’s top 5 things to do in Auckland.
  • The Planning Committee on 4 November endorsed the objectives and principle that will underpin a revised Parking Strategy (I have written about why I spoke strongly in support in a post Good for Auckland Parking)

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions  

The minutes for all meetings are available on the Auckland Council website. The following is intended as a summary only of key decisions.

On 14 October the Environment and Climate Change Committee

  • Received a presentation from the Equal Justice Project
  • Adopted the Community Facilities’ Sustainable Asset Policy
  • Noted the end of year report for natural environment and water quality targeted rates 2020/2021. Ponsonby News Targeted rates doing their work
  • Delegated authority to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee and an Independent Māori Statutory Board member to approve council’s submission on the National Emission Reduction Plan consultation document.

On 21 October the Extraordinary meeting of the Governing Body

  • Agreed to the removal of remaining water use restrictions.

On 21 October the Finance and Performance Committee

  • Received a presentation from Eden Park Trust Board
  • Received a “Council support for business affected by Covid-19” report and agreed to:
    • extend the Postponement of rates for ratepayers impacted by COVID-19 scheme to cover the rates for the 2021/2022 financial year
    • request the government to amend relevant legislation to provide for temporary variations to on-licence conditions to support outside dining during COVID-19 restrictions (and allow councils to extend alcohol licences at no extra cost)
    • request the government to significantly enhance its business support package for Auckland.

Our Auckland:  Covid 19 support for Auckland businesses

 On 26 October the Council Controlled Organisations Oversight Committee

  • Received Ports of Auckland Limited’s Annual Report 2021 and full year results compared against performance targets from the Statement of Corporate Intent for the year ending 30 June 2021
  • Received Ports of Auckland Limited’s final Statement of Corporate Intent 2021-2024
  • Received the 2020/21 annual reports for City Rail Link Limited and Haumaru Housing
  • Received the 2020/21 annual reports for COMET Auckland, Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust and Contemporary Art Foundation
  • Received an update on the implementation programme for the Council-controlled Organisations Review.

On 28 October the Governing Body

  • Received a COVID-19 briefing and Auckland Emergency Management status update from Phil Wilson, Acting Controller Auckland Emergency Management
  • Received Ports of Auckland Limited progress update on implementation of CHASNZ health and safety review recommendations, and requested Ports of Auckland Limited provide updates on the implementation of the recommendations from the independent review of health and safety to the CCO Oversight Committee as a part of Ports of Auckland’s quarterly performance reporting
  • Received a summary review from Construction Health and Safety New Zealand on how Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) is progressing with the implementation of the recommendations from the independent review of health and safety at the Port.
  • Supported the proposal to increase local board decision-making responsibilities to all local community services within the funding envelope allocated to each local board, including decisions on local service assets to be consulted on as part of the Annual Plan 2022-23
  • Supported in principle the proposal to establish an alternative service level equity and funding policy to address inequities in local community services funding.

On 2 November the Appointments and Performance Review Committee

  • Noted an update on the initial phase of the Strategic Workforce Planning project
  • Delegated to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor responsibility for overseeing council’s input into the appointment process for two vacancies on the City Rail Link Limited Board
  • Considered the following as confidential items:
    • approval of a short-list of candidates for one vacancy on the board of Watercare Services Limited
    • appointment of board interns to participate in the programme for 2022-2023
    • Chief Executive Remuneration Review
  • (Our Auckand:  Appointment of Mark Darrow to the AT Board)

On 4 November the Planning Committee

  • Delegated to the Mayor, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Planning Committee and a Member of the Independent Māori Statutory Board the authority to approve the council’s submission on the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply) Amendment Bill and agreed the council’s submission will raise a number of issues including the appropriateness of the proposed decision-making role of the Minister for the Environment and the significant implications of enabling three-storey medium density development across most parts of urban Auckland (and some rural settlements) as well as the quality of development that would be enabled
  • Endorsed the objectives and principles, as recommended as a package by the Auckland Transport Board, to form the strategic direction underpinning the development of the 2022 Parking Strategy (I have written about why I spoke in support in a post Good for Auckland Parking )
  • Endorsed the Eke Panuku Board decision to cease the operation of the tram in Wynyard Quarter in late 2022.

Other meetings and key activities 9 October to 5 November 2021 

  • On 11 October I attended an online Mihi Whakatau welcoming Herewini Te Koha, council’s new Tumuaki Huanga Māori/Director of Māori Outcomes
  • Also on 11 October I attended a planning meeting for a pop-up drive through vaccination site at Skycity
  • On 12 October I attended a briefing from Waste Solutions regarding the Claris Landfill closure
  • On 12 October I attended the Finance and Performance Committee Have Your Say Event to hear submissions regarding Development Contributions
  • On 12 October I attended the launch of the Auckland Climate Festival
  • On 15 October I gave an interview with 95 bFM where I discussed the upcoming Super Saturday vaccination event and the success of targeted rates
  • Also on 15 October I attended a workshop for the Cycling Programme Business Case Political Reference Group facilitated by AT
  • On 16 October visited the Graham Street Vaccination Centre for Super Saturday and received my second dose
  • On 18 October I attended a LGNZ hui for all councils on Three Waters
  • On 19 October I attended the Waitematā Local Board business meeting and presented my monthly councillor’s report
  • Auckland Conversations online: Greening Our City

    Also on 19 October I delivered the vote of thanks for the Auckland Conversations event: Greening Our City

  • On 20 October I attended the Transport Emissions Reference Group to observe in my capacity as alternate
  • On 21 October 20 I received a briefing from Vector on options to reinforce the electricity needed at Auckland Hospital
  • On Sunday 24 October and the following two Sundays I attended MP Chlöe Swarbrick’s community hui covering discussions on the City Centre, Waiheke, and Ponsonby & Bays with an informative panel of speakers
  • On 26 October I chaired the Weed Management Political Advisory Group meeting
  • On 27 October I attended the LGNZ National Council Meeting re the Government’s Three waters policy announcement
  • On 27 October I attended the Waiheke Local Board business meeting and presented my monthly councillor’s report
  • On 29 October I gave an interview with 95 bFM where I discussed recommendations for the Auckland Light Rail team and the need for rapid transport options in Auckland. I also discussed Auckland Libraries’ and Council’s response to a petition asking for a click and collect service
  • Also on 29 October I received a briefing on progress on the Eastern Isthmus Programme from Watercare and Healthy Waters representatives
  • On 4 November I attended a judging session for the Mayoral Conservation Awards
  • Heart of the City commissioned work Nature Wins! By Deborah Crowe for Art Week on the Freyberg Place steps. Photo credit: @chamfy via twitter

    Also on 4 November I attended a Light Rail discussion with the Minister for Transport Michael Wood

  • On 5 November I attended the Central City Alcohol and Community Safety meeting
  • Also on 5 November I attended the LGNZ Metro Sector meeting session with Minister David Parker to discuss RMA reform proposals
  • Auckland Artweek launched on 5 November
  • Throughout lockdown I have attended the regular covid briefings held for elected representatives.

Media

Hauraki Gulf Forum

The Hauraki Gulf Forum contribution to the Auckland Climate Festival (14 – 31 October ) was our Kōrero podcasts: Stories from the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi hosted by Qiane Matata-Sipu with these wonderful inspiring people (photo right).

The Tāmaki Makaurau Mana Whenua Forum and Auckland Council are partnering to give the Category B heritage shelter down on Quay St a new purpose through promoting te taiao (the natural environment) and providing environmental education focused on the navigation stories of mana whenua and their connections to Te Moananui o Toi, Tikapa Moana. (Our Auckland: Heritage Shelter repurposed to promote te taiao)

During the renovations of the shelter, the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s artwork, designed by Dave Gunson, was selected to wrap the building to attract Aucklanders’ attention to the project to come.

The wrap will be repurposed and used as promotional banners for rangatahi events. This work has been led by co-chair Nicola MacDonald in her capacity as the chair of Pou Te Taiao, the Environment sub-committee of the Tāmaki Makarau Mana Whenua Forum.

Our Auckland: Protecting the Hauraki Gulf

Good for Auckland parking

Since I was first elected in 2010 I have taken a keen interest in the topic of parking.  I advocated for the removal of parking minimums in the Auckland Unitary Plan and initiated a Getting Parking Right for Auckland seminar targeted at business associations in 2013.    I’m convinced by the substantial body of evidence that reveals the rich rewards available to cities that get parking management* right.   Parking is one of the biggest levers available to local government and has system-wide implications.  It is also a topic which provokes emotive headlines that politicians find hard to ignore, heated public meetings, and many complaints from constituents.

At the Planning Committee on 4 November we considered the objectives and principles, as recommended as a package by the Auckland Transport Board, that will form the strategic direction underpinning the development of the 2022 Parking Strategy.

Here is a fleshed out version of the points I made at the meeting in support of the recommendation. Greater Auckland has also reported on the meeting here.

The opportunity

O’Connell St, City Centre, Auckland showing before and after once parking removed to create space for people

I started by thanking the Auckland Transport Board for doing the  ground work ahead of the council committee meeting.  We were only being asked to endorse the AT Board’s recommended strategic direction so that a parking discussion document can be prepared.  We were not signing off on the removal of parking or a final version of the strategy.  We are only at the starting point of consultation to inform a refresh of the existing 2015 Parking Strategy.

If we get the strategy right, parking management can be a key lever to reduce our carbon emissions, increase mode shift and encourage active transport, improve safety, reduce transport inequity and reduce congestion across the network.  We will have the right size tools to respond to growth and increasing intensification.  It will be good for business and good for Auckland.

“War on cars”

Elliott Street shared space blocked to people and deliveries by parked cars

Our shared spaces, footpaths and public squares are increasingly filling up with parked cars.  Illegal parking is going unchecked on our grass verges and on busy arterials.    Driving is heavily subsidised and drivers have become used to the idea that parking in the public realm is largely “free”.   There are NO signs  that Auckland Transport is anywhere close to waging a “war on cars”.  The cars in Auckland are doing just fine and driving is fully supported as a major part of the transport system.

Examples of illegal parking

In fact, rather than an attack on cars, an effective parking strategy, as proposed by the AT Board, is pro-driving. It will reduce congestion and improve connectivity and access to the places drivers want to go.  It is pro-communities, pro-equity, pro-children , pro-city building and good urban design.  It is also positive for the 30% of Aucklanders who don’t drive at all and those needing space for access (whatever the mode and personal ability).

It’s a “radical plan”

The parking strategy report that came to the Planning Committee grabbed headlines as a “radical plan to remove parking on many of the city’s roads to make way for more bus lanes and cycleways” (NZ Herald, 2 November 2021 )

The current Parking Strategy 2015 was arguably “radical” for Auckland or at least  progressive for its time. The strategy provides for parking to be de-prioritised and for road space to be allocated in favour of active transport, PT,  and the movement of people and freight.  What is being proposed now is not new or “radical” but a refresh of the existing strategy to give AT a clear mandate to implement the very parking management tools AT already has available.

If anything it is “radical” to NOT effectively manage parking to achieve Auckland’s strategic objectives. It is “radical” to give away a valuable resource for free.

It is also not “radical” to take a decade to implement the strategy, as proposed by AT, when many of the parking management tools have already been in place for over 6 years.

Bringing the community along

One of the reasons given by AT for the need to refresh the 2015 Parking Strategy is to provide a “new community mandate”, to “reset expectations” and “set out the need for change”.  The report notes that “Our community’s receptiveness to change is diverse. The approach to public engagement will aim to take our communities with us through the changes arising from the parking strategy”.

There are many examples of how the community has already been brought along  as a result of the current strategy and in response to a growing city.

Drivers are enjoying the benefits where parking has been removed on key arterials to speed up their trips.   It is not necessary to undertake expensive road widening if space is re-allocated from parked cars such as proposed for Great North Road. AT’s Future Connect enables Aucklanders to understand the long-term network plans and where parking is likely to be removed in the future.

Many residents were outraged when the first residential parking scheme was trialed in St Marys Bay almost a decade ago to cope with the influx of all day commuter parking.  That scheme proved extremely successful and has served as the template for a city-wide roll out.

It has been well signaled since 2015 that residents of new apartments will not be eligible for residential parking permits.   In the city centre and central suburbs there is no longer an expectation that vehicle storage will automatically be available on public roads for free.

Business Associations were once very skeptical about the benefits of paid parking have been won over by the results. It is good for business to use demand responsive pricing to encourage turn over and to allow customers to purchase the parking they need. There’s is a heap of evidence from NZ and across the world to share with businesses about the economic opportunities of re-allocating road space to PT, active modes and extended footpaths.  (for example the success of the Karangahape Road street upgrade).

Commuters who once used the residential streets of Ponsonby, Grey Lynn and Freemans Bay to “park and hide”  have discovered the expansion of PT services such as the new bus service to Ponsonby Rd from Kingsland station and the competitive price of PT once parking is no longer “free”. Commuters on Waiheke are used to paying for parking at Matiatia implemented to manage the demand. The same approach at all of Auckland’s crowded park and rides located next to frequent PT and served by feeder services will benefit all commuters  (*once commuting returns to pre-covid levels of course).

Its all coming too fast 

In the debate committee members raised concerns that with the NPS- UD allowing increasing intensification (with no parking minimums) this is not the time to push ahead with the parking strategy.  That we are “making life hard” and “creating a situation”

The NPS-UD is the reason more than ever to push ahead with implementing the parking strategy. Intensification is coming whether we like it or not and we have to proactively plan now how we use the public realm to the benefit of all Aucklanders.  There needs to be a really clear signal to the market that car storage has to be factored into any decision making when purchasing or renting a home.  On-road parking can no longer be advertised as guaranteed “free parking”.  As the report states “Roads are critical assets and valuable public space. They serve a range of purposes, principally movement and places, and they need to cater for all modes, rather than just prioritising cars. The way in which road space is allocated is critical as it should be used, and useable, for all Aucklanders, regardless of their travel choices.”

It is difficult for those caught in the transition.   It is a transition that has been happening for over 3 decades. It was a transition for residents who moved into the city centre during Auckland’s first apartment explosion in the 90’s  expecting to park for free on-street.  It has happened for commuters who accepted a job presuming all central residential streets would remain “free” .   It has been a transition for residents living on key arterial roads like St Lukes or Manukau Road who can no longer park on street.

During the debate I also mentioned that part of the transition will be encouraging residents to use their off-street garage space for parking rather than the storage of stuff (85 % of houses are estimated to have off-street parking available). Councillors for Manurewa-Papakura Newman and Dalton were right to point that many garages are actually homes.

We don’t solve Auckland’s housing, congestion and inequity issues by  pushing out the implementation of the strategy. We don’t help drivers or improve PT by clogging up arterials with parking.   We don’t serve our communities by hiding how much parking is subsidised or  by accepting a poor return on valuable assets (AT was unable to provide information on parking subsidies or the net parking revenue but from the report it appears to be very low rate of return compared to other cities)

We have to provide the right incentives, services, facilities,  information and support to Aucklanders as we transition to a low carbon transport system and an intensified city.  Importantly it will all happen with public consultation.

One of my constituients wrote to me  with “Any councillor who supports AT’s latest madness is equally mad”.  To the contrary, I think it is the AT Board members and Committee members who supported the strategic direction who are completely sane to make evidence based decisions and to embrace a parking strategy that is Good for Auckland.

*Note

“Parking management” is used to refer to the range of tools available to manage parking such as paid parking, park and ride services, residential parking schemes, enforcement, removal of parking on arterials etc

Further reading 

 The hidden climate costs of America’s free parking space  The Guardian, 5 November 2021

Parking kills businesses, not bikes or buses  Newsroom 5 November 2021

Climate change:  Auckland’s puzzling political parking own-goal Stuff 9 November

Karangahape Road records retail high before bracing for lockdown Our Auckland 7 September

Monthly Councillor report October 2021

General update 

My Councillor report covers the period from 10 September to 8 October 2021.  It has been prepared for the October business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

The purpose of my report is to detail my main activities and to share information with the public and local boards in my ward regarding governing body decisions, my attendance at events, regional consultations, media updates and key issues.

Positions  

  • Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee
  • Co-Chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum
  • Member, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB)
  • Board Member, LGNZ National Council and Auckland Zone co-chair
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Climate Political Reference Group
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group

Summary

Bruce, owner of Big Sur cafe in West Lynn serves up a contactless coffee at Alert Level 3

At the time of writing this report, Auckland remains at Alert Level 3 but with an easing of restrictions (step 1). This is the first phase of a three-part plan by the Government to ease COVID-19 restrictions across the region. In line with restrictions, all meetings and workshops are taking place online.

  • As a result of advocacy on behalf of local businesses a range of support for businesses from council during alert levels 3 and 2 has been progressed. I requested council collate all the business support information in one place on the Auckland Council website.
  • On 2 October an anti-lockdown protest was staged at the Auckland Domain. As the landowner of the Auckland Domain, the council (via the Domain Committee) strongly objected to the event going ahead and did not give consent.
  • On 23 September, Auckland Council’s Governing Body finalised our feedback to government on the Three Waters Reform (decision in full here and Our Auckland story here)
  • On 7 and 8 October I attended the LGNZ strategy day and National Council meeting on behalf of Auckland Council. While the event was hosted live in Wellington, I along with other members in Level 3 areas attended virtually.

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions  

The minutes for all meetings are available on the Auckland Council website. The following is intended as a summary only of key decisions.

On 16 September the Finance and Performance Committee

  • Agreed to consult on the draft Draft Development Contributions Policy 2021 which has been updated for the capital expenditure in the 10-year budget and includes the following key proposed changes:
    • addition of capital expenditure planned for 2032 onwards in Drury
    • requiring payment of development contributions for all development at grant of building consent except non-commercial development on Māori land
    • identifying that facilitation of the development of Māori land is made through grants under the Māori Cultural Initiatives Fund
    • exempting not-for-profit development on Māori land from contributions for reserve acquisitions.
  • Consultation on the draft policy was open until 17 October

On 21 September the Council Controlled Organisations Oversight Committee

  • Received fourth quarter reports of the substantive Council-Controlled Organisations.
  • Received an update on the implementation programme for the Council-controlled Organisations Review.

 On 23 September the Governing Body

  • Received the Waitākere Ranges Local Board input regarding flooding, land slips and clean up in the Waitākere Ranges after the August 2021 storm.
  • Received report on the North west Auckland floods and thanked those who were instrumental in coordinating welfare and relief efforts.
  • Received briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Auckland Emergency Management status update.
  • On the matter of Three Waters Reform: Feedback on government’s reform proposal [in full in my report – refer to item 13 of the minutes]
  • Approved the draft Significance and Engagement Policy for consultation
  • Adopted the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw Statement of Proposal 2022 and appointed the hearing panel. Following advocacy from local boards agreed that should additional prohibited or restricted sites come from consultation – which are supported by evidence, these will be discussed  and can be assessed and consulted on following the adoption of the bylaw.  Consultation on the proposed Freedom Camping in Vehicles bylaw is now open until 5 December

 On 27 September the Governing Body

  • Adopted the audited Auckland Council Annual Report 2020/2021
  • Adopt the Auckland Council Summary Annual Report 2020/2021

 On 28 September the Appointments and Performance Review Committee

  • Considered the following as a confidential item

On 30 September the Planning Committee

  • Received public input from Otara Bike Burb
  • Approved a number of Private Plan change requests
  • Approved amendments to Auckland Unitary Plan Historic Heritage Schedule
  • Delegated the drafting of council’s submission to the proposed amendments (wetland provisions) to the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020

Other meetings 10 September to 8 October 2021 

  • On 10 September I co-chaired the Local Government New Zealand’s Auckland Zone meeting with Chair Northey.
  • On 13 September I participated as a panelist interviewing candidates for Auckland Transport Director, the successful candidate will chair Auckland Transport’s Audit and Risk committee.
  • On 14 September I attended the inaugural Transport Emissions Reduction Plan reference group meeting
  • On 17 September I attended a meeting with Minister Poto Williams and all councillors. The Minister gave updates on Police, housing/building and construction, and youth development.
  • Also on 17 September I attended the live streamed event co-hosted by the National Council of Women- Auckland Branch and Auckland Council celebrating Women’s Suffrage.
  • On 20 September I attended an update on Wai Horotiu Queen Street project design
  • On 22 September I delivered my monthly report to the September Waiheke Local Board business meeting.
  • On 24 September I attended a session for the Mayor, all councillors & local board chairs with Superintendent Jill Rogers, District Commander Counties Manukau; Superintendent Karyn Malthus, District Commander Auckland City; Superintendent Naila Hassan, District Commander Waitematā, and Inspector Jared Pirret, District Prevention Manager
  • On 27 September I attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting
  • On 28 September I delivered my monthly report to the September Aotea Great Barrier Local Board business meeting.
  • On 29 September I was a panel member for the Fabian Society’s discussion on local government
  • On 30 September I attended the Karanagahape Business Association AGM as a guest
  • On 1 October I attended a wellbeing seminar for elected members delivered by Lance Burdett.
  • Throughout lockdown I have attended the regular covid briefings held for elected representatives.

Hauraki Gulf Forum

On 9 September we received great news for the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, Te Moananui-ā-Toi. The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries approved the s186A temporary closure request from Ngāti Hei.

Fisheries NZ received over 2000 submissions with the majority in support of a closure of the east Coromandel scallop fishery. The closure takes effect from this Saturday.

Huge acknowledgements to Ngāti Hei and Matua Joe Davis for their incredible leadership. The Hauraki Gulf Forum backed the closure and we continue to call for the end to all bottom-impact fishing right across the Marine Park.

Media

In the year up to July 56 people were killed on Auckland’s roads up from 29 the year before. This is despite speed limit reductions across the city and Auckland Transport adopting Vision Zero. The Herald reported on the some of the causes of this tragic increase in deaths and serious injuries.

I also discussed this issue on RNZ’s The Panel on 14 September and on my fortnightly slot on 95 bfm’s “City Counselling.”

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement for Matua Bob Hawke

Moe mai rā e te Rangitira Wirihana Takanini (Bob) Hawke.

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Matua Bob on 15 September. As Renata Blair said in acknowledgement at the Finance and Performance Committee meeting he was a gentleman with a kind heart and loving words.

Matua Bob made a huge contribution to Auckland’s civic life. I will remember him for the many openings and blessings he led over the years and especially for his leadership at Citizenship ceremonies in the Town Hall. He would open by acknowledging his tipuna, Chief Āpihai Te Kawau who made land available to Hobson in 1840 to establish Auckland. He welcomed all new citizens with a hongi and a friendly Kia ora! To close the ceremony he liked to sing the third verse of the National Anthem and remind everyone that it was written originally as a prayer. It was always a memorable occasion.

Thoughts, aroha and deepest condolences to Matua Bob’s wife Arohanui, whānau and iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at this really sad and difficult time. He will be greatly missed.

Time to spark a mini revolution in Auckland

This post is based on a twitter THREAD explaining why the time has arrived to spark a mini revolution in Auckland. It is a call to arms via the triennial Entrust Election ballot box. It starts with with a bit of history of why this is also personal.  
Campaigning for the Entrust (AECT) election in 2009 at the Howick Market

In 2009 I stood as a independent for the Entrust (then AECT) election for the 5 elected trustees. Through Entrust, the people of Auckland own 75.1% of Vector. I figured as a former Vector lawyer I had a fair shot. Little did I know that the election is a complete rort.

The current C&R trustees pocket between $55k – $165k in their roles. There’s infighting, climate change denialism, sexism, and pork barrel politics (more here on why it is important to care about Auckland’s most “boring” election).
Voting papers were mailed out from 14 October to the person whose name is on the electricity bill (whether you are renting or house owners) within the  Entrust District.
My household’s voting papers arrived on Friday (addressed to my partner because his name is on the power bill). I’m super excited to be voting for the
More for You, Better for Climate team of Emma McInnes, Rohan MacMahon, Lance Wiggs, Dewy Sacayan and Leon Wijohn.

Council’s support for business across alert levels

The move into Alert Level 3*  will be of relief for Aucklanders who have done their bit to keep all of Aotearoa safe but it is not the time to become complacent.  Mass mask wearing, getting vaccinated in large numbers and following the golden rules of lockdown gives us the most favourable chance of moving out of restrictions as soon as possible.

A robust health response is the best insurance for avoiding a return Alert Level 4 lockdown. At that setting up to 30% of Auckland’s economic activity is inhibited (approx. $100 million loss in GDP/day), while the reduction caused by Alert Level 2 is around 5%. This represents a significantly disparate impact on Auckland’s economy compared to the rest of New Zealand. Prior to the recent delta outbreak, Auckland had already spent nearly a month longer at Alert Level 3 than the rest of New Zealand due to community cases in August 2020 and February 2021. Over the 12 months ending March 2021, Auckland’s GDP fell 4.1% (-$4.98 billion), while the rest of NZ only fell 1.2% (-$2.38 billion), a $2.6 billion disparity. This aligns with spending data, which shows that spending in Auckland was down 7.5% over the same period, compared to only a 2% drop across the rest of New Zealand.

The hospitality and tourism sectors have been particularly hard hit by the extended lockdown.   Due to spending more time at Alert Levels 3 and 2 in August and September 2020, as well as in February and March 2021, Auckland hospitality and accommodation spending was down 20.4% from April 2020 – March 2021, while the fall was only 7.5% across the rest of New Zealand. This data comes from Auckland Unlimited, the council CCO responsible for leading support for business. To receive regular updates subscribe via Business@aucklandnz.com.

Two key areas of financial support for businesses right now are the Resurgence Support Payment and the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Eligible businesses can apply for both of these payments.  Helplines like the COVID-19 Business Helpline (0800 500 362) or Pacific Business Trust Helpline (0800 287 7526) are available to talk it through.  The Mayor has raised with the Minister of Finance the need for further government support for businesses including extending financial support via the wage subsidy and continued resurgence payments throughout the duration of Alert Level 2.  He’s also written to Minister Hipkins asking for consideration to be given to long-term, fit for purpose quarantine facilities out of the city centre.

Council is offering flexibility and support in a more relaxed approach during Alert Level 2 to help the hospitality sector.    Fast-tracked new street trading licences and extensions to food-only dining applications are now available to Auckland businesses as they prepare for Alert Level 2 trading. Visit the council website for details.  Find out what support is available to Auckland businesses here (this information was updated on 1 October).

I’ve also asked for the 21/22 postponement scheme for business rates to be re-established as I know that is another way council can provide support at this really difficult time.  I’ve appreciated hearing from business association representatives with ideas and advice.  Auckland Council has a role to reinvigorate economic activity across Auckland and in the city centre, as alert level restrictions allow.  Please reach out for the support available.

An update for Ponsonby News October 2021

*at the time of writing the alert level change had just been announced

Monthly Councillor report September 2021

General update 

My Councillor report covers the period from 8 August 2021 until 9 September 2021.  It has been prepared for the September business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

The purpose of my report is to detail my main activities and to share information with the public and local boards in my ward regarding governing body decisions, my attendance at events, regional consultations, media updates and key issues.

Upgraded track through the Te Wai Orea Western Springs bush provided a welcome lockdown walking route. Credit: Russell Brown

 

Positions  

  • Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee
  • Co-Chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum
  • Member, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB)
  • Board Member, LGNZ National Council and Auckland Zone co-chair
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Climate Political Reference Group
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group

Summary  

  • Following the announcement by the Government that New Zealand will be at Alert Level 4 from 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 August, the majority of Auckland Council facilities closed temporarily to the public from 18 August. Essential services such as rubbish collections, waste water, drinking water and core public transport for essential workers continued to operate. At the time of writing this report, Auckland remains at Alert Level 4. Many council related events have been postponed however all governance meetings quickly transitioned to an online format.
  • Council’s emergency freight subsidy for Covid 19 Alert Level 4 was secured for Barrier Air to ensure operations continued
  • As of 1 September, all overdue fines were removed from accounts. The council is joining the global trend of removing library overdue fines with almost 600 libraries worldwide now fine free, including every public library in Ireland. This was a decision made following the Recovery Budget consultation.
  • On 3 September the Mayor and Minister Woods announced a new Targeted Hardship Fund will be set up to help Auckland small businesses that are impacted by disruption from construction of the City Rail Link. Auckland Council will contribute up to half of the $12m fund.

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions  

The minutes for all meetings are available on the Auckland Council website. The following is intended as a summary only.

On 12 August the Environment and Climate Change Committee 

  • Received a climate update presentation from Watercare
  • Established a Transport Emissions Reference Group responsible for providing direction to staff in the development of the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan, making changes to the proposed approach as required, and approving the recommended pathway for endorsement by the Environment and Climate Change Committee.  I am an alternate on the Group.
  • Approved Auckland Council’s commitment to becoming a signatory to the C40 Divest/Invest Declaration

On 19 August the Finance and Performance Committee

  • Approved a 125-year lease and the future development of Te Wharau o Horotiu Bledisloe House
  • Approved land exchanges of Bellgrove Reserves, Avondale and reserve land at Murray Halberg Park, Ōwairaka
  • Woodhill Sands Equestrian Centre support and Three Kings land exchange was considered in confidential

On 24 August the Council Controlled Organisations Oversight Committee

  • Received the update on the implementation programme for the Council-controlled Organisations Review.
  • Approved the updated Auckland Council group brand guidelines and required CCOs to comply with the updated Auckland Council group brand guidelines
  • Approved the shareholder comments on the draft Statement of Corporate Intent 2021–2024 for Ports of Auckland Limited as set out in this report
  • Approved the 2021-2024 statements of intent for Auckland Transport, Auckland Unlimited, Eke Panuku and Watercare

 On 26 August the Governing Body

On 2 September the Planning Committee

  • In response to the National Policy Statement on Urban Development requiring the removal of carparking minimums from the Auckland Unitary Plan by the end of February 2022 endorsed the development of a plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in part) and a plan change to address consequential technical amendments to provide clarity and consistency within the plans and ensure that the effects of car parking (where developers choose to provide it) can still be addressed and endorsed the investigation of the following matters through amendments to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in part) and/or the Auckland Council District Plan (Hauraki Gulf Islands Section), or other means in order to mitigate possible poor development outcomes as a result of the removal of carparking minimums:
  1. provision of accessible parking
  2. ii) the design of private pedestrian and bicycle / micro-mobility access where no vehicle access is proposed

iii)     provision of on-site bicycle / micro-mobility access and parking including where no vehicle access is proposed

  1. iv) where parking is proposed, the provision of electricity connections that enable installation of compliant smart electric vehicle chargers
  2. v) provision of on-site pick-up and drop-off/loading facilities and access for emergency services where no vehicle access is proposed.
  • Discussed sites of significance to Mana Whenua – Tranche 2 Plan Change Investigation, and feedback Auckland Light Rail in confidential

On 9 September the Parks, Arts, Community and Events committee

  • Approved a reserve Revocation at (part) 331 Great North Road, Henderson
  • Received an update on implementation of Auahi Kore Hapori Whānui as part of the Implementation Plan of the Council’s Smokefree Policyand approved priorities for 2021/2022
  • Received an I Am Auckland Implementation and Evaluation Annual Update 2021and approved a three-year review be undertaken in 2021/2022
  • Approved the development of a re-imagined Toi Whītiki (Auckland’s Art and Culture Strategic Plan) as a collective impact framework that unites the creative sector  towards a shared vision and common purpose of delivering public value for Aucklanders
  • Approved a proposed variation of agreement to facilitate transfer of land at 50 Tihi Street, Stonefields
  • Approved the Regional Event Fund grants allocation 2021/2022
  • Approved the Regional Arts and Culture grants allocation 2021/2022 round one
  • Agreed to implement seasonal restrictions to control motorised vehicles driving on Muriwai Beach and a range of management measures

Correspondence

Attachment 1: Correspondence with the Chairs of NZTA Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport regarding the delivery of a safe cycling network following the killing of a ride on Stanley Street in May

Attendance at events 8 August – 9 September 2021 

  • On 8 August I attended a meeting with Minister Grant Robertson and all Auckland Councillors where the Minister gave updates on the economy, climate change and water reform.
  • At Watercare’s Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant with Cr Josephine Bartley

    On 10 August I attended a site visit at Watercare’s Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant (photo right with Cr Josephine Bartley). The governing body spends half a day each year visiting each CCO to better understand its business and culture and to informally build relationships.

  • Zoe and Jett presenting their Waiheke pump track proposal taking inspiration from the Grey Lynn pump track their proposal

    On 11 August I attended the Community Forum at the Waiheke Local Board office

  • On 12 August I attended an Eke Panuku celebration at the Percy Vos Boat Shed to honour the restoration of this important piece of maritime history in Wynyard Quarter.
  • On 13 August I attended the Metro Sector LGNZ forum in Wellington
    LGNZ National Council board meeting 27 Aug 2021

    via Zoom. Items on the agenda included:

    • Update from the Minister of Immigration
    • Resource Management Reform
    • Three waters
  • Also on 13 August I attended the Central City Alcohol and Community Safety taskforce
  • On 14 August I was a panelist with local board member Kerrin Leoni,
    Vos shipyard Wynyard Quarter

    Julie Stout and Shane Vuletich at the Future of Auckland’s Waterfront Panel at the Pioneer Women’s Hall in the Ellen Melville Centre organized by MP Chlöe (photo below).

  • On 16 August I chaired council’s Climate Political Reference Group meeting
  • Future of the Waterfront panel discussion with panel members Kerrin Leonie, Julie Stout and Shane Vuletich, and MC Chloe Swarbrick

    On 17 August the Joint Governance Working Group meeting was underway when the announcement came through about a case of COVID in the community bring the meeting to an abrupt end.

  • From 18 August all workshops, meetings and committee meetings went online
  • On 23 August I co-chaired the Hauraki Gulf Forum. The Forum received an update on Revitalising the Gulf – Government’s Response Strategy to Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari
  • On 24 August I attended the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board business meeting and delivered my Councillor’s report for August.
  • On 25 August I attended the Waiheke Local Board business meeting and delivered my Councillor’s report for August.
  • On 27 August I attended the LGNZ National Council meeting.
  • On 30 August I attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board workshop.
  • On 3 September I attended a meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss solutions for ongoing enforcement issues at St Patrick’s Square.
  • On 3 September I attended LGNZ’s Three Waters discussion for elected representatives
  • Also on 3 September, I attended a forum for elected members in Central Auckland hosted by AT with presentations by elected representatives on Parking and the Parking Strategy.
  • On 6 September I chaired the Waste Advisory Political Group meeting
  • On 7 September I attended the Cycling Programme Business Case (PBC) political reference group meeting
  • On 8 September I attended the Waiheke Local Board Community Forum.
  • Throughout lockdown I have attended the regular  Covid briefings held for elected representatives

Media 

Ponsonby News September 2021: Innovating streets are lockdown ready 

Our Auckland: Karangahape Road records retail high before bracing for lockdown 

Our Auckland: Boost for Community Climate Action funding 

 

Innovating streets are lockdown ready

It was with a sudden jolt that we found ourselves back in lockdown Level 4 council systems were quickly re-activated to ensure essential services continued to operate and council facilities closed down safely. As with the first lockdown, council staff have been redeployed, such as the catering team now providing meals to the City Mission and environmental health officers who are supporting contact tracing efforts.

We are now all very familiar with the health guidelines: stay home except to access essential services, stay within your bubble, wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask, use your QR code if you go out, exercise locally, maintain physical distancing and if you are ill, self-isolate and get tested.

The central place for information is the government’s website covid19.govt.nz. A free Covid-19 helpline service is available for Auckland businesses on 0800 500 362.

Exploring locally for exercise and fresh air provides a welcome break from online meetings and bubble routines. Throughout lockdown, people will be experiencing their streets and neighbourhoods differently due to lower levels of traffic and safer neighbourhoods. It also gives a sense of the enormous change needed to our “normal” lives in order to cut transport emissions by 64 per cent from where we were in 2016 by 2030. Auckland, as New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing city, must make a greater contribution to transport emissions reduction than other parts of the country to achieve New Zealand’s commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Just prior to the lockdown Auckland Council established a Transport Emissions Reference Group to develop options to help achieve the bold emissions-reduction targets outlined in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. The scale of the challenge means a wide range of options and methods will need to be tested. Only radical change will reduce private vehicle demand and increase the uptake of active transport.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Innovating Streets for People programme provides a fund to test out innovations enabling Aucklanders to continue after lockdown to enjoy their neighbourhoods and use streets not

Students from Grey Lynn School thank the innovating streets project team

just as roads, but as public spaces. Councils only have to contribute 10 per cent of any project costs. The ability to pilot new street layouts through the programme enables communities to get a sense of what their streets could be like before a commitment is made to major investment; testing, monitoring, and engagement occurs throughout the trial.

Grey Lynn School is one of a number of schools across Tāmaki Makaurau taking part in Auckland Transport’s Safe School Speeds programme funded through ‘Innovating Streets for People’. The project involves schools working with Auckland Transport to introduce new speed calming measures such as kerb extensions, speed humps, and new painted surfaces to keep children safe. It is not surprising that Grey Lynn School was keen to sign up for the trial. Only recently there was a serious injury crash on Surrey Crescent, and the school reports a lot of near misses and concerns about vehicle speeds on the approach to the school crossings. Travelling at 30km/h or lower outside schools increases driver reaction and stopping time, reducing the chances of serious crash injuries.

The trial will now benefit everyone out walking and cycling during lockdown. Locking-in and expanding the best of all the innovation streets projects will be one of the many emissions reductions pathways to a decarbonised transport future.

This first appeared in Ponsonby News September 2021

Councillor monthly report August 2021

My Councillor report covers the period from 11 July 2021 until 7 August 2021.  It has been prepared for the August business meetings of the Waitematā, Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier Local Boards.

The purpose of my report is to detail my main activities and to share information with the public and local boards in my ward regarding governing body decisions, my attendance at events, regional consultations, media updates and key issues.

LGNZ conference 2021 in Blenheim

Positions

  • Deputy Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee
  • Co-Chair, Hauraki Gulf Forum
  • Member, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board (ACCAB)
  • Board Member, LGNZ National Council and Auckland Zone co-chair
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group

Summary  

  • The governing body took a two-week recess 11 July – 26 July (when there are no official meetings and it is an opportunity to have a break). During this time I attended the LGNZ Conference in Blenheim 14-17 July (photo above for the mihi whakatau I attended as a National Council board member), held a Councillor clinic on Waiheke, presented my monthly report to the Waitematā and Waiheke Local Board meetings and attended the reopening of the upgraded Puhinui train station.

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions  

The minutes for all meetings are available on the Auckland Council website. The following is intended as a summary only.

On 29 July the Governing Body

  • received report from Ports of Auckland Limited on progress with implementation of the recommendations from the independent review of health and safety at Ports of Auckland.
  • noted the third quarter 2020/21 report of Auckland War Memorial Museum
  • received confidential Auckland Council Shaping our Future Programme update on Optimise our Service Outcomes work

On 29 July the Finance and Performance Committee

  • confirmed that the resolutions and report Optimise our Service Outcomes remain confidential until the reasons for confidentiality no longer exist, including communication with potentially affected staff.

 On 3 August the Appointments and Performance Committee

  • approved the brief for Watercare Services board appointments
  • approved appointments to the Contemporary Arts Foundation and reinstatement of the CCO Board intern programme (decisions to be made public at the conclusion of the appointment process)
  • received and approved the reviewed 2021 Appointments and Performance Review Committee forward work programme
  • noted the confidential decisions and related information that is now publicly available:
  1. i) Appointments to Auckland Council’s Council-Controlled Organisations
  2. ii) Board Appointments to Tamaki Redevelopment Company Limited

iii)     Board Appointments to Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board

  1. iv) Appointments to the board of Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust
  2. v) Board Appointments: Panuku Development Auckland
  3. vi) Appointments to the board of Auckland Unlimited

vii)    Appointments to the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board.

On 5 August the Planning Committee

  • received the Quiet Sky petition from Kim Whitaker in relation to the control of helicopter traffic on Waiheke Island and referred it to staff for consideration and response
  • received the Waiheke Local Board input from Chair Cath alongside Nalayini Brito from Dark Sky Waiheke regarding a Dark Sky Park application for the east end of Waiheke Island
  • revoked the previous resolution from Planning Committee to develop a Marina Strategy
  • endorsed the preliminary approaches in response to the intensification provisions relating to “all other locations” in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development.

 Attendance at events 11 July -7 August 2021 

  • with Cr Hills and the PM who was just about to give the government’s address to the LGNZ conference 2021 in Blenheim

    During 14-17 July I attended the LGNZ National Council board meeting, the Te Maruata Hui the annual conference deferred from 2019 and the LGNZ AGM (a report back on the conference will be available on my next report).

  • On 19 July I MC’d Zonta’s International Women’s Day event celebrating achievements of notable women in our communities. The event had been previously postponed due to the pandemic.
  • On 20 July I attended the Waitematā Local Board Business meeting to present my July report
  • On 21 July I visited Waiheke island, hosted a Councillor’s Clinic at the Local Board offices to meet with locals. In the evening I also attended the Waiheke Local Board Business meeting.
  • Downtown’s Te Kōrimurimu with artist Tessa Harris and the Mayor

    On 22 July I attended with the Mayor the opening of Kōrimurimu, interactive art work laid down at Te Wānanga on Quay St is a modern take on traditional raranga (weaving).

  • Also on 22 July I attended in an LGNZ update about Three Waters
  • On 24 July I attended the re-opening of Puhinui station, unlocking fast, frequent and easy connections to Auckland Airport
  • On 26 July I attended the ACCAB meeting and joined the ACCAB and Waitematā Local Board members for an Auckland City Mission evening at their new HomeGround Pop-Up on Wellesley Street. I also attended the GLBA meeting with AT to discuss connected community plans for Great North Road through the Surrey Cres shops (AT confirmed these plans are 3-5 years away)
  • Receiving a copy of the Quiet Sky Waiheke petition

    On 28 July I was presented with a copy of a petition from Quiet Sky Waiheke to reduce helicopter traffic over Waiheke. The petition was officially presented to Auckland Council Planning Committee meeting on 5 August.

  • The Auckland Council team at the Zero Waste Awards 2021

    On 29 July I attended the Zero Waste Awards 2021 at AUT where 114 individuals, groups, schools, marae, local businesses and social enterprises were nominated for this year’s awards, recognising those doing great things to help Auckland achieve its vision of zero waste by 2040. EcoMatters Environment Trust organised this year’s awards, in partnership with Auckland Council

  • On 30 July I attended a workshop with the Future for Local Government Panel for all Auckland Council elected representatives (photo right) and attended Auckland Transport’s isthmus elected representative Discussion Series – Innovating Streets
  • On 5 August I attended the leaving function for Damon Birchfield, Eco Matters CEO
  • On 6 August attended the opening of the new Ponsonby Road office for Labour List MPs Helen White and Camilla Belich
  • On 7 August I spoke after the pōwhiri led by Ngāti Whātua Orākei for the new re-imagined birthday event HAUMI, celebrating the people, places and spaces of Wynyard Quarter on the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Waterfront. It was an opportunity to acknowledge the amazing Eke Panuku placemaking that makes Wynyard such a great environment and to remember the opening 10 years ago.