Monthly Board Report July 2014

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

From 14 June until 7 July I have also been acting Chair

Local Board Plan

During June I have been part of the Local Board team organising the Pecha Kucha event that will launch our draft Local Board Plan on 16 July at the Town Hall. We have a great line up of fantastic presenters who all in some way shape the beating heart of Tāmaki Makarau. This is the first time the Pecha Kucha format has been used for an engagement event by local government in New Zealand.

We’ve also planned a series of drop in sessions across Waitematā to answer questions on the draft Local Board Plan. Consultation starts on 7 July.

Community engagement

In addition to the Local Board Plan there is an overwhelming number of engagement processes underway or about to start. This is putting a lot of pressure on our local volunteer community groups who are understandably feeling very stretched:

Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan – until 22 July
Local Alcohol Policy – until 16 July
Auckland Transport Parking discussion – until 31 July
Community Grant Policy – 14 July until 10 August

The Auckland Council website Shape Auckland is the online hub for all consultations.

Ponsonby Road Plan

At our June meeting we adopted the final of the Ponsonby Road Plan that sets a framework for the development of Ponsonby Road over the next 30 years. The process to draft a Plan got under way with my Notice of Motion in October 2012. I am really delighted to have reached this point and thank all those who contributed, in particular, the members of the working group, all those who took the time to submit on the draft, Rebecca Sanders, Auckland Planner who put all the work in behind the scenes and Tricia Reade who brought her considerable enthusiasm to the project last term.

The Ponsonby Road Plan establishes five desired outcomes including recognising the area as a vibrant centre, protecting historic and cultural heritage and making the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plan can be found on the Council website under “Council Strategies and Plans”

Urban Regeneration and Renewal

At the Auckland conversation in June, Dr Tim Williams – CEO Committee for Sydney gave a beginners guide on Urban Regeneration and Renewal. Some highlights from his presentation that focused on “convergence” -how to achieve the best results through equalising disadvantaged parts of city with wealthier parts.

A mixed community is more important than clever financing, delivery vehicles and social projects in addressing inequality

The best city leaders do three things well:

Achieve smart growth
Do more for less
Win support for change

You can’t reduce cost of housing by building more because the price is determined by 90% of current stock.

To keep things the same you have to change

Building more roads creates sprawl. Sprawl creates poverty. Sprawl may be killing social mobility

Reveal of Studio One

As acting Chair I had the good fortune to represent the Board at an event to reveal the new name for Art Station. My speech notes and a media release to announce Studio One are attached (ATTACHMENTS A and B)

Portfolio Reports: Community

Central Joint Funding Committee Meeting

The Committee with representatives of all the Central Local Boards (Chaired by Desley Simpson) met on 20 June to consider applications for grants from the Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund (a legacy Auckland City Council fund for the purpose of conserving, restoring and protected valued historic heritage items).

A total of $23,326 was allocated from the second round of the 14/15 fund to 11 applicants (from a total of 18) with 7 grants made in the Waitematā Local Board area. Details of the successful applications are available on the Council website.

Kelmarna Organic Gardens

On 22 May, the Board office was made aware of an incident at Hukanui Reserve, which is occupied by Kelmarna Organic Gardens in Grey Lynn. Ashes from a recently deceased client were scattered over parts of the garden.

The gardens are on land that has been leased from the council to the Kelmarna Community Garden Trust for the last 32 years. The Trust has a licence with Framework Trust to operate the gardens. Framework Trust provides staff for the gardens as part of their ongoing rehabilitation programmes. All staff were withdrawn from the site following the incident, while the Kelmarna Community Garden Trust, Framework Trust and Auckland Council staff from Te Waka Angamua (Maori Strategy and Relations) decided how to proceed.

I attended a blessing on site on 3 June which allowed normal activities to resume and a follow- up meeting to discuss next steps with all those involved. I’ve been really impressed with the sensitive way the issue has been handled and the commitment to ensure the gardens continue to flourish.

The Board is considering the application for a new lease at Hukanui Reserve at our July meeting (refer meeting agenda). If the Board agrees the granting of a new lease this will be advertised for submissions and officers will commence iwi consultation.

Youth

Congratulations to Isabella Lenihan- Iken who was elected to the Youth Advisory Panel as the Waitematā representative during June. The details are attached in the youth update (ATTACHMENT C). Isabella’s induction to the Panel will be held on 28 July.

Myers Park Centenary meeting

There was a large turnout for the community meeting to discuss centenary celebrations for Myers Park next year.

Notes from the meeting are attached (ATTACHMENT D)

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Portfolio reports: Transport

City Centre Route Optimisation

At our June meeting Auckland Transport reported on a number of small but important changes that have been underway in the City Centre aimed at improving the pedestrian experience. These are part of the route optimisation programme that is not just aimed at vehicle efficiency. For example:

removal of the slip lane on Lower Albert Street (next to the new pocket park on Quay Street in the photo right)
Installation of a Barnes dance on the intersection of Quay St and Hobson St

These positive changes were covered by Transport Blog in more detail on 10 June.

Auckland Transport Parking Discussion Document

At our June Board meeting we requested Auckland Transport extend the consultation period on the parking discussion document.

Due to the high level of interest on the issues raised by the discussion document the public consultation period has been extended to 31 July.

During June I attended meetings organised by the Freemans Bay Residents Association to discuss the parking approaches proposed by Auckland Transport to manage parking on residential streets.

After the storm

The June storm that brought down many trees in our area (including a large gum tree in Grey Lynn Park) also dumped lots of debris on our roads providing a unique opportunity to see how much road space is unused. Streetfilms has coined the expression “sneakdown” for this phenomenon when it occurs after heavy snowfall (a shorter way of saying snowy neckdown and a neckdown is another name for a kerb extension).

On Franklin Road we have the perfect amount of room for a cycle lane!

June resolutions in response to Auckland Transport’s Report

Resolution number WTM/2014/82

MOVED by Deputy Chairperson PJ Coom, seconded by Member CP Dempsey:

That the Auckland Transport Report – June 2014 be received.

That the Waitemata Local Board:

Approves the design for the Upper Queen Street Bridge connecting the Grafton Gully cycleway to the North Western cycleway subject to intersection light phasing that prioritises walking and cycling.
Approves funding a drinking fountain on the corner of Ian McKinnon Driveand Upper Queen Street as part of the Upper Queen Street Bridge cycleway design to the budget sum of $15,000 from the Waitemata Local Board Transport Capex Fund 12/13.
Requests that Auckland Transport installs route way-finding signage along the entire Grafton Gully cycle way route and connection to the North-Western cycleway in time for the opening of the Upper Queen Street Bridge in September 2014.
Requests that Auckland Transport investigate options for quickly providing a cycleway connection from the Upper Queen Street Bridge to Karangahape Road.
That officers investigate the beautification of the bridge as a gateway feature into the city centre, to be included in the scope of the project and reported back to the Waitemata Local Board, as this endorses the City Centre Master Plan.
That Priscilla Steel, Elected Members Liaison Manager (Auckland Transport) and Matthew Ah Mu, Engineer – Investigation & Design (Auckland Transport) be thanked for their attendance

CARRIED

Monthly transport update

A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 25 June. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 June – 30 June I attended:

Local Board workshop on 2 June
Kelmarna Garden’s blessing on 3 June
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 5 June
Maori responsiveness training for elected representatives – a 2 part forum for elected representatives wishing to raise their awareness of the Māori fabric of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, deepen their understanding of Councils commitments to Māori, and discuss ways of establishing and strengthening relationships with the communities, hapu, iwi and leaders within Maoridom. Content was delivered by subject matter experts from Te Waka Angamua Māori Strategy & Relations Department
Ponsonby Business Association strategy meeting
Te Kakano 1 (Te reo Māori ) Exam at AUT
Waitemata Local Board business meeting at Grey Lynn Community Centre on 10 June
Meeting with Kelmarna Gardens Trustees, Framework and Council advisers on 11 June
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 12 June
Briefing from Gerard Linstrom of Chorus re Ultra-Fast Broad Band rollout in Waitemata
Standing Orders and meetings processes. A seminar to provide a comprehensive and interactive experience on the “ins and outs” of Standing Orders for Local Government meetings involving elected representative facilitated by Steve McDowell and Vern Walsh, of Meeting and Governance Solutions
Freemans Bay Residents Association meetings on the Auckland Transport’s Parking Discussion Document on 12 June and 16 June
Local Board workshop on 13 June
Chair’s weekly update with Relationship Manager on 16 June
St Luke’s notice of requirement meeting with Auckland Council legal team
Myers Park Centenary meeting on 17 June (see meeting notes Attachment E)
Waterfront Auckland Forum at the Voyager museum on 18 June Waterfront Auckland Chairman, Sir Bob Harvey and Chief Executive, John Dalzell spoke about the next stage of this development and how Waterfront Auckland will be progressing a comprehensive plan for the waterfront.
Meeting with Freemans Park Body Corporate representatives to discuss overland flow path issues
CDAC Work Programme discussion with Community Portfolio to review the 2014/2015 CDAC work programme for reporting to the July business meeting.
Meeting with Central Library Manager to discuss CAB arrangements
Central Joint Funding Committee Meeting – Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund applications on 19 June
Standing Orders Political Working Party meeting (as alternate to the Chair who is the Board’s rep on the working party) – photo right with members of the working party (Photo Credit: Cathy Casey)
Chair’s weekly update with Relationship Manager on 23 June
Local Board Chairs Forum meeting on 23 June
Community meeting organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association to discuss the development application at 367-375 Great North Road
Local Board Workshop on 24 June
Meeting of PBA members to discuss the Local Alcohol Policy at the Longroom on Ponsonby Road on 24 June
Ponsonby Community Centre committee meeting on 24 June
Communications catch up on 25 June
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 25 June
Meeting with Ernst Zollner, NZTA Director Auckland & Northland and Director Road Safety: to discuss NZTA projects in the Waitematā area
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 26 June
Meeting on 27 June with Freemans Bay Residents Association to discuss feedback on the Parking Discussion Document
Meeting with Tony Skelton, Chair, St Marys Bay Association

Events and functions

In the period 1 June – 30 June I attended:

Auckland Museum Solar Launch on 4 June (photo right)
Pecha Kucha at Q Theatre on 4 June
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 5 June
POP Projects 02: Bee Jam at Art Station on 6 June
Generation Zero Art Auction at Fizzy Vibes Gallery on 11 June
Grey Lynn Business Association Networking drinks at the Grey Lynn RSC on 11 June
Auckland Conversations: Urban Regeneration and Renewal: A beginners guide with Dr Tim Williams – CEO Committee for Sydney on 12 June at the Aotea Centre
Annie at the Civic on 13 June
Campaign for better transport AGM at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 20 June
POP project 06 , Hikoi at Western Springs on 21 June with Prince Davis (photo below)

ATC production of Once on Chunuk Bair at the Maidment Theatre (at the invitation of ATC)
New Zealand Opera – a special concert to announce five newly appointed Freemasons Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists at the Aotea Centre
Tuesdays with Morrie at the Factory Theatre, Newmarket (at the invitation of the Newmarket Stage Company)
Studio One Reveal on 27 June – The new name and identity for Artstation (Refer ATTACHMENTS A and B)
Travelwise celebration hosted by Auckland Transport at Eden Park on 26 June
Charandas Chor – the Honest Thief at TAPAC on 26 June (at the invitation of Prayas Theatre and TAPAC)
Sunday Roast at Q Theatre on 27 June
Matariki Dawn Karakia on 28 June at the Cloud to herald in the Maori New Year and commence the Matariki Festival (on until 28 July)

Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill Submission

The government’s proposed changes to the purpose of local government are poorly thought through. It especially makes no sense to change the purpose of Local Boards when they have been in existance for less than 2 years. Submissions close today. My submission focuses on the impact of the Bill on the role of local boards.

Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill Submission

I wish to make a submission on the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill strongly opposing the introduction of the new purpose statement and the removal of the four well beings from the 2002 Act. I am particularly concerned about the impact of the proposed changes on the role of Auckland Council’s 21 local boards.

I make this submission in my personal capacity but draw on my experience as Deputy Chair of the Waitemata Local Board, Auckland Council in providing my comments on the Bill.

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance identified two systemic problems – fragmented regional governance and poor community engagement. Addressing the first of these issues was the principal rationale underlying the establishment of Auckland Council, while the creation of 21 local boards as part of the council structure was the primary means of addressing the issue of poor community engagement.
Under the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 local boards are a key part of Auckland’s governance, enabling local representation and decision making on behalf of local communities. Local boards within the Auckland Council structure are best placed to understand and advocate for the aspirations of their communities.

Local boards have been in existence for less than two years and in that time have developed, following extensive consultation, aspirational plans with their communities that reflect local priorities and preferences. These plans contain a wide range of activities, some of which may sit outside the narrow focus of the new purpose statement for local boards.

For example the Waitemata Local Board plan covers a whole range of projects that could be interpreted to fall outside the proposed purpose of local boards such as local events, community gardens, fruit tree planting in local parks, support for local business associations, installation of water fountains, and community-led waste minimisation projects to name but a few.

I support the need for local government activities to be undertaken in a cost effective manner. However there is no evidence at all to suggest that the well beings have caused a blowout in local government costs.

There is also no evidence that local boards are acting ineffectively or have diverted into areas covered by central government. Most local projects are low cost but highly effective at building strong local communities. The activities of local boards complement and facilitate the role of central government and the private sector.

I am concerned that just as local boards are starting to find their feet that the proposed change to their purpose will undermine their autonomy and their ability to deliver on their communities’ priorities as set out in their three year plans. Local boards may be required to re-write their local board plans before they have been in place for even one full three year term.

Furthermore the proposed changes to the Act will undermine the Auckland government reorganisation and the concept of co-governance on which it is founded.

I therefore strongly oppose the introduction of the new purpose statement and strongly oppose a change to the role of local boards before the new structure has been fully tested and allowed to work.

I wish to appear before the committee to speak to this submission.

Monthly Board Report – June 2012

Covering Local Board activities from 1 May – 31 May 2012

Portfolio reports

Transport

Monthly transport update

The monthly Transport catch up was held with the Transport portfolio (attended by myself, Members Dempsey and Moyle) and relevant officers from Auckland Transport on 24 May. The issues discussed are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda. Specific issues include:

Community Garden proposal on the roof of the Cross Street car park
Cycling route from the Airport to downtown as part of the National Cycleway Network (the last stages of the route from Newton Road to Britomart are through the Waitemata Local Board area )
Parking Survey for Parnell
Westend Bus terminus and the potential for a bus turn around point at Coxs Bay

Follow up: a parking survey for the Grey Lynn surrey Cres shops in conjunction with the Grey Lynn Business Association briefing from NZTA to update the Board on NZTA/AT projects in the Waitemata area

Bike Parking

Auckland Transport has responded positively and promptly to requests for additional bike parking in Grey Lynn and West Lynn shops at four new locations. The owner of Kokako café is particularly happy that AT has installed parking on the corner of Great North Road and Williamson Ave and wrote: “Just wanted to say thank you for organising the bike racks in front of Kokako – they are awesome and our customers are loving them!”

During May, I joined AT for meetings with the Ponsonby Business Association to discuss a trial bike parking corral on Ponsonby Road and the K’rd Business Association to discuss locations for trial mini “bikerakks” (bike stands attached to existing poles) on K’rd. Auckland Transport is supporting both of these initiatives and has purchased 10 bikerakks minis for use on K’rd.

Member Dempsey and I met on site with our Elected Member Liaison Manager to discuss the lack of bike parking near Britomart station. This was prompted by the removal of bikes (including mine!) that were considered safety hazards by security at the station.

K’rd over bridge On behalf of the K’rd Business Association, I have been following up on the incorrect installation of the panels on the K’rd overbridge. Auckland Transport has advised that the architects preferred the current height in order to shield the unsightly landing/bridge area from the view while the business association did not support this design.

Next Steps: Auckland Transport is arranging a meeting with Barbara Holloway from the KBA to discuss two potential options.

Allocation of transport capital budgets to Local Boards

A Local Board cluster briefing was held during May on a proposed $10m Local Board transport capex fund. At the briefing, we were informed that this fund would be available for Local Board projects NOT in the current transport programme. I followed up with a query to Stephen Rainbow asking AT to confirm what Local Board transport projects and priorities (identified in either Local Board plans or agreements) are included in AT’s work programme. I am yet to receive a response. Local Boards have been asked to respond to a discussion document however I do not consider it possible to provide feedback on how the proposed fund is allocated until AT’s understanding of the current framework and prioritisation process has been clearly articulated.

“Good for Business” workshop

In my February monthly board report I reported back on the Auckland Walking Seminar “stepping into the future” hosted by Auckland Transport with guest speaker Dr Rodney Tolley, author of the Good for Business report. As a follow up to this seminar I have met with Auckland Transport to look at arranging a jointly hosted workshop for business associations interested in understanding the economic benefits of making streets more walking and cycling friendly. Next steps: AT to invite Rodney Tolly to present at a workshop

Community

Community Engagement

During May, I attended two Board events to seek community feedback. After the Mayor officially opened the Campbell Free Kindergarten on 5 May, an open day was held to hear ideas about possible uses for the building. We are yet to receive an official report on the submissions but there was good turn out and lots of positive suggestions about community uses. Weona Reserve Walkway open evening was held at Seddon Fields football club on 17 May. Many of the affected residents took the opportunity to discuss the plans with Board members and officers. A report on the feedback will be on the agenda for the Board’s meeting on 19 June.

Community Assistance Framework

The community portfolio worked with officers to finalised high-level feedback on the draft Community Assistance Framework (comprising on the draft Community Funding Policy, draft Community Occupancy Policy and draft Facility partnership Policy). This feedback is attached to the agenda. Specific concerns about the changes to the Accommodation Support Fund, Arts Alive Funding and Events funding as part of the Funding Policy were made by way of resolution at the Board’s May meeting (refer item 40 of the minutes).

Western Springs College presentation of Enviroschools Silver sign

I was honoured to have the opportunity to present Western Springs College with their Enviroschools Silver sign at a student-led junior assembly on 15 May. (A copy of my speech is attached as Attachment A) After the presentation, the Waste Wise students led a tour of the waste minimisation projects around the school such as the separated waste bins and a composter.

Smoke free launch

I assisted Member Tricia Reade with planning for the launch of smokefree playgrounds with an event on World Smokefree Day at Victoria Park Skate Park. We met with the Principal and Deputy Principal of Ponsonby Intermediate to discuss the launch and how it could best involve students from the School. We also met with officers and the Cancer Society to plan the event. The official unveiling of the Board’s new Smokefree signage took place on 31 May with a display by Ponsonby Intermediate’s cheer leading squad and skateboard and scooter competitions.

Accessible Business Cards

In our Local Board Plan, we have made a commitment to become an accessible board and area. When the opportunity came to have new business cards printed, on the advice of Auckland Council’s disability advisor, I requested a font size of 14 for details on the card. It took 2 months but with the assistance of Emma Monk, communications advisor, I am very proud to now have, what I believe to be, Auckland Council’s first large font size business cards (see Attachment B). I recommend the design as simple and effective and that it should become the default for all business cards within the organisation.

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

Other board activities

Fairtrade Auckland

On 4 May, Mayor Len Brown launched Auckland’s status as a Fair Trade City joining a network of 1000 towns and cities around the world. The Waitemata Local Board kicked off the process through Auckland Council to meet one of the key requirements of being certified a Fair Trade City. It took exactly a year from our own resolution to be the first Fair Trade Local Board in May 2011 for the decision to go to through the Council’s Economic Forum, the Tenders and Procurement sub-committee and finally to the Regional and Operations Development Committee in March when the Mayor and Council voted unanimously in support. The Mayor received Auckland’s Fair Trade certificate from Michael Toliman, the coffee farmer from Papua New Guinea in New Zealand for fairtrade fortnight. The Board held its Fair Trade coffee break at the Board office on 17 May raising $100 for Oxfam. Chris Morrison and Julia Collins from All Good Bananas were our special guests who generously provide a box of Fairtrade Bananas.

Grey Lynn Business Association I attended the GLBA business meeting on 1 May. I am following up a number of issues for the GLBA board including parking issues and streetscape improvements at the Surrey Cres shops.

Waste Management & Minimisation Plan

I am taking a close interest in the development of the Council’s waste plan. I attended the deliberations meeting of the Hearings Panel on the draft plan on 29 May. The recommendations to be made to the governing body on 8 June are consistent with the Board’s support for waste to be considered a valuable resource with appropriate incentives to encourage recycling and waste minimisation. The panel gave particularly strong support for the development of a resource recovery network to replace the inorganic collection and noted the initiative of the Waitemata, Albert – Eden and Puketapapa Local Boards to develop a pilot resource recovery centre.

Local Board Agreement

Following consultation and deliberations on the Waitemata Local Board Agreement the final amendments were agreed at our May public meeting. I took a particular interest in the Advocacy to Auckland Transport section of the Agreement and recommended amendments that ensure all the proposed projects for 2012/13 are consistent with Auckland Transport’s work programme and the Local Board priorities. I supported the Chair in preparing for our “Discussion” with the governing body and spoke to the transport issues at the meeting. Although Section 21(1) of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2010 requires that for each financial year, the Auckland Council must have a local board agreement (as agreed between the governing body and the local board) for each local board area, it is disappointing that at no point in the process has a “negotiation” occurred between the local board and the governing body.

LGNZ Joint Zone One and Zone Two meeting

I attended the LGNZ meeting on 11 May travelling to Manukau on the new train service. At the meeting, Mike Cohen reported back on behalf of Local Boards. He highlighted his views oon the restructuring issues and gave the example of the parks budget, which does not provide the Boards with any incentive to find efficiencies and cost savings. However if Boards seek improvements this has to be found from the Board’s budget. I was also interested in the update from TRAFINZ (the New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute) that represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand. Like the Board, TRAFINZ supports speed violations being delegated from the Police to Local Authorities.

The Love NZ public place recycling manager gave an update on the Love NZ nationwide recycling initiative, which is co-funded by Central government and industry through the Glass Packaging Forum. In the first 6 months including through the RWC, the Love NZ Board claim to have diverted over 1000 tonnes of packaging from landfill through the Love NZ recycling bins. It was confirmed at the meeting that Glass Packaging Forum does not support container deposit legislation which is considered to be the most effective means of reducing packaging waste.

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended:

All 3 Local Board workshops held during the month on 1, 15 and 22 May
Parnell Festival of the Roses meeting to hear the results of the event assessment survey
Art in the Square – meeting to discuss ideas for the activation of Newmarket Station Square Herne Bay Residents Association meeting – regarding the Wellington Street on ramp on 4 May
Myers Park Development Plan meeting 4 May (part only)
Meeting with Puketapapa and Albert Eden Local Boards to discuss the development a pilot resource recovery centre on 7 May
Meeting with a member of the public concerned with the level of spitting in the city centre that creates a hazard for those using walking sticks Meeting to discuss the Local Board transport advocacy for inclusion in the Local Board Agreement
Draft LTP – Budget & Advocacy Finalisation in preparation for the Local Board public business meeting
Meeting at Ponsonby Intermediate to discuss plans for the launch of the Board’s smokefree park signage on World smokefree day Local Board business meeting in Parnell on 8 May
Public Art Workplans for 2012/13 on 9 May
Visit to Auckland University of Technology to be briefed on the contribution made by AUT on 9 May
Hīkoi with Waitemata Local Board members and Malcolm Patterson on 10 May to discuss the Māori heritage of the foreshore and how this can be respected and celebrated through developments such as an extended coastal walkway or arts trail Meeting with officers to discuss the planning for the smokefree launch
Meeting with AT Community Transport and Barbara Holloway to discuss the trial of mini bike stands on K’rd Meeting with Heart of the City to discuss the “Parklet” proposal
LGNZ Joint Zone One and Zone Two meeting on 11 May in Manukau
Communications meeting with the new Local Board Communications Advisor, Chris Baldock on 15 May C
ommunity Development and Partnerships monthly meeting with Shane Ta’ala
Parks Maintenance contracts Local Boards cluster meeting on 16 May – a follow-up workshop to the one held on 6 December 2011 to discuss new parks maintenance contracts across Auckland and levels of service.
Waitemata Local Board’s “discussion” with the Governing Body on 16 May
Meeting with Judith Webster; Programme Manager City Transformation Projects and Michelle Prattley; Project Leader, City Transformation Projects to discuss the city centre noise project involving a range of mechanism to reduce and manage noise
Weona Walkway open day at Seddon Fields on 17 May
Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association to discuss a trial “bike parking corral” on Ponsonby Road
Catch up with Ashley Church, Newmarket Business Association General Manager (as alternate on the Board) on 18 May
Monthly transport portfolio catch ups with Auckland Transport on 24 May
Deliberations meeting on the draft Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan on 29 May
Allocation of transport capital budgets to Local Boards cluster meeting at the Town Hall on 21 May
Waitemata Local Board – Parnell Festival of Roses presentation to the Parnell Community on 22 May
Strategy and Finance Committee meeting attended from 1pm – until 7pm on 23 May (where the LTP budget was approved)
Meeting with Chorus to discuss UFB rollout in Waitemata Local Board area on 24 May
Good for business workshop planning meeting with AT on 28 May
Victoria Park Management Plan meeting on 30 May
Ann McAfee – International Advisor to the Unitary Plan presentation to Local Board members and Councillors on 30 May
Britomart site visit with Christopher Dempsey and Lorna Stewart to evaluate bike parking
Meeting with Jo Wiggins, David Parker and Brian Palmer of the Auckland Sport and Recreation Reference Group (ASRRG) on 31 May

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during May:

AECOM’s Global Cities Institutes book for Auckland Official Launch on 2 May at the District Dining Room- The book, Auckland, Connected, examines how the city can address the challenges and opportunities facing its urban development in four areas: economic growth, transportation, urban form and liveability.
Hospice Cuppa launch on 3 May with guest speaker Alan Whetton
Fair Trade Fortnight breakfast launch event at the Britomart Country Club on 4 May (at the invitation of the Fairtrade NZ)
Fairtrade presentation to the Mayor on 4 May at the Central Library
Official opening of Campbell Free Kindergarten on 5 May
A Midsummer night’s dream on 5 May (at the invitation of ATC)
Sustainable Business Network AGM on 9 May
Cycle Action Associates Breakfast at the Box café on 10 May
GLBA networking drinks on 10 May
Community Tree planting at Harry Dansey Reserve, Freemans Bay on Saturday 12 May
Easy Green Living Show (including the Auckland Council’s retro fit your home and composting displays) and Green Drinks at Alexandra Park
SAVE TVNZ7 Public Meeting , Freemans Bay Community Hall
Waitemata Local Board Fairtrade Coffee break raising $100 for Oxfam
Carrot mob at Cosset Café on Sunday 19 May
Auckland Conversation: How Effective Transport Planning and Efficient Public Transport have Transformed London, Councillor Daniel Moylan – Deputy Chairman Transport for London, Chairman of Urban Design
Launch of the Auckland Plan on 29 May at the Auckland Museum
Launch of smoke free signage at Waitemata Parks event on 31 May
Cycle Action Auckland, NZTA and Auckland Transport presentation – North-western Cycleway connection to Beach Road