The Auckland Council Planning Committee considered a report today to approve the proposed process for updating and digitising the 2012 Auckland City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) and Waterfront Plan and to approve development of new Masterplan content for 2019:
i) Māori Outcomes
ii) Grafton Gully Boulevard
iii) Access for Everyone
Here is my presentation under Local Board input in support of the report.
Thank you for the opportunity to address the Committee and to speak in support of the CCMP 2040 recommendations. The Waitematā Local Board has provided consistent political support for the masterplan through the consultation in 2012, the target refresh in 2016 and through alignment with our latest local board plan priorities. The masterplan was in many ways a ground breaking document for its clear vision, strong direction on major initiatives and innovative thinking. It is fundamentally sound but the refresh of the proposed focus areas is timely. I would like to particularly speak to Access for Everyone and provide a local board perspective.
Board member Richard Northey, who is very familiar to most of you was on Auckland City Council in 1979 when a trial pedestrianization took place on Queen Street. The NZ Herald at the time mounted an editorial attack against the trial because, in their view, a modern city “buzzes with the sound of traffic” [ Richard has further confirmed that the trial was also not continued because of concern it would make Auckland look like a backwater. Councillors thought it farcical and dangerous to have buses going through it moving at less than 30 kph and beeping to alert pdestrians. In Richard’s opinion it otherwise it worked well – retail sales were marginally up].
It is not surprising that the trial was unsuccessful. It was an era of suburbanization based on car dependent development. It wasn’t even legal to build homes in the city centre.
The city centre is now buzzing with the sound of people and we know that city centre productivity is dependent on foot traffic not vehicle traffic. You will be familiar with Auckland Council’s research unit ‘s (RIMU) work on the economic benefits of walking. It found improved pedestrian connectivity equals an improved city centre economy. The number of people walking on Queen St has doubled in the last 6 years. People now out number cars on High St 13 to 1 .
As your report indicates growth and change in the heart of Tamaki Makaurau has been phenomenal. When the Super city was created in 2010 approx 20,000 people lived in the city centre. That number has grown to at least 57,000. There are 118,000 jobs up from 78,000 in 2000. If vehicle numbers coming into city centre had kept pace we would have needed 9 new parking buildings. The majority of residents do now own a car .
The report outlines at para 44 the many benefits of taking an Access to Everyone approach. We know that our city centre residents are particularly concerned about air pollution, road safety and the well being of children living in the city. The refresh as proposed will help deliver on the board’s accessibility plan, child friendly city commitment, low carbon plan and as well as the wider Auckland Council strategies and targets including the recent commitment to be an age friendly city.
I would also highlight as a benefit that re-allocating space and prioritising vehicles that need access will benefit drivers.
As part of the refresh we would urge you to support trials and temporary installations to demonstrate the city we would like to become. For example a bollard on High St that goes up once deliveries are completed would transform the pedestrian experience over night. As we say in our local board plan: We support pilot projects and quick, low cost interventions to promote long term improvements to our streets.
We supported a Grafton Gully Boulevard concept proposal back in 2014 and more recently it has come through as priority in the Parnell plan (the report mentions this plan but just to note it is still in the process of being finalized through a community-led empowerment process). So we are very keen for the area of Stanley Street/The Strand to be included in the refresh.
I am sure when you get into your debate on the report you are going to hear a lot about needing to have courage to support Access for Everyone. In fact it was the politicians who led the way in their cities in 1970’s and were at the forefront of prioritizing people over vehicle traffic who were the brave ones. One Mayor in the Netherlands famously even received a death threat.
What you have before you is solid data to show it is necessary and the experience from other cities to show it works. What you are being asked to support is the logical outcome of the way the city is growing and the demand for mobility choice as we’ve seen with the arrival of e-scooters being embraced for short transport trips. It is estimated that once the CRL opens and light rail is operational up Queen St and beyond there will be 370% more capacity for public transport trips into the city.
I acknowledge the founders who were instrumental in putting in place the conditions for Access for Everyone to now be possible. We probably wouldn’t even be having this conversation if Cr Fletcher’s council hadn’t saved Britomart and if Cr Lee hadn’t secured rail electrification and new stations. Even the motorway builders are part of the picture for putting in place the detours around the city that are fundamental to the effective operation of Access for Everyone.
As politicians we are all mindful of the headlines and letters in the Herald – even with all the competing sources of news. Last Friday’s headline “City of Soles” headline captured the transformation that has occurred since the 1970’s. It recognizes that Access for Everyone puts people at its heart; that a modern, smart, great, extraordinary city centre buzzes with the sound of people.
At our October local board meeting we formally acknowledged Penny Bright (photo right in one of her last campaigns against cycleways).
MOVED by Chairperson P Coom, seconded by Deputy Chairperson S Chambers:
That the Waitematā Local Board
a)acknowledges campaigner and activist Penny Bright who passed away on 4 October 2018. Our thoughts are with her family and close friends at this sad time.
Summary:
Transport
School safety
On 18 October I was invited to join a mum on her walk to school with five boys (not all her own) to experience the safety issues that have been raised with Auckland Transport by the school community.
The kids all enjoy using the Grey Lynn Greenway for part of the route (using it to get to the pump track before school too) but then have a really tricky section to navigate. Lots of local parents prefer to drive because of safety concerns.
Auckland Transport had resisted putting in a crossing or slowing drivers, but almost immediately Auckland Transport consulted on a new proposal to install a new raised pedestrian crossing on Kelmarna Avenue to serve the school.
Car transporters on Great North Road
For a frustratingly long time I have been following up with Auckland Transport on the issue of car transporters unloading illegally on Great North Road. There is a serious concern about public safety as the car transporters are blocking bus stops and the pedestrian refuge.
I’ve met with AT Group Manager, Parking Services who acknowledges that the “sticks” available to Auckland Transport are not working. The operators consider any fines to be a normal part of their business expenses. Even when the side street loading zones are available the operators continue to park illegally on Great North Road as it is more convenient and there is insufficient incentive to put in place appropriate traffic management.
AT has confirmed that as a next step a safety audit will be commissioned to be prepared by Christmas. AT will advise the main operators about the audit with a view to working with them on an appropriate response.
Freyberg Place pedestrian mall
On 15 October 2018 Freyberg Place officially became a pedestrian mall.
To do this the bollards (which are currently lowered to street level) at each end of Freyberg Place have been raised. This will prevent vehicles driving through the square and make it much safer for pedestrians.
Lime e-scooters arrive in Auckland
Auckland Council has issued the region’s first street trading licence to operate a dockless shared electric scooter (e-scooter) system.
The council has permitted Lime to operate systems for a three-month trial – like the initial trial licence granted to Onzo for its bike share service. Other operators of e-scooter systems can apply for a licence too.
Following the launch of 1000 scooters, Auckland Council’s community and social policy team is looking at the regulatory framework for e-scooters and the options that can be considered to mitigate any safety issues or concerns.
The scooters have provided a fun, convenient way to make short trips around the city, but also highlighted the poor state of footpaths and the inadequate space provided to people using small wheeled mobility transport.
Completed projects
The platform on Hopetown Street at the Western Park entrance has been refurbished.
Sackville Reserve Playground is now open. An opening event will be held on on 5 December (check out the board’s Facebook page for details). Photo left: Alfie enjoying the new equipment (as featured in my Ponsonby News November update)
Weona-Westmere coastal walkway
Featured in Metro Magazine NZ Best of Auckland 2018 Waitemata Local Board‘s Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway. Described as “Perfect for city strollin’” (photo right in Metro)
Low Carbon Network Event – Trees
The Low Carbon Network event held on 8 November at the wonderful Sustainable Coastlines Flagship on the theme of Rākau (Trees). Waitematā Local Board tree loss report 2006 – 2016 shows 61.23 hectares (approximately 17 per cent) has been lost in last 10 years – 65 per cent of the urban forest clearance has occurred on private land. Details on what is being done in the Our Auckland story – Protecting Auckland’s urban trees (Attachment 3).
Meetings and workshops 10 October until 11 November 2018
Catch up with Councillor Mike Lee on 10 October
Franklin Road Community Liaison meeting on 10 October
Monthly catch up with City Centre Residents Group representative on 11 October and 9 November
Local Board professional development workshop on 12 October Shining the light on placemaking (photo right: attendees with the speakers). An amazing opportunity to hear about placemaking locally, nationally and internationally and explore how local boards can work collaboratively to create places for community connection and innovation. With a stellar line up of speakers:
Ethan Kent- Senior Vice President at the Project for Public Spaces. Ethan has been integral to the development of placemaking as a transformative approach to economic development, environment and transport planning, governance, resilience, equity and design. He has led high profile public placemaking projects around the world, for example in New York.
Lucy Tukua – Kaihautu Native by Nature, He uri o Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga. Lucy has been serving iwi for many years in numerous roles and has a strong presence in and around local and central government. She is a passionate advocate for placemaking and the sourcing of place-based potential and bringing through the cultural sense of place and whakapapa.
Denise Bijoux – Network Director at Catalyse Denise has worked extensively in Auckland, as well as across New Zealand, to inspire, activate and understand locally-led urban transformation. She is a social researcher, evaluator, facilitator and project manager working in community-led development, urban sustainability, planning, health, social justice and government.
Neil McInroy – Chief Executive at Centre for Local Economic Studies Neil is a commentator and strategist on economic development and public policy who has collaborated on a broad range of local, regional and national projects across the globe. He is currently involved with both ATEED and the Southern Initiative/ Western Initiative and brings a focus onto the importance of the economic side of placemaking.
Weekly chairs catch up held on 15, 29 October and 5 November
Regional Cluster Workshop for local board elected members on 15 October
Meeting to discuss the achievements report on 15 October
Meeting to discuss the high level 2019/2020 work programme on 16 October
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 16 October
Monthly transport portfolio catch-up on 17 October
Meeting with Mark Lambert, AT’s Executive GM Integrated Networks on 17 October
I took former Mayor Len Brown on a tour of the Ellen Melville Centre on 18 October. Len Brown was instrumental in securing a budget for the restoration of the Centre. (photo right of the former Mayor talking to Ellie Craft who we bumped into at the centre)
Albert Park tunnels update meeting with Nicholas Reid, Cr Chris Darby and Rory Palmer from the Mayor’s office
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 23 and 30 October and 6 November
Trafinz executive committee meeting on 24 October
Meeting with Jill Kayser, Spice and Julia West, Lifewise at Merge Café on 25 October
K’rd business association AGM on 25 October
City Centre network meeting and lunch at Ellen Melville Centre on 25 October
Auckland Transport quarterly briefing on 29 October
Ponsonby Business Association AGM on 29 October
Meeting with John Strawbridge, AT Group Manager, Parking Services on 31 October
Domain Committee agenda run through meeting on 31 October
Planning Committee workshop on Downtown spaces and City Centre Masterplan refresh on 1 November
Meeting with Auckland City Mission on 1 November to discuss the City Mission’s HomeGround project
K’rd Business Association annual BID presentation to the board on 8 November
Meeting with Waitemata Local Board / CRL / Auckland Council & Auckland Transport on 9 November to discuss concerns raised by the Waitemata Local Board regarding a number of issues including the Board’s opportunity for input into placemaking and the development of Beresford Square, public toilets, bike parking, and coordination between the organisations.
Community morning tea for the Mt Albert Electorate hosted by the PM on 11 October
Brake annual reception and awards night on 11 October
Kelmarna Gardens plant sale on 12 October
Tour of the Shortland Flats (1923) for Auckland Heritage Festival on 13 October at the invitation of Michael McKeown. The residents opened up their homes to show off the many original features. Interesting fact: There are only 7 cars and 7 car parks between 40 residents in 23 apartments (photo right).
Fukuoka Gardens picnic for Friends of the Garden on 14 October
Visited the OMG Symonds Street Community Garden on 14 October
Biketober event at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on 14 October
Joined the school run on 18 October to Marist School at the invitation of a parent concerned about the safety of students walking and wheeling
Bikes and Beers hosted by Bike Auckland on 18 October
Grey Lynn Business Association Block party at the Grey Lynn Library Hall on 18 October
Fields of Remembrance Official opening at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on 19 October (photo at the beginning of my report)
Diwali Festival official opening in Aotea Square with the PM on 20 October including a walkabout with Mayor Phil Goff, MPs Priyanca Radhakrishnan and Deborah Russell and Puketapapa Local Board member Shail Kaushal (photo right)
Popped by The First Great Big Jumbly Bumbly-Bumbly Jumbly Sale organised by the City Centre Residents Group on 20 October at Griffiths Garden
Opening of the Italian Festival at Non Solo Pizza on 23 October
Bike Rave event on 24 October
Opening of Te Paki o Matariki – 160 Years of Kiingitanga. This ground breaking exhibition at Auckland War Memorial Museum on 27 October the exhibition features important taonga selected from the royal collection of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the present Maaori king.
Spoke at the Grey Lynn 2030 10th birthday celebration and book launch at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 28 October (photo right).
Spoke at the official opening of Festival Italiano in Newmarket on 28 October
Thriving urban places breakfast seminar hosted by MADE Group Ltd with speaker Tim Stonor, Managing Director of London-based Space Syntax
Enviro Schools celebration at Western Spring Community Centre on 1 November
Maritime Museum opening on 1 November
Merge Café Spring pop up fundraising dinner on 1 November
John Elliott’s 80th birthday celebration on 5 November. John brought together community leaders who he wished to acknowledge on his birthday. He ended his speech “Finally, I’ve had a longstanding interest in environmental issues, and value Gus Speth, a main stream American environmentalist, who said recently. ‘I used to think the top E problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. But I was wrong. The top three E problems are selfishness, greed and apathy and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation”
On Track for the Living Wage launch event at Britomart station on 6 November calling on Auckland Council to become an accredited living wage employer. If Wellington City Council can do it then we can too! (Photo credit: Jason Fell.)
Patrons Night at Basement Theatre. Invite to attend a performance of Bad Mood
Officiated at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall on 9 November
Richmond Road School gala on 10 November
T Whites bikes 10th anniversary on 10 November
Armistice Day commemoration service and Roaring Chorus at the Grey Lynn RSC on 11 November (photo below).
This report covers the period 15 August until 11 September 2018 including the start of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 10 – 16 Mahuru.
Ko te reo te taikura ō te whakaaro marama
Language is the key to understanding
He pai ake te iti i te kore
A little is better than none
Summary
Waitematā Local Board August business meeting
At our monthly board meetings, we are fortunate to welcome a range of presenters to an often lively and interesting public forum. Our August business meeting was especially well attended with presentations from:
John Elliott – Non-toxic non-herbicidal spray method
Elizabeth Walker and Sel Arbuckle of STEPS – Western Springs plantings on lava flow forest
Caitlin McIlhagga General Manager 95bFM – Presentation about 95bFM does and how it is involved with the community (photo right)
Jennifer Ward, Chris Bailey and Paula Wilkinson of Community- Led Design Group – 254 Ponsonby Road
Chris O’Brien, Chairman Laura Fergusson Trust; Rob Small -Trustee Laura Fergusson Trust and Simon Wilson, Managing Director Heineken Urban Polo – Heineken Urban Polo Tournament
Example of an urban tree that was felled following the removal of tree protection rules
Graeme Easte, Albert-Eden Local Board Member – Meola Creek Catchment Update
2006 – 2015 Urban Forest Canopy Changes in the Waitematā Local Board area
Last term the board initiated LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping to understand changes in the urban tree canopy. It has taken some time for the results to be presented due to a number of technical challenges. At our August meeting we received the draft ‘Tree loss in the Waitematā Local Board over ten years (2006 – 2015)’ report funded as part of the Waitematā Local Board’s 2017/2018 urban forest framework project
The report highlights that the amount of tree loss in the Waitematā Local Board area 2006-2015 is 61.23 hectares (approximately 17 per cent) and that 65 per cent of the urban forest clearance has occurred on private land. This does not include the growth of new,canopy. Further analysis work is underway and will be the subject of a subsequent report.
A significant part of the tree loss has been caused by the removal by the former central government of Council’s general tree protection rules so we urge the Governing Body to advocate to government to change the law to enable Auckland Council to reintroduce general tree protection rules.
Western Springs Lakeside Park Development Plan consultation
A draft park development plan for Western Springs Te Wai Ōrea Lakeside Park was out for consultation until the end of August.
The Board held an open day at the park playground on 18 August (photo right Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and member Adriana Christie with local resident Chuck Joseph). A number of people gave feedback not just about the park plan but about concerns over current maintenance issues.
I logged these issues and in response received the following updates:
Bird numbers no longer managed – unfortunately we missed the opportunity last Spring to train our contractors in conjunction with the Zoo hence the rise in bird numbers this year. We are now working with our contractors and the zoo and will undertake the seasonal addling of the eggs this Spring.
Paths no longer swept – all bird poo washed into the Lake – Paths are blown and water blasted once a week and are contractors are aware that bird faeces should not be washing into the lake. We have reiterated this with our contractor and we have increased the frequency of water blasting to 3 x a week as of Tuesday this week.
Broken drinking fountains – There are a couple of water fountains that have no active water pipe feeding it due to them being broken by tree roots coming up through the concrete. These have not been working for a number of years and this will be addressed as part of the Western Park project works.
Broken toilets at the playground with dirty Portaloo replacements – The zoo is constructing a new administration building on the site of a previous building that has been removed. Unfortunately, when the Zoo staff began work it was discovered that the western spring toilet had been connected to this facilities waste water line. This was unknown to the zoo project team and was not recorded on any plans so reinstatement of the sewer line was included in the design for the new building. Community Facilities are working with the zoo project team and have devised a methodology for a new connection, so we can recommission the toilets. Whilst the work may not be expensive it is complex given the significant amount of volcanic rock and protected trees along the pathway for a new connection. The new work will require a consent and arborist approval before works can commence. We hope to have the toilets reinstated before the summer season starts.
In the interim alternative facilities are provided and these are cleaned twice daily with the expectation this meets the same outcome as permanent toilets by way of cleanliness. If this is found not to be the case a request for service can be called through and our contractor will attend.
Broken light in toilet block in park – disconnected due to the works going on at the Zoo.
We also received positive feedback from “Friends of Fukuoka Gardens” community group who have been working directly with contractors to improve maintenance of the Japanese garden.
It is proposed that issues such as water quality and bird feeding will be addressed through the plan.
Salisbury Reserve consultation and removal of the Masonic Lodge
Land purchased to create an entrance way to Salisbury Reserve
Consultation on the two options for opening up the entrance to Salisbury Reserve ended at the end of August. During the month I met on site with both local residents and representatives of the Herne Bay Residents Association. I confirmed that the local board doesn’t intend revisiting the decision to remove the Masonic Lodge building for a number of reasons:
We don’t have a budget to upgrade it, to cover operational costs nor to pay for a change to the required resource consent (which will be opposed by local residents).
There is no evidence of a need for another community facility serving Herne Bay.
Current facilities including Leys Institute Hall and the Vermont Centre are not at capacity. I also provided the occupancy stats below of local facilities that directly report to Council.
The reserve is not large enough to support two community facilities.
There are minimal heritage values associated with the building as it has been through so many alterations.
The standard available hours in 10h/day and the percentages below is based on the standard.
Utilisation FY16/17 FY17/18
Leys Institute Hall 16% 20%
Freemans Bay Community Hall 38% 39%
Grey Lynn Community Centre 55% 53%
Ponsonby Community Centre 37% 36%
Leys Institute Gym 59% 57%
Central City Library opening hours
The board made funding available so the Auckland Central City Library can open for an extra hour on Saturdays and Sundays from September 1. Funding is guaranteed until 30 June 2019.
Transport
John Street, Ponsonby – a trial for a new “healthy streets” approach
As a narrow street and rat run John Street in Ponsonby has suffered from a number of parking, traffic and safety issues going back some time. The transport portfolio has been following up with a group of residents who would like to be part of the solution. They are keen for John St to be used to showcase AT’s new approach to safer, healthier streets which are designed for all road users not just cars.
On 18 August I met with residents on the street to discuss potential options. I confirmed that the Local Board is pushing AT to use all the tools available to improve the conditions of John Street. AT is currently preparing a proposal for consultation.
Grey Lynn Parking
The local board passed the following resolution at our business meeting on 21 August in response to the parking concerns that have been raised with us in response to a letter drop to 600 Grey Lynn households opposing a proposed time restricted parking zone.
MOVED by Chairperson P Coom, seconded by Deputy Chairperson S Chambers:
That the Waitematā Local Board:
receive the Auckland Transport August 2018 update report
request Auckland Transport to implement the proposed new Arch Hill and Grey Lynn residential parking zone as soon as reasonably practicable and put on hold the proposed implementation of the timerestricted P120 zone that has not been consulted on until after an assessment has been made of the impact of the residential parking zone
request Auckland Transport work with the Grey Lynn Residents Association to identify suitable locations for P120 restrictions.
In response to the resolution AT has confirmed that the RPZ implementation will be brought forward to December and they will put on hold the time restricted parking. Further details are on the Auckland Transport website.
Waitematā Safer Routes
Concept design for West Lynn, Richmond Road
New designs prepared by Boffa Miskell to fix the issues on the two Waitematā Safer routes were presented to Community Liaison Groups (CLGs) on 5 September. A few days later the NZ Herald reported that the Grey Lynn cycleway debacle could cost $35m to fix and claimed that the project was for a few “existing cyclists”. Grey Lynn Business Association co-chair Irene King was reported as saying that preliminary designs as “very, very stunning” with beautiful urban design and landscaping.
There is a lot that Auckland Transport has got wrong with this project and it should have been done correctly first time (I have previously reported on the background and what went wrong) but it is far is more accurate to describe the project as a street upgrade as it covers a safety improvements for everyone, bus stop changes, bus stop changes, traffic lights, parking, stormwater, landscaping and new trees. Auckland Transport has also confirmed the figure of $35m is incorrect and should not have been presented to the CLG. The actual projected cost for this project sits between $17m-$22m at present. AT has explained the figure of $35m was an initial costing that had long since been refined but was unfortunately inserted into the presentations to the CLGs and wasn’t caught until it was too late.
Auckland Transport plans to take the proposals out for consultation in Novembers so the wider community can decide what should be prioritised within the available budget.
Road Safety
My latest Ponsonby News column covers the 9th anniversary of speed reduction on Ponsonby Road and the speed bylaw proposals that are shortly to go out for consultation (Attachment 1). Deaths and Serious injuries (DSi) across Auckland have increased by 67% since 2013. In Waitematā 77% of all DSi involved vulnerable road users, people walking or cycling. This is the highest percentage among all Local Boards.
I was really pleased to see Auckland Transport’s CEO strong leadership and uncompromising statement on safer speeds in a letter to NZ Herald on 10 September (right).
On 5 September I attended a business strategy workshop in Wellington as a committee member of Trafinz. The New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute or Trafinz represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand. It exists to lobby the government, to influence decision making on road safety and traffic issues. It also acts as a forum for collectively pursuing traffic issues of interest to local authorities, and for sharing information and advice.
Trafinz is actively involved in the development of a new road safety strategy with a Vision Zero target.
Meetings and workshops: 15 August until 11 September 2018
Meeting with local residents on 15 August at the Masonic Hall regarding the Salisbury Reserve consultation
Auckland Paths working group meeting on 16 August
Meeting with Steve Mutton, Director Regional Relationships on 17 August
Met with John Street, Ponsonby residents on 18 August to discuss options to traffic calm and reduce volumes
Attended the Western Springs Development Plan consultation event held at the park on 18 August
Chair’s weekly meeting with the local board services team on 20, 27 August and 3 and 10 September
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 21 August
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting on 24 August in Manukau
Spoke to Citizens Advice Bureau Grey Lynn/Ponsonby Branch volunteers on 27 August about the role of the local board
Board all day workshops on 28 August and 4, 11 September
Wynyard Quarter Transport Management Association meeting on 29 August
Meeting with Jeremy Hansen, Britomart Group on 29 August
Attended a Vision Zero meeting organised by Bike Auckland at Bizdojo on 29 August
Meeting with representatives of the Herne Bay Residents Association on 29 August the Masonic Hall regarding the Salisbury Reserve consultation
Interviewed by Grant Hewison regarding the Ponsonby Business Association strategic plan on 29 August
Auckland Domain Committee workshop followed by the public committee meeting on 30 August
Inclusive governance in a diverse Auckland workshop offered by the Kura Kawana Elected Member Development Programme with guest speaker Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor – College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University on 31 August
Kia whai whare atou katoa: Regional, cross-sectoral homelessness plan for Auckland workshop at the Fickling Centre on 3 September (photo right)
Meeting on 4 September with the Community–led Design Group to discuss 254 Ponsonby Road in preparation for the forthcoming Options Paper.
TRAFINZ workshop in Wellington on 5 September
Visit to Auckland Zoo for local board members on 6 September (photo right)
Catch up with City Centre Residents Group representative on 6 September
Transport portfolio catch up on 7 September
Meeting with Director Regulatory Services Penny Pirrit to discuss compliance issues at the helicopter boat shed construction on Sentinel Beach, Herne Bay
Attended the “Business Grey Lynn” organised community meeting at St Columba church on 9 September regarding the Representation Review consultation that closed on 11 September
Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 10 September
Ponsonby Business Association committee meeting on 11 September
Briefing by Heart of the City regarding their street guardians initiative
Events and functions: 15 August until 11 September 2018
Interview on 95 BfM on 15 August to discuss the development of green spaces
Opening night of Auckland Theatre Company’s Filthy Business at ASB waterfront Theatre on 16 August at the invite of ATC
Walters Prize opening at Auckland Art Gallery on 17 August
Panel member with MP Deborah Russell and former MP Damien Fenton at the Central Auckland Labour LEC’s Locally Left event at the Grey Lynn RSC on 27 August (photo below)
Opening of the Mina and Courtney Pellow NZFW show pop up shop on 30 August at the invite of the K’Road Business Association (photo right)
Living Wage Employer celebration held at the Ellen Melville Centre on 3 September (photo below)
“Into the Underworld” exhibition opening on 8 September in Silo 6, Wynyard Quarter.
Officiated at the Town Hall citizenship ceremony on 11 September.
This month I have prepared a brief update to be reported at the June meeting when Deputy Chair Shale Chambers will be acting. I am out of New Zealand 2 June – 15 July (including attendance at the Velo-city conference in Rio de Janiero)
Highlights
10 year budget
All Local Boards had an opportunity to present to the Finance & Performance Committee on their 10-year budget priorities.
I presented on behalf of Waitematā Local Board together with Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and member Adriana Christie (photo right).
The Board’s presentation is attached (Attachment 1). We focused on seeking Governing Body support for the Board’s priority unfunded project – the development of 254 Ponsonby Road.
Local Government New Zealand
I have recently been appointed to the National Council of LGNZ representing Local Boards. This position has been created in anticipation of a constitutional review of LGNZ’s rules to look at the representation of local boards and other sector groups.
My first official engagement in this role was to attend the 24th Central and Local Government Forum held at Premier House on 10 May (photo below). Local government representatives were impressed with constructive level of engagement from the 14 Ministers who attended the forum.
The forum resulted in many positive discussions focused on the key areas of Water, Climate Change, Regional Development and Housing.
I also attended my first National Council meeting on 17 May and the Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting on 28 May.
Transport:
Tamaki Drive Cycleway
Local Board perseverance and advocacy pays off! Auckland Transport has been working on the design of the Tamaki Drive cycleway between the Strand and Ngapipi intersection. The board is very supportive of this project that will connect to the bi-directional Quay St cycleway however we have repeatedly raised concerns about Auckland Transport’s original proposal to maintain a small section of shared path between the Strand intersection and Solent St. We considered this to be an unacceptable safety risk for the increasing numbers walking and cycling this route.
We requested a continuous cycleway experience for the entire route (separating people on bikes with walkers) and the removal of the Solent St slip lanes to provide one controlled crossing rather than three. After the board rejected a number of design options Auckland Transport has finally agreed to progress a best practice design that delivers a high quality, safe and attractive cycling facility. Construction is proposed to start in December 2018.
Road Safety
As previously reported, Auckland is facing a road safety crisis with devastating consequences. Auckland Transport board recently released a report called Auckland Transport: Road Safety Business Improvement Review, that concludes. “Road safety performance in Auckland in recent years … reflects a number of deficiencies of public policy at central government and local level. Most of all it reflects an absence of commitment to improving safety on New Zealand and Auckland’s roads.”
The Local Board has consistently advocated for Auckland Transport, NZTA and NZ Police to prioritise safety.
In some good news, Auckland Transport is proposing to install pedestrian crossings on Hobson St and College Hill (consultation ended on 14 June).
In summary the Waitematā Local Board supports the overall direction of the RLTP. It shows strong alignment between central government and Auckland Council and a real commitment to deliver a transport programme that responds to Auckland’s challenges. It is reassuring that much of the draft RLTP reflects the transport objectives and initiatives set out in the Waitematā Local Board Plan.
We support the strategic approach towards creating an accessible, connected, safe and sustainable transport network. The RLTP aligns with the Local Board outcome: An accessible, connected and safe transport network with well-designed streets (Waitematā Local Board Plan 2017).
The Local Board supports the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT). Seventy-two percent of Waitematā submitters to the 10-year Budget support the RFT and want investment to be focused on public transport and active transport. We particularly support the focus in the RLTP on:
Safety, with a Vision Zero approach
Environment
Rapid transit
Accessibility
Placemaking
City centre
Active modes and pedestrian prioritisation
In addition to the projects identified below for inclusion in the transport programme, we request as a priority additional funding be identified to deliver the 10-year Programme Business case for cycling recently adopted by Auckland Transport.
During the consultation period I attended the Have your say session at the Grey Lynn Library Hall on 12 May with members Richard Northey and Denise Roche.
Last month the board signed off on the draft Parnell Plan consultation document. “Towards a 30-year plan for Auckland’s First Suburb” is now out for consultation until 29 June.
10am- 2pm, 6 and 16 June: Drop-in session at the Parnell Library
9am-12pm, 9 and 23 June: Parnell Farmers Market
5pm-9pm, 21 June: Winter Solstice event at 69 St Georges Bay Road
Auckland Domain Committee
The Committee met on 30 May (I am deputy chair of the committee). We approved a new natural play space and the Kari Street Commons informal recreational space. The committee is grappling with the issue of commuter parking in the Domain that is diminishing the experience of Domain visitors and creating safety issues for pedestrians. A report on a proposed way forward to improve access is coming to the next Domain committee meeting in August.
Community grants
At the Board’s May meeting we granted $125,000 in accommodation grants and more than $49,000 in community grants.
The board’s next Quick Response grants round opens on 5 June and closes 6 July. Details are on the Council website.
Events
Waitematā is a year-round busy place for an impressive range of events. Recently I have enjoyed attending:
Ockham Book Awards
2018 Writers Festival opening – Gala night
Mt Albert Town Centre upgrade opening (in Albert-Eden)
GridAKL Tech & Innovation – Building a better world. The Funding Network Tech week event
Opening of the Art Fair at the Cloud
Opening of the Doc Edge Film Festival at Q Theatre
Bike Bike Debate at MOTAT on 31 May
On 25 May I attended the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei commemoration event to l mark the 40th anniversary of the stand at Bastion Point. After 506 days of occupation, protesters faced off with members of the police, armed forces and the government over plans to build luxury housing on Ngāti Whātua ancestral land at Takaparawhau – Bastion Point, resulting in 222 arrests. The stand at Bastion Point led to the first successful retrospective claim hearing at the Waitangi Tribunal.
The Prime Minster held a morning tea event on 31 May for members of the Mt Albert electorate community.
Mt Albert Electorate community morning tea with the PM Jacinda Ardern
This report covers the period 14 March until 10 April 2018.
Highlights
Newly elected board member Denise Roche was sworn in at the board’s business meeting on 20 March. (photo left)
Consultation on the 10 year budget
Have your say month wrapped up on 28 March. The Board hosted 2 public meetings, a hearings style meeting where 19 groups and individuals presented and four drop-in session at our libraries (photo right: Parnell Have your say public meeting attended by board members and councillors Penny Hulse and Christine Fletcher). Spray free parks is one of the priority issues that was consulted on by the Board (Attachment 1)
A summary of the consultation feedback will be available in May.
New public space at the Viaduct
In October 2017 I reported that Panuku had made the decision to close the Eastern Viaduct car park to create a new public space in line with the Waterfront Plan. This followed advocacy from the local board and councillors Richard Hills and Chris Darby.
Following the space being used increasingly for temporary events it has now been permanently closed. I attended the karakia on 26 March led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to acknowledge the closing of the Eastern Viaduct as a car park and the commencement of the construction and installation process of a public space.
Over the Easter break I enjoyed having lunch with a friend at the new communal table (photo above). See Attachment 2 for more details.
Homelessness
Chronic levels of homelessness in the city centre is a major concern. The board wishes to support solutions and is looking to provide appropriate public facilities (one of the priorities we highlighted in the recent 10 year budget consultation).
I attended the Heart of the City organised “ending homelessness” event on 20 March at the Ellen Melville Centre to hear the latest update from Moira Lawler, CEO of Lifewise, and Chris Farrelly, the Auckland City Missioner on how they are working to end homelessness in central Auckland.
They talked about the collaborative approach underway, including Housing First and the redevelopment of James Liston Hostel and the recently announced Mission Homeground (incorporating accommodation and wrap round services) to be developed on the Mission’s Hobson St site.
Western Springs Native bush restoration project
Residents were recently provided with an update (Attachment 3) on the Western Springs Native bush restoration project. Attachment 4 the Our Auckland story on the project. In addition, Deputy Chair Shale Chambers spokesperson for the project has provided this update on 10 April via Facebook in response to concerns about the process.
The elected members of the board do not, nor have they in the past, had any direct involvement in the selective cutting of the pine trees. This has been a decision of arborists and Council parks staff who are making health and safety decisions to keep the track and park area open, and keep property and lives safe. No assurance can be given that those decisions, where necessary will not be made in the future (for example, as a result of today’s winds) but this will only be done for genuine health and safety reasons, not any early implementation of the plans. That is in line with the local board’s advice that the trees are failing at an increased rate. The restoration project is shortly to go to a notified public hearing process. Those who wish to question the reports and advice that the local board has relied on in making its decision, in its view in the public interest, to proceed with the restoration project and the removal of the remaining 200 pines will have their opportunity there to have their say. The board will be bound by the outcome. The ‘consultation’ is therefore a publicly notified resource consent hearings process available to all interested in the outcome of the plans. We invite and welcome that involvement. Council advice can be tested there. If it is correct and the project is granted consent, the first stage pine removal phase of the project will proceed. Locals and interested parties will then be involved by way of consultation on in the detail post-pines future of the area and the park restoration project, as promised.
Victoria Quarter Petition
At the Board’s March business meeting we received a petition presented by Emily Reeves, city centre resident, calling for safer pedestrian access in Victoria Quarter. (Attachment 5)
We passed a resolution requesting staff to refer the petition to the Development Programme Office for consideration in the allocation of the targeted rates projects in the Victoria Quarter and Auckland Transport for consideration for improvements in the road corridor.
Work is already underway by Auckland Transport on significant safety treatments in the Cook St off ramp area of Victoria Quarter. The proposals will go out for consultation shortly.
Great North Road – car transporters
I’ve previously reported on the issue of car transporters illegally unloading on Great North Road. This high risk activity continues despite AT regularly issuing fines (this is just considered a cost of doing business).
I’ve met with AT’s manager of parking who is calling a meeting of operators and NZTA to discuss the options available for increasing the number of loading zones and for businesses to undertake more activities within their premises. If car transporter operators continue to unload illegally NZTA has the power to revoke operator licences.
Quay Street cycleway extension greening
The board has asked Auckland Transport to look at options for further greening Quay St as part of the cycleway design.
At our March meeting we requested Auckland Transport to develop a rough order of cost for including a green bus shelter roof as part of the Quay Street project to be funded from the Local Board Transport Capital Fund (photo above right: cycleway under construction showing inclusion of a strip in the design for planting)
Events
March was a big month for events in Waitematā. Pop, the Board funded annual series of interactive art projects is now a fixture of the Auckland International Arts Festival (photo right pop marbles in Freyberg Place).
At Pasifika the mayoral and government’s entourages joined forces for the first time to visit stages in nine of the villages. (Photo below: At the Tuvalu village with Fala Haulangi)
Meetings and workshops: 14 March until 10 April 2018
Weekly chair’s meeting held every Monday with the local board services team
Site visit on 14 March to berm on Beresford Street where poisoning has taken place (photo right)
Meeting with the Newton Residents Association representatives on 14 March
Fortnightly meeting with comms adviser on 14 and 29 March
Dropped by the Auckland Transport Karangahape Road parking plan consultation open days on 14 and 16 March
Meeting with Parnell Business Association representatives on 15 March
Have your say Grey Lynn Library drop in session on 15 March
Have your say Parnell public meeting hosted in partnership with Parnell Community Committee on 15 March
Have your say Leys Institute Library drop in session on 16 March
Surrey Cres/Garnet Road Community Liaison Group meeting hosted by Auckland Transport on 19 March
Have your say cuppa with Splice at Ellen Melville Centre attended by inner city resents particularly new migrants (supported by Auckland Council translator).
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 20 March
Auckland Transport’s quarterly briefing for Local Boards on 21 March
Drop in session on 21 March for elected representatives at Albert St re: Sale and supply of Alcohol Renewal of Licences Amendment Bill (No2)
Participated in Auckland Transport’s consultations sprint at Customer Central (exploring AT’s end to end consultations process from the customer lens) with a face to face interview on 21 March
Local Economic Development Masterclass; Supporting economic resilience hosted by ATEED at GridAKL on 22 March
Have your say Waitematā Local Board hearing on 22 March. The Board received 19 presentations from a range of groups and individuals
Briefing from Housing NZ representatives on 23 March re the redevelopment plans for 139 Greys Ave
Hui on 23 March between Local Board Chairs and the Chair of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority and to discuss some activities planned for 2018 by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Have your say Central Library drop in session on 23 March
Have your say Parnell Library drop in session on 26 March (photo right)
Parnell Plan working group meeting on 26 March
Board all day workshops on 27 March, 3 and 10 April
Catch up with KBA general manager on 28 March
Wynyard Quarter Transport Association board meeting on 28 March
Joint governing body and local board chairs workshop on 28 March
Relationship Manager catchup on 29 March
Monthly transport portfolio catch up on 4 April
Meeting with Manager, AT parking on 4 April
Meeting on 5 April with representatives of the Parnell Business Association to discuss Paws in Parnell event debrief
Catch up with CEO, MOTAT on 6 April
Meeting on 6 April with KBA and NZPC to discuss public facilities on Karangahape Road
Ponsonby Business Association committee meeting held on 10 April
Events and functions: 14 March until 10 April 2018
Grey Lynn 2030 AGM and Green Screen showing of Living Dangerously on 19 March
Ending Homelessness in Auckland’s city centre organised by Heart of the City at Ellen Melville Centre on 20 March
Far Side of the Moon at the Aotea Centre on 22 March at the invitation of the Auckland Arts Festival
Pasifika Festival walkabout with the Prime Minister and the Mayor
Government’s Unitec Housing announcement at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on 25 March (photo right)
Karakia on 26 March led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to acknowledge the closing of the Eastern Viaduct as a car park and the commencement of the construction and installation process of a public space.
YMCA – Ride and Refresh Launch Event on 27 March (new service providing showers and secure parking for bike commuters) Photo right
Women in Urbanism discussion with NZTA on 28 March
Part of the official party for the Citizenship Ceremony in the Town Hall on 3 April
Associate Minister Transport Julie Anne Genter opens the Road Safety Summit
Bike Breakfast on 5 April at Bestie café sponsored by KBA
Opening of the Uptown Business Association movie night in Basque Park on 7 April
Jam on Toast at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 8 April
Opening of the Auckland International Cultural Festival at Mt Roskill War Memorial Park on 8 April
Attended the Road Safety Summit in Wellington on 9 April and gave a presentation on Auckland’s road safety crisis as part of a panel discussion on Local Government’s view about what more can be done to improve road safety (Attachment 6).
This report covers the period 12 February until 12 March 2018. This report is on the agenda of the Board’s March business meeting.
First board meeting of 2018 held on 20 February. ( Photo taken after we thanked Democracy Advisor Sibyl Mandow for her work for the board before moving to a new role in Council. Member Rob Thomas gave apologies for leaving early)
Highlights
Have your say month
A massive Council “Have your Say” month of consultation got underway on 28 February. This is the opportunity every three years to look in depth at Auckland’s 10-year budget. As part of this budget cycle local priorities for the next financial year 18/19 are also up for discussion.
Over the month the Board is hosting two public meetings, a hearing and four pop in sessions at local libraries (my own summary of the consultation)
International delegation
We hosted the first international delegation to visit Waitemata Local Board on 28 February. Hon Andrew Solomon Napuat Minister of Internal Affairs, Mrs Cherol Alanavibori Director General, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Mr Edward Kaltamat Director of Local Authorities from Vanuatu discussed local planning, funding and community engagement with board members.
Transport projects:
Karangahape Road Enhancement Project
The board has confirmed our strong support for this project to proceed.
We have however raised our concerns regarding the development response and project communications. We received reassurances that this joint AT and Auckland Council (with additional government funding) is being coordinated by the Development Programme Office (DPO) including the development response. This will see to the planning, development and communication on the numerous projects in the precinct managed in a holistic way
The project team has now taken steps to progress a development response action plan with the K’road business association and to ensure the project is successfully delivered with minimal business disruption. Construction is due to start on this transformational and long awaited project at the end of 2018. The latest update is available on AT’s website.
Consultation on a parking plan to maximise parking options in and around Karangahape Road once the enhancements project is complete is currently under consultation until 1 April. It looks to maximise parking availability and turnover by prioritising short stay parking and loading zone access in peak time.
AT has confirmed the following parking changes are proposed.
Number of on-street car parks currently
Number of on-street car parks post-project
Off-peak hours
501
483
Peak hours
485
416
Number of loading zones currently
Number of loading zones post-project
Off-peak hours
55
62
Peak hours
52
44
In addition, the parking plan has highlighted the opportunities for improving turnover of 70 existing car parks that are currently unrestricted and 53 car parks in an AT controlled car park on Upper Queen Street.
A parking plan (currently under consultation) to ensure the effective management of the available parking together with a package of assistance should respond to retailer concerns and allow the project to progress with the welcomed support from the KBA.
Waitemata Safe Routes update
Community Liaison Group meetings for the Richmond Road and Garnet Road routes got underway on 12 February. Both meetings were very well attended and the new process to review the design positively supported by the majority of attendees. The Community Liaison Groups have been established to:
Ensure that those organisations or groups with an interest in the project are involved in its development
Ensure the project accurately reflects community aspirations and delivers established objectives and design principles
I am the board’s representative on both groups. Member Rob Thomas is also on the Garnet Road CLG.
Franklin Road upgrade
At the community liaison group meeting on 13 March Auckland Transport provided an update on progress so far:
Drainage:-
20 New stormwater manholes installed
40 New stormwater catch pits installed
440m of new Stormwater main installed in the middle of the road
350m of new catch pit leads installed
Vector ducting complete. New cabling installation in progress.
The new Wellington St/England St roundabout is expected to be completed in April 2018 (photo right). The design is the first of its kind in Auckland to incorporate traffic calming, cyclelanes, high quality materials and street greening. The project has an overall competition target of mid 2019. More project details on the AT website.
Further transport updates are available on the AT monthly report to the board.
Western Springs Native bush regeneration project
The Waitemata Local Board has a long standing community project to regenerate an area of native bush in Western Springs with improved tracks for bush walks. The consistent advice we’ve received is that before any track work can be undertaken the 80 year old pine stand behind the zoo needs to be removed because the trees are failing and pose a risk.
Details of the project are being finalised and will be made publicly available shortly (there will also be consultation on the planting and track design) but I recently provided an update via Facebook because I received a complaint on 2 March that Council was committing “eco rape” by felling one of the pine trees. The Council arborist advised the work involved removal of a hazardous and 90% dead pine tree. The Council arborist logged this following a regular monthly inspection and organised the immediate removal without referring it to the board. The arborist has confirmed that the trees are well beyond their 80-year life expectancy and are declining rapidly with regular branch and whole tree failure occurring.
Regular maintenance and occasional removal of unstable trees is required for safety reasons with no viable alternative. The recent incident in Rotorua involving the failure of a tree that resulted in a death has highlighted the need to respond appropriately to recognized risks.
I am also advised that it is considered unlikely (as claimed by the complainant) that white-faced heron nest in the pines given the general lack of foliage and exposed nature of the trees. Tree works are generally only scheduled outside the nesting season unless required for safety reasons
Maintenance
Last month I reported on issues with the poor standard of maintenance that needs to be addressed in Waitemata.
Community Facilities has also undertaken to address the weeds in Rose Road Gully. (Photo right board member Adriana Christie attacks the weeds that are strangling native trees)
Emergency preparedness
Following the Emergency Preparedness workshop held on the 31 January at the Waitematā Local board office, a Waitematā Facilities Network workshop was held on 22 February to explore what facilities can contribute and what is needed as part of this network.
The outcome we are hoping to achieve from a Facilities Network in Waitematā is to empower our communities to enhance resilience to disasters and the impact of climate change:
Support educational programmes to prepare our communities for disasters and the impact of climate change
Identify key locations in our community as civil defence information centres
Meetings and workshops: 12 February until 13 March 2018
Weekly chair’s meeting held every Monday with the local board services team
Board all day workshops on 13, 27 February and 6, 13 March
Parnell Plan working group meetings on 12 February and 12 March
Chair’s Forum on 12 February and 12 March
Ponsonby Business Association committee meetings held on 13 February and 13 March
Domain Committee agenda run through meeting on 13 February
Trafinz Executive Committee meeting on 14 February
Monthly comms update meeting on 14 February
Domain committee walking tour and business meeting held in Parnell on 14 February
Grey Lynn business Association committee meeting on 15 February
Heart of the City annual results presentation to local board members by Viv Beck, CEO on 15 February.
Meeting on 16 February with Westfield, Newmarket Business Association, Auckland Transport, and Development Programme Office representatives to discuss potential upgrade of Nuffield Street
Community Reference Group meetings for Garnet Road and Richmond Road held at Auckland Transport on 16 February
Regional local board cluster workshop on 19 February
Local board business meeting on 20 February
Waitemata Facilities Network (Emergency Management) Workshop on 21 February at Ellen Melville Centre
Grey Lynn Park Multipurpose Facility Briefing on 21 February
Auckland Domain bus service briefing by Auckland Transport for the Domain committee and board members on 21 February
Attended the governing body meeting on 22 February at the Town Hall for the swearing in of Councillor Josephine Bartley (photo right)
Inner City Network Meeting on 22 February
Franklin Road lights debrief meeting on 23 February
Meeting on 23 February with the board’s engagement adviser to discuss the 10 year budget consultation
Catch up with Barbara Ward and Therese Colgan, Mt Albert Electorate Office on 23 February
LGNZ Governance & Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 26 February
LGNZ roadshow briefing to local board members on 28 February
Hosted the Vanuatu delegation at the board office on 28 February
Meeting with Italian festival organiser on 28 February
Morning tea for the departing Board’s engagement adviser
Meeting with Derek Handley, sponsor of Active Citizen on 1 March
Comms meeting on 1 March
Tour of the Auckland City Mission premises at 140 Hobson Street on 1 March and presentation on their project Mission HomeGround
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting at the Town Hall on 2 March
Leadership for Chairs programme: Session two on 5 March
Meeting with the Herne Bay Residents Association on 9 March
Local Board briefing by Healthy Waters on 35 year stormwater discharge consents
Victoria Quarter transformation meeting with representative from Sugar Tree apartments on 9 March
Franklin Road Community Reference Group meeting at Auckland Transport on 13 March
Events and functions: 12 February until 13 March 2018
Go by Bike Day on 14 February at Silo Park (coffee and muffin provided by Auckland Transport)
Opening of Pā Rongorongo – Citizens Information Hub at Griffith Gardens on 15 February (photo right the Mayor cutting the ribbon)
YMCA Auckland City Stadium Re-Opening on 15 February
Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks on 15 February
Spoke at the Bike to the Future bike ride and petition presentation to Auckland Transport organised by Generation Zero on 17 February (photo right)
By-election day on 17 February celebrated the successful election of City Vision’s Denise Roche (photo below)
Celebrated Pride Parade on Ponsonby Road in the Glamstand at the invitation of the Pride Trust on 17 February
Attended Myers Park Medley hosted by the Waitemata Local Board on 18 February
Opening of the Fringe Festival on 19 February
Auckland Foundation function on 21 February with guest speaker Celia Caughey, City Mission Trustee
New Zealander of the Year Awards dinner on 22 February at the invitation of the University of Auckland
Joined mana whenua and Cr Desley Simpson for the pouwhiri at the opening of the Volvo Ocean Race Village on 24 February
Repair Café hosted by Grey Lynn 2030 at Westerns Springs Community Hall on 24 February
Waireka Festival and tour of the Sanctuary Gardens at Unitec on 24 February
Japan Festival Opening at Shed 10 on 25 February
Officiated at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 28 February
Opening of the Lantern Festival on 28 February at the Auckland Domain (photo right)
Opening of the Auckland Arts Festival Playground festival garden at Silo Park on 7 March
International Womens Day breakfast hosted by Central City Library to watch livestreamed directly from Parliament in Wellington (hosted by the Minister for Women, Julie-Anne Genter), keynote speakers include Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy and former Prime Minister Helen Clark, in a conversation with Dr Gill Greer, Chief Executive of the National Council for Women.
Eru Dangerspiel at the Playground, Silo Park at the invitation of the Auckland Arts Festival on 8 March
10 year budget consultation events
Presented to the Inner City Network Meeting on 22 February
Gave a presentation to Parnell Rotary’s breakfast meeting on 28 February
Attended Auckland Conversations: Transport on 28 February Bernard Hickey was joined by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and a panel of industry experts to discuss and debate Auckland’s transport challenges and the potential solutions available.
Attended the Pasifika fono at Western Springs Community Hall on 5 March
Presented at the Grey Lynn public meeting hosted by the Board with the Grey Lynn Residents’ Association on 8 March
Radio Interview with Julie Fairey on Red Alert Radio on the topic of the 10 year budget
Presented to the Grafton Residents Association monthly meeting on 12 March
A massive Council “Have your Say” month of consultation is underway (28 Feb -28 March). This is the opportunity every three years to look in depth at Auckland’s 10-year budget. As Aucklanders we have major decisions to make about how we fund the infrastructure needed to deal with the pressure of growth and bring existing services up to a sustainable standard for a world class city. As part of this budget cycle local priorities for the next financial year 18/19 are also up for discussion.
The Mayor is leading the regional consultation on what is also known as the draft Long-Term Plan (LTP) that determines the level of rates. You can respond to questions covering the proposed introduction of a Regional Fuel Tax to pay for improvements to transport and targeted rates to fund protection of endangered species such as kauri and the cleanup of our habours, beaches and streams.
As the board representing the main area in Auckland without stormwater separation we are particularly focused on the long overdue infrastructure investment being brought forward by Council and Watercare to stop the flow of sewage into the Waitemata Harbour. The big question will be whether the wider region is willing to support with funding through additional rates.
Other plans that are out for consultation include the Regional Pest Management Plan, Waste Management and Minimisation Plan and the refresh of the Auckland Plan. The draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) budget that was “inadvertently” released in January by Auckland Transport with a massive reduction to the cycle budget, low prioritization of light right and cuts to rail operating funds is now due out for consultation in April.
The AT Board has directed management to redraft the RLTP budget to more accurately reflect priorities that Council and the new Government give to walking and cycling, public transport and reducing carbon emissions. If the family friendly Bike to the Future ride organized by Generation Zero on 17 February is any indication there is strong local support for safe cycling infrastructure and funding for transport choice. At the same time we welcome that the new CEO of AT, Shane Ellison who attended the ride, has committed to the organization taking a fresh approach to community engagement and working with local boards so that mistakes are not repeated.
Further transport funding for projects like streetscape upgrades, safer speed zones and greenway connections is possible through the Board’s transport fund. We’ve got a question on how we should allocate the approximately $500k available per year. This is in the local board section of the online feedback form along with questions about our priority project, Ponsonby Park, and funding the elimination of agri-chemical spraying, public facilities and further waterway restoration.
Details of consultation events and submission details on the Auckland Council website akhaveyoursay.nz.
A version of this post first appeared in the March Ponsonby News
Each year we plan the projects and initiatives we will deliver in your local board area. These are based on our 2017 local board plan, which sets our three-year direction. We are seeking your input on our proposals for the 2018/2019 financial year.
We have recently consulted with you during the development of our 2017 local board plan. This plan has now been adopted and will guide our priorities for the next three years as we respond to more people choosing to live, work, visit and study in Waitematā.
We propose to focus on restoring key waterways, maintaining our community facilities and providing cycling and walking greenways. We will continue to activate and improve our local parks and to advocate for the development of a new civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road.
You have told us that you would like us to support the vulnerable and rough sleepers in the inner city. One way that the local board can support rough sleepers as well as cater for other visitors to the city centre is through awareness raising and provision of public facilities. We would like your input about whether we should contribute funding towards this.
Hearing from you is important as it helps us understand the community’s views and ensures that we deliver the projects and initiatives you value the most. We welcome your involvement as we finalise our proposed budget priorities for 2018/2019.
What we propose in the Waitematā Local Board Area in 2018/2019
We plan to invest $41.5 million ($7.4 million capex and $34.1 million opex) to renew, maintain and operate assets in your local board area as well as provide other local initiatives.
Our priorities for the 2018/2019 budget include:
Continue to improve and activate our local parks in line with the adopted development plans. New areas of focus include creating a pathway, improving drainage and investigating the need for a playground at Basque Park. At Heard Park in Parnell we plan to upgrade onsite facilities to provide a more usable space for recreation and events.
Restore Waiparuru, Waipapa and Newmarket Streams in collaboration with residents, community groups and iwi and partner with Albert-Eden and Puketāpapa Local Boards to develop a protection and restoration strategy for Meola and Motions Creek catchments and the Three Kings to Western Springs Aquifer Initiative.
Continue to improve our transport network by using our Transport Capital Fund to deliver safe and high amenity walking and cycling options, such as the connection from Newmarket to Parnell through the old Parnell rail tunnel, as set out in the Waitematā Greenways Plan 2013, streetscape improvements and slow traffic zones in residential areas.
Raise awareness and enhance provision of city centre facilities based on a needs and gaps assessment. Examples include toilets, showers, lockers, drinking fountains and device charging stations.
Work towards the elimination of agrichemical spraying at our local parks. Given financial constraints we propose to make Albert Park and Myers Park agrichemical spray free in 2018/2019.
Our key advocacy project
A full site civic and green space at 254 Ponsonby Road will provide a much-needed area for the community’s growing population.
We are seeking the Governing Body to include $5.5m in the 10-year budget for stage 1 of this project. The first stage includes the delivery of a civic and green space, the repurposing of the existing canopy structure for markets and events and the development of public toilet facilities. Stage 2 will repurpose the existing building and improve the adjoining streetscape. Potential funding options for stage 2 include our Auckland Transport capex fund and other alternative funding sources.
What do you think?
Have we got our priorities right? Please provide feedback.
Do you support the 10-year Budget to include first stage funding to create a full site civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road?
Should we expand our waterways restoration programme in 2018/2019 to include Waiparuru Stream (Grafton Gully) and partner with Albert-Eden and Puketāpapa Local Boards to develop a protection and restoration strategy for the Waitītiko, Waiateao (Meola and Motions Creek catchments) and the Three Kings to Western Springs Aquifer?
How do you think we should prioritise our Auckland Transport capex fund over the next three years? Options include:
improved walking and cycling infrastructure though completing greenways routes, such as the connection from Newmarket to Parnell through the old Parnell rail tunnel
streetscape improvements
implement slow traffic speed zones in residential areas
Do you support allocating funding towards raising awareness and enhancing provision of city centre public facilities? If so, what kind of facilities should we prioritise?
The elimination of agrichemical spraying may have some impact on the visual presentation of the parks and reserves. Do you support the local board allocating $40,000 funding for agrichemical free weed control methods in specific parks such as at Albert Park and Myers Park in 2018/2019?
Visit the Waitematā Local Board office at 52 Swanson Street (off St Pats Square) to view hard copies of all the consultation documents. You are welcome to complete a feedback from at the office reception and drop in the submissions box.
AK Have Your Say
Auckland Council
Freepost Authority 182382
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142
Consultation events
Waitematā Local Board is partnering with the community to host two Have Your Say events so that we can hear your feedback. We also have a hearing style meeting scheduled:
Thursday 8 March, 6-8pm, Grey Lynn Library Hall, 474 Great North Rd; with the Grey Lynn Residents Association
Thursday 15 March, 6-8pm, Parnell Jubilee Hall, 545 Parnell Rd; with the Parnell Community Committee and the Grafton Residents Association
This is my first report of 2018 covering the period 13 December 2017 until 12 February 2018.
It was great to end the year with the launch of the Waitematā Local Board 2017 plan at the Ellen Melville Centre (photo below). The evening also included a presentation by Deputy Chair Shale Chambers on the Board’s Achievement report 16/17. (Presentation Attachment 2)
After a summer break I got back to work on 15 January focused on catching up on correspondence, preparing for the year ahead and attending a range of meetings with community representatives. Some of the issues I have been dealing with are outlined below.
The first board weekly workshop of the year was held on 30 January.
Maintenance
The board continues to receive complaints regarding the level of maintenance by Council’s contractor Ventia. Many of these complaints stem from long standing poor levels of upkeep prior to Ventia taking over the maintenance contracts on 1 July 2017.
Working with the parks portfolio I am particularly focused on tackling the upkeep of our city centre squares and shared spaces and the weed issues in Rose Rd Gully in Grey Lynn Park and St Marys Bay reserve and footpath (photo right).
We are also seeing a decline in the level of maintenance of berms and kerbs by AT’s contractor Downer (AT has responded by withholding performance payments). This contract will move to Ventia on 1 July.
Footpath and berm parking
Auckland Transport has stopped enforcement of parking on some berms and footpaths in the city centre following legal advice that signage is needed to enforce the relevant bylaw. This has led to an increase in complaints regarding a few hot spots such as on Union Street (Photo left).
This is a disappointingly cautious interpretation of AT’s responsibilities, but steps are under way to install appropriate signage so that enforcement can start.
Another parking issue I’m actively following up with AT is the long standing practice of car transporters using Great North Road no parking zones to unload vehicles putting all road users at unnecessary risk.
Waitematā Safe Routes update
Following the issues with the Waitemata Safer Routes project on Richmond Road and Garnet Road that were the focus of intense debate at the end of last year (reported on in my December Chair’s report) we are in the process of agreeing with Auckland Transport the way forward to address issues and develop an appropriate cycleway design that has buy-in from the wider community.
Auckland Transport has started a technical review of the routes including a safety audit and review of bus stop locations. AT will work with a Community Liaison Group for both routes. The technical review is likely to take 4 – 6 months and will involve public consultation on any new design aspects.
Improved walking tracks
With the settled weather at the end of last year City Parks, on behalf of Regional Facilities Auckland, were able to make good progress finishing the track work from the Outer Fields up to Old Mill Rd (photo right).
It is great to see the work progress after many years of neglect of this bush area just off the Bullock Track.
Quay Street cycleway extension
In early January Auckland Transport started work on the Quay Street cycleway extension requiring the relocation of 14 trees from the central medium to maintain the existing number of vehicle and parking lanes (photo right – relocated tree at Teal Park). The board would have preferred for the trees to remain, but supported Auckland Transport going through a notified resource consent process to determine whether the trees could be moved and under what conditions.
I took up Greg Edmonds’, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Auckland Transport, offer to discuss enhanced greening options for the corridor on 21 January. The proposed design was then brought by AT to a board workshop and is progressing to ensure there is as much new planting as possible.
Auckland Transport has also brought the proposed design of the Tamaki Drive cycleway route (The Strand to Ngapipi Drive) back to the Board following concerns we raised about the safety of a section of shared path and the slip lanes at the intersection with Solent Street.
I have also raised concerns about the design with NZTA (who are responsible for the Strand intersection) as we need to ensure fit for purpose infrastructure is installed to cater for the projected increase in cycle numbers.
The network effect of connected, safe separated cycleway is having results by attracted new riders with a 7.9 % annual increase in 2017 (as reported in AT’s monthly report). For the first time, on Waitangi Day, the Quay Street cycleway counter hit over 2000 trips. (Photo right: Quay St on anniversary weekend)
Draft Regional Land Transport Plan budget
On 25 January Auckland Transport released the draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) budget with a massive reduction to the cycle budget, low prioritization of light right and cuts to rail operating funds. AT officials claimed it was just a draft for consultation. Chair of AT, Lester Levy quickly apologized for the draft saying it had been inadvertently released.
I attended Auckland Transport board meeting with Cr Chris Darby on 2 February to show my support for the AT Board directing management to redraft the RLTP budget to more accurately reflect priorities that Council and Government now give to walking and cycling, public transport and reducing carbon emissions.
The draft will go out for consultation at the same time as the Council’s 10 year budget on 28 February. [Since confirmed by AT that consultation will now start in April ]
Emergency preparedness information session
The Waitematā Local Board hosted an information session on 31 January for representatives from community facilities to discuss how we can best support emergency preparedness. Auckland Emergency Management identified the 13 facilities as potentially safe locations for people to gather in respond to any major humanitarian need.
We sought feedback about joining a network of locations that can support annual initiatives to educate and prepare our communities in case of a major disaster and help contribute towards building the resilience of our community. A follow up meeting will be held on 21 February.
Parnell Plan
The Board has started a long-awaited process to draft a Parnell Plan building on the work of the Parnell Community Committee’s Parnell Tomorrow document to develop a strategic vision for Parnell to influence the development of Auckland’s first suburb.
An introductory workshop was held on 12 February with a community working group.
I am the Board’s rep on the working group together with board member Vernon Tava (Richard Northey as alternate).
Events and functions: 13 December until 12 February
Ports of Auckland Community Reference Group meeting on 13 December
Basement Summer Pride Launch Lunch on 14 December
Local Board Plan Launch & Achievements Report presentation at Ellen Melville Centre on 14 December (Presentation Attachment 2)
Hanukkah Celebrations in Albert Park on 17 December
Auckland Transport CEO David Warburton leaving function on 18 December
Bugs Lab opening at Auckland Zoo on 19 December (photo right with Albert Eden Local Board member Jessica Rose and Cr Richard Hills)
Splice end of year celebration at Ellen Melville Centre on 19 December
Final workshop of the year followed by Christmas lunch for board members and staff
St Columba playground opening on 24 December (photo right)
Launch of Josephine Bartley’s election campaign for the Maungakiekie- Tāmaki ward on 20 January
Pouwhiri for the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival at the Viaduct Events Centre on 27 January (Photo below: On Aotearoa waka sailing with board member Adriana Christie at the invitation of Te Wananga o Aotearoa)
Launch of Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge at Little Shoal Bay on 27 January
Bike breakfast organised by Bike Auckland at Best Ugly Bagel on 1 February
Launch of Volume South by Auckland Museum on 1 February at Manukau Institute of Technology
Pride Festival Gala on 2 February at Q Theatre at the invitation of the Pride Festival Trust (photo right with former board member Christopher Dempsey, Barbara Holloway and Charmaine Ngarimu)
It is a great honor to be opening an exhibition at MOTAT on behalf of Auckland Council. I know the Mayor Phil Goff very much wanted to be here and Councillor Chris Darby, Chair of the Planning Committee. As you’ll discover in the exhibition we can thank the bicycle for the emancipation of women and opening the way for women to vote and enter politics. So I am very happy be representing my political colleagues this evening including Councillor Wayne Walker who just snuck in.
It is wonderful to see a collaboration between MOTAT and Auckland transport to celebrate 200 years of the humble pahikara. Thank you for everyone who has worked hard to bring this exhibition together.
There are fantastic quotes about the bicycle. My mum painted on to the front door of our family home the HG Wells quote : “Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”
Iris Murdoch sums it up for me as I rode here this evening “The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.”
There is much to discover in the exhibition that highlights the importance of the bicycle for transport, recreation, health, sport, winning the America’s cup – it is inspired to have the cyclors as part of the exhibition – and just lots of fun. Thank you for the sneak peak in advance of the formalities.
Many of my cycling heroes feature in the exhibition including Mr T who is transforming lives in Mangere. I’ve long been fans of the Kennett brothers. How people mocked John Key when he talked of riding from one end of NZ to the other and creating jobs on the way – it is really happening thanks to NZ cycle trails Nga Haerenga and Jonathan Kennett’s Tour Aotearoa. Great to see the Kennett brothers recognised for their ground breaking work going back to the 80’s.
I love the kiwi ingenuity, creativity and innovation on display in the exhibition that seems a perfect fit with mucking around with bikes. There is the telling of familiar stories and new cycling stories emerging as young people embrace cycling again. After a very tense time of “bikelash” I found it really refreshing to view on line the other day the short film Auckland Cycling by Western Springs College students Isaac Keating and Finley Parker-James. They have informatively uncovered some of the issues that Auckland faces integrating cycling into the city landscape.
This beautiful early summer weather is bringing out people in unprecedented numbers on their bikes. Kathryn King, AT’s walking and cycling manager just told me that the latest stats show a 19% increase on November last year. MOTAT is perfectly positioned to attract visitors on the NW cycleway – an off road path to the front door perfect for cycling with children. There is also a poignancy for me in opening this exhibition. Those who chose to ride are going lightly on the planet, contributing to better health outcomes, less congestion, less pollution but at the same time are incredibly vulnerable on our vehicle prioritised roads.
Just up the road from here a protest about poor design – which we can all agree on – but has turned into an occupation demanding an end the entire cycleway programme!
Now more than ever we need to double down on our efforts to build a network of safe cycleways. I want to acknowledge those who are leading the way – with Transport Minister Phil Twyford and Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter who have made active transport and safety a priority – and those working at the coalface to make Auckland a great cycling city building on the last 200 years of cycling history to shape a low carbon, sustainable city for the future. A city that is built for people to ride bikes is a much safer city for everyone.
OK that is enough of me going off piste with my speech. Ko whea te haere a ko ake nei? (as I read at the entrance of the exhibition full of te reo signage)
Time to change gear to bring it back to what we are here to celebrate what is sure to be a a very popular exhibition this summer.
Every two years the Waitematā Local Board hosts the Good Citizen Awards first initiated in 2013 by Shale Chambers with great support from former member Tricia Reade.
The awards are the Board’s way of recognising community leaders and groups for going above and beyond for the benefit of the community and the environment. At our third Good Citizens’ Awards ceremony held last month we celebrated the huge contribution of volunteers and heard the amazing stories behind each of the nominations. We’re very privileged to have such fantastic individuals and groups out there doing good.
10-year budget – One Local Initiative presentation
For the first time Local Boards are focusing on one priority advocacy project (referred to as an OLI – One Local Initiative) for inclusion in the 10 year budget that goes out for consultation in February 2017. On 2 November all local boards were given 15 minutes to present their OLI to the Finance and Performance Committee. I was joined by Deputy Chair Shale Chambers, members Adriana Christie and Richard Northey presenting on 254 Ponsonby Road known as “Ponsonby Park” (Attachment Two: presentation)
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marae visit
On 26 October Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marae hosted the Waitemata Local Board. It was a great opportunity to strengthen our partnership and to hear about some of their aspirations and projects, and vice versa. Ngati Whatua showed us around the marae, and introduced us to some of their projects including the nursery and worm farm.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei were led by Rangmarie Hunua, Chief Executive of Whai Maia.
Asia–Pacific Cycle Congress 17 – 20 October in Christchurch
I was fortunate to attend the Congress as a presenter and judge of the Cycle Friendly Awards presented at the Congress dinner. The Congress brought together excellent international speakers including the Dutch Cycling Embassy and local presenters. Attendees covered elected representatives, practitioners, researchers and advocates.
A key takeaway for me from the Congress is the importance of planning the places and streets we want that work for everyone rather than focusing on “cycling” for “cyclists”. The planning has to start with addressing the car and parking (“what really determines how cities look and move is their parking rules”). A smart city is one that focuses on walkability and mobility to tackle challenging environmental and health issues. As Steve Hoyts McBeth from Portland said there is “nothing more unsafe than a sedentary kid”
Congratulations to Te Ara Mua: Future Streets for winning the Supreme Award at the Cycle Friendly Awards organised by Cycle Action Network and NZTA (photo of Mangere-Otahuhu Chair, Lydia Sosene, Kathryn King Auckland Transport, members of the Future Streets team and judges Richard Leggat and Peter King).
My flights and one night’s accommodation were paid for by NZTA. Registration and two night’s accommodation were funded from the Board’s professional development budget.
Dockless bike share arrives in Auckland
Interestingly just after the Congress a dockless bike share scheme started in Auckland with the arrival of 100 Onzo bikes. The company did not seek permission from Council or Auckland Transport before launching.
At the Congress we heard about the phenomenal growth of dockless bikes worldwide. Philip Darnton, Executive Director of the Bicycle Association, highlighted the benefits of getting more people riding but said we need to be aware that dockless bike companies are “not interested in transport just data.”
In Auckland concerns have been raised regarding the use of public facilities for parking the bikes and the potential for vandalism and dumping.
AT has since advised that NZTA has drafted a Code of Practice based on best practice from overseas cities, with the intention that it be adopted and modified by councils nationally to ensure that any bike share schemes that come to New Zealand, have bikes that remain maintained and do not obstruct the public realm.
AT is in the process now of working with Auckland Council’s Compliance team and Auckland Transport’s legal team to ensure the Code of Practice aligns with Auckland Council’s bylaws.
I have been following up on potential Board support for promoting the completed upgrade to bring shoppers back to the area to support the businesses who have struggled through the construction period.
Ponsonby Road pedestrian improvements project
Works is now complete on Brown Street (photo right) and continuing on Pollen Street.
Night work was planned for 14-17 November to install line markings and the pedestrian refuges at Norfolk St and Angelsea St intersections that have been out of action for too long raising safety concerns.
West Lynn walking and cycling improvements project
“Everyone agrees the fault lies with AT and a ‘tick the box’ consultation process that left the mega transport body and businesses on a different page when a genuine partnership was needed”.
I have made the following comment on Facebook: I agree with the Grey Lynn Business Association & retailers that there are issues with this project that need to be sorted out by AT. The sloping footpath and drainage needs to be fixed. I also don’t think the bus stop outside Nature baby is in the right place. The consultation process was undermined when AT went out for feedback during the election last year (the Waitemata Local Board strongly opposed this). AT has done a poor job communicating the need for the project and the final plans.
What I do support is the need for improvements to safety and accessibility for everyone. The project addresses years of complaints and issues that have been raised by locals. For example the parking outside Harvest has changed to allow for a pedestrian build out at the Warnock Street intersection (this narrows the distance to cross). There is a new zebra crossing in the village. The design will reduce speeds. The construction has been a difficult time and businesses are receiving support to make loss of income claims. The aim is to create a more pleasant and safe walking environment that is good for business that will bring benefits to West Lynn.
Four bus stops have been replaced by two new bus stops opening up new parking to serve all the businesses (three new parks across the road from Harvest, 10 new ones outside Oranga Tamariki, and more outside Cherry & White). With further changes coming to the parking restrictions there will end up being more short term parking.
Also to note that the project isn’t finished yet. It is work in progress. More changes might need to be made to the design if the improvements don’t work as intended, but it is too early to judge. In addition, there are further upgrades coming such as a new roundabout at the Peel Street intersection. Locals have been asked for this for many years.
Mark Davey resigned from the Local Board on 16 October due to his escalating business interests. Mark has told board members he that he looks forward to seeing the continued good work the Waitemata Local Board does in the community.
Nominations will open on Friday 24 November 2017 and close at noon on Friday 22 December 2017. Voting packs will be delivered from Friday 26 January 2018 and voting will close at noon on Saturday 17 February 2018.
Meetings and workshops: 9 October until 7 November
Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Chair’s forum on 9 October
Ponsonby Business Association monthly meeting on 10 October
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 10, 24, 31 October and 7 November
Meeting with the Ponsonby Park group and board members on 11 October
Franklin Road Community Liaison meeting on 12 October
Chair’s recommendations run through
Meeting with officers on 12 October to discuss Grey Lynn Park multi-purpose facility
Catch up with Michelle Prior, Director within the Department of Transport in Western Australia prior to Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress
Meeting with Andrew Bell, Auckland Transport to discuss membership of TRANIZ and road safety issues
Meeting to discuss the Board’s One Local Initiative to be presented to Governing Body for inclusion in the 10 year budget (Attachment Two)
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 17 October was chaired by Deputy Chair Shale Chambers in my absence at the Asia-Pacific Cycle Conference
Local board briefing on 24 October – budget and policy issues in the lead up to the 10 year budget
Site visit with Claire Walker, Walker Landscape at Te Hā O Hine Place to discuss interpretation signage
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marae visit for board members and Local Board team on 26 October
Meeting with Karen Soich to discuss resident’s parking issues
Meeting with representatives of Richmond Rovers to discuss next steps to progress new clubrooms in Grey Lynn Park
Site visit with Cr Mike Lee to discuss Newmarket Station Square access way from Broadway
Meeting with owner of Gypsy Tearoom to discuss West Lynn improvements project construction
Meeting with Chair, Grey Lynn Business Association
Feedback session on 27 October on the progress of the City Centre Public Amenities Project after the research phase which reviewed the public amenity provision in the City Centre
Grey Lynn Farmers Market AGM on 29 October
Ponsonby Park governing body presentation run through with community-led steering group
Rates briefing for Local board members
Workshop for local board chairs and nominees to discuss their presentation to the Finance and Performance Committee on the 2 November.
Presentation to board members of the K’rd business plan and yearly review
Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss Levels of service & safety for pedestrians in the city centre
Ponsonby Business Association AGM on 30 October
Finance and Performance Committee Workshop LTP 2018-2028 on 2 November Civic Spaces theme – Advocacy: one local initiative discussion with the Finance and Performance Committee (Attachment C)
Communications & Engagement Elected Member Reference Group on 3 November
Western Bays Community Group AGM on 6 November
Auckland City Centre Residents Group AGM on 6 November
Grey Lynn Community Centre AGM on 7 November
Events and functions: 9 October until 7 November
Late Night Art on 10 October – Art Week event
Coxs Bay playground celebration on 12 October
Good Citizens’ Award ceremony on 12 October (Attachment A)
Diwali Festival Opening in Aotea Square on 14 October
From the Deck spring gathering of the Ada/Bassett/Swinton Community Group looking to restore Newmarket Stream with Gecko Trust
Attended the Cycle to the Future awards dinner on 19 October at the Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress as a guest judge (return airfares and one night accommodation provided by NZTA).
Citizenship Ceremony in the Town Hall on 24 October
Sustainable Business Network 15th birthday celebrations at Pocket Bar on 26 October
Service of consecration for Holy Trinity Cathedral on 28 October (photo right with Rod Oram and Jo Kelly-Moore, former Dean of Holy Trinity now Archdeacon of Canterbury)
Trash to Trade launch at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on 29 October
McConnell Property 20th Anniversary at the Cloud on
Opening night of Auckland Theatre Company’s Red Speedo on 2 November (at the invitation of ATC)
Auckland Street Choir performance and visit to Stuck in the Maze at Auckland Central Library on 4 November
2017 Auckland Consular Corps flag raising at Auckland Town Hall on 3 November (photo below)
Glenfield Primary School assembly on 6 November: Brake Road Safety Charity poster competition winner (I attended as a judge)
Report covering the period 11 September until 9 October 2017.
Highlights
Opening of Ellen Melville Centre and Freyberg Place
The biggest project that the Board has delivered was opened on 15 September. In my speech I looked back on the journey to create an inner city community hub and acknowledged the many people involved with the restoration of Ellen Melville Centre (the Board’s project) and the upgrade of Freyberg Place (funded from the City Centre targeted rate). It was a very proud day for the Board. Since the opening I have enjoyed a number of events at the centre.
Project updates:
Teed Street upgrade
As part of the Board Member Local Board Area Orientation Tour 2017 on 28 September we visited Teed Street to see how the work is coming along to widen footpaths and add new tree pits.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Photo right: Mark Knoff- Thomas, GM Newmarket Business Association
Ponsonby Road pedestrian improvements project
Summary of the latest update from Auckland Transport on Ponsonby works:
Brown Street (photo right) and Angelsea Street are expected to be completed the week of 9 October. The contractor has been:
removing the existing kerbs/asphalt in Brown St,
concrete work for kerbs, ramps and channels
installing the paver blocks in Anglesea Street.
Pollen Street begins 9 October. Remediation work on MacKelvie Street starts on 24 October weather permitting and will take a total of seven nights.
Eastern Viaduct Carpark
Following advocacy from the Local Board, Panuku has agreed to work towards closing the Eastern Viaduct car park to make it public space and to improve waterfront connectively.
In moving towards the closure in March 2018, Panuku is seeking ideas on how the space can be used. Media Release Attachment B.
West Lynn improvements
I have been following up on a number of issues associated with the project to improve pedestrian safety and install cycle lanes on Richmond Road (Route 2 of the Waitemata Safer routes scheme). Works are progressing fast but there are concerns about the location of the bus stops and the disruption to the shopping area during the construction. I’ve also asked Auckland Transport to improve the parking signage and “businesses open” messaging (now in place – photo right).
As at 9 October AT has confirmed:
Signage larger A0 signage went up over the weekend.
The messaging on the electronic boards have been changes at AT’s request.
We have had approval to establish temporary parking on the Eastern side come through. We’re currently working through the final details and have signage in development. The parking will be one-way only and directed by additional monitoring staff to minimise collision risk when exiting.
Grafton Residential Parking Zone consultation
Waitematā Local Board’s feedback on the proposed Grafton parking changes is attached to the Auckland Transport monthly report on the agenda.
Hobson Bay Walkway
The Board has been looking to complete the Hobson Bay walkway for some time to take the route up to Pt Resolution. It is a project in the Pt Resolution Taurarua Development Plan however it is looking like it will be expensive and challenging to construct a suitable staircase at Pt Resolution.
In the meantime, the mudcrete walkway at the base of the cliffs has been poorly maintained and has suffered storm damage.
At our September meeting we considered a report from officers advising that the no exit section north of Awatea Road poses a health and safety risk due to slips. We passed the following resolution.
Closure of the Hobson Bay walkway between Awatea Road and St Stephens Avenue
Resolution number WTM/2017/182
MOVED by Deputy Chairperson S Chambers, seconded by Member R Thomas:
That the Waitematā Local Board:
a) note the officer recommendation that the no exit section of the Hobson Bay walkway between the Awatea Road access point and the headland below St Stephens Avenue should be closed due to ongoing embankment slips resulting in a health and safety risk to the public
b) approve the closure of the Hobson Bay existing mudcrete walkway between the Awatea Road access point and the headland below St Stephens Avenue due to the health and safety risk.
c) notes the closure will be by way of advisory signage.
d) request officers update signage along the entire route as soon as possible including at the Elam Road access point and the section of the Hobson Bay walkway from Awatea Road to Parnell Baths/Pt Resolution in accordance the Pt Resolution Taurarua Development Plan
e) request officers to investigate the feasibility of other options for maintenance, renewal and completion of the entire Hobson’s Bay walkway from Thomas Bloodworth Park to St Stephen’s Avenue.
f) delegate to the portfolio leads Member Shale Chambers and Member Adriana Avendano Christie for approval of the permanent walkway signage wording
CARRIED
We anticipate a temporary closure while options for completing the walkway are investigated. Any proposal will go out for public consultation.
Events
Festival Italiano goes Zero Waste
Festival Italiano organizer Alessandra Zecchini has again done a tremendous job delivering a successful event in Newmarket (despite the challenge of spring weather).
I was delighted to speak at the opening on behalf of the Board (Attachment C) and to acknowledge the implementation of Zero Waste for the first time. I received a lot of positive feedback about this initiative.
Photo right: Board member Adriana Christie with Zero Waste Alliance community volunteers
I also spoke at the opening of Art Week (Attachment D)
Meetings and workshops: 11 September until 9 October
Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Chair’s forum on 11 September
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 12, 26 September (half day), and 2 October
Planning Committee
Ports Community Reference Group on 13 September
Tour of Ellen Melville Centre on 14 September for Local Board services team and board members (photo right with Project Manager Lisa Spasic)
Judges Panel decision making meeting for the Good Citizens Awards 2017
Local Boards sub-regional workshop on 18 September
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 19 September
Newmarket Business Association AGM on 20 September
Meeting with GM Ponsonby Business Association on 21 September
Meeting to discuss Achievement Report photos on 26 September
Wynyard Quarter Transport Management Association montly board meeting on 27 September (I am now a non-voting member of the Association)
Sat in on the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting on 27 September
Annual General Meeting of SASOC on 28 September
Board Member Local Board Area Orientation Tour 2017 on 28 September (photo right at Basque Park)
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 29 September
Local board long-term plan briefing on infrastructure funding and investment on 2 October
Meeting to finalise Local Board Plan
Meeting with Shaughan Woodcock, Pride Parade producer
Meeting with Taha Macpherson & Nirupa George from the Mayor’s office to discuss issues going into 10 year budget
Catch up with Phil Wilson, Governance Director
Catch up with Councillor Lee on 4 October
Chair’s Forum on 9 October
Events and functions: 11 September until 8 October
Farewell Function – Karen Lyons, GM Local Board Services on 11 September
Low Carbon Network – Meet The Candidates event at Freemans Bay Community Centre on 12 September (Photo right making a few introductory remarks)
Launch of City Hop electric car charging station in the Downtown car park on 15 September
Ponsonby Market Day on 16 September (Attachment E)
He Ra Maumahara – Project launch of Te Toka O Apihai by Ports of Auckland and Ngati Whatua Orakei on 18 September
Suffrage Day celebrations at Te Hā o Hine Place on 19 September (photo right with the Mayor and Councillors)
Attended Tashlikh (Jewish atonement ceremony) at the end of Queens Wharf on 21 September
Auckland Conversation In partnership with #Liveable RMLA Conference on 22 September: Toronto’s Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat outlined the ways in which her city has been addressing the shared challenges of rapid population growth, urban redevelopment and renewal, transport choice, housing affordability and community change.
Opening of Festival Italiano at Non Solo Pizza on 27 September
Knot Touch exhibition opening celebration at the Maritime Museum on 28 September
Festival Italiano and festival lunch at the invite of Dante Alighieri on 1 October
Civic Trust Heritage Festival debate on 3 October
Tyler Golly presentation: Can you build a bike network overnight? at a Bike Auckland and Auckland Council event on 3 October
Opening of the new DOC/i-site on Princes Wharf on 4 October (photo right: Lou Sampson, DG of DOC)
Māpura Studios debate at Studio One on 4 October including Richard Northey as a panel member
Bike Breakfast on 5 October
Opening of the Generator at GRID AKL by the Mayor on 5 October
Waterview cycleway opening on 6 October
Presentation by Greg Vann at MR Cagney on 6 October
Spoke at the opening of Art Week at the Ellen Melville Centre on 6 October (Attachment D)
Opening of the restored Ellen Melville Centre with Mayor Phil Goff, Kaumatua Bob Hawke, amd members of the Melville family
On 15 September 2017 we celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Ellen Melville Centre and upgraded Freyberg Place. I gave a speech on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board. It’s long! This is the Board’s biggest project started in the first days of the Super City so there was a lot to cover and many people to acknowledge. There are many elements to the project including restoration of the tukutuku panels, a new artwork by Lisa Reihana and the naming of the 5 rooms in the centre. I didn’t want to miss anything out.
I spoke after the Mayor Phil Goff and Andrew Melville (great nephew of Ellen Melville)
In recognition of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori I started with a mihi and tried to incorporate reo into my speech.
Tēnā koutou e ngā rau Rangatira mā e huihui mai nei
E nga matua a Matt raua ko Bob, nāu nei tā tātou karakia, mihi mai rā ki a koutou
E te Whare e tū nei,
E ngā pātū tukutuku,
E te wāhi taonga nei nā Ngāti Whātua,
E ngā Mana Whenua me ngā Matāwaka,
E ngā tohunga toi a Lisa rāua ko Graham,
E te Koromatua,
E ngā hau e whā
Ka mihi whānui ki a koutou katoa, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Greetings to everyone gathered here today. I acknowledge this place where we stand and the Ellen Melville centre in the heart of te rohe a Poari o Waitematā.
Thank you matua and Ngāti Whātua Orakei for leading the welcome and honouring us with your presence. I acknowledge mana whenua, the Melville whanau and all the dignitaries.
Thanks to this amazing gathering of people for joining with us and my fellow board members Deputy Chair Shale Chambers, Adriana Avendano Christie, Richard Northey, and Rob Thomas together with former Board members Greg Moyle and Deborah Yates
This is a very proud day. We are about to cut the ribbon on the Board’s biggest project that we’ve been working on since day one of the Super City.
There are many people to thank and many significant elements of the project that I would like to acknowledge. Following on from the Mayor’s words about Freyberg Place (acknowledging the design by John Reynolds) I’d like to add an acknowledgement for the innovative children’s consultation undertaken by Karen Witten and Penelope Carroll from Massey University. Thanks to feedback from Aira, Angeline, David, Dustin, Elizabeth, Fergus, Jaden, Jennifer, Jessica, Julian and Scarlett –changes were made to the design to add play features like stepping stones and a climbing tree (located right behind us).
I am of course also delighted to see in the design heaps of bike parking where previously there was none. And all the drinking fountains so there is no need to buy plastic water when visiting the city centre.
As we’ve heard the hall was originally proposed by Ellen Melville prior to WWII as a centenary project – marking the 100 years of the signing of Tiriti o Waitangi – but work didn’t get underway until the late 1950’s. Inside you’ll be able to see a number of interpretation panels with the history of the hall (thanks to Heritage NZ and Beth Connor for this work) . Yesterday on a pre-view tour I read that the total cost of the hall completed in 1962 and opened as the Pioneer Womens and Ellen Melville Memorial Hall was 56,200 pounds. Raised with a 30,000 pound donation from the Queen Street Business Association (forerunners no doubt to Heart of the City represented today by Viv Beck) 19,000 pounds from the Council and 8,000 pounds raised by 64 women’s organisations. I acknowledge our funders today. The City centre targeted rate payers – businesses and residents who have funded the square upgrade and Auckland’s ratepayers for funding the hall upgrade.
We can thank the Auckland City Chief Architect Tibor Donner for the splendid modernist design. Many of you here will be old enough to remember the hall with a crèche, meetings rooms and excellent public toilets – vital to women visiting the city centre.
However, despite a well-intentioned and creative redevelopment in 1996 the hall was unloved by the end of the old Auckland City Council’s stewardship. It was hard to access and not open to the public. There wasn’t even a sign in the window advising how to book the hall. The downstairs two rooms on High Street and the main room on Freyberg Place were leased out.
From day one the newly formed Waitematā Local Board, led by Shale Chambers set about transforming the hall into a welcoming community hub for city centre residents and the wider community.
At the time the population was at about 20,000. Today almost 50,000 residents call the city centre home (ten years ahead of projections) so a community centre is essential. It is great to see so many of the residents here today, representatives of the Auckland City Centre Residents Group and the RSA Metropolis – our nearest neighbours. This is an Auckland project that has actually anticipated growth rather than reacted to it!
I’d like to acknowledge the Council staff from the Arts Community and Events Department, Local Board services team and consultants who supported the board’s plans from the earliest days.
Strachan Group Architects wrote a creative design solution report in 2012 that captured the opportunities to upgrade the hall to a first class inner city community facility. It included a heritage assessment written by Salmon Reed Architects. In May 2013 the budget was approved by the governing body. I acknowledge the Councillors here (Cathy Casey – looking at you!) today who were part of that decision making and we must of course thank former Mayor Len Brown for backing our project – one of the few significant local Board projects to make it through the budget cuts that year.
Once the funding was secure we embarked on the restoration that has revealed a rich history. Thanks to Andrew for sharing with us the story of his Great Aunt, [ the first female Auckland City Councillor]. It wasn’t until I heard Sandra Coney speak at the heritage festival last year that I came to appreciate the impressive qualities of Miss Melville and her progressive legacy to Auckland.
The Hall has been renamed in her honour as the Ellen Melville Centre. We’ve also had the privilege of naming all the rooms in the centre in recognition of significant women recommended by the NCW Auckland Branch.
The urban lounge downstairs is officially the Helen Clark Room. We also have the Eleitino (Paddy) Walker Room, Elizabeth Yates Room, Betty Wark Room and Marilyn Waring Room. We endorsed the ‘hall space’ in the Ellen Melville Centre as Pioneer Women’s Hall. Thank you to Christine Caughey and Carol Beaumont who led that work. Apologies that the opening has coincided with the NCW conference in Christchurch but I acknowledge the NCW representatives and PACIFICA group women here today. We look forward to celebrating together at the community day later in the year.
Within the Pioneer Women’s Hall are Tukutuku panels presented to the New Zealand Pioneers’ and Descendants’ Club by Mr and Mrs Eruera Stirling for the opening of the Pioneer Women’s Hall in 1962. The Ōrākei marae weavers have restored the patu Tukutuku for the opening Centre. Thank you to the Stirling whanau, Ngati Whatua and Peter Tilley the Council’s collection services manager (Arts Community and Events Team) .
The renovation has not only breathed life back into the original features of the hall – including the James Bowie sculpture commissioned for the opening in 1962 that was being used as a door stop – but provided an opportunity to give life to new works. Thanks to a commission by the Public Art team we have a new artwork Justice by Lisa Reihana located on the O’Connell Street wall. Lisa’s first bronze sculpture.
I’m going to use Lisa’s words to give justice to Justice . Justice is bronze sculpture floating above an exuberant abstract wall drawing, Justice commemorates Ellen Melville – politician, women’s advocate and pioneer. The scales of justice make reference to her illustrious legal career of 37 years. The bronze forms the centrepiece of the façade; it’s a strong, singular form with gentle curves. The whimsical abstract wall composition has a ‘50s feel, taking its cue from the Parnell Baths mural by James Turkington. The Parnell Baths were also designed by council city architect Tibor Donner.
Thank you Lisa for honouring the centre with your stunning work and thanks Mark Osborne for the support of the public art team.
While the centre restoration has preserved and enhanced the modernist heritage features like the door handles on the reinstated entranceway the centre has a modern refurbishment including a new commercial grade kitchen, improved amenities, new audio visual system and café-style seating. In line with our commitment to accessibility all areas of the centre are now fully accessible with the installation of a new lift. Thanks to Be.accessible and Vivien Naylor for your guidance.
Of course it is not just the physical facilities but the kaupapa of the building that the Board wants to get right from day one. We have a vision that the Ellen Melville Centre is a thriving community hub that serves the local City Centre residential and wider community by providing a place for gathering and building connections, information exchange and community participation in a range of activities. It is a place where all members of the community feel comfortable and welcome. . The Board has resolved to support a fully staffed council governed and managed zero waste facility with transition to community managed after three years.
Thanks to our partners – Splice, the Inner City Network, Waitematā Youth Collective, Auckland City Centre Residents Group and Heart of the City who worked with us on the kaupapa.
This is story of wahine Toa . The pioneer women both Māori and Pakeha who made a considerable contribution to the foundation of Auckland. The women who fought for equality and the right to vote. Courageous Ellen Melville who’s portrait is on display for the first time. The significant NZ women acknowledged with rooms in the Centre. Throughout the project and into the future the Waitemata Local Board doesn’t want to lose sight of the central role of women and the significance of the centre as a place for women. It was only fitting that the project was driven by a team of female project leads.
Our huge thanks to them and all the project team from key consultants Isthmus Group, Stevens Lawson Architects, MPM Projects and JFC Limited contractors working with Corbel Construction and the artists were John Reynolds, Lisa Reihana and Graham Tipene. With a support team from Beca, Matthews & Matthews Architects Ltd, Holmes consulting group, Ecubed and Plan. Heritage.
I’m going to read all the names out so please come forward. Homai te pakipaki for:
Lisa Spasic, Karina Mascarenhas , Gary McShane, Mark Bramely, Les Lewer, Sarah Bishop, Travis Wooller, Yvette Overdyck, Elspeth Gray, Nicholas Stevens, Nathan Farrant, Tony Munro, Cherie Armer , Vanya Toso , Aaron Hansen, John Reynolds, Lisa Reihana, Graham Tipene, Rodrigo Salas, David Saechao, Mark Kessner, Antony Matthews, John Brown
Before I make my concluding remarks I have a very special acknowledgement. Lisa Spasic, who has worked her guts as the Council’s Senior Project Leader. She has hardly slept this week getting everything perfect. (Adriana presented Lisa with flowers on behalf of the Board)
I appreciate I have been speaking for some time . I hope you agree the whole herstory needed to be told and the many people thanked who have been part of the journey. We know it has not always been easy through the design process, securing the funding, the consultation and construction. Thanks to Shale and those who set the course and all those who have seen the project through. We now have a shining jewel in the city centre that we wish to be inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Now all that is called for is for us to cut the ribbon and Lisa to hand over “her baby” to Leesa Tilley, centre manager so we can open the doors on a new chapter for the Ellen Melville Centre in the heart of Tamaki Makaurau.
No reira
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Additional thanks
Ateesh Patel & civic events team for organising the opening, Frith Walker, MC for the civic opening, Barbara Holloway & Activation team from the Auckland Design Office
The Auckland Council Planning Committee considered a report today to approve the proposed process for updating and digitising the 2012 Auckland City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) and Waterfront Plan and to approve development of new Masterplan content for 2019:
