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Chair’s monthly report December 2018

Report covering the period 12 November until 12 December 2018. It is included in the local board business meeting agenda held on 11 December

This is my final report for the year. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my hard-working fellow local board members, the outstanding Local Board services team who support the local board and everyone who works to make Waitematā a great place. Our Achievements Report 2017/2018 highlights just how much we have been able to achieve together.

The following provides a summary of the positive updates and major milestones reached by the local board as we come to the end of 2018.

Achievements Report 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018

The Board’s annual report of highlights covering major projects and initiatives, community grants, advocacy and local governance is now available online. Here is my Chair’s message included in the report. I included in my report the Chair’s message

TAPAC arts partnership

TAPAC was built in partnership with the old Auckland City Council, but no sustainable funding model for ongoing operational budget support was put in place at the time – unlike regionally supported arts facilities such as Q Theatre. The Waitematā Local Board has endeavoured to support TAPAC through one off grants but this has been on an ad hoc basis and doesn’t contribute to administration costs.

At our November business meeting we achieved a major milestone. A report to the local board recommended the local board enter into its first arts partnership of $85k a year. The report details the substantial contribution to the arts by TAPAC and the diversity of their programmes and audiences. ( Our Auckland story: TAPAC and Waitematā Local Board celebrate new partnership)

Erebus National Memorial

Also at the Waitematā Local Board November meeting we agreed to support the construction of the National Erebus Memorial at Auckland’s Dove-Myer Robinson Park / Taurarua Pā, commonly known as the Parnell Rose Gardens. We’re really honoured to host such a significant historically important memorial in one of our outstanding local parks. I got emotional talking in support of the project knowing what the Memorial means to the families impacted by NZ’s worst peacetime disaster. This disaster resulted in 237 passengers and 20 crew losing their lives. (Media release: Auckland site approved for National Erebus Memorial)

The resolution of the board:

a) Supports locating the National Erebus Memorial at Dover-Myer Robinson Park subject to:
i) all necessary building and resource consent requirements being met
ii) a rigorous design process which includes a review of the short listed designs by the Auckland Urban Design Panel and, as a separate process, the Waitematā Local Board

iii) the local board granting landowner approval for the installation of the winning design subject to Board approval of this design

iv) Ministry for Culture and Heritage providing funding to cover all costs relating to the installation and future maintenance of the structure and associated landscape features.
b) delegate to the Waitematā Local Board chair and parks portfolio lead sign off of the memorial design parameters
c) receive the letter of support from the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei trust and notes that the Ministry for Culture and Heritage will lead mana whenua consultation on the location.

I was fortunate to attend the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Erebus families held on the 39th anniversary at the Dalmatian Cultural Society Hall. The Mayor Phil Goff also spoke at the meeting. A majority of the family representatives support the selected site and shared their desire to have input into the design. The memorial is planned to be completed by May 2020.

254 Ponsonby Road – a civic space

The long-time project to develop a civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road reached a major milestone with the Environment and Community Committee unanimously supporting the officer recommendation that the full site at 254 Ponsonby Road is the optimal size for a park in this location and agreed to retain the whole site for the purpose of developing a civic space. Deputy Chair, Shale Chambers spoke on behalf of the local board to the Committee. (Attachment 3 Presentation to the Environment and Community Committee)

The site was purchased by Auckland City Council in 2006 with the intention to develop part of it into a civic space. However, locals have long campaigned for the entire site to become a dedicated civic and open space for people, events, activity, and relaxation.

When the wider community were asked what they wanted for the site, 77 per cent of people voted for the entire site to become a park. Following this clear preference from the community, in 2015 the local board allocated $10,000 towards funding a grassroots community-led process to find a preferred design for the park.

This process saw community members take the lead in identifying a design using a community empowerment approach. Locals were involved in decision-making throughout the process which was informed by ongoing robust community consultation. (Photo right: Local Board members, Councillors Cathy Casey and Mike Lee celebrate the decision with members of the Ponsonby Park group)

In November the LandLAB’s PARK+ design (photo right) was announced the winner in the Future Civic category at the World Architecture News Awards.

There is sufficient One Local Initiative funding (allocated through the Long-term Plan) available for phase one of the project ($5.5 million) without asset sales. The local board proposes to partially fund phase two ($5.5 million) through the council’s Service Property Optimisation approach. A detailed business case and design of the site can now commence for construction in 2020/2021.

Our Auckland story New Ponsonby civic space reaches a significant milestone

Local Board Agreement 2019/20 and funding for the Mission’s Homeground project

Western Park- Invitation v4 Every year local boards have the opportunity to present on their top priorities for inclusion in the Council’s annual budget.

This year Waitematā Local Board advocated for:

whole of site civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road (Ponsonby Park)
funding to implement the Domain masterplan
region wide funding to reduce agrichemical spraying (we have allocated $70,000 to eliminate spraying in four parks but there needs to be a coordinated approach to benefit from economies of scale)
funding for the Auckland City Mission HomeGround project

In the picture above presenting to the Finance and Performance Committee with Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and local board member Richard Northey. (Local Board Agreement presentation slides to the Finance and Performance Committee)

As I raised with the Committee, addressing homelessness is a priority for the local board and some of the initiatives that we are doing at a local level include $20k local board funding (LDI budget) this year towards supporting homelessness initiatives such as funding a trial of showers for homeless in partnership with Ellen Melville Centre and supporting an outreach programme by the James Liston Hostel staff in Outhwaite Park community hall.

The local board strongly supports the Mission HomeGround project that is taking an integrated approach, based on international best practice and recognises that accommodation with both health and social services are required to meet the needs of homeless people. Eighty supportive housing units that combine affordable housing with 24-hour security and services to help people with complex needs to live with stability, autonomy and dignity – it will also be an inner city community hub.

Initial findings of Ira Mata, Ira Tangata: Auckland’s Homeless Count show that on 17 September 2018, at least 336 people were living without shelter and 2,874 people were in temporary accommodation. It is estimated that we have 800 people living without shelter based on a validation exercise.

We have advocated for Auckland Council to clearly show its commitment and support to the project as the City Mission needs to find another $16.5 million.

It was therefore great to hear a few weeks later that the Mayor proposes to grant $5m towards Auckland City Mission HomeGround project as part of the Annual budget 2019/2020. As Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly puts it “the development is an initiative unlike anything else seen before in New Zealand … It provides a purpose-built, safe space to stand against homelessness, hunger and poor health. Offering pragmatic, hands-on services and support to help those who need it most, this $90 million project will be a legacy for Auckland. The HomeGround development has been a long-held vision for the Mission and this $5 million funding proposal shows great leadership.” If approved by the Governing Body it will go out for consultation in February 2019.

Planning Committee presentation – City Centre Masterplan refresh

On 27 November I presented to the Planning Committee on the local board’s support for the City Centre masterplan recommendations ( Blog post: Auckland City Centre buzzing to the sound of people – covering my CCMP 2040 presentation to the Planning Committee)

The Committee unanimously voted for an innovative concept that paves the way to further pedestrianise Queen Street. One of three bold new proposals discussed today, Queen Street – Access for Everyone will further develop Auckland’s city centre into a vibrant public space for people.

Two new concepts – Maori Outcomes and Grafton Gully Boulevard were also adopted for further development and public consultation by the Planning Committee, with a view to seek committee approval by July 2019.

I also confirmed the local board’s support for trials and temporary installations to demonstrate the city we would like to become. For example, a bollard on High St that goes up once deliveries are completed would transform the pedestrian experience overnight. As we say in our local board plan: We support pilot projects and quick, low cost interventions to promote long term improvements to our streets

The Planning Committee requested trials of ‘Open Streets’ in the city centre, and to work with interested local boards on trials in other town centres.

Playground openings

On 21 November we celebrated the playground upgrade at Vermont Reserve, Ponsonby with a sausage sizzle provided by the maintenance contractor, Ventia.

The new equipment has been welcomed by locals but unfortunately the design has made the playground less accessible. I have logged this as an issue that will be fixed with a new entrance gate into the playground. (Photo right with local board members Adriana Christie and Richard Northey at the opening)

Parnell station walkway open

The new pathway connection to Parnell Train Station from Carlaw Park student village and business area is now open. Waitematā Local Board put up the funds to get this built.

On 15 November 2018 members of Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Transport, Parnell Community Committee and Parnell Business Association enjoyed a first walk on the new pathway connecting Parnell Station with Carlaw Park student village and business centre ( Our Auckland: New pathway connection to Parnell Station now open)

Waitematā Safe Routes Projects- update

Every household in a wide area of Grey Lynn and Westmere should have received a Have your say booklet from Auckland Transport on plans to make streets safer, more attractive and more accessible for everyone. There have been opportunities to see the plans in large scale and talk directly to the project team at various open days during the consultation .

Feedback is due by 14 December 2018. The local board will provide our input once we have heard the public feedback.

In my December Ponsonby News update I look back on the progress of this project since it was described as a “fiasco” over a year ago.

Construction of the Karangahape Road Enhancements Project is due to start in early 2019 ( Media Release – Contractors sought for Karangahape Road upgrade). The K Road Business Association, alongside Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, have developed a Business Pac which will be distributed prior to the work commencing. The need to actively manage business disruption has been one of the key lessons from the West Lynn project.

Ian McKinnnon Drive cycleway extension

with the Mayor Phil Goff, Minister Phil Tywford, Councillor Paul Young and local board member Adriana Christie about to ride the new cycleway

Minister of Transport Phil Twyford and Auckland Mayor Phil Goff officially opened the Ian McKinnon Drive Cycleway on Friday 30 November.

The cycleway removes the steep climb alongside the Newton Road on-ramp up to the Newton Road bridge for people on bikes travelling to the city centre on the Northwestern Path.

The route runs through Suffolk Reserve, onto Ian McKinnon Drive (the section in the Waitematā Local Board area) and up to the intersection of Upper Queen Street. This is the most significant section of cycleway opened in Auckland over the last year.

Auckland Domain Committee

At the Domain Committee final meeting of the year on 29 November 2018 we made progress on implementing an Auckland Domain Accessibility Improvement Programme to deliver key outcomes of the Auckland Domain Masterplan 2016. The initial focus of this programme is on reducing vehicle dominance and improving pedestrian and cycling opportunities in the Domain.

Report back from Trafinz conference 2018 in Wellington 11- 14 November

I attended the Trafinz conference ‘Prioritising for People’ in Wellington as an Executive Committee member representing Auckland Council. Trafinz represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand.

I presented at the conference (photo right) and joined the final panel discussion.

Auckland Transport’s CEO presented a bold goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on Auckland’s road. As all the experts at the conference agree speed reduction is absolutely fundamental to achieving that goal. Consultation was due to start on a region-wide bylaw in November, which could see speed limits reduced in the city centre, metropolitan and town centres, and in some rural areas by June 2019. However, the Auckland Transport Board postponed the decision to their 11 December meeting.

One of the conference speakers Assoc. Prof. Jeremy Woolley Director of the Centre for Automobile Safety and Research in Australia hosted by Auckland Transport held a meeting and Q&A with elected members on 16 December to discuss ‘Is Zero Possible?’. We discussed why we need a forgiving transport system and what we can do to progress Vision Zero locally.

Local Board supported and funded events

25th annual Parnell Festival of Roses

This well-loved festival was a big success this year with record turnout of 9,000 people on a beautiful spring day. The festival is one of the Waitematā Local Board’s flagship events that we aim to ensure is accessible, zero waste and community focused. In the photo above local board members at the event.

Lightpath Festival

The second annual Lightpath Festival, supported by the local board with a $10,000 grant, took place on 1 December 2018. It is a free, family-friendly evening celebrating this iconic addition to our city and the joy of people-friendly streets.

The Festival was an opportunity to experience the city by night with entertainers, music, art, food, and bike fun along Lightpath/Te Ara i Whiti and Canada St, just off K Road.

Grey Lynn Park Festival

A very soggy day on 25 November meant lower turnout than normal, but the weather cleared for the final acts on the main stage.

The festival receives a $24,000 grant from the local board’s contestable events fund.

Franklin Road Lights opening

The local board funded the opening night and rubbish bins for the event. As reported in NZ Herald The Topp Twins turn on Christmas lights on in Auckland’s most festive street.

Santa Parade

There’s been reports “Auckland Council” has pulled out of supporting the annual Santa Parade on Queen St. This is not correct. Funding will be found from a regional events budget just not from ATEED (the parade doesn’t meet ATEED’s event criteria so this is the last year it will contribute $45k). Waitematā Local Board is also proud to support the parade with a community grant of $5,000. The parade was held on the rain date of 2 December 2018. My nephew Tomu enjoyed the VIP experience thanks to the invite from the Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust.

Roll out of residential parking

The long anticipated Grey Lynn and Arch Hill Residential Parking Zones went live on 7 December 2018. There will be a grace period from this date, through to 7 January 2019 after which enforcement will apply.

Events and functions: 12 November until 11 December

Attended the Trafinz conference 11 – 14 November in Wellington
Auckland City Mission HomeGround celebration at St Mathews on 14 November
Consular flag raising at the Auckland Town Hall on 15 November
First walk on the new pathway connecting Parnell Station to the Strand via Nicholls Lane
Herne Bay Residents Association AGM on 15 November
LGNZ Zone meeting at the Auckland Town Hall on 16 November
EU Consular tree planting in Auckland Domain support of the Mayor’s 1 million trees project. (photo right with the Mayor Phil Goff)
Nepal Festival in Aotea Square on 17 November
Peace Foundation AGM on 17 November
Shortland Street the Musical at the ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invitation of Auckland Theatre Company on 17 November
Parnell Waiters Race on 18 November
25^th anniversary Parnell Festival of Roses on 18 November
Wrap up session for the Heart of the City Street Guardian pilot at the Auckland City Mission on 20 November
November Local Board business meeting on 20 November
Vermont Reserve playground opening celebration on 22 November
Auckland Conversations on 22 November Transport Planning as Freedom Planning with Jarret Walker and a panel featuring Albert-Eden Local Board member Jessica Rose (photo right)
Modacity /Women in Urbanism presentation at Central City Library on 23 November
Here Lies Love at Q Theatre at the invitation of Silo Theatre
Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford announcement of a major new urban development at GRID AKL on 24 November
Grey Lynn Park Festival on 24 November
Auckland Transport’s Waitemata Safe Routes drop in session at the Grey Lynn Community Hall on 25 November
Ponsonby Community Centre AGM on 26 November
City Centre Masterplan refresh presentation to the Planning Committee on 27 November
ATEED farewell for board director David McConnell at GRID AKL on 29 November
Ian McKinnion Drive cycleway opening on 30 November by Minister Phil Twyford and Mayor Phil Goff (photo right)
Wynyard Quarter Transport Association AGM on 30 November
Basement theatre Christmas show Work Do on 30 November at the invitation of Basement Theatre
Santa parade VIP opening attended by my nephew Tomu on 2 December at invitation of Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust
Auckland War Memorial Museum launch of the latest in Scala Arts and Heritage’s internationally acclaimed Director’s Choice book series on 3 December
Sackville Reserve Playground opening on 5 December
Attended LGNZ National Council meeting in Wellington on 7 December and LGNZ dinner with Ministers on 6 December
Ponsonby Market Day on 8 December
Italian Christmas market on Freemans Bay Community Hall on 8 December
Final Waitematā Local Board meeting of 2018 on 11 December
Joined the official party at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 11 December

Parks update for Waitemata Local Board

Ponsonby News: Waitematā Local Board update August 2018

One of the most important roles of the Local Board is to act as kaitiaki for our parks. As guardians we want to ensure we maximise the valuable benefits our parks and green spaces provide. We’re fortunate to work alongside many volunteers who undertake pest control, planting and generally keep an eye out for their local parks. The Local Board agrees on priorities for the 80 plus parks and reserves located in Waitemata following feedback from the community.

You may have noticed that over the last couple of years more fun and excitement for all ages has been added to local playgrounds as they’ve been upgraded. The latest work to get underway is to replace the play equipment in Sackville and Ireland Street Reserves. For the Sackville Reserve project additional seating has been incorporated to make it a great neighbourhood spot for picnics and we’ve made the area more accessible with a new path from the street. Construction is also due to start in late July on the Vermont Reserve playground. Basque Park and Home Street Reserve are next in line for long overdue attention with budget this year for investigation and design.

As reported last month by member Richard Northey we’ve taken steps to remove agri-chemicals from our parks following community support. As a start we’ve allocated over $70,000 to eliminate spraying in Albert, Myers and Western Parks and the non-sports field areas of Victoria Park.

Site of the old Masonic Lodge purchased to create an entrance way to Salisbury Reserve

There are two park consultations currently underway. 12 Argyle Street, Herne Bay was purchased by the former Auckland City Council to improve the entrance way to Salisbury Reserve. The old Masonic Hall on the site will be removed with as much of the building material recycled as possible. There are two draft options out for consultation. In both options the pathways into the reserve are improved with additional lawn and trees. The main difference between the options is whether or not to provide car parking on the reserve. We want to ensure the community can consider the best use of valuable green space. For a number of reasons it wasn’t possible to the retain the hall but we have committed to improving the clubrooms that are in the reserve and making them more user friendly (the clubrooms are leased to the Herne Bay Petanque Club but available to hire). There is $25k in the budget for the coming year to refurbish the bathrooms on top of other renewal work that has recently taken place. Consultation on Salisbury Reserve is open until 16 August.

We would also like feedback on a draft park development plan for Western Springs Te Wai Ōrea. Our vision for the park includes improved water quality in the lake and streams, connecting the surrounding areas via paths and making room for big events. The focus of the plan is to improve the existing state of this well-loved park, without making any major changes. You can let us know what you think about the ideas in the plan such as bird feeding and a tuna (eel) sanctuary until 27 August. Basque Park and Home Street Reserve are next in line for long overdue investment.

In a unique co-governance arrangement with the governing body the local board also has responsibility for Auckland Domain Pukekawa. We’re delighted that the Domain has received a prestigious Bronze Award in the 2018 International Large Urban Parks Awards, the only New Zealand park to receive an award. The awards recognise quality parks across the globe, the skills of the people who manage them and the value green spaces bring to cities.

Consultation information is on the Have your say page of the Auckland Council website.

Chair’s monthly report: May 2017

Report covering the period 15 March – 3 May 2017 (The full report is available on the May 2017 business meeting agenda of the Waitematā Local Board)

Highlights:

Housing First pilot project launched (Attachment A)
Consultation closed on the Annual Budget 2017/18. With Richard Northey, I attended the handing over of submissions by the Living Wage campaign on 27 March
Hosted the Inner City Network Meeting discussion on the draft Local Board Plan.
The Ponsonby Park at 245 Ponsonby Road proposed community-led design announced on 24 March following a public vote on 11 options.
Attended the first Local Government New Zealand Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington (Refer terms of reference below).
Attended a number of events including the Pasifika Festival walkabout with the Mayor on 24 March, Westpac Business Awards, the Autumn Festival at Kelmarna Gardens
Received the Bring back the monkey bars petition at Grey Lynn School (photo right)
Construction continued on the Grey Lynn Pump Track (a community-led project), Grey Lynn Greenways route connecting Coxs Bay to Grey Lynn Park and on the Ponsonby Road Pedestrian Improvement Project (works on MacKelvie St due to be completed by 5 May). Auckland Transport’s works started on the Franklin Road project following a dawn blessing
Gave an address on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board at the Anzac eve Illumination for Remembrance at St David’s Memorial Church (Attachment B) and at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac day service on behalf of the Board (Attachment C)
Board agreed the Locally Driven Initiatives (LDI) Operational budget, key advocacy areas and response to the regional policy issues for the Annual Budget 2017/18 at an extraordinary meeting on 2 May
Approved the draft Waitematā Local Board Plan at an extraordinary board meeting on 20 May and finalised the summary of the draft. Consultation due to start on 22 May.
A small win. There is a long history of women in particular feeling deterred from visiting the city centre because of the lack of public loos. It took a while but following our request signs have now been updated to make it clear the high quality toilets in the Aotea Centre are in fact public (photo right). We’re now working on mapping all the facilities online.
Followed up a number of transport issues including:
- Pedestrian safety at the car park exit of the new Bunnings on Great North Road and Countdown on Williamson Ave
- Final Grosvenor Street cycleway design removing a large number of car parks and failure by AT to install crossing points along greenway route at the intersection of Grosvenor and Crummer Rd
- Safety issues with car transporters using bus stops and the flush medium for unloading on Great North Road
- Design of a new speed bump on Hakanoa Street
- Traffic management issues associated with board funded works on MacKelvie Street
Provided feedback to Auckland Transport on behalf of the Board on the Westhaven to City Centre cycle route proposal (Refer Auckland Transport monthly report)
Media coverage included columns in Ponsonby News (April and May columns Attachments D & E)

Meetings and workshops: 15 March until 3 May 2017

Wynyard Quarter Transportation Management Association public meeting at Waterfront Theatre on 15 March
Meeting with Community Facilities regarding Maintenance Contracts for Parks, Building and Open Space (Project 17) on 15 March
Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss proposal for Westhaven to the City cycleway on 15 March
GPS Submission – Political Reference Group meeting on 15 March
Agenda run-throughs on 15 March, 6 April and 3 May
Local Boards sub-regional workshops on 20 March and 10 April
Meeting on MacKelvie Street with Chris Cherry to discuss pedestrian improvement project works
Waitematā Local Board business meetings on 21 March and 11 April and extraordinary meetings on 20 April and 2 May (Photo right- receiving the Bring Back the Monkey Bars petition at the Board’s meeting on 11 April)
Monthly comms update on 22 March and 19 April
Attended the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meetings on 29 March and 19 April (as alternate)
Auckland Transport briefing for elected members on 22 March
Meeting to discuss support for the Auckland Santa Parade on 23 March
Woodpecker Hill and Parnell Business Association presentation on proposed improvements to Heard Park
Inner City Network Meeting with presentations on ideas for the Local Board plan 2017
Meeting on 25 March to discuss the draft Local Board Plan
Lunchtime meeting and presentation by University of Auckland on 29 March
Meeting on 30 March to discuss election issues feedback
Auckland’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management environment: what you need to know and Integrity and Conflicts of Interest sessions on 30 March (part of the Kura Kawana elected member development programme)
Meeting to with the Urban Forest Alliance to discuss maintenance of street trees and the urban forest strategy
Site meeting on 31 March with Council and AT officers to discuss compliance sign off for the Countdown development (including issues associated with the supermarket car park exit)
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 3 April
Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 10 April
Waitematā Local Board workshops 28 March, 4, 21, 27, April and 2 May
Meola Reef Reserve development plan meeting on 5 April
PBA board meeting on 6 April
Planning Committee Auckland Plan Refresh Workshop on 6 April
Newmarket Business Association presentation by Mark Knoff-Thomas to discuss BID obligations on 6 April
Chair’s Forum on 10 April
Mayor & Local Board Chairs – Auckland’s Governance and Future discussion on 10 April
Meeting with Wynyard Quarter Traffic Management Association coordinator on 11 April
Presentation by Panuku on the City Centre and Waterfront work programme on 12 April
Domain Committee workshop and public meeting on 12 April
Joint Planning Committee and Local Board chairs Planning Committee Briefing on 13 April – How decisions were made around light rail and heavy rail to the airport
Meeting with St Marys Bay Association and Herne Bay Residents Association representatives on 19 April
Transport portfolio catch up on 26 April
Meeting on 26 April with Mayor’s advisor for the Million Trees Project
Elected Member Communications & Engagement reference group meeting on 28 April
Meeting with Panuku and Councillors Hills and Darby to discuss the future of the Eastern Viaduct carpark
Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Meeting with ATEED representative on 3 May to discuss planning for a Local Economic Development masterclass on 12 July and invite to open the workshop
Meeting to discuss the Project 17 asset list with Community Facilities
Parnell cycle route workshop organised by Auckland Transport on 3 May

Events and functions: 15 March until 3 May 2017

Opening of the Journey of a Million Miles – Following Steps’ exhibition at the Maritime Museum on 15 March
“A Plan 4 Youth” Local Board plan consultation organised by the Waitematā Youth Collective on 16 March (photo right)
Local Board Plans – central mana whenua engagement hui at the Fickling Centre on 17 March
Auckland Art Gallery Opening – The Body Laid Bare: Masterpieces from Tate on 17 March
Westpac business awards on 23 March at the invitation of ATEED
Auckland Conversations: Homelessness in Auckland (attachment A)
The Bone Feeder at Waterfront Theatre on 24 March (at the invitation of the Auckland Arts Festival)
Attended the Grey Lynn school assembly on 25 March to receive the Bring Back the Monkey Bars petition
Opening of the new NCBT city campus by Mayor Phil Goff
Mayoral walkabout at Pasifika Festival on 26 March (photo right)
Ponsonby Park announcement of design selected after public vote (photos below)
Kelmarna Autumn Festival on 27 March
Presentation of Living Wage submissions at the Town Hall on 28 March (photo right)
Tyler Street Fashion Show at the invitation of Heart of the City
Women in Politics AGM at the Town Hall on 31 March
Jam on Toast at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 2 April
Opening of the Mason Brothers building by the Mayor on 3 April
Low Carbon Pecha Kutcha – Style Networking night at Studio One on 5 April
Illumination of Remembrance at St David’s Church on 24 April (Attachment B)
Anzac Day Dawn Service at Auckland Museum and the Grey Lynn RSC parade and service (Attachment C)
Opening night of the Comedy Festival (at the invitation of ATEED) on 27 April
Attended the dawn blessing on 28 April for the start of Auckland Transport works on Franklin Road
Grey Lynn Street Carnival on 29 April organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association
Meola Reef Development Plan drop in session at the Westerns Springs Football clubrooms on 2 May

Chair’s monthly report February 2017

This is my first report for 2017 covering the period 14 December 2016 until 10 February. I will be reporting each month with updates relevant to my portfolios (Transport and Infrastructure & Environment) and my activities as Board Chair.

Summary

Weona Westmere walkway ribbon cutting by Shale Chambers and local Sandra Anderson

Pollution of the Waitemata Harbour due to the combined wastewater network in the older parts of Auckland is a key issue for the Board. Over summer the NZ Herald ran a very good series on the topic following the concerns raised about the impact of new development. ( Refer Attachment A for the Auckland Council response and Attachment B for the Board’s resolution regarding the wastewater impact of the Kelmarna Ave development)
Attended the Alcohol Hearing Appeal in the matter of 527 Great North Road on behalf of the Board (refer Attachment D)
Opening of the Weona-Westmere Walkway and the Spark “The Underpass” basketball court at Victoria Park (photo below)
New playground equipment installed at Tirotai Reserve, Westmere (see photo right)
Auckland Transport completed public consultation on the Parnell cycleway and residential parking zone and Herne Bay walking and cycling improvements at the end of 2016. The Board has received a briefing on the feedback analysis and is in the process of finalising the Board’s input
Board updates from the Chair in Ponsonby News and The Hobson
Waitematā hosted a wide variety events over the summer. I especially enjoyed all the events on for Auckland anniversary weekend

Meetings and workshops: 14 December until 10 February

Auckland Domain Committee Meeting on 14 December (I am Deputy Chair of the Committee)
PBA Board Christmas breakfast meeting on 15 December hosted at the Ponsonby Art Hotel
Meeting with PBA, PBA members and the Pride Parade co-producer on 15 December
Meeting with Tennis Auckland on 17 December to discuss plans for the redevelopment of ASB Tennis Arena
Briefing on CRL development, Albert Street design on 19 December
Weekly Chair’s meeting on 19 December
Meeting to discuss the process for appointing a new Youth Advisory Panel member Monthly meeting with the Local Board comms adviser on 21 December
Tour of the Maori Hall with community reps, board members and officers on 21 December
Ports of Auckland reference group meeting on 21 December
Waitematā Local Board final workshop of 2016 on 20 December and first workshop of 2017 on 7 February
Site visit on 13 January at the Domain with a resident concerned about the maintenance of trees
Appeared on behalf of the Board at the Alcohol Hearing Appeal 527 Great North Road at the Auckland District Court on 16 January
Grey Lynn community meeting on 23 January to discuss the Alcohol Hearing Appeal
Infrastructure & Environment Portfolio meeting catch up
Lunch time meeting on 25 January with the Deputy Chair and Jenny Dixon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement) and Amy Malcolm, Manager Strategic Relations
Transport portfolio catch up on 25 January
Site visit with residents concerned about the Surrey Cres cycleway
Site visit on 26 January with Manager Walking & Cycling regarding safety concerns on Williamson Ave
PBA board meeting on 9 February
Inaugural ASB Lantern Forum on 9 February at the invitation of ATEED. The Forum is a new annual initiative, which we hope will inform and inspire new thinking, knowledge, connection and business between Auckland, New Zealand and China.
CCO briefings for Local Board members on 10 February (the session includes presentations by senior leaders from Pānuku Development Auckland, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and Auckland Transport)

Events and functions: 14 December until 10 February

Ribbon cutting for the Spark “The Overpass” basketball court at Victoria Park on 16 December
Christmas lunch at Kelmarna Gardens on 16 December
Opening of the Weona-Westmere walkway on 18 December
ASB Classic Women’s Tennis Tournament on 4 January at the invitation of Tennis Auckland
Farewell to Robert Hewson, Te Waka Angamua, Auckland Council on 13 January
Studio One Toi Tu summer programme opening on 18 January
Women’s March on Washington – Auckland on 21 January
Opening of the Church of Scientology building on 21 January
Grey Lynn 2030 Trust AGM on 22 January
Opening of the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival at the Auckland Art Gallery on 26 January
United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day event at Auckland War Memorial Museum
Unveiling of The Uptown Mural “Magma” on 27 January at the invitation of the Uptown Business Association
Opening of the Buskers Festival on 28 January at Viaduct Harbour at the invitation of Crakerjack Productions
Buskers Festival 2017

Over Anniversary weekend I enjoyed the SeePort, Ports of Auckland Festival, Buskers Festival , Play Streets at Wynyard Quarter and the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival
Welcome breakfast for the NRL Nines at Sky City on 5 February
NRL Nines at Eden Park at the invitation of ATEED
Waitangi Day Festival at Okahu Bay (para kore/zero waste volunteer)
Citizenship ceremony on 7 February at Auckland Town Hall
Go by Bike day pit stop on 8 February
Opening of the Lantern Festival at Auckland Domain on 9 February
Unveiling of the Lighthouse at the Cloud on 9 February at the invitation of Barfoot and Thomson
Opening of the Being Chinese in Aotearoa exhibition at the Auckland Museum on 10 February

Monthly Board report December 2016

This is my final report for 2016. In it I focus on the transport issues I have continued dealing with in the transitional period between the end of last term and before board responsibilities are confirmed at the December board meeting.

I also highlight end of year activities and events as a busy year comes to a close.

Many thanks to everyone who works to support the board over the year. A special shout out to all those who take the time to read monthly reports!

Season’s greetings and best wishes for 2017.

Transport Porfolio

Feedback to Auckland Transport

I responded on behalf of the Board to the following consultations. The feedback is available on the Auckland Transport Update – December 2016 attached to the Board’s agenda:

Bullock Track intersection improvements
Grey Lynn cycleway consultations that went out for public feedback in September
Great North Rd, King St and Dean St roading changes

Parnell Rise buildout

An issue has been dragging on for some time regarding the greening of a pedestrian buildout on Parnell Road/Parnell Rise installed by Auckland Transport in 2015. Auckland Transport, at the request of the community, agreed to add greenery to the buildout. A tree pit in this location is not possible due to underground utilities however Auckland Transport has refused to go ahead with raised planters until Auckland Council agrees to fund the consequential opex.

The attached photo provided by the Parnell Community Committee shows why greenery in this location is needed to improve the amenity of the street environment and stop illegal parking.

We are working to resolve this issue in Parnell and at other locations and as a result are also proposing to add the following advocacy item to our Local Board Agreement 17/18 (to be consulted on in February).

Street trees and greenery – Auckland Transport to provide opportunities for greenery in every streetscape improvement and renewal and Auckland Council to meet the consequential operational expenditure for maintenance.

Ponsonby Car park

Wilson’s parking has installed signage at the Auckland Transport controlled car park on Pompallier Terrace that is deceptive as it gives the impression the area allocated to P60 parking is pay and display. I was alerted to this issue by a constituent who observed drivers feeding Wilson’s parking meter to park in the free parking spots. The Auckland Transport parking team are currently investigating.

Ponsonby Residential Parking Scheme update

Now that the Freemans Bay Residential Parking zone is in operation Ponsonby residents have complained to me about the difficulty of finding parking and have requested that the Ponsonby scheme, consulted on earlier in the year, get underway. Auckland Transport parking team recently provided the following update:

AT is aware that the effect of parking displacement would be likely and has tried to minimise the period of time between the Freemans Bay parking zone going live and being able to install the proposed Ponsonby parking zone.

There are however considerable pieces of work which have to be completed before a parking zone can be implemented and have endeavoured to proceed as quickly as we can using our available resources.

AT will send a letter out in the week commencing 5^th December inviting permit applications. This will provide details of this process and when the application window closes.

We expect the residential parking zone to go live by end of February 2017.

Countdown Development on Williamson Ave

I have raised with Auckland Transport a number of issues regarding the safety and amenity of the street environment surrounding the Countdown development on Williamson Ave. The developers have complied with their resource consent requirements so it is now for Auckland Transport to resolve issues that have come to light since completion.

The response I have received from Auckland Transport is attached.

I also secured three new tree pits on the kerb extension between Williamson Ave and Rose Road. Two of the new tree pits have been planted but one remains empty due to drainage issues that are being followed up.

Berm Planting

There is a great deal of community interest in gardening on the grass verge. We have been waiting for some time now for Auckland Transport to confirm the rules that apply.

The Board passed a resolution in December 2014 supporting the development of guidelines. Local Boards gave feedback in September 2015 to Auckland Transport rejecting the first draft. We have been waiting since then for an updated version to comment on. We’ve been told the guidelines are now ” imminent”.

AT has found themselves in an unnecessary pickle over the whole issue. If AT had just recognised Local Board’s place making role in the first place and involved boards in the drafting of guidelines we could have had this all sorted ages ago. The most recent article to appear on this issue is below (Central Leader, 2 December):

Meetings and workshops: 14 November until 13 December

Local Board Chair’s Forum on 14 November
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 15, 29, 6 December (final workshop scheduled for 20 December)
Weekly Chair’s meeting
Meetings with board members to discuss portfolio roles
Monthly meeting with the Local Board comms adviser
Meetings to finalise the Annual Plan consultation material
Meetings with Business Association representatives from Parnell, Newmarket and K’rd to discuss the new board
Governing Body & Local Board Chairs Joint Meeting on 17 November
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting in Whangarei on 21 November
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 22 November
Health, Safety and Wellbeing learning session for elected members on 24 November
Meeting to discuss the format of the Citizenship ceremony
Domain Committee site visit on 1 December for the WWI Centenary Memorial (I was appointed Deputy Chair of the Committee at our November business meeting)
Walk through of the draft findings from the Facility Partnerships Policy research discovery phase.
Community Recycling Centre briefing with all three local boards to provide an update with progress that has occurred over the last few months.
Catch up with the Auckland Council COO (Dean Kimpton plans to meet all board chairs at least once a year)
Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting
Stakeholder Engagement Workshop for Ellen Melville Centre & Freyberg Place on 7 December
Meeting to discuss development of ASB Tennis Arena
Chair’s Forum on 12 December
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 13 December

Events and functions: 15 November until 13 December

Auckland Conversations – Living by the Water at Shed 10 on 15 November
Herne Bay Residents AGM on 16 November
Opening of Taste Auckland at the invitation of ATEED on 17 November
Western Springs Community Recycling centre Open Day on 19 November
Richmond Rd School Gala Day on 19 November
Joined the Auckland Kindergarten Association in celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Myers Park Kindergarten on 20 November (photo right with Mayor Phil Goff)
Civic Trust AGM on 20 November
Site visit to St David’s Church for local board members at the invitation of Paul Baragawanath
Consular Corps Flag raising event celebrating the 35th Anniversary on 25 November
Opening of the Lego Christmas Tree in Aotea Square on 25 November
Opening of the Grey Lynn Park playground on 26 November (photo with board members only)
Grey Lynn Park Festival on 26 November
Bike Auckland final meeting of the year on 28 November
Launch of Silo Theatre’s 2017 season at Q Theatre on 29 November
Griffiths Garden opening on 30 November
Opening of the upgraded Western Park playground on 30 November
Grey Lynn Residents Association AGM on 1 December
First Thursdays on K’rd on 1 December
Franklin Road lights light up on 1 December
Lightpath Te ara i whiti 1^st birthday celebrations on 1 December
Opening of the Silo season at the invitation of Fresh Concept
Ponsonby Market Day on 3 December
Welcome for the new Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli at the invitation of Bernadette Luciano, Honorary Consul at Ferndale House on 4 December
Outlook for Someday Awards 8 December (I also attended my last meeting as Trustee of Connected Media in November)
Opening of Stage One Glenn Innes to Tamaki Drive cycleway on 9 December
Splice Christmas picnic on 10 December
Summer Reception at Auckland Museum & farewell to Roy Clare on 12 December

griffith-garden-opening — Griffith Garden opening

Griffiths Garden opening: A pop up garden featuring seating, picnic tables and play equipment, garden shed for gardening tools and bike repair gear. Also a community fridge, sponsored by the Love Food Hate Waste project. Donors will be able to leave unwanted food items for others to make use of. The community fridge pilot will be in place until Christmas.

Griffith Garden will also become a central teaching hub for the city bee collaboration project, ‘For the love of bees’ in 2017. The Garden is the brainchild of the Auckland Design Office and is funded from the City Centre Targeted rate.

I spoke at the opening to acknowledge all the people making cool, innovative, creative things happen in the city centre.