Tag: Auckland Council

Monthly board report May 2016

My monthly board report covering activities from 1 April until 1 May 2016. Included on the agenda for the Waitemata Local Board meeting on 10 May 2016.

Highlights

Annual budget 2016/17

An extraordinary meeting of the Board was held on 26 April to confirm the Board’s position on Local Development Initiatives budgets, our advocacy positions and regional annual plan issues.

Included in the report for the meeting was an overview of 147 submissions received for Waitematā. The board received clear support for the priority projects we wish to take forward in 16/17.  

Franklin Road

Following a community liaison group meeting in early April Auckland Transport released the latest designs for the upgrade of Franklin Road. 

Franklin Road side street treatmentsFeatures include:

  • Improved pavement surface, footpaths and drainage.
  • Protecting tree root zones from vehicles by redefining the berm area.
  • Providing for the safe movement of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
  • Retaining as much street parking as possible.
  • Working with utility providers to minimise disruption and deliver an integrated programme of works.
  • Improving street lighting – suspended lighting is currently proposed

franklin-road-artist-impression Franklin RoadI am particularly pleased to see included in the design raised tables on all the side streets. This is a pedestrian safety outcome the Local Board has advocated for since the beginning of the project.

A final round of engagement was undertaken on the detailed design by Auckland Transport until 10 May. Stage 1 (utility upgrade) physical works is due to start in May. Stage 2 works will start in October/November. The current completion date is mid to late 2017

Renaming lower Khartoum Place

 In December 2015 I brought a Notice of Motion to the Board proposing the renaming of lower Khartoum Place with a suitable name associated with women’s suffrage, and in recognition of the Women’s Suffrage Centenary Memorial 1893-1993 ‘Women Achieve the Vote’.

The proposal received Board support opening the way for a name changing process to commence.  Consultation on naming options is taking place until 25 May.

Path widening in Grey Lynn park for the new Greenways route
Path widening in Grey Lynn park for the new Greenways route

Greenways Design Guide

Work is underway on a design guide which covers both on-street and parks and open space greenways that is intended to become the key resource for the implementation of greenways across Auckland.

The feedback I collated in Attachment A was provided on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board to the Greenways team. 

Photo right: progress on the widening of the Greenways route through Grey Lynn Park

Signage trial

Wayfinding trial at Wynyard As part of a Regional signage project Auckland Transport is trialling various signage elements in four precincts. Signage being trialled includes street signs, pedestrian signs, information hubs (large and small), cycling signs and routes, and public transport signage.

It is good to see the trial at Wynyard Quarter with signage designed for tourists and locals to be able to navigate around central Auckland attractions. There are lots of positive features included including te reo Maori.  However as the Transport portfolio has previously highlighting we still consider the background colour is too dark, the map is not useful without showing where it fits into a wider area and the descriptions are too subjective.  The map also shows Wellesley Street as a walking route through to the Domain – a long standing issue we have raised with ATEED and Auckland Transport. 

Feedback is open until 20 May 2016

 Weona Westmere walkwayWeona – Westmere Walkway

 Phase one of the Weona –Westmere walkway is now open and phase two is well underway. It is now possible to take a scenic walk along coast line that has not been accessible for over 80 years. After visiting on beautiful day in April I felt very proud that the Board (with Shale leading the way) has stuck with this project for the last 5 years.  I think locals and visitors will be very impressed when the 1.4km route is fully opened in September.

Mt Eden car freeMaungawhau/Mt Eden is glorious to visit now the maunga is free of vehicles 

Mt Eden is not in Waitematā but I give thanks to all those who worked so hard over the last 10 years to get cars off the summit. On a recent visit at sunset it was great to see how many people were enjoying the easy walk to the top.

Berm planting guidelines

 The Board gave feedback on Auckland Transport’s draft guidelines in September last year. We are still waiting on the final draft that was Firth Road berm May 2016promised before Easter.

In the meantime I am enjoying all the neighbourly interactions that occur whenever I am outside looking after my (non-complying) berm. 

Parking – the good, the bad and the ugly

 I have been following up on a number of parking issues and concerns outlined in Attachment B.

Auckland Conversations – The value of well designed cities

Auckland Conversation JoeJoe Minicozzi, Principal of Urban3  presented, in a very entertaining way, the research that illustrates the benefits of urban density, heritage conservation and mixed-use developments. These have an economic impact that lead to creating sustainable and vibrant cities. 

The image right shows the maths of land value plus improved value (CV)  applied to Auckland (by Kent Lamberg from MR Cagney). 

Workshops and meetings

From 1 April until 1 May  2016 I attended:

  • Ponsonby Community Centre Board meeting on 4 April
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 5 April
  • Communications catch up on 5 April
  • Franklin Road Community Liaison Meeting on 5 April
  • Ponsonby Road paid parking zone consultation open day at Studio One on 6 April
  • Parks portfolio meeting on 7 April
  • Elected member professional development focus group meeting on 8 April
  • Albert Park safety meeting on 8 April organised by Hon Nikki Kaye with Superintendent Richard Chambers, Inspector Jill Rogers, Area Commander for Auckland City Central and Gary Davy from the Police, Naisi Chen (Chinese NZ Students Association) and Will Matthews (President AUSA) and Auckland Council representatives
  • Youth Voice Phase 2 Cluster Workshops on 9 April at Auckland Central Library  to explore youth-led models options under an empowered communities approach
  • Richmond Rovers strategic plan community meeting on 11 April
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 12 April in Parnell
  • Waitematā Local Board hui with iwi regarding Khartoum Place name change
  • Elected member development programme – political advisory group meeting on 13 April
  • Stakeholder meeting regarding the Khartoum Place name change on 13 April
  • Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 14  April
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 14 April
  • Wynyard Quarter neighbours forum on 19 April
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 19 April
  • Ponsonby Business Association meeting for PBA members with Auckland Transport’s parking team on 19 April
  • Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 20 April
  • Meeting to discuss the Board’s transport advocacy positions on 21 April
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 26 April
  • Presentation from Fresh Concept on Lower Queen St Activation Plans
  • Waitematā Local Board Extraordinary Meeting on 26 April – Annual Budget information
  • Auckland Transport open day on the wayfinding signage trial at Wynyard Quarter
  • Community portfolio meeting on 27 April
  • Inner City Network meeting and presentation on accessibility

Events and functions

From 1 April until 1 May 2016 I attended:

  • Francis Reserve Womens centre community garden Board and Leonie Auckland Theatre Company’s You can always hand them back at Sky Theatre on 2 April (at the invitation of ATC)
  • Bike breakfast at Scarecrow café on 6 April
  • Auckland Conversations on 7 April
  • Opening of the SKIP/ Women’s Centre Francis Reserve (photo right) community garden on 9 April
  • Jam on Toast at the Grey Lynn Community Centre 10 April
  • Japan Day at the Cloud opening reception on 10 April
  • Kokako turns 15 celebratory event on 15 April
  • Welcome morning tea for the new general manager of the K’rd Business Association on 15 April
  • Farewell to Charlotte from Splice on 15 April
  • Between Tides at Westmere beach on 17 April
  • Anzac day service hosted by the Grey Lynn RSC
  • Open Streets K’rd on 1 May (photo below with Margaret Lewis from the K’rd Business Assocation and Kathryn King, Auckland Transport’s walking and cycling manager who hosted the event). Congratulations to everyone involved in putting on such a fantastic event. K’rd was full of people enjoying the vehicle – free space.

 

Monthly board report April 2016

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities from 1 March – 31 March 2016 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, and Chair of the Grants Committee, and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association Board and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee and Board liaison for the Parnell Community Centre.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Waitemata LB office opening local board services teamLocal Board “Democracy shop” – open for business

On 2 March the Board officially moved into our new offices at 52 Swanson Street just off St Patricks Square.  The offices are a huge improvement on our location at Graham St and provide a much better working environment for our hard working Local Board services team (photo right) and space for board members. I like to think we now have a “democracy shop”- a front door to our community that is easily accessible and welcoming.

Community Grants

 The Waitematā Local Board grants committee met on March to discuss the grant application to the Quick Response Fund and the Local Grant fund. In total we had $70,330.58 remaining  to distribute from the 15/16 financial year with one Quick Response Grant round to go (currently open until 6 May for grants up to $3000).

The grants committee minutes and recommendations for the Local Grant Fund are attached to the April agenda.

Community consultation – Annual budget 2016/17

Consultation on the Council’s Annual Budget 2016/17 and local board priorities took place until 24 March.  Community meetings in Ponsonby, Grafton Parnell and Grey Lynn were well attended but the official Have your Say consultation meeting at the Town Hall attracted only 4 members of the public.  The low attendance may partly be due to the number of events on that evening but I think the problem is mainly with the format which is very unsatisfactory for groups that wish to present feedback.  The Board’s public hearings style meeting held on 10 March provided a much more effective forum for presentations to the Board.

Cycling improvements consultation

inner west auckland cycle network During March Auckland Transport consulted on the network of cycling routes in the inner west area (map right) and asked for feedback on cycling improvements to make riding a bike for local trips safer.  The feedback period was extended to 5 April.

I attended the consultation events in Grey Lynn Park on 13 and 20 March.

This is the first time that Auckland Transport has consulted on the actual routes that make up the Auckland Cycle Network and support the routes in our Greenways plan.

Pippa Coom and Christopher Dempsey Lightpath Te ara i whiti / Lightpath

The electronic counter doesn’t lie!  The aphorism “Build it and they will come” proved ever so true when it comes to the amazing magenta adventure.

Christopher and I were very happy to celebrate the 100,000 trip over Lightpath since opening day on 3 December 2015.  Almost 1,000 people a day are riding the route.

There are also huge numbers of people enjoying Lightpath on foot at all times of day and night. Unfortunately the walking counter has not been working so Auckland Transport is unable to provide exact data at the moment.

Lantern Festival – transport planning

valet bike parking Lantern FestivalThe Lantern Festival, held for the first time in the Domain in February was the first Auckland Council funded evening event to promote active transport. The valet parking provided at the venue was a big success working to encourage people to give cycling ago – many bringing along children. However the overall communication and coordination regarding transport to the event was not well managed by Auckland Transport and there were a lot of lessons for next time.  I have sent the following email to the CEO of ATEED and the Manager Event Design who responded that it would be included in the mix for their debrief.

Congratulations to everyone involved on the success of the Lantern Festival (if the numbers attending are the best indicator of success!). I really enjoyed attending on the Friday and Sunday evenings.

I’m sure there will be a big exercise underway with Auckland Transport to look at the transport management plan and the messaging for the event next year. I just wanted to give some feedback while it is still fresh in my mind:

  • Although the map handed out on site was not intended as a travel map it was clearly being used for that purpose  – it needs to clearly show all the walking and cycling connections  (especially as people were arriving up hill at Grafton Station and able to walk down hill back to town but as previously mentioned the map showed the Domain as an island )
  • Creating a “Lantern Trail” in the same style as the RWC Fan trail (suggested route from Britomart via Beach Road, Churchhill street, and up Lovers Lane) – a few people have mentioned this idea to me
  • Improve the lighting on Lovers Lane – if felt too dark to use safety but is the logical connection to the Domain from the city
  • Close Grafton bridge to cars and only open to buses and ambulances – implement bus priority lanes
  • Provide wayfinding signage from all directions but particularly for those walking from different points in the city centre (the Wellesley St – Grafton Gully route particularly needs signage as previously mentioned but hopefully by next year AT will have finally got that sorted)
  • The valet bike parking was brilliant and I loved using it (of course!) but difficult to access so lots of bikes were parked all over the place (there was no signage to the bike parking)
  • Security guards were directing cyclists to dismount but did not know where the bike parking was located
  • Online information needs to spell out all the transport options including the location of car parks (I estimate there are at least 15 car parks in walking distance to the Domain but the online information just said “ the Domain is a 10 minute drive from the city centre” !!!).
  • Wayfinding signage needed throughout the entire site

Auckland Conversations: Climate Solutions: Cities in Action, Mark Watts, Executive Director C40 cities

Mark Watts C40Auckland has become the newest member of C40, a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change. C40 supports cities to collaborate effectively, share knowledge and drive meaningful, measurable and sustainable action on climate change. Auckland will be working with more than 80 of the world’s greatest cities, representing more than 550 million people and one quarter of the global economy. Sharing research, experiences and ideas, C40 is helping to find and implement innovative solutions to urban climate issues such as transport, energy, buildings and waste.

At the Auckland Conversations on  15 March Mark Watts talked about the initiatives that cities around the globe are putting in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks.

Cities are central to delivering greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets (Auckland’s target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% in 2040) through a focus on land use planning, transport and buildings. Every city needs to aim to get to 1.5 tons per person per year if we have any chance of avoiding dangerous levels of climate warming. Auckland is currently at about 7.2 tons (US cities are on 16.5 tpp).

The good news from Mark is that we know what we need to do create successful, prosperous, healthy cities. No city will be successful in the future unless it is low carbon. He made comments in relation to three key areas:

1 Compact City

Sprawl is the enemy, density is the friend. 6% of growth in energy consumption is urban sprawl.  For example Copenhagen spends 4% of GDP on transport whereas Houston spends 16%.

2. Connected Cities

‘Return of the bike the most important tool in urban transport’

There are now 700 cities with bike share. 40% cycle to work in one of the richest cities.

Benefits from health care cost savings, cuts in air pollution and economic benefits

C40 consider that road pricing is inevitable in most big cities. In London as a result most people are not driving.  Stockholm has seen a 35% fall in emissions and 40% growth

3. Co-ordinated cities

Successful cities will run on data. Benchmarking is a catalyst to change. For example in NYC they are looking for a 30% GHG emissions reduction from buildings between 2005 and 2017.

 Mark ended by asking what if Mayor’s ruled the world?  Political leadership is being shown by mayors from around the world.

The Waitematā Local Board received a special mention at the event for having a Low Carbon Community Action plan and a low carbon community network.

Greenways

Hakanoa greenway routeLocal board members came together on 31 March to hear an update on the work that has been underway to progress Greenways across Auckland. Simon Randall, Chair, Maungakiekie- Tamaki Local Board is the local board representative on a Greenways Leadership group set up by Stephen Town CEO, Auckland Council. That group has been looking at how best to deliver a connected Auckland through active transport.

We heard about the work underway to create a Greenways identity, an overview of a Greenways Design Guide and the potential level of investment in Greenways.

It is great to see the enthusiasm for Greenways from Local Boards and the commitment to making Auckland the world’s best city for cycling where Greenways are embraced.

In Waitematā we have recently made progress on the Grey Lynn greenways route with the widening of the Hakanoa reserve pathway (photo right). The design of the on-road sections of the route is in the process of being finalised by Auckland Transport and will shortly be available for public input.

neighbours day carlos and tanaNeighbours Day in the City Centre

Member Deborah Yates and I, with officer support, organised a Waitematā Local Board display at the Neighbours Day event in Freyberg Square and Ellen Melville Hall as part of Neighbours Day Aotearoa.  The event was aimed at inner city residents and involved a wide range of community organisations. Thanks to Splice, ADCOSS, Heart of the City and everyone who made the celebration of the city centre happen.

Ponsonby Road improvements

Fresh Kermit Ponsonby RoadFresh Kermit!  New feeder lanes and advance stop boxes on Ponsonby Road included as part of recent re-surfacing at the Board’s request are small but significant safety improvements for all road users.

Update on the Ponsonby Road pedestrian experience is reported on our agenda by Auckland Transport.

IPENZ transportation group conference

I attended the IPENZ transportation group conference 7-9 March with funding from the Board’s professional development budget.

The report back from the conference is attached to my monthly report (item 22).

 Workshops and meetings

From 1 March – 31 March  2016 I attended:

  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 1 March
  • Tamaki Drive Cycle Route Preferred Option/s Workshop hosted by Beca on behalf of Auckland Transport on 2 March
  • Have your say event for the Annual Budget 16/17 consultation at the Auckland Town Hall on 3 March
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 8 March at our new offices on Swanson St
  • Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 9 March
  • Waitematā Local Board Annual Budget 2016/17 Hearing on 10 March
  • Met with Mik Smellie from the Residents Advisory Group on 10 March
  • Grafton Residents Association meeting to discuss the Annual budget and local board priorities on 14 March
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on  15 March
  • Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 16 March
  • ADCOSS Forum on 17 March at Western Springs Community Hall: Towards an Age-friendly Auckland: The missing links
  • Elected Members Professional Development Programme – Social Media Forum on 18 March
  • Local Board Briefing on the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 on 18 March
  • Elected Members – Local Government Excellence Programme LGNZ Briefing on 21 March
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 22 March
  • Monthly media catch up on 22 March
  • Meeting organised by Auckland Transport to discuss the “Open Streets” event planned for 1 May on K’rd
  • Community portfolio meeting on 24 March
  • Grants Committee meeting on 30 March
  • Meeting to discuss the Ponsonby Cruising Club lease with Panuku Development Agency
  • Newmarket Lanesways project working group meeting to discuss progress to date
  • Local Board briefing on the Greenways project on 31 March

Events and functions

From 1 March – 31 March 2016 I attended:

  • Waitematā Local Board – official office opening on 2 March
  • IPENZ transportation group conference 7 -9 March (see Attachment A for my conference report back)
  • The James Play reception Steve MillerAuckland Arts Festival shows at the invitation of the AAF Trust (I have declared these tickets as gifts in accordance with Auckland Council’s code of practice)
    • Te Po
    • Cucina dell’ arte
    • St James Play: Part 1 (photo right at the opening night reception with Steven Miller who plays James I)
    • Carabosse Fire Garden at the Auckland Domain
  • Little Day Out at the Mt Eden Village Centre on 5 March
  • Music in Parks at Western Park (free music in parks event) on 5 March
  • Pasifika Festival Saturday 12 March
  • Ponsonby Market Day on Saturday 12 March
  • White Nights. Making Light performance by the Velociteers on Lightpath on 12 March
  • St Patricks Day parade along Ponsonby Road on 13 March
  • Learn to ride and consultation event in Grey Lynn Park on 13 and 20 March
  • Auckland Conversations on 15 March
  • Zoo opening with the PM March 2016One Planet Living launch at Unitec on 17 March
  • Grey Lynn school Aloha night on 18 March
  • Neighbours day city centre event on 19 March
  • David Haigh’s farewell from the Grafton Residents Association
  • Member of the official party at the Citizenship ceremony in the Town Hall on 22 March
  • Official opening of the Auckland Zoo’s new African savannah development by the Prime Minister, the Rt.Hon. John Key on 24 March 2016  (photo right)
  • Celebration of Lightpath with free ice cream on 30 March provided by Auckland Transport for the 100,000 trip since opening day on 3 December
  • Regional Facilities hosted local board function at Auckland Zoo on 30 March

Monthly board report March 2016

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities from 1 February – 29 February 2016 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, and Chair of the Grants Committee, and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association Board and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee and Board liaison for the Parnell Community Centre.

Portfolio Updates

Community Empowerment

Cr Cathy Casey at Community Empowerment unit open day
Cr Cathy Casey at Community Empowerment unit open day

Since October 2015 Auckland Council has been in the process of implementing an empowered communities approach to community development. The new operating model involves a shift from Council delivering community development activities, to using community-led development processes.  The new approach requires Council’s operational practices to allow more people to participate and for budgets to be devolved to communities as much as possible.

The Board has been supportive of the change in approach and we welcomed our new Strategic Broker Shamila Unka at the end of last year. Shamila will be based part time at the Board’s new offices at 52 Swanson Street.

We have however been concerned to ensure a smooth transition and that none of the local board’s priorities are over looked in the new structure.

The leadership team of the new Community Empowerment Unit led by Christine Olsen met with the central area community development portfolio holders in early February and the whole Unit held a very informative Open Day for all elected representatives on 29 February 

Community development work programme

  • Priorities of the community development portfolio for 2016 include:
  • Review and refresh of the Board’s accessibility plan
  • Support for Council’s Homeless Action Plan
  • Continuing the upkeep of Waitemata’s community facilities
  • Transitioning community centres to 3 yearly agreements
  • Supporting the work of the Waitematā Youth Collective and development of a city centre youth hub
  • Provision of temporary meeting spaces in the city centre during the Ellen Meville Hall upgrade period
  • Child Friendly City Accreditation
  • Supporting community empowerment projects such as the community- led design process for 254 Ponsonby Road

Community consultation – Annual budget 2016/17

Annual budget 16The Council’s annual consultation on the budget for the following year got underway in mid-February.  As part of the process the Board also seeks feedback on our local priorities and new proposals.

Waitematā Local Board key priorities outlined in the consultation material: Based on our 10-year budget, in 2016/2017 we plan to invest $11 million to renew and develop assets in your local board area and $23 million to maintain and operate these assets and provide other local initiatives. This includes:

  • renewing existing assets ($2.4 million)
  • completing stage two of Myers Park including the improved entranceway at Mayoral Drive and installation of a splash pad ($3.3 million)
  • completing the Weona-Westmere coastal walkway ($360,000)
  • re-developing Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall ($3.4 million)
  • commencing delivery of a streetscape improvement project from the agreed Newmarket Laneways Plan ($1.4 million)
  • delivering the new Fukuoka gardens in Western Springs park ($40,000)

It is proposed the following additional local priorities for 2016/2017 are funded through local discretionary budgets:

  • improve the pathways through Western Park and upgrade the Pt Resolution steps to concrete
  • install a new pathway through Symonds Street Cemetery to connect Karangahape Road to Grafton Gully cycleway
  • increase spend on low carbon initiatives to help Waitematā lower carbon use and become more energy-resilient including the installation of photovoltaics at Grey Lynn Community Centre
  • increase the budget for the annual Myers Park festival to provide an even better local event
  • investigate the feasibility of establishing a youth hub in the city centre
  • install a solar heating solution at Parnell Baths
  • continue to put children and young people first and achieve UNICEF Child Friendly City accreditation
  • support community-led development and place making such as the open space design for 254 Ponsonby Road and the development of a bicycle pump track at Grey Lynn Park

The Board is also considering allocating budget to change the service levels to increase maintenance of headstones and removal of graffiti at the historic Symonds Street Cemetery.

I’ve raised concerns with the regional consultation team about the poor level of communication to promote local board consultation events and the inaccessibility of the material online.

Fortunately we have a fantastic local board team who have been doing a great job on our behalf working alongside local community groups to arrange consultation events and opportunities to give feedback.

Due to a range of issues with promoting the Annual Budget 2016/17 consultation material the feedback period has been extended to 24 March.  Link to the online feedback form 

Transport

At our first transport portfolio meeting of the year we discussed a long list of updates with Auckland Transport representatives including:

  • Ponsonby Road pedestrian experience project:  The proposals for improving Ponsonby Road for people walking were consulted on from from 16 November to 7 December 2015. In total, 129 feedback responses were received with a large majority expressing strong support for the project overall.  The results and recommendations for next steps will be reported back on our April agenda.
  • Cycleway progress and implementation with Kathryn King, Manager of Walking & Cycling: AT plans to seek feedback in March from Western Bays residents on preferences for making the area more attractive for cycling. We raised the issue of the many outstanding small fixes to the existing cycle way network that we are concerned are getting forgotten with the focus on an extensive capital work programme. It was good to hear that many are underway such as contra- flows for cycling on one way streets including Crummer Road (first included in our Local Board Agreement 2011/12)
  • Quay St cyclewayQuay Street update: The design for a two-way separated cycleway on Quay Street leading from Lower Hobson Street, past Princess Wharf to Plumer Street has been confirmed. Completion is expected in April 2016
  • CRL update: Options are being considered for closing the rail crossing on Porters Ave just off New North Road on the boundary of the Waitemata Local Board area. This has an impact on the residents and businesses of Albert – Eden.
  • Nelson Street parking: Auckland Transport consulted the transport portfolio before removing the parking on Nelson St between Wellesley and Victoria Streets alongside
    Parking on Nelson Street
    Parking removed from Nelson St

    the cycleway (photo right). We didn’t object to the removal as occupancy was low and the poor layout was causing a lot of confusion for drivers. However we did ask AT to actively work with the NZ Police to enforce the speed limit on Nelson St (the parked cars had the benefit of slowing down the traffic).

  • Private Planting in Road Corridor: AT’s long awaited berm planting guidelines are expected to come back to Local Boards for comment shortly
  • Parking Fund Reserve: Approximately $100k is available to fund car parking. The transport portfolio has asked that a proposal to leverage this fund to develop sites that are in Council ownership while retaining off street car parking be investigated (for example the car park on Pompellier Tce)
  • Local Board Transport Capital Fund has $216k available that needs to be allocated by October. The Board is exploring a number of options with Auckland Transport

The Auckland Transport monthly report on our agenda provides updates in more detail.

Street Trees

Williamson Ave Rose RoadThe gutting of tree protection regulations by the government has highlighted the importance of street trees for providing the many benefits the city receives from a rich green canopy. Unfortunately Auckland Transport has generally been taking a “business as usual” approach to footpath upgrades and renewals so that opportunities to plant trees have been overlooked.

Part of the problem appears to be an institutional resistance to including trees because of the additional operational costs.

Five recent projects have exposed the need for Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to urgently agree on the policy and procedure for the planting of street trees:

  • Graham Street footpath renewal
    Graham Street footpath renewal

    Rose Road road works as a result of the new Countdown supermarket on Williamson Ave – footpath extended without tree pits (photo top)

  • Graham St footpath renewal – footpaths reinstated without tree pits (photo below)
  • Scotland Street upgrade – plans for greening the footpath build-out are still in discussion
  • Parnell Rise/ Parnell Road upgrade – plans for greening the footpath build-out are still in discussion. A tree pit was not originally included in the design because of underground utilities
  • The Dylan apartment development on the corner of Great North Road and Harcourt St- footpaths reinstated without tree pits

One piece of good news is that following our advocacy and a series of complaints Auckland Transport and the Council’s arborist were able to agree on the inclusion of 4 new tree pits on the footpath between Rose Road and Williamson Ave (issues regarding the development contribution for undertaking the remedial work and how a giant area of concrete was installed without trees in the first place are still to be resolved).

City Centre Master plan review – first steps towards Vision Zero Auckland

The City Centre Master Plan (CCMP) was published in 2012 with nine outcomes and 36 targets. The Waitematā Local Board contributed to a review of the plan leading to new outcomes and targets being signed off by the Auckland Development Committee on 11 February 2016.

I am really pleased that following a request from the Board Outcome 7 has had the words ‘moving towards zero pedestrian deaths or serious injuries as a result of vehicle collisions’ added. This is a significant contribution to road safety and is the first time the principle of “Vision Zero” has been adopted under Auckland Council.

LGNZ meeting

I attended the Zone 1 meeting in Whangarei on 26 February for Local Government NZ delegates in the Auckland and Northland area.

We received presentations from Malcolm Alexander, CEO of LGNZ and Ernst Zollner, Regional Director of NZTA.

An issue I brought up at the zone meeting was my disappointment and incredulity (shared by many elected representatives) that LGNZ has announced a conference programme with zero female presenters. It is also surprising that a conference on the theme of “place making” appears to offer so little for Local Board members.  It highlights to me that LGNZ is still struggling to respond to Auckland’s governance arrangements that established local boards representing more people than Dunedin.

Workshops and meetings

From 1 February – 29 February 2016 I attended:

  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 2 February
  • Meeting to discuss the Board’s participation in Neighbours Day
  • Auckland Transport meeting with representatives of Franklin Road residents to discuss the planning and timetable for the upgrade that is about to get underway
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 9 February in Grey Lynn
  • Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 10 February
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 11 February
  • Draft domain master plan open day on 13 February (see Attachment A)
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on  16 February
  • Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 17  February
  • Community portfolio meeting on 18 February
  • Community Empowerment Unit and Local Board Central Cluster Portfolio Holder meeting on 18 February to meet the new leadership team of the Unit
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 23 February
  • Annual Budget 2016/17 consultation meetings:
  • Western Bays Community Group AGM and presentation
  • Grey Lynn Residents Association meeting
  • Parnell Community Committee meeting
  • Inner City Network meeting
  • Meeting to discuss the development of the Uptown Business Association brand on 24 February
  • Attended the Governing Body extraordinary meeting to discuss the “out of scope” Unitary Plan zoning proposals
  • Richmond Rovers Community meeting on 24 February to discuss the club’s alcohol licence with local residents
  • BID policy workshop with representatives from Ponsonby Business Association and Parnell Inc
  • LGNZ zone 1 meeting on 26 February in Whangarei
  • Community Empowerment Unit’s open day on 29 February

Events and functions

From 1 February – 29 February 2016 I attended:

  • Associates breakfast – urban design, cycling and transport discussion on  4 February at Scarecrow café
  • Joined the anti- TPPA protest on 4 February
  • Attended the Waitangi celebrations at Takaparawha as a zero waste volunteer with Christopher Dempsey on 6 February
  • Go by Bike Day pit stop on the Lightpath on 9 February
  • Phantom of the Opera at the invitation of ATEED on 11 February
  • The Book of Everything at Q Theatre at the invitation of Silo Theatre on 12 February
  • Rock in Grey Lynn Park on 13 February (free music in parks event)
  • Polo at Sky Theatre at the invitation of the Auckland Theatre Company
  • The Big Gay Out in Coyle Park on 14 February
  • Elected representatives and Local Board staff lunch time ride for the Auckland Bike Challenge on 18 February 
  • Auckland Philharmonia Grand Opening concert at the Auckland Town Hall on 18 February at the invitation of APO
  • Lantern Festival opening function at Auckland Museum on 19 February
  • Opening of Parnell Trust’s new offices in the Jubilee building, Parnell on 23 February
  • Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks
  • Blessing for the Board’s new offices at 52 Swanson Street on 25 February
  • The Board supported Myers Park Medley on 27 February 
  • Official party at the Citizenship ceremony in the Town Hall on 29 February
Members of the Waitemata Local Board and Local Services staff on a lunchtime bike ride for the Auckland Bike Challenge
Members of the Waitemata Local Board and Local Services staff on a lunchtime bike ride for the Auckland Bike Challenge

A people friendly premier park for Auckland

Draft plan display at the Auckland Lantern Festival
Draft plan display at the Auckland Lantern Festival

The grand Auckland War Memorial Museum sits in the city’s premier park, the Auckland Domain. You would expect the Domain and Museum to be easily accessible, a pleasure to visit on foot or bike with strong transport connections for tourists and locals. I therefore find it almost shocking the extent to which vehicles are prioritised to the detriment of everything else. Footpaths are missing on all the main roads, there is no legible walking access to the entrance of the museum and the Domain is severed from the city centre by a hostile motorway. Tourists are left bewildered and lost when they try to walk from the city centre to the Museum.

I’ve heard the Domain described as Auckland’s second biggest car park. This might make it a great place to drive to and through but also works to diminish the experience for everyone who just wants to visit. It also encourages a huge amount of non-Domain visitor parking (up to 75% of parking is taken up by commuters )

Grandstand Road (currently closed to traffic and parking)
Grandstand Road (currently closed to traffic and parking)

Many of the issues are highlighted in this Transport Blog post –Why can’t you walk to the Domain (illuminated further in all the comments)

I think part of the reason why the Domain is so lacking in safe walking and cycling connections is due to the fact Auckland City was historically governed by people who predominantly lived in the Eastern suburbs and enjoyed the Domain as a thoroughfare by car to the city centre or a place to drive to for sporting activities.  They would not have seen any political mileage in championing a more people- friendly Domain.

Things started to improve after the formation of the Super City in 2010. With the support of the Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Transport installed speed tables, a down hill cycle lane and improved crossing points on Domain Drive as part of package of safety initiatives. The Board adopted the following advocacy position in 2012:

Auckland Transport to improve walking and cycling access to and around the Domain, while discouraging commuter parking use of the Domain through:
i) Implementation of a parking scheme for the Domain that works to discourage commuter parking (e.g. through pricing)
ii) Improving walking and cycling options
iii) Contribute to the development of a Masterplan for the Domain (to be led by Auckland Council).

The idea for a Domain masterplan progressed slowly due to the unique governance arrangements for the park that splits the decision making between the Governing body and Waitematā Local Board. Once a joint Auckland Domain committee was established in February 2015  (Chair, Shale Chambers, members Vernon Tava and Rob Thomas represent the Board on the Committee) a draft plan was able to be finalised for public feedback.

The draft masterplan released in early February 2016,  is a twenty-year aspiration for how the park can develop and consolidate its position as Auckland’s premier park. It responds to issues and pressure points as well as coordinating projects and work streams impacting the Auckland Domain.

I haven’t been directly involved with the development of the draft but I’m pleased to see a variety of proposals that will greatly improve the connections for all visitors to the Domain.  The proposals will also improve access to those needing to drive and open up more parking for Domain users.  Headlines on the draft have focused on the walking and cycling proposals but there are also a range of other initiatives in the draft that will contribute to making the Domain worthy of its premier park status.

A series of Council videos about the Domain are worth a watch.

Consulation is open until 24 March 2016. Feedback form online

Related reading

Parks are for people – a fresh masterplan for the Domain, Bike Auckland post

Draft Domain Masterplan – Transport blog post

Auckland Domain to be more pedestrian friendly, Stuff

Auckland Domain development – roads to be closed, NZ Herald

Monthly Board report December 2015

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities from 1 November until 5 December 2015 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, and Chair of the Grants Committee, and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association Board and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee and Board liaison for the Parnell Community Centre.  I was also acting chair from 15 – 19 November.

This is my final report for 2015. Many thanks to everyone who supports the work of the Board during the year.

HIGHLIGHTS

Parnell Festival of roses 2015 zero wasteParnell Festival of Roses on 15 November

Congratulations to the team who delivered an outstanding community-focused Parnell Festival of Roses this year (the festival is now in its 22nd year).  I was particularly impressed to hear that the festival broke zero waste records. It is the most sustainable event in terms of zero waste since Auckland Zero Waste Alliance’s Zero Waste Event Project started operating in 2013 achieving a diversion from landfill of 98%.  90% of the event’s waste was composted, and another 8% recycled. Only 2% of the waste generated went to landfill.

David Seymour MP took a big interest in learning about zero waste

 

Freemans Bay School think big projectFreemans Bay School Think Big project

The launch of the Auckland Kids Voice website by Freeman’s Bay School was held on 11 November at Auckland Council. The website is a Think Big project developed by the school with funding from the Waitematā Local Board earmarked for youth initiatives as part of being a UNICEF Child Friendly City.

The website includes an adult survey form adapted by the school students for kids to be able to give local feedback on Auckland Transport’s New Network bus consultation.  The project was recognised in a NZ Herald article Inner City youngsters have region’s interests at heart

Thanks to everyone who made this project happen.

Launch of the Low Carbon Community Action Plan at the Auckland Museum

Launch of low carbon plan at Auckland Museum
Launch of low carbon plan at Auckland Museum

Waitematā is the first Local Board to launch a community low carbon action plan. The plan came out of community concern about the lack of action on climate change that led to the Board in 2011 committing to develop a localised plan for reducing emissions that will focus on reducing energy use, sustainable transport options, waste reduction, local food production and more effective and cooperative use of resources and land. I acknowledge the work of the Natural Environment Portfolio team (members Deborah Yates and Rob Thomas) who have seen through the project this term.

On Wednesday 4 November the plan and a Low Carbon Community Network was launched by the Board at the Auckland Museum.  The network is intended as a loose collaboration of all those interested in climate change and forging a low carbon community. The Board aims to make the most of sharing the considerable ideas, news and events which make up our collective local knowledge.

At the launch the Museum’s Director of Corporate Services Les Fleming (pictured below with board members) described the huge success they have had in reducing their carbon footprint and took attendees on the roof to see the solar array which is contributing to their effort.

Ponsonby Rd Pedestrian Experience project

On 17 November consultation started on the proposal by Auckland Transport and the Waitematā Local Board to make Ponsonby Road more visually attractive and pedestrian-friendly through improvements to 8 side streets between Franklin Road and Williamson Ave.  Additional improvements for Mackelvie Street include a new central island with plantings and an additional raised table. Depending on the preferred design the improvements will result in the addition of between 8 – 12 on street car parks, a new pedestrian refuge for crossing Ponsonby Road and new street furniture.

The improvements are funded from the Waitematā Local Board transport capital expenditure fund to support delivery of the Ponsonby Road Plan.

I’ve previously reported on the 2 year battle the Board had with Auckland Transport to achieve a pedestrian friendly design so it is great to see this project progress.

Consultation is open until 7 December.

Grey Lynn Transport project consultation

Auckland Transport has made unnecessarily difficult work of proposals for transport changes at the Grey Lynn shops.  Auckland Transport failed to appreciate the impact of their original proposals (that started out as a project to just relocate one bus stop and improve the safety of two more in the town centre), didn’t develop a consultation plan with the Local Board and didn’t respond adequately to issues raised by the local business community.   

It is unfortunate because there are many positive aspects of the revised project (following initial community feedback) that Auckland Transport started consultation on in early November.  The new proposals include a new pedestrian crossing, relocation of a loading zone and revised changes to bus stops in the town centre, as well as the installation of  traffic calming treatments on Prime Rd and Selbourne St. The changes aim to improve pedestrian safety, create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and improve the operation of bus services.  Importantly it is no longer proposed to remove a loading zone and substantial on street parking which was the focus of original concerns about the project.

On my request the feedback period was extended by 2 weeks (until 9 December) following the Surrey Cres working group raising concerns about the timeframe and extent of the consultation.

Update on the berm planting guidelines

Richmond Rd berm dec 2015I’ve previously reported on the feedback we gave Auckland Transport on their draft berm planting guidelines. As part of the feedback the Board requested that Auckland Transport re-write the guidelines in conjunction with Local Board Services and that the guidelines include:

  • details about why berm planting is encouraged and supported
  • sets out an empowering and enabling criteria
  • clarifies the local board role
  • identifies how to mitigate potential hazards and maintenance expectations
  • tips on working with neighbours to achieve the best outcomes for the community from private plantings in the road corridor

However Auckland Transport has advised that a new draft of the guidelines will go to Auckland Transport’s Executive Team and the AT Board, with a final version of the guidelines likely to be available in the new year. In other words AT has ignored the Board’s request to have input BEFORE the guidelines are finalised.

I have therefore written to the CEO of Auckland Transport bringing his attention to the flawed process his senior managers are pursuing with regards to the berm planting guidelines and to ask that he takes action to ensure the guidelines are only finalised after AT has sought the input of Local Board services as requested (by Waitemata and many other Boards).

In ignoring the request for further input from Local Board Services AT is failing to recognise the Local Board’s placemaking role and desire to work with the community on this issue.  AT is also acting contrary to the governance structure and engagement agreement with Local Boards. The current process proposed by AT is unacceptable and is likely to lead to Local Boards having no choice but to draft our own guidelines together with the community.

Freemans Bay Residential Parking Scheme

The results of  Auckland Transport’s consultation on the Freemans Bay Residential Parking Scheme showed 59% overall support (78% support from residents).  However AT advised the Freemans Bay Residents Association that further consultation may be necessary due to the low response rate  (2439 letter sent out, 305 responses received). This led to over 140 emails from concerned residents to Board members asking that the scheme be implemented as soon as possible. I assisted the chair in drafting the following response to Freemans Bay residents:

Thank you for your email and for showing your support for the Freemans Bay Residential Parking Scheme. The Waitematā Local Board is very concerned about the ongoing parking issues in Freemans Bay.

We have asked Auckland Transport (AT) to implement the scheme as soon as possible.

The Board has been advocating for the introduction of the Freemans Bay Residential parking scheme since 2011 and we have actively supported the work of AT together with the Freemans Bay Residents Association to develop the proposed scheme that was recently been consulted on by AT.

One of our key advocacy areas in our Local Board Agreement 2015/16 is Auckland Transport to implement the residential parking zone scheme to manage commuter parking in central Auckland suburbs following consultation with residents.

On 3 November Auckland Transport’s parking team briefed Local Board members on their analysis of the consultation feedback. Although AT advised that they are satisfied they carried out a robust and thorough consultation process, the AT parking team raised with the Board their concern about the low response rate from residents and whether this might require further directed consultation such as door to door enquiries to ensure residents understand and support the scheme.

However we confirmed with AT that we do not think there is any reason to delay the implementation or undertake further consultation given the level of support at the public meeting we attended and that a low response rate is to be expected when the majority are favourable to a proposal.

I, on behalf of the Board, have therefore given AT a very clear direction of the Board’s support for the scheme which has also been backed up by the many positive messages of support, including your own, that we have received from residents.

The parking team confirmed that they will be recommending this month to the Auckland Transport Executive (the final decision maker) that the implementation of the scheme goes ahead based on the consultation results and the support of the Waitematā Local Board. AT have undertaken to get back to the Board with an implementation plan very shortly.

At our November Board meeting we also directed Auckland Transport to implement the scheme as soon as possible (thanks to the Freemans Bay Residents Association for supporting this work and attending the meeting).   AT has now confirmed implementation will take place in March 2016.

Community Grants

Applications for the Quick Response Round Two 2015- 2016 were considered at the Community Grants Committee meeting on 2 December. 17 applications totally $36,622.00 were received for a remaining grants fund of $53,298.58.

Details of the applications and the committee’s decision is available on the Council website under agenda and minutes.

Franklin Road lights 2015Franklin Road lights

The annual switch on of the Franklin Road lights took place on 1 December. This is a very special community event that the Board supports with a grant for the opening night celebrations and additional waste services.

Thanks to the organiser Roscoe Thorby who is to be congratulated on a fantastic opening night with record crowds and special guests Buckwheat and Tess.

Nelson St cycleway opening

cycleway-opening-ceremony_500x620The Nelson St cycleway and Canada St bridge opened on 3 December by Hon Simon Bridges. It is fantastic to see this cycleway project progress so quickly since receiving funding from the Urban Cycleway Investment fund. It is the most exciting and interesting cycling project happening in New Zealand if not the world right now. The magenta colour, lighting installation and clever repurposing of a disused motorway off ramp are sure to be award winning and a huge visitor attraction.

Workshops and meetings

From 1 November – 5 December 2015 I attended:

  • Central Local Boards briefing on financial policies for Annual Plan 2016/2017 on 2 November
  • Surrey Crescent working group meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss the Grey Lynn transport project on 2 November
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 3 November
  • Media and communications catch up on 4 November
  • Business Improvement Districts policy workshop for Councillors and Local Board member representatives on 5 November
  • Meeting for Board members to discuss proposed Unitary Plan rezoning
  • Meeting to discuss Waitematā Local Board Grants programme
  • Auckland Transport presentation to Parnell Inc members regarding the New  Network bus consultation
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 10 November
  • Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 11 November
  • Meeting  on 11 November to discuss Ellen Melville Hall art concept proposals
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 12 November
  • Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss Franklin Road upgrade options and process
  • Presentation by 5 year two AUT students of their innovative ecological design project for Western Bays.
  • GHD hosted breakfast on 13 November and ‘Bikes are good for business’ presentation by Kyle Rowe, Transport Planner with the Seattle Department of Transportation
  • Catch up with NBA General manager on  13 November
  • Weekly update with Relationship Manager including update with Senior Advisor on 16 November (as acting Chair)
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 17 November
  • Transport portfolio monthly meeting with Auckland Transport on 18 November
  • Meeting at MacKelvie St  organised by the Ponsonby Business Association with Auckland Transport to discuss the Ponsonby Road pedestrian experience project consultation
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 24 November
  • Meeting with Julian Hulls from Nextbike to discuss bike share
  • Waitematā Local Board extraordinary meeting on 24 November
  • Community Development Portfolio meeting on 25 November
  • Inner City Network meeting organised by ADCOSS on 26 November at Ellen Melville Hall
  • Meeting to discuss Greenways route through Parnell Station
  • Waitematā Local Board annual plan presentation to the governing body (presented by the Chair)
  • Tamaki Drive (Plumer St to Ngapipi Rd) cycle route workshop organised by Auckland Transport on 30 November at Beca
  • Ponsonby Community Centre Committee meeting on 30 November
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 1 December
  • Attended the Step it Up conference organised by Centre for NZ Progress  opening plenary on 30 November  and with Michael Wood (member Puketapapa Local Board ) presented at the Step It Up conference on 1 December Local government elections in 2016 – Fighting for progress
  • Waterfront Forum hosted by Panuku Development Agency on 1 December
  • Waitematā Local Board grants committee meeting on 2 December
  • Local Board Members briefing on Housing Affordability on 3 December

Events and functions

From 1 November – 5 December 2015 I attended:

  • All Blacks parade in Victoria Park on 4 November
  • Launch of the Low Carbon Community Action plan at Auckland Museum on 4 November
  • Community information event for the POP programme 2016 held at Studio One on 6 November
  • Hudson & Halls at the Herald Theatre on 6 November at the invitation of Silo Theatre
  • Opening of the Salisbury Reserve playground upgrade on 7 November
  • Auckland Transport’s New Network Consultation at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on 8 November
  • Freemans Bay School’s Think Big Project launch (Auckland Kids Voice website)
  • Armistice Day commemoration held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on 11 November
  • Opening of the Short me Shorts Film Festival at the Civic Theatre on 11 November
  • Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks
  • Opening of the Onehunga Foreshore Taumanu on Saturday 14 November
  • Parnell Festival of Roses on Sunday 15 November
  • Auckland Architecture Association Awards and Lecture by the chief judge Rewi Thompson at the Auckland Art Gallery on 17 November
  • Parnell Community Committee AGM on 17 November
  • The Grey Lynn Book Launch at the Grey Lynn RSC on 18 November
  • Opening of the Air New Zealand 75th anniversary exhibition at the Auckland Museum on 19 November
  • Herne Bay Residents Association AGM on 19 November
  • Launch of the Arch Hill Art Wall at Lot 23 on 20 November
  • Bike Market organised by Auckland Transport at the Pitt St YMCA Hall
  • Announcement event for the Phil Goff mayoralty campaign on 22 November
  • Civic Trust AGM at the Leys Institute Library on 22 November
  • Cycle Action Auckland relaunch as Bike Auckland on 24 November
  • White Ribbon march on 25 November
  • Ponsonby Community Centre Christmas drinks on 25 November (I received coasters as a Christmas gift from the staff at the centre)
  • Drinks with Jarret Walker , author of  Human Transit How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives  hosted by MR Cagney on 27 November
  • climate change christopherGrey Lynn Park Festival on 28 November
  • People’s Climate March on 28 November (photo right with Christopher Dempsey on the Climate March)
  • Ponsonby Community Centre AGM on 30 November
  • Waterfront Forum hosted by Panuku Development Agency on 1 December
  • Franklin Road Christmas lights opening on 1 December
  • Silo Park Christmas launch on 2 December
  • Dawn blessing and opening of the Nelson St cycleway on 3 December
  • First Thursdays on K’rd
  • Grey Lynn Community Centre Christmas gathering on 3 December
  • Ponsonby Market Day on 5 December
  • Bike Rave on 5 December

Monthly Board report November 2015

This report provides highlights from my Waitematā Local Board activities during October 2015. It is included on the agenda of the Board’s November business meeting.

Penelope Carroll (Massey University) and children from central schools present on the children’s audit carried out as part of the Freyberg Square consultation
Penelope Carroll (Massey University) and children from central schools present on the children’s audit carried out as part of the Freyberg Square consultation

Highlights

Public Forum

Public forum at the Board’s October business meeting was one of our most interesting and thought-provoking with seven presentations covering a range of projects and issues. We are really fortunate that people in the Waitematā Local Board area are willing to take the time to engage with local government through our public forums.

Charlotte Fisher and Erwin van Asbeck bring along the litter collected from a Herne Bay beach to highlight local stormwater, sewage and pollution issues.
Charlotte Fisher and Erwin van Asbeck bring along the litter collected from a Herne Bay beach to highlight local stormwater, sewage and pollution issues.

Friends of St Davids, Grey Lynn Surrey Crescent shopsworking group, Hauora Gardens at Studio One, Brian McClure a local business landlord and the Grey Lynn pump track society also presented at the public forum.

Presentations that were tabled are available on the Council website.

Berm planting

Auckland Transport has done a great job sparking interest in berm planting!  Local Board feedback on Auckland Transport’s draft berm planting guidelines was made available in October (our feedback was attached to the October agenda) leading to media coverage extending all the way to the BBC and a NZ gardener petition.

Disappointingly Auckland Transport incorrectly claimed in the media that the draft had been provided to local boards in confidence. Throughout the development of the draft guidelines AT has shown a lack of understanding of Local Board’s placemaking role and processes.

Photo Credit: Nick Young
Photo Credit: Nick Young

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ponsonby Road feeder lane
Ponsonby Road feeder lane

Ponsonby Road safety improvements

A new feeder lane and advance stop boxes (“fresh Kermit) have been installed on Ponsonby Road as part of Auckland Transport’s resurfacing project.

Report back: Future of Cycling symposium: Challenges and Possibilities

I attended the Future of Cycling symposium hosted by the University of Waikato and Cycling New Zealand at the Avantidrome in Cambridge on 2 October 2015.

The symposium was a first for bringing together academics, sports administrators, cycle advocates and representatives from transport agencies to discuss a range of cycling related issues and opportunities.

The symposium was opened by Andrew Matheson, CEO of Cycling NZ. He shared some interested statistics from research Cycling NZ has carried out:

–       23% of adults get on a bike at least once a year

–       Half have high engagement with cycling

–       High engagement riders are estimated to save our health economy $1 billion per year

I was particularly interested in presentations about safety and making cycling an everyday transport option.  For example from a  report back from the Cycle Safety conference in Germany we heard about new bike technology to make cycling safer for older people (in Holland cycling injuries and fatalities are very low by international standards but older people make up the largest and growing group of victims). It was recommended that rather than follow the lead of Europe we need to find our own safety solutions to meet them in the future.

Gerry Dance from NZTA reported that we are now “riding with a political tailwind” due to the increase in cycling investment from the government.

I attended the symposium with members Christopher Dempsey and Rob Thomas. Registration of $80 was paid from the Board’s professional development budget.

October events and functions

In addition to Local Board workshops and meetings I attended:

  • Cycling symposium in Cambridge on 2 October
  • Pecha Kucha Maritime edition at the Voyager Museum 8 October
  • Art Week opening at Silo 6 on 9 October
  • Auckland Refugees Council AGM on 10 October at the Grey Lynn Community Centre
  • Kelmarna Spring Festival on 11 October
  • Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 14 October
  • Introduction to Local Board members by the new Panuku Development Agency
  • At the Beach NZ Fashion Museum launch at Voyager Museum on 15 October
  • Spring Fling in the Myers Park underpass on 16 October
  • Diwali Festival opening ceremony in Aotea Square on 17 October
  • Grey Lynn Farmers Market AGM on 18 October  (I have now resigned from the Grey Lynn Farmers Market management committee after 5 years as Chair )
  • Bikes vs Cars documentary screening on 18 October
  • Ports of Auckland community reference group meeting
  • Presentation by the world homeless expert Dr Sam  Tsemberis, Pathways to Housing, NYC  at Merge Café hosted by Lifewise on 20 October
  • Opening of the Screenies International children’s film festival at TAPAC on 22 October
  • Inner city network meeting to discuss neighbours day 2016 preparations
  • Ponsonby Business Association AGM on 27 October
  • The Lesson opening night at Basement Theatre on 27 October
  • Franklin Road community liaison group meeting on 28 October (to discuss the latest options for the upgrade of Franklin Road)

Auckland’s first community low carbon plan

Launch of low carbon plan at Auckland Museum
Launch of low carbon plan at Auckland Museum

Waitematā has become the first Local Board to launch a community low carbon action plan.  The plan came out of community concern about the lack of action on climate change that led to the Board in 2011 committing to develop a localised plan for reducing emissions that will focus on reducing energy use, sustainable transport options, waste reduction, local food production and more effective and cooperative use of resources and land.

On Wednesday 4 November  the plan and a Low Carbon Community Network was launched by the Board at the Auckland Museum.  The network is intended as a loose collaboration of all
those interested in climate change and forging a low carbon community. The Board aims to make the most of sharing the considerable ideas, news and events which make up our collective local knowledge.

becoming a low carbon plan coverAt the launch the Museum’s Director of Corporate Servicecs Les Fleming described the huge success they have had in reducing their carbon footprint and took attendees on the roof to see the solar array which is contributing to their effort.

Becoming a Low Carbon Community: An action Plan.

Auckland Council Media release

28 October 2015

Waitematā is becoming a low carbon community

Waitematā is the first local board to create a localised carbon reduction plan which supports the region’s 10 year Energy Resilience and Low Carbon Action Plan.

Becoming a Low Carbon Community: An Action Plan, will be officially launched at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on November 4, 2015.  The venue was chosen because it showcases energy resilient practices that are beneficial for both an organisation and the environment.  Guest speaker Roy Clare, Director of the Museum, will talk about the museum’s initiatives and invite guests to a tour of the building’s roof-top solar panels.

The Low Carbon Action Plan provides a guide on how, from a local level, greenhouse emissions can be reduced through efficient energy use in both new and older buildings, smart reuse of waste products, sustainable transport options, local food production and through enhancing tree coverage.

“This plan is a positive step towards the region’s transformation to an energy-resilient low carbon city” says Deborah Yates, Waitematā Local Board member leading this project.

“We will also be launching a Low Carbon Community Network, which will bring together organisations, businesses, individuals and council staff to share their knowledge and work together on making better use of energy and reducing carbon.”

Rob Thomas, local board member who contributed to the plan, believes that “now more than ever there is a concerted global urgency to support communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the rise in global temperatures,” and that “more New Zealand communities need to take up the challenge.”

Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers describes Waitematā as “an environmentally astute community, many businesses and schools already have practices in place that are low carbon effective.  This plan aims to encourage such activities and support those who would like to do more.

“The whole community needs to get behind making the changes needed to transform Auckland and reach the target of 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It also aligns with Council’s empowered communities’ strategy.”

A copy of the Low Carbon Action Plan can be downloaded from the Auckland Council website here, printed copies can be collected from the Waitematā Local Board Graham Street office.

City Centre community hub upgrade

Ellen Melville Centre

An upgrade of the only community centre in the central city has been on the Waitamatā Local Board to do list since we first got planning after the 2010 election. Ellen Melville & Pioneer Womens Hall on Freyberg Square between High and O’Connell Streets had been neglected under the old Auckland City Council. The facilities are tired, inaccessible and under -utilised. Many people who live and visit the city centre don’t even know that there is a community hall right in the heart of Auckland. 

The Board was able to secure the $3m budget and agreed to the upgrade being combined with refurbishment of Freyberg Square (funded from the city centre targetted rated) to ensure the projects are well integrated and disruption minimised during construction.

Historic photo Ellen MelvilleThe Square upgrade and the proposed removal of the road through the square in front of the hall has created debate about the value of people- focused spaces in the city centre.  NZ Herald 21 September Car v people issue splits city precinct

Feedback is open until 27 September

Quick submission template by Generation Zero

Media Release: Auckland Council

7 September 2015

Major upgrades are planned for the city centre’s only community centre and the square in front of it, and Aucklanders are being asked for their thoughts on the draft concept design.

The redesign of Freyberg Square and refurbishment of Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall are being funded by the Waitematā Local Board and by city centre businesses and residents through the targeted rate.

The proposals will provide a better pedestrian connection from High Street to Courthouse Lane and the recently upgraded O’Connell Street, building on the success of that popular improvement. It also proposes closing off the roadway to the front of the Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall to improve safety and create an improved public square that better integrates with the community facility.

Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers says, “City centre resident numbers have tripled to 30,000 in the last 12 years and we need our community facilities to catch up. The hall and the square are both already popular and well used; but with these enhancements, they will be able to become a real draw card, meeting the needs of people living and working in this part of the city, while creating more foot traffic for local retailers and landowners.”

Auckland design champion Ludo Campbell-Reid says, “This is an opportunity to create a world-class, vibrant community hub in the city centre and is another step in delivering the City Centre Masterplan. Improving the square and the hall as one project will create a better, more integrated result and save money.”

Concept designs have been drafted for the square and building with input from local groups and key stakeholders. Children were also actively engaged in the design process as part of the Waitemata Local Board’s Child Friendly City UNICEF initiative.

The consultation will give the public, other users and visitors the opportunity to fine tune those designs and ensure that what is delivered meets the wider community needs.

Construction is expected to take 9-12 months, starting in winter 2016. The council is committed to minimising disruption during construction, so is also asking for input on how to retain activity and available public space during the construction period.

Feedback on the draft designs closes on 27 September, 2015. There are a number of on-site drop-in sessions and an open day on Saturday 12 September.

For information and to complete an online feedback form visit Shape Auckland.

Park(ing) day 2015 temporary people places

I first celebrated International Park(ing) day in 2009 when I was visiting Wellington where the council threatened to remove the temporary installations organised by Intersect Network in a few car parking spaces. Fortunately the event went ahead after some quick permit negotiations.

At the same time park(ing) day was being celebrated in Auckland with an installation (photos from 2009 and 2013) organised by Frocks on Bikes and Heart of the City. It was small beginnings to capture the potential of using an on- street car parks for people space – a project first begun in San Francisco in 2005 .

This year park(ing) day was supported by Auckland Council’s city centre transformation team as way to trial quick and inexpensive ways to create places like parklets.

A ‘Pancake Parklet’ on the corner of Lorne St and Wellesley St was developed with Roots Collective is planned to become permanent once Auckland Transport signs off on removing 2 car parking spaces. Even on a cool, damp spring day it was a big success with lots of people appreciating the extra space to wait for orders from No.1 Pancake and eat outside.

 

Pancake parklet maybe permanent by summer – Te Waha Nui

Park(ing) day 2015 – Transport Blog

LGNZ conference 2015 Local Boards Masterclass

Local Boards – connecting with the community

At the LGNZ conference 2015 in Rotorua I took part in a Local Boards masterclass with Brenda Steele, Chair, Rodney Local Board, Grant Taylor, former Governance Director at Auckland Council and Peter McKinley, Executive Director, McKinley Douglas Ltd.

The master class explored the role of local boards within the Auckland Council considering what is working well from a variety of perspectives and where opportunities lie to further lift outcomes.

Each presenter was given 15 minutes to speak followed by questions to the panel. Here is my presentation:

I am really delighted to be taking part in a discussion about Local Boards.  I think even now almost 5 years since the formation of the Super City there is a lot of misunderstanding about the role and powers of Boards.  I’ve probably sounded defensive too many times explaining that I am not on a Community Board!

While I am covering a few observations about what I think is working well and the opportunities for improvement please indulge me with an album of photos from Waitemata. [a few of these photos are included below]

Parnell Festival of roses What of course the photos show are the successes and the fun stuff – an opportunity to share our stories. What isn’t represented are the many struggles of the first term to make the new structure work as a genuine co-governance model.  As Cr Penny Webster said to me yesterday – there wasn’t a manual.

I really have to give credit to people like our Board chair, Shale Chambers who worked tirelessly to ensure Local Boards were empowered within the Auckland Council whanau so that local decisions were actually made locally.

Fortunately it does feel as if we have reached a stage of being able to point to a number of things that are now working well.

Firstly the shared governance model has resulted in an increased number of local champions who have real power to make things happen locally

Misery artwork K rdIn my Board’s case we  are 7 members representing 77,000 people in Auckland’s central suburbs and city centre compared with the old Auckland City Council where there were 19 Councillors representing 404,000 people.  Howick Local Board is the 4th largest Council in NZ.

Local boards have real power – we negotiate local service standards, manage local facilitates and parks, organise and fund local events,  identify and propose local bylaws, we have  input into economic development plans and support local business associations.

We have a statutory role to be the voice of the community and I think we are seeing how this works across Auckland in very practical ways where local boards are focusing on strengthening their local communities  and developing strong connections in a way that just wasn’t possible under the old structure.

Myers Park openingFrom Waitemata: we’ve undertaking major improvements to Myers Park in the city centre which has long been neglected; we completed 2 artificial turfs which the community had been seeking for many years; we stood with the community to stop Auckland Transport destroying majestic pohutukawa trees for a road widening project; we’re putting Children First and have registered as the first Child Friendly Local Board in Auckland; e’re the first Board to develop a low carbon action plan; we’re designing a major public space on Ponsonby Road using a community-led model. Just to give a few examples.

I also like to think that Local Boards have resulted in far greater diversity in our elected representatives although I have to admit my board is probably not the best example of that other than perhaps youthfulness!

I think the shared governance model has achieved a fairer spread of resources locally whilst  enabling a strong regional body to actively work towards Auckland becoming the world’s most liveable city

Grey Lynn Park Local boards have a real budget – we have autonomous decision- making authority over one in every four dollars of council’s core budget spent in our local area.

The Waitemata Local Board is responsible for an operational budget of almost $28m ( $27,837,413.)   Of that $1,153,475 (4.14%) is discretionary opex budget.

Our total capital budget for 2015/16  is almost $14m ($13,754,000) made up of $4,923,000 (36%) renewals and $8,831,000 (64%) towards new or enhanced projects

And a third area where I think it works well – The shared governance model provides greater political leadership, accountability and oversight of ratepayer’s money (or to put into the words of  key note speaker Kevin Robert – we make shit happen)

Waitemata Local Board draft PlanLocal Boards are required to produce a Local Board Plan. The Plan sets the framework that guides our decision making and actions for 3 years. I think each Board takes their plan very seriously especially as we put a considerable amount of time into consulting with the community (in our own unique way) and ensuring we are representing the community’s interests and priorities.

I am certainly very proud of my Board’s plan and the way it informs all our decision making

Drinking station Grey LynnHowever there are still further opportunities for improvement

I think a lot comes down to the Local Board / Governing Body relationship.

For example a key role for local boards is to identify and communicate the interests and preferences of our communities in relation to the content of regional strategies, policies, plans and bylaws.

We need to find better ways to facilitate this legislative role perhaps through the governing body committee chairs being more open to local boards providing input to workshops and formal meetings.

There is inadequate time for local board / councillor interactions. We need to find ways to build closer and more trusting relationships and to better understand each other’s roles. There needs to be improved ways for Local Boards to help inform regional decision-making.

Point resolution bridge openingAnother area where opportunities lie to lift outcomes is the move to a community empowerment approach  that is underway – it is  going to be a big challenge but potentially an exciting opportunity.  If it is done right there is the potential to further strengthen communities and local decision making.

I am going to put CCO’s to one side as it would take up a whole other session to cover the Council Controlled Organisation relationship [but from my experience of working with Auckland Transport I think CCO’s want to play it both ways.  The model is meant to distance CCO’s from the politicians to achieve the best for the region but they like to ignore Local Board priorities and play politics when it suits them.]

Members of the Waitemata Local Board with Mayor Len Brown

But  overall I am a fan of the super city. I think outcomes will be further lifted for Auckland as the shared governance model continues to be bedded in and we respect both arms of governance equally as collectively sharing the decision-making of Auckland Council.

As you have probably noticed from the photos I am particularly happy at the way the super city is making Auckland a great place to cycle!

It has been a privilege to be have been part of the local board experiment right from the beginning, to have seen the  commitment of many people to make it work and to be able to acknowledge how far we’ve come.  It is unfortunate how the debate played out with regards to amalgamation that resulted in a lot of misinformation about Local Boards

I think we have a real voice and are putting local democracy into action (we are not community boards!)

Monthly Board report July 2015

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities from 1 June – 7 July 2015 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association Board, Ponsonby Community Centre Committee and Board liaison for the Parnell Community Centre.

I have also been acting Chair from 19 June – 10 July.

HIGHLIGHTS

Costley Reserve playground opening on 27 June

Costley Reserve playground board members at the opening

 

 

 Urban Cycleways programme

Auckland urban cycleways Since December 2014 I have been a member of the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel.  The Panel considered proposed cycleway projects that Councils from across the country put forward for funding from the $100m urban cycling fund, and provided recommendations to the Minister of Transport on the final Urban Cycleway Programme.

On 25 June I attended the launch of the programme by the Prime Minister and Minister of Transport in Rotorua (see Attachment A). On the same day as the launch the governing body signed off the Long -Term Plan budget including the local share of a $124m three year walking and cycling programme which should deliver 52 kilometres of new cycleways.

This is great news especially for the Waitematā Local Board area. After many years of the Board advocating for dedicated cycleways and the completion of the Auckland Cycle Network we will see the acceleration of projects with safe connections on Great North Road, Surry Crescent, Gladstone Road,  a Western Connection via Sarsfield St together with city centre routes.

 Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan

Newmarket laneways open dayThe 10-year budget that was adopted on 25 June by the governing body includes the funded priorities for each local board. The Waitematā Local Board consulted on the following proposals for the next 10 years:

  • complete the Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway
  • upgrade Newmarket Laneways public realm to provide a safer and more vibrant environment for pedestrians and shoppers
  • deliver the Western Springs Native Bush Restoration Plan
  • redevelop Pioneer Womens and Ellen Melville Hall as a city centre community hub
  • continue the delivery of the Waipapa Stream restoration and ecological project
  • support local community services, events and grants
  • continue to deliver initiatives from our local board plan.

Of the 1,412 submissions received, 745 made comments on the local proposals. Overall the majority of these respondents supported the local proposed projects for 2015/2016 and 2016-2025. In particular, there was support for the implementation of the Waipapa Stream and the Western Springs native bush restoration, the completion of the Weona-Westmere walkway and delivery of local events. There was also strong opposition towards reducing local library opening hours.

After considering the feedback, the board has funded the proposals listed above, and has reduced the budget from $100,000 to $75,000 for a temporary arts and culture POP  programme for which there was lower support. The Board has also allocated funding to support increasing Grey Lynn Library’s opening hours by half an hour a week. (refer Auckland Council media release Attachment B)

Skypath

Resource consent for the walking and cycling pathway over the Auckland Harbour Bridge (Skypath) was granted on 3 July.  This is a significant milestone in a 10 year long campaign to establish this critical link in Auckland’s cycling network.

The Waitematā Local Board has consistently supported the Skypath project. (Photo right from the Get Across protest in 2009 when thousands enjoyed walking and cycling over the bridge)

Grandstand driveGrandstand Drive improved for people to enjoy the Domain

It is surprisingly difficult to move around the Domain without coming into conflict with cars or running out of footpath so it is great to see the parks team have closed the parking on Grandstand drive (due to the risk posed by the oak trees). This is hopefully the start of many further improvements that will progress through the Domain masterplan (to be consulted on in August) and the Museum’s work to improve walking connections.

New footpath programme 15/16

The Transport portfolio provided input to Auckland Transport’s new footpath work programme 15/16.  In Attachment C I explain how I finalised a list of locations with assistance from the public. 

Tactical Urbanism workshop

I attended a workshop with Mike Lydon, Principal Street Plans Collaborative – New York to and author of Tactical Urbanism: Short-term Action for Long-term Change, a book that shares techniques for ambitiously jump starting projects in the urban realm.

tree pit Great North RdThe workshop (hosted by Waterfront Auckland, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport) focused on the opportunities afforded by tactical urbanism, how the ‘lighter, cheaper, faster’ methodology can better deliver desired outcomes for the city, what obstacles lay in the way of achieving the desired outcomes and how we best work together to mitigate these obstacles and achieve the vision for Auckland as the world’s most liveable city. 

The city centre team have a budget of $800k for tactical urbanism projects like pop-up parks. It is great to see that many examples of “tactical urbanism” are already springing up in the community without any support from Council (for example the tree pit in the photo was recently planted after being empty for some time).

New initiative: Vision Zero

Fanshawe StreetTragically Mr Robert Su was killed on Fanshawe St on 2 June (early indications are that he was crossing at the pedestrian crossing with the green man when he was hit by a speeding truck).    In Attachment D I outline why I think the time has come for Vision Zero Auckland.

Not long after the crash on Fanshawe St Auckland Transport started a misguided and patronising “cross safely with the green man” campaign aimed at the victims of traffic violence. I have raised my concern with Auckland Transport that this kind of approach is shown not to be effective and that resources should be directed at measures that improve pedestrian safety (eg road design, enforcement, speed reduction).

 Workshops and meetings

From 1 June to 7 July I attended:

  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 2 June
  • Two days of the Skypath resource consent hearing
  • Visit to the Art of remembrance installation at St David’s church to meet Paul Baragwanath, Trustee Friends of St David
  • Communications update with the Local Board communications advisor
  • Engagement adviser update
  • Draft Newmarket Laneways plan open day on Osborne St, Newmarket on Saturday 6 June
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 9 June in Parnell
  • Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 10 June
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 11 June
  • Draft Newmarket Laneways plan- Stakeholder Workshop at the Rialto Cinema on 11 June
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on  16 June
  • Community Meeting  on Western Park Development Plan consultation feedback on 16 June
  • Newmarket Laneways Member Working Group Update on 17 June
  • Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 17  June
  • Meeting to discuss up- coming playground openings
  • Tactical Urbanism workshop with Mike Lydon hosted by Waterfront Auckland  on 22 June
  • Local Board Chairs Forum on 22 June
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 23 June
  • Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association reps to discuss parking proposals
  • Franklin Road residents meeting hosted by Auckland Transport to discuss progress on the upgrade of Franklin Road on 23 June
  • Elected member professional development working group meeting
  • Central joint funding committee reestablishment meeting with representatives from Albert-Eden, Orakei, Maungakiekie-Tamaki and Puketapapa Local Boards
  • Senior Advisor/ Relationship manager weekly chairs meeting
  • Ponsonby Community Centre management committee meeting
  • Waitematā Local Board workshop on 30 June
  • Meeting to discuss Auckland Transport’s wayfinding signage proposals
  • Auckland Cycle Forum on 30 June at GridAKL
  • Community Development portfolio monthly update on 1 July
  • Meeting with Matt Ball, Ports of Auckland to discuss proposed Rainbow Warrior memorial art installation
  • Lunchtime learning: Auckland’s Green Lifeline – presentation by Andrea Reid about a new movement that aims to connect Auckland’s parks and reserves together to make pollination pathways.
  • Visited the homelessness Wānaga at Tātai Hono Marae, Grafton hosted by Te Puni Kokiri for Matariki

 Events and functions

Parnell Baths book launchFrom 1 June – 7 July attended:

  • Parnell Baths book launch at the Parnell library on 4 June (photo right)
  • Italian National Day piano concert at the invitation of Dante Alighieri Auckland
  • Parnell Heritage and RSC-Anzac Celebration with member Greg Moyle as guest speaker at the Parnell RSC
  • Kiss the Fish at Q Theatre at the invitation of Indian Ink Theatre Company
  • Waipapa Stream planting day on Saturday 13 June
  • Waipapa planting day July 2015Waitemata Local Board Good Citizen Awards at the Town Hall on 17 June
  • Newmarket Business Association business awards at the Auckland museum at the invitation of the NBA on 19 June
  • Launch of Greater Auckland on 21 June at Golden Dawn
  • Launch of the Urban Cycleways Programme in Rotorua on 25 June
  • Costley Reserve playground opening on 27 June
  • Breakfast celebration at the Zoo to welcome the new elephant Anjalee at the invitation of Regional Facilities Auckland
  • Associates breakfast – urban design, cycling and transport discussion on 2 July at the Auckland Art Gallery
  • Auckland Conversation: Mary Jane Jacob Public Art – what is it good for? on 2 July at St James Theatre
  • Opening of the World Press Photography exhibition at Smith & Caughey on 3 July
  • Skypath resource consent approval celebration at the Northcote Tavern on 3 July
  • Pecha Kucha cycling edition on 7 July at Shed 10 hosted by Auckland Transport

 pecha kucha cycling edition Barbara Grace

 

Auckland Council Long Term Plan – Waitemata funding decisions

Auckland Council Media Release

29 June 2015

Key Waitematā Local Board projects funded

Completion of the Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway, continuing the Waipapa Stream restoration and delivering the Western Springs Native Bush Restoration Plan are some of the key Waitematā Local Board projects being funded as a result of public feedback on Auckland Council’s 10-year Budget proposals.

The Waitematā Local Board received 1,412 written submissions. The majority of people who commented on the local proposals supported the board’s initiatives for the coming year 2015-16 and for the Council’s 2016-25 budget.

Other Waitematā Local Board projects being funded include:

  • redeveloping Pioneer Womens and Ellen Melville Hall as a city centre community hub
  • upgrading Newmarket Laneways public realm to provide a safer and more vibrant environment for pedestrians and shoppers
  • supporting local community services, events and grants.

After strong opposition to reducing local library opening hours, the local board has also allocated funding to extend Grey Lynn library’s opening hours by half-an-hour a week.

The board will continue to advocate to council’s governing body and Auckland Transport for investment to improve walking, cycling and road safety.

This includes making a case for a regional budget to allow the implementation of local board Greenway Plans across Auckland.

“We are privileged to have one of Auckland’s most engaged and active communities,” says Waitematā Local Board deputy chair Pippa Coom.

“This is reflected in the quality of the feedback. We’ve listened through the consultation process about the projects the community wants funded.

“The feedback also confirmed that our priorities should continue to focus on a high quality urban design, protecting heritage, advocating for transport improvements and looking after the environment.”

After considering the feedback received, the local board reduced the budget for a temporary arts and culture POP programme – for which there was less support – from $100,000 to $75,000.

The 10-year Budget was adopted by council’s Governing Body at its meeting last Thursday, 25 June.

A full summary of budget decisions, regional and local, can be found at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/longtermplan.