In March Auckland Transport consulted on the introduction of a new bylaw to set new speed limits, including lower speed limits for approximately 10% of Auckland’s local roads. Hearings are currently underway to present to a hearings panel made up of AT Board Chair, Mark Gilbert, AT Board member Sir Michael Cullen, Exec GM Service Delivery Andrew Allen, and another AT exec member. Here is my presentation on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board.
Speed Limits Bylaw Hearing
Thank you for the opportunity to present today.I am here as Chair of the Waitemata Local Board representing the city centre and central suburbs of Tamaki Makaurau. I’ve been transport lead for the board for almost 9 years and I’m also an Executive committee member of Trafinz the NZ road safety institute representing Auckland Council. I was part of the team that launched the Auckland Vision Zero campaign in July 2016 along with Brake – the road safety charity, Cycling Advocates Network , Walk Auckland and NZ School Speeds calling for Government and local authorities to adopt a Vision Zero approach to road safety – aiming for zero road deaths and injuries.
Tragically since that time the number of road fatalities and serious injuries has continued to increase. We’ve just had an horrific 10 days on NZ’s roads with 28 people losing their lives. Just in the last 24 hours 2 people have been critically injured in Auckland . In Waitemata a pedestrian was seriously injured last week just near here on Quay Street.
We as politicians, governors, decision makers, enforcement officials need to take responsibility for the fact we have overseen a 78% increase in DSIs over a 5 year period on our watch.
This is clearly unacceptable. I’d like to thank CEO Shane Ellison and the AT board for their leadership in confronting this crisis head on and for taking the first serious steps in Auckland to make our streets safer.
As you are all well aware, one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce road danger is to implement speed reduction measures. A drop of just 10km/h can make a huge difference to the safety of our streets. Reducing a 50km/h local street to 40km/h reduces the risk of pedestrian death from 60% to 25%. Speeds of 30 km/h are the maximum any vulnerable or unprotected road user can withstand without sustaining death or serious injuries. In fact, lowering speeds is the most valuable move any local authority can make if we are serious about saving lives. The World Health Organization has concluded that a five percent reduction in average speed can result in a 30 percent decrease in traffic fatalities
There is of course a heap of evidence that backs up why implementing safe and appropriate speeds works. I will leave that to the experts but I was really pleased to hear AT Board chair Lester state at the launch of the consultation that the final decision would be based on the evidence. An evidence based approach is essential as we navigate through a highly emotive topic .
With regards to the Local Board position I would like to highlight our key initiatives from our local board plan, our on going advocacy and our feedback on the consultation that supports Auckland Transport taking forward the proposed speed limit changes and moving on to the next stage as soon as possible.
We were the first local board to adopt Vision Zero.
In the Local board Plan 2017 Outcome 5: “An accessible, connected and safe transport network with well-designed streets” we have an Objective to “Improve safety for all road users” including the following Key Initiatives:
Work with Auckland Transport (AT) to implement slow traffic speed zones in the city centre and residential areas, and through town centres.
Advocate to AT to adopt a target of zero serious injuries or deaths on our roads as part of a comprehensive approach to road safety.
Advocate to the NZ Transport Agency to change the give way rule at side street crossings to favour pedestrians.
We are now currently in the process of updating our annual advocacy positions to Auckland Transport. These will be agreed to as part of our Annual Local Board Agreement 19/20) but are proposed:
Safer Streets – Auckland Transport to adopt a target of zero serious injuries or deaths on our roads as part of a comprehensive safe systems approach to road safety including safe road design, enforcement, safer speeds and driver education.
Safe and appropriate speeds – Support slower speeds that are safe and appropriate in residential areas, through villages town centres and in the city centre
We are taking this approach with the support of our communities who have consistently told us they want safer streets – where kids can walk to school, streets that are healthier, and attractive, and streets are destinations. Slower speeds will bring a range of additional benefits – it is good for business, reduces pollution and makes for a kinder more caring community. Slower speeds will also help the city welcome small wheeled mobility like e-scooters without introducing more conflict on our crowded footpaths that need to be prioritised for pedestrians.
We are responding to fundamental changes to the way the city is growing. The City Centre population is almost at 60,000 – it is no longer a CBD.
We are host to the region with hundred of thousands of people coming into the city centre every day for work, study and play and as tourists and visitors. There are now 118,000 City Centre employees.
We are yet to see the AT feedback report for Waitemata so I am not in a position to give specific feedback on each proposal but we know there is general support for safe and appropriate speeds and in fact for more extensive changes. For example the Freemans Bay School parents who are asking for the inclusion of Wellington and Hepburn Streets in the Freemans Bay zone. Residents on John Street have questioned why they are not part of a Ponsonby slow speed zone.
We know there is push back on streets that are designed like motorways such as Hobson/Nelson Street that encourage speeding. However, this is now the most dense residential area in Aotearoa so we have to re-imagine how these streets function and who is prioritised.
The speed needs to come down but as part of a much broader package of safety improvements such as removing motorway style signage, pedestrian focused treatments and road diets. In the long term the local board supports Hobson and Nelson being restored to two way streets.
A hearts and minds campaign is also needed to bring Aucklanders along on a shared understanding that slower speeds are pro-community, pro- business, pro children. It will make our streets more accessible and safe for people of all ages and abilities.
In concluding I’d like to acknowledge the AT staff who have fronted the consultation and are doing the mahi. I know it has not always been easy but this is important work.
And finally but not least to acknowledge the victims of the road safety crisis and the loved ones they have left behind. If we are serious about reducing road trauma the speed limit must be reduced.
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.
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.
Local Board Agreement 2019/20 and funding for the Mission’s Homeground project
Western Park- Invitation v4Every year local boards have the opportunity to present on their top priorities for inclusion in the Council’s annual budget.
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)
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
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 .
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
Photo credit: Tina Plunkett
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.
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
25th 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
At our October local board meeting we formally acknowledged Penny Bright (photo right in one of her last campaigns against cycleways).
MOVED by Chairperson P Coom, seconded by Deputy Chairperson S Chambers:
That the Waitematā Local Board
a)acknowledges campaigner and activist Penny Bright who passed away on 4 October 2018. Our thoughts are with her family and close friends at this sad time.
Summary:
Transport
School safety
On 18 October I was invited to join a mum on her walk to school with five boys (not all her own) to experience the safety issues that have been raised with Auckland Transport by the school community.
The kids all enjoy using the Grey Lynn Greenway for part of the route (using it to get to the pump track before school too) but then have a really tricky section to navigate. Lots of local parents prefer to drive because of safety concerns.
Auckland Transport had resisted putting in a crossing or slowing drivers, but almost immediately Auckland Transport consulted on a new proposal to install a new raised pedestrian crossing on Kelmarna Avenue to serve the school.
Car transporters on Great North Road
For a frustratingly long time I have been following up with Auckland Transport on the issue of car transporters unloading illegally on Great North Road. There is a serious concern about public safety as the car transporters are blocking bus stops and the pedestrian refuge.
I’ve met with AT Group Manager, Parking Services who acknowledges that the “sticks” available to Auckland Transport are not working. The operators consider any fines to be a normal part of their business expenses. Even when the side street loading zones are available the operators continue to park illegally on Great North Road as it is more convenient and there is insufficient incentive to put in place appropriate traffic management.
AT has confirmed that as a next step a safety audit will be commissioned to be prepared by Christmas. AT will advise the main operators about the audit with a view to working with them on an appropriate response.
Freyberg Place pedestrian mall
On 15 October 2018 Freyberg Place officially became a pedestrian mall.
To do this the bollards (which are currently lowered to street level) at each end of Freyberg Place have been raised. This will prevent vehicles driving through the square and make it much safer for pedestrians.
Lime e-scooters arrive in Auckland
Auckland Council has issued the region’s first street trading licence to operate a dockless shared electric scooter (e-scooter) system.
The council has permitted Lime to operate systems for a three-month trial – like the initial trial licence granted to Onzo for its bike share service. Other operators of e-scooter systems can apply for a licence too.
Following the launch of 1000 scooters, Auckland Council’s community and social policy team is looking at the regulatory framework for e-scooters and the options that can be considered to mitigate any safety issues or concerns.
The scooters have provided a fun, convenient way to make short trips around the city, but also highlighted the poor state of footpaths and the inadequate space provided to people using small wheeled mobility transport.
Completed projects
The platform on Hopetown Street at the Western Park entrance has been refurbished.
Sackville Reserve Playground is now open. An opening event will be held on on 5 December (check out the board’s Facebook page for details). Photo left: Alfie enjoying the new equipment (as featured in my Ponsonby News November update)
Weona-Westmere coastal walkway
Featured in Metro Magazine NZ Best of Auckland 2018 Waitemata Local Board‘s Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway. Described as “Perfect for city strollin’” (photo right in Metro)
Low Carbon Network Event – Trees
The Low Carbon Network event held on 8 November at the wonderful Sustainable Coastlines Flagship on the theme of Rākau (Trees). Waitematā Local Board tree loss report 2006 – 2016 shows 61.23 hectares (approximately 17 per cent) has been lost in last 10 years – 65 per cent of the urban forest clearance has occurred on private land. Details on what is being done in the Our Auckland story – Protecting Auckland’s urban trees (Attachment 3).
Meetings and workshops 10 October until 11 November 2018
Catch up with Councillor Mike Lee on 10 October
Franklin Road Community Liaison meeting on 10 October
Monthly catch up with City Centre Residents Group representative on 11 October and 9 November
Local Board professional development workshop on 12 October Shining the light on placemaking (photo right: attendees with the speakers). An amazing opportunity to hear about placemaking locally, nationally and internationally and explore how local boards can work collaboratively to create places for community connection and innovation. With a stellar line up of speakers:
Ethan Kent- Senior Vice President at the Project for Public Spaces. Ethan has been integral to the development of placemaking as a transformative approach to economic development, environment and transport planning, governance, resilience, equity and design. He has led high profile public placemaking projects around the world, for example in New York.
Lucy Tukua – Kaihautu Native by Nature, He uri o Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga. Lucy has been serving iwi for many years in numerous roles and has a strong presence in and around local and central government. She is a passionate advocate for placemaking and the sourcing of place-based potential and bringing through the cultural sense of place and whakapapa.
Denise Bijoux – Network Director at Catalyse Denise has worked extensively in Auckland, as well as across New Zealand, to inspire, activate and understand locally-led urban transformation. She is a social researcher, evaluator, facilitator and project manager working in community-led development, urban sustainability, planning, health, social justice and government.
Neil McInroy – Chief Executive at Centre for Local Economic Studies Neil is a commentator and strategist on economic development and public policy who has collaborated on a broad range of local, regional and national projects across the globe. He is currently involved with both ATEED and the Southern Initiative/ Western Initiative and brings a focus onto the importance of the economic side of placemaking.
Weekly chairs catch up held on 15, 29 October and 5 November
Regional Cluster Workshop for local board elected members on 15 October
Meeting to discuss the achievements report on 15 October
Meeting to discuss the high level 2019/2020 work programme on 16 October
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 16 October
Monthly transport portfolio catch-up on 17 October
Meeting with Mark Lambert, AT’s Executive GM Integrated Networks on 17 October
I took former Mayor Len Brown on a tour of the Ellen Melville Centre on 18 October. Len Brown was instrumental in securing a budget for the restoration of the Centre. (photo right of the former Mayor talking to Ellie Craft who we bumped into at the centre)
Albert Park tunnels update meeting with Nicholas Reid, Cr Chris Darby and Rory Palmer from the Mayor’s office
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 23 and 30 October and 6 November
Trafinz executive committee meeting on 24 October
Meeting with Jill Kayser, Spice and Julia West, Lifewise at Merge Café on 25 October
K’rd business association AGM on 25 October
City Centre network meeting and lunch at Ellen Melville Centre on 25 October
Auckland Transport quarterly briefing on 29 October
Ponsonby Business Association AGM on 29 October
Meeting with John Strawbridge, AT Group Manager, Parking Services on 31 October
Domain Committee agenda run through meeting on 31 October
Planning Committee workshop on Downtown spaces and City Centre Masterplan refresh on 1 November
Meeting with Auckland City Mission on 1 November to discuss the City Mission’s HomeGround project
K’rd Business Association annual BID presentation to the board on 8 November
Meeting with Waitemata Local Board / CRL / Auckland Council & Auckland Transport on 9 November to discuss concerns raised by the Waitemata Local Board regarding a number of issues including the Board’s opportunity for input into placemaking and the development of Beresford Square, public toilets, bike parking, and coordination between the organisations.
Community morning tea for the Mt Albert Electorate hosted by the PM on 11 October
Brake annual reception and awards night on 11 October
Kelmarna Gardens plant sale on 12 October
Tour of the Shortland Flats (1923) for Auckland Heritage Festival on 13 October at the invitation of Michael McKeown. The residents opened up their homes to show off the many original features. Interesting fact: There are only 7 cars and 7 car parks between 40 residents in 23 apartments (photo right).
Fukuoka Gardens picnic for Friends of the Garden on 14 October
Visited the OMG Symonds Street Community Garden on 14 October
Biketober event at the Grey Lynn Farmers Market on 14 October
Joined the school run on 18 October to Marist School at the invitation of a parent concerned about the safety of students walking and wheeling
Bikes and Beers hosted by Bike Auckland on 18 October
Grey Lynn Business Association Block party at the Grey Lynn Library Hall on 18 October
Fields of Remembrance Official opening at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on 19 October (photo at the beginning of my report)
Diwali Festival official opening in Aotea Square with the PM on 20 October including a walkabout with Mayor Phil Goff, MPs Priyanca Radhakrishnan and Deborah Russell and Puketapapa Local Board member Shail Kaushal (photo right)
Popped by The First Great Big Jumbly Bumbly-Bumbly Jumbly Sale organised by the City Centre Residents Group on 20 October at Griffiths Garden
Opening of the Italian Festival at Non Solo Pizza on 23 October
Bike Rave event on 24 October
Opening of Te Paki o Matariki – 160 Years of Kiingitanga. This ground breaking exhibition at Auckland War Memorial Museum on 27 October the exhibition features important taonga selected from the royal collection of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, the present Maaori king.
Spoke at the Grey Lynn 2030 10th birthday celebration and book launch at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 28 October (photo right).
Spoke at the official opening of Festival Italiano in Newmarket on 28 October
Thriving urban places breakfast seminar hosted by MADE Group Ltd with speaker Tim Stonor, Managing Director of London-based Space Syntax
Enviro Schools celebration at Western Spring Community Centre on 1 November
Maritime Museum opening on 1 November
Merge Café Spring pop up fundraising dinner on 1 November
John Elliott’s 80th birthday celebration on 5 November. John brought together community leaders who he wished to acknowledge on his birthday. He ended his speech “Finally, I’ve had a longstanding interest in environmental issues, and value Gus Speth, a main stream American environmentalist, who said recently. ‘I used to think the top E problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate change. But I was wrong. The top three E problems are selfishness, greed and apathy and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation”
On Track for the Living Wage launch event at Britomart station on 6 November calling on Auckland Council to become an accredited living wage employer. If Wellington City Council can do it then we can too! (Photo credit: Jason Fell.)
Patrons Night at Basement Theatre. Invite to attend a performance of Bad Mood
Officiated at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Auckland Town Hall on 9 November
Richmond Road School gala on 10 November
T Whites bikes 10th anniversary on 10 November
Armistice Day commemoration service and Roaring Chorus at the Grey Lynn RSC on 11 November (photo below).
I have been campaigning for Vision Zero for several years. There has been a 70% increase in fatalities and serious injuries on Auckland roads since 2014 or over three times the rate of the rest of New Zealand. I am therefore really pleased that Auckland Transport has now prioritised bringing down this unacceptably high rate of death and serious injuries on our roads to zero.
Auckland Transport has set up a new Reducing Speed Limits website page with information about why AT is fast-tracking implementation of a speed management plan for Auckland.
Hairdryer speed enforcement organised by Walk Auckland to mark the 8th anniversary of 40km speed limit on Ponsonby Rd
September marks the 9th anniversary since Ponsonby Road was slowed to 40km. Now in response to a road safety crisis that has seen Deaths and Serious injuries (DSi) increase by 67% since 2013 Auckland Transport is following that ground-breaking lead by proposing speed limit reductions across the region. In Waitemata 77% of all DSi involved vulnerable road users, people walking or cycling. This is the highest percentage among all Local Boards.
The project to lower the speed limit along Ponsonby Road started in 2004 with a Walk Auckland survey in which 65% of people indicated they would like the traffic along Ponsonby Road to slow down. It took campaigners such as Hamish Keith and Andy Smith and the members of the former Western Bay Community Board five years of hard work to turn this into a reality.
One of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce road danger is to implement speed reduction measures. A drop of just 10km/h can make a huge difference to the safety of our streets. Reducing a 50km/h local street to 40km/h reduces the risk of pedestrian death from 60% to 25%. Speeds of 30 km/h are the maximum any vulnerable or unprotected road user can withstand without sustaining death or serious injuries. In fact, lowering speeds is the most valuable move any local authority can make if we are serious about saving lives. The World Health Organization has concluded that a five percent reduction in average speed can result in a 30 percent decrease in traffic fatalities.
Hamish Keith and Andy Smith with local board members mark the 3rd anniversary of 40km on Ponsonby Road
In 2014 New York City, following the adoption of “Vision Zero”, lowered its speed limit to 25 mph (40km). It has resulted in a 25 percent decline in traffic fatalities. The Mayor of London recently announced a Vision Zero goal ambition – the elimination of all deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041. The Waitemata Local Board was the first to support Vision Zero in our plans. Vision Zero is a long-term goal that creates a more people-centred transport system. At its core is a moral imperative that no loss of life on our road network is acceptable or inevitable.
The Vision Zero approach also accepts that everyone makes mistakes and therefore all parts of the transport system need to be strengthened through a safe road environment, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe road use, so that when mistakes occur, it does not lead to people dying or being seriously injured.
In April the Associate Transport Minister, Julie Anne Genter announced the development of a new road safety strategy with a bold Vision Zero target. This was followed up with additional funding for safety improvements. Auckland Transport is now also aligned with a commitment to create a road network free of death and serious injury.
Work is currently underway to identify areas and roads around the Auckland region to set lower speed limits. These roads will be added to the Schedule of Speed Limits and drafted into the bylaw. The bylaw will be consulted on Auckland-wide. From the feedback I receive I know locals want safer and healthier streets that encourage walking and cycling. Far more streets and neighbourhoods are likely to join the example established by Ponsonby Road.
This report covers the period 15 August until 11 September 2018 including the start of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 10 – 16 Mahuru.
Ko te reo te taikura ō te whakaaro marama
Language is the key to understanding
He pai ake te iti i te kore
A little is better than none
Summary
Waitematā Local Board August business meeting
At our monthly board meetings, we are fortunate to welcome a range of presenters to an often lively and interesting public forum. Our August business meeting was especially well attended with presentations from:
John Elliott – Non-toxic non-herbicidal spray method
Elizabeth Walker and Sel Arbuckle of STEPS – Western Springs plantings on lava flow forest
Caitlin McIlhagga General Manager 95bFM – Presentation about 95bFM does and how it is involved with the community (photo right)
Jennifer Ward, Chris Bailey and Paula Wilkinson of Community- Led Design Group – 254 Ponsonby Road
Chris O’Brien, Chairman Laura Fergusson Trust; Rob Small -Trustee Laura Fergusson Trust and Simon Wilson, Managing Director Heineken Urban Polo – Heineken Urban Polo Tournament
Example of an urban tree that was felled following the removal of tree protection rules
Graeme Easte, Albert-Eden Local Board Member – Meola Creek Catchment Update
2006 – 2015 Urban Forest Canopy Changes in the Waitematā Local Board area
Last term the board initiated LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) mapping to understand changes in the urban tree canopy. It has taken some time for the results to be presented due to a number of technical challenges. At our August meeting we received the draft ‘Tree loss in the Waitematā Local Board over ten years (2006 – 2015)’ report funded as part of the Waitematā Local Board’s 2017/2018 urban forest framework project
The report highlights that the amount of tree loss in the Waitematā Local Board area 2006-2015 is 61.23 hectares (approximately 17 per cent) and that 65 per cent of the urban forest clearance has occurred on private land. This does not include the growth of new,canopy. Further analysis work is underway and will be the subject of a subsequent report.
A significant part of the tree loss has been caused by the removal by the former central government of Council’s general tree protection rules so we urge the Governing Body to advocate to government to change the law to enable Auckland Council to reintroduce general tree protection rules.
Western Springs Lakeside Park Development Plan consultation
A draft park development plan for Western Springs Te Wai Ōrea Lakeside Park was out for consultation until the end of August.
The Board held an open day at the park playground on 18 August (photo right Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and member Adriana Christie with local resident Chuck Joseph). A number of people gave feedback not just about the park plan but about concerns over current maintenance issues.
I logged these issues and in response received the following updates:
Bird numbers no longer managed – unfortunately we missed the opportunity last Spring to train our contractors in conjunction with the Zoo hence the rise in bird numbers this year. We are now working with our contractors and the zoo and will undertake the seasonal addling of the eggs this Spring.
Paths no longer swept – all bird poo washed into the Lake – Paths are blown and water blasted once a week and are contractors are aware that bird faeces should not be washing into the lake. We have reiterated this with our contractor and we have increased the frequency of water blasting to 3 x a week as of Tuesday this week.
Broken drinking fountains – There are a couple of water fountains that have no active water pipe feeding it due to them being broken by tree roots coming up through the concrete. These have not been working for a number of years and this will be addressed as part of the Western Park project works.
Broken toilets at the playground with dirty Portaloo replacements – The zoo is constructing a new administration building on the site of a previous building that has been removed. Unfortunately, when the Zoo staff began work it was discovered that the western spring toilet had been connected to this facilities waste water line. This was unknown to the zoo project team and was not recorded on any plans so reinstatement of the sewer line was included in the design for the new building. Community Facilities are working with the zoo project team and have devised a methodology for a new connection, so we can recommission the toilets. Whilst the work may not be expensive it is complex given the significant amount of volcanic rock and protected trees along the pathway for a new connection. The new work will require a consent and arborist approval before works can commence. We hope to have the toilets reinstated before the summer season starts.
In the interim alternative facilities are provided and these are cleaned twice daily with the expectation this meets the same outcome as permanent toilets by way of cleanliness. If this is found not to be the case a request for service can be called through and our contractor will attend.
Broken light in toilet block in park – disconnected due to the works going on at the Zoo.
We also received positive feedback from “Friends of Fukuoka Gardens” community group who have been working directly with contractors to improve maintenance of the Japanese garden.
It is proposed that issues such as water quality and bird feeding will be addressed through the plan.
Salisbury Reserve consultation and removal of the Masonic Lodge
Land purchased to create an entrance way to Salisbury Reserve
Consultation on the two options for opening up the entrance to Salisbury Reserve ended at the end of August. During the month I met on site with both local residents and representatives of the Herne Bay Residents Association. I confirmed that the local board doesn’t intend revisiting the decision to remove the Masonic Lodge building for a number of reasons:
We don’t have a budget to upgrade it, to cover operational costs nor to pay for a change to the required resource consent (which will be opposed by local residents).
There is no evidence of a need for another community facility serving Herne Bay.
Current facilities including Leys Institute Hall and the Vermont Centre are not at capacity. I also provided the occupancy stats below of local facilities that directly report to Council.
The reserve is not large enough to support two community facilities.
There are minimal heritage values associated with the building as it has been through so many alterations.
The standard available hours in 10h/day and the percentages below is based on the standard.
Utilisation FY16/17 FY17/18
Leys Institute Hall 16% 20%
Freemans Bay Community Hall 38% 39%
Grey Lynn Community Centre 55% 53%
Ponsonby Community Centre 37% 36%
Leys Institute Gym 59% 57%
Central City Library opening hours
The board made funding available so the Auckland Central City Library can open for an extra hour on Saturdays and Sundays from September 1. Funding is guaranteed until 30 June 2019.
Transport
John Street, Ponsonby – a trial for a new “healthy streets” approach
As a narrow street and rat run John Street in Ponsonby has suffered from a number of parking, traffic and safety issues going back some time. The transport portfolio has been following up with a group of residents who would like to be part of the solution. They are keen for John St to be used to showcase AT’s new approach to safer, healthier streets which are designed for all road users not just cars.
On 18 August I met with residents on the street to discuss potential options. I confirmed that the Local Board is pushing AT to use all the tools available to improve the conditions of John Street. AT is currently preparing a proposal for consultation.
Grey Lynn Parking
The local board passed the following resolution at our business meeting on 21 August in response to the parking concerns that have been raised with us in response to a letter drop to 600 Grey Lynn households opposing a proposed time restricted parking zone.
MOVED by Chairperson P Coom, seconded by Deputy Chairperson S Chambers:
That the Waitematā Local Board:
receive the Auckland Transport August 2018 update report
request Auckland Transport to implement the proposed new Arch Hill and Grey Lynn residential parking zone as soon as reasonably practicable and put on hold the proposed implementation of the timerestricted P120 zone that has not been consulted on until after an assessment has been made of the impact of the residential parking zone
request Auckland Transport work with the Grey Lynn Residents Association to identify suitable locations for P120 restrictions.
In response to the resolution AT has confirmed that the RPZ implementation will be brought forward to December and they will put on hold the time restricted parking. Further details are on the Auckland Transport website.
Waitematā Safer Routes
Concept design for West Lynn, Richmond Road
New designs prepared by Boffa Miskell to fix the issues on the two Waitematā Safer routes were presented to Community Liaison Groups (CLGs) on 5 September. A few days later the NZ Herald reported that the Grey Lynn cycleway debacle could cost $35m to fix and claimed that the project was for a few “existing cyclists”. Grey Lynn Business Association co-chair Irene King was reported as saying that preliminary designs as “very, very stunning” with beautiful urban design and landscaping.
There is a lot that Auckland Transport has got wrong with this project and it should have been done correctly first time (I have previously reported on the background and what went wrong) but it is far is more accurate to describe the project as a street upgrade as it covers a safety improvements for everyone, bus stop changes, bus stop changes, traffic lights, parking, stormwater, landscaping and new trees. Auckland Transport has also confirmed the figure of $35m is incorrect and should not have been presented to the CLG. The actual projected cost for this project sits between $17m-$22m at present. AT has explained the figure of $35m was an initial costing that had long since been refined but was unfortunately inserted into the presentations to the CLGs and wasn’t caught until it was too late.
Auckland Transport plans to take the proposals out for consultation in Novembers so the wider community can decide what should be prioritised within the available budget.
Road Safety
My latest Ponsonby News column covers the 9th anniversary of speed reduction on Ponsonby Road and the speed bylaw proposals that are shortly to go out for consultation (Attachment 1). Deaths and Serious injuries (DSi) across Auckland have increased by 67% since 2013. In Waitematā 77% of all DSi involved vulnerable road users, people walking or cycling. This is the highest percentage among all Local Boards.
I was really pleased to see Auckland Transport’s CEO strong leadership and uncompromising statement on safer speeds in a letter to NZ Herald on 10 September (right).
On 5 September I attended a business strategy workshop in Wellington as a committee member of Trafinz. The New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute or Trafinz represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand. It exists to lobby the government, to influence decision making on road safety and traffic issues. It also acts as a forum for collectively pursuing traffic issues of interest to local authorities, and for sharing information and advice.
Trafinz is actively involved in the development of a new road safety strategy with a Vision Zero target.
Meetings and workshops: 15 August until 11 September 2018
Meeting with local residents on 15 August at the Masonic Hall regarding the Salisbury Reserve consultation
Auckland Paths working group meeting on 16 August
Meeting with Steve Mutton, Director Regional Relationships on 17 August
Met with John Street, Ponsonby residents on 18 August to discuss options to traffic calm and reduce volumes
Attended the Western Springs Development Plan consultation event held at the park on 18 August
Chair’s weekly meeting with the local board services team on 20, 27 August and 3 and 10 September
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 21 August
LGNZ Zone 1 meeting on 24 August in Manukau
Spoke to Citizens Advice Bureau Grey Lynn/Ponsonby Branch volunteers on 27 August about the role of the local board
Board all day workshops on 28 August and 4, 11 September
Wynyard Quarter Transport Management Association meeting on 29 August
Meeting with Jeremy Hansen, Britomart Group on 29 August
Attended a Vision Zero meeting organised by Bike Auckland at Bizdojo on 29 August
Meeting with representatives of the Herne Bay Residents Association on 29 August the Masonic Hall regarding the Salisbury Reserve consultation
Interviewed by Grant Hewison regarding the Ponsonby Business Association strategic plan on 29 August
Auckland Domain Committee workshop followed by the public committee meeting on 30 August
Inclusive governance in a diverse Auckland workshop offered by the Kura Kawana Elected Member Development Programme with guest speaker Professor Paul Spoonley, Pro Vice-Chancellor – College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University on 31 August
Kia whai whare atou katoa: Regional, cross-sectoral homelessness plan for Auckland workshop at the Fickling Centre on 3 September (photo right)
Meeting on 4 September with the Community–led Design Group to discuss 254 Ponsonby Road in preparation for the forthcoming Options Paper.
TRAFINZ workshop in Wellington on 5 September
Visit to Auckland Zoo for local board members on 6 September (photo right)
Catch up with City Centre Residents Group representative on 6 September
Transport portfolio catch up on 7 September
Meeting with Director Regulatory Services Penny Pirrit to discuss compliance issues at the helicopter boat shed construction on Sentinel Beach, Herne Bay
Attended the “Business Grey Lynn” organised community meeting at St Columba church on 9 September regarding the Representation Review consultation that closed on 11 September
Local Board Chairs’ Forum on 10 September
Ponsonby Business Association committee meeting on 11 September
Briefing by Heart of the City regarding their street guardians initiative
Events and functions: 15 August until 11 September 2018
Interview on 95 BfM on 15 August to discuss the development of green spaces
Opening night of Auckland Theatre Company’s Filthy Business at ASB waterfront Theatre on 16 August at the invite of ATC
Walters Prize opening at Auckland Art Gallery on 17 August
Panel member with MP Deborah Russell and former MP Damien Fenton at the Central Auckland Labour LEC’s Locally Left event at the Grey Lynn RSC on 27 August (photo below)
Opening of the Mina and Courtney Pellow NZFW show pop up shop on 30 August at the invite of the K’Road Business Association (photo right)
Living Wage Employer celebration held at the Ellen Melville Centre on 3 September (photo below)
“Into the Underworld” exhibition opening on 8 September in Silo 6, Wynyard Quarter.
Officiated at the Town Hall citizenship ceremony on 11 September.
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
This report covers the period 11 April – 8 May 2018.
Highlights
10-year budget and Local Board priorities
The Waitematā Local Board received almost 1500 submissions on the Council’s 10-year budget and Local Board priorities. I enjoyed reading them all to understand concerns and what we need to improve on. It was also hugely encouraging to receive such positive feedback confirming we are heading in the right direction.
72% support the regional fuel tax wanting the additional funding to be directed at improving public transport and walking & cycling
81% support the proposed water quality targeted rate (to stop sewage going into the harbour)
69% support natural environment targeted rate
63% support the proposed rates increase of 2.5%
83% support or partially support the local board’s priorities
Other themes
Support for additional Auckland Art Gallery funding of $20m
Support for Victoria Quarter city centre improvements
Support for Vision Zero to be included in the Auckland Plan 2050
Strong support for continuing to develop the Auckland cycling network with separated cycleways
Support for increased support to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness.
The Board’s feedback on the 10-year budget 2018-2028 and the draft Auckland Plan 2050 is available on the minutes to the 3 May meeting. We also approved our advocacy initiatives that will form an appendix to the Local Board Agreement 2018/2019.
Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan
The draft waste plan was consulted on at the same time as the 10-year budget. We received 130 submissions from the board area. There was a strong level of support for the overall direction of the draft plan and the proposals consulted on.
The board’s feedback (Attachment 1) was presented at the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan hearing on 3 May by the Natural Environment portfolio holders Denise Roche and Rob Thomas.
Regional Land Transport Plan feedback
The Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) lays out the vision for Auckland’s transport infrastructure over the next ten years- an accessible, safe and sustainable city and region. The goal of the RLTP is to ensure that Auckland can address its current challenges and take advantage of future growth. The RLTP focuses on:
reducing congestion
improving freight reliability
road safety
promoting walking and cycling
advancing public transport.
The Board’s presentation to Regional Transport Committee hearing on the RLTP is attached (Attachment 2). The board’s submission will be finalised by 17 May.
Homelessness
We know from the feedback we regularly receive and through the 10-year Budget consultation that our residents would really like to see homelessness and rough sleeping tackled so we no longer have vulnerable people sleeping out on our streets. The board has agreed to the following advocacy positions to be included in our Local Board Agreement 18/19. At the same time we welcome the government’s announcement that $100m is to be invested in homelessness including an increase in the number of places available through Housing First, a solution that has been shown to work.
Housing solution for homeless people
Deliver short and medium-term housing solutions to address homelessness
The Governing Body to partner with the Waitematā Local Board to enhance provision of city centre public facilities such as toilets, showers and lockers
The Governing Body to financially support the development of Mission HomeGround
The Governing Body to increase funding to support Housing First Auckland
Storm Damage
Auckland was hit by a severe storm on the evening of 10 April that caused wide spread power outages and the toppling of trees all over Auckland. At Western Springs a number of large trees came down causing paths to be closed (the track through the Western Springs pine stand will remain closed while 30 pine trees are assessed that are at risk of toppling). Our Auckland story on track closures: Attachment 3
Tree debris is being collected by Auckland Council’s contractor Ventia from the side of the road. There is currently a backlog that I have been advised should be cleared by the week beginning 14 May.
Tragically in the past three years, Auckland’s deaths and serious injuries (DSI) have increased at almost triple the rate of the rest of NZ and around five times the growth of travel. Of 29 world cities, Auckland has the second highest pedestrian fatality rate (Our Auckland story: Attachment 4).
Red light running is particularly an issue in the city centre. This has been highlighted at the intersection of Nelson Street and Union St on the Freemans Bay School walking route that has been subject of recent complaints (a video posted on social media showed seven drivers red light running in just one light phase). I have been following this up with AT and NZ Police who are yet to confirm what action is going to be taken.
I reported on road safety issues in the latest Ponsonby News update and the completion of the Ponsonby Pedestrian Improvement project (Attachment 5)
Monkey Bars are back in Grey Lynn Park
The playground upgrade at Grey Lynn Park completed in November 2016 removed monkey bars from the design. Following a petition from twins Ila and Jaya Patel (photo right) the Board agreed to fund new monkey bars. The new equipment has now been installed (Our Auckland story: Attachment 6).
Meetings and workshops: 11 April until 8 May 2018
Weekly chair’s meeting held every Monday with the local board services team
Government Policy Statement on Land Transport – briefing session with transport strategy team on 12 April to discuss local board feedback
Catch up with Maggie Gresson, of Artists Alliance and board member Richard Northey
Meeting with Ian Clark (Director at Flow Transportation Specialists Ltd) on 12 April regarding Western Springs Precinct parking project
Breakfast meeting with Mark Ames from Strategic Cities hosted by Auckland Transport
Catch up with Jill Keyser from Splice on 13 April
April cluster workshop for local board members on 16 April
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 17 April
Meeting on 18 April to discuss local board advocacy items
Ports of Auckland presentation for board members on 19 April draft 30 year masterplan
Board all day workshops on 24 April, 1 May and 8 May
Inner city network meeting at Auckland Central Library on 26 April
Meeting to discuss representation review
Monthly comms meeting on 26 April
Regional Land Transport Plan briefing by Auckland Transport for local board members on 30 April
Finance and Performance committee workshop on 2 May: 10 year budget update
RLTP hearing on 7 May (Attachment 2)
Ponsonby Business Association board monthly meeting on 8 May
Events and functions: 11 April until 8 May 2018
Regional Facilities Auckland tour of the Civic Theatre and function for local board members and advisory panel members on 11 April (photo right)
How London became a cycling city presentation by Mark Ames from Strategic Cities hosted by Russell McVeagh
Launch on 13 April at the Cloud of a trial of two city centre e-buses by the Mayor and Associate Minister for Transport Julie-Anne Genter (photo below right)
Popped into the Waitemata Safe Routes drop in session at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 14 April led by Boffa Miskell who have been engaged by Auckland Transport to lead a technical review of the Waitemata Safe Routes programme
“Pump tracks are for girls too!” event with Sarah Walker organised by Women in Urbanism at the Grey Lynn pump track on 14 April
Eco Day Festival at EcoMatters on 15 April
Opening of Body Worlds Vital at the Hilton Hotel on 23 April
The opening night of Southern Star – Te Tonga Whetu o te Rangi on 24 April including live musical performances choreographed to architectural-scale, light artworks by Jeff Smith and Johann Nortje projected onto the historic brick and stone walls of St David’s. (My speech: Attachment 7)
Anzac day dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Spoke on behalf of the board at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac day service (My speech: Attachment 8). Photo below presenting the local board wreath with board member Denise Roche
Comedy Gala opening night on 26 April at the invitation of ATEED
Re-opening of the Richmond Road Medical Centre on 27 April by PM Jacinda Adern
Trash to Trade competition organised by Grey Lynn Waste Away at the Grey Lynn RSC on 29 April (photo below)
Mrs Warren’s profession opening night at the ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invitation of Auckland Theatre Company
Unveiling of Te Toka o Apihai Te Kawau by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Ports of Auckland on 4 May (photo right)
Foundation North lunch on 4 May to launch their Strategic Plan with the PM and Mayor Goff
Attended the Fossil Free Acceleration Tour with Bill McKibben and 350 Aotearoa at the Auckland Town Hall on 7 May
Feijoa Festival at Tabac, Mills Lane on 8 May
Photo right: Trash to Trade competition. Grey Lynn 2030 trustee Brigette Stigid with board member Denise Roche who spoke at the event and board member Adriana Avendaño Christie who was one of the judges, alongside Metal as Anything Creations‘ Andrew Palace. The established artisans category was won by Jared Diprose from Goose Boards the new designer category by Fiona Bonner from Floroganza, and the young makers category by Briar Shaw-Smith.
Associate Minister Transport Julie Anne Genter opens the Road Safety Summit
Local Government Road Safety Summit 9 April 2018
Panel discussion on Local Government’s view about what more can be done to improve road safety
Chair: Stuart Crosby, LGNZ Vice President
Panelists:
Rachel Reese, Mayor of Nelson
Hugh Vercoe, Waikato Regional Council
David Ayers, Mayor of Waimakariri
Pippa Coom, Chair, Waitematā Local Board
Each panel member was invited to speak for 5 minutes before a panel discussion with the Associate Minster Julie Anne Genter. The following is my presentation
Road safety crisis facing Auckland
Tena koutou e ngā rau Rangatira mā e huihui mai nei
Ka mihi whānui ki a koutou katoa, Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Greetings Minister. Greetings to everyone gathered at this significant summit
Thank you for the invite to be part of the panel discussion and the opportunity to present on the road safety crisis facing Auckland.
It is currently a very bleak picture but at the same time I have tremendous hope for the future of our transport system thanks to the leadership of the new government and in particular Ministers Genter and Twyford. Significantly for the first time ever Auckland and Wellington are aligned politically to drive through progressive reform to deliver safe, sustainable, accessible mobility for everyone.
Just to mention that my slides are on autopilot for 5 minutes and will just keep rolling as I speak pecha kucha style. Auckland Transport has provided the graphs (below). I acknowledge the work of the many road safety professionals here today.
I speak not as an expert but as a politician who wants to do what is necessary to ensure that the people who live, work, play, study in and visit Tamaki makaurau are able to enjoy a transport system that is free of serious injuries and death.
People like Robert Su who was killed while heading home to his family on the north shore from work in the growing Waterfront business area. The road that he and hundreds of commuters have to cross to reach their bus stop is designed for high speeds and vehicle priority. This is the story all over Auckland where street design, road safety culture, speeds, investment, enforcement and education has not responded to Auckland’s growth and change.
To give a snap shot of that change in stats. Auckland welcomed 50,000 new residents over the last year. More workers enter the city centre each day on PT than in private motorcars. There are more people living in the city centre than come in by car. Pedestrian numbers on Auckland’s premier shopping street have doubled since 2012. 800 cars are added to Auckland every week.
Tragically in the past three years, Auckland deaths and serious injuries have increased at almost triple the rate of the rest of NZ and around five times the growth of travel.
Of 29 world cities, Auckland has the second highest pedestrian fatality rate, sixth highest cyclist fatality rate, and highest motorcyclist fatality rate per distance travelled. As I am sure you all know this indicates strongly that Auckland is experiencing major systems failure with pressing road safety issues.
A recent, highly critical, road safety report commissioned by Auckland Transport’s Board concluded the reasons for the increase in deaths and serious injuries include
Increase interaction between different road users
Inappropriate speeds
Reduced enforcement
More motorcycling
Inadequate safer infrastructure investment
Drug impaired driving and drink driving
Travel growth
At the same time there has been a complete lack of leadership and a failure to prioritise road safety.
Fortunately, and none too soon, change is coming and we know what to do.
Auckland is close to adopting Vision Zero to demand and inspire action. I acknowledge Chris Darby, Chair of the planning committee and North Shore ward councillor. Chris has led the way on the Auckland Plan the long term vision for Auckland that will include for the first time a focus on moving to a safe transport network free from death and serious injury.
I appreciate to achieve that are no simple solutions and that transportation is a complex system with multiple factors but I am encouraged from what I am hearing across the sector that there is a united view on the way forward. I’ve recently joined the Executive committee of Trafinz. Acknowledge to the committee members here. Trafinz has developed 15 interventions to reduce death and serious injury for local authorities to adopt that are aligned with what the Minister has indicated for the new road safety strategy including vision zero.
What I also appreciate as a politician is that we have to bring the community along to support a significant step change. The Minister has given local government the challenge to not allow opposition to specific treatments to slow down delivery. This is not going to be easy as the public has been lied to for far too long about why the system is failing. Victim blaming is deeply engrained as way of explaining the carnage and too many politicians are ready to dog whistle on slower speeds.
But we can be brave to reject business as usual thanks to what is happening at the grassroots, the advocates who are the wind in our sails of change. Thanks to the work of Brake and partners there is a groundswell of support for Vision zero and safer speeds. The petition organised by Cycle Action Network of over 11, 000 calling to make our streets safe for cycling is an indication depth of support for a new approach .
On the ground in Auckland, feedback through the recent 10 year budget consultation shows strong community support for transport choice, complete streets, slower speeds, safe mobility for our most vulnerable.
Kia ora Minister. Thank you for making this summit happen to provide the leadership needed to address NZ’s road safety crisis. The time is now.
Report covering the period 8 November until 12 December 2017.
Local board members present Tim Coffey with a Good Citizens Award
This is my final report for the year and the end of my first year as Chair. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow board members, the Local Board services team and everyone who works to make Waitemata a great place. Our Achievements Report 16/17 really highlights the diversity of the board’s responsibilities and how we can make a difference locally when we respond to and partner with the community.
It has been a challenging but rewarding year. The new way of working introduced this term which focuses on the board’s work programme has limited the role of portfolios and made it more difficult for board members to effectively keep on top of project delivery (this will be reviewed in the new year). Internal restructuring and the changeover to a new maintenance contract in July has resulted in far more complaints to the board. In October the only Auckland Future member of the board resigned forcing a by-election to be held in February 2018. The year is coming to an end with the cycleway programme in the spotlight and robust discussion about how Auckland Transport delivers on local priorities (this is covered in detail in Attachment 1).
On 14th December we are launching the Waitematā Local Board plan which sets our three-year direction. Consultation in May and June this year guided development of the plan and confirmed strong support for the direction of the Board. At the December business meeting we are confirming budget priorities for 2018/19. These priorities will be extensively consulted on as part of the 10 year budget consultation starting on 28 February 2018
The Board’s annual report of highlights covering major projects and initiatives, community grants, advocacy and local governance is now available online.
The report overlaps with the last term so provides a good opportunity to acknowledge the work of former board members and Chair, Shale Chambers who originally kicked off the annual record of achievements.
Waitemata Safe Routes Projects- update
In Attachment 1 I provide an update on two of the inner west walking and cycling projects that have created a great deal of controversy and scrutiny of Auckland Transport’s engagement and delivery practices. This has provided an opportunity to reflect on the board’s role through the process.
As covered in the update the board is actively working with Auckland Transport on the solutions and agreed process for further consultation.
Teed Street upgrade
The now complete Teed Street upgrade as featured in Paperboy
Domain Committee
There has been a long standing issue in the Domain of drivers parking on the grass. Currently Auckland Transport does not have enforcement power to prohibit parking on areas of the Domain outside of formed roads.
At the Domain Committee meeting on 30 November we resolved to delegate the authority that Auckland Transport needs to enforce the no parking on the grass signage.
Prior to the Committee meeting members were led on a site visit around the southern area of Auckland museum where construction on a new pathway is about to start (photo right). We also observed the significant amount of commuter parking in this area.
Currently a parking survey is underway with recommendations planned to come to our February meeting regarding options for effective parking management that will potentially open the way to freeing up far more on road space for visitors to the Domain. It has long been my goal, now supported by the outcomes in the Domain Masterplan, to greatly improve accessibility, connectively and mobility in our premier park.
Vision Zero and report back from TRAFINZ conference
The Waitematā Local Board has led the way supporting Vision Zero, the philosophy that has, as its bottom line, the principle that no deaths or serious injuries on the roads are acceptable.
In order to further the implementation of Vision Zero I attended the Trafinz conference in Nelson and have joined the Trafinz Executive Committee. (Trafinz represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand). My report from the conference is attached (Attachment 2)
Dr Matts Ake Belin was the guest speaker at the Trafinz conference and guest of Auckland Conversations. The timing of his visit coincided the new Minister of Transport and Associate Minister announcing strong support for a new approach to road safety at time of a rising road toll.
Photo: Stand for Zero organised by Brake road safety charity to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Parking consultations
The roll out of residential parking zones in the city fringe suburbs continues with the support of the board. Auckland Transport’s consultation on Parnell parking improvements has just ended. The Grey Lynn and Arch Hill Residential Parking Zones consultation ends on 20 December. The Board will consider the public feedback before providing our input in the new year.
Events
The year ended with a huge number of events supported the Local Board including the Grey Lynn Park Festival, Santa Parade, West End Tennis Tournament, and Franklin Road Christmas Lights. We also successfully held the Parnell Festival of Roses for the 24th year. The Festival has developed as an exemplar for Zero Waste management and accessibility.
It was an honour to open the new exhibition Changing Gearat MOTAT on 8 December. There is a lot to celebrate about cycling in Aotearoa. However very much on my mind in giving my speech was the most recent rider to needlessly lose their life only the night before. (Speech at the opening Attachment 3)
Meetings and workshops: 8 November until 12 December
Weekly Chair’s meeting with the Local Board services team every Monday morning
Chair’s forum on 13 November
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 14, 21, 28 November and 5 December
Civic Trust AGM at the Ellen Melville Centre on 12 November
Auckland Transport Powhiri to welcome Dr Belin (Swedish Vision Zero expert) on 13 November
Vision Zero session for Local Board members on 15 November at Auckland Transport
Lower Queen Street Plans – Brief members from CRL on 15 November
Meeting with Teed Street retailers and Newmarket Business Association on 16 November
Auckland Harbour Bridge lights update with Mayor Phil and Vector representatives on 16 November
Meeting with Age Concern Auckland on 16 November
Traffic calming workshop for board members organised by the Albert-Eden Local Board on 16 November
Grey Lynn Business Association meeting with new committee on 16 November
Herne Bay Residents Association AGM on 16 November
Meeting with the Chair of the Wynyard Quarter Transport Association on 17 November
West Lynn shops site visit with Auckland Transport on 17 November (Attachment 1 details the issues that were identified at the site visit that are now being followed up by AT)
Local Board input into Regional / sub-regional decision making – CENTRAL on 20 November
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 21 November
Catch up with General Manager, K’rd Business Association on 22 November
Domain Committee pre-agenda meeting on 22 November
Attended a site visit with Auckland Transport and the Occupy Garnet Road group on 22 November including a walk of the route to the West Lynn shops
Joint Governing Body / Local Board Chairs Meeting on 22 November
Attended the Governing Body meeting on 23 November to support Deputy Chair Shale Chambers and board member Richard Northey’s presentation regarding the location of the America’s Cup Village
Myers Park / Waihorotiu public artwork (Mayoral Drive underpass) – review of developed concept at the officers of Warren & Mahoney on 23 November
Update on 2018 Auckland Arts Festival programme with the Festival Artistic Director and Chief Executive
Site visit to the rehearsal space at 313 Queen Street on 24 November (prior to the beginning of renewal work and confirmation of a community lease tenancy of the space)
Meeting with the co-chairs Grey Lynn Business Association on 24 November
Grey Lynn Business Association hosted meeting regarding the issues at West Lynn shops at the Grey Lynn RSC on 28 November
Tour of the refurbishments at the Central Library on 29 November
Meeting with the board’s communications adviser on 29 November
Meeting to discuss LTP (10-year budget) consultation material
Domain Committee site visit and business meeting at Auckland Museum on 30 November
Grey Lynn Residents Association AGM on 30 November
Meeting with Soala Wilson from the Occupy Garnet Road Group on 1 December
Leadership for Local Board Leaders – session one on 4 December
Ponsonby Community Centre AGM on 4 December
Auckland Paths Project Refresh – Workshop 1 on 6 December
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 7 December
Catch up with GM Parnell Business Association on 8 December
Meeting with Parnell Trust on 8 December
Chairs’ Forum on 11 December
West Lynn community reference group meeting with Auckland Transport on 11 December
Ponsonby Business Association meeting and Christmas breakfast on 12 December
Parnell cycleway progress update with Auckland Transport on 12 December
Waitemata Local Board business meeting on 12 December
Events and functions: 8 November until 12 December
Armistice Day Commemoration Ceremony at Auckland Museum on 11 November
Women in Urbanism Vision Zero presentation with Dr Belin and panel discussion at Ellen Meville Centre on 13 November (photo right- on the panel with Dr Belin, Caroline Perry from Brake and Jessica Rose, Albert-Eden Board member)
Westpac Regional Business Awards- Central at the Langham Hotel at the invitation of ATEED on 14 November
Auckland Harbour Bridge lights update and morning tea with Mayor Phil and Vector representatives on 16 November. The Harbour Bridge will be the first bridge in the world to have its lighting powered entirely by solar energy. The LED lights will be individually controlled and will transform our bridge with lighting shows for special events and occasions.
Launched the Adopt a Tree campaign organised by the Urban Tree Alliance with a grant from the local board. Held at Western Park on 18 November
Ellen Melville Centre community day on 18 November (photo right with board members Adriana Christie and Richard Northey and the EMC team)
Grey Lynn Pump Track opening party on 18 November (Photo below right Johnloyd, aged 7 in his winning race)
Parnell Festival of Roses on 19 November
Stand for Zero at Silo Park to commemorate international day of road traffic victims on 19 November
Fire and Emergency NZ stakeholder function to meet Chair, Hon Paul Swain, board members and the Chief Executive Rhys Jones at Rydges Hotel on 20 November
ASB Classic 2018 Launch at Holy Trinity Cathedral on 22 November
Opening of the Latvian honorary consulate in Auckland on 23 November
Grey Lynn Park Festival on 25 November
Santa Parade at the invitation of Crackerjack Productions on 26 November
Low carbon Christmas organised by the low carbon network at Studio One on 29 November
Rainbow Youth sponsors breakfast on 30 November
Lifewise Christmas function at Merge Café on 30 November
Annual Enviroschools celebration at Western Springs Community Hall on 1 December. I presented to Newmarket School with a certificate to recognise their commitment to sustainability (photo right)
Opening Night of the Franklin Road Christmas Lights on 1 December (photo right with Governor General, Mayor Phil Goff and lights coordinator Roscoe Thorby)
Ponsonby Market Day on 2 December
Lightpath Festival on 2 December (photo below with Minister of Transport Phil Twyford)
Wither Hills West End Tennis Cup Tournament finals on 3 December (at the invitation of the West End Tennis Club)
At the Lightpath Festival with Minister of Transport Phil Twyford
Sugartree Design showcase at Sugartree apartments on 5 December
Attended Basement Theatre’s Patron’s night and Christmas show Santa Claus on 7 December
Opened the exhibition Changing Gear: Celebrating cycling in Aotearoa on 8 December (opening speech Attachment 3)
Italian Christmas market on 9 December at Freemans Bay Community Hall on 9 December
Joined the official party at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 11 December
NZ’s road toll is tragically rising. A new road safety approach is needed that will work.
The Waitemata Local Board is with Brake, Cycle Action Network and NZ School Speeds in backing Vision Zero.
Media Release: Brake Road Safety Charity
New Government urged to take more action on road safety as support for Vision Zero increases
Date: 6 October 2017
Advocates are calling on the new Government to take a fresh approach to road safety, as road deaths increase for the fourth year in a row.
Already this year 283 people have been killed.
A group of organisations has come together to call on Government and local authorities to adopt a Vision Zero approach to road safety – aiming for zero road deaths and serious injuries.
The calls come from Brake, the road safety charity, Cycling Action Network, NZ School Speeds, and Waitematā Local Board Chairperson Pippa Coom, and follow recent moves by some local authorities to embrace Vision Zero.
The organisations are welcoming the moves by Hamilton City Council and Waitematā Local Board to include a target of zero road deaths in their plans, and are urging the new Government and other local authorities to also adopt Vision Zero.
There has also been an increase in public support for Vision Zero measures. A petition set up by NZ School Speeds, ‘Go Dutch and Stop Child Murder’, which calls for 30km/h speed limits around schools and minimum passing gaps between vehicles and cyclists to help children get to and from school safely has gained over 4,000 signatures in a week. According to global best practice, places where high numbers of people on foot and bike mix with other traffic should have 30km/h speed limits.
Caroline Perry, Brake’s NZ director, said: “New Zealand needs to go beyond the current Safe System approach by aiming for Vision Zero. We must create a safe, sustainable, healthy and fair transport system for everyone.”
She says Vision Zero is a proven strategy to bring down the road toll and ultimately bring an end to road deaths and serious injuries.
“At its core is the principle that life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within society.
“Vision Zero aims to change how governments, organisations, and people approach road safety. A core message is that there are no ‘accidents’. Crashes have causes that are preventable. Working with bereaved families, we see the devastating consequences of crashes. We need action now to reduce our road toll. This approach is reducing road deaths abroad and it’s vital we have it in New Zealand and show that the only acceptable number of deaths on the road is zero.”
Patrick Morgan, Cycling Action Network said: “Safety is no accident. It’s time we moved beyond the Safe System approach, which has failed. With road deaths increasing again this year, we need to adopt Vision Zero, to protect people.”
Lucinda Rees, NZ School Speeds, said: “Make roads safer with consistent and safe lower speed limits so that all can travel safely, and children have the opportunity to journey to school on foot or bike. Action is needed now.”
Pippa Coom, Chairperson of the Waitematā Local Board said: “For too long politicians and transport planners have accepted road fatalities are inevitable. We urgently need a new approach that is proven to work.”
Organisations and individuals with an interest in Vision Zero are urged to find out more and get involved by contacting the organisations above, or going to https://www.facebook.com/groups/VisionZeroforNZ/.
Conference report back: 2 Walk and Cycle conference – moving towards healthy communities, Auckland 6 – 8 July
“Cities have the capability of providing for everybody only when and only because they are created by everybody” Jane Jacobs (quoted by Tyler Golly, conference presenter)
PM John Key and Mayor Len Brownat the Quay St cycleway opening
I attended the 2 Walk and Cycling Conference 2016, the premier national conference addressing walking and cycling issues held every two years. The conference’s focus was on active, human-powered transport to achieve healthier, smarter and more liveable cities.
A great deal has changed since I attended my first 2 Walk and Cycle Conference in 2008. The debate has shifted from trying to convince politicians “why” cycling should be funded and on the agenda to “how” to best deliver cycling infrastructure as part of an integrated transport network. The funding situation has improved massively. Eight years ago a very small percentage of Council and Government transport budget was directed to walking and cycling. Previously the conference has been dominated by advocates arguing the case for increased investment and discussing case studies from overseas.
The new cycleway counter on Quay Street
This year the conference, with significant sponsorship from NZTA, was attended by a range of professionals many of whom are working on projects in NZ boosted by the Urban Cycling Investment fund.
Auckland played host to the conference putting on a number of associated events. Delegates were treated to a Pecha Kucha special transport edition sponsored by Auckland Transport, Auckland Conversations with the conference keynote speaker Gil Penalosa and were invited to attend the opening of the Quay Street cycleway that includes Auckland’s first visible cycle counter (10,000 trips recorded within the first 19 days!).
Delegates were also able to experience Auckland’s growing cycling network and the award winning Te ara i whiti/Lightpath.
Conference informal networking breakfast with K’rd’s Margaret Lewis
I found the conference hugely encouraging and affirming of how far we have progressed in Auckland with making cycling a viable option for more people to enjoy. There is however still much to do if Auckland is going to unleash the huge benefits that can be realised from prioritising walking and cycling. My only disappointment about the conference was the lack of diversity that failed to capture the many cycling “tribes” of Auckland.
There were a number of key themes that I took away from the conference
Healthy communities designed for everyone
There is overwhelming evidence that policies encouraging walking and cycling provide major health benefits. The Minister of Health should be the biggest champion of active transport when considering ways to combat soaring obesity related illnesses such as diabetes.
Karen Witten in her presentation Healthy places and spaces bringing a children’s voice to city planning noted that children involved in active transport have higher rates of physical activity. “Cities that work for children work for everyone”
The keynote speaker Gil Penalosa talked about all ages, all abilities networks that encourage activity that helps everyone (see more from Gil’s presentation below). Another keynote speaker Ben Rossiter from Victoria Walks said that “walking is fundamental to healthy communities.”
Shared paths
Dr Ben Rossiter from Walk Victoria gave a hard hitting, evidence based assessment on the need to design for walkability.
His presentation, Walking promotion and advocacy: An Australian story explained very convincingly why safer road design is needed for older pedestrians and why shared paths are not best practice.
25- 40% of those who suffer from a hip injury die within one year
If want to deal with health and obesity walking is critical
Constraints to older people walking – dogs off leash, bike riders on shared paths
If you need sign to slow down the street is designed wrong!
His view is that shared paths should only be supported where designed for low speed, recreational environments where it is clear that cyclists must give way.
This is a particular issue in Australia and New Zealand where shared paths are often preferred to avoid difficult decisions about re-allocating road space for separate cycle lanes. This presentation is relevant to a number of designs that are currently being considered for Auckland’s cycleway network eg Ian McKinnion Drive that has recently gone out for consultation and Nelson Street phase 2 that included a section of shared path opposed by the Waitematā Local Board.
Pop- ups and temporary trials
I have heard many experts recommend trials and pop ups as a low cost, quick way to demonstrate the benefits of new street design and build community support. Tyler Golly in his presentation Communities Designing Communities, shared ideas from Canada such as bike corrals, painted kerb extensions and parklets.
The Waitematā Local Board has been a supporter of trials particularly for cycling infrastructure but it has proved very difficult to progress. Part of the problem has been the lack of a nimble, empowered AT team who are able to focus on trials.
However we hopefully might start seeing “parklets” in the city. An Auckland Council parklet popped on Lorne Street during the conference (photo right). Providing additional space for people by removing two car parks was an instant success for nearby food vendors who reported a tripling in trade. High Street retailers take note!
We’ve also heard that AT is working a temporary brightly painted contra-flow cycle lane on Federal Street.
Road safety
A number of speakers highlighted how essential it is to make city roads safer for walking and cycling with a range of measures:
Lower speeds
Changes to the give way rules
Vision Zero policy
Creating more traffic free areas and restrictions (a pro liveability measure discussed by Glen Koorey, What can NZ learn from cycling in Europe)
Network of cycleways
Traffic calming measures
Disappointingly the CEO of Auckland Transport does not appear to prioritise safety over efficiency. In his opening address he responded to the challenge of more pedestrian walking zones by saying the real problem in the city centre is not the speed and volume of traffic but the number of people walking while looking at their phones!
Vision Zero is a policy that I have been championing with the support of the Board. Together with Cycle Action Network, Brake NZ and Walk Auckland I took part in a workshop on Building a grassroots campaign for Vision Zero:Why we need a new approach to road safety and how we can make it happen. (see Attachment A)
Auckland Conversations and keynote speaker, Gil Penalosa. The 8 80 City: Creating Vibrant and Healthy Communities
How can we create vibrant and healthy cities for everyone, regardless of age or social status? What is the role of streets – the largest public space in any city? How can parks improve the quality of life that attracts and retains people to their communities?
Gil answers these questions while also explaining a simple and effective principle for inclusive city building: ensuring the safety and joy of children and older adults (from 8 year olds to 80 year olds) are at the forefront of every decision we make in our cities. Drawing on his experience as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation in Bogota, Gil presents some of the now widely celebrated approaches to urban regeneration through investments in parks and public spaces. Gil also draws upon examples from cities around the world which demonstrate the power of parks and public space in making lives happier, communities better, and economies stronger.
Key points:
Sustainable mobility: moving people towards a brighter, healthy more equitable future
Gil was responsible for starting Ciclovia (Open Streets) in Bogota – his advice is to just do it as requires no capital investment, works to change minds and is an inclusive event that belongs to everyone (In Auckland we have now held three “ciclovia” type events and more are planned)
When saying “no” also saying “yes” to something else eg more cars, more pollution and obesity.
Designing a city for everyone is not a technical issue or funding issue but a political issue
Need to evaluate cities by how they treat the most vulnerable
Transport policies have a direct impact on equality and equity. 25% of income is tied up with mobility by car but for lower income is often nearer 50%
Supports a focus on putting pedestrians first to encourage walkability: Vision Zero, max speed limit of 30Km p/h, quality infrastructure that shows a respect for people
Benefits: environment, economic activity, health
Skypath
It is great news that in the same month as the conference councillors agreed unanimously to progress Skypath the walk/cycleway over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
At the recent 2 Walk and Cycle conference in Auckland I collaborated on a Vision Zero workshop with Caroline Perry, Brake the road safety charity, Abby Granbery, Walk Auckland, Patrick Morgan, Cycle Action Network and Lucinda Rees, NZ School Speeds. We used our workshop Building a grassroots campaign for Vision Zero: Why we need a new approach to road safety and how we can make it happen as an opportunity launch Vision Zero NZ.
Vision Zero workshop presenters Patrick Morgan, Caroline Perry, Abby Granbery, Pippa Coom
With the number of road deaths currently increasing in New Zealand, a group of organisations has come together to call on Government and local authorities to adopt a Vision Zero approach to road safety – aiming for zero road deaths and injuries. The #VisionZeroNZ campaign was launched at the 2 Walk and Cycle conference recently held in Auckland. Vision Zero is an approach used in a growing number of countries and cities around the world and at its core is the principle that life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within society.
The calls come from Brake, the road safety charity, Cycling Action Network, NZ School Speeds, WaitematāLocal Board Deputy Chair Pippa Coom, and Walk Auckland, who jointly held a workshop on Vision Zero at the conference.
The organisations say NZ needs to go beyond the current safe system approach by aiming for Vision Zero and creating a safe, sustainable, healthy and fair transport system for everyone.
Already this year 181 people have been killed on NZ roads, a 5% increase on the same time last year and continuing a worrying trend of increases to the number of road deaths over the last two years. Vision Zero (also known as Target Zero) is a proven strategy to bring down the road toll and ultimately bring an end to road deaths and serious injuries.
With the final Safer Journeys action plan now being implemented, the group say it’s time to look beyond 2020 to the future of transport in New Zealand.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set challenging targets, including some for road safety and sustainability:
Halving the number of road deaths and injuries worldwide by 2020
Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from air pollution
Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all
New Zealand has signed up to the SDGs as part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. To achieve these goals, and ultimately achieve Vision Zero, this group is urging the government and local authorities to take action by prioritising walking, cycling and public transport, creating more traffic-free civic spaces and lowering speed limits in urban areas and outside schools to 30km/h.
Caroline Perry, Brake’s NZ director, said: “Working with bereaved families, we see the devastating consequences of crashes, and all of these deaths are preventable. We need action now to reduce our road toll and will shortly be releasing our campaign agenda for Vision Zero. This approach is reducing road deaths abroad and it’s vital we have it in NZ and show that the only acceptable number of deaths on the road is zero.”
Patrick Morgan, Cycling Action Network spokesperson said: “Safety is no accident. It’s time we moved beyond the Safe System approach, which is past its best-by date. With road deaths increasing this year, we need to adopt Vision Zero, and protect people.”
Lucinda Rees, NZ School Speeds, said: “Make roads safer with consistent and safe lower speed limits so that all can travel safely, and children have the opportunity to journey to school on foot or bike. Action is needed now.”
Pippa Coom, Deputy Chair, Waitematā Local Board said: “For too long politicians and transport planners have accepted road fatalities are inevitable. We urgently need a new approach that is proven to work. The Local Government elections coming up in September is an opportunity to vote for candidates who support Vision Zero.”
Abby Granbery, Walk Auckland, said: “Vision Zero (or target zero) is a key component in making Auckland the world’s most liveable city. We must inject vitality into our streets. This is only possible by ensuring an environment where Aucklanders feel, and are, safe to play, work, and live.”
Organisations and individuals with an interest in Vision Zero are urged to find out more and get involved by contacting the organisations above, or going to www.facebook.com/VisionZeroforNZ.
Notes to Editors:
[1] Total road deaths in NZ by year:
2016 (as at 15.07.16) – 181 (a 5% increase on this time last year)
2015 – 319
2014 – 293
2013 – 253
2016 stats from NZ Transport Agency road death statistics
Historic data from Ministry of Transport annual road toll reports
Vision Zero
The Vision Zero approach is a commitment to aim for zero road deaths. It began in Sweden and is founded on the core principle that no loss of life on the road is acceptable, and life and health cannot be exchanged for other benefits within society. People on foot and bicycle are prioritised with low urban speed limits, traffic-free zones and safer streets and crossing points. Safety is prioritised over speed and efficiency in transport design and planning.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, all 193 UN Member States, including New Zealand, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.
The Waitematā Local Board, Auckland Council has a current safer streets advocacy position: Auckland Transport to adopt a target of zero serious injuries or deaths on our roads as part of a comprehensive safe systems approach to road safety including safe road design, enforcement, safer speeds and driver education (Waitematā Local Board Agreement 2016/17)
