Zero waste Archives - Pippa Coom

Chair’s monthly report October 2017

Report covering the period 11 September until 9 October 2017.

Highlights

Opening of Ellen Melville Centre and Freyberg Place

The biggest project that the Board has delivered was opened on 15 September. In my speech I looked back on the journey to create an inner city community hub and acknowledged the many people involved with the restoration of Ellen Melville Centre (the Board’s project) and the upgrade of Freyberg Place (funded from the City Centre targeted rate). It was a very proud day for the Board. Since the opening I have enjoyed a number of events at the centre.

Project updates:

Teed Street upgrade

As part of the Board Member Local Board Area Orientation Tour 2017 on 28 September we visited Teed Street to see how the work is coming along to widen footpaths and add new tree pits.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Photo right: Mark Knoff- Thomas, GM Newmarket Business Association

Ponsonby Road pedestrian improvements project

Summary of the latest update from Auckland Transport on Ponsonby works:

Brown Street (photo right) and Angelsea Street are expected to be completed the week of 9 October. The contractor has been:

removing the existing kerbs/asphalt in Brown St,
concrete work for kerbs, ramps and channels
installing the paver blocks in Anglesea Street.

Pollen Street begins 9 October. Remediation work on MacKelvie Street starts on 24 October weather permitting and will take a total of seven nights.

Eastern Viaduct Carpark

Following advocacy from the Local Board, Panuku has agreed to work towards closing the Eastern Viaduct car park to make it public space and to improve waterfront connectively.

In moving towards the closure in March 2018, Panuku is seeking ideas on how the space can be used. Media Release Attachment B.

West Lynn improvements

I have been following up on a number of issues associated with the project to improve pedestrian safety and install cycle lanes on Richmond Road (Route 2 of the Waitemata Safer routes scheme). Works are progressing fast but there are concerns about the location of the bus stops and the disruption to the shopping area during the construction. I’ve also asked Auckland Transport to improve the parking signage and “businesses open” messaging (now in place – photo right).

As at 9 October AT has confirmed:

Signage larger A0 signage went up over the weekend.
The messaging on the electronic boards have been changes at AT’s request.
We have had approval to establish temporary parking on the Eastern side come through. We’re currently working through the final details and have signage in development. The parking will be one-way only and directed by additional monitoring staff to minimise collision risk when exiting.

Grafton Residential Parking Zone consultation

Waitematā Local Board’s feedback on the proposed Grafton parking changes is attached to the Auckland Transport monthly report on the agenda.

Hobson Bay Walkway

The Board has been looking to complete the Hobson Bay walkway for some time to take the route up to Pt Resolution. It is a project in the Pt Resolution Taurarua Development Plan however it is looking like it will be expensive and challenging to construct a suitable staircase at Pt Resolution.

In the meantime, the mudcrete walkway at the base of the cliffs has been poorly maintained and has suffered storm damage.

At our September meeting we considered a report from officers advising that the no exit section north of Awatea Road poses a health and safety risk due to slips. We passed the following resolution.

Closure of the Hobson Bay walkway between Awatea Road and St Stephens Avenue

Resolution number WTM/2017/182

MOVED by Deputy Chairperson S Chambers, seconded by Member R Thomas:

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) note the officer recommendation that the no exit section of the Hobson Bay walkway between the Awatea Road access point and the headland below St Stephens Avenue should be closed due to ongoing embankment slips resulting in a health and safety risk to the public

b) approve the closure of the Hobson Bay existing mudcrete walkway between the Awatea Road access point and the headland below St Stephens Avenue due to the health and safety risk.

c) notes the closure will be by way of advisory signage.

d) request officers update signage along the entire route as soon as possible including at the Elam Road access point and the section of the Hobson Bay walkway from Awatea Road to Parnell Baths/Pt Resolution in accordance the Pt Resolution Taurarua Development Plan

e) request officers to investigate the feasibility of other options for maintenance, renewal and completion of the entire Hobson’s Bay walkway from Thomas Bloodworth Park to St Stephen’s Avenue.

f) delegate to the portfolio leads Member Shale Chambers and Member Adriana Avendano Christie for approval of the permanent walkway signage wording

CARRIED

We anticipate a temporary closure while options for completing the walkway are investigated. Any proposal will go out for public consultation.

Events

Festival Italiano goes Zero Waste

Festival Italiano organizer Alessandra Zecchini has again done a tremendous job delivering a successful event in Newmarket (despite the challenge of spring weather).

I was delighted to speak at the opening on behalf of the Board (Attachment C) and to acknowledge the implementation of Zero Waste for the first time. I received a lot of positive feedback about this initiative.

Photo right: Board member Adriana Christie with Zero Waste Alliance community volunteers

I also spoke at the opening of Art Week (Attachment D)

Meetings and workshops: 11 September until 9 October

Weekly Chair’s meeting every Monday morning
Chair’s forum on 11 September
Waitematā Local Board workshops on 12, 26 September (half day), and 2 October
Planning Committee
Ports Community Reference Group on 13 September
Tour of Ellen Melville Centre on 14 September for Local Board services team and board members (photo right with Project Manager Lisa Spasic)
Judges Panel decision making meeting for the Good Citizens Awards 2017
Local Boards sub-regional workshop on 18 September
Waitematā Local Board business meeting on 19 September
Newmarket Business Association AGM on 20 September
Meeting with GM Ponsonby Business Association on 21 September
Meeting to discuss Achievement Report photos on 26 September
Wynyard Quarter Transport Management Association montly board meeting on 27 September (I am now a non-voting member of the Association)
Sat in on the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board meeting on 27 September
Annual General Meeting of SASOC on 28 September
Board Member Local Board Area Orientation Tour 2017 on 28 September (photo right at Basque Park)
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group meeting in Wellington on 29 September
Local board long-term plan briefing on infrastructure funding and investment on 2 October
Meeting to finalise Local Board Plan
Meeting with Shaughan Woodcock, Pride Parade producer
Meeting with Taha Macpherson & Nirupa George from the Mayor’s office to discuss issues going into 10 year budget
Catch up with Phil Wilson, Governance Director
Catch up with Councillor Lee on 4 October
Chair’s Forum on 9 October

Events and functions: 11 September until 8 October

Farewell Function – Karen Lyons, GM Local Board Services on 11 September
Low Carbon Network – Meet The Candidates event at Freemans Bay Community Centre on 12 September (Photo right making a few introductory remarks)
Launch of City Hop electric car charging station in the Downtown car park on 15 September
Opening of Ellen Melville Centre and Freyberg Place on 15 September (Opening speech on behalf of the Board)
Ponsonby Market Day on 16 September (Attachment E)
He Ra Maumahara – Project launch of Te Toka O Apihai by Ports of Auckland and Ngati Whatua Orakei on 18 September
Suffrage Day celebrations at Te Hā o Hine Place on 19 September (photo right with the Mayor and Councillors)
Attended Tashlikh (Jewish atonement ceremony) at the end of Queens Wharf on 21 September
Auckland Conversation In partnership with #Liveable RMLA Conference on 22 September: Toronto’s Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat outlined the ways in which her city has been addressing the shared challenges of rapid population growth, urban redevelopment and renewal, transport choice, housing affordability and community change.
Opening of Festival Italiano at Non Solo Pizza on 27 September
Knot Touch exhibition opening celebration at the Maritime Museum on 28 September
Festival Italiano and festival lunch at the invite of Dante Alighieri on 1 October
Civic Trust Heritage Festival debate on 3 October
Tyler Golly presentation: Can you build a bike network overnight? at a Bike Auckland and Auckland Council event on 3 October
Opening of the new DOC/i-site on Princes Wharf on 4 October (photo right: Lou Sampson, DG of DOC)
Māpura Studios debate at Studio One on 4 October including Richard Northey as a panel member
Bike Breakfast on 5 October
Opening of the Generator at GRID AKL by the Mayor on 5 October
Waterview cycleway opening on 6 October
Presentation by Greg Vann at MR Cagney on 6 October
Spoke at the opening of Art Week at the Ellen Melville Centre on 6 October (Attachment D)
Pedal Power in Aotea Square for Biketober
Pollinator Park first birthday celebrations on 7 October
Auckland Heritage Festival walk of the Waitemata Local Board’s Foreshore Heritage walk on 8 October (photo right of the happy walkers)

Community owned Grey Lynn Farmers Market celebrates 5th anniversary

Media Release Grey Lynn Farmers Market

10 September 2014

Community owned Grey Lynn Farmers Market celebrates 5^th anniversary

Grey Lynn Farmers Market, community owned and operated social enterprise, celebrates 5 years of providing access to local, seasonal food in a vibrant inner city venue for local farmers and producers to sell their goods direct to consumers.

“The market is far more than a shopping experience” says Market Manager Louise Carr- Neil. “Over the years the market has provided an opportunity for budding artisan food producers to test the market and grow business skills. It is a community space with regular workshops, fundraising stalls, buskers and activities for kids.

“The market has also been a trail blazer for operating sustainably. The market aims to be zero waste, with no waste to landfill created at the market”. Producers are prioritised who use locally sourced ingredients, as well as those who use fair trade, organic, free range and are GMO free.

Uniquely, the market has a community trading table, where backyard growers can sell their garden surplus. Any profits are returned to running and promoting the market.

“As a social enterprise we’ve been able to succeed because of the support of the community who want an alternative to supermarkets and the many hours put into the market by volunteers. We think there is lots to celebrate that the market is still operating after 5 years” says Ms Carr-Neil

Contact:

Louise Carr-Neil, Grey Lynn Farmers Market manager Mobile: 0211530714

Website: http://glfm.co.nz/

Twitter @GLFM

facebook.com/GreyLynnFarmersMarket

Notes:

The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is a community owned and operated by a volunteer management committee (I have been Chair of the Management Committee for the last four years). The idea for a market came from a meeting held by Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Town community group in 2008.

The Grey Lynn Farmers Market opened on 9 September 2009 providing an alternative to supermarkets with locally grown, seasonal produce. The market is committed to working towards zero waste. We prioritise artisan producers who use locally sourced ingredients, as well as those who use fair trade, organic, free range and are GMO free.

The market is on very Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road.

Birthday celebrations are on Sunday 14^th September. Live music with Bernie Griffen. Special guest Lynda Hallinan, Editor at large, NZ Gardener. Cake cutting at 11:30am, free entertainment for the kids.

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