Monthly Report August 2014

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during July 2014 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.

Local Board Plan Engagement

The Pecha Kucha Town Hall special edition was a big highlight for me during July. Pecha Kucha Auckland teamed up with the Waitematā Local Board so that for the first time in New Zealand the Pecha Kucha format was used as a platform for local government consultation. The diverse line up of speakers made the event informative and fun. It was also a great opportunity for board members to present on the draft local board at a unique engagement event. Thank you for everyone who helped organise the event and took part on the night.

As part of our Local Board Plan engagement we have held a series of drop-in sessions during July.

I attended the sessions at:

Campbell Free Kindergarten building, Victoria Park
Pioneer Women’s Hall
Parnell Farmers Market
Station Square, Newmarket
Leys Institute Library, Ponsonby
Ponsonby Community Centre
AUT Quad on AUSM club day (photo right)
Methodist Church Hall, Pitt Street

Drop-ins were also held at the Richmond Rovers clubrooms, Western Springs Football clubrooms, and the Grey Lynn Farmers Market.

In addition I was invited to speak at the Grafton Residents Association on the draft plan at their monthly meeting.

Long Term Plan 2015 – 2025: Options Workshop

I attended the all- day workshop for elected representatives and officers on 7 July as part of the LTP process which is currently underway. I think the workshops provide a valuable opportunity to discuss what the council should prioritise over the next 10 years and how to fund it. There are going to be tough decisions coming up about what we spend to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world.

LGNZ Conference 2014

I attended the LGNZ conference 2014 in Nelson as the Waitematā Local Board delegate. My conference report back is attached

Youth

Retiring members and new members of the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) were acknowledged by Mayor Len Brown at a function on 28 July attended by YAP liaison councillor Linda Cooper, parents, and elected representatives from the council and local boards. The panel is into its second term and was established by the Mayor in 2011 as a local and regional youth participation and development programme to provide advice on council policies, plans, strategies and bylaws in the interests of young people.

It is made up of 21 young people aged between 12 and 24, nominated from Auckland’s 21 local boards. It involves a two-year term served by each member from July to June, with members selected by young people in their community through 18 local youth voice groups affiliated to local boards. Isabella Lenihan- Ikin is the Waitematā representative on the Panel. In her fantastic inaugural speech she challenged the Mayor to invest in cycling.

Retiring and new members of the Youth Advisory Panel with Local Board members

Portfolio reports: Community

The community Development portfolio is working on a number of issues that were discussed at our monthly meeting with CDAC officers on 23 July:

– Pioneer Women’s Hall stakeholder meeting (held on 31 July attended by Deborah Yates to connect and share with other groups/people that have expressed an interest in activating programmes that meet the needs of the people who live work and play in the central city).

– Future of Grey Lynn Community Centre

– The use of Lumino for Local Board Plan consultation (a Youth portfolio imitative)

– Implementation of the Accessibility Plan

– Women and Children’s Safety

– Leys Institute Lift (in need of repair)

– Women’s Centre Lease ( on the agenda this month)

I also attended a range of meetings during July relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.

Portfolio reports: Transport

The Grafton Gully Multi-way Boulevard

At our July Board meeting Kent Lundberg presented a plan to the Waitematā Local Board for dramatically improving one of the worst corridors in the central city – Stanley St and The Strand. Details of the presentation are available here http://transportblog.co.nz/2014/07/10/the-grafton-gully-multiway-boulevard/

We passed the following resolution:

Moved by C Dempsey, seconded by PJ Coom:

a) That Kent Lundberg be thanked for his attendance and presentation to the Board.

b) That the Waitematā Local Board:

i) supports in principle the Grafton Gully multiway Boulevard proposal;

ii) requests Auckland Transport and NZTA assess the proposal and provide a response as to how it can be progressed;

iii) refers the proposal to the Infrastructure Committee of the Governing Body for its consideration.

Bus stops

Auckland Transport is currently consulting on bus stop design options until 22 August. Three designs have been installed on Symonds Street. I joined a tour of the bus stops for board members. Design A (photo right) is definitely my preferred option as it incorporates recycled materials and solar lighting. It also provides the best protection from the rain and is pleasant to use.

Old Nelson Street off-ramp

AT and NZTA have taken up a Cycle Action Auckland proposal to turn the old Nelson Street off ramp (surplus to motorway needs) into a cycleway providing a link in the Auckland Cycle Network – connecting the Northwestern and other routes entering the City Centre from the south and west to the western parts of our downtown and waterfront, to a Nelson Street cycleway.

Christopher and I joined a NZTA tour of the off- ramp to see how it could connect to K’rd. This work is currently progressing by NZTA with Auckland Transport working on separated cycle lane down Nelson Street to the waterfront

Monthly transport update

A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 30 July. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 July – 31 July I attended:

Local Board workshop on 1 July
Local Board draft plan drop in sessions – as listed above
Meeting with legal team to discuss Board’s submission on Auckland Transport’s NOR for widening Great North Road
Parks Portfolio meeting to discuss Grey Lynn Park Development Plan
LTP options/advice workshop on 7 July
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 8 July
Meeting to discussion parking discussion document with Tony Skelton, Chair, St Marys Bay Association and PBA
Waitematā Local Board business meeting at Graham Street on 8 July
Waitematā Local Board workshop on 10 July
Central hui with iwi to discuss local board plans (attended the afternoon’s session as the Chair’s alternate)
Local Board workshop on 15 July
Studio One Tour with Manurewa board members on 16 July
Old Nelson street off ramp cycle pilot project presentation and tour by NZTA on 18 July
Attendance at the LGNZ conference 2014 in Nelson 20- -22 July
Meeting with the owner of Café Byzantium on 23 July to discuss complaints against Council inspection officers
Meeting to discuss feedback on AT’s draft parking discussion document
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 23 July
Arch Hill Residents meeting to discuss outcome of mediation with Bunnings
St Mary Bay Association AGM on 24 July
Tour of Bus Stop design options with Auckland Transport
Community-led Placemaking Champions Group – Plenary meeting on 28 July
Local Board Workshop on 29 July
Ponsonby Community Centre committee meeting on 29 July
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 30 July

Events and functions

In the period 1 July – 31 July I attended:

The People of Auckland Community Trust ‘Urban People’ end of term 2 Celebration and lunch on 2 July (photo right is taken in the Trust’s kitchen where a weekly lunch is provided for up to 80 people. The stoves were funded from a Waitematā Local Board Community Grant)
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 3 July
Urbanist meet- up on 3 July
Studio One Toi Tu Open Day on Saturday 5 July
PBA parking presentation by MR Cagney to PBA members on 8 July
Super Kapa Haka at the Cloud on 12 July
Sod Turning: Myers Park to mark the start of construction of the Myers Park Children’s playground on 14 July
IPENZ presentation on Shared Spaces
Pecha Kucha Town Hall Special Edition on 16 July
Bag It film night organised by Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away as part of Plastic Bag Free July
Lunch on 18 July hosted by Spliced/Lifewise to welcome the Waitematā’s new engagement advisor
ATC production of The Good Soul of Szchuan at Q Theatre (at the invitation of ATC)
Matariki Manu Aute Kite Day at Taraparawha on 26 July (photo right)
Launch of Circability Trust’s Social programmes at the Campbell Free Kindergarten on 27 July (photos below)

Declaration of interests to 30 June 2014

Auckland Council’s Code of Conduct requires elected representatives to complete an annual declaration of interests. The latest declaration is for the period to 30 June 2014.

As well as the annual declaration I report all gifts in my monthly board reports and have declared all my interests at the beginning of each term of the Waitemata Local Board (recorded in the minutes).

As an elected representative I wish to be as transparent and open as possible about all my interests. I take very seriously my responsibility to approach decision making with an open mind, to make decisions in the public interest and to be fully accountable for my decisions and actions. Being completely open about my interests is just one of the ways I personally wish to maintain the high standard of conduct that is expected of me in my role.

Declaration to 30 June 2014 (submitted on 23 July 2014)

Property interests: Owned jointly – 16 Firth Road, Grey Lynn 1021

Companies:*

Partner/spouse – Paul Shortland Limited
Partner/spouse – Palletlock Limited
Partner/spouse – Firth Road Trustees Limited
Partner/spouse- Upshot Solutions Limited

Companies, Controlling interests:*

Partner/spouse – Paul Shortland Limited
Partner/spouse – Palletlock Limited
Partner/spouse – Firth Road Trustees Limited
Partner/spouse – Upshot Solutions Limited

Trusts:

Treasurer and Trustee of Connected Media Trust
Trustee of Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Community Trust
Trustee of Kelmarna Community Garden Trust (until May 2013)

Community Organisations:

Chair – Grey Lynn Farmers Market Management Committee
Member – Grey Lynn RSC (until December 2013)
Member – Sustainable Business Network (until February 2014)
Member – Auckland Girls Grammar old girls’ Association
Member – Grey Lynn Business Association (until November 2013)
Member – Cycle Action Auckland (until December 2013)
Member – Vintage Austin Register
Member – YWCA (November 2012- November 2013)

Appointments/Debtors/Employment/Creditors: NA

Gifts, third party funding and discharged debts:

Tickets to Auckland Arts Festival 2013 – various shows, Approximate value: over $300 in value, provided by the Festival Trust
Tickets to ATC opening night productions approximately every 6 weeks, Approximate value: over $300 per year
Tickets to Big Day Out 2014 from Regional Facilities Approximate value: over $300

Additional Declarations:

Partner, Paul Shortland’s positions:
Member Alternative Transport Funding Independent Advisory Board and Auckland Council’s Cycle Advisory Group
Deputy Chair and Treasurer of Cycle Action Auckland

* Explanations and caveats:

Companies: Companies where more than 10% of the issued capital is owned

Companies: Controlling interests in companies

Employment: Employment other than as an elected representative to Auckland Council

Appointments: Excludes appointments made by Auckland Council Governing Body or Local Boards

Debtors and Creditors: Amounts greater than $50,000 only. Does not include short term loans (<90 days), loans to family members, relationship property settlements or mortgages from registered banks.

Gifts: Over the value of $300

Monthly Board Report July 2014

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during June 2014 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.

From 14 June until 7 July I have also been acting Chair

Local Board Plan

During June I have been part of the Local Board team organising the Pecha Kucha event that will launch our draft Local Board Plan on 16 July at the Town Hall. We have a great line up of fantastic presenters who all in some way shape the beating heart of Tāmaki Makarau. This is the first time the Pecha Kucha format has been used for an engagement event by local government in New Zealand.

We’ve also planned a series of drop in sessions across Waitematā to answer questions on the draft Local Board Plan. Consultation starts on 7 July.

Community engagement

In addition to the Local Board Plan there is an overwhelming number of engagement processes underway or about to start. This is putting a lot of pressure on our local volunteer community groups who are understandably feeling very stretched:

Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan – until 22 July
Local Alcohol Policy – until 16 July
Auckland Transport Parking discussion – until 31 July
Community Grant Policy – 14 July until 10 August

The Auckland Council website Shape Auckland is the online hub for all consultations.

Ponsonby Road Plan

At our June meeting we adopted the final of the Ponsonby Road Plan that sets a framework for the development of Ponsonby Road over the next 30 years. The process to draft a Plan got under way with my Notice of Motion in October 2012. I am really delighted to have reached this point and thank all those who contributed, in particular, the members of the working group, all those who took the time to submit on the draft, Rebecca Sanders, Auckland Planner who put all the work in behind the scenes and Tricia Reade who brought her considerable enthusiasm to the project last term.

The Ponsonby Road Plan establishes five desired outcomes including recognising the area as a vibrant centre, protecting historic and cultural heritage and making the road safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plan can be found on the Council website under “Council Strategies and Plans”

Urban Regeneration and Renewal

At the Auckland conversation in June, Dr Tim Williams – CEO Committee for Sydney gave a beginners guide on Urban Regeneration and Renewal. Some highlights from his presentation that focused on “convergence” -how to achieve the best results through equalising disadvantaged parts of city with wealthier parts.

A mixed community is more important than clever financing, delivery vehicles and social projects in addressing inequality

The best city leaders do three things well:

Achieve smart growth
Do more for less
Win support for change

You can’t reduce cost of housing by building more because the price is determined by 90% of current stock.

To keep things the same you have to change

Building more roads creates sprawl. Sprawl creates poverty. Sprawl may be killing social mobility

Reveal of Studio One

As acting Chair I had the good fortune to represent the Board at an event to reveal the new name for Art Station. My speech notes and a media release to announce Studio One are attached (ATTACHMENTS A and B)

Portfolio Reports: Community

Central Joint Funding Committee Meeting

The Committee with representatives of all the Central Local Boards (Chaired by Desley Simpson) met on 20 June to consider applications for grants from the Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund (a legacy Auckland City Council fund for the purpose of conserving, restoring and protected valued historic heritage items).

A total of $23,326 was allocated from the second round of the 14/15 fund to 11 applicants (from a total of 18) with 7 grants made in the Waitematā Local Board area. Details of the successful applications are available on the Council website.

Kelmarna Organic Gardens

On 22 May, the Board office was made aware of an incident at Hukanui Reserve, which is occupied by Kelmarna Organic Gardens in Grey Lynn. Ashes from a recently deceased client were scattered over parts of the garden.

The gardens are on land that has been leased from the council to the Kelmarna Community Garden Trust for the last 32 years. The Trust has a licence with Framework Trust to operate the gardens. Framework Trust provides staff for the gardens as part of their ongoing rehabilitation programmes. All staff were withdrawn from the site following the incident, while the Kelmarna Community Garden Trust, Framework Trust and Auckland Council staff from Te Waka Angamua (Maori Strategy and Relations) decided how to proceed.

I attended a blessing on site on 3 June which allowed normal activities to resume and a follow- up meeting to discuss next steps with all those involved. I’ve been really impressed with the sensitive way the issue has been handled and the commitment to ensure the gardens continue to flourish.

The Board is considering the application for a new lease at Hukanui Reserve at our July meeting (refer meeting agenda). If the Board agrees the granting of a new lease this will be advertised for submissions and officers will commence iwi consultation.

Youth

Congratulations to Isabella Lenihan- Iken who was elected to the Youth Advisory Panel as the Waitematā representative during June. The details are attached in the youth update (ATTACHMENT C). Isabella’s induction to the Panel will be held on 28 July.

Myers Park Centenary meeting

There was a large turnout for the community meeting to discuss centenary celebrations for Myers Park next year.

Notes from the meeting are attached (ATTACHMENT D)

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Portfolio reports: Transport

City Centre Route Optimisation

At our June meeting Auckland Transport reported on a number of small but important changes that have been underway in the City Centre aimed at improving the pedestrian experience. These are part of the route optimisation programme that is not just aimed at vehicle efficiency. For example:

removal of the slip lane on Lower Albert Street (next to the new pocket park on Quay Street in the photo right)
Installation of a Barnes dance on the intersection of Quay St and Hobson St

These positive changes were covered by Transport Blog in more detail on 10 June.

Auckland Transport Parking Discussion Document

At our June Board meeting we requested Auckland Transport extend the consultation period on the parking discussion document.

Due to the high level of interest on the issues raised by the discussion document the public consultation period has been extended to 31 July.

During June I attended meetings organised by the Freemans Bay Residents Association to discuss the parking approaches proposed by Auckland Transport to manage parking on residential streets.

After the storm

The June storm that brought down many trees in our area (including a large gum tree in Grey Lynn Park) also dumped lots of debris on our roads providing a unique opportunity to see how much road space is unused. Streetfilms has coined the expression “sneakdown” for this phenomenon when it occurs after heavy snowfall (a shorter way of saying snowy neckdown and a neckdown is another name for a kerb extension).

On Franklin Road we have the perfect amount of room for a cycle lane!

June resolutions in response to Auckland Transport’s Report

Resolution number WTM/2014/82

MOVED by Deputy Chairperson PJ Coom, seconded by Member CP Dempsey:

That the Auckland Transport Report – June 2014 be received.

That the Waitemata Local Board:

Approves the design for the Upper Queen Street Bridge connecting the Grafton Gully cycleway to the North Western cycleway subject to intersection light phasing that prioritises walking and cycling.
Approves funding a drinking fountain on the corner of Ian McKinnon Driveand Upper Queen Street as part of the Upper Queen Street Bridge cycleway design to the budget sum of $15,000 from the Waitemata Local Board Transport Capex Fund 12/13.
Requests that Auckland Transport installs route way-finding signage along the entire Grafton Gully cycle way route and connection to the North-Western cycleway in time for the opening of the Upper Queen Street Bridge in September 2014.
Requests that Auckland Transport investigate options for quickly providing a cycleway connection from the Upper Queen Street Bridge to Karangahape Road.
That officers investigate the beautification of the bridge as a gateway feature into the city centre, to be included in the scope of the project and reported back to the Waitemata Local Board, as this endorses the City Centre Master Plan.
That Priscilla Steel, Elected Members Liaison Manager (Auckland Transport) and Matthew Ah Mu, Engineer – Investigation & Design (Auckland Transport) be thanked for their attendance

CARRIED

Monthly transport update

A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 25 June. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 June – 30 June I attended:

Local Board workshop on 2 June
Kelmarna Garden’s blessing on 3 June
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 5 June
Maori responsiveness training for elected representatives – a 2 part forum for elected representatives wishing to raise their awareness of the Māori fabric of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, deepen their understanding of Councils commitments to Māori, and discuss ways of establishing and strengthening relationships with the communities, hapu, iwi and leaders within Maoridom. Content was delivered by subject matter experts from Te Waka Angamua Māori Strategy & Relations Department
Ponsonby Business Association strategy meeting
Te Kakano 1 (Te reo Māori ) Exam at AUT
Waitemata Local Board business meeting at Grey Lynn Community Centre on 10 June
Meeting with Kelmarna Gardens Trustees, Framework and Council advisers on 11 June
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 12 June
Briefing from Gerard Linstrom of Chorus re Ultra-Fast Broad Band rollout in Waitemata
Standing Orders and meetings processes. A seminar to provide a comprehensive and interactive experience on the “ins and outs” of Standing Orders for Local Government meetings involving elected representative facilitated by Steve McDowell and Vern Walsh, of Meeting and Governance Solutions
Freemans Bay Residents Association meetings on the Auckland Transport’s Parking Discussion Document on 12 June and 16 June
Local Board workshop on 13 June
Chair’s weekly update with Relationship Manager on 16 June
St Luke’s notice of requirement meeting with Auckland Council legal team
Myers Park Centenary meeting on 17 June (see meeting notes Attachment E)
Waterfront Auckland Forum at the Voyager museum on 18 June Waterfront Auckland Chairman, Sir Bob Harvey and Chief Executive, John Dalzell spoke about the next stage of this development and how Waterfront Auckland will be progressing a comprehensive plan for the waterfront.
Meeting with Freemans Park Body Corporate representatives to discuss overland flow path issues
CDAC Work Programme discussion with Community Portfolio to review the 2014/2015 CDAC work programme for reporting to the July business meeting.
Meeting with Central Library Manager to discuss CAB arrangements
Central Joint Funding Committee Meeting – Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund applications on 19 June
Standing Orders Political Working Party meeting (as alternate to the Chair who is the Board’s rep on the working party) – photo right with members of the working party (Photo Credit: Cathy Casey)
Chair’s weekly update with Relationship Manager on 23 June
Local Board Chairs Forum meeting on 23 June
Community meeting organised by the Grey Lynn Business Association to discuss the development application at 367-375 Great North Road
Local Board Workshop on 24 June
Meeting of PBA members to discuss the Local Alcohol Policy at the Longroom on Ponsonby Road on 24 June
Ponsonby Community Centre committee meeting on 24 June
Communications catch up on 25 June
Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 25 June
Meeting with Ernst Zollner, NZTA Director Auckland & Northland and Director Road Safety: to discuss NZTA projects in the Waitematā area
Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 26 June
Meeting on 27 June with Freemans Bay Residents Association to discuss feedback on the Parking Discussion Document
Meeting with Tony Skelton, Chair, St Marys Bay Association

Events and functions

In the period 1 June – 30 June I attended:

Auckland Museum Solar Launch on 4 June (photo right)
Pecha Kucha at Q Theatre on 4 June
Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 5 June
POP Projects 02: Bee Jam at Art Station on 6 June
Generation Zero Art Auction at Fizzy Vibes Gallery on 11 June
Grey Lynn Business Association Networking drinks at the Grey Lynn RSC on 11 June
Auckland Conversations: Urban Regeneration and Renewal: A beginners guide with Dr Tim Williams – CEO Committee for Sydney on 12 June at the Aotea Centre
Annie at the Civic on 13 June
Campaign for better transport AGM at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 20 June
POP project 06 , Hikoi at Western Springs on 21 June with Prince Davis (photo below)

ATC production of Once on Chunuk Bair at the Maidment Theatre (at the invitation of ATC)
New Zealand Opera – a special concert to announce five newly appointed Freemasons Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artists at the Aotea Centre
Tuesdays with Morrie at the Factory Theatre, Newmarket (at the invitation of the Newmarket Stage Company)
Studio One Reveal on 27 June – The new name and identity for Artstation (Refer ATTACHMENTS A and B)
Travelwise celebration hosted by Auckland Transport at Eden Park on 26 June
Charandas Chor – the Honest Thief at TAPAC on 26 June (at the invitation of Prayas Theatre and TAPAC)
Sunday Roast at Q Theatre on 27 June
Matariki Dawn Karakia on 28 June at the Cloud to herald in the Maori New Year and commence the Matariki Festival (on until 28 July)

Studio One opens door to creative community

After a major refurbishment by the Waitemata Local Board, the new look Art Station was officially opened on 25 June as Studio One Toi Tu. As acting Chair I had the good fortune to represent the Board at an event to reveal the new name.

Media Release: Creative Spark ignited in Ponsonby

Studio One on Facebook

SPEECH NOTES STUDIO ONE REVEAL – 25 June 2014

Kia ora hui hui mai tātau

E te iwi tenā koutou

E ngā mana, e ngā reo E ngā hau e whā

Nau mai, piki mai, haere mai

Welcome on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board and thank you, Louise [Louise Mason, Manager, Community Development, Arts and Culture]. It is fantastic to be here on such an exciting evening representing the Board.

Shale Chambers, Chair of the Waitematā Local Board, really wanted to be here for the BIG REVEAL but unfortunately he is away for his 30^th wedding anniversary (I think that is an acceptable excuse even if he is in the sun in Greece). With me from the Board are Greg Moyle (Arts and Culture portfolio holder with Shale) , Deborah Yates, Christopher Dempsey and Vernon Tava. Rob Thomas sends his apologies. I’d like to acknowledge Tricia Reade who is here and was very much part of this project when she was on the Board.

As Louise has mentioned, we are in a very special heritage building, in the heart of a vibrant, passionate community. I understand we are in fact in Auckland Council’s first creative precinct.

I’d like to acknowledge the founders and those before us who laid the foundations and kept a creative precinct alive through many challenges.

The Waitematā Local Board is highly aware of the changing demographics of residents and businesses in central Auckland. We know that we need to provide places and spaces that are flexible, versatile and meet the needs of our community within ongoing budget constraints. This led us last year to take a fresh look at the precinct.

We pride ourselves on putting our communities at the heart of our decision-making but I recognise that it hasn’t been an easy process. I’d like to acknowledge and thank those who were involved in the extensive review and consultation process last year to develop a new vision for 1 Ponsonby Road.

The precinct is now a collection of collaborative spaces for artists, creative businesses and individuals, and community organisations to meet, to make, to learn, to listen, to practise, to create and to exhibit.

Creative people can propose, present and host courses, programmes and events – anything is possible here, and every idea is welcomed. To support the new vision, a new name and identity was needed to signal the change and to invite new people to explore and be part of the precinct and its spaces.

New names can be a risky. We want to respect and acknowledge the history of the land, the place and the people who have come before us. We want an ‘open’ name and identity: one that signals we are a community precinct that can be used by many different communities for many different uses in many different ways.

We also would like to clearly communicate the buildings’ many functions. So without any further delay, I take great pride in welcoming you all to STUDIO ONE – TOI TU, a place for many purposes, many people and every possibility.

Monthly Board report June 2014

Ko Te Kai a Te Rangatira – Ko te kai a te rangatira, he korero

(The sustenance of leaders are conversations)

Ko te tohu o te rangatira, he manaaki

(The mark of leaders is generosity)

Ko te mahi a te rangatira, he whakatira i te iwi

(The work of leaders is to unite the people)

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during May 2014 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.

Portfolio Report: Community

Community Grants

The Waitemata Local Board Community Grants Committee met in May to consider applications to the fourth and final round of the 13/14 community grants fund.

The recommendations of the committee are on the June agenda of the Waitematā Local Board.

Housing

In May we were able to celebrate the decision by Council and the Government to not include Spring St pensioner housing in the list of Special Housing Areas that would have allowed for fast track development (and resulted in the eviction of elderly tenants who were guaranteed a flat for life when the housing was bought from the old Auckland City Council).

It was also a win of sorts that, with the support of the Board, the Great North Road ridge was declared a Special Housing Area but unfortunately too late for the Arch Hill residents who are fighting the big box Bunnings development.

However as was discussed at the public meeting I attended on 10 May (facilitated by Board member Deborah Yates) there is still a great deal of uncertainty and anger about HNZ’s current approach to removing tenants which will have a big impact on the diversity our community.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Portfolio report: Transport

Upper Queen Street Bridge – Grafton Gully cycleway connection

Earlier this year we discovered that the City Centre Transformation team were not looking to deliver the connection between the Grafton Gully cycleway and Ian McKinnon Drive on the Upper Queen Street bridge until 15/16 despite the cycleway being due to be opened by NZTA in September this year (and despite a budget being available for the project)

Fortunately the escalation of this issue has had results and the good news is that the connection will be ready in time! After reviewing the design (right) the transport portfolio has requested a drinking station be incorporated, that pedestrians/riders have priority phasing of the lights and that all steps be taken to ensure way finder signage is installed in time for the opening

Legible Auckland

I continue to log requests for pedestrian signage on streets with NO EXIT signage that in fact have walkway access.

Auckland Transport has confirmed the following streets will receive “walkway” signs:

Sheridan Lane, Freemans Bay
Gwilliam Place, Freemans Bay
Pratt Street, Freemans Bay
Samoa House Lane
Sylvan West Avenue (Albert – Eden Local Board area)
Cheshire Street, Parnell
Wharf Road, Herne Bay
Bayfield Road, Herne Bay
Prosford Road, Ponsonby

There are still many signs on poles that need to be updated with the correct walkway information such as this one on St Marys Bay road.

Auckland Transport Parking Discussion Document

The consultation on Auckland Transport’s parking discussion document went live on 31 May and will be open for feedback until the end of June.

For more on the parking issues and the parking strategy proposed by Auckland Transport refer “Getting Parking Right for Auckland”

Monthly transport update

A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 21 May. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Other board activities

Local Board Plan

During May I have been assisting with finalising our draft Local Board Plan that will go out for consultation on 7 July (the draft is on our June agenda). I’ve also been working on a very exciting event for the launch of our plan. Details will be available shortly.

Janette Sadik- Khan visits Auckland

A big highlight of May was Janette Sadik-Khan’s visit to Auckland. The transport revolutionary presented “Designing Streets for People” to a record breaking Auckland Conversation audience. How the streets of New York were transformed while she was NYC commissioner of transportation from 2007 – 2013 under Mayor Bloomberg, is an amazing story and provides a great deal of inspiration for what we can achieve in Auckland.

Best of all she had time for a Frocks on Bikes ride after doing a walkabout with the Mayor.

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 May – 31 May I attended:

Effective Meetings for Local Board Chairs and Deputy Chairs – a very useful session looking at styles and approaches that help meetings to run smoothly and generate decisions.

Local Board workshop on 6 May
Community Development portfolio discussion on 6 May
Presentation to PBA members on the feedback received on the draft Ponsonby Road master plan on 7 May
Site visit for the Cowie Street Road Extension / Newmarket Level Crossing project (Parks and Transport portfolios) on 8 May
Meeting with Ashley Church, Newmarket Business Association
Local Government New Zealand Zone 1 meeting in Whangerei on 9 May
Housing public meeting at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 10 May
Meeting with Alan Pack regarding a new underpass design for the Newmarket Level Crossing
Communications meeting on 12 May
Attended the St James Theatre site visit with the Mayor and Councillors (ahead of the governing body’s confidential agenda item on the future of the St James)
Open Streets Initiatives in NZ The gateway drug for walking, cycling and connecting communities– watched the webinar with Christopher Dempsey and Vernon Tava
Catch up with Heart of the City
Briefing: Downtown Shopping Centre Block Re-development Future Options for Queen Elizabeth Square Report on 13 May
Meeting with Luka Hinse regarding a Pecha Kucha collaboration for launching the local board plan
Auckland Transport parking strategy workshop for elected representatives on 13 May
Planning meeting for Local Board plan pop-ups
Waitemata Local Board business meeting at Parnell on 13 May
Briefing on Pioneer Womens Hall on 14 May
Catch-up with Alex Williams, SBN to discuss Project NZ and social enterprise in Waitemata
Ponsonby Road master plan meeting
Meeting to go over feedback on the draft local board plan
Auckland Development Committee workshop re Downtown Shopping Centre redevelopment & Waitemata Local Board
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 17 May
Local Economic Development workshop with Councillors and Local Board members
Central Joint Funding Committee Workshop – Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund applications
Meeting to sign off on Waitemata Local Board plan
Maori Responsiveness training for elected members on Te Kai-A-Te Rangatira: Building relationships with Māori – a forum for elected members to raise questions, share ideas and converse with Council’s subject matter experts (I learnt the Whakatauki that starts my report at this session)
Meeting to discuss community-led place making with Parnell Community Committee (part of my Community-led development champions work stream) on 19 May
Meeting to approve the draft local board plan to be attached to our June agenda
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 20 May
Meeting with Auckland Transport, Auckland Council, Bunnings and Arch Hill representatives regarding a proposal to remove the kerb extension on King Street
Ponsonby Business Association Board strategic planning session
Monthly transport portfolio meeting on 21 May
Mayoral Tour on 21 May including a visit to Pt. Erin Pools (photo right) and Art Station
Waitemata Local Board update Briefing from Waterfront Auckland
Meeting to finalise Local Board Plan summary
Waitemata Local Board Grants Committee meeting on 22 May
Auckland Transport’s public meeting on the Cowie Street bridge/Sarawia underpass at Jubilee Hall, Parnell on 22 May
Community place-making champions group meeting on 26 May

Events and functions

In the period 1 May – 31 May 2014 I attended:

Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 1 May
First Thursday on K’rd and K’rd and Newton Plans drop in session
POP project 02 / The Park / blessing of the hives in Victoria Park on 3 May
Judge for the regional New Zealand Environment Entrepreneurs on Sunday 4 May
Fair Trade Auckland event at Ponsonby Central (photo right)
Plastic bag Free Auckland meeting held at the Grey Lynn Community Centre
Te Kanano mobile ap launch at AUT
Artist Studio opening at 3 Ponsonby Road on 9 May
On Saturday 10 May visited the craft fair at Art Station, Station Square market, tree planting at Waipapa Stream with Parnell Heritage, members of the Board and community ; attended a Fair Trade afternoon tea, the Ponsonby Cruising Club Art Auction exhibition and popped into the Pollen Hotel Workshop part of POP Projects 02: The Park
Launch of GridAKL, Wynyard Quarter on 16 May
Auckland Writers Festival event
TRENDZ conference launch, Viaduct Event Centre, hosted by ATEED
Velo –City conference meet- up for attendees from Auckland
Gathering for Janette Sadik-Khan sponsored by MR Cagney on 23 May
Taste Ponsonby – Ponsonby Primary fundraiser on 23 May
Popped into HACK AKL at AUT and the mini music festival on Lorne Street for NZ music month on 24 May
Frocks on Bikes ride with Janette Sadik-Khan
Auckland Conversation presentation by Janette Sadik-Khan (NYC, Commissioner for Transportation 2007-2013) followed by dinner hosted by the Mayor
Velo-City Global 2014 Celebration of Cycling, Adelaide 27 -30 May (conference report back Attachment B)
Place making workshop with Ethan Kent on 30 May (to be reported back next month)

Transport advocacy at Auckland Council

Every year each of the 21 Local Boards has an opportunity to present to the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors of Auckland Council) on their activities, advocacy areas and budget requests that the Board wants included in the Annual Plan.

Today the Waitemata Local Board, led by Shale Chambers, had our turn to outline our priorities for 14/15. I spoke to our transport advocacy areas:

Introduction

I come here today still buzzing from having experienced the future of transport in Auckland on the electric train on Sunday and with good news from the latest census data that clearly shows that when Aucklanders are provided transport choice they are eager to take up PT, walking and cycling. On census day 51% of residents in Waitemata travelled to work by means other than a car.

We have developed a comprehensive list of 20 transport advocacy areas for 14/15 that respond to the transport expectations of our residents, visitors and businesses that can be summed up as investment in cycling and walking infrastructure, pedestrian safety and amenity, quality street design, and effective parking management as we work towards an outstanding public transport system as part of a congestion free network

We are seeking a clear direction from the Governing Body to Auckland Transport that our local board transport initiatives must be incorporated into their 14/15 programme of work.

I would like to quickly highlight 5 specific areas.

Greenways The GB is very familiar with the concept of greenways and it is great so many Boards have either developed or are developing Greenways plans. The successful implementation of the Greenways Plan requires co-ordination and commitment from not only Waitemata Local Board but also the wider Council family. We are advocating that a regional greenways budget is secured in the Auckland Transport budget and included in the Auckland Transport Statement of Intent

Inner City Parking Scheme – The number one complaint received by Auckland Transport is in relation to parking issues in our inner city suburbs particularly Freemans Bays as a result of all day commuter parking. The situation is getting worse and has a number of negative impacts not just on residents but on local businesses. We support the roll out of resident parking zones for our inner city suburbs like the scheme currently being trialled in St Marys Bay. We want to see this happen by the end of the year following Auckland Transport’s consultation on their parking strategy.

Franklin Road – The much needed upgrade of Franklin Road has been postponed for many years as it has been in the too hard basket. This project includes road resurfacing, undergrounding of services, footpath upgrade, pedestrian crossings, cycle path and on road parking and to provide for safe and continuous walking and cycling pathways from Ponsonby Road to Victoria Park.

The good news is that Auckland Transport has recently put the project back on the table and is revisiting a design from 2011 but needs a budget allocated to the upgrade by Council.

Intersections and Amenity for pedestrians and cyclists – After a really slow start there are positive signs that Auckland Transport is starting to make progress on improving the pedestrian and cycling experience in Waitemata.

We have provided a very detailed list of safety and infrastructure improvements in our advocacy section, which has been done deliberately to make sure local priorities are included in AT’s work programme and funded from the regional safety and maintenance budgets. This includes cycle lanes on Carlton Gore Road, linking Beach Road with the Grafton Gully Cycleway , and advocating for a change of the give way rule at intersections in favour of pedestrians

Skypath – Lastly thank you for supporting the Auckland Harbour Bridge Skypath so far. One of the most exciting and transformation projects currently underway in Auckland.

We would like to request that the Governing Body continues to progress and provide regional leadership for the skypath.

Our full list of transport advocacy areas for 14/15

Auckland Transport

Cycle infrastructure
- Consult with local boards on the development of the Cycling Business Plan and routes and priorities of the Auckland Cycle Network.
- Improve cycle infrastructure through the completion and extension of the Auckland Cycle Network with safe, connected, dedicated cycleways including:
- Carlton Gore Road (bike lanes currently planned).
- Beach Road, linking with the Grafton Gully Cycleway and with Tamaki Drive and Parnell Station.
- Parnell to the City Centre walk/cycleway, through the new underpass south of the Parnell Train Station.
- Nelson & Hobson Street (with separated two-way cycleways, as described in the City Centre Masterplan).
- Wellesley St connection to Auckland Domain under Symonds St overbridge and on-road connection to the NZTA funded / constructed Grafton Gully Cycleway.
  - Prioritise the upgrade of all routes in 2014/2015 currently identified as “complete” on the Auckland Cycle Network within the Waitematā Local Board area, but are not of a safe standard.
  - Traffic calming
    - Undertake a trial of a slow speed zone in a residential area.
    - Implement the city centre 30km per hour speed zone (as described in the City Centre Masterplan) and the Wynyard Quarter slower speed zone.
Cycle safety
- Prioritise the installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes including in the following locations: I. Williamson Avenue northeast coming onto Ponsonby Road
- II. College Hill Road westbound coming onto Ponsonby Road
- III. Tamaki Drive, westbound at The Strand
- IV. St Stephen’s Avenue westbound coming onto Parnell Road
- v. Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge
- VI. Great North Road eastbound coming on to Karangahape Road.

Ensure safe, connected and continuous cycling is provided for in the St Lukes bridge widening including undertaking cycling safety works at the Bullock Track and Great North Road intersection.
Pedestrian safety and amenity
- Improve intersections for pedestrians with substantial foot traffic and develop solutions to improve safety and amenity for pedestrians. This includes:
- I. All intersections with left–turn slip lanes and no pedestrian facility
- II. Intersections with long pedestrian crossing delays.
- III. Undertaking route optimisation for pedestrians in the city centre including automatic pedestrian phases on one way streets.

Advocate for a change of the give way rule requiring motorists to give way to pedestrians crossing parallel to the priority (main) road at intersections.
Richmond Road Safety Plan
- Complete the implementation of the safety improvement action plan during the 2014-2015 financial year in conjunction with Auckland Council for the shopping areas and school zones of Richmond Road, concentrating on the following elements:
- I. Pedestrian and cycle safety
- II. Traffic calming and slower speeds
- III. Urban design.

Franklin Road upgrade
- Undertake the planned upgrade of Franklin Road including road resurfacing, undergrounding of services, footpath upgrade, pedestrian crossings, cycle path and on road parking and to provide for safe and continuous walking and cycling pathways from Ponsonby Road to Victoria Park including continuous pedestrian facilities (i.e. an unbroken footpath on both sides of the road) across all side streets, driveways and intersections (for example by installing raised tables).
Newmarket traffic management plan
- Develop a traffic management plan for Newmarket to make traffic flow in a way that is logical and supports public transport, walking and cycling and economic development. This would include consideration of parking, arterial infrastructure, motorway access and signage.
Residential parking zone
- Auckland Transport to implement the residential parking zone scheme to manage commuter parking in central Auckland suburbs following consultation with residents.
Auckland Domain traffic management
- Auckland Transport to improve walking and cycling access to and around the Domain, while discouraging commuter parking use of the Domain through:
- I. Implementation of a parking scheme for the Domain that works to discourage commuter parking (e.g. through pricing)
- II. Improving walking and cycling options

Contribute to the development of a Masterplan for the Domain (to be led by Auckland Council).
SkyPath
- Auckland Transport and Auckland Waterfront to progress the Auckland Harbour pathway project (the SkyPath) for delivery in 2014/2015.
Footpaths
- Prioritise the 2014/2015 footpath renewal programme in conjunction with the Waitematā Local Board.
- Create an agreed public consultation framework for the footpath renewal programme.
Greenways
- Fund and deliver the on-road components of the Waitematā Local Board greenways project prioritised for 2014/2015.
Set the three year programme of works in collaboration with the Waitematā Local Board with regards to footpaths, road safety initiatives, cycleways, parking, greenways.
Support other Waitematā Local Board agreement priorities including:
- the introduction of low impact storm water solutions in the Local Board area;
- delivery of green walls, roofs and community gardens on Auckland Transport assets e.g. car park buildings;
- drinking water fountains in the street environment;
- development and implementation of the Ponsonby Road master plan, the Karangahape Precinct Plan and the Newton Precinct Plan;
- Wayfinding signage for pedestrians; and
- Upgrade of Teed Street (western part), York Street and Kent Street, Newmarket.

Skypath open day

It is very exciting to see progress being made on the Skypath designs which are going to be on view for feedback on Saturday.

Open Day sessions:

10 am to 12pm: Westhaven, beside AJ Hackett’s ‘Bridge Climb’ base, Curran St.

1:30pm to 3:30pm: Northcote, under the bridge at Stokes Point, Princes St.

The images are available on our website: http://www.skypath.org.nz/media/for-the-media/ with link to Dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/sh/macqljz5uagkz73/nbYfLfCELj

The open day is in preparation for SkyPath’s Resource Consent application which will be fully notified to enable anyone to make a submission.

Monthly Board report April 2014

Tēnā koutou

In March I started learning beginners te reo Māori at AUT University as part of my professional development on the Board. The free course covering Te Kākano I is held over 10 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm. I highly recommend the course.

Portfolio Report: Community

Community Gardens

A Community and Teaching Gardens tour in March organised for community development officers and board members was a great learning opportunity about the different types of gardens, the benefits and challenges and the potential role Council can play in developing and fostering community gardens.

The Old Station Reserve teaching garden is particularly impressive. This garden is on Council land and was originally set up in 2009 with the support of the then Manukau City Council Parks department. They have a philosophy of recycling everything and an open door policy for anyone who wants to work and share the produce. The garden is particularly popular with elders of the Chinese community.

Community Grants

The Community Grants Committee meeting was held on 24 March for applications to the third round of funding for the 13/14 year. The committee is recommending that the Board support applications to a total of $33,254.70.

If the Committee’s recommendations are accepted $28,459.56 remains for the fourth and final round of funding. Applications close on 25 April 2014.

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Portfolio report: Transport

Progress for cycling (posted as a separate item here)

Grafton Gully Cycleway Connections

At our March Board meeting I reported on concerns that Auckland Transport and Auckland Council were failing to meet the deadlines for constructing the connections at Beach Road and Upper Queen Street to the Grafton Gully Cycle way that is due to open in September by NZTA.

I am therefore pleased to report that significant progress has been achieved over the last month with efforts to bring the project governance under one structure. In addition:

$1m additional City Transformation funding has been allocated to the Beach Road project to ensure quality public realm outcomes, as well as a cycleway.
Auckland Transport is working to achieve connections from Grafton Gully to Beach Road by September this year
City Transformation have developed a concept design for the urban design and landscape enhancements to Upper Queen Street bridge (funded from a $900k budget) and the team is currently working through a funding agreement with NZTA, who have agreed in principle to contribute $250k to the Auckland Council Upper Queen Street project..

It is very exciting to see the Grafton Gully project progress.

Bike Parking

The transport portfolio has long advocated for ATEED, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to provide bike parking at events. It was therefore great to experience ‘valet’ bike parking at the Pasifika festival. Over the 2 days of the festival the service was heavily used. There is a lot further potential to promote active transport to events during the summer months.

Richmond Road School safety plan

The Richmond Road school community have long been advocating for safety improvements on Richmond Road. During March a parent raised three outstanding major issues:

There has been a notable and significant increase in traffic density on Richmond Road particularly in the mornings, even over the last twelve months. This may be partly due to the high level of renovation in the area around the school at present.
Driver distractability and irritability seems to be far greater. It is routine to see cars on Ponsonby and Richmond roads running red lights, texting and talking on phones, and I have personally witnessed a number of occasions when cars have driven across the pedestrian crossings outside Richmond Rd School when the children are putting the stop signs out.
The speed of cars is well over the 40kph limit.

The Chair of Auckland Transport, Lester Levy has responded directly to these concerns and promised to undertake a site visit.

In the meantime I have confirmed that the Waitematā Local Board initiated the Richmond Road Safety Plan (of which safety improvements around the school are part) as a result of the school’s advocacy going back over many years and to address the safety concerns along the entire length of Richmond Road. This plan is one of our many advocacy areas to Auckland Transport in our annual agreement (part of the annual plan)

At our March Board meeting Auckland Transport reported that a number of safety improvements are under investigation:

Cockburn Street and Chamberlain Streets intersections (about to start)
West Lynn shops
Countdown/Farro Fresh intersection (also part of our Greenways project connecting Coxs Bay with Grey Lynn Park)

Peel Street/Richmond Road intersection is also being looked at with a roundabout as a possible option.

We very much want to see a “complete” street approach by Auckland Transport to slow the traffic over the entire length and for works to happen as soon possible with the area around the school prioritised for safety improvements.

Monthly transport update

Our regular monthly transport update was postponed this month however current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Other board activities

Annual Plan hearings

We had a very positive day of annual plan hearings with Cr Darby and Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse joining the Board. One strong theme that emerged is the need for art groups to receive guaranteed annual funding from Auckland Council.

The Local Board Agreement (budget and activities for 14/15) will be finalised in June as part of the Annual Plan.

Local Board Plan

Community engagement on the Board’s next local board plan has continued in March with stakeholder workshops.

I attended a session for the disability sector led by Christopher Dempsey on 24 March in Parnell. The participants were unanimous in their positive feedback about the value of the session and the Board providing an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to those who are differently abled.

I also led a well-attended session for representatives of the migrant community in Parnell. The discussion was again very positive with many universal themes emerging from the engagement.

The Board was part of an Auckland Council engagement stand at Pasifika on 8 March and further consultation continues in April with resident groups.

The draft local board plan will go out for formal consultation in July 2014.

Out and about in Waitemata (posted as a separate item here)

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 March – 31 March I attended:

Local Board Plan public engagement sessions on 1 March in Grey Lynn
Fortnightly communications catch up on 3 March
Meeting organised by the GLBA to discuss with Auckland Transport the development of the Great North Road Corridor Management Plan on 3 March
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 March
Briefing on progress on the Greenways Project
Meeting on 5 March to discuss scope for Herne Bay Walkway Project
Presentation to the stage 2 Urban Planning: Urban Policy Analysis class at Auckland University as a guest speaker of Joel Cayford “Policy setting process: the political journey”
Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 11 March
Waitemata Local Board monthly business meeting on 11 March in Grey Lynn
Attended the Infrastructure Committee Meeting at the Town Hall on 12 March
Auckland Council Investments presentation by Gary Swift (CE – ACIL) (Albert-Eden, Puketapapa, Waitemata)
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 13 March
Meeting with Ponsonby Business Association to discuss the local economic development plan feedback
Meeting to meet the new communications adviser and discuss photos for the draft Local Board plan on 14 March
Waterfront Auckland up date to the Transport Portfolio on the Westhaven promenade and cycleway on 14 March
Community Facilities Network Plan and Community Grants Policy workshops on 17 March at the Flicking Centre
Resource Recovery Centre meeting with Albert-Eden/Puketapapa/Waitemata Local Boards on 17 March
Waitemata Local Board Annual Plan Hearing
Meeting on 19 March to provide the Board with an update on concept design, costing, timing, etc for Freyberg Place and the connections with Melville Hall.
Local Economic Overview for Waitemata by Jonathan Sudworth, Economic Development
Community Facilities Fees & Charges meeting on 20 March
Waitemata Local Board Grants Committee Meeting on 24 March
Community Garden Tour on 24 March
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 25 March
Meeting to discuss the community facility work programme
Ponsonby Community Centre Monthly meeting
Local Board Plan Stakeholder Meeting with Disability Groups in Parnell on 26 March
Brent Toderian lunchtime talk in Takapuna – Balancing heritage protection with city intensification
Meeting to discuss Local Board funding policy
Migrant Communities Local Board plan Engagement in Parnell on 27 March
Meeting regarding the Local Board plan on 31 March
Meeting with O’Neill Street residents on 31 March to discuss parking issues

Events and functions

In the period 1 March – 31 March 2014 I attended:

Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 6 March
Celebration of International Women’s Day 2014 on 7 March at Freyberg Place
Joined the Mayoral walkabout at Pasifika Festival on 8 March
The Olympic Pool 75th Jubilee in Newmarket on 12 March
Transport Blog movie fundraiser on 12 March
Grey Lynn Business Association Networking drinks at Malt Bar on 13 March
Opening of Andy Tolhurst and Mauricio Benega’s ‘Energia’ exhibition at Artstation on 19 March
Otago Law Students Alumni Function at Chapman Tripp on 20 March
Liveable City Art Auction to raise funds for the Arch Hill residents fight against the Bunnings big box retail development on Great North Road
Grey Lynn School Aloha Night on 21 March
Cat walk in the street event hosted by the Newmarket Business Association on 22 March
Pecha Kucha and the showing of the Human Scale at Silo Park on 28 March
Neighbour’s Day – Grow in the city at Myers Park on 29 March part of Waitemata Pop Project between March and June, 2014. Pop has an overarching theme of urban ecology, includes mini projects such as “bee hotels”, “walking among the trees”, hanging gardens, neighbours day pop out gardens and workshops to engage various communities.
Newton School Fia Fia fundraising day on 29 March
Surrey Cres Street Party hosted by the Grey Lynn Business Association in celebration of Neighbours Day Aotearoa (I volunteered on a resource recovery station to reduce the rubbish going into the street bins)
Opening of the Auckland International Cultural Festival in Mt Roskill War Memorial Park
Between the Tides sculpture event at Westmere Beach on 30 March

Monthly Board report March 2014

Covering activities from 1 February – 1 March 2014

Portfolio report: Transport

Beach Road – Grafton Gully Connection

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

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

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

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

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

St Lukes interchange – Great North Road widening

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

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

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

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

Pedestrian safety

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

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

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

Monthly transport update

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

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

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

Portfolio Report: Community

Community-led place making champions Group

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

Berms policy and guidelines

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

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

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

Other issues relevant to the Community portfolio

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

Other board activities

Local Board Agreement

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

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

Unitary Plan

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

Local Board Plan

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

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

Long Term Plan 2015-2025 scene setting workshop

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

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

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

Gordon Price session with Local Boards

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

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

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

Recipe for urbanity – 5 practical choices:

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

Aspire to:

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

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

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 February – 1 March I attended:

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

Events and functions

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

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

Splore setting the standard for a Zero Waste Event

The sun shone down on the Splore Festival for an amazing three day event in mid-February (thanks to my mum for buying me a ticket!). As well as soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the fabulous food (the best I’ve ever experienced at an outdoor event) and marvelling at the stunning location I was super impressed with the overall organisation and the commitment to sustainability. Splore set a high standard for a Zero Waste event that should inspire all event organisers. Splore partnered with ACZWA (Auckland Community Zero Waste Alliance) to make sure all waste items ended up in the right place and not in the landfill and to create a clean and green environment.

Here are some of my observations:

Refundable Globelets removed the need for disposable cups and demonstrated why we need container deposit legislation – kids do all the clearing up when there is an economic incentive (my photo below is of Nathanial who told me he had “hit the big time” by collecting Globelets to receive the $2 refund – for each cup!)
There is now a full range of economically priced compostable products for stallholders to use – they no longer have the excuse that “doing the right” thing is too hard or expensive (at Splore all the stallholders were audited to ensure they used compostable containers)
The 3 bin waste stations – recycling, organics and landfill waste – worked really well because they were staffed by friendly, happy volunteers (including Winnie pictured below from Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away. All the waste was then sorted through at the Trash palace to achieve an impressive diversion from landfill (I understand it is likely to be about 80% but Splore don’t have the final figures yet)
Wash against Waste is an inspired idea to reduce the need for disposable packaging
Cigarette butts are still a big challenge. Splore is held in a smoke free regional park but of course smokers still needed their fix. Many brought their own ashtrays (eg film canisters ) but unfortunately a majority of smokers drop their butts even in a “leave no trace” environment (would love to know the answer to solving that one).

Congratulations to the Splore team on a truly inspirational event. I look forward to event organisers in the Waitemata Local Board area taking your lead to host Zero Waste festivals of such a high standard.

More information

The Art of Sustainability at Splore (far more than just waste)

Auckland Community Zero Waste Alliance – guidance and advice

Winnie from Grey Lynn 2030 – zero waste volunteer

“Hitting the big time” collecting globelets for the $2 refund

Sorting through all the waste at Trash palace

Draft Ponsonby Road masterplan update

This update was published in the February Ponsonby News

Last year the draft Ponsonby Road Master plan generated a huge amount of interest, lots of creative suggestions for the future development of Auckland’s iconic street and a number of queries about how the plan was coming together. Here is an update on the draft, the process so far and next steps.

The idea for a master plan came out of work started by the Western Bays Community Group building on previous studies, plans and initiatives such as the 40km speed limit. A working group made up of Waitematā Local Board members, the Ponsonby Business Association, community organisations, stakeholders, and Mana Whenua representatives informed the draft Master plan through a series of workshops. Auckland Council also commissioned a report on Māori heritage values and opportunities to better engage with relevant Iwi for the project area. The working group was assisted by Auckland Council planners, urban designers, heritage advisers, landscape and retail specialists, as well as transportation experts from Auckland Transport.

The working group approach was unique in bringing stakeholders around the table early on in the process and developing a draft from the grassroots up. It was big contribution from a group who volunteered their time. It meant we learnt a lot along the way, challenged “normal” Council processes but ended up with final draft for consultation reflecting a wide range of views.

The vision put forward in the draft is to develop Ponsonby Road as a vibrant, well connected place for people whilst protecting, enhancing and celebrating its unique heritage, reinforcing its role as a key entertainment and boutique shopping destination and improving the natural environment. The draft identifies specific outcomes to achieve this vision over the next 30 year and is framed around four themes – transport and movement, arts , culture and heritage, the natural environment and open space and land use.

The draft plan includes concepts for shared spaces, pedestrian improvements, cycle lanes, bus stops, native planting, street furniture designs, art works and the opportunities at 254 Ponsonby Road (the Nosh site currently owned by Auckland Council) to provide for a new open space.

Consultation on the draft took place over an extended period involving pop in sessions, a public meeting and draft concepts on display at the Ponsonby Community Centre. Almost 300 submissions were received on the draft which is an impressive number for this type of consultation. What was also impressive was the quality of the submissions and the comprehensive, thoughtful responses.

Overall strong themes emerged from the feedback that will inform how the master plan is finalised and what projects should be a prioritised for implementation. A full report of the feedback will be on the Board’s March agenda. It is likely that a final of the plan will be ready to be signed off by the Board mid-year. Updated concepts for the development of 254 Ponsonby Road will be consulted on separately.

The draft plan is available on the Auckland Council website.

Waitematā Local Board transport advocacy areas

Submissions on the Auckland Council Annual Plan 14/15 close on Monday at 4pm. This is a good opportunity to let your Local Board and the Governing Body (the Mayor and Councillors) know what key transport projects you think should be prioritised.

The plan is essentially the Council budget for year 3 of the Long Term Plan. Publicity has been very low key this year because there are so few new spending proposals or changes from the Long Term Plan and the main focus at the moment is on the proposed Unitary Plan consultation (submissions close on 28 February). But it is still worthwhile making a submission.

As part of the Annual Plan, Local Boards consult on their one year agreements with the governing body – our funding and service levels – and outline our proposed projects and activities (the proposed budget changes of each Local Board are available here)

In their annual agreement Local Boards also put forward all the projects they are advocating for to the Governing Body and the CCO’s in particular Auckland Transport. The Waitematā Local Board has the longest list of advocacy areas of any Board in relation to transport projects that we want Auckland Transport to fund and take forward. Our complete list is below.

So in providing feedback on the Annual Plan 204/15 you can comment on the Governing body’s key transport priorities ( I find the Transport theme very disappointing as it doesn’t include any walking and cycling projects as priorities – full document here ) and your Local Board’s transport advocacy areas. The online feedback form is available here

Waitematā Local Board Advocacy areas to Auckland Transport

Cycle infrastructure

Consult with local boards on the development of the Cycling Business Plan and routes and priorities of the Auckland Cycle Network.

Improve cycle infrastructure through the completion and extension of the Auckland Cycle Network with safe, connected, dedicated cycleways including:

Carlton Gore Road (bike lanes currently planned).
Beach Road, linking with the Grafton Gully Cycleway and with Tamaki Drive and Parnell Station.
Parnell to the City Centre walk/cycleway, through the new underpass south of the Parnell Train Station.
Nelson & Hobson Street (with separated two-way cycleways, as described in the City Centre Masterplan).
Wellesley St connection to Auckland Domain under Symonds St overbridge and on-road connection to the NZTA funded / constructed Grafton Gully Cycleway.

Prioritise the upgrade of all routes in 2014/2015 currently identified as “complete” on the Auckland Cycle Network within the Waitematā Local Board area, but are not of a safe standard.

Traffic calming

Work with the local board on identifying traffic calming measures for the shopping areas in Parnell, Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and Richmond Road to support 40km per hour zones. This would include for example, raised crossings, raised intersections and kerb build-outs to narrow the road.

Undertake a trial of a slow speed zone in a residential area.

Implement the city centre 30km per hour speed zone (as described in the City Centre Masterplan).

Cycle safety

Prioritise the installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes including in the following locations:

Williamson Avenue northeast coming onto Ponsonby Road
College Hill Road westbound coming onto Ponsonby Road
Tamaki Drive, westbound at The Strand
St Stephen’s Avenue westbound coming onto Parnell Road
Karangahape Road eastbound at Symonds Street, onto the Grafton Bridge
Great North Road eastbound coming on to Karangahape Road.

Ensure safe, connected and continuous cycling is provided for in the St Lukes bridge widening including undertaking cycling safety works at the Bullock Track and Great North Road intersection.

Pedestrian safety and amenity

Improve intersections for pedestrians with substantial foot traffic and develop solutions to improve safety and amenity for pedestrians. This includes:

All intersections with left–turn slip lanes and no pedestrian facility
Intersections with long pedestrian crossing delays
Undertaking route optimisation for pedestrians in the city centre including automatic pedestrian phases on one way streets.

Advocate for a change of the give way rule requiring motorists to give way to pedestrians crossing parallel to the priority (main) road at intersections.

Richmond Road Safety Plan

Complete the implementation of the safety improvement action plan during the 2014-2015 financial year in conjunction with Auckland Council for the shopping areas and school zones of Richmond Road, concentrating on the following elements

Pedestrian and cycle safety
Traffic calming and slower speeds
Urban design.

Franklin Road upgrade

Undertake the planned upgrade of Franklin Road to provide for safe and continuous walking and cycling pathways from Ponsonby Road to Victoria Park including continuous pedestrian facilities (i.e. an unbroken footpath on both sides of the road) across all side streets, driveways and intersections (for example by installing raised tables).

Newmarket traffic management plan

Develop a traffic management plan for Newmarket to make traffic flow in a way that is logical and supports public transport, walking and cycling and economic development. This would include consideration of parking, arterial infrastructure, motorway access and signage.

Residential parking zone

Auckland Transport to implement the residential parking zone scheme to manage commuter parking in central Auckland suburbs.

Auckland Domain traffic management

Auckland Transport to improve walking and cycling access to and around the Domain, while discouraging commuter parking use of the Domain through:

Implementation of a parking scheme for the Domain that works to discourage commuter parking (e.g. through pricing)
Improving walking and cycling options
Contribute to the development of a Masterplan for the Domain (to be led by Auckland Council).

SkyPath

Auckland Transport and Auckland Waterfront to progress the Auckland Harbour pathway project (the SkyPath) for delivery in 2014/2015.

Footpaths

Prioritise the 2014/2015 footpath renewal programme in conjunction with the Waitematā Local Board.
Create an agreed public consultation framework for the footpath renewal programme.

Greenways

Fund and deliver the on-road components of the Waitematā Local Board greenways project prioritised for 2014/2015.

Set the three year programme of works in collaboration with the Waitematā Local Board with regards to footpaths, road safety initiatives, cycleways, parking, greenways.

Support other Waitematā Local Board agreement priorities including:

the introduction of low impact storm water solutions in the Local Board area;
delivery of green walls, roofs and community gardens on Auckland Transport assets e.g. car park buildings;
drinking water fountains in the street environment;
development and implementation of the Ponsonby Road master plan;
Wayfinding signage for pedestrians; and
Upgrade of Teed Street (western part), York Street and Kent Street, Newmarket.