Tag: Western springs

Chair’s monthly report February 2019

This is my first report for 2019 covering the period 12 December 2018 until 11 February 2019.

I’m really fortunate to have fantastic colleagues on the Waitematā Local Board supported by an outstanding team. After our final workshop of the year it has become a tradition to have lunch together and for board members to be presented with a surprise Christmas card. For the 2018 card we took on superpower characters that will no doubt take us into 2019 full of energy!

In the photo right with superheroes Shale Chambers, Adriana Avendaño Christie, Richard Northey, Vernon Tava, Rob Thomas and Denise Roche.

The following provides a summary of activities and highlights from the end of 2018 and over the summer break.  Local Board weekly workshops resumed on 5 February.

Salisbury Reserve entranceway

Land purchased to create an entrance way to Salisbury Reserve

 At the December Business Meeting the Local Board made the decision to progress with a new entrance way at Salisbury Reserve (Attachment 1). The Masonic Lodge, off Argyle St, was purchased from an Open Space budget by the former Auckland City Council to create an entranceway into the Reserve.

The Local Board consulted on two options – with and without parking. A healthy majority of submitters (68 per cent) supported the entranceway option with no car parks. We delayed our final (unanimous) decision to undertake a survey of the on-street parking availability on busy days at the clubrooms. It shows there is ample parking within a 200m walk of the clubroom (on the Argyle St end rather than Salisbury St). The on-street parking is the same distance to the clubroom entrance as the location of car parking in the Reserve proposed in one of the options.
The reserve is a neighbourhood park. It provides valuable green space. It is very unusual to have parking in a neighbourhood park and is not consistent with Council’s policies. Submitters put forward a range of reasons for creating an entranceway without parking including that it is safer for children and all users of the park.

The Local Board is supportive of the Herne Bay Petanque Club and Probus who use the clubrooms for meetings. Members currently make informal use of the old Masonic lodge carpark (there is no official parking in the reserve).  We appreciate that they would like this arrangement to continue. We have asked Auckland Transport to install on-street mobility car parks. We are also looking at how to improve accessibility into clubrooms.

Annual Budget 2019/20 consultation

As I reported in the February Ponsonby News, the Council’s annual budget consultation is coming up from 17 February.  This is the opportunity to give feedback on whether we have got our local board priorities right.  We’re not proposing major changes to the existing work programme for 2019/2020 as we continue to deliver the projects identified in the 2017 Waitematā Local Board Plan.

Developing 254 Ponsonby Road as a civic space remains our major local initiative.  Activating, improving and renewing our parks, guided by our Park Development Plans, will continue to be a focus.  There is budget earmarked to upgrade the playgrounds at Western Springs Lakeside Park and Home Street Reserve (above the draft concept design), provide pathways in Basque Park and commence building of the Grey Lynn Park changing rooms.

Our stream restoration projects will continue, and we’ve got a new project underway to enhance the Western Springs-Meola-Three Kings Aquifer. Through our grants programme, we’ll support community and arts groups and local events, as well as stage our two flagship events, Parnell Festival of Roses and Myers Park Medley (a family friendly free event on Sunday 17 February). We’re funding a new arts partnership with TAPAC and increased library hours at Grey Lynn Library and the Central City Library.

We’ll also continue investigating opportunities to reduce agrichemical use, including advocating to the Governing Body to take a regional approach to agrichemical-free park maintenance.

For information on the Annual Budget 19/20 consultation and engagement events visit the Auckland Council website.

Air Quality in the City Centre

Pedestrians and workers in Queen Street are being exposed to high levels of “black carbon” associated with a number of health problems. The key way of reducing air pollution in the city centre is to reduce emissions from buses and trucks. Councillors Chris Darby, Penny Hulse, Alf Filipaina, Richard Hills and I, on behalf of the Local Board, wrote to AT’s CEO on 17 December asking for “immediate action to alleviate the risk of more premature deaths, contributed to by atrocious air quality on our busiest street” (Attachment 3 to my report).

 Te Hā o Hine interpretation sign

 On 12 December a new interpretation signage at Te Hā o Hine Place was unveiled by Ngāti Whātua Orākei, alongside our board and National Council of Women representatives (photo right).

Te Hā o Hine is derived from the whakatauki (proverb) Me aro koe ki te Hā o Hine-ahu-one, that can be taken as meaning ‘pay heed to the dignity of women’.

The name was a gift from Ngāti Whātua Orākei in recognition of the Woman’s Suffrage Centenary Memorial located in Te Hā o Hine Place.

Western Park steps and boardwalk opening

On 12 December the Local Board members joined with local residents to celebrate the new stairs that connect Hopetoun Street with Western Park.

The stairs have new handrails to improve accessibility and the viewing platform on Hopetoun Street has been re-decked.

Feedback on the upgrade has been overwhelmingly positive.

Western Springs Lakeside Park

 Western Springs Lakeside Park featured on TVNZ One News on 21 January about plans the Local Board has to improve water quality and the work underway to keep paths clear of bird poo and the geese numbers under control (attachment 4).

At the same time the removal of pine trees at risk of failure was in the news.  I will report with an update on Westerns Springs Bush Restoration project next month once we know the outcome of the resource consent process and discussions with neighbours.

Feedback on the draft RPTP

I worked on the Local Board’s feedback on the draft Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) with the Local Board’s Senior Adviser.  This was submitted on 18 January following consideration of the public’s feedback in response to a consultation process held by Auckland Transport at the end of 2018. (attached as an agenda item)

The Local Board supports the overall direction of the draft RPTP, the vision for public transport and how Auckland Transport proposes to meet the identified challenges for the next 10 years. We are generally supportive of the steps to increase public transport services but would like to see a clear statement of intent to increase mode-share of public transport.

In the feedback we outlined what the Local Board supports to consolidate and build on the rapid increase in public transport boardings from 79 million in June 2015 to 92 million in June 2018.  We also outline what improvements we would like to see to public transport services (including the reinstatement of a service on Williamson Ave) and infrastructure and specific feedback on the four focus areas in the draft.

 Kelmarna Gardens entranceway

 At the end of last year the entranceway to Kelmarna Organic Community Gardens and City Farm was given a makeover helped with a modest grant from the Local Board (Our Auckland: Kelmarna Gardens)

As described by Kelmarna (via their FB page) “The installation of the curved seat (designed by Carl Pickens Landscape Architect), new bike parking and wheel stops, shaping and edging of the gardens, smoothing of the drive and creation of a circle for our leafcutter bee box has been made possible by the generosity, sweat and toil of Norm and team at Landscape Solutions, Omid and team at Ventia, the Waitematā Local Board and Auckland Council, all in the last weeks before Christmas. Once planted with pollinator-attracting plants by our friend Andrea Reid from Pollinator Paths, visitors will be able to come, rest and absorb the sensory garden full of bees and butterflies”.

Events and functions:  12 December until 12 February

  • Western Park Boardwalk opening on 12 December
  • Exhibition opening at Toi Ora on 12 December
  • Vigil for Grace on Federal Street on 12 December
  • Te Hā o Hine Place signage unveiling on 13 December
  • Tour of the City Rail Link tunnels for board members on 14 December (photo right) and community stakeholders thank you gathering on 13 December hosted by CRL Ltd.
  • Ports of Auckland community liaison meeting and Christmas gathering on 12 December
  • Rainbow Youth sponsors breakfast
  • Love Food, Hate Waste Christmas lunch at Ellen Melville Centre on 14 December (photo right)
  • Christmas in Western Park event hosted by the Ponsonby Business Association on 14 December
  • Launch of Cr Mike Lee’s book Navigators & Naturalists on 16 December
  • Final workshop of the year on 18 December followed by Christmas lunch for local board members and local board staff
  • Heart of the City’s Late Night Christmas event in the city centre on 20 December
  • On 23 December invited to Sunday Blessings’ Christmas dinner for the homeless community served by volunteers at the Central Library.  Also there in support were The Auckland Street Choir and Orange Sky New Zealand.
  • Invited by Holy Trinty Cathedral to read the Third Lesson at the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols (photo right)
  • Attended the ASB Classic on 4 January at the invitation of Tennis Auckland
  • Invited by Fiftysix Creations to be a Guest Mentor at Business Camp on 16 January for students aged 5 to 15 who came together over the school holidays to identify a community based problem
  • Opening of the Buskers Festival at the invitation of Crackerjack Productions
  • Over anniversary weekend enjoyed the See Port Festival fireworks put on by Ports of Auckland and checked out the Rainbow Machine at Silo Park (modelled in the photo right by Luna, Ruby and the White Face Crew). This amazing creation originated as a Local Board child friendly pop up play spaces project which got picked up by the regional art team. Artists: Shahriar Asdollah-Zadeh, Patrick Loo and Sarosh Mulla
  • Waitangi Day started with a small gathering organized by Cr Mike Lee and Terry Dunleavy to acknowledge Governor William Hobson at his grave in Symonds St cemetery. Niamh McMahon, honorary consul general of the Republic of Ireland attended and recited a poem. I then enjoyed the Waitangi Day Festival hosted by Ngāti Whātua at Okahu Bay
  • LGNZ National Council meeting in Wellington on 8 February. In the photo right with Mayor of Dunedin and LGNZ President Dave Cull and Deputy Mayor of Oamaru and Young Elected Member rep, Melanie Tavendale
  • Tom Scott’s Daylight Atheist at the ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invitation of ATC
  • Big Gay Out at Coyle Park on 10 February (photo below with Albert-Eden Local Board member Jessica Rose and a friend Kirstin Jones)
  • Leaving function for Lester McGrath from Auckland Theatre Company on 11 February

Parks update for Waitemata Local Board

Ponsonby News: Waitematā Local Board update August 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chair’s Monthly Report May 2018

This report covers the period 11 April – 8 May 2018.  

 Highlights

10-year budget and Local Board priorities

The Waitematā Local Board received almost 1500 submissions on the Council’s 10-year budget and Local Board priorities. I enjoyed reading them all to understand concerns and what we need to improve on. It was also hugely encouraging to receive such positive feedback confirming we are heading in the right direction.

A summary of the feedback received was presented at a board business meeting on 3 May.  

Highlights include:

  • 72% support the regional fuel tax wanting the additional funding to be directed at improving public transport and walking & cycling
  • 81% support the proposed water quality targeted rate (to stop sewage going into the harbour)
  • 69% support natural environment targeted rate
  • 63% support the proposed rates increase of 2.5%
  • 83% support or partially support the local board’s priorities

Other themes

  • Support for additional Auckland Art Gallery funding of $20m
  • Support for Victoria Quarter city centre improvements
  • Support for Vision Zero to be included in the Auckland Plan 2050
  • Strong support for continuing to develop the Auckland cycling network with separated cycleways
  • Support for increased support to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness.

The Board’s feedback on the 10-year budget 2018-2028 and the draft Auckland Plan 2050 is available on the minutes to the 3 May meeting. We also approved our advocacy initiatives that will form an appendix to the Local Board Agreement 2018/2019.

Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan

The draft waste plan was consulted on at the same time as the 10-year budget. We received 130 submissions from the board area.  There was a strong level of support for the overall direction of the draft plan and the proposals consulted on.

The board’s feedback (Attachment 1) was presented at the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan hearing on 3 May by the Natural Environment portfolio holders Denise Roche and Rob Thomas.

 Regional Land Transport Plan feedback

 The Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) lays out the vision for Auckland’s transport infrastructure over the next ten years- an accessible, safe and sustainable city and region.  The goal of the RLTP is to ensure that Auckland can address its current challenges and take advantage of future growth. The RLTP focuses on:

  • reducing congestion
  • improving freight reliability
  • road safety
  • promoting walking and cycling
  • advancing public transport.

The Board’s presentation to Regional Transport Committee hearing on the RLTP is attached (Attachment 2). The board’s submission will be finalised by 17 May.

Homelessness

We know from the feedback we regularly receive and through the 10-year Budget consultation that our residents would really like to see homelessness and rough sleeping tackled so we no longer have vulnerable people sleeping out on our streets.  The board has agreed to the following advocacy positions to be included in our Local Board Agreement 18/19.  At the same time we welcome the government’s announcement that $100m is to be invested in homelessness including an increase in the number of places available through Housing First, a solution that has been shown to work.

Housing solution for homeless people

Deliver short and medium-term housing solutions to address homelessness

  •  The Governing Body to partner with the Waitematā Local Board to enhance provision of city centre public facilities such as toilets, showers and lockers
  • The Governing Body to financially support the development of Mission HomeGround
  • The Governing Body to increase funding to support Housing First Auckland

Storm Damage

Auckland was hit by a severe storm on the evening of 10 April that caused wide spread power outages and the toppling of trees all over Auckland.  At Western Springs a number of large trees came down causing paths to be closed (the track through the Western Springs pine stand will remain closed while 30 pine trees are assessed that are at risk of toppling).   Our Auckland story on track closures: Attachment 3

Tree debris is being collected by Auckland Council’s contractor Ventia from the side of the road. There is currently a backlog that I have been advised should be cleared by the week beginning 14 May.

Auckland’s Road Safety Crisis

As reported on last month I attended the Road Safety Summit in Wellington called by the Associate Minister of Transport.

Tragically in the past three years, Auckland’s deaths and serious injuries (DSI) have increased at almost triple the rate of the rest of NZ and around five times the growth of travel. Of 29 world cities, Auckland has the second highest pedestrian fatality rate (Our Auckland story: Attachment 4).

Red light running is particularly an issue in the city centre. This has been highlighted at the intersection of Nelson Street and Union St on the Freemans Bay School walking route that has been subject of recent complaints (a video posted on social media showed seven drivers red light running in just one light phase). I have been following this up with AT and NZ Police who are yet to confirm what action is going to be taken.

I reported on road safety issues in the latest Ponsonby News update and the completion of the Ponsonby Pedestrian Improvement project (Attachment 5)

Monkey Bars are back in Grey Lynn Park

 The playground upgrade at Grey Lynn Park completed in November 2016 removed monkey bars from the design.  Following a petition from twins Ila and Jaya Patel (photo right) the Board agreed to fund new monkey bars.  The new equipment has now been installed (Our Auckland story: Attachment 6).

Meetings and workshops: 11 April until 8 May 2018

  • Weekly chair’s meeting held every Monday with the local board services team
  • Government Policy Statement on Land Transport – briefing session with transport strategy team on 12 April to discuss local board feedback
  • Catch up with Maggie Gresson, of Artists Alliance and board member Richard Northey
  • Meeting with Ian Clark (Director at Flow Transportation Specialists Ltd) on 12 April regarding Western Springs Precinct parking project
  • Breakfast meeting with Mark Ames from Strategic Cities hosted by Auckland Transport
  • Catch up with Jill Keyser from Splice on 13 April
  • April cluster workshop for local board members on 16 April
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 17 April
  • Meeting on 18 April to discuss local board advocacy items
  • Ports of Auckland presentation for board members on 19 April draft 30 year masterplan
  • Board all day workshops on 24 April, 1 May and 8 May
  • Inner city network meeting at Auckland Central Library on 26 April
  • Meeting to discuss representation review
  • Monthly comms meeting on 26 April
  • Regional Land Transport Plan briefing by Auckland Transport for local board members on 30 April
  • Finance and Performance committee workshop on 2 May: 10 year budget update
  • RLTP hearing on 7 May (Attachment 2)
  • Ponsonby Business Association board monthly meeting on 8 May

Events and functions:  11 April until 8 May 2018

  • Regional Facilities Auckland tour of the Civic Theatre and function for local board members and advisory panel members on 11 April (photo right)
  • How London became a cycling city presentation by Mark Ames from Strategic Cities hosted by Russell McVeagh
  • Launch on 13 April at the Cloud of a trial of two city centre e-buses by the Mayor and Associate Minister for Transport Julie-Anne Genter (photo below right)
  • Popped into the  Waitemata Safe Routes drop in session at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 14 April led by Boffa Miskell who have been engaged by Auckland Transport to lead a technical review of the Waitemata Safe Routes programme
  • “Pump tracks are for girls too!” event with Sarah Walker organised by Women in Urbanism at the Grey Lynn pump track on 14 April
  • Eco Day Festival at EcoMatters on 15 April
  • Opening of Body Worlds Vital at the Hilton Hotel on 23 April
  • The opening night of Southern Star – Te Tonga Whetu o te Rangi on 24 April including live musical performances choreographed to architectural-scale, light artworks by Jeff Smith and Johann Nortje projected onto the historic brick and stone walls of St David’s. (My speech: Attachment 7)
  • Anzac day dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
  • Spoke on behalf of the board at the Grey Lynn RSC Anzac day service (My speech: Attachment 8). Photo below presenting the local board wreath with board member Denise Roche
  • Comedy Gala opening night on 26 April at the invitation of ATEED
  • Re-opening of the Richmond Road Medical Centre on 27 April by PM Jacinda Adern
  • Trash to Trade competition organised by Grey Lynn Waste Away at the Grey Lynn RSC on 29 April (photo below)
  • Mrs Warren’s profession opening night at the ASB Waterfront Theatre at the invitation of Auckland Theatre Company
  • Unveiling of Te Toka o Apihai Te Kawau by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Ports of Auckland on 4 May (photo right)
  • Foundation North lunch on 4 May to launch their Strategic Plan with the PM and Mayor Goff
  • Attended the Fossil Free Acceleration Tour with Bill McKibben and 350 Aotearoa at the Auckland Town Hall on 7 May
  • Feijoa Festival at Tabac, Mills Lane on 8 May

Photo right: Trash to Trade competition.  Grey Lynn 2030 trustee Brigette Stigid with board member Denise Roche who spoke at the event and board member Adriana Avendaño Christie who was one of the judges, alongside Metal as Anything Creations‘ Andrew Palace. The established artisans category was won by Jared Diprose from Goose Boards the new designer category by Fiona Bonner from Floroganza, and the young makers category by Briar Shaw-Smith.

 

Chair’s monthly report April 2018

This report covers the period 14 March until 10 April 2018.

 Highlights

Newly elected board member Denise Roche was sworn in at the board’s business meeting on 20 March. (photo left)

 

Consultation on the 10 year budget

Have your say month wrapped up on 28 March.  The Board hosted 2 public meetings, a hearings style meeting where 19 groups and individuals presented and four drop-in session at our libraries (photo right: Parnell Have your say public meeting attended by board members and councillors Penny Hulse and Christine Fletcher).  Spray free parks is one of the priority issues that was consulted on by the Board (Attachment 1)

A summary of the consultation feedback will be available in May.

New public space at the Viaduct

In October 2017 I reported that Panuku had made the decision to close the Eastern Viaduct car park to create a new public space in line with the Waterfront Plan. This followed advocacy from the local board and councillors Richard Hills and Chris Darby.

Following the space being used increasingly for temporary events it has now been permanently closed.  I attended the karakia on 26 March led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to acknowledge the closing of the Eastern Viaduct as a car park and the commencement of the construction and installation process of a public space.

Over the Easter break I enjoyed having lunch with a friend at the new communal table (photo above).   See Attachment 2 for more details.

Homelessness

Chronic levels of homelessness in the city centre is a major concern. The board wishes to support solutions and is looking to provide appropriate public facilities (one of the priorities we highlighted in the recent 10 year budget consultation).

I attended the Heart of the City organised “ending homelessness” event on 20 March at the Ellen Melville Centre to hear the latest update from Moira Lawler, CEO of Lifewise,  and Chris Farrelly, the Auckland City Missioner on how they are working to end homelessness in central Auckland.

They talked about the collaborative approach underway, including Housing First and the redevelopment of James Liston Hostel and the recently announced Mission Homeground (incorporating accommodation and wrap round services) to be developed on the Mission’s Hobson St site.

 Western Springs Native bush restoration project

Residents were recently provided with an update (Attachment 3) on the Western Springs Native bush restoration project.  Attachment 4 the Our Auckland story on the project.  In addition, Deputy Chair Shale Chambers spokesperson for the project has provided this update on 10 April via Facebook in response to concerns about the process.

The elected members of the board do not, nor have they in the past, had any direct involvement in the selective cutting of the pine trees. This has been a decision of arborists and Council parks staff who are making health and safety decisions to keep the track and park area open, and keep property and lives safe. No assurance can be given that those decisions, where necessary will not be made in the future (for example, as a result of today’s winds) but this will only be done for genuine health and safety reasons, not any early implementation of the plans. That is in line with the local board’s advice that the trees are failing at an increased rate. The restoration project is shortly to go to a notified public hearing process. Those who wish to question the reports and advice that the local board has relied on in making its decision, in its view in the public interest, to proceed with the restoration project and the removal of the remaining 200 pines will have their opportunity there to have their say. The board will be bound by the outcome. The ‘consultation’ is therefore a publicly notified resource consent hearings process available to all interested in the outcome of the plans. We invite and welcome that involvement. Council advice can be tested there. If it is correct and the project is granted consent, the first stage pine removal phase of the project will proceed. Locals and interested parties will then be involved by way of consultation on in the detail post-pines future of the area and the park restoration project, as promised.

Victoria Quarter Petition

 At the Board’s March business meeting we received a petition presented by Emily Reeves, city centre resident, calling for safer pedestrian access in Victoria Quarter. (Attachment 5)

We passed a resolution requesting staff to refer the petition to the Development Programme Office for consideration in the allocation of the targeted rates projects in the Victoria Quarter and Auckland Transport for consideration for improvements in the road corridor.

Work is already underway by Auckland Transport on significant safety treatments in the Cook St off ramp area of Victoria Quarter.  The proposals will go out for consultation shortly.

 Great North Road – car transporters

I’ve previously reported on the issue of car transporters illegally unloading on Great North Road. This high risk activity continues despite AT regularly issuing fines (this is just considered a cost of doing business).

I’ve met with AT’s manager of parking who is calling a meeting of operators and NZTA to discuss the options available for increasing the number of loading zones and for businesses to undertake more activities within their premises. If car transporter operators continue to unload illegally NZTA has the power to revoke operator licences.

Quay Street cycleway extension greening

The board has asked Auckland Transport to look at options for further greening Quay St as part of the cycleway design.

At our March meeting we requested Auckland Transport to develop a rough order of cost for including a green bus shelter roof as part of the Quay Street project to be funded from the Local Board Transport Capital Fund (photo above right: cycleway under construction showing inclusion of a strip in the design for planting)

Events

March was a big month for events in Waitematā.  Pop, the Board funded annual series of interactive art projects is now a fixture of the Auckland International Arts Festival (photo right pop marbles in Freyberg Place).

At Pasifika the mayoral and government’s entourages joined forces for the first time to visit stages in nine of the villages. (Photo below: At the Tuvalu village with Fala Haulangi)

Meetings and workshops: 14 March until 10 April 2018

  • Weekly chair’s meeting held every Monday with the local board services team
  • Site visit on 14 March to berm on Beresford Street where poisoning has taken place (photo right)
  • Meeting with the Newton Residents Association representatives on 14 March
  • Fortnightly meeting with comms adviser on 14 and 29 March
  • Dropped by the Auckland Transport Karangahape Road parking plan consultation open days on 14 and 16 March
  • Meeting with Parnell Business Association representatives on 15 March
  • Have your say Grey Lynn Library drop in session on 15 March
  • Have your say Parnell public meeting hosted in partnership with Parnell Community Committee on 15 March
  • Have your say Leys Institute Library drop in session on 16 March
  • Surrey Cres/Garnet Road Community Liaison Group meeting hosted by Auckland Transport on 19 March
  • Have your say cuppa with Splice at Ellen Melville Centre attended by inner city resents particularly new migrants (supported by Auckland Council translator).
  • Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 20 March
  • Auckland Transport’s quarterly briefing for Local Boards on 21 March
  • Drop in session on 21 March for elected representatives at Albert St re: Sale and supply of Alcohol Renewal of Licences Amendment Bill (No2)
  • Participated in Auckland Transport’s consultations sprint at Customer Central (exploring AT’s end to end consultations process from the customer lens)  with a face to face interview on 21 March
  • Local Economic Development Masterclass; Supporting economic resilience hosted by ATEED at GridAKL on 22 March
  • Have your say Waitematā Local Board hearing on 22 March.  The Board received 19 presentations from a range of groups and individuals
  • Briefing from Housing NZ representatives on 23 March re the redevelopment plans for 139 Greys Ave
  • Hui on 23 March between Local Board Chairs and the Chair of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority and to discuss some activities planned for 2018 by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
  • Have your say Central Library drop in session on 23 March
  • Have your say Parnell Library drop in session on 26 March (photo right)
  • Parnell Plan working group meeting on 26 March
  • Board all day workshops on 27 March, 3 and 10 April
  • Catch up with KBA general manager on 28 March
  • Wynyard Quarter Transport Association board meeting on 28 March
  • Joint governing body and local board chairs workshop on 28 March
  • Relationship Manager catchup on 29 March
  • Monthly transport portfolio catch up on 4 April
  • Meeting with Manager, AT parking on 4 April
  • Meeting on 5 April with representatives of the Parnell Business Association to discuss Paws in Parnell event debrief
  • Catch up with CEO, MOTAT on 6 April
  • Meeting on 6 April with KBA and NZPC to discuss public facilities on Karangahape Road
  • Ponsonby Business Association committee meeting held on 10 April

Events and functions:  14 March until 10 April 2018

  • Grey Lynn 2030 AGM and Green Screen showing of Living Dangerously on 19 March
  • Ending Homelessness in Auckland’s city centre organised by Heart of the City at Ellen Melville Centre on 20 March
  • Far Side of the Moon at the Aotea Centre on 22 March at the invitation of the Auckland Arts Festival
  • Pasifika Festival walkabout with the Prime Minister and the Mayor
  • Government’s Unitec Housing announcement at Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on 25 March (photo right)
  • Karakia on 26 March led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to acknowledge the closing of the Eastern Viaduct as a car park and the commencement of the construction and installation process of a public space.
  • YMCA – Ride and Refresh Launch Event on 27 March (new service providing showers and secure parking for bike commuters) Photo right
  • Women in Urbanism discussion with NZTA on 28 March
  • Part of the official party for the Citizenship Ceremony in the Town Hall on 3 April
  • Associate Minister Transport Julie Anne Genter opens the Road Safety Summit

    Bike Breakfast on 5 April at Bestie café sponsored by KBA

  • Opening of the Uptown Business Association movie night in Basque Park on 7 April
  • Jam on Toast at the Grey Lynn Community Centre on 8 April
  • Opening of the Auckland International Cultural Festival at Mt Roskill War Memorial Park on 8 April
  • Attended the Road Safety Summit in Wellington on 9 April and gave a presentation on Auckland’s road safety crisis as part of a panel discussion on Local Government’s view about what more can be done to improve road safety (Attachment 6).

Western Springs native bush and pine stand update

Ponsonby News update April 2018

Shortly after I was first elected I got a call from Annette Isbey about a track near her house that took her through native bush and pines down to Western Springs. She wanted help to fix the track because her daily walk was getting more and more difficult.

A talented artist and the widow of Labour MP Eddie Isbey, Annette had previously fought off mountain-bikers who wanted tracks through “her” park, and Auckland Zoo, which was eyeing the area in 2010 for walking a proposed herd of elephants.

Those ideas led the Board to adopt the Western Springs Native Bush Regeneration Project in 2015. It was consulted on as local board priority through the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan. The project’s objectives are to enhance an area of regenerating native bush through an ecological restoration programme, new planting and track maintenance. There is also the chance to expand the track network through the area bordered by West View Road, Auckland Zoo, Western Springs Lakeside Park and Stadium.

Annette would have loved the exotic trees to remain, but the Board has had expert advice that the project can’t be progressed until two hundred 90-year-old Monterey pines in the area are removed because they are unstable and a public safety risk.

A 2013 survey confirmed 224 of the original 506 trees had died or fallen, leaving 282. A 2016 survey showed the live population was down to about 200, after about 60 fell or snapped, and another 20 unstable trees were felled.

A count is now being undertaken to confirm live numbers, but many of the tress are in poor health, with sparse crowns and dead or dying limbs, so that action is critical for safety reasons. Removing only the unhealthy trees would dramatically increase the failure rate of any left behind. Complete removal will enable us to keep the area safe and to start an ecological restoration programme immediately.

There has been concern about white faced herons nesting in the trees. While they are potentially suitable for roosting, a recent survey found no herons, suggesting the area was not an important site for them. Regardless, any felling would be done outside the nesting season, and the area would be surveyed by an ecologist.  Approximately 20 totem poles will be left throughout the forest as a potential habitat for kingfisher and morepork.

The complexity of the project and the need to ensure the right method is used has caused delays in getting started, but a publicly notified resource consent application is now being processed. The regeneration plans, and track proposals will be developed with input from the local community.

Annette is now 90 and in a resthome. I hope her grandchildren will get to enjoy an improved path through a stunning regenerating forest, in an area so dear to her.

This update first appeared in the Ponsonby News April 2018

Related reading

Native Forest for Western Springs. Our Auckland 6 April 2018

Frequently Asked Questions on the project

Chair’s monthly report March 2018

This report covers the period 12 February until 12 March 2018. This report is on the agenda of the Board’s March business meeting.

First board meeting of 2018 held on 20 February. ( Photo taken after we thanked Democracy Advisor Sibyl Mandow for her work for the board before moving to a new role in Council. Member Rob Thomas gave apologies for leaving early)

 

Highlights

Have your say month

A massive Council “Have your Say” month of consultation got underway on 28 February.  This is the opportunity every three years to look in depth at Auckland’s 10-year budget.  As part of this budget cycle local priorities for the next financial year 18/19 are also up for discussion.

Over the month the Board is hosting two public meetings, a hearing and four pop in sessions at local libraries (my own summary of the consultation)

International delegation

We hosted the first international delegation to visit Waitemata Local Board on 28 February. Hon Andrew Solomon Napuat Minister of Internal Affairs, Mrs Cherol Alanavibori Director General, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Mr Edward Kaltamat Director of Local Authorities from Vanuatu discussed local planning, funding and community engagement with board members.

 Transport projects:

 Karangahape Road Enhancement Project

The board has confirmed our strong support for this project to proceed.

We have however raised our concerns regarding the development response and project communications. We received reassurances that this joint AT and Auckland Council (with additional government funding) is being coordinated by the Development Programme Office (DPO) including the development response.  This will see to the planning, development and communication on the numerous projects in the precinct managed in a holistic way

The project team has now taken steps to progress a development response action plan with the K’road business association and to ensure the project is successfully delivered with minimal business disruption. Construction is due to start on this transformational and long awaited project at the end of 2018.  The latest update is available on AT’s website.

Consultation on a parking plan to maximise parking options in and around Karangahape Road once the enhancements project is complete is currently under consultation until 1 April. It looks to maximise parking availability and turnover by prioritising short stay parking and loading zone access in peak time.

AT has confirmed the following parking changes are proposed.

Number of on-street car parks currently Number of on-street car parks post-project
Off-peak hours 501 483
Peak hours 485 416

 

Number of loading zones currently Number of loading zones post-project
Off-peak hours 55 62
Peak hours 52 44

In addition, the parking plan has highlighted the opportunities for improving turnover of 70 existing car parks that are currently unrestricted and 53 car parks in an AT controlled car park on Upper Queen Street.

A parking plan (currently under consultation) to ensure the effective management of the available parking together with a package of assistance should respond to retailer concerns and allow the project to progress with the welcomed support from the KBA.

Waitemata Safe Routes update

 Community Liaison Group meetings for the Richmond Road and Garnet Road routes got underway on 12 February. Both meetings were very well attended and the new process to review the design positively supported by the majority of attendees. The Community Liaison Groups have been established to:

  • Ensure that those organisations or groups with an interest in the project are involved in its development
  • Ensure the project accurately reflects community aspirations and delivers established objectives and design principles

I am the board’s representative on both groups.  Member Rob Thomas is also on the Garnet Road CLG.

Franklin Road upgrade

 At the community liaison group meeting on 13 March Auckland Transport provided an update on progress so far:

Drainage:-

  • 20 New stormwater manholes installed
  • 40 New stormwater catch pits installed
  • 440m of new Stormwater main installed in the middle of the road
  • 350m of new catch pit leads installed

Vector ducting complete. New cabling installation in progress.

The new Wellington St/England St roundabout is expected to be completed in April 2018 (photo right). The design is the first of its kind in Auckland to incorporate traffic calming, cyclelanes, high quality materials and street greening.    The project has an overall competition target of mid 2019.  More project details on the AT website.

Further transport updates are available on the AT monthly report to the board.

Western Springs Native bush regeneration project

The Waitemata Local Board has a long standing community project to regenerate an area of native bush in Western Springs with improved tracks for bush walks. The consistent advice we’ve received is that before any track work can be undertaken the 80 year old pine stand behind the zoo needs to be removed because the trees are failing and pose a risk.

Details of the project are being finalised and will be made publicly available shortly (there will also be consultation on the planting and track design) but I recently provided an update via Facebook because I received a complaint on 2 March that Council was committing “eco rape” by felling one of the pine trees. The Council arborist advised the work involved removal of a hazardous and 90% dead pine tree. The Council arborist logged this following a regular monthly inspection and organised the immediate removal without referring it to the board. The arborist has confirmed that the trees are well beyond their 80-year life expectancy and are declining rapidly with regular branch and whole tree failure occurring.

Regular maintenance and occasional removal of unstable trees is required for safety reasons with no viable alternative. The recent incident in Rotorua involving the failure of a tree that resulted in a death has highlighted the need to respond appropriately to recognized risks.

I am also advised that it is considered unlikely (as claimed by the complainant) that white-faced heron nest in the pines given the general lack of foliage and exposed nature of the trees. Tree works are generally only scheduled outside the nesting season unless required for safety reasons

Maintenance

Last month I reported on issues with the poor standard of maintenance that needs to be addressed in Waitemata.

Community Facilities has also undertaken to address the weeds in Rose Road Gully. (Photo right board member Adriana Christie attacks the weeds that are strangling native trees)

 Emergency preparedness

Following the Emergency Preparedness workshop held on the 31 January at the Waitematā Local board office, a Waitematā Facilities Network workshop was held on 22 February to explore what facilities can contribute and what is needed as part of this network.

The outcome we are hoping to achieve from a Facilities Network in Waitematā is to empower our communities to enhance resilience to disasters and the impact of climate change:

  • Support educational programmes to prepare our communities for disasters and the impact of climate change
  • Identify key locations in our community as civil defence information centres

Meetings and workshops: 12 February until 13 March 2018

  • Weekly chair’s meeting held every Monday with the local board services team
  • Board all day workshops on 13, 27 February and 6, 13 March
  • Parnell Plan working group meetings on 12 February and 12 March
  • Chair’s Forum on 12 February and 12 March
  • Ponsonby Business Association committee meetings held on 13 February and 13 March
  • Domain Committee agenda run through meeting on 13 February
  • Trafinz Executive Committee meeting on 14 February
  • Monthly comms update meeting on 14 February
  • Domain committee walking tour and business meeting held in Parnell on 14 February
  • Grey Lynn business Association committee meeting on 15 February
  • Heart of the City annual results presentation to local board members by Viv Beck, CEO on 15 February.
  • Meeting on 16 February with Westfield, Newmarket Business Association, Auckland Transport, and Development Programme Office representatives to discuss potential upgrade of Nuffield Street
  • Community Reference Group meetings for Garnet Road and Richmond Road held at Auckland Transport on 16 February
  • Regional local board cluster workshop on 19 February
  • Local board business meeting on 20 February
  • Waitemata Facilities Network (Emergency Management) Workshop on 21 February at Ellen Melville Centre
  • Grey Lynn Park Multipurpose Facility Briefing on 21 February
  • Auckland Domain bus service briefing by Auckland Transport for the Domain committee and board members on 21 February
  • Attended the governing body meeting on 22 February at the Town Hall for the swearing in of Councillor Josephine Bartley (photo right)
  • Inner City Network Meeting on 22 February
  • Franklin Road lights debrief meeting on 23 February
  • Meeting on 23 February with the board’s engagement adviser to discuss the 10 year budget consultation
  • Catch up with Barbara Ward and Therese Colgan, Mt Albert Electorate Office on 23 February
  • LGNZ Governance & Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 26 February
  • LGNZ roadshow briefing to local board members on 28 February
  • Hosted the Vanuatu delegation at the board office on 28 February
  • Meeting with Italian festival organiser on 28 February
  • Morning tea for the departing Board’s engagement adviser
  • Meeting with Derek Handley, sponsor of Active Citizen on 1 March
  • Comms meeting on 1 March
  • Tour of the Auckland City Mission premises at 140 Hobson Street on 1 March and presentation on their project Mission HomeGround
  • LGNZ Zone 1 meeting at the Town Hall on 2 March
  • Leadership for Chairs programme: Session two on 5 March
  • Meeting with the Herne Bay Residents Association on 9 March
  • Local Board briefing by Healthy Waters on 35 year stormwater discharge consents
  • Victoria Quarter transformation meeting with representative from Sugar Tree apartments on 9 March
  • Franklin Road Community Reference Group meeting at Auckland Transport on 13 March

Events and functions:  12 February until 13 March 2018

  • Go by Bike Day on 14 February at Silo Park (coffee and muffin provided by Auckland Transport)
  • Opening of Pā Rongorongo – Citizens Information Hub at Griffith Gardens on 15 February (photo right the Mayor cutting the ribbon)
  • YMCA Auckland City Stadium Re-Opening on 15 February
  • Grey Lynn Business Association networking drinks on 15 February
  • Spoke at the Bike to the Future bike ride and petition presentation to Auckland Transport organised by Generation Zero on 17 February (photo right)
  • By-election day on 17 February celebrated the successful election of City Vision’s Denise Roche (photo below)
  • Celebrated Pride Parade on Ponsonby Road in the Glamstand at the invitation of the Pride Trust on 17 February
  • Attended Myers Park Medley hosted by the Waitemata Local Board on 18 February
  • Opening of the Fringe Festival on 19 February
  • Auckland Foundation function on 21 February with guest speaker Celia Caughey, City Mission Trustee
  • New Zealander of the Year Awards dinner on 22 February at the invitation of the University of Auckland
  • Joined mana whenua and Cr Desley Simpson for the pouwhiri at the opening of the Volvo Ocean Race Village on 24 February
  • Repair Café hosted by Grey Lynn 2030 at Westerns Springs Community Hall on 24 February
  • Waireka Festival and tour of the Sanctuary Gardens at Unitec on 24 February
  • Japan Festival Opening at Shed 10 on 25 February
  • Officiated at the Citizenship Ceremony at the Town Hall on 28 February
  • Opening of the Lantern Festival on 28 February at the Auckland Domain (photo right)
  • Opening of the Auckland Arts Festival Playground festival garden at Silo Park on 7 March
  • International Womens Day breakfast hosted by Central City Library to watch livestreamed directly from Parliament in Wellington (hosted by the Minister for Women, Julie-Anne Genter), keynote speakers include Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy and former Prime Minister Helen Clark, in a conversation with Dr Gill Greer, Chief Executive of the National Council for Women.
  • Speaker at Zonta’s International Womens Day celebration at Ellen Melville Centre on 8 March
  • Eru Dangerspiel at the Playground, Silo Park at the invitation of the Auckland Arts Festival on 8 March

10 year budget consultation events

  • Presented to the Inner City Network Meeting on 22 February
  • Gave a presentation to Parnell Rotary’s breakfast meeting on 28 February
  • Attended Auckland Conversations: Transport  on 28 February Bernard Hickey was joined by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and a panel of industry experts to discuss and debate Auckland’s transport challenges and the potential solutions available.
  • Attended the Pasifika fono at Western Springs Community Hall on 5 March
  • Presented at the Grey Lynn public meeting hosted by the Board with the Grey Lynn Residents’ Association on 8 March
  • Radio Interview with Julie Fairey on Red Alert Radio on the topic of the 10 year budget
  • Presented to the Grafton Residents Association monthly meeting on 12 March