Grey Lynn pump track Archives

Chair’s monthly report December 2017

Report covering the period 8 November until 12 December 2017.

Local board members present Tim Coffey with a Good Citizens Award

This is my final report for the year and the end of my first year as Chair. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow board members, the Local Board services team and everyone who works to make Waitemata a great place. Our Achievements Report 16/17 really highlights the diversity of the board’s responsibilities and how we can make a difference locally when we respond to and partner with the community.

It has been a challenging but rewarding year. The new way of working introduced this term which focuses on the board’s work programme has limited the role of portfolios and made it more difficult for board members to effectively keep on top of project delivery (this will be reviewed in the new year). Internal restructuring and the changeover to a new maintenance contract in July has resulted in far more complaints to the board. In October the only Auckland Future member of the board resigned forcing a by-election to be held in February 2018. The year is coming to an end with the cycleway programme in the spotlight and robust discussion about how Auckland Transport delivers on local priorities (this is covered in detail in Attachment 1).

On 14^th December we are launching the Waitematā Local Board plan which sets our three-year direction. Consultation in May and June this year guided development of the plan and confirmed strong support for the direction of the Board. At the December business meeting we are confirming budget priorities for 2018/19. These priorities will be extensively consulted on as part of the 10 year budget consultation starting on 28 February 2018

Achievements Report 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017

The Board’s annual report of highlights covering major projects and initiatives, community grants, advocacy and local governance is now available online.

The report overlaps with the last term so provides a good opportunity to acknowledge the work of former board members and Chair, Shale Chambers who originally kicked off the annual record of achievements.

Waitemata Safe Routes Projects- update

In Attachment 1 I provide an update on two of the inner west walking and cycling projects that have created a great deal of controversy and scrutiny of Auckland Transport’s engagement and delivery practices. This has provided an opportunity to reflect on the board’s role through the process.

As covered in the update the board is actively working with Auckland Transport on the solutions and agreed process for further consultation.

Teed Street upgrade

The now complete Teed Street upgrade as featured in Paperboy

Domain Committee

There has been a long standing issue in the Domain of drivers parking on the grass. Currently Auckland Transport does not have enforcement power to prohibit parking on areas of the Domain outside of formed roads.

At the Domain Committee meeting on 30 November we resolved to delegate the authority that Auckland Transport needs to enforce the no parking on the grass signage.

Prior to the Committee meeting members were led on a site visit around the southern area of Auckland museum where construction on a new pathway is about to start (photo right). We also observed the significant amount of commuter parking in this area.

Currently a parking survey is underway with recommendations planned to come to our February meeting regarding options for effective parking management that will potentially open the way to freeing up far more on road space for visitors to the Domain. It has long been my goal, now supported by the outcomes in the Domain Masterplan, to greatly improve accessibility, connectively and mobility in our premier park.

Vision Zero and report back from TRAFINZ conference

The Waitematā Local Board has led the way supporting Vision Zero, the philosophy that has, as its bottom line, the principle that no deaths or serious injuries on the roads are acceptable.

In order to further the implementation of Vision Zero I attended the Trafinz conference in Nelson and have joined the Trafinz Executive Committee. (Trafinz represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand). My report from the conference is attached (Attachment 2)

Dr Matts Ake Belin was the guest speaker at the Trafinz conference and guest of Auckland Conversations. The timing of his visit coincided the new Minister of Transport and Associate Minister announcing strong support for a new approach to road safety at time of a rising road toll.

Photo: Stand for Zero organised by Brake road safety charity to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Parking consultations

The roll out of residential parking zones in the city fringe suburbs continues with the support of the board. Auckland Transport’s consultation on Parnell parking improvements has just ended. The Grey Lynn and Arch Hill Residential Parking Zones consultation ends on 20 December. The Board will consider the public feedback before providing our input in the new year.

Events

The year ended with a huge number of events supported the Local Board including the Grey Lynn Park Festival, Santa Parade, West End Tennis Tournament, and Franklin Road Christmas Lights. We also successfully held the Parnell Festival of Roses for the 24^th year. The Festival has developed as an exemplar for Zero Waste management and accessibility.

It was an honour to open the new exhibition Changing Gear at MOTAT on 8 December. There is a lot to celebrate about cycling in Aotearoa. However very much on my mind in giving my speech was the most recent rider to needlessly lose their life only the night before. (Speech at the opening Attachment 3)

Meetings and workshops: 8 November until 12 December

Weekly Chair’s meeting with the Local Board services team every Monday morning
Chair’s forum on 13 November
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 14, 21, 28 November and 5 December
Civic Trust AGM at the Ellen Melville Centre on 12 November
Auckland Transport Powhiri to welcome Dr Belin (Swedish Vision Zero expert) on 13 November
Vision Zero session for Local Board members on 15 November at Auckland Transport
Lower Queen Street Plans – Brief members from CRL on 15 November
Meeting with Teed Street retailers and Newmarket Business Association on 16 November
Auckland Harbour Bridge lights update with Mayor Phil and Vector representatives on 16 November
Meeting with Age Concern Auckland on 16 November
Traffic calming workshop for board members organised by the Albert-Eden Local Board on 16 November
Grey Lynn Business Association meeting with new committee on 16 November
Herne Bay Residents Association AGM on 16 November
Meeting with the Chair of the Wynyard Quarter Transport Association on 17 November
West Lynn shops site visit with Auckland Transport on 17 November (Attachment 1 details the issues that were identified at the site visit that are now being followed up by AT)
Local Board input into Regional / sub-regional decision making – CENTRAL on 20 November
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 21 November
Catch up with General Manager, K’rd Business Association on 22 November
Domain Committee pre-agenda meeting on 22 November
Attended a site visit with Auckland Transport and the Occupy Garnet Road group on 22 November including a walk of the route to the West Lynn shops
Joint Governing Body / Local Board Chairs Meeting on 22 November
Attended the Governing Body meeting on 23 November to support Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and board member Richard Northey’s presentation regarding the location of the America’s Cup Village
Myers Park / Waihorotiu public artwork (Mayoral Drive underpass) – review of developed concept at the officers of Warren & Mahoney on 23 November
Update on 2018 Auckland Arts Festival programme with the Festival Artistic Director and Chief Executive
Site visit to the rehearsal space at 313 Queen Street on 24 November (prior to the beginning of renewal work and confirmation of a community lease tenancy of the space)
Meeting with the co-chairs Grey Lynn Business Association on 24 November
Grey Lynn Business Association hosted meeting regarding the issues at West Lynn shops at the Grey Lynn RSC on 28 November
Tour of the refurbishments at the Central Library on 29 November
Meeting with the board’s communications adviser on 29 November
Meeting to discuss LTP (10-year budget) consultation material
Domain Committee site visit and business meeting at Auckland Museum on 30 November
Grey Lynn Residents Association AGM on 30 November
Meeting with Soala Wilson from the Occupy Garnet Road Group on 1 December
Leadership for Local Board Leaders – session one on 4 December
Ponsonby Community Centre AGM on 4 December
Auckland Paths Project Refresh – Workshop 1 on 6 December
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 7 December
Catch up with GM Parnell Business Association on 8 December
Meeting with Parnell Trust on 8 December
Chairs’ Forum on 11 December
West Lynn community reference group meeting with Auckland Transport on 11 December
Ponsonby Business Association meeting and Christmas breakfast on 12 December
Parnell cycleway progress update with Auckland Transport on 12 December
Waitemata Local Board business meeting on 12 December

Events and functions: 8 November until 12 December

Attended the Trafinz conference 8- 10 November in Nelson (Attachment 2)
Armistice Day Commemoration Ceremony at Auckland Museum on 11 November
Women in Urbanism Vision Zero presentation with Dr Belin and panel discussion at Ellen Meville Centre on 13 November (photo right- on the panel with Dr Belin, Caroline Perry from Brake and Jessica Rose, Albert-Eden Board member)
Westpac Regional Business Awards- Central at the Langham Hotel at the invitation of ATEED on 14 November
Gave the vote of thanks at Auckland Conversations Vision Zero event on 15 November
Auckland Harbour Bridge lights update and morning tea with Mayor Phil and Vector representatives on 16 November. The Harbour Bridge will be the first bridge in the world to have its lighting powered entirely by solar energy. The LED lights will be individually controlled and will transform our bridge with lighting shows for special events and occasions.
Launched the Adopt a Tree campaign organised by the Urban Tree Alliance with a grant from the local board. Held at Western Park on 18 November
Ellen Melville Centre community day on 18 November (photo right with board members Adriana Christie and Richard Northey and the EMC team)
Grey Lynn Pump Track opening party on 18 November (Photo below right Johnloyd, aged 7 in his winning race)
Parnell Festival of Roses on 19 November
Stand for Zero at Silo Park to commemorate international day of road traffic victims on 19 November
Fire and Emergency NZ stakeholder function to meet Chair, Hon Paul Swain, board members and the Chief Executive Rhys Jones at Rydges Hotel on 20 November
ASB Classic 2018 Launch at Holy Trinity Cathedral on 22 November
Opening of the Latvian honorary consulate in Auckland on 23 November
Grey Lynn Park Festival on 25 November
Santa Parade at the invitation of Crackerjack Productions on 26 November
Low carbon Christmas organised by the low carbon network at Studio One on 29 November
Rainbow Youth sponsors breakfast on 30 November
Lifewise Christmas function at Merge Café on 30 November
Annual Enviroschools celebration at Western Springs Community Hall on 1 December. I presented to Newmarket School with a certificate to recognise their commitment to sustainability (photo right)
Opening Night of the Franklin Road Christmas Lights on 1 December (photo right with Governor General, Mayor Phil Goff and lights coordinator Roscoe Thorby)
Ponsonby Market Day on 2 December
Lightpath Festival on 2 December (photo below with Minister of Transport Phil Twyford)
Wither Hills West End Tennis Cup Tournament finals on 3 December (at the invitation of the West End Tennis Club)
At the Lightpath Festival with Minister of Transport Phil Twyford

Sugartree Design showcase at Sugartree apartments on 5 December
Attended Basement Theatre’s Patron’s night and Christmas show Santa Claus on 7 December
Opened the exhibition Changing Gear: Celebrating cycling in Aotearoa on 8 December (opening speech Attachment 3)
Italian Christmas market on 9 December at Freemans Bay Community Hall on 9 December
Joined the official party at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 11 December

Chair’s monthly report June 2017

Report covering the period 4 May – 9 June 2017.

Summary

Presented to the Finance and Performance Committee on our Local Board priorities for 17/18 as part of the Annual Budget (presentation Attachment A). Approved the Local Board Agreement and work programmes 2017/18 at an extraordinary meeting on 6 June.
At our May business meeting we acknowledged the passing on 29 April 2017 of Ken Havill, inspirational and highly respected principal of Ngā Puna o Waiorea Western Springs College for 19 years until 2016, and extended our sincere condolences to Mr Havill’s family and the school community.
Opened the Grey Lynn Greenway with Mayor Phil Goff on 2 June (My speech on behalf of the Board and Auckland Transport media release Attachment B). The Grey Lynn pump track informally opened on 24 May.
Met with the 254 Ponsonby Road facilitation group and relevant Council officers to progress the community-led design for Ponsonby Park
Consultation on the draft Waitematā Local Board Plan got underway on 22 May. Have your say events held in Parnell, Grey Lynn and at the board office. Information sessions held at libraries and farmers’ markets. Consultation closes on 30 June.
Followed up a number of transport issues including:
- Resurfacing on Ponsonby Road between Williamson Ave and Hopetoun Street without any safety improvements
- Pedestrian safety and footpath clutter at the intersection of Carlton Gore Road and Davies Crescent
- Leaf collection and maintenance of street trees by Auckland Transport contractors
- Parking in Arch Hill and rollout of the Ponsonby Residential parking zone
- Final Grosvenor Street cycleway design removing a large number of car parks and failure by AT to install crossing points along greenway route at the intersection of Grosvenor and Crummer Rd
- Safety issues with car transporters using bus stops and the flush medium for unloading on Great North Road
- Parking on the grass in the Domain (enforcement issues are being addressed through the Domain Committee)
Provided feedback to Auckland Transport on behalf of the Board on the Pt Chev to Westmere cycle improvements (Refer Auckland Transport monthly report)
Traffic calming polka dots installed on Shortland Street (following pedestrian safety concerns raised by the Local Board. Attachment C).
Construction got underway on Teed Street, Nelson Street cycleway stage 2 and continued on the Ponsonby Road Pedestrian Improvement Project (photo right)
Community Reference Group established by Auckland Transport to progress the design of the Gladstone Road cycleway.
Media coverage included Local Board reports in Ponsonby News (Attachment D) and the Hobson (Attachments E)
Attended an event to mark Word Fair Trade Day at Albert Park organised by a student Christine Zhang (Photo right with Christine and Julie Anne Genter MP). Auckland became a Fairtrade Region in 2012.

Meetings and workshops attended:

Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Ponsonby Business Association monthly board meetings on 4 May and 8 June
Uptown Business Association presentation to the Local Board to discuss BID obligations on 4 May
Site visits to Wood Street and Hakanoa Street to discuss constituent issues on 5 May
Panuku discussion with local board members regarding urban development tools on 8 May
Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 8 May
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 9, 23, 30 May and 6 June
2017/2018 Annual Budget Waitemata Local Board advocacy. Presentation to the Finance and Performance Committee on 9 May (Photo right. Presentation Attachment A)
Franklin Road community reference group meeting on 10 May
Meeting to discuss support for the Santa Parade with representatives of the Council family on 11 May
Meeting to discuss the Franklin Road lights on 11 May
Meeting with Business Lab to discuss the City Fringe Economic Development Action plan refresh on 11 May and 1 June
Meeting on 15 May to discuss partnership opportunities with Western Springs College arising from the school rebuild
Local Boards sub-regional workshop on 15 May
Pre- agenda briefing for the Domain Committee
Meeting with AT’s parking manager on 16 May
Meeting to discuss Western Springs Precinct with Regional Facilities
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 16 May and extraordinary meeting on 6 June
Transport portfolio catch up on 17 May
NZTA strategic direction presentation to invited stakeholders on 17 May
Meeting to discuss the development of Council’s homelessness policy
Monthly Local Finance Advisor catch up on 23 May
Auckland Domain committee workshop and business meeting on 24 May
Attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting on 24 May (as alternate)
Community Reference Group for the Parnell cycle route workshop organised by Auckland Transport on 31 May
Chair’s recommendations run through meeting on 11 and 31 May
Meola Reef Reserve development plan site visit with mana whenua on 31 May (photo right)
Tour on 1 June of the Central Library planned refurbishment
Meeting on 2 June with Christina Sayers-Wickstead to discuss the NZ Suffrage Museum project
Phone interview as part of research looking at road user pricing
Workshop with the 254 Ponsonby Road facilitation group on 7 June
Agenda run-through meeting on 7 June
Spoke at the Economic Development workshop with city fringe business representatives to assist with the refresh of the ED plan held at ATEED on 8 June
One-day workshop on 9 June for Chairs developed by the Institute of Directors

Events and functions attended:

Opening night of Amadeus at ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invitation of Auckland Theatre Company
Community planting day at Hakanoa pollinator Park (Photo right with Bike Grey Lynn volunteers) and the Grey Lynn Pump Track on 6 May
Farewell to Carla van Zon, Auckland Festival director
Spoke on the IAP2 Australasia 2017 Engagement Symposium K’rd Walking Tour about Myers Park consultation on 12 May (photo right)
Fairtrade Festival in Albert Park on 13 May
NZ Book Awards on 16 May
Writers Festival Gala Opening night on 18 May
NZ Trio at Q Theatre 21 May
Auckland Conversations on 23 May: Manhattan to Manukau – Lessons from New York
Innovators in discussion at MOTAT on 25 May
Autumn Biking bee adventure on 27 May
John Macdonald’s Induction as Methodist Mission Northern Head of Mission on 30 May
Grey Lynn Greenway opening on 2 June (Attachment B)
Presided at the Central Citizenship Ceremony on 6 June (photo right)

Draft Local Board Plan consultation events:

Have your say events in Parnell, Grey Lynn and at the Local Board Office
Information sessions held at Parnell Farmers Market, Grey Lynn Farmers Market and at Libraries (photo below with members Richard Northey and Adriana Christie at Parnell Library)

Chair’s monthly report March 2017

Report covering the period 10 February until 13 March 2017.

Highlights

Following the extreme weather event in March Aucklanders are being urged to reduce water use for several weeks to avoid the need to boil water due to the amount of silt that has entered the treatment plant
Consultation got underway on the Annual Budget 2017/18. The Waitematā Local Board held a Have your Say hearing style event on 8 March attended by Mayor Goff and Councillors Mike Lee, Daniel Newman and Desley Simpson (Photo right). Feedback is open until 27 March
Guest speaker at an International Women’s Day morning tea hosted by Panuku Development Auckland
Auckland Arts Festival 2017 started on 8 March
Beating the Bounds triennial event on 4 March in partnership with Walk Auckland. A walk of the Waitemata Local Board boundary from Meola Reef to Pt Resolution
Construction has started on the Grey Lynn Pump Track (a community-led project), Grey Lynn Greenways route connecting Coxs Bay to Grey Lynn Park and on the Ponsonby Road Pedestrian Improvement Project
Waitemata Youth Collective at Myers Park Medley

Myers Park Medley successfully held on 26 February (photo right with members of the Waitemata Youth Collective at their engagement stand)
Myers Park Splash pad opened (photo below)
245 Ponsonby Road community-led design exhibition and voting on the preferred concept (underway until 19 March)
Opening of the Parnell Train Station on 13 March (Attachment A)

Meetings and workshops: 11 February until 14 March 2017

Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 13 February and 13 March
Waitematā Local Board workshops 14, 23, 28 February and 1, 7, 14 March
Professional development sessions (Kura Kawana): Engaging with Maori and Wellbeing & Resilience
Meeting with Panuku to discuss St Mary’s Bay Water quality project
Domain Committee Chair introductory meeting on 15 February with Rod Sheridan, Community Facilities Manager to discuss proposed maintenance approach in the Auckland Domain
Wai O Rea Central Community Recovery Centre Project Design Workshop Workshop with Albert-Eden and Puketapapa Local Boards on 16 February
Domain Committee agenda run through on 17 February
Meeting to discuss Poynton Terrace Streetscape upgrade
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 21 February
Elected Member Communications & Engagement reference group meeting on 22 February
Briefing by Auckland Transport on CRL development, Albert Street design
Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting (as alternate)
Site visit to Hopetoun Street to meet with residents concerned about a number of safety and street maintenance issues
Briefing from the Auckland Museum on 23 February
Inner City Network Monthly Meeting on 23 February
Waitemata Youth Collective meeting with the Board on 23 February
‘Delivering for Auckland Symposium’ for all elected members on 24 February
Monthly regional workshop for elected members on 27 February
Auckland Domain Committee Workshop and Meeting on 28 February
Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Agenda run-through with the Deputy Chair on 8 March
Transport portfolio catch up on 1 March
Meeting to discuss Italian Festival 2017 with the Events portfolio and Festival organiser on 2 March
Introduction meeting with Auckland Police Commander Matt Srhoj
Regular catch up meeting with Newmarket Business Association General Manager
Meeting with Chair, Friends of Symonds St cemetery on 3 March
Meeting to discuss transport outcome for the draft Local Board Plan 2017
Western Bays Community Group AGM and presentation on the Annual Budget 1207/18
PBA board meeting on 9 March
Meeting with Auckland Design Office regarding traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements on Shortland Street
Presentation by Heart of the City to the Board and discussion on City Centre issues on 9 March
Joint planning Committee and Local Board workshop: City Centre and Waterfront work programme (City Building: Auckland Transport’s “expectations” should not dictate our planning Attachment C)

Events and functions: 10 February until 14 March 2017

Rainbow Youth Open Day and exhibition (sponsored by the Waitemata Local Board) on 11 February (photo right)
Big Gay Out at Coyle Park on 12 February
Revolt. She said. Revolt again at Basement Theatre on 16 February at the invitation of Silo Theatre
T20 NZ v SA at Eden Park at the invitation of Auckland Cricket
Moa Periscope Launch on 20 February: Child Friendly Development Response in Freyberg Place
Launch of the Auckland Fringe Festival on 21 February in Aotea Square
Sea Change, Wet Hot Beauties performance at Parnell Baths (at the invitation of Wet Hot Beauties)
Attended the Grey Lynn 2030 Repair Cafe on 18 February
Watched the Pride Parade in the grandstand on 25 February at the invitation of ATEED (photo right with Brett O’Reilly, ATEED CEO, Stephen Town Auckland Council CEO and Lexie Matheson, Pride Trustee )
Opening of Japan Day at the Cloud
Myers Park Medley on 26 February
Bike Breakfast at Scarecrow Café on 1 March
Patrons night at Basement Theatre on 1 March
Beating the Bounds on 4 March
Ponsonby Park concept designs exhibition on 5 March
Stepping up our Climate Game Auckland Conversations on 8 March
Opening of the Auckland Arts Festival on 8 March
Revolutions: Auckland Art Festival
Opening ceremony for Parnell Train Station 13 March (Attachment A)

Gift Declarations

Tickets to the T20 NZ v SA at Eden Park at the invitation of Auckland Cricket
Tickets to the Auckland Art Festival

The End: Pt Resolution Bridge