Agenda of Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee

1 Apologies

An apology from Deputy Mayor Cr PA Hulse has been received.

2 Declaration of Interest

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

There are no minutes to be confirmed.

4 Petitions

At the close of the agenda no requests to present petitions had been received.

5 Public Input

Standing Order 3.21 provides for Public Input. Applications to speak must be made to the Committee Secretary, in writing, no later than two (2) working days prior to the meeting and must include the subject matter. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders. A maximum of thirty (30) minutes is allocated to the period for public input with five (5) minutes speaking time for each speaker.

At the close of the agenda no requests for public input had been received.

6 Local Board Input

Standing Order 3.22 provides for Local Board Input. The Chairperson (or nominee of that Chairperson) is entitled to speak for up to five (5) minutes during this time. The Chairperson of the Local Board (or nominee of that Chairperson) shall wherever practical, give two (2) days notice of their wish to speak. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders.

This right is in addition to the right under Standing Order 3.9.14 to speak to matters on the agenda.

At the close of the agenda no requests for local board input had been received.

7 Extraordinary Business

Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“An item that is not on the agenda for a meeting may be dealt with at that meeting if-

(a) The local authority by resolution so decides; and

(b) The presiding member explains at the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public,-

(i) The reason why the item is not on the agenda; and

(ii) The reason why the discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.”

Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,-

(a) That item may be discussed at that meeting if-

(i) That item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and

(ii) the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but

(b) no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”

8 Notices of Motion

At the close of the agenda no requests for notices of motion had been received.

Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee

11 December 2013

Parks, Sports & Recreation - Manager's Report

File No.: CP2013/26764

Purpose

1. To update the Committee on activities undertaken by the Department to support implementation of plans and policies of Auckland Council.

Executive Summary

2. This report has been written to briefly update the Committee across a range of issus and progress with respect to approved work programmes.

Recommendation/s

That the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee:

a) receive the Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation update report.

Discussion

Operation Stability

3. Full-facility parks maintenance contracts - New parks maintenance contracts commenced in July 2012, following an extensive procurement process. During the first year of the contracts, there have been many issues with asset data integrity, which has affected on the ground delivery. Significant work has gone into rectifying the asset data issues, particularly in the north and the south, whilst at the same time keeping a strong focus on contractor performance. Due to the degree of asset data changes, both the north and the south areas have been through a contract re-pricing process, which is now drawing to a close.

A new independent citywide auditing contract commenced from January 2013, bringing a greater level of consistency to the auditing process. Quality performance audits are expected to fall into the 90-100% category, on a scale of pass performance / good performance / high performance. The citywide average for all results year to date is 96%.

4. The Sport and Recreation Partnerships team recently won the category for “Engaging Communities Less Involved” at the Council Consultation and Engagement Awards. The entry focussed on engagement with children and young people and was titled ‘Sport and Recreation in the Lives of Young Aucklanders ’. The project covered the collaborative research with Sport NZ, Council and 8000 young people across Auckland, plus the Youth Summit and inclusion of Youth Summit project priorities in the Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan.

5. On 1 July new Auckland Council Pools and Leisure unit (Leisure) went operational. The new unit combined the former Manukau Leisure unit and the Recreation Facilities team, creating a new entity overseeing and operating the network of 41 Council owned Pools and Leisure Centres. 20 of these facilities are operated by third party contractors and the other 21 are operated by Council. The network includes:

· 24 Pools,

· 17 Leisure Centres,

· 8 Early Childhood Centre,

and last year saw almost 9.1 million visits, up 230,000 from the previous year.

6. Staff have embraced the new structure which is centre centric and designed around supporting an improved customer experience. The business objectives for this year are based on three outcomes:

· Getting to know each other,

· Doing core business well, and

· Really knowing our customers and communities.

7. Coinciding with the operational changes a new identity (Auckland Council Pools and Leisure) was introduced to remove legacy branding and have a single brand for Leisure across Auckland and ensure there is positive attribution back to Auckland Council. Phase one of the project saw the rollout of new signage, new uniforms, a consolidated website and new print collateral, all going live on 1 July 2013 across all 21 Council operated Pools and Leisure Centres. See Appendix A for pictures of the new identity.

8. Phase two is underway with the systematic replacement of internal signage with phase three due to commence following the completion of the tender process for contracted facilities and be implemented from July 2014.

9. The tender process for 13 Facility Management contracts is underway and has seen a positive response from the industry. The process is looking to align the operational and community objectives across both the contracted facilities and the in house operated facilities and ensure they support the Auckland Plan and specific Local Board objectives. The results of this process is expected early in 2014.

10. On the 2 April Leisure implemented universal casual free swimming for 16 and under. Overall the new policy has been well received and has attracted new customers to our pools. The biggest impact has been seen in pools with dedicated ‘leisure’ or play water such as West Wave Pool and Leisure Centre, as opposed to those pools that offer more structured lane swimming. Visits also tend to increase during school holidays and are expected to increase over the summer period particularly at our network of outdoor pools. Staff across the network have been instrumental in the successful implementation of this new policy and should be acknowledged for their hard work.

11. There are two major developments underway with the Otahuhu Pool and Library project in construction phase with completion due in mid 2015, and the Albany Stadium Pool in preliminary design with completion due early to mid 2016. Both projects are important in meeting gaps in our network of facilities, particularly in providing dedicated leisure water which is important in attracting and providing a meaningful aquatic experience for children and young people.

12. Our Leisure staff have been excelling with many nominated and winning national industry awards. These include:

Swim Coaches and Teachers of New Zealand (NZSCTA) awards

· North Shore Leisure - Glenfield, Takapuna and Birkenhead - Winner Outstanding Swim School (1,000 or more students) award 2013

Just Add Water – (New Zealand Recreation Association) awards

· Teapanga Varu –Winner Lifeguard of the Year award 2013

· Auckland Council Pools and Leisure –Champions Regional and National Pool Lifeguard Competition 2013

Manurewa Youth Workers Awards

· Junior Ape –Winner Merit Award for working with youth in a recreational context

· Teina Rima -Overall Winner of the award for working with youth in a recreational context

Fitness NZ awards

· Toa Su’a –Allan Brewster Leisure Centre– Finalist Gym Instructor of the Year

· Geoffrey Ruaporo –Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre- Finalist Gym Instructor of the Year

· Kristy Loe –West Wave- Finalist Outstanding Club Support Award

· Tepid Baths - Finalist Club of the Year 500-1500 Members

New Zealand Recreation Association

· Point Break Programme; saving one life at a time - Finalist Community Recreation Programme of the Year

· Tepid Baths – Finalist Outstanding Pool of the Year

· Leisure Identity Project - Finalist Outstanding Project of the Year

13. With the creation of a single operational unit for Leisure, a number of opportunities have been identified to leverage of a single network. Officers are currently investigating the feasibility of a single membership card providing members with the opportunity to access any one of our 41 facilities through one card. Not only will this encourage and add value to current members it is anticipated it would also encourage new members to our facilities enabling them to access facilities close to where they work and where they live. This is reliant on one single operating system which, once set up will enable a completely new offering to be made available with opportunities such as a family membership also being considered.

14. Also being investigated is shared marketing and promotion which would add value and maximize spend across both in house and contracted facilities. Contracted facilities are keen to explore these along with other opportunities to leverage off a network approach to find savings including the shared procurement of chemical, cleaning and utilities.

15. Officers are working with other departments within Council and across the CCO’s in developing a number of strategic commercial partnerships to leverage the opportunities that Council as a collective organisation can offer a commercial partner. With 9.1 million visits through our network every year this adds value to these discussions and officers are optimistic about the opportunities that may exist and how these can support getting More Aucklanders, More active, More often.

16. Sculpture in the Gardens was formally opened by Mayor Len Brown on Friday 8 November. At the opening it was announced that the Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens had purchased ‘Tuna’ by Christchurch artist Bing Dawe for permanent exhibition. This cast bronze eel is situated in the Threatened Native Plant Garden. ‘Alterations’ by Louise Purvis received the McConnell Supreme Award.

17. The national finals of the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition were held on 13 & 14 November, including a full day judging practical skills at the Botanic Gardens. The winners were announced at an awards dinner on 14 November.

18. The 2013 Young Horticulturist of the Year winner is Kelly Jean Kerr, representing the Nursery and Garden sector. The amenity sector representative Eliza Whalley placed second.

19. Recent activities at Botanic Gardens have included renovation of the main entranceway with the security fenced moved and new plantings made. A new electronic gate is being installed at the Katote Close entrance. This has become the main departure gate for vehicles on weekends when the field that acts as an overflow carpark is opened.

20. Training course was held in October at Botanic Gardens for delegates from botanic gardens in nine Asian countries, organised by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). Training included botanical record keeping and conservation strategies.

21. Three new interpretative Pou have been installed in the Potter Children’s Garden maze to replace the three that were recently removed due to decay. The three new carvings were unveiled at a blessing with mana whenua on 30^th October 2013.

22. The regular Tuesday volunteer days at Shakespear continue to attract 25 -30 people. A wide variety of tasks are worked on including pest monitoring and maintenance of trap lines as part of the open sanctuary work, fence and track maintenance and tree planting. A smaller Tuesday group of 10 -12 people at Long Bay have made great progress in planting riparian areas and have also taken on pest control work extending this to areas of Long Bay not able to be targeted previously.

23. Staff are pleased to record six grey faced petrels and one common diving petrel are breeding in burrows at Tawharanui. This indicates the success of the sound anchoring programme and creation of artificial burrows as part of a joint effort between Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society, researchers and council staff to recover the biodiversity at the park.

24. Long Bay Restaurant redevelopment is on hold following the discovery of koiwi. An application has been lodged with New Zealand Historic Places Trust to investigate the site for further koiwi and this will influence a decision on the future of this redevelopment. There is a reasonable level of public inquiry about what has occurred and what will happen next.

25. Significant erosion of beaches following a storm in early October has required cleanup and repair to some coastal structures particularly fences which were put in place to manage people access. Some old foot access structures were also revealed after the storm and have needed to be removed as they were considered a hazard.

26. Ambury Farm day was held on Sunday 6^th October at Ambury Regional Park with over 30,000 people attending. The purpose of this free family day is to make farming and outdoor recreation accessible to all Aucklanders – a fun community event which connects city people with country life.

27. A partnership programme has been established between the NZ Police Blue Light programme and Regional Parks Rangers in the Hunua Ranges. It involves disadvantaged childrenin regular outdoor activities and is having great results with the children.

28. Approximately 50 people attended an event at the Arataki Visitor Centre with Mayor Len Brown to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the legislation that created Auckland’s regional parks. The event was to honour the visionaries who were instrumental in establishing the regional park network and to re-enact the ceremonial tree planting by Auckland Mayor, Sir Doug Myer Robinson and Arnold Turner 50 years ago signifying the transfer of the Centennial Memorial Park properties that become the foundation of the ARA’s regional park network.

29. A new viewing platform at Muriwai was completed on the Takapu Refuge Walk. This replaced a structure that had compromised footings due to erosion. It offers visitors outstanding views of the waves meeting the rocky coast and the Tasman sea.

30. Road sealing of Coast Road from Motutara Road to the golf club has been completed. Previously there were a number of accidents on the metal surface. The improvements incorporate both surface and alignment changes which aim to reduce vehicle accidents.

31. 330 prime lambs were drafted for sale from Shakespear, Ambury and Te Rau Puriri.

32. 2013 Artist in Residence programme launched at Craw Homestead, Anawhata to welcome Tim Prebble (sound artist) and Denise Batchelor (filmmaker)

33. Interpretation panels installed at Otakamiro Bay, Muriwai, overlooking the gannet colony.

34. Starling Park new artificial field opened for use.

35. Storm damage especially along northern beaches - An initial assessment has identified cost of repairs in the order of $1M.

36. Official opening of the Northboro bridge - this 120 metre bridge is an important pedestrian and cycle link and forms part of the Devonport to Takapuna walkway.

37. A draft operations plan has been produced for Maunga associated with the treaty settlement. The document will be presented to the Tamaki Collective in November for review.

38. A partnership programme has been established between the NZ Police Blue Light programme and Regional Park Rangers in the Hunua Ranges. It involves disadvantaged children in regular outdoor activities and is having great results with the children.

39. The Waikumete World War One (WW1) Cenotaph upgrade project has been completed to prepare for the 100 year commemoration of World War One which commences August 2014.

40. Bayswater Pipe Bridge (Devonport/Takapuna) was officially opened by the Mayor on 5 October. The $2.6m project involved the construction of a 220m long coastal walkway/cycleway bridge that links two reserves in the Bayswater community, and is a popular commuter route.

41. Victoria Wharf (Devonport/Takapuna) repair works are progressing well and the first stage of the pile repairs is complete. Concreting of the first stage of the upper deck is underway. The contract was awarded for $6m and the entire project is due for completion in August 2014.

42. Sports field renewal projects across the region are underway and on track for completion in autumn.

43. Rame Road Wharf and Jetty/pontoon (Upper Harbour) is almost complete, and will be open to the public and local rowing clubs prior to Christmas.

44. Mairangi Bay toilet (Hibiscus and Bays) was completed in early November and opened to the public. The Local Board and local school children were involved in the design process of both the new building and the external artwork.

45. Narrowneck Boat Ramp (Devonport/Takapuna) was constructed in September/October and is open to the public. The ramp provides improved access to the beach for pedestrians and excellent launching facilities for small sail boats. The ramp is adjacent to the Wakatere Boat Club.

46. Warkworth Showgrounds (Rodney) field construction and associated carpark works are underway and are due for completion in autumn.

47. Completion of the William Green Reserve Development, included: Artificial playing surface – 1 full sized field to FIFA II Star requirements plus 5 junior fields, expanded carpark to cater for visitors and a small community/visitor playgrounds – an add-on to the original scope – opened September 2013.

A number of capital works projects in local parks have been completed over the last 3-months:

48. Playgrounds - a new destination playground opened at Keith Hay Park, Puketapapa, which has proved very popular with the locals. The Glendene play space opened in November

49. Sir Woolf Fisher Park, Maungakiekie-Tamaki, has recently been cleared to make way for the new sports park development which has been long awaited since its purchase several years ago.

50. Bayswater pipe bridge and walkway

51. Narrow Neck Beach boat ramp replacement

52. Mangakura seawall

53. Crum Park changing/toilet block

54. Landing Road walkway

Sports field capacity upgrades:

55. Bay City Park sand carpet renewals

56. New sports training lights - Greenslade Reserve , Shepherds Park , Greenhithe War Memorial Park

57. Becroft Park new artificial cricket pitch

58. Shepherds Park new artificial cricket pitch

59. New Zealand Recreation Association Awards 2013 - Outstanding Recreation Facility: Papatoetoe Sports Centre - This is a partnership facility developed between Auckland Council and the trust. It is a multisport facility that co-locates a number of high participation sports in one location. The award is for the best Recreation facility in NZ according to the New Zealand Recreation Association.

Consideration

Local Board Views

60. There has been no specific engagement with Local Boards in relation to this update report. Local Board views are sought with regard to specific operational delivery within the work programme, and these views are reported as and when those specific projects are reported.

Maori Impact Statement

61. Parks Sports and Recreation is of significant importance to tangata whenua, their culture and traditions. Sites of significance to tangata whenua are an important part of their heritage, established through whakapapa. The activities identified in the report will have varying degrees of impact upon Māori and staff have or will engage directly with Māori where appropriate. Where these matters are reported separately to council, then issues affecting Māori are specifically covered. As a summary of the unit’s activities, this report does not address these matters specifically. Where appropriate, Parks Sports and Recreation will engage with Māori on particular projects and programmes and/or advise other departments where activities may impact upon Māori values.

62. There are no specific Māori impacts in relation to this update report. Māori impacts with regard to specific operational delivery programme are reported as and when those specific projects are reported.

General

63. The activities in this report do not trigger the Significance Policy. All programmes and activities are within budget / in line with Council’s plans and policies. There are no legal or legislative implications arising from the activities outlined in this report.

Implementation Issues

64. No issues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Leisure Signage and Uniforms	15

Signatories

Authors	Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation
Authorisers	Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee

11 December 2013

Albany Stadium Pool

File No.: CP2013/27445

Purpose

1. That the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee recommend to the Finance & Strategy Committee that $2M of capital funding held for unspecified “City Wide Pool Development” in future years of the current Long Term Plan be applied to the Albany Stadium Pool project.

2. That this additional capital funding be applied to the development of a programmable pool space within the project.

Executive Summary

3. The Albany Stadium Pool is in the concept and preliminary design phase.

4. A budget of $19.27M has been allocated to the project.

5. A needs assessment given the future population growth projections for the catchment the pool will serve indicated that a minimum of 900 square metres of dedicated leisure water was required to meet the current and future needs of this rapidly growing community.

6. During the concept design phase and using recent costing from the Otahuhu pool development, an estimated Gross Floor Area (GFA) of between 3,300 and 3,400 sqm was identified as being achievable within the budget allocated.

7. Based on the current budget and estimated GFA, the existing Albany project budget is not adequate to fund a separate programmable pool. Such a pool would provide separation from the leisure pool thus enabling improved access for a wider range of users including the elderly, Learn to Swim and aquatic education.

8. Although the project is at an early stage of design we know enough that additional budget will be necessary if the project is to include a separate programmable pool. Should such budget not be available we shall proceed with a design with a single combined pool.

9. It is considered that a separate programmable pool is associated with benefits in terms of the operation of the complex as well as ensure the complex continues to provide good service levels despite project growth in population within the catchment the project serves.

10. It is considered appropriate that $2M of capital funding held for unspecified “City Wide Pool Development within the Long Term Plan be bought forward from Years 2017 & 2018 to Year 2015 and applied to the Albany Pool Project

11. It is noted that the Finance & Strategy Committee is the decision making authority to undertake such a change.

Recommendation/s

That the Parks Recreation and Sport Committee recommend to the Finance and Strategy Committee that:

a) $2m of capital funding held within unspecified “City Wide Pool Development” within the Long Term Plan be brought forward from Years 2017 & 2018 to Year 2015 and applied to the Albany Pool Project

Discussion

12. The Albany Stadium Pool project is a legacy project from North Shore City Council with a long history.

13. Auckland Council supported the project in the Financial Year 2012 with a budget of $19.27M. This was prior to the finalization of site location, needs analysis of projected demand and the project’s functional brief. This was also prior to the introduction of the 16 years and under free swimming initiative that has had an effect on the financial and operational profile of pools across the regional network.

14. The Albany Stadium Pool project will fill a long-standing gap in leisure, education and fun pool provision. The implementation of universal free casual swimming for 16 years and under has increased demand for leisure water where children and young people can play. Facilities such as West Wave have seen significant increases in use after school, during the weekends and in particular during school holidays, whereas those with limited or no leisure water have seen minimal changes. This has also however seen greater tension between user groups and highlighted the need for a certain degree of separation to ensure the diverse range of users have a positive experience.

15. The project is in its planning and execution phases and at a critical juncture of what design option to carry through to the detailed design and execution phases. Physical works are planned to commence in October 2014 and due for completion April 2016.

16. The project budget has combined contingency and escalation allowances of $1.8M. This provision relates to the existing scope of the project and does not provide for additional service levels.The project structure has value management and value engineering mechanisms, plus progressive budget reviews to mitigate risk and drive efficiency.

17. Political direction from the Local Board has reinforced the philosophy of “doing it once” and “doing it right”. This approach influences asset specification, service provision and financial sustainability so that the facility is not an ongoing operational burden on the network. The current design direction is to take a long-term position and design for growth as the facility will sit within a dynamic growth node which according to the latest census data is the fastest growing Local Board area in Auckland and likely to be targeted as a destination facility from the wider catchment of the North Shore due to the limited provision of leisure water in other facilities.

18. A facility of this nature has a gross floor area (GFA) which includes all built elements from basement and roof plant rooms to pool halls, fitness suites, change rooms, circulation areas, administration, utility and service areas, entry and reception. Everything that is built contributes to the GFA calculation and hence cost and project feasibility.

19. Considerable effort has gone into the design process of this project to maximise innovation and efficiency to keep the GFA as low as possible.

20. Options analysis through the design phase presents two leading options (see Attachment 1).

21. Option One provides a GFA of 4,000 sqm and delivers on every element of the functional brief, but is potentially $2.1M beyond budget.

22. Option Two provides for a GFA of 3,400 sqm, is affordable given the existing budget but is missing an education/ programmable pool that supports the financial profile, operational flexibility, community opportunities and growth.

23. Option Two, the smaller 3,400 sqm design could have the programmable pool as a later stage, however this could incur an estimated additional cost in the order of $650K to $850K if deferred as a separate contract increasing the estimated cost to approximately 2,75M to $2.95M excluding escalation costs.

24. The programmable pool has a positive business case in its own right and a projected pay back period based upon $2.1M of 4 to 5 years (see Attachment 2).

25. There is a strong preference operationally to include this element now if it could be supported financially as it delivers an improved customer experience by providing separation from the ‘leisure” space and it delivers for growth and offers tailored options for education, casual lane swimmers, aqua classes and elderly.

26. Council’s current Long Term Plan (LTP) provides a total of $7.467M within an unspecified regional CAPEX budget called Citywide Pool Development in Yr17 and Yr18 of the LTP.

27. This budget is untagged, in that it has not been aligned to a particular project, but rather a budget line to fund future pool development across the city. This fund will be reallocated following the completion of the Aquatic and Leisure Facilities Network Plan (Network Plan) which is currently underway and due for completion in mid 2014. Of the $116 million of CAPEX funding the Long Term Plan for Pool and Leisure facilities approximately $77 million is untagged and or awaiting the outcomes of the Network Plan.

28. Work is currently underway to refine priorities for these unspecified regional funds. This work has not be completed but there is a preference that such funds be applied to projects which serve the needs of growing populations, especially children and young people, and who are not currently well served by our existing network of facilities.

29. Albany is the centre of a growth area. This area has already experienced significant expansion. Furthermore this area is identified by the Auckland Plan as a location for more intensive urban development and this is enabled by the provisions of the Draft Unitary Plan

30. Given the growth predictions for Albany, the pay back period, the improved customer experience and diversifying user profile, the larger 4000 sqm Albany Stadium Pool project is considered as a key project. It is therefore recommended that current provisions within the Long Term Plan for unspecified regional pool funding be applied to Albany.

31. This additional funding will provide for Option One rather than Option Two.

Consideration

Local Board Views

32. The Upper Harbour Local Board have identified the Albany Stadium Pool as their top project priority and they have constituted a working party and enabling mechanisms to expedite its delivery to their community.

33. After reviewing the concept report and feasibility, the Local Board has a strong preference for Option One, the 4000 sqm facility, if it can be afforded as it delivers on the design and functional brief, has the best financial and operational profile and provides for demand and growth.

Maori Impact Statement

34. A Hui was convened in May 2012 to review the project with interested Iwi. The project was universally supported and ongoing engagement continues with Iwi and a wider stakeholder grouping. The proposed facility contributes positively to local education and values

Implementation Issues

35. Should this recommendation not be supported, Option Two, the smaller 3,400 sqm proposal will be progressed and implemented. This option will enable the development of a separate programmable pool at later stage.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Concept Planning and Design Options	21
b	Education Pool	27

Signatories

Authors

Naila D'Souza - Programme Coordinator

Robert McGee - Manager, Recreation Facilities

Authorisers

Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee

11 December 2013

Long Bay Regional Park - variation to management plan

File No.: CP2013/27617

Purpose

1. To inform the council of the measures to be taken to protect the heritage protection zone at Long Bay and to integrate it into the management of Long Bay Regional Park.

Executive Summary

2. As a result of an Environment Court decision the council is obliged to protect the heritage protection zone at Long Bay by way of a heritage covenant and a heritage management plan approved by the Historic Places Trust. The area, which adjoins Long Bay Regional Park, will also be integrated into the management of Long Bay Regional Park by way of an amendment to the Regional Parks Management Plan (RPMP) 2010.

Recommendation/s

That the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee:

a) That the report be received.

Discussion

3. In 2007 the Environment Court ruled that approximately 20 hectares of land on the Awaruku Ridge overlooking Long Bay Regional Park, which contains significant Maori and colonial European archaeology sites, should be protected from development. The North Shore City District Plan was subsequently amended to zone the area as a Heritage Protection Zone (HPZ) to be managed as open space.

4. The zoning, now reflected in the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP), requires that the land be subject to a Heritage Covenant and a Heritage Management Plan. The Heritage Management Plan must be authorized by way of a discretionary approval after consultation with the NZ Historic Places Trust (NZHPT), Iwi and adjacent land owners.

5. Given the high level of encumbrances and the limited use to which the land can be put, it was agreed that the land would be transferred to the council. The land was formally transferred to the council in July 2013. The HPZ also contains two dwellings on a 3456m² curtilage. This land currently remains in private ownership.

6. Consultation with NZHPT over the Heritage Covenant and the Heritage Management Plan has commenced and drafts of the various documents and the amendments to the RPMP have been prepared in anticipation of formal consultation with iwi and other stakeholders in the first quarter of 2014.

7. A related issue is the creation of an additional entrance to the regional park from the adjacent future residential area currently under development. The intention to develop a second entrance was signaled in the approved management plan for Long Bay Regional Park in 2010. There are significant traffic management issues on Beach Road during peak park visitation periods that affect the local community (Long Bay receives over 1 million visitors). Alignment options and preliminary designs are currently being explored. The road will cross swampy land on the Vaughan flats area of the park. It is imperative that the design and final costing for this project is completed within the next twelve months to take advantage of surplus spoil from the adjacent areas currently under development.

8. Progress on these matters is to some extent dependent on the future of the remaining dwellings in the HPZ so that the Heritage Covenant, Heritage Management Plan and the amended RPMP can include them. Note that the amendment to the RPMP also creates the opportunity to incorporate the former 40 hectare local reserve at Piripiri Point approved by Council in August 2013 for inclusion into the regional park.

9. Council has a long term desire to extend the public open space network and trails systems along the north-eastern coastline from the East Coast Bays through Okura and Silverdale to Orewa. The matters outlined above will progress some of these linkages but council will also need to take the opportunity to complete the gaps in the network as the future of private land, particularly in the Okura area, comes up for consideration as part of the PAUP.

Consideration

Local Board Views

10. The Chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has been informed of the intentions relating to the Heritage Protection Zone and local interest groups, such as the Great Park Society, have been kept abreast of progress. The intention is that formal consultation with the Local Board , iwi and key stakeholders will be commence early in 2014 once NZHPT have given their initial endorsement to the draft Heritage Management Plan.

Maori Impact Statement

11. The matters raised here are of critical interest to mana whenua and full consultation will be undertaken with the relevant iwi early in 2014. There will be a need to have a Maori cultural values report prepared as part of this process.

General

12. There are a number of statutory steps required to implement the Environment Court decision relating to the HPZ at Long Bay. Progress to date has been dependent on the land being transferred to council ownership. Draft material has been prepared in anticipation of the formal statutory steps commencing in 2014.

Implementation Issues

13. The amendment to the RPMP is being resourced from operational budgets. Preliminary design and investigation for the second entrance and access is provided in the capital programme for the current financial year. The cost of construction is currently estimated to cost in the order of $1.0 - $1.5 million but this can only be confirmed by the geotechnical investigation and design works. There are also some benefits of undertaking this project contemporaneously with the adjacent Long Bay subdivision development works as fill from this area is likely to be available to council.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Long Bay Heritage Protection zone	31

Signatories

Authors	Mace Ward - Acting Manager - Parks, Sports and Recreation
Authorisers	Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee

11 December 2013

Proposed building removal at Harold Long Reserve, Mt Roskill

File No.: CP2013/24854

Purpose

1. To seek approval for the removal of the buildings from Harold Long Reserve and 33 Akarana Ave, Mt Roskill to enable open space development.

Executive Summary

2. Improving the linkage between Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve is a key project within the Puketapapa Local Board Plan. In 2010 council signed an agreement with Roskill Districts Rugby Club to purchase part of 33 Akarana Ave, Mt Roskill as an addition to the adjoining Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve.

3. Puketapapa Local Board has endorsed a concept plan for the existing parks and additional open space which includes the removal of the old men’s and women’s bowling club, the shed, the bowling greens and the Roskill Districts Rugby Club building (refer Attachment A).

4. Indicative costs for removing all the old buildings is approximately $150,000. The local board have allocated approximately $1.3 million to fund improvement and development of Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve in the 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years. Costs of building removal will be met from that budget.

Recommendation/s

That the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee:

a) Approves the removal of the old men’s and women’s bowling club buildings, shed on bowling greens on Harold Long Reserve, Mt Roskill.

b) Approves the removal of the Roskill District Rugby Club building on 33 Akarana Ave, following final settlement of part of 33 Akarana Ave in December 2013.

c) Notes that the budget for the building removals and bowling greens will be funded from the ‘Fearon Park-Harold Long Reserve – Linkage Improvements CAPEX budget in the 2013/14 financial year, in accordance with the Puketapapa Local Board resolution 14(d) dated 26 September 2013.

Discussion

5. Under the Puketapapa Local Board Plan, improving the linkage between Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve is listed as a key project.

6. In 2010 council signed an agreement with Roskill Districts Rugby Club to purchase part of 33 Akarana Ave, Mt Roskill (the Fearon Park car park land) as an addition to the adjoining Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve. Following community consultation, the Puketapapa Local Board endorsed a concept plan for Harold Long Reserve, Fearon Park and part of 33 Akarana Ave at their meeting held on 26 September 2013 (Attachment A).

7. The endorsed concept plan includes the removal of the old men’s and women’s bowling club, the shed, the bowling greens and the Roskill Districts Rugby Club building.

8. The buildings are all in poor condition and would require substantial capital investment if they were to be retained for further use. Both Harold Long Reserve and Fearon Park are classified as recreation reserves under the Reserves Act. The old men’s and women’s bowling club buildings have been leased to the Winstone Park Tennis Club as a temporary home while their new clubroom was being constructed at Harold Long Reserve. Now the tennis club’s new building is completed and the club have relocated into it, they no longer need the old bowling club buildings.

9. The land at 33 Akarana Ave was purchased to enhance the connection between Harold Long Reserve and Fearon Park. To create this connection the Roskill Districts Rugby Club building needs to be removed. The sale and purchase agreement with the club also allows them to remove fittings and fixtures from the building that they may require. Roskill Districts Rugby will retain part of their site at 33 Akarana Ave and will move their club administration onto a recently renovated building prior to settlement with council.

Consideration

Local Board Views

10. At its 26 September 2013 meeting the Local Board endorsed the following resolutions in relation building removal:

a) Endorse the concept plan for Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve (Attachment E).

c) Recommends to the governing body the removal of the old men’s and women’s bowling club buildings, the shed and bowling greens on Harold Long Reserve.

d) Approves the budget to remove the old rugby club building, the old men’s and women’s bowling club buildings and the bowling greens from the ‘Fearon Park-Harold Long Reserve – Linkage Improvements CAPEX budget’ in the 2013/14 financial year.

Maopri Impact Statement

11. Consultation material on the concept plans was posted to Ngati Whatua (Runanga/o Orakei/o Kaipara), Kawerau a Maki, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Ngati Tamaoho, Te Akitai / Waiohua, Ngati Te Ata, Ngati Paoa, Ngati Whanaunga, Ngati Maru and Ngati Tamatera.

12. Two iwi responded to the letter; Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority and Ngati Te Ata. Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority provided a written response which supported linking the two parks and the future greenways. They also requested accidental discovery protocols and an archaeologist or cultural monitor be present during substantial earthworks. Ngati Te Ata are still to provide feedback.

13. Further iwi consultation will be undertaken during detailed design of the parks.

General

14. The local board have allocated approximately $1.3 million to fund improvement and development of Fearon Park and Harold Long Reserve in the 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 financial years. This includes building removal of the rugby club rooms and the old buildings on Harold Long Reserve.

Implementation Issues

15. It is important to remove vacant buildings due for demolition in a timely manner to avoid vandalism and squatting. It is therefore recommended that the buildings are removed as a priority following the land settlement with the rugby club.

16. Winstone Park Tennis Club currently have a lease on Harold Long Reserve which includes the old bowling club buildings. Before demolition the club will need to surrender their existing lease and apply for a new lease over their tennis court and new clubroom land.

17. Indicative costs for removing all the old buildings is approximately $150,000. Costs may vary depending on any contaminants found on the site and the level of asbestos found during demolition.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Concept Plan for Harold Long Reserve and Fearon Park endorsed by the Puketapapa Local Board, 26 September 2013	37
b	Photos of buildings proposed for removal	39

Signatories

Authors

Carol Stewart - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Roger Blakeley - Chief Planning Officer

Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee

11 December 2013

Exclusion of the Public: Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987

That the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee:

a) exclude the public from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution follows.

This resolution is made in reliance on section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by section 6 or section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public, as follows:

C1 Proposal to acquire land in Beachlands for public open space

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution