I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board will be held on:

 

Date:                      

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

 

Thursday, 9 October 2014

6.30pm

Waitakere Ranges Local Board Office
39 Glenmall Place
Glen Eden

 

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

 

OPEN AGENDA

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Chairperson

Sandra Coney, QSO

 

Deputy Chairperson

Denise Yates, JP

 

Members

Neil Henderson

 

 

Greg Presland

 

 

Steve Tollestrup

 

 

Saffron Toms

 

 

(Quorum 3 members)

 

 

 

Glenn Boyd

(Relationship Manager)

Local Board Services (West)

 

Tua Viliamu

Democracy Advisor

 

3 October 2014

 

Contact Telephone: (09) 813 9478

Email: Tua.Viliamu@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

 

 


 

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

ITEM   TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                                        PAGE

1          Welcome                                                                                                                         5

2          Apologies                                                                                                                        5

3          Declaration of Interest                                                                                                   5

4          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                               5

5          Leave of Absence                                                                                                          5

6          Acknowledgements                                                                                                       5

7          Update from Ward Councillors                                                                                    5

8          Deputations                                                                                                                    5

8.1     Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust - Waitangi Day 2015                                       5

9          Public Forum                                                                                                                  6

10        Extraordinary Business                                                                                                6

11        Notices of Motion                                                                                                          6

12        New community lease to Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated, 436B Huia Road, Huia                                                                                                                                         7

13        Dog Access Review Work Programme                                                                     17

14        Adoption of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan 2014                                    41

15        Draft Community Grants Policy                                                                                 97

16        Te Henga Marae - Kainga Whakahirahira                                                               171

17        Waitakere Quarry - Consultation on future uses                                                   179

18        Auckland Council Property Limited Local Board Six-Monthly Update 1 January to 30 June 2014                                                                                                                             199

19        Financial Policies Issues for Long-term Plan 2015-2025                                      211

20        Revitalising Glen Eden:  Tidy Town Operation Spring-clean                              273

21        Waitakere Ranges Local Board feedback on the draft Unformed Legal Roads Policy                                                                                                                                     277

22        Update on member's attendance to the Annual Conference of the Dunes Restoration Trust, 2014 "Way out West"                                                                                     281

23        Chairperson’s Report                                                                                                289

24        Portfolio update: Member Sandra Coney                                                               293

25        Portfolio update: Member Denise Yates                                                                 297

26        Portfolio update: Member Steve Tollestrup                                                           299  

27        Consideration of Extraordinary Items 

 

 


1          Welcome

 

2          Apologies

 

At the close of the agenda no apologies had 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 Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)         confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 25 September 2014, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

 

 

5          Leave of Absence

 

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

 

6          Acknowledgements

 

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

 

7          Update from Ward Councillors

 

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

 

8          Deputations

 

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

 

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

 

8.1       Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust - Waitangi Day 2015

Purpose

Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust has asked for the opportunity to present to the local board on the Waitangi Day 2015 festival being held at Hoani Waititi Marae and asking for the boards support.  Further description of the project is attached.

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Receives the deputation from Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust and thank them for the presentation (attachment A)

Attachments

a          Waitangi Day 2015................................................................................... 3

 

9          Public Forum

 

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

 

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

 

10        Extraordinary Business

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11        Notices of Motion

 

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

New community lease to Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated, 436B Huia Road, Huia

 

File No.: CP2014/21211

 

  

 

Purpose

1.       This report seeks Waitakere Ranges Local Board approval to grant a new community lease to Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated for part of Owen’s Green, 436B Huia Road, Huia.

Executive summary

2.       Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated (the Club) formerly known as Muddy Creek Riders Incorporated had a community lease with the legacy Waitakere City Council for a term of 5 years commencing 1 June 2007.  The lease contains one 5-year right of renewal with final expiry on 1 June 2017.  The Club owns the improvements made to the land including pastures, fencing and outdoor feeding areas.

3.       On 26 June 2013 the Waitakere Ranges Local Board approved the renewal and a variation to the community lease along with a refund of the July 2012 to June 2013 rent, resolution number WTK/2013/126 (Attachment A).

4.       The lease area given in the Deed of Lease dated 3 May 2007 was incorrectly drawn and included the sport field on Owen’s Green.  It was never intended for the Club to have access to the sports surface to graze their horses.  A variation to the lease to amend the leased area was granted on 26 June 2013. Auckland Council legal advice recommends that the correct procedure to increase a lease area is by a deed of lease for additional space not a variation.  Due to the substantial change in layout of the lease area and the Club having changed its incorporated society name it is recommended that the Club surrender their lease dated 3 May 2007 and enter into a new community lease.  The Club agrees with the recommendations made.

5.       This report recommends the granting of a new community lease to Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated for a term of 10 years commencing 1 June 2012 with one 10-year right of renewal.  This is the recommended term in the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines July 2012.

 

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Formally rescinds resolution number WTK/2013/126 made by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board on 26 June 2013 to Muddy Creek Riders Incorporated;

b)      Approves the surrender of Muddy Creek Riders Incorporated lease dated 3 May 2007;

c)      Approves granting a new community lease to Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated for part of Owen’s Green, 436 Huia Road, Huia being Lot 1 on Deposited Plan 132139 (Attachment B) subject to the following terms and conditions:

i)        Term – 10 years commencing 1 June 2012 with one 10-year right of renewal;

ii)       Rent - $1.00 plus GST per annum if requested;

iii)      Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated Community Outcomes Plan as approved be attached to the lease document (Attachment C)

iv)      Auckland Council has adopted a Smoke-Free Policy to apply on Council land, which Policy Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated is obliged to abide by during the Term.  Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated will use its best endeavours to ensure its members, employees, invitees, contractors and agents abide by the Policy;

d)      Approves all other terms and conditions in accordance with the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines July 2012.

 

Comments

6.       Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated (the Club) formerly known as Muddy Creek Riders Incorporated had a community lease with the legacy Waitakere City Council for a term of 5 years commencing 1 June 2007.  The lease contains one 5-year right of renewal with final expiry on 1 June 2017.  The Club owns the improvements made to the land including pastures, fencing and outdoor feeding areas.

7.       The Club wishes to continue leasing part of Owen’s Green, 436B Huia Road, Huia being Lot 1 on Deposited Plan 132139. The land is held in fee simple by Auckland Council and is not subject to the Reserve Act 1977.

8.       On 26 June 2013 the Waitakere Ranges Local Board approved the renewal and a variation to the community lease along with a refund of the July 2012 to June 2013 rent, resolution number WTK/2013/126 (Attachment A).

9.       The lease area given in the Deed of Lease dated 3 May 2007 was incorrectly drawn and included the sport field on Owen’s Green.  It was never intended for the club to have access to the sports surface to graze their horses.  A variation to the lease to amend the leased area was granted on 26 June 2013.  Auckland Council legal advice recommends that the correct procedure to increase a lease area is by a deed of lease for additional space not a variation.  Due to the substantial change in layout of the lease area and the club having changed its incorporated society name it is recommended that the Club surrender their lease dated 3 May 2007 and enter into a community lease.  The Club agrees with the recommendations made.

10.     The club was registered as an incorporated society on 26 September 2005. Its purpose is to:

·        provide opportunities for the public of all ages, ability and ethnicities, to interact with horses

·        focus on introductory public education, regarding safe and responsible horse management, handling and care

11.     The Club continues to educate families about horse ownership and welfare before commitment. The Club educates members about the care and protection of rural pasture, wetlands and native forest environments. The Club facilitates Parelli workshops which teach people how to communicate with horses, learning about horse her behaviour and psychology. The Club run public pony rides once a month, except in January and they support the local kindergarten and annual Huia Farm Day by donating 50% of the money raised through pony rides.

12.     The Club has improved the land with ongoing weed removal and pasture improvement. The Club has undertaken planting of the boundary waterways. After acquiring a grant from The Trusts the Club was able to purchase a small tractor to help upkeep the maintenance of the boundaries and main arena.

13.     Council staff have sought input from relevant council departments.


Consideration

Local board views and implications

14.     Council staff have sought input from the local board portfolio holder.

15.     The recommendations within this report fall within the local board’s allocated authority relating to local, recreation, sport and community facilities.

Māori impact statement

16.     Ensuring community facilities are well maintained and accessible for all members of the community, will be of benefit to all, including Maori.

17.     There are no changes in use or operational activities being conducted on the land.

Implementation

18.     The recommendations contained in this report do not trigger the Auckland Council Significance Policy.

19.     There are no cost implications for Auckland Council.

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Waitakere Ranges Local Board resolution WTK/2013/128 - 26 June 2013

3

bView

Site Plan for Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated, Owen's Green, 436B Huia Road, Huia

3

cView

Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated Community Outcomes Plan

3

      

Signatories

Authors

Donna Cooper - Community Lease Advisor

Authorisers

Kevin Marriott – Acting Manager Community Development Arts and Culture

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 


Renewal of lease to Muddy Creek Riders Incorporated, 436B Huia Road, Laingholm

 

Resolution number WTK/2013/128

 

MOVED by Member JM Clews, seconded Member GB Presland:

 

That the Waitakere Ranges Local Board agrees:

 

a)    That the granting of a renewal and variation of lease to Muddy Creek Riders

Incorporated on part of Owen’s Green, 436B Huia Road, Laingholm subject to

the following terms and conditions:

 

i)     Term – 5 years commencing 1 June 2012;

 

ii)    Variation to the lease for the rent to be set at $1.00 plus GST per annum if

  requested;

 

iii)   Variation to the lease to remove clause 11 containing reference to the

  Reserves Act 1977 and grant the lease under the Local Government Act

  2002;

 

iv)   Variation to the lease to amend the leased area;

 

v)    Variation to include the Muddy Creek Riders Incorporated Community

       Outcomes Plan as approved be attached to the lease document

       (Attachment B)

 

b)    All other terms and conditions in accordance with the original lease.

 

c)    That in light of the retrospective renewal that a refund be given to the Muddy

Creek Riders for the period July 2012 to June 2013.

 

CARRIED


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Attachment B:  Site Plan for Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated, Owen’s Green, 436B Huia Road, Huia

 

Location Map and Lease Area

 

Park outlined in red and lease area outlined in yellow.

 

 

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

 

Name and Location of Land/Facility

Owen’s Green, 436B Huia Road, Laingholm. 

Name of the Community it serves

Laingholm, Parau, Titirangi and the surrounding areas

Local Board Area

Waitakere Ranges

Name of Community Group

Huia Road Horse Club Incorporated

Postal Address

PO Box 60633, Titirangi 0642, Auckland

Contact person

Louise Matthews, President phone: 0274991732, email: minnehah.louise@gmail.com 

Lucy Harper, Secretary,

email: lucy@tailoredpilates.co.nz

Name of Community Lease Advisor

Donna Cooper

 

 

Auckland Council and/or Local Board Priority

Performance Measure

Target

Achievements

LB Priority 1:

Stewardship of the Waitakere Ranges heritage area

-Protecting our heritage

 

AP 7 – Acknowledge that nature and people are inseparable

 

Protect Owen’s Green

Leased area to be cleared of rubbish after each riding day.

 

Clean up all of Owen’s Green – 4 per annum

 

Educational lessons covering care and protection of rural pasture, wetlands and native forest environment – 3 per annum

 

(Annual Report)

LB Priority 2: 

Improving Glen Eden and our villages

-Thriving town centres and villages are the heart of the communities they serve

 

AP 9.2 Support rural settlements, living and communities

Public Pony rides

 

 

 

Club Day and owner lessons for club members

 

Community events

1 hour 1 day per month except in January

 

Minimum of 35 per annum

 

Support a minimum 2 local community events per annum

(Annual Report)

LB Priority 3:  Supporting our communities and the arts

 

-Getting involved in sports and recreation activities promotes health and social interaction for people of all ages

 

AP 5 – Promote individual and community wellbeing through participation and excellence in recreation and sport

The number of club members

 

 

List the number of members under the age of 25

 

List the number of members over the age of 25

50

 

 

Annual report

 

 

Annual report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Annual Report)

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Dog Access Review Work Programme

 

File No.: CP2014/20138

 

  

 

Purpose

1.      The purpose of this report is to decide on the scope of review of local dog access rules in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area.

Executive summary

2.      The Auckland Council Governing Body delegated the review of dog access rules on local park, local beach and local foreshore areas to local boards in 2012.

3.      The primary objective for local boards in making decisions on dog access is to ensure public safety and comfort and to ensure that the needs of dogs and their owners are met.

4.      The governing body has established a standard process to assist local boards which identifies what aspects of the process will be funded by the governing body.

5.      The Waitakere Ranges Local Board indicated in August 2013 that it sought to review certain local dog access rules contained in the Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2012 and Auckland Council Dog Management Bylaw 2012 by summer 2015.

6.      The process is intended to start in September 2014 and ends in October 2015. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board will need to adopt a proposal by April 2015, hold hearings and deliberations, and make decisions on submissions by August 2015.

7.      The following matters were identified through the 2012 governing body review process and can be used as a basis for establishing the scope of the review:

·        A review of the current time and season beach and foreshore dog access rules.

·        A review of ‘bush walks’, ‘picnic’, ‘fitness apparatus’ and ‘protected wildlife’ areas.

8.      The beach and foreshore areas available for review are summarised as follows:

·        22 local beach and foreshore areas available for review.

·        19 of the above areas are subject to a default on-leash rule, and the other three areas are subject to a time and season rule (North Piha, Piha, Te Henga).

·        Four of the above areas are in close proximity to regional parks (Foster Bay-Little Huia, Titirangi Beach/French Bay, North Piha and Piha) and ideally any review of these areas would be undertaken at the same time as a review of regional park dog access rules.

·        17 beach and foreshore areas have adjacent local parks which are subject to the default off-leash rule. The other five areas have no adjacent park.

·        There are approximately a further 19 beach, bay and foreshore areas in the Waitakere Local Board area that are associated with regional parks. Dog access rules on these areas are determined by the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and are therefore outside the scope of this report.

9.      The final scope of the review is a matter for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board to decide.

10.    Depending on the scope of the review, options for pre-consultation and research may include both internal and external engagement activities.

 

Recommendations

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Resolve to review local dog access rules in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area in 2014/15 as follows:

i)       a review of local beach and foreshore dog access rules.

ii)      a review of local parks adjacent to beaches.

iii)     a review of ‘picnic area’, ‘fitness apparatus’, ‘bushwalk’ and ‘protected wildlife area’ dog access rules.

 

 

Discussion

Background

11.    In 2012, the governing body replaced seven legacy policies and seven legacy bylaws on dogs with a single Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2012 (the policy) and Auckland Council Dog Management Bylaw 2012 (the bylaw). As part of that process it delegated responsibilities for dog access rules on local park, local beach and local foreshore areas (areas not of regional significance or Department of Conservation[1]) to local boards.

12.    The delegations also contained a specific requirement that local boards review their dog access rules on any beach and foreshore area.

13.    A three year programme (2013-2016) has been established to assist local boards in reviewing local dog beach and foreshore access rules. As part of the establishment of this programme, workshops were held with each local board to establish how much of a priority a review would be (low, medium, high) as well as ascertaining whether there were any key issues of concern. Another function of the programme is to achieve efficiencies by aligning the review programmes across multiple local boards to allow for centralised support and activities.

14.    The Waitakere Ranges Local Board indicated at a workshop in August 2013 that the board wished to undertake a review of dog access rules by summer 2015.

General considerations

15.    The primary issues of dog access under the Dog Control Act 1996, Council’s Policy on Dogs 2012 and the Dog Management Bylaw 2012 are balancing the protection of the safety and comfort of the general public, the protection of wildlife and providing for the recreational and exercise needs of dogs and their owners on a region wide basis. This means having regard to:

(a)     The need to minimise danger, distress, and nuisance to the community generally

(b)    the need to avoid the inherent danger in allowing dogs to have uncontrolled access to public places that are frequented by children, whether or not the children are accompanied by adults

(c)    the importance of enabling, to the extent that is practicable, the public (including families) to use streets and public amenities without fear of attack or intimidation by dogs.

(d)    the exercise and recreational needs of dogs and their owners[2].

A more detailed outlined of the requirements is provided in Attachment A.

Safety and comfort of the general public

16.    While the following information is not specific to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area, it provides an indicative overview of the general issues.

17.    Primary research undertaken by staff for the Auckland Council Dog Management Bylaw 2012 identified that in 2010 the top three dog related complaints[3] were roaming, barking and dog attacks or aggression.

18.    Key points from this research of common dog related complaints received include:

·    Dogs that roam unaccompanied by their owners account for just over half of all dog related problems.

·    Dogs that persistently bark or howl account for one third of all dog related problems.

·    Dogs that attack, rush or are aggressive to people or animals account for just over a tenth of all dog related problems. Dog attacks on people account for less than three per cent of complaints.

19.    The research (as shown in Figure 1) identified that the most common location of reported dog attacks on people was outside the owner’s property (36 per cent). However, it should be noted that based on ACC injury statistics, the reported incidents are estimated to only account for less than a third of actual dog attacks[4]. A possible reason for lack of reporting, particularly in public places, may be an inability to identify the details of a dog or their owner in order to make a complaint.

20.    Comfort of the general public is more problematic to assess and quantify. The first matter for consideration is whether the general public can utilise a public area without ‘fear of attack or intimidation’. While it is noted that most dog owners would consider their pets friendly and would not wilfully harm anyone, to another user the presence of an unknown unleashed dog may engender fear or intimidation. This is particularly within a confined area such as a boardwalk or narrow bush walk where there is no space to avoid coming into contact with the dog.

21.    Secondly, there is the requirement to consider nuisance to the community.  Do users of the space want to be approached by unknown dogs? As part of a survey conducted for the dog access reviews of the Kaipatiki and Orakei Local Board areas, 60 per cent and 65 per cent respectively of non-dog owner respondents did not want unknown dogs approaching them[5] .

22.    This would indicate that in order for the comfort of people to be maintained, dogs need to be effectively controlled in the proximity of non-dog owners, particularly around vulnerable people. Additionally any interactions need to be managed so that they are positive for owners, their dogs and non-dog owners. Dog access rules can help in managing interactions by identifying areas where dogs are allowed under control off-leash, on-leash or are prohibited.

Wildlife

23.    A number of wetland and shorebirds are vulnerable to dogs as they nest, roost, breed or feed in wetland or inter-tidal areas. Feedback from Auckland Council biodiversity staff indicates that for some species, including the New Zealand Dotterel, the presence of dogs can cause ground-nesting birds to leave the nest resulting in loss of clutches and broods and disrupted feeding which is particularly important for migratory birds.

24.    Dog restrictions in protected wildlife areas are not only about protecting wildlife but also reducing the risk of associated penalties on owners if such areas are disrupted by dogs.

25.    Under the Dog Control Act 1996, it is an offence to allow dogs to roam or attack protected wildlife. Penalties include seizure and destruction of the dog; owner imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or a fine not exceeding $20,000, or both. Under section 63 of the Wildlife Act 1953 it is an offence to kill or disturb wildlife. Penalties for individuals include imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine not exceeding $100,000, or both.

Recreational and exercise needs of owners and their dogs

26.    Walking a dog is an important form of regular exercise for many dog owners with a study in Manukau showing that for 50 per cent of dog owners it was their main form of exercise[6]. Supervised interaction between a dog, other dogs and people is also important for the socialisation of dogs.

27.    It is generally accepted that areas to walk a dog (either on-leash or off-leash) that are easily accessible, desirable, and provide diversity of experience for both the dog and owner is important.

Objectives of review

28.    The primary objective for local boards in making decisions on dog access is provided in paragraph 14 above. 

29.    While a local board has the power to determine the full scope of any review in accordance with its delegations, the directive provided by the governing body through the delegations as part of the 2012 policy and bylaw review process provides a framework for this first review of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board dog access rules. Therefore the secondary objectives are initially informed by that directive which can be used as a basis for discussion about the scope of the review and this is provided in the following section.

What local dog access rules to review

30.    Category 1 - Review

This relates to the delegated duty to review all beach and foreshore dog access rules. A proposal must be adopted for public notification[7].This review includes the following:

·        The identification of possible under control off-leash at all times beaches.

·        The identification of where it is appropriate to use the region wide standard summer times (10am and 5pm) and summer season (Labour Weekend to 1 March).

The identification of marine based significant ecological areas is closely linked to the above rules and is therefore recommended by staff to be considered appropriate for inclusion in the review.

31.    Category 2 –Consider

This relates to public requests for changes to dog access rules on specific parks and beaches during the 2012 process. It is at a local board’s discretion to include any such requests in a proposal for public notification. The requests for changes to existing rules in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area are as follows, with the number of people making the request shown in (brackets):

·        West Auckland: More off-leash dog access (1)

·        The Waitakere Ranges Local Board want more off-leash areas in their local board area (1)

·        Want off-leash dog access around the stream near the eel bridge at Piha (1). Reasons for the request include need for off-leash areas to exercise dogs. This is an area between Piha Domain and South Piha Beach.

32.    Category 3 – Optional

This category relates to making dog access rules less complicated. During the 2012 process staff identified a number of issues which, if resolved, would clarify or revoke ambiguous legacy rules and ensure any changes are easier to understand ‘on the ground’[8]. Staff analysis identified the following issues for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area (the relevant reference to the dog access rule in Schedule 2 of the policy is shown in [brackets]):

·        Clarify default under control off-leash rules which currently refer to two former legacy councils [WRLB (1)].

·        Identify bush walks on which dogs are required to be under control on-leash in the former Rodney District Council area [WRLB (3)(b)].

·        Review dog access rules on ‘picnic areas’ and ‘fitness apparatus areas’ in which dogs are required to be under control on a leash or are prohibited [WRLB (6)(c) and 7(b)].

·        Identify habitats home to protected wildlife recognised by the council or Department of Conservation in which dogs are prohibited in the former Rodney District Council area [WRLB (7)(a)].

 

33.    The current Waitakere Ranges Local Board dog access rules are provided in Attachment C for completeness.

34.    The Waitakere Ranges Local Board area includes the following beach and foreshore areas:

Beach and foreshore area

Rule

Oatoru Bay

On a leash

Wood Bay

Otitiori Bay (French Bay)

Beach adjacent to Okiwa Reserve

French Bay/Titirangi Beach

Davies Bay

Herrings Bay

Jenkins Bay

Estuary Area between Laingholm & Point on Warner Park

Laingholm Bay

Beach area adjacent to Taumatarea Esplanade

Armour Bay Reserve Beach

Swanson Bay

Fletcher Bay

Foster Bay

Huia Bay Main Beach

Little Huia Beach

Piha Beach

On a leash outside of daylight saving from approximately Piha Streams and hence generally in a southern direction 600 metres to the southern - most end of the Piha Beach, as is marked by appropriate marker poles.
Prohibited during daylight saving from approximately Piha Streams and hence generally in a southern direction 600 metres to the southern - most end of the South Piha Beach, as is marked by appropriate marker poles.
Prohibited
within any rock or reef wildlife area shown by appropriate marker poles.
 

North Piha Beach

Off a leash between sunrise and sunset on each day on the middle portion of North Piha Beach approximately between 320 metres and 1200 metres north of Piha Streams (excluding Lion Rock) as marked by appropriate marker poles.
On a leash on those portions of North Piha Beach not specifically identified as a prohibited or off-leash area.
Prohibited on the northern end of North Piha Beach at all times from a point approximately 190 metres north of the end of North Piha Road and hence generally in a northern direction.

Wahirua Bay

On a leash

Wigmore Bay

On a leash

Te Henga (Bethells)

Off a leash between sunrise and sunset on each day on the middle portion of Bethells Beach approximately between 490 metres and 840 metres generally in a southern direction from the Waitakere River mouth as marked by appropriate marker poles.
On a leash between sunset and sunrise on the portion as described above.
On a leash on all other parts of Bethells Beach at all times.

Waitakere Bay/North Te Henga

On a leash

 

Summary:

·        22 local beach and foreshore areas are available for review.

·        19 of the above areas are subject to a default on-leash rule and the other three areas are subject to a time and season rule (North Piha, Piha, Te Henga).

·        Four of the above areas are in close proximity to regional parks (Foster Bay-Little Huia, Titirangi Beach/French Bay, North Piha and Piha) and ideally any review of these areas would be undertaken at the same time as a review of regional park dog access rules.

·        17 beach and foreshore areas have adjacent local parks which are subject to the default off-leash rule. The other five areas have no adjacent park.

·        There are approximately a further 19 beach, bay and foreshore areas in the Waitakere Local Board area that are associated with regional parks. Dog access rules on these areas are determined by the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and are therefore outside the scope of this report.


 

35.    The following tables provide options on each matter outlined above to assist the board in deciding what local dog access rules to review.

Table 1: Beach and foreshore dog access rules

Option

Advantages and Disadvantages

Option 1: Review dog access rules on all (approx. 22) local beach and foreshore areas and adjacent local parks in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area.

Why?

Comprehensive review of all local beach and foreshore areas and adjacent parks to review whether current rules are appropriate in terms of public safety and comfort, the needs of dogs and their owners, protection of wildlife.

Will identify if and where the region-wide standard summer beach time and season is appropriate.

Will include a review of the current ‘default’ beach and foreshore dog access rules. Legacy Rodney District Council and Waitakere City default rules are inconsistent (off a leash/on leash on beaches).

Will allow for consideration of more 24/7 under control off-leash dog access on beaches.

Will address issues raised in the 2012 submission process about dog access on North Piha and Piha Beaches and the adjacent park.

Will ensure rules are easy to understand ‘on the ground’.

Advantages

Holistic review of all local beach, foreshore and adjacent park areas.

Disadvantages

Review will precede review of regional park beach and foreshore areas and therefore won’t allow for integrated decisions on beaches in close proximity to regional parks (i.e. Foster Bay-Little Huia, Titirangi Beach/French Bay, North Piha and Piha).

Possible outcomes and costs of review (illustration only)

Confirmation of if and where the standard summer beach time and season is appropriate, if not what the alternatives are, and type of dog access between time slots.

Adjacent park rules aligned.

Local board signage costs. Unable to estimate until investigation completed.

Option 2: Review dog access rules on (approx. 18) local beach and foreshore areas and adjacent local parks in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area, excluding the four in close proximity to regional parks (i.e. Foster Bay-Little Huia, Titirangi Beach/French Bay, North Piha and Piha).

Why?

As per option 1 except that the exclusion of the four beach areas would allow for more integrated decisions if reviewed at the same time as the review of regional park dog access rules currently scheduled for 2016/2017.

Advantages

As per Option 1 except that it also provides for more integrated decisions in relation to dog access rules on Foster Bay-Little Huia, Titirangi Beach/French Bay, North Piha and Piha with adjacent regional park dog access rules.

Disadvantages

The current rules on the four beach and adjacent park areas will remain in place until 2017.

Possible outcomes and costs of review (illustration only)

Confirmation whether and where the standard summer beach time and season is appropriate, if not what the alternatives are, and type of dog access between time slots on the beaches subject to review.

Adjacent park rules aligned.

Local board signage costs. Unable to estimate until investigation completed.

 

Table 2: bush walks

Option

Advantages and Disadvantages

Option 1: Review ‘bush walk’ rules.

Why?

The current rule, requires dogs to be under control on a leash on ‘bush walks’ in the former Rodney District area.

‘Bush walks’ undefined thus difficult to enforce the rules.

Rule does not apply in former Waitakere City Council area.

Advantages

Will clarify rules related to ‘bush walks’ and remove inconsistency between previous two legacy areas.

Removes lack of definition enforcement issues (e.g. between an off-leash park and an on-leash bush walk).

Disadvantages

Resource (time) required to investigate.

Possible outcomes and cost of review (illustration only)

Rule revoked for ‘bush walk’. Investigation finds rule unnecessary and that underlying rule for the park (typically under control off-leash) is appropriate. Rule replaced for ‘bush walk’. Investigation finds a small number of particular areas easily identifiable on the ground as bush walks.

Local board signage costs. Unable to estimate until review completed. May be minimal if only a few areas identified and existing appropriate signage present.

Option 2: Do not review (retain current rules)

Advantages

No resource (time) required to investigate, and no cost for signs (if required).

Disadvantages

Retains inconsistent and unclear rule across two legacy council areas.

Possible outcomes and cost of review (illustration only)

Continued lack of easy to understand ‘on the ground’ rules. No cost.

 


Table 3: picnic and fitness apparatus areas

Option

Advantages and Disadvantages

Option 1: Review ‘picnic area’ and fitness apparatus rules.

Why?

Legacy Rodney District Council rule prohibits dogs in ‘any designated public picnic area’. Legacy Waitakere City Council rule allows dogs under control on a leash in any area that is developed or marked out as a picnic area.

Legacy Waitakere City Council rule prohibits dogs on or within 10 metres of any area that contains fitness apparatus in the former Waitakere City. No rule for former Rodney District Council area.

Terms not defined and therefore considered unenforceable.

Lack of clarity around where and how the rule applies.

Advantages

Will clarify rules related to picnic areas and fitness apparatus and remove inconsistencies between previous two legacy areas.

Disadvantages

Resource (time) required to investigate.

Possible outcomes and cost of review (illustration only)

Investigation finds rule unnecessary and that underlying rule for the park (typically under control off-leash) is appropriate. Rule revoked.

No or minimal local board signage costs.

Investigation finds a small number of particular areas easily identifiable on the ground picnic areas. Rule replaced for ‘picnic areas’.

Local board signage costs. Unable to estimate until review completed. May be minimal if only a few areas identified.

Note: This would not include isolated tables or BBQ facilities but particular areas.

Option 2: Do not review (retain current rules)

Advantages

No resource (time) required to investigate, and no cost for signs (if required).

Disadvantages

Retains unnecessary or confusing rules, some of which are not enforced, and difficult to communicate.

Possible outcomes and cost of review (illustration only)

Continued lack of easy to understand ‘on the ground’ rules. No cost.

 


Table 6: protected wildlife

Option

Advantages and Disadvantages

Option 1- Review ‘wildlife’ rule.

 

Why?

The current rule, based on the Legacy Rodney District Council rule, prohibits dogs in protected wildlife habitat areas in the former Rodney District Council area. Areas undefined.

Rule does not apply in former Waitakere City Council area.

‘Wildlife’ undefined term. Move across the region to use the significant ecological areas of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan as a basis for habitat and fauna protection rules.

The review would include a review of both land and marine based significant ecological areas.

Advantages

Will clarify rules related to wildlife areas and remove inconsistency between previous two legacy areas.

Will identify specific locations to allow for rules to be applied to protect identified wildlife as well as habitat and fauna.

Disadvantages

Resource (time) required to investigate.

Possible outcomes of review and costs (illustration)

Rule clarified for ‘wildlife areas’. Investigation identifies relevant areas and associated dog access restrictions and lists them in the bylaw.

Local board signage costs. Unable to estimate until review completed. May be minimal as likely to be existing signage or inaccessible.

Option 2: Do not review (retain current rules)

Advantages

No resource (time) required to investigate, and no cost for signs (if required).

Disadvantages

Retains inconsistent rules, some of which are not enforced, and difficult to communicate.

Unclear definition and location of significant ecological areas means important habitat and wildlife areas are at risk from dogs.

Possible outcomes and cost of review (illustration only)

Continued lack of easy to understand ‘on the ground’ rules. No cost.

Process and costs

36.    The governing body has established a standard process to assist local boards. The governing body will fund aspects of the standard process, including basic research and engagement and public notification. Local boards will fund any additional research and engagement, alternative forms of public notification, and signage.

37.    The standard process established by the governing body supports changes to dog access rules on an annual basis being integrated with the dog registration process. This process allows for a more timely and robust discussion as well as achieving efficiencies by aligning the review programmes across multiple local boards to allow for centralised support and activities.

38.    The process timeline starts in September of one year and ends in October of the following year. The local board will need to adopt a proposal by April 2015, hold hearings and deliberations and make decisions on submissions by August 2015.

39.    Attachment B provides an outline of the process together with clarification of responsibilities and funding allocations between the governing body and the local board.

Pre-consultation and research

40.    For completeness, the table below summarise the proposed activities covered through the standard process to be undertaken prior to the formal consultation for a statement of proposal using the special consultative procedure of the Local Government Act 2002. The confirmation of the standard initiatives is subject to the finalisation of the scope of the review.

Pre-consultation activities: September 2014 – March 2015

Auckland Council internal stakeholders

Workshops/meetings with representatives from:

·   Parks

·   Animal Management

·   Biodiversity

·   Biosecurity

·   Community Policy and Planning

External interested parties and identified stakeholders

Workshops/meetings (via direct invitation) with representatives from:

·   Ecological groups

·   Specific interest groups (including e.g. residents and ratepayer associations)

Survey (on-line survey on beach use only), invitees to include:

·   General public

·   Local board identified stakeholders

·   People’s panel members in Waitakere Ranges Local Board area

Photo library (beaches within review only)

Consideration

Local board views and implications

41.    The views of other local boards have not been sought.

Māori impact statement

42.    The views of 23 iwi in relation to dog access were sought as part of two hui held on 22 and 23 October 2013. The hui covered five bylaw topics - signs, trading in public places, navigation safety and lifejackets, animal management and dog access, outdoor fires.

43.    Feedback related to the ability of iwi to determine dog access on marae, a focus on control, responsible dog ownership, and ensuring the protection of sensitive ecological areas.

Implementation

44.    Issues related to implementation relate to the local board costs for additional research, engagement, and public notification initiatives; and the cost of any signage.

45.    The costs of implementation are expected to be obtained from existing budgets. The cost of signage will become clearer as the review progresses.

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Decision-making requirements

3

bView

Standard process

3

cView

2012 Dog Control Bylaw Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 Waitakere Ranges

3

     

Signatories

Authors

Shireen  Munday - Policy Analyst

Toni Ferdinands - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Helgard Wagener - Team leader, Policies and Bylaws

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

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Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

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09 October 2014

 

 

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Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Adoption of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan 2014

 

File No.: CP2014/22331

 

  

 

Purpose

1.       To adopt the Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan 2014.

Executive summary

2.       Each local board is required to adopt a local board plan by 31 October 2014.

3.       The Waitakere Ranges draft Local Board Plan was developed following informal community engagement. This was followed by formal consultation using the special consultative procedure (SCP) from 7 July to 6 August 2014.  The Waitakere Ranges Local Board considered the submissions from the SCP at its deliberations meeting in September.

4.       The Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan is attached to this agenda.

 

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Adopts the Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan

b)      Delegates to the Chair to approve any minor wording changes that may be necessary following adoption.

 

 

 

Background

5.       The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 requires each local board to develop a local board plan every three years. The first local board plan was adopted in 2011. This second local board plan must be adopted by 31 October 2014.

6.       Local board plans are strategic plans for the following three years and beyond. The plans reflect the priorities and preferences of the community. They guide how the local board:

·     makes decisions on local activities and projects

·     provides input into regional strategies and policies

·     works with other agencies that play a key role in the area, including central government agencies and council-controlled organisations.

7.       The plans inform the development of the council’s 10-year Long-term Plan. The plans also form the basis for development of the annual local board agreement for each of the following three financial years.

Consideration

8.       The local board plan is a local reflection of strategic issues highlighted in the Auckland Plan and other regional strategies and policies. 

9.       Engaging with local communities has been an important part of developing this plan. Informal consultation was conducted in February in town centres, local events and through stakeholder engagement. 

10.     The local board is also required to use the Special Consultative Procedure to consult on the draft local board plan. The SCP was held from 7 July to 6 August 2014. A total of 170 submissions were received, with 35 people speaking at the hearings.  The local board deliberated on the points raised in the SCP in September 2014.

11.     In general, submitters supported the key priorities and initiatives in the local board plan. Key points from submissions included:

·     Strong support for the revitalisation of Glen Eden (75 submitters agreed with this priority) and support for the implementation of the Oratia masterplan (54 submitters agreed with this priority). 

·     Strong support for environmental protection being a key area of focus (51 submitters agreed with this priority). 

·     Support for encouraging public transport, walking and cycling (26 responses in support), including:

o   Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation and improved public transport systems (26 responses in support) 

o   Increasing walkway and cycleway connections (28 responses in support).

·     A number of submitters suggested strengthening the sections of the plan relating to recreation (21 submitters) and community development (20 submitters). A new ‘Thriving Communities’ outcome has now been added to the plan as a result of these submissions.

12.     The plan is attached to this agenda.

Local board views and implications

13.     The local board’s views have driven the development of the plan attached to this report.

Māori impact statement

14.     The Waitakere Ranges Local Board has given consideration to Māori outcomes throughout the development of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan; consequently the implementation of the Plan has the potential for positive outcomes for Māori.

15.     Along with western and central local boards, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board met with mana whenua authorities to review its draft local board plan. Views expressed by mana whenua authorities during this hui have been considered in the development of the final Plan.

16.     The Waitakere Ranges Local Board has also engaged with mataawaka through activities that were accessible to the general public, as well as holding an engagement event during Waitangi Day celebrations at Hoani Waititi marae in the early stages of the plan’s development and has met with mataawaka during the consultation period.

17.     The draft local board plan describes some of the ways the Waitakere Ranges Local Board will work together with mana whenua and mataawaka.  This includes working with iwi to ensure the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area is protected, including areas of historic significance, encouraging Maori Arts networks and supporting Hoani Waititi marae.

Implementation

18.     The long-term plan and the annual plans draw the local board plans together and prioritise the council projects into what is affordable and will best meet the strategic direction and needs of Auckland’s communities. The projects and initiatives contained in each local board plan need to be included in the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 and annual plans if they are to be implemented. This requires discussion and agreement with the governing body though the local board agreement process.

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Waitakere Ranges FINAL Local Board Plan 2014

3

     

Signatories

Authors

Rachel Wilson - Local Board Advisor

Authorisers

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan

Contents

 

Message from the Chair 2

Mihi 4

Our vision.. 5

b)                                                                                                                                                                                                    Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan Outcomes. 8

About local boards. 11

Working with Māori 11

About local board plans. 12

About local board funding. 12

How we got your feedback. 13

Outcome: The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area is protected. 15

Outcome: Our unique natural environments are healthy and restored. 19

Outcome: Thriving communities. 25

Outcome: Revitalised town centres and villages 30

Outcome: Sustainable local economic activity is supported. 34

Outcome: Arts and culture flourish, with Titirangi as the vibrant arts hub for the west 37

Outcome: Public transport, cycling and walking are easy, safe and connected. 41

Indicative budget and funding sources. 45

Appendix 1: Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area roles and responsibilities. 47

Your Waitākere Ranges Local Board members. 50


 

Message from the Chair

In this document, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board presents its local board plan, containing its proposed directions, priorities and projects for the three years commencing 2015/16.

 

The plan is the product of many months talking to local communities and hearing views about our draft plan. We received 170 submissions, with 35 people speaking at the hearings.

 

Generally, you told us we had got things right, and that the emphases on environment, the Heritage Area and urban renewal in Glen Eden were supported.

 

We had woven people and communities through all our six outcome areas, but a number of you thought that we should be more explicit about our wish to support and work with the people and communities of the west. So, we have added a seventh outcome and named it ‘Thriving Communities’.

 

Of course we could not fund everything that was brought to us. Our budget is relatively modest, as with a largely population-based funding formula, we are not very populated. Eighty-two percent of our area is covered in indigenous vegetation, far more than any other mainland area, and that explains both the modest size of our budget and the scale of the environmental tasks that have to be done.

 

Even then, the budget we have been able to allocate to our environment is small in comparison with the very large task we face. We will need all the help we can get to tackle the environmental problems of the Waitākeres.

 

For some of the things we need to do, we must go to the governing body of the Auckland Council to ask them to fund it.

 

We do not expect much more funding will be coming our way. Already, what is called our budget for “Local Discretionary Initiatives” has been frozen, and will not be increased for the next few years. We have also had funds for some of our priority capital works projects beginning in the current year – 2014/15 - deferred, and we will have to argue in future years to restore these.

Over the next few months the governing body will work on its long-term plan, and will consider whether it wants to fund projects in our local board plan, as well as the plans of 20 other local boards. They will have to make choices about what they fund and what they don’t. Parts of the region have been given priority for funding. These are Special Housing Areas and Spatial Priority Areas. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board is disappointed it does not have any of these priority areas within its boundaries.

 

That means that there is doubt about the future of some of the projects in this plan.

 

Consequently, when reading the local board’s plan, please keep in mind that funding for individual projects needs to be confirmed by the governing body of the Auckland Council.

 

Sandra Coney, QSO

Chair, Waitākere Ranges Local Board

 

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Mihi

E nga pītau whakarei o te waka,

e nga rau tītapu o te iwi, e aku hei māpuna,

e taku iti e taku rahi, koutou kua mahue mai nei

hei toka piringa mōku i te ora,

hei ruruhau i nga hau āwhio o te wā.

E aku whakakai pounamu, e aku māpihi maurea,

kia oho te mauri, kia māriri o koutou wairua,

kia hora te marino, tēnā koutou katoa.

Tēnei au te noho atu nei i te tihi o Te Pae o te Rangi,

i tīhorea ai te whenua kia kī ake au,

e koe e te hau o te uru te wawā rā, me te kī mai,

e kore au e ora i ngā hau kōtiu, i āia ai te pūpūtara ki uta.

Nāu nei te tono kia piki ake au i ngā tai whakatū a Kupe

ki te Waonui a Tiriwa me te Pae o te Rangi,

Kia titiro whakaroto ahau ki te maunga o Puketōtara,

kei raro e rere ana ko te awa o Waitākere

kei tētahi taha ko Puke Whakataratara, kei tua ko Te Whau.

Koinei rā te rohe kāinga o Te Au o Te Whenua me te Te Kawerau a Maki,

ko rātou nei te whāriki i āhei ai te nohoa o tēnei moka o te rohe

e tini whāioio kua whakakāinga ma.,

Kua kōhatu nei nga paparahi ki te whenua,

i tangata whenuatia ai tātou katoa.

I whaikiko ai te kōrero,

“Ko te hapori te tauawhi i te taiao, he mea motuhake, rerenga kē.”  Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā.

 

To all those who adorn the prow of this canoe,

to the revered leaders of the people, to my treasured heirlooms,

the lesser and the greater parts of me,

you who are my refuge in life,

my shelter from the storms of time.

My objects of affection,

let your very being flourish, let your spirit be at peace,

let the calm be widespread, I send greetings to you all.

Here I sit on the ridgeline of Te Pae o te Rangi,

where the land had been laid bare,

and the roaring wind of the west whispers,

that I would not survive the blast of the northerly wind, that would drive the paper nautilus to shore.

It was you who commanded me to ascend from the raised seas of Kupe,

to the forest of Tiriwa, and Te Pae o te Rangi.

So I look inland to Puketotara,

at the foot of which runs the Waitākere river

on one side stands Massey and on the other - Te Whau.

Home of Te Au o te Whenua and Te Kawerau a Maki,

the original settlers, they laid the way for later travellers

to make a home here.

They cast their footprints in stone upon these precincts of the region,

and so made settlers of us all.

Which gives substance to the adage,

“Communities connected to their natural environment are unique and diverse.”  Let us grow with vigor.

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Our vision

Creating the world’s most liveable city at the local level

The Waitākere Ranges provides scenic beauty, fresh water, artistic inspiration and clean air for Auckland. The ranges are the visual backdrop to the city, forming its western skyline. The dense rainforest, outstanding landscapes, pristine waters and scorching black-sand beaches make this area special to us, people in the Auckland region and the rest of the country. Our unique, vocal and passionate communities, iwi and visitors all treasure the area and want to protect it.

 

Our local board area is a great place to live, for a variety of lifestyles and life stages. We enjoy the relaxed vibe of our coastal villages, the rural nature of our foothills, and our busy townships. We celebrate the area’s rich historic and cultural heritage and the individual character of each of our villages and town centres.

 

Glen Eden will become the attractive and lively town centre at the heart of our area. The electrification of the train line, improved bus services, green walkways and cycleways will connect people with where they want to go. We want an innovative and prosperous economy that provides local job opportunities.

 

People enjoy arts and culture that are distinctive to our area. Titirangi is known as the arts hub of the west, with the Lopdell Precinct a celebrated and evolving destination. We will work with our communities to achieve our shared goals.

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Our outcomes

The Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan creates the world’s most liveable city at the local level. Creating the world’s most liveable city is the vision of the Auckland Plan. Our local board plan takes into account the outcomes in the 30-year Auckland Plan to help deliver this vision.

 

Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan Outcomes

 

The Auckland Plan

The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area is protected

Together with iwi and our communities, we act as stewards over the Waitākere Ranges. We focus on protecting and enhancing the heritage features of the local board area.

Our unique natural environments are healthy and restored

Native biodiversity flourishes in our forests, coasts, streams and marine areas. An integrated approach is taken to the control of weeds and pests. Our kauri forests are protected from the threat of kauri dieback. 

Thriving communities

Our diverse communities are healthy and safe and people feel that they are valued, connected and belong. 

Revitalised town centres and urban villages

Our urban villages and town centres are people-centred, and attractive places for people to live and work. Glen Eden has a lively, prosperous and creative heart. 

Sustainable local economic activity is supported

Our urban business centres are active and successful. Home-based businesses in the ranges are fostered. The historically rural nature of economic activities in the foothills continues. 

Arts and culture flourish, with Titirangi as the vibrant arts hub for the west

People enjoy local arts, events and cultural activities that are unique to our place. Investment in Lopdell Precinct benefits arts activities throughout the local board area. 

Public transport, cycling and walking are easy, safe and connected

The new electric trains and changes to the bus network make it easy for everyone to get around. Feeder buses for outer areas, green walkways and cycleways link smoothly into the network. Our urban environments promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling.

Title: Arrow pointing rightTitle: Arrow pointing left

Vision

To become the world’s most liveable city

 

Outcomes

·    a fair, safe and healthy Auckland

·    a green Auckland

·    an Auckland of prosperity and opportunity

·    a well-connected and accessible Auckland

·    a beautiful Auckland that is loved by its people

·    a culturally rich and creative Auckland

·      a Māori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference in the world.

 

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Waitākere Ranges local board area

Title: Map of Auckland showing where the Waitakere-Ranges Local Board is located.


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Title: Map of the Waitakere-Ranges Local Board area. - Description: The Waitakere-Ranges Local Board area shares boarders with Rodney, Henderson-Massey and Whau local boards.

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Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

About local boards

Auckland Council has a unique model of local government in New Zealand, comprising the governing body (made up of the mayor and 20 ward councillors) and 21 local boards. The governing body focuses on the big picture and on Auckland-wide issues and decisions.

 

Local boards provide local leadership and make decisions on local issues, activities and facilities, such as local parks, libraries and community halls. Local boards can also fund other organisations through community grants and other funding arrangements, for activities such as events and community programmes.

 

Local boards engage with and represent their communities, provide important local input into Auckland-wide strategies and plans and work with others to build strong communities. Many council activities that are important to local communities are the responsibility of the governing body and council-controlled organisations (including Auckland Transport). Local boards act as champions and advocates for their communities when others have the decision-making role.

 

Local boards also play an important role in delivering at the local level on Auckland Council’s commitment to Māori.

Working with Māori

Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and its broader statutory obligations to Māori. As part of this commitment the Waitākere Ranges Local Board will increase and develop formal relationships with local iwi and Māori. This will set the framework for engaging rangatira ki te rangatira or chief-to-chief, to share information and work together to progress opportunities and outcomes for its Māori community. Our local board plan describes some of the ways we will work with Māori in our local area.

 

Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngati Whatua are mana whenua in the Waitākere Ranges local board area and the local board is committed to working together, particularly around areas of importance to them such as the ranges. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board also has a relationship with Hoani Waititi Marae, a pan-tribal mataawaka organisation.  We look forward to having the opportunity to engage further with our local iwi and Māori.

About local board plans

This plan is about the Waitākere Ranges local board area. It expresses what we have heard from you.

 

The plan sets the framework that will guide our decision-making and actions for the next three years. It informs the board’s decisions on local activities, and enables us to represent your interests and preferences on regional strategies and plans. It also provides the flexibility to cope with changes that will happen during the next three years. During this time we will continue to work closely with all sectors of our community to understand your ongoing needs, issues and priorities.

 

About local board funding

The local boards funding policy in the long-term plan (LTP) sets out how local boards are funded.

 

Some local board funding relates to local assets and facilities. The governing body makes the initial investment decisions and then local boards oversee the budgets and operations. Local boards are also allocated funding to deliver local programmes and initiatives. The actual budget for each year is agreed with the governing body as part of discussion on the annual local board agreement.

 

This local board plan contains indicative budget tables for the next three years. This budget is based on the LTP 2012-2022, with adjustments to reflect annual plans and other budget changes since then.

 

The final budgets for the next three years will be different. This is because they will reflect recent amendments to the local boards funding policy, and because the council is preparing the draft LTP 2015-2025. This preparation includes a review of funding for all projects, which may affect some local board plan projects that are currently funded.

 

Our draft local board plan showed the funding status of key initiatives to deliver each plan outcome. This funding status is not included in this final local board plan, because it could change as the LTP 2015-2025 is developed.

How we got your feedback

Engaging with our communities has been an important part of developing this plan. You have told us your views on many issues over the past three years as part of the development of a wide range of council plans.

 

As well, we undertook further specific engagement in developing this plan. We listened to your views at meetings and gathered information informally though other means. Formal consultation then followed, where you made written submissions. We held hearings, considered all submissions fully and made changes to our plan based on your feedback.

 

Our engagement activities

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and ideas, which have helped shape this local board plan.

 

Taking a retro lounge suite out and about in Titirangi, Swanson and Glen Eden offered a novel and new approach to consultation. We were delighted with the results and the willingness of people to sit with us for a chat in a relaxed and friendly environment.

 

We also went along to events such as Music in Parks at Huia Domain, the Waitangi Day celebrations at Hoani Waititi Marae, Toddler Day Out and a meeting of Sport Waitākere.

 

The portfolio-based forums on the environment, economic development, community development and the arts provided a great opportunity for us to engage in more depth on some of the important issues in this area. We had some great feedback from our Resident and Ratepayers groups and we also appreciate the response we got from the online surveys.

 

For the formal consultation, we received a total of 170 written submissions, with 35 people speaking at the hearings.  The submissions were generally supportive of the direction we were proposing, however there were some further suggestions and new ideas proposed. We have made a number of changes to the draft plan in response to your feedback, including a new outcome around ‘thriving communities’.  

 

Through engagement we have established new contacts as well as reconnecting with many of our committed and passionate residents and groups. We will continue to have a focus on engagement and transparency with our community.

 

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Outcome: The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area is protected

Together with iwi and our communities, we act as stewards over the Waitākere Ranges. We focus on protecting and enhancing the heritage features of the local board area.

 

The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area is unique in New Zealand both for its natural and cultural features and the pressures for change that it faces. This is due to its location close to metropolitan Auckland – with its increasing population and relentless expansion. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (the Heritage Area Act) was put in place to recognise the area’s national, regional and local significance and to promote the protection and enhancement of its heritage features for present and future generations. There are a variety of organisations with responsibilities for the Heritage Area. These relationships are shown in Appendix 1. We also acknowledge the importance of the ranges to Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngati Whatua. 

 

In the last term, the local board delivered the first monitoring report required under the Heritage Area Act. Overall this report was positive and found that the purpose and objectives of the Heritage Area Act are generally being met. In this term, the local board will focus on areas where further work is needed. These include more consistent monitoring, preservation of landscape character, protection of cultural and historic heritage and enhanced environmental protection.

 

The monitoring report identified that one of the negative effects on landscape character was unsympathetic infrastructure works in the road corridor. For example signs, structures or barriers that are not in keeping with the landscape. The local board will strongly advocate to Auckland Transport to develop a design guide for the Heritage Area to address this issue.

 

You have told us that the unique local character of our rural and coastal villages is important to you. Local area plans, one of the tools under the Heritage Area Act, provide a way for the local board to work with each community to set out the long-term goals relating to the area’s future uses, character, community well-being and environment. We will be developing a further local area plan at Bethells/Te Henga as well as looking to do further concerted work to implement those that have already been done (Oratia, Waiatarua, Henderson Valley/Opanuku and Muddy Creeks).

Cultural and historic heritage

The protection of our heritage values is a primary focus for this local board. The Waitākere Ranges has a large and diverse range of Māori and European heritage sites, especially in the coastal areas which were favoured for occupation and industry on account of the natural resources available. While 30-40 years ago, a great deal of work was done to identify these places, the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Monitoring Report has identified that these sites need to be more precisely mapped and their present condition assessed and reported on. As a first step the local board is funding a desktop study to identify the information available and next steps for assessment and protection.

 

We will work with local museums and heritage groups to protect historic heritage. Heritage surveys of discrete areas are a useful tool to identify key buildings, sites and areas with collective heritage value, particularly in areas under pressure from development. Once identified, individual heritage places can be eligible for inclusion in the Unitary Plan Heritage Schedule or for wider areas such as streets, protected as character or conservation areas. We will look to prioritise an area for a heritage survey, perhaps Titirangi, and carry it out.

 

The centenary of World War One is an important milestone for New Zealand with a great deal of community interest. We will be working with our communities to commemorate this period, learn more about New Zealanders who served, and how the war impacted on local communities and families.

 

What you told us

·    Keep the Waitākere Ranges safe, we cannot afford to compromise this area.

·    Local character is particularly important.

·    Sites of significance to mana whenua are an important part of the cultural history of the area. 

·    Support local area plans and their implementation (in partnership with those communities).

·    Unique road corridor solutions are needed for the Heritage Area.

 

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

Preserving the local character of our communities and managing the effects of visitors 

Investigating the creation of visible gateways to the Heritage Area.

Lead

Community

$20,000 Annually

Preserving the local character of our communities and managing the effects of visitors 

Prioritise implementing local area plans (note that many of the actions are reflected in other sections)

Lead

Partner with communities that have a local area plan 

Priorities to be decided annually

Preserving the local character of our communities and managing the effects of visitors 

Living in the bush design guide, for any building or development in bush areas. 

Lead

Community

$15,000

Maintenance and infrastructure work in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area respects the natural, cultural and historical environments

Design guidelines for local parks in the Heritage Area

Lead

 

$30,000

 

Maintenance and infrastructure work in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area respects the natural, cultural and historical environments

Road corridor design guide for the Heritage Area

 

Advocate Partner

Auckland Transport

Funded by Auckland Transport

Focus on protecting heritage

Implement recommendations of the Heritage Area monitoring report

Lead Advocate

Governing body

Priorities to be decided annually

Focus on protecting heritage

Conduct a heritage survey

Lead

Community

$60,000

 

Focus on protecting heritage

Working with our communities on World War One commemorations and heritage celebrations

Partner

Community

Governing body

$22,000

Annually

 

 

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Outcome: Our unique natural environments are healthy and restored

Native biodiversity flourishes in our forests, coasts, streams and marine areas. An integrated approach is taken to the control of weeds and pests. Our kauri forests are protected from the threat of kauri dieback. 

 

The well-being of the Waitākere Ranges is of enormous importance to the local board, our communities, Aucklanders and the whole of New Zealand. Eighty-two per cent of our area is in native vegetation, with diverse habitats home to indigenous species, such as kauri snails, Hochstetter’s frogs, a variety of native birds and long tailed bats. This makes us unique in the Auckland region, with a huge responsibility for managing any threats to our environment. This outcome strongly links to the Auckland Plan strategic direction ‘acknowledge that nature and people are inseparable’.

 

Our area contains 40 per cent of all native vegetation in the region and has national ecological significance. Sometimes called the ‘lungs of Auckland’ the Waitākere Ranges perform a variety of ‘ecosystem services’.

 

Concern about weeds and pests throughout our area was a key message we heard from you during our engagement activities. The local board has a key role in tackling this problem. We have already started drawing together all parts of the council, council-controlled organisations, iwi, non-governmental organisations and the community to work together in an integrated way. We have funded a weed management plan for our area to ensure that our efforts are being directed in the most ecologically effective manner. We support the direction of the Auckland Council Weed Management Policy and its objective of minimising agrichemical use. We will also advocate to Auckland Transport to review how they use sprays and chemicals in the road corridor.

 

We value the commitment of many who live and work in the area, local iwi and the numerous conservation and advocacy groups, including the Waitākere Ranges Conservation Network. It is only with your continued help that we can start to make a difference.  We will continue to provide support to you through community weedbins and the sustainable neighbourhoods programme.  We will also look to see if there are further ways to support community efforts to restore the environment.

 

The aim of controlling weeds and pests on both public and private land is to restore native biodiversity and habitats and prevent degradation of the 17,000ha of regional parkland in our local board area. Our local parks will also be a key area of work, including a five-year ecological restoration of the reserves at Piha and the maintenance of the Project Twin Streams planting.

 

Kauri dieback disease is devastating our giants of the forest. There is currently no known treatment for the disease, so we need to concentrate our efforts to try and prevent it spreading further. We will employ a coordinator to work with local communities to ensure that local people and visitors are well informed about kauri dieback and what they can do to prevent its spread. We will also create a ‘Kauri Carnival’ to celebrate our majestic trees as well as raising awareness of the disease. Further funding is needed at both the regional and national levels to conduct more research on the disease, possible treatments and solutions to prevent it spreading. We will continue to advocate to the governing body and government on this issue.

 

The Manukau Harbour is another treasure for Aucklanders. As the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, we take part in the Manukau Harbour Forum (a joint forum of nine local boards) to deliver its vision and strategy:

“The Manukau Harbour is recognised and valued as a significant cultural, ecological and economic asset, and through integrated management has a rich and diverse marine and terrestrial environment that is able to be enjoyed by all.’ Manukau Harbour Forum vision and strategy

 

Our local board marine area is also home to the Maui’s dolphin, the world’s rarest dolphin that has been listed as critically endangered. We are raising awareness of this issue, particularly for fishers and boat users, and advocating to government for further protection measures.

 

We need to improve water quality in our west coast lagoons and the Manukau Harbour. In particular, our west coast lagoons are often not safe to swim. Since November 2013, the council's Safeswim programme has shown that there have been five amber and three red alerts requiring action at the Karekare lagoon, and the two Piha lagoons produced four amber and five red alerts. A comprehensive education programme is required to address the causes, which include poorly functioning septic tanks and cattle in streams. We are working with the governing body and local communities to address this issue, including considering incentives for property owners to improve their septic systems.

 

We want people to have pride in our suburban environments too. We can support this by making sure our local streets and parks are free of weeds, pests and rubbish and our trees are protected. We will work with our communities and local organisations on projects to encourage pride in how our neighbourhoods appear and are looked after. 

 

We are concerned about waste issues both in the ranges and our urban area. We will support regional park activities and local promotion, education and monitoring to address dumping in the ranges. We will also work with our communities on implementing the Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, which aims to reduce waste and increase resource recovery.

 

The everyday choices that people make can also have big environmental impacts. We will encourage environmentally responsible lifestyles, including promoting volunteering, conserving water and energy, and the Education for Sustainability Programme. We can all reduce our environmental impacts at home, in the garden and through travel choices

 

What you told us

·    There has been a ‘weed explosion’ in the ranges, we need to act urgently to coordinate action, in particular around gorse, ginger and bamboo.

·    More action is needed around the control of animal pests, in particular possums, wasps and rabbits.

·    Possum control has gone backward, we need to energise more action.

·    More education and compliance is needed around kauri dieback.

·    Support the work of smaller environmental groups and enable community-led initiatives.

·    Managing pests, weeds and waterways on private land is important.

·    The environment is important in urban areas too.

·    I walk to work am disappointed with the amount of litter I see.

 

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

We take an integrated approach to the control of weeds and pests

Develop a weed management strategy for our local area (including local parks) and act immediately

Lead

Community

Governing body

Auckland Transport

Watercare

Non-governmental organisations

$250,000

Annually

 

We take an integrated approach to the control of weeds and pests

Further funding for plant and animal pest management

 

Advocate

Governing body

-

We take an integrated approach to the control of weeds and pests

Sustainable neighbourhoods

Lead

Community

$90,000 Annually 

Preventing the spread of kauri dieback

Employing a kauri dieback coordinator

Lead

Governing body

$45,000

Annually

 

Preventing the spread of kauri dieback

Further funding for research

Advocate

Governing body

Ministry for Primary Industries

-

Preventing the spread of kauri dieback

Kauri Carnival event to celebrate kauri and raise awareness of kauri dieback

Lead

Community

$18,000 Annually

Protecting and restoring our natural habitats and biodiversity

Improving water quality in the west coast lagoons, by working with local communities

Lead  

Community

Governing body

$50,000 Annually

Protecting and restoring our natural habitats and biodiversity

Support efforts at a regional level to improve water quality

Advocate

Governing body

-

Protecting and restoring our natural habitats and biodiversity

Restoration of the reserves at Piha 

Lead

Community

$20,000

 

Protecting and restoring our natural habitats and biodiversity

Ongoing ecological restoration at Tangiwai Reserve and Armour Bay Reserve

Lead

Community

$15,000

 

Protecting and restoring our natural habitats and biodiversity

Continued support and maintenance of Project Twin Streams areas

 

Lead and advocate

Community Governing body

$270,000

Annually

Measures to increase awareness of the plight of the Maui’s dolphin

Education and awareness-raising around the protection of the Maui’s dolphin

Lead

Department of Conservation Governing body

Community 

Ministry for Primary Industries

$10,000

Annually

Connecting with nature with people adopting responsible lifestyles

Partnering with community organisations

Partnering

Ecomatters

Keep Waitākere Beautiful

$87,000

Annually

Connecting with nature with people adopting responsible lifestyles

Investigate the reintroduction of advisory information for new residents on weed management, building design, septic tanks and sustainable environmental practices 

Lead

Community

$15,000 to develop and $5,000 annually for updates

 

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Outcome: Thriving communities

Our diverse communities are healthy and safe and people feel that they are valued, connected and belong. 

 

Our communities have a strong sense of identity. We have 50,000 residents, who live across the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area - in our west coast and rural villages, urban villages and townships.  Each of our communities has their own aspirations and strengths as well as social challenges.

 

The 2013 census highlights that some of the more urban parts of the local board area have relatively high levels of deprivation. We will support local agencies and organisations to tackle socio-economic challenges, such as poverty and affordable housing. The Thriving Communities Action Plan outlines that communities value the advocacy role that the governing body and local boards can play on social issues. We will also advocate for a living wage - both for Auckland Council as an employer and in the wider community.

 

The census also shows that home ownership is significantly lower in parts of Glen Eden than in the local board area as a whole and that that these communities have a high number of people moving in and out. We want to our communities to feel proud of their areas and that they belong. The more that people are able to participate and be active within our communities, the stronger and more resilient our communities will become. The local board has an important role to play in helping new residents feel part of the community. Encouraging local events, celebrating our diverse communities, strengthening local networks, programmes for new migrants and accessible facilities can all help develop community ties.

 

We want to provide and promote community services and facilities that meet the needs of all, including younger people, older adults, people with disabilities and all parts of our communities. This is important across our local board area. For example our libraries provide vibrant community spaces where people meet, learn, read and enjoy a variety of programmes and activities. From large print books for older adults, resources in different languages to robotics classes at Glen Eden library and a poetry group at the Titirangi library. Our volunteer libraries in Piha and Waiatarua are important community hubs and the mobile library provides a valuable service for many of the outer areas of the local board.

 

Local halls, community houses, marae and community centres are also important assets in each of our urban, rural and coastal areas. People meet each other there, celebrate occasions and attend classes or events.  We want to ensure that our facilities are well used as the valuable resources that they are. They need to be safe, clean and comfortable and we will look to improve the buildings and grounds over time, for example we are undertaking extensive repairs at the Waitākere Domain Hall and the Laingholm Hall. We also support Hoani Waititi Marae with their arts, education and community engagement initiatives.

 

We want to continue to encourage young people to have a voice and educational and employment opportunities in our local board area. The local board provides ongoing support for youth networks and will continue to make youth a priority in our planning.

 

We acknowledge and support the work of our community volunteers – in the environment, social, safety and recreation areas. We are working with groups such as Community Waitākere to actively assist people to develop their skills, both as individuals and groups. We also allocate grants to many neighbourhood and local volunteer groups and activities.

 

We will support and encourage recreational choices by making sure that our parks, sportsfields and facilities are high-quality and well maintained. We are particularly keen to make it easier for young people to get active and involved, in safe places that are easy to get to and from. We support the Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan and will work with Sport Waitākere to address priorities in our area, including promoting active lifestyles and school and youth programmes for Glen Eden. The local board supports sports clubs working together to improve facilities and opportunities for users. We will also work with the Piha Kids Charitable Trust to look at further recreational opportunities for younger people in Piha. 

 

Recreational safety is also important, particularly water safety on our west coast beaches. We want people to be safe swimming, boating and when fishing at sea or round the rocks, We recognise the volunteer hours put in by surf club members to protect both locals and visitors. We will be advocating to the governing body to fund the 10:20 surf club redevelopment programme, to make sure our clubs can continue to provide their essential services.

 

What you told us

·    Put more emphasis on health, well-being and social outcomes in the plan – these should be an outcome of their own.

·    Support for youth initiatives.

·    Low incomes, poverty, lack of housing and family violence have a potential to lead to problems.

·    Support strengthening of recreation and sport aspects of the plan and the implementation of the Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan locally.

·    More recreation spaces and events wanted for youth, including playgrounds that are designed for and welcome teenagers and low cost events, including multicultural events.

·   

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

 

A strong, diverse and healthy community

Advocating on key social issues, including housing and living wage

Advocacy

Governing body

Central government

Other social agencies 

-

A strong, diverse and healthy community

Neighbourhood development programmes to foster community identity

Lead

Community

$37k Annually

A strong, diverse and healthy community

Supporting and strengthening community networks

Partnering

Community Watiakere

$82,000

 

A strong, diverse and healthy community

Inclusion and diversity programmes, targeting Pacific, Māori and migrant communities

Lead

Community

$17,000 Annually

A strong, diverse and healthy community

Ongoing support for Hoani Waititi Marae programmes

Support

Hoani Waititi Marae

$ 65,000 Annually

A strong, diverse and healthy community

Local youth initiatives to foster a sense of belonging

 

Lead

Youth Service Providers

Community

$16k

Annually

Recreation facilities that meet the needs of all

Supporting sports clubs in working together to improve facilities and opportunities for users

Support

Sport Waitākere

Community 

-

Recreation facilities that meet the needs of all

Advocate to the governing body for the 10:20 surf club redevelopment programme

Advocate

Governing body

-

Recreation facilities that meet the needs of all

New facilities in Parrs Park                   

Lead

Community

$1.2m

 

 

Outcome: Revitalised town centres and urban villages[9]

Our urban villages and town centres are people centred, and attractive places for people to live and work. Glen Eden has a lively, prosperous and creative heart. 

 

We want our communities to feel proud of our town centres and urban villages where we shop and use services. Good urban design can ensure that any development links to the existing character and style of the area, give a high-quality and consistent theme. We also want to push back the dominance of the car by creating more pedestrian-friendly areas and slowing traffic down through our villages. Consultation on this plan confirmed what we have been hearing from you, that firstly Glen Eden and secondly Oratia should be our focus over the next three years.

 

Glen Eden has enormous potential to develop and grow and support the high-level development strategy in the Auckland Plan of ‘moving to a quality compact Auckland’. The Unitary Plan identifies intensification around the town centre that will make the most of the existing train station, local parks and great facilities. Making the town centre more attractive can start the process of attracting quality development and creating more local employment.

 

A lot of work has been done to develop the Glen Eden Urban Design Framework and Implementation Plan and now is the time to start work on the ground. The local board will work with businesses, the community and Auckland Transport to see Glen Eden development underway. This will include improving planting in the laneways and down Glen Mall’s ‘spine’, by the magnolia trees. We will look to renew the area at the front of the library with a new public artwork and see where we can make safety improvements through good urban design. We will advocate for footpaths and infrastructure to be renewed in a consistent and tidy way.

 

Through the consultation on the urban design framework it has been identified that Glen Eden needs a central town square, a plaza where people can meet, have lunch and take part in events. Another key project that will make a significant difference to Glen Eden will be creating a public space that links West Coast Road and Glenmall. We will advocate to the governing body for funding to progress these pieces of work.

 

Neighborhood development will be a key part of placemaking in Glen Eden. We will support our active local partners and look to continue this work. Glen Eden has a wealth of fantastic facilities including the library, Playhouse Theatre, Hoani Waititi Marae, community houses, halls, sports clubs and parks and we need to ensure that everyone is aware of and can access them.

 

Community safety in Glen Eden has been an area of concern in recent years. As part of revitalising Glen Eden, a review has been undertaken of the town centre and the board is supporting initiatives to prevent crime, including lighting and laneway improvements. The local board are also working with the police to provide a local office in Glen Eden for the community constable.

 

The Oratia community has told us that their area needs a place to gather. The Oratia Village Masterplan, one of the projects from the Oratia Local Area Plan, identifies how the public spaces within streets and reserves could offer greater amenity for locals and visitors while protecting and enhancing the rural character. It proposes moving the small hall, car park and playground and creating a heritage orchard, in keeping with the character of the area.

 

Swanson and Titirangi are both established villages, with strong local character, that have significant changes coming over the next three years. In Swanson, the Penihana development will create 290 new houses, a large increase for a small village. We will work with the governing body to look at the resulting open space and other needs for the area. Titirangi is also likely to see changes from the development of the Lopdell Precinct and resulting increases in visitors. In Titirangi we will work with Auckland Transport to look at any improvements to the streetscape that are needed as a result. 

 

Access to local parks, gathering and resting spaces is vital to quality urban living. We need places to spend time, meet people and connect with our environments. Implementing council’s smoke-free policy will help improve our public places, and the health and well-being of our communities. We want to encourage people to take pride in their urban street environments and will support community programmes to clean up our neighbourhoods.

 

What you told us

·    Support streetscape improvements in Glen Eden and Oratia.

·    Improve local villages and support them to have a centre.

·    Keep local character.

·    Strong support for cycleways and walkways.

 

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

Revitalising Glen Eden – placemaking and neighbourhood development

Local projects to improve Glen Eden

Lead

Glen Eden Business Improvement District

$260,000 Annually 

 

Revitalising Glen Eden – placemaking and neighbourhood development

Advocate for funding for a central town square and a public space linking West Coast Road and Glenmall

Advocate

Governing body

$2.9 million

Revitalising Glen Eden – placemaking and neighbourhood development

Working with Auckland Transport to improve the road corridor in Glen Eden

Partner

Auckland Transport

To be scoped

Revitalising Glen Eden – place making and neighbourhood development

Improving safety in Glen Eden by providing a local office in Glen Eden for the community constable

Partner

Police

Community

$20,000 Annually

Enhancing our centres, while keeping their essential character

Implementation of the Oratia Village Masterplan 

Lead and advocate

Community

$1m

Enhancing our centres, while keeping their essential character

Support Swanson community as Penihana development progresses

Lead

Community

To be scoped

We have high-quality parks and open spaces that meet the needs of our communities

Advocacy to the governing body for open space acquisition and development in areas that are intensified

Advocate

Governing body

 -

 

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Outcome: Sustainable local economic activity is supported

Our business centres are active and successful. Home-based businesses in the ranges are fostered. The historically rural nature of economic activities in the foothills continues. 

 

The Waitākere Ranges’ local economy is relatively small, with Glen Eden the largest business hub. The average number of employees per business is 1.2 compared to 4 regionally, making the average firm size amongst the smallest in the region. Many of our smaller businesses are owner-operated and work from home, particularly in the ranges. Supporting our businesses to succeed (in a sustainable way) links to the strategic direction in the Auckland Plan ‘developing an economy that delivers opportunity and prosperity for all Aucklanders and New Zealand’.

 

To support these businesses to succeed, we will create networking opportunities to share potential business tools, facilitate the flow of ideas and to encourage creativity and innovation. We will continue to work with the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development Agency to support and develop their mentoring service for small businesses.

 

Communication is vital, if people are to run businesses or work from home. We will advocate to the governing body and to Chorus for broadband and cell phone improvements in Te Henga and other outer areas. The board will also trial a newsletter to support businesses to connect with one another around local opportunities and issues.

 

Currently there is little detailed knowledge of economic activity in the Heritage Area. In order to develop ways to best support economic well-being in the Heritage Area, we have completed a stocktake of the businesses. We will be looking to see how this  information can help us support sustainable economic activities in the Heritage Area as envisaged by the Heritage Area Act.

 

The foothills play a significant role as a buffer and transition between the urban area and the outstanding natural landscape and features of the forested ranges. The foothills in the east and north of the Waitākere Ranges are mainly rural in nature. They are recognised in the Heritage Area Act for ‘their intricate pattern of farmland, orchards, vineyards, uncultivated areas, indigenous vegetation, and dispersed low-density settlement with few urban-scale activities’.

 

These rural uses have become increasingly difficult to maintain over the past 20 years, due to economic conditions and the high cost of holding land. We want to support businesses to find ways to add value, diversify, or transition to new uses that will retain the rural character of the land, while providing opportunities for land owners. To facilitate this, we will link businesses together, look for creative solutions and opportunities for promotion. The stocktake of businesses in the Heritage Area will also help inform this work.

 

We want to ensure that there are opportunities for people to work locally and get the services they want. Improving Glen Eden and making it a good place to do business is a key outcome for the local board. We will continue to work with the Glen Eden Business Improvement District on ways to make the town centre tidy, safe and more accessible. We will promote stronger connections between school leavers and businesses to provide opportunities for our young people to find local work.

 

We will use the investment in the Lopdell Precinct to act as a driver for Titirangi’s local economy. Together with other local arts activities nearby it can be a major attractor for the town centre. The success of Lopdell Precinct as a visitor destination will have a flow-on effect for other local businesses including local retail, restaurants and services along with other art sector businesses across the wider area.

 

What you told us

·    Support greater coordination and networking opportunities for businesses.

·    Support improving communication – advocacy around broadband, suggest investigating business ‘creative hubs’.

·    Work with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development to help smaller businesses to grow.

·    Local jobs for local people – Auckland Council procuring locally and being easy to do business with.

·   

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

 

Support small businesses

Support mentoring programmes for small businesses

 

Partner

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development

$10,000

Annually

Support small businesses

Advocacy for broadband and cellphone improvements in Te Henga and other outer areas

Advocate

Chorus

Governing body

 

-

 

Support small businesses

Developing business networks

Partner

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development

West Auckland Business Club

Glen Eden Business Improvement District 

$2,000

Annually

Promote youth employment

Youth employment programmes

Partner

Community

Glen Eden Business Improvement District 

$5,000

Annually 

Glen Eden is a successful and prosperous town centre

Working in partnership  with the Glen Eden Business Improvement District to revitalise Glen Eden

Partner

Glen Eden Business Improvement District

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development

 

-

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Outcome: Arts and culture flourish, with Titirangi as the vibrant arts hub for the west 

People enjoy local arts, events and cultural activities that are unique to our place. Investment in Lopdell Precinct benefits arts activities throughout the local board area. 

 

The redeveloped Lopdell Precinct is a major asset for the west. It is a high-quality arts, theatre and cultural community complex, which utilises the heritage character and location of Lopdell House. The new Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery will provide world-class purpose-built facilities, including five gallery spaces built over three floors and educational facilities. With its attractive setting and busy main street, Titirangi is well placed to welcome more visitors and we want to ensure that we use this opportunity to make it the arts hub of our local board area.

 

We want the investment in Titirangi to benefit arts activities across the whole local board area, including art from Māori, Pacific and other cultures. One way we can do this, is to support opportunities for coordination and network building to enable collaboration. For example people in other parts of Auckland might like to visit a nearby art gallery before going to the theatre or a craft market. The local board will develop its online pages to enable greater promotion and cross posting of local events and activities.

 

We will encourage and celebrate Māori arts and culture in our area, which is at the heart of our New Zealand identity.  We will continue to support Hoani Waititi Marae, including important events like Matariki and Waitangi Day, their intention to provide a space for the community to partake in regular art and craft workshops, mau rakau, kapahaka and marae experiences through educational courses, workshops and open days. These events can be important tools for education as well as an opportunity for our communities to come together.

 

We are fortunate to have a range of established arts partners to work with. We will be encouraging them to engage with new audiences and ‘activate spaces’ by taking art and events out to the people and encouraging greater use of community spaces and town centres. In particular we want to continue to support local art and events that celebrate and reflect ‘our place’ and engage with local issues. For example the Lopdell Gallery ran a kauri poster series exhibition for young artists, which responded to the issue of kauri dieback, while also being an educational tool.

 

Local arts and cultural events can also celebrate our local identities. We will be looking to reinstate classic events such as Art on the Beach and the Open Studio Weekend. We will create a new ‘Kauri Carnival’ event that will celebrate our majestic giant trees as well as informing people about what they can do to prevent Kauri dieback.  We will also support the Going West Books and Writers festival and the Titirangi Festival of Music, and encourage local content.

 

The Auckland Plan has a strategic direction to ‘integrate arts and culture into our everyday lives’. We will look for opportunities in our work programme to do so. The Eel Bridge at Piha is a good example of a local parks project which has integrated art into a piece of infrastructure. 

 

What you told us

·    Lopdell House should reflect its ‘place’ as a hub to generate energy and economic opportunities. However don’t lose sight of arts activities that are happening across the whole local board area.

·    Arts, culture and heritage can help inform, educate and contribute to discussion of key issues. It should be integrated across the board’s outcomes.

·    Support greater coordination and networking opportunities.

·    Support local activities that are special to this local board area.

 

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

 

Titirangi is the arts hub for the west, which benefits arts activities throughout the local board area

High-quality arts programme at Lopdell Precinct

Partner

Lopdell House Society

Upstairs Gallery

Titirangi Theatre

$644,000

 

Titirangi is the arts hub for the west, which benefits arts activities throughout the local board area

Encouraging local arts networks and Māori arts

Support

Local arts partners

Within existing arts budgets

Ensuring arts and culture are accessible to all

Encouraging our partners to take art projects out to public spaces

Partner

Local arts partners

Within existing arts budgets

Our inspiring settings and unique character are recognised in local arts and events

We target funding to events that reflect our local character

Lead

Local partners

Priorities to be decided annually

Our inspiring settings and unique character are recognised in local arts and events

Working with local arts partners to reflect local context and issues

Partner

Local arts and events partners

Within existing arts budgets

Our inspiring settings and unique character are recognised in local arts and events

Art on the beach event

Partner

Local arts partners

$15,000 Annually 

Our inspiring settings and unique character are recognised in local arts and events

Open studio event to promote and support local artists

Lead or partner

Local arts partners

$20,000

Annually

 

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Outcome: Public transport, cycling and walking are easy, safe and connected

The new electric trains and changes to the bus network make it easy for everyone to get around. Feeder buses for outer areas, green walkways and cycleways link smoothly into the network. Our urban environments promote the use of public transport, walking and cycling.

 

Commuting is a way of life for most of our residents, with only 21 per cent of residents working in the local board area. The major employment destinations are the Waitematā Local Board area (which includes Auckland central business district), Henderson-Massey and Whau[10]. Our high school students also have to travel out of the local board area, as there are no dedicated secondary schools in our area. We want to capitalise on the improvements to the train and bus network to encourage increased use of public transport for environmental reasons, to improve the quality of our urban centres and to reduce congestion on our roads overall. This aligns with the Auckland Plan target of ‘doubling public transport from 70 million trips in 2012 to 140 million trips by 2022’.

 

We want our villages to be designed for people, not cars. We will look at the idea of ‘slow villages’ where traffic speed is reduced and the built environment is designed to promote public transport, walking and cycling. In particular, we want to encourage more people to walk and cycle, both for commuting and recreation. We want to connect our green walkways and cycleways to the public transport network to allow people to walk or cycle to the bus or trains, or between town centres, to provide an alternative, healthier transportation mode to car use.

 

Electric trains are scheduled to start running on the Western Line in 2015. They will be faster, more reliable, have more capacity and run more frequently than the current trains. Changes to bus services ‘the New Network’ are also being proposed for West Auckland in 2015/2016. The New Network will be a region-wide public transport network that will include frequent, connector, local and peak services. The frequent services will have buses and trains at least every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. The changes mean some passengers will have to transfer at key interchanges, however more passengers will be able to ‘turn up and go’ rather than planning trips around a timetable.

The improvements to train and bus services should encourage more people to switch from cars to public transport. We will work with Auckland Transport to make sure the proposals are the best fit for our residents so this is achieved. This will include making sure that Waitākere township have a viable public transport option to replace the rail service that is ending. We will also advocate to Auckland Transport to explore the future of rail to the north of Swanson, which may be more viable as the populations in those areas increase.

 

Park and ride facilities are also important for places that are not served by buses. In these cases, people want to drive to the train station to catch a train. We will work with Auckland Transport on the park-and-rides projects at Glen Eden and Swanson and make sure that safety as a key concern is taken into account.

 

Many of the coastal or rural areas of our local board are not served by public transport. You have told us that connector shuttles could make a difference in these areas. We will work with our communities to develop a proposal for a shuttle service similar to the Kowhai connection in Warkworth.

 

You have told us that rural road, cycle and pedestrian safety are important issues, including in areas such as Waitākere village, Scenic Drive, Bethells and Huia. Speed limits need to be appropriate for surroundings that can be windy and narrow. There needs to be space in the road corridor for people to walk and cycle safely. However any improvements to the road corridor in our rural areas need to take into account their settings in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area and be sympathetic to that environment.

 

What you told us

·    Public transport reliability is particularly important, especially as Auckland intensifies.

·    Support advocacy around feeder buses.

·    Rural road, cycle and pedestrian safety are important issues

·    Support park and ride – particularly for people in the outer areas.

·    The need for more public transport in the west is key feedback from youth.

·    Concern from youth about safety at train stations and bus stops.

 

What we want to achieve

Key initiatives

Local board role

Other key agencies

Potential cost

 

Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation, improved public transport systems

Support rail electrification and improvements  to bus services

Advocate

Auckland Transport

-

Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation, improved public transport systems

Work with our communities on a proposal for a connector shuttle service for coastal/rural areas, similar to the Kowhai connection in Warkworth

Lead and advocate

Community Auckland Transport

$20,000

 

Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation, improved public transport systems

Support the development of park and ride drop-off points in Glen Eden and Swanson

Advocate

Auckland Transport

-

Increasing walkway and cycleway connections 

Develop a greenways plan for walking and cycling

Lead

Auckland Transport

$15,000

 

Increasing walkway and cycleway connections 

Investigate options for a cycleway from Project Twin Streams pathway to Glen Eden town centre

Advocate and look at funding options

Auckland Transport

-

Increasing walkway and cycleway connections 

Support the development of a cycleway alongside the Western Line

Advocate

Auckland Transport

-

Rural road safety

Advocate for rural road safety improvements – including sensible speed limits and provisions for walking and cycling.

Advocate

Auckland Transport

-


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Indicative budget and funding sources

Each of the local board plan outcomes include a list of key initiatives to deliver the outcome. Some of these initiatives are funded in the council’s Long-term Plan for 2012-2022 (LTP). The remaining initiatives are not currently funded.

 

There are a number of ways that local board activities can be funded:

·    through general rate funding. The governing body decides on the share of general rate funding provided to local boards. The governing body also makes decisions on investment in new facilities and major upgrades of facilities.

·    by reprioritising our budget to either delay or cut existing projects and activities

·    by the local board proposing that the governing body sets a targeted rate in the local area

·    through fees and charges paid by users of our facilities

·    by leveraging involvement of other partners such as the private sector and other public sector agencies.

 

Projects will be prioritised for funding in the next draft LTP.

 

The indicative budget for the three years from July 2015 to June 2018 is set out on the following pages. When reading this budget it is important to note that the local board’s final budget will look quite different over the next three years for a number of reasons:

·    The council is preparing the next draft LTP for 2015-2025. This includes a review of funding for all projects which may affect some local board projects that are currently funded.

·    How local boards are funded has also been reviewed. This will affect local board budgets in the draft LTP.

·    The budget is indicative only. It does not contain all of the detailed projects or activities that the local board may carry out over the next three years. These will be developed through the local board agreement that is part of the council’s annual plan for each financial year.

The local board’s final budget for each year, including how it is funded, is subject to agreement with the governing body as part of the discussion on the annual local board agreement.

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Indicative budget tables

Expenditure for Waitakere Ranges local board area for 2015 - 2018

$000

Budget

Budget

Budget

Financial year ending 30 June

2015/2016

2016/2017

2017/2018

 

 

 

 

Net Operating Expenditure

 

 

 

Local arts, culture and events services

1,946

1,978

2,053

Local built and natural environment

1,403

1,441

1,390

Local community services

1,054

1,054

1,102

Local economic development

265

437

565

Local governance

1,333

1,375

1,382

Local libraries

1,669

1,699

1,768

Local parks services

5,836

6,183

6,702

Local recreation services

93

95

97

Total net operating expenditure

13,599

14,262

15,059

 

 

 

 

Net Capital Expenditure

 

 

 

Local arts, culture and events services

45

22

34

Local built and natural environment

44

8

8

Local community services

202

414

206

Local economic development

210

0

0

Local governance

55

108

58

Local libraries

13

33

52

Local parks services

3,828

2,055

2,520

Local recreation services

0

0

0

Total net capital expenditure

4,397

2,640

2,878

 

 

 

 

Financial statements are based on the Long-term Plan 2012-2022, including approved changes made during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 financial years, annual planning processes and agreed capex deferrals from 2014/2015.  Budgets are indicative only as they will be reviewed through the development of the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 (due for adoption in June 2015) and allocated in accordance with the Local Board Funding Policy.  

 

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Appendix 1: Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area roles and responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities

Governing body

Local board

Auckland Transport

Watercare

Community / iwi

Monitoring

Five year monitoring report on the effectiveness of the Heritage rea Act

Five year monitoring report on the effectiveness of the Heritage Area Act

 

 

 

Human environment

Character of coastal villages and communities, subservience of built environment to the natural, quiet and darkness

Planning, resource Consents

Local area plans

Road design and mainten-ance

Water infrastructure

Contribute to local character and identity

Parkland

Regional and local parks, wilderness experience, recreation and relaxation

 

Management of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park

Local parks management

Vegetation manage-ment and weed control in the road reserve

Water infrastructure in parkland

Community initiatives on parkland, such as Ark in the Park

Landscape

Natural beauty and landforms, rural character of the foothills

Regional strategies and programmes for biodiversity, biosecurity, planning, stormwater, water quality and environ-mental services

Local pro-grammes for stream and coastal erosion, water quality, weed and pest management, environ-mental programmes and biodiversity initiatives

Road design and mainten-ance, design guidelines for the Heritage Area

 

 

Community lead restoration and water quality initiatives

Water

Streams, coastal areas, public water supply catchment

 

 

Stormwater in the road corridor

Manage public water supply, waste water services and the ecology of affected streams

 

Natural values

Indigenous ecosystems, habitats and vegetation

Vegetation management and weed control

Vegetation management and weed control

Vegetation manage-ment and weed control in the road reserve

Vegetation management and weed control around the water catchment

 

Community well-being

 

Regional strategies for community well-being

Community development, local economic development, local events, community facilities, support for community initiatives

Walkways, cycleways and public transport

Clean water and waste water services

Community initiatives and services

Cultural and historic heritage

Planning, regional heritage work

Local heritage research, surveys and historic buildings

Heritage in the road corridor

Heritage around water infrastructure

Heritage connections on private and public land

Tangata whenua relationships with the land

Regional relationships

Local relation-ships

 

 

 

Iwi act as kaitiaki or stewards

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Your Waitākere Ranges Local Board members

 

Photo

Board member

Title: Sandra Coney Chair - Description: photo of Sandra Coney, Chair Waitakere Local Board

Sandra Coney QSO – Chair

021 446 370

sandra.coney@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Portfolios: Historic heritage/character, Parks

 

Title: Denise Yates - Description: Photo of Denise Yates, Deputy Chair Waitakere Local Board

Denise Yates, JP – Deputy Chair

027 240 135

denise.yates@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Portfolios: Arts and culture, Community facilities, Events

 

Title: Neil Henderson - Description: Photo of Neil Henderson member of Waitakere Local Board

Neil Henderson

021 308 871

neil.henderson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Portfolios: Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area

 

Title:  Greg Presland - Description: Photo of Greg Presland member of Waitakere Local Board

Greg Presland

021 998 411

greg.presland@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Portfolios: Regulatory/planning, Transport

 

Title: Steve Tollestrup - Description: Photo of Steve Tollestrup, member of Waitakere Local Board

Steve Tollestrup

021 924 270

steve.tollestrup@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Portfolios: Community and economic development/placemaking

 

Title: Saffron Toms - Description: Photo of Saffron Toms, member of Waitakere Local Board

Saffron Toms

021 904 896

saffron.toms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Portfolios: Environment/biodiversity, Youth

 


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Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Draft Community Grants Policy

 

File No.: CP2014/21657

 

  

 

Purpose

1.       To seek local board feedback on the draft Community Grants Policy (Attachment A) and provide an overview of public feedback on the policy for members’ consideration. The report also briefly outlines the key components of the draft policy, proposes a transitional approach to establishing a multi-board grants programme, and discusses the budgetary implications of the policy.

Executive summary

2.       On 3 July 2014 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee (the Committee) endorsed a new draft Community Grants Policy (CGP) for local board engagement and public consultation.

3.       The draft CGP has been developed to guide the allocation of local, multi-board and regional grants to groups and organisations delivering projects, activities and services that benefit Aucklanders. It covers grants for community development, arts and culture, events, sport and recreation, environment and heritage.

4.       The draft CGP proposes a new community grants programme aligned to Auckland Council’s governance structure, with:

a)      a local component (21 local grants programmes and a ‘multi-board’ grants programme, governed by local boards and aligned with local board plans), and

b)      a regional component (six regional grants programmes aligned to strategic directions in the Auckland Plan, with governing body decision-making).

5.       Community grants are a critical tool to implement Auckland’s vision as set out in the Auckland Plan, local board plans and the council’s core regional strategies, policies and plans. The draft CGP provides a regional framework for grant-making by Auckland Council, while ensuring flexibility for local boards to shape their own grants programme to respond to the specific needs and priorities of their communities. To reflect this, and give effect to local boards’ decision-making role in relation to local grants, staff propose that each local board be supported to develop an individual schedule to the CGP that sets out the specific outcomes, priorities and structure of their local grants programme.

6.       The draft CGP proposes that local boards be supported to form a range of new, outcome-driven multi-board clusters. However to achieve a smooth transition from the interim funding arrangements to the new grants programme, staff propose that the existing joint funding committees and subcommittees form the basis of four multi-board clusters for the 2015-2016 financial year. Although this would mean that the current ‘membership’ of these clusters would continue for the first year, this is the only aspect that would remain the same.

7.       Once adopted, the CGP will replace an interim community funding programme that has operated since amalgamation, consisting of more than 50 local and legacy ‘city-wide’ grants schemes and a small number of regional grants schemes. The community grants budgets inherited from the legacy councils are currently over-subscribed, especially at the regional level. To fully implement the CGP and deliver on the transformational shifts, staff propose additional investment of $2 million p.a. be considered through the Long-term Plan process 2015-2025. This will increase the amount of funding for regional grants to a more viable level, without reducing the existing funding envelope for local and multi-board grants.

Staff attended local board workshops to discuss the draft policy during July and August 2014, to support the provision of formal local board feedback on the CGP during September and October. Public feedback on the CGP was invited between 14 July and 11 August, and a summary of this input is provided as Attachments B and C.

 

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Endorse the Community Grants Policy as a regional framework for the Auckland Council community grants programme, noting that the local board will be supported to develop an individual schedule to the policy that sets out the specific outcomes, priorities and structure of their local grants programme.

b)      Provide feedback on any policy provisions of specific interest or concern to the local board, for consideration during the review and finalisation of the Community Grants Policy.

c)      Indicate whether they support the proposal to participate in an interim ‘multi-board cluster’ with Henderson-Massey Local Board and Whau Local Board to consider jointly supporting projects and activities of mutual benefit, noting that if this is agreed:

i)        staff will work with participating local boards to agree funding priorities and terms of reference for the cluster;

ii)       participating local boards will continue to hold their funds separately within the cluster, and can choose whether or not to allocate funds towards individual grant applications on a case-by-case basis;

iii)      additional multi-board clusters can still be explored, and will be supported wherever feasible;

iv)      the cluster is a transitional arrangement and would exist for the duration of the 2015-2016 financial year only, unless otherwise agreed by the participating local boards.

 

Comments

Background

8.       A discussion paper outlining the key elements, issues and options for a new Community Grants Policy (CGP) was work-shopped with local boards during March and April 2014. Workshops were also held to test draft approaches with the governing body and key stakeholders in May. A summary of the feedback received is provided as Attachment D.

9.       Feedback on the discussion paper informed the preparation of a draft CGP, which was reported to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee (the Committee) on 3 July 2014. The Committee endorsed the draft CGP for local board engagement and public consultation.

10.     Staff attended local board workshops to discuss the draft policy during July and August 2014, to support the provision of formal local board feedback on the CGP during September and October.

Summary of draft Community Grants Policy approach

11.     The draft Community Grants Policy proposes a framework for a new Auckland Council community grants programme with two main components: a local grants programme (incorporating multi-board grants) and a regional grants programme.

Local grants programme

12.     Local grants are a key tool local boards can use to implement the vision set out in their local board plans, and provide a direct, tangible way of supporting local community aspirations and responding to local needs and opportunities.

13.     At the local level the CGP is not intended to be prescriptive, but rather to provide a framework and guidelines that will assist local boards to deliver best practice in grant-making. This approach responds directly to feedback received from local boards during consultation on the draft Community Funding Policy in May 2012.

14.     The draft CGP proposes that each local board is supported to operate their own local grants programme under the broader umbrella of the CGP, and can award grants to groups and organisations, projects, services, events and activities that benefit residents in their local board area. Boards will be supported to develop specific funding priorities for their grants programme, drawing on the priorities set out in their local board plans.

15.     Two grant schemes are proposed to operate through the local grants programme:

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

Applicants for Fast Response Local Grants will complete simplified application and accountability processes. Funding rounds are proposed to be held more regularly, and timeframes for decision-making and payment will be kept as short as possible to ensure responsiveness to the community.

b)      Local Grants (over $1,000)

Local Grants are for larger amounts and are proposed to be distributed only once or twice per year, to enable the local board to consider how best to allocate their limited grants budget to deliver the local outcomes they are seeking. Applicants for Local Grants will complete application and accountability processes proportionate to the size of the grant they are seeking. Grants can be ‘one-off’ awards, or a commitment to fund over multiple years (up to a full political term).

Local board grants programme schedule

16.     A regional briefing for local board chairs and portfolio holders was held on 30 June 2014 to provide an overview of the proposed policy and discuss next steps ahead of reporting to the Committee.

17.     At the briefing, questions were raised about the policy’s recognition of local boards’ decision-making allocation in this area. Although the policy does provide sufficient flexibility for local boards to exercise this decision-making, it was felt this authority needed to be made more explicit. Following further discussion, it was agreed that this could be achieved by working with local boards to shape the structure and intent of their individual local grants programmes. Once the local board has agreed and adopted their programme, this can become a schedule to the policy. This approach was endorsed by local board chairs at the Chairs Forum on 28 July.

18.     Each individual local board grants programme schedule could include:

a)      Outcomes sought through the local grants programme (driven by local board plans) Any specific local funding priorities

b)      The types of funding opportunities available through the local grants programme

c)      Any specific eligibility criteria or exclusions that are additional to the baseline provisions of the CGP

d)      Any other factors the local board consider to be significant to their decision-making.

19.     Staff will work with local boards between February and April 2015 to develop and adopt their local grants programme schedules, and an implementation plan will be prepared for each local board to sit alongside the schedule (outlining key operational aspects such as the number and timing of funding rounds).

20.     Local boards will be able to review and update their schedules over time as strategic priorities and budgets change.


Proposed multi-board grants programme

21.     The draft CGP proposes that local boards be supported to form a range of new, outcome-driven multi-board clusters. These clusters will invite applications from, and award grants to organisations, services, projects, events and activities that benefit residents across their combined areas. Local boards could participate in more than one cluster.

22.     Multi-board clusters may be:

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

b)      Local boards that share a common characteristic or interest, for example high populations of older people, or bordering the Hauraki Gulf

c)      Local boards that want to address a common issue, for example by supporting employment programmes targeting marginalised young people.

23.     Staff will engage with local boards to scope and establish appropriate clusters, which may be in response to a need or opportunity identified by their communities, or to deliver strategic outcomes they have mutually identified in their local board plans. Once local boards have instigated (or agreed to participate in) a multi-board cluster, council staff will work with the participating boards to understand the outcomes sought, and design a grants programme to deliver these.

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

Implementation of the multi-board grants programme

25.     To achieve a smooth transition from the interim funding arrangements to the new grants programme, staff propose that the existing joint funding committees and subcommittees form the basis of four multi-board clusters for the 2015-2016 financial year.

26.     Although this would mean that the current ‘membership’ of these clusters would continue for the first year, this is the only aspect that would remain the same. Participating local boards would agree new funding priorities and terms of reference with the other local boards in that cluster, have discretion over the amount of their local funding to set aside for considering multi-board applications, and support applications on a case-by-case basis.

27.     This phased approach would enable a multi-board grants programme to launch in 2015 alongside the new local grants programmes with minimum additional preparation, given that the joint funding committees and subcommittees have some existing structure in place that could be used as a guide (e.g. delegated local board representatives, approximate schedule of funding rounds, and an existing pool of applicants). Staff could work with these existing multi-board clusters to develop appropriate funding priorities for the transitional year. This approach would be a good test for the model and enable refinements to the process to be agreed with local boards, while minimising any initial impact on community organisations.

28.     The current geographical clusters of local boards (i.e. the joint funding committees aligned to the former city and district council areas in the Auckland region) are:

a)      Northern cluster: Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipatiki, Upper Harbour (Northern Metro Subcommittee) Hibiscus and Bays, Rodney (Former RDC Subcommittee)

b)      Southern cluster: Franklin, Howick, Mangere-Otahuhu, Manurewa, Otara-Papatoetoe, Papakura (note that suitable arrangements would need to be developed with the southern local boards, as they have not been operating as a cluster)

c)      Western cluster: Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

d)      Central cluster: Albert-Eden, Great Barrier (optional), Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, Orakei, Puketapapa, Waiheke, Waitemata

29.     In addition, if boards wish to establish and resource other clusters, this could also be supported where feasible.

30.     If this approach is agreed, the transitional arrangements would be reviewed prior to the financial year commencing 1 July 2016. At this time, the clusters could either continue, or additional and/or alternative clusters could be established.

Regional grants programme

31.     It is proposed that the governing body of Auckland Council, through its various committees, will award grants to regionally significant organisations, services, events and activities that benefit residents across Auckland. At the regional level the CGP proposes six activity-focused grants programmes aligned to strategic directions outlined in the Auckland Plan.

32.     The proposed regional grants programmes are:

a)      Regional Arts and Culture Grants Programme

b)      Regional Community Development Grants Programme

c)      Regional Environment and Natural Heritage Grants Programme

d)      Regional Events Grants Programme

e)      Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme

f)       Regional Sport and Recreation Grants Programme

33.     Each of the proposed regional grants programmes is conceived and will be promoted as a key mechanism to implement the relevant regional strategy, policy or plan (e.g. the Regional Arts and Culture grants programme will support the Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan). These regional strategies enable – or will enable – the council to determine where it will target its resources in the medium to long term.

34.     The draft CGP proposes that most of the regional grants programmes provide for two distinct grant types: single-year project grants, for standalone initiatives, and multi-year strategic relationship grants. Project grants of varying size will be awarded through a contestable process at least once per year, while the strategic relationship grants will enable the council to enter multi-year funding relationships with a small number of organisations operating at the regional level. The majority of organisations receiving strategic relationship grants will have an existing relationship with Auckland Council and be able to demonstrate a clear track record of achievement at this level.

35.     To be considered eligible for regional grants, applicants must be able to show that their service, project or activity:

a)      Primarily addresses regionally determined priorities, and it would therefore be unreasonable to expect local boards to meet the cost, and is:

b)      Regional in terms of scale and/or significance, and/or is

c)      Regional in terms of impact and/or reach.

36.     The regional grants programmes are described in schedules to the Draft Community Grants Policy, as it is anticipated these schedules may be reviewed and updated over time as strategic priorities change.

Feedback from public consultation

37.     Public consultation on the CGP was undertaken from 14 July – 17 August 2014 and included:

a)      provision of accessible and easy-read versions of the policy summary document

b)      distribution of information packs and fliers at all Auckland Council service centres, community centres, local board offices and libraries

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

d)      advertisement in ‘Our Auckland’

e)      advertisement through community and ethnic newspapers

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

g)      provision of a dedicated community assistance email account to allow people to make enquiries and submit feedback

h)      distribution of online survey to the following audiences:

·        those who provided feedback during previous consultations

·        all community grant applicants since amalgamation

·        community networks via Council’s advisory teams (CDAC, PSR, IE)

·        other stakeholder networks as appropriate

i)        provision of hard copy consultation material and submission forms by request

j)        five public workshops (Rodney, north, central, west and south)

k)      local board public workshops as requested (Orakei and Maungakiekie-Tamaki)

l)        two Mataawaka hui (west and south)

m)     presentations at southern and northern mana whenua hui and a regional environmental sector hui.

38.     At the regional local board briefing on 30 June, some members expressed interest in seeing feedback from their communities prior to providing their own feedback on the policy. To enable this staff agreed to extend formal reporting to local boards so that a summary of public input could be provided.  This is now attached for the local board’s consideration (Attachments B and C).

Financial implications of the CGP

39.     The CGP will be a critical tool to implement Auckland’s vision as set out in the Auckland Plan, local board plans and core regional strategies, policies and plans, and it is important that there is sufficient funding to effectively resource the new programme for this purpose.

40.     The legacy grants budgets inherited at amalgamation (or created subsequently) total c. $8.3 million p.a., or around $6 per head of population, with the majority supporting groups and activities that are either local or multi-board (via the legacy ‘city-wide’ funds). These funds are already oversubscribed – on average the value of requests is three times the available budget, and in some cases considerably more.

41.     Of the total community grants budget, c. $2.4 million is currently targeting regional groups and activities. Current baseline funding for each of the regional grants programmes is as follows:

a)      Regional Arts and Culture grants programme (c. $650,000)

b)      Regional Community Development grants programme (No regional budget: all current grant schemes for this activity are administered by local boards, with some regional groups receiving interim allocations via the Annual Plan)

c)      Regional Environment and Natural Heritage grants programme (up to $545,000)

d)      Regional Events grants programme ($400,000)

e)      Regional Historic Heritage grants programme (up to $345,000)

f)       Regional Sport and Recreation grants programme (c. $500,000)

42.     The existing grants programmes at this level are not able to meet current demand, and in some cases include funding tagged to specific recipients, or funding for regional outcomes that is being provided through local grants schemes. While contestability will be introduced for all funding schemes, there is little ‘headroom’ to support new applicants or address emerging priorities. For example, there is an expectation that a number of major events dropped from ATEED’s portfolio will now need to be funded through the Regional Events Fund from 2015/16, at an additional cost of $170,000 against the existing budget of $400,000.

43.     Many regional organisations have been waiting for implementation of the new CGP to access regional funding, and in some cases their need has become so urgent that the governing body has allocated emergency funding through the annual plan as an interim measure.

44.     Additional investment in the regional grants programme of $2 million p.a. is proposed as an option for governing body consideration through the LTP process 2015-2025. Staff consider a minimum of between $600,000 and $800,000 is required for each regional grants programme if the CGP is to support meaningful progress against the council’s stated priorities in these activity areas and deliver on the transformational shifts. The level of investment requested will support an average fund size of $750,000 (the exact distribution of budget between the six programmes would be proposed alongside the final policy).

Consideration

Local board views and implications

45.     The design of the new grants programme proposed in the CGP has been strongly influenced by local board feedback received during consultation on the first draft Community Funding Policy in May 2012, and during more recent engagement.

46.     A discussion paper on the new CGP was prepared in February 2014 and discussed in specially convened local board cluster workshops in March 2014, which were attended by representatives of all local boards. The paper outlined the basic elements of the proposed grants programme and sought feedback on specific policy issues. A summary of the feedback received during the cluster workshops and how this has been reflected in the draft CGP is provided as Attachment D.

47.     A regional briefing for local board chairs and portfolio holders was held on 30 June to provide a further overview of the proposed policy and to discuss next steps.  At the briefing, questions were raised about the policy’s recognition of local boards’ decision-making allocation in this area. Staff met with local board chairs on 28 July and agreed a process to address this concern (see ‘Local board grants programme schedule’ paras 16-20).

48.     Staff attended workshops with local boards during July and August 2014 to discuss the draft policy and support the provision of formal local board feedback requested via this report.

Māori impact statement

49.     Community grants have the potential to make a significant impact on Māori through supporting the outcomes in the Māori Plan. Under the proposed principles for the CGP, all grants programmes should respond to Auckland Council’s commitment to improving Māori wellbeing, as outlined in the Auckland Plan, local board plans and regional strategies, policies and plans, by providing grants to organisations delivering Māori outcomes locally and regionally.

50.     There is already some dedicated funding for Māori outcomes at the regional level, currently focused on papakainga and marae development across Auckland. Te Waka Angamua will be working with mana whenua and mataawaka to explore how best to target this and/or other funding allocated for Māori outcomes in future, e.g. determining eligibility criteria and the most appropriate forums for priority-setting and decision-making.

51.     During workshops in March/April 2014, staff discussed options with local boards for creating dedicated Māori funding schemes at the local level, or embedding Māori outcomes as a ‘standing priority’ across all proposed grants programmes at the local and regional level. Local boards expressed interest in dedicated Māori funding schemes at the local level if regional funding was made available to them for this purpose, but otherwise felt it was more appropriate for any targeted spending to be at each local board’s discretion, driven by local board plan priorities. The CGP’s intent to align grant-making to strategic priorities should ensure funding is allocated to groups and projects delivering Māori outcomes.

52.     The current interim funding programme includes one grants scheme dedicated to Māori outcomes (the Marae Development Fund in the former Manukau City area), and this particular scheme, along with all others operating through the interim programme, will cease to operate once a new CGP is adopted. Regional marae development funding may provide some capacity to meet this need going forward, and Te Waka Angamua will release details of the application and decision-making process for that funding for the next financial year.

53.     However local boards also have full discretion to provide grants for any purpose that benefits their local communities, and this is likely to include supporting marae especially where grants have been provided for this purpose in the past. The draft CGP provides flexibility for decision-makers to award grants to community groups that are not formally constituted charitable organisations, where appropriate, and staff understand this should increase access to funding for some Māori organisations, such as marae, who may not previously have been eligible.

Implementation

Budget alignment

54.     Existing funding arrangements and grants schemes were rolled over for the 2014/2015 financial year. If adopted, implementation of the CGP will begin from 1 July 2015 to align with the new LTP 2015-2025 and implementation of the Local Board Funding Policy (LBFP). This will enable the finalised budget structures to be implemented alongside the policy.

55.     Existing grants budgets categorised as ‘local’ will form part of the overall locally driven initiatives (LDI) budget allocated to local boards through the LBFP formula. Local boards will then set aside a budget to support their local grants programme from their LDI funding envelope through the Local Board Agreement process.

56.     Staff will propose an overall budget structure for the new grants programme when the final policy is tabled with the committee in November 2014, outlining the treatment of any inherited (and new) community grants budgets and funding arrangements that will support the CGP going forward. This should enable staff to take into account the outcome of LTP deliberations in the second half of 2014 and present budget structure options accordingly.

Operationalisation of the CGP

57.     The draft CGP has been developed with substantial input from the relevant operational departments to ensure that it is able to be delivered.

58.     The proposed implementation timeframe should provide operational teams with adequate time to design supporting systems and business processes, and to produce public-facing collateral that outlines the structure and requirements of the new grants programmes in detail. This will include:

a)      Working with all decision-makers to schedule an annual calendar of funding rounds for each level of the programme

b)      Working with local boards to assist them in developing their local board grants programme schedules

c)      Producing new promotional materials for the council website, marketing and promotion through media channels and to support public information sessions

d)      Designing new online application forms and guidelines for prospective applicants

e)      Ensuring support will be available for prospective applicants requiring assistance or capacity building to access the grants programmes, working with specialist colleagues where appropriate

f)       Developing business processes and templates to enable consistent assessment and reporting to elected members, and to support their decision-making

g)      Updating funding agreements, accountability forms and other legal documentation to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, and developing processes to deal with any grant recipients in breach of their agreements

h)      Ensuring payments processes and associated financial controls are robust, efficient and fit-for-purpose.

59.     If the CGP is adopted on schedule towards the end of 2014, grant applicants / recipients will also have more than six months to prepare for the changeover to the new policy and manage any implications. Staff will work with previously funded organisations to support them to access the new grants programmes during subsequent years, and provide advice to elected members if there is a need to consider transitional arrangements in individual cases.

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Draft Community Grants Policy

3

bView

Summary of feedback from public consultation

3

cView

Summary of public feedback from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area

3

dView

Key feedback provided during political engagement

3

     

Signatories

Authors

Rebekah Lauren - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

















































Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 







Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 







Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 





Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Te Henga Marae - Kainga Whakahirahira

 

File No.: CP2014/18660

 

  

 

Purpose

1.  To provide an update to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board on its May 2013 resolution to negotiate a long-term ground lease with Te Kawerau a Maki, and to provide further information outlining the process to be undertaken in order to facilitate construction of a marae and papakainga at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga and eventual transfer of ownership of the land to Te Kawerau a Maki.

Executive summary

2.    The land at 240A Bethells Road Te Henga, was purchased by the former Waitakere City Council in 2010 for ‘community development purposes’ with the intention that the land be used by Te Kawerau a Maki to develop a marae on this site within their traditional heartland and in the vicinity of their ancestral village at Waiti.  The site map is at Attachment A.

3.    The land was subsequently classified under the Reserves Act (1977), as ‘Local Purpose - marae and papakainga’.

4.    The iwi have concerns about a lease under the Reserves Act (1977) and have expressed their desire to own the land on which they would build their marae.  The process required to transfer the land to Te Kawerau a Maki is outlined in the report.  It is relatively complex, requiring two rounds of public consultation and a waiver from the former owners of the buy-back provision under Section 40 of the Public Works Act.

5.    In discussions with the iwi over the past few years, the option to pursue a long-term lease under the Reserves Act was agreed with the understanding that at a later date, the reserve classification would be revoked and the title to the land transferred to iwi in fee simple.

6.    A resolution of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board in May 2013 gave approval for officers to negotiate a long-term ground lease with Te Kawerau a Maki, to be reported back to the Local Board for approval.  Shortly afterwards, a hold was put on the project at the request of Te Kawerau a Maki, while they further considered their options and consulted with senior Council officials and the Department of Conservation.

7.    Te Kawerau a Maki has now requested that the Council take steps to progress both the lease process and the transfer of the land.  A lease agreement would allow them the certainty to commence their project to build a marae, while at the same time steps are being taken towards their goal of ownership of the land in the longer term. 

8.    A four step process is outlined in the report identifying roles for the Whau Local Board, Governing Body and Te Kawerau a Maki.

9.    A recommendation is sought from the local board recommending this process to the governing body.

 

Recommendation/s

a)      Notes that the Waitakere Ranges Local Board has approved negotiation of a lease of the land at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga, to Te Kawerau a Maki under the Reserves Act (1977) for the purpose of constructing a marae and papakainga on the site, as originally intended when the land was purchased.

b)      Recommends to the Parks, Recreation and Sport committee that it notes and endorses the four step process outlined in the report by which the land at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga, is able to be transferred to Te Kawerau a Maki for the purposes of a marae and papakainga.

c)      Notes that further reports would be brought to the local board and governing body at key milestones of lease approval, when the building consent for construction of the marae has been approved, and when the reserve status of the land under the Reserves Act 1977 has been revoked.

d)      Requests that officers continue to consult with Te Kawerau a Maki in respect of the process going forward.

 

Comments

Background

10.  In 2010 Waitakere City Council purchased the 2.6836 hectares site at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga (refer to the map at Attachment A) for ‘community development purposes’ with the intention that the land be used by Te Kawerau a Maki to develop a marae on this site within their traditional heartland and in the vicinity of their ancestral village at Waiti.

11.  Subsequently, the land was classified under the Reserves Act 1977, as a Local Purpose (marae and papakainga) Reserve.  The public submission process generated considerable public interest, with a total of 104 submissions to the Council process and two ministerial representations received by the Department of Conservation. The classification was approved by the independent commissioner on condition that “the Council provide in the proposed Deed of Lease, or any other agreement entered into with Te Kawerau a Maki for the use of the reserve, provision for the community to have the opportunity for effective input into the type and scale of the facilities to be built on the site”.  On 27 January 2011, approval was granted by the Minister of Conservation for permanent personal accommodation on the reserve (Case No. 2010/11-51) to provide for papakainga housing.

12.  This process to classify the land as a reserve was undertaken because ‘there is a desire to provide firm tenure basis for development in the life of Waitakere City Council, but which contains appropriate checks and balances that will maximise the realisation of both the Council and iwi aspirations.  This will give an opportunity for Te Kawerau a Maki to be re-established as a functioning part of the Te Henga community, and reflect the public interest and public good expectations surrounding the proposals’.

13.  Discussions with the iwi over the past few years have focused on establishing the preferred mechanism by which to transfer effective control of the reserve land at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga, from the Council to Te Kawerau a Maki, for the purpose of a marae and papakainga.  Over this time, the iwi has made very clear their desire to own the land on which they would build their marae, and raised their concerns at the level of risk to iwi with a lease under the Reserves Act (1977). 

14.  During 2013, and recognising that the option of transferring the title entails complexities which may delay the start of work on the marae project, Te Kawerau a Maki agreed to pursue the more certain and straightforward option of a long-term lease under the Reserves Act 1977.  The understanding was that at a later date, the reserve classification would be revoked and the title to the land transferred to the iwi.

15.  On 22 May 2013 a report was taken to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board seeking approval to negotiate a lease.  The Local Board resolved that officers should enter into formal discussions with the Te Kawerau a Maki Tribal Iwi Authority, for terms and conditions to apply in a ground lease over the land; these terms to be reported back to the Local Board for its approval (Resolution WTK/2013/93, carried).  Shortly afterwards, a hold was put on the project at the request of Te Kawerau a Maki, while they further considered their options and consulted with senior Council officials and the Department of Conservation. 

16.  Te Kawerau a Maki has now requested that the Council take steps to progress both the lease process and the transfer of the land.  A lease agreement would allow them the certainty to commence their project to build a marae, while at the same time steps are being taken towards their goal of ownership of the land in the longer term.

Strategic alignment

17.  The land is within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.  Provision of land for a marae for Te Kawerau a Maki aligns with the objective of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act (2008) to protect, restore and enhance the heritage features, including the historical, traditional and cultural relationships of tangata whenua with the area and their exercise of kaitiakitanga and stewardship. 

18.  In addition the project supports the Auckland Plan directives to ‘support marae development to achieve social, economic and cultural development’ (Directive 2.4) and ‘investigate and implement a suite of options to support papakainga development on both traditional Maori land and general land’ (Directive 2.1).  It also needs to be viewed in the context of the long-term, ongoing relationship of Council with Te Kawerau a Maki.

 

Risks to the iwi of a lease under the Reserves Act

a.       There may be a significant compliance costs and loss of flexibility under the Reserves Act in pursuing the marae activities desired by the iwi.  As well as the District Plan/ Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan requirements that would control any use of the site, under a lease the iwi would be bound by the additional requirements of the Reserves Act classification (‘marae and papakainga’), the terms of the lease and the requirements of any Reserve Management Plan that may be developed for the site.

b.       There is a possibility that a leasehold interest over the land could restrict the availability of commercial funding for marae and papakainga development, if a lender considers there is inadequate security over the land, although there are examples where long term lessees have successfully raised funds.

c.       Under the Reserves Act (1977) the maximum term for a lease is 33 years with perpetual rights of renewal.  However, renewal at the end of the 33 year term is not automatic - the iwi and the council will have to decide whether or not the lease should be renewed.  While a council decision to terminate the lease under such circumstances is very unlikely, this does introduce some long-term uncertainty for the iwi into the lease option.

d.       While a long term lease would grant the iwi exclusive use/possession of the land, the mana bestowed by effective control would be shared between Te Kawerau a Maki and the Council.  Te Kawerau a Maki consider that the mana and authority of the iwi and their ancestral attachment to this whenua, which are essential to the integrity of the marae, are not adequately respected and upheld by a leasehold agreement.

e.       The terms of any lease are restricted by the condition placed by the commissioner in 2010 (discussed above in this report) that the community must have opportunity for effective input to the type and scale of the facilities to be built on the reserve site.  Iwi consider this an infringement of their mana and ability to design and manage their own marae.

 

Risks to the public interest

19.     In respect of the revocation of the Reserve status of the land and transfer of the land, a number of public interest issues need to be considered.  These are:

a.    That the land is used for the intended purpose, that is, for a marae and papakainga for Te Kawerau a Maki.

b.    The land at Te Henga was originally purchased for ‘community purposes’ with the understanding that the local community should have an ongoing ability to use marae facilities (whilst acknowledging tikanga and that Te Kawerau a Maki priorities would prevail).  It is noted that Te Kawerau a Maki has expressed willingness for their marae facilities to be made available for community use when not needed by the iwi.

c.    The independent commissioner hearing submissions to the reserve classification process set a condition that the local Bethells community should have an input to the type and scale of the facilities to be built on the marae site.

Proposed process

Step one - lease

20.     The land at Te Henga would be leased to Te Kawerau a Maki (in accordance with Resolution WTK/2013/93 of the Local Board).  This is a two part process.  An ‘Agreement to Lease’ would be signed and would be in place until the buildings are constructed.  This would be followed by an ‘Agreement to Occupy’.  An Agreement to Occupy’ gives exclusive use of the land.  The terms of the Agreement to Occupy are generally agreed up front and appended to the Agreement to Lease.

21.     Draft agreements would be prepared for discussion with iwi, and the terms agreed.  Following a check by staff of Legal Services, the draft agreements would be approved by the Local Board.  These would allow the iwi to undertake fundraising, planning, consenting processes and construction for the marae.  The trigger for commencing the process to transfer the title would be the granting of approval to the application for Building Consent for a marae (including a whare nui) on the land.

 

Indicative Lease Process for 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Step two – waiver under the Public Works Act

22.  A waiver would then be sought from the former owners of the land at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga, of their right under Section 40 of the Public Works Act (1981) (Disposal to former owner of land not required for public work). 

Step three – Revocation of Reserve Status.

23.  Because reserve land cannot be transferred out of Council ownership, the Reserve status of the land under the Reserves Act (1977) would need to be revoked.  Revocation is a significant decision and would be publicly notified.  Any Council resolution in respect of the revocation must be passed onto the Minister of Conservation for a final decision.

Step four – Transfer of the land to Te Kawerau a Maki

24.  Divestment of the land to Te Kawerau a Maki is a significant decision and would require a further publicly notified process. 

25.  Further reports would be brought to the local board and governing body prior to Steps three and four above.

26.  This process would see Te Kawerau a Maki realise their aspirations for the site, while providing appropriate checks and balances. 

27.  The report seeks that the Waitakere Ranges Local Board recommends this process to the governing body.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

28.  A report on the lease of the land at Te Henga to Te Kawerau a Maki was brought to a meeting of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board in May 2013.  In addition, there have been two recent workshops on the Marae with the Local Board in April and August 2014.

Public Consultation

29.  The land at 240A Bethells Road, Te Henga, was identified as suitable for a marae by the former Waitakere City Council and Te Kawerau a Maki, and has been zoned ‘Marae Special Area’ in the Auckland District Plan (Waitakere Section) since it was notified in 1995.

30.  The process to revoke the reserve and transfer the land would require two publicly notified processes.

31.  Local Board members should be aware of the very high level of public interest generated in the local community at Te Henga at the time the land was classified as a reserve in 2010.

Māori impact statement

32.  The Te Henga Marae project (Kainga Whakahirahira) is a high priority for Te Kawerau a Maki.  The tribe agreed the site at Te Henga in 1995 when it was zoned in the Proposed District Plan as ‘Marae Special Area’, and the former Waitakere City Council and the tribe together celebrated the purchase of the land by the Council in 2010.  Since 2011, the Council and Te Kawerau a Maki have been in discussions as to how best to transfer effective control of the land to the iwi.  A meeting of senior staff and representatives of Te Kawerau a Maki on 20 May 2014 agreed that the best outcome for iwi would be a lease in the short term with a process underway for the land to be transferred to the Te Kawerau Tribal Authority as freehold land in fee simple.  This report outlines a process for achieving this outcome.

Implementation

33.  The author of this report has worked with the Property and Commercial Legal Services and the Maori Strategy and Relations departments of the Council in the development of this report.

34.  The Waitakere Ranges Local Board has approved the negotiation of terms and conditions of a long term ground lease over the land at Te Henga. The process to put that lease in place will be commenced as soon as the iwi are ready. 

35.  The process to revoke the reserve status of the land and transfer ownership to the iwi would be triggered once Building Consent has been granted.  Further reports will be brought to the governing body as the process unfolds.

 

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Site Map

3

     

Signatories

Authors

Jenny Macdonald - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Waitakere Quarry - Consultation on future uses

 

File No.: CP2014/22009

 

  

 

Purpose

1.       To provide to the Local Board the results of the consultation on future uses of the Waitakere Quarry, seek approval for the recommended future uses, and approval for preparation of a Reserve Concept Plan for the quarry land based on the approved future uses of the land.

Executive summary

2.       The Waitakere Ranges Local Board at their meeting on 8 May 2014 requested that ‘feedback on potential uses of the quarry site be received through the Bethells Te Henga Local Area Plan, and fed into the decision making for a future Reserve Concept Plan’ (Resolution WTK/2014/39 Carried).

3.       The results of that consultation are now brought forward to the Local Board, together with the future uses recommended for approval. 

4.       Approval is also sought for the process to be undertaken to develop a draft concept plan for the quarry site, based on the approved uses.  A concept plan would allow the present quarry contractors (Perry Resources) to bring fill material on to site as appropriate and contour the overburden stockpiles, in accordance with the concept plan, prior to the winter earthworks restrictions.  Following this, revegetation of the site can commence.

 

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Approves the uses recommended in this report as the basis for developing a draft Reserve Concept Plan for the future Waitakere Quarry open space area.

b)      Approves the development of a draft Reserve Concept Plan for the Waitakere Quarry site at Te Henga Road (Lot 1 DP 193044, Pt Lot 27, Lots 28 and 29 and Pt Lot 32 DP 40739, and Pt Lot 1 DP 31841) based on the future uses approved by the Local Board, and developed with input from the local community through the Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Waitakere Valley Local Area Plan process.

 

Comments

 

Background

 

5.       The Waitakere Quarry, located at 99 Te Henga Road (Refer map at Attachment A) is owned by the Auckland Council.  The aggregate resource within the area set aside for quarry operations is projected to run out several years earlier than anticipated, by March 2015. 

6.       The quarry contractor, Perry Resources (2008) Limited (Perry Resources), wishes to undertake the recontouring of the quarry site as soon as possible, and preferably prior to the 2015 winter earthworks restrictions, so that revegetation can commence.  However, this work cannot be undertaken until the desired land conformation is decided through approval of a draft reserve concept plan. A concept plan would show how the land is to be contoured, the location of planting, streams, lakes and/or wetlands and any new uses approved for the new open space area.


 

7.       A report on future use of the quarry was brought to the Local Board on 8 May 2014.  Among the resolutions were:

17

Waitakere Quarry - use of the land following Quarry closure

 

Resolution number WTK/2014/1

MOVED by Chairperson S Coney, seconded by Member NR Henderson:  

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

c)      Directs that any possible future uses identified for the Waitakere Quarry site be low-key, small-scale and appropriate to the location of the quarry site on a scenic route within a bushed area of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.

d)      Directs that the results of the consultation and the proposed additional uses be reported on an agenda of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

h)      Requests that feedback on potential uses of the quarry site be received through the Bethells Te Henga Local Area Plan, and fed into the decision making for a future Reserve Concept Plan.

CARRIED

 

8.       The concept plan would cover the 19.93 hectares of the main quarry site and the 2.28 hectares site of the quarry entrance and weighbridge, a total area of 22.2 hectares.

 

Future Uses – Consultation Results

 

9.       Public feedback on potential future uses of the quarry has now been received through the Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Waitakere River Valley Local Area Plan (LAP) process. 

10.     Attachment B shows community support for /opposition to the list of possible uses.  This includes responses from the 7 August LAP meeting, the LAP open day on 4 September, responses to the Council LAP email address, and posts on the local community Facebook page (the ‘Talking Stick’).  Attachment C outlines numbers in support of or opposed to each of the potential uses.

11.     There was significant support and very little opposition for having the area returned to bush and wetland/ponds/lake and providing informal recreational opportunities associated with it, including walking tracks, a swimming hole or lake (with maybe a jetty and a beach), viewing points and a grassed area for play (with picnic tables, toilets and a playground area).

12.     A cycling track and mountain biking trails also received a lot of support.

13.     Other uses that attracted significant support (with some opposition) but require further investigation to determine their suitability, included rock climbing, dog walking tracks and/or an off-leash dog area, a native plant nursery for Local Parks revegetation projects and use of the area as sets for filming. These options are further explored below.

14.     There was support (but also some opposition) for a place for events (for example concerts),a community meeting place or education centre, a Heritage Area education centre, and a park-and-ride with a shuttle to take people to the beach when carparks are overcrowded.  One submission envisaged a community meeting place for events such as produce swaps and community days to increase the options available for ‘enhancing the unity and functioning of the local community’.

15.     Uses such as a café, sculpture park, art gallery (featuring local artists) and a craft centre were opposed by more people than those that supported them.  However, one submission thought the term ‘sculpture park’ too formal and envisaged more informal opportunities for local artists and sculptors, and local children to be involved; for example in the playground, which could contain sculptural/carved elements, or a mural wall reflecting  local traditions, art or nature.

16.     The potential to link to the adjoining Karanga camp to provide activities such as abseiling, confidence courses and children’s outdoor activity programmes was raised.

17.     A further issue raised by email was whether the quarry could accept cleanfill for a certain period, eg 5 years, to supplement the material to be used for contouring and provide revenue.

 

Uses requiring further investigation

18.     A number of the uses identified have been further investigated to make a preliminary assessment of their requirements and feasibility.

Film Set

19.     Film Auckland and the screen production industry have shown strong interest in the quarry as offering a large but relatively isolated location that can be used in a variety of ways.  The quarry has features not readily available elsewhere in Auckland such as cliff faces.  It has good road access and is close to both the Auckland Film Studios in Henderson and the outstanding natural locations in the Waitakere Ranges.  Filming would be a temporary activity with certain parts of the quarry needing to be closed from time to time to provide for film shoots, and Film Auckland has emphasized that filming could co-exist with any of the future uses being considered for the quarry.  However, activities such as zip-lining which impact on the skyline would not be compatible.  Indicatively, the need would be for an area for parking vehicles, large trucks and temporary marquee setups. Additional information is provided at Attachment D

Native Plant Nursery

20.     The council’s native plant nursery at Te Rangi Hiroa must move in early 2015, and it has been suggested that the quarry may be suitable as a relocation site.  However, the nursery requires a good water supply in the summer months, and the Business Development Manager, City Parks Services advises that at this time, the set-up costs at the quarry site, including consents for water take, pumps and holding tanks, would not make it financially viable option.

Rock Climbing

21.     Rock climbing experts are intending to come to the site visit on 14 September, to assess whether or not the rock face is suitable for climbing.  If the faces are assessed as suitable, members of the New Zealand Alpine Club would become involved.  Preparation work would see all loose material cleared from the top of the face and the face itself, and rock climbing anchors inserted.  The anchors are not large and camouflage versions can be purchased if so required.  A fence would need to be erected at the top, around 1 to 1.5 metres from the edge of the face, for health and safety reasons, although a requirement can be put in place to allow access from the ground to the top only.

Dog walking tracks and/or an off-leash dog area

22.     The Ark in the Park, a pest-protected area centred on Cascade Kauri Park where a number of endangered native birds have been released over recent years, is located adjacent to the quarry. Recently dogs have been banned from this area. Regional Parks staff have received numerous submissions from dog owners and have identified that finding an alternative place for dog walking in the area would be desirable.  In addition, at least one community member commented that it is important that any off leash areas are within a limited space and well away from family areas. 

23.     Given that much of the quarry site is surrounded by high cliff faces enabling some containment, it is recommended that off-leash dog walking be identified as a provisional use for the purposes of development of the draft concept plan.  If an appropriate location for off-leash dogs can be found that would cause no significant issues for Ark in the Park or other approved uses, then dog walking could be approved at the same time as the concept plan.  Otherwise, dogs should be excluded.

Recommended Uses

 

24.     It is recommended that the draft concept plan for the quarry area provide for the uses identified in paragraphs 11 and 12 above, together with rock climbing activities (provided the rock faces are found to be suitable), all within a natural setting.  Rock climbing should be required to use camouflage climbing anchors and opportunities found for local artists, sculptors and local children to be involved in design elements. 

25.     It is recommended that an off-leash dog walking area and use as a film set be provisionally included in the brief to the consultants for preparation of the draft concept plan.  The brief should direct that the consultant work with the film industry, the community and staff to find whether there are areas within the quarry that could appropriately accommodate these uses.  This would then be reported on once the draft concept plan has been developed.

26.     The draft concept plan should also identify an appropriate location within the site for a community meeting space and Heritage Area education centre/community centre, should there be a need and resources identified in the future. 

Revegetation

 

27.     Perry Resources are responsible under their contract for revegetation of the quarry site, and have prepared a revegetation plan.  Auckland Council Properties Limited (ACPL) has contracted Wildlands Consultants to peer review this plan.  The peer review has been approved by an Auckland Council ecologist, and ACPL is now negotiating the revegetation plan with Perry Resources.  ACPL are mindful of the need to reflect the community’s aspirations for the site, and if possible will attempt to negotiate a solution that has Perry Resources both complete their contractual obligations and implement the concept plan.

Proposed process

 

28.     A Landscape Architect will be engaged by Local and Sports Parks (West) to develop a draft concept plan for the future open space area at the Waitakere Quarry, based on the uses approved by the Local Board.  The consultant will be expected to work with the community through the LAP process to develop a draft concept plan for presentation to the Local Board.

29.     The concept plan can then be approved as a draft, and ACPL can work with Perry Resources to achieve the contouring of the existing topsoil and quarry overburden stockpiles (and imported materials as necessary) in line with the concept plan.

Consideration

30.     The author of this report has worked closely with staff of Planning (north-west), Local and Sports Parks (West), Regional Parks and ACPL on this project.

Local board views and implications

31.     The Local Board at their meeting on 8 May 2014 sought public consultation through the Local Area Plan, with a view to developing a Reserve Concept Plan.

Public Consultation

32.     Initial ideas for the future uses of the quarry were sought from the Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and Waitakere Valley community at the launch workshop for the LAP on 4 June 2014. The notes of this workshop, including the list of suggested uses, were sent to all participants, members of the LAP email list and members of the Bethells Talking Stick Facebook group.

33.     A meeting of the community to discuss future uses of the Waitakere Quarry was advertised through the LAP newsletter distributed to all households by mailbox drop, the local community facebook page, and local billboards.  The newsletter included the Local Board criteria that any uses of the quarry should be ‘low key, small scale and appropriate to the location within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area’.  The meeting was held on 7 August 2014 in the Bethells fire station and was attended by 23 local people and three staff members.  The notes of the meeting of 7 August on future quarry uses are at Attachment E. 

34.     The results from the meeting were then made available to the wider Bethells community through a newsletter, with feedback requested by Monday 8 September. Comments were received by email, at a LAP open day held on 4 September and there were a number of posts on the Talking Stick’.  A total of 19 additional comments were received. 

35.     It is noted that a site visit for interested people is planned for 14 September.  Any additional feedback will be reported verbally at the meeting.

Māori impact statement

36.     Edward Ashby, the Heritage and Environment Manager for the Te Kawerau Iwi Tribal Authority, has viewed the list of possible future uses for the quarry site as set out in paragraph 18 of this report, and commented that ‘these all sound like reasonable community outcomes, and perhaps a mix of some can be done’.  While Mr. Ashby intends to discuss the issue with the Te Kawerau a Maki trustees, no feedback has been received at the time of writing this report.  Any feedback received will be reported verbally at the meeting.

Implementation

37.     The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) identifies both the main quarry pit site and the ‘weighbridge site’ (Pt Lot1 DP31841) as ‘Special Purpose - Quarry Zone’.  A further submission to the PAUP (number 5726-1) opposed the additional quarry zoning provisions sought in the primary submission, seeking instead a ’reserve and open space’ zoning for both these areas as soon as the quarry closes.  If this further submission is accepted and the quarry is identified as a Local Park, then once the PAUP is operative, the zoning would allow Local and Sports Parks (West) to implement a concept plan approved by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.  In the interim, the concept plan would need to be approved by the Local Board as a draft for the purposes of allowing the land to be appropriately contoured.  This stepped process would also allow changes to be made to the concept plan and/or contouring if necessary.

38.     The timing of any future development of the quarry, beyond the contouring work to be undertaken by Perry Resources, would be dependent on the funding priorities of the Long Term Plan 2015 – 2025 (LTP).  At this time indications are that the Waitakere Quarry would not be viewed as a high priority.

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Map

3

bView

Quarry Dot Uses

3

cView

Potential Future Uses

3

dView

Film Auckland Feedback

3

eView

Quarry Workshop Notes 7Aug14

3

     


Signatories

Authors

Jenny Macdonald - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

 

 



Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

 

 



Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

ATTACHMENT C

Waitakere Quarry – Numbers in support or opposition to the potential future uses.

 (Including participants’ responses received at the Local Area Plan workshop on 7 August 2014, email feedback/contributions received, comments received at the LAP open day on 4 September, and posts on the Bethells Bongo and Bethells Talking Stick, as at 8 September 2014). 

Potential Uses

Yes

Maybe

No

More people support than oppose

       Wetland/ ponds/ lakes

24

1

1

       Walking tracks

25

-

2

       Picnic Tables

24

-

2

       Returned to bush and wetland

21

-

1

       Outdoor community swimming hole, with jetty and beach

20

-

3

       Toilets

17

-

2

       Grassed field area to play

16

-

4

       Rock climbing

14

1

2

       Viewing points

14

-

2

       Cycling track

14

-

3

       Playground area for children

13

1

3

       Mountain biking trails

13

-

3

       Dog walking tracks and /or off-leash dog area

16

1

8

       Support alcohol ban

9

-

2

       Use as native plant nursery for Local Parks revegetation projects

13

-

7

       Use as a filming set

8

-

3

       Local Visitor management plan needed for context

6

-

-

       Meeting place for community

5

-

1

       BBQs /eating area facilities

5

1

2

       Quarry as community education centre

8

1

4

       Events, e.g music

9

-

5

       Heritage Area Education Centre

8

-

5

        ‘Park and Ride’ area when beach/lake car parks are full

7

-

6

        Accommodation for Hillary Trail*

1

-

-

        Plant shop*

1

-

-

        Something similar to Eden Gardens*

1

-

-

        Canoe Hire*

1

-

-

        Butterfly house*

1

-

-

        Cleanfill site on a temporary basis*

1

-

-

Same number or more people oppose than support

·      Definitely don't want anything that will be an "attraction" or something that brings people out.

4

-

4

·       A visitors park

3

-

4

·       Art gallery featuring local artists

5

-

9

·       Café

5

1

10

·       Sculpture park

6

-

10

·       Craft Centre like near Whangarei

3

-

8

·       Quarry has a cell phone repeater – should we have more?

1

-

12

*Note: These potential uses were added following the public meeting, so that the wider community has had no chance to comment.


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

 

11 September 2014

 

 

 

Jenny Macdonald

Auckland Council

Central 1, Level 2
Henderson 0612
Auckland

 

 

 

Dear Jenny

 

 

RE:       Film Auckland Feedback on Future Use of the Waitakere Quarry

 

 

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment on the future use of the Waitakere Quarry.

 

The Waitakere Quarry has been used for a number of screen productions over the years and is strategically important to the continued success of the screen production industry.

 

Film Auckland seek that decisions about the future use and management of the Quarry provide for its continued use as a location for the screen production industry.  Film Auckland are not promoting exclusive use of the Quarry for the screen production industry or that any of the uses currently being considered are excluded in favour of filming activities.  Screen production uses can continue in conjunction with other uses for the Quarry, and with very limited impact on those other uses.

 

The Quarry currently offers an outstanding location to the screen production industry.  It provides a ‘blank slate’ which can be used in a variety of ways by the screen production industry.  The location contrasts with the outstanding natural locations in the Waitakere Ranges such as Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and is strategically located in relation to these and in relation to the Auckland Film Studios in Henderson.

 

This feedback sets out the importance of the Waitakere Quarry for the screen production industry and the minimal requirements of the industry to enable its continued use of this purpose.

 

We trust that the Waitakere Ranges Local Board will find this feedback of assistance in determining the Management Plan for the Quarry and would welcome the opportunity to speak further to this feedback before the Local Board should the opportunity arise.

 

 

What is Film Auckland?

 

Formed in 2003 as an industry led initiative, Film Auckland is the film office for the Auckland region. In 2004 Film Auckland became an incorporated society with a membership base and governed by a board elected by the members.

 

In late 2010 the operations of Film Auckland as the film office were integrated in the economic development group of the Auckland Council - Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development Ltd (ATEED). Under the agreement with the council Film Auckland Incorporated continues to operate as a voice for the industry in Auckland and works closely with the ATEED in creating success for the screen industry in Auckland.

 

Film Auckland collaborated with Auckland Council to create the Auckland Film Protocol, a document that sets out clear guidelines and protocols for filming, establishing a film friendly region[11].

 

Film Auckland issue film permits for public places on behalf of Auckland Council.  This service provides a coordinating role by acting on behalf of production companies to gain the necessary approvals and/or information from relevant members of the wider Council organisation (including Local Boards) and impacted stakeholders.

 

Film Auckland has a keen interest in the Management Plan for the Waitakere Quarry, given its importance to the screen production industry.

 

The Importance of Filming to the Auckland Region

 

According to the latest Statistics New Zealand figures, in 2011 the screen production industry generated gross revenues of $2.2 billion in the Auckland Region[12].  Auckland brings in the majority of New Zealand’s screen production dollar.  The screen and creative sector has been identified by Auckland Council as one of seven critical sectors of growth.

 

Accessible and available locations are critical to the success of the screen production industry.

 

Auckland offers surf beaches to skyscrapers, ancient forests to architecture.  Even the apparently remote locations in the Waitakere Ranges are within easy reach of Auckland central and the region's established cast, crew, studio, and pre- and post-production infrastructure.

 

These locations are supported by the Council owned Auckland Film Studios in Henderson, which is one of the largest studio complexes in New Zealand with the facilities to cater for domestic and international productions.

 

The Opportunities offered by the Waitakere Quarry

 

The Waitakere Quarry has been used for a range of filming activities in the past. 

 

The Quarry offers the following key benefits to the screen production industry:

 

·      A location that can be used for a variety of purposes. Described above as a ‘blank slate’ the Quarry can be turned into a variety of backdrops.  It also offers features that are not readily available elsewhere in Auckland such as cliff faces.

 

·      Close access to both the variety of natural locations in the Waitakere Ranges as well as the Auckland Film Studios in Henderson, allowing efficiencies for productions.

 

·      A large but relatively isolated area with good road access where filming activity can occur without impacting on surrounding activity and can co-exist with future uses in the Quarry given its size.

 

How the Waitakere Quarry Management Plan will successfully provide for the Screen Production Industry

 

The screen production industry can happily coexist with the other future uses of the Quarry currently being contemplated.  It is acknowledged that the future of the Quarry will likely see its revegetation which will, over time, change its character.  The Quarry is large however and its gradual transformation into potentially a more nature state will not compromise its essential elements – that of a large, relatively isolated area with a variety of backdrops.

 

In order to provide for and enhance the ability for the Waitakere Quarry to provide for the screen production industry, the Management Plan should provide the following:

 

·      Filming and associated uses as a temporary commercial activity in the Quarry.

 

·      Recognition that the effects of filming in the Quarry will be effectively managed by Film Auckland through its film permitting process and under the Auckland Film Protocol.

 

·      Providing for the range of other uses being contemplated; however with an ability to close certain parts of the Quarry from time to time to provide for film shoots. In this regard Film Auckland understand that the range of uses being contemplated include revegetation of the Quarry with other uses including: walking tracks, viewing points, cycling/mountain biking tracks, a swimming hole or lake, and a grassed area (with picnic tables, toilets, a play area for children and maybe BBQs).  Film Auckland believe that filming can readily coexist with these uses, as they do in other public places in the region.

 

·      Although not specifically contemplated at the 7 August 2014 workshop, Film Auckland would like to ensure that zip-lining or similar aerial activity does not occur in the quarry, given its potential to be incompatible with film shooting.

 

·      Provision of a separate area for parking vehicles associated with filming (including large trucks and temporary marquee set ups).

 

·      Film Auckland support the development of a swimming hole or lake in the Quarry.  Swimming holes or lakes are not readily accessible in West Auckland and the development of one in the Quarry would provide additional locational opportunities within the Quarry.

 

We trust that this feedback clearly sets out the aspirations of Film Auckland for the Waitakere Quarry. 

 

Above all, we would like to emphasise that the continued use of the Quarry for filming need not be at the expense of other uses.  Both can happily coexist in this large space and therefore achieve the conservation and public use objectives of other stakeholders as well as continue to allow filming in this important and strategic location for the screen production industry.

 

I can be contacted on 09 365 0518 or 027 483 0072, or by email on Katie@filmauckland.com should you wish to discuss any aspect of this feedback further.

 

We look forward to our continued involvement in the decision on the management of the Quarry and thank you again for the opportunity to provide this feedback.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

Katie Flannigan

Team Leader: Film Auckland

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

ATTACHMENT E

Local Area Plan for Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and the Waitakere River Valley

Notes of the workshop on the future use of Waitakere quarry land, 7 August 2014 at the Bethells Rural Fire Station

Summary

Twenty three members of the public and 3 staff attended the Waitakere Quarry meeting, which took place on 7 August 2014 at the Bethells Valley Rural Fire Station.  The purpose of the quarry group is to agree a list of potential future uses for the 19.9 hectare quarry site to present to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for approval, and following that, to work together with staff and consultants to develop a concept plan for the quarry.

Staff explained that the Council is the owner of the quarry, and that the contractor, Perry Resources, has responsibility under their contractual agreement for revegetation of the quarry.  The revegetation plan has been peer reviewed and a draft copy was made available to those interested.  Most of the revegetation work can’t start until the concept plan has been approved. 

We discussed what could be the possible uses of the land, once the quarry closes in early 2015.  The discussion built on ideas that had come up in previous consultations.  We took into account the direction given by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for the uses to be low-key, small-scale and appropriate to the location of the quarry site on a scenic route within a bushed area of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.  People suggested that the unique and specific characteristics of the quarry should drive its future uses to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.  Many also raised the need for a visitor management plan for the whole of the LAP area, including the quarry to manage and monitor future visitor increases.

Amongst the participants, there was a lot of support for having the area returned to bush and wetland and providing recreational opportunities associated with it, including: walking tracks, viewing points, cycling/mountain biking tracks, a swimming hole or lake (with maybe a jetty and a beach), and a grassed area (with picnic tables, toilets, a play area for children and maybe BBQs).

Other uses that attracted a lot of support , but that would require further investigation to determine their suitability included: rock-climbing, filming sets and a native plant nursery for Local Parks revegetation projects.

There was also a lot of support (and some opposition) for dog walking tracks and/or an off-leash dog area, a community meeting place and a Heritage Area education centre.

There was mostly support, but also significant opposition to uses such as a place for events (for example concerts), and a park-and-ride with a shuttle to take people to the beach when carparks are overcrowded.

There was mostly opposition, but also some support for a sculpture park, a craft centre, an art gallery or a café. 

There was support for running a similar workshop on quarry uses with the youth of the valley.

Next steps:

-     Seek feedback from the wider community on the proposed uses.

Please send your comments to Raj raj.maharjan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz by 8 September 2014

-     Investigate processes around uses other than those provided for under the Operative District Plan, Proposed Unitary Plan, and Commissioner’s decision on the quarry zoning.

-     Investigate the suitability of the site for: rock climbing; filming set; native plant nursery. (likely to involve site visit by rock climbing experts and movie industry)

-     Organise a site visit for the topic group on Sunday 14 September 8-10am (please come to the quarry’s entrance at 8am)

-     Organise engagement with children and teenagers – Calling on interested young people! Please contact Claire claire.liousse@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to visit the quarry on Sunday 14 September and explore ideas for its future.

Indicative timeframe

-     7 August:  Meeting no1 on possible and preferred uses for the quarry

-     22 August: LAP newsletter publishes uses recommended by the group

-     8 September: feedback on preferred uses closes

-     Sunday 14 September 8-10am: quarry visit

-     September:  children and youth engagement

-     September Date TBA: Further meeting of the group to discuss feedback (if needed)

-     2 October:  workshop of Council staff with Waitakere Ranges Local Board to discuss uses

-     23 October:   Meeting of the Local Board to approve uses.

-     November: procure/engage consultant for high level concept plan

-     Nov/early Dec: Meetings (as required) of the group to discuss and agree the draft concept plan (with staff and consultant)

-     Within first 3 months 2015: Group agrees on the Concept Plan, Concept Plan presented to Waitakere Ranges Local Board at a workshop, Concept Plan approved by the Local Board at their business meeting.


Detail of Participants’ responses (including email contributions received on the day)

Yes

Maybe

No

Natural features

·       Wetland/ ponds/ lakes

17

0

0

·       Returned to bush and wetland

16

0

1

·       Definitely don't want anything that will be an "attraction" or something that brings people out.

2

0

3

Tracks/Trails

·       Walking tracks

18

0

0

·       Viewing points

11

0

0

·       Dog walking tracks and /or off-leash dog area

13

1

4

·       Mountain biking trails

10

0

0

·       Cycling track

10

0

0

Family/picnic

·       Outdoor community swimming hole, with jetty and beach

16

0

0

·       Grassed field area to play

11

0

2

·       Playground area for children

8

1

1

·       Toilets

12

0

0

·       BBQs /eating area facilities with solid, easy to maintain tables/benches

3

0

0

.        Picnic Tables

18

0

0

Arts and cafes

·       Sculpture park

4

0

7

·       Craft Centre like near Whangarei

2

0

5

·       Art gallery featuring local artists

2

0

7

·       A visitors park

2

0

2

·       Café

2

1

7

Other

·       Use as native plant nursery for Local Parks revegetation projects

10

0

4

·       Rock climbing

13

1

0

·       Use as a filming set

7

0

1

·        ‘Park and Ride’ area when beach/lake car parks are full

5

0

4

·       Quarry as community education centre

4

1

1

·       Heritage Area Education Centre

5

0

2

·       Support alcohol ban

5

0

2

·       Quarry has a cell phone repeater – should we have more?

0

0

10

.       meeting place

.       Events, e.g music

7

0

5

.       Visitor management plan

5

0

0

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

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

 

File No.: CP2014/22304

 

  

 

Purpose

1.       To give the Waitakere Ranges 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.

3.       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.

4.       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.

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

 

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

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

 

 


Comments

Workshops and Meetings

6.       A schedule of Waitakere Ranges 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

7.       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.

8.       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.

9.       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%.

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

§  Current ACPL managed commercial and residential property within the Waitakere Ranges 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.

11.     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

12.     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

13.     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

 

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

15.     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

16.     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

17.     Properties currently under review for future use opportunities via the Rationalisation Process in the Waitakere Ranges area are detailed 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

40 Glendale Road, Glen Eden

Section in front of Glen Eden tennis purchased for project Twin Streams.  Under review for potential future use options via the Rationalisation Process. ACPL in process of booking workshop with Waitakere-Ranges Local Board to seek their views.

 

Place Shaping and Housing Initiatives

Overview

18.     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.

19.     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 Community Housing Organisation involvement. We are currently actively working on 13 such projects.

Local Activities

20.     Waitakere Central – 2-4 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson: This is a Waitakere Properties Limited legacy development that ACPL is now progressing. The mixed use development incorporates commercial and possible residential end uses. Minutes from a Waitakere City Council meeting set out approval for this development along with a request to keep relevant stakeholders updated. ACPL broached the opportunity for developing all vacant land with several developers and initially intended to progress an Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) mid-2014. However, following further assessment of economic activity in the area, ACPL's current recommendation is to hold of proceeding with these processes until the second quarter of 2015 in order to optimise potential outcomes. Further work is also to be completed assessing parking requirements. The project lies within the Henderson-Massey Local Board area but ACPL will continue to keep the Waitakere-Ranges Local Board updated due to its local relevance.

21.     Property Optimisation - 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. We welcome the opportunity to review any such opportunities that may be identified by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Acquisitions

Overview

22.     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.

23.     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

24.     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 Waitakere Ranges Local Board area.

PROPERTY

STAKEHOLDER

PURPOSE

LOCAL BOARD

322 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson

Community, Policy & Planning

Open Space

Waitakere Ranges

51 Rimu Road, Oratia

Stormwater

Stormwater

Waitakere Ranges

 

Auckland Transport Acquisitions

25.     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

26.     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 Waitakere Ranges Local Board are is outlined in points below.

Te Henga Quarry Waitakere

27.     Perry Resources is the quarry operator and pays a royalty to the council based on sales of aggregate.  Like other Auckland quarries, the performance of this quarry has been significantly above expectation. Additional sales mean the quarry has exhausted the supply of available resource earlier than expected. Anticipated close date for the quarry is now approximately February or March 2015, several years earlier than the original anticipated close date of 2017 to 2020.

28.     ACPL has been provided by Perry Resources, the quarry operator, with a proposed quarry rehabilitation plan in order to meet their post closure obligations. Wildlands Consultants, on behalf of ACPL, has undertaken a peer review of the Perry Resources report. Following this review ACPL is seeking that Perry Resources significantly improve their proposed rehabilitation plan.  In order to provide a suitable planting medium a significant amount of clay will need to be imported onto the site.  Perry Resources is considering how this may be achieved.

29.     ACPL is engaging with the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for their input into the rehabilitation plan.

30.     Upon completion of rehabilitation the council’s Parks unit will resume responsibility for the existing quarry area.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

31.     This report is for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board’s information.

Māori impact statement

32.     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. 

33.     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. A high level overview of ACPL discussions with local mana whenua is outlined below.

34.     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

35.     There are no implementation issues.


 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Schedule of meetings and workshops

3

bView

Properties Managed by ACPL in the Local Board area

3

cView

Property movement in the Local Board area

3

     

Signatories

Authors

Caitlin Borgfeldt – Local Board Liaison

Authorisers

David Rankin – Chief Executive

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 



Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

Financial Policies Issues for Long-term Plan 2015-2025

 

File No.: CP2014/22560

 

  

 

Purpose

1.       This report advises local boards on financial policy issues that may be considered in the development of the Long-term Plan 2015-2025. It aims to support discussion of these issues at local board workshops in September 2014.

Executive summary

2.       Development of the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 is the council’s opportunity to consider if it wishes to consult on making changes to its financial policies.  A briefing setting out some of the matters that may be considered in the long-term plan process was provided to a workshop of the governing body on 5 August and to a local boards’ workshop on 18 August.

3.       The workshop identified a range of financial policy issues as possible matters for consideration in developing the draft long-term plan. These included the:

·        rating policy

·        standardisation of the remaining legacy fees and charges

·        development contributions.

4.       The key issues identified in regard to the rating policy were:

·        options for level of UAGC

·        proportion of rates paid by businesses including options for the long term differential strategy

·        proportion of rates paid by rural sector including options for farms and rural townships

·        affordability including consideration of additional support for superannuitants

·        options for further transition

·        standardising legacy rates remission and postponement policies (community, sporting and heritage remission and postponement policies).

5.       The remaining legacy fees and charges that have yet to be standardised are:

·        social housing rentals

·        street trading license fees and rentals

·        163 environmental health and licensing fees

·        some cemetery fees.

6.       The Long-term Plan 2015-2025 presents the council with an opportunity to consider if it wishes to amend its development contributions policy to reflect the changes made to development contributions in the Local Government (Amendment Act) Act 2014 alongside the changes the legislation requires.  Issues the council may wish to consider include refining its

·        funding areas

·        assessment of residential demand.

7.       The timetable for the development of financial policies for the draft Long-term Plan 2015-2025 is:

·        Budget committee workshop (including modelling of options) – 20 October (morning)

·        local boards workshop – 20 October (afternoon)

·        combined Budget committee and local boards workshop - 24 October

·        Mayor’s rating policy proposal 30 October

·        Budget committee workshop on financial policies – 31 October

 

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a)      Determines if it wishes to make any recommendations for change to existing financial policies as part of development of the draft Long-term Plan 2015-2025.

 

 

Comments

8.       This decisions sought in this report are not significant.

Local board views and implications

9.       The purpose of this report is to facilitate the development and communication of local board views on the matters considered herein.

Māori impact statement

10.     The recommendation in this report have no impact on Maori.

Implementation

11.     There are no implementation issues associated with the recommendations included in this report.

 

 

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

aView

Presentation to the Local Boards - Financial Policies, Long Term Plan 2015-2025

3

bView

Expenditure for Waitakere Ranges Local Board

3

     

Signatories

Authors

Tua Viliamu – Democracy Advisor

Authorisers

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

 


Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 


























































Waitākere Ranges Local Board

09 October 2014

 

 

 

Expenditure for Waitakere Ranges local board area for 2015 - 2018

$000

Budget

Budget

Budget

Financial year ending 30 June

2015/2016

2016/2017

2017/2018

 

 

 

 

Net Operating Expenditure

 

 

 

Local arts, culture and events services

1,946

1,978

2,053

Local built and natural environment

1,403

1,441

1,390

Local community services

1,054

1,054

1,102

Local economic development

265

437

565

Local governance

1,333

1,375

1,382

Local libraries

1,669

1,699

1,768

Local parks services

5,836

6,183

6,702

Local recreation services

93

95

97

Total net operating expenditure

13,599

14,262

15,059

 

&