Agenda of Rodney Local Board - 8 September 2014

Portfolio	Description	Portfolio Holders
		Lead	Alternate(s)
Local planning, policy and governance (includes relationship with Kawau Island representatives)	Relationship with governing body, Chairs meeting, protocols, code of conduct, local area plans, structure plans, Unitary Plan, RUB, plan changes, relationship with Kawau Island representatives.	Chairperson Brenda Steele	Deputy Chairperson Steven Garner
Iwi	Relationship with iwi, recreation reserve boards	Brenda Steele	Phelan Pirrie
Arts and culture	Arts centres, art programmes	Greg Sayers	Phelan Pirrie
Events	General oversight of events programme music in parks, movies in parks	Beth Houlbrooke	Warren Flaunty
Community services and facilities	Community development and safety, grants and funding, community facilities, community houses, community leases, Youth Connections and support the Rodney Youth Advisory Panel	Steven Garner	James Colville Brenda Steele
Libraries		Warren Flaunty	Steven Garner
Recreation services (pools multisport facilities)	Pools, multi-sport facilities	Greg Sayers	Beth Houlbrooke
Parks	Reserve management plans, park usage, leasing on parks, cemeteries and liaison with parks staff on land owner approvals.	Brenda Steele	James Colville Phelan Pirrie Steven Garner John McLean
Built and natural environment	Heritage, infrastructure (including stormwater, wastewater, water), environmental programmes, conservation and biodiversity, biosecurity, waste minimisation	Thomas Grace	Phelan Pirrie
Economic Development	BIDs, economic development plans, developing ATEED relationship, broadband	Beth Houlbrooke	Steven Garner Brenda Steele
Street environment and town centres	Gateways and mainstreet upgrades, Urban design champion	Phelan Pirrie	John McLean
Transport		Steven Garner	Thomas Grace Phelan Pirrie John McLean James Colville
Regulatory – resource consents	Resource consents comments	Warren Flaunty (West/ Dairy Flat), Steven Garner (Warkworth/ Wellsford)	N/A
Regulatory - Bylaws	Bylaw policy feedback	Steven Garner	All Members
Communications and engagement	Review media releases and articles. Stakeholder and community engagement .	Phelan Pirrie (South) Beth Houlbrooke (North)
Finance	Budget overview, financial prudence and reporting, local board funding policy	Steven Garner	Phelan Pirrie
Civil defence/ emergency management		Phelan Pirrie	Warren Flaunty
Special Housing Areas	Feedback on SHA’s in Rodney.	Phelan Pirrie (Southern area), Steven Garner (Northern area)	N/A

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

An apology from Member SR Garner has been received.

3 Declaration of Interest

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

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Monday, 11 August 2014, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

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

6 Acknowledgements

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

7 Petitions

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

8 Deputations

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

8.1 Puhoi Safety Group

Purpose

1. Representatives from Puhoi Safety Group will be in attendance to address the Rodney Local Board on matters regarding pedestrian and traffic safety at Puhoi.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) thank the representatives from Puhoi Safety Group for their presentation regarding pedestrian and traffic safety in Puhoi.

8.2 Nga Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Investment Ltd

Purpose

1. Malcolm Paterson, Kaiwhakahaere Tuhono Pakihi, from Nga Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Investment Ltd will be in attendance to outline a proposal to staff the visitors’ kiosk at Muriwai.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) thank Malcolm Paterson of Nga Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara Investment Ltd for his presentation on a proposal to staff the visitors’ kiosk at Muriwai.

8.3 Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara

Purpose

1. Representatives from Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara will be in attendance to give an update on the Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara housing project.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) thank the representatives from Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara for their update on the Ngati Whatua Nga Rima o Kaipara housing project.

9 Public Forum

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

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

10 Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Notices of Motion

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

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Rodney Local Event Support Fund - Round 1 2014/2015

File No.: CP2014/14607

Purpose

1. To present a summary of applications received in round one of the local event support fund for 2014/2015 for the Rodney Local Board.

Executive summary

2. A contestable local events support fund of $51,245 is available to the Rodney Local Board for distribution over two funding rounds in the 2014/2015 financial year.

3. For round one, 26 applications totalling $180,130 have been received and reviewed at a workshop with the local board on 21 July 2014.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) agree to fund, partially fund or decline the round one 2014-2015 contestable local event support fund applications as follows:

Applicant	Event	Date	Amount Requested	Funding Allocated
Lazy Dude Media Limited	Coatesville Classic	15/3/15	$5,014.00	$0
OnBoard Skate Inc.	Skate for Change	1/10/14 – 30/4/15	$10,000.00	$3,000.00
Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group	Kaipara Moana – Look Back Thinking Forward	15/11/14	$16,000.00	$0 Refer to Environmental Fund
Lions Club of Helensville	Helensville Community Christmas Parade	6/12/14	$7,000.00	$4,000.00
Media Works Radio Rodney	Times FM Summer Movie Night	27/12/14	$3,000.00	$0
Organisations Passionate About Kawau	Music in the Gardens	14/2/15	$7,000.00	$3,100.00
Kumeu Arts Centre Inc	An Intimate Evening with Greg Johnson	20/2/15	$8,686.32	$0
Wainui School PTA	Big Nui Music Fiesta	21/3/15	$4,000.00	$2,000.00
NZ Women Limited	Elvis in the Gardens	1/3/15	$1,000.00	$0
Hibiscus Rodders	Hibiscus Rodders Beach Festival 2015	23/1/15 – 25/1/15	$36,128.00	$0
HIPPY South Kaipara Charitable Trust	HIPPY South Kaipara Graduation Ceremony	5/12/14	$2,000.00	$1,500.00
Getin2Life Youth Development Trust	In2It Summer Series	1/10/14 – 30/4/15	$3,192.00	$2,000.00 Subject to receipt of 2013/2014 Accountability Report
Kowhai Festival Society Incorporated	Kowhai Festival	3/10/14 – 19/10/14	$10,000.00	$5,000.00

Kumeu Community Centre Netball	Kumeu Community Centre Netball	4/5/15 – 25/9/15	$2,120.00	$500.00
Mahu Vision Community Trust	Mahurangi Pasifika 2014	29/11/14	$4,000.00	$1,500.00
Mahurangi Action Incorporated	Mahurangi Regatta	24/1/15	$4,000.00	$2,000.00
Taupaki School PTA	Monster Fireworks Display 2014	31/10/14	$9,650.00	$2,000.00
Epic Sports Limited	Orewa Beach Sandcastle Competition	26/2/15	$8,000.00	$0
Point Wells Fete Committee	Point Wells Fete	8/2/15	$5,000.00	$565.00
Mahurangi Gymnastics Club Inc.	Spooktacular	1/11/14	$2,000.00	$1,000.00
Epic Sports Limited	Triathlon Pink and Fun Run Orewa	6/12/14	$5,000.00	$0
Warkworth Agricultural & Pastoral Society	Warkworth A&P Show	24/1/15	$10,000.00	$3,000.00
Warkworth Area Business Association Inc.	Warkworth Santa Parade 2014	29/11/14	$2,500.00	$2,300.00 Subject to receipt of 2013/2014 Accountability Report
Wellsford A&P Society	Wellsford Country Show	22/11/14	$5,000.00	$1,500.00
Wellsford Promotions Association Inc	Wellsford Xmas Parade	29/11/14	$3,840.00	$2,370.00
Whangateau Hall & Reserve Advisory Group	Whangateau Country Fair	26/1/15	$6,000.00	$0
TOTAL			$180,130.32	$37,335.00

Comments

4. The local events support fund provides the opportunity for Rodney Local Board to work in partnership with local event organisers to develop an events programme that reflects the aspirations of the community and supports the local board plan.

5. The contestable local events support fund has two funding rounds, which close at specified times during the 2014/2015 financial year, as follows:

Round	Applications Close	Assessment	Decision Making
1	31 May 2014	June 2014	July/August 2014
2	31 October 2014	November 2014	December 2014/February 2015

6. Round one of the 2014-2015 contestable local events fund received 26 applications. A summary of these is as follows:

Applicant	Event	Date	Amount Requested
Lazy Dude Media Limited	Coatesville Classic	15/3/15	$5,014.00
OnBoard Skate Inc.	Skate for Change	1/10/14 – 30/4/15	$10,000.00
Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group	Kaipara Moana – Look Back Thinking Forward	15/11/14	$16,000.00
Lions Club of Helensville	Helensville Community Christmas Parade	6/12/14	$7,000.00
Media Works Radio Rodney	Times FM Summer Movie Night	27/12/14	$3,000.00
Organisations Passionate About Kawau	Music in the Gardens	14/2/15	$7,000.00
Kumeu Arts Centre Inc	An Intimate Evening with Greg Johnson	20/2/15	$8,686.32
Wainui School PTA	Big Nui Music Fiesta	21/3/15	$4,000.00
NZ Women Limited	Elvis in the Gardens	1/3/15	$1,000.00
Hibiscus Rodders	Hibiscus Rodders Beach Festival 2015	23/1/15 – 25/1/15	$36,128.00
HIPPY South Kaipara Charitable Trust	HIPPY South Kaipara Graduation Ceremony	5/12/14	$2,000.00
Getin2Life Youth Development Trust	In2It Summer Series	1/10/14 – 30/4/15	$3,192.00
Kowhai Festival Society Incorporated	Kowhai Festival	3/10/14 – 19/10/14	$10,000.00
Kumeu Community Centre Netball	Kumeu Community Centre Netball	4/5/15 – 25/9/15	$2,120.00
Mahu Vision Community Trust	Mahurangi Pasifika 2014	29/11/14	$4,000.00
Mahurangi Action Incorporated	Mahurangi Regatta	24/1/15	$4,000.00
Taupaki School PTA	Monster Fireworks Display 2014	31/10/14	$9,650.00
Epic Sports Limited	Orewa Beach Sandcastle Competition	26/2/15	$8,000.00
Point Wells Fete Committee	Point Wells Fete	8/2/15	$5,000.00
Mahurangi Gymnastics Club Inc.	Spooktacular	1/11/14	$2,000.00
Epic Sports Limited	Triathlon Pink and Fun Run Orewa	6/12/14	$5,000.00
Warkworth Agricultural & Pastoral Society	Warkworth A&P Show	24/1/15	$10,000.00
Warkworth Area Business Association Inc.	Warkworth Santa Parade 2014	29/11/14	$2,500.00
Wellsford A&P Society	Wellsford Country Show	22/11/14	$5,000.00
Wellsford Promotions Association Inc	Wellsford Xmas Parade	29/11/14	$3,840.00
Whangateau Hall & Reserve Advisory Group	Whangateau Country Fair	26/1/15	$6,000.00
TOTAL			$180,130.32

7. Local event support funding criteria guidelines for 2014/2015 have been established to assist applicants in understanding the focus of this fund and to guide decision-making. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the local event support fund guidelines.

8. The Rodney Local Board has the opportunity to refer applications to a more appropriate fund or to allocate funding from within its local event fund.

Consideration

9. Local boards are responsible for the decision-making and allocation of local board event funding including the local event support fund. The Rodney Local Board has identified key priorities for the local area within its local board plan, some of which could be achieved through events.

10. The Rodney Local Board seeks to engage with their diverse communities and provide for their social and cultural needs by ensuring that their town centres are attractive and bustling places that provide employment and reasons to visit and socialise, and that local arts and culture flourish and are celebrated.

Local board views and implications

11. A local board workshop was held on 21 July 2014 to consider the applications to the local event support fund round two. This report reflects the views of local board members expressed at the workshop.

12. The decisions sought within this report fall within the local board delegations.

13. The decisions sought do not invoke the Auckland Council Significance Policy.

Maori impact statement

14. This fund does not specifically target Maori groups. However, Maori communities are likely to benefit from the events supported by the local board, alongside other groups in the community.

Implementation

15. Once the Rodney Local Board has resolved the funding applications, staff will contact all applicants to notify them of the outcome, and commence contracting and payment.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Barbara Cade - Team Leader Events North/West

Authorisers

Kevin Marriott - Acting Manager Community Development Arts and Culture

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Local Economic Development Work Programme

File No.: CP2014/19294

Purpose

1. This report provides an update for the Rodney Local Board on the 2014/2015 local economic development work programme and seeks approval to initiate a local economic development (ED) action plan.

Executive summary

2. The confirmed local ED work programme in the Rodney Local Board area includes funding for pre-BID establishment in the Warkworth area.

3. Approval is sought to initiate a local ED action plan for Rodney. The action plan will set out how the local board will work with others on priority activities for local economic development.

4. The local board will have the opportunity to confirm funding for other activities from the 2014/15 budget as part of the development of the action plan.

Recommendations

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) confirm funding of up to $29,735 for the development of a Local Economic Development Action Plan for Rodney in 2014/15.

b) inform Matakana Coast and Country that at this stage the local board will not be providing funding of $20,000 for website development and seeks that visitor promotion of Puhoi to Te Hana be included within the Aucklandnz website delivered by Auckland Toursim, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

Comments

5. The three budget areas under Local ED are:

i. Rodney Economic Development Implementation Plan

ii. Local job opportunities / skill development

iii. Business improvement strategies for key towns

Each of the budget areas is discussed below and summarised in Table 1.

Rodney Economic Development Implementation Plan

6. Funding of up to $29,735 is sought for the development of a Local Economic Development Action Plan for Rodney in 2014/15.

7. This action plan will confirm prioritised local economic development activities in Rodney related to the local board. The development of the action plan will be managed by the local economic development team for the local board and will involve collaboration with stakeholders including BIDs, business associations, Auckland Council/ATEED and industry and sector groups. The action plan would be drafted between September and December 2014.

8. The completion and implementation of an action plan is signalled within the draft local board plan. The action plan will be a platform for the local board and other parties to advocate or catalyse priority activities for local economic development. It will build on the local board’s economic development priorities, including the establishment of BIDs, support for business associations, youth employment and training initiatives, thriving towns, strong rural businesses, expansion of export capability, and the growth of the visitor industry.

9. The action plan will be the mechanism to prioritise the local board’s support for ED and indicate budget allocations over a three year period. The action plan will also be reviewed annually, providing a focus on activity underway, completed actions and potential new opportunities. The action plan will then be finalised as the local economic development work programme for the following financial year.

10. The Rodney Local Board has approved in principle the development of a Rodney Local Economic Development Action Plan in 2014/15 from the Rodney economic development implementation plan budget (Resolution number RD/2013/216). This was subject to approval in the 2014/2015 local economic development work programme and confirmation of funding is now sought from the local board. The proposed $29,735 budget covers specialist contractor resource to develop the plan and commissioning of additional research if required. Any budget not used to develop the plan will be applied to implementation.

11. In previous years the local board has providing funding for the NZTRI SH16 research, Puhoi to Pakiri project, promotion of townships and kura, and Rodney tourism services research.

12. Matakana Coast and Country (MC&C) are seeking funding of $20,000 from the local board for its activities in 2014/15. The local ED team endorses collaboration and capacity building activities to develop the area’s tourism industry. However officers cannot support the funding requested by MC&C at this stage as:

· A significant focus of the MC&C’s proposed activities in 2014/15 is to develop content for its website. This does not align with Council’s ongoing investment in the AucklandNZ.com website delivered by ATEED which is Auckland’s official tourism website.

· Under the proposed funding model for the MC&C, the position of the regional tourism coordinator is funded by grants, which does not provide a sustainable model going forward.

13. The local ED action plan will be informed by previous research undertaken and project outputs, including:

· The ED overview for Rodney which outlines the current economic picture in Rodney, recent trends, and identifies particular strengths or points of difference the local board area has in comparison to the region wide picture.

· Puhoi to Pakiri area visitor strategy research by NZTRI (2011); Matakana Coast and Country

· SH 16 visitor strategy research by NZTRI (underway)

· Report on Rodney Tourism Services by BTM (2013)

· Youth Connections (Springboard Trust)

· An assessment of Warkworth’s Economic Linkages by Berl Economics (2013)

· Warkworth Business Survey; Warkworth Shoppers’ Survey (2014)

· Snells Beach Business Survey (2014)

· Wellsford Business Survey (2014)

· Research and insights from the establishment of the North West BID (Helensville, Parakai, Kumeu, Huapai, Riverhead, Kaukapakapa and Waimauku)

· ATEED’s delivery of the Regional Partnership Programme covering R&D grants and business capability.

· South Kaipara Repair Shed (Helensville Men’s and family and Helensville Enterprise Trust)

· Ngati Whatua o Kaipara housing – employment and skills development programme

· ESOL/ night school (Mahurangi college)

· Rural broadband

· Whangai townships and kura promotion

· ATEED’s business events and networking functions

· Economic Development and Implementation Plan 2009-2012 (Rodney District Council)

Table 1: Local ED Budget

Budget for Local Economic Development	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17	Project details
i. Rodney Economic Development Implementation Plan
Rodney Economic Development Action Plan	$29,735	-	-	Approval sought to initiate an ED action plan
Funding to be allocated
Total Budget: Rodney Economic Development Implementation Plan	$29,735	0	0
ii. Local job opportunities / skill development
Funding to be allocated	$38,516	$61,018	-
Total Budget: Local job opportunities / skill development	$38,516	$61,018	0
iii. Business improvement strategies for key towns
Establishment of a Warkworth area BID	$53,500	-	-	Resolution number RD/2014/173
Funding to be allocated	$45,616	$76,273	-
Total Budget: Business improvement strategies for key towns	$99,116	$76,273	0
Total Local ED budget	$167,367	$137,291	0

Local job opportunities / skill development

14. The 2014/15 budget of $38,516 is currently unallocated.

15. In previous years the local board has providing funding to the employment and skills development programme of the Ngati Whatua o Kaipara housing project, and also supported ESOL / night school at Mahurangi College and the South Kaipara Repair Shed.

16. Potential activities for 2014/15 and beyond are currently being scoped, particularly actions focused on local job opportunities and skills development in Wellsford. These will be put forward for consideration by the local board as part of the development of the local ED action plan.

Business improvement strategies for key towns

17. The 2014/15 budget for business improvement strategies in key towns is $99,116. The local board approved funding of $53,500 in August 2014 to support pre-BID establishment work in the Warkworth area.

18. In previous years the local board has funded pre-BID work resulting in the successful establishment of the North West BID.

19. There may be actions to support business growth identified from the findings of the Warkworth, Snells Beach and Wellsford business surveys. The local board will be presented with project options for funding as part of the development of the local ED action plan.

20. Support for the North West BID is being provided through Council’s region-wide

Consideration

Local board views and implications

21. The ED portfolio holders have provided feedback on the local ED work programme.

Māori impact statement

22. Matters relating to Māori wellbeing are addressed as part of specific projects and are reported in the relevant board and committee reports. Māori economic development will be addressed within the proposed local economic development action plan for Rodney.

Implementation

23. A workshop will be held with the local board on economic development issues and opportunities for the local economic action plan. A draft plan will be presented to the board in December 2014 before wider feedback is sought.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Janet Schofield - Business Area Planning Manager
Authorisers	Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

North Rodney swimming pool needs assessment study

File No.: CP2014/18350

Purpose

1. To update the local board on the north Rodney swimming pool needs assessment study and outline possible next steps.

Executive summary

2. The Rodney Local Board area does not have any public swimming pool provision. The desire for a swimming pool in the north Rodney area was highlighted by submissions received from consultation for the Rodney Local Board Plan 2011-2014. The local board has as one of its key projects/initiatives in their local board plan to ‘Assess the need and construct a swimming pool/aquatic facility in Rodney’.

3. A comprehensive swimming pool needs assessment has been undertaken which captured north Rodney residents use and non-use of swimming pools through community consultation and engagement. It took account of existing swimming pool provision, reviewed strategic and facility plans, identified current and future trends and analysed social indicators.

4. The needs assessment was peer reviewed by the New Zealand Recreation Association to validate the methodology, process, assumptions and findings.

5. The findings from the swimming pool needs assessment show there is a clear lack of public/commercial swimming pool provision in the north Rodney area, together with unmet latent demand for swimming pool facilities. There is evidence to suggest that a new swimming pool facility built in north Rodney would have substantial use.

6. The next step would be to undertake a swimming pool feasibility study. The findings of the needs assessment will inform the draft community facilities network plan, which will be submitted to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee for approval in December. It is recommended that any decision on the timings of the feasibility study be determined following the finalised network plan and funding allocated in the Long Term Plan 2015-2025.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) endorse the north Rodney swimming pool needs assessment study.

b) note that there are no funds in the LTP2012-2022 to support a subsequent feasibility study; and that the nature and timing of any further work will be determined once the draft community facilities network plan has been approved by the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in December 2014.

Comments

Background

7. There are a total of 27 swimming pool facilities within Auckland Council’s network of community facilities which serve the majority of Auckland’s population. Auckland swimming pools cater for all age groups and a wide range of aquatic activities.

8. Swimming was identified in the 2008 ‘Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Participation Among New Zealand Adult’ survey as the third most popular sport and recreation activity at 34.8 per cent undertaken by New Zealanders behind walking 64.1 per cent and gardening 43.2 per cent . This relates to over 1.1 million New Zealand adults participating in swimming.

9. The Rodney Local Board area has the largest land area of the 21 local boards equating to 46 per cent of the whole region, yet its population is only 54,879 (2013 census) or four per cent of Auckland’s total population.

10. There are no publicly operated swimming pool facilities in the Rodney Local Board area with residents in the southern part having to utilise other swimming pool facilities in neighbouring local board areas. The nearest public swimming pool facility that residents of north Rodney can access is at Stanmore Bay which is a 37 km drive from Warkworth and 54 km from Wellsford. There is no other major population settlement in the Auckland region where residents have to travel these distances to access a public swimming pool facility.

11. The stock of school swimming pools in the north Rodney area does play an important part in providing learn to swim facilities for school children with some limited community use. These are mostly old and in poor condition with schools struggling to operate and maintain them. There is a trend that school swimming pools are closing which will reduce the number of swimming pools in the area.

12. The desire for a swimming pool in the north Rodney area was highlighted by submissions received from consultation for the Rodney Local Board Plan 2011-2014, with more than half (423 responses) requesting a community swimming pool for the area.

13. To be able to understand the current patterns of north Rodney residents’ use or non-use of swimming pools and their potential use of swimming pool facilities in the future, Rodney Local Board commissioned a swimming pool needs assessment study.

Strategic context

14. The swimming pool needs assessment is a key initiative in the Local Board Plan 2011.

15. The Aquatic Centre Catchment and User Study – Regional Report (Longdill and Associates September 2013) identified north Rodney as having potential gaps in aquatic provision.

16. The draft Community Facilities Network Plan will guide Auckland Council’s provision of community facilities for the next 10 years (2015-2025). It is intended that any future investment in community facilities will be determined following detailed investigation which provides clear evidence of need, options analysis and development of a robust business case. The Network Plan will prioritise community facility projects and propose funding for key projects subject to the long term plan (LTP) 2015-2025.

17. The Auckland Plan highlights the significant role partnerships can play in delivering infrastructure and services in a most cost-effective way. Partnerships should be explored where the council does not currently operate facilities but demand is high and privately owned facilities are available. It is also an obligation under the Local Government Act 2003 for council to assess any proposal on whether it is the most cost-effective way to deliver infrastructure or a service.

Swimming pool needs assessment

18. The north Rodney swimming pool needs assessment was undertaken over a six month period (attachment A).It took account of existing swimming pool provision, reviewed strategic and facility plans, identified current and future trends and analysed social indicators. The swimming pool user/non-user survey was open for anyone within Auckland but specifically targeted communities in the north Rodney area (95 percent of 875 responses). The survey looked at the behaviour of north Rodney residents relating to their current use or non-use of swimming pools. A number of questions were also in relation to the respondent’s priorities for future provision of a swimming pool facility.

19. Consultation was undertaken at two community colleges and three primary schools in the north Rodney area to capture the views on school aged children 16 years and under as 60 per cent of all swimming pool users are aged 16 years or under.

20. There were also opportunities for north Rodney communities to give their views on swimming pool provision at two Expos and a public open meeting held within the area during February and March 2014.

21. The needs assessment was peer reviewed by the New Zealand Recreation Association to validate the methodology, process, assumptions and findings.

22. The findings from this assessment show there is a clear lack of public and commercial swimming pool provision in the north Rodney area, together with unmet latent demand for swimming pool facilities. There is evidence to suggest that if a new swimming pool facility was built in north Rodney there would be substantial use of it.

23. There is the risk if no further steps are taken to provide community swimming pool provision in north Rodney in the near future that participation in swimming in the area will reduce and “Auckland’s Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan” vision of “Aucklanders more active more often” will not be achieved for this area.

24. This situation will worsen as the aging stock of educational swimming pool facilities with community use struggle to keep operating and have to close, reducing further accessible swimming pools in the area.

Options

25. Based on the evidence and findings presented in the north Rodney swimming pool needs assessment study, staff have developed two options for consideration.

26. Option one: The results of the north Rodney swimming pool needs assessment will inform further iterations of the draft community facilities network plan that is currently being consulted on. The draft plan includes actions to undertake investigations for the future provision of community facilities and the investigation into the potential need for an aquatic and leisure centre in the Rodney area. This option proposes not to take any further action until the network plan is approved in December 2014 and the LTP 2015-2025 in June 2015.

27. Option two: Rodney Local Board undertake a feasibility study, which bears a further cost to the local board.

Evaluation and recommended option

28. Option one will align with the current draft community facilities network plan process and the available funding for community facilities in the LTP 2015-2025.

29. Option two could identify possible options and solutions to address the current lack of swimming pool facilities, which Rodney Local Board may wish to pursue.

30. There are no identified funds in the LTP 2012-22 to undertake a feasibility study to undertake option two, which would cost approximately $50,000 if undertaken by an external consultant. Rodney Local Board would need to use discretionary funds to undertake this work.

31. It is noted that should the Local Board undertake the feasibility study, there is no guarantee of further funding for a facility from Auckland Council.

32. It is recommended that a decision on the timing of the feasibility study for a swimming pool in north Rodney be determined once the draft network plan is finalised.

Risk assessment and mitigation strategy

33. Once the north Rodney swimming pool needs assessment is accessible to the public there will be an expectation that funding will be made available from Auckland Council to build and operate a new swimming pool facility in the north Rodney area.

34. It is recommended that a communications strategy targets the north Rodney communities to keep them informed about the outcome of the swimming pool needs assessment together with the next steps that will be taken.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

35. The board have as one of its key projects/initiatives in their local board plan 2011-2014 to ‘Assess the need and construct a swimming pool/aquatic facility in Rodney’.

36. As part of the “Local board information and agreements” for the LTP 2012-2022 one of Rodney Local Board advocacy initiatives was ‘Assess the need and construct a swimming pool/aquatic facility in Rodney’, together with “the feasibility of a swimming pool in the north of Rodney” as matters yet to be implemented from the 2011/2012 local board agreement.

Maori impact statement

37. Maori had the opportunity to be involved in the online swimming pool user/non-user survey together with consultation and engagement events held. Maori make up ten per cent of the population in the north Rodney area with seven per cent of all responses being Maori (60 responses).

38. Iwi with an interest in the area were identified (Ngāti Manuhiri, Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) and invited to a Hui on 28 May in Wellsford, however staff did not receive any responses.

39. To ensure that Maori have the opportunity to participate in any future work in relation to pool provision for north Rodney, further communications on options for consultation will be provided. It is recognised that due to the commitments of iwi leaders, and Mataawaka groups, that attendance at meetings may be constrained.

Implementation

40. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Needs Assessment for Swimming Pool Provision in North Rodney (Under Separate Cover)
b View	Rodney swimming pool provision - User and non-user behaviour survey summary (Under Separate Cover)

Signatories

Authors

Paul Clark - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Atlas site concept plan

File No.: CP2014/18700

Purpose

1. To seek approval for a concept plan for 80 Great North Road Warkworth, the property known locally as the Atlas site (Attachment A).

Executive summary

2. A concept plan has been developed to inform the future development and use of the subject site.

3. Historic land use of the site has been for use as a transport depot and the land continues to be leased to Works Infrastructure (EDI Downer) for this purpose. A site investigation has shown that the proposed change of land use to a more sensitive activity is not inconsistent with the relatively minor levels of contamination which can be managed as part of any development of the site.

4. Development of a concept plan has included iwi and community consultation. At a public meeting in May 2014 two draft concept plan options were showcased for the community to consider.

5. The two draft concept plan options went out for one month of consultation using an online survey (Attachment B). Forty four responses were received. At a workshop with the local board in June 2014 consideration was given to the community feedback and direction provided for the development of one final concept plan which incorporates the preferred elements from each plan.

6. A community facility (potential art education and exhibition centre) was considered for the site as part of the consultation phase and there was some support for this idea. The local board has indicated its preference that the concept plan identifies a potential site for a multipurpose community building.

7. Staff recommend that the need for more community space in Warkworth should be investigated and confirmed, considering for instance what other facilities are provided in the area and what other options might be possible to address any identified community needs.

8. Undertaking this kind of community needs assessment is not currently identified as an action in the draft Community Facilities Network Plan and therefore the local board may wish to consider recommending it be included as part of its feedback on the draft plan.

9. If the local board support a community needs assessment for the Warkworth area being undertaken this would be done in accordance with the process outlined in the draft Community Facilities Network Plan. The timing and relative priority for undertaking this work would also be considered and prioritised as part of finalising the network plan.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) approve the direction that the concept plan provides for the development of 80 Great North Road (the former Atlas site).

b) note that the concept plan identifies a potential site for a multipurpose community building in the future, subject to confirmation of need and budget.

c) recommend a community needs assessment for the Warkworth area be included as an action in the draft Community Facilities Network Plan, noting the findings can be used to inform any future development of community facilities in the area.

d) note that any future work undertaken on the Atlas site will be subject to the allocation of budget under the Long-term Plan 2015 – 2025.

e) recognise that further investigations are required to inform detailed design and that there is some flexibility in the placement of elements in the final design.

Comments

Background

10. The former Rodney District Council (RDC) purchased the land at 80 Great North Road Warkworth (the Atlas site) from the former Atlas Concrete group in 2004 (Attachment C). It is currently leased out to Works Infrastructure Ltd (Downer EDI Works Ltd).

11. In 2009 RDC identified the site for divestment as part of a programme to reduce debt. Community pressure to retain the land for a park resulted in a decision by Regional Development and Operations Committee in 2012 to retain the site (resolution number RDO/2012/59). The resolution stated that the site was to function as a recreation reserve in the future and that the future use and function be consistent with the intentions set out in the Warkworth Show Grounds Reserve Management Plan (Attachment D).

Concept plan development

12. The concept plan has been developed to inform the future development and use of the subject site. The key objective is to determine the best use of it to cater for community needs, aspirations and growth. Warkworth is identified in the Auckland Plan as a satellite town. The 2013 population of Warkworth was 3909. The Auckland Plan envisages that the population will grow to 20,000 over the next thirty years.

13. Historic land use of the site has been for use as a transport depot. This activity is identified on the Ministry for the Environment Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL). A preliminary and detailed site investigation has been undertaken by Golder Associates (NZ) Ltd on behalf of Auckland Council, to identify risks and constraints associated with the proposed development, and to identify potential consenting requirements associated with the change in land use.

14. The investigation has shown that the proposed change of land use to a more sensitive activity is not inconsistent with the relatively minor levels of contamination which can be managed as part of any development of the site.

15. Development of the concept plan has involved the following community consultation:

· February 2014 - community workshop

· March 2014 - Rodney Local Board Expo

· May 2014 - public meeting

· on line survey.

16. There has been exposure of the project through mail outs, emails and flyers to targeted stakeholders and there have been articles in local newspapers.

Community feedback

Community workshop

17. Approximately thirty people attended the workshop on 1 February 2014. Preliminary draft principles that are consistent with outcomes sought in the neighbouring Warkworth Show Grounds Reserve Management Plan were introduced and discussed. Overall the attendees supported the draft key principles.

18. The community who attended the workshop identified opportunities for the future use of the site. The themes discussed included the provision of space for a multiuse building/ leisure and arts centre/ hall, botanical gardens (including a sculpture walk), park and ride (for future better transport), car park (for the show grounds), swimming pool, café/gym, meeting space, youth space/centre, pathways (for walking, cycling and long boarders) and linkage to the show grounds and the township, skate park, outdoor basketball hard court, and restoration of the stream.

Rodney Local Board Expo

19. Approximately 150 people attended the local board expo on 1 March 2014. Feedback was sought on the opportunities identified at the workshop for the future use of the site and the preliminary draft principles. Support was given for the preliminary draft principles. A summary of community support of the suggested use of the site is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Community feedback for suggested site use

Suggested use	Responses
Botanical gardens	13
Park and ride	24
Car park (for show grounds)	8
Skate park	6
Walking / cycling	17
Loop track / linkage show grounds	18
Swimming pool	31
Restoration of stream	16
Green space / walkway kids play area	18
Multipurpose – arts/culture	49

Public Meeting

20. Approximately 40 people attended the public meeting on 7 May 2014. Two draft concept plans were developed in response to the community feedback and presented to the community.

On line survey

21. The two draft plans were available for comment for one month (May 2014) using an online survey through the Auckland Council Rodney Local Board website “Have your say” (Attachment B). Forty four responses were received.

22. Overall people preferred option 1 (61 per cent) to option 2 (39 per cent). However, many respondents requested an amalgamation of the two draft concept plans. A summary of community support for the elements of the two draft concept plans are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Community feedback regarding elements proposed in two draft concept plan options

Elements	Responses: support	Plan
Other – please specify*	30%
Extra car parking for show grounds	55%	2
Community led botanic planting	58%	1 & 2
Amphitheatre	65%	1
Planted bund	65%	2
Community facility (potential art education and exhibition centre)	72%	1 & 2
Formed shared path for pedestrians, cyclists and long boarders	80%	1 & 2
Riparian revegetation and native planting	80%	1 & 2
Parking for the facilities on the site	88%	1 & 2
Walkway connections to neighbouring reserves	90%
*walkway to Warkworth, connection to Elizabeth St, sculpture gardens, freedom camping ban, swimming pool, Atlas site planning to be delayed, playground

Consideration

Local board views and implications

Local board views

23. A workshop was held in July with the Rodney Local Board to discuss the responses to the consultation of the two draft concept plan options. The outcome of the workshop was that a concept plan (Attachment A) be developed that includes the following design elements:

· continued access to state highway one

· multipurpose community building

· green spaces

· car parking

· walkway connection to Kowhai Park and the township.

24. There was discussion regarding the benefit of a bund adjacent to Great North Road and it is recommended that the merit for the inclusion of a bund for acoustic screening is investigated at the time of detailed design.

25. A community facility (potential art education and exhibition centre) was considered for the site as part of the consultation phase and among respondents there was some support for the idea. The local board has indicated its preference that the concept plan identifies a potential site for some form of multipurpose community building. It is understood that further investigations are required to determine the need for community space.

26. Staff recommend that the need for more community space in Warkworth should be investigated and confirmed, considering for instance what other facilities are provided in the area and what other options might be possible to address any identified community needs.

27. Undertaking this kind of community needs assessment is not currently identified as an action in the draft Community Facilities Network Plan and therefore the local board may wish to consider recommending it be included as part of its feedback on the draft plan.

28. If the local board support a community needs assessment for the Warkworth area being undertaken this would be done in accordance with the process outlined in the draft Community Facilities Network Plan. The timing and relative priority for undertaking this work would also be considered and prioritised as part of finalising the network plan and allocation of budgets in the Long Term Plan 2015 - 2025.

29. It is recognised that further investigations will be required to inform detailed design and there is a requirement for flexibility in the placement of elements in further development of the concept plan.

Māori impact statement

30. The following iwi known to have an interest in the Rodney Local Board area were invited to participate in the development of the concept plan:

· Ngati Manuhiri

· Ngati Whatua o Kaipara

27 On 26 March 2014 staff met with Fiona McKenzie, a representative of Ngati Manuhiri on site. She provided input to key ideas for council to consider and discussed matters of importance to iwi. A discussion with Glenn Wilcox a representative of Ngati Whatua o Kaipara who is familiar with the site concurred with the key messages discussed.

The key messages discussed were:

· stream health that provides good water quality and includes riparian planting

· contamination issues are addressed appropriately

· biodiversity is addressed and native plants are used

· car parking does not dominate the site and low impact design is favoured

· consideration to an ecological assessment and a cultural impact assessment as part of the planning process

· it likely that the site was part of an overland pathway to the Kaipara.

Implementation

Financial

31. Currently there is no funding allocated for the implementation of projects identified within the concept plan. Funding will be subject to the Long Term Plan 2015 - 2025 and Annual Plan processes.

Next steps

32. The subject site has been identified as potentially suitable for some form of multipurpose community building in the future. While consultation on the concept plan has identified some community support for this idea staff recommend undertaking a more detailed community needs assessment for the Warkworth area to determine if there is demand for more community space and/or if there are other options or solutions to address identified community needs.

33. This approach would be consistent with the draft Community Facilities Network Plan which outlines a consistent evidence-based process for how council will make decisions on the provision and investment in community facilities. The draft Community Facilities Network Plan was endorsed by the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 7 August 2014 for formal engagement with local boards.

34. It is noted that members of the arts community have expressed an interest in community space and their views and interests could be canvassed as part of the needs assessment and work along with other community stakeholders.

35. The site is to continue to be leased until budget is available for the development of the park. The lease is to provide a termination clause.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Concept plan	27
b View	On line survey	41
c View	Location plan	47
d View	Resolution number RDO/2012/59	49

Signatories

Authors

Wendy Rutherford - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Allocation of the 2014/2015 Infrastructure and Environmental Services Budget

File No.: CP2014/18244

Purpose

1. To seek approval for the allocation of the 2014/2015 Rodney Local Board budgets for community led environmental programmes ($89,200) and ecological survey terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems ($49,500).

Executive summary

2. The Rodney Local Board have committed $89,200 to community led environmental programmes and $49,500 to ecological survey of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Rodney Local Board area for the 2014/2015 financial year.

3. Infrastructure and Environmental Services (I and ES) department officers liaised with officers across Auckland Council to discuss the best allocation of these budgets and provide the recommendations below.

4. The recommended projects contribute to the local board aspirations for “an environment that is healthy, cared for and enjoyed by all” and the community led environmental programmes budget projects have been assessed against the criteria endorsed by the local board in the previous term.

Recommendations

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) approve the allocation of the community led environmental budget to the projects outlined in the following table:

Project	Estimated Cost
Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Community engagement	$5,000
Warkworth War on Weeds Proposal	$20,000
Takatu Landcare Group	$10,000
North West Wildlink Bird Survey	$2,000
Rodney bat survey	$5,000
Total Allocation	$42,000

b) approve the allocation of the ecological survey of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems budget to the projects outlined in the following table:

Project	Estimated Cost
Lake Tomarata Dune Lakes Reserve	$3,000
Brick Bay – Puriri Place Reserve	$3,000
Constable Road, South Muriwai	$15,000
Birds Beach Recreation Reserve	$12,000
McElroys Scenic Reserve	$5,000
Makarau Bridge Reserve	$6,500
Woodcocks-Kawaka Reserve	$5,000
Total Allocation	$49,500

c) request that any significant changes to project delivery be brought back to the Rodney Local Board for approval.

Comments

5. This report seeks approval for the allocation of part of the community led environmental programmes and the entire ecological survey of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems 2014/2015 budgets to projects discussed with the local board at its 19 August workshop.

6. Officers will be scoping further projects after feedback from the local board members for the remainder of the community led environmental programmes budget. Once scoped these projects will be brought back to the local board November business meeting for approval.

Community Led Environmental Programmes Budget

7. Officers met with the Rodney Local Board in a workshop on 19 August to discuss a suite of projects recommended for allocation of the community led environmental programmes budget.

8. The projects presented were assessed by officers for their ability to deliver on the Rodney Local Board plan aspirations and measured against criteria set by the local board in the last term.

9. Feedback from local board members at the workshop suggested that the communications aspect of the Warkworth War on Weeds project include using Our Auckland and smaller urban newspapers in the local board area.

10. The following projects only account for part of the total budget. Officers received feedback at the workshop from local board members for projects for the remainder of the budget. These projects will be further scoped and brought back to the local board for allocation of the remaining budget.

11. The projects in the following table were approved in principle by the Rodney local board members for the allocation of budget for this financial year.

Projects and Estimated Cost

Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers (SRRA) Community engagement - $5,000

The Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association have initiated a community-led Strategic Plan for the Sandspit catchment. This plan will provide an integrated framework for the management of the Sandspit area.

Last financial year the Rodney Local Board allocated funding to the group to initiate the plan and a contractor was engaged to work alongside the group. Information was collated from relevant agencies providing environmental, social, economic and cultural information for the catchment. Initial engagement with the Sandspit community was also undertaken to introduce the SRRA proposal, agree appropriate governance and decision making processes and hear the range of issues and values associated to the catchment. A programme of work to progress the management plan has also been drafted.

The group is now seeking further support from the local board to enable a contractor to continue working alongside the group to put these processes in place. Predominately this will involve setting up an advisory group and agreeing upon initial projects or actions.

It is the group’s intention to explore multiple funding options once fundamentals such as governance, decision making and action plans are in place.

The Sandspit catchment is not a regional priority catchment for Auckland Council and there is limited capacity within Environmental Services to support a Sandspit catchment plan.

Takatu Landcare Group $10,000

Continuing climbing asparagus and other weed control work initiated with local board funding in the last financial year. Carrying out weed control in new areas and follow up work in areas targeted last year.

Warkworth War on Weeds Proposal $20,000

A project to provide the Warkworth community with tools and support to better manage weeds and to reduce the impact of weed plants on biodiversity in the area, enhancing native habitats and improving ecological corridors across the landscape.

Several community groups are actively working in the Warkworth area on a range of biodiversity protection and enhancement initiatives. The proposed War on Weeds initiative would provide support for these community groups to focus on action and have a greater impact on controlling weeds.

The project will provide public access to weed bins on a regular basis in a central Warkworth location (one bin in one location over one weekend monthly).

The project will also provide community groups with weed action kits (e.g. weed bags; cut-n-paste weed gel; tools) and provide a weed bin to support community weeding events (at least six community weeding days).

There will also be support for regular community advertisements promoting weed control (1 advert monthly) and signage, promotional materials and production of community guidelines for weed control. Support for promotion of the Warkworth weed initiative at one public event (e.g. Kowhai Festival; Warkworth A&P Show) education materials; and giveaways are also included.

North West Wildlink Bird Survey $2,000

This work expands on the continuing “Wildlink Wonders” work initiated as part of the North-West Wildlink project. The intermediate outcomes of the project state “Wildlink Wonders are areas of flourishing biodiversity that have breeding populations of native birds and diverse, well-structured plant communities for wildlife habitat”.

Annual bird monitoring using the same methodology will identify whether key indicator species are increasing over the duration of the North-West Wildlink project.

Surveying during late September is optimal to enable the detection of the migratory shining cuckoo which arrive mid-September. Surveys undertaken in the North-West Wildlink Project will provide meaningful comparisons of key indicator species with other more established Auckland restoration projects where intensive pest animal management is occurring such as Ark in the Park.

The bird survey work will also raise community awareness around native birdlife and has educational opportunities for knowledge sharing with communities around encouraging wildlife on to properties. This work will be significantly assisted by our partners in the North West Wildlink, Forest and Bird, Gecko Trust, Queen Elizabeth II Trust and Department of Conservation.

Rodney bat survey $5,000

For the 2014/15 year the biodiversity team are continuing the distribution surveys for new long-tailed bat locations. There are currently only five known bat sites in the Rodney area, but there is potential for more bat habitat areas such as areas near Kumeu, Woodhill Forest, North of Riverhead Forest and Puhoi (see attached map). The biodiversity team are currently requesting both the Waitakere Ranges and Rodney local boards to contribute $5,000 each to complete 10 survey sites in each of their respective areas.

This work contributes towards achieving the Auckland Plan target to “Ensure no regional extinctions of indigenous species”. Baseline survey data is used to generate a robust distribution map where bats are being found in this area. Once new bat areas are found, a roost search can be completed the following summer and any identified roosting locations can be actively protected. The survey results will increase the awareness of this species within the local community and will provide education opportunities. Project partners involved include Auckland University, Queen Elizabeth II Trust, Department of Conservation and forestry companies.

Total Estimated Cost $42,000

Ecological Survey of Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems Budget

12. At the workshop on 19 August a suite of projects recommended for allocation of the ecological survey terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems budget was also discussed.

13. A presentation given by biodiversity officers at the workshop outlined the priorities identified in the ‘Ecological Survey and Prioritisation of Biodiversity Management on Local Parks within Rodney Local Board Area’ report. This report was commissioned and funded by the Rodney Local Board and biodiversity regional funds in the previous financial year and presented to the local board at its August business meeting.

14. Local board budget will be used to supplement parks operational budget and regional budgets to provide extra support to priority flora and fauna discovered on Rodney local parks. A large component of the follow up pest animal and weed control will be carried out under the local parks Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (North) from 2015 onwards.

15. Feedback from local board members at the 19 August workshop included an imperative for officers to investigate the possibility for fencing projects to be co-funded by bordering landowners and that community groups be involved, where possible, in the implementation of the Constable Road, South Muriwai project.

16. Priorities for biodiversity management are identified in the report and projects to implement those priorities have been scoped in consultation with local parks officers. The projects in the following table were accepted in principle by the Rodney local board members for the allocation of budget for this financial year.

Projects and Estimated Cost

Lake Tomarata Dune Lakes Reserve – growing suitable eco-sourced plants for wetland buffer $3000

Planting is required to establish a dense vegetated wetland buffer to protect the fragile wetland ecosystem and to replace pest plant species removed from the wetland margins. It is proposed that the existing wetland buffer is widened and, given the unique ecology of the local area, locally eco-sourced plant species are contract grown by a suitably experienced and reputable nursery. When the plants are available local volunteers will be coordinated to plant the buffer, as there is community awareness of the biodiversity values within this park.

Brick Bay – Puriri Place Reserve – pest plant control targeting shade tolerant species $3000

This park protects a high quality, diverse mosaic of coastal, kauri and kanuka forest remnant with a good population of forest gecko and a forest-clad permanent stream with good quality aquatic habitat.

Existing shade tolerant pest plant species including arum lily, climbing asparagus and ginger within the forest remnant will be controlled before they expand further and significantly impact the integrity and long-term viability of the forest.

Biodiversity management recommendations also include pest animal control which will be implemented under the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern).

Kauri dieback hygiene measures are also needed. The Biosecurity team are currently surveying all local parks for kauri dieback and will be presenting to all local boards with recommendations for kauri dieback management requirements.

Constable Road, south Muriwai – native bird survey, coastal turf protection, pest plant control, fencing $15,000 (estimate)

This is a large (69.5 hectare), remote park with multiple biodiversity values extending along the west coast from south Muriwai to O’Neills beach, just north of Bethells Beach. It includes part of the Hilary Trail. This park contains one of the only patches of coastal turf on Auckland’s west coast and several nationally and regionally threatened plant species. The large area of native vegetation comprises a mosaic of ecosystem types providing valuable habitat for native plant and animal species. Shore skink survey work is underway and shorebird survey work is required to better understand the fauna values. The coastal turf is being degraded by eroding sediment from adjacent slopes, and the threatened plants need appropriate pest plant management to ensure their long-term viability.

Pending final costings, the current proposed actions for Constable Road, south Muriwai park include:

· native bird (wetland, coastal and seabird) surveys to supplement the shore skink survey (currently underway) to better understand fauna values;

· sediment control measures to protect coastal turf;

· species led pest plant control targeting woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) and moth plant (Araujia sericifera);

· targeted pest plant control around the threatened Leptinella rotundata populations. This work will be covered by council’s regional budget, as this is a species prioritised for management by the biodiversity team;

· pest plant control to protect the other threatened plant populations is also needed;

· stock exclusion at the southern end of the park (to be costed and included in the programme of works this year if possible);

Once the results of the bird survey are reported, the feasibility and cost of implementing animal pest control will be investigated for the next financial year, and will, if possible, be included in the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern).

Birds Beach Recreation Reserve wetland bird survey, plant pest control - $12,000

The reserve contains the largest freshwater wetland in the Rodney local parks network. The wetland is of high quality and has excellent connectivity to the adjacent marine environment and other nearby natural areas. The wetland is known to provide important habitat for native wetland birds, although survey work is needed to confirm this. The wetland buffer is degraded by pest plants which are also beginning to invade drier parts of the wetland. There is also a small area of degraded and weed infested dunes which extend along Birds Beach.

It is proposed to stage works within this park as the restoration requirements are costly, with the focus for the 2014-2015 financial year on:

· understanding the fauna values and pest animal control needs through a native wetland and shorebird survey, and once values are understood identifying any predator control requirements to be implemented under the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern) from 2015 onwards;

· species-led pest plant control within the wetland buffer targeting willow, pampas, arum lily, iceplant and gorse. Ongoing control of these species in subsequent years will be managed under the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern).

McElroys Scenic Reserve, Mahurangi West – fencing repairs $5000 (estimate)

This reserve is the largest, intact native forest remnant on local parks in the Rodney local board area. It is highly significant due to its size, diversity and quality of forest cover, and several threatened native plant species.

A stock proof fence around the perimeter of the park has not been maintained and stock are able to access the forest near the pa site on the south west margin. It is proposed to repair the fence to fully exclude stock.

Animal pest control targeting rats and possums over a four month period beginning in spring 2014 is programmed under the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern).

Kauri dieback hygiene measures are also needed. The biosecurity team are currently surveying all local parks for kauri dieback and will be presenting to all Local Boards with recommendations for kauri dieback management requirements.

Makarau Bridge Reserve – fencing repairs $6500 (estimate)

An esplanade strip of intact and diverse podocarp-broadleaved forest with estuarine margins. The forest understorey is dense and contains an excellent range of native ground cover, shrub and regenerating tree species. The park provides habitat for the threatened native long-tailed bat.

Fencing repairs are urgently required to protect the forest remnant from stock. Recent stock incursions have begun to detrimentally impact the forest understory.

Pest plant and animal control recommendations will be managed under the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern).

Woodcocks-Kawaka Reserve – fencing repairs $5000 (estimate)

A high quality, intact forest remnant with a vigorous and healthy understorey. The forest contains an unusual species assemblage including several threatened plant species. Kauri and rhytid snail are present. A threatened native orchid species (Anzybas rotundifolius) with a threat ranking of regionally critical is a recent discovery within the reserve.

An assessment of the perimeter stock-proof fence will be carried out and any repairs required to protect the forest understorey from stock will be implemented.

Targeted pest plant control on the road-side margin and pest animal control will be managed under the Auckland Council ecological restoration contract (Northern).

Total Estimated Cost $49,500

17. These projects will be delivered in partnership with local parks staff and, where possible, community groups and quarterly updates provided to the local board on progress.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

18. This report is prepared to seek approval from the local board for the allocation of budgets for the 2014/2015 financial year to projects to be delivered by the I and ES Department.

19. The projects were discussed in a workshop with the Rodney Local Board members on 19 August 2014 and agreed in principle at that workshop.

Maori impact statement

20. This report provides information for anticipated environmental programmes, it is recognised that environmental management, water quality and land management has integral links with the mauri of the environments and concepts of kaitiakitanga.

21. Many of the identified activities are of interest to Maori and provisions for mana whenua participation, contribution, and consultation will be incorporated.

Implementation

22. Implementation of the projects will be regularly reported to the Rodney Local Board in the quarterly update reports to the local board. A more detailed report will be presented to the local board at the end of the financial year.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Theresa Pearce - Relationship Advisor

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Proposal to vest land for regional park purposes at Te Arai

File No.: CP2014/18013

Purpose

1. To seek the views of the Rodney Local Board on the proposed vesting in council, at no cost, of land for regional park purposes in Te Arai North.

Executive summary

2. Te Arai Coastal Lands Limited (TACL) is a joint venture that includes Te Uri O Hau in respect to the 616ha of land known as Te Arai North located between the Te Arai Point and Mangawhai Wildlife Reserve. In 2011, TACL lodged Private Plan Change 166 (Te Arai) to the Auckland Council District Plan (Rodney Section) 2011

3. A consent order in relation to the plan change was approved by the Environment Court on 26 July 2014. The plan change adds provisions to the District Plan to enable a rural-residential subdivision of 43 lots (with 3 balance lots) in exchange for the vesting some 196ha of land for reserve.

4. The reserve land enabled by the plan change is contiguous with council’s Te Arai Regional Park land, and provides a significant expansion of the ecological, landscape and recreational values of the existing regional park. An assessment of the land against councils Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy indicates the proposed reserve land is a high priority acquisition.

5. Council has received a proposal from TACL to vest the proposed reserve land in council. The land would vest at no cost. The proposal also addresses development and management of the reserve land, and proposes both a short term investment and long term contribution from TACL towards the a development and management of the reserve land.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) endorse the vesting of approximately 196ha of land in Te Arai North, as identified and provided for in Plan Change 166, for the purposes of regional park, subject to the completion of an appropriate agreement with Te Arai Coastal Lands Limited, which will:

i) Identify the final area and boundaries of the land to vest

ii) Specify and enable the management of the vested regional park land by Te Arai Coastal Land Limited for an initial two year management period following vesting

iii) Specify and enable the delivery of any works required by Plan Change 166 by Te Arai Coastal Land Limited within the vested regional park land subsequent to the initial two year management period

iv) Specify and enable the ongoing contribution by Te Arai Coastal Land Limited towards the management of the regional park land subsequent to the initial two year management period.

b) endorse the delegation of approval of the final area and boundaries of the land to vest and the appropriate terms and conditions of the agreement between council and Te Arai Coastal Lands Limited to the Manager Parks Sport and Recreation and General Counsel.

Comments

Te Arai North and Plan Change 166

6. Te Arai Coastal Lands Limited (TACL) is a joint venture that includes Te Uri o Hau in respect to the 616ha of land known as Te Arai North located between the Te Arai Point and the Mangawhai Wildlife Reserve. The land was purchased by Te Uri o Hau as commercial redress land as part of its Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

7. In 2011, TACL lodged Private Plan Change 166 (Te Arai) to the Auckland Council District Plan (Rodney Section) 2011. The plan change adds provisions to the District Plan to enable rural-residential subdivision of 43 lots (with 3 balance lots) in exchange for the vesting of approximately 196ha of land for reserve.

8. A hearing was held in October 2013 and the independent commissioner released decisions on submissions in November 2013. The decision was appealed by the New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust and the Te Arai Beach Preservation Society Incorporated.

9. Court assisted mediation occurred in March/April 2014 and the parties were able to agree to a consent order that was subsequently approved by the Environment Court on 26 July 2014. The changes to the provisions are considered to reduce the proposal’s effects on the environment and the changes were endorsed by Auckland Council’s Hearings Committee in April 2014 (HEA/2014/41).

10. The Auckland Development Committee approved Plan Change 166 (PC166) at its meeting of 14 August 2014, and authorised staff to complete the required statutory processes to make the plan change operative.

Potential extension to Te Arai Regional Park

11. The land subject to PC166 stretches between the council owned and administered Te Arai regional park land in the south and the Department of Conservation owned and administered Mangawhai Wildlife Reserve to the north (refer Attachment A). The proposed reserve land enabled by PC166 includes some 196ha of land that links these two existing public reserve areas.

12. The proposed reserve land includes the provision of a continuous reserve strip along the dune system of Te Arai Beach, and extends inland on either side of the Te Arai Stream.

13. The land offers a range of regionally significant ecological and landscape values, and offers the opportunity for the future development of a network of recreational trails. The 196ha of land being offered through PC166 provides a significant expansion of the ecological, landscape and recreational values of councils existing 87ha of land within the adjacent Te Arai regional park land.

14. At its meeting of 10 June 2014, the Parks, Recreation and Sports Committee considered a report relating to the councils regional park acquisition programme. That report identified the Te Arai land as a potential future addition to the regional park network, and included an assessment of the land against councils Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy (refer Attachment C). As noted in that report, the property has been assessed as a high priority for acquisition.

15. It should be noted that council is under no obligation to accept vesting of the proposed reserve land. However, on the basis of the assessment as a high priority acquisition, with particular reference to the regionally significant ecological and landscape values and opportunity for recreational trails, staff recommend accepting the proposed vesting of reserve land.

Future reserve management proposal

16. PC166 places a range of obligations on TACL in relation to the short term management of the whole site (i.e. 616ha) and the long term management of the balance land to be retained in private ownership following vesting of the reserve. This includes the preparation of a Comprehensive Site Management Plan (CSMP), which encompasses a number of specific plans (e.g. Shorebird Management Plan, Vegetation Management Plan, Community Consultation Plan). PC166 also obligates TACL to provide a ranger for the site to assist in the implementation of the CSMP.

17. Council has received a proposal from TACL for the future management of the reserve land identified in Plan Change 166 (refer Attachment B). The proposal builds on the management obligations for the wider site that PC166 places on TACL, and proposes a long term partnership approach for the future management of the reserve land. Table 1 below summarises the key features of TACL’s proposal.

18. Table 1 – Key features of TACL Reserve Management Proposal

First 2 years following reserve vesting

TACL would:

· Continue to manage the reserve land

· Employ a ranger and establish the necessary support facilities for that role, including a ranger base, vehicle, and necessary tools to effectively undertake plant and animal pest and ecological management activities

· Undertake works within the reserve area involving pine removal and revegetation

Auckland Council would:

· Undertake a management planning process for the reserve land in accordance with the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010.

· The management planning process would determine the nature of future development and management activities in the reserve

From Year 3 following reserve vesting

TACL would:

· Continue to fund a ranger (and associated support facilities), and provide ongoing funding for the implementation of the Comprehensive Site Management Plan

· The TACL funded ranger would have primary responsibility for work on the private land, but it is envisaged that that council and TACL would enter into an agreement whereby both the ranger activities and funding continued to contribute to the management of the reserve land

Auckland Council would:

· Undertake any additional management or development activities on the reserve land over and above those undertaken by the TACL ranger.

· The extent and nature of those additional activities and the associated costs will be determined through the reserve management plan process and will be subject to funding being made available through the appropriate Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes

19. Figure 1 below illustrates the future cost/activity sharing between TACL and council as proposed by TACL. The estimated figures used for the illustration are based on those included in TACL’s proposal and an initial estimate of possible costs to council from year 3 following vesting. It is important to note that the actual cost to council will be determined during the reserve management planning process and will be subject to funding being made available through the appropriate Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes.

Figure 1 – Proposed activity and cost sharing for Te Arai reserve land

Consideration

Local board views and implications

21. The Rodney Local Board lodged a submission as part of the plan change process seeking that the plan change be declined. The submission stated the Rodney Local Board supports the provision of reserves in Auckland, but not as a tradeoff for development at Te Arai.

22. This report is seeking the Local Board’s views in light of the recent Environment Court consent order approving Plan Change 166. The Local Board’s view will inform a decision of the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee regarding the proposed vesting.

Maori impact statement

23. The Te Uri o Hau Claims Settlement Act 2002 established the rohe of Te Uri o Hau over the Te Arai north forest block which is the area subject to PC166. The site was sold to Te Uri o Hau for commercial redress as part of their settlement agreement with the Crown.

24. The plan change provides a subdivision and development entitlement for the land. The implementation of the plan change has the potential for a range of positive effects for Te Uri o Hau in terms of socio-economic development.

25. Te Uri o Hau is a joint venture partner of TACL, and has been represented throughout the plan change process and subsequent discussions with staff regarding the potential vesting and future management of the reserve. Te Uri o Hau has indicated a desire to continue to be involved in determining the future development and management approach for the reserve land following vesting. Such ongoing involvement is enabled and supported by the Regional Parks Management Plan.

26. Ngati Manuhiri, a hapu of Ngati Wai, has an interest in the Te Arai south forest block. Ngati Manuhiri lodged a submission in support of the plan change.

Implementation

27. Implementation issues are broadly described in the body of the report. Should the committee approve the vesting of the proposed reserve land, council would then continue to work closely with TACL to prepare appropriate legal documentation that would enable the change of ownership and subsequent role of TACL in the ongoing development and management of the reserve land.

28. The process for reserve management planning for additions to the regional park network is set out in the Regional Park Management Plan 2010 (Section 16.2). It is intended that council would undertake an appropriate management planning process within two years of the reserve vesting.

29. The extent and nature of future development and management of the proposed reserve land and the associated costs will be determined through the reserve management plan process and will be subject to funding being made available through the appropriate Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Proposed reserve plans	63
b View	Te Arai Coastal Lands Trust vesting and management proposal	67
c View	Te Arai Acquisition Assessment	73

Signatories

Authors

Rob Cairns - Manager Regionwide

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Auckland Transport Update to Rodney Local Board, September 2014

File No.: CP2014/19007

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to respond to local board requests on transport-related matters and to provide information to elected members about Auckland Transport (AT) activities.

Executive summary

2. The report provides an update on transport matters for the information of the Rodney Local Board and a register of transport issues in the Board’s area, as collated by Auckland Transport’s (AT’s) Elected Member Relationship Manager North

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) revoke resolution RD/2014/102 a) ii) which approved construction of “Footpath, Point Wells Road 1.8m wide on the berm from Waimanu Place to approximately No. 30/32 Point Wells Rd (Reference number 205) $53,000, subject to consultation with affected residents.”

b) approve the construction of a footpath 1.8m wide from 30 Point Well Road to the Point Wells General Store at 14 Point Wells Road, to the value of $53,000 from the Local Board Transport Capital Fund, subject to consultation with affected residents.

Comments

Consultation on the future of Public Transport for Warkworth

3. The Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) allows for the introduction of a bus service between Warkworth and Silverdale seven days a week, with two hour frequency during the day and hourly at peak times.

4. Submissions to a survey which was the first step in engaging with the community over the proposal, and which requested feedback on the proposed Silverdale link, together with an indication of what other local and long distance services would be supported and the current Kowhai Connection, closed on Monday, 18 August 2014. Approximately 125 people attended three events held in Warkworth over the one month long engagement period, and AT staff spoke to many more people at the supermarkets and on the streets around town.

5. The provisional total of submissions received as at 20 August was 391. These showed that most people were very positive of the services to Silverdale, though some indicated they would prefer a direct service to the city. The issue of whether there a park and ride facility is required in Warkworth was also raised.

6. A detailed consultation report outlining the issues raised by submitters and the resolutions reached will be available to the public on AT’s website in the months to come. New services are likely to become operational in 2016, subject to the outcome of public consultation and tender process. Changes to the Kowhai Connection as a result of this engagement could be made earlier.

Update on Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF)

7. Construction of the following LBTCF projects identified by the Rodney Local Board has been completed:

· Mountable kerb outside 336 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach (Project 118);

· Footpath extension on Fordyce Road, Parakai (Project 174);

· Extending the loose metal bridle trail on the northern side of Coatesville-Riverhead Highway from east of Glenmore Road to 264 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway (Project 179);

· New footpath on Mahoenui Valley Road opposite the school to its intersection with Coatesville-Riverhead Highway (Project 180);

· New footpath on Rodney Street, Wellsford (Project 190);

· Construction of local access road improvements, 338 – 382 Main Road, Huapai (Project 175).

8. The construction of Project 177, a new footpath on the eastern side of Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Elliot Street to the bridge, is almost complete. AT’s Road Corridor Maintenance Team recently constructed a small section of retaining wall very close to the bridge abutment and contractors will return to the site shortly, once services relocation is complete, to carry out the final stage of the work. Work is programmed to be completed in September.

9. The local board has confirmed construction of the following projects based on the allocation of funds shown:

· Project 116, Puhoi Pedestrian Bridge - $170,000. The design for the bridge, the consents and the contract schedule are now being finalised and it is expected the project will be tendered in October, providing consents are granted.

· Project 163, a 1.8 m wide footpath on the western side of Oaia Road from Waitea Road to the distance that $95,000 will allow (estimated at 225m). The extent and design of this new path will be investigated in August/September and the physical works will then be tendered.

· Construction of a footpath on the eastern side of Puhoi Road from Puhoi Library to Krippner Road Bridge (Project 162) will be carried out in conjunction with construction of the Puhoi Pedestrian Bridge (Project 116), commencing at the beginning of the 2014/2015 summer construction period.

10. Project 205, construction of a 1.8m wide footpath on Point Wells Road, from Waimanu Place to approximately No. 30/32 Point Wells Road, was discussed at the local board’s Transport Portfolio Lead (TPL) meeting on 21 August to vary the scope of the project. This was as a result of consultation between the Point Wells Community and Ratepayers Association and the Transport Portfolio Lead. In order to progress this change a recommendation has been proposed. If this is confirmed through resolution, then preparation of a detailed design and contract schedule can be completed and the physical works tendered subject to consultation with affected residents.

11. AT staff met with the local board’s Transport Portfolio Leads (TPLs) on 28 July to further discuss Project 116, construction of a footpath on Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach, from Arabella Lane to the existing footpath. The project is now on hold pending further information becoming available on the timing of slip repair works in this vicinity and discussion on how safety improvements, funded by the local board, may be delivered as part of these repairs.

12. The local board requested a detailed design and a firm cost estimate for a new 200m long footpath on Waitoki Road, Waitoki, from the corner of Kahikatea Flat Road (Project 161). The design work for this was postponed pending release of decisions as to which footpaths will be funded through AT’s Community Transport New Footpaths’ budget 2014/2015. It has now been confirmed that this project was not included in the list of those projects which will proceed and design options will therefore now be investigated.

13. Following a request from Member Garner, a seat has been made available from surplus stock for installation on Alexander Road, Algies Bay (Project 294), with the local board providing the installation cost of $2,000 from its LBTCF. This funding was approved at the local board’s meeting on 14 July and installation will proceed on receipt of advice from Member Garner as to where the seat should be located.

Issues Update

14. The following Issues Update comprises issues raised by Elected Members and Local Board Services staff to 22 August 2014:

	Location	Issue	Status
1	Riverhead Road, Kumeu	Request for speed calming on Riverhead Road, Kumeu.	Cr Webster's PA forwarded a request from the resident of 42 Riverhead Road, Kumeu, for traffic calming in the 50km/h area of Riverhead Road where traffic and vehicle speeds had increased with the recent intensified development. In a response on 28 July the local board's TPLs were advised that consideration will be given to the installation of traffic calming measures in the form of horizontal displacement devices such as side islands, additional speed limit signs, line markings and a gateway treatment to better highlight where the speed limit changes to 50km/h on Riverhead Road, with this work being included for prioritisation in the Minor Improvements Programme for 2015/2016.
2	Riverhead General	Requests from the Riverhead Residents' and Ratepayers' Association.	Updates have been provided previously on responses to requests from the Riverhead Residents' and Ratepayers' Association received on 8 April 2014. In a further update on 12 August, the local board's TPLs were advised that the necessary investigations and proposals for the reduction of the speed limits through the Riverhead and Coatesville town centres have been completed, with the results indicating there is a likelihood that a 50km/h speed limit is warranted for Riverhead town centre and 60km/h warranted for Coatesville town centre. As part of the national speed limit change process, AT will seek approval NZTA, the Automobile Association (AA), and Heavy Haulage Ltd (HH) during September. Feedback received will be conveyed to the local board before consultation with the affected communities. ‘Friendly signage’ along Coatesville-Riverhead Highway will be installed in conjunction with the speed limit change. The upgrade of the kea crossing facility was completed at the end of June 2014; however, new developments proposed in the Riverhead Township may increase demand so AT will carry out further investigations when necessary. AT is proposing to upgrade the SH16/Coatesville Riverhead Highway intersection with signage and road markings by June 2015, and while it is still investigating options for the Dairy Flat Highway / Coatesville-Riverhead Highway intersection, due to funding cuts this proposal has been delayed (an update on the funding allocation for this project can only be provided in the next financial year, starting July 2015). AT is finalising plans indicating the proposed upgrade to existing threshold treatments and place name signage on entering Riverhead and Coatesville town centres. These works also include remarking and upgrading existing road markings and signage to reinforce the slower speed environments along the entire route for delivery by June 2015, subject to the outcome of consultations with key stakeholders and local communities. A further update to this issue will be provided once responses to the proposed speed limit changes have been received from NZTA, AA and HH, in November 2014.
3	Falls Road, Warkworth	Request for signage and maintenance repairs on Falls Road, Warkworth.	Cr Webster requested that damage from heavy vehicles in the vicinity of Falls Road bridge, Warkworth, be investigated and addressed, asking also that signage indicating that the road/bridge is not suitable for trucks and/or trailers be installed to prevent the risk of further damage and accidents. On 6 June Cr Webster was advised that an investigation into remedial options for maintaining the section of Falls Road between Woodcocks Road and the ford will be carried out, the options to include both retaining the existing slope or relocating the road away from drop into the river. Physical works would dependent on the outcome of these investigations, with the result being advised at a later date. Signage request referred to Road Corridor Operations with a response expected mid-August.
4	Kauri Crescent, Riverhead	Request for more appropriate signage for Kauri Crescent, Riverhead.	Board staff requested information on the maintenance of unformed legal roads, the seal extension guidelines and priority list, and requested more appropriate signage be installed on Kauri Crescent, Riverhead, on 16 May 2014. On 19 May they were provided with links to relevant information on Auckland Transport's website relating to paper roads and seal extension work, and advised that the request for larger signage for both Kauri Crescent East and West, to better inform drivers that there is no through road link from one to the other, will be requested. On 21 August the local board's TPLs were advised that a package of signs comprising (the eastern section of Kauri Crescent) a new double-sided street name blade with a standard (small) No Exit suffix plate, a house number range suffix plate and a separate large No Exit sign, together with (western section of Kauri Crescent) a large No Exit sign for the power pole, has been approved. The signs will be ordered and, subject to programming by the contractor, should be available for installation within 2 - 3 months.
5	Valley Road, Kaukapakapa	Request for enhancement of barrier preventing vehicles access the paper road portion of Valley Road, Kaukapakapa.	Member McLean asked on 6 June 2014 for the implementation of additional measures, such as heavy duty lockable gates, concrete barriers and/or signage, to prevent vehicle access to the paper road portion of Valley Road, Kaukapakapa. On 1 July the local board's TPLs were advised that an initial review and site visit had been undertaken, but that further detailed investigation was needed to ensure a comprehensive review of the suggestions made. This investigation has been prioritised and programmed, with an expected completion date of early October 2014. The local board will then be advised of the outcome and any recommendations resulting from the assessment. Referred to Road Corridor Maintenance.
6	Kauri Crescent, Waimauku	Creation/upgrade of a walkway over the paper road section of Kauri Crescent, Waimauku.	Following a presentation to the Rodney Local Board at its meeting on 9 June 2014 from residents of Kauri Crescent, Waimauku, the local board requested the creation/upgrade of a walkway over the paper road section extending for 200m between the properties at 161 and 145 Kauri Crescent, to facilitate access to a 15ha Kauri forest known as Huapai Reserve. Specific requests included improvements to the track surface and accessibility; provision of dual pedestrian and horse paths; weed clearing and removal of wasp nests; and Reserve signs at each end of track. Referred to Road Corridor Operations.
7	Kaspar Street, Warkworth	Safety concerns outside Warkworth Primary School, Kaspar Street, Warkworth.	Member Houlbrooke raised concerns relating to safety for children and congestion at Warkworth Primary School on 23 June 2014. On 22 July Member Houlbrooke and the local board's TPLs were advised that Kasper street is relatively narrow but parking is allowed on one side only, leaving sufficient room to access the turning head. The other side of the road carries a Clearway parking restriction at school times. The issues of parking on both sides at school times can therefore be addressed by enhanced enforcement of this restriction by AT’s Parking Services, who have been alerted to the residents’ concerns. On 29 July the local board's TPLs and Member Houlbrooke were advised that a decision with respect to the inclusion of Kaspar Street in the 2014/2015 New Footpath Programme would be available shortly. If it cannot be constructed as part of the 2014/2015 programme, it will be considered for future years; however, the local board may wish to consider funding its construction through the LBTCF. On 6 August Member Houlbrooke and the local board's TPLs were advised that, with regard to Travelwise and parking, Warkworth School has been a regular participant in AT’s Safety at the Gate programme, and parking officers have monitored the area, issuing infringements notices as and when necessary. The Community Transport Coordinator (CTC) visited the school in late July as part of the Back to School campaign and spoke with staff about continued parking on broken yellow lines, parents letting their children out of their vehicles onto the road and other unsafe practices. As requested, she will be providing information for the school’s newsletter reinforcing these messages, and seeking further support from parking officers. In the past parking has been encouraged in Shoesmith Street, from which children can also access the school, rather than Hill Street. Warkworth School is a Bronze Travelwise school, so has a basic Travelwise programme and encourages walking, cycling and scootering as part of school life. The CTC has recently been contacted by a local resident who expressed frustration with walkability from Warkworth township to the school, so has sought assistance from the Walking School Bus team member to investigate planning improvements and a more appropriate route. A student group has been introduced this year to promote the Travelwise programme. Major improvements were completed around the school in 2009/2010 soon after its integration into the Travelwise programme, including footpath work.
8	Old North Road, Kumeu	Request for confirmation about reinstatement work carried out on Old North Road, Kumeu, in 2013.	Member Pirrie asked for confirmation that Old North Road will/has been inspected and that, where contractors have not completed work or have done so to a poor standard, it will be reinstated to an acceptable standard; what the time frame for reinstatement or repair work will be; that ratepayers will not have to pay twice for the work to be done to an acceptable standard; and that Old North Road will be reinstated to an acceptable standard overall given the amount of traffic that now uses it as a bypass road. Referred to Road Corridor Access for investigation.
9	Motutara /Muriwai /Oaia Road intersection, Muriwai	Request that speed signage at the intersection of Motutara/Muriwai/Oaia Roads, Muriwai, be relocated.	On 26 June 2014 Member Pirrie requested that the current location of speed signage in the vicinity of the intersection of Motutara/Muriwai/Oaia Roads be relocated to reduce vehicle speeds on entry to the intersection and on Oaia Road. On 20 August the local board's TPLs were advised that a comprehensive investigation had found that the road geometry at the intersection of Muriwai Road, Motutara Road and Oaia Road effectively enforces the 50km/h speed limit at this location and that relocating the signs would incur additional costs but would be unlikely to have any real impact on operating speeds. With regard to speed limit compliance in the wider area beyond the intersection, the first kilometre of Motutara Road has relatively sparse development for a 50km/h zone but is largely self-enforcing due to numerous tight bends that control vehicle speeds. Beyond the first kilometre Motutara Road straightens out; however, it is also becomes more visibly residential, so the 50km/h speed limit is more naturally adhered to. Speed limit compliance is therefore reasonably good in this road. In the case of Oaia Road, the tight geometry turning off the main road slows vehicles down and the ‘50’ signs immediately after Coster Road discourages drivers from speeding up again. As a result, the traffic counts near Coster Road show that the majority of traffic speed (the 85th percentile) is in the low 50 km/h range, indicating good compliance at the northern end of Oaia Road. While the rest of Oaia Road extending southwards was historically set to 50km/h by Rodney District Council, the area has a semi-rural level of development and appearance more consistent with a 70km/h zone so compliance is likely relatively poor in this area. Numerous speed limit repeater signs have been provided along Oaia Road to encourage drivers to drive to the 50km/h speed limit and it is unlikely that additional signage would further improve compliance.
10	Waitea Road, Muriwai	Request for safety improvements on Waitea Road, Muriwai.	On 26 June 2014 Member Pirrie requested an investigation into the installation of NSAAT restrictions and cautionary signage on Waitea Road, Muriwai. On 11 July the local board's TPLs were advised that Road Corridor Operations staff acknowledge that Waitea Road is narrow in places where use of parking restrictions may be of benefit for vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist access. The suggestions made will be considered during further investigations into all possible options and possible consultation with residents. An update will be provided before the end of October, 2014.
11	Taupaki School	Safety concerns at Taupaki School	Member Pirrie forwarded a request from Taupaki residents for improved safety for parents and children in the area of Taupaki School, specifically around the 70km/h speed outside the school, lack of safe parking bays and footpaths, on 7 July 2014, asking that these be prioritised for delivery in the 2014/2015 financial year. On 18 July the local board’s TPLs were advised that a 40km/h variable school speed zone is the preferred method of speed calming when other measures are impractical, for instance on a busy main arterial road and where school-related activity on the road is high, walking and cycling are the preferred modes of travel and there are high through traffic volumes and speeds. Electronic signs are located at either side of Taupaki School and were installed in accordance with NZTA guidelines. As an additional speed calming measure, threshold type treatments (gated signs with kerb build-outs) have also been installed and are proving effective in reducing speeds and raising awareness of school related activity. Requests for new footpaths are prioritised annually according to several criteria, including safety, proximity to schools, community facilities, public transport and employment. As the 2014/2015 programme is fully committed, the request for footpaths on Waitakere and Cottle Roads will be included for consideration in the 2015/2016 programme. If the requests can’t be included in the 2015/2016 programme, they will be retained for reassessment and includes in subsequent programmes; however, as an alternative, the local board may wish to consider funding the construction of footpaths in this area sooner through its LBTCF. On 29 July the local board's TPLs were advised that Taupaki School is an active participant in the Travelwise programme and has recently received a Silver award. The Community Transport Coordinator (CTC) is in regular contact with the Lead Teacher at the school and they are working together in an effort to reduce speed and improve all aspects of school travel. Recent key activities have included (2011 – 2012) significant roading improvements, including provision of parking and safe modifications to the driveway, drop off and pick up area; (2013) as part of the Walking School Bus programme an investigation into safety around the bridge on Waitakere Road and work to keep the Walking School Bus operating when volunteer numbers allow; (2012 – 2013) kea crossing installed and operational and training of school team; (2013) the school participated in the Back to School programme in Terms 1-2, with a banner installed outside the school and Slow Down information distributed to parents. Taupaki School is situated in the target area of the current Love your Local campaign being run by the North Road Safety team, with billboards in place until the end of August and postcards being delivered to residents. On 8 August a road safety campaign was launched at the school with an assembly presentation about road safety, involvement of the children in the campaign, and Back to School messaging and placards advising drivers to slow down again being used. A recent complaint regarding safe parking behaviour was referred to the school to educate parents through their communication channels. A recent invitation to the school to participate in the Safety at the Gate programme was declined.
12	Hauraki Road, Leigh	Maintenance required on retaining wall on Hauraki Road, Leigh.	Member Houlbrooke advised on 10 July 2014 that the retaining wall on the road frontage from the Leigh Fire Station (28 Seatoun Road) to the entrance to Leigh School (26 Seatoun Road) is rotting away and allowing the bank to fall onto the footpath, as well as allowing the trees to hang over the footpath. With the overgrowth the school entrance is blocked and motorists have very poor visibility of both the school entrance and pupils waiting to cross the road, and it is a shabby look to the entrance of Leigh Village. Referred to Road Corridor Maintenance.
13	Seatoun /Hauraki Road intersection, Leigh	Request for improved safety at Seatoun/Hauraki Road intersection, Leigh.	Member Houlbrooke advised on 10 July 2014 that the corner of Seatoun Road and Hauraki Road opposite the Leigh Fire Station (28 Hauraki Road, Leigh) is dangerous, with vehicles sweeping into Seatoun Rd towards Pakiri at speed passing the pre-school and school entrance where the school bus turns. Vehicles exiting Seatoun Rd towards Matakana have very poor vision to the left and over the short distance to the corner in Hauraki Road. On 4 August Member Houlbrooke and the local board's TPLs were advised that an engineer had visited the site to make an initial assessment and advises that cost-effective improvements using road marking can be implemented in Spring 2014's drier weather. The alternative is for physical changes to be made (possibly the addition of a side island to prohibit high cornering speeds), but this would require a wider investigation as part of the minor safety programme, delaying the implementation of any improvements until much later. The effect of the minor improvements proposed were explained in detail and members were advised that, whilst the changes proposed don’t require formal consultation or approval from AT’s Traffic Control Committee, because these will be highly visible, an expression of support from the local board, the residents and school was requested. This was received on 22 August.
14	Pakiri Road, Leigh	Safety improvements for pedestrian access to the Sawmill from Leigh Village.	On 10 July 2014 Member Houlbrooke forwarded the concerns of people who walk to the Sawmill on Pakiri Road, Leigh, that the paved surface is falling off both sides of the road, that there is no way of avoiding traffic because of this and that street lighting is also urgently needed. Referred to Community Transport, Road Corridor Maintenance and Street Lighting staff.
15	Leigh and Ashton Roads, Whangateau	Complaints about the surface of Leigh Road, and about recent repair work undertaken on Ashton Road, Whangateau	Member Garner forwarded complaints from a Whangateau resident on 11 July 2014 about the seal on Leigh Road and recent repair work on Ashton Road, Whangateau. Referred to Road Corridor Maintenance for comment.
16	Matakana and Leigh Roads, Sandspit and Mahurangi East Roads, and Rodney roads in general	Request for information on upgrades programmed for Matakana and Leigh Roads, Sandspit and Mahurangi East Roads, and Rodney roads in general.	Having considered information on programmed rehabilitations/upgrades for the Leigh road (i.e. Matakana and Leigh Roads) and the Warkworth – Snells Beach road (Sandspit and Mahurangi East Roads), at their meeting on 9 July 2014, the local board’s TPLs asked when these roads and other roads throughout the Rodney Local Board area are programmed for major upgrades (i.e. installation of footpaths, kerb and channel, shape correction etc.) to bring them up to the standard now required because of the increased volumes of traffic being experienced. Referred to Capital Development.
17	Footpath programme	Request for information on the criteria, scoring system and weighting used for footpath prioritisation.	Member Garner requested information about the criteria, scoring system and weighting for footpath prioritisation so that he could better understand this on 22 July 2014. Detailed information provided by AT's Community Transport team was forwarded to the local board's TPLs on 28 July 2014.
18	Amreins Road, Taupaki/Waitakere	Request for costs of maintenance on Amreins Road, Taupaki/Waitakere.	Member Flaunty asked for the cost of maintenance required on Amreins Road late 2013/early 2014 in the area of a clean fill operation on 28 July 2014, having been advised on 29 November 2013 that stabilising work was to be carried out in the coming weeks in the area of the properties located at 37, 31, 15 and 10 Amreins Road (Waitakere) that should address his previous concerns about damage to the road from the clean fill operation. Member Flaunty advises that a new resource consent has been granted for the property located at 110 Amreins Road and he concerned about continuing damage to the road and the cost to ratepayers. Referred to Road Corridor Maintenance.
19	Muriwai Road and SH16, Waimauku.	Request for safety improvements on Muriwai Road and SH16, Waimauku.	Following a meeting with parents, local board members and NZTA staff at Waimauku School, Muriwai, on 31 July 2014, Members Garner, Pirrie and Flaunty requested the implementation of variable school speed zones and signage on Muriwai Road (50km/h to 40km/h) and on SH16, similar to that in place on Dairy Flat Highway outside Dairy Flat School. Children cross both roads with their parent both before and after school, often in risky situations and a lower speed limit would be seen as a safety improvement. They also requested discussion with AC compliance staff regarding the proliferation of signage at the intersection on both sides of Waimauku Station Road associated with the shops, which is seen as a distraction to drivers and could possibly compromise their visibility. On 21 August the local board's TPLs were advised that comments regarding the proliferation of signage provided by AT's Road Corridor Operations engineers had been forwarded to NZTA for follow up. They were also advised that NZTA, as the road controlling authority for state highways, has installed a form of automated AWS signs (electronic school warning signs) on SH16. Further safety improvements will be delivered as part of the proposed SH16/Muriwai Road intersection upgrade, subject to approval and the process managed by NZTA. Muriwai Road does not currently have electronic signage similar to that installed on SH16; however, the school has been included in a regional assessment programme to investigate speed and safety at the school gate. This assessment is expected to be completed before the end of 2014 and will focus on speeding and safety along Muriwai Road. Possible treatments include the AWS electronic school warning signs (designed to raise awareness of the presence of school related activity) or a reduced school speed zone (designed to enforce reduced speeds outside schools where there are speeding issues).
20	Waimauku School, Muriwai	Waimauku School, Muriwai - Update on Travel Plan.	On 6 August the local board's TPLs were provided with an update on the Travelwise Programme for Waimauku School and advised that, since the baseline survey report was completed and the draft survey results forwarded to the Principal for comment in June, AT staff had been trying to engage the school in assigning a lead teacher (a requirement of the programme) and in becoming involved in developing the School Travel Plan, the next step in the process. However, no subsequent contact from the school or response to any emails had been forthcoming. They were advised that it would be beneficial if the school became more engaged with the Travelwise process, so that AT could work more closely on issues of safety, as it was clear from a recent site visit that education of both parents and children is needed, something that would be incorporated into the School Travel Plan. There is also a clear need to combine any infrastructure developments such as a kea crossing and variable school zone signage, both core components of a School Travel Plan, with parent education so that any facilities constructed /implemented will be used. Local board members were asked to work with the school in encouraging both parents and school staff to commit to the Travelwise programme.
21	Guy Road, Kaipara Flats	Use of Guy Road, Kaipara Flats, by logging operation.	Member Garner requested comment on concerns expressed by a resident of Guy Road, Kaipara Flats, who had been made aware of an application to Auckland Council by a logging company to use Guy Road as an alternative to Kaipara Flats Road when harvesting logs from a forest situated at the cul-de-sac end of Guy Road. On 7 August member Garner was advised that Auckland Council's Development Engineer notes that forestry/logging is a permitted activity in the area of Guy Road, Kaipara Flats; however, concerns raised by residents relating to the safety of 10 x logging trucks a day for a year using Guy Road and the detrimental effect this will have on the surface/maintenance of the road were referred to AT staff for comment. On 21 August the local board's TPLs were advised that adding just over one truck per hour to Guy Road, which extends from Old Woodcocks Road for a distance of approximately 500m, with the access to the forest plot currently via a private driveway/road to the forest, is not considered to be a safety or operational concern. Guy Road has very low traffic volumes, making the likelihood of a truck and car travelling along the road at the same time remote. However, were this to occur, both vehicles would be required to slow to pass one another. Some concern exists in manoeuvring trucks over the level crossing, as waiting to give-way may mean the trailer sitting within the railway corridor, though not likely on the tracks themselves. A joint movement of passing over the railway and emerging into Old Woodcocks Road is therefore required, but as visibility is good, and Old Woodcocks Road traffic volumes are also very low, the risk that this cannot be achieved safely is low. Overall, while the nuisance of trucks at the resident’s address is appreciated, adding little more than one vehicle movement per hour to Guy Road is not considered in itself an operational or safety concern. Comment on the maintenance implications of the logging activity requested from Road Corridor Maintenance.
22	Ngarewa Drive, Mahurangi West	Concerns regarding maintenance and lack of seal on Ngarewa Drive, Mahurangi West.	On 11 August 2014 local board staff forwarded a resident's complaint about the standard of Ngarewa Drive, Mahurangi West, noting that it is a mud track where some potholes were recently filled with metal and the road given a quick scuff up by a grader. They asked that they be advised when the road would be sealed or at least given a proper metal upgrade. By return staff were advised that Ngarewa Drive is in the 31 – 100 band for seal extension, which means it will be several years before the current level of funding made available to AT provides for this. Concerns regarding the standard of maintenance forwarded to Road Corridor Maintenance staff for a response.
23	Austin /Kahikatea Flat Roads, Dairy Flat	Request for road marking and signage at the intersection of Austin/Kahikatea Flat Roads, Dairy Flat.	Member McLean asked on 13 August 2014 that road marking and signage be provided at the corner of Austin/Kahikatea Flat Roads, Dairy Flat, where the absence of these makes the school bus drop-off/pick-up dangerous for children. Referred to Road Corridor Operations.
24	Dairy Flat School, 1220 Dairy Flat Highway	Request for footpath for Dairy Flat School, 1220 Dairy Flat Highway.	A new bus stop has been installed at Dairy Flat School, 1220 Dairy Flat Highway and Member McLean asked on 14 August whether it was possible for a new footpath to be constructed between the bus stop and the school. Referred to Community Transport.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

15. This report is for the local board’s information.

Māori impact statement

16. No specific issues with regard to the Maori Impact Statement are triggered by this report.

Implementation

17. The activities detailed in this report do not trigger the Significance Policy, all programmes and activities are within budget/in line with the Council’s Annual Plan and LTP documents and there are no legal or legislative implications arising from the activities detailed in this report.

18. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors	Ellen Barrett - Elected Member Relationship Manager, Auckland Transport
Authorisers	Jonathan Anyon - Elected Member Relationship Team Manager, Auckland Transport

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to local boards for the quarter - 1 April to 30 June 2014

File No.: CP2014/19015

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to inform local 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

· B – Travelwise Schools activities

· C – Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee

· D – Report against local board advocacy issues

· E – Report on the status of the local board’s projects under the Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF).

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) receive the Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to local boards for the quarter 1 April to 30 June 2014.

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 in discussion with Auckland Airport about making provision for a potential rapid transit corridor in its 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 its 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 there is more certainty on feasible alignments and station locations.

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, At is investigating what can be provided within the current road reserve; however, some land purchase may be required.

6. The project team has started the process for procurement of a professional services contract for the production of the Detailed Business Case in 2014/2015, 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 is currently working with those appellants to work through matters raised.

Distributed Stabling – Detailed Design

8. The project entails the development of out stabling 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 The 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. The 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 have been completed. Anti-climb roller barriers are to be installed by the end of July.

Newmarket Crossing

10. Upgrade a 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. The design tender has been awarded and concept design is underway.

Upgrade Downtown Ferry Terminals

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

12. The design for the new Pier 4 Pontoon has been completed and scoping and initiation works are under development in coordination with the Harbour Edge Programme.

PT Operations

Highlights for the quarter (April-June 2014)

13. Total patronage achieved a record 72.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014, with a +5.6% growth.

14. Rail patronage achieved a record 11.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014, with a +13.9% growth.

15. 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.

16. Other bus services achieved a record 53.4 million annual passenger trips to end June 2014, with a +4.2% growth.

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

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

19. Green Bay / Titirangi New Bus Network Review and public consultation has been completed and the new service will be implemented in August.

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

21. AT HOP integrated ticketing rollout has been completed across all bus, rail and ferry services.

22. 50 AT HOP retailers are available across Auckland, with 10 Customer Service Centres.

23. The AT HOP Day Pass was implemented on 1st 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

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

25. 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. The target is to tender the new South Auckland bus network in September, with a target go-live for services in the third quarter of 2015.

26. 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.

27. The revenue service progressive launch of new electric trains on to the Eastern Line is anticipated in August.

28. Planning is also underway 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

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

· Integrated ticketing and fares

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

· Rail electrification

· Ferry improvements

· New connected Network

· On-time performance

· First and Final Leg

· Customer experience.

Road Design and Development

Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Scheme Cycle Way

30. Provision of an off road cycle highway from Glen Innes Rail Station to Tamaki Drive.

31. 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

32. This project will consider Tamaki Drive from Quay Street through to St Heliers and 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

33. This project deals with the proposed upgrade to Quay Street to 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.

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

Waterview Cycle Way connection

35. 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. AT is required to prepare a design sufficient to submit as part of the 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 AT. The 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

36. The number of schools signed onto the Travelwise Programme has now reached 401.

37. 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.

38. 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.

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

40. 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.

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

· Local speed campaign – focused at all road users

· Sober Driver campaign – focused at Sports Clubs and bars

· Cycle safety- winter campaign focused on be bright be seen

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

Travel Planning and Cycle and Walking

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

43. 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

44. 1,207 CAR applications were approved in June, with 82% processed within 5 working days and 94% processed within 15 working days of lodgement.

45. 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

46. The Year 3 (2013/2014) 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.

47. The Year 4 (2014/1205) build has commenced with CAR applications approved for 64 of the Year 4 cabinet areas with 28 of these already under construction.

48. 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

49. Watercare currently has 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.

50. 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 a 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

51. 179 overweight permit applications were approved in June 2014. Of these, 168 (94%) were processed within the target timeframes of 3 days for single trip, multi travel and continuous renewal permits and 5 working days for continuous and area permits.

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

Road Corridor Maintenance

North

53. The remaining pavement renewal projects on Okura River Road and Ngarahana Road have been completed.

54. The first section of the seal extension project on Matakana Valley Road has been completed.

55. The remediation work on the Victoria Road retaining wall is now complete.

56. Bridge renewal work has been completed on Hiki Culvert, Remiger Bridge, Rangitopuni Bridge and Rosemount Bridge.

57. 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

58. The clean-up work on Great Barrier Island following the storm on 10 June 2014 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.

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

60. 35.7 km of AC resurfacing and 33.3 km of chipsealing were completed this year.

West

61. 15.1 km of AC resurfacing and 38.6 km of chipsealing were completed this year. Projects were added to the programme in the last quarter.

62. 6.0 km of pavement renewals were 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.

63. 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.

64. 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.

65. 17.6 km of footpaths were either resurfaced or replaced this financial year.

South

66. The remaining pavement renewal project on Waiuku Road has been completed.

67. 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.

68. 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.

69. 36.8 km of footpaths were either resurfaced or replaced this year.

70. 17.7 km of pavement renewals were 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

71. 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.

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

Road Corridor Operations

Route Optimisation: Investigation and analysis

73. The planned route optimisation for 2013/2014 has been completed including the Central City routes.

74. 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	Wellseley 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
Higbrook 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

75. 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.

76. Physical Works Programme (other routes across the region:

· 24 projects are at the scheme design stage

· 4 projects are at the detailed design stage

· 8 construction projects are in progress.

Network Safety & Operations Improvement Programme

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

77. The 2013/2014 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

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

Minor Safety Improvements Programme

78. 98% of the 2013/2014 Minor Safety Improvements Programme has been completed with 2% still in construction or procurement.

Regional Safety Programme

79. 75% of the 2013/2014 Regional Safety Programme is completed with 25% of projects still in construction for completion in 2014/2015

Urban Kiwi RAP and Red Light Camera Programmes

Urban Risk Mapping

80. The Urban KiwiRAP star-rating contract awarded in late June. The 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

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

Parking and Enforcement

Fanshawe Street Bus Lane

82. Enforcement of the new bus lane on Fanshawe Street was implemented. 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 there has been very good compliance, with 130 infringements being issued since live launch on 4 June. This represents an average of just 14 enforcements per day across all enforcement zones on Fanshawe Street. This can be compared to Onewa Rd which has been live for several years and where there are 20 enforcements per day on average.

Kingsland Paid Parking Zone

83. Consultation was carried out in December 2013 on changes to the parking in the Kingsland town centre. The purpose of the changes was to improve the parking availability and give customers flexibility on their 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 proposal. The parking changes will go live on 14 July and there will be advisory signs in Kingsland for two weeks prior.

Newmarket Paid Parking Zone

84. Consultation was carried out in December 2013 on changes to the parking in the Newmarket. The purpose of the changes was to improve the parking availability and give customers flexibility on their length of stay. Currently there is 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 proposal. The parking changes will go live in early August.

Auckland Parking Discussion Document

85. 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 over 350 submissions have been received so far. Consultation closes on 31 July 2014.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

86. This report is provided for the local board’s information.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of activities undertaken for the fourth quarter (2013/14) ending 30 June 2014 and forward works programme for the first quarter (2014/15) ending 30 September 2014	131
b View	Travelwise Schools activities broken down by Local Board	149
c View	Traffic Control Committee Decisions	151
d View	Local Board Advocacy Report	153
e View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	157

Signatories

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

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Auckland Council Property Limited Local Board Six-Monthly Update 1 January to 30 June 2014

File No.: CP2014/18735

Purpose

1. To give the Rodney Local Board an overview Auckland Council Property Limited’s (ACPL) activities for the six months 1 January to 30 June 2014.

Executive summary

2. ACPL’s vision is to be a ‘centre of excellence’ that provides commercial expertise and value for money to the council in managing its property portfolio, acquisition and disposal activities, and the delivery of projects that implement council development initiatives.

This report sets out a summary of ACPL activities for the past six-months that contribute to our seven key outcomes as outlined in our Statement of Intent 2014 to 2017 and noted below. Activity detail is broken down by business unit or work-stream, with a focus on local board specific activities where applicable.

3. ACPL’s seven key outcomes:

§ Properties managed for the council and Auckland Transport (AT) are maintained to be fit for purpose and achieve optimum net returns.

§ Place-shaping projects involving other sector partners are efficiently planned and managed to help achieve a quality compact Auckland.

§ ACPL contributes exemplar housing developments to increase the supply of housing in Auckland, particularly in the more affordable spectrum of the market, working with partners.

§ Council business interests are managed to protect long term value and achieve budgeted net income.

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

§ Properties are disposed of for the council in a commercially robust manner once declared surplus.

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

4. Local board specific supporting detail is included in Attachments A, B, and C.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) accept the Auckland Council Property Limited Local Board six-monthly update 1 January to 30 June 2014.

Comments

Workshops and Meetings

5. A schedule of Rodney Local Board workshops and meetings attended by ACPL representatives from January to June 2014 is included as Attachment A. The list includes property specific meetings and workshops relating to general property management and the ongoing portfolio Rationalisation Process.

Property Portfolio Management

6. ACPL manages all Auckland Council or AT owned non-service properties. These are properties that are not immediately required for service delivery or infrastructure development.

7. The property portfolio continued to grow during the last six-months and now totals 1185 properties, an increase of 90 since our February 2014 update. The current property portfolio includes industrial sites and buildings, retail tenancies, cafés, restaurants, offices and a substantial portfolio of residential properties.

8. ACPL’s specialist property knowledge and understanding enables us to optimise revenue streams and identify future opportunities. ACPL’s return on the property portfolio for the quarter ending 30 June 2014 provides the shareholder a net surplus of $1.9 ahead of budget, with an actual surplus of $25.4m against budget of $23.5m. During the quarter the average monthly collectable arrears rate and vacancies rate were respectively 2.1% and 2.4%. Well under the SOI targets of 5% and 3%.

9. A Properties Managed schedule is included as Attachment B of this report. The schedule details:

§ Current ACPL managed commercial and residential property within the Rodney Local Board

§ Each property’s classification or reason for retention

§ The nature of the property, such as a café within a library, or a residential property with a tenancy in place

§ The budget under which operating expenditure and lease revenue for the property is reported, e.g. regional or local board.

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

Portfolio Review and Rationalisation

Overview

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

Performance

12. January to June 2014 Targets

UNIT	TARGET	ACHIEVED	COMMENTS
Portfolio Review	$12.3m disposal recommendations	$14.8m	These recommendations include $5.6m of sites that are identified for development projects

13. In setting future disposal targets ACPL is working closely with the council and AT to identify potentially surplus properties.

14. 2014/2015 Targets

UNIT	TARGET	COMMENTS
Portfolio Review	$30m disposal recommendations	These targets will include disposal recommendations and sales for sites that are identified for place-shaping and housing development projects
Development & Disposals	$30 net sales

Process

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

Under review

16. Properties currently under review for future use opportunities via the Rationalisation Process in the Rodney area are listed below. The list includes any properties that may have recently been approved for sale or development and sale by the governing body. Further details are included in Attachment B.

PROPERTY	DETAILS
906 Leigh Road, Big Omaha	Greenfield site adjacent to stream. Not required for future projects. Cleared for sale by the Governing Body in June 14. ACPL now preparing for sale.
35 Mill Road, Helensville	Legacy approved sale of site currently leased to Downers. The Rodney Local Board had been progressing a business case to retain the property for use for a housing refit and training scheme project with local iwi. However further review of the site has indicated it is not suitable for the project. ACPL is now assisting the board in looking for alternative potential locations for that project.
493 State Highway 16, Kumeu	Purchased for cemetery by Rodney District Council. Transferred to ACPL as non-service. ACPL is progressing the site through Rationalisation Process to evaluate future use options, noting that Rodney local board consider this land should be retained until a regional report on cemeteries has been received.
14, 18 & 19 Weza Lane, Kumeu	Properties acquired for Stormwater management purposes. Works complete. Cleared for sale by Governing Body in June 14. Now preparing for sale noting that some town centre linkages and esplanade reserve are to be preserved as part of any disposals process.
118 Rodney Street, Wellsford	Former Wellsford Library. Transferred to ACPL as non-service in July 14. To be progressed through the Rationalisation Process to evaluate all potential future use options. Internal organisation Expression of Interest phase anticipated to commence in September or October 14, noting that the Rodney Local Board has indicated support for the property being retained for community use.
12 Waimauku Station Road, Waimauku	Vacant strip transferred to ACPL from ACPD as non-service in June 14. Acquired by Rodney District Council for roading purposes in 2006. Partially vested as road in February 2007. Subject to a drainage easement in favour of the Waitemata County Council. ACPL to progress through the Rationalisation Process to evaluate future use options. Internal organisation Expression of Interest phase anticipated to commence September or October 14.
Horseshoe Bush Road, Dairy Flat	Access-way through commercial site. Transferred to ACPL as non-service in June 14. Currently leased to Transpacific Industries Group (NZ) Limited. ACPL to progress through Rationalisation Process to evaluate future use options with a view to potential sale to the lessee.

Place Shaping and Housing Initiatives

Overview

17. ACPL is contributing commercial input into around 48 council-driven place-shaping and housing initiatives region wide. Involvement extends from provision of initial feasibility advice through to implementation, with projects ranging in size from $400k to in excess of $100million. ACPL works closely with the local boards on ACPL lead developments to ensure we give effect to the local boards’ place-shaping role.

18. ACPL is also actively contributing to the Housing Action Plan Group, which is a council initiative focusing on non-regulatory efforts to encourage and increase affordable residential development. We have an SOI target to undertake five housing development projects with an affordable housing component over three years which would encompass CHO involvement. We are currently actively working on 13 such projects.

Local Activities

19. There are currently no ACPL lead place-shaping or housing initiatives in the Rodney Local Board area. However an increasing focus for ACPL is property optimisation. In this we are keen to work with local boards on development opportunities that facilitate upgrades within the service portfolio. For example a community facility upgrade or build may be funded by incorporating the facility into a mixed-use development that makes better use of the overall site.

Acquisitions

Overview

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

21. By the end of the financial year 2013 to 2014 two hundred and seven property purchases were completed for the council and AT to the value of $132.4m. All of the property acquisitions met independent valuation thresholds agreed with AT, the council and Public Works Act 1981 requirements.

Council Acquisitions

22. Over the past six months 14 properties were acquired to meet council open space and storm water requirements and to contribute to City Transformation projects. These included the following acquisitions in or neighbouring the Rodney Local Board area.

PROPERTY	STAKEHOLDER	PURPOSE	LOCAL BOARD
102 Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville	City Transformation	City Transformation	Upper Harbour
Hobsonville Point Community Buildings (HQ & Sunderland Lounge)	City Transformation	City Transformation / Community	Upper Harbour
150 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe	Parks, Sports & Recreation	Open Space	Upper Harbour

Auckland Transport Acquisitions

23. 72 properties were also acquired over the past six-months on behalf of AT. The focus was on acquisitions to support major transport projects such as AMETI (30 acquisitions) Dominion Road (7 acquisitions) Te Atatu Road (9 acquisitions) and City Rail Link (16 acquisitions). Full details of relevant AT projects and associated acquisitions will come to the local board directly from AT.

Business Interests

24. ACPL manages eight business interests region wide on council’s behalf. This comprises two forestry enterprises, two landfills and four quarries. A high level update on business interests in the Rodney Local Board area is outlined in points below.

Araparera Forest

25. The Araparera forest is a joint venture between the Maori Trustee on behalf of the Landowners, and the council, having started approximately 26 years ago.

26. The final major harvesting operation is now expected to commence late-August and is expected to be completed in September/October 2014.

27. The winding down of the joint venture is progressing. The primary issue being considered and negotiated with the Maori Trustee is the ratio to be used for distribution of net proceeds to the joint venture partners. ACPL is currently progressing these negotiations.

28. The council’s share of the JV proceeds is to be spent on roads within the northern ridings of the ex-Rodney Council.

Ti Point

29. The Ti Point Forest is 14ha of mature pinus radiata trees located on an ex-landfill site in Whangateau.

30. ACPL has considered options for the harvesting of the pine trees including direct negotiations with preferred parties or a competitive process. Given the substantial value involved ACPL Management has determined that undertaking a formal procurement process is the best approach. ACPL has been working with the council’s procurement team on preparation of a Procurement Plan. The Procurement Plan is now complete and awaiting management approval.

31. The tender process will allow bidders to acquire the lump sum harvesting rights or participate through a harvesting and marketing agreement.

32. ACPL is working with Poyry Consulting to have prepared a forest inventory that will be provided to bidders during the tender process.

33. ACPL is still considering commercial issues including current and projected log prices in order to determine if it is the optimal time to proceed with the harvesting.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

34. This report is for the Rodney Local Board’s information.

Māori impact statement

35. The importance of effective communication and engagement with Maori on the subject of land is understood. ACPL has accordingly developed robust engagement with the 19 listed Tamaki region mana whenua groups for our core business activities.

36. Key engagement activities include: identifying cultural significance concerns regarding disposal properties, flagging commercial interests, development partnering discussions and issues relating to property management such as protection of waahi tapu or joint management relating to Treaty Settlements. ACPL also engages with relevant mana whenua in respect of development outcomes for ACPL lead projects where appropriate. ACPL will advise the Rodney Local Board as appropriate of any discussions that arise in the local board’s area.

37. ACPL has additionally undertaken to be part of council’s Maori Responsiveness Plan (MRP) pilot programme. The project’s key output is an operational document outlining ACPL’s contribution to council’s strategic and operational commitments to Maori. The Improvement Planning Phase of this project is nearly complete. We anticipate finalising our MRP in September/October 2014.

Implementation

38. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of meetings and workshops	165
b View	ACPL Properties managed in the Rodney Local Board area	167
c View	Property Movement in the local board area	171

Signatories

Authors	Caitlin Borgfeldt - Local Board Liaison, Auckland Council Property Limited
Authorisers	David Rankin - Chief Executive, Auckland Council Property Limited

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Review of Alcohol Control Bylaws - Proposed bylaw for local board feedback

File No.: CP2014/19025

Purpose

1. The purpose of the report is to provide local boards with a copy of the proposed Auckland Council Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014 and to request formal feedback by resolution.

2. Local boards are also requested to appoint a review panel to make recommendations to the local board on the review of the local alcohol bans.

Executive summary

3. On 22 July 2014, the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee recommended to the governing body to adopt the Statement of Proposal for the proposed Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014 (Attachment A) for public consultation (resolution number RBC/2014/27). The governing body formally adopted the Statement of Proposal on 31 July 2014 (resolution number GB/2014/70). Following this discussion, the council commenced public consultation (using the special consultative procedure), on 15 August 2014.

4. In addition to the public consultation process, staff are seeking feedback from local boards on the proposed bylaw.

5. The proposed Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014 will establish the bylaw structure and delegation that will be used to make, review, amend or revoke alcohol bans. Decisions on existing and new alcohol bans will be made by local boards after a new bylaw is adopted. This ensures decisions meet the proposed new requirements in the bylaw.

6. Regardless of the final form of the bylaw and delegations, local boards have an important role in the review of alcohol bans and the appointment of an alcohol ban review panel is sought.

7. Details of the proposed bylaw are outlined in the report.

Recommendations

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) provide formal feedback (by passing resolutions) on the proposed Auckland Council Alcohol Control Bylaw to the hearing panel, including whether the local board wish to meet with the hearing panel.

b) appoint a local alcohol ban review panel comprised of up to three local board members to make recommendations on the review of the alcohol bans in the local board area.

c) appoint one member as a chairperson of the local alcohol ban review panel.

d) delegate to the Chairperson of the local board the power to make a replacement appointment to the review panel in the event that any member appointed by the local board under resolution (b) is unavailable.

Comments

Legislative Framework

8. The Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 requires the review of all seven legacy alcohol control bylaws (previously called liquor control bylaws) and associated alcohol bans (previously called liquor bans) by 31 October 2015.

9. In December 2012, Parliament enacted the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This in turn amended the Local Government Act 2002. The requirements for making or continuing individual alcohol bans has changed significantly with the passing of the Local Government (Alcohol Reform) Amendment Act 2012 (the Act).

10. The Act introduced a higher threshold to be met for alcohol bans to be made or continued. The higher threshold requires that the council is satisfied that there is evidence to show a high level of crime or disorder is caused or made worse by the consumption of alcohol in that public place and that the alcohol ban is a reasonable restriction on people’s rights in light of that evidence.

11. The process for making a bylaw under the Local Government Act 2002 requires that the council determine if a bylaw is the most appropriate response to a problem. A bylaw must also be in the most appropriate form and must be consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. All bylaws must meet the legal requirements as set out in the Bylaws Act 1910, including not being unreasonable, providing rules that are proportionate to the issues being addressed and not being beyond the powers of the enabling legislation.

Current Auckland regulation

12. Currently, there are seven legacy alcohol control bylaws and more than 1,600 individual alcohol ban areas across Auckland. The legacy bylaws significantly differ in their drafting style and presentation.

13. In general, all legacy bylaws provide the structure used to make alcohol bans. Some legacy bylaws enable the making of alcohol bans by resolution while others require a change to the bylaw itself. Making alcohol bans by resolution means the level of consultation is determined on a case by case basis and can result in more effective and efficient decisions compared to amending the bylaw.

14. An assessment of the appropriateness of the legacy bylaws indicate that:

· A single bylaw is necessary to enable the adoption of alcohol bans that prohibit or regulate or control the consumption or bringing into or possession of alcohol in public places. The New Zealand Police consider that limiting the consumption of alcohol in public places may reduce alcohol related harm.

· It is appropriate to delegate decisions on alcohol bans in local public places to local boards.

15. Within an alcohol ban area the possession and consumption of alcohol is prohibited during the time the ban is operational. Exceptions enable alcohol to be transported in an unopened container to and from licenced and private premises.

16. Enforcement of the bylaw is the responsibility of the New Zealand Police. The police have powers of search, seizure and arrest, and may issue a $250 infringement notice for breach of an alcohol ban.

Auckland Council’s proposed Alcohol Control Bylaw

The council’s decision to adopt the proposed Auckland Council Alcohol Control Bylaw for public consultation

17. On 22 July 2014, the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee recommended to the governing body the Statement of Proposal for the proposed Alcohol Control Bylaw.

18. On 31 July 2014, the governing body adopted the proposed Alcohol Control Bylaw Statement of Proposal (Attachment A), which includes the proposed bylaw for public consultation (resolution number GB/2014/70).

19. Following the decision, the council commenced the public consultation process (using the special consultative procedure), on 15 August 2014. The key consultation dates are summarised in the table below:

Table 1. Key consultation dates

Date	Milestone
15 August 2014	Written submission period opens
15 September 2014	Written submission period closes
September/October 2014	Staff will review and analyse all submissions in a report to the hearings panel Report will include all formal feedback received from local boards
Early/Mid October 2014	Public hearings will be held by hearing panel This will include an opportunity for local boards to meet with the hearings panel
End October 2014	Hearings panel will report back to governing body (final bylaw adopted)
18 December 2014	Bylaw commences

Summary of proposed alcohol control bylaw content

20. This section of the report summarises the key proposals contained in the proposed bylaw.

21. The purpose of the bylaw is to control the consumption or possession of alcohol in public places to reduce alcohol related harm. This aligns to the section 147 (Power to make bylaws for alcohol control purposes) of the Local Government Act 2002.

22. The bylaw proposes that local boards be delegated decisions on making, reviewing amending or revoking alcohol bans in local areas. This supports previous feedback obtained by local boards requesting this delegation from the governing body.

23. Alcohol bans of regional significance will remain the responsibility of the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee. This is consistent with the Auckland Council Long Term Plan where issues of a regional significance are the responsibility of a council committee.

24. It is proposed within the bylaw that prior to making a new alcohol ban, the council be satisfied that the alcohol ban gives effect to the purpose of the bylaw and comply with criteria and decision making requirements Subpart 1 of Part 6 of the Local Governments Act 2002; and section 147B of Local Government Act 2002. This includes that:

· There is evidence that the area to which the bylaw applies (or will apply by virtue of the resolution) has experienced a high level of crime or disorder that can be shown to have been caused of made worse by alcohol consumption.

· The alcohol ban is appropriate and proportionate in light of the evidence and can be justified as a reasonable limitation on people’s rights and freedoms.

25. Four different times are proposed in the bylaw for consideration of new alcohol ban areas:

· 24 hours, 7 days a week (at all times ban)

· 7pm – 7am daily (evening ban)

· 10pm – 7am daylight saving and 7pm – 7am outside daylight saving (night time ban)

· 7pm on the day before to 7am on the day after any weekend, public holiday or Christmas/New Year holiday period (weekend or holiday alcohol ban).

These times are a guide to improve consistency across Auckland. This recognises that in some instances the use of the times specified may be disproportionate to the evidence of the problem and therefore contrary to the statutory requirement that requires alcohol bans to be proportionate in light of the evidence. These times are generally consistent with a number of legacy council bylaws.

26. Enforcement of alcohol bans is the responsibility of the New Zealand Police. The penalty for breaching an alcohol ban is a $250 infringement under the Local Government (Alcohol Ban Breaches) Regulations 2013.

Review of local alcohol bans

27. To ensure local board decision making on the existing alcohol bans is consistent with the new bylaw, local boards will be required to review all bans once the bylaw is adopted. It is a statutory requirement these all be reviewed by 31 October 2015 otherwise the bans will lapse.

28. Staff will support the local board review. The proposed alcohol ban review process is outlined in the table below:

Table 2. Proposed local board review process

Date	Milestone
September 2014	Local boards establish local alcohol ban review panels to review existing local alcohol bans
End October 2014	Final Alcohol Control Bylaw adopted by governing body
November 2014 – end February 2015	Staff to present information on local alcohol bans to each local alcohol ban review panel and assist the panels in making recommendations on existing local alcohol bans
March 2015	Recommendations of the local alcohol review panels presented to local boards
April/May 2015	Public consultation on alcohol controls (if required by local boards)
June 2015	Alcohol bans adopted by local boards
October 2015	Legacy alcohol bans lapse.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

29. The review of the legacy bylaws was discussed with local boards in the context of the significant other changes arising from new alcohol-related legislation. In relation to alcohol bans, local boards sought clear decision-making criteria, some form of regional consistency in times while providing for local variation where necessary, provision for temporary changes, and local board delegations.

Māori impact statement

30. Throughout the initial engagement phases of the review project, staff worked with the Community Policy and Planning team, Te Waka Angamua, policy advisors at the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) and Hapai Te Hauora Tapui to deliver a program for engaging with Māori on alcohol issues.

31. As part of this, staff ran a workshop with rangatahi (youth), organised a rangatahi engagement session as part of the Atamira event and held a hui with mana whenua and mataa waka to discuss both the Local Alcohol Policy Project and the Alcohol Control Bylaw Project.

32. There is broad support from the police iwi liaison officers, mana whenua and mataa waka in relation to protecting children and young people from the harms associated with alcohol consumption in public places.

Implementation

33. If adopted as proposed local boards will be required to review all current alcohol bans after the bylaw is adopted by 31 October 2015. This ensures that decisions on alcohol bans meet the proposed new requirement in the bylaw and the enabling legislation.

34. The Policies and Bylaws Unit will assist local boards with this process. Polices and Bylaws staff have been collating evidence from legacy council files, the Police and community safety audits and are working closing with Integrated Bylaw Review Implementation team to ensure practicality and ease in the implementation of the Auckland-wide bylaw. As part of this process, the appointment of local board alcohol ban review panels is sought.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Statement of Proposal - Review of Alcohol Control Bylaws	185
b View	Proposed Alcohol Control Bylaw	201

Signatories

Authors

Kylie Hill - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Helgard Wagener - Team leader, Policies and Bylaws

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney Local Board

08 September 2014

Psychoactive substances – draft Local Approved Product Policy

File No.: CP2014/16230

Purpose

1. The purpose of the report is to seek local board feedback on the proposed option for the draft Local Approved Product Policy (LAPP).

Executive summary

2. On 6 March 2014 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved a work plan for the development of Auckland Council’s LAPP (REG/2014/34). The LAPP will set rules regarding where retail outlets of psychoactive substances may operate. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 provides that a policy may regulate the location of retail outlets by reference to broad areas within a district, proximity to other premises selling approved products and/or distance from certain types of premises such as schools, places of worship and other community facilities.

3. On 3 July the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee considered a report setting out the proposed content for the draft Local Approved Product Policy. The committee agreed the following recommendations (REG/2014/86).

a) endorse the proposed draft Local Approved Product Policy that will prevent the sale of approved psychoactive substances in the following areas:

· high deprivation areas as defined by the Ministry of Health’s Deprivation Index score of 8, 9 or 10 indicating areas that fall in the bottom 30% of deprivation scores

· neighbourhood centres as defined by the unitary plan

· within 300m of a high school

· within 100m of a primary school

· within 300m of the mental health or addiction treatment center

· within 500m of an existing psychoactive substance retail licence

b) forward a copy of this report to local boards to be considered on their agendas

c) note that once all the local board feedback has been analysed, a final draft Local Approved Product Policy (LAPP) will be presented to the committee on 9 October 2014 to be approved for public notification via the special consultative procedure

d) note the special consultative procedure will begin in November 2014 with the expected final adoption of the policy in March 2015.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) provide feedback on the draft Local Approved Product Policy option set out in attachment A of the report entitled “Psychoactive substances – draft Local Approved Product Policy.”

Comments

4. On 6 March 2014 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved a work plan for the development of Auckland Council’s LAPP (REG/2014/34). On 3 July the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed a preferred option for the LAPP (REG/2014/86).

5. The LAPP will set rules regarding where retail outlets of psychoactive substances may operate. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 provides that a policy may regulate the location of retail outlets by reference to broad areas within a district, proximity to other premises selling approved products and/or distance from certain types of premises such as schools, places of worship and other community facilities.

6. Six options were considered for the LAPP. Three options were rejected prior to consultation as not being able to achieve the outcomes for a successful LAPP. The remaining three options were discussed with local boards, external stakeholders and council staff. After consideration of feedback and relevant research a preferred option was developed.

7. The preferred option for the LAPP would prevent licences being granted in areas of high deprivation, near high schools and near addiction and mental health treatment centres. It would also limit how close to an existing shop a new shop could open. This option would reduce the availability of these substances in areas where their presence is likely to have the greatest potential for harm. The prevention of harm is achieved while maintaining the intent of the government to allow a regulated sale of these substances.

8. Further details on the rationale for the preferred option for the LAPP are set out in the report that went to the Regional Policy and Strategy Committee on 3 July (attachment A). Local board feedback on this option is being sought through this report. Local board feedback on this preferred option will inform the final draft of the LAPP which will be reported to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 9 October. Local boards will an opportunity to provide feedback on the final draft in November 2014 – February 2015.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

9. Local board views on the draft LAPP option are being sought via this report. Local boards have previously provided feedback on possible options. Workshops on the proposed options were held with all of the local boards except for Great Barrier, Waiheke and Orakei local boards who declined to be involved in the process. Of the remaining 18 local boards Whau declined to attend the workshop and did not provide any feedback.

10. Of the 17 local boards who took part in the LAPP workshops 13 endorsed the specified place option as their preferred option. Four boards that for local reasons preferred either the town centre or industrial option as they felt it provided tighter restrictions in their areas. All of these local boards also provided the specified areas as their second option acknowledging that it was unlikely that all local boards would opt for their preferred option. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board declined to provide a preferred option. All local board feedback was considered in the selection and development of the option presented for feedback in the current report.

Maori impact statement

11. Māori are over represented amongst the groups of vulnerable people likely to be affected by using approved psychoactive substances. This over representation has two effects. Firstly getting the right option for the LAPP to maximize harm reduction will be more effective for Māori. Secondly, any solutions need to be designed in close collaboration with Māori to ensure they are workable and support wider initiatives aimed at improving Māori outcomes.

12. A workshop has been undertaken with representatives from Hapai Te Hauora Tapui an agency representing Māori health providers in the Auckland region. Council staff will be working with the Independent Māori Statutory Board and Hapai Te Hauora Tapui to set up hui for iwi feedback. Information from the workshop and hui will be central to the development of the LAPP.

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Psychoactive Substances Draft Local Approved Products Policy	231

Signatories

Authors	Callum Thorpe - Principal Policy Analyst
Authorisers	Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Chairperson	Brenda Steele
Deputy Chairperson	Steven Garner
Members	James Colville
	Warren Flaunty, QSM
	Thomas Grace
	Beth Houlbrooke
	John McLean
	Phelan Pirrie
	Greg Sayers

Authors	Frank Lovering - Land Surveyor/Senior Subdivision Advisor
Authorisers	Bonnie Lees - Resource Consents Team Manager, North

Authors	Raewyn Morrison - Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager