Pippa coom Archives - Page 4 of 4

Monthly Board report March 2014

Covering activities from 1 February – 1 March 2014

Portfolio report: Transport

Beach Road – Grafton Gully Connection

At our February Board meeting Auckland Transport reported on the very positive feedback in response to their consultation on the Beach Road separated cycleway that will connect to the Grafton Gully Cycleway currently under construction by NZTA.

The Board confirmed our support for the project however we raised concerns regarding the delay by AT in completing Beach Road to coincide with the opening of Grafton Gully cycleway planned for September 2014 (NZTA’s original completion date was April 2014). AT are approximately 6 months behind NZTA which means cyclists using Grafton Gully will exit Churchill Street on to the potentially very unsafe environment of Beach Road (similar to the location where a cyclist was killed in January).

We therefore requested at our February meeting that Auckland Transport takes all steps necessary to ensure those parts of the Beach Road Cycleway that connects to the Grafton Gully Cycleway is completed by September 2014.

At the same time Auckland Council is meant to be delivering the connection from Grafton Gully to Ian McKinnon Dr on Upper Queen Street. The latest update from the City Centre Transformation team confirmed that the design is not even under way and the budget of $900k has been re-allocated

Having raised concerns about the delays I hope to be able to report next month that Auckland Transport and the City Centre team are taking all steps possible to prioritise safe connections to the Grafton Gully cycleway.

St Lukes interchange – Great North Road widening

In early February NZTA awarded the contract to construct the next stage of Auckland’s Western Ring Route – upgrading the Northwestern Motorway (State Highway 16) between the St Lukes Road and Great North Road interchanges. The $70m project is jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport.

As part of the project AT and NZTA want to widen Great North Road to provide an extra lane turning onto a newly widened St Lukes overbridged to feed a two lane motorway onramp. Last year AT sought the Waitemata Local Board’s consent to remove 6 mature pohutukaka trees on Council land opposite MOTAT on Great North Road to create an additional lane (I reported on the reasons for opposing the widening in September).

The Board declined consent but gave approval for the trees to be trimmed as part of stage one of the project (allowing for the Great North Road lane to be raised to meet the height of the new St Lukes Bridge). The conditions of this approval were confirmed by the Manager – Local and Sports Parks Central (acting under delegated authority) including a request to prioritise cycling and pedestrian improvements as part of the Great North Road corridor management plan that is currently underway. (Refer ATTACHMENT A)

At a meeting on 19 February AT confirmed it is going ahead with seeking a notified resource consent to remove the trees (and will hold off trimming the trees until a decision on the removal has been made). The public will now have a say in whether AT and NZTA have made a case for widening Great North Road at the expense of the trees. I certainly don’t think they have and the proposed design delivers very poor outcomes for PT users, walkers and cyclists.

Pedestrian safety

Gordon Price, a visiting speaker from Vancouver (details below), emphasised the importance of making walking our first transportation priority.

Some examples of where the Board is pushing for pedestrian priority is at intersections such as Angelsea Street and Ponsonby Road. Auckland Transport is proposing safety improvements with pram ramps and curb extensions however the first draft of the design still prioritises turning traffic. We have asked AT to go back to the drawing board to look at a pedestrian table that will create a continuous walking experience along Ponsonby Road (and is consistent with the feedback we heard on the Ponsonby Road masterplan).

An update on the Ponsonby Road masterplan is attached (ATTACHMENT C)

Monthly transport update

At the Monthly Transport catch up with the Transport portfolio the following issues were discussed:

Auckland Transport’s hosting of the Cowie Street bridge design public meeting (various issues regarding the facilitation)
Proposed drinking station design and locations
Beach Road cycle way update
Auckland Transport’s Parking strategy (approved by the AT Board in February for consultation)
Bike parking at events
Route optimisation for walkers entering the city centre particularly at the Mayoral Drive/Greys Ave intersection

Current issues are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Portfolio Report: Community

Community-led place making champions Group

A group has been set up by Roger Blakely, Chief Planning Office to promote community-led place making through the local boards. The Terms of reference for the group have now been confirmed (ATTACHMENT B). I am chairing one of the teams set up to look at identifying best practice and effective ways of promoting community-led placemaking.

Berms policy and guidelines

In mid-February Auckland Transport confirmed it was reviewing its policy on berms and would be drafting guidelines.

I have asked Auckland Transport to ensure that in drafting the guidelines AT takes into account the place making role of berms/grass verges and the many benefits to the community (not just the road corridor operations view of the issues). For example – litter reduction, storm water management, streetscape amenity values, community development and bio-diversity.

It would be great to see the positives stated up front by AT out of which flow the guidelines on best practice rather than just a list of what not to do. (Photo of my neighbour Char picking flowers from her berm for her wedding)

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Local Board Agreement

In February Council had three overlapping consultation processes underway which put considerable pressure on the community to understand the issues and to respond on time.

Council’s consultation on the draft Annual Plan closed on 24 February. Publicity was very low key this year because there were few new spending proposals or changes from the Long Term Plan. As in previous years I found the Council website difficult to navigate for making a submission on the Annual Plan and sought a number of changes to make it easier to find relevant information.

Unitary Plan

Submissions on the Unitary Plan closed on 28 February. The role of the Board during the consultation process was to encourage submissions and respond to assist with queries. For example I had an extensive dialogue with the Freemans Bay Residents Association regarding minimum parking requirements and attended a meeting in Herne Bay at short notice regarding the zoning on Jervois Road.

Local Board Plan

In February the Board kicked off the development of our next local board plan with a series of public meetings (photo from the meeting in Grey Lynn on 1 March). The plan sets the objectives for our local community for the next three years and beyond. This is an opportunity to let the Board know what projects and initiatives we should prioritise. A feedback survey is available on the Council website (due by 31 March) .

A draft plan will go out for formal consultation in June 2014.

Long Term Plan 2015-2025 scene setting workshop

The workshop represented the formal launch of the development of the Long Term Plan 2015-25. The Workshop was an important scene setting day proving insights from experts about future trends and challenges facing Auckland. These insights will inform the debate and discussion that will take place in the course of developing the Long Term Plan. Rod Oram was MC the day with external speakers Gordon Price, Arthur Grimes and Professor Natalie Jackson.

An afternoon session covered a high level ‘stocktake’ across the Auckland Council’s Senior leaders who provided an update on current plans and the challenges and opportunities ahead for their part of the business.

I found the day gave purpose to our role as elected representatives, assisted with an understanding of the Long Term Plan process and provided a value opportunity to discuss and debate the transformation change required in Auckland.

Gordon Price session with Local Boards

Gordon Price, a former six-term Vancouver city councillor, spent a week in Auckland during February. Gordon spoke at a special session for local boards and at the all of council LTP 2015 – 2025 scene setting workshop. Here are some of the key points I took from this presentation which drew on his experience of planning and implementing a liveable city with a focus on “density done well.”

The test is whether you can you raise children – if yes then good enough for everyone else

As the rate of change slows down perception of change increases therefore incremental change is appropriate for established neighbourhoods.

Recipe for urbanity – 5 practical choices:

Car (there is NO war on the car)
Car share/taxi
Transit of all kind
Bike
Walking

Aspire to:

Mixed use compact cities
Clean green and safe
Variety of housing options
Many transportation choices (where feet replace wheels)
Well designed public spaces

His key message is to apply it consistently – and the lesson is that this works!

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 February – 1 March I attended:

Fortnightly communications update on 3 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 February
Transport portfolio: Informal presentation on the options for a Boulevard on Stanley Street/The Strand
Meeting organised by the GLBA for Grey Lynn groups to discuss the Unitary Plan
Arch Hill residents meeting on 10 February regarding progress on taking Bunnings to the Environment Court
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 11 February
Meeting with Chris Davidson, CEO, Parnell Trust on 11 February
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 11 February at Parnell
Meeting to discuss issues with Sea Scout’s Leased Premise – 55 West End Road, Cox’s Bay and update on Basement Theatre car parking on 12 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 13 February
Intro meeting with the Community Portfolio and Mary Dawson, Chief Executive, Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS Trust)
Meeting to discuss AT’s Code of Practice on 17 February
Community Liaison Meeting for SH16 St Lukes to Great North Road hosted by NZTA on 17 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 18 February
Parks portfolio meeting to discuss way finding
Waitemata Local Board briefing on Emergency Management with Shane Webb (Civil Defence – Central Zone Manager) on 18 February
Project briefing on Auckland Transport’s proposal to install a bus turnaround at Coxs Bay
Meeting with John McDonald – Minister at large in the City Centre
Meeting of the Sky path project steering group on 19 February
Meeting on 19 February with Auckland Transport to discuss phase 2 of the St Lukes Interchange Notice of requirement (resource consent to widen Great North Road)
Meeting with Edward Bennett of the K’rd Business Association to discuss transport projects proposed for the K’rd precinct plan
Site meeting at Campbell Free Kindergarten with Frances Kelliher, Circability Trust 20 February
Waitemata Local Board Finance Committee on 20 February
Public Meeting in Parnell on the Waitemata Local Board Plan 20 February
Community-led Placemaking Champions Group meeting
Unitary Plan meeting with Herne Bay residents on 24 February
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 25 February
Local Board Members seminar with Gordon Price on 25 February
Community Development monthly catch-up on 25 February
Meeting for the Community Liaison group for the Cowie st/Laxon Terrace bridge project hosted by Auckland Transport on 25 February
LTP 2015-2025 scene setting workshop for all elected representatives on 26 February
Transport catch up on 27 February
Meeting to discuss on-going safety issues raised by a resident in Myers Park (meeting brought together NZ police with council safety and community development teams)
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting on 28 February as the Board’s representative
Local Board Plan public engagement sessions on 20 February in Parnell and 1 March in Grey Lynn

Events and functions

In the period 1 February – 28 February 2014 I attended:

Public meeting on Fluoridation public information evening with a presentation by Professor Paul Connett on 4 February 2014 organised by Fluoride Free Auckland
Cycle Action Associates breakfast on 5 February at the Auckland Art Gallery
Ciclovia on Quay Street on Saturday 8 February (see ATTACHMENT C – Ciclovia on Quay reclaims Auckland’s streets)
Dropped by Auckland Transport’s Go by Bike day pit stops at 1 Queen Street and Karanga Plaza on 12 February
Lantern festival 13 February
Splore Festival at Tapapakanga Regional Park 14-16 February (see ATTACHMENT C Splore setting the standard for zero waste events)
Public Session Ideas evening for the K Rd Precinct Plan on 19 February
Celebration of healthy eating at Gladstone Park Early Childhood Centre at the invitation of Parnell Trust on 21 February
Presented at the Department of Internal Affairs’ Community-led Development National Leadership Hui 2014 (as a trustee of Grey Lynn 2030)
Pride Parade on Ponsonby Road on 22 February
Music in Parks at Grey Lynn Park on 23 February
Official party at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 24 February
Three Queens – mini music and theatre festival on Queens Wharf on 24 February.
Interview with Radio Ponsonby on 26 February
Social function with the Board and senior management of Regional Facilities Auckland on 26 February at the invitation of RFA
Frocks on Bikes meet up on 27 February to hand over the coordinating role to a new team (ATTACHMENT C – Thanks Frocks on Bikes – it’s been so much fun)
Unveiling of ‘Eyelight Lane’ public artwork at Fort Lane 27 February
Represented Auckland Council at the opening of the Grey Lynn School forest on 28 February (see photo below)
Opening for Ruben Paterson’s artwork “Andale, Andale” on Newmarket Train Station on 28 February at the invitation of the Newmarket Arts Trust

Monthly Board Report February 2014

Covering activities from 1 December 2013 – 31 January 2014

This is my first Board report for 2014. At the December meeting of the Waitemata Local Board confirmed Board member portfolios and positions. This term I am the following:

Transport and Community portfolio lead
Chair, Grants Committee
Member of the Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee
Positions: Ponsonby Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate), Ponsonby Community Centre representative, Parnell Trust Liaison

Getting to better know the Waitemata Local Board area

Beating the Bounds

We started the new term by teaming up with Walk Auckland to “Beat the Bounds” of the Waitemata Local Board area. We walked our boundary from Meola Reef to Pt Resolution. It was an excellent opportunity to get to know our Board area and to ensure no encroachments from our neighbours on the Albert-Eden and Orakei Local Boards.

A highlight for me was walking the boundary along Newmarket stream and into Newmarket Park for the first time. Access from Middleton Road has been blocked due to slips. I think there is huge potential to better link Newmarket Park with Ayr reserve and Thomas Bloodworth Park. As we discovered the Shore Road roundabout presents a formidable barrier and is unsafe for crossing pedestrians (the Transport portfolio has logged this issue with Auckland Transport).

Local Board Tour

In January our appreciation of our Board area continued with a tour organised by our local board services team. We spent the day visiting our key projects from Weona walkway in the west over to the Pt Resolution headland in the east including Art Station (under refurbishment), Pioneer Women’s Hall, Freemans Bay Community Hall, and Symonds St Cemetery. We also had an unscheduled stop to pick up an order of Arch Hill War Chest larger from the Grovner brewery.

The Tour really highlighted just how many projects we have underway and what a fantastic board area we are fortunate to represent.

Portfolio reports: Transport

Cycle safety

Tragically the year started with a cycling fatality in our local board area on the corner of Parnell Rise and the Strand. It highlighted the desperate need for safe, separated cycling infrastructure on our busy roads. Unfortunately it also unleashed ill-informed, heartless, victim bashing and the resurrection of myths like cyclists do not pay for the roads therefore shouldn’t ride on them.

I raised concerns with Auckland Transport regarding their communications following the crash which wrongly attempted to put the focus on so called red light running rather than the positive steps AT is taking to improve cycling infrastructure in Auckland. Fortunately the NZ Herald did run a very good series on cycling safety following the crash. (See What my mum knows about cycling attached).

Greys Ave bus parking proposal

At the end of last year we responded to Auckland Transport’s proposal to install bus parking outside 95- 113 Greys Ave with the following feedback.

The Waitemata Local Board supports the work underway to upgrade Auckland bus services and the move to a new network with frequent bus services. The provision of quality public transport as part of an integrated transport system is a Board priority. We appreciate that additional buses in the city centre require layover locations and it will be necessary to re-allocate road space for buses.

However we have met concerned residents on Greys Ave and have considered their reasons for objecting to the proposal.

Greys Ave is one of the few residential streets in the City Centre with apartments at ground floor level. We agree with the residents that Greys Ave is not a suitable location for a bus layover location (for a variety of factors) and object to the proposal to install bus parking.

We ask that AT consider alternative locations and road space suitable for bus parking (which might require the re-prioritisation of a general traffic lane). Our feedback, made under delegated authority, will also be included in the Board’s February meeting agenda for endorsement by the Board.

Sky path

In December the governing body voted to progress the Auckland Harbour Bridge pathway to move towards signing a memorandum of understanding with the Sky path Trust. I spoke in support of the project on behalf of the Board

I attended the meeting on 29 January hosted by the Council’s Sky path champion Brett O’Reilly (ATEED, CEO) with local residents groups and the Westhaven Marina Users Association to discuss the patronage review results.

Way finding

One of Local Board initiatives is way finding for pedestrians and cyclists. A surprising number of access ways in our area have no signage.

It is good to see a walkway sign been installed by Auckland Transport at our request on Ponsonby Road (indicating the walkway through to Arthur Street). We have requested AT investigate including the destination information on the standard walkway sign design

Monthly transport update

Monthly Transport catch ups were held with the Transport portfolio in December and January. Specific issues discussed include:

Coxs Bay bus turnaround proposal
Kingdom Street level crossing upgrade
Signage on Walkways/ access ways – it is the Board’s preference that these include directional information
Auckland Transport Code of Practice – currently under consultation until the end of March
Richmond Road safety action plan – upgrades on Richmond Road currently underway on the intersection of Cockburn street
Ponsonby Road safety improvements proposed for the Anglesey St intersection

Current issues are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Portfolio update: Community

Community Funding

The allocation of grants for the second round of Community Grant funding was made by the Waitemata Local Board’s December meeting (it wasn’t possible to hold a Grants Committee meeting for this round due to the committee not being established following the election). Grants totalled $16, 505.15 were approved.

The deadline for applications to the third round is 21 February 2014.

Freemans Bay Residents Association

Congratulations to the latest Residents Association to be formed in our area. It has been a pleasure assisting the residents who have enthusiastically taken on the task of promoting and protecting the citizens of Freemans Bay. I attended the Association’s well attended first public meeting in December and answered queries.

More information at www.freemansbay.org.nz

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Local Board Agreement

Council’s consultation on the draft Annual Plan got underway on 23 January and continues until 24 February 2014. As part of the Annual Plan each local board agrees with Auckland Council’s governing body on the funding for local activities and the local service levels for the coming year.

The draft Local Board agreement and details of proposed projects and budget changes is available on the Annual plan website

Unitary Plan

The Board hosted a workshop on 29 January to assist with making submissions on the Unitary Plan. I thought the workshop was useful for explaining the process and giving our community representatives the opportunity to raise issues and concerns.

Submissions can be made until the end of February

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 December – 31 January I attended:

Local Board grants workshop on 2 December
Local Board workshop on 3 December
Meeting with the Newmarket Community Association on 3 December
Freemans Bay Residents Association public meeting on 3 December
Meeting to discuss Transport consultations on 4 December
Meeting with Ken Clive regarding SH16 widening project
Review of the Ponsonby Road masterplan meeting on 4 December
Site visit with Arch Hill residents to discuss safety and maintenance concerns on Waima Street
Waterfront Forum on 5 December at Shed 10 – developing a new form of partnership
Newmarket Business Association meet and greet at the Board office on 5 December
Localised carbon reduction plan for Waitemata local board area discussion on draft and next steps
Introductory ATEED meeting on 6 December
Site visit with John Street resident on 6 December to discuss parking on the footpath
Kids in the City (Project: Children Researching Children) presentation by 6 children (aged 10-12) on findings from research they conducted this year on various aspects of what it’s like for children living in /around the Auckland CBD. This pilot research was funded by Massey University and Auckland Council
Ponsonby Road draft masterplan feedback – report to the Ponsonby Road masterplan working group at the Local Board office on 9 December
Pioneer Women’s Hall needs assessment presentation on 10 December
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 10 December 2013 at the Local Board office, Graham Street
Meeting with the General Manager of the Ponsonby Business Association on 11 December
Briefing of local board members on the Sky path project on 12 December
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 12 December
Workshop – Low Carbon Auckland: To seek feedback from Councillors and Local Board representatives on the proposed draft Auckland Energy Resilience and Low Carbon Action Plan (titled ‘Low Carbon Auckland’). Engagement with the incoming Councillors/ Local Board representatives was requested by Councillors and Local Board representatives who attended a workshop held on 19 June 2013 when an initial draft action plan was discussed.
Meeting with Cheryll Martin, GM at Volunteering Auckland on 12 December
Seminar on the second release of 2013 Census data held by RIMU on 13 December
Community-led Placemaking Champions Group meeting on 13 December
Waterfront Auckland workshop for Local Board members and Councillors on the development plans Wynyard Central
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 17 December
Attended the Governing Body meeting on 19 December 2013 and spoke in support of Skypath.
Update on Costley Reserve playground upgrade/concept plan and Playground Design and consultation for the play space renewals projects programmed for 2013/2014
Transport catch up on 14 January
Meeting to discuss the draft Waitemata Local Board Transport Engagement Plan on 20 January
Meeting to discuss Art Station
Site meeting with a mosaic artist to discuss a mural in the Grey Lynn toilets
Waitemata Local Board tour on 23 January
Unitary Plan workshop discussion on 24 January
Meeting to discuss Local Board Plan timetable
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 28 January
Ponsonby Community centre Board meeting on 28 January
Monthly Transport portfolio meeting on 29 January
Board hosted Public Workshop: Making Submissions on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan on 29 January
SkyPath – meeting on 29 January with local residents groups to discuss the patronage review results
Meeting to discuss community leases under consideration 30 January
Workshop on the Local Government Act (LGA) Amendment Bill (no 3) and opportunity for Local Board input in to the council’s submission on 31 January
Meeting to discuss Neighbours Day with the Community Development portfolio on 31 January

Events and functions

In the period 1 December 2013 – 31 January 2014 I attended:

Opening of the Franklin Road Christmas lights on 1 December 2013
Official party at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 3 December 2013
Annette Isbey exhibition opening at the Central Library on 4 December
Cycle Action Associates breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 5 December
Outlook for Someday Awards at the Aotea Centre on 6 December at the invitation of Connected Media (I am a trustee of Connected Media)
Beating of the Bounds – walk of the Waitemata Local Board boundary from Meola Reef to Pt Resolution bridge on 7 December
Carols by Candlelight at Western Park on Sunday 8 December delivered by the Board
GLBA Christmas lunch on 10 December
Auckland Conversations: New Zealand’s Climate Change and Oceans – Professor Sir Peter Gluckman on 12 December
Grey Lynn 2030 Christmas lunch and annual public meeting on 18 December
Sugartree development Christmas function (at the invitation of Sugartree)
Memorial gathering for the victim of the crash at the intersection of Parnell Rise and the Strand
Big Day out at Western Springs on 17 January (two tickets provided by Regional Facilities)
International Buskers Festival VIP Night Show at the invitation of Crackerjack Productions on 25 January
On Anniversary Day I enjoyed checking out all the activities along the waterfront including the Ports of Auckland festival at Captain Cook Wharf, Seafood Festival at the Viaduct Events centre, Buskers International Festival and Laneways
Auckland Conversations: Auckland’s Economic Development – Greg Clark – Global Cities Advisor

Beautiful Waitematā berms

Since Auckland Council stopped paying for the grass verges/berms to be mowed in October last year the landscape of our streets has been changing in new and beautiful ways. Yes there are some scruffy roadsides (and as a Board we have been following up with Auckland Transport to maintain berms that have no obvious “owner”- the NZ Herald has reported on this today) but for the most part as I travel around the Waitematā area I have been impressed with what’s starting to grow and how well cared for our neighbourhoods are looking.

There have been other spin offs too. The bees and butterflies are new beneficiaries enjoying all the roadside food from the flowing berms (one of my neighbours has been leaving a patch of meadow grass for the bees). Maintaining the berms encourages neighbourly interactions as I have seen on my own road. My neighbour mows our berm as we don’t have a lawn mower. I took the opportunity to meet new neighbours when they were outside planting their berm. Other neighbours finally got talking again after a long running dispute.

It’s also made me appreciate how many residents have been proudly looking after their berms for many years despite it previously being a paid service (not surprisingly as the contractors often did a very poor job). It was only in the old Auckland City Council area that berms were mowed at ratepayer expense- the rest of Auckland can’t figure out what the fuss is about. I am all for Auckland Transport maintaining verges that are not getting looked after (usually for very good reasons) but I think we should enjoy, encourage and celebrate our new urban landscapes that have been liberated from expensive Council mono-mowing.

More information

Berm mowing responsibilities on Auckland Transport’s website

Alternative ideas for berm mowing – Auckland City Harbour News, 9 October 2013

Tips for planting bio-corridors – Grey Lynn 2030

Update

Pimp my berm – berm planting in Elleslie on Seven Sharp 12 February 2014

Monarchs love this Buddleia on Richmond Rd

Walking and cycling on Auckland Harbour Bridge a step closer with approval of Skypath

Yesterday’s Governing Body meeting was dominated by the censure of the Mayor. But also on the agenda was a very significant and exciting project that has strong public support. In a confidential session the council voted to move the project to the next phase allowing council officers to work towards a formal agreement with the Skypath trust and their backers.

The Skypath presentation is available here including details of the proposed construction and a range of impressive design images . Ben from Cycle Action Auckland also spoke in support of the project and highlighted that it is a critical link for walking and cycling. More details on how the path will connect at each end on Transport Blog.

I had a last minute call up to speak on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board (standing in for our Chair Shale Chambers who waited 3 hours to speak) to confirm the backing of the Board.

I noted the Board’s long term support for the project which is included in our Local Board Plan and emphasised that we are now keen to move on to the details which will address the concerns raised by the resident associations. There is no doubt that it is a transformational project that has the Board’s full support to be taken forward to the next stage.

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to get to the project to this point in particular Bevan Woodward from the Skypath Trust.

Monthly Board Report December 2013

I was delighted to be re-elected to the Waitematā Local Board on 12 October 2013 and to be confirmed as Deputy Chair for another term at our inaugural meeting on 4 November.

My first Board report for this term covers my activities from 10 September including the final period of the first triennium of Auckland Council and the election period.

Transport

I look forward to continuing to work on the Transport portfolio (portfolio’s to be confirmed at our December Board meeting). There are some exciting projects underway in our area – Beach Road cycle lanes (photo from the Beach Road open day), the Sky path, Grafton Gully Cycleway, Waitematā safer routes scheme and the Board’s Greenways project that we can look forward to seeing delivered over the next three

Auckland Transport’s draft Cycling Business Plan

The feedback from Christopher and me is on Auckland Transport’s draft Cycling Business Plan is on this month’s agenda. We have raised a number of concerns regarding the draft plan and the failure of Auckland Transport to put forward an investment proposal to meet the Auckland Plan targets.

Greenways Plan

The Board’s Greenways Plan is now online. We heard in November that Auckland Transport are progressing the design work on our priority Greenway Route connecting Coxs Bay to the NW Cycleway via Grey Lynn Park with construction planned for 14/15 .

Work is also underway on an implementation plan for delivering the priority routes in the plan which will be on our February agenda.

SH16 – St Lukes Interchange

During the election period the NZTA and Auckland Transport requested land owner consent from the Board to widen Great North Road into reserve land opposite MOTAT to provide for two lanes on to the motorway. The Board has pushed back on the widening due to the lack of clear transport benefits and the need to remove mature pohutakawa trees. The plans have now been modified to retain the trees and incorporate cycling and walking improvements. Auckland Transport have given an undertaken that outstanding concerns are going to be addressed through the Great North Road Corridor Management Plan that has recently got underway.

Reporting on transport issues

Auckland Transport reports monthly on the issues progressed with the transport portfolio. The report is available on our agenda.

Community Development

I hope to continue working on the Community Development portfolio for a second term. We are making good progress on a number of projects and initiatives (including the redevelopment of Pioneer Woman’s Hall as a community facility for inner city residents) however there are still a wide range of issues and community priorities that need to be addressed.

Meetings associated with the community development portfolio are listed below.

Community Funding

The Board’s Community Grant committee met on 2 September and recommended the allocation of grants for the first round of funding for 13/14. Grant application decisions totalling $24,601.60 were confirmed at our September Board meeting.

The Central Joint Funding Committee met on 20 September to allocate grants from the Accommodation Support Fund, the Community Group Assistance Fund and the Auckland City Cultural Heritage. These grants are allocated within the old Auckland City Council area by representatives of the relevant Boards. The minutes are available online.

Other board activities

Bunnings Decision

I attended most of the four days of hearings in support of the submitters against the application for a Bunnings mega store development on Great North Road. Board chair, Shale Chambers addressed the hearing on behalf of the Board in opposition.

After hearing the evidence I thought the submitters had a really strong case based on the negative impact of the Bunning’s proposal. It is a non-complying activity in a Mixed Use zone that abuts the Res 1 neighbourhood of Arch Hill. The scale of the activity is not intended under the district plan in a mixed use zone. I was therefore hugely disappointed that the commissioners granted Bunnings consent on 20 November. I feel that residents have really been hugely let down by the process and are now faced with taking the fight to the Environment Court

Unitary Plan

The proposed Unitary Plan was notified on 30 September for public consultation. Feedback is open until 28 February 2014.

I attended the public open day at the Central library on 11 November including presentations on Sustainable Design and Universal Access. I also attended the briefing for all elected representatives on 19 November. The plan and key topic fact sheets are available online.

Urban Design

Gentle Density, Brent Toderian

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Brent Toderian, the former Chief Planning Officer for Vancouver City Council. I heard about “gentle density” for the first time – a term that has now been adopted by Auckland Council planners.

Brent covered the magic of density done well:

Reduced energy use in buildings
Allows for active transport
More green design options (in Vancouver called “eco-density”)
Less sprawl
More affordable housing choices
Improved public health
Vitality, diversity, safety

Brent emphasised that it is not about height it is about how well you design it and that the emphasis must be on good design. The best thing you can do for density is have a high design standard. In Vancouver this translated into only accepting “excellent” design. He gave examples of how gentle density can be achieved.

Hidden density “laneway” houses by infill housing
Ground orientated housing
“invisible” housing achieved through secondary suites

His message to the professionals that attended the workshop is that there is no excuse not to achieve density and to have a genuine conversation about the benefits (and challenges)

Demographics on their side
Urban environment perfect condition
Families are choosing urban living (in US 80% of households are childless) – if you design for kids you attract kids

Following the workshop Brent presented at an Auckland Conversation where Ludo Campbell Reid launched the Auckland Design Manual.

In his presentation Brent focused on transportation issues. Key points:

Key problem of sprawl is auto – dependency
It is a myth that is is possible to balance modes – what has to happen is a re-prioritisation with walking first then cycling
No city has made driving better by building roads. In Vancouver they have achieved 20% less vehicles entering downtown and driving has got better
The best transportation plan is a great land use plan
Done well density uses the power of nearness
He recommended designing “eye candy” for walkers
Need to physically protect cyclists only why will increase mode share – cheapest infrastructure investment you can make
It is not about being “anti-car” but “pro-choice”

Local Board Workshops and meetings

In the period 10 September – 21 November I attended:

Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 10 September at Parnell – the final meeting of the first term of the Board (photo of the cake presented at our last Board meeting)
Arch Hill Residents public meeting on 16 September
Community portfolio monthly catch up on 18 September
Meeting to discuss Basement Theatre liquor licence
Meeting to discuss Pt. Resolution master plan
Central Joint Funding Committee Meeting on 20 September
Meeting with Tania Pouwhare, Principal Strategy Analyst to discuss neighbourhood planning/place making
Meeting to discuss plans for the children’s area at the Central Library
Meeting to discuss waste management funding for the Grey Lynn Festival with the solid waste team on 26 September
ATEED tourism update held at Shed 10 on 27 September
Community Facilities renewal programme 2014 meeting
Auckland Transport monthly catch up
Neighbourhood planning working group meeting convened by Roger Blakely on 30 September
Meeting to discuss a first draft of a Localised Carbon Reduction Plan for Waitemata on 2 October
Hearings for Bunnings – attended on 7, 8, 9, and 10 October
Meeting on 9 October with local residents to discuss anti-social behaviour at St Patrick’s Square
Pioneer Women’s Hall redevelopment meeting on 9 October
Paul Steely White breakfast presentation hosted by Heart of the City and AECOM on 11 October
St Luke’s interchange meeting with Parks officers on 11 October
Meeting to discuss Sugar tree development and Corridor management plan for Nelson Street on 15 October
Presentation by Billy Mathieson, Principal Adviser, Social Entrepreneurs to report back from his attendance at the SOCAP13 conference in SF – one of the leading ‘Social Impact’ events in the world.
Waitemata Local Board welcome meeting on 18 October
Ways of working workshop on 22 October
Interview on Radio Ponsonby on 22 October to discuss bike park corral and Ponsonby Road Master plan
One day “Stepping Forward for Auckland” – Conference and Expo for newly elected members (photo of CCO panel at the Expo)
Legal Briefing as part of the induction Expo for elected representatives
Waitemata Local Board New Elected Members Technology Training session 25 October
Stormwater One day Seminar at the Rendezvous Hotel on 31 October
Finance, Comms and Local Board Agreement training for Elected members on 1 November
Waiheke Local Board inaugural meeting on 2 November
Inaugural meeting of the Waitematā Local Board 2013 – 2016 on 4 November
Grey Lynn Business Association Committee meeting on 5 November
Launch of Waterfront Auckland’s Sustainable Development Framework on 5 November at Shed 10
Albert- Eden Local Board inaugural meeting on 6 November
Meeting to discuss Christmas Carols in Western Park
Meeting with Lynne Butler, Freemans Bay residents on 6 November to discuss setting up a Freemans Bay Residents Association
Meeting to discuss the proposed activation of Quay Street with a Ciclovia event (road “opening” for walking and cycling) to be held on 8 February 2014
Coastal walkway meeting with Parks officers on 8 November
Waitematā Local Board weekly workshop on 12 November
Transport update on 13 November
Unitary Plan update for all elected representatives on 19 November
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 19 November
Meeting with Sugar tree and Nelson street developers to discuss Auckland Transport plans for a corridor management plan on 20 November
Advancing Auckland’s Governance induction workshop for elected representatives on 20 November
Greenways meeting with Parks officers and Auckland Transport on 21 November
Environmental portfolio first catch up meeting on 21 November
Community Development and Partnerships monthly catch up with the portfolio holders on 21 November

Events and functions

In the period from 10 September – 22 November I attended the following events and functions:

Tour and lunch at the Crossroads Clubhouse, Great North Road
Great Transport Debate hosted by Campaign for Better Transport on 11 September
Unwrapping a new era in transport – launch of Auckland’s new electric commuter trains at Wiri Depot
Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks on 12 September
Opening of the Age of Aquarius – Fashion Museum on 13 September
Survive and Thrive (a public forum, expo and series of workshops for people working in the creative sector) – attended an afternoon workshop on 14 September at the invitation of the Big Idea
Bayfield School Safe School Travel Plan Launch with the Mayor on 16 September
Parnell meet the candidates event
Grey Lynn meet the candidates event
Spoke at the suffrage day celebrations at Khartoun place organised by the National Council for women on 19 September
Beach Road walking and cycling improvements Public information day at AECOM hosted by Auckland Transport
Park(ing) day event on Hardinge Street organised by the Urban Design team
Ponsonby Market Day on 21 September
America’s Cup races at Shed 10 over various mornings
Arch Hill Street party on 22 September
Newmarket Business Association AGM (I was a scrutineer) on 25 September
Opening of the Heritage Festival at Shed 10 on 27 September
Young and Hungry theatre production at Basement Theatre (at the invitation of the Basement Theatre)
Launch and Lunch at the Italian Festival on 29 September at the invitation of the Italian Society
Mayoral morning tea with Auckland Senior Citizens to celebrate the 2013 United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October
Bayswater walking and cycling pipe bridge opening attended by the Mayor on 5 October
Grey Lynn Savalivali Heritage walk
Grey Lynn Farmers Market AGM on 6 October (I was re-elected Chair of the management committee)
Powhiri for new Voyager director on 7 October
Opening of Art Week at K’rd on 10 October
Newmarket Business Association Young Designers Awards (at the invitation of NBA) on 11 October
RIMU presentation Pseudo-science and caricatures? Reflections on Gen X, Y, X, Z and beyond
Fiesta in the Park on 13 October
Parnell Trust AGM 15 October
Sustainable City Showcase at the Cloud hosted by Sustainable Business Network on 17 – 19 October
Official opening of the 12th annual Auckland Diwali Festival on 19 October
Jam on Toast event at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 19 October
Ground-breaking for the start of construction of the Westhaven walk and cycleway 21 October (see photo)
Pouwhiri for the new Council on 23 October
Opening of the Tall Ships Festival at Queens Wharf on 26 October
Inaugural meeting of the Governing Body at the Town Hall on 29 October
Gentle Density workshop with Brent Toderian on 30 October
Auckland Conversation and launch of the Auckland Design Manual on 30 October with Design for Auckland: Brent Toderian – Toronto, Canada
Meet the Fair Trade Farmers event hosted by Oxfam NZ at Shakey Isles on 31 October
Celebration and opening evening at Parnell Baths on 1 November
Auckland Conversation – Beauty and Biophilia Amanda Sturgeon, Living Buildings International
Auckland Conversation in Association with RIMU Kids in the City – Accommodating Children in an intensifying Auckland Karen Whitten and Robin Kearns on 6 November
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast on 7 November
TRANX drug and alcohol service 25th anniversary celebration on 7 November
Fairtrade Banana event at Ponsonby Central on 7 November
Art in the Dark opening on 7 November
Art in the Dark event 8 and 9 November
Unitary Plan public Open day on 11 November
Newmarket Business Association networking drinks (Buzz) on 13 November
Social Enterprise Forum – Growing the fourth sector on 14 November
Grey Lynn Business Association AGM on 14 November (I stood down from the Committee)
Grey Lynn Community Centre AGM on 20 November
Switching on the Parnell Lights event at Heard Park on 21 November

Deputy Chair of the Waitemata Local Board

I am very honoured and grateful to have been re-elected on 12 October to the Waitemata Local Board along with my City Vision colleagues Shale Chambers, Christopher Dempsey, Deborah Yates and Vernon Tava. Thank you to everyone who supported me and the City Vision Local Government Elections 2013 campaign.

At the inaugural meeting of the Board on 4 November I was delighted to be re-elected Deputy Chair. The Chair’s inaugural address is available here.

I am committed to working full time for the heart of our city and Auckland’s central suburbs both on Council and with several voluntary organisations. I chair the Grey Lynn Farmers Market committee and am a strong advocate for sustainability and transport choice.

My approach is collaborative, inclusive and open. I maintain a full declaration of interests here and report monthly on my activities. Please get in touch if there is anything you would like to discuss.

Taking my declaration at our inaugural meeting. Photo credit: Cathy Casey

Grey Lynn Farmers Market Chair’s report 2013

On Sunday the Grey Lynn Farmers Market celebrated its fourth birthday and we held our AGM over a lunch of delicious market food.

Here is my Chair’s report for 2013 (the end of my third year as Chair)

Thank you for all coming along. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months and to give thanks to everyone who is part of our market.

At the end of last year the committee took part in a strategy session with Suzanne Kendrick to think about the long term direction of the market. We discussed:

the strengths of the market – the great community feel, the strong values base:
the opportunities – to grow the market bigger and take “local” more mainstream. The health, wellness and sustainability story we have at the market

And of course no strategy session would be complete without reflecting on the weaknesses and threats to the market – our limited marketing budget, the perception we are too expensive, boutique and the increased competition from other food options and destinations in the local area

But we came away in good heart confirming our commitment to our core aim of providing fresh, local produce for our community. We also confirmed the non- negotiable principles that keep us on course and are our point of difference.

local produce prioritised
ethical produce prioritised (free range, organic, GMO free)
community run market
collaborative decision making by committee
being a hub for the community
and a commitment to sustainability (waste minimisation)

We set priorities for this year with the most important being to attract more new customers from the local area and have customers stay longer at the market. We set ourselves the goal of more marketing and providing more activities and reasons to come to the market. Sarah has outlined in her report the many achievements and results from over the last year.

It is the unique qualities of the market that make it special for me personally and the reason why I keep coming back (and yes to stand again for the committee).

I’d like to acknowledge and thank all those who are committed to the market and keep us running.

Charlotte as the market manager until the end of 2012 before leaving us to have market baby Gabriel ticked off significant milestones that I was able to report on at the AGM last year eg opening on a Sunday, a new website and getting EFTPOS at the market. Fortunately for us Charlotte remains in the market family on the committee with Ben very much in support.

She handed the reins over to Sarah at the beginning of this year. Because of the strong foundations I think Sarah was able to hit the ground running and build on the strengths of the market. Sarah is doing fantastic work managing the market with steady determination, integrity and sense of purpose.

I’m fortunate to work with a fantastic committee who all contribute so much and best of all are all standing again! Susanna – our secretary who rejoined us during the year, Maggie, Caroline, Javier, Donald (our amazing Treasurer) and Rebekah our stall holder representative. And I acknowledge Rachel who left us during the year to go to Melbourne. A big thank you to all the committee members who work for the market as volunteers.

Central to the market are of course the Stallholders. It is great to have here at the AGM–Lynn and Carol (foundation stallholders), new stallholder Anita and Griff who “owns” the lobby with his massage chair. Without you the market wouldn’t happen.

We totally appreciate there is always more to do to get the perfect mix of stallholders and increase customers coming to the market. Thanks to all the support from stallholders in working towards this goal.

We have very generous sponsors who I would like to acknowledge – Ripe Deli has been a sponsor right from the beginning and has just signed up for another year. Nature Baby came on board during the year to keep story time going (not just for kids). GLBA are just ending a year of sponsorship but looking at a new arrangement. We are fortunate to benefit from significant collaboration between all the Grey Lynn groups

I’d like to do a big shout out to our generous supporters – Martin Leach at Ponsonby News, Ben for his work on our refreshed logo, Suzanne Kendrick who guided us through our strategy session, Jason for use of the law centre carpark on a monthly basis in exchange for a donation to Gardens to Table; the many presenters at workshops , Grey Lynn 2030 waste away team who have a stall each week at the market, the supporters of the Community Trading table, the Grey Lynn Community Centre (represented today by Peter) . We are fortunate to have developed a special partnership with the centre as the market location.

Many thanks to our “Friends” of the market who provide vital financial support. The Friends scheme has been growing with the support of stallholders able to offer generous specials. I’d like to thank everyone who continues to support the market through membership to the Friends scheme.

And finally I would like to acknowledge the “founders”. Those members of our community who decided in late 2008, at one of the first GL2030 meetings, that Grey Lynn needed a farmers market with a vision of providing the community with access to fresh, local produce in a unique, vibrant inner-city location.

I still feel excited about the market. It is the place I want to visit on a Sunday morning and where I want to do my shopping. After our strategy session and reflecting on where we are now I am even more convinced that what we are doing is relevant and vital . I hope you will join me in committing to another year of ensuring the market provides great value, fresh, healthy seasonal produce to our community and that we are always ethical, sustainable, local, friendly, welcoming and a bustle of activity.

Monthly Board Report July 2011

Covering activities from 1 June – 30 June 2011

Portfolio reports for the month

Transport

The Transport portfolio meets monthly with representatives from Auckland Transport. The June meeting was attended by myself and Jesse Chalmers (Transport Portfolio – West) and Christopher Dempsey (Transport Portfolio – East). We received updates on the prioritisation of the minor safety programme and the proposed Opex projects for investigation in 2011/12. We were also updated on the K’rd bus shelter project by Opus. Updates to matters on our Issues Register are reported on each month by Auckland Transport at our Board meeting (the full reports are available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/waitemataunder agendas)

Auckland Transport also briefed the Board (Transport Portfolio) on the minor works planned as part of the Mt Eden Rd corridors for the Rugby World Cup and on the outcome of the Central Flagship project consultation that will see new bus routes and services commence from 14 August (attended by myself and Chair, Shale Chambers together with members of the Albert- Eden Local Board) Relevant to the transport portfolio, I also attended during June:

Transport Committee on 7 June for the Central City Rail Link presentation
Walk around Newmarket streets with the Newmarket Business Association to view concerns raised by local business owners (together with Greg Moyle and Rob Thomas)
Quarterly Regional Walking and Cycling Forum organised by Auckland Transport
Sustainable Transport Advocates meeting
“Greenways” presentation by Stephen Smythe

I met local residents regarding transport issues on Ponsonby Road (together with Tricia Reade), Maxwell Street and Bayard Street (together with Jesse Chalmers)

Community Engagement

I assisted the Chair in finalising the draft Waitemata Local Board Plan following the resolution from the Board at our June meeting that confirmed agreement on the text of the plan for consultation using the Special Consultation Procedure (SCP). I also participated in discussions to determine our strategy for the SCP I attended the second Regional Communities Summit organised by Auckland Communities Development Alliance (ACDA) on 1 July with Board member Tricia Reade. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were both guest speakers.

I organised a Save the Grey Lynn Post office on 8 June on behalf of Grey Lynn 2030 and the Grey Lynn Business Association. More than 50 residents attended to raise their concerns regarding the downgrading of services in Grey Lynn. A follow up meeting was held with NZ Post on 28 June.

Libraries

The first Auckland Libraries and Information Quarterly Report (January – April 2011) was received at the Board’s June meeting (see June agenda). It was noted at the meeting that the library service is working extremely well and that no issues of concern have been raised by residents with the Board.

Other board activities

I was acting Chair for the week beginning 27 June. During this week I worked with Council officers to finalise the communications with regards to our draft Local Board Plan and details of our Board’s achievements since 1 November 2010 which will be included in the Auckland Council’s annual report.

Local Board briefings

Attended:

Auckland Council Waste Management and Minimisation Plan briefing session to Local Boards on 10 June
Youth Engagement briefing hosted by Community Developments & Partnerships with members of the Youth Panel on 29 June at Manukau

Local Board Workshops

Attended:

Naming of the Gateway plaza workshop with John Gundesen from Waterfront Auckland on 1 June
8 June workshop on Myers Park and the Waste Minimisation plan

Meetings

Attended:

Orakei Local Board meeting on 1 June
Minister of Immigration, Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman presentation to the Economic Forum on 2 June
Monthly catch up with Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye to discuss local issues
Meeting with Louise Mason (Arts, Culture and Recreation) and Ian Maxwell (Parks) to talk about the reprioritisation of existing budgets in the Local Board Agreement.
St Mary’s Bay Weed Clearance – meeting with Auckland Council officers, St Mary’s Bay residents, Victoria Tunnel Alliance and Board members (myself and Jesse Chambers as SLIPS champion for the project) to discuss actions and funding required to clear the St Mary’s Bay cliffs of weeds with the support of local residents
Grey Lynn Business Association meeting on 15 June
St Mary’s Bay Residents Association AGM on 28 June to give an update on the weed clearance project

Professional Development

All day course on Financial Governance organised by LGNZ
Lunchtime learning – “Greening the City by innovative water management” with Hans Schreier

Events

Following our May resolution to become a Fairtrade Local Board we are now serving Fairtrade team and coffee in our meetings. I attended Good magazine’s Fairtrade Cocktail Soiree in honour of Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the UK’s Fairtrade Foundation who was visiting NZ and the panel discussion “How to change the world one banana at a time” with Harriet Lamb as a guest speaker.

On behalf of Auckland Council I spoke at the launch of Conscious Consumer a project supported by the Council that awards badges to participating cafes that have demonstrated a commitment to socially and environmentally conscious business practices including Fairtrade and waste minimisation.

I also attended the following events during June:

Book launch “Growth Misconduct” with guest speaker Roger Blakely at Pioneer Woman’s Hall
Private Screening of ‘A Rotten Shame’ – the Homeowners and Buyers Association fundraiser
Grey Lynn Business Association June networking drinks
The Tiramarama VIP Function and Concert supported by Auckland Council as part of the Matariki Festival