Author: Pippa Coom

Councillor monthly report July 2021

My Councillor report covers the period from 8 June 2021 until 9 July 2021.  It has been prepared for the July business meetings of the Waitematā Local Board.  Monthly reports were also prepared for the Aotea and Waiheke 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 month my report includes a transport update.

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

Transport update

The Regional Land Transport Plan: I decided to reluctantly vote for endorsing the RLTP when it came to the Planning Committee on 24 June because of the critical addition of resolutions d) and e) that I worked on with Cr Darby.

d) Noted Auckland Council’s commitment to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri to halve emissions by 2030 requires further change to transport and land use policy and the mix of transport investment.

e) Note that, as requested by the Planning Committee on 11 March, council and Auckland Transport staff are jointly developing a Transport Emissions Reduction Plan for Auckland that will identify the pathways to support the required emissions reductions reflected in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, which includes:

  • i)           investigating the mix of future complementary transport investments that support emissions reduction;
  • ii)         investigating vehicle fleet and fuel decarbonisation;
  • iii)        investigating land transport pricing reform;
  • iv)        investigating urban growth management;
  • v)         investigating road space reallocation;
  • vi)        investigating behaviour change;
  • vii)      investigating addressing inequities arising from the impacts of decarbonisation;
  • viii)     reporting the approach to the Transport Emissions Reduction Plan for Auckland to Environment and Climate Change Committee and the Auckland Transport Board in August 2021 with a progress update by December 2021.

The final RLTP approved by the AT Board only decreases emissions by 1% by 2030 even with the inclusion of the government’s new EV feebate scheme and recent changes to the NZ Upgrade Project therefore a lot now hangs on getting the emissions plan right and aligning it with the RLTP.  This is backed up by Council’s support for the most ambitious emissions reductions pathway proposed by the Ministry of Transport.

Parking enforcement in the City Centre:  Following a presentation by AT to the Planning Committee on the Downtown Carpark I asked AT to confirm what parking management actions AT is taking currently to support the cultural and economic vibrancy of the city centre.   I highlighted a range of examples where it appears AT’s current parking approach actually results in outcomes contrary to AT’s stated goals (as shown in the image right).  The response from AT is attached (Attachment 6: Correspondence from Auckland Transport regarding AT’s work to support the cultural and economic vibrancy of the city centre).

The advice from AT regarding St Patricks Square appears to be contradictory however we are moving closer to a temporary designed solution using concrete blocks to stop illegal parking. AT has also confirmed that night patrols have been stepped up for the city centre’s shared spaces.

Auckland Transport’s delivery of “Healthy Streets” and the cycling programme:  I have been working with the Mayor and Councillors Hills, Bartley, and Darby on a “reset” in the way Auckland Transport delivers “Healthy Streets” and the cycling programme.  The correspondence attached outlines the concerns we have raised and the response from AT’s Board Chair.  (Attachment 7: Correspondence with Auckland Transport regarding the delivery of “Healthy Streets” and the cycling programme). This correspondence has also been reported on by Greater Auckland.

There are positive suggestions in AT’s response in particular the proposal to appoint a new single point of leadership within AT to oversee cycling outcomes and regarding the need for stronger direction from council on delivery expectations, the trade-offs involved, and the integration of cycling improvements with renewals work.  This is linked closely with issues that need to be addressed as part of the development of Auckland’s Transport Emissions Reduction Plan.  Auckland Council officials are currently working with AT on these matters.

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 10 June the Environment and Climate Change Committee

  • Approved the adoption of the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan.
  • Approved updating the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund guidelines.
  • Supported in principle Pathway Four for Aotearoa (very strong emphasis on ‘avoid’ and ‘shift’ interventions, with a focus on early implementation) as outlined in the Ministry of Transport’s Hīkina te Kohupara – Kia mauri ora ai te iwi: Transport Emissions: Pathways to Net Zero by 2050 and approved delegation of Auckland Council’s submission to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Planning Committee, the Mayor and Independent Māori Statutory Board Member Glenn Wilcox.
  • Received a presentation from Auckland Zoo on their sustainability initiatives.

On 14 June the Auckland Domain Committee

  • Approved in principle the following events to take place in the Auckland Domain for the calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023:
    • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Pink Ribbon Walk
    • Cancer Society Walking Stars
    • Corporate Challenge
    • Christmas in the Park.
  • Approved the inclusion of zero waste goal to the Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines.
  • Endorsed the Three-Year Regional Work Programme for the Auckland Domain.
  • Endorsed parking restrictions for 100 Stanley Street Grafton (this introduces paid parking to the Domain for the first time). Note: On 8 June, to address issues of access, safety and amenity values of the Museum, some carparks were removed from Cenotaph Road and the Museum Circuit and gates were installed at the Titoki Street carpark to deter all day commuter parking

On 15 June The Appointments and Performance Committee

  • The confidential section of the agenda was with regards to the appointment and re-appointment of CCO directors
  • I was appointed to the selection panel for a new Auckland Transport director.

On 17 June the Finance and Performance Committee

  • Approved, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of any required statutory processes the disposal for urban renewal purposes of 24 Upper Municipal Place, Onehunga.
  • Received the June update on progress of the Emergency Budget 2020/2021.
  • Agreed to support the continued exploration of opportunities for the use of Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 mechanisms to enable growth infrastructure.
  • Approved the Auckland Council Group Procurement Policy.

On 22 June the Council Controlled Organisation Oversight Committee

  • Received the update on the implementation programme for the Council-controlled Organisations Review.
  • Approved Statement of Expectations for substantive Council-controlled Organisations. I have advocated for the use of section 92 to direct CCO’s to comply with council’s strategies but this was not supported by the Committee.

On 24 June the Governing Body

  • Approved the Independent Māori Statutory Board’s proposed funding agreement for the 2021/2022 financial year which comprises a total direct funding of $3,025,621 (opex).
  • Approved the decision-making responsibilities of Auckland Council’s Governing Body and Local Boards policy for inclusion in the long-term plan.
  • Approved the Bylaw Panel recommendations on the proposed changes to Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Ture ā-Rohe Urungi Āhuru / Auckland Council Navigation Bylaw 2021.
  • Approved the Group Remuneration Policy.

On 24 June the Planning Committee

  • Endorsed the final 2021-31 Regional Land Transport Plan for submitting to the Auckland Transport Board for final approval

On 29 June the Governing Body

  • Formally adopted the Recovery Budget (10-year Budget 2021-2031), as the council’s long-term plan for 2021-2031, including 21 local board agreements.
  • A late change was made to the deaths and serious injuries (DSI) performance measures by Auckland Transport. A target to reduce DSI “by at least 50” in 21/22 was changed to “increase by no more than 70”.  I supported the adoption of the budget but not this change.

On 1 July the Planning Committee

  • Received the Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board input regarding the implementation of resource management and heritage legislation on Aotea/Great Barrier Island and requested that the General Manager Plans and Places and General Manager Resource Consents prepare a memorandum for the Planning Committee on the matters raised. (photo right Chair Izzy Fordham, Local Board member Valmaine Toki and Don Prince presenting to the Committee)
  • Noted progress towards the Auckland Plan 2050 outcomes in the Annual Monitoring Report 2021.
  • Following a presentation on the National Policy Statement Urban Development 2020, noted that the Auckland Unitary Plan Regional Policy Statement already includes appropriate policies to enable “well-functioning urban environments”.
  • Approved the development of a plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan Regional Policy Statement that includes a new policy (or policies) on reducing green-house gas emissions and criteria that private plan change requests will be required to meet to be considered as adding ‘significant development capacity’ under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development.
  • In response to the intensification provisions of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, endorsed the approaches in the areas of:
    • Walkable catchments
    • Qualifying matters
    • Special Character Areas Overlay

 On 8 July the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee

  • approved and adopted the Economic Development Action Plan: Council’s role in Auckland’s recovery 2021-24.
  • approved ‘Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau – Māori Outcomes Performance Measurement Framework’ including the performance measures.
  • approved 2021/2022 Cultural Initiatives Fund grants, at a total value of $1.2m, for marae and papakāinga/Māori housing development
  • approved the 2021/2022 financial year Community Facilities Regional Work Programme
  • approved the 2021/2022 Arts and Culture Regional Work Programme and regional arts organisations’ funding allocations for a three-year term to Q Theatre, $943,944 and Te Tuhi, $604,673
  • approved the Regional Sport and Recreation Facilities Operating Grant preliminary allocation programme for 2022-2024 and the Regional Sport and Recreation Grants Programme 2021/2022 budget
  • approved $552,000 for 2021-2022 to Aktive – Auckland Sport & Recreation, for sport and recreation outcomes. Aktive are required to distribute a minimum of $512,000 between their delivery partners: Harbour Sport, Sport Waitakere, Sport Auckland, and CLM Community Sport. Aktive can retain up to $40,000 for regional work programmes

Attendance at events 8 June – 9 July 2021 

  • On 8 June I attended a drop in session for Project WAVE at Sierra Café, Viaduct hosted by Auckland Transport and attended the opening night of The Marriage of Figaro at the invitation of NZ Opera.
  • On 11 June I spoke at the Karangahape Road Enhancements official opening (Attachment 2 Our Auckland: Celebrating the revamped Karangahape Road) and was hosted on a tour of MOTAT by the CE Michael Frawley with Cr Richard Hills (photo right).
  • On 12 June I attended Western Springs Lakeside park planting day organized by the Conservation Volunteers.
  • On 15 June attended an onsite residents meeting on Sentinel Road to discuss maintenance issues
  • On 16 June I visited Aotea/Great Barrier to attend Marine Education Hui. Students of Aotea presented what they had learnt about marine ecology, their chosen motu-specific environmental issue and their solutions, including their proposed marine protected areas and why there. The event was organized by the S.E.A Trust (Sea Education Aotea) who work with all the local schools to provide sailing and kayaking and water skills training . I was also interviewed for Aotea FM
  • On 17 June I attended the UDINZ panel discussion Rezoning Ponsonby ? (Attachment 4 Ponsonby News update 29 June 2021:  Rezoning Ponsonby?)
  • On 18 June I attended Newmarket Business Awards at the Cordis Hotel at the invitation of the Newmarket Business Association
  • On 20 June I visited the From the Deck planting day event with the Conservation Volunteers.
  • On 22 June I attended The Government’s Sea Change Announcement. (See Attachment 3 for the Hauraki Gulf Forum’s press release response to Government’s ‘Revitalising the Gulf).
  • Also on 22 June I spoke at the launch of Auckland Foundation’s Hauraki Gulf Regeneration Fund. The fund has adopted our goals of riparian planning and shellfish restoration as its initial areas of focus.
  • On 23 June I attended Waiheke Local Board Business Meeting via Skype and presented my Councillor’s update for June.
  • On 24 June attended opening night of The Life of Galileo at the invitation of the Auckland Theatre Company.
  • On 25 June I was interviewed by Jemima Huston on 95bFM where we discussed the Hauraki Gulf regeneration, Karangahape Road enhancements and Matariki celebrations.
  • Minister Woods cutting the ribbon in the basement carpark of Kokihi apartments

    Also on 25 June I attended the Kokihi Official Opening Ceremony, celebrating the opening of 95 new homes, including 47 KiwiBuilds, in Waterview

  • On 26 June I attended Te Karanga ā Hape, a huge celebration of Karangahape Road and Matariki.
  • Also on 26 June I attended the New Zealand premiere of The Lion King at Spark Arena.
  • With Katz who features on the cover of the Piki Toi book supported with funding from the Waitematā Local board

    On 1 July attended the Piki toi book launch at Merge Café

  • On 2 July joined the PM, Mayor and many others to formally open Te Wānanga, the new ‘Tidal Shelf’ that extends out from Quay St in downtown Auckland as part of the upgraded Ferry Basin and Te Ngau o Horotiu the new 6 ferry piers on Queens Wharf. (photo below)
  • On 4 July attended Auckland Street Choir Matariki waiata fundraising event.
  • On 5 July attended Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki’s pōwhiri for Tom Irvine, who is now officially Deputy Director of the gallery.
  • On 6 July I volunteered at Everybody Eats with the Mayor and Cr Josephine
  • On 8 July attended the dawn karakia for the Reuben Paterson’s Guide Kaiārahia, a 10 metre high waka that rises from the Auckland Art Gallery’s forecourt pool and in the evening I attended MOTAT’s Love/Science exhibition opening

 

Rezoning Ponsonby?

I was recently invited by the Urban Development Institute of New Zealand (UDINZ) to be part of a panel discussion to take a closer look at the government’s new National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) and how it could impact central suburbs like Ponsonby.  The event was provocatively headlined “flexible zoning in Ponsonby?”  Unsurprisingly this resulted in a number of concerned and curious residents attending.    Since the NPS-UD was first consulted on by government in 2019 it has largely so far flown under the radar even though it will have a significant impact on Auckland and other metro centres.

I was on the panel as the local Councillor but as Auckland Council is currently working on an official response to the NPS-UD I provided an update on the process and only a personal view about the likely implications.   I was joined on the panel by Chris Crow, Urban Economist PwC (who also gave a scene setting presentation), Geoff Cooper, GM Strategy, NZ Infrastructure Commission, Don Mathieson, Co-Chair, Herne Bay Residents Association and Colin Leuschke, Director, Leuschke Architects.

The Government prepared the NPS-UD as part of its Urban Growth Agenda to address New Zealand’s housing challenges.  The NPS-UD 2020 requires councils to plan for growth and ensure a well-functioning urban environment for all people, communities and future generations.  It requires Auckland Council to implement a series of prescriptive “intensification” policies relating to height and density through a plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan by August 2022.

Many will remember the bitter battle and difficult process over the Unitary plan especially with regards to the extent of protection for heritage and special character.  The government’s directive to councils to make room for growth and to remove rules that constrain supply means that the Unitary Plan has to be revisited.    There is some alignment with the current plan (e.g. allowing more people to live closer to jobs, goods and services, providing greater housing choices), but the NPS-UD is likely to require significant changes to the Unitary Plan in some parts of Auckland.

The intensification policies the council has to implement focus on enabling greater heights and densities within “walkable catchments” of frequent transport networks and in “other locations” that are accessible to employment, goods, services, education or in high demand.  In these locations there has to be a minimum zoning of six stories unless “qualifying matters” apply such as maintaining open space for public use or heritage orders.

Approximately 30,000 properties sit within the current Special Characters overlay that will fall within the NPS-UD areas that have to be considered for further intensification through up-zoning. Council will need to carefully consider what locations fall within the directive and whether Special Character is a “qualifying matter”, and if so, should this apply across the board, or in some but not all areas. Council has the massive task of undertaking site-by-site surveys and analysis for every property in order to be subject to a qualifying matter.   Personally I think we have to find a way of retaining the special character of neighbourhoods that tell the story of where we have come from and are valued by all Aucklanders.  I don’t think it is a zero sum game between providing much needed housing and heritage. As Don on the panel mentioned there are plenty of compact cities around the world that have found a way to grow at the same time as protect heritage.  It is also a wider debate that what is considered heritage and the value of our landscapes is not just a European construct.

At this stage however, it is important to note that council is only at the start of a lengthy period of detailed policy, planning and public engagement work on the NPS-UD and how it needs to be applied.  Another challenge that has to be worked through is what infrastructure will be required to support the increased density and who pays for that infrastructure.   No decisions have been made yet.  Aucklanders will have opportunities to have their say.

This is just a brief summary of the NPS-UD. The UDINZ event provided the first occasion to share some initial thoughts at a very early stage.   Please refer to the Ministry for the Environment website for more details.

First published in the July Ponsonby News

Further updates

Report to the 1 July Planning Committee meeting seeking endorsement of approaches in response to several the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (item 13).

Auckland Council considers urban development policy 

 

Councillor monthly report June 2021

My Councillor report covers the period from 10 May 2021 until 5 June 2021.  It has been prepared for the June business meetings of the Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā Board 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 and meetings, 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
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group

Summary  

  • Recovery Budget, Auckland’s Long Term Plan (2021-2031) was passed on 25 May. My reasons for supporting the budget and response to the 600+ emails generated from a ratepayers group campaign “listen to your electorate: 43% rates hike is unjustified”
  • At the Waitematā Local Board on 18 May I provided a verbal update on the release of Council’s staff well-being report that found some staff are dealing with inappropriate behaviour from elected representatives and members of the public. Unfortunately, my councillor report to the local board provoked abuse and a violent threat made to a Local Board member (Stuff article: Auckland politician verbally abused by public while delivering report on bullying)
  • A decision was made to continue with the existing design for Queen Street redevelopments after feedback from a survey showing a clear preference for the original concepts. This is a move based on the principles backed by the co-design group, which had included stakeholders and residents.  (Our Auckland: Auckland Council’s people-focused design for Queen Street on track)
  • The Hauraki Gulf Forum workshop and meeting was held on Waiheke on 24 May.
  • I spoke at the “Liberate the Lane” rally on 30 May calling on Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to trail a lane on the Harbour Bridge for cycling, in a three-month trial this summer.I also took part in the peaceful protest that extended onto the bridge.
  • I continue to work with Waiheke Local Board Chair Cath Handley on compliance issues that have been raised at the Kennedy Point marina development site and the concerns regarding the Kororā Little Blue Penguin habitat.

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 13 May the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee 

  • Approved the demographic advisory panels’ strategic work programmes,
  • Received presentations from Action Education.
  • Agreed to implement changes and improvements to the Auckland Council whānau approach to minimise alcohol related harm in Auckland communities
  • Agreed to proposed land exchange Taniwha Reserve and Maybury Reserve, Glen Innes.
  • Declined the transfer of Papakura Senior Citizens Hall to Auckland Council (with the support of the Papakura Local Board)

On 18 May the Council Controlled Organisation Oversight Committee Reviewed shareholder comments on draft CCO Statements of Intent 2021-2024  and agreed to disestablish the Highbrook Park Trust as of 30 June 2021

One of the forum workshop presentations: Love Our Wetlands, Michael Maahs, General Manager, Waiheke Resources Trust & Pieter Tuinder, Programme Manager, Sustainable Business Network

On 24 May the Hauraki Gulf Forum reviewed the Governance Statement and Work Plan. Endorsed the continuation of the co-governance model. Adopted our budget for the next financial year.  We are on track to meet the specific outcomes we set for the 2020-2022 period (5% increase in marine protection, 3×100 ton restored shellfish beds, 100km of new riparian planting), except for ending marine dumping, which requires a legislative fix the current government is yet to commit to.

On 25 May the Finance and Performance Committee strongly supported the Mayor’s $31.8 billion Recovery Budget proposal. The Budget will now be formally adopted by the Governing Body next month. LTP Key decisions:

  • $90 million ongoing savings for Auckland Council.
  • $70 million annual asset recycling target for the first three years, with additional targets in subsequent years to reflect timing changes for asset recycling opportunities not realised in 2020/2021.
  • Additional borrowing as represented by the debt to revenue ratio of up to 290 per cent for the first three years, gradually returning to 270 per cent, with an intention to maintain council group’s current credit rating and a strong commitment to long-term financial prudence.
  • 5 per cent average general rates increase for 2021/2022 and 3.5 per cent annual average general rates increase thereafter.
  • A package of new climate actions totalling $152 million above existing spending to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impact of climate change.

On 27 May the Governing Body received Auckland Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing performance report and adopted the Auckland Council Elected Members Code of Conduct. The Governing Body also agreed to amend the Animal Management Bylaw, create a new Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw, and include General Rules in A Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

Chair Cath presenting over Skype on behalf of the Waiheke Local Board

On 3 June the Planning Committee heard from all 21 local boards on their feedback on the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021 – 2031.  The themes were remarkably consistent: transport choices, mode shift, more walking and cycling options, equity, responding to growth, safety, local solutions to local issues and more action on climate change and emissions.

The Committee also approved the strategic transport outcomes for the Downtown Car Park site which, together with strategic outcomes previously agreed by the Planning Committee will inform a competitive market process. This, together with the removal of the Hobson St flyover has been long proposed as part of the city centre masterplan. I raised the issue that the Waiheke Local Board hadn’t been given the opportunity to provide input as requested.

The agreed strategic transport outcomes for a redeveloped Downtown Car Park site:

  1. i)        provision of a bus facility, either as part of the site redevelopment or by removing the Lower Hobson Street flyover and replacing the space underneath it with an on-street bus facility;
  2. ii)       provision for an accessible, flexible, multimodal transport hub that supports public access to micromobility, including end of journey facilities, mobility parking, and a micro freight distribution hub;

iii)      with no specification on the number of short stay car parks but responses to include details of the car parking required to meet the objectives of the development and any additional public short stay car parking they propose to provide

Other key meetings and events 

  • Caroline Lambert, EU Head of Trade, Wellington with Cr Richard Hills and Matthew Blaikie, Acting Chief Sustainability Officer

    On 10 May met Caroline Lambert, EU Head of Trade, Wellington and visited the Quay Street enhancements and Te Wānanga sites

  • Boopsie Moran, finalist for the 2021 3M Safety Innovation Award

    On 11 May I attended the opening of the Amazon Web Services and presented at the Decarbonising Transport Awards 2021 3M Safety Innovation Award

  • On 12 May I attended the Ockham NZ Book Awards.
  • On 13 May I attended the Auckland Writers Festival Gala.
  • On 14 May I attended the LGNZ Metro Sector meeting in Wellington via Zoom
  • Next Wave Youth Week panel discussion with local board member Alex Bonham and MP Chloe

    On 15 May took part in a Q&A at the Next Wave Youth Week final day gala at Ellen Melville Centre .

  • On 17 May I attended the NZ Herald premium debate on the future of Auckland’s Port.
  • Community members, staff and elected reps who attended the Waiorea Western Springs Resource Recovery centre blessing

    On 18 May attended the dawn blessing for the Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre which will be the new community-led resource recovery centre for Central Auckland and took part in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 Working Group

  • On 19 May I attended a session on Auckland’s strategic recovery from COVID-19.
  • On 21 May attended the LGNZ National Council meeting in Wellington
  • On 25 May I attended Media Design School Opening at Grid AKL
  • On 26 May attended the Waiheke Local Board meeting via Skype
  • On 27 May I attended NZ Ballet’s production of Gisele at the Aotea Centre
  • On 28 May and 4 June I was interviewed on bFM and attended the ‘Women’s Work – Underexposed’ exhibition launch at Ellen Melville Centre
  • On 30 May I spoke at the Liberate a Lane rally and took part in the peaceful protest on to the bridge
  • On 31 May attended the ACCAB workshop with a facilitated panel discussion led by Cr Hills regarding the Future Prosperity of the City Centre
  • Matariki Festival launch at Auckland Museum with local board members Alex Bonhan, Maria Meredith and Nick Bakulich

    On 1 June was invited to lunch with Professor Tony Ballantyne from the University of Otago and was gifted.

  • On 3 June attended Bike Breakfast at Sierra Café in the Viaduct hosted by Auckland Transport the Matariki Festival opening at Auckland Museum
  • On 4 June I attended the opening preview of Auckland Museum’s Te Whiwhinga The Imaginarium
  • On 5 June to mark World Environment Day and Arbor Day event got invited by Splice to take part in a Dedication of the Herbs with Auckland Central MP Chlöe. The stars of the show were definitely the city centre kids who did the planting in boxes on High St and readings for us too about the importance of plants.

Pukekawa Auckland Domain gets extra love from a special committee

Pukekawa Auckland Domain is uniquely governed. Established in 2015, the Domain Committee is made up of 3 councillors, 3 Waitematā Local Board members and 2 Independent Māori Statutory Board members.  The Committee, led by Cr Desley Simpson and Deputy Chair Adriana Avendano Christie (in the photo above), has responsibility for parks, recreation and community services and activities in the Auckland Domain. It is working to the principles from the Auckland Domain masterplan 2016 including creating a safe, people friendly places and pathways for visitors to Pukekawa.

The Domain is our oldest and one of our largest urban public parks and provides a range of things to see and do. It was one of 24 parks across Aotearoa to receive a Green Flag Award in 2020. The award recognises and rewards parks and green spaces providing high quality and innovative recreational experiences for our communities.

Unfortunately for those needing to drive to access the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Wintergardens and use the open spaces for relaxing, recreation and playing sport are finding visitor parking increasingly hard to find.  We’ve seen an increase in vehicles parked at the Domain by commuters and workers who aren’t using our premier park’s facilities. The use of the Domain as a large commuter car park is also having a negative impact on the safety of walkers and riders. The Auckland War Memorial Museum has raised concerns that heritage views of the museum are being obscured by parked cars, and that the increase in vehicles circulating around the Museum Circuit is a safety risk to visitors and blocking access to the Museum for buses and coaches.

Accessibility improvement is a focus for the Auckland Domain committee and so we’ve agreed to take steps to improve visitor’s safety, open the heritage views of the museum, and to ensure there is access to parking for visitors.  From 8 June there will be changes to where and when people can park. Some carparks from Cenotaph Road and the Museum Circuit are being permanently removed and we’re introducing access restrictions to Titoki Street carpark.

Gates are being installed at the Titoki Street car park and will be used to limit access to the free, time restricted 130 parking spaces during weekdays. The gates will open at 9.30am and close at 10pm, Monday to Thursday and will remain open over the weekend. The change in access will be trialed over the next year before a final decision on these changes is made.  There is no change at this stage to the remaining 430 free, time restricted carparks in the Auckland Domain.

As a member of the Committee I’m very supportive of this positive step towards meeting Council’s obligations under the Auckland Domain Act 1987 “to make the Domain available as a place of public recreation and enjoyment” but it will take more radical changes to end the vehicle domination of our premier park. No one expects to drive through internationally renowned parks such as Hyde Park or Central Park or to park all day for free. We can aspire for so much better for our previous green spaces too.

First published in the Ponsonby News June 2021

Liberate the Lane rally

Photo: Bike Auckland

My brief speech

Ka rawe!

Amazing to see all of you here this morning to support Liberate the Lane.

How many of you were at the 2009 Get across rally?

Who enjoyed the walk or ride thinking you were on an official open day to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.?  If you did it-  like the heaps of mums with prams, kids, joggers, families out for an outing, riders, walkers, you were probably like me – got to half way point and thought hang on a minute that was such a gentle gradient – and wow the views !

How many of you were kids 12 years ago and thought when you grew up you’d be able to, of course, Get Across?

In fact, who can’t believe, like me that we are still protesting this shit?

Today is the 62 nd birthday of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.  The original plan included rail and pedestrian and bike paths but the miserable, short- sighted Holland Government cut it down to 4 lanes of cars.

62 years later WHAT DO WE WANT?

WE WANT TO GET ACROSS – WE WANT TO LIBERATE A LANE!

WHEN DO WE WANT IT?  NOW! (well we will settle for a trial in the Summer).

I shouldn’t have to say this but I am going to spell it out.  This is NOT a war on cars.  There is no war on the people of the North Shore held hostage by car dependency.

The cars are fine.  This is about lower emissions, less traffic, more transport choice, cleaner air, cheaper transport options, healthier communities and make making commuting fun!

Thank you for the invite to speak today and to all the organisers who have brought us together.  Kia ora.

On Auckland Council we support the discussions underway with Waka Kotahi about a trial of a walking and cycling lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and we’ve requested Waka Kotahi seek a practical solution to a cost effective walking and cycling crossing across the Auckland harbour. [a resolution passed through Cr Darby’s Planning committee 6 May 2021]

As Councillor for Waitematā and Gulf I can put it more bluntly: I support Liberating the Lane for at least a 3 month trial.  There is no political decision standing in the way of Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi working together to deliver a safe, connected network across all Tāmaki Makarau including getting us across the Harbour Bridge.   We know we have the collective power.  We just have to want to do it.

And I think the turn out today shows loud and clear the people want to LIBERATE A LANE.

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā hau e wha.

Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa.

Updated: 1 June 2021

The peaceful protest on the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Photo: Jo Glaswell
Get Across rally 2009

I went along to the Liberate the Lane rally certain that I wouldn’t be taking part in a ride on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as I had in 2009.  Bike Auckland, the event organiser, didn’t promote a ride nor did any of the speakers, including myself, call for the storming of the bridge.

So how did I end up on the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a beautiful morning with 1500 other people? The day before the rally Auckland Transport advised of lane closures being put in place.  This created an expectation that authorities were anticipating the rally extending on to the bridge.  After the official speeches concluded in Pt Erin park many people flocked down to the bridge access road (Curran Street).  I went to take a look expecting to continue riding along Westhaven Drive.  When I got to the on ramp there was no police line, there were no officers giving instructions to not access the bridge; it was just an orderly queue of riders, walkers and people on every kind of micro-mobility (wheel chairs, scooters, skateboards,  and in prams) moving peacefully onto the bridge excited at the prospect of a Waitematā crossing on the 62nd birthday of the bridge ( I met a woman at the top who was celebrating her own 62nd birthday ).  Traffic management was in place closing the on ramp to vehicles and two lanes on the bridge (it wasn’t cyclists who closed the lanes).  I joined hundreds of others exercising our right to peaceful protest in what looked like an officially sanctioned rally onto the bridge.

Of course the media images and headlines gave a very different impression of the rally.  I don’t condone the actions of those who breached police lines with force or ignored police instructions.  I certainly didn’t lead the charge or encourage anyone to storm the bridge.  The vast majority of participants like me took part in a joyful, peaceful protest that highlighted the frustrations of not having an active transport connection between the North Shore and city centre for over 6 decades (the hashtag #LiberatetheLane provides countless positive pics and video)

I appreciate there are different views on whether, as an elected representative, I should have taken part.  I’ve reflected on that but consider I was exercising my right to peaceful protest just as I have many times at rallies on Queen St that also require traffic lanes to be closed and result in minor inconvenience to those not taking part.   An expression of people power for a cause is how change happens.

Further reading:

“Police were too kind to the cycle protestors” is misdirection at its finest.  Sarah Mohawk opinion piece

No plan for Harbour bridge cycle lane trial despite bike protests   Stuff, 1 June

 Liberate the Lane,  Greater Auckland

Councillor monthly report May 2021

General update

My Councillor report covers the period from 12 April 2021 until 7 May 2021.  It has been prepared for the May business meetings of the Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā Board 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 and meetings, 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
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group

Summary

  • Council Finance staff reported to the Finance and Performance Committee that we have saved over $119 million so far this financial year as part of the $120million savings target stipulated in the Emergency Budget 2020/2021.
  • Chair Cath Handley and I met with the representatives of the Kennedy Point Marina development on 29 April. We all agreed that we are aiming for a “best practice” approach to managing and monitoring the Kororā habitat.  We requested that the review of their Little Blue Penguin management and monitoring plans is independently audited.  We strongly urged the developer to hold off re-commencing any works until after the review has been completed and the updated resource consent documents are approved by council.
  • Council announced plans to improve Queen Street and make it more pedestrian-friendly including installing wide boardwalks, seating, planter boxes to replace the temporary plastic sticks put in place during lockdown. A pocket park will also be created on the corner of Queen Street and Fort Street. The High Court decision on 6 May not to grant the injunction sought by Save the Queen Street Society means Auckland Council and Auckland Transport are able to proceed with planned improvements from 10 May.
  • I responded to a The Spinoff opinion column harshly criticising Auckland Council’s decision to fell a stand of trees at Western Springs for the native bush restoration project that I have supported since I was on the Waitematā Local Board.

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 15 April the Environment and Community Committee received a quarterly update from Auckland Unlimited. As part of the development of a Water Strategy the committee adopted ambitious targets designed to reduce Aucklanders’ use of drinking water by 20 per cent over the next 30 years to create a city more resilient to impacts of drought and climate change.

On 22 April the Finance and Performance Committee received an update on progress on savings targets set out in the Emergency Budget and approved the annual plans and council funding contributions for ARAFA, MOTAT and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The committee also agreed that staff use existing rating policies to fully remit the fourth quarter instalment of the Accommodation Provider Targeted Rate set for 2020/2021

On 29 April the Governing Body received the final report of the independent review of health & safety at Ports of Auckland, requested a copy of the implementation plan, and that Ports of Auckland present their progress at the July and October Governing Body Meetings. The Governing Body also endorsed Mayor Goff and Deputy Mayor Cashmore as sponsors of the Light Rail Project and approved recommendations on proposed changes to Te Ture ā-Rohe Whakararata Waipiro 2014 / the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014.

On 4 May the Appointments and Performance Committee appointed directors for Auckland Unlimited and Panuku Development Auckland and approved a shortlist of Board Members for Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board.

On 6 May the Planning Committee   received public input from Christine Rose and Bevan Woodward on behalf of Movement regarding “The People’s Path”, a proposal for a walking and cycling facility across the Waitematā Harbour, and in response resolved to support Movement discussing with Waka Kotahi a trial of a walking and cycling lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and requested Waka Kotahi to seek a practical solution to a cost effective walking and cycling crossing across the Auckland harbour.

In agreeing to delegate development of the submission to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee inquiry into congestion pricing in Auckland, the Planning Committed agreed to  support in principle congestion pricing in Auckland, conditional upon the following issues being addressed:

i)       mitigation of equity impacts ii)      having public transport services and projects in place across Auckland on an equitable basis to allow road users to switch to alternative modes where appropriate iii)     that revenue collected, in addition to that needed to operate the scheme and to address clauses a) i) and a) ii) above, be used to offset and, as revenue and costs allow, replace the Regional Fuel Tax

Other key meetings and events

  •  On 12 April I met AT staff to discuss the city centre bus plan. The Governing Body held a workshop to discuss the findings of the CHASNZ Independent Review of health & safety at Ports of Auckland. I also attended the City Centre Residents Monthly meeting at the Ellen Meville Centre
  • On 13 April I met with David Abbott, Chair St Marys Bay Residents Association and with Tania Billingsly to discuss her family’s Te Atatu development.
  • On 14 April I attended Auckland Transport’s online RLTP public consultation event.
  • On 15 April Minister Wood met the Mayor and Councillors via Zoom to provide an update on Light Rail. I joined Councillor Desley Simpson in a meeting with the Auckland Bowling Club.
  • I was in the driving seat briefly at a ceremony to mark a major CRL milestone with the start of underground construction on the Aotea Station

    On 16 April I joined Mayor Goff to mark a CRL milestone in the build of the Aotea Station  and joined his visit to Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki’s Umupuia Marae, Cr Dalton gave me a tour of Manurewa on the way there. I attended the Taskforce on Alcohol and Community meeting.

  • On 17 April I attended the opening of the new playground in Western Springs Lakeside Park Te Wai Ōrea with the Waitemata Local Board and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
  • On 18 April spent the afternoon on Waiheke to visit Kennedy Point and Wharetana Bay where residents wished to discuss long standing issues regarding the public reserve.
  • Visit with the Mayor to Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki’s Umupuia Marae

    On 19 April I received an update on the resource consent conditions for the proposed Kennedy Point Marina and visited a business building and selling sustainable eco-friendly tiny homes. I attended a regular catchup with Waiheke Local board members via Skype

  • On 20 April Cr Hills and I met with attendees from British Consulate General and the Regional COP26 Climate Change Advisor Dr Victoria Hatton.
  • On 21 April I attended the Waiheke Local Board meeting in person.
  • On 22 Minister James Shaw met with the Mayor and Councillors to discuss the government’s action and response to the Climate Change Commission. I also received a briefing on the Cycling Programme Business Case Review.
  • On 23 April I attended the City Link e-bus launch; was taken on a walking tour of Wynyard Quarter by Panuku staff; attended a site visit on Beach Road to discuss noise issues and met with City Centre Residents Group representatives.
  • On April 25 I attended Anzac Services at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Grey Lynn RSC.
  • On 27 April I attended the first Political Reference Group meeting for the Auckland Cycling Programme Business Case review and attended a Women in Urbanism monthly catch up event.
  • On 28 April I met with Mark Knoff-Thomas of the Newmarket Business Association.
  • On 29 April Chair Handley and I met with the Kennedy Point Marina Director and Project Manager. I also attended the Viaduct Harbour residents’ meeting regarding Project WAVE and the opening night of ‘Single Asian Female’ at the ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invite of ATC
  • On 30 April Local Board I attended local board members Graeme Gunthorp, Julie Sandilands regular catch up with AT to discuss issues in the area and attended the Urban Nerds networking event.
  • On 3 May I met with Christine Rose and Andy Smith to discuss their walking/cycling lane proposal across the Harbour Bridge ahead of their presentation to the Planning Committee.
  • On 4 May I met with Auckland Blues representatives Andrew Finn and Brian Hore. I also attended a meeting for the Hauraki Gulf Forum to discuss the possibility of a Blue Bond and met with the Grey Lynn Business Association to discuss the impact of AT’s work in West Lynn.
  • On 5 May I met with Carolyn Cox to discuss the Hauraki Gulf focus of the Waiheke Local Climate Action Plan
  • MP Chlöe Swarbrick and the owner of Monster Valley, Karl and the opening even for Chlöe’s new office on Karanagahape Road

    On 6 May I attended Bike Auckland’s Bike Breakfast at Terrace café and I attended the opening of MP Chlöe Swarbrick’s new office on Karangahape Road

  • On 7 May I attended City Rail Link’s “ready to bore” event to mark the launch of the tunnel boring machine by the Mayor and Minister of Transport Michael Wood and joined the Minister again in the evening for his Auckland Light Rail discussion meeting with stakeholders at the Fickling Centre
  • I also attend a range of workshops and committee briefings throughout the month

Projecting and enhancing te mauri o te wai

Update on Auckland’s water strategy

 Watercare, New Zealand’s largest company in the water and wastewater industry and a Council Controlled Organisation, has been extremely good at supplying drinking water of a very high standard to people across Auckland.  The amalgamation of Auckland’s former councils into the Supercity standardised systems and controls with the benefits of efficiencies at scale.  It put Watercare on a path of planning for growth but with a corresponding increase in water consumption which didn’t create the right incentives to encourage water savings or alternative sources of water supply such as rain tanks.

As Aucklanders have demonstrated in the last year in response to the severe drought, we are in fact collectively capable of saving tens of millions of litres of water a day without affecting the quality of our take.  Since restrictions were introduced in May 2020, Aucklanders have saved about 15 billion litres of water. In a climate emergency we must be as ambitious  as possible in lowering per-capita demand for water to manage against the increased risk of water insecurity.

Amalgamation in 2010 also meant we lost the best of what former council’s were achieving with best practice water savings.   The former Waitakere City Council’s Water Strategy was all about reducing water use, rolling out water tanks, rewarding low use homes, supporting innovation and holding Watercare to account to invest in infrastructure to ensure reduced water use.  However there’s now been a significant step forward in the demand management aspect of a new council water strategy 2021 – 2050, which aims to protect and enhance te mauri o te wai/the life supporting capacity of water, to create a future of water security for Tāmaki Makaurau.  Auckland Council and Watercare have jointly committed to adopting ambitious targets designed to reduce Aucklanders’ use of drinking water by 20 per cent over the next 30 years to create a city more resilient to impacts of drought and climate change.  One of the key principles used to develop the long-term water usage targets was ensuring we didn’t use water pricing as a lever to reduce customer demand. Instead, the aim is to educate people and create a more efficient and smarter system that allows for new technologies over time and which lead to behaviour change.

Demand management is just one aspect of council’s water strategy 2021 – 2050, which will cover stormwater, wastewater and freshwater networks and is designed to operate in tandem with infrastructure investment, including securing alternative drinking water sources for the long term.  Technology is a key component of the council group’s water demand management strategy, which includes installing smart meters in all homes by 2034, and investing in a smart, efficient network to monitor and keep leakage to no more than 13 per cent. In signing off on the new water consumption targets at the April Environment and Climate Change Committee we confirmed support for Watercare’s commitment to aim for no more than 11 per cent leakage.

Empowering Aucklanders to manage their demand for water takes a values-based approach to water management. The need for water consumption targets to drive reduced water use per capita is in recognition of Aucklanders’ desire to treasure water/wai as a taonga as the region grows.

First published in Ponsonby News May 2021

Councillor Report April 2021

General update

My Councillor report covers the period from 6 March 2021 until 11 April 2021.  It has been prepared for the April business meetings of the Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā Board 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 and meetings, 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
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group
  • Chair, Auckland Council Hauraki Gulf Political Reference Group

Summary

  • At Aotea FM Great Barrier Island following an interview together with Chair Izzy Fordham about the Recovery Budget and its implications for Aotea.

    The Recovery Budget (Council’s 10 year plan) public consultation process concluded on 22 March. I took part in a series of webinars which each focussed on a specific area of Auckland or a specific topic. These were not impacted by the lockdown and an example of council adapting to our current situation and ensuring people have the opportunity to ask questions of councillors and subject matter experts before submitting their feedback. In total, approximately 25,000 pieces of feedback were received. Workshops will be held throughout April and May to discuss the feedback, budget issues and implications before the final documentation will be adopted by the Governing Body in late June.

  • From 17-19 March I attended the 2Walk&Cycle Conference which was held in Dunedin and had the theme ‘Walking and Cycling: Everybody’s Business’. My plenary session presentation is on an issue I’m currently seeking to resolve: ‘Why is it taking so long to deliver an urban cycleway?’ (conference report -attached to my Councillor report on the local board agenda).
  • Following a brief period of lockdown, Auckland moved to Alert Level 2 at 6am on 7 March, and then to Alert Level 1 at midday on 12 March. All of New Zealand continues at Alert Level 1.
  • Over the weekend of 10/11 April I was alerted to the impact on the habitat of Kororā/ Little Blue penguins as a result of the marina construction at Kennedy Point. I am deeply concerned about this and have been working closely with Chair Handley on next steps including a halt to work until all issues are resolved.

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 the meetings I attended.

On 8 March the Auckland Domain Committee approved the application from the Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust to create a memorial “the Garden of Humanity” within the Domain and approved progress towards removing car parking in front of the museum, on Cenotaph Road and the Museum Circuit to improve access and views to the Museum.

I didn’t support the Committee decision to endorse a license to the Auckland Bowling Club for 15 car parks at the Grafton Mews car park at 100 Stanley Street (I would have supported the proposal going out for consultation prior to endorsement)

On 11 March an extraordinary meeting of the Planning Committee was held in confidence to approve the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) 2021-31 Package and endorse the draft 2021 Regional Transport Plan prior to approval by the AT Board for public consultation.  The minutes of the meeting are now publicly available.

Approval of ATAP was with the expectation that the following actions are undertaken:

  1. i)        that the Auckland Council Group works with the government to:
  2. A)      ensure transport funding settings enable delivery of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project 2021-31 indicative package
  3. B)      confirm normal requirements around developer mitigation and development contributions apply to Kāinga Ora developments as they apply to all other developments
  4. C)     investigate complementary levers to reduce transport-related emissions in areas such as:

1)      vehicle fleet and fuel decarbonisation

2)      land transport pricing reform

3)      urban growth management

4)      behavioural change

5)      joint development of a transport emissions reduction plan for Auckland

6)      addressing inequities from the impacts of decarbonisation

  1. D)     address inequity of access and transport choice, particularly for south and west Auckland and areas with high Māori population
  2. E)      support transport network safety in areas such as:

1)      enforcement and compliance mechanisms

2)      regulatory changes to improve safety for vulnerable road users

  1. F)      jointly develop appropriate targets to measure progress against key outcomes such as emissions reduction and mode shift
  2. ii)       that the Auckland Council Group:
  3. A)      ensures the Auckland Transport Alignment Project 2021-31 indicative package is a key input to decisions on the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31
  4. B)      fully utilises the levers available to it to reduce transport emissions, including:

1)      assessing its growth management approach and programmes against the delivery of climate compatible outcomes and emissions reduction analysis

2)      increasing the focus on intensification within brownfield areas, in particular along the rapid transit corridors

3)      supporting and promoting urban development at a local level that encourages reduced car use and accelerates the uptake of public transport and active modes (including new forms of mobility)

4) prioritising the delivery of public transport and active modes including walking, cycling

5)      showing leadership in encouraging communities and businesses to take practical steps in response to the climate emergency and Te-Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan

On 11 March the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee approved a proposed land exchange in Avondale and approved the decision-making of Colin Dale Park be allocated to the governing body from the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board (with the support of the that local board)

On 23 March the CCO Oversight Committee received the second quarter reports of the substantive council-controlled organisations and received the Ports of Auckland Interim Report for six months ending 31 December 2020.

 On 25 March the Governing Body appointed Governing Body delegates and attendees for the 2021 LGNZ Conference in Blenheim in July (I will be one of 4 Councillors attending plus the Mayor and Deputy Mayor) and agreed to make a by-law to control freedom camping on reserves.

On 1 April the Planning Committee deferred a decision on Downtown Carpark development transport options until further information is received (I do not support Auckland Transport’s current recommendation to include a bus terminal and short term parking in the redevelopment) and approved new Auckland Plan 2050 Environment and Cultural Heritage measures. I voted against Cr Walker’s Notice of Motion to retain the Wasp Hanger in Hobsonville for a temporary recreation and sports facility (the Hanger will be retained as part of a sale process).

Other key meetings and events

  • On 7 March I took part in the Recovery Budget consultation webinar focussing on issues in the North of the Region and attended an online discussion around water quality issues with the Ōrākei and Waitematā Local Boards.
  • On 8 March I did a walkabout with the Karangahape Road Business Association GM and the Recovery Budget consultation webinar focusing on community investment.
  • On 9 March I met with Mayor Goff to discuss Auckland Transport’s delivery of the cycleways programme and took part in Waitematā Local Board’s Recovery Budget Hearing Style consultation event.
  • On 10 March I attended the Regional Stakeholder presentations on the Recovery Budget (a Finance and Performance committee workshop)
  • On 11 March I took part in the Recovery Budget consultation webinar focusing on the Water Quality Targeted Rate.
  • On 12 March I attended the LGNZ Auckland Zone meeting, an all Councillor meeting with Minister Wood (photo right) and an online Three Waters Reform engagement workshop. I also travelled to Manukau Bus Station for the Mayor and Minister Wood’s press conference on ATAP
  • On 13 March I attended the Recovery Budget consultation drop-in session at Waiheke Library (photo right).
  • On 14 March I took part in the Recovery Budget consultation webinar focusing on rates.
  • On 15 March I attended the Governing Body/Independent Maori Statutory Board Joint Meeting and the Joint Governing Body/Local Board Chairs meeting via phone as I was on my way to Waiheke for the Local Board’s Recovery Budget consultation roundtable.
  • On 16 March I attended the unveiling of the plaque at Three Lamps dedicated to the work of the Polynesian Panther Party as part of the Auckland Arts Festival (photo right) and the Waste Advisory Political Group meeting
  • From 17-19 March I attended the 2Walk and Cycle Conference in Dunedin (conference report back attachment 1)
  • On 20 March I attended the Ngāti Paoa deed of settlement signing ceremony at Wharekawa Marae (photo right taken from behind Ministers Little and Mahuta)
  • On 22 March I attended a meeting with Waikato District Council representatives in Hamilton as co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum to discuss marine park collaboration and co-chaired the Hauraki Gulf Forum meeting in Te Aroha (photo right)
  • On 23 March I was interviewed in relation to renewal of the Natural Science Galleries at Auckland Museum and attended the Joint Governance Working Party Meeting
  • On 24 March I attended the Waiheke Local Board meeting (via Skype) to give my Councillor report
  • On 25 March I met with Viv Beck, GM Heart of the City
  • On 26 March I attended the Whakawatea for the Rainbow Crossing on Karangahape Road
  • On 29 March I attended a Watercare briefing ahead of the workshop regarding the development of Auckland’s Water Strategy; met with the AT CEO, AT Board Chair, AT Board member Tommy Parker and Mayor Goff and Councillors Darby and Hills to discuss concerns regarding AT’s delivery of the cycling programme; and attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting
  • On 30 March I attended a Hauraki Gulf Forum hui with Minister David Parker, attended the Appointments and Performance Review Committee meeting and attended a Grey Lynn and Around Q&A event with guest Chloe Swarbrick. I also co-chaired the Auckland Council Hauraki Gulf Political Reference Group (the first meeting of the group for this term)
  • Councillors and one of the attendees Elia from MyRvr, and speakers Tania Pouwhare, Manager Community and Social Innovation, and Assoc Prof Damon Salesa

    On 31 March I attended a session on Auckland’s Strategic Recovery from COVID-19 at the Aotea Centre following a full day of workshops

  • On 1 April I attended with the Mayor and Councillors the Living Wage celebration in the Council Chamber
  • During the week of 5-11th April, the governing body held a ‘recess week allowing a break from formal meetings.

Regional Consultations

Feedback opened on 29 March until 2 May for consultation for the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP), the 10-year investment programme for transport in Auckland. The draft RLTP is developed by AT together with the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail to respond to growth and challenges facing Auckland over the next decade. It also outlines the proposed 10-year investment programme for specific transport projects.

Our urban forest

One of the final decisions I made as a Chair of the Waitematā Local Board was to approve Auckland’s first localised Urban Ngahere Action Plan.  The plan is a road map for replenishing the urban forest and delivering on Auckland Council’s Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy to achieve the goal of 30% tree cover by 2050.   There are now 16 local boards who have either finalised or are in the process of taking Waitematā’s lead on their own plan.  There are numerous benefits associated with having, developing and maintaining a flourishing urban forest.

If the Recovery Budget is supported with a one off 5% rates rise there will be an additional $14m to invest in growing our urban and rural forests.   We will be able to plant an additional 11,000 street trees. We will be able to partner with the community to establish a nursery and produce 200,000 native seedlings a year to support community and marae planting.  There will be funds for planting an additional 200 ha of native forest.   Surveying is currently underway to determine locations for street trees targeting local board areas with the lowest canopy cover.   This is part of a package of proposals to address climate change in addition to the planting and ecological restoration already underway.

We are currently deep into the second year of the Mayor’s million tree initiative.  The goal of planting between 250,000 and 350,000 trees was well overshot last year by focusing on 4 major sites for new trees.  The Waitematā Local Board area has had an overall increase in canopy cover from 368ha of urban forest in 2013, increasing to 371ha in 2016/2018.   This provides a promising indication that clearance of trees is not occurring as has widely been predicted even with the removal of tree protection rules over a decade ago.

All trees will reach a stage where they become unwell or unsafe, so if we can plan for the  future we can achieve much better outcomes.  The Recovery Budget supports a 10 year programme that takes a long-term view of tree management and planting. Trees aren’t like other infrastructure, if they are planted properly they will give dividends well into the future.   I fully support the Tupuna Maunga Authority taking this long-term view to plan for the restoration of indigenous native ecosystems. The removal of inappropriate exotic weeds and trees is part of that process.

Wynyard Quarter is one of the best examples of planting to a masterplan.  There are now over 800 maturing trees many of which have been successfully moved from Quay Street. However, planting is becoming more challenging because of changing weather patterns.  Last year there was barely a winter.  This year the traditional planting season is likely to move to July until September.  In all maintenance contracts there are now standard clauses to ensure streets trees are well looked after for two years before being handed over as council assets.

When tree removal is required, for example, for much needed housing, improvements to community amenities or for safety,  council has to ensure proper processes are followed, mitigation is provided for and appropriate tools are used to protect significant trees.  At Western Springs I want to see council push ahead to remove the unsafe and failing pine trees so significant planting can get underway during the planting season and the track opened up again for the community (read more about the Western Springs Native Bush restoration project here on the Auckland Council website).  The long-term benefits will be enjoyed by generations to come.

First published in Ponsonby News April 2021

Councillor Report March 2021

My Councillor report covers the period from 9 February 2021 until 5 March 2021.  It has been prepared for the March business meetings of the Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā Board 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 and meetings, 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
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group
Summary
  • Following the discovery of cases of COVID-19 in the community, Auckland moved to Alert Level 3 for a 3-day period from Monday 15 February. The rest of New Zealand moved to Alert Level 2. All of New Zealand dropped to Alert Level 1 on midnight on Wednesday 17 February.
  • Auckland again moved to Alert Level 3, and the rest of New Zealand to Alert Level 2, on Sunday 28  February for a 7-day period. At the time of writing, an announcement about Alert Levels beyond Sunday 7 March is expected on the afternoon of Friday 5th March.
  • During Alert Level 3, all council meetings were held online and all in-person events were cancelled. Unfortunately, this included the Lantern Festival, Auckland Pride Festival events and the beginning of the Auckland Arts Festival
  • The consultation period for the ‘Recovery Budget’ Long-Term Plan (2021-2031) began on 22 February. This included a series of online webinars on specific topics such as rates, and climate change. Some in-person events scheduled while Auckland was at Alert Level 3 were cancelled.
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.

Dr Rod Carr, Chair of the Climate Change Commission, Deputy Chair Deputy Chair Lisa Tumahai and CEO Jo Hendy with Mayor Goff and Cr Richard Hills

On 11 February the Environment and Climate Change Committee received an engaging and informative presentation from Climate Change Commission Chair Dr Rod Carr, Deputy Chair Lisa Tumahai and CEO Jo Hendy.

It was a great opportunity to ask questions about the commission’s draft advice to the Government and how Auckland must play a big part in our pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.  I reported on the meeting in my Ponsonby News March update (Attachment 1)

The 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 Auckland Council’s submission on the Climate Change Commission’s draft advice to Government, endorsed Auckland’s commitment to meeting C40’s revised leadership standards, adopted the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy 2021, received a quarterly update from Auckland Transport and endorsed the key submission points for the draft Auckland Council submission to central government’s Water Services Bill.

On Thursday 18 February the Governing Body adopted Consultation Document and Supporting Information for the Long-term Plan 2021-2031 and agreed to the communications and engagement approach. Governing Body also agreed to consult on options for introducing a Transport Targeted Rate to provide public transport services in Paremoremo; and agreed to consult on the proposed amendments to the Revenue and Financing Policy. consult on the proposed amendments to the Revenue and Financing Policy.

Following the unanimous Governing Body support for the Waiheke rahui with Chair Cath Handley and Mayor Phil Goff

On Thursday 25 February the Governing Body agreed to tautoko (support) Ngāti Paoa’s rāhui around the motu of Waiheke and confirmed me and the Mayor will write to Minister Parker with Auckland Council submission in support of the application by Ngāti Pāoa for a two year temporary closure on the taking of four species of shellfish pursuant to s186A of Fisheries Act 1996  (Attachment 2 my speech notes to the meeting) and confirmed the amended Water Supply and Wastewater Network Bylaw 2015. Governing Body also approved proposed changes to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw 2014 and received Auckland War Memorial Museum’s Quarterly Report and draft Annual Plan 2021/2022.

On Thursday 4 March the Planning Committee approved the high-level implementation plan as a basis for Auckland Council’s implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.   Decision-making on the Auckland Transport Alignment Plan and the draft Regional Land Transport Plan was postponed a week.

Consultations

Consultation on Auckland Council’s 10-year Budget for 2021-2031, called the “Recovery Budget” opened on 22 February. The budget increases council’s total capital investment in our city from $26 billion to $31 billion over the next 10 years to deliver infrastructure for transport, housing, water and within our communities, helping to stimulate jobs and our economy.

It responds to the impacts of climate change (for the first time there is budget for a package of climate action proposals), protects our environment, and continue to provide essential and key services to Aucklanders. The budget also sets out our commitment to prudent management of our finances and a continued focus on savings to manage the loss of council income from COVID-19, with cumulative losses projected to reach around $1 billion by 2024.

Feedback is open until Monday 22 March on the budget and Local Board priorities akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget.

I have attended a number of engagement events including presenting to the St Marys Bay Residents Association committee with local board member Adriana Christie and the 10-year Budget 2021-2031 Webinar- Climate change focus with fellow Councillors and subject experts (photo right on zoom before the Webinar Q&A started)

Attachment 3: Our Auckland:  Aucklanders urged to have a say on critical 10-year Recovery Budget

Other key meetings and events

All meetings which took place during either period at Alert Level 3 were held online

  • Visit to Mint Innovation with Cr Cooper

    On 9 February attended the Environment and Climate change Committee agenda run through, weekly Chairs meeting and fortnightly Councillors catch up with the Mayor. I also visited Mint Innovation (E-Waste Recycling Facility) with Cr Linda Cooper

  • On 10 February attended the Finance and Performance Committee workshop on the Recovery Budget
  • On 11 February met Dr Rod Carr, Chair of the Climate Change Commission and Cr Richard Hills before his presentation to the Environment and Climate Change Committee and attended the opening night of Two Women at the ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invitation of Auckland Theatre Company
  • On 12 February attended the LGNZ Metro meeting in Wellington (I attended via Zoom). Hon Grant Robertson joined the meeting to discuss his focus as Infrastructure Minister and travelled to Waiheke to attend the Blackpool Residents Association “Dog and Pony” social evening with Chair Cath.
  • Cr Hills, Mayor Goff, Pride Festival chair, Kaan Hiini and director Max Tweedie at the Big Gay Out

    On Sunday 14 February I took part in a walkaround with the Mayor and some of my fellow councillors at Big Gay Out (photo right with Cr Hills, Mayor Goff, Pride Festival chair, Kaan Hiini and director Max Tweedie)

  • On Monday 15 February I discussed safety concerns relating to the Franklin and Victoria Street cycleways; and speed enforcement in the City Centre with Auckland Transport, attended the Climate Political Reference Group meeting and the Auckland Domain Committee workshop
  • On Tuesday 16 February I met with staff to discuss the Regional stakeholder consultation process and I attended the Waitematā Local Board meeting to give my Councillor’s update
  • On Wednesday 17 February I attended the fortnightly catch up with the Chief Sustainability Office and committee workshops
  • On Thursday 18 February I had my monthly catch up with Waiheke Local Board members
  • On Monday 22 February attended the weekly Chairs meeting and fortnightly Councillors catch up with the Mayor
  • On Tuesday 23 February attended the CCO Oversight Committee meeting and the Waitematā Local Board workshop to discuss the financial overview of proposed local board budgets
  • On Wednesday 24 February I attended committee workshops, a meeting with AT and council staff to discuss the approach to the RLTP, the Auckland Art Fair opening at the Cloud and presented to the St Marys Bay Residents Association committee regarding the Recovery Budget
  • On Friday 26 February I spent the day on Aotea Great Barrier Island. I met with Local Board members; took part in an interview about the Recovery Budget on Aotea FM and held Councillor Clinics.
  • On Saturday 27 February I attended the ‘Have Your Say’ LTP consultation event on Aotea Great Barrier Island and took part in the ‘Central’ LTP webinar in the evening. (Right: Photos from an eventful 24 hours on Aotea)
  • On Monday 1 March I attended a Waiheke Area Plan Workshop and attended the first of two webinars on the topic of rates.
  • On Tuesday 2 March I was briefed by Auckland Transport on the Central City Bus route plan and attended the Appointments and Performance Review Committee meeting
  • PM Jacinda’s view of the Local Government/ Central Government Forum via Zoom

    On Wednesday 3 March I attended the LGNZ National Council meeting and the Central Government/Local Government Forum in Wellington via Zoom. The Governing Body also received an update on the LTP communication and engagement approach while at Alert Level 3. I then took an active role in the LTP webinar on the topic of Climate Change in my capacity as Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

  • On Thursday 4 March attended the Planning Committee ATAP workshop

Councillor report February 2021

My Councillor report covers the period from 1 December 2020 until 5 February 2021 including a summer break.  It has been prepared for the February business meetings of the Aotea Great Barrier and Waitematā Board 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 and meetings, regional consultations, media updates and key issues. This is my first 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
  • Member, Auckland Domain Committee
  • Member, Appointments and Performance Review Committee
  • Member, Joint Governance Working Party
  • Member, Waste Political Advisory Group
Summary
  • The Mayoral Long-Term Plan (2021-2031) proposal was adopted for consultation on 9 December with a 20:1 vote.  The “Recovery Budget”, going out for consultation on 22 February, focuses on:
    • Auckland’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19
    • Maintaining and renewing community assets and building infrastructure
    • Protecting the environment and responding to climate change
  • Water restrictions were relaxed as of 14 December allowing the use of an outdoor hose provided it is handheld and has a trigger nozzle
  • On Sunday 31 January a rāhui was placed by Ngāti Pāoa prohibiting the take of four species: kōura/crayfish, tīpa/scallops, pāua and kūtai/mussels from Waiheke waters out to one nautical mile.
Covid-19 Response
  • All of New Zealand continues at Alert Level 1 and mask-wearing remains mandatory on all public transport in Auckland. Fortunately Aucklanders have been able to enjoy summer without any community transmission.
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 1 December the Appointments and Performance Committee appointed two directors to Auckland Transport board and appointed Paul Majuery as the Panuku Development Auckland Limited board chair.

On 3 December the Planning Committee approved a number of plan changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan and endorsed the preparation of a plan change to amend the Integrated Residential Development provisions in the Auckland Unitary Plan. The Committee also received the findings from phase two of The Congestion Question project and approved officers scoping the next phase of the project.

On 8 December CCO Oversights Committee received the Quarter 1 CCO Performance report and received Ports of Auckland Limited’s final Statement of Corporate Intent 2020-2023. It was also agreed that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor write to Ports of Auckland Limited about:

i)        implementing a more ambitious timeframe for a Māori outcomes plan and associated reporting

ii)       clarification of estimated timeframes for work on Bledisloe Wharf and exploring alternatives to the dumping of dredged materials (As co-chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum I asked for the dumping issue to be raised with POAL)

On 9 December an extraordinary Finance and Performance Committee meeting approved the mayoral proposal on the 10-year Budget and other matters for consultation.

On 9 December an extraordinary Governing Body meeting approved the 10-year Budget 2021-2031 consultation items and additional rates fees and issues.

On 10 December the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee meeting approved the development of a detailed business case for an aquatic centre in Northwest Auckland and the development of an indicative business case for the City Central Library (I ensured that the needs of city centre residents were explicitly included the “future role” of the library). The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund 20/21 funding round allocation was considered in the confidential item.

On 15 December an extraordinary Finance and Performance Committee agreed to a recommendation from the Upper Harbour Local Board to consult through the 10-year Budget on a transport targeted rate to provide additional public transport services in Paremoremo. We received updates on progress towards the Emergency Budget, the asset recycling target, and approved the disposal of 1 Wiremu St, Balmoral.

On 17 December the Governing Body received the Auckland War Memorial Museum Quarter 1 2020/2021 report and the Annual Report on the Performance of the Audit and Risk Committee. Cr Greg Sayers Notice of Motion to review the Rodney Local Board area subdivision boundaries was lost ( I voted against)

On 2 February the Appointments and Performance Committee discussed in confidential board appointments to CCOs.

On 4 February the Planning Committee heard public input from the All Aboard campaign to decarbonise transport by 2030 in Auckland. Plan Change 22 and Plan Modification 12 of the Unitary Plan and Auckland District Plan (Hauraki Gulf Island Section) was approved to recognise places of significance to Mana Whenua (in speaking in support I acknowledged Ngāti Pāoa kaumatua George Te Aroha Kahi who passed away on 26 December 2020 who worked closely on the plan change and leaves a considerable legacy).

I was appointed by the Committee to the Auckland Cycling Programme Business Case Review Political Reference Group along with Councillors Darby and Dalton.

Hauraki Gulf Forum
Departing from Ti Point with Mayor Goff, councillors Henderson, Hills and Bartley, DOC Director of Operations Andrew Baucke, University of Auckland Institute of Marine Science Professors Simon Thrush, Nick Shears and Dr Shane Kelly, Hauraki Gulf Forum co- Chair Nicola MacDonald, Executive Director Alex Rogers, Ngati Manuhiri Chair and IMSB member Mook Hohneck.

Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Rehua leaders hosted the Hauraki Gulf Forum co-chairs, the Mayor and key stakeholders on Hauturu-ō-Toi (Little Barrier Island) on 12 January. The visit was made possible with support from University of Auckland and the Department of Conversation.

The day’s discussions focused on understanding the risks and impacts facing the Gulf and supporting mana moana strategies that affect positive transformational change.

On Sunday 31 January, in a dawn ceremony, a rāhui was placed by Ngāti Pāoa supported by Piritahi marae and the Waiheke community prohibiting the take of four species: kōura/crayfish, tīpa/scallops, pāua and kūtai/mussels. It applies to the whole island, out to 1nm (1.825km). A rāhui ensures what little is left of those species is protected while giving space for restoration efforts.  It was very special to be there for this significant event on a stunning morning

Photo credit: Rachel Mataira

From Gulf News “Hauraki Gulf Forum Co-Chair Pippa Coom says that we will all benefit from iwi-led restoration initiatives. A rāhui ensures that we protect what little we have left of those species while giving space for restoration efforts. This customary rāhui is a pathway to a more abundant marine environment around Waiheke.”

Mussel reef restoration work in the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui-ā-Toi took a huge step forward, with Auckland Council’s decision on 2 February to approve a resource consent – valid for the next 35 years. The consent gives the green light for green-lipped mussel restoration in areas of the Hauraki Gulf that are within the Auckland regional boundary (Press Release Attachment 2)

Other key meetings and events
  • With Local Board member Alex Bonham

    Attended the reopening of Te Ao Mārama South Atrium at Auckland Museum on 1 December

  • Meeting to receive an update from the Transport Strategy Team on 1 December
  • Mihi whakatau for the joining of Auckland Unlimited and Regional Facilities Auckland at Auckland Town Hall on 2 December
  • Finance and Performance Committee workshop on 2 December
  • LGNZ National Council strategy day and board meeting on 3 and 4 December
  • Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art Exhibition Opening at the Auckland Art Gallery on 4 December
  • Briefing on 7 December regarding the Downtown Projects programme with Cr Hills and Chloe Swarbrick MP for Central Auckland
  • Grey Lynn Residents Association AGM on 7 December
  • Meeting regarding the Hauraki Gulf Forum activities with the Forest and Bird CEO on 8 December
  • Attended the Waitemata Local Board meeting on 8 December to give my Councillor report.
  • Giving the vote of thanks at Auckland Conversations

    Gave the vote of thanks at the Auckland Conversations: So, Auckland has a climate plan… now what?  on 8 December

  • Gift to the Gulf Networking drinks hosted by Sustainable Coastlines on 9 December
  • Meeting to discuss the Auckland Transport’s Statement of Intent cycling targets
  • Helen Clark Foundation Christmas drinks on 10 December
  • Co-chaired the LGNZ Auckland zone meeting on 11 December
  • Opening of Weta Unleashed at Skycity on 14 December at the invitation of Ian Taylor
  • Victoria St cycleway site visit with AT Chair, Adrienne Young Cooper

    Victoria Street cycleway site visit with AT Board Chair and AT staff on 14 December to discuss a range of safety issues .  Despite raising a number of serious safety concerns I have yet to receive a response from AT regarding what action is going to be taken

  • Joined honorary consulars at an informal flag raising event at Auckland Town Hall on 16 December
  • Eden Park – Tour and Overview of operating model and community projects with the CEO Nick Sautner on 16 December
  • Auckland Unlimited councillor update on 16 December
  • Attended the Waiheke Local Board meeting on 16 December via Skype to give my Councillor Report
  • Opening of Te Komititanga with Mayor Goff and Hon Michael Wood

    Gave a speech at the dawn blessing for Te Komititanga (the new downtown square) on 18 December

  • Meeting with new MP Camila Belich
  • Meeting with Chair Northey on 18 December
  • Attended the Blackcaps v Pakistan T20 match at Eden Park on 18 December at the invite of the Eden Park Trust Board
  • Sunday Blessings volunteers and supporters

    Attended Sunday Blessing Christmas Meal at Ellen Melville Hall with the Mayor on 20 December

  • catch up with Waiheke Local Board members on 21 December (via Skype)
  • Meeting with co-chair Freemans Bay Residents Association on 21 December
  • Greater Auckland Christmas drinks on 22 December
  • Visit to Hauturu-ō-Toi, Little Barrier Island on 12 January at the invitation of mana whenua and with the support of the Department of Conservation and University of Auckland  (see details above)
  • Tour of the Franklin Local Board (Wairoa subdivision) with Deputy Chair Angela Fuljames and board member on 21 January with Cr Richard Hills. We went to 5 regional parks, various council facilities, checked out coastal erosio, new upgraded parks and their long term plans and vision for town centre upgrades with the growth in the area. We saw how the natural environment and water quality rates were being spent, to protect our kauri and clean up our waterways.  Lunch was hosted at McCallum’s Residence with Deputy Mayor Cashmore. We caught the Pine Harbour Ferry to the start of the tour and the train back from Papakura Station.
  • On the Museum roof with Director David Gaimster, David Reeves, Director Collections & Research and Cr Richard Hills

    Behind the scenes tour of the Auckland Museum on 22 January

  • Panuku update meeting on 25 January
  • Chairs and Mayor weekly meeting resumed on 25 January
  • Spoke at Waiheke Rotary meeting on 25 January (my hosts gifted me a bottle of wine)
  • Meeting with the Deputy Mayor to discuss the Councillor strategy day as one of four councillors leading a session
  • The Mayor and Councillors who attended the Councillor strategy day and CEO Jim Swarbrick

    Councillor Strategy Day on 28 January at Te Manana library, Westgate

  • Met with Sustainable Coastlines new CEO on 26 January
  • As Co-Chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum meet with Foundation North Chief Executive Peter Tynan and Strategic Advisor Nicola Brehaut on 26 January and met with Eugene Sage MP on 29 January
  • Received a briefing on a mooring issue at Aotea Great Barrier Island
  • Attended UN International holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January at Auckland Museum
  • Meeting on 29 January to discuss AT’s cycling programme business case
  • British High Commissioner reception on 2 February at the Northern Club to farewell Consul General Robin Shacknell and welcome new Consul General Alasdair Hamilton
  • Attended a day of committee workshops on 3 February
  • Attended via Skype the Waiheke Local Board meeting on 3 February
  • Attended Bike Auckland’s monthly Bike Breakfast at The Store, Britomart on 4 February
  • Auckland Pride Festival Director, Max Tweedie, Mayor Goff and Councillor Richard Hills at Q Theatre

    Attended the Pride Gala on 4 February with Cr Hills at the invite of Auckland Pride.

Media attachments

Our Auckland: Get on board – waste-wise tips for boaties

Our Auckland: The transformation of Tyler Street is about to begin

Ponsonby News update February 2021

A year in review

Ponsonby News update December 2020

There’s no doubt this year has been a tough one.  I could never have imagined what we were going to face as a city in my first year as a Councillor. Here’s a bit of a run through the challenges we’ve confronted on Auckland Council and some of the highlights.

At the start of the first level 4 lockdown in March, a temporary Emergency Committee of the whole of the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors) was established in response to the pandemic.  One of the first steps of this committee was to put in place a COVID-19 contingency fund of $22.5 million for any urgent expenditure required to respond to the pandemic. Council stepped up to provide support across the community including library staff making welfare calls.

Auckland Council’s 2020/2021 annual budget that was consulted on in March had to be thrown out once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Aucklanders were then asked to have their say on a second proposed ‘emergency budget’ in response to a massive budget hole.

In July the Governing Body adopted the Emergency Budget 2020/21, along with a rate increase of 3.5 per cent and a rates postponement scheme to assist ratepayers facing financial hardship.  We had to make tough calls in the budget to continue providing essential services and respond to the challenges of the pandemic and drought.  The focus more recently has been on putting together the priorities for Council’s 10 year budget that will go out for consultation in February.

Late in 2019 an independent panel was appointed to undertake a review of the 5 CCOs (council controlled organisations).  The new council CEO Jim Stabback, appointed by the Governing Body for a 5 year term in September,  is leading the implementation of all 64 recommendations presented by the panel including the merger of two CCOs—Regional Facilities Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development into a single entity now called Auckland Unlimited.

In May, in response to one of the most severe droughts in Auckland’s history, the Emergency Committee voted to introduce mandatory water restrictions.  In June we agreed to waive resource consent fees for residential rainwater tank installation. Savings are up to 40 million litres of water a day, with Watercare on track to boost supply by another 40 million litres a day by December.

The downtown programme of works is continuing at pace and new spaces are already opening up in the city centre and waterfront after many months of construction.  I was fortunate to speak at the opening by Panuku of the final stage of the Westhaven promenade.

A personal highlight, as Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, was the unanimous adoption in July of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. It provides a bold response to drive climate action working together across Tāmaki Makaurau. In another positive decision by the committee we unanimously agreed to support standardising the weed management budget across Auckland (rather than standardising methodology as recommended which would have increased glyphosate use in some areas), provided for local decision-making on preferred methodologies, and re-confirmed our support for the Weed Management Policy goals to minimise agri-chemical usage.

In September the Governing Body approved an independent review into health and safety at Ports of Auckland. I have been one of a group of Councillors supporting the Mayor to launch a review to take a close look at the workplace culture at the Port and systemic failings that have led to a number of tragic deaths.

Another personal highlight was my appointment in February as Co-Chair of the Hauraki Gulf Forum under a new co-governance structure.  As a forum we have signed off more ambitious goals and are committed to the preservation and restoration of the Hauraki Gulf Tipaka Moana Te Moananui-a-Toi.

I’ve enjoyed a close working relationship with the three local boards in my ward over the year even though for a big chunk of it we were only able to meet online.  I was fortunate to be on Waiheke recently for the launch of 5 new electric buses and visited Aotea Great Barrier in November for the first time since lockdown.  I end the year feeling very privileged to represent the beating heart of Auckland and the stunning gulf islands.

Ngā mihi o te wā and best wishes for the year ahead.