Agenda of Waitākere Ranges Local Board

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.

3 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.

Specifically members are asked to identify any new interests they have not previously disclosed, an interest that might be considered as a conflict of interest with a matter on the agenda.

At its meeting on 28 November 2013, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board resolved (resolution number WTK/2010/5) to record any possible conflicts of interest in a register.

Board Member	Organisation / Position
Sandra Coney	· Waitemata District Health Board – Elected Member · Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Trustee · Women’s Health Action Trust – Patron
Neil Henderson	· Portage Trust – Elected Member · Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Trustee · West Auckland Trust Services (WATS) Board – Trustee/Director · Weedfree Trust – Employee · Living Cell Technologies Animal Ethics Committee - Member
Greg Presland	· Portage Trust – Elected Member · Lopdell House Development Trust – Trustee · Titirangi Residents & Ratepayers Group – Treasurer
Steve Tollestrup	· Waitakere Licensing Trust – Elected Member · Community Waitakere – Trustee · West Auckland Trust Services (WATS) Board – Trustee/Director · Henderson Valley Residents Association – Committee Member
Saffron Toms	No current conflicts of interest
Denise Yates	· Ecomatters Environment Trust – Deputy Chair · Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust – Board Member · Huia-Cornwallis Ratepayers & Residents Association – Co-chairperson · Charlotte Museum Trust – Trustee

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Confirms the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 13 March 2014, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

At the close of the agenda no requests for leave of absence had been received.

6 Acknowledgements

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

7 Update from Ward Councillors

An opportunity is provided for the Waitakere Ward Councillors to update the board on regional issues they have been involved with since the last meeting.

8 Deputations

8.1 Auckland War Memorial Museum

Purpose

1. Roy Clare, Director Auckland War Memorial Museum will be in attendance to address the Waitākere Ranges Local Board outlining their current activities and aspirations.

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the deputation from Roy Clare of Auckland War Memorial Museum and thank him for the presentation.

9 Public Forum

A period of time (approximately 30 minutes) is set aside for members of the public to address the meeting on matters within its delegated authority. A maximum of 3 minutes per item is allowed, following which there may be questions from members.

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

10 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.”

11 Notices of Motion

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

27 March 2014

Trees For Babies Programme 2014

File No.: CP2013/27456

Purpose

1. To seek approval from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for the proposed Trees for Babies programme for the 2013-2014 financial year.

Executive Summary

2. The purpose of this report is to provide the local board with options for planting sites within Council parks for the Local and Sports Parks West – Trees For Babies programme, to select a suitable site from the available options, to request the nomination of a representative from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board to speak on the day of the planting event and to seek an $6400 in additional funding.

3. The park options recommended for the 2014 planting event have been selected based on their suitability for a Trees For Babies event, following consultation with the Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust Board and Council officers.

Recommendations

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Approves the proposed site for the 2014 Trees For Babies planting programme.

b) Nominates a representative from the Board to speak at the 2014 event.

c) Provides a further $6400 in funding for this pogramme for the 2013/2014 financial year.

Discussion

Background

5. Trees For Babies (TFB) is an annual event to celebrate babies born in Auckland, currently situated only in the Whau, Henderson-Massey and Waitakere Ranges Local Board areas. Trees have been planted by the community in parks across the legacy Waitakere City Council region as part of a Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust, Plunket and Council combined project for the past 18 years and has been a popular event.

6. Park sites for the TFB programme are assessed according to the following range of criteria:

· The park’s suitability to accommodate a suitable area of planting;

· Proximity to a school, kindergarten or playground;

· Good access to the park;

· Amenity of the site (i.e. is it a neighbourhood park?); and

· Level of use and visibility to the community.

Programme Process

7. Options Identified:

Two suitable parks have been identified in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area for TFB planting to be undertaken. Owens Green is the preferred choice and Kowhai Reserve is offered as an alternative choice to this.

8. The TFB event for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board will take place during May 2014 – the date and time will be determined at a later date.

Assessment of Options

9. Following site visits to the nominated parks, the following assessment of the shortlisted sites provides details which have determined the proposed preferred option.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Owens Green,

Huia Road,

Laingholm

· Muddy Creek Riders Club will look after the fruit trees.

· Site which will benefit from orchard type planting, where native planting is unsuitable.

· Established local population.

· Will create ownership of local community.

· Will be a focus for community education on fruit tree pruning.

· nil

Kowhai Reserve,

Withers Road

Glen Eden

· Open site which will benefit from tree planting.

· Park with good linkages to local community.

· Established local population.

· Will create ownership of local community.

· Will improve biodiversity for the nearby wetland.

· Will complete work started last year.

· Nil

10. Based on the above evaluation Owens Green is considered the preferred option with Kowhai Reserve as the alternative.

Financial and Resourcing Implications

11. Funding for the TFB programme has been approved through the legacy Long Term Council Community Plan, as provided in the Annual Plan 2013/2014 ($17,000) and is one of the key programmes funded by the Council through the Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust. The budget is divided equally amongst the three western sector local boards. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board’s TFB budget for 2013-2014 is $5,666 for the programme. However the estimated cost for the programme for the 2013/2014 financial year is $12,000, leaving a shortfall of approximately $6,400. See table below for a breakdown of the costs.

The Council has adopted a new Capitalisation Policy which clarifies the funding of Green Assets non infrastructure. Generally the planting of trees is not a capital item and is to be funded from operational budget. There are several exceptions but they relate mainly to a new park development, soft engineering solutions and the creation of a stream eco-corridor or wetland or rain-garden. In the future the funding of the TFB programme will need to be fully funded from operational budgets. This shall include the purchase of trees, preparation, mulching, the event and management of the programme.

TFB cost breakdown

Plants	Avg cost	Quantity	Whau LB	HMLB	WRLB	Totals
PB3	$4.75	140	665	665		1330
PB18	$25 to $27	110	2970	2970	2750	8690
Mulch (to spread)	$30/m3	25	750	750	750	2250
Fertilizer			50	50	50	150
Stakes	$5.00	120			600	600
Contractor support	$80/hr	16 -21	1260	1260	1660	4180
Ecomatters costs - event etc, comms, brochures			4000	4000	4000	12000
Signage	$2,000.00	1	2000	2000	2000	6000
Weed spray	$400.00	1	400	400	200	1000
Total			$12,095.00	$12,095.00	$12,010.00	$36,200.00


$17000 x.333 (AP)	$5,666	Capex funding via annual plan per event
$19200 x.333 (LB)	$6,400	Opex funding required from each local board
$36200 total cost	$12,066	average cost per event

Consideration

Local Board Views

12. There has been continued community support for the TFB planting programme as highlighted through the numbers of residents taking part in the event each year and taking an active ongoing interest in the progress of their trees. There continues to be a demand from the community for TFB opportunities. The local board has been very supportive of this program in previous years as it focuses on engagement of the local community in an improvement of local parks and the natural environment.

Consultation

13. The Local & Sports Parks West team were asked to submit a list of suitable sites for the 2014 TFB programme. A short list of sites was then selected by the Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust Board.

14. Consultation with the local community adjacent to the proposed TFB sites has yet to be undertaken. It is proposed that this consultation will occur after the preferred site is chosen.

A detailed planting plan will be made available for the Local Board and local community at the time of consultation.

15. Past community consultation on possible sites has only rarely resulted in objection from the community. The planting plan will allow for amendments to be made based on community consultation that should address most of the issues related to tree size, location and shading that have in the past been the key issues with the proposed planting sites.

16. If any objection to the proposed site becomes evident during consultation with the local community it is proposed that the second option is then progressed for the TFB planting programme for 2014 as an alternative.

Decision Making

17. This report is to inform the Local Board, seek endorsement as outlined and request further funding to the value of $6400.00

Significance of Decision

18. This report does not trigger the Significance Policy.

Maori Impact Statement

19. Council’s Maori Strategy and Relations Officer will be contacted regarding this community planting event following the decision made by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board on their preferred site.

General

Legal and Legislative Implications

20. There are no legal implications relating to this report.

Implementation Issues

21. The implementation of the TFB programme is undertaken by Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust. Planting is carried out in accordance with the Council’s Code of Practice specifications and is supervised by suitably qualified experts.

22. At the completion of the TFB planting the asset information is passed onto Local & Sports Parks West to undertake ongoing maintenance.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	TFB WR reserve maps	13

Signatories

Author

Huw Hill-Male - Volunteer and Biodiversity Coordinator

Authorisers

Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

27 March 2014

Local economic development July to December 2013: Waitakere Ranges Local Board

File No.: CP2014/03949

Purpose

1. This report provides an update for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on local economic development activities delivered by the Economic Development Department for the period July to December 2013.

Executive Summary

2. The 2013/2014 local economic development work programme in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area includes:

· Preparation of an economic development overview presenting a range of indicators on the Waitākere Ranges economy, issues and opportunities

· The Business Improvement District (BID) Partnership programme in Glen Eden

· Support for the roll out of ultrafast broadband and the rural broadband initiative, and the sustainable and targeted provision of public WiFi.

3. The proposed 2014/2015 work programme builds on current activities.

Recommendations

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the six-monthly update on local economic development activities from July to December 2013.

b) Provides feedback on the proposed 2014/2015 local economic development work programme of:

i. Economic analysis and planning for the local economy.

ii. Support for the Business Improvement District Partnership programme in Glen Eden.

iii. Support for the roll out of ultrafast broadband and the rural broadband initiative, and the sustainable and targeted provision of public WiFi.

c) Nominates Local Board Member(s) to attend the Business Improvement District Policy (2011) review workshops and represent the view of the local board.

Discussion

4. The Economic Development Department champions Auckland’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS), which aims to develop an economy that delivers opportunity and prosperity for all Aucklanders and New Zealand. The department works with ATEED, business, Government and community stakeholders to lead local economic development, regional economic strategy and policy advice, economic analysis and advocacy, digital policy and international relations on behalf of Auckland Council.

5. This report focuses on local economic development activities in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area. An overview of the regional economic work programme undertaken by the Economic Development Department and ATEED to implement the EDS is provided to the Economic Development Committee, and is made available for information to Local Boards.

6. Under the guidance of global city development expert Greg Clark, and with the assistance of representatives from business, the wider Auckland Council and Government, critical priorities for Auckland’s future economic performance have been identified. These are to:

· Establish a new Auckland Leadership Team

· Raise youth employability. At the local level this means:

o increasing the number of opportunities for young people to gain work experience

· Build, retain and attract talent. At the local level this means:

o encouraging our businesses to invest in skills

o thoroughly understanding Auckland’s skills shortages

· Build the Auckland business proposition for a business-friendly city

· Boost the investment rate into Auckland’s economy and infrastructure

· Motivate greater investment in products, services and markets. At the local level this means:

o promoting the benefits of innovation and entrepreneurship

o creating and connecting spaces for innovation and entrepreneurship

· Increase Auckland’s visibility internationally

· Optimise Auckland’s platforms for growth: housing, transport and availability of employment land. At the local level this means:

o developing and adopting a new implementation model to achieve growth in key locations – CBD and metropolitan centres

o leveraging the fibre network to its full potential

· Support improved performance of Māori businesses. At the local level this means:

o working to support Māori businesses to grow.

7. We are planning a workshop with local board economic development portfolio holders, ATEED and the Economic Development Committee on making local economic development in Auckland more strategic, focused and united. Further information will be provided through the local board advisors.

Economic Development Overview

8. An economic development (ED) overview has been prepared for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area. The overview outlines the current economic picture in Waitākere Ranges, recent trends, and identifies particular strengths or points of difference the local board area has in comparison to the region wide picture. It is primarily a data driven view drawing on the statistics available covering a range of indicators including demographics, incomes and housing, education and skills, employment and occupation, sectoral strengths, business growth and development trends.

9. The overview has been distributed to Local Board members, Council departments and BIDs. The information can inform the Local Board Plan currently under development.

10. In 2012, GDP in Waitākere Ranges was $473 million, which was 0.9 per cent of the Auckland regional GDP. Rental, hiring and real estate is the dominant sector in the Waitākere Ranges economy with a spread of small activity across a number of other sectors.

Waitākere Ranges’ industrial mix by GDP (2012)

11. Stand out facts about Waitākere Ranges from the ED overview include:

· The area has two very distinct parts with the sparsely populated area within the Waitākere Heritage Act area and the more densely populated settlements outside it.

· The Waitākere Ranges’ local economy is small relative to its population and the majority of the area’s labour force travel out of the Local Board area for employment, primarily to neighbouring Henderson-Massey, and Whau and also to Waitemata (where the Auckland city centre is located).

· Labour force participation and home ownership are high in Waitākere Ranges, although median household incomes are below the regional average.

· GDP and employment growth has been lower than across the wider region from 2002-2012

· While qualification levels are in line with the regional profile the number of young people not in employment education or training is above the regional average.

12. Employment in Waitākere Ranges increased by an average of 1.0 per cent pa in the ten years from 2002-12, below the Auckland rate (1.9%). During this period, Waitākere Ranges job numbers increased the most in education and training (+810), healthcare and social assistance (+690), and construction (+520) sectors and declined the most in retail (-90), and wholesale (-80) sectors.

13. The current Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan acknowledges the need for action to improve economic outcomes in Glen Eden as well as managing development in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Act area. The ED overview recognises these priorities and includes the following initial assessment of the strengths, challenges and opportunities within the local economy.

An assessment of Waitākere Ranges’ economic potential

Strengths		Challenges
People and lifestyle · Well educated population and high labour market participation rate. · Waitākere Ranges provides an attractive lifestyle not available elsewhere in the region. · The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Act area is a unique asset with Auckland. Economic strengths · Greater concentration of employment than seen regionally in construction and engineering, tourism, and the creative sector - industries in which Auckland competes internationally. · One of most visited tourist areas within the Auckland region. Tourism a significant employer.		Incomes and growth · Average household income is low though this varies across the area. · Local economy is small and provides limited employment opportunities. · Local businesses are predominantly very small with limited potential for competing internationally and there are constraints on industrial growth. · Improving telecommunications to support home-based businesses. Balancing environmental protection with development of employment opportunities · Capturing greater tourist spend within context of restrictions on development activity. · Restrictions on the location and amount of development that can take place across much of the Local Board area falling under Waitākere Ranges Heritage Act 2008.
Opportunities
Business friendly	· Improve links to employment centres, development of park and ride options such as the facility under design for Glen Eden. · Implement a visitor management strategy that balances economic activity with the need to protect the natural environment. · Support and facilitate take up of improved broadband and cell phone coverage. · Development of Glen Eden as an attractive centre.
Innovation and exports	· Further development of the high value tourism sector.
Skills	· Improve local skills development through reduction of young people in the NEET category. · Support development of networking and co-operation between small businesses, for example in the viticulture/horticulture, creative arts, film, and eco-tourism sectors.
Vibrant and creative city	· Enhancement of Waitākere Ranges visitor experience. · Celebrate and promote creative businesses in the area. · Project to identify Council role in supporting traditional heritage land uses in the Waitākere Ranges foothills and transition to rural industries and land uses consistent with the WRHA Act. · Leverage the development of Lopdell House to maximise economic benefits.

BID Partnership Programme

14. The BID Partnership Programme approach is a public-private partnership between business associations that have a commitment to develop and promote their local business environment and Auckland Council. In work to date since Auckland Council was established there has been a focus on sharing best practice and developing consistent governance, processes and practices across the region’s 46 BIDs.

15. Each BID has signed a Partnering Agreement with Auckland Council. These agreements define the relationship between Auckland Council and individual business associations operating as BIDs. Several have also signed a discretionary Memorandum of Understanding with their Local Board. The MOU is an opportunity to agree mutual goals and objectives and to support each other’s programme of work where applicable.

16. BID Partnership Advisors hold monthly networking meetings for BID managers and interested business associations that focus on professional development and sharing information and best practice. Topics covered from July to December 2013 include:

· Auckland Transport (importance of good parking in our centres)

· AGM checklist and meeting procedures

· ATEED – local events

· WiFi– how to make the most of Apps

· Overseas conferences–report back and learnings from BID attendees

· Signs and alcohol bylaws

· Social enterprises

· Using Marketview results for business attraction

· Media awareness

· Your Website – how to review it and improve it

· Using information from Local ED Overviews and opportunities to engage with Local ED Action Plans

17. A refresh of the Auckland Region Business Improvement District Policy (BID Policy 2011) will be undertaken in 2014. The proposed BID Policy will go before the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee for final approval in November 2014.

18. The process to review the BID Policy will involve consultation with both business associations and Local Board representatives. Separate workshops will initially be held for the two stakeholder groups, followed by a combined workshop with both the business associations and Local Board representatives. Local Board representative(s) are sought for involvement in the review process.

19. Any suggestions made at these workshops to amend the existing BID Policy (2011) will be brought before the Local Board for its consideration and feedback.

20. There is much activity happening with the establishment of new BID areas (including State Highway 16 and Devonport, who will be balloting in March 2014). Several other locations are actively working with the BID team on preparatory work towards establishment. Existing BIDs undertaking expansion ballots prior to June 2014 include Otahuhu and Manukau Central.

21. Twenty-seven existing BIDs have chosen to increase their amount of target rate for the 2014/2015 financial year. Every one of these proposed increases has followed the process of advising all members and receiving approval of the proposed new amount from members at Annual General Meetings.

Glen Eden BID

22. Glen Eden Business Association held their AGM on 23 September 2013 with a small turnout. The Chair provided a review of past activities and the BID Manager gave an update of the association’s progress against their strategic plan. The members ratified and adopted the BID target rate for 2014/2015 which remains at $45,000 per annum with no increase. The new committee was voted in with two new business owners stepping forward to become involved.

23. There has been a change towards business-generating promotions over the past six months utilising ‘make a purchase, go in the draw’ competitions. This enabled the business owners to make the most of customers wanting to enter into the draws. Fathers’ Day, Christmas and Valentines 2014 promotions achieved great success.

24. The Glen Eden Business Association is working towards a tree lighting project with the aim of lighting up a number of trees in Glen Eden on a permanent basis. A new Glen Eden website is also being developed and the business newsletter The Voice has increased to four pages and is being well received.

25. Glen Eden Business Association continues to be involved with the Glen Eden Urban Design Framework project. This project is also seen as an opportunity for the Glen Eden Business Association to consider a BID boundary expansion project in the near future.

26. The BID Manager announced late in 2013 that she would be resigning from the position and the BID Advisor will be assisting the committee through the recruitment process, helping the committee to identify the skills required to continue the current programme of work and also facilitate and implement a BID boundary expansion project.

Ultrafast Broadband

27. The third year of the rollout of Ultrafast broadband (UFB) ends on 30 June 2014. The rollout is a third of the way through the nine year programme. So far over 60,000 premises region wide can connect to UFB with just over 11% of these premises connected. This is in line with the rate of uptake predicted at the start of the UFB rollout.

28. Chorus intends to provide updates to Local Boards on the progress of the rollout in each area and Council officers will work with Local Board services to arrange times in the appropriate Local Board Workshops as the updates become available.

Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI)

29. The Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) is nearing the end of year three of a five-year build programme and expansion is progressing well. The current year began in July 2013 and will finish in June 2014. Both the fixed line and wireless upgrades are on track for completion by June 2016.

30. Actual coverage and quality depends on a range of factors including distance and line of sight from cell phone towers for wireless coverage, and distance from the closest telecommunications cabinet or exchange for fixed-line coverage.

31. Planned wired coverage can be found by clicking on the RBI Broadband layer on the map at:

· http://www.chorus.co.nz/fibre-rollout-map

Public WiFi

32. Public WiFi is available in all 56 libraries and in 23 public open spaces around Auckland. In January 2014 the Libraries WiFi service was used 173,000 times by 110,000 people totalling 7.7 million minutes of free Wi-Fi usage. The public open space service has been experiencing network stability issues and this has limited usage. These issues are now resolved and we expect to see usage grow in line with Libraries usage. The public open space service was used 49,631 times by 44,419 people totalling 893,494 minutes of free WiFi usage.

Work programme 2014/2015

33. The proposed 2014/2015 local economic development work programme in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area is set out below.

OPEX Project description

Economic analysis and planning.

BID Partnership programme in Glen Eden.

Support for the roll out of ultrafast broadband and the rural broadband initiative, and the sustainable and targeted provision of public WiFi.

Consideration

Local Board Views

34. This report informs the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on progress implementing the agreed local economic development work programme. Feedback from the board is welcome and will shape ongoing activities.

Maori Impact Statement

35. Matters relating to Māori wellbeing are addressed as part of specific projects and are reported in the relevant Board and committee reports.

General

36. N/A.

Implementation Issues

37. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Author

Trudi Fava - Strategic Planner

Authorisers

Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Janet Schofield - Business Area Planning Manager

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

27 March 2014

Auckland Council Property Limited Local Board Six-Monthly Update 1 July to 31 December 2013

File No.: CP2014/04339

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to update the Waitakere Ranges Local Board of the activities of Auckland Council Property Limited (ACPL) for the six months 1 July to 31 December 2013.

Executive Summary

2. ACPL’s goal is to be recognised as a “centre of excellence” that brings commercial expertise and provides value for money to Auckland Council across a discrete property portfolio valued at approximately $1 billion. ACPL provides commercial expertise in property management, the buying, selling of properties and by and strategically developing council assets. As a substantive CCO with a commercial focus ACPL provides crucial support to a council organisation that efficiently and effectively achieves social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes for Auckland.

3. In order to achieve our goal and meet the expectations of the Mayor and the council, ACPL will work towards seven key outcomes over the next three years. These are:

· Properties managed for the council and Auckland Transport (AT) are fit for purpose and net returns optimised.

· Place-shaping partnerships are effectively planned and managed to project completion and in accordance with Auckland Plan objectives.

· ACPL identifies housing opportunities and collaborates with partners to deliver exemplar housing developments, particularly in the more affordable spectrum of the market.

· Council business interests are managed to protect long term value and achieve budgeted net return.

· Property acquisitions are undertaken in a commercially robust manner and in accordance with the council and AT agreed requirements and relevant legislation.

· Council and AT property disposals are undertaken in a commercially robust manner.

· The council is provided with a commercial perspective on planning and development initiatives to support effective implementation of those initiatives.

4. A summary of ACPL activities specific to the Waitakere Local Board is outlined in the Discussion section of this report with supporting detail included in Attachments B, C, and D.

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the Auckland Council Property Limited Local Board Six-Monthly Update Report 1 July to 31 December 2013.

Discussion

Principles for working together

5. ACPL’s Local Board Engagement Plan (LBEP) states that a successful working relationship between local boards and ACPL is founded on the following high-level principles which will guide our engagement with the local boards:

· a shared understanding of and mutual respect for the roles, responsibilities and decision-making authority of local boards, the governing body and ACPL;

· transparent and timely communication with no surprises;

· understanding and acknowledgment of shared responsibilities between the parties;

· a commitment to a timely response to and resolution of issues raised by local board members;

· a commitment to early inclusion in the planning and decision making process where issues have a specific relevance to a Local Board;

· a commitment to flexibility in terms of engagement, recognising differing levels of interest and local relevance across the Auckland region.

6. ACPL’s commitment to the local boards is outlined in detail in our LBEP, which is attached as Attachment A for reference.

Workshops and Meetings

7. A schedule of Waitakere Local Board workshops and meetings attended by ACPL representatives from July to December 2013 is attached as Attachment B. The list includes property specific meetings and workshops relating to general property management and the ongoing portfolio Rationalisation Process.

Property Portfolio Management

8. ACPL manages all non-service properties. These are properties not immediately required for service delivery or infrastructure development that are owned by Auckland Council or Auckland Transport. The current property portfolio includes industrial sites and buildings, retail tenancies, cafés, restaurants, offices and a substantial portfolio of residential properties. ACPL’s improved property knowledge and understanding has enabled it to optimise revenue streams and identify future opportunities.

9. The property portfolio has continued to grow during the last six-months and now totals 1095 properties. Rent arrears and vacancies were effectively managed throughout the period. During Q1 the average monthly collectable arrears rate and vacancies rate were respectively 1.35% and 2.93%. ACPL’s return on the property portfolio for the quarter ending 30 September 2013 provides the shareholder a net surplus above YTD budget of $2m.

10. Property portfolio information detailing current ACPL managed commercial and residential property within the Waitakere Local Board area is attached at Attachment C of this report. The report includes each property’s classification or reason for retention along with additional notes to identify the nature of the property, such as a café within a library, or a residential property with tenancy in place. It has also been updated to show properties for which council directs that the operating budget and lease revenue will be included in local board budgets from July 2014.

11. A report indicating portfolio movement in the local board area is attached as Attachment D. The report details all new acquisitions including the reason for acquisition, any transfers and the reason for transfer, and any disposals.

Portfolio Review and Disposals

12. ACPL is required to undertake ongoing rationalisation of the council’s non-service assets. This includes identifying properties from within council’s portfolio that may be suitable for potential sale and development if appropriate. ACPL has a particular focus on achieving housing outcomes. Identifying potential sale properties contributes to Auckland Plan outcomes by providing the council with an efficient use of capital and prioritisation of funds to achieve its activities and projects. ACPL and Auckland Council’s Property Department work collaboratively on a comprehensive review process to identify such properties.

13. Once identified as a potential sale candidate a property is taken through a multi-stage Rationalisation Process. The agreed process includes engagement with; council, CCOs, local board and mana whenua. This is followed by ACPL Board approval, engagement with local ward and the Independent Maori Statutory Board and finally a governing body decision. A detailed process flowchart is provided as Attachment E.

14. Council is budgeting to receive proceeds from the sale of surplus properties of $80 million in 2012/2013 and $58 million in 2013/2014. The financial implication of not achieving these budgets would be higher debt and therefore higher interest costs compared to budget.

15. Properties under review for future use opportunities via the Rationalisation Process in the Waitakere-Ranges area will be listed here as and when they arise. This will include detail around the review of properties no longer required for their original service purpose. There are currently no properties under review for future use opportunities in the Waitakere-Ranges Local Board area. Further details are included in Attachment C.

Place Shaping and Housing Initiatives

16. ACPL is contributing commercial input into around 40 council-driven place-shaping and housing initiatives region wide. Involvement extends from provision of initial feasibility advice through to implementation, with projects ranging in size from $400k to in excess of $100million.

17. A high level update on place-shaping and housing initiative activities in the Waitakere area is outlined in points below.

- Waitakere Central (Transit Oriented Development): This is a Waitakere Properties Limited legacy development that ACPL is now progressing. The mixed use development incorporates commercial and possible residential end uses. Confidential minutes from a Waitakere City Council meeting set out approval for this development along with a request to keep relevant stakeholders updated. ACPL has broached the opportunity for developing all vacant land with several developers. Interest has been expressed in multi-level mixed use development for the site. We anticipate undertaking an RFX process around mid-2014. Sensitivities exist relating to car-parking. ACPL is investigating the viability of a car-parking structure on top of current parking land as a means of resolving this consideration. The project lies in the Henderson-Massey physical local board area.

Acquisitions

18. ACPL continues to support Council and Auckland Transport programmes and projects by negotiating required property acquisitions. All such acquisitions are funded through approved Council or Auckland Transport budgets. We also provide advice to assist with budgets, business cases and strategy to support an acquisition.

19. A total of 54 property purchases to the value of $8.9m were completed during Q1. The number of acquisitions under active negotiations at the end of Q1 was 300 (253 AT and 47 AC).

20. Recent council acquisitions have included;

- meeting open space requirements, particularly for subdivisions

- City Transformation projects

- Heritage projects

- Storm water projects.

21. Current acquisitions programmes for AT include;

- AMETI (Auckland Manukau Eastern Tamaki Initiative)

- CRL (City Rail Link)

- Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu road widening

- Dominion Road, Mt Eden road widening.

22. All properties were purchased within the valuation threshold agreed with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

23. Due to commercial sensitivities any Waitakere Ranges Local Board specific acquisitions detail will be provided direct to the local board by the Auckland Council or AT project owner.

Business Interests

24. ACPL manages eight business interests region wide on council’s behalf. This comprises two forestry enterprises, two landfills and four quarries.

25. A report on ACPL managed business interests in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area is outlined in points below.

- Te Henga Quarry Waitakere :

This quarry has a relatively short life left as resource within the designated footprint is now expected to be extracted by March 2015, a quicker end date than originally planned of 2017 to 2020. There is however further resource available within the boundary of the title that Council owns, if Council chooses to pursue this resource. It is noted that the title is linked with the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

Perry Resources is the quarry operator and pay a royalty to Council based on sales of aggregate. Like other Auckland quarries, the performance of this quarry has been significantly above expectation, with an additional 77,500 tonnes (120%) above projections being extracted over the past six month period to 31^st December 2013, which in turn has generated an additional $97,165 in income for Auckland Council. This ongoing success has resulted in a request for the revision of the end of life extraction timing.

Consideration

Local Board Views

26. This report is for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board’s information and seeks the views of the Local Board.

Maori Impact Statement

27. During the past six months ACPL has further developed our Maori engagement initiatives. Our enhanced process engages with the 19 key mana whenua groups in the Tamaki region on three fronts: identifying cultural significance concerns regarding disposal properties, flagging commercial interests and development partnering discussions. ACPL also engages with relevant mana whenua in respect of development outcomes for ACPL lead projects. ACPL has additionally undertaken to be part of council’s Maori Responsiveness Plan pilot programme. The project’s key output will be an operational document outlining how ACPL will contribute to council’s strategic and operational commitments to Maori. The Current State Assessment phase of this project has been completed and we are now in the Improvement Planning phase. ACPL will advise the Waitakere Local Board as appropriate of any specific discussions that arise in the local board’s area.

General

28. This report is intended to help ACPL meet its statutory obligations under the Local Government Act 2002. The relevant sections of the Local Government Act 2002 are noted below for information.

29. As provided in section 59(1) of the Local Government Act 2002, the principal objective of a CCO is to:

(a) achieve the objectives of its shareholders, both commercial and non-commercial, as specified in the statement of intent; and

(b) be a good employer; and

(c) exhibit a sense of social and environmental responsibility by having regard to the interests of the community in which it operates and by endeavoring to accommodate or encourage these when able to do so; and

(d) the CCO is a council-controlled trading organisation, conduct its affairs in accordance with sound business practice.

30. As provided in clause 1 of Schedule 8 of the Local Government Act 2002, the purpose of the SOI is to:

· state publicly the activities and intentions of a CCO for the year and the objectives to which those activities will contribute;

· provide an opportunity for shareholders to influence the direction of the organisation; and

· provide a basis for the accountability of the directors to their shareholders for the performance of the organisation.

Implementation Issues

31. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	ACPL DRAFT Local Board Engagement Plan	29
b View	Schedule of Meetings and Workshops	45
c View	Properties Managed by ACPL in the Local Board area	47
d View	Property movement in the Local Board area	49
e View	Rationalisation Process Flowchart	51

Signatories

Author

Caitlin Borgfeldt - Local Board Liaison

Authorisers

David Rankin - Chief Executive

Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

27 March 2014

Submission on the draft Auckland Transport Code of Practice

File No.: CP2014/04409

Purpose

1. Auckland Transport has put its draft Code of Practice out for public consultation, and this report is intended to provide the opportunity for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board to approve its submission.

Executive Summary

2. The Auckland Transport Code of Practice (ATCOP) will apply to all new transport infrastructure, upgrades to existing infrastructure, landscaping and maintenance, including vegetation control and weed management.

3. The code of practice is some 1200 pages and includes chapters on the following:

1. Introduction

2. Integrated transport planning

3. Innovation

4. Road Classification

5. Special Routes & Road Elements

6. Street Amenities

7. Road Layout & Geometric Design

8. Traffic Calming Devices/LATM

9. Road Restraint Devices (Vehicle and Pedestrian)

10. Traffic Signs & Road Markings

11. Parking

12. Footpaths & Pedestrian Facilities

13. Cycling Infrastructure Design

14. Landscaping

15. Earthworks

16. Road Pavements & Surfacings

17. Road Drainage

18. Structures (incl. Bridges, retaining walls etc.)

19. Street Lighting

20. Public transport - buses

21. Public transport - rail

22. Public transport - ferries/wharves

23. Public transport - trams

24. Vesting of Assets and Asset Data

25. Maintenance

26. Corridor access management

27. Traffic network management

28. Designing for abnormal events

4. The code of practice is intended to be read in conjunction with a number of other policies, strategies and guidelines, some of which are still under development. This includes guidelines on footpath and walking, signage, vegetation in the road corridor, the Auckland Council weed management policy, and transport infrastructure design guidelines specific in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.

5. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board is currently working with Auckland Transport to develop the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area design guidelines.

6. While that work is underway, Auckland Transport has prepared a draft Code of Practice for its operations, and the local board has the opportunity to submit on matters of interest to the board and its communities.

7. A key finding of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Monitoring Report 2013 was the adverse impact of transport infrastructure on the natural landscapes of the heritage area. The local board has received regular feedback from its residents on a range of transport issues, including road speeds, footpaths, pedestrian safety, weed management, and vegetation.

8. Submissions close on 31 March 2014.

Recommendations

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Approves its submission on the draft Auckland Transport Code of Practice, subject to the delegated authority in b).

b) Delegates authority to approve the final wording of the submission to the Chairperson, in consultation with the Transport Portfolio Holder, and Environment Portfolio Holder.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Draft submission on the Auckland Transport Code of Practice (to be circulated when available) (Under Separate Cover)

Signatories

Author	Brett Lane - Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

27 March 2014

Submission to the Ministry of Health’s consultation document on the Psychoactive Substances Regulations

Waitakere Ranges Local Board wishes to contribute to the Auckland Council submission to the Ministry of Health Psychoactive Substances Regulation consultation.

In providing a response we wish to note that our local board area has a prominent retail outlet for psychoactive substances in Glen Eden. Further, our local community groups and constituents inform us of their increasing alarm over the impact of these products.

Discussions with our Senior Community Safety Advisor as well as Waitakere Police substantiate and reflect the concerns raised by our local community.

In preparing our submission, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board has reviewed the submissions made by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), the Henderson-Massey Local Board and the Manurewa Local Board of Auckland Council. We submit in general support of these submissions.

The Waitakere Ranges Local Board has set out below its response to particular consultation questions where we have a different position or are seeking to have a stronger regulatory requirement.

1. Proposed information requirements for licence applications - people applying for licences to sell, import or manufacture approved products should pass at least the same tests that are required to sell alcohol.

11. Other particulars, information, documents etc. that should be prescribed in the regulations - regulations should stipulate that applicants must complete a social impact statement, to list the harms that may result from the sale of the product and how the applicant is planning to mitigate them.

15. Health warnings – As much information as possible should be made available to the user of the approved product. The proposed health warnings should also include warnings about possible side effects. We note too that the submission does not specifically address personal competency or mental health status of consumers. Beyond visible health warnings on packaging we raise the additional possibility of clearer guidelines for responsible sale of product by the vendor to the consumer. .

17. Proposal to restrict a packet to one dose - There should also be quantity restrictions over how much can be sold in a single sale across the counter or via the internet.

18. Restrictions on form of product – ideally restrict to tablet or liquid form so that smoking-related harm is not caused. Agree that the regulations should be consistent with existing policies on smoking tobacco for product in a smokeable form.

20. Storage, disposal and display - There should be a restriction on the amount of psychoactive substances and approved products that can be stored at premises at any one time.

24. Signage – health and other warning information should be available at point of sale to people in the languages in use in that community.

25. of sale – licenced premises should sell approved products only and there should be clear separation between the shop and any others.

26. Advertising – In order to be consistent with smoking related substances and products we are not supportive of shop window display or advertising.

27. Do you think regulations should prescribe restrictions or requirements on internet sales of approved products? If so, please provide specific suggestions. We oppose the sale of psychoactive substances across the internet. This is opposed because of the lack of delivery management to under aged consumers.

31. Fees set for other specific functions – fees should cover the cost of monitoring i.e. regular compliance inspections of retail premises at least twice a year.

In conclusion, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board agrees with the key points in the LGNZ submission and the position of the Manurewa Local Board and Henderson-Massey Local Board, however we recommend strengthening of requirements in the areas highlighted above.

Steve Tollestrup

Community Safety Portfolio Holder

Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

27 March 2014

For Information: Governing Body Reports

File No.: CP2014/05176

Purpose

1. The following reports are for the information of Waitakere Ranges Local Board:

No.	Report Title	Governing Body Committee or Forum	Meeting Date
1.	Further Clarification Of and Action On Maui’s Dolphin Threats Management	Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee	5 March 2014
	RESOLUTIONS FROM ECCNH COMMITTEE: 10. Further Clarification Of and Action On Maui’s Dolphin Threats Management Resolution number ENV/2014/15 MOVED by Chairperson WD Walker, seconded by Cr CE Fletcher: That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee: a) write to the Minister for Primary Industries seeking a reconsideration of ring-netting in the Manukau Harbour entrance. b) approve representation on the Maui’s Research Advisory Group at all levels. c) approve in-kind assistance for the Toxoplasma genotyping cat sampling programme run at Massey University. d) request a report back on the policy options for addressing feral cat issues and note this is part of the Regional Pest Management Plan review. e) support development of a safe-boating campaign around Maui’s dolphins. CARRIED Resolution number ENV/2014/16 Cr CM Casey moved the following additional recommendations, seconded by Chairperson WD Walker: That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee: f) invite the minister for Primary Industries and Minister of Conservation to a meeting with the committee and 2 representatives from the Maui’s and Hector’s Dolphin Education/Action Inc seeking a reconsideration of ring-netting in the Manukau Harbour entrance. g) urge the Government to introduce observer coverage on the fishing fleet sooner than its proposed four year phase. h) express its strong concern about the proposed reintroduction of ring-netting in the mouth of the Manukau Harbour. i) lead a public education campaign about the need to protect Maui’s dolphin habitat – inside harbours, out to 100m deep and along the West Coast to the South Island. j) take a leadership role in advocating for all measures needed to prevent human induced threats to the dolphin to enable their recovery. k) request the Mayor to take a leadership role in advocating for all measures needed to prevent human induced threats to the dolphin to enable their recovery with the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister of Conservation. l) require changes to the Marine Mammals Protection Act (MMPA) so that by-caught deceased Maui’s and Hector’s dolphin must be brought back to shore for research purposes. m) forward the report to all Local Boards and Mana Whenua for their information. CARRIED
2.	Update on Meeting of the Inter Council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms (ICWP)	Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee	5 March 2014
	RESOLUTIONS FROM ECCNH COMMITTEE: 9 Update on Meeting of the Inter Council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms (ICWP) Resolution number ENV/2014/14 MOVED by Chairperson WD Walker, seconded by Deputy Chairperson LA Cooper: That the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee: a) receive the Update on Meeting of the Inter Council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms (ICWP) report. b) agree to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other Councils to share the costs and further work on Section 32 document subject to budget approval. c) forward the report to all Local Boards and Mana Whenua for their information. d) ensure collaboration with other Councils with regards to submission of any future reviews. CARRIED

Copies of the reports are attached and can be located at the following link:

http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Notes the referral of the following reports from the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee:

No.

Report Title

Governing Body Committee or Forum

Meeting Date

Further Clarification Of and Action On Maui’s Dolphin Threats Management

Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

5 March 2014

Update on Meeting of the Inter Council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms (ICWP)

Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee

5 March 2014

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Further Clarification Of and Action On Maui’s Dolphin Threats Management	65
b View	Update on Meeting of the Inter Council Working Party on Genetically Modified Organisms (ICWP)	81