Te Rimutahi Ponsonby’s new civic space opened last month. It is a wonderful thing to witness the successful completion of a project that has been over 25 years in the making especially as there were many moments when it didn’t look like it would get there.
The project goes back to a Boffa Miskell Ponsonby Open Space Study in 2000 that led to the purchase of 254 Ponsonby Road in 2006 with funding from the Western Bays Community Board. There are many parents who nurtured Te Rimutahi along the way.
My part was initiating the community-led development process a decade ago. This came about after the Waitematā Local Board consulted on the Ponsonby Road Plan including three options for the site. When the feedback was reported to the local board council staff refused to provide an recommendation on the way forward because it wasn’t a funded project. This left us a bit stuck especially as a petition was presented to the local board with over 1200 signatures calling for a ‘whole of site option’ rather than the sale of the rear portion to fund the project as envisaged when the site was purposed.
I pitched to Chair Shale Chambers the idea to using a community- led development process to achieve community support for the best outcome for the site. Fortunately Shale took a leap of faith and in May 2015 the City Vision-led Local Board committed funding to a community partnership approach.
At Auckland Council we have been talking a lot about community-led development and empowered communities over the last 4 years . We’ve been introduced to the concepts through excellent visiting speakers such as Milenko Matanovic and Jim Diers. We have a community-led development champions group convened by Roger Blakely, Chief Planner of which I am a member. We have many community groups participating in shaping local services and placemaking but we don’t have many positive examples of Council putting community-led development into practice.
I am therefore really thrilled about the approach the Board has decided to take in response to the feedback on the development of 254 Ponsonby Road.
With community-led design group members Boopsie Moran and Jennifer Ward
What followed once a community-led design group was established is covered here in the history of Te Rimutahi. I was really relieved when the group’s design brief led to the LandLAB Park+ concept for the civic open space being chosen by the community and endorsed by the Local Board in 2017. It then took sustained advocacy to secure the funding and see the project through to completion 8 years later. The opening of Te Rimutahi, a name gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, on 18 May 2025 was a fantastic community celebration of probably Aotearoa’s biggest project delivered through a community-led design process.
At the ribbon cutting with former Chair of the Waitematā Local Board Shale Chambers and current chair Gen Sage, Mayor Wayne Brown and members of the community-led design group Chris Bailey, Jennifer Ward and Boopsie Moran; Bill Jackson, the project manager for Council, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei rep Jake and Councillor Mike Lee
St Mary’s college jazz band at the opening celebration
Te Rimutahi grassed area at the rear of the site that was originally intended to be sold to fund the project
The first community activation at Te Rimutahi -social dancing organised by Suzanne Kendrick
This month I have prepared a brief update to be reported at the June meeting when Deputy Chair Shale Chambers will be acting. I am out of New Zealand 2 June – 15 July (including attendance at the Velo-city conference in Rio de Janiero)
Highlights
10 year budget
All Local Boards had an opportunity to present to the Finance & Performance Committee on their 10-year budget priorities.
I presented on behalf of Waitematā Local Board together with Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and member Adriana Christie (photo right).
The Board’s presentation is attached (Attachment 1). We focused on seeking Governing Body support for the Board’s priority unfunded project – the development of 254 Ponsonby Road.
Local Government New Zealand
I have recently been appointed to the National Council of LGNZ representing Local Boards. This position has been created in anticipation of a constitutional review of LGNZ’s rules to look at the representation of local boards and other sector groups.
My first official engagement in this role was to attend the 24th Central and Local Government Forum held at Premier House on 10 May (photo below). Local government representatives were impressed with constructive level of engagement from the 14 Ministers who attended the forum.
The forum resulted in many positive discussions focused on the key areas of Water, Climate Change, Regional Development and Housing.
I also attended my first National Council meeting on 17 May and the Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting on 28 May.
Transport:
Tamaki Drive Cycleway
Local Board perseverance and advocacy pays off! Auckland Transport has been working on the design of the Tamaki Drive cycleway between the Strand and Ngapipi intersection. The board is very supportive of this project that will connect to the bi-directional Quay St cycleway however we have repeatedly raised concerns about Auckland Transport’s original proposal to maintain a small section of shared path between the Strand intersection and Solent St. We considered this to be an unacceptable safety risk for the increasing numbers walking and cycling this route.
We requested a continuous cycleway experience for the entire route (separating people on bikes with walkers) and the removal of the Solent St slip lanes to provide one controlled crossing rather than three. After the board rejected a number of design options Auckland Transport has finally agreed to progress a best practice design that delivers a high quality, safe and attractive cycling facility. Construction is proposed to start in December 2018.
Road Safety
As previously reported, Auckland is facing a road safety crisis with devastating consequences. Auckland Transport board recently released a report called Auckland Transport: Road Safety Business Improvement Review, that concludes. “Road safety performance in Auckland in recent years … reflects a number of deficiencies of public policy at central government and local level. Most of all it reflects an absence of commitment to improving safety on New Zealand and Auckland’s roads.”
The Local Board has consistently advocated for Auckland Transport, NZTA and NZ Police to prioritise safety.
In some good news, Auckland Transport is proposing to install pedestrian crossings on Hobson St and College Hill (consultation ended on 14 June).
In summary the Waitematā Local Board supports the overall direction of the RLTP. It shows strong alignment between central government and Auckland Council and a real commitment to deliver a transport programme that responds to Auckland’s challenges. It is reassuring that much of the draft RLTP reflects the transport objectives and initiatives set out in the Waitematā Local Board Plan.
We support the strategic approach towards creating an accessible, connected, safe and sustainable transport network. The RLTP aligns with the Local Board outcome: An accessible, connected and safe transport network with well-designed streets (Waitematā Local Board Plan 2017).
The Local Board supports the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT). Seventy-two percent of Waitematā submitters to the 10-year Budget support the RFT and want investment to be focused on public transport and active transport. We particularly support the focus in the RLTP on:
Safety, with a Vision Zero approach
Environment
Rapid transit
Accessibility
Placemaking
City centre
Active modes and pedestrian prioritisation
In addition to the projects identified below for inclusion in the transport programme, we request as a priority additional funding be identified to deliver the 10-year Programme Business case for cycling recently adopted by Auckland Transport.
During the consultation period I attended the Have your say session at the Grey Lynn Library Hall on 12 May with members Richard Northey and Denise Roche.
Last month the board signed off on the draft Parnell Plan consultation document. “Towards a 30-year plan for Auckland’s First Suburb” is now out for consultation until 29 June.
10am- 2pm, 6 and 16 June: Drop-in session at the Parnell Library
9am-12pm, 9 and 23 June: Parnell Farmers Market
5pm-9pm, 21 June: Winter Solstice event at 69 St Georges Bay Road
Auckland Domain Committee
The Committee met on 30 May (I am deputy chair of the committee). We approved a new natural play space and the Kari Street Commons informal recreational space. The committee is grappling with the issue of commuter parking in the Domain that is diminishing the experience of Domain visitors and creating safety issues for pedestrians. A report on a proposed way forward to improve access is coming to the next Domain committee meeting in August.
Community grants
At the Board’s May meeting we granted $125,000 in accommodation grants and more than $49,000 in community grants.
The board’s next Quick Response grants round opens on 5 June and closes 6 July. Details are on the Council website.
Events
Waitematā is a year-round busy place for an impressive range of events. Recently I have enjoyed attending:
Ockham Book Awards
2018 Writers Festival opening – Gala night
Mt Albert Town Centre upgrade opening (in Albert-Eden)
GridAKL Tech & Innovation – Building a better world. The Funding Network Tech week event
Opening of the Art Fair at the Cloud
Opening of the Doc Edge Film Festival at Q Theatre
Bike Bike Debate at MOTAT on 31 May
On 25 May I attended the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei commemoration event to l mark the 40th anniversary of the stand at Bastion Point. After 506 days of occupation, protesters faced off with members of the police, armed forces and the government over plans to build luxury housing on Ngāti Whātua ancestral land at Takaparawhau – Bastion Point, resulting in 222 arrests. The stand at Bastion Point led to the first successful retrospective claim hearing at the Waitangi Tribunal.
The Prime Minster held a morning tea event on 31 May for members of the Mt Albert electorate community.
Mt Albert Electorate community morning tea with the PM Jacinda Ardern
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)
