Agenda of Waitematā Local Board

Waitematā Local Board

10 June 2014

Auckland Transport Report - June 2014

File No.: CP2014/11235

Purpose

1. The purpose of the report is to respond to local board requests on transport-related matters and to provide information to Elected Members about Auckland Transport (AT) activities in the local board area.

Executive summary

2. This report covers matters of specific application and interest to the Waitemata Local Board and its community; matters of general interest relating to Auckland Transport activities or the transport sector; and relevant Auckland Transport media releases for the information of the Board and community.

Recommendations

a) That the Auckland Transport Report – June 2014 be received.

b) That the Waitemata Local Board delegates to the Transport portfolio, Members Pippa Coom and Christopher Dempsey, to provide the Board’s submission to the Parking Discussion Document before 30 June 2014.

c) That the Waitemata Local Board provides feedback to Auckland Transport on any of the consultations outlined in Attachment C.

Comments

Projects in the Waitemata Ward

Draft Parking Discussion Document

1. Following on from cluster workshops which were attended by local board members in early to mid May 2014, Auckland Transport intends to distribute copies of the Parking Discussion document to elected members and key stakeholder groups, including community organisations before the end of May.

2. The discussion document is the first to comprehensively review issues associated with parking region-wide. Key elements of the discussion document include an analysis of issues associated with the city centre, the city fringe, metropolitan and town centres, and residential streets across the region. There is a clear link to the region’s public transport strategy through consideration of the role of park-and-rides, and the needs of the forthcoming (bus) Public Transport Network, and the possibility that the AT HOP card may be able to be used for payment for parking in some situations.

3. The discussion document will be made publicly available online on 31 May in anticipation of a month-long period of public consultation that will extend until 30 June. Submissions are expected to be considered during July and August, and then a report made to the September 2014 meeting of the Auckland Transport Board.

City East West Transport Study

4. Providing an update and next steps related to the City East West Transport (CEWT) Study recommendations.

5. The CEWT Study recommendations aim to improve performance and quality of all inner city streets by allocating different functions to different streets, increase uplift in Public Transport patronage whilst still accommodating same vehicle volumes and enabling higher pedestrian volumes in the CBD.

6. The investigations include new bus infrastructure such as a Fanshawe Street Urban Busway, Wynyard Quarter Bus Interchange, Downtown Bus Terminal, and a Learning Quarter Bus facility.

7. Auckland Transport will continue technical investigations on all city centre public transport projects. The aim is to deliver the infrastructure in time for the roll out of the new public transport network in 2016.

Route Optimisation in the CBD

8. A summary of improvements at each intersection within Auckland Transport’s Route Optimisation programme 2013-14 can be viewed in Attachment A. The city has been split in to five zones as indicated below.

cid:image003.jpg@01CF661D.847C7F30

9. A Stage One pre-optimisation report was prepared by the Joint Traffic Operations Centre (JTOC) that captures the investigation strategy, current performance and optimisation recommendations. Recommendations include signal timings changes and physical works changes.

10. This project applies the Network Operating Plan approach which incorporates Auckland Transport’s strategic objectives. Priority in the CBD has been placed predominantly for pedestrians and public transport, but also an onus to maintain flow in peak periods for traffic. Through collaboration, Auckland Transport has incorporated other operational issues raised by parties such as Auckland Council and Waterfront Auckland.

11. Attachment A is subject to the relevant technical processes and the programme of delivery will vary, however good progress has been made already.

12. Some benefits are already being experienced particularly for pedestrians through intelligent phasing to ease movements for pedestrian through the city centre during the inter and off peak periods whilst retaining and improving bus movements.

13. A Stage Two report will follow in the near future reporting on benefits to date based on these timings changes. The physical works will follow these phasing changes and enhance the benefits anticipated.

Beach Road Cycleway Detailed Design

14. Auckland Transport has prepared the final designs for the Beach Road Cycleway project, the attachment will be tabled at the Board’s business meeting.

15. This section of cycleway connects Britomart with the Grafton Gully Cycleway project.

16. Public notification is anticipated to commence at the end of May 2014.

17. The first stage will be delivered through existing maintenance contracts, with completion aligned with the Grafton Gully and Upper Queen Street cycleways in September 2014.

18. The second stage from Mahuhu Crescent to Britomart Place will be tendered out, including the streetscape component, for delivery by late February 2015.

Upper Queen Street Cycleway Design

19. Auckland Council’s City Transformation group in partnership with NZTA have developed design plans for the Upper Queen Street Cycleway, Attachment B.

20. This final section of cycleway will connect the Grafton Gully Cycleway with the North-Western Cycleway.

21. Works are expected to commence in July 2014, with completion aligned with the Grafton Gully and Beach Road cycleways in September 2014.

Board Consultations

22. Auckland Transport undertook consultation with the Waitemata Local Board Transport Portfolio Leaders on the proposals listed in Attachment C.

Newmarket Parking Zone – Revised proposal

23. Following public consultation, including consultation with the Newmarket Business Association, Auckland Transport has amended the Newmarket Parking Zone proposal in Attachment C1.

24. The main changes are no evening charges after 6pm in the inner core area and part of Carlton Gore Road between Morgan and George Street which were previously part of the ‘inner’ zone has moved to be part of the ‘outer’ zone.

25. The Newmarket Business Association is supportive of the revised proposal and discussion with the Board’s Transport Portfolio leaders indicated similar support for the proposal.

26. The proposal will be submitted to Auckland Transport’s Traffic Control Committee to approve the proposal for implementation. Implementation is envisaged to be completed by the end of June 2014.

Proposed Parking Changes in Eden Terrace

27. Auckland Transport had received requests from local businesses regarding parking availability in the New North Road area of Eden Terrace. Occupancy surveys have shown figures of 90% for New North Road, Nikau Street 93%, Korari Street 95% and Flower Street 100%.

28. A proposal has been developed to improve parking availability with the support of the Uptown Business Association.

29. Auckland Transport proposes to simplify the current time restrictions and paid parking areas by introducing a single paid parking zone, Attachment C2, by:

· $1 hourly rate, no time restrictions. The rate would apply Monday to Friday, 8am to 6 pm unless reduced by existing restrictions such as clearways.

· All existing loading zones, clearways, mobility parking areas, no stopping restrictions and bus stops will remain the same.

· Introduction of a ten minute 'grace period' in the paid parking areas to allow people to stop for up to ten minutes before payment must be made. This is a customer friendly option allowing quick pick-ups and drop-offs in all paid parking areas and removes the need for P5, P10 and P15 spaces.

· Reduction of the existing paid parking tariff on Mount Eden Road from $2/hour applying Monday to Saturday to $1/hour applying Monday to Friday.

Quay Street / Albert Street – Works Notification

30. Following earlier consultation, Auckland Transport will be commencing works to improve the safety and operation of the intersection of Lower Albert Street and Quay Street as part of the Safety Improvement Programme.

31. The works include the removal of the left turn slip lane from Lower Albert Street into Quay Street and upgrading the intersection to a standard T-junction. This will improve pedestrian safety and amenity by allowing pedestrians to cross at the intersection in one controlled phase and eliminate the additional crossing of the slip lane.

32. Works will commence at the intersection of Lower Albert St/ Quay St on 1 June (weather permitting) and take three to four weeks to complete. There will be a redirection of buses over Queen’s Birthday weekend. The works will be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible and every effort will be made to minimise disruption to traffic flow. There will invariably be some traffic delays associated with the roadworks. Message signboards will be installed on site to provide advance warning to motorists of the road works that are due to start.

Media

Rules on Election Signage

33. Auckland Transport is proposing changes to its Election Signs bylaw. Changes have been based on feedback and the practical experience of the October 2013 local elections. The proposed changes will provide greater clarity and certainty for candidates, political parties and the public.

34. Public submissions on the changes opened on 2 May and close on 3 June 2014. It is expected that any final changes to the bylaw will be adopted by the end of June, and will be in place in time for the general election on Saturday, 20 September 2014.

35. A copy of the proposed bylaw amendments may be viewed on the Auckland Transport website www.at.govt.nz/about-us/bylaws

AT HOP WiFi Launching at Train Stations

36. Following the introduction of Auckland’s new electric trains, free WiFi internet access will be launched at train stations on 26 May. Full WiFi access will be available for eligible registered AT HOP card users through a new service called “AT HOP WiFi”.

37. Auckland Transport, in conjunction with Telecom New Zealand, is initially introducing the service for eligible registered AT HOP users at 40 train stations on its public transport network. WiFi is scheduled to be phased onto the network’s 14 ferry wharfs and 11 bus terminals over the coming months.

38. Eligible AT HOP users will be able to access free WiFi with no daily time limit, although a data usage cap of 1GB per day will apply. Customers without an AT HOP card will be able to connect to the free WiFi service for 10 minutes a day.

39. For more information, or to register your AT HOP card to be eligible for free WiFi, go to www.AT.govt.nz/athop.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

3. The Board’s views will be incorporated during consultation on any proposed schemes.

Implementation

All proposed schemes are subject to prioritization, funding and consultation.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Route Optimisation in the CBD	15
b View	Upper Queen Street Cycleway Design Update	17
c View	Upper Queen Street Cycleway Design	19
d View	Consultations - May 2014	21
e View	Newmarket Parking Zone - Revised Proposal	25
f View	Proposed Parking Changes in Eden Terrace	27

Signatories

Authors	Priscilla Steel –Elected Member Relationship Manager, Auckland Transport
Authorisers	Roger Wilson – Council Engagement Manager, Auckland Transport

Waitematā Local Board

10 June 2014

Ponsonby Road Plan - Endorsement of Final Plan for Public Release

File No.: CP2014/08658

Purpose

1. This report seeks formal endorsement from the Waitemata Local Board for public release and publication of the final Ponsonby Road Plan.

Executive summary

2. On 15 March 2013, the Waitemata Local Board endorsed the planning process of the draft Ponsonby Road Plan and the working group membership. The working group and the key stakeholders were engaged through a series of workshops from February to June 2013 to input into the draft Ponsonby Road Plan.

3. In July 2013, the Waitemata Local Board endorsed a draft version of the Ponsonby Road Plan for community engagement. Between July and September 2013, the community had various opportunities to consider and submit their feedback on the draft Ponsonby Road Plan. The engagement phase attracted considerable feedback. A total of 256 written responses were received. These included feedback from individuals, businesses, community-based interest groups and key stakeholders.

4. On completion of the community engagement, the feedback received was reviewed, grouped into themes and summarised. The summary of public feedback on the draft Ponsonby Road Plan was presented to the Waitemata Local Board on 11 March 2014.

5. From February through to April 2014, Council Officers met with the Waitemata Local Board to discuss feedback, amend and refine the plan.

6. In response to feedback received, a number of changes to the plan are recommended. Key recommended amendments include:

§ Organising the document by key outcomes rather than dividing the plan by topic. This more clearly shows the link between outcomes, projects and actions.

§ Including design principles as well as actions to guide the detailed work with specific projects listed in an implementation strategy.

§ Amending the vision to continue the idea of developing Ponsonby as a place and giving recognition to its unique historic character.

§ Merge key outcomes 1 and 6 to focus on the diverse activities along Ponsonby Road through emphasising the role as a town centre and referencing different users rather than simply referring to its entertainment, boutique shopping, housing and employment functions.

7. Once approved, the Final Ponsonby Road Plan will be released to the public and become part of Council’s planning framework for implementation.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

i) Approve and endorse the Ponsonby Road Plan as set out in Attachment A, for public release;

ii) Delegate authority to the Chair and Deputy Chair to approve any minor changes to the final production of the document prior to public release.

Comments

Background

8. The Ponsonby Road Plan (the plan) outlines how the Ponsonby Road area is envisioned to change over the next 30 years. Having regard to the Auckland Plan, local context and key themes that emerged from consultation, it sets out the vision, desired outcomes and supporting actions to contribute to achieving the vision for Auckland to be the world’s most livable city.

9. On 15 March 2013, the Waitemata Local Board (the board) endorsed the planning process of the draft plan.

10. The draft plan was informed through a series of six workshops with a working group made up of Waitematā Local Board members, the Ponsonby Business Association, community organisations, stakeholders, and Mana Whenua representatives.

11. A report on Māori heritage values and opportunities was commissioned to better engage with relevant Iwi for the project area. This report also informed the development of the plan.

12. Council officers met with key stakeholders, Mana Whenua, central and local government agencies, infrastructure providers and community groups during the preparation of the draft plan.

13. The Ponsonby Road Plan promotes five key outcomes. These five key outcomes are:

§ Recognise Ponsonby Road’s diverse role as a vibrant centre, key entertainment and boutique-shopping locality, that meets the needs of local residents, businesses and visitors;

§ Protect, recognise and interpret the historic and cultural heritage of Ponsonby Road;

§ Develop Ponsonby Road with various transport options that prioritise the safety of pedestrians and cyclists;

§ Contribute to the achievement of region wide improvements to the natural environment;

§ Ensure sufficient provision of open space and community facilities to meet the needs of the Ponsonby Community both now and in the future.

14. The key outcomes are supported by:

§ Key actions that will assist with realising these outcomes

§ A list of projects that will help to implement the key actions

15. These actions and projects are captured in an implementation strategy that identifies delivery partners, timeframes and resourcing. In line with community feedback, the timeframes seek to prioritise those actions that will have the greatest transformative effect on Ponsonby whilst being mindful of likely resource requirements

16. The delivery of the plan outcomes, actions and projects will require a collaborative approach with the community, Mana Whenua, developers and key delivery partners including the Waitamata Local Board, Auckland Council, Council Controlled Organisations (CCO’s), Government Agencies and private landowners.

Alignment with the Auckland Plan

17. Auckland’s vision is to become “the world’s most liveable city”. As the world’s most liveable city, Auckland will be a place that has cohesive resilient communities; a productive high-value economy; quality urban, rural and natural environments and a resilient transport system. The five key outcomes of the Ponsonby Road Plan align with this vision.

Community Engagement on the Draft Ponsonby Road Plan

18. From July to September 2013, a public engagement process was undertaken on a draft version of the Ponsonby Road Plan so that the public and key stakeholders could provide written feedback on the plan. This engagement process involved:

§ A flier drop to businesses and community organisations within Ponsonby informing them of the draft plan and directing them to the full plan and the feedback questionnaire form on Council’s website,

§ Four community drop in sessions, one of which was held at Whitespace Art Gallery, the Ponsonby Community Centre and the other two at the Leys Institute,

§ A public meeting at the Leys Institute,

§ Several meetings with key stakeholders such as the Samoan Methodist Church, and

§ A workshop with a class from Ponsonby Intermediate.

19. Given the public interest in the draft plan, the local board extended the consultation period by two weeks to close on 15 September 2013.

Feedback Received

20. A total of 256 written responses were received. The majority of the feedback originated from individuals, with the balance received from key stakeholders and community-based interest groups. With respect to standard questions posed in the feedback form the majority of the responses received were on:

§ The proposed 30 year vision and six key outcomes,

§ Interpreting and protecting the historical associations along Ponsonby Road,

§ While there was some recognition of the need for cars and car parking to service activities along Ponsonby Road, a key concern for most was the need to improve the layout of Ponsonby Road to improve the pedestrian environment, provide safer cycle conditions and accommodate alternative modes of transport. Improvements to the natural environment, urban realm and the open space, and

§ Improvements to the natural environment, urban realm and the open space, and

§ The future layout of the Council owned site at 254 Ponsonby Road.

21. On completion of the community engagement the feedback received was reviewed, grouped into themes and via a number of workshops officer recommendations were presented to the Waitemata Local Board. Discussions at these workshops have determined the content on the final plan.

Summary of feedback received and decisions made to the plan

22. The main elements of feedback received and respective decisions on key changes made to the draft plan are as follow:

Vision and Outcomes -

§ Feedback Received

o Generally supported the vision and key outcomes

o There was disagreement with the emphasis given to the boutique shopping and entertainment functions of Ponsonby Road as it was felt that Ponsonby Road has a diverse role and an important function in providing local services to the surrounding residential community. Submitters wanted this to be reflected in the Vision and key outcomes.

o The feedback raised concerns with the use of the words “celebrate” and “enhance” in outcome 2 which was seeking to “protect, enhance, celebrate and interpret the historical and cultural heritage of Ponsonby”. It was noted that it is not always appropriate to “celebrate” history and that “enhancing” history implies changing the past.

o Improving pedestrian and cyclist safety was widely accepted however, the feedback also raised concerns about the need to recognise other modes of transport such as public transport, and the need for cars and car parking to service the businesses, shops and cafes along Ponsonby Road.

§ Key changes made

o The vision has been amended to continue the idea of developing Ponsonby as a place and in a manner that gives recognition to its unique historic and urban character. The proposed vision also references Ponsonby’s wider town centre function.

o Key outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 6 have been amended.

o key outcomes 1 and 6 are merged to focus on the diverse activities along Ponsonby Road through emphasising the role of Ponsonby Road as a town centre and referencing different users rather than simply referring to its entertainment, boutique shopping, housing and employment functions.

o Concerns with the use of the words “enhance” and “celebrate” in Outcome 2 have been addressed through changing the wording to “recognise” and “interpret” instead.

o Outcome 3 has been changed to acknowledge the different modes of transport that use Ponsonby Road whilst still prioritising the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Arts, Culture and Heritage section -

§ Feedback Received

o Overall, respondents agreed with actions to protect, interpret and recognise Ponsonby’s heritage.

o Most respondents were supportive of the proposed public artworks to visually interpret aspects of Ponsonby’s historical associations some people however, disagreed with the detail of certain actions i.e. location or design.

o The history of Trams running along Ponsonby Road and aspects of Ponsonby’s more recent heritage were identified as important heritage features which should be given recognition in this section of the plan.

Rather than investing in public art, some respondents felt that money should be spent on infrastructure and that the eclectic character of Ponsonby should be left to speak for itself.

§ Key changes made

o The overall approach to public art as detailed in the draft plan is retained but the communication of this approach simplified.

o The draft plan sets out the opportunities for public art as individual actions. As these actions are all seeking the investigation of public artworks to represent the various historical associations along Ponsonby this has been simplified to just one action, which refers to the various opportunities within the plan area, identified on the heritage features map.

o As a result of feedback suggesting heritage features for interpretation, it is recommended two alternative actions be adopted to acknowledge the tram and Ponsonby’s more recent heritage.

Transport and Network Infrastructure section -

§ Feedback Received

o Feedback demonstrated that despite the 40kmph speed limit pedestrians and cyclists still do not feel safe on Ponsonby Road due to the volume and speed of traffic and lack of opportunities to safely cross the road.

o Overall, respondents agreed that any future streetscape upgrade on Ponsonby Road should prioritise pedestrians, provide for safer on road cycling, maintain the village feel of Three Lamps and improve accessibility from the south to Three Lamps.

o Feedback raised concerns about managing commuter car parking in Ponsonby and businesses were opposed to any loss in on street carparking.

o Generally, feedback was supportive of proposals to create pedestrian orientated spaces on Rose Road, Pollen Street and St Marys Road.

§ Key changes made

o Design principles have been added to guide streetscape upgrades in Three Lamps, Three Lamps to Franklin Road and Franklin Road to Great North Road.

o These principles are focused on transforming the urban realm of Ponsonby Road to create a village hub and improve accessibility from the south at Three Lamps and have the rest of the corridor more pedestrian orientated with safe cycling options.

o Improving the urban realm of the top of St Marys Road is now one of the design principles for Three Lamps so that it can be considered as part of the upgrade of the wider Three lamps area rather than as a separate action.

o Actions to create more pedestrian orientated spaces at Pollen Street and Rose Road have been retained with some design principles to guide the development of a Rose Road plaza.

o Actions to investigate better management of carparking have been included.

Open Space and Natural Environment section -

§ Feedback Received

o Overall respondents agreed with actions to enhance the natural environment and provide open space.

o Feedback has raised concerns with the dark and damp nature of some of the existing open spaces in the area, particularly Western Park, and the plans need to address this.

o Respondents supported moves to create open spaces to sit in that were not tied to retail, food or beverage activities and moves to provide seating opportunities where the views back to the Waitakere Ranges and the CBD can be enjoyed.

o Some respondents requested that MacKelvie Street be considered for a micro open space.

o Improvements to the paving and street furniture along Ponsonby Road that are not overly expensive and can be implemented relatively quickly were also widely supported.

o Respondents requested the provision of safe and secure bike parking along Ponsonby Road.

o A reoccurring theme of the feedback on the wider open space actions contained in the draft plan are concerns about people pre-loading, being drunk, and disorderly behaviour in public spaces.

§ Key changes made

o Amended action regarding the aspirational daylighting Tuna Mau stream and comprehensive riparian planting to reference that further investigation needs to be undertaken to determine the feasibility of any daylighting.

o Amended the micro open space action to include high level design principles to address submitter concerns about antisocial behaviour, orientation of space towards the CBD views and providing shade where appropriate.

o Amended Natural Environment and Open Space map to depict MacKelvie Street junction as a micro open space.

o Added actions to investigate improvements to Western Park and other open spaces in the area.

o Amended the action about street furniture to specify that street furniture from the standard Auckland Transport shall be incorporated along Ponsonby Road with unique furniture investigated for the micro open spaces and church interfaces.

o Amended the action about footpath pavement to specify that street furniture from the standard Auckland Transport shall be incorporated along Ponsonby Road with unique furniture investigated for the micro open spaces and church interfaces.

o Added an action to incorporate bike parking.

254 Ponsonby Road section -

§ Feedback Received

o Feedback was divided on the options presented. Most respondents however, were supportive of the final design of the site at 254 Ponsonby Road to include an open space component that is activated by surrounding uses and that does not attract antisocial behaviour.

o Many submitters have expressed concerns around losing a locally important and well loved retail outlet on Ponsonby Road. Some submitters called for this section of Ponsonby Road to have more retail activation to increase vibrancy while others expressed the view that an open space in this location will provide a welcome relief from retail.

o Feedback was supportive of the rear portion of the site being developed so that it is in keeping with the residential character and scale of O’Neil Street.

o Many submitters supported incorporating public art on the site and requested that a children’s playground be incorporated on the site.

§ Key changes made

o The “open space”, “active edge”, “public art” and “safety” design principles will be retained in the final plan to guide the final design of the site.

o “Providing opportunities for children to play” will also be included as final design principles.

o The “retail continuity” and “cost to council” design principles will be excluded from the final plan.

Implementation -

§ Feedback Received

o Overall, respondents agreed that the priorities for Ponsonby Road are providing for safer cycling, upgrading the footpaths and streetscape furniture, carrying out the detail design for Ponsonby Road and actions that prioritise pedestrians and green Ponsonby Road.

§ Key changes made

o Stated how the Plan will be implemented and included text and explanation of the contributing documents (Unitary Plan, Long Term Plan, Annual Plan, and Local Board Plan).

o Reviewed and amended the action list to ensure all actions in the respective outcome sections are represented as projects in the Implementation Strategy.

o Each action has been identified as either funded and underway or requiring funding.

o The implementation strategy sets out time frames and/or completion dates, possible sources of funding and/or details of existing funding, key delivery partners and the local board’s role.

Whole document -

§ Feedback Received

o No questions were posed to the public on the document structure, however a number of specific points of feedback were received by key stakeholders.

o The document needs to be more user friendly, be simple and easy to read.

o The heritage context section needs to be expanded to include analysis of how Ponsonby has developed and provide an explanation of the various character nodes.

o Provide a better link between outcomes, actions and projects.

o Provide more information on the issues in Ponsonby.

§ Key changes made

o The final layout of the document has been amended for clarity, and to create a stronger relationship between the five key outcomes, projects, design principles and actions.

o The different options and concepts presented in the draft have been removed. The final plan contains aspirational visuals that represent one way in which the design principles could be realised. As these are indicative only, emphasis is placed on the aspirational nature of these graphics.

o Content on local context is amended to include more description on Ponsonby’s character nodes and to provide more information on the issues Ponsonby is facing.

o A more detailed Implementation Strategy is included.

23. The final Ponsonby Road Plan which incorporates these changes is attached to this report, see attachment A.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

24. Waitemata Local Board representatives have been involved throughout the development of the draft plan and the public consultation and engagement phase. Post public consultation the project team has engaged the Board as a whole through workshops and meetings to discuss the public feedback on the draft plan and content for the final plan.

25. The Waitemata Local Board has been supportive of the plan development process and is keen to finalise the plan for adoption.

Maori impact statement

26. In 2013, the project team engaged with Iwi representatives with interests in the Ponsonby area to understand their aspirations for Ponsonby and the draft plan. The Iwi representatives were invited to contribute to a report on Māori heritage values collated by an independent consultant. This report directly informed the draft plan.

27. Iwi representatives were also invited to be part of the wider working group and attend the workshops to input directly into the draft.

28. The plan identifies the sites that are significant to Maori due to historical association. It is proposed in the plan that these associations are recognised and interpreted through public art, entries in the heritage trail and scheduling in the Unitary Plan.

29. Consultation with Mana Whenua representatives has indicated that actions to promote biodiversity and improve stormwater runoff are very important to iwi. The plan responds to this through incorporating actions to promote biodiversity and encourage low impact design in any streetscape upgrade. In addition to this the plan includes street tree planting criteria for Ponsonby Road that gives preference to native trees.

Implementation

30. The work of area spatial planning, both at a local/place based or precinct level, and at the area-wide level, is the responsibility of teams in the Regional and Local Planning Department in collaboration with other parts of the Council and Council Controlled Organisations. This will require ongoing resource and staff commitment to integrate planning approaches and project management to coordinate activities.

31. Out of the final plan will fall a range of actions contained in the implementation strategy. Internal discussions were held with relevant Auckland Transport and Auckland Council departments to determine realistic timeframes for the implementation of the various projects/ actions within the plan. Implementation will be achieved through the support of a range of tools and stakeholders including the Unitary Plan process, Council’s Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan, Council’s maintenance budgets, Local Board Plans and Auckland Transport work programmes. Given that the plan document is a 30-year plan, each action has been identified as either a ‘quick win’ (1-3 year), short term (3-5 year), medium term (5-10 year) or long term (10 years+) action. The implementation strategy outlines whether the actions are funded or aspirational.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Ponsonby Road Plan	135

Signatories

Authors

Rebecca Sanders - Planner

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

10 June 2014

Symonds Street Cemetery Concept Plan

File No.: CP2014/08048

Purpose

1. To present the draft Symonds Street Cemetery Concept Plan to the Waitemata Local Board for approval.

Executive summary

2. In October 2012 the Waitematā Local Board identified the upgrade and restoration of Symonds Street Cemetery as a priority project. In the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2012-2022 $1.65 million is allocated to fund this. Other funding sources are the parks asset renewals and parks maintenance programmes.

3. The Symonds Street Cemetery Development Plan 2012-15 identified the programme of work for the first three years and identified potential actions for the outlying years. Physical work to date has included; footpath renewals, vegetation clearance, enhanced levels of service, a volunteer programme; repair of damage headstones and monuments. The progress made to date received positive feedback from park users and stakeholders.

4. The next step is to develop a concept plan to provide a framework for the next three years of activity in line with the ten year development plan. The focus will be to implement a programme of works to improve the recreational potential of the park and increase activation in the cemetery by concentrating on access, signage and connections.

5. With the design and build of the Grafton Gully Cycleway within the NZTA boundary alongside the cemetery there is an opportunity to resolve some crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) issues within the cemetery by increasing use through an accessible path network. The concept plan identifies options for potential new connections and upgrading existing entrances.

6. One of the actions of the Development plan 2012-2015 was to set up a Friends of Symonds Street group. Friends of Symonds Street (FSSC) was set up as an incorporated society on 12 December 2013. Their AGM is on 27 May 2014. The interim committee have been consulted and provided feedback on the draft Concept Plan.

Recommendation

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) Approve the Symonds Street Cemetery Concept Plan identified in Attachment A of this report.

Finance

7. In the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2012-2022 $1.65 million is allocated to fund the development of Symonds Street Cemetery and is as shown in the table below.

Financial year ending	Jun 13	Jun 14	Jun 15	Jun 16	Jun 17		Jun 18	Jun 19	Jun 20		Jun 21	Jun 22
Contracting expense OPEX	$61980	$64026	$66138	$68454	$70920		$73116	$75384	$129790		$134460	$139300
Contracting expense CAPEX*	$41143	$43127	$45171	$47416	$49734		$51901	$54054	$56436		$59124	$61900
Other expenses on activities CAPEX	$25000	$25000	$25000	$25000	$25000		$25000	$25000	$25000		$25000	$25000
TOTAL ($)	128123	132153	136309	140870	145654	150017		154438	211226	218584		226200

8. The spend to date for financial year 2013 -14 and available budget by project is shown in the table below.

Description	Hyperion Code / wbs	Allocated budget	Allocated budget OPEX	Actual spend to date	Unspent OPEX	Unspent CAPEX
Projects identified in the LTP
Local park structure renewals	PC3200962	$36,600		$0		$36,600
Footpaths and cycleway renewals	PC3200963					$0
Footpaths, walkways and cycleways - east and west cemeteries		$351,231		$55,000		$296,231
Footpaths, walkways and Cycleways (Jewish)		$32,748		$5,500		$27,248
Fixtures and fitting renewals	PC3200956					$0
Seats,poles, lamps and lights		$3,600				$3,600
Furniture and fixture renewal (3 signs & bins)		$3,100				$3,100
New pathway connection in the western cemetery	PC2000027	$183,785				$183,785
Protection and maintenance of graves	PC3201001	$72,293		$38,000		$34,293
Restore Symonds Street cemetery	PO2310712		$46,184	$46,184	$0
Total		$683,357	$46,184		$0	$584,857

9. Unspent CAPEX and renewal budget for works not completed within FY 14 will be deferred out to future years to complete the work identified on: pathways; structures; fixtures and fittings.

10. Potential actions and opportunities that have not been allocated budget but may be funded from the development plan budget in future years are: installation of way finding and interpretation signage; removal of depot building; improvements to Upper Queen Street interface with car park; fencing or green borders; upgrade of the Anglican and Catholic memorials.

Comments

11. The Waitemata Local Board has identified the upgrade and restoration of Symonds Street Cemetery as a priority project.

12. The Symonds Street Cemetery Development Plan 2012-2015 identified issues and potential actions in a draft three year implementation plan. This concept plan sets out to address the following issues identified in the development plan.

· Protection and enhancement of the original framework and vegetation of the park as set out in the Conservation Plan.

· Improving the recreational potential of the park, including interpretation and signage.

· Protection and maintenance of graves.

· Reducing vandalism and improving public safety.

· Footpath maintenance and renewal.

13. The concept plan addresses opportunities for:

· Connections to the new Grafton Gully Cycleway

· Upgrading entrances

· Improving accessibility

· Interpretative and way finding signage

· Boundaries and delineation with neighbouring properties

· Upgrade of memorials and buildings on the site.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

14. The park portfolio holders were consulted on the Concept Plan at a meeting on 8 April 2014 and requested that parks staff sought the feedback from Friends of Symonds Street Cemetery (FSSC).

15. Friends of Symonds Street Cemetery feedback

The FSSC committee have been consulted and provided the following feedback on the Concept Plan.

Entrances

· FSSC agree in principle to the draft plans for re-juvenating the paths and entrances in Symonds Street Cemetery.

· Agree with the enhancing of existing paths and entrances.

· Are concerned about the entrance with the Upper Queen St car park and would suggest we move it from its present opening further along towards the apartments where it is not so cut off. Would make it safer possibly.

· Agree to the removal of entrance on the corner of St Martins Lane and Symonds Street, and to make a new entrance from Symonds Street the main and accessible entrance for that area.

· Accept the new entrances from the Grafton Gully Cycleway at the Anglican and Catholic cemeteries, but would strongly urge that they not be bike user friendly. FSSC do not want to encourage biking in the cemetery at this stage.

Pathways

· We accept that:

o Priority one for the paths should be an accessible and more formal route/ loop in the eastern and western cemetery as described;

o Priority two - lower eastern Cemetery - middle path to be a less formal walk;

o Priority three - lower path eastern cemetery- Bishop Selwyn walk - a bush walk.

Fencing

· FSSC like the suggested fencing alongside the catholic and Anglican sections of the cemetery boundary with the Grafton Gully cycleway and support it to be in keeping (though not necessarily a copy) with the existing iron fencing.

Furniture and signage

· Signs, railings, rubbish bins, seats should be in harmony - green bronze look.

· FSSC want to encourage a 'respect this space' culture in Symonds Street Cemetery. But while we are happy with interpretive signage we do not want to clutter the area with signs.

FSSC accept more discussion and consultation for signs, fencing and other 'furniture' will take place later this year.

Maori impact statement

16. Symonds Street Cemetery accommodated burials from 1841, prior Māori use of the ridge had included pa sites and cultivations.

17. Manua Whenua have been contacted about the development plan for Symonds Street Cemetery. Parks staff will engage with iwi that express a specific interest in the cemetery and consult with them throughout the planning process.

18. Views of local iwi will be sought as part of the next stage of the project which involves the consultation on the development of the park.

Implementation

19. The Symonds Street Cemetery is vested in Auckland Council as a local purpose (cemetery) reserve under the reserves Act 1977 and council is the landowner. The Symonds Street Cemetery is recognised as being of outstanding heritage significance and the entire site is scheduled in Category A in the District Plan and proposed Auckland Council Unitary Plan. The Symonds Street Cemetery is also registered in Category I by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

20. A conservation approach is required for the management and care of the cemetery. Work is guided by the Symonds Street Cemetery Conservation Plan 1996 which includes a detailed history of the cemetery, a summary of why it is significant and policies for its maintenance and conservation.

21. Views of key stakeholders including; Heritage New Zealand; FSSC; NZ Police; descendants of those buried in the cemetery; Church and religious groups; surrounding residents and the local community will be sought as part of the next stage of the project at when more detailed plans are prepared.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Symonds Street Cemetery draft Concept Plan	179

Signatories

Authors

Lynda Lucas - Team Leader Parks Liaison and Development

Authorisers

Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

10 June 2014

Waitemata Local Board Community Development, Arts and Culture Work Programme 2014 - 2015

File No.: CP2014/10900

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to present the Community Development, Arts and Culture (CDAC) 2014/15 Waitemata Local Board work programme for approval.

Executive summary

2. This report provides information to support local boards to make decisions required to approve the CDAC 2014 – 2015 work programme.

3. The draft CDAC work programmes aim to provide a defined work programme of the 2014 – 2015 financial year. They cover the following areas:

· community development and safety

· arts and culture

· events

· community facilities

4. The CDAC work programme for the Waitemata Local Board has been aligned to the following 2011 – 2013 Waitemata Local Board Plan priorities:

· strong, vibrant, engaged communities

· places for people

5. Local Boards are now being requested to approve the CDAC work programme 2014 – 2015.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) Approve the Community Development, Arts and Culture work programme 2014 – 2015 (Attachment A)

b) Approve the 2014 - 2015 community centre term grants for:

i. Grey Lynn Community centre for $44,777,

ii. Parnell Community Trust for $53,471,

iii. Ponsonby Community Centre and Leys Institute for $46,104

c) Approve the community lease work plan for 2014-2015 (Attachment B )

d) approves the recommended community and arts facility capital and renewals work programme 2014 - 2015 as listed in Attachment C and D and:

(i) delegates responsibility to specified member/s to approve any moderate changes to the budget, in the event that there is a variation to identified costs for this capital and renewals work programme.

(ii) asks that council staff report on any reduction in project costs to enable a review of budget options.

Comments

6. This is the second year of development for the CDAC work programme for local boards. The work programmes for 2014 – 2015 have been developed using a co-ordinated departmental approach. Each CDAC unit has aligned their projects and initiatives to the Auckland Plan directives, the local board plan 2011 – 2013 and the local board draft annual plan priorities.

7. The CDAC work programmes align to the following 2011 – 2013 Local Board Plan priorities:

· strong, vibrant, engaged communities

· places for people

CDAC recognises that new local board plan outcomes and the Long Term Plan 2015 – 2025 are currently being developed and these outcomes and priorities will be incorporated into the 2015 – 2016 CDAC work programmes.

8. The CDAC work programme 2014 – 2015 for the Waitemata Local Board includes the following areas of activity:

· Community Development and Safety: These projects and programmes aim to deliver a range of social outcomes including capacity building, place-making, youth development, local food and gardening, community funding, graffiti vandalism prevention and safety advice and inclusion and diversity and local sustainability initiatives

· Arts and Culture: This includes the delivery of a range of programmes and centres: community art programmes, art facility renewals and programmes, public art installation and integration. Specifically, the local board is requested to endorse the following new public art projects: Central Rail Loop public art integration, Edminston Trust and Auckland Art Gallery public art project, - Ellen Melville Hall public art integration, Victoria Street Private Development public art integration and WWI Memorial Commission

· Events: This will deliver a range of community events including: ANZAC day, Christmas event, community volunteer awards, local event support funding, event partnership fund, local civic functions, citizenship ceremonies, Parnell Festival of Roses, World War One Centenary, and movies in parks programme.

· Community Facilities: This includes the provision of community facilities, the marketing and promotion of community facilities, community leasing, providing an integrated booking system, venue hire, renewals and levels of service and the redevelopment and operation plan for Pioneer Women’s Hall.

The following 2014 - 2015 term grants for community facilities are being requested to be approved by the Waitemata Local Board:

· Grey Lynn Community centre for $44,777,

· Parnell Community Trust for $53,471,

· Ponsonby Community Centre and Leys Institute for $46,104

See Attachment A: CDAC - 2014 – 2015 work programme FY15 - Waitemata Local Board

Attachment B: Waitemata LB CF Community lease work plan 2014 - 2015

Attachment C: Waitemata proposed renewals programme community facilities

Attachment D: Waitemata proposed renewal programme art facilities

9. The work programmes include scoped initiatives, the allocation of budgets and established timelines. Workshops have been conducted with local boards and CDAC staff on 22 April, to ensure alignment with the local board priorities and they meet the needs of the local community.

10. Local Boards are requested to approve the CDAC work programme for 2014 – 15. CDAC staff will continue to work with relevant portfolio holders and the local board to ensure the delivery of these projects and their evaluation. Portfolio holders and the local board will also be consulted on the prioritisation of the community facilities renewal projects and community leases.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

11. The draft 2014 – 2015 work programme was considered by the local board at a workshop on 22 April 2014. The views expressed by local board members are reflected in Attachment A.

Maori impact statement

12. Improving Maori outcomes is a priority for the region. One of the Auckland Plan targets is to increase targeted support to Maori community development projects. The CDAC work programme deliverables aim to improve well-being among Maori living in the local board area. The key focus of this CDAC work programme is to support Maori targeted initiatives.

Implementation

13. CDAC staff will continue to meet with portfolio holders to provide updates on the work programme and ensure it is progressed in a timely way. The CDAC work programme will be implemented within the annual plan 2014 – 2015 budget.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Attachment A Community Development Arts and Culture - 2014/2015 Work Programme	185
b View	Attachment B Waitemata Local Board Community Facilities Community Lease Workplan 2014/2015	189
c View	Attachment C Waitemata Local Board proposed renewals programme	191
d View	Attachment D Waitemata Local Board proposed renewals programme	193

Signatories

Authors

Louise Mason - Manager Community Development, Arts and Culture

Authorisers

Louise Mason - Manager Community Development, Arts and Culture

Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

10 June 2014

CCO review: Waitemata Local Board Feedback:

Current state assessment

General comments and feedback

1. The Waitemata Local Board appreciates the opportunity to contribute to Council’s CCO review. The Board looks forward to contributing further as potential CCO delivery mechanisms and structures are developed.

2. In many ways, the Board considers CCOs have been a success. When CCOs function well, they are focused, nimble and able to deliver promptly.

3. All CCOs have had their successes. Examples include ATEED’s role in attracting significant sporting events to the city (such as the Nines and the Cricket competitions World Cup 2015) and their ability to run a successful campaign to sell and market Auckland in a way that is aligned to Heart of the City objectives. Similarly, Waterfront Auckland has delivered some excellent developments contributing to the vibrancy of the city centre.

4. In part this success is due to the CCOs operating at arms-length to the Council. This operating model, together with their targeted and defined objectives, enables CCO’s to be flexible and focused. However, the success of the CCOs can only be measured within the context of alignment with the Council’s non-financial and financial goals and strategies.

5. There are many examples to support this view. One significant example is the promptness with which Auckland Transport responded to a fatal cycle accident on the waterfront. Within days of this event, Auckland Transport had removed the road-side car parks that were seen as a significant contributor to this, and potentially future, accidents.

6. Because of their arms-length nature, CCOs are also able to pursue and implement innovative ideas such as ATEED’s Flight Centre strategic partnership. They can also be less risk averse than Council enabling them to take bolder steps to explore potential opportunities such as those resulting from the Americas Cup campaign.

7. In many cases CCO’s are able to operate more effectively because they are now able to take a regional approach which wasn’t possible under the legacy Council. It is arguable that Auckland Council could have been equally successful as a unified delivery authority and it is not the CCO structure itself that has been critical.

8. While there are positive attributes associated with this arms-length operating model, there are also issues and questions about the model that need to be acknowledged and addressed.

9. A key issue is that the CCO model removes decision-making from elected member oversight. This is problematic if the parameters within which the CCO operates are unclear or if the commercial objectives of a CCO run counter to the community or public-good objectives of the council.

10. This concern manifests itself, for example, when public space is privatised by CCOs as happens, not infrequently, in Aotea Square. Another example is the Redbull event on Victoria Street East authorised by AT and Auckland Council Events in the middle of the Franklin Rd community event.

11. The current SOI’s are unsatisfactory in that they do not provide sufficient clarity around how the CCOs will meet Council’s expectations and requirements.

12. Rather than only relying on the broad SOI objectives, it would be useful if the CCO could show how it would address specific deliverables required by Council in a particular year and how it would respond to Council’s policy frameworks. Within such frameworks, the CCOs should be free to ‘get on with their jobs’.

13. This approach also requires an overt recognition that local boards are an integral part of the Council’s governance structure and are responsible for setting policy at the local level. This clarifies the CCO/local board relationships and responsibilities.

14. To assist with disputes and disagreements, such a policy framework should include a guiding principle that ultimately Council’s agreed public good and community objectives take precedence over the CCO’s commercial objectives.

15. This approach would also assist with the question of where strategy development best sits – within the relevant CCO or within Council? If the parameters are clear, there is no reason why an appropriate CCO cannot be responsible for such strategy development. Without clear parameters, however, there will always be potential tensions and conflict around what the strategy is meant to achieve.

16. As an example, had such a framework been in existence, the RFA would have been in a good position to develop its stadium strategy without the need for council to take back the project by picking up the consultation.

17. Having said that, there will always be grey areas where roles and decision-making overlaps and causes confusion and unsatisfactory results. The place-making role of local boards, for example, often overlaps with Auckland Transport’s role in relation to transport corridors.

18. A particular example of this is found in the Lorne Street shared space environment outside the central library. An art work was located here, with the dual role of slowing traffic and creating a sense of identity in a shared space. When the art work was hit on occasion by vehicles, Auckland Transport approached the problem from an asset renewals budget perspective and removed it. The local board recognised that such damage was likely to occur at times and would have expected that the art work remain but that ways of minimising such accidents would be explored. The end result is unsatisfactory from a place-making perspective.

19. As a more general comment, it is crucial that CCOs recognise the place-making role of local boards and factor this into their operations.

20. Managing these grey areas requires a strong relationship-based, collaborative operating model. It is through collaborations that the grey areas can be explored and satisfactory solutions found.

21. It is fair to say that the CCO’s are making efforts to work more collaboratively. What is required, however, is a genuine recognition that all parts of council can add value and deliver better and more cost effective outcomes through collaborative endeavours. A requirement for collaboration could be strengthened by the proposed policy framework.

22. Another component of collaboration is the need to better ‘join the dots’ across the council family and with external stakeholders - essentially this is about taking a whole of project approach.

23. A good example of where this has not occurred is the Grafton cycle way project and connections at Beach Road and Upper Queen Street. Several parties are involved with NZTA, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council having responsibility for delivering a portion of the cycleway. The parties have not collaborated satisfactorily putting at risk the budget, timelines and outcomes.

24. Unsatisfactory results such as these raise the question of accountability. Currently, CCO accountability is directed at the governing body via SOI reporting.

25. While there is a level of CCO reporting to local boards, reports are often either regional in focus or, if locally focused, may not cover the breadth and depth of information required by the boards.

26. This approach leaves local boards to rely on their relationships with CCOs to progress matters and monitor progress through informal accountability mechanisms.

27. A more formal accountability mechanism to local boards is required

Specific CCO-related comments

28. The following comments are made about each CCO and cover both successes and areas for development or change

Auckland Transport:

29. Auckland Transport’s size and resources mean that they have made positive progress in a number of areas. For example, this has enabled them to develop standard service levels across the region leading to greater equity across local board areas.

30. However, Auckland Transport does need to develop a culture that is aligned to Auckland Council, to delivering Auckland Plan objectives, and demonstrates an understanding of the governance role of local boards.

31. Auckland Transport has struggles to be responsive to local board priorities and to understand the local boards’ role in community consultation and the local board decision making process.

32. At times AT will say that a decision has been made at the request of a local board. Other times AT will say it does not have to be responsive to local boards’ priorities.

33. AT also appears unable to engage to local boards early in a process rather than at the public consultation phase.

34. Having said this they are focused on improvements and have made progress over the last three and a half years.

ATEED

35. ATTED has been extremely successful in the events area attracting significant events to Auckland. ATEED has been responsive to Local Board requests to host environmentally sustainable events (e.g., waste minimisation practices) and to promote active transport.

36. Their economic development performance is most readily exemplified through their events work and their marketing of Auckland. The Flight centre contract is an example of a positive innovation.

37. Over the next term of Council, however, the economic development side of ATEED’s business needs greater focus.

Waterfront Auckland

38. It is difficult to judge the success of Waterfront Auckland given the fact that foundational plans and projects were already in place prior to amalgamation. Also, the CCO has significant budgets and a relatively small area of focus.

39. Nonetheless, the CCO has had great success and delivered some significant signature projects enlivening the waterfront.

Watercare

40. Watercare ‘gets on with the job’ and delivers in a no fuss, relatively low key way. Because of this it is difficult to judge them as successful or otherwise.

41. What is critical, however, is that there remain in place protections against privatising water services in the future.

ACPL

42. ACPL is a successful CCO providing an important function by separating out Council’s development arm from its policy role.

43. Having said that, to date the CCO’s focus has been on disposal rather than development, something that may need to change over the next few years.

44. The CCO is not always cognisant of the Council policy framework in which it operates. An example of this was their focus on leasing out the space under Pioneer Women’s Hall to a commercial store without consideration of either the recently adopted Retail Strategy or the pending redevelopment of the Women’s Hall.

RFA

45. Of all the CCOs, the role of the RFA is the least clear as its responsibilities overlap with those of other CCOs.

46. In principle the RFA is a good idea, enabling a clear focus on facility use and best practice across the region.

47. However, their role can be confusing because other CCOs, such as Waterfront Auckland and ATEED, have responsibilities for regional facilities.

48. The review process needs to address this confusion.

ACIL

49. This CCO is unnecessary as its function could easily be performed by a holding company directly under Council control.

50. Currently the primary focus on the CCO is Ports of Auckland but this focus should not be required in the long-term.

Waitematā Local Board

10 June 2014

Chairperson's Report

File No.: CP2014/12261

Executive summary

Providing the Chair with an opportunity to update the local board and community on the projects and issues he and the Waitemata Local Board have been involved with since the last meeting.

Portfolios

Board Chair: Governance, Local and Civic Leadership, Board Strategy, Policy and Planning Leadership

Portfolios: Arts, Culture & Events (lead), Parks & Open Spaces (lead)

Positions: Waterfront Liaison, Heart of the City, Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

Committees: Finance and Grants, Central Facility Partnerships (chair)

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

(a) That the Chair’s Report be received.

(b) That the Waitemata Local Board:

i) Notes unallocated operating expenditure as at 30th May 2014 from the following 2013/2014 budgets:

Budget	Cost ($)
Heritage Planning	$19,000
Volunteers – Local Parks	$14,000
LIPs Opex	$7,780
Total	$40,780

ii) Approves funding for delivery of the following projects, utilising unspent funds from 2013/2014 OPEX:

Project	Cost ($)
Western Park Development Plan	$8,000
Pt Resolution Geotech Report	$18,400
Waipapa Restoration	$4,000
Newmarket Viaduct Concept/Design Plan	$5,000
Total	$35,400

Comments

Activities undertaken from 5 May to 1 June 2014

This report covers activities undertaken during the period from Monday 5 May 2014 to Sunday, 1 June 2014.

Highlighted activities, projects and issues

There are some specific activities, projects and issues that I wish to highlight; some for board members’ interest and as appropriate, some for decision.

1 Introduction

This is sixth monthly business meeting of the 2013-16 triennial of the second Waitemata Local Board of Auckland Council.

The last month has once again been a very busy period for the Board, with priority being given to finalising the draft 2014-17 Local Board Plan, and finalising the Ponsonby Road Plan. During this period, Board members continued to progress existing and proposed Local Board Plan priorities and current and proposed Local Board Agreement local projects and community concerns in their respective portfolio areas, LIPs proposals, residents, business association and community advocacy, providing input to regional policies, plans and strategies in workshops and briefings, providing input into resource and landowner consent matters, and responding to constituent and media enquiries.

2.1 Residents and Ratepayers’ Concerns/Issues:

· Grey Lynn Library Clock in the Clock Tower showing incorrect time. Service request logged to fix it. Contractors have advised that the parts have arrived and that the clock will be fixed the week commencing 3 June.

· Request from Grafton resident for vehicle restrictions on Grafton Bridge to be relaxed during Public Holidays. Currently only open to buses. Auckland Transport has responded saying that the rules will not be changed and provided reasoning as to why. Constituent has been updated.

· Member of Public request for a new footpath on Meola Rd. Auckland Transport have informed that the section of road has been highlighted and is on their radar, it needs to be prioritised against other requests/need throughout the region for the 2014/15 programme.

· Grey Lynn resident concerned about traffic safety on Millais Street, Grey Lynn. Awaiting response from Auckland Transport.

· The Board was copied into a letter from a constituent, sent to Auckland Transport re: pedestrian safety, corner K Road and Liverpool Street. The letter requested that the comments be considered for K Road plan. The letter was forwarded to the planning advisor for the K Road plan and Auckland Transport.

· Board member enquiry into the empty planter boxes at Three Lamps, Ponsonby. The boxes were installed for the RWC by Ponsonby Business Association; it was part of their initiative under the "town centre tidy up" plan. Support was provided by Council and the PBA worked with Ecomatters Trust on the project. Ponsonby Business Association informed that RWC are free to remove the planters if no longer in use.

· Freemans Park Body Corporate would like to see the current overland flow path that runs through Freemans Park improved so that it doesn’t flood the street and houses during heavy rainfall. Appreciate a timeline for this work to be carried out namely the small flood wall to Western Park. This has been escalated to Storm Water to prove a response by 4 June.

· Teacher from Western Springs College requesting information about Symonds Street Cemetery. The Chair has advised that the Friends Of Symonds Street Cemetery Committee has been set up and that the date of first AGM (28 May 2014).

· Complaint received re excessive speeds on Curran Street. Board requesting advice from AT about what options are available to calm the traffic so that drivers do not use Curran St as a motorway on ramp. AT to provide response by 11 June.

· Resident in Ponsonby concerned about noise levels from back of Ponsonby Central - 4 Brown St. RC and L&C have provided information and will monitor situation. As of 17 May the board and officers from Resource Consents were advised that the issue of excessive noise as well as anti-social at 4 Brown Street was still a concern for local residents. The board has advised how to go about sourcing the relevant files.

· Complaint from Constituent about the lack of public consultation regarding the options for Cowie Street, bridge or underpass. Chair responded to constituent explaining that consultations were still ongoing and that no decision has yet been made.

· Complaint from constituent about cars getting damaged in her street due to cars driving too fast. The board has requested that Auckland Transport investigate traffic calming measures on Millias Street. Auckland Transport have logged this issue and will respond in due course.

2.2 May Business Meeting Public Forum/ Councillor’s Report

The following resolutions were passed at the May Business Meeting:

Resolution number WTM/2014/55

MOVED by Chairperson S Chambers, seconded by Member GJ Moyle:

a) That Maurice Harris from the Cowie Street Residents Association be thanked for his attendance and presentation to the Board.

b) That the tabled report “The Solution for the Newmarket Level Crossing Closure’ be received and that CSRA be thanked for their attendance and presentation to the Board.

c) That the report be referred to Auckland Transport for review and comment and report back to the Board.

d) That the Transport Portfolio Members Pippa Coom and Christopher Dempsey be delegated to progress discussion with Auckland Transport on the merits of a proposal and the possible re-think of their proposal as an alternative option to the Cowie Street Bridge.

CARRIED

Resolution number WTM/2014/61

MOVED by Chairperson S Chambers, seconded by Member DA Yates:

a) That the verbal update from the Waitemata and Gulf Ward Councillor, Mike Lee be received.

b) That the Waitemata Local Board:

(i) Notes the advice from the Heritage Advisory Panel that it considers the heritage and architectural qualities that should be formally protected and should be retained, with its heritage locomotive and rolling stock collection, as part of the Parnell heritage station complex.

(ii) Further notes the acknowledgement of the heritage assessment for this property contained in the New Zealand Historic Places Trust submission on the Unitary Plan as advised by the Panel and advise that Council officers should undertake their own assessment as a matter of urgency, and that this assessment be forwarded to Auckland Council Property Limited.

(iii) Further notes the content of the letter of support from the Chair of the Heritage Advisory Panel, Cr Mike Lee to Mayor, Len Brown.

(iv) Supports and endorses the advice of the Heritage Advisory Panel and the request of the Mayor, that this matter be reconsidered.

(v) That the Chair be delegated to write to Mayor, Len Brown in terms of these resolutions.

c) That Councillor Mike Lee be thanked for his attendance and presentation.

CARRIED

Attached and marked as Attachment A are the Chair’s follow up correspondence respectively to the Chair of Auckland Transport, Dr Lester Levy and the Mayor, Len Brown.

3.2 Shared Governance Engagement

3.2.1 Engagement with Mayor/Governing Body

Engagements with the Mayor/Governing Body this period have included:

· Mayor’s visit to Waitematā, 10 May 2014

Mayor Len Brown visited Waitematā last month to find out more about our main projects and initiatives.

We spoke with the Mayor about our plans including the redevelopment of Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall into a central city community hub, the long-term vision for Ponsonby Road and the development of coastal walkways around Waitematā.

We also visited ArtStation at 1 Ponsonby Road, which includes new galleries and spaces available for the creative industry to hire for exhibitions, meetings and workshops.

· LBFP discuss presentation to Budget Committee and next steps with the funding policy, 15 May 2014.

The Board Chair was one of the presenters to this meeting, and most of the outcomes at the subsequent Budget Committee meeting were proposed and canvassed at this meeting, including additional equity funding of local boards so no Board lost funding (as promoted by myself).

· Budget Committee, Auckland Town Hall, 26 May 2014.

This was Local Board Funding Policy decision meeting. The following was agreed:

Resolution number BUD/2014/28

MOVED by Chairperson LCM Brown, seconded by Deputy Chairperson MP Webster:

That the Budget Committee:

a) adopt for consultation the Statement of proposal to amend the Local boards funding policy and Long-term Plan 2012-2022 including a preferred option based on:

i) separating local activities into two parts, as defined in the report:

1. local asset based services

2. locally driven initiatives.

ii) the costs of asset based services being funded from general rates, in accordance with asset management plans and the regional budgeting process.

iii) each local board being allocated a share of a total general rate funded budget for locally driven initiatives set by the Governing Body each year with 90 percent of the total budget being allocated to each local board based on their share of population, 5 percent of the total budget being allocated to each local board based on their share of average deprivation and 5 percent of the total budget being allocated to each local board based on their share of land area.

iv) that transition to the new allocation be managed as follows:

1. sufficient funding be allocated to the locally driven initiatives budget to enable all local boards underfunded when measured against the new formula to move in equal steps to be fully funded within 3 years (approx. $900,000 per year), noting that local boards overfunded against the formula will be held at current absolute levels.

2. after the first three years any additional funding allocated to the locally driven initiatives budget will be allocated on the basis that no local board’s budget is reduced and that any additional funding is applied in a way that will allow all local boards to catch-up to the higher funded Boards over a period of time noting that those Boards that are overfunded against the formula will hold current absolute levels of funding until that catch-up point is reached.

v) local boards are able to make investment decisions, within Governing Body parameters, providing the local board can meet the consequential operating costs from their locally driven initiatives budget.

vi) funding for local activities on Great Barrier Island and Waiheke is agreed each year during the budgeting process.

b) delegate authority for updating the amendments to the Local boards funding policy and the Statement of proposal to reflect the decisions made at this meeting and to make minor editorial changes or correction of minor errors to the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of the Budget Committee, and the Chief Finance Officer.

c) note that further work will be undertaken as part of the long-term plan programme to:

i) determine the appropriate amount of budget allocated to all council activities including local activities.

ii) determine whether more activities and the corresponding budget should sit in the locally driven initiatives category as part of the review of the allocation of decision making.

iii) improve the methodology of allocating overheads to all council activities, including local activities.

d) appoint a Hearings Panel of five members, to include Local Board representation, to hear submissions, deliberate and make recommendations to the Budget Committee on the review of the Local Boards Funding Policy.

e) delegate the Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson of the Budget Committee the authority to make replacement or additional appointments to the hearings panel.

CARRIED

Under the current modelling, the Waitemata Local Board is 5^th best off of local boards, with a $177,007 or 12.97% budget gain over time. The range is -$458,467 for Papakura to +$504,656 for Orakei. The others to gain ahead of Waitemata are Rodney, Albert-Eden and Hibiscus and Bays in descending order.

A successful conclusion to a challenging debate.

The policy will be subject to a public consultation phase. The consultation period will run from 9 June to 9 July 2014. It is not expected that there will be high public interest in the consultation given that the proposed are essentially an internal process.

4 Board Strategies, Policy and Planning Update

4.1 Local Board Chairs’ Forum

The regular Local Board Chairs’ Forum is held on the third Monday of every month. All Board members receive the agenda and the action points from the previous meeting when Chairs receive this information.

The last meeting was held on 26 May 2014. Topics covered included:

· Local Boards Funding Policy.

· Special Housing Areas.

· Allocation of local board members as hearings commissioners

· Auckland Communities Foundation

· Commercial Sponsorship and Partnership

· CPO Review

The May action points from the meeting were not available at the time of preparing this report.

4.2 Ponsonby Road Plan

The board will consider adopting the final Ponsonby Road Plan at our meeting this month.

This plan sets out how the area could be transformed over the next 30 years and the actions we will take to do this. Ensuring Ponsonby Road remains one of our exciting and vibrant destinations is a priority for the board.

The Ponsonby Road Plan’s vision is to see Ponsonby Road become a vibrant well-connected centre for locals and visitors whilst recognising its unique character.

It aims to:

· Recognise Ponsonby Road’s diverse role as a vibrant centre and key entertainment and boutique-shopping locality for local residents, businesses and visitors

· Protect, recognise and interpret historic and cultural heritage

· Improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists the length of the road

· Contribute to the achievement of region-wide improvements to the natural environment

· Provide open space and community facilities to meet current and future needs.

Amongst its short term funded actions (1-3 years), we will see:

· Detailed design (2015) and later development of 254 Ponsonby Road as a civic open space

· Develop and implement the Western Park Development Plan

· Public art/heritage recognition: new drinking fountain at three lamps that will reference the former Waikuta Stream (Late 2014)

· Unitary Plan Review – Application of Town Centre zoning and key retail overlay (2017)

· Improve intersection phasing to prioritise pedestrians at Richmond Road, Franklin Road and Three Lamps (2015)

· Install cycle parking at Ponsonby Central (2014)

· Street planting in accordance with principles and criteria (ongoing)

· Parking Management of Private car parks in Ponsonby (ongoing).

Its medium to longer term actions, like those of the other two plans, will require input from many arms of Council, and in many cases long term plan funding, but the final plans set the framework and priorities for that work.

4.2 K Road and Newton Precinct Plans

Submissions on the draft plans closed 14 May 2014. All public feedback will be considered before the final plans are published. The Plans are scheduled for completion by September 2014.

Karangahape Road Plan

The Karangahape Road Plan’s vision is to see K Rd as a safe and well-connected place that offers a range of housing and employment generating activities, celebrates its distinctive historical and cultural heritage, and reinforces its role as the colourful 24/7 entertainment and creative fringe of the city centre. The proposed City Rail Link and K’Road station will bring a range of benefits and changes to the K’Road area.

The plan identifies five key moves:

1. Revitalise and enhance the area as the creative, edgy fringe of the city centre

2. Protect, enhance and celebrate K’Road’s historic and cultural heritage, vibrancy and people

3. Develop an integrated network of open and public spaces in the area

4. Provide safe and convenient connections in the area

5. Create a safe and enjoyable environment to live, work and play

Newton Road Plan

Newton develops as an attractive, people-friendly centre that makes the most of its opportunities around existing heritage and character, prominent ridge line locations, and connections to surrounding areas.

The plan identifies six key moves:

1. Establish Newton as a ‘prominent centre’ in its own right

2. Develop a strong sense of ‘place for people’ through quality public spaces, essential community facilities and enhanced local connections

3. Manage the tension between vehicular movement through Newton and wider place-making aspirations (including essential local movements)

4. New development creates a distinctive place, integrated with the variety of existing historical and cultural character elements

5. Establish public open space linkages between Basque Park, Auckland Domain and Maungawhau

6. Enhance user experience on major connections to neighbouring areas.

4.4 Local Board Agreement 2014/15

At our April meeting the board considered amendments to our Local Board Agreement 2014/2015. This agreement sets our budget and funding for local activities for each financial year.

The agreement has now been updated to reflect changes for final adoption by the Board this month.

Summary of the local board agreement:

The draft Waitematā Local Board Agreement aims to maintain the momentum of the past three years while delivering great projects and services for local communities.

We will be working within the following priority areas.

· A distinctive, high-quality built environment that embraces its heritage and adheres to principles of good urban design.

· Connected, healthy transport options that are people-focused, and provide the best outcomes for our communities and natural environments.

· Strong, vibrant, engaged communities that address the varying needs of community members, and celebrate and showcase our area’s diversity.

· Places for people, such as parks and community facilities, which are well-maintained and can adapt to meet the changing needs of our population.

· An innovative economic hub that supports a sustainable, resilient and efficient economy. We will work with local businesses and business associations, and support social enterprise and an eco-economy.

· Respecting and enhancing natural environments as part of our contribution towards making Auckland an eco-city.

2014/2015 key initiatives:

· creating a development plan for Western Park

· delivering playground upgrades

· completing the redevelopment of Pioneer Women’s Hall

· upgrading Myers Park

· establishing a resource recovery centre to help reduce waste and re-use objects

· constructing the coastal walkway from Meola Reef to Hobson Bay

· engaging with and delivering projects for young people

· completing the Ponsonby Road Plan

· continuing our commitment to becoming an accessible area

· providing grants and support for community, arts and sporting groups, and local events

· celebrating our heritage with a project that involves marking city’s original coastline

2014/15 key advocacy areas

On behalf of our communities, Waitematā Local Board will advocate local issues to the governing body, including:

· prioritising the creation of a Waitematā local area plan with significant community input. Local area plans are guided by the Auckland Plan and local aspirations and provide a 30-year vision for development projects and infrastructure needs, for example, the size and function of town centres, transport routes, heritage improvements and recognition, landmarks, and natural features including open space

· re-prioritise the transport budget to active (walking and cycling) transport

· direct Auckland Transport to incorporate the Congestion Free Network into the Integrated Transport Plan

· secure a regional greenways budget in the transport budget

· ensure that Q Theatre is funded as a sustainable arts facility recognising its value to the Auckland arts community

· ensure the restoration and protection of the St James Theatre.

4.5 Local Board Plan 2014-17

The Board has finalised our draft next three-year local board plan. The Local Board Plan will reflect the aspirations of our community and set our strategic direction for the next three years and beyond.

The board has considered all feedback on the draft as we have developed our local board plan. The draft local board plan is ready this month.

There are so many things that make Waitematā great; from our city centre and fringe suburbs to our events, facilities, parks and our beautiful harbour.

We want to build on what we already have and make our area even better.

Our vision for Waitematā is:

· our communities are vibrant, connected and healthy

· we have well designed built environments where our character areas and heritage buildings are valued, protected and preserved

· our significant arts, cultural, educational, civic and community facilities are well loved and our many events create an atmosphere of excitement

· we have a healthy, sustainable and prosperous local economy

· our natural environment is significantly improved and protected

· we have outstanding public transport as part of a congestion free network with safe, connected greenways routes that make it easy to walk and cycle around Waitematā.

Achieving our vision

We are focused on the following outcomes to achieve our vision:

A distinctive, high quality urban environment that embraces our heritage

Development in our neighbourhoods, town centres and city centre is high quality and the area’s character and heritage is recognised and enhanced.

Over the next three years we plan to:

· preserve our historic areas by completing character assessments in Grey Lynn and Westmere

· protect our heritage places through initiatives including investing in the preservation of Myers Park Caretaker’s Cottage and Albert Park House

· improve our local areas and reinforce their character through initiatives including implementing the Ponsonby Road Plan and the Newmarket Laneways Precinct Plan, which will upgrade the retail hub

· advocate for an affordable housing action plan.

Connected, accessible and safe transport choices

It is easy to move into and around Waitematā with well-connected, integrated and accessible public transport choices and safe, pleasant walking and cycling routes.

Over the next three years we plan to:

· enhance safety for all road users through measures including implementing slow speed zones

· improve pedestrian, cycling and public transport options through initiatives including creating greenways routes that connect our green spaces and neighbourhoods as well as expanding the cycling network

· make sure our streets are great public spaces through initiatives including an upgrade of Franklin Road

· improve parking and traffic management by creating residential parking zones in Freemans Bay, Ponsonby, St Mary’s Bay and Parnell.

Waitematā, the innovative economic hub of Auckland

The city centre, waterfront and city fringe form the innovative economic hub of Auckland, where people want to live, work, study, play and visit.

Over the next three years we plan to:

· increase the prosperity of local business centres by implementing our city fringe economic development action plan

· complete a plan to enhance Aotea Quarter as an arts, cultural and business hub including improving the connection between Myers Park and Aotea Square

· support the development of Wynyard Quarter as a technology and digital media centre.

The natural environment is respected and enhanced

Our communities help protect and enhance Waitematā’s beautiful, natural environments. We are a low carbon community.

Over the next three years we plan to:

· reduce waste and encourage reuse by creating a central community recycling centre

· improve the health of waterways by continuing programmes to restore our streams

· identify and progress initiatives to improve air quality in the city centre

· improve our natural environment through delivering ecological projects to restore our urban forests

· encourage more residents to grow their own food through supporting the creation of new community gardens

· work towards becoming a low carbon community by focusing on reducing energy use, water consumption and waste.

Quality parks, open spaces and community facilities created for people to use and enjoy o use

We have high-quality and varied parks, public spaces and community facilities where people socialise, relax, learn, exercise and have fun.

Over the next three years we plan to:

· redevelop Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall as an inner-city community hub

· upgrade our sports fields and recreation facilities including the Auckland Domain sport fields to encourage people to be more active

· improve our parks through initiatives including completing the Myers Park upgrade and implementing a plan to improve Taurarua/Point Resolution Reserve

· provide more walkways to connect our parks and coastlines including completing the Weona/Westmere section of the coastal walkway.

Strong communities that are inclusive, vibrant and engaged

Our communities are safe and healthy, with a strong sense of identity and connection. Children and young people are thriving and people actively participate in Waitematā’s civic, cultural and recreational life.

Over the next three years we plan to:

· increase participation in local arts, events and recreation through initiatives including supporting events such as the Grey Lynn Festival, Parnell Festival of Roses, Art in the Dark and Art Week

· increase places where children and young people can come together by investigating establishing a city centre youth hub

· focus on improving safety through developing an action plan for the Karangahape Road and Symonds Street areas

· improve the health of our communities by extending smoke free public places to cover all parks, beaches, plazas, civic squares and public outdoor areas

What’s next

Have your say on your draft local board plan. Copies of the draft local board plans and submission forms will shortly be available:

• online at shapeauckland.co.nz

• at public libraries, council service centres and local board offices

• from Auckland Council customer centre, call toll free 09 301 0101.

Submit online at shapeauckland.co.nz , mail the submission form using the freepost address provided or scan and email it to localboardplans@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Submissions open Monday 7 July and must be received by Wednesday 6 August 2014.

Hearings will be held between August and September 2014 to consider all submissions before finalising our local board plan. The final plan will be adopted by 31 October 2014.

Low Carbon Community Plan

We are also looking for feedback on our draft action plan for becoming a low carbon community. This plan focuses on reducing energy use and waste, promoting sustainable transport options, encouraging local food production as well as promoting the effective and cooperative use of resources and land. Visit shapeauckland.co.nz for more information.

The final plan is set to be adopted by 31 October 2014.

4.6 Funding Update

There is currently an identified underspend of $19,000 opex in the local built and natural environment heritage planning budget and an underspend of $14,000 opex in the parks volunteer budget.

Following discussions with the Parks and Open Spaces and Sport and Recreation Portfolio Holders, it is proposed to re allocate these funds to undertake the following project work:

a) Western Park Development Plan – The initial scope of the Western Park Development Plan has increased to take into account storm water, ecological and heritage components. An additional $8,000 is required to complete the plan.

b) Pt Resolution Geotech Report – Stage 1 – The Pt Resolution Plan has identified the need for a geotech report to be undertaken to investigate the feasibility of utilising an existing stair structure. $18,400 is required to complete the geotech report.

c) Waipapa Restoration Project – $4,000 for the expansion of the existing Waipapa restoration project to undertake additional weed control

d) Newmarket Viaduct Concept/Design Plan – NZTA has approached the Council to propose long term leasing of land. $5,000 is required to complete an initial concept design for an informal play space

Recommendations

That the Waitemata Local Board:

a) notes unallocated operating expenditure as at 30th May 2014 from the following 2013/2014 budgets:

Budget	Cost ($)
Heritage Planning	$19,000
Volunteers – Local Parks	$14,000
LIPs Opex	$7,780
Total	$40,780

b) approves funding for delivery of the following projects, utilising unspent funds from 2013/2014 OPEX:

Project	Cost ($)
Western Park Development Plan	$8,000
Pt Resolution Geotech Report	$18,400
Waipapa Restoration	$4,000
Newmarket Viaduct Concept/Design Plan	$5,000
Total	$35,400

4.7 Review of Auckland Transport Parking

Auckland Transport is asking for feedback on a comprehensive review of parking in Auckland.

The Draft Parking Discussion Document is open for feedback here until Tuesday 30 June.

The discussion document identifies Auckland-wide parking issues and possible ways to fix them. The review looks at the use of Park and Rides, residential parking zones, managing on and off street parking in the central city, clearest times on arterial roads and parking in town centres.

Feedback will be used to develop a park Strategy for Auckland.

4.8 Annual Plan 2014/15 – Budget Committee Decisions

Following consultation on the draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 (including 21 draft local board agreements) and discussions between the Budget Committee and local boards and CCO’s at the end of April, the Budget Committee met on 8 May to agree final budget and policy changes for the Annual Plan 2014/2015.

All budget changes recommended in the mayoral proposal were agreed to and following the Budget Committee meeting, the Governing Body met and adopted all Annual Plan 2014/2015 recommendations made by the Budget Committee.

This includes $82,000 additional opex funding allocated to this Board for the Pioneer Womens/Ellen Melville Hall project in the 2014/15 year, amongst the few local board initiatives supported.

5 Project Updates

6 Portfolio Updates

Arts, Culture & Events

6.1 Events

Events sub-Portfolio – Auckland Council monthly meeting met on 21 May 2014

Events sub-Portfolio – ATEED bi-monthly meeting met on 21 May 2014

Event Funding Meeting – Art in the Dark, 6 May 2014

6.1.1 Events Consultation

The Waitemata Local Board based events that Council Events or ATEED have consulted the local board on, for events occurring from May 2014 on are attached and marked as Attachment B.

6.2 Arts & Culture

The Arts & Culture sub-Portfolio met on 28 May 2014

6.2.1 POP

You can still enjoy POP projects until the end of the month. POP, a new board-led creative initiative, is a series of interlinked art and creative projects.

There’s time to enjoy on 21 June in Western Springs Park, Hikoi examines Māori cultural history and heritage through tribal stories and tradition.

Throughout June you can also visit Victoria Park to see The Park, a conceptual

artwork designed and planted through public participation. Find out more at www.pop.org.nz

Over the last month:

04 Indoor Out

White Face Crew, Saturday Monday 9 - Tuesday 27 May, Dates: Britomart & Newmarket Train Stations, 7 – 9.30am and 3 – 7pm daily

Project Description: With their unique style of physical comedy White Face Crew are here to enliven your train trip! Transporting the outdoors in and taking you on a journey of interactive fun with pop-up performances & roving tomfoolery. Look out for White Face Crew this June at Britomart and Newmarket Train Stations.

06 Hikoi

Host Tribe Native Walks of Auckland, Saturday 10 May – Saturday 21 June

Project Description: The Hikoi is a guided walk through Maori history and the continuum of connections to our present. Led by Prince Davis, the Hikoi traverses Tokiwhatinui (Auckland Domain) and (Waiorea) Western Springs Park, where the pace is set by the group’s enquiries of the places and spaces encountered.

07 The Music Box

… and the rain stayed away all month.

Auckland University School of Music

Albert Park Rotunda

Wednesday 7 May - Thursday 29 May, 12.30 – 1.30pm

Project Description: This autumn the sound of Auckland’s most talented young musicians fills Albert Park as students from University of Auckland’s School Of Music take residency in the Rotunda

6.3 Parks & Open Spaces

The Parks & Open Space Portfolio met on 7 May 2014.

Parks & Open Space Portfolio site visit – all playgrounds due for renewal in 2014/15, Salisbury Reserve, Tole Reserve, Home Street Reserve, Costley Reserve, Gladstone Park, Western Springs Lakeside, 8 May 2014.

6.3.1 Friends of the Symonds Street Cemetery AGM

Friends of the Symonds Street Cemetery held their AGM on Wednesday 28 May at the Pitt Street Methodist Church, 78 Pitt Street. The Board Chair was elected an executive member of the Friends. Former Board member Tricia Reade is the Chair of the Friends.

6.4 Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

The Board last met on Wednesday, 28 May 2014, with the topics covered being as follows:

· Feedback on the draft Karangahape Road and Newton Plans

· Maintenance issues related to the targeted rate projects in the Auckland Central Centre

· Saint Patrick’s Square Lighting Report

· Integrated cleaning and maintenance.

· Confidential – Targeted Rate Funding and Future projects.

Attached and marked as Attachment C is the April Projects Progress Report.

· Greater clarity around the current maintenance roles and responsibilities and ongoing maintenance issues within the City Centre (at first) is to be introduced. This will be a great improvement on the current uncertainties, and is a bit of a return to the past.

· Attached and marked Attachment D is a summary of the proposed maintenance responsibilities with the City Centre.

The current unallocated targeted rate (to end in 2015/16) has now been re-calculated at $33.4m (up from $23.3m), including a surplus of $9.6m to this year.

The Board is still progressing the following project not impacted by the CRL project:

· $1m is allocated to Beach Road Public Space upgrade

· $2.7 m is allocated to Freyberg Square Upgrade

· $2m is allocated to Myers Park underpass and link to Aotea Square

· $1m is allocated to development and implementation of city centre way finding strategy

· $15.6m is allocated to upgrade of the High Street Precinct area

· $1m is allocated to K’ Rd speed calming and pedestrian-friendly projects as per the outcomes of the Karangahape Road Plan.

The detail of each project is to be further workshopped, before being endorsed or otherwise at the June 2014 meeting.

7 In the Press Update

Some of the activities from the last meeting of local Board activities were as follows:

7.1 Community/Media Releases

· Nil

7.2 Community Leadership

· Newmarket News, May 2014 edition - “As seen in Newmarket”. Olympic Pools 75^th celebration photo of Board Chair and John Fay with celebration plaque.

· Our Auckland, June 2014 edition – “Art pops into public spaces”. POP feature, including Board Chair quotes, and Board photo (Members, Yates, Tava, Chambers, Coom).

· Ponsonby News, June edition – “Chair’s Waitemata Local Board Report”. Chair, Board, monthly report.

A copy is attached and marked as Attachment E.

· The Hobson, June 2014 edition – ““Local Notes”, Chair’s monthly report.

A copy is attached and marked as Attachment F.

7.3 Parks & Open Spaces

· Auckland City Harbour News and East & Bays Courier, 7 May 2014 – “Liquor bans may be lifted”. Liquor ban feature, including Board Chair quotes. Chairman Shale chambers says the review is an evidence-based system where problems inform bans. “It’s not an approach which takes into account historic reasons lost in the mist of time”, he says. “We will monitor parks very carefully. If there is any antisocial behaviour in these areas we won’t hesitate to take action.”

7.4 Art, Culture & Events

· The Hobson, June 2014 edition – “Bee Haven”. Arts section, including POP The Park Victoria Park feature and photo, and Board attribution to project.

8 Meetings/Events

In addition to responsibilities in constituency work and community engagement, and any matters noted above, I have undertaken the following Portfolio or Board Chair responsibilities:

8.1 Community & Civic Leadership

Attended:

· Waitemata LB Event Funding Meeting - Art in the Dark, 6 May 2014

· Ponsonby Road Masterplan - PBA feedback update and K'Rd precinct Plan update, Ponsonby Business Association, 4A Blake Street, Ponsonby, 7 May 2014

· Meeting with Rob Warner RE Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) and its impact on music industry, 8 May 2014

· ASB Community Trust Annual Luncheon, Allendale House, 50 Ponsonby Road, 9 May 2014

· Meeting RE Newmarket Level Crossing, 12 May 2014

· Catch-up with Heart Of The City (Local Board Plan feedback, Pioneer Womens Hall and input into the local economic development plan), 13 May 2014

· Waitemata Local Board Business Meeting, 13 May 2014

· Budget Committee workshop re LB Funding Policy, 15 May 2014

· Pt Resolution 2nd stakeholder meeting, 20 May 2014

· Update Briefing from Waterfront Auckland, 21 May 2014

· Mayoral Tour of the Waitemata Local Board Ward, 21 May 2014

· Newmarket Level Crossing / Cowie Street community meeting, 22 May 2014

· Waitemata Local Board Grants Committee, 22 May 2014

· Budget Committee, Reception Lounge, Auckland Town Hall, 26 May 2014

· Local Board Chairs Forum meeting, Committee Room, Level 15, Civic Building, 26 May 2014

· Meeting with the Chinese Garden Trust, Peter Haynes (Albert-Eden Local Board Chair) to discuss possible location for the Chinese Garden Project, 27 May 2014

· Friends Of Symonds Street Cemetery monthly meeting, 27 May 2014

· Mtg with Michael Keating RE Auckland Fringe, 28 May 2014

· Friends of Symonds Street Cemetery AGM, Pitt Street Methodist Church, 28 May 2014

· The Auckland Performing Arts Centre site visit, 100 Motions Rd, Western Springs, 29 May 2014

· Hawkes Sea Scouts, Scout Hall. West End Road, 29 May 2014

· Opening Night, Diverse Bananas, Global Dragons International Conference, Level 1 Foyer, The University of Auckland Business School, 30 May 2014.

8.2 Board Leadership

Attended:

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Local Board Plan, Auckland Transport update, 6 May 2014

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 6 May 2014

· Meeting to discuss the CCO review, 6 May 2014

· Meeting with Andrew Guthrie and Rick Walden from CCIG, 6 May 2014

· Monthly Portfolio meeting for Finance Committee & LIPs, 7 May 2014

· Monthly Parks Portfolio Meeting, 7 May 2014

· Central Facilities Partnership Workshop Briefing, 7 May 2014

· Site visit for the Cowie Street Road Extension / Newmarket Level Crossing project (Parks and Transport portfolios), Newmarket Park, 8 May 2014

· Parks Portfolio Site Visit - visit several playgrounds on the FY15 renewals list, Sailsbury, Tole, Home Street, Costly Reserve, Gladstone, Western Springs, 8 May 2014

· Fortnightly Communications catch-up, 12 May 2014

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 12 May 2014

· Central Facilities Partnership Committee workshop, Committee Room, Level 15, Civic Building, 12 May 2014

· Workshop/Briefing: Downtown Shopping Centre Block Re-development Future Options for Queen Elizabeth Square Report, 13 May 2014

· AT Parking Strategy Workshop, Council Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, 13 May 2014

· Briefing on Pioneer Womens Hall, 14 May 2014

· Ponsonby Rd Masterplan catch-up, 14 May 2014

· Meeting to go over feedback on the draft local board plan, 14 May 2014

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Auckland Development Committee , Queens Wharf Commission Progress Report, Draft Pt Resolution Master Plan - 2nd workshop confirmed, 15 May 2014

· LBFP discuss presentation to Budget Committee and next steps with the funding policy, 15 May 2014

· Meeting to sign off on Waitemata LB Plan, 16 May 2014

· Meeting RE Hui for K Rd and Newton Plan, 19 May 2014

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 19 May 2014

· Discuss Pt Resolution Plan recommendations, 19 May 2014

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Smoke-free policy implementation - Local Board Decision Making, Treaty Settlements Workshops, BIDs presentation to the LB, 20 May 2014

· Events Portfolio – ATEED, 21 May 2014

· Events Portfolio – AC, 21 May 2014

· K Rd Plan catch-up, 22 May 2014

· Meeting to finalise the local board plan summary, 22 May 2014

· Fortnightly Communications catch-up, 26 May 2014

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 26 May 2014

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan, Local Board Work Programme (Bi-monthly), Regional Pest Management Plan, BIDs presentation to LB, 27 May 2014

· Meeting re next steps for DSC/QE Square, 28 May 2014

· Arts and Culture Monthly Portfolio Meeting, 28 May 2014

8.3 Events

Nil

8.4 City Centre Economic Development

(Heart of the City & Auckland City Centre Advisory Board)

Attended:

· Heart Of The City Committee Meeting, 14 May 2014

· Auckland City Centre Advisory Board, Civic, 28 May 2014

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Chair's correspondence to the Chair of Auckland Transport Dr Lester Levy and the Mayor, Len Brown	253
b View	Local Board Events consulted on from May 2014	257
c View	ACCAB April Projects Progress Report	259
d View	Summary of the proposed maintenance responsibilities with the City Centre	267
e View	Ponsonby News, "Chair's Waitemata Local Board Report" - May 2014	269
f View	The Hobson, Chair's May Local Board Column	271

Signatories

Authors

Shale Chambers, Chairperson

[1] Financial statements are based on the Long-term Plan 2012-2022, reflecting reprioritisations made during the annual planning process for 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 and revised budgets endorsed by the Budget Committee on 8 May 2014 to achieve a 2.5% rates increase for 2014/2015. Budgets have also been updated to reflect the allocation of central costs (including depreciation, interest, corporate overheads and staff costs)

Chairperson	Shale Chambers
Deputy Chairperson	Pippa Coom
Members	Christopher Dempsey
	Greg Moyle
	Vernon Tava
	Rob Thomas
	Deborah Yates

*Unit*	*Highlights:*
Environmental Services	· The Retrofit Your Home Programme has been selected as a finalist for the EECA Awards 2014. In 2012/2013 3,211 households took advantage of the Retrofit programme assistance. So far this year 2,751 households have joined with more applications expected as the colder months approach. · A total of 35 homes in the Waitematā Local Board area have received support from the Retrofit Your Home Programme over the past financial year.
Solid Waste	· The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund, small grants (applications less than $5,000), opened for applications on 19 March 2014. The fund was advertised through over 300 emails, a mail out to 474 to stakeholders and in approximately 15 suburban newspapers. Officers received 44 applications and are now working through the eligibility screening. The applications will be assessed over the next few weeks, and the final decisions will be notified to applicants by late June. · A total of four applications were received from organisations in the Waitematā Local Board area.
Stormwater	· The stormwater unit has worked closely with the Housing Project Office (HPO) to identify Special Housing Areas (SHA) for the recently announced Tranche 3 areas including developing stormwater management solutions and management plans for existing SHAs. · Development and delivery of a stormwater NCEA level two and three resource for secondary schools. This resource will allow youth to delve into stormwater issues and work towards sustainability. The resource was developed by council in partnership with schools and the community and it allows students to gain several achievement standards. It is available electronically on council’s website (search ‘secondary schools stormwater ncea’) and contains four editable assessment tasks or activities, including one NZQA approved task, a junior programme, and fun resources to support learning. · Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) stormwater project update: Planning and design is scheduled for 2014/15 with construction planned for in the 2015/16 financial year as described in attachment C. · Stormwater capital projects for 2013/2014 are progressing as per the final attachment to this report, or as previously reported.

Item	Topic	Lead officer	Notes
1.	Local Board Plan	Jo Wiggins (Local Board Plan)	An update on progress was provided with the opportunity for the Board to discuss and amend the document.
2.	Auckland Transport Update	Priscilla Steel, (Elected Member Liaison Manager AT) Sam Corbett (Principal Transport Planner) Paul Buckle (Parking Design Coordinator AT)	Officers presented the findings of the City East West Transport Study, Newmarket Parking Zone and the proposed costings for the Greenways Implementation Plan

Item	Topic	Lead officer	Notes
1.	Queens Wharf Commission	Renee Tanner (Arts and Culture Advisor (Central)), Kaye Glamuzina (Manager, Arts and Culture), Hanna Scott (Manager, Arts and Culture Programming)	Officers presented the proposed artwork concept by Michael Parakowhai for comment
2.	Pt Resolution Plan	Steven Quin (Senior Landscape Architect), Esther Hjelmstrom (Landscape Architect)	Officers presented to the Board the updated Pt Resolution Plan following stakeholder feedback.

Item	Topic	Lead officer	Notes
1.	Smokefree Policy Implementation Local Board	Jasmin Kaur (Policy Analyst)	Council Officer provided the Board with a series of proposed recommendations to rollout the implementation of the Smokefree Policy
2.	Treaty Settlements Workshop	Siani Walker, Mark Sly, Rhys Walker, Kim O’Neill	Officers provided the Board with an update on the Treaty Settlements in Auckland and the establishment of the Maunga Authority
3	BIDs presentation	Ashley Church(Newmarket BID), Gary Holmes (Uptown BID) Annie Inwood (BID Partnership Advisor)	Newmarket BID and Uptown BID provided the Board with an update on their progress to date and future plans

Authors	Desiree Tukutama - Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Authors	Jo Wiggins – Senior Local Board Advisor
Authorisers	Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Authors	Beverly Fletcher – Local Board Advisor
Authorisers	Judith Webster - Relationship Manager