Agenda of Waitākere Ranges Local Board

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

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

3 Declaration of Interest

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

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

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

Board Member	Organisation / Position
Sandra Coney	· Waitemata District Health Board – Elected Member · Women’s Health Action Trust – Patron
Neil Henderson	· Portage Trust – Elected Member · West Auckland Trust Services (WATS) Board – Trustee/Director · Weedfree Trust – Employee
Greg Presland	· Portage Trust – Elected Member · Lopdell House Development Trust – Trustee · Titirangi Residents & Ratepayers Group – Committee Member
Steve Tollestrup	· Waitakere Licensing Trust – Elected Member · Community Waitakere – Trustee · West Auckland Trust Services (WATS) Board – Trustee/Director · Henderson Valley Residents Association – Committee Member
Saffron Toms	NIL
Denise Yates	· Ecomatters Environment Trust – Deputy Chair · Keep Waitakere Beautiful Trust – Board Member · Huia-Cornwallis Ratepayers & Residents Association – Co-chairperson · Charlotte Museum Trust – Trustee

Member appointments

Board members are appointed to the following bodies. In these appointments the board members represent Auckland Council.

Board Member	Organisation / Position
Sandra Coney	· Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Trustee
Neil Henderson	· Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Trustee · Living Cell Technologies Animal Ethics Committee – Member
Saffron Toms	· Ark in the Park – Governance Group Member

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 24 July 2014, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

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

6 Acknowledgements

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

7 Update from Ward Councillors

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

8 Deputations

Standing Order 3.20 provides for deputations. Those applying for deputations are required to give seven working days’ notice of subject matter and applications are approved by the Chairperson of the Board. This means that details relating to deputations can be included in the published agenda. Total speaking time per deputation is ten minutes or as resolved by the meeting.

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

8.1 Lopdell House Gallery year end report

Purpose

To update the board on the Lopdell House Gallery year-end report that was submitted to CDAC to record our performance with reference to the KPI targets set as part of our 2013/14 funding agreement with Auckland Council and to thank the Local Board for supporting the organisation, and for welcoming me to the community at such a challenging (but exciting) time.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives deputation from Andrew Clifford, Director of Lopdell House Gallery and thank him for the presentation.

Attachments

a Lopdell House Gallery Annual KPI targets .......................................... 123

8.2 Going West Festival

Purpose

1. To briefly update the board on the Going West programmes and an overview of the various events and budget summary

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives deputation from Naomi McCleary from Going West and thank her for the presentation.

9 Public Forum

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

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

10 Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Notices of Motion

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Programme - Report on 2013/14 Programme

File No.: CP2014/15115

Purpose

1. To provide an end of year summary report about the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area (the Heritage Area) implementation programme funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board in the 2013/14 financial year.

Executive summary

2. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme implements the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (‘the Act’). A total of $225,173.00 was available for allocation in the 2013/14 financial year. The outputs and outcomes from the project’s allocated budget and how they contribute to implementing the Act is provided in this report.

3. This end of year report is primarily for information purposes. It summarises the activities undertaken and outcomes for each of the projects, together with budgeted and actual expenditure. Potential follow up and next steps for consideration have been identified. These are incorporated into a separate Agenda item relating to the allocation of the budget for the 2014/15 financial year, that will be considered by the Local Board.

4. Each of these projects has, for the most part, been successfully implemented. The exceptions to these were the development of the Bethells Local Area Plan, policy development associated with engagement with tangata whenua, and engagement of specialist landscape architect advice to review the Draft Auckland Transport Code of Practice and provide input into the road corridor design guide. This meant that the allocation was under-expended in the 2013/14 financial year.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Notes the outcomes and outputs from the 2013/14 Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Implementation Programme

Comments

5. At the meeting held on 28 August 2013 the Waitākere Ranges Local Board (the Board) allocated $225,173 to support the delivery of the Waitākere Ranges Implementation Programme. This Programme included projects to implement the existing Local Area Plans (LAPs), projects identified through the preparation of the Five Year Monitoring Report, and funding for the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Programme. In February 2014 funding was reviewed by the Local Board and partially re-allocated from existing projects where underspending was anticipated, and provided to a new heritage related project.

6. The projects that were initially allocated funding were:

· Muddy Creeks Local Area Plan Completion - $5,000.00

· Bethells Local Area Plan - $35,173.00

· Oratia Design Project - $2,500.00

· Weed Free Buffer Project - $20,000.00

· Ecological Planning - $15,000.00

· Long Tail Bat Protection - $5,000.00

· Sustainable Neighbourhoods Programme - $90,000.00

· Road Corridor Management Guidelines - $20,000.00

· Engagement with Tangata Whenua - $10,000.00

· Economic Development in Foothills $20,000.00

· Foothills Design Guide Promotion $2,500.00.

7. In February 2014 funding of $25,000 was re-allocated to the commencement of a heritage site survey across the Heritage Area.

8. The objectives of each project, activities undertaken, outcomes and potential next steps (where relevant) are summarised as follows.

Muddy Creeks Local area plan

9. The Muddy Creeks Local Area Plan (LAP) was substantially prepared in the 2012/13 year and adopted by the Council in February 2014. Further activities in the 2013/14 year included the preparation of the final design of the LAP document, and its launch in March 2014. The launch occurred at the Woodlands Park Primary School, and the event was considered a success. The consultation process used to develop the LAP was the recipient of a “Highly Commended” award at the Auckland Council Consultation Awards in November 2013. Actions identified in this LAP are now part of the wider Programme, and will be progressed in forthcoming years as funding permits.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $5,000.00

Expenditure: $1,850.00

Bethells Local area Plan

10. At the meeting on 28 August 2013, the Board requested that the work on a LAP for Bethells Beach/Te Henga and the Waitākere River Valley resume. A community engagement forum was organised in November 2013 at the Bethells Surf Life Saving Club to discuss the scope and process of engagement for the LAP with the local community.

11. As a result of this engagement, the Local Board deferred the decision to proceed and instructed staff to consult further with the community on whether a LAP would be appropriate for the area, or whether local issues would be better addressed through existing plans and policies. This consultation was undertaken at the Bethells Community Day on 26 January 2014. There was a relatively high level of support for a LAP amongst respondents. At its meeting on 13 March 2014, the Local Board approved the preparation of a LAP for Bethells Beach/Te Henga and the Waitākere River Valley.

12. The Local Board also requested that staff prepare and implement a collaborative process of engagement during the preparation of the LAP with residents, ratepayers and businesses in the area, Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority, Ngāti Whātua and local and external stakeholders. This was prepared and approved by the Chair and the portfolio holder.

13. The first community workshop occurred on 4 June 2014 at the Waitākere Primary School. It was a well-attended with around 85 participants. The purpose of this workshop was to start building relationships between the council, local organisations, iwi and local residents. It also helped to form working groups around different topics. These groups will bring together information that is available to the council, iwi and to the community about the LAP area. The groups will also identify community issues and aspirations and start providing background material required for the development of the LAP. The engagement process and development of this LAP will continue over the next 12 months and is expected to be completed by June 2015.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $35,173.00

Expenditure: $17,348.00

oratia design project

14. Consultation of the draft Oratia Village Masterplan was undertaken in July and August 2013 and the draft Masterplan was presented to the Board at a workshop on 11 September 2013. As a result of information from a local resident on the condition of the “Small Hall”, the Board instructed the staff to investigate the feasibility of relocating the “Small Hall” to its original location fronting onto West Coast Road. The heritage and engineering review of the “Small Hall” relocation proposal indicated that it can be moved safely.

15. Auckland Council and Auckland Transport staff have worked with the Local Board to cost and prioritise the different elements of the Oratia Village Masterplan so that those elements are able to be considered through the Annual Plan and Local Board Plan processes. This has identified projects that could be implemented over the next few years as funding permits.

16. The North West Planning Team also initiated work to investigate the feasibility of extending the public waste water service to those sites along West Coast Road with a potential for development as non-residential activity, as provided for in the Auckland Council District Plan (Waitākere Section) and the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. This investigation is still on-going.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $2,500.00

Expenditure: $248.00

Weed Free Buffer Project

17. The project was contracted to the Weed Free Trust and managed by Council’s Local Environmental Programmes team, with advice and assistance from the Regional Biosecurity Unit. The Project aims to :

· Promote and support short and long term community stewardship in the management of pest plants on private land around the edges of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

· Gauge the level of interest and support for future practical management by private landowners around the edge of the Regional Park either independently or as part of a Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group

18. Implementation was contracted to the Weed Free Trust and involved the selection of two new “hotspots” and follow up work in the three “hotsports” where work was successfully initiated in 2012/13. Selection was based on areas of known infestation where there was potential interest amongst landowners and potentially significant conservation benefits. The areas chosen were Bush Road and the upper Opunuku Valley.

19. Preparation and distribution of an introductory information pack. In the two new “hot spot” area 72 properties were initially visited and provided with information packs. Around 70% indicated interest in engaging further. Assistance included advice, weed management plans (15 properties), supply of materials (32 properties) and practical contractor assistance (22 properties). The latter focused on properties with elderly or infirm owners or where circumstances warranted direct assistance. Follow up work at existing ‘hot spot’ properties included ongoing protection to king fern populations, and monitoring and survey work

Outcomes

20. The project has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of weed management issues around the Regional Park boundary and has provided a platform for further initiatives. A high level of interest and commitment to action was generated in the two areas, with consequential benefits through on-going improved biodiversity and habitat management.

21. The existing Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group in the Parker Road area is likely to be strengthened by new recruits and a core group of landowners in Brabant Road and Scenic Drive have expressed interest in forming a new Sustainable Neighbourhoods network. A significant reservoir of landowners has been identified who are likely to carry out active weed management outside the Sustainable Neighbourhoods framework, if encouraged to do so by the Council.

22. Further follow up work is required in existing hot spot areas in the light of Weed Free Trust findings and recommendations and the needs identified in the wider area (see attached report). Consideration of the potential to establish new buffer zone ‘hot spot’ areas using a similar model (with modifications as necessary) is part of the allocation of funds in the 2014/15 financial year.

23. There may be potential to establish a new Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group in at least one of the two new areas, but the results also indicated the need for initiatives to support individual landowners, particularly on larger or more isolated properties. A copy of the Wed Free Trust’s draft report is attached as Attachment A.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $20,000.00

Expenditure: $20,000.00

ecological planning

24. This project was implemented across the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years. Its aims were to:

· To provide a baseline assessment of the extent and significance of native and exotic vegetation cover on private and public land outside the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park across the four LAP areas (Oratia, Henderson Valley Opanuku, Waiatarua and Muddy Creeks). This is to be used in decision making by landowners, community groups and the Local Board on areas and priorities for active management

· To make information on indigenous and aquatic habitats in the area and the species that they support available to individual landowners and the wider community.

· To develop a GIS-based system for habitat monitoring in existing and future LAP areas

25. The project has been implemented with assistance from the North/West Biodiversity Operations team and by utilising contractors with ecological and GIS skills. The outputs comprise, for the LAP areas, GIS mapping of:

· the nature and extent of dominant native vegetation cover for individual properties,

· ecosystem types and threat and protection status

· threatened species data

· current community and Council weed and animal pest management initiatives

· a review of current policy and practical initiatives in progress to implement LAP ecosystem management objectives and opportunities for further action

26. The report and its recommendations and supporting data will provide a useful basis for informed decision making on future management priorities in the LAP.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $15,000.00

Expenditure: $7,560.00

Long tailed bat protection

27. To project seeks to promote the protection of local long tailed bat populations through the following actions

· Supporting an enhanced local bat population survey programme

· Raising awareness of long tailed bats and their habitat requirements amongst landowners and the wider community

· Where appropriate enhancing long tailed bat habitat on private land

· Enabling schools and the wider community to take an active role in protection and enhancement of long tailed bat habitat.

28. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme contributed to a wider Auckland Council budget in 2013/14. The budget enabled further survey work, which identified seven new locations of long-tailed bats in the Heritage Area. This includes locations in Te Henga / Matuku (4 sites), Stoney Creek, Lake Wainamu, and Lake Kawaupaka. A map of these locations is attached at Attachment B.

29. This initiative provides on-going success in terms of:

· Raising awareness of long tailed bat habitat requirements through contact with landowners, schools and Sustainable Neighbourhoods Groups

· Increasing knowledge of bat populations

· Identifying areas for future enhancement of long tailed bat habitat on private land through the on-going bat survey.

30. Further research is expected to continue in 2014/15, including monitoring bat populations and studying the age/sex ratios of long-tailed bats in the Heritage Area to find out more about population changes. The use of the mobile bat detectors will continue to be promoted and sightings recorded on the Nature Watch website. Where bats have been detected on private land, Council staff will work with those landowners over the 2014/15 summer to provide advice on protection and enhancement of bat habitat areas.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $5,000.00

Expenditure: $4,760.00

sustainable neighbourhoods programme

31. This will be reported under a separate agenda item.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $90,000.00

Expenditure: $90,000.00

road corridor management guidelines

32. The Five Year Monitoring Report for the Heritage Area was approved by Council’s Regional Development and Operations Committee (RDOC) in June 2103. In this report the urbanising effect of infrastructure in the road corridor was identified as a significant issue in the Heritage Area. RDOC referred the issue to AT for information and response. Subsequently (December 2013) AT notified a Draft Code of Practice for road corridor works (the ATCOP) which commits AT to preparing a Design Guide for the Heritage Area. However, apart from an initial workshop held with staff and consultants in March 2014, no further progress has been made.

33. The intention was for the Local Board to engage specialist landscape architect and/or road corridor design advice, as required. This would assist with AT’s process and in particular the development of an approach which assists with achieving the objectives of the Act. The lack of progress with the Design Guide made expenditure on this in the 2013/14 yearpremature.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $20,000.00

Expenditure: $1,550.00

engagement with tangata whenua

34. Funding was allocated by the local board to support engagement with tangata whenua. It is noted that relationships with tangata whenua are continuing to be developed under the Auckland Council governance model. Engagement did occur within specific heritage area projects, however these costs were incorporated within each activity so consequently no expenditure was required on this project in 2013/14.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $10,000.00

Expenditure: $0.00

SUSTAINABLE economic development

35. A stock take of businesses located in the Heritage Area was undertaken in May – July 2014. The purpose of the stock take was to understand in much greater detail the nature of economic activity in the Heritage Area and to develop a database. Once the nature of that activity is understood, the Local Board will be better placed should it decide to support sustainable rural businesses in the Heritage Area. The paramters of the stock take were developed in conjunction with the Economic Development Department and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.

36. The methods used to gather information for the stock take were to review all relevant research, strategies and plans, search the rating database on-line and other business directories, travel the roads in the Heritage Area to identify additional businesses, and interview a sample of businesses to understand their issues and/or constraints.

37. The following outputs were delivered from the stock take:

· A database of businesses, classified according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) code

· Presentation of business locations and clusters in GIS maps

· An analysis of business types against the Act’s objectives

· Interviews that identify and analyze key issues, motivation and business needs for businesses operating in the Heritage Area

· Suggestions for potential projects that could support local businesses, based on needs identified in consultation with them. This has a particular focus on those businesses on the eastern foothills. These suggestions will be considered by the Local Board as part of the forthcoming allocation of budget to this programme for 2014/15.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $20,000.00

Expenditure: $24,750.00

foothills design guide promotion

38. The Waitākere Ranges Foothills Design Guide was initially published in 2010, and has been used since that time. Council staff and a consultant updated this Guide in 2014, including text about the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan, and adding a new map identifying the upper and lower foothills to assist the interpretation of the Guide. The Guide has been re-printed and will be adopted by the Local Board, and will then be utilised in planning education and advocacy processes into the future.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $2,500.00

Expenditure: $6,600.00

HERITAGE sITE SURVEY

39. This project comprises a preliminary desktop study and associated report designed to collate, rationalise, and organise the available data relating to the heritage resources of the Heritage Area. The purpose of this study is to provide sufficient data on which to design, budget and successfully implement the subsequent field assessment and monitoring stages required to complete this element of the second Five Year Monitoring Report, scheduled for 2018. This project will continue over two financial years, with $12,500.00 allocated to this in 2014/15.

40. As at June 2014, the project is on track and the external contractor is making good progress towards completing this.

Allocated FY 13/14 Budget: $25,000.00

Expenditure: $24,200.00

Consideration

Local board views and implications

41. The projects that make up the programme were considered and approved by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board at the concept and budget approval stage.

Maori impact statement

42. Tangata whenua (particularly Te Kawerau a Maki) were consulted on their involvement in the Muddy Creeks and Bethells Local Area Plans. In accordance with their wishes they will continue to be consulted during the development of the Bethells Local Area Plan.

Implementation

43. The success of these projects provides opportunities to extend them in a variety of ways as outlined above. The scope to do so will be considered in the context of long term priorities and objectives and the competing demands on the limited Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme budget and staff resources. These resources will be integrated with other parts of Council’s business where possible as usual expenditure, where that is appropriate to do so. This will be considered, with recommendations, in a further report to the Local Board.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Buffer Zone Report 2014	17
b View	Long Tail Bat Locations February - April 2014	25

Signatories

Authors

Eryn Shields - Team Leader Area Planning & Policy West

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Six Month Report

File No.: CP2014/16760

Purpose

1. This report is for information purposes and provides an update on activities in progress across Council which are contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.

Executive summary

2. The implementation of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (‘the Act’) is being undertaken by a variety of Council units across the suite of objectives set out in the Act. These objectives are summarized in Attachment A. This report follows the resolution of the March 2012 meeting of the Regional Development and Operations Committee (RDOC) which recognized the importance of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme being undertaken to implement the Act. At that time RDOC requested that six monthly updates be prepared for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board (‘the Local Board’) and RDOC. This report will be provided to the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and Regional Strategy and Policy Committee (in lieu of RDOC).

3. The background to the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme and a general summary of progress is provided in the main body of the report. Attachment B describes the work completed in the last financial year, and actions for this financial year across the range of activities and projects identified.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the report

b) Conveys any comments on the report or its contents to the Parks, Sport and Recreation and Regional Strategy and Policy Committees for their consideration.

Comments

4. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area (WRHA) covers an area of approximately 27,770 hectares which encompasses the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The Act was passed in 2008 and recognises the national, regional and local significance of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area, and promotes the protection and enhancement of its natural, cultural and historic heritage features for present and future generations.

5. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme (“the Programme”) comprises all council-wide activities which contribute to the purposes of the Act, including ‘business as usual’ activities and projects specifically established under the Act. At its March 2012 meeting, the Regional Development and Operations Committee endorsed the Programme as a key initiative and resolved that officers should report on overall progress on a six-monthly basis.

6. An staff-level Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme Co-ordination Group (WRPCG) has been established to provide for exchange of information and discussion amongst Council units and CCOs involved in implementing the Act. It seeks to ensure that the relevant work streams and activities are co-ordinated and aligned. The WRPCG also provides a mechanism for prioritisation, monitoring and reporting progress that contributes to achieving the purpose and objectives of the Act. There is further potential to develop the Group’s role as a means of improving co-ordination of specific work streams and activities in the WRHA.

7. Reporting is now to the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee.

8. The attached summary table (Attachment B) provides a synopsis of progress on projects and activities for the 2013/2014 financial year and a look ahead to the opportunities and challenges and intended progress through the 2014/2015 financial year. Projects and activities have been grouped under topic headings that align with the WRHA’s heritage features and management objectives. These are:

· Planning and Communication– planning for, communicating about and implementation of the Act as a whole

· Landscape - activities aimed at protecting and enhancing the characteristic landscape of the foothills, rural and forested areas and coast

· Development and Consent Activity – management of subdivision and development within the context of the Resource Management Act and the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act, which requires unitary, regional and district plans to give effect to it

· Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services – protection, restoration and enhancement of ecosystems by both Council and community

· Cultural and Built Heritage – this relates to both pre-and post-European settlement, including the relationships between tangata whenua and the WRHA, and the history of kauri milling, horticulture and viticulture

· Recreation Opportunities and Visitor Management - provision of facilities and services for enjoyment and appreciation of these heritage features, and the management of visitor pressures and impacts.

9. The information provided in Attachment B is primarily project-based and does not generally cover maintenance or routine management of physical assets, staff costs or fixed overheads. Information on the 2013/14 operating and capital expenditure, and forecasts for 2014/15 is also provided where readily available, along with an indication of whether the expenditure is allocated through regional or local board budget.

Key points and highlights

10. The following are the key points and highlights from the 2013/14 year.

· Kauri Die-back continues to be a significant threat in the WRHA and management initiatives to limit its spread are being extended, with regional initiatives supplemented by Local Board funding

· Weed infestation is also a significant and increasing threat to WRHA ecosystems and weed management is being given greater prominence by the Local Board. The Board is seeking to promote increased and more co-ordinated actions on the ground to address the problem

· Community environmental initiatives have continued to grow and be supported both regionally and by the Local Board. The outcomes of the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Programme review and development of a regional heritage incentives policy, both due within the next year, are likely to influence these initiatives in the future

· The primary knowledge gap identified in the first five year monitoring report – inadequacy of information about current extent and condition of historic heritage resources – is being addressed. A monitoring programme for this is being established, with support for initial work from the Local Board

· A programme of work to meet the requirements for the next five year monitoring report is under discussion, along with associated regional and local board funding implications

· Through the Draft Auckland Transport Code of Practice (ATCOP), Auckland Transport has indicated a commitment to managing the road corridor of the WRHA in a manner which acknowledges the special requirements of the Act. However only limited progress has been made in addressing the issues raised in the first five year monitoring report and in submissions on the ATCOP

· The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan incorporates specific provisions which give effect to the Act

· Community initiatives to protect and restore native ecosystems continue to grow and are providing biodiversity, social and amenity benefits. Resourcing issues will need to be addressed if the Council is to support the demand for continued growth. Initiatives are also being developed to improve integration across Council-supported programmes

· Preparation of a visitor management plan is continuing. The new Local Board is currently reviewing the scope and objectives of the plan

· Development of the Foothills Walkway continues to progress as opportunities arise through sub-division and land purchase

· The Local Area Plan (LAP) for the Muddy Creeks area (Parau, Laingholm, Woodland Park and Waimā) was approved by Council in February 2014. The quality of its community engagement process was given special recognition at the November 2013 Auckland Council Consultation and Engagement Awards ceremony

· The need to promote greater recognition of the Act, its purposes, progress being made to implement it, and assistance available to landowners and communities is being increasingly recognised. A variety of proposals ranging from website development, community forums and gateway signage are under consideration

· Work has commenced to develop improved partnerships and engagement with tangata whenua in the WRHA. However progress is dependent on consistency with regional engagement frameworks which are currently under development.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

11. This report is being brought to the Local Board for consideration, and will form the basis for a report to a subsequent meeting of the Parks, Sport and Recreation Committee and Regional Strategy and Policy Committee (dates to be advised). Any comments or resolutions from the Local Board will be included or referred to in the reports to the two Committees.

Maori impact statement

12. Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngāti Whātua Nga Rima o Kaipara and Ngāti Whātua o Orakei have not been consulted specifically on this report. Regular consultation and engagement does however take place on a range of individual projects and activities described in this report, and on matters of mutual interest in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. Development of processes that support stronger engagement with tangata whenua in decision-making in the WRHA is identified as a key work stream. Progress on this is dependent upon decisions on co-governance/co-management arrangements across the Council, which are currently under discussion at regional level.

Implementation

13. The report is part of a continuing process to implement the Act and to evaluate progress being made to achieve its objectives. It is consistent with the priorities of the Local Board (as expressed through the Local Board Plan), and does not trigger the Significance Policy. This report is for Council reporting purposes and has not therefore been subject to a wider consultation process.

14. There are no immediate financial or reporting implications. Any legislative or legal implications are considered and managed separately through the individual activities and projects concerned.

15. The Local Board is currently considering the allocation of budget for the 2014/15 year, to facilitate the ongoing implementation of the Programme.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Waitakere Ranges - Heritage Area Objectives - Waitakere Ranges	31
b View	Summary of Progress on Workstreams	33

Signatories

Authors

Eryn Shields - Team Leader Area Planning & Policy West

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Waitakere Ranges Foothills Design Guide

File No.: CP2014/16181

Purpose

1. This report seeks decisions from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board to approve a revised version of the Waitakere Ranges Foothills Design Guide (WRFDG), Version 2 – June 2014. It also seeks to endorse the recommended reference to the WRFDG in Land Information Memorandums (LIMs) issued for sites in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.

Executive summary

2. On 2 September 2010, the former Waitakere City Council’s Policy and Strategy Committee resolved to adopt the Waitakere Ranges Foothills Design Guide (WRFDG) which is a non-statutory document. The WRFDG sought to implement aspects of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act (WRHAA) by assisting landowners and Council officers to understand design solutions that will assist in managing the effects of development in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area (WRHA).

2. A presentation was provided to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board in June 2014 which explained the approach taken to re-launch the WRFDG. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board directed that the WRFDG be formally approved at a future meeting and it is included as Attachment A. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board also requested that reference be made to the WRFDG in all Land Information Memorandums (LIMs) issued for sites in the WRHA so that prospective landowners were made aware of the WRFDG’s availability when they are considering developing in the WRHA.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Approve the Waitakere Ranges Foothills Design Guide (Version 2 – June 2014)

b) Approve the amended wording of the existing property condition included in all Land Information Memorandum issued for sites in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area to read as follows (additions underlined and deletions struck-out):

This property is located within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area as defined in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008. The Act can be found at www.legislation.govt.nz while a supporting non-statutory design guide for development in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area (entitled ‘Waitakere Ranges Foothills Design Guide’) is on Council’s web site www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Comments

4. On 24 April 2013, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board approved the first five-year monitoring report undertaken for the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area which sought to measure progress made towards achieving the objectives of the WRHAA. The monitoring report was subsequently adopted by Auckland Council’s former Regional Development and Operations Committee on 20 June 2013. A key recommendation from the monitoring report was to promote awareness and greater use of the WRFDG by landowners and Council officers.

5. On 28 August 2013, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board resolved to allocate funds from the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Protection Budget to assist with the re-launching of the WRFDG. This would include revising and re-printing the WRFDG to ensure that its contents accurately reflect current planning instruments and practices applicable to development in the WRHA. The re-launch would also involve training Council consents staff and promoting the use of the WRFDG by landowners considering developing in the WRHA.

Statutory and Strategic Context

6. The objectives of the WRHAA are framed within the overall purpose of recognising the national, regional and local significance of the WRHA, and to promote the protection, restoration and enhancement of its heritage features. Section 18 of the WRHAA identifies that the Auckland Plan’s provisions must not be inconsistent with the Act’s purpose or objectives.

7. Chapter 7 of the Auckland Plan seeks to protect the WRHA as an outstanding natural feature and landscape from poorly designed development, while also ensuring that it provides appropriate recreational and eco-toursim opportunities for the benefit of all Aucklanders and visitors.

8. The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) contains regional objectives, zone, overlay and precinct rules which align with outcomes sought in the Auckland Plan and ensure that settlement patterns continue to recognise the features of the WRHA. This includes managing the immediate and cumulative landscape effects of development within the WRHA, while also providing for its protection, restoration and enhancement as an outstanding natural feature and landscape. Upon being notified, some of the PAUP provisions associated with achieving these outcomes in the WRHA were given immediate legal effect. Of particular note is the legal effect given to the protection and maintenance of significant ecological areas in the WRHA.

9. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board Agreement (2013/14) and Plan (2011-2014) identify the stewardship of the WRHA as a key priority. This involves giving effect to the WRHAA by protecting and enhancing the WRHA and its important heritage features for present and future generations, while also ensuring that people can continue to live, work and visit the ranges.

10. The 2013-14 Annual Plan process resulted in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board receiving funding ($225,173.00) to assist with the stewardship of the WRHA. The fund was identified as the ‘WRHA Protection budget’ and various projects which support the implementation of the WRHAA were allocated funding by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board at their meeting in August 2013. This included $2,500 being allocated to assist with the re-launching of the WRFDG.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

11. At a workshop on June 24 2014, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board requested that the WRFDG be formally approved at a future meeting. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board also requested that reference be made to the WRFDG in all LIMs issued for sites in the WRHA so that prospective landowners are made aware of the WRFDG’s availability when considering developing in the WRHA.

12. Presently, LIM’s issued for sites in the WRHA include a property condition which reads as follows:

This property is located within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area as defined in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008. The Act can be found at Council’s web site www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

It is recommended that the property condition be amended to include reference to the WRFDG which would read as follows (additions underlined and deletions struck-out):

The amended reference to the WRHAA being found at www.legislation.govt.nz (instead of the Council’s website) is in accordance with previous advice received from Council’s Legal advisors which highlight the official nature of accessing legislation from this website. This is reflected by legislative links on Council’s website which refers web users to www.legislation.govt.nz when viewing legislation online.

13. Council’s Business and Customer Support Unit (BSCU), which is responsible for approving information included in LIMs, referred the revised wording for the LIM property condition onto Council’s Legal Department for approval. Approval was obtained, pursuant to section 44A(3) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, which reads as follows:

(3) In addition to the information provided for under subsection (2), a territorial authority may provide in the memorandum such other information concerning the land as the authority considers, at its discretion, to be relevant.

14. Prior to including the revised property condition on LIM’s issued for sites in the WRHA, the BSCU has requested that a resolution be obtained from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board requesting that this action be undertaken.

Maori impact statement

15. Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngāti Whātua Nga Rima o Kaipara and Ngāti Whātua o Orakei have not been consulted specifically on this report. Regular consultation and engagement does however take place on a range of individual projects and activities described in this report, and on matters of mutual interest in the Waitākere Ranges local board area. Development of processes that support stronger engagement with tangata whenua in decision-making in the WRHA is identified as a key work stream. Progress on this is dependent upon decisions on co-governance/co-management arrangements across the Council, which are currently under discussion at regional level.

Implementation

16. In June 2014 training was held with Council consents staff and 200 copies of the revised WRFDG (Version 2 – June 2014) were made available to both Council consents and counter staff for public distribution at Council’s Henderson Service Centre.

17. Upon receiving a resolution from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board approving the revised property condition for inclusion on LIMs issued for sites in the WRHA, the necessary steps will be taken to have the WRFDG made available on Council’s website.

18. Monitoring and evaluation of the WRFDG’s use and application to development in the WRHA will be reflected in the next five-year monitoring report.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Waitakere Ranges Foothills Design Guide	47

Signatories

Authors

Nicholas Lau - Planner Area Planning and Policy West

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Smoke-free Policy Implementation- Waitakere Ranges Local Board

File No.: CP2014/14960

Purpose

1. This report is to provide the Waitakere Ranges Local Board (‘the Board’) with recommendations on the implementation of the Auckland Council Smoke-free Policy 2013 (‘the Policy’) in its local board area.

Executive summary

2. The Policy sets out a regional position on smoke-free public places and events. The exact detail of the implementation will be a matter for local board discretion, as local boards have been allocated non-regulatory decision making responsibilities for local activities.

Local Boards can:

· choose to progress the implementation of smoke-free public places wider and faster than identified in the Policy

· determine the exact signage requirements for promoting local smoke-free public places and any additional budget allocation for this

· decide on promotion and communication activities for smoke-free public places in their local area

· determine the extent of smoke-free messaging and promotion at local board events.

3. To assist local boards progress the implementation of the Policy, staff have made recommendations pertaining to the extent of smoke-free public places, signage requirements, promotion activities and other matters.

4. In terms of signage for smoke-free public places, staff do not recommend smoke-free signage in all areas affected by the Policy. Instead, placing additional smoke-free signs in certain ‘high priority sites’ will bear greater benefits in promoting smoke-free public places.

5. In April 2014, a workshop with the Waitakere Ranges Local Board was held to confirm high priority sites for the installation of additional smoke-free signage. At this workshop, 11 high priority sites were confirmed. Staff recommend additional budget be allocated for the printing and installation of smoke-free signs in these sites. The cost of additional signage is estimated at $4,100-$6,200. The confirmed cost of smoke-free signs will vary depending on signage printing, size and installation.

6. In order to promote the smoke-free status of these sites, staff recommend that the Board publicises smoke-free public places in their local board area, as the Board deems appropriate.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) allocate budget for printing and installation of additional smoke-free signs in 11 high priority sites which include:

i) Bethells beach car park area

ii) Ceramco Park and Function Centre

iii) Glen Eden Library

iv) Harold Moody Recreation Ground and Duck Park

v) Lopdell House

vi) Parrs Park

vii) Titirangi Library

viii) Waitakere Ranges Piha Domain

ix) Waitakere Ranges North Piha Strand

x) Les Waygood Park

xi) Waitakere Ranges North Piha Esplanade

b) promotes the smoke-free status of smoke-free public places in Waitakere Ranges as the Board deems appropriate

Comments

Background

7. The Auckland Council Smoke Free Policy 2013 (‘the Policy’) sets out council’s position on smoke-free public places, events, tobacco control advocacy and workplace smoking cessation.

8. As local boards have been allocated non-regulatory decision making responsibilities for local activities, the implementation of the Policy at a local level is a matter for local board discretion.

Local boards can:

· choose to progress the implementation of smoke-free public places wider and faster than identified in the Policy

· determine the exact signage requirements for promoting local smoke-free public places and any additional budget allocation for this

· decide on promotion and communication activities for smoke-free public places in their local area

· determine the extent of smoke-free messaging and promotion at local board events.

9. According to the 2013 census, Waitakere Ranges Local Board (‘the Board) area has a smoking rate of 14 percent which is slightly higher than the regional smoking rate (13 percent). Similarly, the smoking rate for young people (i.e. 15-24 year olds), is 13 percent. This is slightly over the regional smoking rate for the same age group (12.5 percent).

10. The Auckland Plan and the Policy has a goal of a Smoke-free Auckland by 2025. This is a five percent smoking rate in the region by 2025.

Policy Implementation

Smoke-free Public Places

11. Smoke-free in public places aims to discourage the community from smoking in certain public outdoor areas to de-normalise smoking behaviour. As the Policy is non-regulatory, compliance is voluntary and relies on the public being well informed about these smoke-free areas. As such smoke-free signs need to communicate the smoke-free status of a space.

12. However, the cost of installing smoke-free signage in all public places identified in the Policy outweighs its benefit. Therefore, staff recommend placing smoke-free signs in certain areas where the smoke-free message will have the greatest impact.

13. In order to identify these sites, staff developed a criteria based on the objectives and principles of the Policy. The criteria focused on:

· areas that are frequented by children and youth

· council-owned facilities

· areas that are well used and popular within their community

· sites where several smoke-free public places are clustered in close proximity.

14. Based on scores against the criteria, sites were then divided into four categories. Smoke-free signage implementation varies according to the categories. Sites that are scored highly are ‘Category A sites’ or high priority sites, where there is an opportunity for a higher level of smoke-free signage installation. Table one summarises these categories and smoke-free signage installation.

Table 1 Site priority and level of signage installation

Category		Level of smoke-free signage installation
A	High priority sites	· additional smoke-free signs + · temporary smoke-free stickers to be installed on existing signs, until signage replacement or upgrades occurs
B	Medium priority sites	· temporary smoke-free stickers to be installed on existing signs, until signage replacement or upgrades
C	Low priority sites	· smoke-free logo incorporated onto signs as they are replaced or upgraded
D	No priority sites	· no smoke-free signage installation

High priority smoke-free sites

15. Staff had prepared recommendations on the high priority (Category A) and medium priority (Category B) sites within the Waitakere Ranges local board area. In April 2014, a workshop with the Board was held to gather feedback and confirm these high priority sites. Table two outlines the high priority smoke-free sites in the Waitakere Ranges local board area.

Table 2 High priority smoke-free sites for Waitakere Ranges local board area

Site Name	Rationale	Est sign cost
Bethells beach car park area	· Bethells is an important beach site in the region · Attracts visitors from around the region · Regional parks that surround Piha are currently smoke-free · Opportunity for raising awareness around litter and fire risks from cigarette butt litter	· Signage requirements is difficult to determine at beach sites · Recommend 1-2 stand-alone signs · Est. cost based on this is approximately $328 to $656
Ceramco Park and Function Centre	· Large sports ground area, includes function centre, sports park and playground space · Venue for hire attracts users from around the region	· Approximately 4-5 wall mounted signs · Est. cost $500-$615
Glen Eden Library	· Library site close to town centre, park and retail · Houses a citizens advice bureau and meeting rooms · Well used site and frequented by children and youth · Signs will build awareness of smoke-free behaviour	· Approximately 2 wall mounted · Est cost $250
Harold Moody Recreation Ground and Duck Park	· Sports ground close to Glen Eden Town Centre · Well used youth and sports codes	· Approximately 3-4 wall mounted signs · Est. cost $370-$500
Lopdell House	· Site close to Titirangi Village and library · High profile and well used facility- attracts visitors from around the region	· Approximately 2 wall mounted · $Est. cost $250
Parrs Park	· Large sports ground and park area · Includes 3 sports parks and 2 playgrounds	· Approximately 4-5 wall mounted signs · Est. cost $500-$615
Titirangi Library	· Library site contains Titirangi War Memorial Park, community centre and RSA · Close to Titirangi Village and Lopdell House · Libraries as facilities frequented by community and are good spaces to build awareness of smoke-free behaviour and council’s Policy	· Approximately 4-5 wall mounted signs · Est. cost $500-$615
Waitakere Ranges Piha Domain	· Discrete reserve areas leading into Piha beach · Piha beach is an important site in the region- it attracts visitors from around the region · Regional parks that surround Piha are currently smoke-free · Opportunity for raising awareness around litter and fire risks from cigarette butt litter	· Signage can be focused around car parks or entrance to beaches · Signage requirements is difficult to determine without an audit · Recommend 1-2 stand-alone signs at each site · Est. cost based on this is approximately $1,312 to $2,624
North Piha Esplanade
Waitakere Ranges North Piha Strand
Les Waygood Park

Site Name

Rationale

Est sign cost

Bethells beach car park area

· Bethells is an important beach site in the region

· Attracts visitors from around the region

· Regional parks that surround Piha are currently smoke-free

· Opportunity for raising awareness around litter and fire risks from cigarette butt litter

· Signage requirements is difficult to determine at beach sites

· Recommend 1-2 stand-alone signs

· Est. cost based on this is approximately $328 to $656

Ceramco Park and Function Centre

· Large sports ground area, includes function centre, sports park and playground space

· Venue for hire attracts users from around the region

· Approximately 4-5 wall mounted signs

· Est. cost $500-$615

Glen Eden Library

· Library site close to town centre, park and retail

· Houses a citizens advice bureau and meeting rooms

· Well used site and frequented by children and youth

· Signs will build awareness of smoke-free behaviour

· Approximately 2 wall mounted

· Est cost $250

Harold Moody Recreation Ground and Duck Park

· Sports ground close to Glen Eden Town Centre

· Well used youth and sports codes

· Approximately 3-4 wall mounted signs

· Est. cost $370-$500

Lopdell House

· Site close to Titirangi Village and library

· High profile and well used facility- attracts visitors from around the region

· Approximately 2 wall mounted

· $Est. cost $250

Parrs Park

· Large sports ground and park area

· Includes 3 sports parks and 2 playgrounds

· Approximately 4-5 wall mounted signs

· Est. cost $500-$615

Titirangi Library

· Library site contains Titirangi War Memorial Park, community centre and RSA

· Close to Titirangi Village and Lopdell House

· Libraries as facilities frequented by community and are good spaces to build awareness of smoke-free behaviour and council’s Policy

· Approximately 4-5 wall mounted signs

· Est. cost $500-$615

Waitakere Ranges Piha Domain

· Discrete reserve areas leading into Piha beach

· Piha beach is an important site in the region- it attracts visitors from around the region

· Regional parks that surround Piha are currently smoke-free

· Opportunity for raising awareness around litter and fire risks from cigarette butt litter

· Signage can be focused around car parks or entrance to beaches

· Signage requirements is difficult to determine without an audit

· Recommend 1-2 stand-alone signs at each site

· Est. cost based on this is approximately $1,312 to $2,624

North Piha Esplanade

Waitakere Ranges North Piha Strand

Les Waygood Park

NB: these cost estimates are based on (300x150mm and 300x400mm) sizes from one supplier (Panda Visuals)

16. The estimated cost outlined in Table 2 are approximated based on a desk top study. Actual costs will be confirmed when parks staff undertake a site visit to determine the number of smoke-free signs required.

Smoke-free signage installation in other areas

17. Sites that have scored moderately against the criteria, or ‘medium priority’ (Category B) sites will have temporary smoke-free sticker logo attached onto existing signs (in accordance with the council’s signage manual). As signs are replaced and upgraded, the signs will incorporate the permanent smoke-free logo.

· For the Waitakere Ranges local board area, the medium priority sites are:

· Armour Bay Reserve

· Claude Abel Reserve

· French Bay Esplanade and Reserve

· Huia Domain

· Karekare Reserve

· Laingholm Hall Reserve

· Lake Wainamu Scenic Reserve

· Little Huia Beach

· Mt Atkinson Park

· Oratia Hall Reserve

· Sandy Parade

· Swanson Station Park

· Te Henga Park

· Titirangi Beach

· Waitakere War Memorial Park

· Wood Bay Reserve

18. ‘Low priority’ (Category C) sites will have the smoke-free logo incorporated onto signs as they due for upgrades or replacement. ‘No priority’ (Category D) sites are areas that do not currently have any signage installed.

Smoke-free public places promotion

19. As the Policy is non-regulatory, raising public awareness around smoke-free behaviour and the council’s position on achieving a smoke-free Auckland is important.

To assist the Board in the promotion of the Policy staff suggest the following for consideration:

· an article in the local paper or magazine when most of the smoke-free signs have been installed

· a launch event at one of the high priority sites when most of the smoke-free signs have been installed

· raise awareness through social media (i.e. local board Facebook page or a website).

Consideration

Local board views and implications

20. Staff consulted with the Board throughout the development of the Policy in 2012-2013.

21. In April 2014, staff attended a workshop with the Board to confirm the high and medium priority sites for the implementation of the Policy. The Board was also provided with an indicative cost of introducing additional signage in the identified high priority sites.

At the workshop, the Board had made the following comments:

· there are three priority areas identified in the vicinity of the Titirangi town centre. However, the Board does not view this area as a high priority area in terms of smoking prevalence

· it would like clarity on which reserves are referred to in ‘Piha beach area’. There are several discrete reserves within the area and these need to be approached separately

· it would like Bethells beach car park area to be considered a high priority site

· it would like Claude Abel Reserve and Sandy Parade area to be considered a medium priority site

· it would like an update on the implementation of the smoke-free policy in regional parks

· it would like sports clubs and other community leases to be more proactive adopting smoke-free premises.

Maori impact statement

22. The New Zealand Tobacco Use Survey (2009) found that the smoking rate amongst Maori (44 percent) is significantly higher than that of the non-Maori population (18 percent).

23. Through the development of the Policy, many stakeholders highlighted the disparity between Maori and non-Maori smoking rates within the region as a cause for disproportionate health outcomes for Maori.

The Policy aims to address Maori smoking rates through:

· the creation of smoke-free public places

· smoke-free signs to contain awareness based messages in Maori

· focus on the Southern Initiative smoke-free work stream

Implementation

24. There will be additional costs to the local board relating to the printing and installation of smoke-free signage in the high priority sites identified in the report.

25. Staff recommend wall- mounted smoke-free signage as these are hard wearing, have a longer life span and minimises signage pollution.

The approximate cost of additional smoke-free signs in the 11 identified sites (Table two) in Phase one is between $4,100-$6,200. The exact costs will vary depending on:

· the exact number of smoke-free signs required on each site

· if there are many smoke-free messages (e.g. mass printing of one message is more cost effective)

· the positioning and installation of the smoke-free signs

26. The estimated cost outlined in Table 2 are approximated based on a desk top study. Actual costs will be confirmed when parks staff undertake a site visit to determine the level of smoke-free signage required. In addition, the Board can consider using ‘smoke-free stickers’ in certain Category A sites. The use of these stickers will decrease the cost of implementation to the Board.

27. These estimated costs are one off costs. Any ongoing costs will be covered within signage maintenance and renewal budgets.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Jasmin Kaur - Policy Analyst

Michael Sinclair - Team Leader, Regionwide Social Policy

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

31 July 2014

Auckland Transport

Private Bag 92250

Auckland 1142

Waitakere Ranges Local Board submission: Auckland Transport Parking Discussion Document

Background

1. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board covers a large geographical area in west Auckland with significant travel distances between the outer rural, coastal and bush settlements and the urban villages. Residents in outer areas are largely car dependent as there is no public transport.

2. The gateway villages of Titirangi and Glen Eden play a key role in servicing the needs of urban and rural catchments in the south of the local board area, whilst Swanson is a key retail focus in the north.

3. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board recommends that the Parking Strategy looks to differentiate between town centres in the heart of urban/suburban Auckland and those that are on the outer fringe, serving both urban and rural catchments. We would like Auckland Transport to come up with a set of principles for the parking and transport needs of townships that serve significant rural populations who do not have access to frequent public transport.

4. Around three quarters of residents in employment travel to work outside of the local board area, and all students of high school age travel to secondary schools outside of the area.

5.1 Managing demand for parking in town centres

5. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board’s only town centre proper is Glen Eden, and is the main area where parking controls are needed. The nearby metropolitan centres of Henderson and New Lynn are just outside of the local board area.

6. While the Waitakere Ranges Local Board supports the intervention trigger points for on-street parking in Table 6 (page 25), it does not support a one-size fits all approach. The policy column in the table prescribes a single solution for each issue.

7. The local board supports taking a tailored approach to town and local centres. The parking strategy therefore needs to provide a range of options rather than a single solution.

8. At the local level, the parking strategy needs to integrate with town centre planning, economic development, and the wider social and community functions of the town and local centres. It should consider the economic, environmental, cultural and social impacts, with methods for measuring these.

9. Parking controls need to support the development of the town centre, including its economic viability and vitality.

10. The local board is looking to revitalise Glen Eden Town Centre. Part of this would look to reduce the dominance of cars, slow traffic, create shared spaces for pedestrian, cycle and car movements. Public transport has been given a significant boost in the area with investment in the western train line and the local board wants to build on this, and work with Auckland Transport to achieve these goals.

11. Increased enforcement of time restrictions is our preferred approach to ensure spaces are available for Glen Eden’s visitors and shoppers. Parking in our town centres and villages need to be managed so that they can continue to serve the rural catchment, as Glen Eden and Titirangi function as a gateway between urban and rural areas that are car-dependent and often without a viable alternative.

12. Decisions on introducing paid parking needs to take into account a range of factors: access to reliable public transport, affordability, and impact on business, including the competitive advantage with other town centres, ie people may choose to shop at another town centre or mall that has free parking. This last point is of particular concern for Glen Eden as it sits between the mall dominated centres of Henderson and New Lynn which provide free parking.

13. Glen Eden serves a community with a higher than average percentage of rented accommodation, pockets of deprivation and relatively low household incomes. A move to paid parking would risk displacing shoppers to shopping malls in neighbouring areas which have free parking.

14. We would also like to see the use innovative technology as it becomes available and affordable to make it easier and quicker to find parking.

5.1b Consistent approach to managing parking in centres

15. The Waitakere Ranges supports the development of comprehensive parking management plan for Glen Eden in the first stage of CPMP development, and agrees with taking a flexible approach. The discussion document notes that in small centres a CPMP may only consist of a review of parking restrictions and times, and we would be in favour of that.

16. We recommend bringing forward the development of a Corridor Management Plan for West Coast Road to coordinate with the comprehensive parking management plan for the area.

17. In terms of having a consistent approach to managing parking in centres, the local board would prefer a tailored approach to identify issues and options, and as mentioned above to integrate with other local level plans.

5.6 Managing parking on arterial roads

18. We do not support the removal of parking from arterial roads if the purpose is to speed up and increase traffic flow. Titirangi village is a good example where an arterial road going through the township has used a different approach.

19. In the draft Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan 2014 we have promoted the concept of “slow streets, slow villages”, where traffic speed is reduced and the built environment is designed to promote public transport, walking and cycling. In particular, we want to encourage more people to walk and cycle, both for commuting and recreation. These need to be safe and attractive options.

20. The question of whether to remove parking on an arterial road should be dealt with in an integrated way when looking at the range of users of the road, and in town centres by emphasizing the place making function of the road. With respect to West Coast Road in Glen Eden, we recommend doing the proposed parking management plan at the same time as the West Coast Road Corridor Management Plan, which may need to be brought forward.

21. We have heard anecdotally that the removal of parking spaces on West Coast Road has had an impact on business, and believe that potential needs to be carefully considered.

5.9 Park and Ride: investment and pricing

22. Agree with the statement on p22 that “the greatest benefit form park and ride provision occurs from more peripheral areas where access to rapid transit by feeder bus, walking or cycling is less viable”.

23. West Auckland has less than 10 percent of the region’s available park and ride (Figure 2) and should be a high priority for investment for new or improved facilities, particularly in urban fringe areas such as Glen Eden and Swanson on the Western Train Line.

24. Park and ride in urban fringe areas should be provided on a free basis to encourage use of the public transport system by residents living in the surrounding areas that are outside the public transport network. You get more for your buck getting people taking long train trips then short trips.

25. Auckland Transport should investigate a mechanism to give park and ride concessions to people who are genuinely outside of the public transport system.

26. It is important for the Waitakere Ranges area to make the new “turn up and go” public transport network accessible to communities that are outside of the network. The provision of park and ride in town centres on the urban fringe is particularly important step to encourage rural residents to use public transport for part of their journey.

Appendix 1: Price Adjustment Policy (on-street parking)

27. The pricing policy should include methods to take into account deprivation of local areas in setting the price, and consider the economic vitality of town centres.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

The Waitakere Ranges Local Board wishes to submit on the proposal by Auckland Transport regarding speeds on Piha Road.

Proposal for reduction in speed from 100 kph to 70 kph from Anawhata turnoff to Piha

The WRLB has no strong views on this proposal, and is taking a neutral position. For most of this route it is not possible to travel faster than approximately 80 kph, and most stretches of the road which require a much slower speeds are identified with chevron signs. Therefore the WRLB has difficulty appreciating what the slower speed will accomplish.

The WRLB is also concerned that (unlike the proposal for reduced speed from the top of Piha Hill to Piha) the proposal for the open road has not been well socialized or discussed at Piha,. The WRLB will be interested in the outcome of this AT consultation process.

Proposal for reduction in speed from 70 kph to 50 kph from 30m east of 170 Piha Road to Piha.

The WRLB strongly supports this reduction in speed but believes it should commence at the Karekare turn-off or a little before it (for example, soon after the entrance to the Winstone Track).

Reasons for supporting the reduction are:

1. It is essentially a residential area.

2. There are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the road from the corner of Te Ahuahu Road eastwards

3. There are school bus-stops along this route

4. The WRLB has had it expressed to it by Ratepayer groups from the rural and outer areas, a wish that people behave differently in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area and adopt a “slow village ethic” to signify that this is a special area

which needs to be valued for its natural features.

5. Local residents have been seeking this reduction in speed for some time.

Reasons for supporting the reduction in speed from or before the Karekare turn-off are as follows:

1. Residential properties commence closer to the Karekare turn-off that 30 m south of 170 Piha Road

2. The Karekare intersection provides a logical place for the speed to reduce to 50 kph. Vehicles turning left into the Karekare Road, or exiting from Karekare Road, will reduce speed to negotiate this intersection. Vehicles travelling on to Piha should be encouraged to slow down at this intersection to be able to observe what other traffic is doing. Therefore it makes sense for the speed to permanently reduce from this point.

3. Pedestrians walk on both sides of the road, especially those using the Hillary Trail. Recently, Auckland Transport constructed a footpath for the trail on the south side of Piha Road. Because of high banks, in places this footpath requires walkers (many of whom will be carrying large back-packs) to intrude into the carriageway. When travelling eastwards, this path continues out of the proposed 50 kph zone into the proposed 70 kph zone. The newly constructed end-point of this footpath is at the Karekare turn-off. It is much more desirable that the 50 kph zone incorporates the full length of the new footpath, so that walkers are in a slow-speed area for the whole time. In addition, as the new footpath ends at the Karekare turn-off, walkers must cross the road at this point to rejoin the Hillary Trail at the Ussher Track, which is directly across the road. It is dangerous for them to be crossing the road within the 70 kph zone especially as they must watch out for cars entering or leaving Karekare Road as well as those on Piha Road.

For this reason, the WRLB argues that the 70 kph zone should start as motorists approach this intersection, rather than right on it, or after it (as proposed).

4. The NZTA regulations relating to the setting of speeds, allows for deviations from strict adherence to the rules where there are circumstances such as influxes of visitors to a place. This applies at Piha, where many of the walkers on the Hillary Trail are from overseas or other parts of New Zealand. It is also true of the many motorists who, during the summer months, visit Piha for recreation. The setting of the speeds for the road needs to take into account this fact both for motorists unfamiliar with the area, and visiting recreational walkers. It is not clear that this recreational visitation has been considered.

5. The area in question is within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area which is governed by the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008. It is not clear that Auckland Transport has considered the legislation at all, or if it has, how, when proposing these speeds. The Act requires that the built environment is subservient to the natural environment, and the built environment includes roads and activities on them. The Act also provides for the wellbeing of residents and visitors, and in this case wellbeing is best served by reducing speed where people are living, walking and crossing roads.

6. Residents in the villages of the Heritage Area (through their R&R groups) have for some time raised with the Local Board the possibility of “gateway” signs when travellers reach particular rural and coastal villages. They wish visitors to be aware that they are in the Heritage Area, and to behave in ways that respect the heritage features that are detailed in the Act. There include protection of the natural environment, protection of the individual character of the villages, and protection of the quiet and dark. In discussion with local ratepayer groups, the wish to promote a “slow village” concept for the villages

has been expressed, so that motorists slow down as in many places pedestrians walk on roads. The Local Board will be consulting with the villages in the near future, to determine the style, scale, message and general location of these signs.

Summary

The Waitakere Ranges Local Board is neutral on the matter of the speed from the Anawhata turn-off to Piha.

The Waitakere Local Board strongly supports the reduction in speed from 70kph to 50 kph for the stretch of road from the Karekare turn-off to Piha, on the basis that the reduced speed should commence at, or preferably just before, the Karekare turn-off.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Chairperson’s Report

File No.: CP2014/16837

Much of July was spent unveiling our 3-year Local Board Plan to local residents and ratepayers. Before we went out to present the plan, we discussed how to do it. As legislation requires local boards to use formal methods, with written submissions and hearings, the Local Board cannot collect views at informal meetings. This means we are somewhat constrained in the conduct of these meetings, which are more about explaining the plan and answering questions, than hearing back from constituents.

At the earlier less formal stage of consultation we had the “board on the couch” intercept sessions in local shopping centres, and constituency meetings based around subjects (arts, the environment and so on) in various places. These were all very successful methods and we got great feedback which helped as shape our plan.

It would be tempting to conclude that the low attendance at the next formal stage meetings was because everyone was entirely happy with what we came up with, but that is unlikely to be the case! But we do agonise about the best way to connect with our constituents.

A number of the meetings were plagued by rotten weather, and we completely understand why folk wouldn’t want to come out on a dark, wet night to hear about the Local Board Plan. This dilemma is not unique to us, as other local boards had similar results. We have also heard about some innovative methods being used by other boards, so we’ll compare notes to see if there’s something we can borrow, and we’ll also put our own thinking caps on

As it happens, we have 56 submissions as at 1 August, with the submission period closing on 6 August, and we are looking forward to reading those and hearing from people at hearings in due course.

On 27 June, we held a Volunteer Appreciation Event to say thank you to all the groups – fire service, surf clubs, environment groups, heritage groups and so on. It was a lovely night but also a beastly wet and cold one, so numbers were down. We want to continue saying thank you so we’ll look at a new format for next year. Our Local Board area is incredibly dependent on volunteers. In many of the outer areas, volunteers provide services like First Response and fire fighting that in urban areas are provided by paid professionals. We all depend on them. In many small and big ways volunteers are the glue that holds are communities together.

In July most Board members attend a huge workshop at the Aotea Centre, where we had an outlining of the kind of cuts Council services face to keep within the 2.9% rates increase being promised by the Mayor, instead of the 4.9% in the Council’s Long-Term Plan. When on outline of these proposed cuts appeared in the Herald, there was a pretty negative reaction to proposals to reduce library services and service levels in parks, among some of those mentioned.

Libraries and parks are the stars of local government and receive pretty solid support from the public. Of all the things their rates pay for, they don’t begrudge these. Other cuts are less visible, but there is a real danger that you simply pile up problems for the future if you reduce services and activities. They may not show up immediately or even in the short-term, but the consequences usually eventually materialise, and then it may be too late. It doesn’t pay, for instance to reduce attention to environmental issues such as the quality of waterways, stormwater, pest control or biodiversity. The Council has not made a priority of these aspects over the last three years, so it’s worrying where funding cuts might take us.

Nevertheless, I was delighted at the completion of the purchase of the land owned by the Byers family between Piha and Karekare, which has been on the Council agenda for four years, and before that the Auckland Regional Council and even the Auckland Regional Authority in the 1960s (see attached media release). This is a dramatic and spectacular piece of coast, with significant volcanic formations in the form of cliffs, blowhole and rocky platforms.

The purchase will enable the Hillary Trail to stay along the coast, instead of going inland, and will provide some great walks for visitors to the regional park, to which it will become an addition.

The purchase was made possible with a ring-fenced fund the Auckland Council inherited from the Auckland Regional Council, and shows the value of having dedicated money set aside for parks acquisition. This is buying for future generations, and enables the protection of tracts of land which otherwise could be lost to development for ever. With a growing population, and with the “compact city” model requiring people to live on very small sections on in apartments, we need to expand public space so people can enjoy being in a natural environment, children can run around and there is plenty of room for sports to be played.

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the Chairperson’s report.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Tua Viliamu – Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Portfolio update: Member Sandra Coney

File No.: CP2014/17788

Purpose

1. This report provides an opportunity for Member Sandra Coney to give an update with regards to activity within her portfolio areas.

2. Portfolio holders are responsible for leading policy development in their portfolio area, proposing and developing project concepts, overseeing agreed projects within budgets, being active advocates, accessing and providing information and advice.

3. Member Coney has lead for the portfolios of Historic Heritage/Character and Parks area.

Executive Summary

Heritage and World War 1 Centenary

4. There’s an absolute explosion of heritage activity going on across the region, much of it focusing on the first year of the five-year centenary of World War 1.

5. This will be the theme of the Heritage Festival in September this year, and among the events planned, is the opening of the Festival on Queens Wharf which will include a re-enactment of Auckland troops embarking to sail for Egypt and the Dardanelles. In this case the ship will be HMNZS Otago, and there will be a chance for the public to go on board.

6. In the Sir George Grey Special Collections at Auckland Public Library is a poignant exhibition “Home by Christmas”, a common belief at the time the war broke out. And out west, at the Waitakere Central Library in Henderson is a great exhibition called “WW1 at home: Researching West Auckland Families.” This is a joint project between the Waitakere branch of the New Zealand Society and Genealogists and West Auckland Research Centre staff. They have sent themselves the task of finding out more about the men on the Rolls of Honour in the Titirangi, Henderson, New Lynn and Swanson RSAs. The exhibition is open at the library 9-5 pm until 12 September. The staff can also give you help with researching your own family members.

7. Oral historians at the library have also been working with students from UNITEC to research and present their family stories.

8 I have called a meeting of any groups interested in activities to do with the centenary at 2 pm Friday, 22 August. We have asked local schools, RSAs, history groups and so on. If you would like to come, please ring Sharon Davies at the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

9. As Chair of the Auckland Council’s Political Steering Group on WW1, I chair meetings and meet with stakeholders to help coordinate the centenary commemorations. On 5 August, along with the mayor, I represented Council at the “War Begins” Commemorative Service at the Museum. An actor re-enacted the then Governor, Lord Liverpool, reading the proclamation of New Zealand’s commitment to WW1. Students from Wesley College performed a very impressive haka and the school’s choir sang a beautiful rendition of Po Atarau, Now is the Hour. Neil Henderson, who is on the PSG, was also there representing the LB at this event.

Rosaline Blake, the Consul-General for Cook Islands, the Mayor, Sandra Coney, and one of Mrs Blake’s staff, at the commemorative service to mark the 100^th anniversary of the declaration of WW1.

10. One role of the Council is to make sure our military sections of cemeteries are in tip-top condition, and of course Waikumete is the largest military cemetery in New Zealand. It will be one of the three places out west included on the Council’s WW1 Heritage Trail which will be launched in September. The other two are the Piha WW1 Roll of Honour on Lion Rock and the Spragg Memorial at Kaitarakihi.

11. One thing we need to highlight during this centenary is the role of Pacific Nations. New Zealand invaded Samoa, the first German territory taken during WW1. This event and the impact it had on Samoan people is covered in an exhibition at the Museum which is a must-visit for all Aucklanders.

12. Cook Islanders, Tongans, Niueans and people from the then Gilbert and Ellice Islands all sent men to join New Zealand troops, especially the Pioneer Maori Battalion. Quite a number died while training at Narrow Neck Camp from diseases such as influenza to which they had no immunity. Most are buried at O’Neills Point Cemetery, but one, a Rarotongan called Peter Solomona is buried at Waikumete, outside the military part of the cemetery.

Peter Solomona’s grave at Waikumete. He died at Narrow Neck Camp in 1917.

13. I am also working with the Council’s regional parks interpretation staff on a project to provide interpretation of the World War2 air force radar station at the end of Log Race Road Piha. This follows the publication in 2013 of my book On the Radar: the Story of Piha’s WW2 radar station. So far what is planned is some on-site interpretation and a short film which people could download (via cellphone) when on the site to see what they are looking at on the ground.

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the portfolio update from Member Sandra Coney.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Tua Viliamu – Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

14 August 2014

Portfolio update: Member Steve Tollestrup

File No.: CP2014/16834

Purpose

1. This report provides and opportunity for Member Steve Tollestrup to give an update with regards to activity within his portfolio areas.

3. Member Tollestrup has lead for the portfolios of Community Development, Economic Development, Placemaking/Urban Renewal, Ethnic, Peace and Safety.

Executive Summary

Community Development

4. Continuing work with Council Community Development on defining outcomes and approving the Community Waitakere shared work programme for delivery of services across the three western local boards. The shared programme includes local leadership development, neighbourhood connectivity, civic engagement and supporting enhanced community infrastructure, creation of a research and training hub and facilitation of a regular roundtable of community leaders for support and collaboration. (The member discloses that he is a member of Community Waitakere Board)

5. Following consultation with Auckland Council, Greater Glen Eden and a number of its stakeholders, the Local Board has decided to discontinue annual funding for Greater Glen Eden and has now encouraged grant application on a project-by-project basis. As the Community Development portfolio holder, I am working closely with the Greater Glen Eden steering group on forward planning and the restructuring of current finances and programmes.

6. I had the pleasure of joining the Project Twin Streams community planting day at the Olive Grove Reserve Verdale Circle in Glen Eden. I want to note how impressed I am with these planting days where the Project Twin (streams crew mobilise) local communities for environmental restoration projects. It was also an honour to be the board representative at the Project Twin Streams book launch where a small volume of PTS that included stories, anecdotes, poetry, art and photography was presented.

7. I am working with the Mayoral Place-making Champions Group preparing a tool-kit for community place-making across the city. I am especially involved with a cluster of representatives from Waitemata and Papakura Local Boards developing successful case studies from the city and abroad for inclusion in the tool-kit.

8. I attended the June meeting of the Waitakere Residents and Ratepayers association as well as the Henderson Valley Residents Association. (The member discloses that he is a member of Henderson Valley Residents Association)

Economic Development

9. With council staff and the Glen Eden Business Improvement District, Village Centre Manager I am preparing for a Mayoral visit August 12 that will focus on development of the business and commercial precinct of Glen Eden providing the Mayor with background on current developments and providing the opportunity for the Mayor to discuss council support for the BID and partnership with Glen Eden business.

10. I continue to attend the Glen Eden Business Improvement District meetings and have scheduled regular meeting times with the BID town Centre Manager, particularly engaged on the Mayoral visit.

11. Improved Broadband connectivity for the Ranges and coastal villages remains a high priority for the board and I have continued to meet with the Bethell’s Internet group and advocate for improvement to broadband services.

12. The first three months of our small business mentoring clinics based out of our offices and staffed by ATEED business development specialists are proving to be very successful and enthusiastically taken up.

Community Safety

13. I attended a Meeting with the Waitakere Ethnic Board following the murder of a Henderson retailer in June and earlier homicides in West Auckland. The meeting focused on the need for better policing and protection for retailers, particularly ethnic dairy owners who claim they face an inordinate amount of racial harassment. The meeting also discussed the pressing need for greater education around domestic violence and security for women in violent and oppressive circumstances.

14. A CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) audit and report is currently being completed for the Glenmall precinct.

15. The provision of office space for a Glen Eden Community Constable has been delayed with the decision of the owner of the proposed leased premises declining in favour of selling the office space. We continue to look for an appropriate office space for lease with fresh opportunities being explored.

16. I’m engaged with representatives from the three western local boards and wider Auckland on developing and strengthening Local Approved Products Policy which sets out stringent guidelines on the sale of psych-active substances or so called synthetic cannabis. This is a world-wide challenge of which we are working diligently to ensure minimum harm and maximum compliance.

Peace Portfolio

17. Preparations are in hand for late September Peace event and celebration with the local launch of the Auckland City Peace tool-kit

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Receives the portfolio update from Member Steve Tollestrup.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Tua Viliamu – Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Chairperson	Sandra Coney, QSO
Deputy Chairperson	Denise Yates, JP
Members	Neil Henderson
	Greg Presland
	Steve Tollestrup
	Saffron Toms

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

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