Agenda of Waitematā Local Board

Waitematā Local Board

12 August 2014

Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards - For the Quarter - 1 April to 30 June 2014

File No.: CP2014/17190

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to inform Boards about progress on activities undertaken by Auckland Transport in the three months April - June 2014, and the planned activities anticipated to be undertaken in the three months July - September 2014.

2. Attachments include:

· A Auckland Transport activities, broken down by Local Board;

· A1 Travelwise Schools activities broken down by Local Board;

· B Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee, by Board;

· C Report against local board advocacy issues; and

· D Report on the status of the Board’s projects under the Local Board Transport Capital Fund.

Recommendation

That the Waitematā Local Board:

Receive the Auckland Transport Quarterly Report.

Comments

Significant activities during the period under review

Key Agency Initiatives

SMART (South Western Multimodal Airport Rapid Transit) Project

3. Investigation into protecting a rail (rapid transit) corridor from Onehunga to the Auckland airport then connecting back to the main trunk line at Puhinui forming a rail loop.

4. As part of planning for the future public transport network, Auckland Transport has been talking to Auckland Airport about making provision for a potential rapid transit corridor in their master plan. Rail has been identified as the best long term public transport option for improving transport in Auckland’s airport and south western area. Auckland Airport has allowed for a rail corridor and station at the terminal as part of their latest master plan. There are no confirmed alignments for rapid transit links outside the airport property yet and further work is required to confirm this and the timing of any construction. The project is currently in the development phase and public consultation will be carried out when more certainty on feasible alignments and station locations are reached.

East West Link

5. The primary objective of the project is to provide an improved freight connection between SH20/Onehunga and the Southdown (MetroPort) and adjoining SH1 inland port. It is expected that there will be growth of freight transport via this corridor. Safety, amenity, and service upgrades will also be considered. At the moment, we are looking to see what can be provided within the current road reserve but some land purchase may be required.

6. The project team has started the process for procurement of professional services contract for the production of the Detailed Business Case in FY 2014/15, subject to approval of funding. The contract will be led by the Transport Agency, as principal. Indicatively, the construction is scheduled to start by 2016/2017 with forecast completion by 2019/2020.

PT Development

City Rail Link

7. The CRL is a 3.5km double track underground electrified rail line running under Auckland City centre from Britomart Station to the Western Line near the existing Mt Eden Station. Britomart would become a through station and provide for 3 intermediate stations in the Aotea, Karangahape Road and Newton areas. Following AT confirmation of the designated route recommended by the Independent Planning Commission, appeals were received from 6 parties and the Project Team are currently working with those appellants to work through matters raised.

Distributed Stabling – Detailed Design

8. The project entails the development of outstabling facilities which support rail services throughout the region. These facilities are located in the South, CBD and West and comprise facilities for overnight stabling of trains and staff facilities. Installation of Transdev staff facilities at Strand will be completed over the next 4 months.

Electrification Safety Works

9. This project will identify and address safety risks arising from the introduction of overhead electrified traction infrastructure to the Auckland rail network. Scope of work includes: Implementation of recommendations from a series of risk reviews into public trespass/climbability risk at stations Investigation into possible platform-train interface and trip hazard issues between new EMUs and existing platforms. Fencing additions completed. Anti-climb roller barriers to be installed by end of July.

Newmarket Crossing

10. Upgrade Level Crossing in Newmarket that constrains train movements into/out of, Newmarket Station and inhibits planned increases in timetable frequencies. The preferred option has now been selected as the Cowie Street Linkway to Laxon Terrace. Community group meetings commenced late February 2014 with the next meeting scheduled for early August 2014. Design tender awarded and concept design underway.

Upgrade Downtown Ferry Terminals

11. Waiting area on pier 2 is now complete and handed over.

12. Design completed for the new Pier 4 Pontoon. Scoping and initiation works under development in coordination with the Harbour Edge Programme.

PT Operations

Highlights for the quarter (April-June 2014)

· Total patronage achieved a record 72.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014 with a +5.6% growth;

· Rail patronage achieved a record 11.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014 with a +13.9% growth;

· The Northern Express rapid transit Northern Busway bus service achieved a record 2.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014 with a +6.5% growth;

· Other bus services achieved a record 53.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014 with a +4.2%;

· Ferry services for the year to end June 2014 carried 5.1 million annual passenger trips with an annual growth of +3.1%;

· An Auckland milestone was achieved on Monday 28^th April at 05:46 from Onehunga with the first new electric train (EMU) operating a revenue service between Onehunga and Britomart;

· Green Bay / Titirangi New Bus Network Review and public consultation completed, for new service implementation in August;

· Wi-Fi on the PT network is now available at rail and busway stations and some ferry wharves.

· AT HOP integrated ticketing rollout completed across all bus, rail and ferry services;

· 50 AT HOP retailers are available across Auckland with 10 Customer Service Centres;

· The AT HOP Day Pass was implemented on 1^st July 2014 and offers travel for $16 across two zones A and B or $22 across three zones A, B and C across rail, bus and inner harbour ferries. The pass can be loaded on to an AT HOP card at AT Customer Service Centres, AT HOP ticket machines, ticket offices and AT HOP retailers. The paper-based Discovery Day Pass is to be withdrawn at the end July.

Future outlook

13. The business case for integrated fares under a 5 concentric ring zonal model, including product and pricing scenarios is progressing through to final recommendation.

14. The bus Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) new draft contract has been finalised and will be distributed to incumbent bus operators for feedback in July. The Bus PTOM Procurement strategy has been completed and NZTA approval will be sought in August. Target is for tender of the new South Auckland bus network in September with a target go-live for services in Q3 2015.

15. Work continues on developing the new PT journey planner. This will deliver a step-change in the customer experience through improved functionality, putting more power in the hands of the customer.

16. Revenue service progressive launch of new electric trains on to the Eastern Line in August.

17. Planning for the delivery of the trial to equip Transdev Ticket Inspectors with personal CCTV cameras and the ability to issue Trespass Notices to those repeatedly travelling without a valid ticket.

Key Deliverables

18. Focus continues on the eight key strategic priorities on the rolling three-year business growth plan for Auckland public transport of:

1. Integrated ticketing and fares.

2. Procurement and regulatory reform (PTOM – Public Transport Operating Model).

3. Rail electrification.

4. Ferry improvements.

5. New connected Network.

6. On-time performance.

7. First and Final Leg.

8. Customer experience.

Road Design and Development

Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Scheme Cycle Way

19. Provision of an off road Cycle highway from Glen Innes Rail Station to Tamaki Drive.

20. This project is being delivered jointly with NZTA. Route options have been selected and the process of refining these (considering constructability issues) is underway.

Tamaki Drive Corridor upgrade

21. This a project will consider Tamaki Drive from Quay Street through to St Heliers. We will be looking at present and future land uses and how they impact on the function of the road, future traffic growth (improving traffic flows) and the provision of improved Public Transport. Initial assessment of Ngapipi Bridge and benchmarking of modal use is underway.

Quay Street - Seawall Seismic Upgrade

22. This project deals with the proposed upgrade to Quay Street that would give effect to the aspirations of the City Centre Master Plan for the severance between sea and city to be minimised and to provide priority to pedestrians and cyclists over other travel modes. Further objectives are to improve the interface between the public transport facilities that are concentrated in the Lower Queen Street area. The project also deals with associated enabling works that include the seismic upgrade of the Quay Street seawall.

23. Two primary solution methodologies have been identified and reviewed.
Procurement strategy being prepared; this will assess Early Contractor Involvement and Design & Construct with a recommendation for a preferred option for AT Board approval.

Waterview Cycle Way connection

24. The Waterview Walking and Cycling project is required as a condition of the decision of the Waterview Connection SH20-16 Motorway Board of Inquiry decision to mitigate adverse social effects resulting from the loss of open space and reserves. The condition requires the provision of the shared path between and including the proposed Alford Street Bridge and the proposed Soljak Place Bridge a length of approximately 3.4km. The new facility will provide a missing link in the existing Auckland Regional Cycle Network. Auckland Transport is required to prepare a design sufficient to submit as part of Notice of Requirement and Resource Consent documentation, and obtain the necessary land owner and statutory approvals for the shared path. The land purchase process will be managed by Auckland Transport. Preferred route option has been identified, although some negotiations are still underway with some landowners. Public consultation is planned for 23 and 24 July.

Community Transport

School Transport Programme and Road Safety Education

· The number of schools signed onto the Travelwise Programme has now reached 401;

· The Mayoral Travelwise celebration and the Walking School Bus Megastar event were undertaken in June to congratulate the schools and volunteers for their hard work and results achieved;

· Key activities that were undertaken with the schools included, Road safety week activities, Safety at the school gate parking enforcement, Speed enforcement campaigns undertaken with the NZ Police, Cycle training, Scooter training, School leadership programme for intermediate and high school students and school curriculum transport related activities targeted at road safety and school travel options;

· Walking School Buses now number 387 in the region with a continued programme of recruitment and recognition for the volunteers who accompany the buses;

· Demand for cycle training is still strong from schools and greater partnerships with the NZ Police, Sports Trusts and Bike NZ have been developed to deliver cycle training and cycle safety; and

· The following regional road safety education campaigns are being delivered over the for the coming six months:

1. Local speed campaign – focused at all road users

2. Sober Driver campaign – focused at Sports Clubs and bars

3. Cycle safety- winter campaign focused on be bright be seen

4. Back to school speed campaign - focused on targeting drivers speed around schools.

Travel Planning and Cycle and Walking

· Commute travel planning packages and personal journey plans being delivered across the region targeting business, communities, business associations and tertiary institutions; and

· The development of the Auckland Cycle network continues with priority being placed on working with the NZTA on Grafton Gully and Waterview, working with Local Board Greenway proposals, Beach Road, Great South Road, Puhinui Road and the New Zealand Cycle Trail network expansion programme of the Airport to City route.

Road Corridor Access

Corridor Access Request Applications

25. There were 1,207 CAR applications approved in June with 82% processed within 5 working days and 94% processed within 15 working days of lodgment.

26. In the last 3 months to the end of June 2014 there have been 3,801 CAR applications approved to carry out work on the road network.

Ultra-Fast Broadband Rollout

27. The Year 3 (2013/14) build has now been completed and the cabinets passed to Crown Fibre Holdings. There is still some outstanding reinstatement work associated with the Year 3 build which will be completed over the next few months.

28. The Year 4 (2014/15) build has commenced with CAR applications approved for 64 of the Year 4 cabinet areas with 28 of these already under construction.

29. The Year 4 build comprises 451 cabinet areas of which at least 25% will have some overhead deployment utilising existing power poles.

Watercare Hunua 4 Bulk Watermain

30. Watercare currently have three crews working at Tidal Road, Pah Road and Mountain Road in Mangere Bridge. A fourth crew will be commencing work shortly in Victoria Street in Onehunga between Neilson Street and Church Street.

31. The work on Tidal Road will be finishing shortly and will then progress into Massey Road where it will proceed westwards until it reaches George Bolt Memorial Drive. The work on Massey Road will require road closures and will be restricted to mid-block with full reinstatement required before they move to the next block. There has been extensive consultation with PT, the Heavy Haulage Association and other key stakeholders to lessen the impact of these closures.

Overweight Permits

32. There were 179 overweight permit applications approved in June 2014. Of these 179 permit applications, 168 (94%) were processed within the target timeframes. The target timeframes for processing overweight permit applications are 3 days for single trip, multi travel and continuous renewal permits, and 5 working days for continuous and area permits.

33. In the last 3 months to the end of June there has been 532 overweight permit applications approved for travel on the AT road network.

Road Corridor Maintenance

North

· The remaining pavement renewal projects on Okura River Road and Ngarahana Road have been completed;

· The seal extension project on Matakana Valley Road has been completed;

· The remediation work on the Victoria Road Retaining Wall is now complete;

· Bridge renewal work has been completed on Hiki Culvert, Remiger Bridge, Rangitopuni Bridge and Rosemount Bridge; and

· The three new road maintenance contracts for the northern area commenced on 1 July 2014. The respective contractors are Downer New Zealand (Rural North), Fulton Hogan Limited (Urban East) and Transfield Services Limited (Urban West).

Central

· The clean-up work on Great Barrier Island following the storm on 10 June 2014 is continuing and will continue through the winter months as further loose material is washed down onto roads. At this stage it is estimated that the total cost of the remedial work will be in excess of $6 million;

· The pavement renewal projects on Carlton Gore Road, Aranui Road and Elstree Avenue were completed in June; and

· There was 35.7 km of AC resurfacing and 33.3 km of chipsealing completed this year.

West

· There has been 15.1 km of AC resurfacing and 38.6 km of chipsealing completed this year. Projects were added to the programme in the last quarter;

· There has been 6.0 km of pavement renewals completed with projects completed on Great North Road, Portage Road, Margan Avenue, Kinross Street, Birdwood Road, Henderson Valley Road, Nikau Street, View Road, Kervil Avenue, Rimu Street (2), West Coast Road and at the Great North Road/Titirangi Road intersection;

· Retaining walls have been constructed at a number of sites including Titirangi Road, Titirangi Beach Road (3), Candia Road, Laingholm Drive, Crows Road, Sunnyvale Road, South Titirangi Road and Bethells Road;

· Physical work has commenced on the major slip repair at 597 South Titirangi Road. It is expected that work will be finished by early September; and

· There has been 17.6 km of footpaths either resurfaced or replaced this financial year.

South

· The remaining pavement renewal project on Waiuku Road has been completed;

· The investigation and design for the pavement renewal projects in the 2014/15 programme are underway so as to enable an early start to construction in the upcoming summer months;

· There has been 24.7 km of AC resurfacing and 170.1 km of chipsealing completed this year. The AC resurfacing programme was increased in length from 21.5 km to 24.7 km in the last quarter;

· There was 36.8 km of footpaths either resurfaced or replaced this year; and

· There has been 17.7 km of pavement renewals completed this year with projects completed on Te Irirangi Drive (2 sections), Great South Road (5 sections), Ti Rakau Drive (2 sections), Prince Regent Drive, Cook Street (Howick), Princes Street (Otahuhu), Massey Road, Carruth Rd (Papatoetoe), Great South Road (4 sections), Mahia Road, Roscommon Road, Hill Road, Sheehan Avenue, Hunua Road (2 sections), Whitford-Maraetai Road, Takinini-Clevedon Road, Ponga Road, Ararimu Road, Pukeoware Road, Costello Road, Edinburgh Street/Massey Avenue roundabout (Pukekohe), King Street/West Street roundabout (Pukekohe), East Street (Pukekohe), Queen Street (Pukekohe), Sommerville Road, Rogers Road, Ostrich Farm Road, Stan Wright Road and Waiuku Road.

Streetlights

· New street lights are being installed in conjunction with the undergrounding of overhead power lines at the Mt Smart Road/Mays Road intersection and on Bassett Road in Remuera; and

· There has been 4,237 luminaires and 696 street light poles replaced this year.

Road Corridor Operations

1. Route Optimisation: Investigation and analysis.

34. The planned route optimisation for 2013/14 has been completed including the Central City routes.

35. Changes to the operation of the Traffic Signals have been made to improve performance on the following routes:

Quay St	Lower Hobson St	Solent St
Customs St	Lower Hobson St	The Strand
The Strand	Quay St	Alten Rd
Wellesley St	Hobson	Grafton Rd
Albert St	Quay St	Wellesley
Queen St	Quay St	Newton Rd
Wellington/Union	Karangahape Rd	Franklin Rd
Mayoral Dr/Cook St	Wellesley St W	Wellesley St E
Nelson St	SH1	Fanshawe St
Hobson St	Quay St	SH1
Karangahape Rd	Ponsonby Rd	Grafton Rd
Symonds St	Mt Eden	Customs
Grafton Road	Khyber Pass	Symonds St
Victoria St	Hobson St	Stanley St
Fanshawe St	Hobson St	Beaumont St
Highbrook Dr	SH1	Te Irirangi Dr
Jervois Rd	Wharf St	Beaumont St
Ponsonby Rd	Khyber Pass	College Hill Rd
Rosebank Rd	Great North Rd	Patiki Rd
Neilson St	SH20	Church St

36. The effect of these changes is being monitored and there has already been positive feedback. Reports are being completed to summarise the work, analysis and results.

37. Physical Works Programme (other routes across the region):

- 24 projects are at the scheme design stage;

- 4 projects are at the detailed design stage; and

- 8 construction projects are in progress.

2. Network Safety & Operations Improvement Programme

Safety Around Schools Programme (part of the region wide School Travel Planning process)

38. The 2013/14 Safety engineering programme of $8,482,695 delivered 86 projects across 25 schools including:

· 15 projects completed in the Central area;

· 50 projects completed in the South area;

· 5 projects completed in the North area;

· 16 projects completed in the West area; and

· 2014/15 Safety engineering programme developed for 20 schools.

Minor Safety Improvements Programme

39. 98% of 2013/14 Minor Safety Improvements Programme has been completed with 2% still in construction or procurement.

Regional Safety Programme

40. 75% of 2013/14 Regional Safety Programme is completed with 25% of projects still in construction for completion in 2014/15.

3. Urban Kiwi RAP and Red Light Camera Programmes

Urban Risk Mapping:

41. Urban KiwiRAP star-rating contract awarded in late June. Contractor is anticipating start up in August pending work visa approval. A procurement plan is being prepared to engage a Project Manager.

Red Light Cameras

42. Roll out of five additional Auckland RLC sites planned. Site selection review by key stakeholders taking place in July with procurement processes underway for installation of sites using existing technology. No further sites considered until finalisation of new technology by NZ Police later this year.

Parking and Enforcement

Fanshawe Street Bus Lane

43. Enforcement implemented the enforcement for the new bus lane on Fanshawe Street. The warnings period was extended to four weeks due to the high volumes of traffic. A week’s stand-down followed before live enforcement commenced. To date we are experiencing very good compliance with 130 infringements being issued since live launch on 04th June. This represents an average of just 14 per enforcement day across all enforcement zones on Fanshawe Street.

44. Compare this to Onewa Rd that has been live for several years and we average 20 per day across that sector.

Kingsland Paid Parking Zone

45. Consultation was carried out in December 2013 on changes to the parking in the Kingsland town centre. The purpose of changes was to improve the parking availability and give customers flexibility on length of stay. Currently there are mostly 60 minute time restrictions in Kingsland and parking is near capacity during the middle of the day, evenings and weekends. The project proposes using pay and display parking with no time limits, a 10 minute grace period and demand responsive pricing. Prices will be set to achieve a target occupancy range of 70-90% at peak times. There was over 50% support for the proposal and the Kingsland Business Association supports. The parking changes will go live on the 14th July and there will be advisory signs in Kingsland for two weeks prior.

Newmarket Paid Parking Zone

46. Consultation was carried out in December 2013 on changes to the parking in the Newmarket. The purpose of changes was to improve the parking availability and give customers flexibility on length of stay. Currently there are a wide range of parking restrictions in Newmarket which create confusion for customers. Parking is near capacity on certain streets which creates increased levels of congestion as cars circle to find parking. The project proposes using pay and display parking with no time limits, a 10 minute grace period and demand responsive pricing. Prices will be set to achieve a target occupancy range of 70-90% at peak times. Most streets in Newmarket already have pay and display however some streets will be converted from time restrictions to pay and display. There was over 50% support for the proposal and the Newmarket Business Association supports. The parking changes will go live in early August.

Auckland Parking Discussion Document

47. The parking discussion document was released in May 2014. The document provides commentary on key parking challenges and invites the public to send feedback and ideas on how we manage parking into the future. We’ve made suggestions on how AT might approach various parking challenges and asked the public what they think on themes such as removal of parking on arterial roads, management of parking within the city centre and other town centres, and extension of park and rides. The document has attracted a lot of media attention and there have been over 350 submissions so far. Consultation runs until 31st July 2014.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Auckland Transport Activities	61
b View	Travelwise Schools Activities Broken Down by Local Board	85
c View	Traffic Control Committee Decisions	87
d View	Local Board Advocacy Report	91
e View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	101

Signatories

Authors	Various Auckland Transport Authors
Authorisers	Jonathan Anyon, Elected Member Relationship Team Manager

Waitematā Local Board

12 August 2014

Update on the Implementation of the Myers Park Development Plan

File No.: CP2014/16738

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to update the Waitemata Local Board on the implementation of the Myers Park Development plan and seek endorsement of the proposed approach for the ongoing implementation of the plan.

Executive summary

2. At the June 2014 meeting, the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board considered projects in Auckland City Centre that could be funded from currently unallocated City Centre Targeted Rate.

3. The City Centre Advisory Board indicated support in principle to allocate targeted rate to ongoing improvements of Myers Park, particularly around the northern entrances and underpass. It was requested that staff provide more detail of the ongoing strategy and costs associated with the implementation of the Development Plan for Myers Park, prior to the City Centre Advisory Board supporting allocation of additional targeted rate funds.

4. The improvements to the park are guided by the Myers Park Development Plan (Attachment A) which was adopted by Waitemata Local Board in 2012. The focus of the improvements is to attract more people and families to use the park by providing improved facilities, improving park entrances and addressing issues of safety. There are 22 elements identified for implementation in the development plan.

Funding the implementation Myers Park Development Plan

5. There is $3.5m allocated to the implementation of the development plan in financial years 2013/14 and 2014/15.

6. A total of $1.6m of general rate is allocated in the 2012-2022 Long-Term Plan (LTP). This includes $600,000 from Waitemata Local Board budget to go towards the development of a new playground in the park. The remaining budget is allocated to improving lighting, providing infrastructure to enable events, providing improved signage throughout the park and new planting.

7. In addition, in 2013 the City Centre Advisory Board resolved to allocate a total of $1.9m of City Centre Targeted Rate (CCTR) to further assist with the implementation of the Development Plan. The CCTR was allocated to the following elements:

Development Plan element	Description	City Centre Targeted Rate allocation
New playground	Additional funding to create a unique destination playground, designed to draw families into the park. It features bespoke play features which reference the special cultural and physical context of the park.	$505,000
Park furniture	Providing new furniture at strategic locations, including seats, water fountains, litter bins and new toilet facility.	$100,000
Poynton Terrace	Improving the area between St Kevin’s Arcade and the park entrance to strengthen the pedestrian link and calm traffic.	$280,000
Water feature	A new water play feature (Splash pad) next to the former changing sheds	$190,000
Mayoral Drive/Queen Street Entrance upgrade	Improvements to address safety, anti-social behaviour and accessibility issues, including the provision of a seating plaza area on Mayoral Drive.	$425,000
CCTV cameras and security lighting	The introduction of CCTV into the park was not part of the original scope of the development plan. However, following some significant safety issues in the park in late 2013, the City Centre Advisory Board allocated CCTR to the provision of CCTV in July 2013.	$400,000
	Total City Centre Targeted Rate allocation	$1,900,000

Work currently being constructed

8. The first phase of the implementation of the development of the park is currently underway. Construction began on 14 July 2014 and is due to be completed by January 2015 in time for the Myers Park Centennial in February 2015.

9. The elements which are being delivered in this phase of work include:

· new playground;

· new park lighting and provision of event infrastructure;

· improved signage at the park entrances and throughout the park;

· new planting;

· CCTV and security lighting;

· traffic calming features between St Kevin’s Arcade, across Poynton Terrace into Myers Park;

· installation of park furniture, water fountain and interpretative features; and

· Queen Street entry and terracing.

Improvements to Mayoral Drive Entrance and provision of a water feature

10. It should be noted that $615,000 of the $1.5m CCTR was allocated to the provision of a water feature and improvements to Mayoral Drive entrance. The development plan suggests that the water feature is a ‘splash pad’ for children located next to the changing sheds in a corner of the park. Improvements to Mayoral Drive entrance included replacing narrow timber steps and creating a seated plaza on Mayoral Drive.

11. Through the design process for these features, which included a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment, staff have recognised that further work is required to agree the appropriateness of a splash pad in the park and that the Mayoral Drive entrance, due to its narrow and sheltered configuration, would require significant investment to address the existing safety and anti-social behaviour issues.

12. Council staff have held a number of workshops the Waitemata Local Board and Parks Portfolio holders to work through the above issues.

13. Following these discussions, it is recommended that the splash pad is delivered once the former changing sheds have been renovated and given a new purpose as identified in the development plan. It is also recommended that improvements to the Mayoral Drive entrance be considered as part of other improvements to the northern entrance of the park including proposals to improve the underpass and links from Myers Park to Aotea Square. Such improvements may result in this entrance no longer being needed and therefore able to be closed.

14. Staff therefore propose that, as an alternative to delivering the splash pad and Mayoral Drive entrance upgrade as part of the current construction phase, the $615,000 of CCTR is reallocated to the following elements:

Development Plan element	Description	City Centre Targeted Rate allocation
Queen Street Entrance and Kindergarten parking and surrounds	This element of the development plan is currently unfunded. It is recommended that it is delivered as part of the Mayoral Park entrance for the same cost and will help to improve access to the park and new playground. The removal of parking around the Kindergarten will also be explored as part of this work.	$425,000
Interpretation features	The additional funding will enable the provision of interpretative elements within the park, including Maori, Mana Whenua and European histories and stories.	$90,000
Poynton Terrace entrance upgrade	The additional funding will help to achieve the objective of the development plan which is to make Poynton terrace more pedestrian friendly and to address issues of pedestrian safety as they use Poynton Terrace to access Myers Park.	$100,000
City Centre Targeted Rate		$615,000

15. Following on from the City Centre Advisory Board’s approval at their July 23^rd meeting to reallocate these funds, it is proposed that the existing construction contract be varied to include the above items. This will ensure that they are able to be delivered by January 2015.

Ongoing implementation of the Myers Park Development Plan

16. There is currently no further funding allocated to the ongoing implementation of the Myers Park Development Plan either from general rate or targeted rate. However, at the July 2014 meeting of the City Centre Advisory Board, the Board supported in principle allocation of $2.3m of targeted rate to ongoing improvements of Myers Park.

17. It was requested that staff provide more detail of the strategy and costs associated with the ongoing implementation of the Development Plan for Myers Park, prior to the City Centre Advisory Board supporting allocation of additional targeted rate funds.

18. Following discussions with the Waitemata Local Board, staff recommends that the next stages of the implementation of the Myers Park Development Plan focus on continued improvements to the Northern entrances of Myers Park, further improvements to Poynton Terrace and the restoration of the heritage buildings within the park to accommodate new uses and activities.

Improvements to Northern Entrances

19. The improvements to the northern entrances would include the implementation of the following elements of the development plan at an estimated cost of $2.3m:

· $200,000 allocated to the improvements to Greys Ave/Mayoral Drive entrance;

· $400,000 allocated to improvements to the stormwater detention dam and bio filtration area adjacent the underpass to create a ‘natural’ and wildlife feature within the park;

· $1.2m allocated to the upgrade of the Mayoral Drive Underpass to make it a safer and more inviting entrance to the park, including new lighting, art features, level changes and materials; and

· $500,000 allocated to Queen Street and Mayoral Drive entrance to address safety, anti-social behaviour and accessibility issues, including the provision of a seating plaza area on Mayoral Drive.

20. A critical part of the implementation of improvements to the northern entrances of Myers Park is addressing the issues with the car park at 34-38 Greys Avenue which is a critical pedestrian link between the park and Aotea Quarter.

21. It is proposed that the improvements to Myers Park act as a catalyst to enable Auckland Council to work with Auckland Transport and Auckland Council Property Limited to agree a strategy for the future use and development of the car park, which will align with plans for the Myers Park northern entrances. The development of the strategy will be part of the wider Aotea Development Framework currently being developed by the City Centre Integration (CCI) team.

Improvements to Southern Entrances

22. In addition to the improvements to the northern entrances the City Centre Advisory Board indicated support in principle to the allocation of $1m of City Centre Targeted Rate to provide street calming on Karangahape Road next to St Kevins Arcade.

23. Given that further work is required to scope how such a project will align with the implementation of the Karangahape Road Plan (2014) and wider transport plans for the area, it is proposed that $1m of City Centre Targeted Rate is allocated to improving the quality of pedestrian link from Pitt Street via Poynton Terrace.

24. The improvements would make Poynton Terrace more pedestrian friendly, to become a safe and well used pedestrian route from the proposed City Rail Link Karangahape Road Rail Station in Beresford Square to the park.

Restoring and activating the heritage buildings within the park

25. Activation and restoration of currently dilapidated heritage buildings in the park, including the former changing sheds and the Caretakers Cottage, is a key element of the development plan.

26. The purpose of the improvements is to improve the perception of safety through surveillance, reducing anti-social behavior and improving public use and enjoyment. Feedback from the public the public consultation on the development plan proposed use of refurbished heritage buildings as community space, art space, heritage display, small museum or for coffee.

27. There are a number of constraints to achieving these outcomes and further work is required to identify the viability of achieving these new uses including commercial activity and understanding the potential costs to Auckland Council.

Next steps

28. It is proposed that council staff proceed with developing a concept design and detailed costs for the northern and southern entrances of Myers Park to inform the allocation of City Centre Targeted Rate to the Myers Park project. This exercise would also identify whether the Queen Street/Mayoral Drive entrance improvements would still be required.

29. In tandem with the development of a concept design for the northern entrances, council staff will develop a strategy to guide the future use of buildings within the park and the future use of Grey’s Avenue car park area.

30. Council staff will seek input from the Waitemata Local Board and the City Centre Advisory Board on the development of the concept design and costs for the northern and southern entrances and the strategies for the Grey Avenue car park and buildings on the park at a workshop in September 2014.

31. Council staff will seek confirmation from the City Centre Advisory Board regarding the amount of City Centre Targeted Rate to be allocated to the ongoing implementation of the Myers Park Development Plan in October 2014.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) Endorse the works proposed to be completed before the Park Centenary in 2015, this includes:

· The New Playground and drinking fountain;

· new park lighting and provision of event infrastructure;

· improved signage at the park entrances and throughout the park;

· new planting;

· CCTV and security lighting;

· Traffic calming features between St Kevin’s Arcade, across Poynton Terrace into Myers Park;

· Queens Street entrance terracing; and

· Installation of park furniture and interpretative features.

b) Support in principle the allocation of $3.3m of City Centre Targeted Rate funds to the next stages of the implementation of the Myers Park Development plan to be delivered by June 2016, focusing on the northern and southern entrances, including improvements to:

· Greys Ave and Mayoral Drive stairs;

· Queen Street and Mayoral Drive entrance;

· stormwater detention dam and bio filtration area adjacent the underpass;

· Mayoral Drive underpass; and

· The pedestrian link from Pitt Street via Poynton Terrace to Myers Park.

c) Endorse that council staff proceed with developing a concept design and detailed costs for the improvements to the northern entrances of Myers Park and Poynton Terrace to inform the allocation of City Centre Targeted Rate.

d) Endorse that council staff develop a strategy for the future use of Grey’s Avenue car park area as part of the Aotea Framework to inform the development of the concept design for the northern entrance, including the design of the Queen Street and Mayoral Drive entrance.

e) Endorse that council staff proceed with the development of a strategy to guide the future use of buildings within the park, to include the former changing sheds and water feature.

f) Request that council staff seek input from the Waitemata Local Board and the City Centre Advisory Board on the development of the concept design and costs for the northern entrances, Poynton Terrace and the strategy for the Grey Avenue car park and the strategy for the buildings in the park at workshops in September 2014.

g) Request that council staff seek confirmation from the City Centre Advisory Board regarding allocation of City Centre Targeted Rate to the ongoing implementation of the Myers Park Development Plan in October 2014.

Comments

32. The background and recommendation are included in the body of the report above.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

33. The Waitemata Local Board sees the improvements to Myers Park as a key part in the celebration of the 100 years of this heritage park. There have been a number of meetings held with Council officers and members of the Waitemata Local Board to refine the scope and agree to the prioritisation of the projects to be delivered.

Maori impact statement

34. Myers Park and the surrounding area have a long history of Maori habitation prior to European settlement. Waihorotiu Stream which starts in the north slopes of the park was an important water and food source. Local Iwi have been consulted at multiple stages throughout the design process.

Implementation

35. These projects to be completed prior to February 2015 will be varied into the existing contract. Other items will be implemented in a staged process after the investigation and feasibility work has been completed.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Att A1: Development Plan (Under Separate Cover)
b	Att A2: Development Plan (Under Separate Cover)
c	Att A3: Development Plan (Under Separate Cover)
d	Att B1: Playground Plans (Under Separate Cover)
e	Att B2: Playground Plans (Under Separate Cover)
f	Att C: CCTV and Lighting Plans (Under Separate Cover)
g	Att D: Planting Plan (Under Separate Cover)
h	Att E1: Poynton Terrace Plans (Under Separate Cover)
i	Att E2: Poynton Plans (Under Separate Cover)
j	Att F1: Queen Street Entrance Plans (Under Separate Cover)
k	Att F2: Queen Street Entrance Plans (Under Separate Cover)
l	Att G: Signage plans (Under Separate Cover)
m	Att H: Park Furniture Plans (Under Separate Cover)

Signatories

Authors

Rachael Eaton - Team Leader Central & Islands

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

12 August 2014

Waitematā Local Board Achievements Report

July 2013- 30 June 2014

>COVER PHOTO>

Contents

· …Message from the Chair. 3

· ..Waitemata Local Board Members. 4

· .Waitemata Local Board Governance. 5

· ..Official Duties 8

· …Business Representation. 8

· …Local Board Plan. 9

· …Local Engagement 10

· ..Major Projects and Initiatives. 11

· …Studio One Toi Tu (Artstation) Refurbishment: 11

· …POP Programme: 11

· …Becoming a Low Carbon Community: Action Plan. 12

· …Greenways 12

· …Engaging Youth 12

· …Ecological Restoration. 13

· …Waipapa Stream Restoration. 13

· …Karangahape Road and Newton Plans. 13

· …Ponsonby Road Plan. 14

· …Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall 14

· …Symonds Street Cemetery. 14

· …Coastal Walkway 14

· …Myers Park 15

· …Accessibility 15

· ….Inner City Residents Survey. 16

· …Seddon Field Car and Bike parking and lights. 16

· …Drinking Fountains in Parks: 16

· …Local Implementation Projects (LIPs) 17

· …Local input into regional policies. 17

· …Local Events 18

· …Major openings and ceremonies. 18

· …Transport advocacy. 20

· …Community grants and funding. 21

· …Looking Back Over the First Term.. 22

· …Looking Forward over the Current Term.. 23

Message from the Chair

It’s been a busy and exciting last year for the Waitematā Local Board, and so this report is a welcome opportunity to stand back and reflect on the Local Board’s achievements over the previous 12 months.

The last year has seen the end of the first term of the Waitematā Local Board, and the beginning of a new term. With that we have lost much-valued members and welcomed new members who have energized our team and provided new insights.

Our longer term projects have continued throughout this change, and we are now starting to see some of the results of all of the hard work which has been applied. For example, the ongoing restoration in Symonds Street Cemetery and the ecological restoration projects that are restoring urban bush, and creating green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

We are particularly proud to have overseen the refurbishment and re-opening of Studio One Toi Tu, formerly Artstation. This has helped to develop a flexible creative space accessible to many more people, from all walks of life.

We also delivered a public performance art series called POP, which over the space of three months popped up into inner-city residents and visitor’s lives, encouraging and inspiring interest in our eco-system, and natural environment.

In our parks, we have been busy planning for how to revitalise and reactivate these truly important places so that they continue to be spaces where Aucklanders can relax, play, explore and enjoy, into the future. With these plans in place, parks such as Western Park, Grey Lynn Park, Myers Park and Pt Resolution Taurarua Reserve are going to see important improvements over the next couple of years.

We are also proud of the long-term forward looking plans we have also invested in for Ponsonby, Newton and Karangahape Road. These plans have been designed to provide a more holistic, people-centric framework for urban development, where we can set about to achieve one step at a time the needs and desires of the communities, over the next 30 years.

o We have been privileged to have one of Auckland’s most engaged and active communities. Our achievements would not have been possible without their enthusiasm and support.

o We have worked hard to advocate for our communities to the Governing Body and Council Controlled Organisations, particularly with regard to transport, heritage protection, affordable housing and waste minimisation.

o We invite you to read about the initiatives and activities we delivered in the period between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2013 and to contact us if you wish to find out more, or if you would like to contribute to the many projects being undertaken this year.

o Shale Chambers

o Chair, Waitematā Local Board

Waitemata Local Board Members

Address: Waitematā Local Board office, Level 2, 35 Graham Street, Auckland Central

Postal address: Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142

Email: waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Phone: 09 353 9654

Waitemata Local Board Governance

In new Waitemata Local Board was inaugurated in November 2013 following Local Body elections. The Board farewelled members Tricia Reade and Jesse Chalmers and welcomed new members Vernon Tava and Deborah Yates.

The Waitematā Local Board’s achievements for the period 1 July 2013-30 June 2014 were made possible with the contribution of previous and new board members and by working closely with the other arms of council, including the Governing Body, Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), and other Local Boards.

Working with the Mayor and the Governing Body

The board has a strong collaborative relationship with the Governing Body, and actively seeks opportunities to represent and advocate for good outcomes for Waitematā communities. Areas of collaboration include:

Auckland Domain Masterplan Panel

The Auckland Domain Masterplan will provide a holistic framework for the development of the park, which is a regional treasure for Auckland. The plan is co-ordinating with existing initiatives and identifying other improvements in the park, their funding and a timeline for implementation. The main themes that the plan,when finished, will include are: improving and prioritising the pedestrian and cycle network, improving the amenities, view protection, improving the relationship between the park and the museum and the providing for the upcoming WWI 100 year commemoration. Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers and members Christopher Dempsey and Rob Thomas sit on the Panel.

Taskforce on Alcohol and Community Safety in the City Centre

The taskforce aimed to reduce the impact of alcohol harm and contribute to increased levels of safety in the city centre. The meetings involved a wide cross-section of representatives from the community and different agencies, including the Waitematā Local Board Chair, Shale Chambers. The collaborative approach of the taskforce helped the successful implementation of a number of initiatives alongside the enhancement of existing services. The new initiatives include:

· the Ride Safe reduced taxi fare scheme

· the creation of a charter amongst licensees for compliance on alcohol management

· the Downtown Bar Watch Radio Scheme to increase communication amongst bar security staff

· the development of waste management protocols with late night fast food vendors

· the establishment of a safe zone staffed by St Johns and volunteers to provide health and social support for intoxicated people

Local Board Agreement

The Board successfully worked with the Governing body to agree a Local Board Agreement (LBA) for this coming financial year. The LBA reflects the priorities of the Local Board Plan (see p 9) and shows the intended provision of local projects and the operating expenditure required to fund them.

Auckland Plan and Unitary Plan Workshops

Waitematā Local Board Chair Shale Chambers was involved in the Auckland Plan and Unitary Plan Workshops, following on from his involvement in the Unitary Plan Political Working Party. The workshops were set up to following the completion of the draft Unitary Plan, involving both the Governing Body and Local Boards. The workshops looked at the Unitary Plan in relation to the Auckland Plan, and the public submissions received on the draft.

First World War Political Steering Group (WWIPSG)

Waitemata Local Board member Greg Moyle is the deputy chair of the steering group. WWIPSG was set up to support and foster activities to mark the centenary of the First World War both run by council and the broader community.

Mayor’s Tour:

On May 10^th 2014, the Waitematā Local Board hosted Mayor Len Brown on a tour around the region to find out more about the Board’s main projects and initiatives, giving him insight into the many exciting plans that currently in progress.

Working with Council Controlled Organisations

Working constructively with the seven Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) is an essential part of delivering the projects and priorities of the Waitematā community. CCOs provide basic services such as water, and transport. They also play an important role in planning and helping to achieve the vision for areas of significance such as the waterfront, regional facilities, council owned properties and run and support a vibrant event programme for the region. The Local Board is active in continuing to develop strong working relationships with the CCOs that enable joined up thinking, and local input into regional decision making.

Working with other Local Boards

Waitemata Local Board recognises the importance of working collaboratively with other Local Boards to progress initiatives that are of shared benefit. Examples include:

Resource Recovery Centre

Waitemata Local Board is working together with Albert-Eden and Puketapapa Local Boards to establish a much needed community-led resource recovery centre that serves the needs of all three communities and provides a model for collaborative development across the region. Waitematā and the other local boards jointly funded a business case for the recycling centre which was presented to the Governing Body in April 2014.

Central Facilities Partnership Committee

The central facilities partnership committee is a joint working committee across the seven central local boards, which decides on and administers funding to community organisations to provide community facilities. These can include, for example, arts facilities, sport and recreation facilities and community hubs. The Waitemata Local Board Chair, Shale Chambers, is the chair of the committee, following re-election.

Central Joint Funding Committee:

The Central Joint Funding Committee makes funding decisions on the Auckland City Natural Heritage Fund, Auckland City Cultural Heritage Fund, Community Group Accommodation Support, and Community Group Assistance Fund. It has representation from the seven Central Local Boards. Waitematā Deputy Chair Pippa Coom is deputy chair of the committee.

Community-led Place Making Champions Group:

This across-local board group was set up to promote place-making that is led by the community and in partnership with the council. Waitematā Local Board Deputy Chair Pippa Coom sits on the group and chairs a working group focused on identifying best practice.

Local Boards Urban Design Champions Group

The Local Boards Urban Design Champions group was set up to contribute towards the goal of creating the world’s most liveable city. Member Christopher Dempsey sits on the group for Waitematā, alongside members from the other 20 local boards and the Governing Body.

Official Duties

The board participates in and represents residents at some of the key civic ceremonies within the Waitemata region. These include:

· Central area Citizenship Ceremonies which, are jointly hosted by the Chair, Shale Chambers, and other central region local board chairs at the Auckland Town Hall.

· Anzac Day ceremonies, which are attended by board members, representing the Local Board. In 2014, Chair Shale Chambers spoke at the Grey Lynn RSA ceremony and laid a wreath alongside Deputy Chair Pippa Coom. Board members Vernon Tava and Greg Movle attended the Dawn service at Auckland Domain, and laid a wreath at the Auckland Domain civic service. Member Greg Moyle also attended the Newmarket Anzac Day service.

Business Representation

The Waitematā region is the economic hub of Auckland. The Board recognises the vital importance of a strong local economic development plan that supports local businesses and champions innovation. An important part of this is the maintenance of strong collaborative relationships with the business community.

Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

The role of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board is to assist Council oversee issues affecting the city centre, achieve the key aim of growing a vibrant and dynamic business and culture in the city centre, and monitor the expenditure of the City Centre Targeted Rate on local projects. The Waitemata Local Board Chair Shale Chambers sits on the Advisory Board. .

Waitematā City Fringe Economic Development Action Plan

Waitematā Local Board funded this plan, which sets out a framework for guiding local economic development in the city fringe. The plan is very much a “living document” that will continue to evolve with the city. Key projects that the Local Board is directly involved in include supporting Business Improvement Districts as strong advocates for the needs of local businesses, completion of the Newmarket Wifi Project, advocating strongly for good integrated public transport and the City Rail Link and many other project and action areas.

Business Associations

There are currently six Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) within the Waitematā area. The Waitematā Local Board is also supportive of the idea of Grey Lynn Business Association becoming a BID. Each member of the Board sits on one of the BIDs or business association, working closely with the group to address a wide range of matters affecting the business area. This can include issues such as parking, safety issues, and community beautification. Below is the list of the Business Improvement Districts with the respective board member representative:

· Heart of the City – Shale Chambers

· Newmarket Business Association – Greg Moyle

· K Road Business Association – Vernon Tava

· Parnell Inc – Christopher Dempsey

· Ponsonby Business Association – Pippa Coom

· Uptown Business Association – Rob Thomas

· Grey Lynn Business Association (not currently a BID) – Deborah Yates

Local Board Plan

In June 2014, the Waitematā Local Board completed a draft Local Board Plan approved for public consultation in July. The Local Board plan sets out a 3 year foundation for planning, action and advocacy for the Waitematā area. The draft plan provides a basis for working towards creating the world’s most liveable city at the local level, and aims for the following identified outcomes:

· A distinctive, high quality urban environment that embraces our heritage

· Connected, accessible and safe transport choices

· Waitematā, the innovative economic hub of Auckland Council

· The natural beauty is respected and enhanced

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

· Strong communities that are inclusive, vibrant and engaged.

A finalised plan will be adopted in October, following any changes arising from the public consultation.

Local Engagement

Public engagement is an essential part of how the Local Board reaches decisions on priorities, projects and positions for the region. This last year the board consulted the community on a number of significant projects including:

· Local Board Plan

· Local Board Agreement

· Ponsonby Road Plan

· Karangahape Road Plan

· Newton Plan

· Pt Resolution Taurarua Development Plan

· Pioneer Womens and Ellen Melville Hall Redevelopment

· Grey Lynn Park Playground

· Western Park Playground

· Tole Reserve Playground

· Salisbury Reserve Playground

The Board also welcomes the public to the monthly Local Board Business Meetings, and in 2014 started a regular e-Bulletin to stakeholders and those who have expressed an interest in hearing about Local Board projects.

Major Projects and Initiatives

Studio One Toi Tu (Artstation) Refurbishment:

Extensive refurbishment of Artstation Toi Tu over the summer period has provided new galleries, studios for hire, and creative workshop space for community use. The new floor plan was designed to provide greater flexibility of use, and to cater towards a greater diversity of users. To represent these changes, Artstation Toi Tu was re-launched on June 25^th, with a new name, Studio One Toi Tu. Some of the new uses of the building had already started by the time of the launch, for example on May the 10^th the space was hired for a commercial craft market. Over 300 people attended the market, most having never been to Artstation Toi Tu before.

POP Programme:

The POP programme ran from April to June 2014 in different public spaces throughout the city centre. The programme was developed by artists to create events that pop up in unexpected places to generate play and discovery in an urban environment. An estimated 17,000+ people engaged with the POP programme in the 3 months that it ran. Events included:

· The Park: a conceptual artwork that visualises the territory traversed by bees as they travel from beehives (situated in Victoria park) to different “pollen hotels”. The pollen hotels are created through planting. The Park also included a free workshop on creating a “Pollen Hotel” at home.

· The Roots:Pollinate: This was a collaborative project between year 12 and 13 students from the Waitematā area and the artists. The students and artists worked together to design and build 20 “pollen hotels”.

· Pasture Paintings: Related to The Park, this involved transforming under-utilised open spaces through planting pollen-rich plants in colourful geometric forms. This initiative included a free workshop on creating a “Pasture Painting” at home. (Artists Taarati Taiaroa, Sarah Smuts-Kennedy)

· Grow in the City: This was held as part of the Neighbours Day event in Myers Park. POP activities included workshops on growing food in recycled containers and music and gardening themed activities for children.

· Walking in the Trees: a specially constructed staircase that wrapped around a majestic Moreton Bay Fig Tree in Albert Park allowing urban dwellers to walk in a sub canopy and see the world from the perspective of a bird or bee. (Artist Richard Orjis)

· The Music Box: University of Auckland’s School of Music provided midday music in Albert Park

· Hikoi- Host Tribe Native Walks in Auckland: The Hikoi was led by Prince Davis through Tokiwhatinui (Auckland Domain) and Waiorea (Western Springs Park) on a guided tour of Māori history and its connections to our present.

· Outdoor/In: The innovative performance group White Face Crew provided physical comedy at Newmarket and Britomart Train stations.

Becoming a Low Carbon Community: Action Plan

Waitematā Local Board has developed the draft Becoming a Low Carbon Community: Action Plan, which is currently going through public consultation. This plan provides a framework for contributing to the reduction of emissions at the local level. It acknowledges the importance of local action to the broader collective effort necessary to transform Auckland. Waitematā Local Board aims to fuel change through a number of ways, including leading and funding of projects, supporting projects undertaken elsewhere in council or the community, and advocating for policies and projects within council. The plan is a foundation for many of the Board’s projects set out in the draft 2015-2018 Local Board Plan.

Greenways

In July 2013, the Waitematā Local Board adopted the Greenways Plan which will develop green links for walking and cycling, connecting our parks and open spaces. Planning work has started on the first priority route which travels from Cox’s Bay through into Grey Lynn Park. The second priority route, which links up Parnell, and Newmarket to the Auckland Domain and the University, is also in the beginning planning stages.

Engaging Youth

In order to understand youth needs and better involve youth in planning and decision making, the Waitematā Local Board funded a youth engagement programme that included a series of workshops and interviews with youth, and community and business leaders. Key findings from the engagement included the establishment of an online youth platform for engagement with local politics, and more free youth-led events. The online platform was developed, and was used to elect Waitematā youth representative Isabella Lenihan-Ikin to the regional Youth Advisory Panel. Isabella replaced Sarah McCormack who served from July 2012- June 2014. A number of youth who were involved in the engagement work, have also continued their involvement through the online platform and helped to organise the Youth Week in early 2014. This event had funding from Waitematā Local Board and showcased young artists, poets, youth-led organisations, and different interactive activities.

Ecological Restoration

The board continued its funding of a number of long term ecological restoration initiatives within the Waitematā area. This involved removal of invasive weed species, planting of natives, as well as co-ordination of volunteer planting days to support community ownership of these special sites. The 7 different sites (Cox’s Bay Reserve, Meola Reserve, Alberon Reserve, Jaggers Bush, Arch Hill Scenic Reserve, St Stephens Church and Cemetery, Motions Road Reserve) are now starting to show good results. Healthy urban bush encourages the return of the birds and other native life, as well as increasing biodiversity of the urban ecosystem. These projects contribute to a vision of a city where regenerated urban bush links up via a network of green spaces, enabling visitors and residents to interact with and be part of a living city.

Waipapa Stream Restoration

The Waipapa Stream is an important historic site for Maori. It is the arrival place of the Tainui Canoe, and it was a site where eels were collected. It also formed a natural moat protecting the Pa at Pukekawa (Museum Hill). This stream has a rich history for settlers too, being the entry point for the first settler ships into Auckland in 1842, a site for Christian baptisms, and a resource for numerous commercial enterprises. Although much of the stream now runs in culverts, the Waitematā Local Board has made a commitment to continue to restore the remaining section of open stream. Collaborating with the Parnell community including the Parnell Heritage Group and Parnell Community Committee, Kiwirail and Auckland Transport, the riparian margins are being re-vegetated with native shrubs, trees and grasses – helping to improve the habitat for native birds, insects and lizards. Last year’s restoration effort, funded by the board, included, extensive weed clearance and native planting. In the longer term the board envisions a cycleway and walkway that would run alongside and through the old rail tunnel, giving greater access and prominence to one of Auckland’s historic places.

Karangahape Road and Newton Plans

In April 2014, the draft Newton and Karangahape Road Plans were completed and made available for public engagement and feedback. Board members Christopher Dempsey (Lead) and Rob Thomas were delegated to work on the Newton Plan, and member Vernon Tava (Lead) and Shale Chambers on the Karangahape Road Plan. The plans start from the position of the long view, envisaging what the community would like the two areas to look like over the next 30 years. The plans are a framework for addressing changes and developments in the region interwoven with the ongoing need to protect and enhance the character and heritage of the area, public spaces and community facilities and safeguard for high quality public and private developments in the region. Currently the team are working to incorporate the feedback received into final plans, and alterations to the Newton plan following the planned replacement of the Newton Station with Mt Eden Station in the City Rail Link. .

Ponsonby Road Plan

In June 2014, following public engagement and the integration of feedback received, a holistic 30 year plan for Ponsonby Road was finalised. In the first term members Pippa Coom (Lead) and Tricia Reade were delegated to work on the plan, and in the new term this was members Pippa Coom (Lead) and Shale Chambers. This plan sets out a framework for developing Ponsonby Road as a place for people rather than just being a thorough-fare for cars, as a place that is home to a vibrant community and a destination for visitors, with a history that is acknowledged, protected and interpreted. The next stage is implementation, with a number of projects such as a plan for Western Park Development already in progress. One of the projects, a civic open space at 254 Ponsonby Road, was identified as being of significant interest to the public, and as a result will be a stand along project with additional consultation taking place in September.

Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall

Research that that Waitematā Local Board undertook, has shown that with growing numbers of residents in the city centre, many of whom are typically younger and ethnically diverse, there is an increased need for a community hub where residents can become involved, interact and get to know other residents.. The Waitematā Local Board has identified Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall as a site for development to provide for this community amenity. The proposed development will provide a flexible space that will support, among other things, organised group activities, local events, markets, opportunities for community hire, and provision of local and government services and advice. The hall is very much in need of an upgrade to achieve this vision, and plans, are currently at a concept and design stage.

Symonds Street Cemetery

Symonds Street Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Auckland. It is the final resting place of Captain William Hobson. In 2011, the Waitematā Local Board embarked on a long-term initiative to restore this historical treasure and develop it as a park. Progress to date includes footpath upgrades, vegetation clearance, enhanced maintenance, a volunteer programme, a vegetation stocktake report, creation of a database to record asset condition of monuments, and repair of damaged headstones and monuments

Coastal Walkway

The coastal walkway project will run from Meola Reef in Westmere to Point Resolution Taurarua in Parnell connecting up with the Hobson Bay walkway. Taken with other projects the walkway will form part of an integrated pedestrian and cycleway network across the city that enables people to interact more directly with their coastal environment and heritage. Over the last year, a significant amount of planning work has taken place.

· A plan for the Pt Resolution Taurarua section of the walkway, incorporating a sensitive activation of the historic Pt Resolution reserve has been completed in draft and is will be open for public consultation in October.

· Resource consent has been gained for the Weona-Westmere Walkway at Meola Reef, and the walkway is currently at design stage.

· The Wayfinding and Interpretation strategy has also been finalised, and will be implemented over the next two years. This will provide signage and interpretation along the coastal walkway. This will be vital for helping locals and visitors navigate and choose between accessible and more difficult/low-tide routes when they are present. The harbour shoreline is a place where multiple histories, cultures and identities overlap as part of Auckland’s distinct and diverse heritage, and the wayfinding strategy will ensure that these stories are told as part of the journey.

Myers Park

The Waitematā Local Board adopted the Myers Park Development Plan in September 2012 which established a set of principles and design ideas for the park, recognising its importance as a “green lung” and open space for children and local residents. Following extensive public consultation, and planning, stage one work is currently underway. Native planting along the perimeter of the park has been completed, and construction has begun on the new children’s playground, CCTV and lighting upgrades . Construction works that improve access to the park via St Kevin’s Arcade and the Queen Street entrance will start very shortly. A newly revitalised Myers Park will be opened in time for the Myers Park Centenary in January 2015, with more to come.

Accessibility

The Waitematā Local Board believes that everyone has the right to participate in community life. In 2012 the Waitematā Local Board developed an accessibility plan which has provided a basis for projects in 2013/14:

· Parnell Festival of Roses

The Waitematā Local Board continues to fund the Parnell Festival of Roses as an important event for both the Parnell and wider community. In 2013, the event was successfully run for the first time as a pilot ‘accessible event’. This included:

o a webpage dedicated to accessibility information for the festival

o guided walks around the gardens and festival by a trained audio describer (which were booked out)

o braille and large print signs that incorporated QR codes, which visitors could scan on their phones to bring up the information in New Zealand sign language, spoken English and Te Reo Māori

o the allocation of a New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter for Bug Man talks.

· Good for Business Seminar

Waitematā Local Board, in association with AECOM held a Good for Business seminar in August 2013 on the economic benefits of engaging with and understanding the needs of access customers. This included those with disability issues, elderly people, families with young children, and people with temporary illness or injury. The seminar was presented by the CEO of the group Be. Accessible, Minnie Baragwanath, and concluded a series of events held in 2013.

Inner City Residents Survey

The Waitematā Local Board partnered with the Council’s research unit RIMU (Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit) to provide support and funding for an inner city resident’s survey. The study involved 885 participants who gave their views on a range of issues including: noise; safety; housing and the built environment; accessibility and transport; community; and family. This research has helped to shape Local Board initiatives and advocacy positions.

Seddon Field Car and Bike parking and lights

Following the successful completion of two new artificial turfs at Seddon Fields in the previous year, the Board partnered with Western Springs Football Club to fund an additional 44 car parks and 10 bike parks at the site to help with the increased demand and use of the fields. In addition 7 new lights were put in at the fields to increase the playing time. The board will continue to look at improving transport and parking at the sports fields which are now a very popular site on the weekend.

Drinking Fountains in Parks:

This project provided water fountains in parks and open spaces to reduce waste from plastic drink bottles and provide better amenities to the community. In 2013/14, the following water fountains were installed (with more scheduled for delivery in 2014/15):

Local Implementation Projects (LIPs)

In addition to delivering projects and initiatives in the Local Board Agreement the board funded a number of projects through the Local Improvement Projects (LIPs) fund. Some of these projects are small, but have significant environmental and social benefits to the community. These have included:

· Bins at Victoria Park

· Citizen’s Advice Bureau shelves at the Central Library

· Utility Box Murals at 97 Ponsonby Road, and 1A Picton Street, Ponsonby

· Concept and design planning on Pt Resolution Taurarua and the Coastal Walkway, Western Park, Grey Lynn Park and Pioneer Women’s Ellen Melville Hall.

· A grant for The Auckland Performing Arts Centre to purchase a scissor lift

· Ecological restoration programmes in Alberon Reserve, Arch Hill Scenic Reserve, St Stephens Church and Cemetery and Waipapa Stream (see p 13 for more details)

· Movie in the Park (Grey Lynn Park, February 2014)

· Funding towards replacing the lights at Seddon Fields (see Seddon Fields Parking Upgrade on p 16 for more details)

Local input into regional policies

The Board is committed to being a strong local voice and advocating on behalf of communities to the wider Council. One way the board does this, is through providing measured feedback on a wide range of regional draft policies and plans. This last year the board provided formal feedback on the following:

· Draft Unitary Plan (August 2013)

· Solid Waste Bylaw (August 2013)

· Thriving Communities- Community and Social Development Action Plan (August 2013)

· Cycling Business Plan (September 2013 Auckland Transport)

· Auckland Energy Resilience and Low Carbon Action Plan (March 2014)

· Local Boards Funding Policy Review (April 2014)

· Auckland Transport Code of Practice (April 2014)

· Special Housing Areas Tranche 3 (April 2014)

· Council Controlled Organisations Review (June 2014)

· Auckland Transport draft Parking Discussion Document (June-July2014)

Local Events

The Waitematā area is the main events and entertainment centre for Auckland. In the past year the board delivered and supported a number of important community events:

Board delivered events

· Movies in the Park (Eagle vs Shark, Grey Lynn Park, February 2014)

· The Parnell Festival of the Roses (November 2013)

· Carols by Candlelight in Western Park (December 2013)

Board supported events

· Grey Lynn Park Festival (30 November 2013)

· Art in the Dark (Western Park 7-9 November)

· Franklin Road Christmas Lights (1 December 2013)

· Art Week Auckland (11-20 October 2013)

· Festival Italiano (Newmarket 29 September 2013)

· Fiesta in the Park (Western Park 12 October 2013)

In order to give more funding surety to the large events the board supports, the board has developed 3 year agreements with Grey Lynn Festival, Parnell Festival of Roses, Art in the Dark and Festival Italiano. This will ensure that the events are able to plan their activities much better going forward.

Representatives from the Board have attended all the major events that have been held in the Waitematā area including Pasifika Festival, Diwali, the Pride Parade, Ciclovia and the Lantern Festival

Major openings and ceremonies

Waitematā is the region’s premier economic, cultural and historical centre. During the past year, the board has had the honour of overseeing the completion of a number of its own projects as well as those completed by the Council family, within the Waitematā Local Board boundaries

Local Board Opening Ceremonies

· Studio One Toi Tu: On 25^th of June 2014, Studio One Toi Tu (formerly Artstation Toi Tu) was re-launched. The Waitematā Local Board was present and deputy chair Pippa Coom spoke at the opening celebration.

· POP Official Opening: The POP project was opened at the Neighbours Day Grow in the City event in Myers Park on the 29^th of March 2014. Board members Shale Chambers, Pippa Coom, Greg Moyle, Vernon Tava and Deborah Yates attended.

· POP Pollinate Awards: Deputy Chair Pippa Coom was a Guest Judge at the POP Pollinate award ceremony held on the 27^th of April 2014. This was for Year 12 and 13 students who designed and built “Pollen Hotel’s for bees from recycled materials. Chair Shale Chambers and members Vernon Tava and Deborah Yates also attended.

· Seddon Fields: On the 5^th of July 2013, the artificial turfs at Seddon Fields were opened. Chair Shale Chambers spoke and deputy chair Pippa Coom, and members Greg Moyle and Christopher Dempsey also attended.

· Beating the Bounds: On 7^th of December 2013, starting the new term in office, the Waitemata Local Board “Beat the Bounds” alongside members of the public. This is an old Anglo-Saxon tradition of walking the parish boundaries. The walk increased awareness of the local board area for all who participated

Other Opening Ceremonies

· Westhaven Cycleway Sod Turning: On 21^st of October 2013 a ceremony was held to mark the start of construction of Waterfront Auckland’s Westhaven Cycleway and Walkway. Local Board Chair Shale Chambers turned the sod, and was a speaker, alongside the Deputy Chair of Waterfront Auckland. Local Board deputy chair Pippa Coom and member Christopher Dempsey also attended.

· Fort Lane Artwork: On the 27^th of February 2014, the David Svensson light installation was opened at Fort Lane and “switched on”. Chair Shale Chambers spoke at the event, and member Deborah Yates attended the event.

· Newmarket Station Artwork: On the 28^th of February 2014, the new Reuben Paterson sculpture ‘Ándale, Ándale’ was unveiled at Newmarket Station. The work was commissioned by the Newmarket Art Trust with support from the Waitematā Local Board and Newmarket Business Association. Chair Shale Chambers and member Christopher Dempsey attended.

· 75^th Centenary of Newmarket Olympic Pool: On 12^th of March 2013, Newmarket Olympic Pool celebrated 75 years of operation. Chair Shale Chambers spoke on behalf of Auckland Council and the Waitematā Local Board, and board members Greg Moyle, Vernon Tava, Deborah Yates, Rob Thomas and Christopher Dempsey attended.

Transport advocacy

The Waitematā Local Board has the aim of a congestion free transport network which makes a positive contribution to healthy lifestyles in Waitematā. Working closely with Auckland Transport, the Board ensures that there is a voice for community transport initiatives that support walking, cycling and public transport use, improved safety and a reduction in congestion and carbon emissions. The Board took a number of advocacy positions in relation to transport in the last year and have achieved the following:

· After discovering that the Beach Road Cycleway would not be completed until after the Grafton Gully Cycleway was completed by NZTA, the board took an advocacy position that the completion of both should be co-ordinated. This would ensure that cyclists did not have to exit the cycleway into an unsafe cycling environment. Auckland Transport has since amended its timetable to achieve this. Both cycle ways will be opened in September 2014.

· Similarly the timetable for the Upper Queen Street Bridge, the final section of cycleway to connect the Grafton Gully Cycleway with the North Western Cycleway, was pushed out to 2015/16. The Board advocated strongly that the works should be timetabled for the same completion date. The connection is now due to be completed in time for the opening of the Grafton Gully cycleway in September 2014.

· The Local Board advocated strongly for comprehensive parking management plans that address the needs of residents, visitors and local businesses. In 2013/14 a residential parking zone scheme was piloted in St Mary’s Bay to manage commuter parking in the suburb. Approximately 88% of local residents surveyed were of the view that the parking zone had been successful at addressing parking issues in the area. The extension of this scheme is currently being consulted on with residents as part of the AT Parking Discussion Document

· The Board continued to advocate for Auckland Transport to prioritise the installation of advance cycle stop boxes with feeder lanes. One intersection which was of particular concern, Karangehape Road-Great North Road Intersection, has now been included by Auckland Transport in their planned works.

· The Board continued to work with Auckland Transport to develop solutions to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. The Board has advocated for safety improvements on Richmond Road, The Strand, Tamaki Drive, Quay Street and Lower Albert and Quay Street, all of which are now on Auckland Transport’s programme of works. Auckland Transport’s Route Optimisation Team is also looking at intersections throughout the City Centre for network efficiency improvements.

· The board has continued to advocate for wayfinding signage that helps people walking and on bikes to know where routes and paths are, including adding destination information on standard walkway sign designs. A number of access ways in the Waitematā region have no signage all. However, Auckland Transport has been responding to specific board requests, for example board requested signs have been installed on Ponsonby Road indicating the Arthur Street walkway, and between Beach Road and Anzac Ave and Auckland Transport will soon install signage on Great North Road / Waima Street to the North-western cycle way.

· The Board advocated for improvements to Auckland Domain for cyclists and pedestrians. –A number of upgrade works have now been completed, these include:

o a safety-focused redesign of the Domain Drive and Lower Domain Drive

o a new eastbound cycle lane of Domain Drive

o additional speed tables on Domain Drive and Lower Domain Drive and the rehabilitation of two others

o footpath works and additional pedestrian crossing points

o a safer speed of 30 km/h introduced throughout Auckland Domain

o and the closure of Lovers Lane car park for vehicular access.

· The Board has continued to advocate for bike parking. Reliable access to bike parking is just one of the things that helps to encourage and make biking an accessible part of everyday life. The Board has successfully advocated for bike parking at events such as Pacifika, and also permanent bike parking on Ponsonby Road.

The Board has also continued to advocate on a number of transport priorities including for example: supporting the implementation of the Auckland Cycle Network, and advocating that priority is given to deliver on the planned routes as quickly as possible, and advocating that the plan for a congestion free transport network be included in the city’s Integrated Transport Plan.

The Board also continues to strongly support and advocate for the Skypath project, a walking and cycling path over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Community grants and funding

The Board set aside $100,000 for the year 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 for the funding of community groups, clubs and organisations whose work or programmes and initiatives serve the Waitematā community. During the last year, it provided grants to the following community groups and organisations:

Waitematā Local Board

12 August 2014

Chairperson's Report

File No.: CP2014/16630

Executive summary

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

Portfolios

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

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

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

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

Recommendation

That the Waitematā Local Board:

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

(b) That the Waitemata Local Board consider its position on any other matter raised within this report.

Comments

Activities undertaken from 2 June to 3 August 2014

This report covers activities undertaken during the period from Monday 2 June 2014 to Sunday, 3 August 2014.

Highlighted activities, projects and issues

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

1 Introduction

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

The last 2 months have once again been a very busy period for the Board, with priority being given to launching and consulting on the draft 2014-17 Local Board Plan, end of financial years matters such as Council and Local board Achievements Reports, and 10-Year Plan preliminary planning discussions. During this period, Board members continued to progress existing and proposed Local Board Plan priorities and current and proposed Local Board Agreement local projects and community concerns in their respective portfolio areas, LIPs proposals, residents, business association and community advocacy, providing input to regional policies, plans and strategies in workshops and briefings, providing input into resource and landowner consent matters, and responding to constituent and media enquiries.

I was on leave for 3 weeks late July/early August 2014. I wish to acknowledge and thank Deputy Chair Pippa Coom for filling in as acting Chair in my absence.

2 Residents and Ratepayers’ Concerns/Issues:

· Grey Lynn Library Clock in the Clock Tower showing incorrect time. Contractors have advised that the clock was repaired on 17 June and is now in full working order.

· Freemans Park Body Corporate would like to see the current overland flow path that runs through Freemans Park improved so that it doesn’t flood the street and houses during heavy rainfall. Appreciate a timeline for this work to be carried out namely the small flood wall to Western Park. This was escalated to Storm Water who provided a response on 3^rd July.

· Complaint received re excessive speeds on Curran Street. Board requesting advice from AT about what options are available to calm the traffic so that drivers do not use Curran St as a motorway on ramp. AT provided response on 26^th June, complainant put in additional request for signage in the area, AT have advised that they will have an update by the end of August.

· Complaint from constituent about cars getting damaged in her street due to cars driving too fast. The board has requested that Auckland Transport investigate traffic calming measures on Millais Street. Auckland Transport will have response by mid-August.

· Constituent complaint about broken fence adjacent to Faro fresh car park Grey Lynn. Would like fence removed completely. AT and Parks have advised that the fence is not council property and have advised to get in touch with Faro’s directly.

· Constituent complaint about the lift at the Leys Institute Ponsonby. The Leys Institute have presented three different options to the portfolio holders and a report has been requested for the next business meeting.

· Constituent complaint about excessive noise from council contractors at unsociable hours at the weekend. Forwarded onto Licensing & Compliance.

· Request from constituent asking for help with their community lease for the Women’s Centre at 6/4 Warnock Street. Issue was raised at the Portfolio meeting on 23^rd June where it was recommended that a report be presented to the board at the next business meeting for them to make a decision.

· Complaint from constituent regarding breaches of consents and licensing agreements in Parnell. Complaint was logged. Await the response from Licensing & Compliance and send same to Mr Gordon.

· Complaint from café owner. He is having issues with an environmental officer regarding his food hygiene grading. Complaint has been logged.

3 Shared Governance Engagement

3.1 Engagement with Mayor/Governing Body

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

· Long Term Plan options/advice workshop, 7 July 2014;

· Governing Body Visit to Waitemata Local Board, 11 July 2014;

· Joint Auckland Development Committee & Parks, Recreation & Sport Committee Workshop re Queen Elizabeth Square - Open Space, 1 Queen Street, Downtown Auckland, 30 July 2014;

· Budget Committee workshop - Transport - Activities and Budget review for LTP, 135 Albert Street, 28 July 2014; and

· Long Term Plan workshop - Spatial Priorities, 135 Albert Street, 28 July 2014

4 Board Strategies, Policy and Planning Update

4.1 Local Board Chairs’ Forum

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

The last meeting was held on 23 June 2014. Topics covered included:

· Auckland Council Property Limited, David Rankin, CE;

· CEO Performance Review;

· Financial Update 2014/15;

· Property Revaluations;

· ASB Community Trust, Jennifer Gill, CE;

· Quality Policy Advice. Pilot survey;

· Role of local boards in liquor licensing applications;

· Decision-making allocation review; and

· Cycle Advisory Group – Pippa Coom nominated as local board representative.

The June action points from the meeting are attached and marked as attachment A.

There was no July Chair’s Forum due to a clash with Governing Body engagement.

4.2 Ponsonby Road Plan

The final Ponsonby Road Plan was published in July.

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

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

It aims to:

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

· Protect, recognise and interpret historic and cultural heritage;

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

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

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

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

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

· Develop and implement the Western Park Development Plan;

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

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

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

· Install cycle parking at Ponsonby Central (2014);

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

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

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

4.3 K Road and Newton Precinct Plans

Submissions on the draft plans closed 14 May 2014. All public feedback is being considered before the final plans are published.

Karangahape Road Plan

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

The plan identifies five key moves:

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

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

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

4. Provide safe and convenient connections in the area

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

The K Road Plans is scheduled for completion by September 2014.

Newton Road Plan

On 1 August Auckland Transport and the Mayor Len Brown announced a significant reduction in the cost of the City Rail Link (CRL) from $2.86 billion to less than $2.4 billion lowering the price of Auckland's number one transport infrastructure priority by about 20 per cent.

A significant part of that cost reduction is an Auckland Transport decision to redevelop the existing Mt Eden Station and connect it to the CRL rather than build a new underground station at Newton.

That design change will save more than $150 million, improve the reliability and journey time of train services for some commuters coming from the south, minimise construction disruption and reduce property purchase requirements. It also significantly impacts on plans for the Symonds Street area.

The other significant saving is a decision that additional electric trains will not be required as part of the core CRL project, saving more than $330 million.

This decision obviously has an impact on the Newton Plan as draft, and re-scoping of the Plan and further consultation will now be necessary before any final plan is published early next year.

4.4 Council Annual Plan 2014/15

Auckland council’s annual plan was adopted by the Governing Body in late June 2014.

Attached is the standard letter (particularised with additional responses to individual presenter submitter’s submission points in many cases) and marked as attachment B sent to all submitters referred to the local board for consideration.

Auckland ratepayers should now recently have received their rates notice for the 2013/2014 rating year, the third year of Auckland’s three-year move to a single rating system.

The Governing Body approved its 2014/2015 annual plan in June. This included an average 2.5 per cent rates increase across Auckland, which is an average increase of 0.1 per cent for businesses and 3.7 per cent for residents. It is -2.0 percent for businesses and 6 per cent for residents in Waitemata. This year’s average increase is below the 4.9 per cent forecast in the council’s Long-term Plan.

During the three-year transition process, the maximum that rates can rise for residential properties is capped at 10 per cent. That remains the case for many properties within Waitemata due to the combined residential average increase and the move to a single rating value system. For the year ahead, Auckland Council has identified efficiency savings that have reduced the cost of operations by $183 million.

4.5 Local Board Agreement 2014/15

The Local Board Agreement 2014/2015. was approved at the Local Board’s business meeting on 10 June 2014, adopted by the Governing Body on 26 June 2014 and published late July.

Summary of the local board agreement:

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

We will be working within the following priority areas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

2014/2015 key initiatives:

· creating a development plan for Western Park;

· delivering playground upgrades;

· completing the redevelopment of Pioneer Women’s Hall;

· upgrading Myers Park;

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

· constructing the coastal walkway from Meola Reef to Hobson Bay;

· engaging with and delivering projects for young people;

· completing the Ponsonby Road Plan;

· continuing our commitment to becoming an accessible area;

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

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

2014/15 key advocacy areas

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

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

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

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

· secure a regional greenways budget in the transport budget;

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

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

4.6 Local Board Plan 2014-17

The Board finalised its draft next three-year local board plan on 10 June 2014, and it was published for consultation early July. The Local Board Plan reflects the aspirations of our community and set our strategic direction for the next three years and beyond.

Waitematā Local Board area residents received a draft plan summary flyer and submission form in their letterboxes between 5 and 11 July.

The draft Waitematā Local Board Plan was open for feedback between Monday 7 July and Wednesday 6 August.

The plan sets six key outcomes, which are supported by a range of initiatives, for improving the city centre and inner-city suburbs.

Key initiatives include upgrading the Ponsonby and Newmarket retail centres, creating more cycleways and walkways and redeveloping Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall. The board also plans to create a central resource recovery centre to encourage recycling and reuse, upgrade parks and implement a plan to improve Point Resolution Taurarua.

The Draft Local board Plan was launched to 200+ people at a very successful free Pecha Kucha Night held at the Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday 16 July.

Pecha Kucha teamed up with the Waitematā Local Board for a special Town Hall edition to launch the draft Local Board Plan at a unique engagement event. For the first time in New Zealand the Pecha Kucha format was used as a platform for local government consultation. Those who attended were entertained and informed by the diverse lineup of speakers who shape the beating heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.

List of presenters

Ngarimu Blair // Ngati Whatua // Maori In the City

Jessica Ji // Year 7 Inner city resident // Do Children Feel Safe in Public Educational Spaces

Anja Vroegop // Walking and Cycling coordinator, Auckland Transport // The Future of Cycling in Auckland

Shelagh Coop // Parnell Heritage // Older citizens fired up

Alex Swney // Heart of the City // Tarmac – oh so yesterday - urban place making now past tipping point

Elected Representatives // Waitematā Local Board // Plans plans plans – there’s more to us than plans

Emma McInnes // Generation Zero // Smart campaigning to influence decision makers

Alycea Meredith-Lelei // Year 12 AGGS // Roots Pollinate: Art, community and Youth go POP

Ben Bell // Low Impact // One less rubbish truck

Esther Hjelmstrom // Council Landscape Architect // Greenways – delivering the dream

Denise Bijoux // Inspiring Communities // Building community and being locally-led

Many thanks to all who were involved in both organising and presenting at this special event.

Attached and marked as attachment C is a copy of Members’ Shale Chambers, Pippa Coom, Vernon Tava, Rob Thomas, and Deborah Yates, Waitemata Local Board’s presentation.

Local board members also were available recent weeks to discuss the plan at drop-in sessions around Waitematā.

When	Where
8 – 10am, Wednesday 9 July	Campbell Free Kindergarten, Victoria Park, Victoria Street West, Freeman’s Bay
5 – 7pm, Thursday 10 July	Pioneer Women's Hall ground floor conference room, Freyberg Square, CBD
8am – 12pm, Saturday 12 July	Parnell Farmers' Market, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell
7 – 8pm, Monday 14 July	Grafton Hall, 40 Seafield View Road, Grafton
1.30 – 3.30pm, Tuesday 15 July	Leys Institute Lecture Room, 20 St Mary’s Road, St Mary’s Bay
12 – 2pm, Thursday 17 July	Station Square, Corner Remuera Rd and Broadway, Newmarket
5 – 7pm, Friday 18 July	Seddon Fields, Western Springs Football Club, Meola Road, Westmere
10am – 12pm, Saturday 19 July	Grey Lynn Park, Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club, Elgin Street, Grey Lynn
9am – 12.30pm, Sunday 20 July	Grey Lynn Market, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
5 – 7pm, Wednesday 23 July	Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Terrace, Ponsonby
12 – 2pm, Thursday 31 July	Main Quad, AUT University, Wellesley Street, CBD
5 – 7pm, Thursday 31 July	Pitt Street Methodist Sunday School Hall, Pitt Street, CBD
4 – 6pm, Monday 4 August	Grey Lynn Library, 474 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

At the same time the board has been seeking feedback on a separate action plan for becoming a low-carbon community. This plan focuses on reducing emissions, energy use and waste locally within the Waitematā Local Board area.

The Draft Local Board Plan provides for our vision for Waitematā to be:

· our communities are vibrant, connected and healthy;

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

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

· we have a healthy, sustainable and prosperous local economy;

· our natural environment is significantly improved and protected; and

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

Achieving our vision

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

A distinctive, high quality urban environment that embraces our heritage

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

Over the next three years we plan to:

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

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

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

· advocate for an affordable housing action plan.

Connected, accessible and safe transport choices

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

Over the next three years we plan to:

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

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

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

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

Waitematā, the innovative economic hub of Auckland

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

Over the next three years we plan to:

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

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

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

The natural environment is respected and enhanced

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

Over the next three years we plan to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the next three years we plan to:

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

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

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

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

Strong communities that are inclusive, vibrant and engaged

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

Over the next three years we plan to:

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

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

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

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

What’s next

Submissions closed Wednesday 6 August 2014. Submissions are now being collated and analysed.

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

Low Carbon Community Plan

We have also been seeking feedback on our draft action plan for becoming a low carbon community. This plan focuses on reducing energy use and waste, promoting sustainable transport options, encouraging local food production as well as promoting the effective and cooperative use of resources and land.

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

4.7 Review of Auckland Transport Parking

Auckland Transport is undertaking a comprehensive review of parking in Auckland. The Draft Parking Discussion Document identifies Auckland-wide parking issues and possible ways to fix them. The review looks at the use of Park and Rides, residential parking zones, managing on and off street parking in the central city, clearest times on arterial roads and parking in town centres.

A late rush has seen around 4300 groups and individuals make submissions on a discussion document which will help shape the future of parking in the Auckland region.

Auckland Transport consulted for two months on issues such as the cost of on and off-street parking, the provision of parking on main arterial roads, residential parking zones and permits, and park and ride facilities.

Submissions are now being collated and analysed. The next step will be to draw up a region-wide parking policy which will be based on information from those submissions.

A report on key themes and possible policy responses is expected to be reported back to the board of Auckland Transport in September.

5 Project Updates

6 Portfolio Updates

Arts, Culture & Events

6.1 Events

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

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

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

6.1.1 Events Consultation

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

6.1.2 Event Funding 2014/15

At its business meeting in July the Board finalised its Event support for the 2014/15 year.

The Board approved the following support the following four events and corresponding amounts for three years through the event partnership fund ($80,800):

Event	Amount (per year)
Festival Italiano	$15,000
Art Week Auckland	$10,000
Art in the Dark	$30,000 (for 2014/15, reducing by $5,000 each year)
Grey Lynn Park Festival	$25,000
Total	$80,000

The Board also approved funding for the following events from the event support fund ($25,072):

Event	Amount
Playing in the Street	$3,000
West End Cup	$9,000
Franklin Road Christmas Lights (Top up to Christmas Fund to provide for waste management costs. See also funding allocation from the Christmas event fund)	$3,000
Auckland Fringe Festival	$10,000
Total	$25,000

The also approved funding for the following event from the Christmas event fund ($5,050):

Event	Amount
Franklin Road Christmas Lights	$5,050
Total	$5,050

It is now a matter of delivering on partnership commitments, the Local Board delivered event, Parnell Festival of Roses, and wishing the various events every success.

6.2 Arts & Culture

The Arts & Culture sub-Portfolio met on 11 June and 16 July 2014.

6.2.1 POP

The initial POP projects wound up at the end of last month, with the exception of Victoria Park’s The Park, a conceptual artwork designed and planted through public participation.

Over the last two months:

04 Indoor Out

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

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

06 Hikoi

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

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

The pilot of POP programme, delivered in the local board area, with the following projects completed between late March and end of June:

Walking in Trees (walking through the canopy of a Moreton Bay fig tree in Albert Park)

Grow in the City , Neighbours Day, Myers Park

The Roots (workshops to make hanging baskets to provide food for bees)

The Park (Six central beehives in Victoria Park with an online interactive component –www.makethepark.info)

Music Performances (at the Rotunda in Albert Park)

Hikoi (guided walks focused on Maori history through the Auckland Domain and Western Springs Park)

Bee Jam (a discussion and demonstration held at Studio One about bees, pollination, honey making, and everything else bee related)

Outdoor/In (live performances at Britomart and Newmarket Train Stations)

Pasture Paintings (Six geometric public sculptures on verges made from different coloured grasses)

A review of the project is currently underway, which will help inform a decision on its future.

6.3 Parks & Open Spaces

The last Parks & Open Space Portfolio attended met on 5 June 2014.

Much planning and preparation for various parks development plans, playground upgrades, and parks improvements has continued over the last period. More details next month.

6.4 Auckland City Centre Advisory Board

The Board last met on Wednesday, 23 July 2014.

Attached and marked as Attachment E is the June Projects Progress Report.

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

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

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

· $2.7 m is allocated to Freyberg Square Upgrade;

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

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

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

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

6.5 Central Facilities Partnership Committee

This sub-regional Committee is chaired by myself has met in workshop and then meeting and resolved its 2014/15 $1.5m partnership allocations in June 2014.

So far as local groups are concerned YMCA Auckland was supported with a $25,000 facility feasibility study grant, and TAPAC were declined with their request for a partnership application.

Thanks to Member Greg Moyle for

7 In the Press Update

Some of the activities from the June 2014 meeting of local Board activities were as follows:

7.1 Community/Media Releases

· Waitemata Local Board E-bulletin, 5 June 2014;

· Public consultation for the draft local board plans, 1 July 2014 – Summary 2014, and full draft Plan documents;

· Council Press Release, 27 June 2014 – “Creative spark ignited in Ponsonby”;

· Board Press Release, 7 July 2014 – “Have your say on the future of Waitemata”;

· Board Press Release, 21 July 2014 – “New Playground for Myers Park”, with sod turning photo;

· Board Press Release, 23 July 2014 – “Don’t miss out, tell us what you think of the Waitemata draft Local Board Plan”; and

· Board Press Release, 1 August 2014 – “Waitemata leading the way on carbon reduction”.

Attached and marked as attachment F are copies of the five Board and Council press releases.

7.2 Community Leadership

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

A copy is attached and marked as Attachment G.

· Our Auckland, July 2014 edition – “Local Board plans”. Draft Board Plan feature.

· Our Auckland, August 2014, all editions – “Restoring Waipapa Stream”. Feature on community/local board restoration of Waipapa Stream, and photo, including board members (Members Deborah Yates, and Rob Thomas).

Chair, Shale Chambers in Delphi, central Greece

· Ponsonby News, July edition – “Chair’s Waitemata Local Board Report”. Chair, Board, monthly report. Also “Ponsonby News Readers are Everywhere”, photo feature of Board Chair (as above).

A copy is attached and marked as Attachment H.

· The Hobson, July/August 2014 edition – ““Drafting Plans”, Chair’s monthly report.

A copy is attached and marked as Attachment I.

· Herald on Sunday, 27 July 2014 – “Council’s $53m staff shift ‘tacky’. Council office move feature, including references to Board move to Town Hall.

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

A copy is attached and marked as Attachment J.

· Central Leader, 1 August 2014 – “Move a costly business”. Board move to town hall feature. Board Chair quotes, and photo.

7.3 Parks & Open Spaces

· Newstalk ZB, 22 July 2014 – “Myers Parks gets safety upgrade. Radio news interview with Board Chair on Myers Park redevelopment commencing.

· Chinese television, 22 July 2014. Myers Park redevelopment news interview with Board Chair in Myers Park.

· Auckland City Harbour News, 25 July 2014 – “Brighter future for park”. Myers Park redevelopment feature, including Board Chair quotes, and sod turning photo (Members Shale Chambers, Pippa Coom, Rob Thomas and Vernon Tava).

7.4 Art, Culture & Events

· Our Auckland, July 2014, all editions – “Ponsonby’s creative hub re-launches”. Studio One Toi Tu feature. Board Chair quotes.

· Ponsonby News, July edition, Mike Lee’s column – “What next? A $1.5m ‘state house’ for Queens Wharf”. Queens Wharf feature, including Board position references.

· Auckland City Harbour News, 2 July 2014 – “Big Day Out a huge loss”. Front page feature on 2015 cancellation of Big Day Out. Board member Greg Moyle for board reaction quotes.

· Weekend Herald, 19 July 2014, Editorial – “Council needs to shed some light on sculpture” Editorial about the public being shut out of debate over $1.5m Queens Wharf ‘lighthouse’. Waitemata Local Board reference. “”Or will it be, as the Waitematā Local Board contends, an out-of-place intrusion that will impede sea views?”

7.5 Heritage, Urban Design and Planning

· Auckland City Harbour News, 11 June 2014 – “Developers push the boundaries”. 367-375 Great North Road development front page feature. Board Chair photo and quotes. “Waitemata Local Board chairman Shale chambers says members support intensification but there is a limit. The area is ideally suited for mixed use residential development however it needs to be done within the rules, he says. “It’s a bit rich of a developer to push the envelope further. As a board we fully understand the community’s concerns, and we will be watching it with great interest”.

· Auckland City Harbour News, 13 June 2014 – “Residents come to aid of Pohutukawa over cars”. Tricia Reade/Patrick Reynolds petition against Great North Road trees removal proposal. Board references, and Deputy Chair, Pippa Coom quotes confirming Board opposition.

· Ponsonby News, August edition – “Population intensification versus amenity value. Board references.

8 Meetings/Events

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

8.1 Community & Civic Leadership:

Attended:

· Sea Scouts - 55 West End Road, 10 June 2014;

· Hui for K Rd, Newton and Three Kings Plan, Room 1, Level 14, 135 Albert Street, 10 June;

· Waitemata Local Board Business Meeting, Garden Room, Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, 10 June 2014;

· Briefing from Gerard Linstrom of Chorus re Ultra-Fast Broad Band roll out in Waitemata, 12 June 2014;

· Waitemata Local Board Business Meeting, 8 July 2014;

· Governing Body Visit to Waitemata Local Board, 11 July 2014;

· Joint Central & West Local Boards' Hui with Mana Whenua, 14 July 2014;

· Studio One Tour with Manurewa board members, 16 July 2014;

· LB Plan Pecha Kucha event, 16 July 2014;

· Briefing with The Warehouse on plans for development at Broadway Newmarket site, 17 July 2014;

· Myer Park Centennial – follow up meeting, Whare Wananga – Level 2 Central Library, 18 July 2014;

· LBP Drop in session, Grey Lynn Park, Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club, Elgin Street, Grey Lynn, 19 July 2014;

· Friends of Symonds Street Cemetery monthly meeting, 22 July 2014;

· Heritage Advisory Panel, 22 July 2014;

· St Mary's Bay Association AGM, Richmond Yacht Club, Westhaven, 24 July 2014; and

· Weona Walkway budget, 31 July 2014.

8.2 Board Leadership

Attended:

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - WWI Centenary Programme, Psychoactive Substances, Auckland Transport update, 3 June 2014;

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 3 June 2014;

· City Transformation & Waitemata Local Board Chair monthly catch-up, 4 June 2014;

· Meeting between Waitemata Local Board and ATEED to discuss future relationship, 4 June 2014;

· Facilities Partnership Committee notes discussion, possible amendments, 4 June 2014;

· Meeting to discuss progress with Chinese Garden, 4 June 2014;

· Parks Portfolio Monthly Meeting, 5 June 2014;

· K Rd Plan catch-up, 5 June 2014;

· Monthly Portfolio meeting for Finance Committee & LIPs, 5 June 2014;

· Caucus Meeting, 9 June 2014;

· Fortnightly Communications catch-up, 9 June 2014;

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 9 June 2014;

· Catch up with Rob McGee re Fay's Olympic, 9 June 2014;

· Weona update – briefing meeting, 10 June 2014;

· K Rd Plan catch-up, 10 June 2014;

· Events Portfolio - AC - monthly meeting, 11 June 2014;

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - 254 Ponsonby Road, Contestable Fund Events, Waitemata Local Alcohol Policy Workshop, Local Alcohol Policy Workshop, 12 June 2014;

· Meeting with Jane Aickin to discuss Landowner Delegations for Waitemata, 12 June 2014;

· LTP options/advice workshop, 7 July 2014;

· Caucus Meeting, 7 July 2014;

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 8 July 2014;

· Fortnightly Communications catch-up, 8 July 2014;

· Briefing Downtown Development Framework, 9 July 2014;

· Myers park Portfolio Meeting, 9 July 2014;

· Discussion on draft plan for 254 Ponsonby Road prior to public consultation, 9 July 2014;

· Domain fields update, 9 July 2014;

· Basque Park Landowner consent, 9 July 2014;

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Costley Playground Design, Velo City, QE2 Square, Parking Discussion Document, 10 July 2014;

· Briefing on Basketball Proposal, 11 July 2014;

· Grey Lynn and Western park development plan, 14 July 2014;

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Home St Reserve - Concept Plan Review, Playground Concept Designs – Workshop, Decision Making Allocation Review, Environmental Strategic Action Plan Feedback, 15 July 2014

· Events Portfolio – ATEED, 16 July 2014;

· Events Portfolio – AC, 16 July 2014;

· 367-375 Gt North Road - Proposed residential project, 16 July 2014;

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 16 July 2014;

· K Road Plan Catch-up, 17 July 2014;

· Grey Lynn Park Development Plan. 17 July 2014;

· Parks Portfolio catch up, 17 July 2014;

· Achievement Report briefing, 18 July 2014;

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 21 July 2014;

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Draft Local Alcohol Policy Feedback, Beach Road Upgrade, Myers Park, Tole Playground Concept Designs, 22 July 2014;

· Briefing on Stadium Strategy, 22 July 2014;

· Naming of public road at 4 Williamson Avenue, 22 July 2014;

· Planning, Heritage and Urban Design Portfolio meeting, 22 July 2014;

· Monthly Arts and Culture Monthly Portfolio Meeting, 23 July 2014;

· Sport & Recreation Monthly Portfolio Meeting, 24 July 2014;

· Central Rail Link (CRL) discussion with AT, 24 July 2014;

· St Marys Reserve and footpath, 24 July 2014;

· Budget Committee workshop - Transport - Activities and Budget review for LTP, 135 Albert Street, 28 July 2014;

· LTP workshop - Spatial Priorities, 135 Albert Street, 28 July 2014;

· Chairs discussion Feedback on guidelines on confidential information and community grants, 135 Albert Street, Level 14, Room 5, 28 July 2014;

· Waitemata Local Board Workshop - Community Grants Policy, Transport AC Land Bylaw Review, Grey Lynn Development Plan, Taurarua/Pt Resolution Plan, 29 July 2014;

· Weekly update with Relationship Manager, 30 July 2014;

· Joint Auckland Development Committee & Parks, Recreation & Sport Committee Workshop re Queen Elizabeth Square - Open Space, 1 Queen Street, Downtown Auckland, 30 July 2014;

· K Road Plan Catch up, 31 July 2014; and

· Auckland Fringe Local Event Support, 31 July 2014.

8.3 Events

Attended:

· Silo Theatre's SUNDAY ROAST, Q Theatre Loft, 7 June 2014;

· Selwyn's Vision - Celebration Dinner Invitation, Holy Trinity Cathedral Nave, 12 June 2014; and

· The Walter Prize 2014, Auckland Art Gallery, 11 July 2014.

· Sod Turning: Myers Park, 14 July 2014. The Chair spoke for the Board.

Attached and marked as attachment K are the Chairs event remarks.

· Civic Reception - Fiji Association in Auckland 40th Anniversary, Council Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, 18 July 2014;

· Youth Advisory Panel Induction Night, Reception Lunge, Level 2, Town Hall, 28 July 2014; and

· Allegro Ballet, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, 30 July 2014.

8.4 City Centre Economic Development

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

Attended:

· Heart Of The City Committee Meeting, Level 2, 26 Lorne St, Auckland, 9 July 2014;

· Auckland City Centre Advisory Board Workshop, Committee meeting room, level 15, 1 Greys Avenue, 11 June 2014; and

· Auckland City Centre Advisory Board, Civic, 23 July 2014.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Chair's Forum June 2014 Action Points	327
b View	Annual Plan Response Letter	331
c View	Waitemata Local Board's Pecha Kucha Presentation 16 July 2014	335
d View	Council/ATEED Events have consulted on for events occuring from July 2014	351
e View	Auckland City Centre Advisory Board June Projects Progress Report	353
f View	June/July Five Board and Council Press Releases	357
g View	The Hobson, Chair's June 2014 Local Board Column	369
h View	Ponsonby News, "Chair's Waitemata Local Board Report" - July 2014	371
i View	The Hobson, Chair's July/August Local Board Column	373
j View	Ponsonby News, "Chair's Waitemata Local Board Report" August 2014	375
k View	Chair Remarks at Myers Park Sod Turning Event, 14 July 2014	377

Signatories

Authors

Shale Chambers - Chairperson

Waitematā Local Board

12 August 2014

Deputy Chairperson's Report

File No.: CP2014/17488

Executive summary

This report covers my Waitematā Local Board activities during July 2014 as Deputy Chair, lead for the Community and Transport portfolios, Chair of the Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of the Central Joint Funding Committee and with positions on the Ponsonby Business Association and Ponsonby Community Centre Committee.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

i) Receive the Deputy Chairperson’s Report.

Comments

Local Board Plan Engagement

The Pecha Kucha Town Hall special edition was a big highlight for me during July. Pecha Kucha Auckland teamed up with the Waitematā Local Board so that for the first time in New Zealand the Pecha Kucha format was used as a platform for local government consultation. The diverse line up of speakers made the event informative and fun. It was also a great opportunity for board members to present on the draft local board at a unique engagement event. Thank you for everyone who helped organise the event and took part on the night. (Photo right of Alycea Meredith-Lelei about to start her presentation titled Roots Pollinate: Art, community and Youth go POP)

www.pechakucha.co.nz

Photo left: Board members Vernon Tava, Deborah Yates, Shale Chambers, Christopher Dempsey and I after the Pecha Kucha presentations in the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall

Photo left: Emma McInnes from Generation Zero delivering her presentation: Smart campaigning to influence decision makers

As part of our Local Board plan engagement we have held a series of drop-in sessions during July.

I attended the sessions at:

· Campbell Free Kindergarten building, Victoria Park;

· Pioneer Women’s Hall;

· Parnell Farmers Market;

· Station Square, Newmarket;

· Leys Institute Library, Ponsonby;

· Ponsonby Community Centre;

· AUT Quad on AUSM club day; and (photo right)

· Methodist Church Hall, Pitt Street.

Drop-ins were also held at the Richmond Rovers clubrooms, Western Springs Football clubrooms, and the Grey Lynn Farmers Market.

In addition I was invited to speak at the Grafton Residents Association on the draft plan at their monthly meeting.

Long Term Plan 2015 – 2025: Options Workshop

I attended the all- day workshop for elected representatives and officers on 7 July as part of the LTP process which is currently underway. I think the workshops provide a valuable opportunity to discuss what the council should prioritise over the next 10 years and how to fund it. There are going to be tough decisions coming up about what we spend to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world.

*Time*	*Agenda Item*
9:30 – 9:40	Karakia
9:40 – 10:10	Mayor’s Opening Address The journey here and the challenge ahead
10.10 – 11:00	Transforming Auckland Delivering the Auckland Plan and the importance of prioritisation to support affordability. What is the right level and mix of investment for the next 10 years? Stephen Town (CE), supported by senior managers
11.00 – 11.15	MORNING TEA
11.15 – 11:45	Feedback session Where should our focus lie in a financially constrained environment? What are the top 3 opportunities to deliver on the Auckland Plan? Are there any gaps?
11.45 – 1.00	Creating capacity · Budget update & financial context · Key levers and scale of opportunities: a) Reprioritise and reduce capex programme b) Reprioritise and reduce operating spend c) Revenue initiatives d) Other opportunities Andrew McKenzie, supported by senior managers
1.00 – 1.40	LUNCH
1:40 – 2.00	Feedback session What levers are preferred to ensure affordability for Aucklanders? What services should we reduce, stop or slow down?
2.00 – 3.00	Resourcing for critical infrastructure a) Water supply and waste water – pricing and efficiencies (Brian Monk) b) Transport – strategic options (David Warburton) c) Alternate funding (Peter Winder)
3:20 – 3:40	Feedback Session What does ‘affordability’ look like for Aucklanders? How do we balance tackling the big regional issues with local needs in a fiscally constrained environment? Is there a strong case for an alternate funding mechanism?
3.40 – 3.50	Reflections of the day Rod Oram, MC
3.50 – 4.00	Mayor’s Closing Comments

LGNZ Conference 2014

I attended the LGNZ conference 2014 in Nelson as the Waitematā Local Board delegate. My conference report back is attached (Refer ATTACHMENT A)

Youth

Retiring members and new members of the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) were acknowledged by Mayor Len Brown at a function on 28 July attended by YAP liaison councillor Linda Cooper, parents, and elected representatives from the council and local boards. The panel is into its second term and was established by the Mayor in 2011 as a local and regional youth participation and development programme to provide advice on council policies, plans, strategies and bylaws in the interests of young people.

It is made up of 21 young people aged between 12 and 24, nominated from Auckland’s 21 local boards. It involves a two-year term served by each member from July to June, with members selected by young people in their community through 18 local youth voice groups affiliated to local boards. Isabella Lenihan- Ikin is the Waitematā representative on the Panel. In her fantastic inaugural speech she challenged the Mayor to invest in cycling.

Retiring and new members of the Youth Advisory Panel with Local Board members

Portfolio reports: Community

The community Development portfolio is working on a number of issues that were discussed at our monthly meeting with CDAC officers on 23 July:

- Pioneer Women’s Hall stakeholder meeting (held on 31 July attended by Deborah Yates to connect and share with other groups/people that have expressed an interest in activating programmes that meet the needs of the people who live work and play in the central city).

- Future of Grey Lynn Community Centre

- The use of Lumino for Local Board Plan consultation (a Youth portfolio imitative)

- Implementation of the Accessibility Plan

- Women and Children’s Safety

- Leys Institute Lift (in need of repair)

- Women’s Centre Lease ( on the agenda this month)

I also attended a range of meetings during July relevant to the Community portfolio – these are listed below.

Portfolio reports: Transport

The Grafton Gully Multi-way Boulevard

At our July Board meeting Kent Lundberg presented a plan to the Waitematā Local Board for dramatically improving one of the worst corridors in the central city – Stanley St and The Strand. Details of the presentation are available here http://transportblog.co.nz/2014/07/10/the-grafton-gully-multiway-boulevard/

We passed the following resolution:

Moved by C Dempsey, seconded by PJ Coom:
a) That Kent Lundberg be thanked for his attendance and presentation to the Board.
b) That the Waitematā Local Board:
i) supports in principle the Grafton Gully multiway Boulevard proposal;
ii) requests Auckland Transport and NZTA assess the proposal and provide a response as to how it can be progressed;
iii) refers the proposal to the Infrastructure Committee of the Governing Body for its consideration.

Bus stops

Auckland Transport is currently consulting on bus stop design options until 22 August. Three designs have been installed on Symonds Street. I joined a tour of the bus stops for board members. Design A (photo right) is definitely my preferred option as it incorporates recycled materials and solar lighting. It also provides the best protection from the rain and is pleasant to use.

Old Nelson Street off-ramp

AT and NZTA have taken up a Cycle Action Auckland proposal to turn the old Nelson Street off ramp (surplus to motorway needs) into a cycleway providing a link in the Auckland Cycle Network – connecting the Northwestern and other routes entering the City Centre from the south and west to the western parts of our downtown and waterfront, to a Nelson Street cycleway.

Christopher and I joined a NZTA tour of the off- ramp to see how it could connect to K’rd. This work is currently progressing by NZTA with Auckland Transport working on separated cycle lane down Nelson Street to the waterfront

Monthly transport update

A monthly update with Auckland Transport took place on 30 July. Current issues are reported back monthly by Auckland Transport on our public agenda including the details of the consultation undertaken with the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Board.

Workshops and meetings

In the period 1 July – 31 July I attended:

· Local Board workshop on 1 July

· Local Board draft plan drop in sessions – as listed above

· Meeting with legal team to discuss Board’s submission on Auckland Transport’s NOR for widening Great North Road

· Parks Portfolio meeting to discuss Grey Lynn Park Development Plan

· LTP options/advice workshop on 7 July

· Ponsonby Business Association Board meeting on 8 July

· Meeting to discussion parking discussion document with Tony Skelton, Chair, St Marys Bay Association and PBA

· Waitematā Local Board business meeting at Graham Street on 8 July

· Waitematā Local Board workshop on 10 July

· Central hui with iwi to discuss local board plans (attended the afternoon’s session as the Chair’s alternate)

· Local Board workshop on 15 July

· Studio One Tour with Manurewa board members on 16 July

· Old Nelson street off ramp cycle pilot project presentation and tour by NZTA on 18 July

· Attendance at the LGNZ conference 2014 in Nelson 20- -22 July

· Meeting with the owner of Café Byzantium on 23 July to discuss complaints against Council inspection officers

· Meeting to discuss feedback on AT’s draft parking discussion document

· Community Development portfolio monthly catch up on 23 July

· Arch Hill Residents meeting to discuss outcome of mediation with Bunnings

· St Mary Bay Association AGM on 24 July

· Tour of Bus Stop design options with Auckland Transport

· Community-led Placemaking Champions Group - Plenary meeting on 28 July

· Local Board Workshop on 29 July

· Ponsonby Community Centre committee meeting on 29 July

· Monthly Transport portfolio catch up on 30 July

Events and functions

In the period 1 July – 31 July I attended:

· The People of Auckland Community Trust 'Urban People' end of term 2 Celebration and lunch on 2 July (photo right is taken in the Trust’s kitchen where a weekly lunch is provided for up to 80 people. The stoves were funded from a Waitematā Local Board Community Grant)

· Cycle Action Auckland’s Associates Breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 3 July

· Urbanist meet- up on 3 July

· Studio One Toi Tu Open Day on Saturday 5 July

· PBA parking presentation by MR Cagney to PBA members on 8 July

· Super Kapa Haka at the Cloud on 12 July

· Sod Turning: Myers Park to mark the start of construction of the Myers Park Children’s playground on 14 July

· IPENZ presentation on Shared Spaces

· Pecha Kucha Town Hall Special Edition on 16 July

· Bag It film night organised by Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away as part of Plastic Bag Free July

· Lunch on 18 July hosted by Spliced/Lifewise to welcome the Waitematā’s new engagement advisor

· ATC production of The Good Soul of Szchuan at Q Theatre (at the invitation of ATC)

· Matariki Manu Aute Kite Day at Taraparawha on 26 July (photo right)

· Launch of Circability Trust’s Social programmes at the Campbell Free Kindergarten on 27 July (photos below)

New kitchen at Campbell Free Kindergarten building – finally installed after long delays since the building re-opened in 2012

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Report back from the LGNZ Conference 2014	387

Signatories

Authors

Pippa Coom, Deputy Chair

	Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
Estimated cost to build the park	$1.1-1.2 million	$2.1-2.5 million	$3.3 -3.5 million
Current budget available	$545,000	$545,000	$545,000
Additional funding required	$700,000	$2,000,000	$2,800,000
Estimated income from sale of non-open space areas	$5-6 million	$1.5-2 million	0

Step	Estimated timeframe
1. Local board and stakeholder engagement on draft option Officers will seek feedback from local boards, internal, external and political stakeholders on the approved draft LAPP option.	July – September 2014
2. Final draft LAPP for special consultative procedure Officers will then present a final draft policy to RSPC for approval for consultation.	9 October
3. Special consultative procedure Officers will follow the special consultative procedure set out in section 83 of Local Government Act 2002. This will include public submissions and hearings.	November 2014
4. Local board feedback of final draft Officers will seek formal feedback from local boards on the final draft policy.	November 2014 – February 2015
4. Adopt final policy Following the hearings the draft will be finalised and presented to RSPC for adoption.	March 2015
5. Implementation and review A copy will be sent to Ministry of Health after it has been completed. The LAPP will then be reviewed every five years in accordance with section 69 of the Act.	Ongoing

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

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

Authors	Priscilla Steel – Auckland Transport Elected Member Relationship Mananger
Authorisers	Jonathan Anyon – Auckland Transport Elected Member Team Leader

Authors	Roger Wilson – Council Engagement Manager
Authorisers	Alan Howard-Smith – Stakeholder Management Manager

Authors	Geraldine Read - Local Board Advisor - Waitemata
Authorisers	Judith Webster - Relationship Manager

Authors	Trina Thompson - Senior Local Board Advisor - Waitemata
Authorisers	Judith Webster - Relationship Manager