Waitemata Local Board Archives - Page 5 of 9

Monthly board report March 2013

This report covers my activities from 1 February – 28 February 2013.

February has been an absolutely action packed month as the year gets well underway reflecting the many activities of the Board and significant progress on a number of projects I am championing including Greenways and the development of a Ponsonby Road master plan.

Ponsonby Road master plan

At our Board meeting in October 2012 the Board approved the establishment of a Ponsonby Road working group with representatives of the local community, the business association and local board members and supported by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport tasked with developing a a draft master plan for endorsement of the Waitemata local Board prior to public consultation.

A meeting was held on 18 February to establish the working group followed by a site visit and walkover of Ponsonby Road with the group on 25 February. My opening remarks to the first meeting of the working group are attached (ATTACHMENT A).

I am now seeking the Board’s endorsement of the working group membership, the planning process and budget approval as outlined in the Ponsonby Road Master Plan – Project Establishment memo from Yvonne Masefield, Planner, Central & Islands Planning dated 1 March 2013 (ATTACHMENT B). This process anticipates the working group producing a draft master plan to be endorsed by the Board for public consultation.

Greenways

The Board held a successful Greenways event on 20 February at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms in Grey Lynn Park with a large number turning up to provide feedback on the proposed Greenway routes.

We also sought feedback from those passing by as the club sits on a popular active transport and leisure walking & cycling route. The Grey Lynn Park – Coxes Bay connection is one of our proposed priority greenways.

Consultation continues until 11 March

Zero Waste events

I attended the Waitangi Day festival at Bastion Point organised by Ngati Whatua o Orakei as a waste volunteer with Christopher Dempsey. We wanted to learn about the best practice of running a genuine zero waste event. We were both really impressed with the wonderful family atmosphere and the support from stall holders and visitors. The organisers were aiming to not just remove waste from landfill but to reuse everything.

Some of the learnings I took away from the event:

Ensure events are alcohol free – this greatly reduces waste from glass and bottles
Have only a limited number of waste stations and push the take your own waste home message
Ensure the waste contractors are committed to zero waste and separate everything on site
Target waste at source – all stallholders have to sign up to reduce packaging and only offer compostable plates etc.
Make it fun to “do the right thing”. A Zero waste pa at the festival had activities for kids, chickens and seedlings to give away in re-used coffee cups

I would like to see all events in our area that are funded by the Board to be zero waste.

Community Engagement – Local Board Agreement public briefings

I attended the three Board public briefings on the Council’s annual plan and the Board’s annual agreement which outlines our projects and budget for 13/14.

The meetings attracted low numbers which I think can partly be attributed to a general feeling that the Board is on the right track and we are following through with the commitments we consulted on last year as part of Long Term Plan process and partly because the process was very poorly advertised.

The Annual plan brochure was meant to have been delivered to every mailbox. From my informal surveys I would estimate that it reached about 50% of households and very few in the city centre. I think the Council’s distribution processes need to be urgently reviewed and the value of hard copy communications critically evaluated.

Good for business seminar series

Planning has continued with AECOM on the Good for business parking seminar (now in two parts) with invitations due to go out to business associations and their members in early March.

Getting parking right for Auckland – A good for business approach to parking regulation, planning and design

Part 1 – the New Zealand perspective

Date: Wednesday 3 April 2013

Time: 2pm – 5pm (followed by networking drinks)

Where: AECOM House, 8 Mahuhu Crescent

Keynote speaker: Julie Anne Genter, Transportation planner and parking expert

Plus speakers from Auckland Transport on current policies that are supporting communities and Auckland Council on proposals for parking requirements in the Unitary Plan.

Part 2-the international experience with Keynote speaker Todd Litman scheduled for mid-May

Portfolio reports

Transport

The Transport portfolio monthly briefing with Auckland Transport took place on 28 February. We covered:

– Parking issues in Eden Tce, Parnell and Freemans Bay

– Sarawia railway crossing options

– Local Board capex fund – pedestrian facilities on Victoria/Nelson Streets

Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda.

Parking

The following is the current update from Auckland Transport regarding the parking issues in Freemans Bay:

Auckland Transport and Waitemata Local Board have received numerous complaints in regard to parking issues in Freemans Bay. This has increased since the 2 hour parking zone trial in St Mary’s Bay was implemented in July 2012. Most of the complaints relate to a lack of on-street parking for residents with local business workers and commuters seen as taking up the spaces for most of the day.

Auckland Transport wished to monitor the first 6 months of the St Marys Bay trial before looking at alternative parking options for Freemans Bay; this has enabled it to more fully understand the effect of the St Marys Bay zone on not only that suburb but also the surrounding suburbs such as Freemans Bay. Before Auckland Transport can develop a robust proposal to consult with the community there are some necessary steps to complete. These include an inventory of existing parking restrictions and a survey to help Auckland Transport to better understand parking behaviour taking place and to assess why current restrictions are not being effective. The road reserve is a public asset and Auckland Transport has to balance the many legitimate and often conflicting needs of users. This involves considerable data collection and consultation across a wide spectrum of customers in order to formulate a balanced proposal. Once this initial work has been completed, the results can be analysed and some options developed for discussion with the local board and stakeholders.

Depending on how the investigation develops, it is anticipated that options may be ready for public consultation by mid—year

Grey Lynn Footpath upgrade

The Grey Lynn foot paths and new pram ramps (at the intersection of Great North Road and Williamson Ave) have now been completed with minimal disruption and no complaints that I am aware of. This project was a successful collaboration between Auckland Transport, ARMA (the contractor) the GLBA and the Board.

The only outstanding renewal is with regards to the painting of the street furniture. I am following this up with Auckland Transport

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops and meetings

Attended:

Meeting to discuss Transport advocacy projects
Meeting to discuss Good for Business Parking seminar
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 5 February
Community Development monthly catch up with portfolio holders
Grey Lynn Business Association February business meeting
Resource Recovery centre – meeting of project champions on 7 February
Meeting to discuss CCTV policy and strategy
Integrating Public Input into Political Leadership and Government workshop at the Auckland Business school organised by IAP2 Auckland Branch on 7 February
Waitemata Local Board public briefing on the Local Board Agreement (as part of the Annual plan process ) in Parnell on 7 February
Site visit walkover of Kent/York and Teed street with AT’s urban design planner on 8 February
Meeting with the Eden Tce Business Association and AT parking officers to discuss the Eden Tce parking zone proposal on 8 February
Joint Unitary plan briefing and workshop for the Governing Body and local boards on 11 February (see photo)
Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group meeting on 11 February
Smokefree Policy Development workshop with Local Boards organised by Cr Sandra Coney on 12 February (I attended with Jesse Chalmers as the Board’s rep and presented on the Board’s experience of going smoke free)
Waitemata Local Board monthly meeting at Graham Street on 12 February
Presentation on the Tamaki Drive Master plan to the Waitemata Local Board and Harbour Edge Development Team by Orakei Local Board on 13 February
Transport committee deliberations on the Sky path proposal
Waitemata Local Board LBA Public Briefings in Grey Lynn on 13 February and at the Local Board office on 14 February
Unitary Plan update session for local boards on 15 February
Presentation on O’Connell Street design concepts
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 14 February
Ponsonby Road master plan working group establishment meeting on 18 February (opening introduction to the group attached as ATTACHMENT A)
Youth Advisory Panel meeting on 18February
Local Board workshop on 19 February
Meeting to discuss the Board’s engagement on the Unitary Plan as part of the wider regional engagement timetable on 19 February
Introductory meeting with Rachael Eaton – new Team Leader City Transformation (Central and Islands) to discuss concept of “Park-lets” for the city centre
Greenways event at the Richmond Rovers Clubroom, Grey Lynn park on 19 February
Meeting to discuss the public art proposals received for Interactive Play Spaces project on 20 February
Meeting between the GLBA and planning officers to discuss the Grey Lynn precinct plan
Waitaurau plaza meeting with NZTA and AT to discuss the permanent structures outside the new Bird cage
Ponsonby Master plan working party site walk over on 25 February
Local Board workshop on 26 February
Communications update on 26 February
New tools for local government seminar on 27 February
Presentation to the CBD Advisory Board on the Board’s redevelopment plans for Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall on 27 February (refer ATTACHMENT C)
Transport Portfolio monthly update with Auckland Transport on 28 February
Briefing the Waitemata Local Board on the University of Auckland Newmarket site

Professional development

I attended the New tools for Local Government seminar with David Engwicht who is considered one of the world’s most innovative thinkers on place making, citizen management and creative problem solving. He is the inventor of the Walking School Bus, a world-wide phenomenon.

The free seminar covered four unspoken assumptions that are ‘putting lead boots on local government’ as well as strategies to:

Influence greater creativity and resilience in your organisation
Empower the communities you serve

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during February

Hum de-wrap party on Saturday 2 February (the Board gave the Falling Apple Trust $5000 towards the scaffolding and wrap on the building)
Te Matatini Luncheon on 4 February to recognise and celebrate the four Kapa Haka roopu that will be representing Tāmaki Makaurau at Te Matatini 2013 in Te Arawa. (as alternate to the Chair)
Waitangi Day Festival as a waste volunteer with Christopher Dempsey
Cycle Action Auckland Associates breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 7 February
Big Gay Out VIP hospitality tent at the invitation of the NZ Aids Foundation on 10 February
Go by Bike day breakfasts at Wynyard Quarter and Air New Zealand offices
Wet Hot beauties performance at Parnell Pools on 13 February
The Pride Parade grandstand (at the invitation of GABA) on Saturday 16 February
Launch of the GREAT British Car Rally 2013 by the British High Commissioner and Sir John Walker on behalf of the Mayor on 17 February (see photo)
Greenways event on 19 February
Farewell lunch to our Senior Board advisor on 22 February
Lantern Festival official opening by the PM John Key and the Mayor on 23 February
Media briefing the Mayor for the start of the Daldry Street linear park on 24 February

Recommendation

a) That the report be received.

b) That the Waitemata Local Board endorses the Ponsonby Road working group membership and the planning process as outlined in the Ponsonby Road Master Plan – Project Establishment memo from Yvonne Masefield, Planner, Central & Islands Planning dated 1 March 2013 (ATTACHMENT B).

c) That the Waitemata Local Board approves the allocation of $50,000 of the 12/13 budget for this project ($75,000) for delivering urban design/ public realm services as part of developing the draft master plan by the working group.

Greenways

Greenways have the potential to transform the way we travel around our local area. The Waitemata Local Board’s Greenways proposal is to have a network of routes that connect parks and open spaces. As well as offering safe, high-quality routes, particularly getting to schools, greenways can also increase recreational opportunities and can deliver environmental benefits through expanding habitats for native fauna and wildlife.

Our Greenways event in Grey Lynn Park on 20 February really highlighted the demand of safe and connected routes for walking and cycling.

Consultation closes today . You can provide feedback by filling out a short online survey.

Monthly Board Report – February 2013

This is my first report for 2013 covering my activities from 1 December 2012 until 31 January 2013.

Portfolio reports – Transport

The Transport portfolio monthly briefings with Auckland Transport representatives re-commenced on 31 January. Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda.

Parking

The year has started with a number of complaints and concerns about parking. AT has been consulting on a proposal to install a zone of pay and display parking in Eden Tce. The proposal is intended to address the issue of all day commuter parking blocking visitors to local businesses. I responded directly to Mr Wilson who addressed the Board in December about the scheme and his concern that it doesn’t take into account the needs of residents in a mixed use area. The next step is to hear the results of the consultation and recommendations from AT before taking the proposal further.

The highest number of complaints received by AT come from the Freemans Bay area where commuters are blocking access to on street parking by residents and visitors. I have also responded to a number of calls and emails about this issue. The transport portfolio has given support for AT to work on a solution that is likely to involve a zone approach with price and/or time restrictions.

AT is looking at the results of the St Marys Bay Residents parking scheme and plans to consult on a proposal for the Freemans Bay area in the next couple of months.

Good for business seminar series

Following on from the successful Good for Business seminar held last year in partnership with Auckland Transport and AECOM I am working with Christopher Dempsey to organise two further seminars aimed at the business community. AECOM have agreed to host a parking seminar and one on the accessibility dollar (as part of our Be.accessible plan). AT have indicated that they will be able to fund a guest speaker for the parking seminar which we are looking to hold in March.

Draft Regional Public Transport Plan

Christopher and I presented the Board’s submission on the Regional Public Transport Plan to the hearings panel on 29 January 2013. A copy of our presentation is attached as ATTACHMENT A.

Grey Lynn Footpath upgrade

Thanks to the advocacy work of the Grey Lynn Business Association and the financial contribution from the Board the renewal of the footpaths at the Grey Lynn shops was able to get underway in January. Businesses and residents are really pleased to see the works happening. The contractor has worked hard to minimise disruption and to ensure the works are undertaken as smoothly as possible which has been greatly appreciated by the local businesses.

Greenways

In January I assisted Shyrel Burt in finalised a consultation plan for our Greenways project. The project featured in Our Auckland and in the Board’s advertorial in February. A Greenways event is planned for 20 February from 4- 7pm at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms in Grey Lynn Park.

Community Portfolio

During December and starting again in January the community portfolio worked on

Consultation plan for our Local Board Agreement and Unitary Plan engagement
Christmas message from the Board to community representatives
follow up to the Jim Diers inspired neighbourhood planning proposals
feedback on the Thriving Communities Auckland Council’s role in supporting communities to flourish discussion document which is attached to the February agenda.
Planning for a Good Citizen/Volunteer Awards
Proposal for a working group to develop the Ponsonby Road master plan

I also attended the Youth network meeting in December and a quarterly workshop for all community development portfolio holders in the central area.

Grants Committee

The Committee met to consider applications to the second round of community grants funding 2012/13. A total of $24,649.09 was recommended in grants to the Waitemata Local Board ordinary meeting on 11 December 2011. The minutes of the meeting are available here .

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops and meetings Attended:

Waitemata Youth Network meeting on 3 December at Freemans Bay Hall organised by the Community Development team
Grants Committee meeting on 3 December
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 December
Community Development portfolio holders (central area) workshop on 6 December
Grey Lynn Business Association December meeting
Waitemata Local Board monthly meeting in Grey Lynn on 11 December
Presentation on O’Connell Street design concepts
Community Portfolio meeting on the Thriving Communities discussion document
Neighbourhood Planning – Follow up to Jim Diers on 14 December meeting hosted by the Deputy – Mayor
Unitary Plan Local Board update session – Central
Energy and Climate Change Mitigation Strategy workshop on 17 December – a progress update workshop for councillors and local board members covering the overall ECCM work programme
Follow up meeting – Thriving Communities Discussion document feedback
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 18 December
Community Development and Partnerships Central monthly update meeting on 19 December
Meeting led by the Chair on 19 December with Ashley Church, Newmarket business Association, officers and Tomizone to discuss the extension of the WIFI zone in Newmarket
Greenway project consultation planning meeting on 20 December
Freyberg Square briefing and input meeting on 20 December
Waitemata Local Board Engagement approach for the Local Board Agreement and Unitary Plan on 21 December
CEWT Study site walk organised by AT on 15 January – a walk through the Wellesley and Victoria Streets study area to discuss issues, constraints and opportunities
Meeting with AECOM to discuss further Good for Business seminars
Scoping the Ponsonby Road Master plan process with planning officers on 16 January
Development of an inner-city residents survey meeting with the community portfolio
Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway project update at Heart of the City on 16 January
Planning meeting for Waitemata Volunteer Awards on 17 January
Meeting with Adventure capital CEO to discuss Council street trading by-laws
Meeting to discuss Waitemata Local Board’s engagement on the Local Board Agreement on 23 January
Community portfolio meeting with Frances Kelliher (Circability Trust) to discuss proposed use of Campbell Free Kindergarten on 23 January
Presentation to the Public Hearing on the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan on 29 January
Draft Local Board Agreement advocacy projects meeting
Tour of Shed 10 refurbishment with Waterfront Auckland
Meeting with AT to receive an update on the Transport Management Association for Wynyard Quarter
Transport Portfolio monthly update with Auckland Transport on 31 January
Newmarket Business Association meeting to discuss transport matters with David Warburton and senior AT managers on 31 January

Professional development

I attended:

The IPANZ Auckland Two Year on Conference on 10 December – see conference report attached as ATTACHMENT B

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during December and January

Ponsonby Market Day and Franklin Road Christmas Lights on 1 December
Citizenship ceremony on 4 December
NZCSI Social Entrepreneurs School Graduation Ceremony, held at Telecom Place on 5 December
Outlook for Someday sustainability film challenge at the Aotea Centre ( I am a trustee of Connected media that runs the challenge)
Cycle Action Associates breakfast on 5 December at the Art Gallery
Western Park Christmas carols hosted by the Board on Sunday 9 December
Western Bays Community Group meeting on 10 December
Grey Lynn Business Association Christmas drinks
Parnell Inc Christmas drinks
Jacobs Ladder Footbridge Official Opening – invitation of the NZ Transport Agency on 15 December
Kahui Kaumatua Christmas Luncheon at the Council Chambers (as alternative for the Chair) on 19 December
British High Commission ‘Great History – Great Future’ Reception for the Rt Hon William Hague on 15 January at Sale Street

Monthly Board report: December 2012

2012 in Review
This is my last report for 2012. Looking back over the year I think it has been characterised by the significant progress we have made as a Board on our projects and initiatives following an inaugural year of planning and figuring out how the new Super City structure fits together. It has also become noticeable this year that the role of the Board is far better understood by the community. I think we have become the go to people on a huge range of local issues.

Inevitably there have been challenges and frustrations but personally I have found 2012 to be hugely enjoyable and rewarding. I have particularly welcomed all the opportunities to learn from international experts, to meet the people we represent and to fully take part in civic life. I feel very privileged to represent such a dynamic, interesting and diverse area at the centre of Auckland.

I very much appreciate the skills and passion that officers bring to their role that has enabled local board projects to be advanced and implemented quickly. We still have lots to do but I think we are fortunate to have a great board team with excellent leadership that will ensure 2013 is a good one.

Board activities for the period 1 November – 1 December 2012
Transport

A number of meetings were held with Auckland Transport during November. These are covered in the Auckland Transport monthly report and included:

the Board’s greenways aspirations and potential locations for AT to fund on-street routes
Update on a public bike hire scheme for Auckland
Draft Regional Public Transport Plan
Location of the bus stop outside Ponsonby Central

Good for business seminar
In February this year I asked Auckland Transport to consider bringing international expert Rodney Tolley to Auckland to be the key note speaker at a seminar aimed at our business associations and their members. I would like to thank Auckland Transport for making it happen and their work in organising the “Good for Business” seminar in partnership with the Board that was held on 28 November at the offices of AECOM.
Dr Tolley spoke about the economic benefits of investing in walkability to an audience of over 60 including representatives of business associations from across Auckland
My presentation that concluded the seminar is attached (Attachment A).

Community Funding
I represented the Board a the Central Joint Funding Committee meeting on 9 November that decided the allocation of grants from the Accommodation Support Fund, Cultural Heritage Fund and Community Group Assistance Fund (round one). These funds are legacy Council funds that following a recent decision by the Regional Development and Operations Committee are going to be rolled over for a further year (2013/14).
The minutes of this meeting are available online.

Local Government
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting
I attended the Local Government New Zealand Zone 1 meeting in Whangerei on 16 November (at no cost to the Board).
The presentations covered:
–       Alcohol Reform Bill – Charlotte Connell Senior Advisor Ministry of Justice – update on the Bill and what the changes to the supply and sale alcohol regime is likely to mean for TA’s
–       Mayor’s taskforce for jobs, Jan Francis
–       Strategic Plan introduced by Malcolm Alexander, CEO LGNZ
–       TRAFINZ update from Karen Hay
I found Malcolm’s presentation to be particularly interesting because of the energy, leadership and skills he is bringing to local government. The new strategic work plan has specific actions to bring about a brand shift to LG with LGNZ’s aim to be the Strong voice for great local government.
Malcolm intends presenting the LGNZ strategic plan to local board members next year.

Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill
I was extremely disappointed that the Government passed the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill on 28 November with the slimmest majority, with no mandate and no evidence what so ever that Councils are operating ineffectively and uneconomically because of the “four well-beings”
I agree with LGNZ’s President, Lawrence Yule assessment that in its drive to have councils move their focus away from the four well-beings, the Government has instead injected uncertainty into the law by increasing the scope for council decisions to be judicially reviewed.As Lawrence said on the day the Bill was passed “The lesson from this legislation is that processes that are not based on facts, principle and constructive dialogue between central and local government do not serve the public well.”

Building a Better Newmarket Seminar
I attended this one day seminar for members of the Newmarket Business Association and was invited to sit on the panel that concluded the day.
At the seminar Westfield New Zealand Director, Justin Lynch outlined plans for a proposed new retail development on the Dominion Motors/Levene Extreme/Farmers site which borders Mortimer Pass and Broadway. In addition to a proposed flagship 9,500 sqm Department store, 95 new specialty stores are planned, along with a six-screen cinema, gymnasium and 1,400 car additional parking spaces. Westfield is waiting for the right market conditions to commence the multi-million dollar complex.

NZTA Senior Urban Design Advisor, Jacque Bell presented on the draft master plan for the area under the Newmarket viaduct which provides for a mix of commercial and office space, active retail frontages, car parking buildings and multi-functional open space. Consultation is currently underway on the plans.

Other speakers included Dr Libby Weaver (building a better you), and Hon Stephen Joyce (the big picture)

Community empowerment and the strengthening of democracy
During November local board members had the opportunity to attend presentations by two international speakers on the related areas of participatory budgeting and building community capacity.

Giovanni Allegretti, an architect, planner and senior researcher at the Centre for Social Studies at Coimbra University (Portugal) spoke about the benefits of entrusting citizens to decide how to allocate Council budgets in his presentation on participatory budgeting.

The following week Jim Diers, who is internationally recognised for his work with communities, gave his presentation on the Power of Community and how to get people to cherish their government and strengthen citizen participation. He also gave examples of neighbourhood planning process and the value of community driven planning.

Social Enterprise conference 26 November

The Social Enterprise conference was organised by the CDAC team with the support by the Waitematā Local Board, University of Auckland Business School, Mira Szászy Research Centre, and The Kitchen with the aim of supporting the sector, celebrating best practices and exploring initiatives to support social enterprises.

The conference included Pecha Kucha style presentations from a number of social enterprises based in the Waitemata Local Board area.

Key speakers included:

Di Jennings, Community Economic Development Trust
Nicky Benson, New Zealand Centre for Social Innovation
Andrew Hamilton, ICEHOUSE
Assoc. Prof. Manuka Henare University of Auckland Business School

The CDAC team are to be congratulated on successfully organising the conference.

My welcome on behalf of the Board is attached (Attachment B)

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended during November:

Parks Renewals Programme – Workshop on 1 November
Community leases meeting 1 November
Meetings to finalise the Board’s Unitary Plan report on 1 November, 5 and 12 November
One to one engagement meetings on the Unitary Plan with key community groups. I attended the following:
o   Westmere Heritage Projection Group on 1 November
o   GLBA and Grey Lynn 2030 on 5 November
o   Western Bays Community Group on 5 November
o   Newmarket Business Association on 7 November
o   Parnell Community Committee on 7 November
o   NZ Historic Places Trust on 8 November
o   Parnell Heritage on 12 November
Local Board workshop on 6 November (Thriving communities discussion document , Pioneers Women’s Hall redevelopment and Pt. Erin Pools)
Communications update on 6 November
Meeting on 7 November with Team Leader, Community Facilities to discuss Parnell Trust’s request for financial assistance
Meeting with Auckland Transport and Council officers to discuss the Board’s Greenways priorities on 7 November
Workshop with Auckland Transport on the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan to assist with preparing the Board’s submission on the plan
Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss the options for the location and design of the bus stop outside Ponsonby Central on Ponsonby Road
Meeting with Julie Fairey, Community spokesperson, Puketapapa Local Board
Central Joint Funding Committee meeting on 9 November
Waitemata Local Board business meeting at Graham Street on Tuesday 13 November in Parnell
Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss portfolio processes
Introduction to the new reporters for the Central Leader and the Auckland City Harbour News on 15 November
Meeting on 15 November to discuss the City Centre Noise Management Action Plan 2012-2015 and how Waitemata Local Board can respond in support of the latest Noise Report to the Unitary Plan submission process and what actions can be initiated going forward through the Noise Action Plan
Waitemata Christmas event organisation in Western Park meeting on 15 November
Resource Recovery Centre workshop with transition town groups looking to support the development of a centre – hosting by Puketapapa Local Board on 15 November with Warren Snow
LGNZ Zone One meeting in Whangerei on 16 November
Meeting with the Central Relationship Managers to discuss options for dealing with applications for Facilities Partnership funding on 19 November
Financial information and support for Local Boards meeting prior to the Chair’s forum on 19 November (part attended for the Chair )
GLBA meeting on 20 November
Local Board workshop on 20 November
Meeting with Auckland Transport to receive an update on the Public Bike Hire scheme on 22 November
Meeting and site visit at Auckland Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on 22 November with Christopher Dempsey
Participatory Budgeting presentation by international guest, Giovanni Allegretti. on 23 November
Waipapa Stream project update on 23 November
Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group meeting on 26 November
Breakfast presentation by Jim Diers for elected representative on 27 November
Local Board workshop on 27 November to discuss the Board’s draft annual agreement
Ports of Auckland Briefing to Local Boards on 27 November
Good for Business seminar on 28 November
Transport portfolio monthly meeting with Auckland Transport (informal catch up)

Events and functions
I attended the following events and functions during November:

Cycle Action’s Associates breakfast on 1 November
Square Art – opening of the art exhibition in Station Square as part of the Newmarket Festival
Art in the Dark event on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 November
Highwic House Cycle Style (part of the Festival of Flowers) on 18 November
Taste Auckland at Victoria Park on 18 November (at the invitation of Taste Auckland)
Opening of Ponsonby Central on 20 November
Building a better Newmarket conference hosted by the Newmarket Business Association
Grey Lynn Business Association AGM (I have been re-elected to the Board )
Sustainable Business Network’s Sustainable City Showcase 22-24 November including:
o   SBN Sustainable Business Awards
o   Conscious consumer breakfast
o   Ethical Fashion Show
o   Walk around with Cr Mike Lee
o   Carrot mob launched by Mayor Len
Social Enterprise Conference organised by CDAC on 26 November
Regional Facilities Auckland Limited’s end of year drinks for Local Board Chairs and Deputy Chairs at the Auckland Art Gallery on 28 November
Cycle Action Auckland Christmas gathering in support of Bikes for refugees
Invite from Royal NZ Ballet – RNZB season of Giselle on 30 November
Ponsonby Market Day on 1 December
Launch of the Franklin Road Christmas lights at the Rob Roy plaza on 1 December

Safe systems approach to road safety

Conference report back: Attendance at the Trafinz Conference Auckland 8/9 October

Reducing the True Cost of Road Safety

Introduction

I attended the Trafinz (New Zealand Traffic Institute) Conference 2012 on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board with funding from the Board’s professional development budget (Early registration of $390 +GST and return bus fares from Grey Lynn to Takapuna).

I found the conference to be invaluable for my role on the transport portfolio and my ability to contribute to quality decision making. The conference made me challenge my understanding of road safety and to ask questions about the responsibility I need to take as a politician in pushing for good solutions that will reduce road fatalities and injuries. I took away a completely new understanding of road safety in particular the application of “safe system principles”.

This report highlights the speakers of particular relevance.

Introducing Safe Roads – what will it take? Dr Soames Job, Road Safety Expert

Dr Soames introduced me to the concept of a “safe systems” approach to road safety for the first time. A concept that will be very familiar to transport professionals.

The question to ask is not what caused the crash but what caused the injury or death. The old model is wrong as it looks to find a percentage of each factor to blame. When in fact in every case it is 100% the road, 100% the vehicle and 100% the driver. If you can fix one of these conditions you can solve the problem.

The challenge is where to focus efforts and where to commit resources. What we can control is the safety of roads and the speeds. It is far harder to control vehicle design and almost impossible to control people. Humans are irrational, emotional and have an optimism bias so we should end the pretence that people’s errors can be stopped.

From this understanding of the issues Dr Soames made a number of specific suggestions as to how we can achieve safe roads that are relevant to the Waitemata Local Board area.

In metropolitan areas the focus should be on the vulnerable road user not on vehicle occupants. This means reducing speeds, providing for separation of users and good urban design. The safe system principles are about reducing the energy absorbed by the body to survivable speeds.
Prioritising safety over traffic flow. Traffic flow is too influential in spending and key decision. To calculate BCRs pedestrian time doesn’t count only drivers which is harming the extent to which we cater for the vulnerable road user. Voters blame government (politicians) for delays but not for deaths. The media also focus on traffic flows. We should NOT be prioritising traffic flows over fatalities
Focus on speeds. Need to convince the community that speed is critical to safety (If you drive 65km in a 60km zone double the risk of critical injury). In particular we must see the value of speed management and that it is not about revenue raising

Dr Soames gave the example of France where the death toll has lowered far quicker than NZ because 500 new speed cameras are added each year (in NZ there are only 40 in total)

In another presentation about combining safe system principles and road safety education in schools Dr Soames outlined why safe systems are not adopted:

We blame the victims. There are good psychological reasons for this. We don’t want to be a victim. Almost inevitable outcome of personal responsibility
“People must take personal responsibility for their own safety” is the get out of jail free car of road management used by politicians and operators
Community attitudes supporting risk & victim blaming – deaths are considered an inevitable and acceptable outcome for our mobility

He recommends the use of education to create demand for road safety. We also need political demand for safe systems and a refusal to except that any death is inevitable.

Children’s Travel in the Urban Environment Associate Professor Claire Freeman, University of Otago

How to make a city safe for children

Reassert children’s right to be in the urban environment – right to be seen
Make it normal to use active transport
Reduce car dependency
Skill development
Realistic safety assessment of the dangers
About getting everyone on the street
Reassert local as a living space

Public Health effects of Transport Policy Dr Alex McMillan

I have already reported on a shorter version of this presentation from the Cycling summit but I think it is worthwhile to highlight again some of the key points from Alex’s work to develop a simulation model that assists with understanding the integrated social, health, climate change and benefits of a range of policies and procedures that could increase commuter active cycle transport

Basically if we take a combined best practice approach which involves building separated infrastructure we would achieve a 40% mode share by 2050 with a BCR of 20 ( it is a myth that people do not cycle because of the weather or because Auckland is too hilly). It all comes down to our funding priorities.

Role of Local Government in achieving road safety in NZ Cr Andy Foster, Wellington City Council President TRAFINZ

Andy presented a number of comments in conjunction with Dr Soames Job.

Key points

Swedish approach – if it works – just do it
The weakness of the Government’s safer journey’s document is that it has no targets
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility
Are we investing in the right place? – imbalance between investment between local roads and highways
Safe systems is the way to go but we must be willing to mandate a safe system
We should lower speed limit until it is safe. Need to reverse the onus – accepting traffic flow over safety
Further education needed for other safety measures like wearing seat belts.

Conclusion

The conference delivered a hard message to transport operators and politicians that we must collectively take responsibility for road safety through a “safe system” approach. This means challenging some of our assumptions about what causes crashes and where to find solutions. We should not just accept that fatalities are inevitable but should have a zero goal.

One of the clearest roles we have is to insist on lowering the speed limit until it is safe and not prioritising traffic flows over safety. We must also insist on road builders building better roads that encourage safer speeds with space for all users.

Monthly Board Report: November 2012

Covering activities from 1 October – 31 October 2012 and reported on at the Waitemata Local Board meeting held on 13 November 2012

Portfolio Reports

Transport

The Transport Portfolio monthly transport catch up with Auckland Transport was held on 25 October with me and Christopher Dempsey. We covered a number of issues including:

Proposed consultation on the Kingdon Street pedestrian crossing and the provision of a new footpath on railway land between Kingdon Street and Davies Cres
Sarawia Street Crossing and the options AT have looked at to permanently close this crossing to vehicles.
Update on the Richmond Road Safety Action Plan
St Mary’s Bay Parking Trial – initial feedback on the trial at the 3 month point and the work that is underway to review requests for business permits for businesses located outside the zone without off street parking.
Eden Tce Parking area introducing consistent pay and display that is about to go out to consultation with the support of the business association.

Full details of these issues and other matters discussed are outlined in the Auckland Transport monthly report attached to the November agenda.

Waitemata Local Board capex priorities

The Local Board Agreement transport proposals for funding from the Local Transport Fund that I reported on last month have now been referred to the Review Group for an initial assessment.

Good for business workshop

Invitations went out on 31 October to business associations and members for the “Good for Business” Seminar to be held on Wednesday 28 November. This will be an opportunity to hear from international expert Rodney Tolley about the economic benefits to business of streetscape investment.

Greenways

The last of our Greenways workshops was held in October to confirm and prioritise the draft greenways routes that we would like presented at our December meeting for endorsing by the Board so that we can start consultation. This is an exciting project that has the potential to transform transport options in our area and will maximise the walking and cycling investment currently underway by Auckland Transport, NZTA and Waterfront Auckland.

Chorus – Ultra Fast Broadband

I have received a number of complaints this month about the standard to which pavements are being re-instated following the Chorus UFB works. In a number of places the high grade footpaths that were renewed in the western bays area only a couple of years ago are being left in a “patchwork” condition. Auckland Transport is following up these issues with Chorus and working to ensure the Code of Practice is followed.

TRAFINZ conference 8/9 October

I attended the NZ Traffic Institute’s annual conference in Takapuna on behalf of the Board. I learnt a huge amount at the conference about road safety and the “safe system” principles. I would recommend all members become familiar with the safe system approach to road safety and the responsibility we need to take as politicians for road design and working towards zero fatalities. My conference report is attached.

Community Portfolio

Community Funding

Tricia Reade attended the Central Local Boards Joint Funding Committee workshop on my behalf on 19 October. We first considered the officer recommendations together for applications to the Community Group Assistance Fund and the Accommodation Support Fund. Both of these funds are substantially over subscribed with many of our local groups relying on the funding support. The committee meeting to decide which groups will receive funding is on 9 November. The agenda is available online.

Unitary plan

Key stakeholder engagement on the preliminary Unitary Plan proposals that will inform the draft for public consultation in March 2013 got underway in October. I attended the stakeholder workshop on 4 October and the Unitary Plan public meeting on 18 October. I have also taken every opportunity to gain greater understanding of the Unitary Plan proposals by attending the forums for board members.

Housing affordability

It has been recognised by Auckland Council and the Government that there is a housing crisis in Auckland – a crisis of supply, affordability, quality and choice. I attended the briefing on the Housing Strategic Action Plan (HSAP) that commits Council to working with others to deliver a multi-sector plan. Stage one of the HSAP, which is programmed to be completed by December this year focuses on investigating the whole range of possible housing development vehicles, policy and regulatory tools, available to Council that would increase the supply of affordable housing in Auckland. I would like to see the Auckland Council take a pro-active role in providing and encouraging affordable housing (which needs to be understood on a continuum from social housing through to assisted home ownership and covering affordable rent) and making full use of the tools available such as inclusionary zoning.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Keep Auckland Beautiful Conference

I attended this free conference on Saturday 6 October on behalf of the Board. The conference started with an enthusiastic welcome from the Mayor Len Brown, who is patron of the Keep Auckland Beautiful Trust (KABT).

As I learnt at the conference the KABT is a new Trust that falls under the umbrella of Keep NZ Beautiful. It builds on the work of Keep Waitakere Beautiful that has operated from Eco- Matters Environmental Trust. As a non-profit organisation KNZB operates as a charitable trust to promote litter abatement, waste minimisation as well as town and city beautification across New Zealand. The purpose of the conference was to the determine what level of interest there is in the Auckland Region for localised beautification projects and what Keep Auckland Beautiful Trust can do to support, foster or initiate these projects.

I asked Iris Donoghue, Chair of the KNZBT about the funding sources of the Trust as I am concerned about the support provided by tobacco companies. Iris confirmed that a tobacco company is a member of the Trust and provides funding (which is voted on each year) but not the Auckland Trust. I think the KNZBT has done a lot of good work and it is great we now have an Auckland Trust but I would like to ensure that any support we provide does not in any way benefit the tobacco industry (for example by providing public place ashtrays that normalise smoking in public areas and put the cost on to Council).

Business Improvement District workshop

I attended the BID workshop with Nick Pinchin from the Grey Lynn Business Association to get a better understanding of the process and funding available for setting up a BID. The workshop covered the value of BIDs in an economic development context, identifying a business area’s needs and the key priorities for a BID, how to engage the business community, surveying businesses, developing a strategic plan, lessons from recent BID establishments, the balloting process, resourcing the establishment process, funding and budgeting to get to a successful outcome. The GLBA is going to consider the process more carefully but the initial reaction is that as there is no longer funding available to support a BID establishment process it is going to be extremely difficult for an association run by volunteers to get a BID off the ground.

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended during October:

Cluster workshop for Local Board members to discuss the first draft of the Parkland Design Guidelines on 1 October.
The Parkland Design Guidelines are going to directly influence the design, upgrade and maintenance of all parks across the region. They will also be an important decision making tool for local board members who will enable them to powerfully evaluate design proposals, achieve cost savings and promote high quality designs.
Unitary plan briefing for the Board on historic/character overlays on 2 October
Local Board workshop on 2 October ·
Meeting on 3 October to discuss the Board’s hosting of Carols by Candlelight and ideas for the event to be held in Western Park on 6 December
Low impact design for storm water meeting on 3 October
Meeting with the new Stormwater Liaison Advisor about her role and the process for regularly engaging with local boards
Feedback on Bylaws: Public Places/Public Safety, Trading and Events meeting on 3 October
Auckland Transport’s briefing on 4 October for Local Boards on two key upcoming initiatives: The development of the Regional Public Transport Plan, and the Auckland Cycle Network (previously the Regional Cycle Network)
Unitary Plan stakeholder engagement workshop on 4 October (photo right)
Monthly catch up with Ashley Church, CEO Newmarket Business Association on 4 October
Meeting with Andy Davies and Philip Jones to discuss the placement of the bus stop outside Ponsonby Central and parking issues Waitemata Local Board business meeting at Graham Street on Tuesday 9 October
Meeting to finalise Board’s accessibility action plan on 10 October
Annual plan meeting for Board members on 11 October
Greenways workshop on 11 October
BID Establishment and Collaboration Workshop for board members and business associations on 12 October
Housing Strategic Action Plan (HSAP) cluster meeting on 15 October
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 16 October
Workshop on the Waitemata Coastal Walkway Project on 16 October
Movies in the Park Presentation by Gina Dellabarca and Rebecca Knox on 17 October
Meeting on 18 October with John Dunshea and Tim Watts regarding the failure to include the Waitemata Local Board’s City Centre priorities and projects in the final version of the CCMP
Unitary Plan public engagement on 18 October – information session about the Unitary Plan process
GLBA committee meeting on 23 October
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 23 October
Public Art Concepts for O’Connell St meeting on 23 October
Communications update on 23 October
Safety in Albert Park meeting
Transport portfolio monthly catch up with Auckland Transport on 26 October
Draft Library Future Directions plan review on 26 October
Community Development and Partnership Central Portfolio Holders meeting (Community Gardens and Social Enterprise) on 26 October
Meeting with Megan Barclay from Be Accessible to finalise the Board’s accessibility plan
Final meeting of the Mayoral taskforce on alcohol and community safety to review the work and progress to date of the Taskforce initiatives (as alternate to the Chair)
Final workshop of the Greenways working group before a report is prepared for the Board’s December meeting
Update from Waterfront Auckland on proposed activation of Queens Wharf and the restoration of Shed 10
Unitary Plan Planning Forum – Topics: Rural Urban Boundary & Heritage & Historic Character on 30 October
Discussion and lunch at the Waterfront Auckland October board meeting held on 31 October.

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during October:

Cycle Action’s Associates breakfast on 4 October
Joined the start of the Waitemata Local Board’s Original foreshore walk on 5 October. As part of the Heritage Festival, Malcolm Paterson along with Christopher Dempsey as assistant led a walk of 30 from Parnell pool through to the city centre and out to Victoria Park along the historic foreshore.
Attended the Keep Auckland Beautiful conference on Saturday 6 October hosted by at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Mt Albert (see report above).
Jam on Toast – a showcase of users of the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 6 October (I supported a stand for the GLBA, GLFM and Grey Lynn 2030)
Trafinz Conference 2012 on 8/9 October (report attached)
Your Power Team AECT election launch outside Vector on 10 October
GLBA monthly networking drinks on 11 October at the Grey Lynn RSC
Kelmarna Community Gardens open day on 12 October (I am a trustee of the gardens)
Billy Bragg concert at the Town Hall on 12 October – “The greatest enemy of our time isn’t capitalism or conservatism. It’s cynicism”
Leys Hall Official Opening on Saturday 13 October
Savalivali Grey Lynn Heritage Walk on 13 October
Opening of the Divali Festival on 13 October
Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market AGM on 14 October (I was re-elected as Chair )
Sustainable Business Network’s 10 birthday party celebrations on 16 October
International Triathlon Age-Group World Championships– enjoyed checking out the racing on Labour Day by bike
Art in the Dark launch on 23 October at Barrio, Ponsonby Road (photo right)
Green Drinks at the Kitchen on 24 October
Jeremy Hubbard’s leaving function as Director of MOTAT after 10 years of service on 25 October
Launch of the Living Room programme. Arts+ performance funded by the Waitemata Local Board on 26 October
Space Invaders car park installation on K’rd on Saturday 27 October
Launch of the Italian Festival held at Freeman’s Bay School on Sunday 27 October including lunch hosted by Dante Alighieri society
Auckland War Memorial Museum and carboNZero programme sustainability event
Launch of the Auckland Arts Festival on 31 October at the Aotea Centre – an impressive line-up of local and international acts that is sure to bring a new level of excitement to the festival under the direction of Carla van Zon.

Progress for progressive values in Waitemata

City Vision media release

1 November 2012

With one year until the local government election, elected representatives from City Vision in Waitemata are pleased with their achievements promoting progressive policies since the new council was established.

The new Auckland Council came into existence two years ago and at that time many people worried it would mean local communities would lose their voice. “We’ve been fighting to make sure the new structure looks after our local communities,” says City Vision member of the Waitemata Local Board Shale Chambers.

“Progressive elected members on the Governing Body and Local Boards of Auckland Council have had their shoulders to the wheel delivering better public transport, keeping rates fair, protecting heritage and the environment, and supporting investment in our local communities.

Mr Chambers was speaking to launch the two year accountability report for City Vision in Waitemata. He says City Vision and supporting groups (made up of Labour, Greens and community independents) have been working together to try and make the new unified governance structure a success.

“We think it’s important to communicate what we have been doing at the same time as listening to what people think is important about their city. Many people tell us they’re pleased to see progressive values becoming embedded in Auckland.

“Many people had strong reservations about the ‘Supercity’ at the time of its creation, and while concerns remain, we’re working to bring Auckland together, end the negative do-nothing politics of the past and give our communities a voice.

The report covers the Waitemata Local Board and Waitemata & Gulf Islands Ward. Reports have also been produced for the Albert-Eden Local Board, the Puketapapa Local Board, and the Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward. The reports show our elected members delivering on their election commitments, including:

Being staunch advocates for public ownership of public assets by fighting off attempts to privatise the airport, ports and water utility company from Communities & Ratepayer representatives
Advocating for stronger environmental and heritage protection standards
Prudent financial oversight and working to reduce the impact of the government’s amalgamation on rates
Strongly pushing for better public transport, including the City Rail Link
Supporting decision making at the local level to ensure local communities continue to see investment in their areas

“While some on Council have chosen to snipe from the sidelines and play negative political games, we have focussed on the issues that matter for Aucklanders.

“Two years since the establishment of the new Auckland Council we are proud of our achievements, but also see much to be done. The disastrous Ports dispute must be solved fairly, CCOs need to be opened up to more public scrutiny, Local Boards need more equitable funding, the government should support our public transport agenda and Council must hold its nerve on the vision of a quality compact city. Our elected members will continue to speak up for our communities on all of these issues”, says Shale Chambers.

ENDS

Notes*

City vision has produced 3 separate two year accountability reports covering Waitemata, Albert-Eden and Puketapapa. Around 90,000 reports in total have been produced for the whole area.

City Vision is Auckland’s progressive local body political group. It represents the local Labour and Green parties and progressive community independents.

In the 2010 first “super city” election City Vision stood candidates for the Waitemata Local Board, Albert Eden Local Board, Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward councillors. City Vision endorsed Councillor Mike Lee for the Waitemata & Gulf Ward and supported Roskill Community Voice for the Puketapapa Local Board and Labour in Maungakiekie-Tamaki.

Waitemata Local Board – 5 City Vision members (out of 7) led by Chair, Shale Chambers with Pippa Coom, Deputy Chair and members Christopher Dempsey, Jesse Chalmers and Tricia Reade

Albert Eden Local Board – 5 City Vision members (out of 8 from 2 subdivisions) led by Chair, Peter Haynes

Puketapapa Local Board – 2 Roskill Community Voice members (out of 6) led by member Michael Wood

Albert-Eden-Roskill Ward – Councillor Cathy Casey (1 of 2 Councillors)

Waitemata & Gulf Ward – Councillor Mike Lee

www.cityvision.org.nz

Ponsonby Road Masterplan working group

Notice of Motion – 9 October 2012

At our October board meeting I introduced and moved a notice of motion to establish a Ponsonby Road masterplan working group with representatives from the local community.

We all have a personal relationship with Pononsby Road whether we work or live there or visit for events, entertainment, the retail, restaurants and bars. On Ponsonby Market Day we all can see the potential for Ponsonby Road in attracting a great deal of pedestrian activity. It also highlights the current issues of narrow pavements, lack of people-focused spaces and the dominance of traffic. There is no reason why Ponsonby Road could not be better designed so that every day attracts the same level of activity and feels like the buzz of a market day.

As a Board we have already committed to the development of masterplan through our Local Board Plan and our Local Board Agreement 12/13. This is more than just traffic management but about taking a “complete” street approach so that the road is pedestrian friendly with a focus on urban design outcomes and heritage protection.

With Tricia Reade I have done some thinking about how best to deliver a masterplan. We know the Western Bays Community Group have already been working on concepts. We know the Ponsonby Business Association has direct interest as well as a range of community stakeholders. We know that Auckland Transport and Auckland Council officers are keen to support. The purpose of this Notice of Motion is therefore to put transparency around the process of developing a masterplan and I ask for the support of board members.

MOVED by Member PJ Coom, seconded Member PM Reade:

a) That the Waitemata Local Board notes that the Ponsonby Road master plan is identified as a project in the Local Board Plan and the Local Board Agreement 2012/13.

b) That the Waitemata Local Board approves:

i) The establishment of a Ponsonby Road working group with representatives of the local community, the business association and local board members and supported by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport tasked with developing a concept for a draft master plan for endorsement of the Waitemata Local Board prior to public consultation.

ii) Pippa Coom and Tricia Reade as the Board’s representatives on the Ponsonby Road master plan working group.

c) That the Board’s representatives on the working group report back to the Board at the earliest opportunity on the membership of the working group and an agreed process and timetable for developing a draft concept design for the master plan.

d) That the Waitemata Local Board requests that Auckland Transport nominate a representative to the working group. CARRIED

Background:

The Waitemata Local Board plan identifies the need to respond to a range of traffic issues on Ponsonby Road by taking a “whole road” approach that provides for a quality street design with community focused outcomes.

It is proposed to take a master plan approach to Ponsonby Road that can incorporate urban design, the road corridor, landscaping etc and best balances safety, multiple users, parking, heritage impacts, retail needs etc. A coordinated approach is needed for the use and development of Ponsonby Road so that we can avoid ad hoc decision making going forward and ensure that the best outcomes are achieved.

This approach builds on the Liveable Arterials work, the Ponsonby Road Strategy Plan 2006 (the initial scoping exercise undertaking for Ponsonby Road), the Corridor Management Plan and Concept Design (Nov 2008) and the work of the Ponsonby Road working group established under the Auckland City Council that was seeking further pedestrian facilities following the implementation of the 40km speed limit in 2009.

In these documents, Ponsonby Road was identified as coming under a community emphasis category where maintaining the local condition and amenity of “place” is the primary role of the arterial route of Ponsonby Road.

More recently the Western Bays Community Group has started work on a plan for Ponsonby Road and has sought community input.

In our local board agreement we are advocating for Auckland Transport to:

Develop and deliver a Masterplan for Ponsonby Road

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

Auckland Transport has responded to the Waitemata Local Board agreement that this process should follow on from the City Centre Master Plan (if Ponsonby Road is identified as a priority in the CCMP) or funding clearly indicated from the governing body. Auckland Transport are however willing to be involved as appropriate if Auckland Council takes the lead.

The Auckland Council planning team have confirmed they are resourced to support the development of a master plan.

It is therefore proposed to start the process of developing a master plan by setting up a working group consisting of local board members, community representatives including the Ponsonby Business Association and the Western Bay Community Group.

The working group is to be supported by Council officers with a representative from Auckland Transport. The objective of the working group is to produce a draft concept master plan that can be endorsed by the Waitemata Local Board for wider community consultation.

The working group can learn from the experience of the Tamaki Drive master plan process currently underway and the precedent of the Devonport master plan that was successfully developed by a working group involving strong community representation.

Monthly Board Report October 2012

Covering activities from 1 September to 30 September 2012

Portfolios

Transport (West including Regional portfolio) with Greg Moyle
Community (including Regional portfolio) with Tricia Reade
Chair, Grants Committee
Member of the Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee
Positions: Grey Lynn Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate)

Portfolio reports

Transport

Waitemata Local Board capex priorities

At the Board’s September business meeting Local Board Agreement transport priorities 2012/13 were endorsed as the key projects to be scoped for delivery through the Local Board Transport $10 million Capital Programme where these projects do not form part of Auckland Transport’s 2012/12 work programme. In September I worked with Auckland Transport and members of the transport portfolio to identify which of these key projects to submit as proposals to Auckland Transport for the Waitemata Local Board’s $469,789 share of the Programme for 2012/13.

The following Local Board Agreement transport proposals have so far been submitted to Auckland Transport for an initial assessment:

1. Pedestrian intersection improvements ·

Kitchener/Bowen/Victoria St West
Victoria Street East/Nelson Street
Beach Road/Fort Street/Britomart Place/Emily Place intersection

2. Installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes

Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge ·
Great North Road, eastbound coming onto Karangahape Road

3. Streetscape Improvements in Teed/Kent/York Streets,Newmarket

4. Traffic calming – creation of a slow speed zone for Freemans Bay

These proposals have been submitted by the Transport portfolio for an initial assessment by Auckland Transport. Once the forms come back with the initial assessment, the final proposals will be placed on the Board’s agenda for endorsement in November.

Good for business workshop

Substantial progress has been made by Auckland Transport on the “Good for business” workshop with international expert Rodney Tolley. The workshop is aimed at our business associations and business leaders so they can understand why investment in streetscape infrastructure that encourages walking and cycling is good for the local economy The date for the workshop has been confirmed as 28 November.

Cycling Summit

I attended the inaugural Cycling Summit on 5 September hosted by Auckland Transport, NZTA and Cycle Action Auckland aimed at expanding collaboration across Auckland and to learn about innovative projects. 18 speakers were given 5 minutes to present I was impressed with the level of activity, collaboration and the significant commitment of many organisations and individuals working to increase cycling. Many of the presentations were relevant to our Local Board priorities and projects.

I was particularly interested to learn from Alex Macmillan, Auckland University’s School of Population Health who has identified that if we take a best practice approach to cycle infrastructure by ensuring every arterial has bike lanes and all local roads have traffic calming that we could ensure a 40% mode share with a $3 billion investment over the next 20 years. If we continue on the current path of just completing the Regional Cycle Network we are only likely to achieve 5% by 2050. ‘

Freemans Bay School bike track

At the cycle summit Bike On NZ Director, Paul McArdle spoke about the development of bike tracks in schools and the success of the project in getting kids on bikes since it was started three years ago in Hawkes Bay. Sport Auckland and Bike On NZ are collaborating to install 8 bike tracks in 8 Auckland Schools. Freemans Bay School has been identified as the preferred school for our area with the enthusiastic support of the school principal. I intend following up with members about how we can best contribute to this fantastic project which will have wide community benefits .

Greenways

Also at the cycle summit Richard Barter presented on the Puketapapa Local Board greenways project. Our own greenways project is developing well with fortnightly workshops that have been looking to identify a grid of at least 10 routes with additional extensions that will connect all our open spaces with high amenity, safe walking and cycling facilities. ‘

Community

Community Grants Committee

The Committee met for the first time this financial year to consider applications to the first round of funding from our Community Grants fund of $80,000 per annum. The recommendations from this committee meeting were made to the Board’s meeting on 11 September.

Unitary plan

Along with Tricia Reade I am taking a particular interest in the engagement process for the Unitary Plan. We know there is wide spread community concern about what is proposed for the unitary plan and want to ensure there is a genuine opportunity for meaningful input into the draft plan to be released in March 2013. The first opportunity for stakeholder engagement is at a workshop on 4 October. A public meeting is also scheduled for 18 October. I have also attended 3 workshops throughout the month for board members looking at the first drafts of the planning maps and rules. There is a lot of information to get on top of and I have found these workshops to be very informative.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Solid waste bylaws hearing

The Council’s consultation on the Solid Waste Bylaw proposals to meet the council’s obligations under the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010, Local Government Act 2002 and the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 closed on 3 September. The bylaws will come into force on 1 November 2012. Following on from a bylaws workshop I finalised the Board’s submission with member Dempsey (a copy of the submission is attached to the agenda). On 28 September we presented the submission to the hearing panel chaired by Cr Rafills. A copy of the presentation is attached (Attachment C).

Grey Lynn Park

The Grey Lynn Park Advisory group met on 3 September. We discussed the make up of the group and the group’s charter. Members of the group agreed the charter is still relevant and would very much like to continue with support from the Parks team. I volunteered to update the group’s charter to reflect the new Council structure. I assisted with the delivery of flyers to advertise our community fruit tree planting on Saturday 15 September. A variety of fruit trees were successfully planting by locals and board members with assistance from Simon Cook, Arboricultural Advisor.

Better Local Government Reforms

On 5 September I joined the Auckland Council delegation speaking to the Council’s submission on the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill at the Local Government and Environment Select Committee Hearings. I spoke after the Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse. There was a short item about the presentation on Checkpoint Council weary of changes to local government act Radio NZ on 5 September 2012. A copy of my presentation is attached is here

Local Board workshops and meetings

Chairs weekly meeting with officers on 3 September (following a week of filling in as acting Chair)
Chaired the Grants Committee meeting on 3 September
Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group meeting on 3 September at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms
Local Board workshops 4, 18 (part only) and 25 September
Meeting to discuss the events policy on 4 September
Unitary plan stakeholder engagement proposal meeting 5 September
Meeting with Charlotte Cuffe on 5 September to discuss Waitemata Local Board Events Fund Applications in preparation for the Board’s September business meeting
Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill select committee hearing on 5 September (see attached presentation)
Local Board Community Development Portfolio holders cluster meeting at the Kitchen on 5 September
Upgrade session for a new Local Board member laptop
Regional Policies for the Draft Annual Plan cluster workshop on 10 September
Greenways workshops on 13 and 27 September
Unitary Plan cluster workshops on 6, 13 and 28 September
Transport Funding Priorities meeting with Jonathan Anyon (AT) and Eva Lawrence 10 September
Grey Lynn Business Association Board meeting on 11 September ·
Draft unitary plan mapping session with Tricia Reade and planning officers (providing an opportunity to study the Unitary Plan maps in more detail) ·
Waitemata Communications update 11 September
Local Board monthly public meeting on 11 September in Grey Lynn
Meeting with the Mayor for Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Waiheke, Albert-Eden and Waitemata Local Boards to discuss the Annual Plan process on 14 September
Introducing the new generation of kiwi-kids – Evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal by Dr Susan Morton, Director at the Centre for Longitudinal Research hosted by the Reseach, investigations and monitoring unit
Monthly catch up with officers from Community Development and Partnerships Central on 19 September
Solid Waste Bylaw briefing 20 September
Accessible board follow up – meeting to go through their high level thoughts and questions and finalise plan and confirm budgets on 25 September
Resource Recovery Centres progress meeting with Warren Snow on 25 September
Monthly transport portfolio catch ups with Auckland Transport on 27 September
Solid Waste Bylaw hearing – presentation with Christopher Dempsey on 28 September

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during September:

Third anniversary celebration of the 40km speed limit on Ponsonby Road organised by Walk Auckland and Auckland Transport on 1 September
Newmarket Business Association AGM dinner for Board members (at the invitation of the NBA)
Cycling Summit hosted by NZTA, Auckland Transport and Cycle Action on 5 September
Cycle Action’s Associates Breakfast at the Art Gallery on 6 September
Parnell Heritage AGM on 6 September
Royal NZ Ballet’s production of Cinderella at the Aotea Centre of 8 September at the invitation of the Mayor (tickets and after show drinks sponsored by Tower)
GLBA monthly networking drinks on 12 September ·
Grey Lynn 2030 meeting to discuss setting up an Urban Design group at the Grey Lynn RSC
Community orchard fruit tree planting in Grey Lynn Park on Saturday 15 September
Zonta Awards dinner at the Barry Court Hotel on 17 September ·
Spoke on behalf of the Board at the suffrage day celebrations on 19 September at the Suffrage monument in Khartoum Place
NZ Park(ing) day on Ponsonby Road organised by Walk Auckland
Ponsonby Market Day on 22 September
Tweed Run organised as part of the Ponsonby Road 40km speed limit celebrations
Silo Theatre’s production of Private Lives at Q Theatre (at the invitation of Q Theatre)
Cycle Action Auckland’s AGM on 27 September
Heritage Festival 29 September – 14 October
Launch of the Heritage Festival at the Voyager Museum on 27 September
First Electric Tram event on 29 September
Celebration of the Campbell Free Kindergarten with a presentation by with a presentation by Conservation Architect Bruce Petry on 29 September
Auckland Boat Show (at the invitation of ATEED)
Richard Heinberg “Life after Growth” presentation on 30 September – the quest for a more resilient, sustainable, and healthy future hosted by the Post Carbon Institute, Grey Lynn 2030 and the Sustainable Business Network.

Back your own horse call to Government

I spoke after the Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse. There was a short item about the presentation on Checkpoint Council weary of changes to local government act Radio NZ 5 September 2012

Tena Kotou Katoa

My name is Pippa Coom. I am Deputy Chair of the Waitemata Local Board – the Board covering the central city and inner suburbs of Auckland. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Committee today to speak on behalf of the Board’s submission that forms part of the Auckland Council’s response to the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill.

I wish to speak specifically in relation to the proposed consequential changes to the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 that fundamentally alters the purpose of Local Boards and the concerns this raises about the impact on local decision making and the role of local boards in contributing to community well-being.

This Act was intended to strengthen local democracy and community engagement based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission. As Nikki Kaye, MP for Central Auckland said at the third reading of the Act – the new structure will deliver “strong local boards so that people can better influence what goes on in their community”.

In my experience it is only now –after almost 2 years – that Aucklanders are coming to grips with the new structure of local government in the region and to appreciate the role of their local board. Local board members have become the go to people for local issues. Without a doubt there have been many transitional issues and challenges but local democracy and grass roots engagement have been one of the success stories of the amalgamation. Local boards are strengthening their communities, undertaking place-making, and in other ways supporting or improving the life of their citizens as encompassed by the “four well-beings”. Local boards within the Auckland Council structure are best placed to understand and advocate for the aspirations of their communities.

It therefore seems completely at odds to have supported the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act and set up the structure for strong local boards to now propose to effectively make Local Boards redundant. What is proposed will make the local boards a local service delivery agency and many current activities could be interpreted to fall outside the proposed new purpose.

I think the best way to illustrate this is with regards to local board plans. Within the last year we have engaged extensively with our communities to develop a local board plan that sets out the aspirations and priorities of the people and businesses in our local areas for the next three years and beyond. As we support the need for local government activities to be undertaken in a cost effective manner we have been fiscally prudent and maintained a balanced budget. The majority of our projects are low cost but that will have high impact in terms of building strong local communities. There is no doubt that our activities complement and facilitate the role of central government and the private sector. We are not aware of any evidence to suggest that local boards are acting ineffectively or have diverted into areas more appropriately covered by central government.

However these plans contain a wide range of activities, some of which may sit outside the narrow focus of the new purpose statement for local boards. To give just one example- there is strong local support within our area community gardens and fruit tree planting. Through a combination of volunteer labour, donated trees, a small local board contribution and support from the parks team we are holding a community planting day to kick off an orchard in a local park.

The lawyer in me can’t but help but point out that fruit tree planting is not “good quality local infrastructure”; it is not strictly a “public service” and it is not being undertaken in the “performance of a regulatory function”. But it is an activity that will strengthen the community and have lasting benefits.

As a lawyer I could go through our local board plan and argue that on every page there are initiatives that fall outside the proposed new purpose for local boards – all initiatives that will be of no interest to Central government or the private sector but matter to our communities.

We have therefore requested in our submission to you that no change is made to the purpose of local boards before the new structure has been given an opportunity to be fully tested. If Aucklanders don’t agree with the direction of their local boards then the election next year is the appropriate mechanism for change. I ask those in government to back your own horse as you put it in place less than 2 years ago – to fully support local democracy, and local decision making by maintaining the current function and purpose of local boards.

Monthly board report September 2012

Covering activities from 1 August – 31 August 2012

Portfolios

Transport (West including Regional portfolio) with Greg Moyle
Community (including Regional portfolio) with Tricia Reade
Chair, Grants Committee
Member of the Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee
Positions: Grey Lynn Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate)

Portfolio reports

Transport

Monthly transport update

The monthly Transport catch up was held with the Transport portfolio and relevant officers from Auckland Transport on 16 August. We covered:

Footpath renewals – explanation of how the programme is scheduled (we are waiting to receive the final programme which has been delayed due to budget changes).
Auckland Transport CBD Streetscape Team update (this team has recently moved into AT from Council)
Cycling and walking improvements proposed for the Domain (refer agenda item)

The issues discussed are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda.

Waitemata Local Board new footpath priorities 2012-13

Auckland Transport has allocated around $3 million per year in the Regional Land Transport Programme to construct new footpaths. Local Boards have been invited to assist in establishing the new footpath programme by providing proposals to Auckland Transport. The attached memo outlines the proposal for a footpath on Judges Bay Road extension that I have submitted on behalf of the Board.

A number of issues have been referred to Auckland Transport this month regarding footpath patching following the installation of ultra-fast broadband by Chorus, traffic concerns resulting from the opening of Farro Fresh on Westmorland Street in Grey Lynn and parking enforcement in parks.

Community

Affordable Housing

I attended two excellent presentations during August on the subject of affordable housing. George Housakos, CEO of Urban Communities Ltd, Victoria, Australia spoke at a lunchtime learning event about building mixed tenure communities. He shared valuable experience about making the most of business streams that are the key to the success of a mixed tenure project. He highlighted that it makes good business sense to bring everyone to the table and to develop a management and delivery structure that involves the owners.

I also attended the launch of the Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit’s paper Adding it all up- Political Economy of Auckland’s Housing by Alan Johnson. Ian Shirley, Pro vice Chancellor of AUT introduced the author. The paper seeks to analyse the underlying institutional and philosophical reasons for the Auckland’s current housing shortage and makes specific points for action by Auckland Council to work towards building affordable housing.

Community Development

I attended the breakfast seminar with Jim Diers, a community development practitioner from Seattle, who was jointly hosted by Auckland Council and Inspiring Communities. His focus is on building strong communities and neighbourhoods from the ground up. His presentation “Community Power unleashed” was inspiring and extremely relevant to Auckland and many of the initiatives we are supporting as a Board. Some of the points I took away:

Encourage active citizens – not just ratepayers
Move from silos at Council (in Seattle he started a Department of Neighbourhoods) –
Start with the community’s strengths NOT needs

I was really interested to learn about the Seattle neighbourhood matching funds scheme (currently $4.5m) that allows any group or individual to create one-off projects. This scheme has seen some fantastic projects get developed without creating dependency on Council.

Also relevant to our Board projects was his advice about how to encourage community driven planning where neighbourhood plans are locally initiated and developed. The Council provides funding and technical assistance but the community hires their own planners, defines the scope of work and drives the plan throughout the process. Jim Diers gave examples of this approach working successfully in Seattle where the implementation has happened and the resources of the Council and the community have multiplied as a result.

Libraries

There were a number of workshops in August looking at the future direction of our libraries and the work being undertaken by the department to contribute to the vision of the Auckland Plan. At the workshop for all Boards on 29 August we had the opportunity to learn from and discuss with senior staff the long term direction for libraries, trends, focus for 2012/13, library facilities planning, programmes and events – regional/local, digital developments, library collections, local history heritage and archival collections. I am impressed that the Libraries team are really getting to grips with the challenges and opportunities arising from the move from the information age, with books as the central feature, to the knowledge society. Allison Dobbie, Manager Libraries and Information, spoke about libraries moving to being high touch, high tech, high use, high engagement and making content (in whatever form) fully accessible . I think she is right that library space is as relevant as ever and can fulfil a role in the community that no other agency can.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

A range of meetings and presentations were attended during August relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below including a presentation by students on their research project- Women’s Safety: Myer’s Park and Newmarket Train Station Square and the Local Settlement Network meeting.

Other board activities

Greenways

Work is now underway on the Board’s project to develop greenways and greenlinks throughout the Board to connect our open space and parks and to create safe options for walking and cycling and provide for ecological benefits. During August we had 3 workshops with members from Transport and Parks and Council officers who are working on developing a map of potential greenways. Workshops are continuing every fortnight.

LGNZ Zone One Meeting

I attended the Zone One meeting in Orewa on 24 August on behalf of the Board. Presentations included:

Public Libraries of NZ – Strategic Framework
Sally Davenport from the NZ Productivity Commission – to discuss the Local government regulatory performance issues paper
LGNZ update from Malcolm Alexander, CEO of LGNZ

I found this Zone meeting to be the most worthwhile of the three I have now attended as it directly addressed local board issues and allowed for meaningful discussion involving local board members.

Grey Lynn Park

The Grey Lynn Park Advisory group met for the first time under the new Council structure. Members of the group have been frustrated at the lack of action in the Park and brought their concerns to our Board meeting in July. A number of issues have now been progressed as a result of the meeting and we are looking to continue on a quarterly basis going forward. I assisted member Chalmers in writing a letter to neighbours of Grey Lynn Park regarding the proposed fruit tree planting to take place on 15 September. 25 letters were delivered by my partner Paul on a voluntary basis.

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended:

Greenways workshops on 2, 16 and 30th August
Meeting with members of the Newmarket Protection Society regarding Station Square
Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group meeting on 6 August at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms
Local Board workshop on 7 August
Women’s Safety: Myer’s Park and Newmarket Train Station Square Report presented by students of Auckland University to the community portfolio and community development officers on 10 August ·
Waitemata Communications update 14 August ·
Libraries Future Directions meeting on 14 August (community portfolio)
Local Board monthly public meeting on 14 August in Parnell
Monthly catch up with officers from Community Development and Partnerships Central on 15 August ·
Graffiti Vandalism – Local Boards cluster workshop on 15 August to be briefed on the Auckland Graffiti Vandalism Prevention Plan July 2012
Auckland Transport presentation to Heart of the City on the City Centre Parking Scheme consultation results on 15 August
Monthly transport portfolio catch ups with Auckland Transport on 16 August ·
Ponsonby development briefing by Progressive on 17 August ·
The health of children and young people in Auckland – research presented by Liz Craig ·
Meeting with the new E&B Reporter, Karina Abadia ·
Community Unleashed – a breakfast seminar with Jim Diers on 21 August ·
CMP Khyber Pass follow up meeting with Waitemata Local Board 23 August ·
Parnell Trust meeting on 23 August ·
LGNZ Zone One meeting in Orewa on 24 August ·
Meeting with the Waitemata Local Board Relationship Manager 27 August (filling in for the Chair) ·
ATEED Tourism Industry Update at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on 27 August ·
Local Board and Libraries Workshop at Henderson on 29 August ·
Local Settlement meeting Community Connectedness – collaboration to help newcomers to feel connected to our community organised by Settlement Support New Zealand on 30 August ·
Child Play Spaces Meeting with the Public Art team on 30 August

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during August:

Cycle Action’s Associates Breakfast at the Art Gallery on 2 August
First Thursdays on K’rd
Opening of Powerflowers by Paul Hartigan in the Bledisloe walkway on Friday 3 August
Grey Power public meeting at the Flicking Centre with speakers David Shearer and Winston Peters on 7 August
Grey Lynn Business Association August networking drinks at Café O
Red carpet night in West Lynn
City Centre Masterplan and Waterfront Plan launch at the Cloud on 10 August
Lighting up celebrations of the new “3 Lamps” at Three Lamps in Ponsonby on 10 August
Auckland Conversation with George Housakos, CEO of Urban Communities Ltd, Victoria, Australia on 13 August
Bio- diversity Strategy launch at the Town Hall on 15 August (photo right)
Auckland Transport Blog fundraiser movie “Urbanize”
Citizenship ceremony on 20 August at the Town Hall (photo right)
Parent Action Group meeting at Western Springs College regarding the new school development and community consultation 21 August
Political Economy of Auckland’s Housing 23 August at AUT
2012 Roading Excellence Awards Dinner at the Langham – Auckland Council Shared Space projects won the medium road project category and the Kitchener St Upgrade project was a finalist (minor road category)
Table talk at the Kitchen on 29 August – presentations by social innovators and change makers
Launch of the SugarTree – a $250m residential and commercial development on Nelson Street Recommendation

New footpath proposal for Judges Bay Road access to Parnell Baths

Memo to Auckland Transport regarding new footpath priorities 2012-13

Auckland Transport has allocated around $3 million per year in the Regional Land Transport Programme to construct new footpaths. Local Boards have been invited to assist in establishing the new footpath programme by providing proposals to Auckland Transport. Auckland Transport has advised that any local board proposals will be assessed against a set of criteria, which will include:

Providing footpaths where none currently exist
Providing linkages to community facilities
Addressing gaps in the footpath network Enhancing routes and links to schools and public transport
Known pedestrian safety issues

The purpose of this memo is to outline the Waitemata Local Board’s high priority proposal for the footpath programme.

Priority footpath in the Waitemata Local Board area

The Waitemata Local Board has identified Judges Bay Road extension as the highest priority location for the construction of a new footpath from the 12-13 new footpath budget. A footpath is required to provide a safe pedestrian connection from Judges Bay Reserve to the Parnell Baths and to the walkway through the Baths that provides pedestrian access across Pt Resolution Bridge to Tamaki Drive and to St Stephens Ave. This is a popular route for visitors to the Baths and for residents and visitors wanting to connect to the wider network of walking routes. This route is also part of a heritage foreshore walk that the Board is developing.

Currently no footpath exists on this part of Judges Bay Road. Pedestrians have to walk on the actual road to access the Parnell Baths and the walkway. Pedestrian safety is also compromised by the car parking on the road.

It is proposed that the walkway is constructed as a continuation of the boardwalk installed as part of the Judges Bay development project on the Bay side of the road. A board walk (or cantilevered walkway) is considered to be the safest option and will ensure that parking can continue to be provided at the entrance to Parnell Baths. (Refer attached photos showing the current boardwalk on Judges Bay Road).

Safe pedestrian connectivity and provision of car parking have been identified as priorities by residents, visitors and the Parnell Baths Support Group. The construction of the boardwalk/footpath is urgent because Pt Resolution Bridge is going to be closed and reconstructed over the Christmas period. During this time Judges Bay Road will be the only access to Parnell Baths. Ideally construction should be programmed to be completed before the start of the busy summer season at the baths. Notwithstanding the temporary closure of the bridge this footpath is considered to be a high priority for pedestrian safety, improved connectivity to a popular community facility and for providing all year round linkages to a well used walking network. It is also consistent with the priorities of the Waitemata Local Board plan.

Strong community support has already been demonstrated for the footpath to be constructed as a boardwalk or cantilevered walkway so that the existing parking can be retained on the road.

Background

At the end of 2011 the $5m Judges Bay development project was completed to upgrade the Judges Bay beach and foreshore area. The project included two stages:

Stage 1 – dredging and re-sanding of the beach.
Stage 2 – a landscape upgrade of the foreshore and surrounding area.

A stage 2 consultation was undertaken in June 2010 that identified improved pedestrian connectivity as a priority for the community.

As the report noted “The next priority is to deal with the car parking and traffic issues of peak season, which include demands from Parnell Baths and Judges Bay visitors. The significance of these issues extends beyond the convenience of residents and visitors to find suitable car parks and includes safety considerations for pedestrians. The issues of shared pedestrian and car use of Judges Bay Extension is part of this priority. At the other end of Judges Bay, parking on two sides of the road is also felt to create dangers for pedestrians”.

The Waitemata Local Board recently approved the renewal of the Point Resolution Bridge to Parnell Baths walkway to enable the walkway connection project to be completed in conjunction with the replacement of Point Resolution Bridge planned for early 2013. During the construction period Judges Bay Road will provide the only access to the Baths.

The Parnell Baths Support Group has asked the Board to ensure the safe access of pedestrians during the construction period. The Group have also asked that consideration be given to a longer term solution that effectively separates cars from pedestrians on the road but does not reduce the amount of car parking available. They have suggested that the building of a cantilevered walkway beside the carpark, along the narrow extension road to the Baths is the best option.