I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel will be held on:

 

Date:                       Time: Meeting Room: Venue:	Monday, 21 July 2014 11.00am Council Chambers, Ground Floor Auckland Town Hall 301-305 Queen Street Auckland
Disability Strategic Advisory Panel   OPEN AGENDA

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Chairperson	Dr Huhana Hickey
Deputy Chairperson	Colleen Brown, MNZM, JP
Members	Sandra Budd
	David Hughes
	Tania Kingi
	Clive Lansink
	Don McKenzie, CNZM, OBE
	Dr Terry O'Neill
	Ezekiel Robson
	Susan Sherrard
Liaison Councillor	Sharon Stewart, QSM

 

(Quorum 5 members)

 

Mike Giddey Democracy Advisor   16 July 2014   Contact Telephone: (09) 307 7565 Email: mike.giddey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

 

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

 

The Disability Strategic Advisory Panel (DSAP) was established by the Mayor in June 2011.

 

Its purpose is to provide strategic advice on pan-disability issues to the Mayor, governing body, local boards, Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) and Council on:

 

·         the interests and preferences of persons with disabilities in Auckland in relation to regional strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws of the Council;

·         any other matters that the Panel considers to be of particular interest or concern to persons with disabilities in Auckland; and

·         processes and mechanisms for engaging with persons with disabilities in Auckland.

 

The DSAP has up to 11 members who are appointed on the basis of their individual expertise and experience in strategic thinking, governance and communication skills, knowledge of disability and accessibility issues and connections with disability organisations and networks across Auckland.

 

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

ITEM   TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                                        PAGE

1          Apologies                                                                                                                        5

2          Declaration of Interest                                                                                                   5

3          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                               5

4          Extraordinary Business                                                                                                5

5          Draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy for feedback                                     7

6          Engagement on the draft Community Grants Policy                                            139

7          DSAP Feedback on Parking Discussion Document                                              261

8          Transport Update                                                                                                      265

9          Review of Membership                                                                                             279

10        Chairperson's report                                                                                                 281

11        General Business                                                                                                      283 

12        Consideration of Extraordinary Items 

 

 

 

Apologies from Chairperson H Hickey, Member D McKenzie and Member S Sherrard have been received.

 

2          Declaration of Interest

 

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

 

3          Confirmation of Minutes

 

That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)         confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Monday, 16 June 2014 as a true and correct record.

 

4          Extraordinary Business

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 5 - Draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy for feedback

 

File No.: CP2014/15090

  

 

 

Purpose

1.       To request formal feedback from the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel on the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy.

Executive summary

2.       This report provides the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel with a copy of the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) and requests formal feedback by resolution. 

3.       On 13 May 2014, the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee adopted the LAP Project: Statement of Proposal, which includes the draft Auckland Council LAP, for public consultation.  Following this decision, Auckland Council (“the council”) commenced public consultation (using the special consultative procedure) on 16 June 2014.

4.       In addition to the public consultation process, council staff are seeking feedback from advisory panels on the draft LAP. An information pack, summarising the local alcohol policy proposals and the policy development to date, was distributed to the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel at the commencement of the special consultative procedure. This report provides an opportunity to pass formal feedback on the proposals. 

5.       The draft LAP includes proposals relating to the location of licensed premises by reference to broad areas, as well as proximity to other premises and special facilities, where further licences should/should not be issued; maximum trading hours; and discretionary conditions to be applied to licences.

6.       The details of these proposals are outlined in the body of this report.

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)      agree that If it wishes to provide any feedback on the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy, it provide formal feedback by passing resolutions, noting that the resolutions will be included in the officers’ report to the Local Alcohol Policy Project Hearings Panel.

 

Comments

 

Legislative framework and process so far

Background: law reform

7.       In December 2012, Parliament enacted the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act).  The Act introduced a new national framework for regulating the sale and supply of alcohol.

8.       The object of the Act (section 4) is that:

a)   the sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol should be undertaken safely and responsibly; and

b)   the harm caused by the excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol should be minimised.

9.       One of the key policy drivers behind the new legislation was an increased focus on local decision-making.  In line with this, the Act established new, strengthened local decision-making bodies (district licensing committees, or “DLCs”).  The Act also introduced the ability for local authorities to tailor some of the new national provisions (such as maximum trading hours) to their own local circumstances and to create additional regulations (such as the regulation of licence density) through the development of local alcohol policies (LAPs).

10.     Whilst LAPs are not mandatory, the Act specifically empowers local authorities to develop them. This allows local authorities, in consultation with their communities and stakeholders, to have greater influence over their local licensing environments.

Scope of LAPs

11.     The Act restricts the scope of LAPs to the following licensing matters (section 77 of the Act):

·     location of licensed premises by reference to broad areas;

·     location of licensed premises by reference to proximity to premises or facilities of a particular kind or kinds;

·     whether further licences (or licences of a particular kind or kinds) should be issued for premises in the district concerned or any stated part of the district;

·     maximum trading hours;

·     the issue of licences, subject to discretionary conditions; and

·     one-way door restrictions.

12.     Rules relating to each of these matters can be applied to: on-licences (e.g. bars, restaurants, taverns, nightclubs); off-licences (e.g. bottle stores or supermarkets) and club licences (e.g. sports clubs, RSAs) through the LAP.  For special licences, a LAP can only include rules on hours, discretionary conditions and one-way door restrictions. 

Effect of LAPs

13.     The Act requires the DLC and ARLA to “have regard to” the LAP when deciding whether to issue or renew a licence.  However, the LAP has a different effect on applications for new licences and applications for renewals of existing licences.

14.     Effect of LAP on applications for new licences: the Act provides that where issuing a new licence would be inconsistent with the LAP, the DLC and ARLA may refuse to issue the licence (section 108). Alternatively, the DLC or ARLA may issue the licence subject to particular conditions to address the inconsistencies with the LAP (section 109).

15.     Effect of LAP on existing licences: for applications to renew a licence, the DLC and ARLA cannot refuse to issue the licence on the grounds that it is inconsistent with the LAP.  They can however, impose conditions on the licence to reduce the inconsistency (section 133).

16.     This means that location and density policies contained within a LAP will not apply to existing licences; it will take time to give effect to the intention of location and density policies because licences cannot be cancelled for being inconsistent with the LAP. However, provisions of a LAP relating to maximum hours and one-way door policies will apply to all licensees. The effect of this is that licensees with longer hours will have to revert to the maximum trading hours stated in the LAP, while licensees with shorter hours will not be affected. Conditions can also be applied to licences when they are renewed, which is once every three years.

Auckland Council’s project to date: key steps for developing council’s LAP

17.     In May 2012, staff presented the Auckland Council LAP Research Report to the Regional Development and Operations Committee (RDOC). 

18.     After considering the research report, the RDOC approved the development of an Auckland Council LAP, subject to the passing of the Bill (resolution number RDO/2012/78(d)).  This decision was later confirmed by the Governing Body in January 2013, after the new Act received Royal assent on 18 December 2012.

19.     The council has followed an extensive process in preparing its draft LAP. To date this has included:

·     establishing stakeholder reference groups and a Joint Political Working Party;

·     completing the Local Alcohol Policy Research Project, in accordance with statutory requirements;

·     identifying, assessing and engaging with politicians and key stakeholders on issues and options available;

·     developing a position paper with staff recommendations based on issues and options analysis and feedback received, and reporting this for further feedback.

·     developing a draft LAP based on analysis, research and feedback received on the Position Paper.

·     the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee adopting the Local Alcohol Policy Project: Statement of Proposal (Attachment A) for public consultation (resolution number REG/2014/60(a) on 13 May 2014. A full copy of the resolutions is provided at Attachment B of this report.

20.     The council is currently consulting on the draft Local Alcohol Policy using the special consultative procedure. The period for written submissions opened on 16 June 2014 and closes on 16 July 2014. An information pack was distributed to the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel in the first week of public consultation.

21.     A parallel process enables local boards and advisory panels to provide feedback on the draft LAP (that is, through resolutions on reports).

22.     Public hearings will be held in Late August/ September 2014 and advisory panels will be invited to attend a meeting with the Hearings Panel. It is anticipated that the Hearings Panel will report back to Governing Body with a provisional LAP in October 2014.

 

Summary of Auckland Council’s draft Local Alcohol Policy

23.     This section of the report summarises the proposals contained within the draft LAP.  The proposals:

·     are evidence-based;

·     align with the object of the Act;

·     as far as possible, respond to feedback and concerns from elected members and stakeholders.

Purpose

24.     The purpose of the draft LAP is to provide guidance to the DLC and ARLA on alcohol licensing matters in a manner that:

·     is appropriate to the Auckland Council region;

·     reflects the views and preferences of Auckland’s communities and stakeholders; and

·     is consistent with the object of the Act.

25.     Overall, the draft LAP aims to reduce Auckland’s issues with alcohol-related harm by:

·     prioritising areas where the LAP can have the greatest impact on harm reduction;

·     controlling where new licences are allowed;

·     controlling how many new licences are allowed;

·     reducing the hours that licensed premises can sell alcohol overall;

·     identifying additional conditions that the DLC can apply to licences to help improve the consistency of standards across Auckland’s premises.

26.     This purpose aligns with the object of the Act, the requirement for the LAP to be reasonable in light of this object, and the policy intent of the Act to provide greater local input into licensing decisions.

Policy areas

27.     Auckland’s differing communities and areas means a blanket approach to policy provisions is not suitable. The draft LAP categorises the Auckland region into three broad areas, each of which has different rules (reference to draft policy: Part B: Section 2 and appendices).

28.     Broad Area A (City Centre, Ponsonby, Newton): The three centres included in this broad area function as the region’s main entertainment hub.  However, these areas also experience high levels of alcohol-related harm, including crime and anti-social behaviour. 

29.     Broad Area B (rest of the region): The intended outcomes across the region are relatively consistent and therefore can be achieved through consistent policy tools.

30.     Priority Overlay (areas with high levels of alcohol-related harm): The Priority Overlay identifies areas and communities that experience higher levels of alcohol-related harm. The overlay will help protect these areas from further harm by imposing specific policies and rules.

Location and density of licences

31.     The draft LAP proposes the following policy tools to manage location and density issues.

32.     Temporary freeze: the draft LAP proposes that the DLC and ARLA should refuse to issue new off-licences in Broad Area A and in the Priority Overlay for a period of 24 months from when the policy is adopted (reference to draft policy: Part B: Sections 3.3 and 5.1).

33.     The distribution of off-licences across Auckland is uneven and some areas have much higher licence density than others (e.g. the City Centre and some centres captured by the Priority Overlay). Evidence shows that these areas also tend to experience disproportionate levels of alcohol-related harm.  International case studies show that the temporary freeze is a useful policy tool in that it allows time for saturated areas to recover, and it can also lead to improved compliance. These are both important in achieving the object of the Act. 

34.     Environmental and cumulative impacts assessment process: staff are proposing that certain applications for new on- and off-licences would need to undergo an Environmental and Cumulative Impacts Assessment (ECIA) to help the DLC or ARLA in determining a licence application (reference to draft policy: Part B: Section 3.1).  

35.     Whether an ECIA is required would depend on the location of the proposed site and the risk profile of the premises under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Fees) Regulations 2013. Higher-risk premises will be more likely to need to go through the ECIA process, as will all on- and off-licence applications in the Priority Overlay.

36.     The process would build on the decision-making criteria under the Act to provide a more comprehensive framework for the assessment of new licence applications.  In particular, it would ensure that following matters were fully considered, in order to better manage location (including proximity to sensitive sites) and density issues arising from applications for new licences:

·     the risks associated with the location (including external and environmental risks such as the existing licence environment, the surrounding land use, and the current levels of alcohol-related crime); and

·     the individual risks associated with the proposed licence (such as the type of premises, the risk profile etc.).

37.     The draft LAP applies the ECIA process in different ways, depending on the kind of licence and the location. The purpose of the ECIA is to assist the DLC and ARLA in determining whether it is most appropriate to issue the licence, to issue the licence subject to discretionary conditions; or not to issue the licence.

38.     A key advantage with this approach is that rather than requiring absolute policy provisions (which would be very difficult to apply in an area as vast as Auckland and with many areas with different characteristics), it allows the DLC and ARLA to exercise discretion and consider applications in a local context, yet in a way that is consistent across the region. 

39.     Rebuttable presumption: the rebuttable presumption would be that applications for new off-licences would be refused, unless the DLC or ARLA was satisfied that the operation of the premises would not unreasonably add to the environmental and cumulative impacts of alcohol on the area. To rebut the presumption, an application would need to go through the ECIA process, as well as contributing their own evidence as to how the proposed premises would have a positive effect on the area (reference to draft policy: Part B: Sections 3.2 and 5.1). 

40.     Staff have recommended that the rebuttable presumption be used where there is evidence that the alcohol licensing environment has a negative cumulative impact on the area, specifically, in Broad Area A and the Priority Overlay after the temporary freeze expires, and in neighbourhood centres (as defined in the Unitary Plan), effective from the start date of the policy.  

Trading hours 

41.     Maximum trading hours: The draft LAP proposes regional hours for club and off-licences, and hours based on location for on-licences.  The hours proposed are:

·     Off-licences: 9am to 10pm

·     On-licences – Broad Area A: 9am to 3am*

·     On-licences – Broad Area B: 9am to 1am*

·     On-licences – Priority Overlay: Same as underlying broad area.

·     Club licences: 9am to 1am

·     Special licences: Case by case, with consideration for location and nature of event/risks associated with event

*NB: These are standard maximum hours; trial extensions of up to two hours can be applied for – see next paragraph.

42.     Trial extensions of hours for on-licences: The draft policy allows for some on-licences to apply for a two-hour maximum trial extension of hours.

·     These will be granted on a trial basis, at the DLC’s discretion and following the completion of an environmental and cumulative impact assessment.

·     Applicants will have a history of best-practice operation, and will need to continue to demonstrate high levels of compliance to keep the extension.

·     Trial extensions will be preferred in the city centre for Broad Area A and in the metropolitan centres for Broad Area B. Trial extensions should not be granted in neighborhood centers or residential areas.

·     No extensions will be allowed in the Priority Overlay.

43.     Restricting the hours that alcohol is available can help to decrease alcohol-related harm. The licensed hours proposed in the draft LAP:

·     represent an overall reduction from the national default hours (implemented in December 2013);

·     reflect the views of the statutory stakeholders (Police, Medical Officers of Health and Licensing Inspectors);

·     accommodate a majority of club and on-licence premises’ existing licensed hours;

·     will help to decrease inappropriate consumption (e.g. “side-loading” – leaving a bar to purchase cheaper alcohol from an off-licence before returning to the bar).

 

Additional discretionary conditions

44.     The draft LAP recommends a range of discretionary conditions for the DLC to apply. These conditions strengthen provisions already in the Act, and will help minimise harm to individuals and the community from inappropriate and excessive drinking.

45.     Conditions recommended for all licences include:

·     an onsite incident register

·     host responsibility policies  for club and on-licences

·     prohibition on single unit sales for off-licences

46.     Conditions which can be applied on a case-by-case basis include:

·     Restrictions on high-strength drinks prior to closing

·     Clean public areas outside

·     Certified manager to be onsite at BYO and club licences (already required for on- and off-licences)

·     CCTV

·     Monitoring of outdoor areas for late-trading premises (on-licences).

47.     For a full list of proposed discretionary conditions, see Part B of the Statement of proposal at Attachment A: Sections 4 to 7.

Summary of on-licence provisions

48.    The table below demonstrates how the policy tools described above are applied to on-licences in the draft LAP.  This on-licence policy package is designed to:

·     reduce alcohol-related harm by:

o  requiring greater scrutiny of new on-licence applications, taking into account not only the applicant’s proposals but also the surrounding environment and existing licences; and

o  significantly reducing licence hours from the previous 24-hour licensing regime, and only allowing best practice on-licence operators to trade later, who will also be subject to higher standards.

·     provide targeted policy interventions and additional protection for vulnerable communities from alcohol-related harm in the Priority Overlay; and

·     improve practices amongst the on-licence industry through a range of discretionary conditions.

Table 1. Summary of draft LAP provisions for on-licences

Note: A more detailed version of this table is provided in A3 at Attachment C.

Summary of off-licence provisions

49.    The table below demonstrates how the policy tools are applied to off-licences within the draft LAP.  This off-licence policy package is designed to:

·     enable the direct consideration of proximity issues by ensuring that the DLC and ARLA are made aware of any sensitive sites and existing premises relevant to an application, allowing them to make an informed decision as to what is appropriate;

·     reduce access to alcohol from off-licences and reduced issues with pre and side-loading, especially in the central city;

·     strongly regulate off-licence density in areas with the greatest density and greatest levels of alcohol-related harm (e.g. the central city and Priority Overlay) and in neighbourhood centres, to align with feedback that ‘bottle stores on every corner’ are not appropriate or desirable; and

·     improve practices in the off-licence industry through a range of discretionary conditions.

Table 2. Summary of draft LAP provisions for off-licences

Note: A more detailed version of this table is provided in A3 at Attachment C.

Special licences

50.    The draft LAP proposes the following for special licences:

·     Maximum hours should be determined on a case-by-case basis but should generally be in accordance with the policies that would apply to the Broad Area within which the event will be held

·     A range of discretionary conditions designed to improve host responsibility and to reduce the overall alcohol-related harm associated with events.

Other options considered

51.     Staff have not recommended the use of the one-way door policy, as overall, there is insufficient evidence to show its effectiveness in reducing alcohol-related harm.  Key points from the research are summarised as follows:

·     Some studies report displacement of patrons from area to area as an unintended consequence of the one-way door policy.  This could result in increased drink driving if patrons then travelled across the city. 

·     When looking at case study examples, staff found that Melbourne has experienced issues with two ‘swills’ due to the one-way door approach: one as people leave one area to get to another area with longer hours before the one-way door commences; and then a second at closing time. Other research has even shown that the one-way door approach may increase some types of alcohol related harm such as damage to licensed premises, and vehicle-related offences.

·     In areas where there was a decline in harm following the implementation of a one-way door, this tended to be for a short period before behaviours adjusted and incidence of harm returned to previous levels or increased.

52.     Staff considered a range of other options throughout the development of the draft LAP.  These are detailed in the attached Statement of Proposal. 

Consideration

Local board views and implications

53.     Local boards have given feedback at multiple stages throughout the policy development process. This includes both formal feedback on the Issues and Options Paper and the Staff Position Paper and informal feedback through the Political Working Party and various workshops.

54.     The draft Local Alcohol Policy is also being reported to local boards throughout July and early August, so that boards can provide formal feedback through resolutions.  

Maori impact statement

55.     Where possible, staff have gathered data on alcohol-related issues by ethnicity. 

56.     Staff have worked with Te Waka Angamua (Maori Strategy and Relations Department) and policy advisors at the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) to deliver a program for engaging with Maori on alcohol issues, including a workshop with rangatahi (youth) and a hui with mana whenua and mataawaka. 

57.     The IMSB was represented on the Political Working Party.  Hapai Te Hauora Tapui was represented on the Public Health Sector Reference Group.

Implementation

58.     Community Policy and Planning staff have worked closely with Licensing and Compliance Services throughout the development of this draft LAP. 

59.     As part of the options analysis, staff carefully considered practicality and ease of implementation.  The proposals included in the draft LAP meet these criteria. 

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Draft Local Alcohol Policy 2014: Statement of Proposal	17
bView	Regional Strategy and Policy Committee meeting May 2014 - Resolutions on draft Local Alcohol Policy	133
cView	Policy packages for on- and off-licences	137

      

Signatories

Authors	Rebecca Turner - Policy Analyst Michael Sinclair - Team Leader, Regionwide Social Policy
Authorisers	Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Regional Strategy and Policy Committee – 13 May 2014 minutes, item 9

 

Local Alcohol Policy Project - Approval of draft policy for special consultative procedure

Councillors Linda Cooper and Ross Clow declared conflicts of interest and left the table during the discussion.

Cr Penny Webster entered the meeting at 9.42am Cr Wayne Walker entered the meeting at 9.42am Cr Alf Filipaina entered the meeting at 9.43am Cr ME Lee entered the meeting at 9.55am Cr Webster left the meeting at 10.10am Cr Webster returned to the meeting at 10.24am

The chair moved the item for discussion.

MOVED by Cr CE Brewer: seconded by Cr Webster an amendment by way of addition: That supermarkets’ standard maximum off-licence hours start at 7am to reflect the low number of alcohol transactions at that time of day in supermarkets and the observation that these early morning grocery shoppers are unlikely to be a significant contributor to alcohol harm in Auckland.   A division was called for, voting on which was as follows: For Cr CE Brewer Cr CE Fletcher Cr DA Krum Cr D Quax Cr SL Stewart Cr J Watson Cr MP Webster Against Deputy Chairperson AJ Anae Mayor LCM Brown Cr CM Casey Cr WB Cashmore Cr C Darby Cr AM Filipaina Cr PA Hulse Cr ME Lee Member K MacDonald Cr CM Penrose Cr JG Walker Cr WD Walker Member G Wilcox Chairperson Cr GS Wood Abstained The amendment was declared lost by 7 votes to 14.

Resolution number REG/2014/60 MOVED by Chairperson GS Wood, seconded by Cr CM Penrose:   That the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee: a)      adopt the Statement of Proposal (Attachment A of the report), which includes the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy, for public consultation under section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002. b)      note that before developing the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy included in the attached Statement of Proposal (Attachment A of the report), Auckland Council consulted the Police, inspectors and Medical Officers of Health, as required by section 78(4) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. c)      note the statements provided in (Attachment B of the report) from the New Zealand Police, Manager of Alcohol Licensing (on behalf of the Auckland Council inspectors), and the Medical Officer of Health confirming that Auckland Council has fulfilled its obligations under section 78(4) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 to consult with them. d)      note the following in relation to local board input: i)       that council staff have engaged with local boards at each key phase of the Local Alcohol Policy Development Project ii)      that in developing the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy, included in the Statement of Proposal (Attachment A of the report), council staff have considered the views and preferences of local boards iii)     that following the adoption of the attached Statement of Proposal (Attachment A) council staff will hold workshops with, and report to, all local boards to gather their feedback on the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy. e)      note that in developing the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy included in the Statement of Proposal (Attachment A of the report), council staff have considered feedback from internal stakeholders, council advisory panels, the Independent Maori Statutory Board, mana whenua, mataa waka, industry stakeholders, public health sector stakeholders, community groups, residents, ratepayers and citizens. f)       note that, following the adoption of the Statement of Proposal (Attachment A of the report), council staff will report to the council advisory panels to gather feedback on the draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy. g)      authorise the Manager Community Policy and Planning to make any minor edits or amendments to the Statement of Proposal (Attachment A of the report) to correct any identified errors or typographical edits and/or to reflect decisions made by the committee that affect the Statement of Proposal. h)      request that staff also engage with Māori via the consultative procedure.   A division was called for, voting on which was as follows: For Deputy Chairperson AJ Anae Mayor LCM Brown Cr CM Casey Cr WB Cashmore Cr C Darby Cr AM Filipaina Cr CE Fletcher Cr PA Hulse Cr DA Krum Cr ME Lee Member K MacDonald Cr CM Penrose Cr D Quax Cr SL Stewart Cr JG Walker Cr WD Walker Cr J Watson Cr MP Webster Member G Wilcox Chairperson Cr GS Wood Against Cr CE Brewer Abstained   The division was declared carried by 20 votes to 1. CARRIED

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 6 - Engagement on the draft Community Grants Policy

 

File No.: CP2014/14704

  

 

Purpose

1.       The purpose of this report is to provide the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel (DSAP) with information on the consultation approach for the draft Community Grants Policy (CGP).  The consultation will be held from Monday 14 July to Monday 11 August 2014.

Executive summary

2.       At its 3 July meeting, the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed the draft Community Grants Policy for public consultation. 

3.       The CGP will guide the allocation of council funding to groups and organisations involved in the delivery of projects, activities and services that benefit Aucklanders. 

4.       The draft CGP proposes a framework for a new Auckland Council community grants programme with two main components: a local grants programme (including multi-board grants to support groups whose activities cover more than one local board area) and a regional grants programme.

5.       Staff engaged with the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel (DSAP) in 2012 to discuss an earlier version of the draft policy.  Feedback from DSAP regarding accessibility has been responded to with the inclusion of a principle statement regarding fairness and equity of opportunity:

“We value all of Auckland’s diverse communities, and welcome grant applications from people of all ages, identities, abilities, cultures and ethnicities, wherever in the region they live.

          All of our communities will have an equal opportunity to be considered for grants, and the design and management of the programme will take account of their differing needs and interests.  We will ensure applicants are treated fairly regardless of their size, location or circumstances, and provide any support they may reasonably require.” (page 16, Draft Community Grants Policy).

Consultation approach

6.       The consultation period is Monday 14 July to Monday 11 August 2014.  Consultation will include:

·   provision of easy read and MSWord versions of summary document and feedback form

·   MSWord and screen reader accessible PDF versions of consultation documents

·   distribution of hard copy summary documents and feedback forms at all Auckland Council service centres, community centres, local board offices and libraries

·   provision of information via ‘Shape Auckland’ and a dedicated webpage on the Auckland Council website

·   advertisement in ‘Our Auckland’

·   advertisement through community and ethnic newspapers

·   NZ sign language translation via Seeflow and through their networks in the NZ Deaf community

·   promotion via Council’s social media channels (e.g. Facebook)

·   provision of a dedicated community assistance email account to allow people to make enquiries and submit feedback (communityassistance@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz)

·   distribution of online survey to the following audiences:

o  those who provided feedback during previous consultations

o  previous applicants to community funding schemes

o  community networks via Council’s advisory teams (e.g. Disability Advisors)

o  other stakeholder networks as appropriate

·   provision of hard copy consultation material and feedback forms by request

·   public workshops x 4 (sign language interpreters available)

·   hui x 2 (sign language interpreters available)

7.       Staff will report to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in December 2014 seeking adoption of a final Community Grants Policy.

8.       The new policy will be implemented from 1 July 2015.

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)      note that the draft Community Grants Policy has been endorsed by the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee for public consultation. b)      provide feedback to staff on the planned approach to engaging the disability community.

 

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Draft Community Grants Policy - accessible version	141
bView	Draft Community Grants Policy Summary - accessible version	199
cView	Draft Community Grants Policy Feedback Form - accessible version	211
dView	Draft Community Grants Policy Summary - easy read version	217
eView	Draft Community Grants Policy Feedback Form - easy read version	239

     

Signatories

Author	Linda Greenalgh - Policy Analyst  - Region wide
Authoriser	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

 

Community Grants Policy

Draft for public consultation

Community Policy and Planning June 2014

 

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

 

CONTENTS

Introduction and overview.. 4

Purpose and objectives. 6

Legislative context and strategic alignment 7

Legislative context 7

Auckland Council’s strategic framework. 10

Other key strategies, policies and plans. 13

Policy principles. 15

A focus on outcomes. 15

Working together: mutual respect and shared responsibility. 15

Fairness and equity of opportunity. 16

Valuing Te Ao Māori 16

Transparency and clarity. 17

Recognising innovation and collaboration.. 17

Quality, effectiveness and value. 18

Proportionality. 18

Scope and eligibility. 19

Contestable and discretionary grants. 19

Who can apply for grants. 20

What we will fund. 22

What we won’t fund. 24

Assessment and prioritisation.. 25

Out of scope. 27

Programme structure. 30

Local grants programme. 30

Overview.. 30

Grant schemes. 32

Multi-board grants. 33

Regional grants programme. 36

Shared characteristics of all regional grants programmes. 37

 

Schedule one: Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme. 41

Schedule two: Regional Community Development Grants Programme. 44

Schedule three: Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme. 47

Schedule four: Regional Events Grants Programme. 52

Schedule five: Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme. 55

Schedule six: Regional Sports and Recreation Grants Programme. 58

Introduction and overview

People are at the heart of the Auckland Plan – connected, resilient and inclusive communities underpin Auckland’s vision of becoming the world’s most liveable city. With people at the heart of the Auckland Plan, community development must be at the heart of Auckland Council. Council is just one contributor in the shared endeavor of building thriving communities, but it has an important part to play.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and Mayor Len Brown
Foreword to Thriving Communities: Community and Social Development Action Plan, April 2014

1.      The Community Grants Policy guides the allocation of local and regional grants to groups and organisations delivering projects, activities and services that benefit Aucklanders and contribute to the vision of becoming the world’s most liveable city. The word ‘community’ is used here in its broadest sense: it signals that our grants programme will support the social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of our people and places.

2.      Having a community grants programme is an explicit acknowledgement that the world’s most liveable city cannot be created by Auckland Council acting alone. There are many independent groups and organisations that share our objectives, and in many cases are better placed to deliver on them. These community-led organisations are experts in their respective fields, and able to mobilise a range of relationships and resources to achieve their goals.

3.      Auckland Council’s Social and Community Development Action Plan, Thriving Communities states that “our role is to enable, facilitate, and provide every opportunity for communities to drive and own their own development”. By providing community groups and organisations with direct financial assistance, Council can support those objectives we share, be a catalyst for positive change, deliver value for money to ratepayers, and help to sustain a thriving and independent community sector.

4.      The Community Grants Policy provides a framework for a new community grants programme, which has two main components:

·    A local grants programme (incorporating multi-board grants)

·    A regional grants programme

Local grants programme

5.      Auckland Council’s 21 local boards will each operate their own local grants programme under the broader umbrella of the Auckland Council Community Grants Policy. Local boards will award grants to local groups and organisations, services, events and activities that benefit residents in their local board area.

6.      Local boards may also collaborate to award grants to support groups and organisations, services, events and activities that benefit multiple local board areas, but do not qualify for regional funding.

Regional grants programme

7.      The governing body of Auckland Council, through its various committees, will award grants to regionally significant organisations, services, events and activities that benefit residents across Auckland. Auckland Council will operate six grants programmes at this level, aligned to strategic directions outlined in the Auckland Plan.

8.      The regional grants programmes are:

·    Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme

·    Regional Community Development Grants Programme

·    Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme

·    Regional Events Grants Programme

·    Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme

·    Regional Sport and Recreation Grants Programme

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Purpose and objectives

9.      The purpose of the Community Grants Policy is to guide the allocation and management of contestable and discretionary community grants awarded at the local or regional level. These grants support the delivery of a wide range of outcomes identified in the Auckland Plan, Local Board Plans and other key strategic documents.

10.    The overall objective of the Community Grants Policy is to deliver a grants programme that meets the needs of four main groups of stakeholders, as outlined below:

·    Groups and organisations seeking grant funding, who require clear guidance about Council’s intentions and priorities for funding, fair and proportionate grants processes, and upfront information about their obligations if they receive a grant

·    Elected members, who are responsible for allocating grants in a way that best meets the needs of their communities, addresses the priorities they have set through Council strategies and plans, and delivers good value for money for ratepayers

·    Council staff, who need a clear framework within which to work to provide high quality service and advice, support good stewardship of grant funds, effectively integrate the grants programme with Council’s other community programmes, and evaluate its benefits

·    Auckland residents, whose rates pay for the grants the council provides, and who receive the benefit of the activities we fund on their behalf

11.    The Community Grants Policy has the following specific objectives:

1.   Supports a wide range of organisations, projects, programmes, activities and events that reflect our diverse communities and tangibly improve their quality of life.

2.   Provides a means for elected members to regularly consider and prioritise all possible recipients of grant assistance. This will include not only established organisations, who may receive support on an ongoing basis, but also new groups and initiatives that arise to address Auckland’s growth and our communities’ changing needs and circumstances.

3.   Aligns the provision of grants to the published priorities of Auckland Council, as identified in the Auckland Plan, Local Board Plans and strategic plans at the regional level.

4.   The grants programme is ‘fit-for-purpose’ – by which we mean:

a.   it is customised to Auckland Council’s shared governance model, with decisions taken at the right level, enabling our elected members to be responsive to the needs of the communities to whom they are accountable

b.   grants are equally accessible to all groups and organisations in Auckland

c.   our supporting processes, systems and materials are community-centric – meaning they put the needs of our ‘customer’ first, are user-friendly and easy to understand

d.   the overall programme is feasible to deliver to a high standard, for a reasonable cost

e.   funding decisions are merit-based and evidence-based – producing community benefits that are clear and measurable in return for ratepayers’ investment.

5.   Auckland Council upholds its statutory responsibility to ensure the lawful, transparent and prudent expenditure of public funds.

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Legislative context and strategic alignment

Legislative context

Local Government Act

12.    In December 2012, central government amended the purpose of local government in the Local Government Act 2002.  The purpose of local government is now to:

‘Enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.’

13.    The Act also requires local government to, ‘take into account the social, economic, and cultural interests of people and communities and quality of the environment, including for future generations, as part of a sustainable development approach’ and references Council’s role in developing social policy to support these objectives.

14.    The Community Grants Policy responds to this directive in four ways:

·    Grants are an important mechanism for enabling local decision-making and action, empowering communities to work alongside Council to meet their current and future needs.

·    Grants will be provided primarily for ‘local community infrastructure’ and ‘local public services’, as these are interpreted in the Auckland Council context, and can be put towards social, cultural and environmental activities.

·    The design of the grants programme recognises the fundamental independence and capability of our communities, community organisations and the wider non-government sector, and their complementary role to that of local government.

·    Design and implementation of each stage of the programme will support a clear focus on applying scarce resources cost-effectively.

Local Government Act (Auckland Council) 2009

15.    The Auckland Council was established under the Local Government Act (Auckland Council) 2009. The Act created two complementary and non-hierarchical decision-making parts – the governing body and 21 local boards – providing political governance at the regional and local levels.

16.    The Community Grants Policy is a regional policy adopted by the governing body. However, the Act notes: ‘Regional strategies and policies are not intended to be prescriptive or unduly restrict the decision-making role of local boards. Where they relate to local activities, they provide regional parameters within which local boards then make decisions on local activities.’

17.    The Community Grants Policy covers both the regional and local levels of the grants programme, but provides considerable flexibility for local boards within this broader framework. This aligns with the LGA and the decision-making allocation set out in the Long-term Plan.

18.    The following table shows the Auckland Council decision-making roles and responsibilities in relation to the grants programme.

Local governance	Regional governance
21 elected local boards, made up of 149 local board members	One elected governing body, made up of the Mayor and 20 ward councillors
Local board grants Local boards will award grants to local groups and organisations, services, events and activities that benefit residents in their local board area. Multi-board grants Local boards can collaborate to award grants to groups and organisations, services, events and activities that benefit multiple local board areas but do not qualify for regional funding.	Regional grants Governing body committees will award grants to regionally significant organisations, services, events and activities that benefit residents across Auckland.

Government guidance for the operation of grants programmes

19.    Several documents have been prepared by central government to provide guidance for public entities operating grants programmes that financially support third parties. These documents outline a range of expectations, mainly at the operational level, which have been incorporated in the design of the grants programme and supporting processes and materials.

20.    Broadly, Council is expected to ensure:

·    Grants are allocated lawfully, transparently and prudently, in keeping with Council’s responsibilities as a public entity dispensing public funds, and the legislated purpose of local government

·    Conflicts of interest are identified and appropriately managed

·    Grant applicants and recipients are treated fairly and with respect

·    Processes and materials are fit for purpose and accessible to all

·    Expectations of grant recipients are clearly communicated, reasonable, and proportionate to the funding they receive

·    Adequate records are kept at each stage of the funding ‘lifecycle’ to support internal and external audit requirements and evaluate the impact of the grants programme.

 

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Auckland Council’s strategic framework

21.    Auckland Council operates a grants programme to help us achieve a wide range of outcomes. These outcomes are determined locally, through Local Board Plans, and regionally, through the Auckland Plan and regional activity / sector-specific strategies, policies and plans. The Community Grants Policy is a tool for delivering these outcomes, which have been agreed in consultation with our communities.

22.    The following diagram shows the strategic framework for Auckland Council.

Auckland Plan

23.    The Auckland Plan sets out a single vision to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city over the next 30 years, to 2040. The Community Grants Policy provides a framework for responding to a number of strategic directions and priorities outlined in the Auckland Plan through grant funding.

24.    Although not an exhaustive list, the strategic directions and priorities set out in the following table are particularly relevant for the Community Grants Policy.

c.            Auckland Plan Strategic Directions	d.            Auckland Plan Priority Areas
e.            Create a strong, inclusive and equitable society that ensures opportunity for all Aucklanders	f.             Put children and young people first g.            Improve the education, health and safety of Aucklanders, with a focus on those most in need h.            Strengthen communities
i.              Enable Māori aspirations through recognition of of the Treaty of Waitangi and Customary Rights	j.              Enable Māori aspirations for thriving and self-sustaining Marae k.            Support sustainable development of Māori outcomes, leadership, community and partnerships
l.              Integrate arts and culture into our everyday lives	m.           Value and foster Auckland's cultural diversity n.            Valuing our artists, creative sector and our cultural institutions
o.            Protect and conserve Auckland’s historic heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations	p.            Understand, value and share our heritage q.            Invest in our heritage r.             Empower collective stewardship of our heritage
s.            Promote individual and community wellbeing through participation and excellence in recreation and sport	t.              Provide quality opportunity for all Aucklanders to participate in recreation and sport u.            Prioritise and optimise our recreation and sport facilities and public open space use and the capabilities of recreation and sport organisations
v.            Develop an economy that delivers opportunity and prosperity for all Aucklanders and New Zealand	w.           Enhance investment in people to grow skills and local workforce x.            Develop a creative, vibrant world city
y.            Acknowledge that nature and people are inseparable	z.            Value our natural heritage aa.         Sustainably manage our natural resources bb.         Treasure our coastline, harbours, islands and marine areas
cc.          Contribute to tackling climate change and increasing energy resilience	dd.         Mitigate Climate Change ee.         Improve energy efficiency, security and resilience ff.            Adapt to a changing climate

25.    The Community Grants Policy also takes account of two particular directives in the Auckland Plan concerning ‘ways of working’:

·    Directive 1.10: Support community-led development and work with communities to develop leadership, skills and capacity

·    Directive 1.11: Promote inclusion, reduce discrimination and remove barriers to opportunity and participation, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

Local Board Plans

26.    Auckland’s 21 local boards develop a Local Board Plan at the beginning of their three-year term, in consultation with local communities, which sets out the aspirations and priorities for their local community and guides their decision-making. Reflecting their local focus, local board plans tend to have a strong focus on community well-being and ‘liveability’ at the local level.

27.    Key themes highlighted in the first round of Local Board Plans include:

·    Supporting local community identity through arts, culture and youth programmes and local events

·    Creating vibrant and economically strong town centres that reflect local character and stimulate community activity and involvement

·    Enhancing and protecting the natural environment

·    Building on community and volunteer networks

·    Enhancing quality of life through providing high quality community facilities and events

·    Improving sports fields and ensuring high quality, well-connected open spaces

·    Protecting and valuing built and cultural heritage

·    Preserving the natural character of rural areas.

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Other key strategies, policies and plans

28.    The priorities set out in the Auckland Plan are further elaborated in in a range of other Auckland Council strategic documents and in the Māori Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau, prepared by the Independent Māori Statutory Board.

29.    Key policies and strategies include:

·    Thriving Communities: Community and Social Development Action Plan

·    Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan

·    Events Policy

·    Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan

·    Children and Young People Strategic Action Plan

·    Community Facilities Network Plan

·    Māori Responsiveness Framework

·    Indigenous Biodiversity strategy

·    Environmental Strategic Action Plan

·    Waste Minimisation and Management Plan

·    Low Carbon Action Plan

·    Historic Heritage Strategy

·    Heritage Incentives Policy

30.    At the regional level, these activity- or sector-specific strategies and policies drive the outcomes and funding priorities set for each regional grants programme (refer to the individual fund descriptions in the ‘Regional Grants Programme’ section for more information).

Thriving Communities

31.    In 2013, Auckland Council released Thriving Communities: Community and Social Development Action Plan that forms part of our outcomes framework at the regional level. Thriving Communities is specifically concerned with the council’s role in empowering Auckland’s communities and the community sector, and as such its recommendations have special significance for our grants programme. Thriving Communities established six priority actions for the council to focus on:

·    Enable resident and community-driven action to flourish

·    Support and strengthen the voluntary and community sector

·    Support the development of social innovation and social enterprise

·    Maximise Council’s positive socio-economic impacts

·    Work in a holistic and responsive way

·    Enable our staff to be community centric.

32.    All six actions inform the delivery of the grants programme in some way. For instance, enabling match funding was recommended under the first action, and improving funding processes was identified under the second action, with a key focus on achieving ‘proportionality’. These actions are acknowledged in our ‘Policy principles’ and in the overall design of the grants programme.

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Policy principles

33.    The following policy principles will guide our behaviour and decision-making, and inform the design and implementation of the Auckland Council community grants programme:

·    A focus on outcomes

·    Working together: mutual respect and shared responsibility

·    Fairness and equity of opportunity

·    Valuing Te Ao Māori

·    Transparency and clarity

·    Recognising innovation and collaboration

·    Quality, effectiveness and value

·    Proportionality

A focus on outcomes

34.    The focus of the Community Grants Policy is the positive outcomes we are seeking to achieve for our communities. The grants programme is a means to serve this end, not an end in itself. The processes we develop and the decisions we make will serve and support good community outcomes over all other considerations. We will also evaluate the success of each grant we make based on the outcomes that are achieved.

Working together: mutual respect and shared responsibility

35.    Auckland Council recognises the critical contribution that the community and not-for-profit sector makes to building a more liveable city. We share many interests, values and goals with the sector, but we recognise that it is made up of self-determining and independent organisations. Like the council, each has its own mission, and is accountable to its own communities. Our grant relationships with these organisations will be characterised by mutual respect and shared responsibility.

36.    Grants are a means of financially supporting community-led initiatives, and in this respect they are fundamentally different from procurement arrangements. When the council procures from a third party, it is purchasing a service to meet a specific need or requirement, and that service is delivered to the council’s specifications. In contrast, the initiatives we support through grants are conceived and delivered by the community, for the community. This distinction will be reflected in the grants programme – in the language that we use, the processes we design, and the relationships we enter into with grant recipients.

37.    Grants will be allocated and managed in accordance with Auckland’s unique shared governance model. Our local and regional elected members have been tasked with representing their communities and responding to their needs, and the grants programme will be sufficiently flexible to give effect to that responsibility.

38.    Our staff will work collaboratively across the council’s divisions, departments and business units to provide a high quality, ‘seamless’ service to elected members, grant applicants and grant recipients.

Fairness and equity of opportunity

39.    We value all of Auckland’s diverse communities, and welcome grant applications from people of all ages, identities, abilities, cultures and ethnicities, wherever in the region they live.

40.    All our communities will have an equal opportunity to be considered for grants, and the design and management of the programme will take account of their differing needs and interests. We will ensure applicants are treated fairly regardless of their size, location or circumstances, and provide any support they may reasonably require.

41.    Auckland Council allocates grants from a limited pool.  Our grants will be targeted to the achievement of particular outcomes and priorities that have been published in advance. These will align with our published priorities, and be appropriate to our purpose and role as a local authority.

Valuing Te Ao Māori

42.    The grants programme will support Auckland Council’s commitment to Māori, as described in the Auckland Plan. This includes our statutory responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our broader undertaking to significantly lift the social and economic wellbeing of Māori.

43.    In the context of this policy, this commitment means:

·    embedding an awareness and understanding of the Māori world view within Auckland Council, to enhance our ability to reflect the Māori perspective in our actions and responsibilities, and be more effective in engaging and working with Māori

·    ensuring the unique role and significance of Māori, as outlined in the Auckland Plan, is appropriately recognised in the outcomes and funding priorities established at the local and regional level,

·    supporting Māori aspirations through the provision of grants to eligible organisations and initiatives that effectively address these priorities.

Transparency and clarity

44.    The grants programme will operate transparently in all respects and at all stages of the process, while protecting confidentiality.  We will provide clear information in a timely way about the opportunities to apply for funding, and our expectations of applicants and recipients.

45.    We will publish information about all of the grants we provide – who has received them, and for what purpose. We will also provide feedback to unsuccessful grant applicants about why they have been declined, so they will know what they can do to increase their chances of success next time.

46.    We seek to enable sustainable organisations and initiatives, while avoiding organisations becoming financially dependent on Auckland Council. The majority of our grants will be to deliver one-off projects, or be provided as ‘seed’ funding to test new ideas and approaches, help with start-up or expansion costs, or enable recipients to leverage more sustainable sources of financial support.

47.    Where the intention is to provide support on an ongoing basis, especially at the regional level, elected members will give due consideration to providing longer term (multi-year) grant funding. However past funding doesn’t represent a commitment to future funding (i.e. beyond the term of the initial agreement).

Recognising innovation and collaboration

48.    We recognise that communities face increasingly complex challenges and that creativity, innovation and collaboration can be critical to the development of solutions. We welcome proposals seeking to respond to issues and opportunities in innovative ways, including through collaborative partnerships.

49.    We recognise that innovation and collaboration can also bring risk. In these cases we consider that failure to achieve the anticipated outcomes is not necessarily a failure to deliver value. Outcomes can include opportunities to build community capacity, learn from experience and adapt to changing circumstances. We recognise these as valuable practices that contribute to community resilience and wellbeing.

Quality, effectiveness and value

50.    Staff and elected members will work together to deliver good value for ratepayers’ investment, by supporting high quality initiatives that are effective, and which can produce measurable outcomes for our communities.

51.    Consistent processes will be applied to assessing grant applications at each level. Assessment will be based on proposals’ individual merits and how well they align with our funding priorities. We may take into account an applicant organisation’s previous track record, their current capability and their future potential when awarding grants.

52.    In some cases, the outcomes we are targeting are most likely to be delivered by small groups that emerge organically within their communities. Such groups may lack the resources of larger, more established organisations with permanent employees. Where the capacity of these applicants is a barrier, our staff will provide support to ensure an appropriate quality of application can be submitted (usual decision making criteria and processes still apply).

53.    All grant recipients will be required to account for how they have spent the funds and evaluate what they have achieved and/or learned.

Proportionality

54.    Auckland Council has a statutory responsibility to ensure the lawful and prudent expenditure of public funds. At the same time we want to work in a way that acknowledges the integrity of community organisations, and recognises the impact of our requirements on their limited time and resources. We will strive to get this balance right.

55.    The information we collect and our expectations of grant applicants / recipients should always be proportionate to the scale of what is being proposed or funded. The processes and documentation that organisations are asked to complete should be appropriate to the size of the grant, the situation of the applicant and the level of risk presented to the council.

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Scope and eligibility

56.    This section outlines the scope of the Community Grants Policy, provides definitions of key terms, discusses eligibility considerations and highlights the key factors we will take into account when assessing grant applications.

Contestable and discretionary grants

Contestable grants

57.    The majority of Auckland Council grants will be awarded through a contestable process. This is the best way to enable elected members to compare the relative merits of the funding proposals they receive, and to allocate grants from limited funding pools as fairly as possible.

58.    In this context contestable means that:

·    applications are invited during scheduled funding rounds, with publicly advertised opening and closing dates,

·    any eligible organisation has an equal opportunity to be considered for a grant,

·    clearly defined processes will be applied to all applications, and

·    final allocation decisions are made in a public forum.

Discretionary grants

59.    From time to time, Auckland Council may receive funding requests from organisations seeking a grant outside of the normal contestable process. Although not obliged to do so, the governing body or local boards may choose to make a discretionary grant in some cases. To be considered for a discretionary grant, the organisation would need to make a compelling case for an urgent decision – in other words, demonstrate that:

·    their need (or opportunity) is immediate, and has arisen since the last scheduled funding round closed,

·    consideration cannot wait until the next scheduled funding round, and

·    the circumstances could not reasonably have been foreseen.

60.    If the council is satisfied of the applicants’ exceptional circumstances and the merit of the proposal, we may award a discretionary grant outside of the normal contestable process. Decision-makers can choose to make the grant ‘in principle’, and seek the advice of council staff before releasing the funds.

61.    Discretionary grants will:

·    usually be for small amounts,

·    be awarded via formal resolution in a public forum,

·    be recorded using standard grant documentation (e.g. application forms) even if these are completed after the grant has been released, and

·    still need to comply with the standard Auckland Council grant requirements.

Who can apply for grants

Community organisations

62.    The primary beneficiaries of community grants will be not-for-profit, charitable and voluntary organisations. These groups are often referred to collectively as ‘community organisations’ because they are established with the primary purpose of providing a benefit to the wider community.

63.    Community organisations generally display the following characteristics:

a.   A not-for-profit organisation, or an association of individuals whose primary aim is providing services and benefits to the community at large

b.   Membership or participation is available to anyone who wishes to join

c.   May be a special interest or advocacy group for a particular section of the community, but the group or organisation should not impose restrictions upon membership (such as setting fees at a level that exclude most people who might want to participate).

64.    Most community organisations have a formal legal structure and founding documents (e.g. a constitution) which set out governance and management arrangements consistent with their charitable mission. Having a recognised structure enables Auckland Council to enter into a formal legal agreement with the organisation, and ensures clarity around how grant funds will be managed.

65.    Auckland Council will prioritise grant funding for community organisations as we recognise that their primary purpose is to provide community benefits and they may have limited revenue streams and/or opportunities to raise funds to pay for the valuable work they do.

Individuals and groups with no formal legal structure

66.    Individuals and groups with no formal legal structure may apply for small grants for neighbourhood-level activities, except where individual local boards have specifically stated otherwise.

67.    In most cases we would expect applicants in this category, especially those seeking more substantial grants, to nominate an ‘umbrella’ organisation to receive and administer the grant on their behalf. The umbrella organisation would be legally accountable to Auckland Council for the expenditure of the grant.

68.    Note: an exception applies for individual property owners seeking grants for the care of scheduled heritage buildings or demonstrably improved environmental outcomes.

Commercial entities

69.    Commercial entities – e.g. limited companies – can apply for grants in certain circumstances, except where individual local boards or governing body committees have specifically stated they will not consider applications from such entities.

70.    Projects, events or initiatives proposed by commercial entities will need to clearly and directly benefit the wider community, and applicants will be expected to demonstrate that their receipt of a grant would not result in unreasonable pecuniary gain in relation to the value of the outcomes achieved. Proposed activities would need to be operated on a ‘cost recovery’ basis, i.e. with no profit returned to the organisation^[1], individual employees or shareholders. Professional fees or wages paid to contributing staff should be no higher than standard market rates.

71.    Examples of commercial entities that could apply are:

·    Social enterprises (organisations that trade in order to support social, cultural or environmental goals)

·    Professional event companies delivering free or subsidised community events

·    Professional performing arts companies delivering high quality cultural experiences that would not otherwise be economically viable

·    Commercial entities (e.g. farm businesses) caring for scheduled heritage buildings or producing demonstrably improved environmental outcomes on behalf of all Aucklanders.

Conflicts of interest

72.    Organisations affiliated in some way to elected members or employees of Auckland Council can still be considered for grant funding. However organisations in this category should note any possible conflict of interest (or perception of a conflict of interest) in their application, to ensure any necessary steps can be taken to mitigate this.

73.    Impacted elected members or council employees are also required to note any possible conflict of interest (or perception of a conflict of interest), and will not be involved in any assessment or decision-making related to these applications.

Ineligible applicants

74.    Community grants as covered by this policy are not available to:

·    Political parties

·    Internal applicants (i.e. to fund projects, programmes or facilities run by Auckland Council or its employees)

·    Auckland Council CCOs (council-controlled organisations), including facilities operated by Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA)

·    Organisations funded under the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act (ARAFA)

·    Other local authorities, government agencies or public sector entities.

What we will fund

75.    Auckland Council provides grants to support organisations, projects, activities and events working across a wide range of activity areas.

76.    An indicative – but not exhaustive – list of possible grant recipients and grant-funded activities is provided in the table below.

Activity area	Examples of possible grant recipients and grant-funded activities
Arts, culture and events	·     Arts and cultural groups ·     Umbrella groups representing different art-forms / sector development organisations ·     Non-council-owned arts and cultural facilities ·     Community arts education and activities ·     Professional performing arts groups / companies ·     Professional event organisers delivering community events ·     Community-led events and festivals ·     Public art
Community development	·     Community support groups ·     Neighbourhood and resident groups ·     Representative and advocacy bodies serving ethnic, cultural and special interest communities ·     Sector development organisations ·     Local public services (as distinct from those provided by central government) ·     Community programmes and activities ·     Community safety organisations (e.g. Wardens) ·     Community hui, learning events and conferences
Environment and natural heritage	·     Auckland-based advocacy and sector development organisations ·     Environmental groups and projects ·     Environmental education, including schools-based programmes ·     Biodiversity protection / ecological restoration work by individuals, groups and businesses on public or private land ·     Identification and stewardship/kaitiakitanga of our natural heritage places by mana whenua and iwi groups ·     Sustainable living initiatives and resources ·     Facilities (e.g. Environment centres, tree nurseries)
Historic heritage	·     Conservation of significant built heritage by individuals, groups and businesses ·     Identification and stewardship/kaitiakitanga of historic sites, structures, places, areas and archaeological sites of cultural and spiritual significance to mana whenua and iwi groups ·     Enabling community access to privately owned heritage sites ·     Heritage education and interpretation ·     Conservation and practice of cultural heritage
Sport and recreation	·     Advocacy organisations promoting active lifestyles ·     Sport and active recreation programmes and events ·     Sport and active recreation providers ·     Sports code governing bodies / umbrella organisations ·     Improving use of / access to recreational and open spaces

What we won’t fund

77.    The Community Grants Policy provides considerable flexibility in terms of how positive outcomes are delivered for communities. However, there are some purposes that will not be funded^[2].

78.    This list of funding exclusions draws on:

·    the statutory purpose of local government, to ‘meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure [and] local public services’,

·    central government guidance (in particular the Office of the Auditor General and New Zealand Treasury), and

·    internationally applied principles of ‘best practice’ grant-making.

79.    The following activities will not be funded:

·    Debt servicing or repayment

·    Legal expenses

·    Activities that promote religious ministry or political purposes

·    Medical expenses

·    Fundraising by individuals or groups, where our grant will be donated to a third party (e.g. charity events, sponsored walks)

·    Public services that are the responsibility of central government (e.g. core education, primary health care)

·    Physical works – e.g. improvements to community buildings – that require consents or permits, prior to the necessary consents or permits being obtained (grants may be awarded in principle, but funds will not be released until all conditions are satisfied)

·    Physical works (e.g. environmental improvements) that are carried out to obtain, or as a condition of, a resource consent (e.g. works required as a mitigation for a consent)

·    Purchase of alcohol.

80.    In a competitive funding environment, the following may be a lower priority for funding:

·    Travel and accommodation outside Auckland, unless elected members are convinced there will be a tangible benefit for Auckland ratepayers

·    Retrospective costs (where the activity has already taken place), unless this was stated as a condition of the grant, or we are satisfied there are other mitigating circumstances

·    Purchase or maintenance of vehicles.

81.    Local boards and governing body committees may from time to time specify additional exclusions for funding to those set out above. These will be set out in the supporting materials for each grants programme, and made available to potential applicants in advance of each scheduled funding round.

Assessment and prioritisation

82.    The previous section sets out who and what we will consider funding through the grants programme. This section explains the factors we will take into account when assessing proposals, to determine their relative merit, and assist decision-makers to prioritise between proposals of similar merit.

83.    When assessing the strength of an individual proposal, and which proposals should be considered a priority for funding, our staff will consider whether the applicant has:

·    Clearly defined the purpose of their project, activity or service – e.g. the need they are meeting – and outlined why this is important.

·    Made a compelling case for how their proposal aligns to the funding priorities established by the relevant local board(s) or the governing body committee, relative to other proposals.

·    Identified where their organisation, and/or their project, activity or service, aligns with our policy principles – for example demonstrating innovation, or valuing diversity.

·    Shown that their project, activity or service will support multiple outcomes across activity areas (e.g. a project that supports both environmental and arts and culture outcomes) – this is not a requirement but may give greater weight to an application.

·    Clearly described their project, activity or service – what will be delivered and how – and satisfied us that it is viable.

·    The capability, capacity and experience to deliver their project, activity or service to an appropriate standard, evidenced by a relevant track record of successful delivery^[3].

·    Presented a realistic, evidence-based budget for their project, activity or service, and identified exactly how our grant would be spent.

·    Understands who their project, activity or service is targeting and where in Auckland these people are likely to come from, and has the necessary experience, networks or profile to give them credible access to this target group.

·    Provided evidence of community support for, and/or involvement in the project, activity or service, and/or evidence of support from their recognised regional or national body (where relevant).

Financial considerations

84.    Auckland Council grant programmes are consistently oversubscribed, and it is not possible for us to meet all requests for funding. Our overarching aim is to deliver the outcomes that are most significant to our communities, but in making decisions we will take applicants’ financial situation into consideration.

85.    We may take into account any or all of the following:

·    The applicant’s overall financial position, including their ability to fund the project from their own resources^[4] and/or to access grants from other sources

·    Whether the applicant has accessed, or made reasonable attempts to access, other sources of financial support for their project, activity or service, including grants from other funders, or fundraising within their community

·    Whether the applicant has received, or is receiving, any other grants, contracts, subsidised accommodation or other financial assistance from Auckland Council.

Match funding

86.    ‘Match funding’ is where elected members choose to match the value of the grant they award to the value of the applicant’s own contribution to the project. The applicant’s contribution may be made up of volunteer labour, donated materials, donated professional services and/or their own cash reserves. The ‘match’ is usually 1:1, but different matches may be appropriate in different cases.

87.    Match funding is a way of recognising that grant funding is often just one ingredient in a broader partnership to bring about positive change. It acknowledges and values what communities themselves ‘bring to the table’, including their non-financial resources.

88.    We will ask all grant applicants what they (or others) are contributing to the cost of their proposed project or activity, in addition to the grant they are seeking from Auckland Council. Some local boards or governing body committees may use this information to support match funding as a core principle for how they award their grants, meaning that the amount they will fund a project is in specific relation to the value the applicant is contributing. Any such commitment will be stated in the supporting information for their grants programme.

Out of scope

89.    The Community Grants Policy replaces all of the grants policies and contestable and discretionary grants schemes that Auckland Council inherited from the former regional, city and district councils at amalgamation, and operated through the interim funding programme (November 2010 – June 2015).

90.    This section outlines grants and other forms of community assistance that are administered or provided by Auckland Council, but which are out of scope for the Community Grants Policy.

91.    Other grants provided by Auckland Council

·    Grants or fee rebate programmes operated by the substantive Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs), including Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Regional Facilities Auckland, Auckland Transport and Watercare.

·    Rates incentive programmes which provide low interest assistance to homeowners to address home resource efficiency, to be repaid via rates (currently home insulation and clean heat retrofitting, through the ‘Retrofit your Home’ programme).

·    The annual levy to the Regional Amenities Funding Board (RAFB), which is a statutory requirement of Auckland Council under the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board Act. The RAFB distributes this levy annually via significant grants to a group of key regional organisations (e.g. Coastguard, Auckland Philharmonia).

·    Large, one-off grants towards the purchase, development or maintenance of key regional infrastructure (e.g. the new Auckland Theatre Company building, Holy Trinity Cathedral).

·    Grants provided as part of a broader strategic relationship with key partner organisations operating regionally (e.g. the Regional Sports Trusts, Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux).

·    Grants for the delivery of Auckland Council services via ‘outsourced’ or partnership delivery models (e.g. grants to third parties for the operation of council-owned community facilities).

92.    Third-party funding programmes

·    The Creative Communities grants scheme, funded by Creative NZ and operated by territorial authorities (including Auckland Council) on their behalf. Creative Communities is administered by the Community Development, Arts and Culture department.

·    The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund, funded through the central government waste levy and administered by the Environmental Services unit.

·    The Honda Tree Fund, sponsored by Honda New Zealand and administered by the Environmental Services unit.

·    Any other third-party funding scheme, current or future, which is operated wholly or partially by Auckland Council under terms established by the funder.

93.    Other forms of community assistance

94.    The Community Grants Policy is one of a suite of region-wide community assistance policies, each of which governs a specific mechanism for providing financial support to communities / community organisations. The following forms of community assistance will be outside the scope of this policy, as they are – or will be – covered by other policies:

·    Community occupancies (formerly community leases)

·    Rates rebates / rates remissions

·    Facility partnerships  (for the capital development of community facilities in partnership with external organisations)

·    Community loans and loan guarantees

·    Koha given to Māori in specific cultural situations and settings (e.g. tangi).

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Programme structure

95.    The Auckland Council community grants programme has two main components:

·    Local: 21 individual local grants programmes, governed by local boards, and a multi-board grants programme governed by ‘clusters’ of local boards working together

·    Regional: six regional grants programmes, governed by the relevant committees of the governing body

 

Local grants programme

Overview

96.    Auckland’s 21 local boards fulfill a critical leadership, advocacy and governance role in their local areas. They have responsibility for a broad range of local matters, including improving the quality of the local environment, developing the local economy, and helping to build thriving communities, neighbourhoods and town centres.

97.    Local grants are a key tool local boards can use to implement the vision for their area. This vision is set out in their Local Board Plans, which they have developed in consultation with their local residents and stakeholders. Grants provide a very direct, tangible way of supporting local community aspirations and responding to local needs and opportunities. Taken together, our local grants programmes will also make an important contribution to delivering the Auckland Plan.

98.    Each local board will be supported to operate their own local grants programme under the broader umbrella of the Auckland Council Community Grants Programme. Local boards will play an important role in shaping their individual programme, including:

·    Deciding how much of their local budget to allocate to their grants programme

·    Drawing on their Local Board Plan to set priorities for local grants

·    Considering staff assessments of grant applications and recommendations for which proposals to fund

·    Awarding grants

·    Receiving reports to understand how their grants have benefited the community.

Grants budgets

99.    Prior to the start of each financial year, each local board will set aside funds for their local grants programme from their overall budget. Boards have discretion over how much to set aside for this purpose, above a minimum level to ensure their grants programme is viable to operate. The recommended minimum for each scheme is $20,000.

100.  Local boards can also work with council staff to ‘ring-fence’ amounts for granting for particular purposes at the start of each financial year. For example, local boards may want to set aside part of their grants budget for events, or for the preservation of local built heritage. This indicates to staff and applicants the level of investment the board wants to make in that area. Any ring-fencing within grants budgets will remain flexible to enable members to respond to local demand.

101.  The overall amount available per grants scheme in each local board area, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published in advance of funding rounds opening for each new financial year.

Setting priorities for local grants

102.  Once Local Board Plans have been adopted at the start of each political term, each local board will work with council staff to develop a set of priorities for their local grants programme based on the direction set out in their Plan.

103.  The aim of the funding priorities is to provide clear guidance to potential applicants on what the board particularly wants to fund. For example, a local board may seek to encourage applications for youth initiatives, or activities taking place in a neighbourhood with a large new housing development.

104.  Each local board will review its funding priorities on an annual basis, and publish any updates in advance of funding rounds opening for the new financial year.

Exclusions / significant factors

105.  Local boards can specify additional exclusions for funding to those set out in this policy – such as setting a maximum grant size, or excluding certain types of expenditure (e.g. catering).

106.  Local boards can also specify additional factors they consider would significantly impact on their decision-making – for example whether the applicant is contributing resources to the project themselves (with a view to providing match funding).

Grant schemes

107.  Two grant schemes will operate through the local grants programme:

·    Fast Response Local Grants (up to $1,000)

·    Local Grants (over $1,000)

108.  Applicants can only apply once per financial year, per local board, for the same project or activity.

109.  A basic description of each grant scheme is provided below. Full information on the number and timing of grant rounds and the expectations and requirements for each grant scheme will be set out in the supporting materials for the grants programme, available to applicants on the council website.

110.  If an organisation applies for a grant that is larger than the grant they receive, then the funding agreement, payment timeframes and accountability requirements will reflect the size of the grant they receive.

Fast Response Local Grants scheme

111.  Fast Response Local Grants are for requests up to $1,000.

112.  Fast Response grants will be available at least twice per year, up to a maximum of six rounds per year (i.e. one round every two months, excluding the December/January holiday season). The number of funding rounds for the Fast Response Local Grants scheme will be at the discretion of the local board. Information about scheduled funding rounds in each local board area will be advertised on the council website.

113.  Applicants for Fast Response grants will complete simplified online application and accountability processes^[5], and funding decisions, short-form agreements and payments will be actioned as quickly as possible.

Local Grants scheme

114.  Local Grants are for requests over $1,000, with the majority expected to be between $1,000 and $5,000.

115.  Local Grants will be available at least once and up to twice per year. Local boards will have the option to run an additional round before the end of the financial year if they have unspent funds. Information about the opening and closing dates for Local Grants in each financial year will be advertised on the council website.

116.  Applicants for Local Grants will complete more detailed online application and accountability processes^[6] and sign formal agreements, with additional information required for higher value grants.

Grants provided on a recurring basis

117.  All grants will need to be spent within one year of being uplifted unless otherwise agreed. However local boards have the discretion to commit funding to any proposal on a recurring basis – i.e. providing a grant each year for more than one financial year. In these cases the applicant will not need to re-apply each year during the term of their agreement.

118.  Recipients of multi-year local grants will still need to account on an annual basis for the funding they have received in that financial year, and report on the progress they have made, before funds will be released for the following year.

Multi-board grants

119.  Many community organisations serve or benefit multiple local board areas, reflecting the location of their offices, and/or the location of the communities they serve. In some cases, organisations’ catchment areas were aligned to the boundaries of the former city and district councils in Auckland, while others span alternative groupings of local boards. However, many of these organisations are not considered to be ‘regional’ in terms of the new Auckland Council structure.

120.  The Local Government Act (Auckland Council) 2009 states that, “In carrying out the responsibilities described … a local board should collaborate and co-operate with one or more other local boards in the situations where the interests and preferences of communities within each local board area will be better served by doing so.”

121.  This section describes how clusters of local boards will be enabled to collectively support organisations, projects, services or activities spanning their combined areas.

Multi-board clusters

122.  Local boards will be supported to form multi-board ‘clusters’ and collaboratively resource grants that deliver benefits to residents across their combined areas. Local boards may establish clusters in response to a need identified by their communities, or to deliver outcomes they have mutually identified in their Local Board Plans. Local boards can participate in more than one cluster.

123.  Multi-board clusters may be:

·    Groups of local boards with contiguous boundaries, for example southern local boards wanting to support events in the Southern Initiative area

·    Local boards that share a common characteristic or interest, for example high migrant populations, or bordering the Hauraki Gulf

·    Local boards that want to address a common issue, for example by supporting employment programmes targeting young people

Establishing a multi-board cluster and grants programme

124.  Once local boards have instigated (or agreed to participate in) a multi-board cluster, council staff will work with participating boards to understand the outcomes sought, and design a grants programme to deliver this.

125.  Participating local boards would:

·    Set aside an indicative level of funding from their local budgets to support the creation of a viable multi-board grants programme (a minimum of $40,000 per grants programme is recommended)

·    Collectively determine the priorities for the fund, and agree any special criteria

·    Agree terms of reference for a representative forum or subcommittee structure with the necessary delegations to allocate grants on behalf of participating local boards.

126.  Information about multi-board grants programmes will be released by Auckland Council a minimum of three months prior to the opening of a funding round.  This information will include:

·    Funding priorities

·    Opening and closing dates

·    Decision meeting dates

·    Eligibility criteria

·    Guidance materials for applicants.

Multi-board grants process

127.  Applicants seeking support from a multi-board cluster will be able to make one combined application to all participating local boards in the cluster^[7], receive a single decision and grant award, and submit one accountability report when their funded activities have been completed.

128.  Multi-board grant applicants will need to outline how their proposal aligns with the published funding priorities of that cluster, and identify how their project, service or activity will benefit the residents of each local board area, and/or the multi-board cluster area as a whole.

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Regional grants programme

129.  The governing body of Auckland Council plays a critical role in providing strategic leadership and governance across the Auckland region as a whole. It has responsibility for a broad range of regional matters, including improving the quality of Auckland’s environment, developing Auckland’s economy and raising living standards for all Aucklanders.

130.  Community grants are a key tool the governing body can use to implement the vision for the region as a whole, as set out in the Auckland Plan and other regional strategic documents^[8]. Grants provide a direct, tangible way of supporting Aucklanders’ aspirations for their city and responding to regional needs and opportunities.

131.  Auckland Council will operate six regional grants programmes, aligned to strategic directions outlined in the Auckland Plan. In each case, a regional strategy, policy or plan has enabled – or will enable – the council to determine where it will target its resources in the medium to long term. Councillors will allocate funds to each regional grants programme through the Long-term Plan.

132.  The regional grants programmes are:

·    Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme

·    Regional Community Development Grants Programme

·    Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme

·    Regional Events Grants Programme

·    Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme

·    Regional Sport and Recreation Grants Programme

133.  These regional grants programmes are described in schedules to the Community Grants Policy, as these schedules may be reviewed and updated over time as strategic priorities change.

134.  Each regional grants programme will operate under the broader umbrella of Auckland Council’s Community Grants Programme. The relevant governing body committees will play an important role in shaping the individual programmes, including:

·    Drawing on the relevant regional strategic documents to set funding priorities

·    Considering staff assessments of grant applications and their recommendations for which proposals to fund

·    Awarding grants

·    Receiving reports to understand how their grants have benefited Auckland and Aucklanders.

Shared characteristics of all regional grants programmes

Funding priorities

135.  Membership of the relevant governing body committees will be confirmed following each new electoral cycle. Members of each committee will then work with expert council staff to develop a set of specific priorities for their regional grants programme, based on the direction set out in the regional strategic framework. Governing body committees may review their funding priorities from time to time. Any updates will be published at least three months in advance of the next funding round.

136.  The aim of the funding priorities is to provide clear guidance to potential applicants on what the committee particularly wants to fund. For example, a committee may seek to encourage applications for programmes taking place in the Southern Initiative Area.

137.  Governing body committees can also work with Council staff to ‘ring-fence’ amounts for granting for particular purposes at the start of each financial year / electoral term (as appropriate). For example, committees may want to set aside part of their overall grants budget for activities targeting Māori outcomes, or children and young people. This indicates to staff and potential applicants the level of investment the committee may want to make in that area, without making a fixed commitment. Any ring-fencing within grants budgets will remain flexible to enable the committee to respond to the applications they receive.

Exclusions / significant factors

138.  As part of setting their funding priorities, governing body committees can specify additional exclusions for funding to those set out in this policy – such as setting a minimum or maximum grant size, or excluding certain types of expenditure (e.g. international travel). Members can also highlight factors they consider would significantly impact on their decision-making.

Criteria to qualify for regional grants

139.  To be considered ‘regional’ for the purposes of the Community Grants Policy, applicants must be able to show that their service, project or activity displays the following characteristics:

a.    Primarily addresses regionally determined priorities

·   The service, project or activity aims to deliver outcomes that have been determined by the governing body, and they cannot reasonably be delivered and managed at the local or multi-board level, and

·   The activity may have some local impact and benefit, but the activity is primarily of regional significance and it would be unreasonable to expect the relevant local board(s) to meet the cost.

AND, that their service, project or activity is:

b.    Regional in terms of scale and/or significance

·   The number of participants or users of the service, or the size of the audience is clearly regional in scale, and/or

·   The applicant can demonstrate that there will be clear benefits from coordinating decisions and activities at a region-wide level (e.g. where they are operating a programme at multiple sites across Auckland), and/or

·   There is another clear marker of regional significance (e.g. the project targets an ecological area acknowledged by Auckland Council to be regionally significant).

AND / OR, their service, project or activity is:

c.    Regional in terms of impact and/or reach

·   The service, project or activity is available and reasonably accessible to anyone in Auckland regardless of their location, and/or

·   It targets a specific population group or niche audience that is clearly spread across the region, and

·   The applicant organisation can demonstrate that it has sufficient profile within that population group or niche audience to attract participants, users or audiences from across the region.

140.  Some additional eligibility criteria are in place for specific regional grants programmes – refer to the descriptions of each programme (below) for more information about how funds will be targeted.

Strategic relationship grants

141.  Auckland Council intends to enter multi-year funding relationships with a small number of strategic organisations operating at the regional level. The majority will have an existing relationship with Auckland Council and be able to demonstrate a clear track record of achievement at this level. 

142.  Other characteristics these organisations will have are:

·    Key capacity building organisations – have a ‘sector infrastructure’ role that supports other sector organisations to develop and connect

·    Cornerstone providers within their sector – delivering the ‘highest level’ of expertise, or the highest quality service or experience

·    Acknowledged strategic leadership and brokerage role within their sector

·    Have the capability and capacity to think, work and advocate strategically at the regional level

·    Work programmes and the outcomes they deliver have clear alignment to Council’s strategic outcomes and priorities

·    Robust strategic and business plans are already in place.

143.  In most cases strategic relationship grants will be for a minimum of three years, and are designed to provide financial certainty and a longer time horizon for the recipient organisation’s planning and programming. We aim to support recipients to increase their capacity, expand their activities and/or make faster progress towards financial sustainability.

144.  The parties will enter into a formal funding agreement that articulates clear performance objectives, and funding will be paid on an annual basis subject to performance (i.e. achievement of agreed outcomes).

145.  Once the first round of strategic relationship grants have been awarded, allocations from these funding streams will be made as funding becomes available. At that time, funding priorities will be published and expressions of interest will be sought through a contestable process. This process will allow both the incumbent(s) and other organisations to make their case for support through a strategic relationship grant.

146.  Decision-makers will consider final proposals against their funding priorities, and look to award funds to those organisations that are best placed to achieve the desired outcomes at that time.

147.  If strategic relationship funding is available, this is clearly indicated in the description of each regional programme (below).

Funding rounds

148.  Details of funding rounds will vary between the regional grants programmes. Information about opening and closing dates for each programme will be advertised on the Auckland Council website a minimum of three months prior to the opening of each round.

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Schedule one: Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme

Auckland expects that our arts and culture will thrive, unite, delight, challenge and entertain, and also drive wealth and prosperity for individuals and for Auckland city…

In the Auckland Plan’s vision of the future, arts and culture are embedded in our daily lives and place our city on a global stage.

 Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan (Draft), April 2014

Purpose

149.  This grants programme is designed to activate the potential of the arts and culture sector to help deliver the six transformational shifts outlined in the Auckland Plan, and contribute to the goal of making Auckland the world’s most liveable city. The grants delivered through this programme will support the implementation of the Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan.

Outcomes

150.  The outcomes sought through this grants programme support the vision for the sector set out in the Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan:

·    All Aucklanders can access and participate in arts and culture

·    Auckland values and invests in arts and culture

·    A network of vibrant arts and culture organisations and facilities meet Auckland’s diverse needs

·    Arts and culture are intrinsic to Auckland’s ‘place-making’

·    Auckland celebrates a unique cultural identity

·    Auckland has a robust and flourishing creative economy.

Who the fund is targeting

151.  Applications are invited from organisations that meet the criteria for regional funding, and are one or more of the following:

·    Organisations that umbrella or represent specific art forms at the regional level

·    Organisations fulfilling a ‘sector infrastructure’ role for arts and culture in Auckland – e.g. through strategic advocacy, capacity and capability building, network development and creating new opportunities for practitioners and organisations

·    Regionally significant arts and culture venues (excluding those operated by Auckland Council or managed by Regional Facilities Auckland)

·    Professional arts and culture providers that are acknowledged leaders in their field, and delivering programming to an Auckland-wide audience

·    Organisations delivering arts and cultural experiences to under-served populations and/or in non-traditional settings

·    Iwi and other Māori organisations involved in arts and culture activity.

Funding opportunities

152.  This grants programme contains two distinct grant types: ‘one-off’ project grants, for standalone initiatives, and multi-year strategic relationship grants.

153.  Details of the overall amount available in each financial year, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published a minimum of three months in advance of each funding round.

Project grants

154.  Project grants will be awarded through a contestable process at least once per year. The committee may run a second funding round later in the year to target specific priorities or if there are unspent funds.

155.  There are two focus areas for project grants:

·    Audience development and programming grants

To support professional providers to deliver a wide range of high quality arts and cultural experiences that would not otherwise be economically viable.  These programmes should be capable of attracting audiences from across the Auckland region.

The focus will be on work delivered in accredited^[9] venues, but grants will also be considered for innovative work delivered in non-traditional settings, especially where this targets under-served audiences.  Grants are intended to cover costs associated with delivering arts and cultural experiences, not core organisational overheads such as administration or accommodation.

·    Business and capacity development grants

To increase the professionalism and build the sustainability of regional arts and culture organisations through the development of strategic, business and marketing plans; feasibility studies; organisational development and digital / web development activities. 

Strategic relationship grants

156.  Auckland Council wants to enter multi-year funding relationships with a small number of strategic organisations operating at the regional level. These organisations are – or are capable of becoming – the ‘cornerstones’ of a thriving arts and culture sector in Auckland. Refer to paragraphs 144-150 of the Community Grants Policy for more information about strategic relationship grants.

How grants will be allocated

157.  The governing body committee for this programme is the Arts Culture and Events Committee of Auckland Council (or equivalent).

158.  Potential applicants for project grants will complete an application form. Council staff will assess these applications with the assistance of an external advisory group, and present their recommendations for the committee’s consideration. The committee will make allocation decisions and set any grant conditions.

159.  Potential applicants for strategic relationship grants will be invited to submit Expressions of Interest in the first instance. The committee will select applicants to proceed to the next stage, with advice from council staff. Those applicants will be invited to develop comprehensive proposals for assessment, with a final decision by the committee.

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Schedule two: Regional Community Development Grants Programme

People are at the heart of the Auckland Plan – connected, resilient and inclusive communities underpin Auckland’s vision of creating the world’s most liveable city.  With people at the heart of the Auckland Plan, community development must be at the heart of Auckland Council.

Foreword by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse and Mayor Len Brown

Thriving Communities Community and Social Development Action Plan, April 2014

Purpose

160.  This grants programme is designed to activate the potential of the community and voluntary sector to help deliver the six transformational shifts outlined in the Auckland Plan, and contribute to the goal of making Auckland the world’s most liveable city. The grants delivered through this programme will support the implementation of ‘Thriving Communities’: Social and Community Development Strategic Action Plan.

Outcomes

161.  The outcomes sought through this grants programme support the vision for the sector set out in ‘Thriving Communities’:

·    Enable resident and community-led action to flourish

·    Support and strengthen the voluntary and community sector

·    Support the development of a vibrant social innovation sector

Who the fund is targeting

162.  Applications are invited from organisations that meet the criteria for regional funding, and one or more of the following:

·    Regionally significant community development organisations

·    Organisations which facilitate regional collaboration through shared delivery

·    Organisations whose activities are unique enough that they fulfil a regional niche

·    Organisations which deliver on Councils vision for the community and voluntary sector as outlined in ‘Thriving Communities’: Social and Community Development Action Plan

·    Organisations which provide strategic leadership within the community and/or sector

·    Organisations which focus on the provision of capacity and capability building support

·    Organisations which seek to develop enabling infrastructure and supportive conditions for the development of social innovation

·    Organisations which prioritise and actively contribute to the achievement of Māori outcomes

·    Organisations which promote transformative social change for target populations.

Funding opportunities

This grants programme contains two distinct grant types: ‘one-off’ project grants, for standalone initiatives, and multi-year strategic relationship grants.

Details of the overall amount available in each financial year, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published a minimum of three months in advance of each funding round.

Project grants

Project grants will be awarded through a contestable process twice per year. The committee may run a further funding round later in the year to target specific priorities, or if there are unspent funds.

Strategic relationship grants

163.  Auckland Council wants to enter multi-year funding relationships with a small number of strategic organisations operating at the regional level. These organisations are – or are capable of becoming – the ‘cornerstones’ of a thriving community and voluntary sector in Auckland. They will already have robust strategic and business plans, and will be able to demonstrate a clear track record of achievement at this level. The majority will have an existing relationship with Auckland Council. 

164.  From time to time council will consider funding  organisations that are new to the sector but who can clearly demonstrate that there is a need for their project or service at a regional level.  Considering applicants such as these recognises the varying complexities and innovative responses that can arise from the community and voluntary sector. Refer to paragraphs 144-150 of the Community Grants Policy for more information about strategic relationship grants.

How grants will be allocated

165.  The governing committee for this programme is the Community Development and Safety Committee (or equivalent) of Auckland Council.

166.  Potential applicants for project grants will complete an application form. Council staff will assess these applications and present their recommendations for the committee’s consideration. The committee will make allocation decisions and set any grant conditions.

167.  Potential applicants for strategic relationship grants will be invited to submit Expressions of Interest in the first instance. The governing committee will select applicants to proceed to the next stage, with advice from council staff. Those applicants will be invited to develop comprehensive proposals for assessment, with a final decision by the governing body committee.

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Schedule three: Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme

 

Auckland expects that we will all have a sense of pride in our natural heritage, and share responsibility for living sustainably and looking after our environment…

The environment is an essential part of our identity, our economy and the way we live. We will safeguard what we have, and strive to radically improve our environment where it has become degraded… Our own wellbeing depends on this, and as guardians of the environment, we have a responsibility to leave it in a better state for future generations.

 ‘Auckland’s Environment’ – Chapter 7, the Auckland Plan

Purpose

168.  The Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme has been established to support the protection, restoration or enhancement of Auckland’s environment, with a focus on our most significant natural heritage areas. The concept of natural heritage can refer to both public space and private land, and encompasses:

·    indigenous flora and fauna (biodiversity)

·    terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems

·    natural features (geological/geomorphological)

·    the ‘natural character’ of rural and urban landscapes

·    soil, water and air quality

·    the intrinsic mauri (life force) of the environment,  and the customary and ancestral relationships and rights exercised by mana whenua with respect to the environment.

169.  We will also use grants strategically to encourage and support Aucklanders to adopt environmentally sustainable lifestyles.

170.  These purposes reflect the directions set out in a range of council strategies and plans, including:

·    Auckland Plan

·    Long-term Plan

·    Operative District Plans and proposed Unitary Plan

·    Environmental Strategic Action Plan

·    Low Carbon Action Plan

·    Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy

·    Regional Pest Management Strategy

Outcomes

171.  The outcomes sought through the Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme are aligned with environmental directives and actions identified in the strategies, policies and plans listed above.

172.  These outcomes are:

·    Our natural heritage is valued by all Aucklanders

·    Our natural resources are sustainably managed

·    Our waterways, coastline, harbours, islands and marine areas are treasured

·    A high number and diverse range of Auckland’s indigenous species and ecosystems are conserved: there are no regional extinctions of indigenous species and a reduction in the number of threatened or ‘at risk’ species

·    Aucklanders adopt sustainable lifestyles, including reducing use of non-renewable resources and minimising waste

·    Auckland communities are involved in the stewardship of  our biodiversity and other natural resources

·    Aucklanders help to address climate change through carbon sequestration, adaptive land management and better soil management

Who and what the fund is targeting

173.  Grants will be targeted at improving environmental outcomes by supporting:

·    Private owners of significant natural heritage areas including organisations, businesses and individuals

·    Organisations, businesses and individuals contributing to the protection, restoration and enhancement of natural heritage on public land

·    Organisations, businesses and individuals contributing to the protection, restoration and enhancement of natural resources including regionally significant waterways and catchments

·    Mana whenua and Iwi providing stewardship/kaitiakitanga for sites of cultural and spiritual significance to Māori

·    Community organisations and educational institutions that are:

o providing public education and advocacy across Auckland in relation to the environment, natural heritage and/or sustainability

o contributing to increased community access to, and appreciation of regionally significant natural heritage places

o directly restoring, enhancing or maintaining regionally significant natural heritage places in community ownership.

174.  We welcome applications from individuals and organisations engaged in (but not limited to) the following activities, projects and programmes:

·    The protection, enhancement and restoration of regionally significant natural heritage on public open space or private land

·    Reducing the vulnerability of regionally significant ecosystems and biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide

·    Fencing, planting and land management practices to improve water quality in regionally significant waterways and catchments

·    Supporting the establishment of ecological connections throughout Auckland, extending the work already being done on green networks

·    The protection, enhancement and restoration of novel ecosystems (a mixture of exotic and indigenous vegetation) for the benefit of indigenous biodiversity 

·    Providing Auckland-wide advocacy, education, infrastructure and support to help Aucklanders adopt sustainable lifestyles and take steps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Qualifying for regional grants

175.  The Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme is focused on the protection, enhancement or restoration of regionally significant natural heritage areas and ecosystems wherever they are in Auckland. We intend to be strategic about which projects we support, based on the best outcomes for the region’s environment and natural heritage as a whole.

176.  By their nature, environmental and natural heritage projects take place in a particular location, but they often deliver outcomes which have regional significance and benefits from an environmental perspective. This can be the case even where the activities supported appear highly localised and small in scale, or have limited community involvement or access. Some initiatives and projects may have a localised impact, but are dependent on being part of a broader programme for their success.

177.  Applicants seeking funding for local environmental activities should apply to the relevant local grants programme. For example:

·    Projects that provide local environmental benefits, or are focused on the protection, enhancement or restoration of locally significant natural heritage areas

·    Providers of local environmental education, community gardens, advocacy and sustainability projects or services

·    Individuals and groups contributing to increased community access to, and appreciation of locally significant natural heritage places.

·    Local environmental initiatives and projects that have a localised impact and are not dependent on a broader programme for their success.

Funding opportunities

178.  Grants awarded through the regional environment fund will include a mix of ‘one-off’ and multi-year project grants for standalone initiatives, and multi-year strategic relationship funding.

179.  Details of the overall amount available in each financial year, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published a minimum of three months in advance of each funding round.

Project grants

180.  Project grants will be awarded through a contestable process once per year. The committee may run a second funding round later in the year to target specific priorities or if there are unspent funds.

181.  Applicants can only apply for a grant for the same purpose once per year. If the applicant intends to carry out multiple activities to protect or restore a natural area within a twelve-month period, the entire programme of work should be treated as one application.

Strategic relationship grants

182.  Auckland Council wants to enter multi-year funding relationships with a small number of strategic organisations operating at the regional level. These organisations are – or are capable of becoming – the ‘cornerstones’ of a thriving environmental and sustainability sector in Auckland. Refer to paragraphs 144-150 of the Community Grants Policy for more information about strategic relationship grants.

How grants will be allocated

183.  The governing body committee for this programme is the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Heritage Committee (or equivalent).

184.  Potential applicants for project grants will complete an application form. Council staff will assess these applications and present their recommendations for the committee’s consideration. The committee will make allocation decisions and set any grant conditions.

185.  Potential applicants for strategic relationship grants will be invited to submit Expressions of Interest in the first instance. Council staff will assess these applications with the assistance of an external advisory group, and present their recommendations for the committee’s consideration. Those applicants will be invited to develop comprehensive proposals for assessment, with a final decision by the governing body committee.

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Schedule four: Regional Events Grants Programme

Purpose

186.  The purpose of the Regional Events Grants Programme is to support a diverse, region-wide strategic events calendar that showcases Auckland, builds regional pride and identity and enhances a sense of community belonging.

Outcomes

187.  The outcomes sought through this grants programme are to:

·    Bring people together to share memorable experiences

·    Celebrate Auckland and its people

·    Commemorate and respect important occasions

·    Profile Auckland and its diverse localities.

Who and what the fund is targeting

188.  This grants programme will support events delivered by a wide range of organisers and providers, from not-for-profit community groups through to professional event companies. 

189.  Grants will be targeted towards events that deliver one or more of the above outcomes and are regionally significant. In this respect, the Regional Events Grants Programme is designed to complement, not duplicate the roles played by:

·    Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), which supports an annual programme of major events in the Auckland region, and

·    Local boards, which support local and sub-regional events across Auckland.

190.  Any of the following types of events are eligible for consideration:

·    Arts and cultural events

·    Sport and recreation events 

·    Community events.

Qualifying for regional grants

191.  To meet the criteria for a ‘regional event’ set out in the Events Policy, the event must have the following characteristics:

·    Strategic Outcomes

o Delivers regional objectives that the governing body sets

o Helps to deliver on Auckland-wide strategies, such as for sport and recreation, and arts and culture

o Offers a distinctive event proposition for our region

·    Appeal— breadth and depth of the event       

o Demonstrates that the event draws from a regionally-distributed audience (for example, that it appeals to a specific demographic or interest group throughout the Auckland region)

o Demonstrates a size and scale that is regionally significant

·    Profile           

o Has a region-wide and maybe national profile (as demonstrated through media and wide public awareness)

·    Co-ordination

o Demonstrates that there will be clear benefits from coordinating decisions at a region-wide level (e.g. holding an event at many sites across our region to ensure regional distribution, attract sponsors, and market and promote the whole region).

Funding opportunities

192.  The majority of grants will be ‘one-off’ project grants for the delivery of standalone events, or a related programme of events. If the event organiser intends to delivers multiple related events within a twelve-month period, the entire programme should be treated as one application.

193.  Grants will be awarded through a contestable process once per year, with consideration given to the need for decision-making well in advance of the busy summer events season. The committee may run a second funding round later in the year if there are unspent funds.

194.  A small number of grants may be offered on a multi-year basis in exceptional cases. Multi-year grants would only be offered where the applicant can clearly show that the event needs a defined period of several years to develop its potential and deliver regionally-significant benefits. Applicants would be expected to demonstrate a track record of achievement at this level.

195.  Details of the overall amount available in each financial year, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published a minimum of three months in advance of each funding round.

How grants will be allocated

196.  The governing body committee for this programme is the Arts, Culture and Events Committee of Auckland Council (or equivalent). 

197.  Potential applicants will be invited to submit Expressions of Interest in the first instance. The governing body committee will select applicants to proceed to the next stage, with advice from council staff. Those applicants will be invited to develop comprehensive proposals for assessment, with a final decision by the governing body committee.

Indicative priorities

198.  Funding priorities for this programme have been determined by the Events Policy.

199.  Events will be prioritised that:

·    support other council strategic outcomes, such as for sport and recreation, arts and culture, and community development

·    build regional identity

·    showcase Auckland’s assets (such as its harbours and coastline, stadiums, and renowned and talented people) and what’s special about our region

·    have a positive impact across our region

·    Events that expand the variety or range of events on the annual calendar

·    Events that fill an identified gap or meet the needs of a target community, such as children and young people

·    Events that celebrate Māori culture as Auckland’s unique point of difference in the world

·    Events that take place during the winter ‘low season’, especially during long weekends and school holidays

200.  The governing body committee may also work with expert council staff to develop additional priorities for this grants programme, based on the Auckland Plan and other relevant strategies and plans, or to respond to opportunities or needs that may arise. These will be published a minimum of three months prior to each funding round.

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Schedule five: Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme

 

Our heritage is a legacy to pass on to future generations. Heritage reinforces our sense of history and place, is central to our wellbeing, and helps define what is unique and distinctive about Auckland. It is more than a social or environmental asset – it is also an important driver for economic development.

 ‘Auckland’s Historic Heritage’ – Chapter 4, the Auckland Plan

Purpose

201.  The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice, increase understanding and encourage community involvement in the care of our regionally significant heritage sites and places. We will do this by providing grants to projects that advance the historic heritage outcomes identified in the Auckland Plan, the Long-term Plan, the Proposed Unitary Plan and the Heritage Incentives Policy.

Outcomes

202.  The outcomes we are seeking through this grants programme are:

·    Aucklanders understand, value and share in our heritage

·    Auckland invests in heritage

·    Auckland Council works in partnership with mana whenua and key stakeholders to enable stewardship and kaitiakitanga of our heritage 

·    Heritage is intrinsic to Auckland’s ‘place-making’, and builds on synergies with urban design, arts and culture and the natural environment

·    Auckland celebrates its unique cultural identity through its heritage.

Who and what the fund is targeting

203.  Many historic heritage places of significance are clearly identified in the Operative District Plans and the Proposed Unitary Plan. Grants will be targeted at promoting the conservation, protection, and restoration of these features by supporting:

·    Private owners of significant heritage places (including but not limited to scheduled historic heritage places, category A and B), including organisations, businesses and individuals

·    Mana whenua, iwi and other Māori organisations providing stewardship/kaitiakitanga of historic sites, structures, places, areas and archaeological sites, and sites of cultural and spiritual significance

·    Community organisations that are:

o providing public education and advocacy across Auckland in relation to historic heritage

o contributing to increased community access to, and appreciation of regionally significant heritage places

o directly protecting and enhancing regionally-significant heritage places in community or public ownership

204.  We welcome applications from individuals and organisations engaged in (but not limited to) the following activities, projects and programmes:

·    Work to protect or enhance the structural integrity of buildings – e.g. re-piling, re-roofing, electrical or plumbing work

·    Work to protect or enhance the structural integrity of land with scheduled heritage buildings – e.g. drainage works, retaining walls

·    Restoration of heritage features, including landscaping

·    Re-painting of heritage buildings in approved colours

·    Works to enable public access to scheduled historic heritage places including sites of significance to tangata whenua

·    Public information or interpretation materials

·    Professional services and advice including heritage conservation plans, maintenance plans, feasibility studies, business cases or other documentation to assist with future or additional works.

205.  Organisations delivering cultural heritage projects or events that do not involve the protection and/or conservation of a physical building or heritage site should apply for grants through the Regional Arts and Culture or Regional Events Grants Programmes.

Qualifying for regional grants

206.  The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme is focused on the protection, conservation or restoration of regionally significant historic heritage sites and buildings, wherever they are in Auckland. We intend to be strategic about which projects we support, based on the best outcomes for the region’s built heritage as a whole.

207.  By their nature, built heritage projects take place in a particular location, but they often deliver outcomes which have regional significance and benefits from a heritage perspective. This can be the case even where the activities supported appear highly localised and small in scale, or have limited community involvement or access. Some initiatives and projects may have a localised impact, but are dependent on being part of a broader programme for their success.

208.  Applicants seeking funding for local heritage activities should apply to the relevant local grants programme, for example:

·    Projects that provide local heritage benefits, or are focused on the protection, conservation or restoration of locally significant historic heritage areas

·    Providers of local historic heritage education, advocacy and interpretation projects or services

·    Groups contributing to increased community access to, and appreciation of locally significant historic heritage places

·    Organisations delivering local cultural heritage projects or events.

Funding opportunities

209.  Grants will be awarded through a contestable process once per year.  The committee may run a second funding round later in the year if there are unspent funds.

210.  Details of the overall amount available in each financial year, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published a minimum of three months in advance of each funding round.

211.  The majority of grants will be ‘one-off’ grants for standalone projects, or a related programme of work. Applicants can only apply for a grant for the same purpose once per year. If the applicant intends to carry out multiple improvements to a heritage building or place within a twelve-month period, the entire programme of work should be treated as one application.

212.  A small number of grants may be offered on a multi-year basis in exceptional cases. Multi-year grants would only be offered where the applicant can clearly show that the proposed project needs a defined period of several years to reach completion and deliver regionally-significant benefits.

How grants will be allocated

213.  The governing body committee for this programme is the Auckland Development Committee of Auckland Council (or equivalent). 

214.  Applicants will complete an application form. Council staff will assess these applications with the assistance of an external advisory group, and present their recommendations for the committee’s consideration. The committee will make allocation decisions and set any grant conditions.

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Schedule six: Regional Sports and Recreation Grants Programme

‘Aucklanders: more active, more often’

Auckland offers sport and recreation opportunities without equal in the southern hemisphere which inspire and encourage all Aucklanders to be more active, more often and to live healthy lifestyles. Recreation and sport is a part of the fabric of Auckland that makes it vibrant, fun and interesting, attracting people to live, work, visit and invest here. There are activities for everyone, as part of everyday life, in ways and places that appeal to them.

‘Our Vision’ – Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan

Purpose

215.  The purpose of the Regional Sports and Recreation Grants Programme is to support implementation of the Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan (SARSAP). SARSAP was developed with extensive input from the wider recreation and sport sector, and contains actions for both the sector and Auckland Council. The grants programme will support regional sector organisations in their efforts to inspire and encourage Aucklanders to be more active, more often.

Outcomes

216.  The outcomes sought through this fund are:

Participation

·    There are affordable and accessible options for participation in informal physical activity, recreation and sport.

·    Our diverse communities enjoy healthy and active lifestyles.

Infrastructure

·    Participants in a wide range of physical activities, recreational activities and sports are equally able to access suitable facilities and outdoor environments.

Who and what the fund is targeting

217.  Applications are invited from organisations that meet the criteria for regional funding, and are:

·    Recreation and sport ‘umbrella organisations’ with a region-wide mandate

·    Regional federations or groupings of local or sub-regional sports code organisations

·    Sport and recreation providers or advocacy groups

·    Iwi and other Māori organisations active in the sport and recreation sector.

218.  Regional Sports and Recreation Grants will be targeted towards the following purposes:

·    Supporting more equitable access to those sport and active recreation activities that do not currently benefit from dedicated or council-subsidised facilities and outdoor environments.

·    Programmes that enable children and young people to develop skills which will help them have lifelong participation in sport and recreation.

·    Providing or supporting easier and more affordable access to populations with low participation rates in sport and recreation, particularly:

o Children and young people

o Populations with health and wellbeing needs

o Those facing other barriers, such as access to transport and information

219.  Regional Sports and Recreation Grants may be available to support a partnership between the council and another organisation to improve access to non-council owned facilities or outdoor recreation and sport assets. However, grants cannot be used for the development of new or existing facilities.

Funding opportunities

220.  This grants programme contains two distinct grant types: ‘one-off’ project grants, for standalone initiatives, and multi-year strategic relationship grants.

221.  Details of the overall amount available in each financial year, and any amounts ring-fenced for particular purposes, will be published a minimum of three months in advance of each funding round.

Project grants

222.  Project grants will be awarded through a contestable process once per year. The committee may run a second funding round later in the year to target specific priorities or if there are unspent funds. These grants will primarily support programmes as indicated above, but the council will consider supporting other innovative projects or initiatives that achieve the overall outcomes of the programme.

Strategic relationship grants

223.  Auckland Council wants to enter multi-year funding relationships with a small number of strategic organisations operating at the regional level. These organisations are – or are capable of becoming – the ‘cornerstones’ of a thriving sport and recreation sector in Auckland. Refer to paragraphs 163-4 of the Community Grants Policy for more information about strategic relationship grants.

How grants will be allocated

224.  The governing body committee for this programme is the Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee of Auckland Council (or equivalent).

225.  Potential applicants for project grants will complete an application form. Council staff will assess these applications and present their recommendations for the committee’s consideration. The committee will make allocation decisions and set any grant conditions.

226.  Potential applicants for strategic relationship grants will be invited to submit Expressions of Interest in the first instance. The governing body committee will select applicants to proceed to the next stage, with advice from council staff. Those applicants will be invited to develop comprehensive proposals for assessment, with a final decision by the governing body committee.

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Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Contents

Introduction.. 2

Why do we need a new Community Grants Policy?. 3

What is being proposed?. 4

1.         Guiding principles. 5

2.         Grant schemes for local activities. 6

1.         Fast Response Local Grants (up to $1000) 6

2.         Local Grants (over $1000) 6

3.         Grants for activities that cover more than one local board area. 8

4.         Regional grants programmes. 9

Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme. 9

Regional Community Development Grants Programme. 9

Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme. 9

Regional Events Grants Programme. 10

Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme. 10

Regional Sports and Recreation Grants Programme. 10

5.         Assessing and prioritising funding applications. 12

 

Introduction

Connected, resilient and inclusive communities underpin Auckland’s vision of becoming the world’s most liveable city.

Many individuals, groups and organisations work in our communities to deliver projects, activities, events and services that benefit Aucklanders and contribute to this vision.

The Auckland Council provides a range of community grants programmes to assist groups to carry out projects and activities that enhance the cultural, social and environmental wellbeing of Aucklanders.    

It is a way for us to be a catalyst for positive change by enabling, facilitating, and providing opportunities for communities to thrive and to drive and own their own development.

We are proposing some changes to how local and regional grants will be allocated to create a more streamlined process that is easier for applicants to understand and ensures fairness and transparency.   

This draft Auckland Council Community Grants Policy incorporates feedback we received in 2012 when we previously presented a draft policy to the community and stakeholders for feedback.  Now we want your views on this new draft policy.

It is proposed that the new policy will come into effect from 1 July 2015.

This means there will be no change to existing community grants schemes or current funding arrangements during the 2014/2015 financial year. Once the new policy is in place, the new grants programmes will replace all current community funding schemes.

Feedback on the proposed Auckland Council Community Grants Policy opens on 14 July and closes at 5pm on 11 August 2014.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

This document gives you an overview of the policy and where you can find more information in the full policy document.

Go to shapeauckland.co.nz  to read the full policy and to give feedback. An easy-read version of this document and the feedback form is also available. Physical copies of the documents are also available at council libraries, community centres, local board offices and service centres. 

This information is also available in a MS Word file on request. 

Just email communityassistance@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call us on 09 301 0101 for more information or to request hard copies of the documents.

Why do we need a new Community Grants Policy?

Before Auckland Council was created in 2010, each of the former councils had a range of different policies and schemes for community grants, many of which have continued to operate. We need a simpler, more consistent way to allocate council grants which will ensure all groups across the region are treated fairly. 

This proposed policy aims to develop best practice community grant-making by ensuring funding priorities and schemes are flexible enough to reflect the needs and priorities of local communities and the region as a whole.

It aims to establish a transparent and consistent approach for considering and assessing applications and for allocating grants across all of Auckland.

The policy proposes a framework and set of principles for community grant-making that we are keen to get your feedback on.

What is being proposed?

The key change proposed by the policy is the creation of a new grants programme that has two main components:

·    local grants programmes (including multi-board grants)

·    regional grants programmes

The grant schemes supporting local activities and services will be governed by Auckland’s 21 local boards. Each local board will set the priorities and any other special criteria for their local grants programme based on the priorities in their Local Board Plan.

 

The policy also proposes that local boards with shared boundaries, characteristics or priorities can choose to work together by setting up a ‘multi-board cluster’.

 

These clusters will support multi-board grants to benefit groups and activities that cross more than one local board area.

 

At the regional level the policy proposes to establish six regional grants programmes, which will each focus on priority areas of strategic importance for all of Auckland.  These programmes will align with the Auckland Plan and other key strategies and plans, and support regional groups and organisations to help us achieve our vision of becoming the world’s most liveable city.

 

Read on for more about the proposed local, multi-board and regional grants programmes in sections 2, 3 and 4.

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1. Guiding principles        

The proposed guiding principles are important because they set the values that underpin the way the community grants programmes will work.

They will also be factored into the assessment criteria used to help decision-makers prioritise applications and award grants. The guiding principles are:           

·    A focus on outcomes

·    Working together: mutual respect and shared responsibility

·    Fairness and equity of opportunity

·    Valuing Te Ao Māori

·    Transparency and clarity

·    Recognising innovation and collaboration

·    Quality, effectiveness and value

·    Proportionality *

* This principle is about making sure that the information we collect and our expectations of grant applicants and recipients is appropriate to what they are proposing  to do, and the amount of funding they are asking for. For example, we think applicants for smaller grants should complete shorter, simpler processes than those seeking larger amounts. 

For more information on the guiding principles – see paragraphs 33-55 in the policy document.

Tell us what you think about these guiding principles.  See question 1 in the feedback form.

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2.
Grant schemes for local activities

The policy proposes to introduce two types of grant schemes for activities, services and events that specifically benefit local communities:

·   Fast Response Local Grants (up to $1000)

We are proposing that local boards offer these smaller grants more frequently during the year, so that community groups and organisations can more easily access funding for short-term needs and opportunities.

 

Each local board will be able to decide how many funding rounds, from two up to six rounds, they will offer each year.

 

Application and reporting requirements will be simpler and payments can be actioned more quickly. 

 

·   Local Grants (over $1000)

We propose that local boards offer these grants once or twice a year.

 

While the grants will be of higher value, applicants will have to plan ahead because they will be offered less frequently. The application and reporting processes will be more detailed than for the Fast Response Local Grants because these grants will be of higher value.

 

In some cases local boards may decide to grant funding to a community group or organisation for more than one year at a time for services, projects or activities that are ongoing. In this case, the group or organisation will not need to reapply each year, but will have to report on progress at the end of each year, before the following year’s payment will be released.

As the decision-makers, local boards play an important role in shaping the local grants programme for their area. Each local board can decide how much of their local budget to set aside for their grants programme and to set aside amounts of funding within their own grants programme to be used only for particular purposes or priorities. They can also specify other factors or exclusions they consider important for making decisions about grants in their local area. Local boards will publish this information before funding rounds open for each new financial year.

The draft policy acknowledges the role local boards play in setting priorities, criteria and exclusions for their own Local Grants Programme. Did you know that community organisations, groups and residents can influence the local board’s priorities for the community by participating in the public consultation process for their local board plan? You can have your say on local board plans until 6 August.

For more information on the local grant schemes – see paragraphs 96-118 in the policy document.

Tell us what you think about the proposed local grant schemes.  See question 2 in the feedback form.

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3.
Grants for activities that cover more than one local board area

Many community organisations deliver activities, services or projects that benefit communities in more than one local board area, but do not qualify as regional.

This policy proposes that these organisations can be supported to deliver activities that benefit more than one local community by applying to ‘clusters’ of local boards who work together. Local boards will decide which other local boards they choose to work with in a multi-board cluster. 

They can decide to set up a multi-board cluster that is based on geographical boundaries, in response to a need that has been raised as a priority by their communities, or to deliver outcomes they have all identified as priorities in their local board plans.

These new multi-board grants programmes will create a streamlined application process for organisations applying to a cluster of local boards for the same project or activity. Applicants will only have to make one application and submit one accountability report when their work is completed.

 

For more information on the proposed multi-board grants programme – see paragraphs 119-128 in the policy document.

Tell us what you think about the proposed multi-board grants programme. Do you think this is an appropriate way to fund activities that cover more than one local board area?  See question 3 in the feedback form.

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4.
Regional grants programmes

Some organisations deliver services, projects or activities which have impact, reach or significance for the whole region. To be considered regional, these organisations will need to show that their service, project or activity will address priorities that have been set at the regional level.

They will also need to demonstrate that their service, project or activity is of regional significance or scale, and / or targets particular communities that are spread across Auckland.   

The policy proposes to establish six regional grants programmes to provide funding to deliver these regional activities, services or projects.

It also proposes that Auckland Council provide strategic relationship grants to a small number of key regional organisations in each of these sectors, who will, in most cases, be granted funding for a minimum of three years.

Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme
Refer to Schedule One (paragraphs 149-159)

To support Auckland’s vision for the arts and culture sector.

Project grants will be focused on:

·   audience development and programming

·   business and capacity development.

 

Regional Community Development Grants Programme
Refer to Schedule Two (paragraphs 160-167)

To support Auckland’s vision for the community and voluntary sector.

Project grants will be targeted at outcomes that:

·   enable resident and community-led action to flourish

·   support and strengthen the community and voluntary sector

·   support the development of a vibrant social innovation sector.

 

Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme
Refer to Schedule Three (paragraphs 168-185)

To support Auckland’s vision for the protection, restoration or enhancement of the environment.

Project grants will be targeted at the protection, restoration and enhancement of our most significant natural heritage areas, and will strategically encourage and support Aucklanders to adopt environmentally sustainable lifestyles.

 

Regional Events Grants Programme
Refer to Schedule Four (paragraphs 186-200)

To support Auckland’s vision for a diverse, region-wide strategic events calendar that showcases Auckland, builds regional pride and identity and enhances a sense of community belonging.

Project grants will be targeted towards events that:

·   are regionally significant and bring people together to share memorable experiences

·   celebrate Auckland and its people

·   commemorate and respect important occasions

·   profile Auckland and its diverse localities.

 

Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme
Refer to Schedule Five (paragraphs 201-214)

To support Auckland’s vision for advancing historic heritage outcomes.

Project grants will be focused on the protection, conservation or restoration of regionally significant historic heritage sites and buildings, wherever they are in Auckland. 

 

Regional Sports and Recreation Grants Programme
Refer to Schedule Six (paragraphs 215-226)

To support regional sector organisations in their efforts to inspire and encourage Aucklanders to be more active, more often.

Project grants will be targeted at outcomes that;

·   increase participation in terms of affordability, accessibility and diversity

·   improve infrastructure by ensuring equal access to suitable facilities and outdoor environments.

Additional eligibility criteria are in place for each of the regional grants programmes.

Each of these regional grants programmes will be managed by the relevant committee of Auckland Council’s governing body. For example, the Community Development and Safety Committee will make decisions for the Regional Community Development Grants Programme and will set specific priorities for that programme in line with the key strategies and plans in place for that sector.

For more information on the proposed regional grants programmes – see paragraphs 129-226 in the policy document.

Tell us what you think about the proposed regional grants programmes. See questions 4 and 5 in the feedback form.

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5.
Assessing and prioritising funding applications

The policy proposes that the following factors be used to assess and prioritise funding applications across all schemes:

·    Clearly defined purpose and need

·    Alignment with the funding priorities of the relevant decision-maker

·    Alignment with policy principles - for example demonstrating innovation, or valuing diversity

·    Proposed project, activity or service supports multiple outcomes across activity areas

·    Clear description of what will be delivered and how

·    Capability, capacity and experience to deliver / track record of successful delivery

·    Realistic, evidence-based budget

·    Demonstrated understanding of the target group and credible access to that group

·    Evidence of community support/support from their recognised regional or national body (if relevant)

                                                                                                                                                             
For more information on the proposed factors for assessing and prioritising funding applications – see paragraphs 82-88 in the policy document.

Tell us what you think are the most important things for council to consider when assessing and prioritising funding applications. See question 6 in the feedback form.

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Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Draft Community Grants Policy 2014

Feedback Form

Have your say

 

Fill out and Freepost this form to us or visit shapeauckland.co.nz to provide feedback.

 

Before giving feedback we recommend you read the proposed policy and supporting material available:

·    online at shapeauckland.co.nz 

·    at council service centres, public libraries, local board offices and community centres

·    or phone us on (09) 301 0101 or email communityassistance@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

 

Feedback is being accepted between Monday 14 July and 5pm Monday 11 August 2014.

 

For your feedback to be valid, you must include your full name, a postal address and/or email address. Your feedback (including your name) will be publicly available in council reports and online, but your contact details will be kept private.

   

Is your feedback on behalf of an organisation? (If yes, this confirms you have authority to submit feedback on the organisation’s behalf).

 

c    Yes         No     

If yes, name of organisation:   ________________________________________________

 

You can also attach additional pages to this form.

Your details

 

Local Board Area: _________________________________________________________

 

Full name:________________________________________________________________

 

Email:___________________________________________________________________

 

Postal address:___________________________________________________________

 

Postcode:____________________

 

Phone:_______________________

Mobile:_______________________

 

Signature:____________________

Date:________________________

 

Your feedback

 

(The paragraph numbers provided below refer you to the relevant paragraphs in the full draft policy.)

 

1.    Do you agree with the proposed guiding principles for the policy?
(Refer to paragraphs 33-55)

 

       Yes          No

 

Any comments on the proposed principles:

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

2.    The policy proposes two grant schemes for the local programme; Fast Response Local Grants and Local Grants.  Do you agree with the proposed grant schemes?  (Refer to paragraphs 96-118)

 

      Yes          No

 

Any comments on the proposed local programme:

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

3.    We recognise that some activities cover more than one local board area.  Do you think the proposed multi-board grants programme is an appropriate way to fund these activities? (Refer to paragraphs 119-128)

 

      Yes        No

 

Any comments on the multi-board grants programme:

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

4.    The policy proposes the following six regional grants programmes (Refer to paragraphs 129-226):

 

Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme (Refer to paragraphs 149-159)

Regional Community Development Grants Programme (Refer to paragraphs 160-167)

Regional Environmental and Natural Heritage Grants Programme (Refer to paragraphs 168-185)

Regional Events Grants Programme (Refer to paragraphs 186-200)

Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme (Refer to paragraphs 201-214)

Regional Sports and Recreation Grants Programme (Refer to paragraphs 215-226)

 

Do you think this is the right mix?

 

      Yes        No

 

Comments:

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

5.    Do you have feedback on any of the proposed regional programmes?

 

Programme name:

Comments:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

Programme name:

Comments:

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

6.    What do you think are the most important things for council to consider when assessing and prioritising funding applications? (Refer to paragraphs 82-88)

 

Comments:

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

 

7.    Any other comments?

 

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

 

Thank you for taking the time to submit your feedback on the draft Community Grants Policy. Your feedback will be considered when we develop the final Community Grants Policy. The new policy will take effect from 1 July 2015.

 

Draft Community Grants Policy. Freepost Authority 182382,

Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142.

 

All personal information that you provide in this feedback will be held and protected by Auckland Council in accordance with our privacy policy (available at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/privacy and at our libraries and service centres) and with the Privacy Act 1993. Our privacy policy explains how we may use and share your personal information in relation to any interaction you have with the council, and how you can access and correct that information. We recommend you familiarise yourself with this policy.

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 7 - DSAP Feedback on Parking Discussion Document

 

File No.: CP2014/15661

  

 

 

Purpose

1.       To consider and finalise the Panel’s feedback on Auckland Transport’s Parking Discussion Document.

Executive summary

2.       At its June meeting the Panel considered Auckland Transport’s Parking Discussion Document and identified items of feedback.  A working party comprising Don McKenzie, Colleen Brown and Dr Huhana Hickey developed the proposed feedback (Attachment A), which incorporated comments made at the June meeting and additional comments.

3.       The working party requested that this be circulated to the rest of the Panel.  Auckland Transport has extended the time period for consultation to the end of July 2014 so there is the opportunity for the Panel to finalise the feedback at its July meeting.

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)      confirm the Panel’s feedback on Auckland Transport’s Parking Discussion Document.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Proposed DSAP Feedback on Parking Discussion Document	263

     

Signatories

Author	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP
Authoriser	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel (DSAP) feedback to Auckland Transport on the Draft Parking Discussion Paper.

 

1  It is agreed that a consistent approach to the supply, management and pricing of parking throughout Auckland's CBD, town and local centres is needed as Auckland develops.

 

2  By definition, people whose mobility is seriously and permanently impaired are people unable to use public transport unless radical systems improvements are made in line with universal access design principles.

 

3  The mobility parking permit scheme for private vehicles is critical to the independent mobility and lifestyle access for people holding mobility parking permits.  A permitted car or van is a necessity, not a luxury.  Public transport is often not an option.  Revenue raising plans such as parking levies and "park and ride" need to be carefully applied in order that necessary travel remains affordable when there are no other options for travel.

 

3.1  Accessibility to destinations, such as place of residence, supermarkets, shopping precincts, public amenities, transport hubs and recreation sites, is defined by how close accessible parking is to the chosen destination and at what cost.

 

3.2.  Any pricing scheme based on time a park is occupied should allow for the time it takes people with impaired mobility to negotiate their way, and to transact their business.  It is noted that on-street parking prices will be uniform across each price area and be based on periodic occupancy surveys.  Such “demand responsive pricing” should not mitigate against the extra time taken by mobility impaired people who may require more time to get to where they are going and transact their business.  Pricing for a low income group should remain affordable.

 

3.3.  Vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs and electric chairs with ramp access, require more parking space than conventional cars.

 

3.4  The prevalence of disability is on the rise.  The 2013 New Zealand Disability Survey, (see NZ Statistics), shows that one in four people (24%) identify as disabled.  This is up from 20% in 2001.  The increase is in part due to an aging population.  The commonest impairment type was physical limitation.  The Auckland prevalence rate is 19%, lower than the national average.

 

3.5.  These statistics show greater provision for mobility parking must be built into projections for future parking.

 

3.6  The layout of mobility parking in relation to destinations such as shopping precincts warrants careful planning for reasons of safety and convenience.  The set-up at the Manukau Westfield complex is said to be good.

 

4.  There is a need to extend reserve parking for the mobility impaired and for 2 minute taxi pick-up and drop-off areas.  The proposed hierarchy of users identifies taxis as 8^th  priority.  Taxis should be higher priority because they form a significant component of the transport choice for disabled people.

 

4.1.  The provision of 2 minute taxi pick-up and drop-off zones strategically placed around the CBD would encourage commuters to leave their cars at home while still being able to move about the city by taxi.  An example of a site where taxi parking is needed is on Quay Street at the ferry building.

 

4.2  Notwithstanding their private enterprise status, reputable taxi companies should be accorded some priority in the short-term parking hierarchy.  A regulated taxi service ought to be seen as part of the intra-city transport system.

 

5  Multi-level parking buildings must have fully accessible lifts, be safe for pedestrians especially the elderly and be clearly signposted, and have colour coded levels for the absent minded. The doors leading in and out of and at the different levels within parking buildings must be able to be opened easily.

 

6  It is agreed that enforcement is critical to ensure compliance with designated mobility parking sites.  Incursions by non-permit holders into mobility parking spaces is a major problem.  Enforcement of rules pertaining to mobility parking ought to be embodied in bylaws or regulations applicable to parking.

 

7  Areas designated for high intensity development such as apartment complexes, must include some provision for off street mobility parking.

 

8  The points raised in this submission must become part of planning for parking in Auckland as the region grows.  In particular the provision of well signposted mobility parks should remain proportional to the growth of the mobility impaired population who, on clinical grounds, are shown to need permitted parking.  This is a matter of quality of life for a significant and growing portion of Auckland's population.

 

 

The Disability Strategic Advisory Panel was established by the Mayor in June 2011.

Its purpose is to identify and communicate to the Council, elected representatives and Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) the interests and preferences of persons with disabilities in Auckland in relation to:

 

·    the content of the strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws; and

·    any matter that the Panel considers to be of particular interest or concern to persons with disabilities in Auckland; and

·    advise the Mayor, the governing body, local boards, CCOs and Council of                 processes and mechanisms for engaging with persons with disabilities in Auckland; and

·    contribute to Council submissions, but do not submit independently to external bodies, except as agreed with the Mayor.

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 8 - Transport Update

 

File No.: CP2014/15839

  

 

 

Purpose

1.       To update the Panel on the transport matters discussed at the Transport Accessibility Advisory Group (TAAG) meeting held on Wednesday 25 June 2014.

Executive summary

2.       Martine Abel attended the TAAG meeting held on 25 June 2014 and provided the following summary for the Panel’s consideration:

Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-18

3.       A pre-consultation presentation (Attachment A) on the Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-18 was provided at the meeting. TAAG and its members have been invited to make submissions before the draft Regional Land Transport Plan is written and distributed for wider consultation.

New Network update

4.       As outlined in its various publications, Auckland Transport is moving ahead with consultation and changes to bus routes all over Auckland. Auckland Transport will continue to make available on its website and through the Blind Foundation turn-by-turn directions for proposed bus routes.

Otahuhu interchange facilities

5.       A verbal update was provided. It is understood that the design phase is almost complete.

Bus driver training DVD

6.       Auckland Transport is now broadening this DVD to cover the training of ferry and train as well as bus staff. Overseas training videos are being checked out and one made by London Transport is thought to be very good. New contracts will require passenger service providers to give all staff two half days of training per year. A review is underway of the qualifications and training for taxi drivers.

Modular bus shelter trials

7.       Auckland Transport is trialling on Symonds Street three different designs of bus shelters. As shelters need replacing, new less expensive, more sturdy, consistent designs will be installed. Auckland Transport is organising a special showing of these bus shelters for TAAG members on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 July. The blind Foundation has been hired to produce accessible versions of the pamphlet that describes the bus shelter design options.

Announcements at Newmarket Railway Station

8.       The Blind foundation representative advised that these have gone from a status of extremely poor quality to none at all. TransDev has centralised announcements. The situation was described as totally unsatisfactory.

9.       An Auckland Transport staff member advised that an application was being worked on. The blind citizens NZ representative pointed out that very few blind people have smart phones because they are expensive and require a lot of skill to use.

Opening of doors on new electric trains

10.     The blind citizens NZ rep stated the Auckland Branch position wanted staff to open and close the doors. We were told that this feedback would be passed on.

11.     Note that the Blind foundation is firmly opposed to on-demand or manual opening of doors by passengers. I understand the Wellington trains also have manual opening of doors.

New TAAG structure

12.     TAAG members were told that the 25 June meeting was the final for TAAG. The next meeting will be the new Public Transport Accessibility Group to be followed by a meeting of the Capital Projects Accessibility Group if there are items for its agenda. No dates have been agreed by Auckland Transport but we were told the first meeting will be within the next month. Auckland Transport will send out a provisional list of attendees for each group for members to comment on.

13.     At the time of drafting this report, no updates or notification have been received of when the new groups are to commence meeting or who will form their membership. 

14.     On 29 April, Kevin Wright requested Auckland Transport to allow a member of DSAP to be on the new group: “While the Panel didn’t support the splitting of TAAG, it did request that one of its members Ezekiel Robson be put forward for membership of a new TAAG (which I understand from Robert is now called the Capital Projects Transport Accessibility Advisory Group) subject to Auckland Transport paying a meeting fee for Ezekiel’s attendance.  The rationale for this is that the Panel wants to have a closer connection with the work of CPTAAG as this is important for universal access which is the focus of the Panel.” 

15.     Chris Smith from Auckland Transport replied “Very happy for Ezekiel to be on CPAG” but didn’t respond to a question about the payment arrangement.

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)      nominate Ezekiel Robson to be the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel’s representative member on Auckland Transport’s Capital Projects Accessibility Group.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	AT presentation on RLTP	267

     

Signatories

Author	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP
Authoriser	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 9 - Review of Membership

 

File No.: CP2014/15840

  

 

 

Purpose

1.       To provide the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel with an update on the review of membership and the upcoming selection process.

Executive summary

2.       At its meeting in December 2013 the Governing Body resolved that a selection process for all demographic panels (except the Youth Advisory Panel) be undertaken. The Disability Strategic Advisory Panel discussed this matter at previous meetings.  This report is seeking to provide clarity about the upcoming selection process, which is as follows:

•     An open call for applications

•     A panel of about six, made up of community nominees, the liaison Councillor and appropriate external agencies

•     Assessment on a defined set of competencies

•     Recommendation to the Mayor

•     Appointment by the Mayor with endorsement by the Governing Body.

           

3.       This process has now being completed for the ethnic peoples, pacific peoples and senior panels and they held their first meetings in June. Following the last meeting of the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel, the Chair was briefed that we were about to begin the recruitment for this panel. Staff are currently gathering candidates for the assessment panel. Once these have been confirmed then a timeline for advertising, shortlisting interviewing and selection can be set.

4.       Any new information will be updated verbally at the meeting.

 

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)         acknowledge the proposed selection process for appointment of members.

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.    

Signatories

Author	Bruce Thomas – Principal Advisor Panels
Authoriser	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 10 - Chairperson's report

 

File No.: CP2014/15476

  

 

 

Purpose

1.       Providing the Chairperson with an opportunity to report on events since the last meeting of the Panel.

Executive summary

2.       Dr Huhana Hickey will advise the Panel of events attended during the past month by way of a report to be provided prior to the meeting.

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)      receive the Chairperson’s report.

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.    

Signatories

Author	Mike Giddey - Democracy Advisor
Authoriser	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP

 

Disability Strategic Advisory Panel 21 July 2014

 

Item 11 - General Business

 

File No.: CP2014/15477

  

 

 

Purpose

1.       To update the Panel on issues and events that have occurred since the last meeting.

Executive summary

2.       This standard agenda item provides each member of the Panel an opportunity to update the members on issues and events that have occurred since the last meeting of the Panel.

 

Recommendation/s That the Disability Strategic Advisory Panel: a)      receive the verbal discussion on issues and events occurring since the last meeting of the Panel.

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.    

Signatories

Author	Mike Giddey - Democracy Advisor
Authoriser	Kevin Wright - Manager: Transport Strategy – Lead Officer Support DSAP