Category: Monthly report

Monthly Board Report November 2011

Covering activities from 1 October – 31 October 2011

Transport

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community

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

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

Grants Committee

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

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

Other board activities

Local Board briefings

Attended:

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

Local Board Workshops Attended:

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

Professional Development

Attended:

  • RMA – How it really works. Full day LGNZ workshop. Training provided as part of the Elected Member professional development covered from the Democracy services budget
  • Resource consents statutory overview provided by Ian Smallburn
  • Chairperson refresher training. LGNZ half-day session

Meetings Attended:

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

Events I attended the following events during October:

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

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

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

Monthly Board Report October 2011

Covering activities from 1 September – 30 September 2011  

Transport

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

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

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

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

Community

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

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

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

 Grants Committee

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

Local Board Briefings       

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

Local Board Workshops Attended:

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

Meetings Attended:

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

Events I attended the following events during September:

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

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

Monthly Board report September 2011

Covering activities from 1 August – 31 August 2011

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

Jesse Chalmers stepped down from the Transport Portfolio – West at the August Local Board meeting of the Board and was replaced by  Member Moyle. The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The August meeting was attended by myself and Greg Moyle (Transport Portfolio – West) and Rob Thomas Transport Portfolio – East).

Consultation by Auckland Transport that the Transport Portfolio responded to during August and updates to matters on our Issues Register are reported on each month by Auckland Transport at our Board meeting (the full reports are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemata under agendas).

New bus services and routes commenced on 14 August as a result of the Central Flagship Project to improve the efficiency of the bus network. Unfortunately the termination of the 015/017 services and partial replacement by the new 020 bus route (via Wellington Street) has had a significant impact on the Freeman’s Bay community. Many residents have contacted me directly about the issue.  On 31 August I attended a public meeting organised by MP Jacinda Ardern at Rupas café for residents to voice their concerns to Auckland Transport.

The Transport Portfolio met with AT engineers to discuss the road safety improvements proposed as a result of travel planning at Parnell District School. The Board as a whole met with NZTA Regional Director Stephen Town to discuss the NZTA projects that are relevant to our local board area. I also attended the Transport Committee meeting on 15 August and the launch of the new LINK services at Jellicoe Street on 19 August.

Community

Submissions on our draft Local Board Plan closed on 8 August with over 130 submissions received in total.  Hearings were held over 2 days 25 and 26 August. As noted in the report by officers on the submissions the vast majority of submissions were supportive of the Waitemata Local Board plan in entirety or for the most part. This is a positive sign for the Board and is likely a product of significant community engagement in the early phase of the plan development.

I also attended the joint local Board hearings on Friday 19 August relating to all draft local board plans. I attended the site visit to Argyle Street with officers to determine the potential community uses for the former Masonic Lodge that was purchased by the former Auckland City Council Officers briefed me and Tricia Reade (community portfolio team) on the community leasing portfolio so we can better understand the Council properties available to the community. During August the Communities portfolio also met with the Vicar Susan Adams and Project Manager Dheepa Nedungat to discuss the proposed community facility development at St Columba Church. And with Parnell Trust to better understand their services, facilities and funding arrangements.

Grants Committee

The Committee held its second meeting on 2 August to agree the annual funds available for community grants, the objectives of the funds and criteria for applications. The minutes of the meeting are available here http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/localboards/otarapapatoetoelocalboard/meetings/waitematagrantscommin20110802.pdf

Other board activities

Local Board briefings

Attended the Strategy and Direction Setting briefing/workshop on the Long Term plan organised for all local Boards by the Council plan team on 3 August.

Local Board Workshops Attended:

  • Monthly Workshop on 2 August with presentations by Watercare and the City Centre Masterplan team
  • Making the city fun for children and young people Workshop on 23 August

Meetings Attended:

  • Meeting with representatives of the Eden Terrace Business Association regarding the support the board can give to business associations
  • Grey Lynn Business Association Board meeting on 9 August
  • Waterfront Auckland’s presentation to the Waitemata Local Board on the draft waterfront plan
  • Meeting with the Major Events Team regarding Rugby World Cup activities within Waitemata Local Board area
  • Meeting with Roger Blakely to discuss the Board’s comments on the draft Auckland Plan
  • Make Auckland Fair Trade August steering committee meeting
  • Rugby World Cup Transport briefing for Local Boards at Puketapapa Local Board office on 17 August.
  • Meeting with members of the Western Springs Football Club to understand the needs of the club in relation to all season playing surfaces
  • City Centre masterplan presentation to the Waitemata Local Board
  • Waterfront Auckland’s presentation to the Central Local Boards on the draft waterfront plan
  • Meeting with representatives from Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to discuss the future of the TVNZ bus stop on Victoria Street West
  • Meeting to progress “Playing in the Streets” proposal (as presented to the July Local Board meeting)

Events I attended the following events during August:

  • Opening of Q-Theatre
  • Tree planting at Newmarket Park with children from Newmarket School
  • Auckland Theatre Company’s production of “Calendar Girls” (at the invitation of ATC)
  • Grey Lynn Business Association August networking drinks
  • Opening of Ernst & Young and Westpac buildings by Mayor Len Brown and PM John Key.
  • Opening of the three major art installations at Auckland Art Gallery
  • Opening of ‘Furniture of the World’, Photographs by Maree Horner in the Bledisloe Walkway
  • Launch of Auckland Harbour Bridge pathway concept at Wynyard Quarter with Mayor Len Brown on Sunday 21 August
  • Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall 22 August
  • Auckland Migrant Services – launch of first specialist settlement website 24 August
  • Cycle Action Auckland AGM and connectivity presentation by Stephen Town, NZTA Regional Director
  • K’rd bus stop opening
  • Mayor in the Chair at Leys Institute, Ponsonby
  • Opening of Jacob’s Ladder by the Victoria Park Alliance
  • Sustainable Business presentation organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association

I was also in the line-up for  Pecha Kucha Night Auckland on 18 August with a presentation called “Frocks on Bikes – how stylish cycling is changing bike culture”

Monthly Board Report August 2011

Covering activities from 1 July – 31 July 2011

Portfolios Transport (West including Regional portfolio) with Jesse Chalmers

Community (including Regional portfolio) with Tricia Reade

Libraries with Shale Chambers

Chair, Grants Committee

Positions: Grey Lynn Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate)

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The July meeting was attended by myself and Jesse Chalmers (Transport Portfolio – West) and Christopher Dempsey (Transport Portfolio – East).  Consultation by Auckland Transport that the Transport Portfolio responded to during July and updates to matters on our Issues Register are reported on each month by Auckland Transport at our Board meeting (the full reports are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemataunder agendas).

Issues consulted on included parking restrictions, road improvements and the location of bus stops required for the roll out of new bus services and routes starting on 14 August.  Community Transport team representatives provided an update to the Transport Portfolio on walking and cycling projects planned within the Board area on 6 July.  We also met with Karen Hay, Road Safety Manager and  Randhir Kama, Road Corridor Operations Manager to discuss safety issues on Ponsonby Road. I attended the Transport Committee meeting on 5 July for presentations on the Central City bus reorganisation, Ports of Auckland transport requirements and the Rail stations upgrade programme.

Community Engagement

The main focus in July for the community portfolio was consultation on the draft local board plan following the Special Consultation Procedure (SCP). The Board held an event on 14 July to present the plan with an invitation to attend going out to all our community networks and key stakeholders. A hard copy of the plan was also mailed out to our database of community groups and organisations. I also presented the plan to the July Grey Lynn 2030 meeting.

Although the SCP has involved media coverage of the local board plans and centrally coordinated publicity by Auckland Council on behalf of the local board we have been disappointed at the failure to deliver the Summary of the draft plan to all households in the Waitemata area as intended.

Other board activities

Local Board briefings

Attended:

  • Earthquake Prone Buildings Central Briefing on 12 July
  • “Bringing it all together” – briefing by Roger Blakely and Ree Anderson  on the draft  Auckland Plan and the Local Board Plans, facilitated by Rod Oram, opened by the Mayor with international guest Duncan Maclennan. Local Board Workshops Attended:
  • Workshop on 5 July with presentations from Kiwirail and on the Alcohol programme from members of the Community & Cultural Policy team
  • Workshop on 26 July on the unitary plan process

Meetings Attended:

  • Grey Lynn Business Association meeting on 13 July
  • Newmarket Business Association Board meeting on 27 July
  • Meeting with officers to discuss leasing options of the Masonic lodge in Herne Bay
  • Meeting with the NBA and officers to discuss the proposal to widen the footpaths in Nuffield Street
  • Grey Lynn Business Association strategy session on Saturday 23 July
  • Inner city connectedness project networking meeting at Parnell Trust
  • Q-Theatre site visit for board members
  • Meeting with members of the Parks team and Jesse Chalmers to discuss the Western Springs bush off West View Road

I also attended a visit to Orakei Marae for members of the Board hosted by Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board members.

Events I attended the following events during July:

  • Auckland Theatre Company’s production of “On the upside down of the World” (at the invitation of ATC)
  • Grey Lynn Business Association July networking drinks
  • Intersect networking event
  • Grey Lynn Business Association’s public meeting to discuss their Adopt a team (Manu Samoa) events
  • Green Drinks organised by NZAEE at Low impact, makers of the Hungry bin for composting

I was on the affirmative team led by Ludo Campbell Reid debating “Are we making drivers dummies?” for the IPENZ Transportation Group Debate for Young Professionals chaired by Jon Bridges.

Monthly Board Report July 2011

Covering activities from 1 June – 30 June 2011

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The June meeting was attended by myself and Jesse Chalmers (Transport Portfolio – West) and Christopher Dempsey (Transport Portfolio – East).  We received updates on the prioritisation of the minor safety programme and the proposed Opex projects for investigation in 2011/12. We were also updated on the K’rd bus shelter project by Opus. Updates to matters on our Issues Register are reported on each month by Auckland Transport at our Board meeting (the full reports are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemataunder agendas)

Auckland Transport also briefed the Board (Transport Portfolio) on the minor works planned as part of the Mt Eden Rd corridors for the Rugby World Cup and on the outcome of the Central Flagship project consultation that will see new bus routes and services commence from 14 August (attended by myself and Chair, Shale Chambers together with members of the Albert- Eden Local Board) Relevant to the transport portfolio, I also attended during June:

  • Transport Committee on 7 June  for the Central City Rail Link presentation
  • Walk around Newmarket streets with the Newmarket Business Association to view concerns raised by local business owners (together with Greg Moyle and Rob Thomas)
  • Quarterly Regional Walking and Cycling Forum organised by Auckland Transport
  • Sustainable Transport Advocates meeting
  • “Greenways” presentation by Stephen Smythe

I met local residents regarding transport issues on Ponsonby Road (together with Tricia Reade), Maxwell Street and Bayard Street (together with Jesse Chalmers)

Community Engagement

I assisted the Chair in finalising the draft Waitemata Local Board Plan following the resolution from the Board at our June meeting that confirmed agreement on the text of the plan for consultation using the Special Consultation Procedure (SCP). I also participated in discussions to determine our strategy for the SCP I attended the second Regional Communities Summit organised by Auckland Communities Development Alliance (ACDA) on 1 July with Board member Tricia Reade. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were both guest speakers.

I organised a Save the Grey Lynn Post office on 8 June on behalf of Grey Lynn 2030 and the Grey Lynn Business Association. More than 50 residents attended to raise their concerns regarding the downgrading of services in Grey Lynn. A follow up meeting was held with NZ Post on 28 June.

Libraries

The first Auckland Libraries and Information Quarterly Report (January – April 2011) was received at the Board’s June meeting (see June agenda). It was noted at the meeting that the library service is working extremely well and that no issues of concern have been raised by residents with the Board.

Other board activities

I was acting Chair for the week beginning 27 June. During this week I worked with Council officers to finalise the communications with regards to our draft Local Board Plan and details of our Board’s achievements since 1 November 2010 which will be included in the Auckland Council’s annual report.

Local Board briefings

Attended:

  • Auckland Council Waste Management and Minimisation Plan briefing session to Local Boards on 10 June
  • Youth Engagement briefing hosted by Community Developments & Partnerships with members of the Youth Panel on 29 June at Manukau

Local Board Workshops

Attended:

  • Naming of the Gateway plaza workshop with John Gundesen from Waterfront Auckland on 1 June
  • 8 June workshop on Myers Park and the Waste Minimisation plan

Meetings

Attended:

  • Orakei Local Board meeting on 1 June
  • Minister of Immigration, Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman presentation to the Economic Forum on 2 June
  • Monthly catch up with Auckland Central  MP Nikki Kaye to discuss local issues
  • Meeting with Louise Mason (Arts, Culture and Recreation) and Ian Maxwell (Parks) to talk about the reprioritisation of existing budgets in the Local Board Agreement.
  • St Mary’s Bay Weed Clearance – meeting with Auckland Council officers, St Mary’s Bay residents, Victoria Tunnel Alliance and Board members (myself and Jesse Chambers as SLIPS champion for the project) to discuss actions and funding required to clear the St Mary’s Bay cliffs of weeds with the support of local residents
  • Grey Lynn Business Association meeting on 15 June
  • St Mary’s Bay Residents Association AGM on 28 June to give an update on the weed clearance project

Professional Development

  • All day course on Financial Governance organised by LGNZ
  • Lunchtime learning – “Greening the City by innovative water management” with Hans Schreier

Events

Following our May resolution to become a Fairtrade Local Board we are now serving Fairtrade team and coffee in our meetings. I attended Good magazine’s Fairtrade Cocktail Soiree in honour of Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation who was visiting NZ  and the panel discussion “How to change the world one banana at a time” with Harriet Lamb as a guest speaker.

On behalf of Auckland Council I spoke at the launch of Conscious Consumer a project supported by the Council that awards badges to participating cafes that have demonstrated a commitment to socially and environmentally conscious business practices including Fairtrade and waste minimisation.

I also attended the following events during June:

  • Book launch “Growth Misconduct” with guest speaker Roger Blakely at Pioneer Woman’s Hall
  • Private Screening of ‘A Rotten Shame’ – the Homeowners and Buyers Association fundraiser
  • Grey Lynn Business Association June networking drinks
  • The Tiramarama VIP Function and Concert supported by Auckland Council as part of the Matariki Festival

Monthly Board Report June 2011

Covering activities from 1 May – 31 May 2011

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The May meeting was attended by myself and Jesse Chalmers (Transport Portfolio – West). Updates to a number of issues were reported on by Auckland Transport at our May Board meeting (the full report is available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemataunder agendas) Relevant to the transport portfolio, I attended during May:

  • Transport Committee on 3 May for presentations by David Warburton and NZTA.
  • City Bike Day at Aotea Square organised by the Community Transport Team of Auckland Transport

The Transport Portfolio West (with the Chair and Member Reade) also met with Auckland Transport to discuss the feedback received as a result of consultation on the proposed signalised pedestrian crossing on Ponsonby Road.

Community Engagement

Our engagement on the Waitemata Local Board plan concluded at the end of April. A number of Board workshops were held during May to discuss the feedback received and to confirm the content of the plan.  I assisted the Chair in finalising the draft Local Board Plan by 31 May. Engagement on the Auckland Plan continued throughout May.

I attended:

  • Central Fono on 9 May at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall
  • Plan Jam – workshop on Auckland plan organised by Ecomatters
  • Ethnic Peoples forum on Saturday 14 May

I arranged for a visit to the Wilton Street Community Garden for Cr Walker, Local Board members and Auckland Council officers to meet the gardeners and learn about the community compost facility at the garden.

Libraries

I attended a briefing for the Libraries portfolio on 9 May and meeting with key management activities

Local Board briefings

Attended:

  • Session 4 of the Council’s natural environment and heritage policy and operations briefings (Fresh water quality/catchment management and estuarine/foreshore/marine environment)
  • Solid waste Site Tour
  • Ports of Auckland Briefing

Local Board Workshops

Attended:

  • Board workshop on 12 May ( Local Board Plan )
  • Workshop with the Strategy and Finance Committee to present and discuss the Waitemata Local Board’s position on the Local Board Agreement 19 May
  • NZTA workshop re Alternate Waitemata Harbour Crossing held with Kaipatiki and Devonport/Takapuna Local Boards
  • Board workshop on 24 May ( briefings on bylaw review and Pt Erin Community Needs Assessment )

I also prepared and presented the Board’s presentation for the Auckland Plan workshop with Councillors and the Mayor (see Chair’s report)

Meetings Attended:

  • LGNZ Joint zone one and two meeting held in Cambridge on 13 May (attended as alternate for the Chair)
  • Grey Lynn Business Association Committee meeting on 18 May

I was also present at the Strategy and Finance Committee (governing body) meeting on 25 May

Events

As a result of my Notice of Motion – Fair Trade, the Board unanimously passed a resolution at our May meeting supporting Auckland becoming a Fair Trade City and made a commitment to be a Fairtrade Local Board. As part of Fairtrade Fortnight. I also attended the SBN and the Ponsonby Art Hotel Fairtrade Breakfasts and the launch of Make Auckland Fairtrade. I also attended during May

  • Launch of EMA’s smart business programme on 4 May
  • Breakers parade in Aotea Square
  • Festival for the Planet held at the Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 21 May
  • Green Living Show and Green Drinks

I joined elected representatives for the Citizenship ceremony presided over by the Mayor at the Town Hall on 30 May.

Monthly Board Report April 2011

Covering activities from 1 March – 31 March 2011

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

The Register of Issues established with Auckland Transport has quickly grown to over 60 items logged by the Transport portfolio covering everything from strategic projects to minor safety improvements (for both the West and East of the local board area). These issues are progressed by Auckland Transport on an on-going basis and discussed at a monthly meeting. Auckland Transport has been asked to progress as a matter of priority the safety concerns for students walking and cycling to school raised by Richmond Road School and Western Springs College. In addition we have asked Auckland Transport to reconsider the prioritisation of a 40km speed zone in front of Newmarket primary school. The transport portfolio (West) has responded to Auckland Transport’s consultation on:

  • Removal of  car parking on one side of Livingstone Street
  • Bike parking on Ponsonby Road

Residential parking issues created from commuters parking all day in Auckland’s central suburbs are going to be dealt with through a newly established Working group involving the Board convened by Auckland Transport. The Transport Portfolio strongly supports the work Auckland Transport is doing as part of the Central Flagship project to improve central and CBD bus services (consultation on the proposed services started on 28 March). Relevant to the transport portfolio, I attended during March the Transport Committee meeting in support of Cycle Action’s presentation on Cycling for a Super City, a lecture on Fixing Auckland’s transport – lessons from the EU with guest speaker Michael Cramer and Auckland Transport’s Regional Walking and Cycling forum.

Community Engagement

The Community Portfolio, with the strong support of staff, had a busy month preparing for our community engagement on our local board plan starting with the launch of the process at a lunchtime event on 24 March attended by approximately 50 community leaders.

Other activities

Meetings Attendance at:

  • Grey Lynn Business Association March meeting
  • Auckland Unleashed – Mayoral Summit. Attended for full day and participated in the infrastructure workshop

Local Board Briefings Attended:

  • Iwi liaison briefing
  • Central cluster briefings by ATEED and Waterfront Auckland
  • First of 4 sessions on the Council’s natural environment and heritage policy and operations

Board workshops Attended:

  • Workshop on the Auckland Plan (local board cluster meeting)
  • David Engwicht – placemaking workshop
  • March board workshop focusing on CCO Statements of Intention

Events

On behalf of Frocks on Bikes I was one of the organisers of Try My Bike hosted by Auckland Transport at the Lake House on 2 March encouraging women to cycle. I organised the West Lynn Street Party and Twilight market for the Grey Lynn Business Association and Grey Lynn 2030 in support of Neighbours Day Aotearoa

I joined the official party for the Citizenship ceremony on 21 March for over 400 new citizens at the Auckland Town Hall. I attended the launch of Pasifika Festival by the Mayor on Sunday 6 March, the Pasifika community concert on 10 March and accompanied the Mayor, Local Board members and Councillors around the stages of the Pasifika Festival at Western Springs. I also attended the Memorial Service for Christchurch organised by Auckland Council at the Auckland Museum, the Walk to Work Day on 16 March organised by Walk Auckland and Auckland Transport and the Grey Lynn Business Association March networking evening.

Communications

Communications have been focused on our community engagement process

Out and about

  • Victoria Tunnel Tour organised by the Victoria tunnel Alliance for St Mary’s Bay residents and the community open day on 26 March
  • Civic Trust annual garden party
  • Launch of MacroAuckland report by the Mayor
  • Long Lunch on High Street at the invitation of Alex Swney, CEO, Heart of the City
  • Richmond Road School Gala
  • Newmarket Business Association’s free catwalk show on Osborne street
  • Ponsonby Market Day on 19 March

I also attended the SBN Sustainability is mainstream conference