Tag: transport

Monthly Board Report: November 2012

Covering activities from 1 October – 31 October 2012 and reported on at the Waitemata Local Board meeting held on 13 November 2012

Portfolio Reports

Transport

The Transport Portfolio monthly transport catch up with Auckland Transport was held on 25 October with me and Christopher Dempsey.  We covered a number of issues including:

  • Proposed consultation on the Kingdon Street pedestrian crossing and the provision of a new footpath on railway land between Kingdon Street and Davies Cres
  • Sarawia Street Crossing and the options AT have looked at to permanently close this crossing to vehicles.
  • Update on the Richmond Road Safety Action Plan
  • St Mary’s Bay Parking Trial – initial feedback on the trial at the 3 month point and the work that is underway to review requests for business permits for businesses located outside the zone without off street parking.
  • Eden Tce Parking area introducing consistent pay and display that is about to go out to consultation with the support of the business association.

Full details of these issues and other matters discussed are outlined in the Auckland Transport monthly report attached to the November agenda.

Waitemata Local Board capex priorities

The Local Board Agreement transport proposals for funding from the Local Transport Fund that I reported on last month have now been referred to the Review Group for an initial assessment.

Good for business workshop

Invitations went out on 31 October to business associations and members for the “Good for Business” Seminar to be held on Wednesday 28 November. This will be an opportunity to hear from international expert Rodney Tolley about the economic benefits to business of streetscape investment.

Greenways

The last of our Greenways workshops was held in October to confirm and prioritise the draft greenways routes that we would like presented at our December meeting for endorsing by the Board so that we can start consultation. This is an exciting project that has the potential to transform transport options in our area and will maximise the walking and cycling investment currently underway by Auckland Transport, NZTA and Waterfront Auckland.

Chorus – Ultra Fast Broadband

I have received a number of complaints this month about the standard to which pavements are being re-instated following the Chorus UFB works. In a number of places the high grade footpaths that were renewed in the western bays area only a couple of years ago are being left in a “patchwork” condition. Auckland Transport is following up these issues with Chorus and working to ensure the Code of Practice is followed.

TRAFINZ conference 8/9 October

I attended the NZ Traffic Institute’s annual conference in Takapuna on behalf of the Board.  I learnt a huge amount at the conference about road safety and the “safe system” principles.  I would recommend all members become familiar with the safe system approach to road safety and the responsibility we need to take as politicians for road design and working towards zero fatalities. My conference report is attached.

Community  Portfolio

Community Funding

Tricia Reade attended the Central Local Boards Joint Funding Committee workshop on my behalf on 19 October. We first considered the officer recommendations together for applications to the Community Group Assistance Fund and the Accommodation Support Fund. Both of these funds are substantially over subscribed with many of our local groups relying on the funding support.  The committee meeting to decide which groups will receive funding is on 9 November. The agenda is available online.

Unitary plan

Key stakeholder engagement on the preliminary Unitary Plan proposals that will inform the draft for public consultation in March 2013 got underway in October.  I attended the stakeholder workshop on 4 October and the Unitary Plan public meeting on 18 October. I have also taken every opportunity to gain greater understanding of the Unitary Plan proposals by attending the forums for board members.

Housing affordability

It has been recognised by Auckland Council and the Government that there is a housing crisis in Auckland – a crisis of supply, affordability, quality and choice. I attended the briefing on the Housing Strategic Action Plan (HSAP) that commits Council to working with others to deliver a multi-sector plan. Stage one of the HSAP, which is programmed to be completed by December this year focuses on investigating the whole range of possible housing development vehicles, policy and regulatory tools, available to Council that would increase the supply of affordable housing in Auckland. I would like to see the Auckland Council take a pro-active role in providing and encouraging affordable housing  (which needs to be understood on a continuum from social housing through to assisted home ownership and covering affordable rent) and making full use of the tools available such as inclusionary zoning.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Keep Auckland Beautiful Conference

I attended this free conference on Saturday 6 October on behalf of the Board. The conference started with an enthusiastic welcome from the Mayor Len Brown, who is patron of the Keep Auckland Beautiful Trust (KABT).

As I learnt at the conference the KABT is a new Trust that falls under the umbrella of Keep NZ Beautiful. It builds on the work of Keep Waitakere Beautiful that has operated from Eco- Matters Environmental Trust. As a non-profit organisation KNZB operates as a charitable trust to promote litter abatement, waste minimisation as well as town and city beautification across New Zealand.  The purpose of the conference was to the determine what level of interest there is in the Auckland Region for localised beautification projects and what Keep Auckland Beautiful Trust can do to support, foster or initiate these projects.

I asked Iris Donoghue, Chair of the KNZBT about the funding sources of the Trust as I am concerned about the support provided by tobacco companies. Iris confirmed that a tobacco company is a member of the Trust and provides funding (which is voted on each year) but not the Auckland Trust. I think the KNZBT has done a lot of good work and it is great we now have an Auckland Trust but I would like to ensure that any support we provide does not in any way benefit the tobacco industry (for example by providing public place ashtrays that normalise smoking in public areas and put the cost on to Council).

Business Improvement District workshop

I attended the BID workshop with Nick Pinchin from the Grey Lynn Business Association to get a better understanding of the process and funding available for setting up a BID. The workshop covered the value of BIDs in an economic development context, identifying a business area’s needs and the key priorities for a BID, how to engage the business community, surveying businesses, developing a strategic plan, lessons from recent BID establishments, the balloting process, resourcing the establishment process, funding and budgeting to get to a successful outcome. The GLBA is going to consider the process more carefully but the initial reaction is that as there is no longer funding available to support a BID establishment process it is going to be extremely difficult for an association run by volunteers to get a BID off the ground.

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended during October:

  • Cluster workshop for Local Board members to discuss the first draft of the Parkland Design Guidelines on 1 October.
  • The Parkland Design Guidelines are going to directly influence the design, upgrade and maintenance of all parks across the region.  They will also be an important decision making tool for local board members who will enable them to powerfully evaluate design proposals, achieve cost savings and promote high quality designs.
  • Unitary plan briefing for the Board on historic/character overlays on 2 October
  • Local Board workshop on 2 October ·
  • Meeting on 3 October to discuss the Board’s hosting of Carols by Candlelight and ideas for the event to be held in Western Park on 6 December
  • Low impact design for storm water meeting on 3 October
  • Meeting with the new Stormwater Liaison Advisor about her role and the process for regularly engaging with local boards
  • Feedback on Bylaws: Public Places/Public Safety, Trading and Events meeting on 3 October
  • Auckland Transport’s briefing on 4 October for Local Boards on two key upcoming initiatives: The development of the Regional Public Transport Plan, and the Auckland Cycle Network (previously the Regional Cycle Network)
  • Unitary Plan stakeholder engagement workshop on 4 October (photo right)
  • Monthly catch up with Ashley Church, CEO Newmarket Business Association on 4 October
  • Meeting with Andy Davies and Philip Jones to discuss the placement of the bus stop outside Ponsonby Central and parking issues         Waitemata Local Board business meeting at Graham Street on Tuesday 9 October
  • Meeting to finalise Board’s accessibility action plan on 10 October
  • Annual plan meeting for Board members on 11 October
  • Greenways workshop on 11 October
  • BID Establishment and Collaboration Workshop for board members and business associations on 12 October
  • Housing Strategic Action Plan (HSAP) cluster meeting on 15 October
  • Waitemata Local Board workshop on 16 October
  • Workshop on the Waitemata Coastal Walkway Project on 16 October
  • Movies in the Park Presentation by Gina Dellabarca and Rebecca Knox on 17 October
  • Meeting on 18 October with John Dunshea and Tim Watts regarding the failure to include the Waitemata Local Board’s City Centre priorities and projects in the final version of the CCMP
  • Unitary Plan public engagement on 18 October – information session about the Unitary Plan process
  • GLBA committee meeting on 23 October
  • Waitemata Local Board workshop on 23 October
  • Public Art Concepts for O’Connell St meeting on 23 October
  • Communications update on 23 October
  • Safety in Albert Park meeting
  • Transport portfolio monthly catch up with Auckland Transport on 26 October
  • Draft Library Future Directions plan review on 26 October
  • Community Development and Partnership Central Portfolio Holders meeting (Community Gardens and Social Enterprise) on 26 October
  • Meeting with Megan Barclay from Be Accessible to finalise the Board’s accessibility plan
  • Final meeting of the Mayoral taskforce on alcohol and community safety to review the work and progress to date of the Taskforce initiatives (as alternate to the Chair)
  • Final workshop of the Greenways working group before a report is prepared for the Board’s December meeting
  • Update from Waterfront Auckland on  proposed activation of Queens Wharf and the restoration of Shed 10
  • Unitary Plan Planning Forum – Topics: Rural Urban Boundary & Heritage & Historic Character on 30 October
  • Discussion and lunch at the Waterfront Auckland October board meeting held on 31 October.

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during October:

  • Cycle Action’s Associates breakfast on 4 October
  • Joined the start of the Waitemata Local Board’s Original foreshore walk on 5 October. As part of the Heritage Festival, Malcolm Paterson along with Christopher Dempsey as assistant led a walk of 30  from Parnell pool through to the city centre and out to Victoria Park along the historic foreshore.
  • Attended the Keep Auckland Beautiful conference on Saturday 6 October hosted by at the Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Mt Albert (see report above).
  • Jam on Toast –  a showcase of users of the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 6 October (I supported a stand for the GLBA, GLFM and Grey Lynn 2030)
  • Trafinz Conference 2012 on  8/9 October (report attached)
  • Your Power Team AECT election launch outside Vector on 10 October
  • GLBA monthly networking drinks on 11 October at the Grey Lynn RSC
  • Kelmarna Community Gardens open day on 12 October (I am a trustee of the gardens)
  • Billy Bragg concert at the Town Hall on 12 October – “The greatest enemy of our time isn’t capitalism or conservatism. It’s cynicism”
  • Leys Hall Official Opening on Saturday 13 October
  • Savalivali Grey Lynn Heritage Walk on 13 October
  • Opening of the Divali Festival on 13 October
  • Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market AGM on 14 October  (I was re-elected as Chair )
  • Sustainable Business Network’s 10 birthday party celebrations on 16 October
  • International Triathlon Age-Group World Championships– enjoyed checking out the racing on Labour Day by bike
  • Art in the Dark launch on 23 October at Barrio, Ponsonby Road (photo right)
  • Green Drinks at the Kitchen on 24 October
  • Jeremy Hubbard’s leaving function as Director of MOTAT after 10 years of service on 25 October
  • Launch of the Living Room programme. Arts+ performance funded by the Waitemata Local Board on 26 October
  • Space Invaders car park installation on K’rd on Saturday 27 October
  • Launch of the Italian Festival held at Freeman’s Bay School on  Sunday 27 October including lunch hosted by  Dante Alighieri society
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum and carboNZero programme sustainability event
  • Launch of the Auckland Arts Festival on 31 October at the Aotea Centre – an impressive line-up of local and international acts that is sure to bring a new level of excitement to the festival under the direction of Carla van Zon.

Monthly Board Report October 2012

Covering activities from 1 September to 30 September 2012

Portfolios

  • Transport (West including Regional portfolio) with Greg Moyle
  • Community (including Regional portfolio) with Tricia Reade
  • Chair, Grants Committee
  • Member of the Isthmus Local Board Joint Funding Committee
  • Positions: Grey Lynn Business Association, Newmarket Business Association (alternate)

Portfolio reports

Transport

Waitemata Local Board capex priorities

At the Board’s September business meeting Local Board Agreement transport priorities 2012/13 were endorsed as the key projects to be scoped for delivery through the Local Board Transport $10 million Capital Programme where these projects do not form part of Auckland Transport’s 2012/12 work programme. In September I worked with Auckland Transport and members of the transport portfolio to identify which of these key projects to submit as proposals to Auckland Transport for the Waitemata Local Board’s $469,789 share of the Programme for 2012/13.

The following Local Board Agreement transport proposals have so far been submitted to Auckland Transport for an initial assessment:

1.    Pedestrian intersection improvements ·

  • Kitchener/Bowen/Victoria St West
  • Victoria Street East/Nelson Street
  • Beach Road/Fort Street/Britomart Place/Emily Place intersection

2.    Installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes

  • Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge ·
  • Great North Road, eastbound coming onto Karangahape Road

3.    Streetscape Improvements in Teed/Kent/York Streets,Newmarket

4.    Traffic calming – creation of a slow speed zone for Freemans Bay

These proposals have been submitted by the Transport portfolio for an initial assessment by Auckland Transport. Once the forms come back with the initial assessment, the final proposals will be placed on the Board’s agenda for endorsement in November.

Good for business workshop

Substantial progress has been made by Auckland Transport on the “Good for business” workshop with international expert Rodney Tolley. The workshop is aimed at our business associations and business leaders so they can understand why investment in streetscape infrastructure that encourages walking and cycling is good for the local economy The date for the workshop has been confirmed as 28 November.

Cycling Summit

I attended the inaugural Cycling Summit on 5 September hosted by Auckland Transport, NZTA and Cycle Action Auckland aimed at expanding collaboration across Auckland and to learn about innovative projects. 18 speakers were given 5 minutes to present I was impressed with the level of activity, collaboration and the significant commitment of many organisations and individuals working to increase cycling.  Many of the presentations were relevant to our Local Board priorities and projects.

I was particularly interested to learn from Alex Macmillan, Auckland University’s School of Population Health who has identified that if we take a best practice approach to cycle infrastructure by ensuring every arterial has bike lanes and all local roads have traffic calming that we could ensure a 40% mode share with a $3 billion investment over the next 20 years. If we continue on the current path of just completing the Regional Cycle Network we are only likely to achieve 5% by 2050. ‘

Freemans Bay School bike track

At the cycle summit Bike On NZ Director, Paul McArdle spoke about the development of bike tracks in schools and the success of the project in getting kids on bikes since it was started three years ago in Hawkes Bay. Sport Auckland and Bike On NZ are collaborating to install 8 bike tracks in 8 Auckland Schools. Freemans Bay School has been identified as the preferred school for our area with the enthusiastic support of the school principal. I intend following up with members about how we can best contribute to this fantastic project which will have wide community benefits .

Greenways

Also at the cycle summit Richard Barter presented on the Puketapapa Local Board greenways project. Our own greenways project is developing well with fortnightly workshops that have been looking to identify a grid of at least 10 routes with additional extensions that will connect all our open spaces with high amenity, safe walking and cycling facilities. ‘

Community

Community Grants Committee

The Committee met for the first time this financial year to consider applications to the first round of funding from our Community Grants fund of $80,000 per annum. The recommendations from this committee meeting were made to the Board’s meeting on 11 September.

Unitary plan

Along with Tricia Reade I am taking a particular interest in the engagement process for the Unitary Plan. We know there is wide spread community concern about what is proposed for the unitary plan and want to ensure there is a genuine opportunity for meaningful input into the draft plan to be released in March 2013. The first opportunity for stakeholder engagement is at a workshop on 4 October. A public meeting is also scheduled for 18 October. I have also attended 3 workshops throughout the month for board members looking at the first drafts of the planning maps and rules. There is a lot of information to get on top of and I have found these workshops to be very informative.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Solid waste bylaws hearing

The Council’s consultation on the Solid Waste Bylaw proposals to meet the council’s obligations under the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010, Local Government Act 2002 and the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 closed on 3 September.  The bylaws will come into force on 1 November 2012. Following on from a bylaws workshop I finalised the Board’s submission with member Dempsey (a copy of the submission is attached to the agenda). On 28 September we presented the submission to the hearing panel chaired by Cr Rafills. A copy of the presentation is attached (Attachment C).

Grey Lynn Park

The Grey Lynn Park Advisory group met on 3 September. We discussed the make up of the group and the group’s charter. Members of the group agreed the charter is still relevant and would very much like to continue with support from the Parks team.  I volunteered to update the group’s charter to reflect the new Council structure. I assisted with the delivery of flyers to advertise our community fruit tree planting on Saturday 15 September. A variety of fruit trees were successfully planting by locals and board members with assistance from Simon Cook, Arboricultural Advisor.

Better Local Government Reforms

On 5 September I joined the Auckland Council delegation speaking to the Council’s submission on the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill at the Local Government and Environment Select Committee Hearings. I spoke after the Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse. There was a short item about the presentation on Checkpoint Council weary of changes to local government act Radio NZ on 5 September 2012. A copy of my presentation is attached is here

Local Board workshops and meetings

  • Chairs weekly meeting with officers on 3 September (following a week of filling in as acting Chair)
  • Chaired the Grants Committee meeting on 3 September
  • Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group meeting on 3 September at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms
  • Local Board workshops  4, 18 (part only) and 25 September
  • Meeting to discuss the events policy on 4 September
  • Unitary plan stakeholder engagement proposal meeting 5 September
  • Meeting with Charlotte Cuffe on 5 September to discuss Waitemata Local Board Events Fund Applications in preparation for the Board’s September business meeting
  • Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill select committee hearing on 5 September (see attached presentation)
  • Local Board Community Development Portfolio holders cluster meeting at the Kitchen on 5 September
  • Upgrade session for a new Local Board member laptop
  • Regional Policies for the Draft Annual Plan cluster workshop on 10 September
  • Greenways workshops on 13 and 27 September
  • Unitary Plan cluster workshops on 6, 13 and 28 September
  • Transport Funding Priorities meeting with Jonathan Anyon (AT) and Eva Lawrence 10 September
  • Grey Lynn Business Association Board meeting on 11 September ·
  • Draft unitary plan mapping session with Tricia Reade and planning officers (providing an opportunity to study the Unitary Plan maps in more detail) ·
  • Waitemata Communications update 11 September
  • Local Board monthly public meeting on 11 September in Grey Lynn
  • Meeting with the Mayor for Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Waiheke, Albert-Eden and Waitemata Local Boards to discuss the Annual Plan process on 14 September
  • Introducing the new generation of kiwi-kids – Evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal by Dr Susan Morton, Director at the Centre for Longitudinal Research hosted by the Reseach, investigations and monitoring unit
  • Monthly catch up with officers from Community Development and Partnerships Central on 19 September
  • Solid Waste Bylaw briefing 20 September
  • Accessible board follow up – meeting to go through their high level thoughts and questions and finalise plan and confirm budgets on 25 September
  • Resource Recovery Centres progress meeting with Warren Snow on 25 September
  • Monthly transport portfolio catch ups with Auckland Transport on 27 September
  • Solid Waste Bylaw hearing – presentation with Christopher Dempsey on 28 September

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during September:

  • Third anniversary celebration of the 40km speed limit on Ponsonby Road organised by Walk Auckland and Auckland Transport on 1 September
  • Newmarket Business Association AGM dinner for Board members (at the invitation of the NBA)
  • Cycling Summit hosted by NZTA, Auckland Transport and Cycle Action on 5 September
  • Cycle Action’s Associates Breakfast at the Art Gallery on 6 September
  • Parnell Heritage AGM on 6 September
  • Royal NZ Ballet’s production of Cinderella at the Aotea Centre of 8 September at the invitation of the Mayor (tickets and after show drinks sponsored by Tower)
  • GLBA monthly networking drinks on 12 September ·
  • Grey Lynn 2030 meeting to discuss setting up an Urban Design group at the Grey Lynn RSC
  • Community orchard fruit tree planting in Grey Lynn Park on Saturday 15 September
  • Zonta Awards dinner at the Barry Court Hotel on 17 September ·
  • Spoke on behalf of the Board at the suffrage day celebrations on 19 September at the Suffrage monument in Khartoum Place
  • NZ Park(ing) day on Ponsonby Road organised by Walk Auckland
  • Ponsonby Market Day on 22 September
  • Tweed Run organised as part of the Ponsonby Road 40km speed limit celebrations
  • Silo Theatre’s production of Private Lives at Q Theatre (at the invitation of Q Theatre)
  • Cycle Action Auckland’s AGM on 27 September
  • Heritage Festival 29 September – 14 October
  • Launch of the Heritage Festival at the Voyager Museum on 27 September
  • First Electric Tram event on 29 September
  • Celebration of the Campbell Free Kindergarten with a presentation by with a presentation by Conservation Architect Bruce Petry on 29 September
  • Auckland Boat Show (at the invitation of ATEED)
  • Richard Heinberg “Life after Growth” presentation on 30 September – the quest for a more resilient, sustainable, and healthy future hosted by the Post Carbon Institute, Grey Lynn 2030 and the Sustainable Business Network.

Monthly Board report – July 2012

Covering activities from 1 June – 30 June 2012

Porfolios

Transport

Monthly transport update

The monthly Transport catch up was held with the Transport portfolio (attended by myself and Member Dempsey) and relevant officers from Auckland Transport on 28 June. The issues discussed are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda.  Specific issues include:

  • K’rd bus shelters –options AT are looking at to lower the panels that are currently blocking the view from the overbridge
  • Route optimisation process – a discussion about the approach taken to investigate and review existing traffic systems
  • Auckland Cycle network-  programme for development of what was known as the Regional Cycle Network

Richmond Road Safety Action Plan

Due to the numerous safety concerns raised by residents, businesses and Richmond Road School we are advocating through our Local Board Agreement for Auckland Transport to develop a safety improvement action plan for the shopping areas and schools zones on Richmond Road, concentrating on the following elements:

  • Pedestrian and cycle safety
  • Traffic calming and slower speeds
  • Urban design and amenity values.

I am currently in the process of pulling together all the issues that have come to our attention to form the basis of this plan.

Chorus Ultra-Fast Broadband rollout

We were briefed last month by Chorus on their rollout of ultra-fast broadband within the Waitemata Local Board area. The rollout will have many benefits to residents and businesses as average data speeds will increase from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. However the rollout does require footpaths to put be dug up, many of which have only just been renewed.

On 26 June I attended the Chorus “Shed some light” open evening for residents at Café O, Great North Road. A number of residents from Arch Hill came along who fought hard to have their footpaths renewed in time for the RWC but are about to see them dug up for the rollout.

I have also raised with Auckland Transport that Chorus is not reinstating footpaths to exactly the same condition following the laying of fibre which is resulting in a patchwork of footpaths.

 Allocation of Auckland Transport capital budget to Local Board Priorities

I was delegated with Christopher Dempsey to provide the Board’s feedback on a discussion paper on the Allocation of an Auckland Transport $10m capital budget to fund Local Board priorities. We would like to see the budget used to fund small, one-off, single-site projects or initiatives that add value, enhance or unlock Auckland Transport directed projects that would not otherwise be funded  A copy of this feedback is attached to the agenda.

Community

Gambling Harm Reduction Amendment Bill

A Working Party is preparing Auckland Council’s submission on the Gambling (Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill (the Bill). At our business meeting on 12 June the Community Portfolio holders, were delegated to provide feedback on the Bill to the working party by 29 June 2012.

The amendments proposed in the Bill would significantly change the way Council interacts with the Class 4 gaming sector (non-casino “pokie” machines).

The feedback confirms the Board supports transferring to local authorities the ability to regulate gambling within their locality, including the number of machines and venues, and their type and location. However we raised a number of issues that we believe need to be addressed in the Bill particularly regarding distribution decisions. A full copy of the feedback is attached to the agenda.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other Board activities

Grey Lynn Business Association

The GLBA business meeting on 19 June included a presentation by local planner Kris Macpherson on the Council’s planning process. Members of the Western Bays Community Group joined the meeting to discuss ideas for developing a Grey Lynn precinct plan.

Weona Westmere Coastal Walkway

At our Board meeting on 19 June I voted with my City Vision colleagues to progress the proposed Westmere walkway on public reserve land.  I wish to report on my reasons and why I believe all the issues raised in opposition at the open day on 17 May and at our meeting and sent via email can be adequately addressed.

Lack of consultation – it is unfortunate that a group of residents didn’t receive notice of the open day until it was too late. This was a stuff up however the open day wasn’t the only opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the proposal. The idea of a walkway and opening up the public reserve land is also not new. I first heard about it in August 2010 at a Western Bays Community Board meeting. Consulation is continuing with residents.

Privacy – residents who have enjoyed exclusive use of the public reserve will now have to deal with a walkway bordering their property. Privacy can be achieved through fencing and planting. However I have noticed in other coastal areas where private homes boarder public reserve land that each property engages differently with a walkway. Many residents open their gardens on to the reserve and prefer to have no fencing.

Safety – there is no evidence that coastal walkways on public reserve land increase safety risks for nearby residents. If anything passive surveillance is likely to improve safety.

Traffic – if the walkway does attract more visitors they are likely to park close to the Garnet Road shops to do a circular walk ending with visit to a café (thereby supporting the local economy). Once the walkway is further extended with signage to Westhaven (by road through Herne Bay at high tide or along the coast at low tide) I predict that walkers are likely to get dropped off to enjoy a one- way coastal walk.

Cost – it does seem like a lot of money is being spent on one project. However compared with other capex projects I think we are getting good value money for a 1.4km walkway that will have long term benefits. It will be unfortunate if costs escalate due to affected neighbours taking their opposition to the environment court.

Loss of funding for other projects –Member Moyle claimed that he has been blocked from advancing other projects where the funds could be better spent. This is incorrect. Member Moyle has proposed just one new project in 18 months for a car park on reserve land at Coxs Bay. With the support of the Board plans were drawn up for this proposal and costed. The proposal is currently with Auckland Transport. There are no projects identified in the local board plan that are going unfunded as a result of the walkway.

Loss of neighbourhood character – the walkway is likely to add to the character of the neighbourhood and become a key feature for the benefit of locals. The walkway also provides an opportunity to celebrate the heritage of the area which has long been neglected.

Environmental damage – at the open day I heard about middens along the route and the many ecological values of the area. I also heard that there is continuing concern about the pollution in Motions Creek. I think the walkway is an opportunity to enhance and project the environment. Historic features can be incorporated into the interpretation boards for the walkway.

At the end of the day the walkway is on public reserve land that belongs to everyone. For over 80 years the residents with coastal properties have enjoyed almost exclusive use and have come to see the coastal reserve as an extension of their backyards. I can therefore fully understand why the walkway is seen as a threat to their lifestyle and there are concerns.  However I believe these can be addressed by the Board and Council officers working with the residents. I think the walkway is going to be used primarily by locals who I hope will come to feel proud of it as a lasting legacy.

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended:

  • Local Board workshop on 5 June with members of the Be Accessible team to work towards a vision statement and action for the Board around our goal to become the first “accessible” Local Board. The workshop was a unique collaboration with officers and Board members.
  • Site meeting on 1 June to discuss fruit tree planting in Grey Lynn Park with Simon Cook, Jesse Chalmers and members of Grey Lynn 2030
  • Visit to The Kitchen (a collaborative workspace for change makers and social entrepreneurs in Ponsonby)  with members of Puketapapa Local Board and Community Development officers
  • Tamaki Drive master plan workshop organised by Orakei Local Board on 5 June in St Heliers
  • Meeting with Waterfront Auckland to discuss local board priorities and Waterfront Auckland projects update
  • Unitary Plan central cluster workshop on 7 June  providing an opportunity for Local Board members to input into key issues
  • Governing Body meeting making decisions on the draft waste management and minimisation plan
  • Waitemata Local Board public meetings on 12 June at the Grey Lynn Community Centre and on 19 June at 35 Graham Street
  • Regional Walking and Cycling Forum organised by Auckland Transport on 12 June
  • Hīkoi, Part II walking of the proposed Waitemata heritage foreshore with Malcolm Paterson from Ngati Whatua o Orakei
  • Meeting of the Community portfolios from Waitemata, Puketapapa and Albert-Eden Local Boards to discuss possibilities for collaboration
  • Meeting to discuss Waitemata’s submission on the Gambling Harm Reduction Bill
  • Youth Focus Strategy with Community Development officers
  • Local Board workshop on 19 June
  • Waitemata Communications catch up
  • Monthly meeting with  Community Development and Partnerships Central
  • Meeting to discuss Pt Resolution Bridge design proposals
  • Meeting to discuss the proposed capital renewal programme for 12/13 for community facilities.  Officers have worked together to compile a list of proposed capital work projects for each local board area (central at this stage), prioritised and rated the projects in order of need, and matched against local board community facilities budget.
  • Meeting with Malcolm Paterson; Manager -Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei Heritage and Resource Management Unit following the Hikoi to discuss the board’s 2012/13 projects and priorities and to discuss how the board can best work with Ngāti Whātua o Orakei to progress these projects in a mutually beneficial way.
  • Meeting with Auckland Transport and Council officers to provide the Board with an opportunity to communicate feedback on any issues, concerns, ideas or opportunities relating to the development of the Khyber Pass and Broadway corridor plans
  • Meeting with members of the Western Bays Community Group to discuss community engagement
  • June ATEED Board Meeting – Meet and Greet with Local Board Chairs (attended for the Chair)
  • Meeting with Auckland Transport to discuss the proposed City Centre Parking Zone proposal attending by the Board and Cr Mike Lee
  • Meeting to discuss Auckland Council’s discussion document “Powering Auckland’s Low Carbon Transformation”
  • Meetings to finalise the Board’s feedback on the Gambling Harm Reduction Amendment Bill and the Discussion Document on the proposed allocation of the $10m capex fund for Local Board priorities
  • Follow up meeting with a member of the public concerned with the level of spitting in the city centre that creates a hazard for those using walking sticks
  • Local Board workshop on 26 June – we received a report outlining the community input on the future of the Campbell Free Kindergarten
  • Monthly transport portfolio catch ups with Auckland Transport on 29 June

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during May:

  • Backbenches TVNZ 7’s final Auckland show at the Britomart Social Club
  • Cycle Action’s Associates Breakfast at the Art Gallery on 7 June
  • Auckland Peace City  Declaration – Launch on 8 June
  • Gala Preview of the TelstraClear Season of A Shortcut To Happiness at the invitation of the Auckland Theatre Company on 8 June
  • Twenty Fifth Anniversary of Nuclear Free New Zealand on Saturday 9 June in Aotea Square
  • Youth Advisory Panel Waitemata selection event
  • Grey Lynn Business Association June networking drinks
  • Launch of the Matariki Festival at the Mangere Events Centre
  • Public Open Day for the proposed Development Plan of Myers Park and heritage walk with Edward Bennett
  • Inner City Connectedness Research Launch by Parnell Trust on 18 June
  • VIP celebration for the reopening of  the restored Tepid Baths
  • Official opening of the Tepid Baths on Saturday 23 June
  • Chorus “Shed some light” open evening for residents on 26 June at Café O, Great North Road
  • Cocktail Party to launch Highwic’s 150th year on 27 June
  • Gala Opening of Margaret Mahy’s The Great Piratical Rumbustification at the Pumphouse (at the invitation of Tim Bray Productions)

I was one  of 3 guest speakers to present on “Sustainable Auckland” at the Mercy Spirituality Centre in Epsom on 6 June

I also participated in The Big Sleepout on 28 June with 60 celebrities, business leaders and politicians personally raising over $1500 for Lifewise’s support of homelessness.

Monthly Board Report – June 2012

Covering Local Board activities from 1 May – 31 May 2012

Portfolio reports

Transport

Monthly transport update

The monthly Transport catch up was held with the Transport portfolio (attended by myself, Members Dempsey and Moyle) and relevant officers from Auckland Transport on 24 May. The issues discussed are reported back monthly by AT on our public agenda.  Specific issues include:

  • Community Garden proposal on the roof of the Cross Street car park
  • Cycling route from the Airport to downtown as part of the National Cycleway Network (the last stages of the route from Newton Road to Britomart are through the Waitemata Local Board area )
  • Parking Survey for Parnell
  • Westend Bus terminus and the potential for a bus turn around point at Coxs Bay

Follow up: a parking survey for the Grey Lynn surrey Cres shops in conjunction with the Grey Lynn Business Association briefing from NZTA to update the Board on NZTA/AT projects in the Waitemata area

Bike Parking

Auckland Transport has responded positively and promptly to requests for additional bike parking in Grey Lynn and West Lynn shops at four new locations. The owner of Kokako café is particularly happy that AT has installed parking on the corner of Great North Road and Williamson Ave and wrote: “Just wanted to say thank you for organising the bike racks in front of Kokako – they are awesome and our customers are loving them!”

During May, I joined AT for meetings with the Ponsonby Business Association to discuss a trial bike parking corral on Ponsonby Road and the K’rd Business Association to discuss locations for trial mini “bikerakks” (bike stands attached to existing poles) on K’rd. Auckland Transport is supporting both of these initiatives and has purchased 10 bikerakks minis for use on K’rd.

Member Dempsey and I met on site with our Elected Member Liaison Manager to discuss the lack of bike parking near Britomart station. This was prompted by the removal of bikes (including mine!) that were considered safety hazards by security at the station.

K’rd over bridge On behalf of the K’rd Business Association, I have been following up on the incorrect installation of the panels on the K’rd overbridge. Auckland Transport has advised that the architects preferred the current height in order to shield the unsightly landing/bridge area from the view while the business association did not support this design.

Next Steps: Auckland Transport is arranging a meeting with Barbara Holloway from the KBA to discuss two potential options.

Allocation of transport capital budgets to Local Boards

A Local Board cluster briefing was held during May on a proposed $10m Local Board transport capex fund. At the briefing, we were informed that this fund would be available for Local Board projects NOT in the current transport programme.   I followed up with a query to Stephen Rainbow asking AT to confirm what  Local Board transport projects and priorities (identified in either Local Board plans or agreements)  are included in AT’s work programme. I am yet to receive a response. Local Boards have been asked to respond to a discussion document however I do not consider it possible to provide feedback on how the proposed fund is allocated until AT’s understanding of the current framework and prioritisation process has been clearly articulated.

“Good for Business” workshop

In my February monthly board report I reported back on the Auckland Walking Seminar “stepping into the future” hosted by Auckland Transport with guest speaker Dr Rodney Tolley, author of the Good for Business report. As a follow up to this seminar I have met with Auckland Transport to look at arranging a jointly hosted workshop for business associations interested in understanding the economic benefits of making streets more walking and cycling friendly. Next steps: AT to invite Rodney Tolly to present at a workshop

 Community

Community Engagement

During May, I attended two Board events to seek community feedback. After the Mayor officially opened the Campbell Free Kindergarten on 5 May, an open day was held to hear ideas about possible uses for the building. We are yet to receive an official report on the submissions but there was good turn out and lots of positive suggestions about community uses. Weona Reserve Walkway open evening was held at Seddon Fields football club on 17 May. Many of the affected residents took the opportunity to discuss the plans with Board members and officers.  A report on the feedback will be on the agenda for the Board’s meeting on 19 June.

Community Assistance Framework

The community portfolio worked with officers to finalised high-level feedback on the draft Community Assistance Framework (comprising on the draft Community Funding Policy, draft Community Occupancy Policy and draft Facility partnership Policy).  This feedback is attached to the agenda. Specific concerns about the changes to the Accommodation Support Fund, Arts Alive Funding and Events funding as part of the Funding Policy were made by way of resolution at the Board’s May meeting (refer item 40 of the minutes).

Western Springs College presentation of Enviroschools Silver sign

I was honoured to have the opportunity to present Western Springs College with their Enviroschools Silver sign at a student-led junior assembly on 15 May. (A copy of my speech is attached as Attachment A) After the presentation, the Waste Wise students led a tour of the waste minimisation projects around the school such as the separated waste bins and a composter.

Smoke free launch

I assisted Member Tricia Reade with planning for the launch of smokefree playgrounds with an event on World Smokefree Day at Victoria Park Skate Park. We met with the Principal and Deputy Principal of Ponsonby Intermediate to discuss the launch and how it could best involve students from the School. We also met with officers and the Cancer Society to plan the event. The official unveiling of the Board’s new Smokefree signage took place on 31 May with a display by Ponsonby Intermediate’s cheer leading squad and  skateboard and scooter competitions.

Accessible Business Cards

In our Local Board Plan, we have made a commitment to become an accessible board and area. When the opportunity came to have new business cards printed, on the advice of Auckland Council’s disability advisor, I requested a font size of 14 for details on the card. It took 2 months but with the assistance of Emma Monk, communications advisor, I am very proud to now have, what I believe to be, Auckland Council’s first large font size business cards (see Attachment B). I recommend the design as simple and effective and that it should become the default for all business cards within the organisation.

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

Other board activities

Fairtrade Auckland

On 4 May, Mayor Len Brown launched Auckland’s status as a Fair Trade City joining a network of 1000 towns and cities around the world. The Waitemata Local Board kicked off the process through Auckland Council to meet one of the key requirements of being certified a Fair Trade City. It took exactly a year from our own resolution to be the first Fair Trade Local Board in May 2011 for the decision to go to through the Council’s Economic Forum, the Tenders and Procurement sub-committee and finally to the Regional and Operations Development Committee in March when the Mayor and Council voted unanimously in support. The Mayor received Auckland’s Fair Trade certificate from Michael Toliman, the coffee farmer from Papua New Guinea in New Zealand for fairtrade fortnight. The Board held its Fair Trade coffee break at the Board office on 17 May raising $100 for Oxfam. Chris Morrison and Julia Collins from All Good Bananas were our special guests who generously provide a box of Fairtrade Bananas.

Grey Lynn Business Association I attended the GLBA business meeting on 1 May. I am following up a number of issues for the GLBA board including parking issues and streetscape improvements at the Surrey Cres shops.

Waste Management & Minimisation Plan

I am taking a close interest in the development of the Council’s waste plan. I attended the deliberations meeting of the Hearings Panel on the draft plan on 29 May. The recommendations to be made to the governing body on 8 June are consistent with the Board’s support for waste to be considered a valuable resource with appropriate incentives to encourage recycling and waste minimisation. The panel gave particularly strong support for the development of a resource recovery network to replace the inorganic collection and noted the initiative of the Waitemata,  Albert – Eden and Puketapapa Local Boards to develop a pilot resource recovery centre.

Local Board Agreement

Following consultation and deliberations on the Waitemata Local Board Agreement the final amendments were agreed at our May public meeting. I took a particular interest in the Advocacy to Auckland Transport section of the Agreement and recommended amendments that ensure all the proposed projects for 2012/13 are consistent with Auckland Transport’s work programme and the Local Board priorities. I supported the Chair in preparing for our “Discussion” with the governing body and spoke to the transport issues at the meeting. Although Section  21(1) of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2010 requires that for each financial year, the Auckland Council must have a local board agreement (as agreed between the governing body and the local board) for each local board area,  it is disappointing that at no point in the process has a “negotiation” occurred between the local board and the governing body.

LGNZ  Joint Zone One and Zone Two meeting

I attended the LGNZ meeting on 11 May travelling to Manukau on the new train service. At the meeting, Mike Cohen reported back on behalf of Local Boards. He highlighted his views oon the restructuring issues and gave the example of the parks budget, which does not provide the Boards with any incentive to find efficiencies and cost savings. However if Boards seek improvements this has to be found from the Board’s budget. I was also interested in the update from TRAFINZ (the New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute) that represents local authority views on road safety and traffic management in New Zealand. Like the Board, TRAFINZ supports speed violations being delegated from the Police to Local Authorities.

The Love NZ public place recycling manager gave an update on the Love NZ nationwide recycling initiative, which is co-funded by Central government and industry through the Glass Packaging Forum. In the first 6 months including through the RWC, the Love NZ Board claim to have diverted over 1000 tonnes of packaging from landfill through the Love NZ recycling bins. It was confirmed at the meeting that Glass Packaging Forum does not support container deposit legislation which is considered to be the most effective means of reducing packaging waste.

Local Board workshops and meetings

Attended:

  •  All 3 Local Board workshops held during the month on 1, 15 and 22 May
  • Parnell Festival of the Roses meeting to hear the results of the event assessment survey
  • Art in the Square – meeting to discuss ideas for the activation of Newmarket Station Square Herne Bay Residents Association meeting – regarding the Wellington Street on ramp on 4 May
  •  Myers Park Development Plan meeting 4 May (part only)
  • Meeting with Puketapapa and Albert Eden Local Boards to discuss the development a pilot resource recovery centre on 7 May
  • Meeting with a member of the public concerned with the level of spitting in the city centre that creates a hazard for those using walking sticks Meeting to discuss the Local Board transport advocacy for inclusion in the Local Board Agreement
  • Draft LTP – Budget & Advocacy Finalisation in preparation for the Local Board public business meeting
  •  Meeting at Ponsonby Intermediate to discuss plans for the launch of the Board’s smokefree park signage on World smokefree day Local Board business meeting in Parnell on 8 May
  • Public Art Workplans for 2012/13 on 9 May
  • Visit to Auckland University of Technology to be briefed on the contribution made by AUT on 9 May
  • Hīkoi with Waitemata Local Board members and Malcolm Patterson on 10 May to discuss the Māori heritage of the foreshore and how this can be respected and celebrated through developments such as an extended coastal walkway or arts trail Meeting with officers to discuss the planning for the smokefree launch
  • Meeting with AT Community Transport  and Barbara Holloway to discuss the trial of mini bike stands on K’rd Meeting with Heart of the City to discuss the “Parklet” proposal
  • LGNZ  Joint Zone One and Zone Two meeting on 11 May in Manukau
  • Communications meeting with the new Local Board Communications Advisor, Chris Baldock on 15 May  C
  • ommunity Development and Partnerships monthly meeting with Shane Ta’ala
  • Parks Maintenance contracts Local Boards cluster meeting on 16 May – a follow-up workshop to the one held on 6 December 2011 to discuss new parks maintenance contracts across Auckland and levels of service.
  • Waitemata Local Board’s “discussion” with the Governing Body on 16 May
  • Meeting with Judith Webster; Programme Manager City Transformation Projects and Michelle Prattley; Project Leader, City Transformation Projects to discuss the city centre noise project involving a range of mechanism to reduce and manage noise
  • Weona Walkway open day at Seddon Fields on 17 May
  • Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association to discuss a trial “bike parking corral” on Ponsonby Road
  • Catch up with Ashley Church, Newmarket Business Association General Manager (as alternate on the Board) on 18 May
  • Monthly transport portfolio catch ups with Auckland Transport on 24 May
  • Deliberations meeting on the draft Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan on 29 May
  • Allocation of transport capital budgets to Local Boards cluster meeting at the Town Hall on 21 May
  • Waitemata Local Board – Parnell Festival of Roses presentation to the Parnell Community on 22 May
  •  Strategy and Finance Committee meeting attended from 1pm – until 7pm on 23 May (where the LTP budget was approved)
  • Meeting with Chorus to discuss UFB rollout in Waitemata Local Board area on 24 May
  • Good for business workshop planning meeting with AT on 28 May
  • Victoria Park Management Plan meeting on 30 May
  • Ann McAfee – International Advisor to the Unitary Plan presentation to Local Board members and Councillors on 30 May
  • Britomart site visit with Christopher Dempsey and Lorna Stewart to evaluate bike parking
  • Meeting with Jo Wiggins, David Parker and Brian Palmer of the Auckland Sport and Recreation Reference Group (ASRRG) on 31 May

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during May:

  • AECOM’s Global Cities Institutes book for Auckland Official Launch on 2 May at the District Dining Room- The book, Auckland, Connected, examines how the city can address the challenges and opportunities facing its urban development in four areas: economic growth, transportation, urban form and liveability.
  • Hospice Cuppa launch on 3 May with guest speaker Alan Whetton
  • Fair Trade Fortnight breakfast launch event at the Britomart Country Club on 4 May (at the invitation of the Fairtrade NZ)
  • Fairtrade presentation to the Mayor on 4 May at the Central Library
  • Official opening of Campbell Free Kindergarten on 5 May
  • A Midsummer night’s dream on 5 May (at the invitation of ATC)
  • Sustainable Business Network AGM on 9 May
  • Cycle Action Associates Breakfast at the Box café on 10 May
  • GLBA networking drinks on 10 May
  •  Community Tree planting at Harry Dansey Reserve, Freemans Bay on Saturday 12 May
  • Easy Green Living Show (including the Auckland Council’s retro fit your home and composting displays) and Green Drinks at Alexandra Park
  • SAVE TVNZ7 Public Meeting , Freemans Bay Community Hall
  • Waitemata Local Board Fairtrade Coffee break raising $100 for Oxfam
  • Carrot mob at Cosset Café on Sunday 19 May
  • Auckland Conversation: How Effective Transport Planning and Efficient Public Transport have Transformed London, Councillor Daniel Moylan – Deputy Chairman Transport for London, Chairman of Urban Design
  • Launch of the Auckland Plan on 29 May at the Auckland Museum
  • Launch of smoke free signage at Waitemata Parks event on 31 May
  • Cycle Action Auckland, NZTA and Auckland Transport presentation –  North-western Cycleway connection to Beach Road