Mayor Phil Goff Archives

Chair’s monthly report August 2019

This is my penultimate monthly report after almost 9 years on the Waitematā Local Board.

It covers the highlights for the period 9 July until 12 August 2019. It is on the agenda for the local board business meeting held on 20 August 2019.

Achievements report

Every financial year the Waitematā Local Board produces a summary of achievements from the year. Thanks to Shale Chambers initiating an Achievements Report in 2011 we are the only Local Board to have published a report each year.

The Achievements Report contains summaries of projects and initiatives completed over the past year with the help and support of a wider range of community members, stakeholders, iwi partners, staff and volunteers. The 2018/19 report has been printed and is now online.

LGNZ conference report back

I attended the annual Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference in Wellington 7-9 July as a LGNZ National Council member representing local boards and as one of four Auckland Council delegates to the AGM.

The 2019 conference theme “Riding the localism wave: Putting communities in charge” was focused on communities and empowering them to take charge of their social, economic, environmental and culture well-being through localism.

My conference report back at Attachment 1 to my report.

High Street pedestrianisation

Supporting the Mayor’s announcement with Cr Chris Darby.

The Waitematā Local Board has been a long time champion for the pedestrianisation of Queen St. It is an advocacy position in the Local Board Plan 2017. It has also been prioritised in the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board supported work programme funded by the targeted rate.

On July 26 Mayor Goff announced that High St is moving towards pedestrianisation with the start of “tactical urbanism” trials like pocket parks before construction gets underway.

As the Federal St contra flow cycle lane has shown (marked out with planter boxes and paint) we know that tactical urbansim works. With the massive growth in users of e-bikes and e-scooters and ever congested footpaths that must be prioritized for feet we just need to get on with more trials and temporary bike lanes to create a safe network for everyone.

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July heralded in some lasting changes that are going to have an impact including the Local Board supported ban on single use plastic bags.

One of my favs is making use of refill stations. Auckland Council has joined the ‘refillution’ with selected libraries and all pools and leisure centres registering as official ‘RefillNZ Stations’. In Waitematā we’ve also been working on installing drinking fountains at playgrounds and in plazasso it is never necessary to buy plastic water bottles.

Transport updates

Parking on berms

As I reported last month, I spoke at the Local Government New Zealand AGM in support of a remit seeking a change to the berm parking rules.

The kerbed area of the footpath sitting between the pavement and road that is often planted with grass and trees is known as the “berm”. In the urban areas of Auckland it is a long standing custom that this area is not for parking vehicles except in emergencies. It is a recognised as an extension of the paved footpath where kids walk to school in bare feet on hot days. Parking on the berm can cause damage to underground utilities, damage to trees and creates safety issues for pedestrians and drivers.

Unfortunately Auckland Transport has taken the position that berm parking is not an enforceable offence unless “no parking” signage is in place. This is non-sensical when applied to the hundreds of kilometres of urban roads with berms that need to be kept clear for pedestrians. Nor is it desirable or cost effective to install signage especially in areas where the berm is a long-accepted part of the footpath.

Until recently I have supported Auckland Transport’s recommendation that a rule change is required to remove the requirement for signage. However more recently I have reviewed the relevant provisions myself. I’ve come to the view that all the necessary rules are already in place and it is just a matter of Auckland Transport taking a firm position that berm parking is not acceptable where the berm is clearly part of the footpath. I am not proposing a sweeping berm parking “ban”. I would just like Auckland Transport to act on complaints, under the existing rules, where parking on the berm is happening to avoid on street parking charges, causing a safety issue or damaging public property.

Return of a bus service to Williamson Ave

Thanks to a campaign led by Sophia Fiossetti and with the support of Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Transport has agreed to re-instate a bus service on Williamson Ave from 18 August 2019.

I’ve organised an event with Sophia to celebrate the first No.134 bus from Henderson to be re-routed from Great North Road.

Victoria Park underpass light installation

Victoria park underpass on a bike ride with NY’s Janette Sadik Khan Photo credit: Bike Auckland

Lighting is coming to the Victoria Park underpass. This is a project I’ve been working away at for some time so really delighted that we’ve finally secured the budget and the installation is underway. Once the Daldy St upgrade opens we’ll have a safe, smooth and attractive pathway from Ponsonby Road to Wynyard Quarter via Franklin Road.

Karangahape Road enhancement project

Work on the Karangahape Road Enhancements project got underway on 29 July. It coincided with the release of the annual cycling data showing that cycling numbers have grow. by 8.9 per cent in a year. 3.77 million cycle movements were recorded for the year of July 2018 to June 2019, an increase of 8.9 per cent on the previous 12 months.

The winter weather is also not stopping people riding. Across 26 Auckland Transport cycle counters, 272,000 cycle movements were recorded in June 2019, an increase of 16.7 per cent when compared to June 2018.

School safety

In November 2018 I was invited by a Marist Primary mum on the school run to see just how tricky it was to walk, scoot and cycle to school because of the lack of a safe crossing. Thanks to her lobbying, support from the school and the Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Transport has installed a zebra crossing outside the school gate.

I was invited back again on the morning of 4 August to see what a difference the new crossing on Kelmarna Ave has made to ensuring a safe journey to school.

Waiatarau Freemans Bay Park

This community-led project is transforming the newly named Waiatarau Freemans Bay park.

An enthusiastic group of locals showed up at a community planting day on 10 August organised by park designers Mark van Kaahoven and Tony Murrell and the Freemans Bay Residents Association.

Symonds St Cemetery

New paths in the Catholic section of the cemetery funded by the local board are almost complete including new steps to the Grafton Gully shared path.

Myers Park stage two – Mayoral Drive

At our July business meeting the Waitematā Local Board endorsed the preferred concept design for stage two of the Myers Park project – Mayoral Drive underpass, which maintains above ground storage of stormwater, to progress to the developed design phase.

The allocation of $1.85 million additional funding from the city centre targeted rate to the Myers Park stage two project was supported by the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board to enable this long standing project to move forward. The local board has been working to improve the underpass and open up the connection to Myers Park since before the Rugby World Cup 2011 when it was on the Fan Trail route so it is great to see progress.

Waitematā Local Events Development Fund allocation 2019/2020

The Franklin Road Christmas Lights, the Farmers Santa Parade and Auckland International Buskers Festival will all receive support from the local board to carry out their events this year. At the Local Board meeting in July we allocated a total of $73,813.09 for community events. Our Auckland reported on Community events get support from Waitemata Local Board Another recent article covered other Local Board priorities for 19/20 Parks, arts and community prioritised by the Waitemata Local Board.

Meetings and workshops: 10 July until 13 August 2019

Recess week for the local board 8 – 12 July
Meeting with the new Director of the Auckland Art Gallery on 10 July
Transport portfolio catch up on 10 July
Auckland Transport quarterly briefing with local boards on 15 July
Weekly chairs catch up held on 15, 22, 29 July and 5 and 12 August
Meeting with mana whenua representatives regarding the draft Te Wai Ōrea Western Park Development Plan on 16 July
Auckland Transport stakeholder meeting on 16 July
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 16 July
Local Board members cluster workshop on 17 June
Regular catch up with the GM, Newmarket Business Association on 18 July
Introductory meeting with reporter Ripu Bhatia, Stuff Auckland Reporter on 19 July
Meeting on 22 July to hear about the Blind Foundation / Generus Living Group proposal – Parnell Road
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 23 and 30 July, 6 and 13 August
Wynyard Quarter Traffic Management Association board meeting on 24 July
Auckland City Centre Advisory Board workshop and meeting on 24 July
Presented to the Hearings Panel on the Proposed Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw and amendments to the Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw with Richard Northey on 26 July
Trafinz Exec meeting on 31 July
Meeting with Deborah James, Head of Diversity and Inclusion on 31 July to discuss speaking on behalf of Auckland Council at the International Women’s Caucus on 13 August
Heads up meeting with ATEED representatives to discuss the significant filming coming to Auckland
Catch up with Heart of the City CEO on 1 August
Meeting with Isthmus group and the Chair of the Domain Committee regarding the Design Concept for Court of Honour, Auckland Domain
Meeting with Auckland Transport’s Exec GM Risk and Assurance on 5 August to discuss AT’s berm parking position
Meeting with RFA’s Head of Strategy to discuss the Aotea Square masterplan process
City Rail Link Community Liaison Meeting on 5 August
Meeting with 254 Ponsonby Park group and the project team on next steps for delivering the project on 7 August
Ponsonby Business Association committee monthly meeting on 8 August
Monthly catch up with city centre residents group representative on 8 August
Chairs Forum on 12 August
Local Board cluster “wha” catch up on 12 August

Events and functions: 10 July until 13 August 2019

Spoke at the Low Carbon Network meeting at Sustainable Coastlines on 10 July
Campaign for Better Transport AGM on 16 July
Auckland Conversations: The Future of Auckland: Is density a dirty word? on 17 July
Auckland International Film Festival opening night at the Civic on 18 July at the invitation of ATEED
Interview on bFM on 19 July with local board member Adriana Christie
Pollinator Path working bee on 20 July organised by Andrea Reid . Photo right of the group of awesome volunteers who had fun tidying up and adding a few more plants at Hakanoa Reserve, the first pathway of the Pollinator Paths (I popped by in support)
Nga Puke on 24 July at the Herald Theatre at the invitation of Auckland Live and WAITĪ Productions
Presentation to Parnell Rotary on 24 July Parnell Rotary on the new Parnell Plan and city transformations including a proposed boulevard for The Strand. It was a great opportunity to share the positive changes happening in central Auckland and lovely to see former Waitematā Youth Collective member Nurain Ayesha Janah there.
Destination AKL – One Year On presentation organised by ATEED at Ellerslie Racecourse on 25 July
Turama Festival in Albert Park on 28 July
AKL Street Talks event on 30 July at the Central Library about that most contested of spaces – the humble footpath with a panel of perspectives.
Urbanerds AUCKLAND meet up on 31 July
Bike Auckland’s Bike Breakfast supported by the K’Rd Business Association on 1 August
GLBA networking function on 1 August at the Surrey Hotel
Celebration for Kaumatua Matt Maihi on 2 August at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Marae. It was very special to join the celebrations for Kaumatua Matt Maihi. He has dedicated years of service to his marae, iwi and community. Matt has been a big part of numerous Council significant events.
New Zealand’s “Fittest Cities” launch by AIA Vitality on 5 August
Art unveiling in the Historic South British Building lobby on 5 August
Dawn karakia for the 8th anniversary of the opening of Wynyard Quarter on 10 August (photo right of the “originals” who were there on opening day 2011)
Waiatarau Freemans Bay community planting on 10 August
Joined the official party for the final Citizenship ceremony of this term at the Town Hall on 12 August
Spoke at Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa Marae at the first International Women’s Caucus meeting to be held in Auckland on Auckland Council’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In the photo with host Denise Ewe, President Pacific Women’s Watch and Head of Diversity & Inclusion Deborah James who put together my presentation (Attachment 4)
Attended the Auckland Foundation’s first lunchtime seminar at the Northern Club with speakers John Hynds and Sir Stephen Tindall on 13 August
Te Tuhi artists collective open evening at Parnell Station
Opening night of PINAY at Basement Theatre (the the Waitematā Local Board allocated a quick response grant to the production)

Opening of Ellen Melville Centre and Freyberg Place

Opening of the restored Ellen Melville Centre with Mayor Phil Goff, Kaumatua Bob Hawke, amd members of the Melville family

On 15 September 2017 we celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Ellen Melville Centre and upgraded Freyberg Place. I gave a speech on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board. It’s long! This is the Board’s biggest project started in the first days of the Super City so there was a lot to cover and many people to acknowledge. There are many elements to the project including restoration of the tukutuku panels, a new artwork by Lisa Reihana and the naming of the 5 rooms in the centre. I didn’t want to miss anything out.

I spoke after the Mayor Phil Goff and Andrew Melville (great nephew of Ellen Melville)

In recognition of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori I started with a mihi and tried to incorporate reo into my speech.

Tēnā koutou e ngā rau Rangatira mā e huihui mai nei

E nga matua a Matt raua ko Bob, nāu nei tā tātou karakia, mihi mai rā ki a koutou

E te Whare e tū nei,

E ngā pātū tukutuku,

E te wāhi taonga nei nā Ngāti Whātua,

E ngā Mana Whenua me ngā Matāwaka,

E ngā tohunga toi a Lisa rāua ko Graham,

E te Koromatua,

E ngā hau e whā

Ka mihi whānui ki a koutou katoa, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Greetings to everyone gathered here today. I acknowledge this place where we stand and the Ellen Melville centre in the heart of te rohe a Poari o Waitematā.

Thank you matua and Ngāti Whātua Orakei for leading the welcome and honouring us with your presence. I acknowledge mana whenua, the Melville whanau and all the dignitaries.

Thanks to this amazing gathering of people for joining with us and my fellow board members Deputy Chair Shale Chambers, Adriana Avendano Christie, Richard Northey, and Rob Thomas together with former Board members Greg Moyle and Deborah Yates

This is a very proud day. We are about to cut the ribbon on the Board’s biggest project that we’ve been working on since day one of the Super City.

There are many people to thank and many significant elements of the project that I would like to acknowledge. Following on from the Mayor’s words about Freyberg Place (acknowledging the design by John Reynolds) I’d like to add an acknowledgement for the innovative children’s consultation undertaken by Karen Witten and Penelope Carroll from Massey University. Thanks to feedback from Aira, Angeline, David, Dustin, Elizabeth, Fergus, Jaden, Jennifer, Jessica, Julian and Scarlett –changes were made to the design to add play features like stepping stones and a climbing tree (located right behind us).

I am of course also delighted to see in the design heaps of bike parking where previously there was none. And all the drinking fountains so there is no need to buy plastic water when visiting the city centre.

As we’ve heard the hall was originally proposed by Ellen Melville prior to WWII as a centenary project – marking the 100 years of the signing of Tiriti o Waitangi – but work didn’t get underway until the late 1950’s. Inside you’ll be able to see a number of interpretation panels with the history of the hall (thanks to Heritage NZ and Beth Connor for this work) . Yesterday on a pre-view tour I read that the total cost of the hall completed in 1962 and opened as the Pioneer Womens and Ellen Melville Memorial Hall was 56,200 pounds. Raised with a 30,000 pound donation from the Queen Street Business Association (forerunners no doubt to Heart of the City represented today by Viv Beck) 19,000 pounds from the Council and 8,000 pounds raised by 64 women’s organisations. I acknowledge our funders today. The City centre targeted rate payers – businesses and residents who have funded the square upgrade and Auckland’s ratepayers for funding the hall upgrade.

We can thank the Auckland City Chief Architect Tibor Donner for the splendid modernist design. Many of you here will be old enough to remember the hall with a crèche, meetings rooms and excellent public toilets – vital to women visiting the city centre.

However, despite a well-intentioned and creative redevelopment in 1996 the hall was unloved by the end of the old Auckland City Council’s stewardship. It was hard to access and not open to the public. There wasn’t even a sign in the window advising how to book the hall. The downstairs two rooms on High Street and the main room on Freyberg Place were leased out.

From day one the newly formed Waitematā Local Board, led by Shale Chambers set about transforming the hall into a welcoming community hub for city centre residents and the wider community.

At the time the population was at about 20,000. Today almost 50,000 residents call the city centre home (ten years ahead of projections) so a community centre is essential. It is great to see so many of the residents here today, representatives of the Auckland City Centre Residents Group and the RSA Metropolis – our nearest neighbours. This is an Auckland project that has actually anticipated growth rather than reacted to it!

I’d like to acknowledge the Council staff from the Arts Community and Events Department, Local Board services team and consultants who supported the board’s plans from the earliest days.

Strachan Group Architects wrote a creative design solution report in 2012 that captured the opportunities to upgrade the hall to a first class inner city community facility. It included a heritage assessment written by Salmon Reed Architects. In May 2013 the budget was approved by the governing body. I acknowledge the Councillors here (Cathy Casey – looking at you!) today who were part of that decision making and we must of course thank former Mayor Len Brown for backing our project – one of the few significant local Board projects to make it through the budget cuts that year.

Once the funding was secure we embarked on the restoration that has revealed a rich history. Thanks to Andrew for sharing with us the story of his Great Aunt, [ the first female Auckland City Councillor]. It wasn’t until I heard Sandra Coney speak at the heritage festival last year that I came to appreciate the impressive qualities of Miss Melville and her progressive legacy to Auckland.

The Hall has been renamed in her honour as the Ellen Melville Centre. We’ve also had the privilege of naming all the rooms in the centre in recognition of significant women recommended by the NCW Auckland Branch.

The urban lounge downstairs is officially the Helen Clark Room. We also have the Eleitino (Paddy) Walker Room, Elizabeth Yates Room, Betty Wark Room and Marilyn Waring Room. We endorsed the ‘hall space’ in the Ellen Melville Centre as Pioneer Women’s Hall. Thank you to Christine Caughey and Carol Beaumont who led that work. Apologies that the opening has coincided with the NCW conference in Christchurch but I acknowledge the NCW representatives and PACIFICA group women here today. We look forward to celebrating together at the community day later in the year.

Within the Pioneer Women’s Hall are Tukutuku panels presented to the New Zealand Pioneers’ and Descendants’ Club by Mr and Mrs Eruera Stirling for the opening of the Pioneer Women’s Hall in 1962. The Ōrākei marae weavers have restored the patu Tukutuku for the opening Centre. Thank you to the Stirling whanau, Ngati Whatua and Peter Tilley the Council’s collection services manager (Arts Community and Events Team) .

The renovation has not only breathed life back into the original features of the hall – including the James Bowie sculpture commissioned for the opening in 1962 that was being used as a door stop – but provided an opportunity to give life to new works. Thanks to a commission by the Public Art team we have a new artwork Justice by Lisa Reihana located on the O’Connell Street wall. Lisa’s first bronze sculpture.

I’m going to use Lisa’s words to give justice to Justice . Justice is bronze sculpture floating above an exuberant abstract wall drawing, Justice commemorates Ellen Melville – politician, women’s advocate and pioneer. The scales of justice make reference to her illustrious legal career of 37 years. The bronze forms the centrepiece of the façade; it’s a strong, singular form with gentle curves. The whimsical abstract wall composition has a ‘50s feel, taking its cue from the Parnell Baths mural by James Turkington. The Parnell Baths were also designed by council city architect Tibor Donner.

Thank you Lisa for honouring the centre with your stunning work and thanks Mark Osborne for the support of the public art team.

While the centre restoration has preserved and enhanced the modernist heritage features like the door handles on the reinstated entranceway the centre has a modern refurbishment including a new commercial grade kitchen, improved amenities, new audio visual system and café-style seating. In line with our commitment to accessibility all areas of the centre are now fully accessible with the installation of a new lift. Thanks to Be.accessible and Vivien Naylor for your guidance.

Of course it is not just the physical facilities but the kaupapa of the building that the Board wants to get right from day one. We have a vision that the Ellen Melville Centre is a thriving community hub that serves the local City Centre residential and wider community by providing a place for gathering and building connections, information exchange and community participation in a range of activities. It is a place where all members of the community feel comfortable and welcome. . The Board has resolved to support a fully staffed council governed and managed zero waste facility with transition to community managed after three years.

Thanks to our partners – Splice, the Inner City Network, Waitematā Youth Collective, Auckland City Centre Residents Group and Heart of the City who worked with us on the kaupapa.

This is story of wahine Toa . The pioneer women both Māori and Pakeha who made a considerable contribution to the foundation of Auckland. The women who fought for equality and the right to vote. Courageous Ellen Melville who’s portrait is on display for the first time. The significant NZ women acknowledged with rooms in the Centre. Throughout the project and into the future the Waitemata Local Board doesn’t want to lose sight of the central role of women and the significance of the centre as a place for women. It was only fitting that the project was driven by a team of female project leads.

Our huge thanks to them and all the project team from key consultants Isthmus Group, Stevens Lawson Architects, MPM Projects and JFC Limited contractors working with Corbel Construction and the artists were John Reynolds, Lisa Reihana and Graham Tipene. With a support team from Beca, Matthews & Matthews Architects Ltd, Holmes consulting group, Ecubed and Plan. Heritage.

I’m going to read all the names out so please come forward. Homai te pakipaki for:

Lisa Spasic, Karina Mascarenhas , Gary McShane, Mark Bramely, Les Lewer, Sarah Bishop, Travis Wooller, Yvette Overdyck, Elspeth Gray, Nicholas Stevens, Nathan Farrant, Tony Munro, Cherie Armer , Vanya Toso , Aaron Hansen, John Reynolds, Lisa Reihana, Graham Tipene, Rodrigo Salas, David Saechao, Mark Kessner, Antony Matthews, John Brown

Before I make my concluding remarks I have a very special acknowledgement. Lisa Spasic, who has worked her guts as the Council’s Senior Project Leader. She has hardly slept this week getting everything perfect. (Adriana presented Lisa with flowers on behalf of the Board)

I appreciate I have been speaking for some time . I hope you agree the whole herstory needed to be told and the many people thanked who have been part of the journey. We know it has not always been easy through the design process, securing the funding, the consultation and construction. Thanks to Shale and those who set the course and all those who have seen the project through. We now have a shining jewel in the city centre that we wish to be inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Now all that is called for is for us to cut the ribbon and Lisa to hand over “her baby” to Leesa Tilley, centre manager so we can open the doors on a new chapter for the Ellen Melville Centre in the heart of Tamaki Makaurau.

No reira

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

Additional thanks

Ateesh Patel & civic events team for organising the opening, Frith Walker, MC for the civic opening, Barbara Holloway & Activation team from the Auckland Design Office

Women take the lead on city centre development

A jewel for the city centre Auckland Council media release and video of the refurbishment

Auckland civic space opens after mayor upgrade, NZ Herald

Photos of the event

Chair’s monthly report July 2017

Report covering the period 10 June to 8 July 2017.

Highlights

We concluded consultation on the draft Local Board plan on 30 June. Our final Information Session was held at the Leys Institute Library on 22 June (Photo right with board members Adriana Christie and Richard Northey)

At our June Board meeting we approved the names to be given to the rooms in the refurbished Ellen Melville Centre: Helen Clark Room, Elizabeth Yates Room, Betty Wark Room, Marilyn Waring Room, and Eleitino (Paddy) Walker Room. Our thanks to National Council of Women – Auckland Branch for selecting the names of these significant women. The opening date is currently provisionally scheduled for 15 September.

At the meeting we also approved the final Quick Response Round and Accommodation Grants for 2016/17 (link to the minutes of the meeting). We allocated $14,967.00 utilising ‘Local Discretionary Community Grants’ budget of $11,157.00 and $3810.00 from the ‘Community Response Fund’ budget and allocated Accommodation Grants utilising ‘Community group assistance – Accommodation Grants’ budget of $125,000 and $11,190.00 from the ‘Community Response Fund’ budget. The minutes of the meeting are on the Council website. (Picture right: a thank you from the Indian Ink Trust who received a $2500 accommodation grant).

On the 30th anniversary of the Nuclear- free New Zealand legislation I spoke at the unveiling of the Pohutukawa for Peace plaque to acknowledge all those who campaigned for nuclear- free NZ in particular my colleague Richard Northey, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (1970-83) and MP in the Labour government when the legislation was passed. I also spoke at the launch of the Our Climate Declaration initiative on 18^th June (Attachment A)

Provided feedback to Auckland Transport on behalf of the Board on the Victoria Street cycleway, Midtown Bus consultations, AT election sign bylaw review (Refer Auckland Transport monthly report) and made a submission to New Zealand Transport Agency on behalf of the Board on setting speed limits rule (Attachment B)

Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour safer speed zone introduced (Attachment C). The Board has been a long time advocate for 30km speed limit for the area.

The Teed Street Upgrade is well underway. The Newmarket Business Association is working with Council and the contractors to keep the surrounding streets open and welcoming. (Photo right: A local retailer proposed the wording for this sign on Teed St)

Provided Local Board updates in Ponsonby News (Attachment D) and the Hobson (Attachments E)

Attended a number of events detailed below.

Took part in the Big Sleep Out 2017 on 6 July raising over $2000 for Lifewise. After the 5.30am wakeup at the event held in the AUT plaza I walked through the city centre to the board office. People were sleeping in doorways all along the way. It was a reality check about the housing crisis and why Lifewise’s work to tackle homelessness is so essential.

Meetings and workshops: 12 June until 7 July

Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 13, 27 June and 4 July
Auckland Transport quarterly briefing on 12 June
Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 12 June
Auckland Domain committee workshop and extraordinary business meeting on 13 June
Attended the Wynyard Quarter Transport Management Association Board meeting on 14 June to give a brief presentation on the role of the Local Board
Monthly comms meeting on 14 June
Community Reference Group for the Parnell cycle route workshop organised by Auckland Transport on 14 June
Chair’s recommendations run through meeting on 15 June
CBD Jobs and Skills Hub introduction for Local Board members on 16 June
Meeting on 16 June with Principal and Deputy Principal of St Mary’s College to discuss a range of road safety issues
Local Boards sub-regional workshop on 19 June
Chaired the Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 20 June
Meeting on 21 June organised by Mayor Phil Goff to set up an Advisory Group to progress the WW1 Memorial (Waitematā Local Board rep on this group has not yet been confirmed)
Transport portfolio catch up on 21 June and 5 July
Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel meeting with Local Board Members on 21 June
Local Board plan information session at Leys Institute Library on 22 June
Briefing on 22 June on proposed Civic Administration Building / Aotea Square rezoning
LGNZ Governance and Strategy working group meeting in Wellington on 23 June
Site visit to the Petanque Club in Salisbury Reserve on 25 June
Planning Committee Auckland Plan Refresh Workshop on 26 June re Development Strategy Scenarios
Meeting on 27 June with Business Lab to discuss the City Fringe Economic Development Action plan refresh
Attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting on 28 June
Albert Street walking tour on 29 June with the CRL Street Response Manager (photo right showing the design on the new hoardings on Albert St)
Meeting on 30 June with David Gaimster new Director of Auckland Museum
Catch up with John Hutton, Manager Treaty Settlements regarding Gladstone Reserve settlement
Meeting at St Mary’s College with Auckland Transport to discuss road safety issues
Meeting with Rangimarie Huria, Chief Executive, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia Limited on 30 June
Attended the Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel meeting on 3 July
Meeting on 5 July with Splice representatives to discuss programming at Ellen Meville Hall
Meeting on 6 July with Gary Holmes and Gill Plume from Uptown Business Association regarding an update on retaining and developing innovative businesses in the Uptown area.
Briefing on 6 July regarding the proposed St Mary’s Bay and Masefield Beach project
Meeting with CAB Managers on 6 July
Site visit of Victoria Quarter with a constituent and Manager City Centre Design on 7 July (to discuss range of safety and road design issues)

Events and functions: 10 June until 7 July

Spoke on behalf of the Board at the unveiling of the Pohutukawa for Peace Plaque on 11 June (photo right)
Parnell Business Association networking event “Future Museum” at Auckland Museum on 15 June
Spoke at the launch of the Our Climate Declaration initiative on 18 June (Attachment A)
Kokako café handover event hosted by the Grey Lynn Business Association to welcome the new owner
Newmarket Business Association Business Awards at the Langham Hotel on 22 June at the invitation of the NBA
Pestival at Aotea Centre on 24 June: the inaugural Auckland event showcasing and celebrating current community-led conservation work in Auckland (photo right Cr Penny Hulse opening the event)
Te hokinga mai o ngā pou whakairo a te Kiingitanga ki Pukekawa/Pukekaroa (return of the carvings of the Kiingitanga to Auckland Domain) on 24 June (photo right Cr Lee with Sharon Hawke, Te Ariki Tamaroa the master carver Alan Nopera and his wife and Renata Blair)
Ngati Whatua Orakei – Mana Whenua Signage Unveiling/Blessing at Emily Place on 28 June (photo right)
Auckland Chief Executive’s Forum – Unlocking Auckland’s Growth on 28 June
Social function for Auckland City Centre Advisory Board members hosted by Warren & Mahoney on 28 June
St Joseph’s Primary School Art exhibition on 29 June
Opening night of Kiss the Sky on 29 June at the Bruce Mason Centre at the invite of the New Zealand Dance Company
World Press Photo Exhibition opening night on 30 June at the invitation of Crackjack
Te Taumata Kapa Haka a Matariki event at the Cloud on 1 July featuring performances by some of New Zealand’s best kapa haka
Celebrating the return of Tara welcome on 1 July organised by Auckland Council and the Sir Peter Blake Trust
Bring your Own Bag -International Plastic Bag Free Day event organised by Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away group for Plastic Free July (photo right with Mayor Phil Goff and Colinda Rowe, Chair of Grey Lynn 2030)
Civic Reception for the crew of Tara at the Auckland Town Hall on 4 July (photo right)
Auckland Conversations on 5 July The Future of Our Oceans: Continuing Sir Peter Blake’s Environmental Legacy
Tour of The Body Laid Bare: Masterpieces from Tate at Auckland Art Gallery on 5 July at the invitation of Regional Facilities Auckland
Emirates Team New Zealand homecoming parade and function on 6 July at Headquarters at the invitation of ATEED
Participated in The Big Sleep Out on 6 July raising over $2000 for Lifewise (Photo below with elected representatives: Board member Nerissa Henry, Cr Greg Sayers, Mayor Goff and Cr Cathy Casey)

Grey Lynn Greenway opening

On 2 June we opened the Grey Lynn Greenway with the Mayor Phil Goff and Auckland Transport. Wayne Donnelly, Deputy Chair of the AT Board was MC for the speeches. Here is my speech on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board

Tēnā koutou huihui mai nei

Talofa lava

Warm greetings to everyone gathered here

As the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau we’re really fortunate to attend and host many openings of new and upgraded community assets. The Grey Lynn Greenway is one that I have been especially looking forward to and feel very fortunate to be opening as Chair of the Local Board. Thank you to everyone who has come along this afternoon. I’m joined by my local board colleagues Adriana Christie, Rob Thomas and Shale Chambers . We’re fortunate Mayor Phil has had a lot of practice lately for opening new pathways and is able to join us. I’d especially like to acknowledge former board member Christopher Dempsey who is here to celebrate with us (Tricia Reade sends her apologies).

When I am out and about one of the positive comments I hear the most from locals is how much they enjoying the walking and cycling improvements in our area. There is a tremendous desire to be able to jump on bikes at any age for local trips or recreational rides.

When I moved into this area over 10 years ago with my partner Paul (here with Bike Grey Lynn) we bought bikes to get around. Like most people cycling back then we were shocked at the hostile road environment and the lack of cycling facilities. At the same time there seemed to be some really obvious “quick wins” to make walking and cycling far more pleasant. Paul first suggested to me the idea of a “Greenlink” connecting Grey Lynn Park with Coxs Bay. This was on a wave of hearing about Bicycle boulevards and greenways transforming neighbourhoods overseas. I am sure many people had similar ideas at the time as an extension to the existing walking connection established by the Western Bays Community Board (Graeme Easte just called from Whangerei to give his apologies – probably just as well he is not here as I’m sure he’d tell me I have the history of this route wrong!)

The super city finally provided the opportunity to tackle some of those so called quick wins in Waitematā. The Greenlink idea was embraced by the first Waitematā Local Board supporting a network connections linking our green spaces and reserves that then became a real project with a Waitematā Greenways Plan approved in 2013 – the second local board to complete a plan after Puketāpapa.

The Grey Lynn Greenway has been built in stages as funds have allowed. The boardwalk in Coxs Bay was rebuilt and paths widenedin 2014 . Widened paths in Hakanoa Reserve and Grey Lynn Park were completed last year. The on road sections finally got the green light with a funding contribution from the Urban Cycling Investment fund. We now have a complete, attractive off road route from West End Road to Williamson Ave through our beautiful parks. It opens up connections to sports facilities, schools, local shops and will link into the network of safe routes about to get underway on Great North Road, Richmond Road and Surrey Cres. And of course a connection to the new Grey Lynn pump track (great to see Scott here who has been instrumental in that project). We fortunate that the community has got behind the Grey Lynn pump track and the pollinator path planting that will further enhance to the greenway. We’re already hearing about the wider mobility and accessibility benefits of the Greenway. A bike school bus has started from Grey Lynn School and wheelchair users are able to easily cross Richmond Road for the first time on the new crossing.

There are still things to get right and we’ve heard AT acknowledge the design and consultation issues on one section. Auckland Council also has a path section in Coxs Bay to finish off that got held up by the resource consent. I’m confident that we’ll work through these issues with AT and the community so that everyone can enjoy and benefit from a new community asset.

We’re also looking forward to working with AT on our next Greenway project to open up the old Parnell train tunnel – but more of that another day!

I’d like to end with the many thanks in order.

Members of the project team with Mayor Phil Goff

To the community for all the support for the Greenway and for your patience with the construction.
To the volunteers and guardians of the park we look forward to continuing to work with you into the future to further enhance the greenway.
To the advocates for who have been unwavering in the task of making Auckland a great place to get around.
Thanks to the designers, planners, engineers, technical and support people who all do the hard work behind the scenes. The thanks on this goes back over many years to David Little and Lynda Lucas who worked on the Greenways plan.
The many parks people who worked on the off road sections – too many to name today.
The AT team who have worked on the project including Priscilla and Ben (the former and current local board liaison manager) – the quiet operators who know how to bang heads together to achieve results for local boards
And thanks to all those involved in the AT part of the project from Auckland Transport, MR Cagney, MWH and TSL including
- AT – Ken Lee Jones (Project sponsor) Paul Buckle (W&C client), Ameer Bahho (Project Manager)
- MWH – Sagar Kariya (Designer)
- MRCagney – Abby Granbery (Peer Review lead)
- TSL – Ikram Patel (Contractors Rep) Mohammed Buksh (Site Engineer)

I hope you will all join me for a ride over once we’ve finished the formalities.

After the ribbon cutting the Mayor jumped on a bike for a ride to the Grey Lynn Pump Track

Further reading

Grey Lynn walking and bike path opens. Auckland Transport media release