Councillor monthly report May 2022

General update

Anzac day 2022 Auckland museum photo Michael Craig

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

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

Positions

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

Summary

April included Easter holidays, Anzac Day and a recess week for the Governing Body.
As of 11.59pm on Wednesday 13 April, Tāmaki Makaurau and the whole of Aotearoa is at the Orange setting of the COVID-19 Protection Framework’s traffic light system. Council meetings have subsequently moved to a hybrid model of in-person and remote. In line with government advice, vaccine passes are no longer required at Auckland Council’s sites and facilities.
Results from consultation on the Annual Budget 2022/23 including the Climate Action Targeted Rate were released in early May, showing strong support for the Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR) from Aucklanders.
Feedback on the council’s preliminary response to the NPS-UD and MDRS opened on 19 April and closes 9 May. I have attended all the online consultation events hosted by council. The feedback will help inform council’s proposed changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan that are required by government to be notified in August.
On 7 April spoke at the Women4Climate launch event held online
Speaking at the ride for safety rally at Te Komititanga

I spoke at a bike rally on 9 April calling for more to be done about cycling safety following the deaths of two riders in just one month.
A 75% government funded project to build two new fully-electric ferries on Auckland Harbour operated by Auckland Transport were announced by the Mayor and
Electric ferry announcement on Queens Wharf by Minister Woods and Mayor Goff

the Minister for Energy and Resources on 26 April.
Construction on the Myers Park underpass started on 28 April. It includes a multi-discipinary art installation giving life to wai Horotiu
City of Colour, a three-week programme of light installations within the city centre opened on 5 May as part of a recovery response package.
On 5 May City Rail Link stations new names were announced. The stations names and design will emphasise Māori culture and heritage.
The Planning Committee on 5 May confirmed that work is underway on a compliance investigation and the development of a resource consent practice note in response to the concerns that have been raised by Aotea Great Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā Local Board regarding helicopters (final decision item 8)
Also at the Planning Committee meeting we endorsed the intent and direction of the Auckland Cycling and Micro mobility Programme Business Case and a prioritisation approach towards achieving 7% cycling mode share goal by 2030. This was reported incorrectly as a decision to fund $2bn of cycleways. In fact, it was about the prioritisation of $306m that is already allocated in the Regional Land Transport Plan for investment over the next 10 years. I have been on a political reference group with Cllrs Dalton and Darby and Local Board member Louise Johnston and Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene to provide input into the business case.
Opening of the Ecomatters Bike hub at Queens Wharf. Photo M Crawford

Events attended during the month included the opening on 21 April of the new downtown central Bike Hub on Queens Wharf operated by EcoMatters, Earth Day event in Aotea Square and the AGMs of the Grey Lynn Residents Association and the Herne Bay Residents Association.

Governing Body meetings – Key decisions

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

On 7 April the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee

Approved the Regional Arts and Culture grant allocation: round two 2021/2022
Approved a 12-month agreement to continue funding Auckland Foundation from July 2022-June 2023 with more targeted expectations aligned to Parks and Community 10-year budget priorities.
Delegated authority to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Councillors Hills and Coom, and an Independent Māori Statutory Board member to approve the council’s submission on the Ministry for the Environment’s proposed changes to transform recycling in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Approved Auckland Council staff to work with Auckland Transport and relevant stakeholders to develop play streets guidance for Tāmaki Makaurau.
Received the update on ‘Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau – Māori Outcomes Performance Measurement Framework’ including the next steps for implementation.
Approved the council whānau Statement of Commitment: Kia mahi tahi te whakaiti i te kino ka hua i te waipiro / Work together to minimise the harm from alcohol
Received the findings of the Auckland Council’s Papatoetoe community provision investigation 2021

On 26 April the Council Controlled Organisation Oversight Committee

Received the overview of the implementation programme for the Council-controlled Organisations Review
Approved shareholder comments on draft CCO Statements of Intent 2022-2025 (I have been working to ensure council’s transport emission reduction target of 64% by 2030 is embedded in AT’s SOI)

On 28 April the Governing Body

Considered proposed funding contributions to regional cultural and safety amenities 2022/2023
Approved the Bylaw Panel recommendations on the amended Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Te Ture-ā-rohe Wai Āwhā 2015 / Auckland Council Stormwater Bylaw 2015.
Approved the Bylaw Panel’s recommendations on the proposed changes to the Auckland Council Te Ture ā-rohe Tiaki Rawa me Ngā Mahi Whakapōrearea 2015 / Property Maintenance and Nuisance Bylaw 2015

On 3 May the Planning Committee

Endorsed the intent and direction of the Auckland Cycling and Micromobility Programme Business Case and a prioritisation approach towards achieving 7% cycling mode share goal by 2030
Approved plan changes to enable the installation of rainwater tanks in residential and rural zones
Considered resolutions from the Aotea/Great Barrier, Waiheke and Waitematā Local Boards regarding concerns about helicopter activity. The amended resolution was moved by Chair Darby, I seconded and in speaking in support acknowledged the work of the local boards, Quiet Sky Waiheke and the Herne Bay Residents Association with regards to the negative impacts of helicopter activity:

Anzac Day speech 2019

Grey Lynn RSC Parade and Service

Rau rangatira ma e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. E ngā hau e whā

Kia ora tātou katoa. Greetings to everyone gathered here this morning.

We come together this year on the 104^th anniversary of the Anzacs landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915 and the close of New Zealand’s Centenary Programme that marks the return journey home. Our thoughts turn to those who didn’t make it back from distant shores to their homes. To those who kept the homefires burning throughout the Great War . To those who returned to their loved ones traumatised and scared beyond repair from the horrors of war. To those who would die at home in the aftermath of war.

For the Muslim community that promise of security and safety on our home shores has been severely shaken by the terrible attacks in Christchurch. Out of the horrific massacre and in the Anzac spirit we have an opportunity to recommit to tolerance, respect and mutual understanding of all people regardless of religion, ethnicity or cultural differences.

Each year we all come together, not to glorify war, but to commemorate New Zealanders, Australians and Pacific peoples who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and share the sorrow at the loss and suffering of so many lives in war including those opposing war. 18,000 New Zealanders and people from the Pacific Islands didn’t return home from the Great War. Tragically since, what was meant to be the war to end all wars a further 12,000 men and women have died in conflicts overseas. We acknowledge those who maintain the security of home, respond in the times of crisis and and contribute to the strength and resilience of our communities.

I’m really honoured to be invited to speak today on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board. The Local Board is pleased to be able to support the Grey Lynn RSC’s very special and unique Anzac day parade and service. I give thanks to the Grey Lynn RSC for bringing us all together as a community to remember the lives lost and the huge impact of war on those who served and their families. Thank you for providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive place.

It highlights that Anzac day is for everyone. It is our day of national commemoration. Vice-President Gary and members of the Grey Lynn RSC you are right to feel passionate and proud about the parade and service you host that, as you say, welcomes the whole community including the many children who enjoy attending.

We remember and reflect on ANZAC day together and work to ensure future generations do not face the horror of war. As we remember those who sacrificed their lives and honour those who served. As we reflect on the divisions of hate, of the lives lost in a places of worship in Christchurch and Sri Lanka may we reconfirm our commitment to peace, justice and democracy.

Kei wareware tātou

Lest We Forget

Peace be upon us

No reira

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Grey Lynn RSC Anzac Day parade 2019 (photo credit Roscoe Thorby)

The crowd at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac Day service

Rev Mua Strickson-Pua leading prayers at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac Day service

Anzac Day speech 2019 — Speaking on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac Day service (Photo credit: Roscoe Thorby)

Anzac day speech 2018

Grey Lynn Parade and Service

Tēnā koutou e ngā rau Rangatira mā e huihui mai nei

E ngā hau e whā

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Greetings to everyone gathered here this morning.

It is a great honour to be invited to speak today on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board. I’m joined by newly elected board member Denise Roche.

Laying the wreath on behalf of the local board with board member Denise Roche

We all come together this year on the 103^rd Anzac day in the final year of the 100^th commemoration of the First World War.

I give thanks to the Grey Lynn RSC for bringing us all together as a community to remember the lives lost and the huge impact of war on those who served and their families. I acknowledge the passing of president Rocky and sadly the many other life members who have passed in the last year. Thank you to the club committee and new generation of members keeping the club going strong as a welcoming, inclusive place. The Local Board is pleased to be able to support your very special and unique Anzac day parade and service.

We have all come together, not to glorify war, but to commemorate New Zealanders, Australians and Pacific peoples who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and share the sorrow at the loss and suffering of so many lives in war including those opposing war.

Of 74,000 New Zealanders who served in World War 1 on the Western Front between August 1914 and November 1918, nearly 14,000 lost their lives. Those who volunteered for the war effort on behalf for the British Empire included approximately 1000 men from the Pacific Islands, including 500 from the Cook Islands and 150 from Niue.

In April 1918 war raged. Heavy causalities continued until armistice day in November. It is this year that we move from commemorating war towards peace. We look to the journey home, to loved ones keeping the home fires burning, and the difficult time recovering from the terrible effects of war.

I give thanks for the ANZAC spirit of sacrifice, courage, commitment and giving which has seen NZ cope through natural disasters and rise to the challenges of our time. I tautoko the Prime Minister’s call, at a time when risks to global peace and security are growing and the rules-based system is under such pressure, that we must recommit ourselves to the cause of non-proliferation and disarmament, and to the norms and rules which support those endeavours.

We remember and reflect on ANZAC day together and work to ensure future generations do not face the horror of war. As we remember those who sacrificed their lives and honour those who served we recommit to the importance of peace, independence, fairness and freedom.

Kei wareware tātou

Lest We Forget

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa

Chair’s monthly report: May 2017

Report covering the period 15 March – 3 May 2017 (The full report is available on the May 2017 business meeting agenda of the Waitematā Local Board)

Highlights:

Housing First pilot project launched (Attachment A)
Consultation closed on the Annual Budget 2017/18. With Richard Northey, I attended the handing over of submissions by the Living Wage campaign on 27 March
Hosted the Inner City Network Meeting discussion on the draft Local Board Plan.
The Ponsonby Park at 245 Ponsonby Road proposed community-led design announced on 24 March following a public vote on 11 options.
Attended the first Local Government New Zealand Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington (Refer terms of reference below).
Attended a number of events including the Pasifika Festival walkabout with the Mayor on 24 March, Westpac Business Awards, the Autumn Festival at Kelmarna Gardens
Received the Bring back the monkey bars petition at Grey Lynn School (photo right)
Construction continued on the Grey Lynn Pump Track (a community-led project), Grey Lynn Greenways route connecting Coxs Bay to Grey Lynn Park and on the Ponsonby Road Pedestrian Improvement Project (works on MacKelvie St due to be completed by 5 May). Auckland Transport’s works started on the Franklin Road project following a dawn blessing
Gave an address on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board at the Anzac eve Illumination for Remembrance at St David’s Memorial Church (Attachment B) and at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac day service on behalf of the Board (Attachment C)
Board agreed the Locally Driven Initiatives (LDI) Operational budget, key advocacy areas and response to the regional policy issues for the Annual Budget 2017/18 at an extraordinary meeting on 2 May
Approved the draft Waitematā Local Board Plan at an extraordinary board meeting on 20 May and finalised the summary of the draft. Consultation due to start on 22 May.
A small win. There is a long history of women in particular feeling deterred from visiting the city centre because of the lack of public loos. It took a while but following our request signs have now been updated to make it clear the high quality toilets in the Aotea Centre are in fact public (photo right). We’re now working on mapping all the facilities online.
Followed up a number of transport issues including:
- Pedestrian safety at the car park exit of the new Bunnings on Great North Road and Countdown on Williamson Ave
- Final Grosvenor Street cycleway design removing a large number of car parks and failure by AT to install crossing points along greenway route at the intersection of Grosvenor and Crummer Rd
- Safety issues with car transporters using bus stops and the flush medium for unloading on Great North Road
- Design of a new speed bump on Hakanoa Street
- Traffic management issues associated with board funded works on MacKelvie Street
Provided feedback to Auckland Transport on behalf of the Board on the Westhaven to City Centre cycle route proposal (Refer Auckland Transport monthly report)
Media coverage included columns in Ponsonby News (April and May columns Attachments D & E)

Meetings and workshops: 15 March until 3 May 2017

Wynyard Quarter Transportation Management Association public meeting at Waterfront Theatre on 15 March
Meeting with Community Facilities regarding Maintenance Contracts for Parks, Building and Open Space (Project 17) on 15 March
Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss proposal for Westhaven to the City cycleway on 15 March
GPS Submission – Political Reference Group meeting on 15 March
Agenda run-throughs on 15 March, 6 April and 3 May
Local Boards sub-regional workshops on 20 March and 10 April
Meeting on MacKelvie Street with Chris Cherry to discuss pedestrian improvement project works
Waitematā Local Board business meetings on 21 March and 11 April and extraordinary meetings on 20 April and 2 May (Photo right- receiving the Bring Back the Monkey Bars petition at the Board’s meeting on 11 April)
Monthly comms update on 22 March and 19 April
Attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meetings on 29 March and 19 April (as alternate)
Auckland Transport briefing for elected members on 22 March
Meeting to discuss support for the Auckland Santa Parade on 23 March
Woodpecker Hill and Parnell Business Association presentation on proposed improvements to Heard Park
Inner City Network Meeting with presentations on ideas for the Local Board plan 2017
Meeting on 25 March to discuss the draft Local Board Plan
Lunchtime meeting and presentation by University of Auckland on 29 March
Meeting on 30 March to discuss election issues feedback
Auckland’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management environment: what you need to know and Integrity and Conflicts of Interest sessions on 30 March (part of the Kura Kawana elected member development programme)
Meeting to with the Urban Forest Alliance to discuss maintenance of street trees and the urban forest strategy
Site meeting on 31 March with Council and AT officers to discuss compliance sign off for the Countdown development (including issues associated with the supermarket car park exit)
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 3 April
Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 10 April
Waitematā Local Board workshops 28 March, 4, 21, 27, April and 2 May
Meola Reef Reserve development plan meeting on 5 April
PBA board meeting on 6 April
Planning Committee Auckland Plan Refresh Workshop on 6 April
Newmarket Business Association presentation by Mark Knoff-Thomas to discuss BID obligations on 6 April
Chair’s Forum on 10 April
Mayor & Local Board Chairs – Auckland’s Governance and Future discussion on 10 April
Meeting with Wynyard Quarter Traffic Management Association coordinator on 11 April
Presentation by Panuku on the City Centre and Waterfront work programme on 12 April
Domain Committee workshop and public meeting on 12 April
Joint Planning Committee and Local Board chairs Planning Committee Briefing on 13 April – How decisions were made around light rail and heavy rail to the airport
Meeting with St Marys Bay Association and Herne Bay Residents Association representatives on 19 April
Transport portfolio catch up on 26 April
Meeting on 26 April with Mayor’s advisor for the Million Trees Project
Elected Member Communications & Engagement reference group meeting on 28 April
Meeting with Panuku and Councillors Hills and Darby to discuss the future of the Eastern Viaduct carpark
Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Meeting with ATEED representative on 3 May to discuss planning for a Local Economic Development masterclass on 12 July and invite to open the workshop
Meeting to discuss the Project 17 asset list with Community Facilities
Parnell cycle route workshop organised by Auckland Transport on 3 May

Events and functions: 15 March until 3 May 2017

Opening of the Journey of a Million Miles – Following Steps’ exhibition at the Maritime Museum on 15 March
“A Plan 4 Youth” Local Board plan consultation organised by the Waitematā Youth Collective on 16 March (photo right)
Local Board Plans – central mana whenua engagement hui at the Fickling Centre on 17 March
Auckland Art Gallery Opening – The Body Laid Bare: Masterpieces from Tate on 17 March
Westpac business awards on 23 March at the invitation of ATEED
Auckland Conversations: Homelessness in Auckland (attachment A)
The Bone Feeder at Waterfront Theatre on 24 March (at the invitation of the Auckland Arts Festival)
Attended the Grey Lynn school assembly on 25 March to receive the Bring Back the Monkey Bars petition
Opening of the new NCBT city campus by Mayor Phil Goff
Mayoral walkabout at Pasifika Festival on 26 March (photo right)
Ponsonby Park announcement of design selected after public vote (photos below)
Kelmarna Autumn Festival on 27 March
Presentation of Living Wage submissions at the Town Hall on 28 March (photo right)
Tyler Street Fashion Show at the invitation of Heart of the City
Women in Politics AGM at the Town Hall on 31 March
Jam on Toast at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 2 April
Opening of the Mason Brothers building by the Mayor on 3 April
Low Carbon Pecha Kutcha – Style Networking night at Studio One on 5 April
Illumination of Remembrance at St David’s Church on 24 April (Attachment B)
Anzac Day Dawn Service at Auckland Museum and the Grey Lynn RSC parade and service (Attachment C)
Opening night of the Comedy Festival (at the invitation of ATEED) on 27 April
Attended the dawn blessing on 28 April for the start of Auckland Transport works on Franklin Road
Grey Lynn Street Carnival on 29 April organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association
Meola Reef Development Plan drop in session at the Westerns Springs Football clubrooms on 2 May

Anzac day speech: Grey Lynn RSC parade and service

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e nga tamatoa, rau rangatira mā
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa

Greetings to everyone gathered here this morning.

It is a great honour to be invited to speak today on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board. I’m joined by board member Adriana Christie who is experiencing her first ANZAC day commemoration in Grey Lynn.

I’d like to acknowledge everyone who contributes to this occasion which is a uniquely Grey Lynn commemoration – president Rocky, the club committee, veterans, Rev Mua, service people, merchant seamen, the military re-enactment society and distinguished guests. We gather here as a community of family, friends and neighbours to mark the 102nd anniversary of the landings by ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915.

As a migrant to NZ I don’t personally have a family connection to Gallipoli or any NZ’s military heritage. But I give thanks to the Grey Lynn RSC for uniting us all on ANZAC day regardless of nationality, ethnicity, background, religion or political beliefs.

The campaign at Gallipoli was brutal, bloody and entirely futile. We make a commitment each year that we will not forget, that we will not repeat the mistakes of the past but sadly on-going conflicts around the world show that history continues to repeat itself. We look to our leaders to find peaceful solutions in the face of escalating conflict and sabre rattling.

Gallipoli marked the dawn of nationhood for NZ and Australia. I give thanks for the ANZAC spirit of sacrifice, courage, commitment and giving which has seen NZ cope through natural disasters and rise to the challenges of our time.

Young people are central to ANZAC commemorations across the country no where more so than in Grey Lynn. A special kia ora to all the tamariki here today commemorating in your own way but also enjoying the freedom of being out in the street surrounded and protected by your community.

We remember and reflect on ANZAC day together and work to ensure future generations do not face the horror of war. As we remember those who sacrificed their lives and honour those who served we recommit to the importance of peace, independence, fairness and freedom.

Kei wareware tatou

Lest We Forget

No reira

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa

Monthly Board Report May 2014

This report covers my Board activities during April 2014 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.

Portfolio Reports: Community

Community Grants

The Central Joint Funding Committee made up of members from Orakei, Albert-Eden, Puketapapa and Waitematā Local Boards met on 15 April to allocate funding from round two of the Community Group Assistance Fund (this is a legacy Auckland City Council fund). In total we allocated $210,093.50 to groups in the central board area including in the Waitemata Local Board area Circability Trust ($25,000), Toi Ora ($25,000), Artist Alliance ($3,888), TAPAC ($13,685), Triangle TV ($18,000), Youthline ($8,050) and Volunteering Auckland ($7000). The minutes of the meeting are available on the Council website.

Community centres

The Community portfolio has been assisting community centres over the last month with funding issues. The Community Facilities team have confirmed that funding grants available for the centres have been rolled over for 14/15 at the same levels as 13/14. This is creating concerns for centres who are trying to improve facilities and programming.

A report should be on our agenda this month seeking a decision on approximately $20,000 available as additional grant funding. We have encouraged centres to consider proposals focused on sustainability (such as waste minimisation) and accessibility.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Portfolio report: Transport

Shaping Auckland’s transport

The CEO of Auckland Transport led a workshop on 14 April with Central Local Board’s regarding Transport Plans for the 2015- 25 period. The workshop was an opportunity to discuss issues of interest in our area directly with AT senior management to ensure Auckland Transport better understands Local Board priorities before transport plans are developed.

As part of the scene- setting for the workshop Auckland Transport presented the 2013 Census data for each local Board. In Waitemata there were 42, 882 employed adults (people aged 15 years and over) out of a total population count of 77,136. Of the 16,182 who commuted on census day 49% made the trip to work by car, 1% by motorbike, 16% by public transport, 31% walked and 3% cycled. The Auckland average for travel by car is 83% and only 5% average for walking.

The census data strongly shows the benefits of investment in PT and active transport to provide transport choice.

Great North Road resurfacing

The resurfacing of Great North Road between Western Springs and K’rd got underway in April. We raised with Auckland Transport that this could have been a great opportunity to better use existing infrastructure through improvements for all modes not just locking in the current deficiencies as planned.

One win from the maintenance work is that Auckland Transport is installing a feeder lane at the approach to K’rd/Great North Road intersection. This pinch point on the network was first logged with Auckland Transport by the transport portfolio over three years ago and is a priority project in our Local Board agreement.

Design for a feeder lane and advance stop box on Great North Road

Skypath

An open day organised by the Auckland Harbour Bridge Skypath Trust was held on 12 April to give residents the opportunity to view new designs for the pathway and landings.

All the St Mary’s Bay residents I have spoken to are strongly in support of the project and can see the many benefits it will bring to locals.

The Trust intends to apply for resource consent in June. It is great to see this transformational project progressing.

Grafton Gully Cycleway

As these photos show NZTA is making great progress on the Grafton Gully Cycleway. Auckland Transport continue to give assurances that the connection to the cycleway at Beach Road is on track to be completed by September this year between Churchill Street and Quay Street via Mahuhu Crescent (in line with NZTA’s proposed finish to the Grafton Gully Cycleway). We are monitoring this closely and also progress on the Upper Queen Street connection which is being progressed by Auckland Council’s city transformation team.

Monthly transport update

We’ve attended two transport catch up during April. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Other board activities

Annual Plan Local Board hearings

Every year each of the 21 Local Boards has an opportunity to present to the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors of Auckland Council) on their activities, advocacy areas and budget requests that the Board wants included in the Annual Plan.

On 29 April the Waitemata Local Board, led by Shale Chambers, had our turn to outline our priorities for 14/15. I spoke to our transport advocacy areas (attachment A).

Local Board Plan

In early April we completed our early engagement on our Local Board plan with a series of meetings with resident groups. During April we have been working on our draft plan which will be going to our June Board meeting for approval to go out for consultation

Out and about in Waitematā

Newly painted electrical boxes on Picton street just off Ponsonby Road (photo left)

The Central Library has a newly refurbished children’s area which is bright and fun. It was officially opened in April with member Yates representing the Board. (photo centre)

Te Whānau Whāriki from Richmond Road School has adopted the Rose Road Gully in Grey Lynn Park for a restoration project. On their first morning they collected 200 bags of tradescantia and 10 bags of rubbish. (photo right)

Progress on major projects:

Sky City can thank the Waitemata Local Board for opposing the overbridge development proposed in 2011 for Federal Street. It would have created a dark oppressive road. Instead the street has received a shared space over haul which is nearly complete.

The new steps and upgrade of Khartoum Place is progressing (photo above). The transport portfolio has raised with the project team the need to slow down the traffic on Kitchener Street to provide for an improved pedestrian connection to the Art Gallery

Thank you Generation Zero and Transport Blog for getting Auckland Transport to take action on the Fanshawe Street bus lanes. Only four months from the original proposal to installation! It really shows that Auckland Transport can act quickly and decisively as a CCO when there is clear leadership.

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 April – 31 April I attended:

Local Board workshop on 1 April
Local Board Plan engagement meeting with Freemans Bay Residents on 1 April and with Grey Lynn Residents Associations on 3 April
Local Board Plan Breakfast meeting with Parnell Community Committee and eastern stakeholders on 2 April
Monthly transport portfolio meeting on 2 April
Monthly Community Development portfolio meeting on 2 April
Meeting to discuss feedback on Draft Auckland Energy Resilience and Low Carbon Action Plan
Community Portfolio meeting with Libraries for Geoff Chamberlain (retiring) to introduce Mirla Edmundson (new Manager Local Libraries North & West)
Briefing meeting with Ponsonby Cruising Club Inc regarding leasing issues
Briefing on Community Facility Fees and Charges on 3 April
Meeting with John MacDonald, Minister at large (Splice coordinator)
Orakei & Waitemata Local Boards meeting on 7 April to discuss Greenways connections
Central Joint Funding Committee workshop on 7 April
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 7 April at Graham Street
Ponsonby Road masterplan catch up
Site meeting with Transport Portfolio and the Chair to discuss pedestrian improvements at Anglesea Street
Financial scenario information for LTP presentation by the Council’s CFO to Local Boards on 8 April
Meeting to discuss proposed concepts for 254 Ponsonby Rd
Briefing of the Auckland Development Committee and Waitemata Local Board by Precinct Property Ltd on its proposed redevelopment of the Downtown Shopping centre.
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 10 April
Myers Park Centenary event – initial meeting
Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association and Chris Rupe SPQR to discuss the draft Ponsonby Masterplan
Early Engagement on Transport Planning – Workshop with AT Senior Management
Meeting with Grey Lynn Community Centre on 14 April
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 15 April
Central Joint Funding Committee meeting on 15 April
Catch up with Ponsonby Business Association on 16 April
Joint briefing for Orakei and Waitemata Local Boards on the proposed stormwater ports of Auckland project on 16 April
Ponsonby Road masterplan meeting on 16 April
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 22 April
Community Development portfolio meeting on 23 April
Extraordinary Workshop to discuss the Local Board Plan on 28 April
Arch Hill Residents Meeting on 28 April
Presentation to the Governing Body Annual Plan Local Board Hearings
Popped in to a CAB catch up at the Central Library (meeting organised by Deborah Yates)
Ponsonby Community Centre Meeting
Transport portfolio monthly catch up 30 April
Deputised for the Chair at the Governing Body (Budget Committee)/Local Board Chairs Annual Plan discussion on 30 April

Events and functions

In the period 1 April – 30 April 2014 I attended:

Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 3 April
My Bed my Universe – Massive Company and NZ Trio collaboration
Ponsonby Community Centre Open day on Saturday 5 April
Richmond Road School Gala on Saturday 5 April (congratulations to the school on organising a Zero Waste event)
Barry Coates farewell from Oxfam on 9 April
After 5 networking event organised by the Uptown Business Association on 10 April
Launch of K’rd and Newton Plans on 10 April
Newmarket Business Association Business Excellence Awards on 11 April with John Kirwan as guest speaker
Skypath Open Day at Westhaven on Saturday 12 April
Ponsonby Bike corral video shoot with Auckland Transport
At Risk preview at Whitespace on 22 April
ANZAC day ceremony hosted by the Grey Lynn RSC
Launch of the electric train from Britomart Station on 27 April (photos here)
Walking in the Trees in Albert Park part of Waitemata Pop Project between March and June, 2014.
Guest Judge and attendance at Awards ceremony for Roots Pollinate. The Roots, Albert Park Project” consisted of The Roots Creative Entrepreneurs working with year 12 and 13 students. Working in four groups they designed and built “Pollen Hotels” from recycled materials – hanging baskets with plants that will provide food for our local bees during the winter. I received an Eco Store gift box for being a judge.

Photo of “Flow” the winning team