Agenda of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

Portfolio	Responsibilities	Primary	Associate
Governance	Board leadership Board-to-Council and Board to Board relationships Board to CCO relationships (strategic governance matters) Civic duties Advocacy (local, regional and central government) Community partnerships Relationships with Maoridom Relationships with youth Relationships with government Unitary Plan Policy and planning: - local board plan - local board agreement - local area plan	Chairperson	Deputy Chairperson
Economic development	Key relationships with ATEED Business Improvement Districts Establish and promote local priorities in relation to economic development and tourism Town centre renewal, design and maintenance Town centre marketing and community safety	Member Bergin	Member Hale (with lead responsibilities for events)
Community development and resilience	Community development Neighbourhood relationships Community advocacy Community safety (excluding town centres) Graffiti removal Relationships with Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Community preparedness disaster response relief and recovery Artistic and cultural service levels Promoting artistic endeavour	Member Roe	Member O’Connor
Parks and natural environment	Neighbourhood parks and reserves (including esplanade reserves and the coastline) Design and maintenance Plantings, playgrounds, tracks, bollards, walkways and green cycleways Local priorities in relation to regional environmental management Coastal management including mangrove encroachment and erosion mitigation Restoration of wetlands, streams and waterways Natural heritage Events	Member Gillon	Member Cohen Member Roe (particular involvement in walking, cycling, walkways, cycleways and greenways only)
Transport and infrastructure	Transport projects and policy matters (e.g. roading, footpaths, public transport) Infrastructure projects and policy matters (e.g. water, stormwater)	Member O’Connor	Member Hale
Regulatory	Oversight of regulatory activities including: - bylaws - consent processes (including input in to decisions on notifications for resource consent applications) - licensing and compliance Liquor licensing and enforcement Heritage issues	Member Hale	Member Gillon
Recreational and community facilities	Stewardship of recreation centres and community facilities Libraries (including events and services relating to libraries and recreation centres) Local arts facilities and amenities	Member O’Connor	Member Hale

Note: these allocations and responsibilities will be reviewed in May 2015 prior to the changeover of the chairperson.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 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 Petitions 5

8 Deputations 5

9 Public Forum 5

10 Extraordinary Business 5

11 Notices of Motion 6

12 Proposed Takapuna Centre Plan 7

13 Final Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan 31

14 Time-lapse cameras at beaches for reviewing dog access rules 71

15 Draft Community Facilities Network Plan 77

16 Request for feedback on the draft Local Approved Product Policy 155

17 Proposed discretionary projects for 2014/15 financial year 173

18 Auckland Transport Update on Issues Raised in October 2014 for the Devonport Takapuna Local Board 177

19 Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards 197

20 Council Controlled Organisation Review, Progress Report to Local Boards 231

21 Ward Councillors Update 245

22 Board Members' reports 247

23 Chairperson's reports 249

24 Record of Briefing/Community Forum - 28 October 2014 and 4 November 2014 251

25 Summary of Actions and Reports Requested/Pending - October 2014 347

26 Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 353

27 Consideration of Extraordinary Items

PUBLIC EXCLUDED

28 Procedural Motion to Exclude the Public 357

26 Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987

a. 7 Kowhai Street, Takapuna 357

b. 27 Regent Street, Narrow Neck 357

c. 1A Brown Street, Hauraki 357

d. 10C Sunnynook Road, Sunnynook 357

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 Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Tuesday, 14 October 2014, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

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

6 Acknowledgements

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

7 Petitions

The following request has been received to address the meeting:

7.1 Sharon Byron-McKay will be in attendance to speak to the Devonport-Takapuna

Local Board in support of a petition to support non-chemical spraying in reserves

and sports-fields.

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.

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

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.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Proposed Takapuna Centre Plan

File No.: CP2014/22967

Purpose

1. To seek the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board’s endorsement of the Takapuna Centre Plan.

Executive summary

2. The Takapuna Centre Plan: Implementing the Takapuna Strategic Framework (‘the centre plan’) highlights and provides greater visibility for the transformational projects in Takapuna’s commercial heart. It is a continuation of the Takapuna Strategic Framework (TSF), providing further detail on the transformational projects proposed by the TSF as well as an update on how council is implementing previous planning work. Features of the centre plan are:

§ principles to guide future development within Takapuna;

§ place-shaping factors that are integral to Takapuna’s unique character;

§ three headline projects designed to showcase Takapuna’s potential for improvement; and

§ other actions that council and Auckland Transport can undertake.

3. The centre plan has been prepared in collaboration with key internal stakeholders involved in the headline projects and other actions. Public engagement was not carried out because the plan’s content is largely an update of previous work identified through extensive public engagement and community feedback. The plan is intended, through its clear and accessible format, to make community and private interests aware of the headline projects that will help to transform the heart of Takapuna over the next 30 years.

4. The current version of the centre plan contains amendments that resulted from local board workshops held on 23 June and 26 August 2014. Selected external stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide feedback at a workshop on 7 October 2014.

5. Based on the feedback received, changes were made to the Anzac Quarter section of the plan. They include:

§ a larger plaza fronting Lake Road;

§ new artist’s impressions of the changed plaza and possible new development activating Potter’s Park; and

§ changes to the text to strengthen the quality open space and development outcomes, as well as new reference to a design brief and master planning process.

6. Following local board consideration, the centre plan will be reported to the Auckland Development Committee for endorsement for publication.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) endorse the ‘Takapuna Centre Plan: Implementing the Takapuna Strategic Framework’ and recommend to the Auckland Development Committee that the plan be approved for publication.

Comments

Background

7. The ‘Takapuna Centre Plan: Implementing the Takapuna Strategic Framework’ (‘the centre plan’) highlights and provides greater visibility for the transformational projects in Takapuna’s commercial heart. It is a non-statutory document that reinforces Auckland Council’s vision for Takapuna’s future as a metropolitan centre.

8. The centre plan brings together ongoing planning initiatives (Takapuna Strategic Framework; the Auckland Plan, Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan, and various transformation projects) as they relate to Takapuna centre. Features of the centre plan are:

§ principles to guide future development within Takapuna;

§ place-shaping factors which are integral to Takapuna’s unique character;

§ three headline projects designed to showcase Takapuna’s potential for improvement; and

§ other actions that council and Auckland Transport can undertake.

9. The centre plan was drafted in collaboration with key internal stakeholders involved in the three headline projects and other actions. Public engagement has not been carried out as part of the centre plan development. This is because the plan’s content is largely an update of how council is implementing previous planning work identified through extensive public engagement and community feedback.

10. The plan is intended, through its clear and accessible format, to make the community and private interests aware of the headline projects that will help to transform the heart of Takapuna over the next 30 years.

The Takapuna Strategic Framework (TSF)

11. The centre plan was prepared as a continuation of the Takapuna Strategic Framework (TSF). North Shore City Council prepared the TSF in 2010 to guide the strategic growth and change of Takapuna centre and its surrounding area over the next 30 years. Much of the research, analysis and community feedback – captured through stakeholder meetings, public displays and a discussion document – are directly reflected in the content of the centre plan.

12. Since the adoption of the TSF, Auckland Council and the private sector have undertaken projects to improve Takapuna Centre. Examples include council’s upgrades in Hurstmere Green, and private projects such as McKenzies and ‘the Commons’.

13. Current council projects including the funded Hurstmere Street upgrade, and private developments (such as a new dining precinct fronting The Strand) build on the strengths of the local economy and the lifestyle attraction of the centre. The completion of the centre plan is timely for council’s consideration of projects in the TSF as part of the Long-term Plan (LTP) process.

The Auckland Plan, the Draft Devonport-Takapuna Area and Local Board plans

14. In mid-2014 the local board endorsed the draft Devonport-Takapuna Area and Local Board Plans. The area plan is a 30-year local spatial plan to achieve the directions of the Auckland Plan at a local board level. The local board plan sets out the priorities and preferences of the local community over a three year period and provides the context for local board decision making.

15. Responding to what the community has said, these documents identified the need for the Takapuna Metropolitan Centre to be an area for prioritised investment by council and the private sector. The centre plan gives effect to this priority though its headline projects and identified actions.

Key content of the Centre Plan

16. The proposed Takapuna Centre Plan is attached as Appendix A for approval. Following explanatory and context sections, the centre plan sets out principles and place-shaping factors identified by the TSF and more recent work. The place-shaping factors, which will anchor any future development within the ‘sense of place’ unique to Takapuna’s beach-side setting, are:

§ character and landscape

§ urban form

§ public open space

§ pctivities

§ access and movement.

17. The centre plan focuses on providing more detail on the headline projects proposed by the TSF. They are catalyst projects identified as having the most effect on the long term success of Takapuna’s commercial heart. Through the use of strong images and graphics, the plan seeks to capture the private sector and the community’s imagination and enthusiasm for the possibilities of the projects. The headline projects are:

§ redevelopment of council-owned Anzac St carpark into a quality open space and mixed-use development in the heart of Takapuna;

§ upgrading the open space link between Hurstmere Green, The Strand, and Takapuna Beach to open the centre to its stunning coastal setting; and

§ progressive streetscape upgrades beginning with Hurstmere Road to transform the centre’s public spaces.

18. Other actions are identified to be delivered over the next 30 years. These focus on projects that, in collaboration with Auckland Transport, council can work on to achieve quality developments on its own properties, streets, and public open space.

Consultation to date

19. Apart from targeted stakeholder and local board workshops, there has been no further public engagement in developing the centre plan. However, community engagement for the Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan and the Local Board Plan, which took place from 14 July to 7 August, provided the following views relevant to Takapuna centre:

§ general support for development of Takapuna’s commercial heart;

§ support for strengthening linkages between the centre and Takapuna Beach; and

§ support for improvements to Hurstmere Road.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

20. A working draft of the centre plan was initially work-shopped with the local board on 23 June 2014. The discussion around the content of the plan is summarised below.

Local board feedback	Staff response
While local board members generally supported the purpose and initiative of the centre plan, there was no consensus on the balance of open space to development depicted in the concept image for Anzac Quarter.	Worked with council’s urban design team to come up with an alternative configuration that better aligns with the concept first endorsed by the local board at the workshop on development options for the Anzac Street carpark site in December 2012.

‘Public Open Space’ preferred over the term ‘Public Realm’.

Changed terminology.

21. The subsequent amended version of the centre plan was work-shopped with the local board on 25 August 2014. Key stakeholders were also invited to discuss the plan at a workshop on 7 October 2014. They included representatives from:

§ Takapuna Business Association;

§ Environment Takapuna;

§ Auckland 2040; and

§ Milford Residents Association.

22. Their comments are summarised below.

Workshop feedback	Staff response
Concern that any development on the site will not match the ideal presented by the plan.	Changed the ‘Anzac Quarter’ section of the plan to explain how the council will manage the divestment/briefing process to ensure the integrity of the outcomes.
Concern that there is not enough open space provision in Anzac Quarter.	Changed the illustrative concepts to show an enlarged possible public plaza on Lake Road.
Concern that the graphics used signalled that the design is final.	Commissioned artist impressions to express the design in a more conceptual manner.

Maori impact statement

23. Consultation with mana whenua was undertaken on the Takapuna Strategic Framework Discussion Document. More recently, in February and July 2014, hui were held with 9 mana whenua groups and matawaaka representatives on Maori aspirations for the Draft Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan. As a result of the hui, Maori outcomes were developed and integrated throughout the draft plan.

24. No specific engagement with Maori was undertaken as part of the Takapuna Centre Plan. Maori aspiration for Takapuna centre is given effect by the centre plan through its strategic links with previous planning initiatives and the draft area and local board plans.

25. The key opportunity identified in the draft area plan include partnering with mana whenua on local environment projects and exploring opportunities to develop and use open space to actively highlight their role as kaitiaki. The public space projects highlighted in the centre plan provides such opportunities.

Implementation

26. Implementation of the Takapuna Centre Plan can occur through a range of methods including the Long-term Plan (including Local Board Agreements), local board plans, and advocacy for the delivery of projects through other agencies (including CCOs). The delivery of the identified projects will be dependent on continued commitment of funding and council working together with the private sector.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Takapuna Centre Plan	13

Signatories

Authors

Wayne Siu - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Final Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan

File No.: CP2014/25353

Purpose

1. This report seeks local board endorsement of the final Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan (‘the plan’ – provided in this report as Attachment A) to be considered for final adoption by the Auckland Development Committee.

Executive summary

2. Area plans are 30-year local spatial plans for a local board area, applying the Auckland Plan at a local community level. Since January 2014, the Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan Working Party has overseen the programme of work to develop a draft and final plan with input from across the council and Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs).

3. The development of the area plan has included two community engagement phases - initial engagement in February-March 2014 and consultation on a draft plan in July-August 2014. These have been combined with engagement on the new Local Board Plan, and were notable by the extensive support and assistance of key community stakeholder representatives.

4. Engagement feedback on the draft area plan contained general overall support for the draft plan’s key components – six key moves, outcomes for key locations, three theme outcomes and actions. Less well-supported was the proposed key move and actions to recognise the kaitiaki and emerging economic role of mana whenua, yet still over half of responses considered this aspect to be important.

5. All feedback points were assessed in terms of whether a change or addition would be advisable for the final plan. These items have been discussed with the Working Party and at a local board briefing in September 2014. There has also been a review of the key moves, outcomes and actions by various parts of the council and relevant CCOs to confirm their deliverability, particularly those in the coming five years. A number of requests and suggestions for changes arising from engagement have been included in the final plan, along with changes requested by the Working Party directly.

6. In addition to these amendments, changes and additions have been made to the structure of the draft plan to complete the final plan and achieve more consistency with other area plans. This includes the addition of a description of the Devonport-Takapuna area, how the area plan was developed, and the strategic context of the plan. Actions under theme outcomes have been separated into those for delivery in the next five years, and aspirational actions for the future beyond five years and up to 30 years.

7. Following local board consideration of the final area plan it will be reported to the Auckland Development Committee for adoption. The final plan will then be produced and published by the end of 2014.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) endorse the final Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan (Attachment A) and recommends to the Auckland Development Committee that it be adopted.

b) delegate approval of any minor amendments to the final Area Plan arising from the meeting to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson before being reported to the Auckland Development Committee.

Comments

Background

8. Area plans are 30-year local spatial plans for a local board area, applying the Auckland Plan at a local level. The Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan process commenced in November 2013 and included two community engagement phases (initial and draft) being combined with the new Local Board Plan 2014-17.

9. Since January 2014 staff have been meeting with the Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan Working Party consisting of the local board Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and the two local ward councillors. The purpose of the working party has been to discuss the programme of work, approaches to engaging the community, and emerging content of a draft plan with input from across the council and council controlled organisations (CCOs). All local board members were invited to attend each meeting.

10. Comprehensive initial community engagement occurred in February-March 2014, notable by the extensive assistance of key stakeholder representatives, which has helped shape the draft plan. The draft plan was endorsed by the local board in June and then adopted by the Auckland Development Committee in July for the purpose of community engagement.

11. Decision-making on engagement approaches, the draft plan and final plan rests with the local board and ultimately the Auckland Development Committee. This reflects the dual governance nature of area plans and their part in the council’s planning framework.

12. The area plan is not an opportunity to re-litigate the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP), which has commenced its statutory process of public submissions and hearings. The area plan does, however, set out actions to implement the land use outcomes envisaged in the PAUP.

Community engagement on the Draft Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan

13. Engagement on the draft plan was again combined with the draft Local Board Plan. The separate draft plan documents and feedback forms asked different questions arising out of the specific content of each plan. Being a non-statutory plan the draft Area Plan did not require a Special Consultative Procedure (SCP) approach, unlike the draft Local Board Plan. Feedback received on the draft Area Plan was not therefore considered as formal submissions and subject to hearings.

14. Following governing body approval the draft plan, a summary flyer and a feedback form with questions were put on the council engagement website. Copies of the same material were placed in local council venues, such as libraries and service centres. The material was available for a three week period until 6 August 2014 when draft Local Board Plan engagement also concluded.

15. In conjunction with the draft Local Board Plan, meetings were again organised with the assistance of key stakeholders who had previously advised on engagement. These included community meetings advertised through local channels, and meetings with key representatives of relevant sector groups operating in the local board area.

16. In total the following feedback on the draft plan was recorded or received:

· notes of comments made at local community and sector meetings;

· 120 completed feedback forms (on-line and hard-copy, 14 from groups/organisations and 105 from individuals);

· 33 items of detailed feedback, in the form of letters or ‘submissions’ (on-line and hard-copy, 27 from groups/organisations, 6 from individuals);

· 1 petition with 80 signatories, accompanied by 49 letters from Byron Avenue residents, sent to the Mayor and also received by the Local Board at its August meeting.

17. Also received or recorded were notes taken at a workshop of the Kaipatiki Local Board, comments from CCOs (Auckland Transport and Watercare Services Ltd), from the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) and from meetings with representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua and Ngāti Maru.

Feedback on the draft Area Plan

18. Overall the content of the draft plan was generally supported through feedback received. There were no major areas or sections of the draft plan that was sought to be removed or substantially changed. There were also no reasons arising from the feedback to consider adding new sections or topics into the area plan, as a result of matters having been missed or not included. There were, however, a range of suggested amendments and detailed additions to the draft plan and requests for some outcomes or actions to be emphasised or prioritised and for others to be modified.

19. In terms of the draft plan’s proposed ‘key moves’ there was a high level of support, with over 80% of feedback form responses considering them to be important or somewhat important. Key move 4 relating to recognising the kaitiaki role of mana whenua, was considered important or somewhat important by 52% of respondents.

20. In terms of the area framework it was generally understood that the PAUP represents the current land use framework that guides future development of the area. However, some feedback suggested that the potential level of redevelopment or intensification, particularly on the Devonport peninsula, be contained until key infrastructure (namely transport and road capacity) has been addressed.

21. The proposed outcomes for key locations (mainly town centres) were generally supported, with 64% of feedback form responses being in the ‘supportive’ end of a 5-point spectrum and 19% in the ‘unsupportive’ end. Some feedback suggested some matters of detail be included in these statements to reflect local aspirations or concerns.

22. The proposed theme outcomes and actions had general overall support, with 71% of feedback form responses being in the ‘supportive’ end of the spectrum and 13% in the ‘unsupportive’ end. There were a range of suggestions and requests for including more detail in outcomes or actions, and for them to apply to particular places or groups.

23. A feedback summary report and a compilation of all the feedback received on the draft plan were discussed with the Working Party in September. Guidance was received from the members relating to key aspects recurring or emerging from the feedback. Following this, a schedule of all feedback key points and recommendations for addressing them in a revised final area plan was discussed at a local board briefing on 23 September.

24. A meeting was held on 2 October with residents of Byron Avenue, Takapuna, who had provided feedback in opposition to the proposed ‘Upper Shoal Bay Link’ action in the draft plan. With staff from Auckland Transport (AT) in attendance, clarification was provided on the proposal as being only one long-term option in a recent study into Takapuna transport futures undertaken on behalf of AT. It was noted that the study had yet to be adopted and there would be full consultation on any proposals in the future should AT progress work on improving the connection between Akoranga station/Barrys Point and Takapuna centre for buses, cycling and walking. It was agreed that amendments to the draft area plan would be made to reflect this position.

Changes to the Draft Area Plan for the final version

25. The process for reviewing and revising the draft area plan to take account of feedback has also included a review of the draft document to provide more consistency with the Otara-Papatoetoe Area Plan (also being prepared to a similar timetable). This has seen the actions listed under each theme outcome separated into two timescales, first being during the next five years and secondly from six to 30 years. The allocation of actions to these two periods, and their deliverability within the scope of the Mayor’s LTP 2015-25 proposal, has been assessed by the various departments of the council and relevant CCOs.

26. Key changes, additions and amendments to the structure of the draft area plan have been made in preparing the final area plan, as follows:

· updating of the foreword by the Chairperson;

· addition of sections providing a description of the Devonport-Takapuna area, how the area plan was developed, and the strategic context including Auckland Plan;

· shortening of ‘key move’ descriptions and relocation of ‘key actions’ to theme sections to collect all actions together in one place;

· relocation of ‘outcomes for key places’ after the theme sections to reflect their role as place-based application of the theme outcomes, and to give the themes more prominence in the document straight after the ‘key moves’; and

· creating two separate schedules for expected timescale of delivery of actions.

27. In addition to these changes, numerous amendments have been made to the draft area plan to incorporate recommendations discussed with the Working Party and local board arising from feedback. Amendments have also arisen from further review by parts of the council and CCOs responsible for delivery of actions. Some key changes relate to the following:

· reference to cultural heritage alongside built heritage in key move 5 and in related outcomes and actions;

· greater recognition of need for waste and pollution management in Wairau estuary;

· inclusion of the need for ongoing and improved pest plant management in coastal and natural areas;

· inclusion of action related to addressing climate change, sea level rise, coastal inundation and related impacts in the future, as part of regional responses;

· inclusion of investigation of ways to provide additional access for the Devonport peninsula when an additional harbour crossing is being considered;

· removal of reference to Upper Shoal Bay Link proposal, and more emphasis on better connection between Akoranga station and Takapuna centre;

· additional walking and cycling linkages to be identified, not just upgrades to existing;

· future consideration of other ways to address local community transport needs;

· inclusion of community safety actions;

· addition of more emphasis on community input to project and infrastructure design, and reference to local place-making involving established local community groups;

· reference to open space, recreation, education and employment opportunities and facilities near to Devonport-Takapuna, notably in the Kaipatiki local board area;

· future development of local arts and cultural strategy that develops the sector further, not just a programme of activities;

· more direct action statement about future provision of youth facilities and support; and

· amendments to some outcomes for key places to reflect place-specific opportunities.

28. The revised final area plan has been reviewed by the Working Party at its final meeting. The area plan maps (the key plan and three theme maps) have also been reviewed and updated from the draft area plan to reflect amendments made to the content.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

29. The development of the draft area plan has been overseen by the Area Plan Working Party. All members of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board have been invited to working party meetings and received relevant material for meetings including agendas and minutes. Working sessions were held with the Working Party in September to review draft plan engagement feedback and identify areas to review or amend. Briefings of the full local board have occurred through the process, the most recent being on 23 September to review all feedback on the draft plan and associated recommendations for amendments.

Māori impact statement

30. Following initial discussions with Te Waka Angamua, the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) was notified in December 2013 of the upcoming Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan process and advised the proposed engagement approach for mana whenua and mataawaka.

31. In February 2014, hui were held with nine mana whenua groups and matawaaka representatives to seek guidance on the Maori outcomes and aspirations for the draft plan. As a result, and reflecting the directions of the Auckland Plan, Maori outcomes and aspirations were integrated throughout the theme sections of the draft plan.

32. The draft plan was distributed to mana whenua and feedback was invited in July 2014. Meetings were held with representatives from two iwi in August, involving the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, where feedback was given and other matters relevant to the Local Board Plan and ongoing relationship were discussed. In September 2014 staff of the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) noted there had been no issues or concerns raised by iwi about the process of engagement and the plan, and that the process had been robust.

Implementation

33. Implementation of area plan key moves and actions can occur through a range of methods. These include through commitments in the Long-term Plan, Local Board Plan and subsequent Local Board Agreements, advocacy of council or the local board to other agencies (including CCOs and central government), through the Unitary Plan once operative, and through local place planning and improvements. Budgets will be considered through the Long-term Plan process for the delivery of initiatives in the first ten years. The delivery of the outcomes later in the 30-year planning period will rely on the continuing identification and commitment of funding. Progress on implementing the area plan actions will be reported to the local board annually.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Final Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan	37
b View	Final Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan Maps	67

Signatories

Authors

Ross Moffat - Manager Area Spatial Planning

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Draft Community Facilities Network Plan

File No.: CP2014/26063

Purpose

1. To seek the Board’s feedback on the draft Community Facilities Network Plan (Attachment A) following workshops held with all local boards in August and September 2014.

Executive summary

2. In August 2014 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed the Draft Community Facilities Network Plan (REG/2014/98) for engagement with local boards, advisory panels and key external stakeholders.

3. The purpose of the Community Facilities Network Plan (draft plan) is to guide council’s provision of community facilities for the next 10 years and beyond. The key drivers are to:

· Optimise the use and efficiency of existing facilities

· Address gaps and needs for community facilities now and into the future

· Meet demand arising from population growth and changing user expectations.

4. The scope of the draft plan includes community centres, venues for hire (community or rural halls), arts and culture facilities, aquatic and leisure facilities. The network includes facilities owned by council and facilities owned by third-parties which are supported by council and available for community use. While facilities like libraries, sport clubs, community leases, schools, churches and marae are not included in the recommendations of the network plan, these facilities will be considered in the implementation phase.

5. There are three key components of the draft plan:

· Strategic framework – specifies the outcomes council is seeking from its investment in community facilities aligned with the Auckland Plan, Local Board Plans and other strategic priorities; and articulates the council’s key objectives for future provision.

· Provision framework – guides council’s approach for future community facility provision.

· Action Plan – over 50 recommended actions to investigate areas with potential gaps in provision and to investigate existing facilities with issues affecting their performance.

6. Each action will require detailed community or sector based investigation to understand needs and determine the appropriate response. Process guidelines have been developed to ensure a consistent approach to these investigations. Local boards and the local community will be fully involved in investigation processes.

7. As council may not have the capacity to invest in all community facility projects, the draft plan also provides prioritisation criteria to help determine the priorities for investment once the investigation process determines the appropriate facility response. The ability and timeframe to implement the actions is dependent on the budget available for community facility investment in the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 (LTP).

8. Feedback on the draft plan was sought from key stakeholders including regional sports organisations, facility partners, facility managers and advisory panels. Submissions were also invited through shapeauckland.co.nz which closed on 15 September 2014. A summary of feedback is attached in Attachment B.

9. It is proposed that libraries should be included in the Community Facilities Network Plan as another key community facility that council provides, and to ensure alignment of planning and future facility provision. Libraries have undertaken similar research to understand the gaps and needs for libraries and are well placed to be included. There will need to be further communication with local boards on the libraries content. Revised timeframes to integrate libraries into the plan and to align with the LTP process are outlined in this report.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) provide feedback on the Draft Community Facilities Network Plan which will guide council’s provision of community facilities, including any specific feedback on the strategic framework, provision framework, action plan, implementation approach and prioritisation criteria.

b) note proposed revised timeframes to include libraries in the Community Facilities Network Plan and that further engagement with local boards will be undertaken to discuss the libraries content and the final revised network plan.

Comments

Draft Community Facilities Network Plan

10. Community facilities contribute to building strong, healthy and vibrant communities by providing space for people to connect with each other, socialise, learn skills and participate in a range of social, cultural, art and recreational activities. Community facilities contribute to improved lifestyles and a sense of belonging, identity and pride among residents.

11. The draft plan outlines how council will provide and invest in community facilities to respond to community needs and population growth and changes.

12. The draft plan sets out a strategic framework for community facilities to articulate why council invests in the provision of community facilities, the desired outcomes from this investment and the key objectives for future provision. This is aligned with the strategic direction and transformational shifts in the Auckland Plan, local board plans and relevant strategic action plans.

13. The proposed common purpose for community facilities is “Vibrant and welcoming places at the heart of where and how communities connect and participate”.

14. The draft plan sets out four proposed key objectives to guide and underpin the future provision of community facilities:

· Undertake robust and consistent planning to ensure future decisions on the provision of community facilities are based on clear evidence of needs and assessment of all options.

· Maintain, improve and make the best use of existing community facilities where they continue to meet community needs and investigate the future of facilities that no longer meet community needs.

· Provide flexible and multi-purpose facilities that are co-located and/or integrated with other community infrastructure.

· Look for opportunities to leverage and support partnerships.

Future Provision Framework

15. The draft plan proposes provision frameworks for each type of community facility to guide council’s approach to the provision of new facilities in the future.

Community Centres

16. The proposed provision approach for community centres is to continue to maintain and deliver community centres at the local level across the region, recognising the important role they play in meeting local community needs for spaces to deliver a wide range of community, recreation, learning, events, arts and culture activities.

Venues for hire

17. Given the wide range of providers of venues to hire, the draft plan proposes the council does not invest in any more new stand-alone venues for hire. It is proposed that bookable space is included in multi-purpose community centres (new or existing/redeveloped), guided by community needs assessments. Other options should be explored including partnerships or encouraging other organisations (such as schools, sports clubs and churches) to make bookable spaces available for community use. In some cases where venues for hire are no longer serving community needs, there may be potential to consider repurposing venues for other activities or possible divestment.

Aquatic and Leisure Facilities

18. The proposed provision framework for aquatic and leisure facilities is through a hierarchy of local, destination and regional facilities to support participation in a range of sport and recreation activities from casual play through to competitive sport. The draft plan outlines different functions and level of provision for local, destination and regional facilities.

Arts and Culture Facilities

19. At the local level, the proposed future provision will focus on enabling participation in arts and culture activity through programming in existing facilities and new multi-purpose facilities, rather than building new standalone local arts facilities. The focus will be placed on integrating arts space and programming within the existing network or in new multi-purpose facilities, repurposing existing spaces or partnering with others to provide suitable space.

20. It is recognised there is a need for some specialised arts and culture facilities that serve larger catchments. The draft plan proposes supporting a network of destination and regional arts and cultural facilities to meet sector and audience demand, which would be determined by robust investigation on a case-by-case basis. It is proposed the council would only intervene when the private sector does not and opportunities for partnerships with the wider sector including central government should be explored.

Action Plan and Implementation

21. The draft plan includes over 50 recommended actions to undertake investigations into the future provision of community facilities, focused on both existing facilities and potential areas for new facilities.

22. All recommended actions will require detailed community or sector based investigation to determine the appropriate response. It is intended that any future investment in community facilities will be determined following detailed investigation which provides clear evidence of need, options analysis and development of a robust business case. Detailed process guidelines to ensure a consistent approach to these investigations have been developed (Appendix 2 of draft plan: Community Facilities Development Guidelines). Local boards and the community would be fully involved in investigation processes.

23. As council may not have the capacity to invest in all community facility projects, the draft network plan provides prioritisation criteria to assist the governing body to determine its priorities for investment in community facilities.

24. The draft plan identifies existing community facilities which have issues impacting on their performance and ability to meet community needs. In these cases, investigation is required to understand in more detail how the facility is operating and meeting community needs, explore various options for the facility and to determine the appropriate response. There could be a variety of options including changes to facility governance, management or programming, facility redevelopment, repurposing for another activity or possible divestment.

25. For potential areas for new facilities, a similar investigation process is required to understand community needs, explore and test the feasibility of different options and assess the business case for a new facility. The outcome of this investigation may identify a non-asset solution is required such as programming, partnerships or supporting a non-council facility.

26. The actions in the draft network plan have been ranked according to the urgency of completing the investigation recognising different factors including condition issues, responding to catalysts, opportunities for rationalisation or partnerships, timing and scale of population growth and location in a spatial priority area.

27. During workshops with local boards, some inaccuracies were identified in the draft plan. Corrections have been included in the draft plan attached in Attachment A.

Stakeholder Engagement

28. The draft plan has been informed by previous feedback from communities, principally via annual customer satisfaction surveys, user surveys, catchments studies and consultation on the Auckland Plan and relevant strategic action plans.

29. Given this context, engagement on the draft plan has primarily been limited to targeted stakeholders, including council’s advisory panels, facility partners and managers and external stakeholder groups such as regional sports organisations. Additionally, the draft plan has been available for wider public comment on shapeauckland.co.nz. A summary of feedback is attached in Attachment B.

30. Most of the actions identified in the draft plan will require further investigation to determine the appropriate response. This will include detailed and localised community and/or sector based investigation/engagement and feedback from communities on different options. The public will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed level of future investment in community facilities via the LTP consultation process.

Incorporating Libraries into the Network Plan

31. Through the LTP process, the Parks, Community and Lifestyle theme has been working to address priorities and funding for activities including community facilities, recreation facilities and libraries. It has become clear there is a need for a more coordinated and aligned approach for the future planning and development of community facilities with an emphasis on multi-purpose facilities.

32. It is proposed that libraries be included in the network plan as a key community facility that council provides and to ensure alignment of planning and future facility provision. Libraries have undertaken similar research to understand the gaps and needs for future libraries and are well placed to be included. There will need to be further communication with local boards on the libraries content which means the timeframes to complete the network plan will need to be extended into 2015.

33. One advantage of extending the timeframes is alignment with the LTP process. The level of future capital investment in community facilities won’t be known until after the public consultation process on the LTP is completed in May 2015. Finalising the network plan once the LTP process is completed (or near completion) will ensure the plan can incorporate the LTP outcomes and governing body priorities for future investment in community facilities.

34. The key benefit of modifying the scope to include libraries is the alignment of planning and provision to achieve better community outcomes and greater efficiency.

35. The revised timeframe for integrating libraries into the draft plan is outlined below:

Dec	Briefing with local boards on the library research
Dec-Jan	Development of revised Community Facilities Network Plan
Feb 2015	Workshops with local boards to review the revised plan
Mar	Report to the governing body on the revised draft plan
Apr-May	Report to local boards seeking feedback on revised draft plan
July	Report to governing body seeking approval of final Community Facilities Network Plan

Consideration

Local board views and implications

36. During August and September, workshops with local boards were undertaken to present on the draft Community Facilities Network Plan, to respond to any questions and assist local boards in formulating their feedback.

37. Feedback from local boards is sought on the draft plan, particularly on the following:

· Strategic framework (section 3) including the common purpose, outcomes and objectives

· Provision frameworks (Section 4)

· Action plan (section 5)

· Implementation approach (section 6) including process guidelines and prioritisation criteria.

38. The feedback from local boards will be incorporated into a revised network plan (which includes libraries) and will be presented/reported to local boards in 2015.

Māori impact statement

39. The provision of community facilities contributes to improving wellbeing among Maori communities by providing spaces to connect, socialise, learn skills and participate. For all community facility types Maori are represented as users. At aquatic facilities Maori make up 14% of users (compared to 9% of the population), 11% of leisure facility users and 9% of community centre users. Maori are under-represented as users compared to the Auckland population at arts and culture facilities.

40. Given the context of the network plan and the information already received through the user surveys and iwi consultation on the strategic action plans, it was not proposed to undertake any specific engagement with Maori or other facility users.

41. The broader picture of community facility provision recognises that marae and kohanga reo are important social infrastructure for Maori and the community. Officers from Te Waka Angamua are currently scoping a project to address the future provision and development of marae facilities. Opportunities for aligned provision and/or partnerships with marae facilities should be considered as potential options to meet community needs.

Implementation

42. The draft plan is an aspirational plan for the next 10 to 20 years which outlines what needs to be investigated and undertaken to deliver a network of community facilities to meet community needs. The ability and timeframe to implement the actions is dependent on the level of budget available through the council’s LTP 2015-2025.

43. Through the LTP process, the governing body will consider the amount of funding available for investment in community facilities. To deliver the network plan this will need to include both operational funding to undertake the required investigations and depending on the outcome of each investigation, capital and operational funding to implement the recommended response.

44. Once the network plan is adopted, implementation will focus on progressing the high priority actions using the implementation approach and community facilities development guidelines.

45. The draft plan lists a number of community facility projects that are already underway or were anticipated to commence construction in 2014/15. The current review of the 2014/15 capital works programme may result in the deferral of some of these projects. Once decisions have been made on deferrals, then the draft network plan will be amended to reflect this.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Draft Community Facilities Network Plan	83
b View	Draft Community Facilities Network Plan stakeholder feedback	149

Signatories

Authors

Anita Coy-Macken - Principal Policy Analyst – Central

David Shamy - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Carol McKenzie-Rex - Relationship Manager

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Request for feedback on the draft Local Approved Product Policy

File No.: CP2014/26322

Purpose

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

Executive summary

2. On 9 October 2014 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved the draft LAPP for public consultation (REG/2014/123). The LAPP sets rules regarding where retail outlets of psychoactive substances may operate. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 provides that a policy may regulate the location of retail outlets by reference to broad areas within a district, proximity to other premises selling approved products and/or distance from certain types of premises such as schools, places of worship and other community facilities.

3. Local boards are being asked to provide formal feedback on the draft LAPP by the end of December. There will be an opportunity for local boards to present their views to the hearings panel in February 2015.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) provide feedback on the draft Local Approved Product Policy in the attached report.

Comments

4. On 9 October 2014 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved a draft LAPP for public consultation (REG/2014/123).

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

6. The draft LAPP will prevent licenses being granted in areas of high deprivation, near high schools and near addiction and mental health treatment centres. It would also limit how close to an existing shop a new shop could open. The policy also has a separate set of rules for the city centre where licenses won’t be granted in areas of high residential deprivation and new shops would have to be a certain distance from existing shops. This draft would reduce the availability of these substances in areas where their presence is likely to have the greatest potential for harm.

7. Public consultation on the draft LAPP will be conducted via a special consultative procedure. The consultation will begin on 28^th October and run for four weeks. The consultation is being publicised via social media, Our Auckland, the peoples panel, various public events and advisory panel networks.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

8. Local board views are being sought via this report. Local boards have previously provided feedback on possible options and on a proposed draft. Workshops on the proposed draft were held with a number of boards. 17 boards provided feedback on the specific options, three requested a complete ban. Great Barrier Local Board declined to comment as they did not consider it an issue for their area.

9. As a result of local board feedback to the proposed draft the following changes were made:

· Buffer zones around schools were increased

· Buffer zones around mental health and addiction treatment centres were increased

· New rules for the city centre were added.

10. Local board feedback is being sought in in a parallel process to the special consultative process. The local board process will last until the end of December with local boards having the opportunity to present their views to the hearings panel in February 2015.

Maori impact statement

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

12. The consultation process with Māori has been developed in partnership with Māori agencies. A workshop has been undertaken with representatives from Hapai Te Hauora Tapui, an agency representing Māori health providers in the Auckland region, to provide initial feedback. Council staff are working with the Independent Māori Statutory Board, Te Waka Angamua and Hapai Te Hauora Tapui to ensure effective engagement with Māori. The initial work has centred on ensuring information is available to iwi and maata waka.

Implementation

Step	Estimated timeframe
1. Special consultative procedure	28 October – 28 November
2 Local board consultation	20 October – 19 December
3 Hearings	February 2015
4. Adopt final policy	April 2015
5. Implementation and review	Ongoing

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Changes from proposed to draft summary	159
b View	Statement of Proposal - draft LAPP	161

Signatories

Authors

Callum Thorpe - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Auckland Transport Update on Issues Raised in October 2014 for the Devonport Takapuna Local Board

File No.: CP2014/26198

Purpose

1. This report provides an update on transport related issues raised by local board members during October 2014. It also includes general information about matters of interest to the local board and Attachment ‘A’ the Schedule of Issues raised in October 2014.

2. For the local board’s information, a pick list of projects that could be funded from the Local Board Capital Fund is Attachment ‘B’ as well as the current projects spread sheet presented at Attachment ‘C’.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) receive the Auckland Transport Issues Update Report to the Devonport Takapuna Local Board.

b) resolve on AT Local Board Capital Fund projects they wish to see progressed as well as the projects they recommend do not proceed.

Comments

Local Board Auckland Transport Capital Fund Projects

3. One of the requirements of the Local Board Transport Capital fund is that the budgets must be spent within the same electoral term. Budgets can be moved from year to year within the electoral term, subject to Auckland Transport having the ability to manage the cash flow, but ‘carry forwards’ to subsequent political terms are not allowed.

4. As the spending of the budget is heavily weighted towards the 2015-16 financial year, the issue of Auckland Transport being able to carry out the large volume of work becomes a factor in the overall delivery of the programme.

5. Accordingly, construction approval will be required for all projects in the programme by 30 May 2015. In order to achieve the 30 May 2015 construction approval date, detailed design approval will need to be provided for all projects no later than 30 November 2014 in order to allow for six months detailed design (including consultation and statutory approvals) to be completed so that construction approval can be provided on time. As with the construction approvals, much of the detailed design has to happen much sooner in order to deliver the project within the financial programme.

6. At the 16 July 2013 meeting, the Board resolved (DT/2013/224) a number of projects be investigated by Auckland Transport to consider funding from the AT Local Board Capital Fund.

7. At the 15 April 2014 meeting, the Board resolved (DT/2014//75) that it will confirm further funding of the current Local Board Transport Capital Fund project list from the 2014/15 budget before 31 August 2014.

8. The design and costings were not available prior to the 31 August 2014 but discussed with the local board at a workshop on 4 November 2014.

9. Fleet Street Project - Alter the current parking layout to create a better pedestrian flow that links to the Clarence Street Upgrade (loss of one parking space). Relocating the footpath would link the pedestrian walking line into the existing footpath off Clarence Street.
This has merit and would achieve the benefits desired. A rough order of costs, including contingency, is estimated at $113,667.

10. Castor Bay/Beach Road Intersection Improvements – Create extra parking at the commercial area, widen curbs and plant to enhance the locality and create a more pedestrian friendly area. Options include realigning the pedestrian crossing, planting, and paving. This has merit and would achieve the benefits desired. A rough order of costs, including contingency, is estimated at $104,120.

11. Seaview Road/Commodore Parry Road Intersection Improvements – Widen curbs to slow traffic and install pedestrian refuge islands. This has merit and would achieve the benefits desired. A rough order of costs, including contingency, is estimated at $134,899.

12. Vauxhall/Tainui Road Intersection Improvements – The purpose of this project would be to slow the traffic on Vauxhall Road and install traffic islands at the Tainui Road intersection, making it safer for pedestrians and improving the overall presentation of the area with paving and planting.

13. This has merit and would achieve the benefits desired. Unfortunately, until the bus route changes scheduled for 2016 have been implemented construction cannot take place. However, there is value in having the design completed and defer construction to the 2017-18 financial year. This would be $5,000 to complete, and a decision is required whether to proceed with the design or not.

14. Raines/Havelock Intersection Improvements - A selection of ideas was presented to show how this intersection could be reconfigured to slow traffic and make it more pedestrian friendly, whilst upgrading the area and increasing parking. Board members felt this was worthy of scoping with options on what could be done.

15. Investigation has shown that Raines Ave is used as a ‘rat run’ for traffic trying to avoid the traffic lights at Tristram/East Coast Road. By undertaking the proposed changes, undesirable traffic behavior will be promoted. The cost of this project is estimated to be $214,000, but it is recommended that this project is not undertaken.

16. East Coast Road Pedestrian Refuge – Onsite observations have identified flaws in the concept design. If the refuge is installed it would likely behave like a small roundabout, putting vulnerable people we wish to protect in more danger. There are two existing pedestrian refuges within close proximity and no evidence of demand at this location. The cost of this project is estimated to be $154,500, but it is recommended that this project is not undertaken.

17. Sycamore Drive, Sunnynook (by Sunnynook Shopping Centre) – It was suggested that the current bus stop could be relocated closer to the Sunnynook Intersection (including the installation of a real time sign) and pedestrian refuges put in to make it safer crossing to the shopping centre. After investigation, it has been identified that relocating the central traffic islands will cause problems for traffic exiting the adjacent carpark. It is recommended that this project is not undertaken.

18. At the April 2014 meeting, the Board requested that Auckland Transport work with the City Transformation unit to assess the suitability of components of the Hurstmere Road upgrade for the Local Board Transport Capital Fund (DT/2014/75).

19. This was reported back to the local board in July; however the board did not make any decision on this matter at that time. As advised in the July report, AT urban design specialists have discussed this request with City Transformation team and have identified the streetlight improvements in Hurstmere Road (from Lake Road to Anzac Street) as a transport related component of the overall project that the Board could fund from the AT Local Board Capital Fund.

20. The cost estimate for these improvements is $390,000. Separating out the street light work as an AT Local Board Capital Fund project will help with the overall funding of the remaining Hurstmere Road project.

21. If the Board wishes to allocate AT Capital Funds to this project, a resolution will be required.

22. Pedestrian Crossing Lighting Improvements (as listed in Attachment B) – Replacement of existing pedestrian crossing lights within the Devonport-Takapuna area, with new LED lighting or provision of new LED lighting where none currently exists. If the Board is interested, a list of suggested locations and costs could be provided for consideration.

23. Pedestrian Countdown Timer Hauraki/Jutland Intersection - There is an opportunity for the Board to support additional work at the intersection of Lake Road/Hauraki Road/Jutland Road intersection with installation of a pedestrian count down timer.

24. At the Lake Road/Hauraki Road/Jutland Road intersection, the traffic signal was upgraded to LED in recent years, and the asset life cycle is approximately 10 years.

25. Auckland Transport has no immediate renewal budget for the intersection, but the cost to add a pedestrian countdown timer to enhance the pedestrian safety and amenities at the intersection could be considered.

26. Due to the 2012changes to the give-way left turn versus right turn rule, there is an on-going request from road users to change the signal setting at the intersection for the right turn from Hauraki Road to Lake Road. An Auckland Transport budget will be used to make changes to the signal setting to address the operational and issues.

27. Unfortunately, the budget could not be stretched to accommodate both treatments (changing the signal setting and adding countdown timer) at the intersection. However, if the Board wished to fund the cost of a pedestrian countdown timer this could be installed at the same time as the signal setting is altered. The estimated cost for the pedestrian countdown timer is $11,000.

28. Parking Availability Signage - The Board has previously requested consideration to the installation of electronic parking availability signage and parking indicators in the central Takapuna Carpark area. The Board has also identified this in their recent Local Board Plan, although funding from AT is not currently available for this project. If the Board wishes to progress this project it could allocate funding from the AT Local Board Capital fund to request the installation of this technology. A current cost estimate is $100,000.

29. Permanent Cycle/Pedestrain Count Monitoring Equipment - Last year the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board asked for a quote in regards to the installation of permanent automatic pedestrian and cycling monitoring equipment near the new Bayswater Walking and Cycling Bridge. The aim is to monitor usage of the asset in order to evaluate the success of the investment, as well as gauge future cycling use for future expansion of the network in this area.

30. The quote of $11,000 previously provided for the installation of the equipment includes an option for telemetry functionality, which means that data is relayed from the logger via satellite to software installed on a desk top computer (i.e. no site visits required to collect the data 24/7 and accuracy is ensured). A device at this location could ultimately assist to inform future funding and subsidies on proposed construction of cycleways and bridges in this area.

31. The Board may now wish to consider the installation of the Eco-Counter automatic equipment that is used by Auckland Transport at 15 locations around the city to measure trends and growth in walking and cycling in the region. Auckland Council’s Parks department also uses this equipment to monitor usage on a number of paths in the southern area.

32. Bike Parking at Devonport Ferry Terminal – A project the Board could consider funding is providing covered bike parking at the west edge of Marine Square directly adjacent to the new walkway from Queens Parade.

33. The facility would provide bike parking for approximately 80 - 100 bikes and would necessitate the removal of 12 parking spaces in the long term car park. The architects who designed the Marine Square have provided a scope for this scheme. Preliminary cost estimates are $300,000 to $350,000 including design, consents, approvals, etc. It is anticipated that the investigation, design, consenting, tendering stages of the project would take approximately 6 months, and work for this project could start immediately if funding was available.

34. Bike Parking at Stanley Bay Ferry Terminal - Another project the Board could consider funding is the provision of bike parking at Stanley Bay Ferry Terminal. A rough cost estimate would be $20,000 to $25,000.

35. The Board may wish to identify and consider other cycleway/walkway links and connections that would be achievable within this electoral term.

36. Suggestions of projects to be funded from the AT Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF) are attached to this report. The list contains a ‘pick list’ of the types of projects that could be funded from the LBTCF programme that has previously been circulated to local boards for their information. This list will assist local boards to identify potential projects in their areas (see Attachment B).

37. The spreadsheet normally attached to the Auckland Transport Quarterly report is also attached to show the status of the Board’s projects under the Local Board Transport Capital Fund (see Attachment C).

Napier Ave/Eldon Street/Harley Road. Outcome of Consultation - Proposed Give Way

38. Following on from the site meeting with residents, Member O’Connor, and Auckland Transport representatives on 5 May 2014 to discuss the combined concerns in the area, Auckland Transport consulted with residents on the option to prohibit left turns from Lake Road into Napier Avenue to prevent ‘rat-running’ and associated speeding.

39. Residents of Napier Avenue, Eldon Street and Harley Road were consulted as the impact of banning the left turn movement has an effect on the wider road network.

40. Auckland Transport received varied feedback about the proposal. Some respondents agreed that the proposal would stop ‘rat runners’ from using Napier Ave to access Esmonde Road, but the majority disagreed with the proposal. Concerns raised were:

· it will cause inconvenience to residents of Napier Ave where they have to use Harley Road to access their properties;

· the traffic issues associated with ‘rat running’ will be shifted to Harley Road and create further safety concerns; and

· it will restrict access for emergency vehicles.

41. Based on this feedback and further evaluation, Auckland Transport have made the decision to not proceed with the trial to prohibit the left turn movement from Lake Road into Napier Avenue.

42. Auckland Transport also investigated the option of signalising the free left-turn from Eldon Street into Esmonde Road. The investigation highlighted that this treatment is likely to:

· encourage drivers to use Eldon Street as they will have priority when there is a green signal;

· encourage drivers to run the red light when vehicles are queued on Esmonde Road across Eldon Road;

· introduce unnecessary delays to local residents in the off peak period; and

· introduce additional delays to other movements at this intersection.

43. Based on this analysis Auckland Transport does not propose to progress this option.

44. Auckland Transport has considered the possibility of reducing the speed limit on Napier Ave. The legislation for setting speed limits does not allow urban speed limits to be set at less than 50km/h unless the majority of drivers are already driving at speeds within 5km/h of the proposed limit. Unfortunately that is not the case in Napier Ave, and therefore Auckland Transport is unable to reduce the speed limit at this time.

45. Auckland Transport is currently progressing the option of changing the stop control at the Napier Avenue/Eldon Street intersection to a give way priority control over the traffic from Eldon Street. This has the intention of minimising and deterring the ‘rat-runners’ from using Napier Ave as a short cut to access the motorway. Auckland Transport proposes to install a give way control on Napier Ave and remove the stop control from Eldon Street. This alternative proposal will provide the following improvements:

· the traffic on Napier Ave will be forced to slow down and give way to traffic on Eldon Street, which will improve safety by reducing the speed for the right turning movements;

· the average daily traffic volume on Eldon Street is higher than Napier Ave, and therefore it is appropriate to change the priority to reflect the current traffic volume on these streets; and

· this would not cause adverse impacts on Harley Road.

46. Auckland Transport will be consulting on this option in the next few weeks and expects to implement this change before the end of the year pending the results of consultation. Following implementation of the change, Auckland Transport will undertake monitoring of the site to gauge its effectiveness.

Auckland Transport News

Spring into cycling – get on your bike

47. Spring is in the air, and Auckland Transport is encouraging residents to ‘get going by bike’.

48. Now the warmer weather is here, Auckland Transport is encouraging people to get out the bikes, check they are in good working order and make use of Auckland’s cycleways.

49. Cycling is good for your body, your mind, your wallet and the environment. The Spring Cycle Programme offers cycle skills training for adults, including on-road safety skills and bike maintenance advice. Event opportunities for families and guided rides to community events and activities such as Bike the Bridge, Halloween themed rides or enjoy a guided ride to Sculpture on the Shore.

50. The Auckland Spring Cycle programme promotes cycling for pleasure, leisure, health and fitness by encouraging non-cyclists to learn to ride, help less confident cyclists brush up on their road safety skills and to show off Auckland’s evolving cycle network.

51. There are now more than 290km of cycleways throughout the Auckland region offering a range of cycling options for people on bikes. Since 2010 there has been a 30% increase in trips on key routes throughout the Auckland metropolitan area.

52. Further improvements planned to cycling infrastructure will make it easier and safer to ‘go by bike’. Auckland Transport community programmes are designed to support cycling as a viable and enjoyable transport option.

Unformed Legal Roads – Operational Policy

53. An operational policy on how Auckland Transport will manage unformed legal roads is being developed.

54. This will set out consistent guidelines for dealing with common questions that arise. Input has been sought from a range of stakeholder groups, including Federated Farmers, the Walking Access Commission, Fish and Game NZ and various community and recreational user groups for horses, mountain bikes, and 4WD drive vehicles. Local boards are also being asked for input.

55. A final draft will go to the AT Board for approval later this year.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

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

Māori impact statement

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

General

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

Implementation

59. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of Issues raised in October 2014	183
b View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Projects Pick List	189
c View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Current Projects Spread Sheet	195

Signatories

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

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards

File No.: CP2014/26096

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to inform local boards about progress on activities undertaken by Auckland Transport in the three months July – September 2014, and the planned activities anticipated to be undertaken in the three months October – December 2014.

2. Attachments include:

· A – Auckland Transport activities;

· B – Travelwise Schools activities;

· C – Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee;

· D – Report against local board advocacy issues; and

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

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) receive the Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards report.

Comments

Significant activities during the period under review

Key Agency Initiatives

East West Connections

3. Auckland Transport (AT) and the NZ Transport Agency have completed an indicative business case that identifies a short list of options to address the transport issues in the Onehunga-Penrose area. Improvements were also identified along the proposed bus route between Mangere, Otahuhu and Sylvia Park.

4. The assessment process to narrow down potential options included the outcomes of the July/August engagement, as well as assessing factors such as transport performance, consentability, constructability, natural environment, public health and cultural heritage. The short list contains a range of low to high investment options for further investigation.

5. Public consultation on these short listed options commenced in October, which included public open days and workshops.

PT Development

Otahuhu Interchange

6. A civil enabling works package has gone to market to enable construction activities in December to capitalise on the scheduled Christmas Block of Line in the rail corridor.

7. The main works package is scheduled to go to market mid-December, with tenders closing at the end of January and awarded end of February 2015. Target completion for the interchange is end of September 2015. A public open day was held in Otahuhu Town Hall that was attended by 225 people, including local board members. Feedback received was very positive. Hui with local mana whenua are on-going with six having been completed to date.

City Rail Link

8. Registrations of Interest (ROI) by the construction industry for the enabling design work for the downtown section of the City Rail Link (from Britomart through Queen, Customs and Albert Streets to Wyndham Street) were received and evaluated during August.

9. Following an evaluation process, Request for Proposal (RFP) documentation for two enabling works contract packages were released to the ROI respondents in late August. A series of interface meetings are scheduled with respondents prior to receipt of proposals in November, whereby a tender evaluation will be undertaken. A project update was provided to mana whenua groups (seven iwi represented) mainly focussing on stormwater mitigation issues.

Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Procurement

10. There are now 27 EMU units in New Zealand with 17 units in service. Manukau peak services began mid September. EMU testing on the Western line to Swanson began on Monday 29 September. Manufacture and delivery is on programme.

PT Operations

Bus Improvements

11. An on-going programme of bus timetable adjustments, in partnership with AT service providers, continued this year to ensure published timetables more closely reflect actual bus running times. This is driving a significant improvement in bus service reliability, particularly for North Star, Go West, Waka Pacific and Metrolink Outer with implementation scheduled across the entire bus network by September 2014.

12. On-time performance across the entire bus network rose to 91.45% for September, and has remained over 90% during the quarter.

13. NZ Bus operated 91.7% of its bus services on time, which is a 10% increase on the previous 12 months. Go West showed the largest improvement with an 11% increase in punctuality since December. On-time performance improved by 5% after delivering a new customer value proposition of services from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week on 3 August in the west (Green Bay/Titirangi).

14. On time performance for the Northern Express Service also continued to operate at a very high level during August, delivering 98.7% of its bus services on time, with most of September operating at 99.4%.

Rail Improvements

15. Rail patronage for the 12 months to September 2014 was more than 11.8 million, which is an increase of 27% on the previous year and a new record for heavy rail in the Auckland region. Rail patronage for the first quarter 2014 was 15% above the same period in 2013.

16. Rail service punctuality was stable at 87.7% for the 12 months to September 2014, which is an improvement from 86.3% on the previous year. This was achieved through a period of operational change to new systems following the introduction of EMUs that have presented some challenges. For the month of August 2014, punctuality was 90.5% - the first month in the last ten years that performance exceeded 90% outside holiday periods .

17. Rail station security was upgraded from May 2014 and a strategic review of rail safety, security and fare enforcement is currently underway.

Road Design and Development

Dominion Road

18. Construction on the cycle routes is proceeding with the project being close to 50% complete. Tenders for the main Dominion Road works have closed and evaluation is underway. The project has been expanded at the request of Watercare to include water main replacement in three village centres.

Albany Highway

19. The contract for construction has been awarded to Fulton Hogan, with work commencing on site in November. Construction is expected to be completed early in 2017.

20. An open day was held in October to give the local community the opportunity to meet the construction team and ask any questions they may have about the project before works begin. A communications and stakeholder management plan will be in place for the duration of the construction period.

Murphys Road

21. Construction of Flat Bush School Road and Murphys Road intersection upgrade is progressing and on track for completion by mid-December 2014. Design of the Murphys Road upgrade between Flat Bush School Road and Ormiston Road is on-going and programmed to finish by the end of December 2014.

AMETI

22. Construction of the new Te Horeta Road at Panmure is near complete. Pavement works and line marking were completed during the period, and the final integration testing of tunnel systems is in progress. The road was scheduled to open on 2 November when critical activities on Mt Wellington Highway and at the adjacent NCI site are complete.

23. The new William Harvey Bridge footbridge is now fully operational. The upgrade of Van Damme’s Lagoon, NCI and Watercare works are ongoing.

24. Planning and design meetings were held to update Pakuranga town centre stakeholders on the design work for Pakuranga bus station and Reeves Road flyover. Feedback will assist to further develop the design.

Cycle Initiatives

25. The construction of Stage 1 (Churchill Street to Quay Street via Mahuhu Crescent and Tapora Street) was completed ahead of schedule and formally opened by the Prime Minister and the Mayor. A short safety video for cyclists has been produced (http://youtube/fNlu7xaS2KA), and within a week it had been viewed more than 2,700 times..

26. A survey to benchmark the number of cyclists is about to start and will be used to monitor usage. The design of Stage 2 that will make the link through to Britomart Place is progressing, with the start of construction planned for early 2015.

27. A number of other cycle schemes are under construction including Portage Road (New Lynn), Swanson Rail Path and St George Street (Papatoetoe). Meanwhile the Spring Cycling Programme has commenced with a series of cycle training and safety events being held throughout the region.

Services

Public Transport ‘Give it a Go’ Scheme

28. Between Late May and the end of September, AT delivered the scheme through 18 businesses and personalised journey planning projects. Through the scheme, participants received two weeks of free commuter travel.

29. Results indicate that 6 weeks after the start of the trial, 52% of programme participants are continuing to use public transport and after 8 weeks there is only a slight drop to 41%.

30. An evaluation survey has also been undertaken that allows participants to provide feedback on the service. There has been positive feedback, as shown in the quotes below:

· “Great idea – certainly surprised me how great public transport has become” ASB workplace survey

· “I had never taken public transport before the trial and now find that travelling by train is a lot less stressful than by road… …and thank you for offering the trial pass, you now have a passenger for life.” Health Alliance workplace survey

· “Using public transport was a lot better than I had expected. More trials like this should be done to convince others.” Sovereign workplace survey.

Commute Businesses

31. Auckland Council senior management have approved the Auckland Council Travel Plan. A more detailed action plan is being co-developed for presentation to the Chief Planning Officer in early November for approval to proceed.

32. Commute awards recognised businesses achieving success in travel planning. The award winners have been promoted in business publications including Auckland Today. The award winners were:

· Progress on Travel Plan – AECOM

· Delivery of Commute Packages – Mahitahi Trust

· Embedding sustainable transport into company practice – MRCagney.

Route Optimisation

33. The 2013/2014 Route Optimisation Programme has been primarily focused around the Auckland city centre, aiming to prioritise and optimise network performance for all modes as appropriate. The programme made use of the detailed Network Operating Plan to translate strategic intent into operational priorities for the various modes by time of day. Being the city centre, greater emphasis was placed on public transport and pedestrian performance, the latter being particularly noticeable during the day outside of peak periods. As a whole, route optimisation covered approximately 33 km and over 110 intersections.

Variable Message Signs (VMS)

34. Eight variable message signs (VMS) programmed for the 2013/2014 year are now in place.

35. The signs were due for final hand-over to the Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) during the month of October, and will be available for use for incident management, planned events, multi-modal real time travel time information (including multi-modal travel time where relevant) and any messaging requirements.

Bus route improvements

36. The Operational Planning and Performance Teams have been assisting the Public Transport Operations team to identify and implement quick-win projects to improve the efficiency and reliability of bus operations. Current projects include:

Route	Project Scope	Progress
Esmonde Road	Widening to extend bus lane	Resolution prepared, awaiting tree removal consent
Khyber Pass Road	Introduction of additional 90m of bus lane	Resolution prepared, awaiting Local Board approval
Khyber Pass Road	Crowhurst intersection bus priority upgrade	Resolution prepared, awaiting Local Board approval
Wellesley Street East	Bus lane pocket	Resolution prepared, awaiting Road Safety Audit sign off
Park Road	Investigation of southbound bus lane	Concept design complete, internal consultation to commerce shortly
Parnell Road	Investigation of bus lane	Concept development with consultants, due imminently

Urban KiwiRAP (International Road Assessment Programme) Update

37. A specialist engineering team completed vehicle-mounted video-mapping of 2,000 kilometres of the Auckland local road network in September as part of the Safer Journeys Urban KiwiRAP demonstration project. This project is a world first and the video footage will be analysed to establish road safety star ratings for the Auckland urban local road network, which will be used to prioritise improvements on high-risk parts of the network.

Road Corridor Delivery

38. Overall operating expenditure is running ahead of budget due to the effects of the major storm event that struck Great Barrier Island in June, higher electricity costs and an increased spend on unsealed road maintenance.

39. Renewal expenditure is behind forecast, but good progress has been made in making preparations for the upcoming construction season. The actual spend is consistent with the reduced level of funding now available for renewals.

Key Renewals

40. Construction of the Beach Road Cycleway was delivered by the Road Corridor Group and completed on time for the opening by the Prime Minister in August.

41. The design of the new box culvert is underway on Great Barrier Road with the intention of commencing physical works later this year. The existing steel plate was washed away in the storm event on 10 June 2014, and there is a temporary stream crossing in place until the works can be completed.

42. Chipsealing commenced in Franklin in August using emulsion instead of cut-back bitumen. Emulsion can be sprayed in cooler weather, provides improved chip wetting and adhesion and is safer and more environmentally friendly than hot bitumen.

43. Repairs to the Maraetai Beach seawall were also completed in August. The seawall had been undermined by several major storms over the June/July period.

44. Streetlight improvements have been carried out on East Tamaki Road and on the cycle routes in the Dominion Road Corridor. The street lights in these cycle routes, located immediately to the East and West of Dominion Road, have been upgraded with LED Luminaires to improve safety.

Road Corridor Access

Corridor Access Request (CAR) Applications

45. There were 4,039 CAR applications approved during the first quarter, representing a 4.4% increase over the number of applications received (3,868) for the same period last year.

46. Monthly incremental increases of around 8% have been experienced since July, with the major share of the increases being for minor works (i.e. works in the footpath and berm area only).

Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) Rollout

47. Overall forecast build starts have fallen below forecasts and the likelihood of a back ended build programme for the year has increased. Up to 30 cabinet areas appear to be at risk.

48. Currently for Year 4, 88 cabinet areas are in build, 43 are completed and 22 have moved into warranty.

Watercare Hunua 4 Bulk Watermain

49. As at the end of September 2014, 12.6 km of pipe has been laid at an average weekly rate of 48 metres, and Watercare advise this is in line with planned targets.

Watercare Pakuranga Rising Water Main

50. Work commenced in January on the construction of a new 0.9 metre diameter sanitary sewer rising main in the carriageway of Pakuranga Road and Lagoon Drive in the vicinity of the Panmure Bridge.

51. Progress at either end of the project site (Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road east of the Panmure Bridge) has been good, and the positive temporary traffic management measures employed have enabled traffic to continue with only minimal delays.

Overweight Permits

52. There were 198 overweight permit applications processed in September. Of the 198 permit applications, 155 (78.3%) were processed within the target times and all applications were processed by the nominated travel start date.

53. The target timeframes for processing overweight permit applications are 3 days for KPI 2, single trip, multi travel and continuous renewal permits and 5 working days for KPI 3 continuous and area permits.

Parking and Enforcement

Parking machine replacement

54. The existing 922 Pay and Display machines installed in the greater Auckland area have reached their end of life and are due for replacement. Parking Services have conducted an on-going investigation into the developing technology associated with on-street parking. A paper has recently been prepared requesting the funding necessary for a technology upgrade and is planned to be presented to the AT Board at its November meeting.

55. The proposed new system incorporates the ‘pay by space’ mode with in-road sensors for each parking spot. Parking availability will be published on the internet. Once a parking space is occupied, payment will be made at a nearby payment machine that will accept HOP cards, credit cards, text-a-park and cash. Smartphone payments will also be available with text reminders being sent when the time limit is due to expire. Additional topping up for extending parking will be available by either smartphone or at any other parking payment machine.

56. Enforcement of expired parking spaces will be managed from Parking Officers PDAs that will be able to communicate to a central system holding data on the parking status of the city’s precincts. Improved management information and remote tariff adjustments will be managed from the centralised system.

Auckland parking discussion document

57. There was significant interest in the parking discussion document, with AT receiving over 6,000 submissions. The submissions are still being analysed and themes collated. The next step will be to draw up a region-wide parking policy that will consider information from those submissions.

58. A report on key themes and possible policy responses was expected to be reported back to the AT Board in October. The detail of individual schemes will follow.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of activities undertaken for the first quarter (2014/15) ending 30 September 2014 and forward works programme for the second quarter (2014/15) ending 31 December 2014	205
b View	Travelwise Schools activities broken down by Local Board	223
c View	Traffic Control Committee Decisions	225
d View	Local Board Advocacy Report	227
e View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	229

Signatories

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

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Council Controlled Organisation Review, Progress Report to Local Boards

File No.: CP2014/23124

Purpose

1. To inform local boards about key aspects of the current review of council controlled organisations (CCOs) and seek local board feedback, in particular on matters of interest to local boards.

Executive summary

2. This report informs local boards on a number of matters relating to the CCO review, including:

· the key steps undertaken in the CCO review so far;

· CCO configuration options that have been considered but are not being progressed;

· CCO configuration options that are still under consideration;

· other aspects of the CCO review of interest to local boards, including the Accountability Framework workstream; and the Communication, Collaboration and Consultation workstream; and

· next steps in the CCO review.

3. This report seeks feedback from local boards, in particular about an option to increase activities in support of council’s transformational shift of radically improving the quality of urban living. The council is considering a new vehicle that could act as a single outward facing voice in the development of the Auckland region, with greater economies of scale, enhanced commerciality and the ability to partner with others. This report seeks feedback on the concept, including comment on the considerations the council should take into account, from a local perspective, when developing the concept.

4. The report notes that local boards have already provided feedback on the following matters that are being considered as part of the CCO review;

· whether local economic development activities are delivered by Auckland Council or ATEED; and

· the roles and interface between local boards and Auckland Transport in relation to place-making functions.

5. In relation to local economic development, the report seeks local board views on ATEED being responsible for local economic development, if a mechanism can be established to hold ATEED accountable to local boards for delivery. The report also notes that the CCO review will not consider the level of funding for local economic development activities, as this is a Long-term Plan (LTP) issue. Current proposals are for LTP funding for local economic development to be provided in the council’s spatial priority areas only.

6. In relation to local boards, Auckland Transport, and place-making responsibilities, any specific proposals would require further consultation with local boards.

7. In relation to the Accountability Framework workstream, the report notes that improved alignment between the statement of intent process and the LTP/Annual Planning process should provide the Budget Committee with greater visibility of the extent to which proposed CCO work programmes deliver on local board priorities.

8. The Accountability Framework workstream also proposes that council requirements of CCOs, in relation to local board engagement, reporting, and consideration of local board priorities, will be included in a new Governance Manual that all CCOs are required to comply with.

9. The report also notes that the Communication, Collaboration and Consultation workstream is still being scoped and may require local board engagement at some stage.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) consider the information provided in this report and provide feedback, in particular on matters of interest to local boards as indicated in the report.

Comments

Phase One – Terms of Reference and Current State Assessment

10. The Governing Body adopted its terms of reference for the CCO review on 27 February 2014. The terms of reference sought to ensure that CCO governance structures were aligned with the council’s strategies and provided an efficient and effective model of service delivery. They also sought to:

· ensure sufficient political oversight and public accountability of CCOs;

· provide clarity about roles and responsibilities;

· eliminate duplication; and

· better integrate services and functions and provide a positive interface between the Auckland Council group organisations and Aucklanders.

11. Major structural change for Auckland Transport was identified as being out of scope, as Auckland Transport is a statutory entity governed by specific legislative provisions.

12. The review is due to be completed by June 2015. Any proposals for structural change will be consulted on through the draft Long-term Plan (LTP).

13. The terms of reference and CCO review workstreams were informed by two current state assessment reports, one prepared from a council perspective and one from a CCO perspective. Local board input to the current state assessment acknowledged significant improvements in interactions between CCOs and local boards over the three year period, although most local boards were still looking for further improvement in certain areas.

Phase Two – Assessment of Services

14. The first step in phase two of the review was to test the rationale for delivering services through a CCO. Councillors discussed that there were both benefits and challenges from delivering services through arms’ length entities such as CCOs.

15. Benefits include commercial focus, efficiency, flexibility in decision-making and ability to attract specialist skills. Challenges include that the council is ultimately accountable for ratepayer funding, and achieving integration of CCO activities with other council services or policies. It was also acknowledged that where there is high political, public, iwi or stakeholder interest in CCO decision-making, this can be challenging for the council.

16. At its meeting of 26 June 2014, the Governing Body received analysis of the services currently being provided by CCOs against a set of criteria that sought to test the suitability of those services for delivery through a CCO. Overall the analysis suggested that the services currently being delivered through CCOs were well suited to this mode of delivery. Where challenges were identified it was clear that councillors believe these can be properly managed through a CCO model.

Phase Two – CCO delivery and configuration

17. The second step in phase two of the review was to identify whether any changes to the grouping of activities was likely to deliver better outcomes than the current CCO configuration.

18. Councillors have discussed configuration options at a series of workshops in August and September. The options were informed by one or more of the following drivers for change:

· opportunities to address issues raised in the current state assessment, particularly removing duplication in skills and clarifying responsibilities;

· opportunities to increase effectiveness and drive results;

· opportunities to improve strategic alignment to Auckland Plan goals;

· opportunities to increase efficiency/reduce costs; and

· evidence from international best practice or other desktop research.

19. A number of pieces of desktop research were undertaken in relation to the last bullet point. These included reviews of national/international delivery models and a report by Synergine Group on the linkages between water, wastewater and stormwater.

20. The governing body has not made any decisions on configuration options; however, workshop discussions have indicated that there was insufficient rationale to progress some options.

Options not being progressed

21. Three waters – The Synergine Group report found that there would be some benefits from the integrated management of three waters, such as enhanced catchment management planning. It also found significant linkages between stormwater and other activities of the council group, including land use planning and transport.

22. For this reason, the options of delivering three waters in-house or within a three waters CCO were both considered.

23. In-house delivery of three waters could help better align water and wastewater network planning with council strategy; however, these benefits can be achieved in other ways including through greater collaboration. This option would have some significant disadvantage,s including very high cost of change and likely reduced commercial focus in relation to water and wastewater delivery.

24. Delivery of three waters within a three waters CCO could have benefits in terms of operational efficiencies and greater commercial focus. However, some of the benefits can be achieved in other ways and there are some major drawbacks. For example, this option could require complex agreements between Auckland Council and Watercare as many stormwater assets are ‘soft infrastructure’ such as overland flow paths. This would have implications for local boards, as many of the overland flow paths are in local parks. Another reason that the option was not progressed was that stormwater planning also needs to be highly integrated with land use planning.

25. Regional facilities, tourism and major events - This option would involve transferring ATEED’s responsibility for tourism and major events to Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA). The main drivers for this option were perceived increase in efficiency and effectiveness, as both RFA and ATEED have a focus on tourism and major events including conferences. However, RFA’s main objectives are to maximise utilisation of their assets, while ATEED’s focus is on delivering benefit for the Auckland region. This option has not been progressed as there was a concern that the resulting CCO would have conflicting objectives.

26. Larger Commercial CCO - Consideration was given to other council investments or business interests that could be transferred to Auckland Council investments Limited (ACIL); however, no significant opportunities were identified.

27. Of the options not being progressed, the option involving transferring stormwater to a three waters CCO is likely to be of most interest to local boards for reasons outlined in paragraph 24.

Options still under consideration

28. Enhanced status quo - This option will apply to all CCOs that do not undergo significant structural change. ‘Enhanced status quo’ will involve reviewing the purpose and high-level objectives of each CCO as set out in the Orders of Council under which they were established. This does not apply to Watercare or Auckland Transport, which have specific legislative provisions defining their powers and responsibilities. The timeframe for this review will be between February and June 2015.

29. Enhanced status quo will also involve considering a number of one off issues in relation to each CCO. The following are likely to be of most interest to local boards.

· whether local economic development activities are delivered by Auckland Council or ATEED; and

· the roles and interface between local boards and Auckland Transport in relation to place-making functions.

30. A lot of feedback has already been provided by local boards on these matters and will be taken into account as options are developed.

31. A key difficulty with ATEED delivering local economic development activities on behalf of local boards is that local boards have decision-making responsibility for this, yet they do not have a direct governance relationship with ATEED. This report seeks local board views on ATEED being responsible for local economic development, if a mechanism can be established to hold ATEED accountable to local boards for delivery.

32. Note that the CCO review will not address the level of funding for local economic development activities, as this is an LTP decision. Current budget proposals are for the funding for local economic development activities to be provided in the council’s spatial priority areas only.

33. In relation to local boards, Auckland Transport and place-making, the current state assessment from local boards contained a lot of feedback that will be considered. Any specific proposals would need to come back to local boards for further feedback.

34. Under enhanced status quo there are a number of matters to clarify in relation to Waterfront Auckland. These include the role of Waterfront Auckland in its area of influence, and whether the Cloud, Shed 10, and the Viaduct Events Centre are managed by Waterfront Auckland or RFA. These matters may be of interest to some local boards. The timing for addressing these matters has not yet been determined, but further consultation with interested local boards may be required at a later date.

35. Urban Regeneration CCO - Serious consideration is being given to how the council can increase its level of activity to support its transformational shift of radically improving the quality of urban living. This means moving to a quality compact urban form that is well connected, appropriately serviced, provides employment opportunities, and provides housing affordability and choice. These are key elements but there are many other considerations including safety, sustainability, and quality urban design.

36. While the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) is an enabler, it will not be sufficient on its own to provide the scale or quality of development required.

37. The council already has a range of vehicles for helping deliver on these objectives. These include:

· Waterfront Auckland, which is responsible for regeneration of Wynyard Quarter;

· City Transformations, which undertakes master planning and town centre upgrades;

· Auckland Council Properties Limited (ACPL), which has a role in facilitating housing and commercial development in specific locations including Ormiston Town Centre, Yard 37 at Hobsonville, Papatoetoe town centre, Avondale town centre, and Wilsher Village in Henderson;

· Tamaki Redevelopment Company, which is jointly owned with central government and council; and

· the Housing Project Office, which is charged with implementation of the Housing Action Plan and integrated consenting in Special Housing Areas (SHAs).

38. The council is considering a new vehicle that could act as a single outward facing voice in the development of the Auckland region, with greater economies of scale, enhanced commerciality and the ability to partner with others. This is likely to be a staged process with the first steps undertaken as part of the CCO review. Options are still being refined but could include expanding the role of ACPL, bringing together the skills and expertise from Waterfront Auckland and ACPL, or another option which could emerge out of work still being undertaken.

39. The concept of a new vehicle to assist in the delivery of quality urban living goals is likely to be of interest to local boards. Local boards’ role in community engagement and local place-making is central to shaping on-going change.

40. In the initial stages it is likely that any increase in redevelopment/regeneration activity would simply reflect reprioritisation of LTP budgets in areas that have been identified as spatial priorities. However, it is anticipated that the vehicle would generate and/or leverage new sources of funding over time.

41. This report seeks comment from local boards on the concept of an enhanced delivery vehicle for urban regeneration, including comment on the considerations that the governing body should take into account from a local perspective, when developing the concept further.

42. Holding Company - ACIL currently owns council shares in Ports of Auckland Limited, Auckland Film Studios, and Auckland International Airport. It also manages the diversified financial assets portfolio (DFAP) on behalf of the council. An option still being considered is to transfer responsibility for the DFAP to the council. ACIL would then become a holding company for council’s ownership in commercial investments. This option does not have identifiable implications for local boards.

CCO model –working better together

43. The focus of the review to date has been on the rationale for arms-length delivery and options for structural change. The terms of reference for the review are much wider than this, and include consideration of how to make the CCO model work best for the Auckland Council group. The Auckland Council CCO model is fundamentally different to other local authorities in New Zealand as CCOs deliver core services on behalf of council. The preferred approach is a collaborative model where CCOs are delivery partners, rather than autonomous entities that the council procures services from.

44. Two workstreams likely to be of particular interest to local boards are the Accountability Framework workstream; and the Communication, Collaboration and Consultation workstream.

Accountability Framework

45. To date, the Accountability Framework workstream has focussed primarily on processes, with a goal of improving alignment between budgeting, the LTP process and the annual statement of intent (SOI) process.

46. Proposed new processes have been considered at CCO Review workshops and are due to be considered formally by the CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee on 7 October 2014.

47. The proposed new process recognises that the council’s expectations of CCOs expressed through the SOI process, need to be aligned to the LTP/Annual Plan. When the council considers CCO priorities it should do so within the context of the funding it is providing, or the funding assumptions it is making in the LTP/annual plan.

48. Under the proposed new process the Budget Committee will consider CCO key performance indicators and targets at its October/November workshops with CCOs, and will agree an annual letter of expectation (LOE) to CCO chairs, that reflects budget decisions made. The CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee will receive the draft SOIs in April each year as usual and will limit its shareholder comments to checking that deliverables reflect what has already been agreed through the budgeting process.

49. For local boards, the main implication is that the Budget Committee will also have an overview of local board priorities when it sets its funding for CCOs. For the proposed LTP, the Budget Committee workshops with local boards occur shortly before workshops with CCOs. This will enable Budget Committee members to engage with CCOs regarding local board priorities if they have concerns about any priorities that are not reflected in programmes proposed by CCOs.

50. This does not supersede the requirement for CCOs to take local board priorities into account when they develop their proposed programmes, and for CCOs to actively engage with local boards as they do this.

51. The other proposed change is to streamline the SOIs so that they are focused on what the CCO will deliver. Council expectations in relation to how the CCO is expected to act will be included in a new Governance Manual that will replace the current Shareholder Expectation Guide.

52. Under recent changes to the Local Government Act 2002, the council is required to have a binding agreement with its CCOs. It is proposed that the binding agreement will cross-reference the Governance Manual which will formalise the requirement to comply with council expectations.

53. This Governance Manual will include council expectations of CCOs in relation to local board engagement and reporting, and consideration of local board priorities. These have already been articulated in resolutions of the Accountability and Performance committee in December 2012, and the Strategy and Finance Committee in September 2013. The recent elected member survey included questions for local board members to help assess the current level of satisfaction of local board members in relation to these matters. It is intended that this will continue to be monitored annually.

Communication, collaboration and consultation workstream

54. The purpose of this workstream is to:

· ensure that CCOs, elected members and council staff engage effectively over strategic issues and keep each other well informed of sensitive issues, which includes CCO interaction with the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) and local boards; and

· ensure appropriate public engagement on matters of public interest.

55. This work is still being scoped. The working group will include a staff member from Local Board Services.

56. This work could result in new content for inclusion in the new Governance Manual referred to in paragraphs 51-53. This would need to be identified in draft form by March 2015. If there are any proposals that relate to local boards, CCO Review staff will seek guidance from Local Board Services about further engagement with local boards on these matters.

Next steps in CCO review

57. According to the current timetable, the Governing Body will receive a report on 27 November 2014 with recommendations on CCO configuration options. If the council agrees to support any option that would require significant structural change to any CCO or the establishment of a new CCO, this will be consulted on through the LTP. The proposal to establish a new vehicle to deliver on quality urban living objectives would require LTP consultation.

58. Work on the “working better together” workstreams will continue from now until June 2015.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

59. This report asks for local board views on a number of issues that are being considered as part of the CCO review. This report has provided an overview of review and noted the matters which are likely to be of most interest to local boards.

Māori impact statement

60. The CCO review also includes a range of issues that are likely to be of interest to Māori and to the IMSB. Staff will also seek feedback from the IMSB in relation to these matters.

Implementation

61. There are no implementation issues associated with this report.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Feedback to the Council Controlled Organisation Review – November 2014	239

Signatories

Authors

Catherine Syme - Principal Advisor, CCO Governance and External Partnerships

Authorisers

John Bishop - Treasurer and Manager CCO Governance & External Partnerships

Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987

File No.: CP2014/25339

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to present the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board with applications for special exemptions from some of the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (‘the Act’).

Executive summary

2. The local board must consider each of the applications for special exemption. The local board must also resolve to decline, grant or grant subject to conditions, the exemptions sought.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) receive the applications by:

i) 7 Kowhai Street, Takapuna

ii) 27 Regent Street, Narrow Neck

iii) 1A Brown Street, Hauraki

iv) 10C Sunnynook Road, Sunnynook

b) determine each application, by way of resolution, to:

i) grant the application for special exemption as sought, or

ii) grant the application subject to conditions, or

iii) decline the application for special exemption sought.

Comments

3. Each property, which is the subject of an application before the local board, has been inspected by Auckland Council pool inspectors. In each case, the swimming/spa pool fencing does not comply with the Act. The details of non-compliance in each case vary and are specified in the attachments to this report. Each applicant has chosen to seek a special exemption from the requirements of the Act.

4. The purpose of the Act is “to promote the safety of young children by requiring the fencing of … swimming pools”.

5. The Act requires pool owners to fence their pool with a fence. Specific detail on the means of achieving compliance with the Act is contained in the schedule to the Act. If a pool is not fenced with a complying fence it is an offence under the Act, unless exempt.

6. An exemption can only be granted by the local board after a consideration of the particular characteristics of the property and the pool, other relevant circumstances and taking into account any conditions it may impose. Then, only if “satisfied that an exemption would not significantly increase the danger to young children”, can an exemption be granted.

7. Defining the immediate pool area will be relevant to considerations concerning the property and the pool. The immediate pool area means the land in or on which the pool is situated and as much of the surrounding area that is used for activities or purposes related to the use of the pool. The Act provides that the fence should be situated to prevent children moving directly to the pool from the house, other buildings, garden paths and other areas of the property that would normally be available to young children.

8. Another common consideration for local boards in exemption applications will be instances where a building forms part of the pool fence. Where doors from a building open into the pool area, the territorial authority may grant an exemption from compliance with clauses 8 to 10 of the schedule to the Act. It may exempt if it is satisfied that compliance with the Act is impossible, unreasonable or in breach of any other Act, regulation or bylaw, and the door is fitted with a locking device that when properly operated prevents the door from being readily opened by children under the age of 6 years. If the local board is satisfied that a door within a wall in a building meets that test, the local board must also be satisfied that an exemption would not significantly increase the danger to young children.

9. When granting a special exemption, the local board may impose such other conditions relating to the property or the pool as are reasonable in the circumstances (section 6(2) of the Act). Issues to be considered include:

a. Will the exemption be personal to the applicant so that on a sale of the property a new owner will need to apply for a new exemption? This might be appropriate where the personal circumstances of the applicant have been considered as a relevant circumstance and had a bearing on the exercise of the discretion.

b. Will the exemption be granted for a fixed term and irrespective of changes of ownership so that the exemption runs with the property?

c. Are there any other conditions which should be imposed, repairs to existing fencing, or a requirement for more frequent inspection of the pool (currently pools are inspected every three years)?

10. Any exemption granted or condition imposed may be amended or revoked by the local board by resolution. The rules of natural justice would, however, dictate that this action should not be taken without prior notice to the pool owner and allowing the pool owner an opportunity to be heard.

Consideration

11. The recommendations contained within this report fall within the local board’s delegated authority.

12. The Act enables an exemption to be granted from clauses 8 to 10 of the Act (doors in walls of buildings) if the local board is satisfied that compliance with the Act is impossible, unreasonable or in breach of any other Act, regulation or bylaw and the door is fitted with a locking device that when properly operated prevents the door from being readily opened by children under the age of 6 years.

13. The overarching consideration in terms of the Act is that a resolution to grant an exemption may only be made after having regard to the particular characteristics of the property and the pool, any other relevant circumstances and any conditions it may impose, and only if it is satisfied that such an exemption would not significantly increase the danger to young children.

14. The local board may resolve to grant, grant subject to conditions, or decline an application for special exemption.

15. If an application is declined, the applicant will be required to fence their pool in accordance with the Act.

16. The exemption hearing process under the Act does not trigger the Significance Policy, but it is an important statutory function.

17. Auckland Council is committed to ensuring that Auckland is a safe place for children to live and play in. Pool fencing issues have a strong relationship with the council’s strategic priorities for community safety.

Local board views and implications

18. The local board is the decision-maker in relation to exemption applications under the Act.

Maori impact statement

19. This report does not raise issues of particular significance for Maori.

General

20. Compliance with the Act is a mandatory requirement for all pool owners unless exempt.

21. Council’s pools inspectors have consulted with the applicants in each case. Applicants have been made aware of the council’s requirements to ensure fencing is compliant with the Act. The applicants have elected to seek a special exemption for individual reasons.

Implementation

22. The decision must be made by resolution and contain conditions (if any).

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	7 Kowhai Street, Takapuna - Confidential
b View	27 Regent Street, Narrow Neck - Confidential
c View	1A Brown Street, Hauraki - Confidential
d View	10C Sunnynook Road, Sunnynook - Confidential

Signatories

Authors

Phillip Curtis - Senior Swimming Pool Specialist

Authorisers

Barry Smedts - Manager Compliance

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

18 November 2014

Exclusion of the Public: Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) exclude the public from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution follows.

26 Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 - Attachment a - 7 Kowhai Street, Takapuna

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

In particular, the report contains the applicants details.

s48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

26 Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 - Attachment b - 27 Regent Street, Narrow Neck

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

In particular, the report contains the applicants details.

s48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

26 Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 - Attachment c - 1A Brown Street, Hauraki

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

In particular, the report contains the applicants details.

s48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

26 Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption – Special Exemption (Section 6) Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 - Attachment d - 10C Sunnynook Road, Sunnynook

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Particular interest(s) protected (where applicable)

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

In particular, the report contains the applicants details.

s48(1)(a)

The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.

Chairperson	Mike Cohen, QSM, JP
Deputy Chairperson	Joseph Bergin
Members	Dr Grant Gillon
	Dianne Hale, QSO, JP
	Jan O'Connor
	Allison Roe, MBE

Authors	Haley Scovell - Devonport-Takapuna Local board Advisor
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Authors	Chris Dee - Senior Local Board Advisor
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Authors	Bianca Wildish - Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager