Agenda of Howick Local Board - 10 November 2014

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

Facility Partnership Fund 2014/2015

File No.: CP2014/23414

Purpose

1. To outline the 2014/15 facility partnership applications received for the Howick Local Board and to approve funding allocations.

Executive summary

2. The purpose the facility partnership funding is to assist with the development of accessible multi-use community facilities with an emphasis on maximising use, increased community participation and to support community groups to leverage funds from other funding organisations.

3. The facility partnership fund provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations undertaking asset development work with a total project value over $50,000, or a feasibility study up to $50,000 for a facility upgrade or development.

4. The funding available for Facility Partnership allocations in the 2014/15 Howick Local Board is $200,000.

5. There were six facility partnership funding applications received and considered at the Howick Local Board workshop held on 18 September 2014. One application was withdrawn (Cockle Bay Tennis Club who no longer required funding assistance). The remaining five applications considered in this report total $281,517.

6. The facility partnership fund is operational expenditure and cannot be rolled over into the next financial year, if it is unallocated, staff recommend that the funds be set aside for disbursement to other priority sport and recreation projects and programmes that will benefit participation.

7. The applications were assessed and advice is provided within the body of the report. Assessment is based on the established criteria under the facility partnership fund guidelines. .

Recommendation/s

That the Howick local Board considers the applications listed below and agrees to fund, part fund or decline each application in this round:

Applicant	Funds required for	Total cost of the project	Funding requested by applicant
Auckland Rowing Association	Towards the development of a Regional Watersports Centre	$1,939m	$150,000
Howick Pakuranga Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club	To assist with the swimming pool upgrade of Howick Intermediate	$107,967	$21,017
Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre	Feasibility study to explore the dedicated indoor covered courts	$25,000	$20,000
Howick Sailing Club	Feasibility and site survey plans	$25,500	$25,500
Mellons Bay School BOT	Towards the upgrade of the junior playground	$200,000	$65,000
Totals		$2,297,467	$281,517

Comments

8. Five applications for the facility partnership fund in the Howick Local Board area are being considered in this report. Details of the community group applications follow:

i) Auckland Rowing Association in partnership with Auckland Region Outrigger Canoe Association and Canoe Racing New Zealand.

The applicant requests $150,000 towards the development of a Regional Watersports Centre on the Tamaki River at Highbrook, East Tamaki.

Relevant background to the project:

· This is a regional project and all local boards have been approached excluding Papakura and Rodney because they do not have access to the facility partnership fund. To date the Central Facility Partnership Funding Committee has committed $400,000 to this project. This committee is made of Maungakiekie Tamaki; Orakei; Puketapapa; Albert Eden; Waitemata; Great Barrier and Waiheke local boards.

· The facility will have a high profile due to its location within the Highbrook Business Park.

· In terms of the Highbrook Park Trust Deed the Highbrook Reserve land will be vested to Auckland Council’s Parks in August 2015.

· Highbrook Park Trust land falls within the boundaries of both Howick and Otara Papatoetoe Local Boards. The facility to which this application relates falls within the Howick Local Board.

· The Auckland Rowing Association is aware that Nga Hau Maiangi, the organisation representing the combined interests of Auckland Rowing Club (not to be confused with the Association) and the four Waka Ama Clubs based at Ian Shaw Park are in the process of upgrading their water access and improving storage at Ian Shaw Park, Mt Wellington.

· This work is intended to relieve localised capacity issues at Ian Shaw Park, both of which will complement each other by creating a 2,000 meter course which will serve both facilities.

· A comprehensive resource consent application for the proposed new water sports centre has recently begun pre-lodgment processes with Auckland Council.

Registered organisation/s, make up of groups, membership numbers:

· Auckland Rowing Association was incorporated on 13 December 1968.

· Auckland Rowing Association membership for the 2013/2014 season is 1,190.

· Auckland Region Outrigger Canoe Association membership for the 2013/2014 season is 1,091.

· Canoe Racing New Zealand membership nationally is approximately 800 with 400 coming from the Auckland region.

Group capability:

· This appears to be a well organised and professional organisation.

Detail description:

· Concept design and resource consent funding secured; Stage 1 Site Works, retaining hardstands and boat ramp. A concept design has been completed and funding to undertake the resource consent secured (the total cost of this stage is approximately $1,939,000).

· Stage 2 Water Access, pontoons and Stage 3 building works is not included in the total cost of this project. The approximate cost for Stages 2 and 3 is $4,475m.

· Auckland Council has been working in partnership with this organisation since 2013 to progress this project.

Project need:

· The Auckland Regional Physical Activity and Sports Strategy (ARPASS) report on the Tamaki River and the Auckland Regional Paddling and Rowing Facilities Studies (2007 and 2008) supports the potential to develop a regional watersports centre on Digby Point, Highbrook.

Project outcomes/benefits:

· The Auckland Rowing Association represents the interests of the sport of rowing in the Auckland Region. It is the aim of the Association to increase participation in rowing and to improve the performance and experience of those participants.

· The intention of the project is to open up water access to the Tamaki River to the south and eastern parts of the city which will lead to increased participation and promote youth activity i.e. St Kentigern College rowing have indicated that they would use the facility.

· Stage 1 provides water access which benefits the wider communities of the southern region and is not specific to Auckland Association members.

· The envisaged facility will be a premier venue in Howick providing a straight 2,000 meter course for competitive rowing.

· The benefits of the completed Stage 1 project will give immediate community benefits through better accessibility to the boat ramp and Tamaki River.

Strategic alignment:

· The project is in accordance with the ARPASS report which identified the regional need for the proposed facility.

· The project provides an ideal environment for a wide range of water sports and retaining access to our waterways. (Auckland Plan, Chapter 5, 336 refers)

· Develop training hubs that co-locate high performance training centres with community sports venues. (Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan 9.3 refers)

Operational sustainability:

· Goodman New Zealand and the Highbrook Park Trust are partners to this project who are both well established and respected organisations with recognized successes.

· Auckland Rowing Association is a long standing regional sporting association since 1968.

· A comprehensive resource consent application to Auckland Council is imminent with funding support from Goodman New Zealand for the proposed new water sports centre.

Any risks:

· As this is a regional facility all local boards are being approached for funding assistance except Papakura and Rodney which do not have facility partnership funding.

· A risk could be the lack of support from other local boards.

· The failure to raise additional support from other philanthropic organisations.

· Failure to receive resource consent. This can be mitigated by making this grant subject to obtaining resource consent.

The applicant is aware that a successful grant does not constitute any regulatory approval, or land owner approval which will be required in the future.

Project budget/financials:

Total Project Cost – Stage 1	$1,939m
Confirmed funding - Auckland Council Central Facilities Partnership Fund 2013/14 - Pub Charity	$400,000 $141,950
Organisation contribution	$330,000
Amount requested	$150,000

Recommendation:

To approve $150,000 contribution towards the regional rowing facility based on Tamaki River which will be a valuable asset for the Howick local community.

ii) Howick Pakuranga Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club (HPK)

The applicant requests $21,017 to assist with the swimming pool upgrade of Howick Intermediate, making it into an effective training facility.

Relevant background to the project:

· The Howick Pakuranga Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club is made up of the Howick Swim Gym which is the non-profit commercial arm of the club. These two areas are run separately and have different membership numbers and variances in cultural percentage of membership, HPK 457 and Swim Gym 7,500.

· A memorandum of understanding exists with Howick Intermediate and HPK outlining the nature of the relationship between the two parties and the detail concerning access to the pool by both parties. This will be updated once the pool upgrade work is completed.

· Swimming Counties Manukau supports this funding application.

Registered organisation/s, make up of groups, membership numbers:

· HPK was incorporated on 24 February 1966 and as a charitable entity on 17 May 2011 and has 457 members.

· Howick Intermediate has 689 students and the pool is used by approx. 8,500 users per year.

Group capability:

HPK is ranked in the top 3 clubs in New Zealand for the National competition meetings in junior swimmers (under 13yrs) and age groups 13 to 18.

Detail description:

The project is to upgrade the existing Howick Intermediate school pool by providing specialised equipment so that HPK can use the pool as a training facility including starting blocks; lane lines; backstroke poles; heating units; pool blankets and lighting.

Project need:

There is a lack of training facilities for the high numbers of swimmers in the Howick region and this pool is one of only two 25 meter pools in the Howick area.

Project outcomes/benefits:

· To increase sporting achievements, nurture talent and celebrate excellence. Members have represented New Zealand in the commonwealth games.

· Because the pool will be heated the school and community will be able to use it for longer periods in the year.

· HPK will provide free Water Safety lessons for the school, at a time of their choosing.

· All primary and intermediate school children in the eastern zone area will benefit from the project as the pool is used for the Primary and Intermediate School Swimming Sports which are held annually.

· A public school key system will be implemented (subject to school approval).

· Flipper ball (game that leads on to water polo) will be implemented in this pool and advertised publicly and through local schools.

Strategic alignment:

· The focus of this project is on providing programmes that collaborate between schools and the sports sector that will provide more flexible opportunities for children and young people. (Auckland Plan, Chapter 5, Priority 1, 339 refers)

· Promote Auckland’s recreational and sporting culture and encourage and nurture sporting talent and excellence. (Auckland Plan, Chapter 5, Directive 5.2)

Operational sustainability:

The HPK swimmers competitive and non-competitive monthly squad fees remain in a trust account to pay for entry fees for competitions throughout the year. The Swim Gym fees pay for all learn to swim pool rentals, operating costs, squad coaching costs and pool rental for both Pakuranga College and Lloyd Elsmore Pool.

Any risks:

· The club has identified some risk areas and has given thought to these being; lower user numbers, higher operational costs and poor relationship with schools. The club regularly undertakes internal questionnaires canvassing issues among its membership which will help to mitigate identified risks.

· The public liability will be held by Howick Intermediate School and accessibility is limited only due to safety requirements.

Project budget/financials:

Total Project Cost	$107,967
Confirmed funding - Lion Foundation - Other funding raising	$49,950 $ 5,000
Organisation contribution	$32,000
Amount requested	$21,017

Recommendation:

The group has demonstrated good working relationships with Howick Intermediate School, Pakuranga College, other local primary and intermediate schools for inter-school competitions. Therefore the usage of the facility is high and will benefit the whole community through increasing the capacity and opportunities for growth.

The applicant seeks less than 20% towards the project. We recommend support for the application for the full amount of $21,017.

iii) Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre

The applicant requests $20,000 for a feasibility study to explore the development of dedicated indoor covered courts.

Relevant background to the project:

The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre pavilion was upgraded; this project started in 2007, this was a staged project and was completed in 2012 with funding assistance from the legacy Manukau City Council for $1,006,224.

Registered organisation/s, make up of groups, membership numbers:

· The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre was originally incorporated on 30 December 1970 under the Howick Pakuranga Netball Association and as a charitable entity in 2013.

· The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre is made up of 26 netballs clubs with a joint membership of approximately 3,000.

Group capability:

This is a well-established Netball Centre with a history of well organised activities and events.

Detail description:

The feasibility study is to identify the most suitable area and the most suited type of structure within the present court area for indoor covered courts with the possibility of sides. Auckland Council would be part of scoping the feasibility study and take into account the use of the courts during the week; opportunities for incorporating basketball or gymnastics; maximizing the potential for astroturf or multi-use court markings and better shared usage of the car parking.

Project need:

· The need has been identified by Netball Northern Zone as the Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre is the 4^th largest centre in the Auckland Council region and has the largest growth in numbers in the past year – up 36% from 2013 to 2014.

· The covered courts will also allow the Centre to run programmes and competitions for all ages in an environment that is not dictated to by weather, or time as offered by other large netball centres.

· The revised Regional Netball facility Code Plan is currently being reviewed and will inform future provision priorities and guide investment.

Project outcomes/benefits:

· The data from the feasibility study will enable the Centre to apply for future funding of the indoor covered courts and achieve their strategic goals.

· The long term improved courts will support an increase in the quality of netball played and the standard of teams.

· An expected outcome for the project is the identification of better usage of courts over more days, as opposed to intensive usage which affects the whole park.

Strategic alignment:

The project does provide quality opportunities for all Aucklanders to participate in recreation and sport that keeps up with the needs of a growing population. (Auckland Plan, Chapter 5, Priority 2, Directive 5.3 refers)

Operational sustainability:

The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre has a proven track record for managing a large building project.

Any risks:

A risk could be that the feasibility study identifies a need for the proposed facility however funding of the building phase of the desired project is unrealistic because of the high dollar value.

The applicant is aware that a successful grant does not constitute any regulatory approval, or land owner approval which will be required for any future project.

Project budget/financials:

Total Project Cost	$25,000
Organisation contribution	$ 5,000
Amount requested	$20,000

The Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre received $2,500 funding in 2012/13 from the Howick Local Event Fund for 50th jubilee celebrations. The accountability report was due 31/08/13 and it has not been received and is therefore in arrears. This is not overly significant.

Recommendation:

Whilst this project is recommended as it provides a way forward to explore the possibility of the new indoor covered courts it may be appropriate that the project is deferred until after the Howick Local Board commissioned Howick Sports Facilities Plan is completed which will prioritises capital projects for the board and the Revised Netball Facility Plan is completed to guide future investment priorities.

iv) Howick Sailing Club

The applicant requests $25,500 for feasibility study and estimated costs for site survey/plans for the redevelopment of the Howick Sailing clubroom which is situated on Howick Beach Reserve.

Relevant background to the project:

The club approached the Parks Advisor for Howick looking for short term storage solutions and the long term suggestion of a feasibility study to sort out the spaces needed and rather than focusing on detailed design and plans for clubrooms.

Registered organisation/s, make up of groups, membership numbers:

· The Howick Sailing Club was incorporated on 21 October 1954.

· The membership of the club is approximately 112 with 500 plus active participants in the Waterwise sailing programmes including Point View, Cockle Bay, Willowbank and Wakaraanga primary schools.

Group capability:

The club has been operating for 80 years and has attained many sporting achievements both nationally and internationally.

Detail description; timeline for development:

The feasibility study will identify and quantify specific accessible storage requirements to meet the long-term needs of the club and connected parties; identify the advantages and disadvantages of the options including accessibility from storage to water and restrictions on the site such as environmental impacts; select preferred option, develop concept plans that meet agreed specifications; costings; identify potential sources of funding; assess any additional operations costs; develop a project plan including a timeline.

Project need:

· In recent years the club has experienced increased demand from the local community, especially from potential junior membership. The clubs ability to meet this need is limited by the fact that current facilities for boat and equipment storage is at capacity and therefore the club is unable to achieve further growth.

· Yachting New Zealand supports this application and is working closely with the club to ensure that there is longevity and sustainability to this growth and that the clubs activities meet the changing demographic demands of the community that are affecting the sport of sailing and the way people are participating in it.

Project outcomes/benefits:

The club’s activities include learn to sail courses, club sailing, racing and fun with a major focus on water safety awareness and confidence on the water.

Strategic alignment:

The project encourages an ideal environment for a wide range of water sports and the needs of a growing population. (Auckland Plan, Chapter 5, 336 and Priority 2, 5.3 refers)

Operational sustainability:

The club appears to be in a good position to undertake the development of a project going forward. However there would need to be investigations into ensuring links with Pakuranga and Buckland Beach boating clubs to achieve a long term view.

Any risks:

A risk could be that funding of the building phase of the desired project is unachievable.

The applicant is aware that a successful grant does not constitute any regulatory approval, or land owner approval which will be required in the future.

Project budget/financials:

Total Project Cost

- Feasibility study consulting costs $20,000

- Estimated site survey/site plans $5,500

$25,500

Organisation contribution

Nil

Amount requested

$25,500

Recommendation:

This project has been recommended because of the need to maximise the space that is available for the growth on the reserve. It may be appropriate however that the project is deferred until after the Howick Local Board commissioned Howick Sports Facilities Plan is completed which will priorities capital projects.

v) Mellons Bay School BOT

The applicant requests $65,000 towards the upgrade of the junior playground.

Relevant background to the project:

The school needs to source external funding for large capital projects. The land owner, the Ministry of Education, approves the construction of the playground project and the Board of Trustees will maintain and insure the equipment.

Registered organisation/s, make up of groups, membership numbers:

· The school was opened in February 1960.

· Currently the school has 501 students enrolled.

Group capability:

The school Board of Trustees and management are competent and have the experience in completing property projects.

Detail description:

The project is removing the existing junior playground equipment and turning the area into a shaded open space with safety matting. The area adjacent will then be developed into a range of challenging and fun activities for children to play on.

Project need:

The school has had independent inspections which highlighted the need for the playground to be upgraded. It is also noted that the school is not in easy walking distance to any local council owned playgrounds.

Project outcomes/benefits:

The benefits would be more focused on the school community.

Strategic alignment:

· The school encourages all Aucklanders, particularly children and young people, to participate in recreation and sport. (Auckland Plan, Chapter 5, Priority 1, Directive 5.1 refers)

· A memorandum of understanding exists with the Ministry of Education and Auckland Council to maximise the synergies for community usage.

Operational sustainability:

The school meets the Ministry of Education operational guidelines.

Any risks:

· A risk could be that the school does not secure the financial contribution from the Lotteries Community Facilities Fund.

· The road frontage of the school does not lend itself to the wider community to see that there is an accessible playground.

Project budget/financials:

Total Project Cost	$200,000
Unconfirmed funding - Lotteries Community Facilities Fund	$ 65,000
Organisation contribution	$ 70,000
Amount requested	$ 65,000

The school have received School Swimming Pool Fund grants in 2011/12 ($1,912), 2012/13 ($1,983) and 2013/14 ($2,255) which have all been accounted for.

Recommendation:

This project has not been recommended because of the precedence it may cause through other schools wishing to have their playgrounds upgraded and the uncertainty about community access and whether the wider community would make use of the playground. The facility partnership fund has not been used for this purpose in the past and the school may be able to make a submission to the Long Term Plan for a playground in Mellons Bay Reserve.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

9. A workshop was held with the Local Board on 18 September 2014 to discuss the funding applications. The recommendations in this report fall within the Local Board’s delegated authority.

10. The timing and implementation of the facility partnership fund will be subject to budget considerations as part of the Long Term plan 2015-2025 process

11. The decisions sought by this report do not trigger the Auckland Council Significance Policy.

Māori impact statement

12. The facility partnership fund assists with the development of accessible multi-use community facilities to increase community participation, including the potential to increase community participation for Māori. No particular negative implications for Māori community or Māori stakeholders have been identified as arising from this report. Given the demographic make-up of the local board area and the nature of the some projects for which funding is requested it is likely some Māori will benefit from these projects.

Implementation

13. A standard Council funding agreement will be developed for any successful applicants and progress towards agreed project outcomes monitored throughout the project.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Kim Squire - Sports and Recreation Advisor

Authorisers

Ken Maplesden - Sport and Recreation Adviser

Lisa Tocker - Manager, Recreation Facilities & Service Delivery Central

Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

Allocation of the 2014/2015 Infrastructure and Environmental Services Budget

File No.: CP2014/23436

Purpose

1. To agree the work programme supporting the 2014/2015 Howick Local Board budget for weed management.

Executive summary

2. The Howick Local Board (board) has allocated $53,186 in its 2014/2015 Local Board Agreement for weed management programmes.

3. In 2013/2014 this budget line supported a Rhamnus control programme in the board area. It is recommended that the board continue to fund control of this pest plant species from its weed management budget with the Buckland’s Beach and Musick Point areas specifically targeted for control. In addition, this programme will also fund strategic pest plant control (such as Moth plant control) on high ecological value and exposed sites on the Musick Point area.

4. This report recommends that the board agrees to this weed management programme as referred in this report.

Recommendation

That the Howick Local Board:

a) agrees to fund the following projects from its 2014/2015 weed management programme budget line;

Project	Cost
· Community awareness initiatives. · Support for landowners in removing Rhamnus.	$13,186
· Selective plant control - targeting high ecological areas and locations. · Rhamnus control on Musick Point Cliff. – abseiling	$10,000 $30,000
Total	53,186

Comments

5. The Howick Local Board Plan notes that control of invasive weeds, particularly Rhamnus and moth plant, is a concern for the community and advocates for a planned approach to their management and control. As such, the board has allocated budget of $53,186 to support weed management in the 2014/2015 financial year.

6. This report recommends that the board allocate this budget to a weed management programme to provide support to property owners with removing Rhamnus and moth plants from their properties.

7. Rhamnus is a containment pest plant under the Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS). The control of Rhamnus on the mainland helps to reduce bird carried seed dispersal to the inner islands of the Hauraki Gulf and to stop its spread to Gulf Islands. Rhamnus is similar in appearance to a number of native plant species and may not be recognised without specialist knowledge.

8. The 2013/2014 board budget for weed management was directed towards the control of Rhamnus particularly in the Buckland’s Beach and Eastern Beach areas. The active control of pest plants on public land prior to any further commencement of compliance work with private land owners is crucial to the success of any weed management program. Past projects included:

· Rhamnus control on cliff edges on Musick Point. This was last completed approximately 6 years ago and since then this pest plant is re-establishing in this area.

· Work with volunteers around Howick Golf Club within the Musick Point area to identify properties with Rhamnus.

· Work with residents within the Musick Point area and assist where requested in controlling Rhamnus.

9. In 2014/2015, the proposed Rhamnus control project will be undertaken in three stages. Stage one will consists of working with private properties in Buckland’s Beach and Eastern Beach to support the removal of Rhamnus, and a supporting community awareness programme. This will include follow up visits to properties identified in the last financial year where no action had been taken yet. Where Rhamnus plants are detected, the landowner will be supported to remove the pest plant from their land.

10. In particular, stage one of the Rhamnus control programme will deliver:

· Two workshops on pest plant control focusing on Rhamnus as well as suitable indigenous plant replacement.

· Free bins on prescribed dates at local park locations for Rhamnus disposal.

· A leaflet drop to targeted properties explaining Rhamnus control, bin location, a workshop invitation and other relevant information.

· Posters will also be investigated to further raise public awareness in the area.

· Advice on Rhamnus removal for residents. This will include the supply of suitable herbicide, where requested, for stump treatment.

· Extra assistance to remove and treat Rhamnus will be offered upon written application.

· 500 indigenous plants will be purchased for a weed swap campaign where residents can swap a weed for a plant. Any unclaimed plants will be planted in local parks.

11. The second stage will target properties in high value ecological areas, such as the Howick Golf Course. This work will support the implementation of a restoration plan for the golf course.

12. The third stage will control Rhamnus on the cliff area around Musick Point, focusing particularly on eliminating the risk of birds spreading Rhamnus seeds to the Hauraki Gulf Islands. This will be administered in conjunction with Local and Sports Parks.

13. Table one provides a financial summary of the proposed programme.

Table 1 Financial information Summary

Budget line	Project	Cost
Weed Management Programme	· Community awareness initiatives. · Support for landowners in removing Rhamnus.	$13,186
	· Selective plant control - targeting high ecological areas and locations. · Rhamnus control on Musick Point Cliff. - abseil.	$10,000 $30,000
	Total	$53,186

14. The Auckland Council, Department of Conservation, Motutapu Island Outdoor Education Centre, Motutapu Restoration Trust, community groups, contactors and other interested parties have formed a steering committee to work together to control pest plants in the Inner Hauraki Gulf and define methodologies, priorities and systems to more effectively manage these pest plant problems as a group.

15. Moth plant is a dominant pest plant in the Howick area. Due to its growing habits, seed dispersal techniques, seed production abundance and ecological threat, proactive control is encouraged.

16. Part of this weed management programme is also to control moth plants in high ecological value areas. This will be done with industry approved methodology.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

17. This is a report prepared specifically for Howick Local Board.

Māori impact statement

18. No consultation with Maori was required for the purposes of this report. Consultation and engagement with Maori may be required as part of the implementation of any of the projects noted above.

Implementation

19. Regular reporting on the implementation of this work programme will be through quarterly reporting from the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Department, or as required.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Varsha Belwalkar - Relationship Advisor

Ron Matthews – Biosecurity Team Manager

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

2013/2014 Environmental Work Programme -Summary of Achievements and Outcomes

File No.: CP2014/23437

Purpose

1. To provide a summary report to the Howick Local Board about the achievements and outcomes for the environmental work programme for 2013/2014.

Executive summary

2. The Howick Local Board (board) allocated $29,441 in its 2013/2014 Local Board Agreement (LBA) for ‘weed management programmes’.

3. In addition, the board allocated $24,000 to support an Industry Pollution Prevention Programme (IPPP).

4. This report also summarises a number of regional environmental programmes delivered by Infrastructure and Environmental Services department staff in the Howick Local Board area in the 2013/ 2014 financial year.

Recommendation

That the Howick Local Board:

a) receives the 2013/2014 Environment Work Programme - Summary of Achievements and Outcomes report.

Comments

Weed Management Programme

5. The Howick Local Board Plan (the Plan) identifies the importance of controlling Rhamnus in the Board area. The board allocated $29,441 in its 2013/2014 LBA for weed management programmes.

6. The objectives of this weed management budget line were:

· To survey properties within the Musick Point area to identify Rhamnus.

· To work with volunteers around Musick Point and Howick Golf Club within the Musick Point area to identify properties with Rhamnus and to assist with its control.

7. Rhamnus is a declared Containment Pest Plant (as per the Regional Pest Management Strategy) within a defined Containment Zone stretching along much of the eastern coastline of the Auckland isthmus, including the Buckland’s Beach / Eastern Beach area (which includes Musick Point).

8. The first phase of this control work involved a survey of 1,018 private properties in the Buckland’s Beach and Eastern Beach area to determine the presence and extent of Rhamnus at the cost of $15,000. This survey provided recommendations as to the most appropriate sites to undertake control. Where Rhamnus plants were detected, the landowner was advised to destroy them and best-practice methods were explained by Council’s Biosecurity staff. A total of 825 Rhamnus plants were detected on 225 properties.

9. The second stage supported landowners in the removal of Rhamnus from their properties at a cost of $8,000. This provided a commercial chipping service for affected landowners, specifically for the destruction of Rhamnus plants. Rhamnus plants were collected from properties or from the kerbside at scheduled and pre-notified times. Many properties contained large trees as well as hedge rows where large-scale removal operations were required. Advisors directly assisted 9 such property owners and engaged a contractor to help with removal. Advisors also assisted 15 other property owners who requested support with disposal and chipping.

10. The weed management budget was underspent by $6,441 for 2013/2014 as this programme was completed for less than the estimated cost.

Industry Pollution Prevention Programs

11. In addition to supporting the weed management programme, the board also allocated $24,000 from its discretionary budget to support an Industry Pollution Prevention Programme (IPPP).

12. The primary purpose of an IPPP is to educate and inform industry and business about how their operations may impact on local waterways. It is a proactive and non-regulatory programme where an expert visits each site, conducts a site inspection and talks to the business owners about potential issues. A follow-up report is provided to businesses if changes to business practices are required to eliminate any potential pollution risks.

13. The Howick Industry Pollution Prevention Programme was not delivered in 2013/2014 financial year due to late allocation of this budget and availability of the contractor. It will be launched in the East Tamaki business area in October. Over this period, East Tamaki businesses will be visited and provided with free advice about how to avoid polluting stormwater and waterways.

14. The Result of this Howick IPPP will be reported to the board once fully completed.

Other Environmental Project:

15. The Infrastructure and Environmental Services department also delivered regionally funded environmental programmes in the Howick Local Board area in 2013/2014 financial year, as described below.

Freshwater pest fish survey

A koi carp survey was completed in ponds and waterways in the Botany and Beachlands area. Large infestations of koi carp and gold fish have been detected in this area. Control of these pest fish remains ongoing as populations are identified but in some water courses, illegal releases continue to occur.

Volcano to Sea

16. Volcano to the Sea is an externally-funded project that aims to engage communities in stream restoration in the Pakuranga Stream catchment. Council’s biodiversity and biosecurity team provide technical support and advice. The Sustainable Catchment and Environmental Initiatives teams also provided inputs to the Community Urban Restoration and Education plan (CURE) led by Volcano to Sea project and supported community events and education over the 2013/2014 financial year.

Environment Centre at Mangemangeroa Reserve

17. A joint working group with representatives from the board, the Local Parks South team, Friends of Mangemangeroa and the Environmental Partnerships Team has been working to progress the development of an environment centre on the Mangemangeroa Reserve.

18. The scoping study has been completed and the Howick Local Board and Parks are working together on stage two with the Sommerville Foundation.

Stream Restoration and Improving Freshwater Quality

19. The implementation of the Botany Creek naturalisation concept design requires further investigation into the stormwater function of Botany Creek, including geomorphological assessments of erosion and flooding.

20. Catchment planning work in this catchment commenced in the 2013/2014 financial year. To support flood modelling, a survey of stream cross sections and stream crossings is being undertaken.

21. The modelling work to date has also identified some deficiencies in the stormwater asset data; the current survey project will also address these data deficiencies. The survey work is programmed for completion at the end of the 2014 calendar year.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

22. This report is prepared specifically for Howick Local Board.

Māori impact statement

23. No consultation with Maori was required for the purposes of this report. Consultation and engagement with Maori may be required as part of the implementation of any of the projects noted above.

Implementation

Regular reporting on the implementation of this work programme was undertaken through the quarterly report, from the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Department, over the 2013/2014 financial year.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Varsha Belwalkar - Relationship Advisor

Ron Matthews – Biosecurity Team Manager

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

Auckland Transport Update - November 2014

File No.: CP2014/25460

Purpose

1. Providing an update on transport matters for the information of the Howick Local Board and a register of transport issues in the Howick Local Board area currently being addressed by Auckland Transport’s Elected Member Relationship Manager (South).

Executive summary

2. This report covers matters of specific application and interest to the Howick Local Board and its community; matters of general interest relating to Auckland Transport activities or the transport sector; and Auckland Transport media releases for the information of the Board and community.

3. In particular, this report provides information on:

· the Howick Local Board’s transport capital fund

· Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor project update

· Botany cluster Safety Around Schools proposals

· Free spring cycling courses.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Receives the report entitled ‘Auckland Transport Update – November 2014’ and the attached issues register from Auckland Transport’s Elected Member Relationship Manager (South);

b) Approves the Burswood Business Area enhancements project (as shown at Attachment A) for construction, to be funded utilising $240,730 from the Local Board Transport Capital Fund towards the firm estimate of cost for the project of $344,730.

Discussion

Howick Items

A1. Local board transport capital fund (LBTCF)

1. The Howick Local Board’s funding allocation under the LBTCF is currently $871,903 per annum.

2. The Board’s active projects are included in Table 1 below (NB: ROC = rough order of costs; FEC = firm estimate of cost):

Table 1:

ID#

Project Description

Progress/Current Status

009

Walkway and amenity improvements at Half Moon Bay (HMB) Marina

· $27,000 allocated from 2011/12 Discretionary budget in Aug-13

· $100,000 allocated from LBTCF in Sep-13

· $26,340 incurred to date in detailed design phase as at 30-Sep-14

· FEC estimate of $230,000 (construction only)

· Firm estimates (for construction only) and detailed designs were reported to the Board’s transport portfolio meeting on 6-May-14.

· AT has variously met with the Board’s transport portfolio holders, BBYC and HMB marina representatives between May and Oct-14 to discuss, consider and amend the detailed designs.

· Following the last meeting on 2-Oct-14, AT is making minor adjustments to the designs and responding to queries raised.

154

Crooks Road streetscape improvements

· Revised FEC estimate of $95,000

· Final cost of $99,353.

· On 9-Sep-13, the Board approved construction on this project for a budget of $129,000.

· Construction was completed in Sep-14.

· Final costs for the project are $99,353.

155

Burswood Business Area enhancements

· FEC estimate of $344,730

· $104,000 allocated from Council’s Business Area Planning Unit

· $240,730 balance required from LBTCF

· On 9-Sep-13, the Board resolved that engagement with affected parties and representative groups be undertaken on the project.

· Consultation with affected parties and representative groups was undertaken between late Sep-14 and late Oct-14. Over that time, only two responses were received from the public – one wanted to know when the work was starting and the other raising concerns about evening parking particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

· GETBA supports the plans as reflective of what it hopes to achieve with regard to raising the amenity level in the area, giving it more of a sense of community and making it a safer and more connected environment for residents, businesses and customers.

· Due to internal concerns over maintenance costs for the road, it is proposed to reduce the number of inset cobblestone strips but increase the width of those remaining (meaning total cost will be unaffected).

· The FEC estimate is $344,730. $104,000 has already been allocated from Council’s Business Area Planning Unit.

· AT now seeks construction approval from the Board on the final design as shown at Attachment A (but to include amendments to cobblestone strips as discussed), and for the balance of $240,730 to be allocated from the LBTCF.

156

Highland Park bus shelter installation

· FEC estimate for duplicate shelter $22,000

· On 9-Sep-13, the Board approved a duplicate shelter for construction based on a ROC of $15,000. A FEC of $22,000 has since been provided.

· Given limitations with the site, discussions have been continuing with Adshel over options for providing additional shelter for bus patrons. Adshel has proposed a possible solution which is being explored by both parties. A verbal update will be given at the meeting.

217

Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals

· ROC estimate revised to $280,000

· On 10-Feb-14, the Board approved the project to proceed to detailed design and costing stage based on the ROC of $165,000.

· On 13-Oct-14, the Board approved to project to proceed with detailed design and costing based on the revised ROC of $280,000.

· Detailed design is currently in progress.

272

Little Bucklands Beach walkway – both north and south of Grainger Point

· ROC estimated at $300,000 (for approx 150m in both directions)

· On 14-Jul-14, the Board approved this project to progress to detailed design and costing stage.

· The Board’s portfolio holders have requested AT to maintain contact with AC Parks regarding this and other potential projects along the length of The Parade.

276

East Tamaki streetlighting upgrade

· ROC estimated at $58,000

· This proposal covers Kerwyn Ave, Andromeda Crescent, Lorien Place and Arwen Place.

· On 14-Jul-14, the Board approved this project to progress directly to construction based on the ROC.

· Construction is expected to commence in early 2015.

278

Paparoa Road/Four Trees intersection pedestrian improvements

· ROC estimated at $70,000

· On 14-Jul-14, the Board approved this project to progress to detailed design and costing stage.

· AT has discussed the project with an affected party but they have rejected the project due to the impact on their property access.

· AT is currently considering alternative solutions at this location and will report back to the Board prior to progressing other possible concepts to detailed design.

279

Chapel Road pedestrian signals

· ROC estimated at $200,000

· Proposal is for a signalised pedestrian crossing at the pedestrian refuge north of Baverstock Road.

· On 14-Jul-14, the Board approved this project to progress to detailed design and costing stage.

· Detailed design is currently in progress.

274

Point View Drive footpath

· ROC estimated at $136,500

· FEC estimate of $137,400

· On 8-Sep-14, the Board approved this project to progress to detailed design and costing stage, based on the ROC of $136,500.

· On 13-Oct-14, the Board approved this project for construction based on the FEC of $137,500 but subject to the outcome of consultation with affected parties.

· Consultation is currently underway.

280

Half Moon Bay (HMB) ferry terminal cycle facility

· ROCs have been provided for a range of options from secure and unsecured cycle units down to simple bike racks or rings. The location of any such facility has been an issue.

· Given the Board’s significant support for a new HMB ferry facility, it is recommended this proposal be discontinued and that the potential provision of cycle facilities at HMB should be considered as part of the new ferry facility project.

372

The Parade, Bucklands Beach, new footpath

· ROC estimated at $5,800

· On 8-Sep-14, the Board approved construction for a section of new footpath on The Parade, based on the ROC of $5,800.

· AT expects construction should be completed by the end of Nov-14.

396

Half Moon Bay (HMB) new ferry facility (based on Hobsonville Point)

· $2.5m allocated*

· On 13-Oct-14, the Board allocated up to $2.5m towards a new ferry facility at HMB, *subject to AT allocating at least $1m towards the project.

· AT is currently undertaking investigations with the target of reporting back to the Board in Feb-15 regarding the budget and confirmed project feasibility.

3. The Howick Local Board’s transport capital fund to date is summarised below:

Howick Local Board transport capital fund summary:

Total funding available (across 5 FYs – 2012/13 to 2016/17)	$4,359,515
Completed projects reporting actual costs (3x driver feedback signs; Ti Rakau & Cockle Bay bus shelters; Pedestrian improvements at Meadowlands/Whitford/Millhouse; Crooks Road streetscape improvements)	674,471
Firm estimates for projects given construction approval (Highland Park duplicate bus shelter; East Tamaki streetlighting upgrade; The Parade footpath; Point View Drive footpath)	223,200
Firm estimate for projects seeking construction approval (Burswood Business Area enhancements)	240,730
Design costs to date and construction estimate for project at detailed design stage (HMB walkway/amenity improvements)	256,340
Rough estimates on projects at detailed design stage (Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals; Little Bucklands Beach walkway; Paparoa Road/Four Trees intersection improvements; Chapel Road pedestrian signals)	850,000
Allocation made subject to AT feasibility confirmation (Half Moon Bay new ferry facility)	2,500,000
*Funding available to allocate* (assuming construction approval given to all projects)	*($385,226)*

A2. Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor project update

4. The Notices of Requirement (NoRs) for the northern section of Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor project were lodged with Auckland Council on 24 October 2014. The route as lodged is shown in the plan at Attachment A.

5. Council officers are currently reviewing the documentation to determine whether further information is needed. Once Auckland Council is content with the documentation content, the NoRs will be publicly notified by Council and any submitter will have an opportunity to be heard. It is likely that notification will occur early in 2015 (February/March), and is anticipated that a recommendation on the NoRs following the Council hearing process will be released mid-late 2015.

6. Additional assessments have been commissioned, including an independent Ecology Assessment which will be completed in October. The assessment has resulted in the lateral shift of the bridge over the Puhinui Creek by 13m further to the east to avoid some significant trees.

7. Letters will be sent out to those parties directly and indirectly impacted by the project, informing them of the process and what rights they have. Drop in appointments will be made available for those wanting to discuss any questions they have in person. These are scheduled to take place in late November.

A3. Consultation documents on proposed improvements

8. Consultation documents for the following proposals have been provided to the Howick Local Board for its feedback. As the Board’s transport portfolio holders provide feedback on the Board’s behalf, the material below is included for general information purposes only. Given the sheer volume of consultation proposals this month, the various plans have not been included on the agenda.

9. Botany cluster ‘Safety Around Schools’ programme – Auckland Transport is currently working with Howick Primary School, Botany Downs Primary School, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Point View Primary School and Botany Downs Secondary College to implement a Safety Around Schools programme. Through surveys and meetings conducted within each school’s community, a number of road safety issues were raised which require upgrading work to occur in the neighbouring streets to improve safety and accessibility.

10. Auckland Transport has investigated safety improvement options at the various locations outlined below. The improvements aim to make the road and footpath environment safer as part of a coordinated plan to develop safer road layouts, promote sustainable travel and ensure the ease of passage for pedestrian. The proposed changes are grouped below under the relevant school.

11. When installing or upgrading pedestrian facilities such as those described below, there may be some loss of on street parking. Auckland Transport also has an obligation to ensure that infrastructure built within the road carriageway is adequately lit so that motorists can identify such potential hazards during the hours of darkness. Therefore, street lighting will also be reviewed as part of these projects and upgraded (potentially including new pole installations) where required.

12. Botany Downs Primary School

a. Intersection of Botany Road and Mirrabooka Avenue – Installation of new pedestrian facilities across Mirrabooka Avenue, including new cut through on existing traffic island and footpath to adjacent shops. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

b. Intersection of Botany Road and Pinewood Grove – Installation of new kerb and channel build-outs and pedestrian crossing facilities on Pinewood Grove. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

c. Pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Mirrabooka Avenue, Kadina Place and Billabong Place – Installation of a new pedestrian refuge island along Mirrabooka Avenue and new pedestrian facilities on Kadina Place and Billabong Place. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

d. Intersection of Kurnell Drive and Borrowdace Avenue – Installation of new kerb and channel build-outs and pedestrian crossing facilities on Borrowdace Avenue. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

e. Kurnell Drive pedestrian improvement between Kyeemagh Street and Mirrabooka Avenue – Installation of a new pedestrian facility to cross Kurnell Drive including kerb side islands. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

13. Howick Primary School

a. Intersection of Pakuranga Road and Angelo Avenue – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

b. Juliet Avenue / Finnerty Avenue / Patons Road – Installation of a new pedestrian crossing facility between the local shops and the Juliet Avenue Reserve. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

c. Intersection of Willoughby Avenue and Juliet Avenue – Installation of new kerb and channel build-outs and installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

d. Intersection of Pakuranga Road and The Link – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

e. Intersection of Willoughby Avenue and The Link – Installation of new kerb and channel build-outs, reducing the turning radius and the removal of an existing traffic island. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

f. Pakuranga Road mid-block pedestrian facility – Installation of new kerb side islands and a central median island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

g. Willoughby Avenue Zebra Crossing – The relocation of the existing school zebra crossing. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

14. Our Lady Star of the Sea School

a. Orangewood Drive pedestrian facility north of Oakridge Way – Installation of new pedestrian refuge on Orangewood Drive. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

b. Stellamaris Way pedestrian facility north of Avara Court – Installation of new kerb side islands. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

c. Intersection of Orangewood Drive and Summermist Drive – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

15. Point View Primary School

a. Intersection of Annalong Road and Kilkenny Drive – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge, construction of kerb build-outs and the removal of the exclusive left turn traffic lane. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

b. Intersection of Kilkenny Drive and Dannemora Drive – A review of the pavement marking for the roundabout and on all approaches. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

c. Intersection of Kilkenny Drive and Tralee Terrace – Relocation of pedestrian facility on Tralee Terrace to cut through existing traffic island. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

d. Intersection of Westerham Drive and Santa Ana Drive – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

e. Intersection of Westerham Drive and Kilkenny Drive (North) – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

16. Botany Downs Secondary College

a. Kilkenny Drive school zebra crossing and Moyrus Crescent intersection improvement – The installation of a school zebra crossing along Kilkenny Drive and a new intersection splitter island on Moyrus Crescent with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

b. Intersection of Kilkenny Drive and Moyrus Crescent (South) – Installation of new intersection splitter island with a pedestrian refuge. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

c. Intersection of Kilkenny Drive and Westerham Drive (South) – Realignment of pedestrian facilities across Westerham Drive. This upgrade will include the installation of pram crossings, short sections of footpath, lighting, signage and road markings.

17. Proposed bus stop relocation, Ridge Road, Howick – Auckland Transport proposing to relocate the bus stop located at the intersection of Picton Street and Ridge Road westwards on Ridge Road before the intersection. The bus stop is currently located on the intersection ‘Give Way’ and buses have to take an indirect route along Mellons Bay Road before turning right onto Picton Street to access the bus stop at ‘Give Way’. The current location is unsuitable for improvements as it is on the intersection and the proposed location is the only one available that allows buses to pull up parallel to the kerb and allows passengers to safely board or leave a bus. There are no changes to the current parking restrictions where the new stop is proposed.

18. Proposed right turn ban into Cockle Bay School during afternoon school peak – Auckland Transport has received a request from NZ Police and Cockle Bay Primary School to prohibit right turns from Sandspit Road into the School drop-off zone during the afternoon school finish period. Right turning vehicles currently need to wait on the flush median for a significant period due to the continuous flow of left turning traffic and the manoeuvring movements within the drop-off zone. The waiting queues on the flush median have been observed to extend past the Trelawn Place intersection and the vehicle entrance to Howick College on the opposite side of the road. Due to the delay of this movement, only a small number of vehicles (less than 10 vehicles during afternoon school period) are usually able to undertake this right turning movement. It is therefore proposed to install a ‘no right turn 2:30pm-3:30pm school days only’ restriction at the vehicle entrance to the school drop-off zone to eliminate the delays and queuing of vehicles on the flush median. The current minor demand for this movement is expected to be diverted, either using Trelawn Place or turning around at the roundabout of Paparoa/Sandspit further up the road. The ‘no right turn’ restriction will be enforced by the Police.

19. Proposed Pedestrian Safety Improvements at The Boulevard / Sunnyhill Crescent Intersection – Auckland Transport has recently undertaken consultation for pedestrian improvements along The Boulevard, Sunnyhills. The improvements included a pedestrian cut through outside #8 The Boulevard, as well as the installation of No Stopping At All Times (NSAAT) parking restrictions. After reviewing the consultation feedback, Auckland Transport has developed a second option for consideration. The new option has determined that kerb build-outs and side islands can provide a safe crossing facility near the intersection and minimise the amount of parking loss in the area. However, the new location still results in loss of parking outside #19 and #21 The Boulevard, and some parking loss outside the reserve near the intersection with Sunnyhill Crescent. The loss of parking is necessary to provide pedestrians with adequate sight distance.

General Information Items

B1. Budget workshops

20. Over the next month Auckland Transport is holding workshops with all Local Boards. Cluster workshops will look at the prioritisation of medium to large Capital Works projects over the next ten years and how these are prioritised within Auckland Transport’s overall work programme.

21. Cluster workshops will be followed by individual Local Board workshops to discuss the prioritisation in detail. These individual workshops will also look more closely at projects and initiatives over the next three years across: Maintenance & Renewals, Road Safety, Public Transport Operations, Route Optimisation, Travel Demand Management and Parking.

B2. Free spring cycling courses

22. With spring having sprung, Auckland Transport has a number of free cycling courses taking place across Auckland. Bookings are essential for all courses so it is recommended to book a place early as numbers are limited. For more information or to register a place, visit www.cyclingsthego.co.nz or phone 355 3553.

23. Upcoming courses being run in the southern area are:

Beginner bike training for adults

A good session for those new to riding, returning after a break, or lacking confidence

· Mangere Mon 3 Nov, 6pm – 8pm

· Papakura Mon 1 Dec, 6pm – 8pm

Bike care and maintenance

A fun, interactive workshop that takes the mystery out of the bicycle, and covers how to fix a flat tyre.

· Mangere Mon 17 Nov, 6pm – 8pm

· Pukekohe Mon 8 Dec, 6pm – 8pm

Cycling on the road – an introduction

A practical on-road session for adults who can ride a bike in off-road environments but want to learn the basics or be more comfortable riding on quieter roads

· Mangere Bridge Sat 22 Nov, 9am – 2pm

Guided bike rides for beginners

A guided bike ride specially designed for beginner and less confident adults to learn and practice new skills

· Pakuranga Thu 13 Nov, 6pm – 8pm

B3. NZTA Snapchat drug-driving campaign a world-first for New Zealand

24. For the past month the NZTA has been working with US-based Snapchat to set up and seed ‘Tinnyvision’, an innovative world-first road safety campaign targeting young New Zealand drug users to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of marijuana.

25. The NZTA worked with local website owners to spread the word about TinnyVision and generate interest in the funny ‘stoner snaps’. As the word spread, thousands added TinnyVision as a friend on Snapchat, then over the course of a single day they received a series of video snaps, watching the stars of TinnyVision getting stoned and watching their reactions get slower. After ten snaps the boys head out in the car for some food – the driver reacts too slowly and hits a girl at a pedestrian crossing.

26. At this point the audience doesn’t know what they’ve just seen, but it looks real and they can’t watch it again – which is the nature of Snapchat. A few minutes later they get the final snap with the simple written message ‘Stoned drivers are slower to react’.

27. The ‘Tinnyvision’ account is fronted by a likeable group of young Kiwis. The video snaps for the campaign were directed by Taika Waititi, who also filmed the NZTA’s award-winning Blazed drug-driving television advertisements which set records on YouTube and has clocked up more than two million views on-line.

28. The Snapchat campaign has achieved its initial goal of reaching 7,500 people and 95% of those have watched the full series of snaps and received the road safety message at the end. Commentary on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with thousands of likes and hundreds of positive comments.

29. The Tinnyvision snaps are being packaged together for use in cinema advertising and promotion on YouTube. The compilation can be viewed on-line here

http://youtu.be/69gVHyL-rPo

30. Key Facts:

· Kiwis are amongst the highest marijuana users in the world

· According to the latest Drug Use in New Zealand Survey 2007/2008 (published in 2010), 14.6% of adults aged 16 to 64 had used cannabis in the previous 12 months

· Two out of three cannabis users admitted to driving after using

· Drugged driving is a serious road safety issue: ESR figures from a study conducted over 2004-2009 of the blood of deceased drivers, showed one quarter of all drivers and motorcyclists killed in road crashes were found to have cannabis present in their system, with or without other substances

· The Government’s Safer Journeys road safety strategy has made drug-driving a priority, aiming to significantly reduce the incidence of drug-impaired driving, with fewer people losing their lives or suffering serious injuries as a result of drugged drivers.

B4. Auckland up for walking and cycling gold

31. The national walking and cycling awards will be announced on 29 October at the 2WALKandCYCLE 2014 Conference in Nelson.

32. Gold medal Olympian cyclist Sarah Ulmer and Wellington’s Mayor Celia Wade Brown will present the awards. Both will also speak at the conference.

33. The Awards celebrate and recognise New Zealand achievements for better walking and cycling by acknowledging innovative new facilities, highlighting national best practise and rewarding ongoing commitment to walking and cycling.

34. Auckland has secured a number of finalist spots in both the Golden Foot and NZTA Cycle Friendly Awards as follows:

· Golden Foot – Best Facility – Auckland City Centre Shared Spaces Programme

· Golden Foot – Best Promotion – Let’s Go School Travel Planning

· Golden Foot / Cycle Friendly – Best Joint Walking and Cycling – Auckland Ciclovia (Ciclovia on Quay)

· Cycle Friendly – Best Cycle Promotion – Cycling the Go Summer

· Cycle Friendly – Best Cycle Facility – Secure Bike Parks at Train Stations

· Cycle Friendly – Best Cycle Champion – Barbara Cuthbert.

35. Finalists for the awards came from all over New Zealand. The judges will have a hard time to decide because of the high quality of the entries and the high number of finalists.

36. Finalists are as follows:

Golden Foot finalists: http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/node/4875

Cycle Friendly finalists: http://can.org.nz/article/nzta-cycle-friendly-awards-2014-finalists

37. For more information on the 2WALKandCYCLE Conference, visit

http://www.2walkandcycle.org.nz/

B5. Motorcycle safety video

38. Motorcyclists are being reminded to expect the unexpected on the road ahead in Auckland Transport’s new motorcycle safety video.

39. Aimed particularly at those who ride for leisure, the video highlights three of the most common hazards and demonstrates the most appropriate action that a rider could take to avoid being involved in a crash.

40. To check out the ‘Ride smart. Never be surprised’ video, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_RzZroyP2LE

41. You can also view the ‘Ride smart. Read the road’ video at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnZlOyxsQbM#t=31

42. Motorcycle safety is a priority to reduce crashes on Auckland roads, and it is important for motorcyclists to know and practice safe riding techniques.

43. Research conducted this year, revealed that a large percentage of leisure motorcycle riders are at risk of injury or death due to unforeseen road hazards that they encounter.

44. Another challenge that motorcyclists face is avoiding crashes with other vehicles. To help mitigate this, Auckland Transport has also developed a bus back campaign targeting motorists, which encourages them to share the road safely by keeping an eye out for motorcyclists.

45. To read more on motorcycle safety, visit

https://at.govt.nz/driving-parking/road-safety/motorcycle-safety/

Media Releases

C1. Monsters and children

46. With schoolchildren returning from school holidays on 13 October, Auckland Transport's Back to School Campaign reinforces its 'Slow Down Around Schools' message with the help of monsters and children.

47. The campaign’s main focus is safety, but is also about educating the community and raising awareness of the vulnerability of children as pedestrians or cyclists when they travel to and from school.

48. The campaign opened with radio advertisements and press ads in suburban newspapers reminding motorists to ‘Slow Down Around Schools’. The campaign continues with radio advertising and bus backs.

49. A placard campaign is also scheduled where students, together with school staff, will be waving placards at passing motorists to encourage them to be more vigilant and reduce their speed around schools.

50. Speeding cars and drivers around schools are portrayed as ‘monsters’ and the campaign features images of terrified children reacting to the approaching monsters.

51. Working in collaboration with Police across the region, Auckland Transport hopes to get the community talking and to realise and appreciate that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe around schools.

C2. 12 Million Aucklanders are now on board

52. Aucklanders are using the trains in record numbers – making 12 million passenger trips in the past year. This milestone comes halfway through the roll-out of Auckland’s new electric trains.

53. In March 2014, 11 million passengers a year were reached and just seven months later 12 million train trips a year have been reached. When Britomart Transport Centre opened in 2003, just 2.5 million trips were made on trains each year.

54. Aucklanders are responding to initial improvements such as integrated ticketing, better on-time performance and improved facilities like the new transport hubs at Panmure and Manukau.

55. Auckland Transport will also be introducing a new rail timetable in December which will mean improved frequency including half-hourly weekend services across all lines.

56. By the middle of next year only electric trains will be running on the electrified network, which will improve reliability and increase capacity. Electric trains will make train travel even more pleasant for Aucklanders.

57. For the first time Auckland has pulled ahead of Wellington for total train patronage. In the year to September, 11.9 million passengers used Wellington’s trains.

Issues Register

58. The regular monthly issues register is Attachment C to this report.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

The Howick Local Board’s views will be incorporated during consultation on any proposed schemes.

Implementation

59. All proposed schemes are subject to prioritisation, funding and consultation

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Plans of Burswood Area enhancements	41
b View	Plan of Redoubt Road Mill Road Corridor project route	45
c View	Issues Register - November 2014	47

Signatories

Author	Jenni Wild – Elected Member Relationship Manager (South); Auckland Transport
Authorisers	Jonathan Anyon – Elected Member Relationship Team Manager; Auckland Transport

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards
For the quarter - 1 July to 30 September 2014

File No.: CP2014/25499

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.

Executive summary

2. Attachments include:

· A – Auckland Transport activities

· B – Travelwise Schools activities

· C – Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee

· D – Report against local board advocacy issues

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

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Receives the Auckland Transport Quarterly Report

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 identified 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. This 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 end of January and award end of February 2015. Target completion for the interchange is end of September 2015. A public open day was held in Otahuhu Town Hall, attended by 225 people including Local Board members; feedback 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 Works 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 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 to procure the preferred tenderer. A project update was provided to manu whenua groups (seven iwi represented) mainly focussing on stormwater mitigation issues.

EMU Procurement

10. There are now 27 units in NZ with 17 units in service. Manukau peak services began mid September. Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) testing on the Western line to Swanson began on 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% and 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; 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; an improvement from 86.3% 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 for at least 10 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 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 the three village centres.

Albany Highway

19. The contract for construction has been awarded to Fulton Hogan. Work will commence on site in November. The construction is expected to be completed early in 2017.

20. An open day will be 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 Murphy’s 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 is 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://youtu.be/fNlu7xaS2KA. Within a week it had been viewed more than 2,700 times on YouTube.

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 has delivered the scheme through 18 businesses and personalised journey planning projects. Through the scheme, individuals have two weeks of commute travel.

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

30. An evaluation survey is also undertaken as this 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, over 110 intersections.

Variable Message Signs (VMS)

34. Eight variable message signs (VMS) programmed for the 2013-14 year are now in place.

35. The signs are due for final hand-over to the Auckland Traffic 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 the 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 that 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 which 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 3868 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 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 four, 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 it is on target.

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 which will consider information from those submissions.

58. A report on key themes and possible policy responses is 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	57
b View	Travelwise Schools activities broken down by Local Board	75
c View	Traffic Control Committee Decisions	77
d View	Local Board Advocacy Report	79
e View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	81

Signatories

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

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

Draft Community Facilities Network Plan

File No.: CP2014/25265

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 Howick 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) Notes 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	Draft Community Facilities Network Plan (Under Separate Cover)
b	Draft Community Facilities Network Plan stakeholder feedback (Under Separate Cover)

Signatories

Authors

Anita Coy-Macken - Principal Policy Analyst – Central

David Shamy - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Howick Local Board

10 November 2014

Significance and Engagement Policy

File No.: CP2014/25268

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to provide background information on the draft Significance and Engagement Policy to support local boards in providing formal feedback.

Executive summary

2. There have been changes to the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA2002). Council is now required to adopt a Significance and Engagement policy by 1 December 2014. Council already has a Significance Policy, but it must be expanded to include engagement.

3. A draft Significance and Engagement Policy was adopted by the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 4 September for public consultation from 22 September to 19 October 2014.

4. The legislation requires the policy to consider community preferences about engagement on decisions relating to specific issues. Auckland Council carries out hundreds of consultation exercises each year, covering small neighbourhood issues up to large regional issues. A core function of local boards is to understand, engage with and represent their local communities. The development of the Significance and Engagement Policy is not intended to constrain or restrict the role of local boards in this regard.

5. An overview of the methods that could be used depending on the significance of the issue has been compiled to provide guidance.

6. The policy will be supported by updated guidelines, case studies and templates providing more detail on engagement principles and good practice.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) provide feedback on the draft Auckland Council Significance and Engagement Policy.

Background

7. As part of the Long-term Plan (LTP) 2012-2022 process, Auckland Council adopted a Significance Policy to provide a mechanism for establishing which decisions are significant with reference to thresholds and general criteria. This was a requirement under the LGA2002 and the policy requires all council reports to state the degree of significance. A significant decision triggers an automatic requirement to consult.

8. The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014 amended the LGA 2002, so that all councils are now required to adopt a Significance and Engagement Policy by 1 December 2014.

9. This legislative change requires the council to expand its current Significance Policy to include engagement. The current Significance Policy has been used to provide the basis of the new Significance and Engagement Policy.

10. The draft Significance and Engagement Policy was adopted by the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 4 September for public consultation from 22 September to 19 October.

11. Since the committee meeting, there have been some minor changes to clarify what constitutes a ‘significant’ decision. The order of the significance section has changed as a result of this, while the criteria that related to engagement are now in section 6.1 under engagement methods.

Consultation on the draft policy

12. Consultation on the draft policy will not follow a special consultative procedure (SCP). Consultation will be targeted at interest groups and will seek out feedback from communities who are often not involved in council’s consultation processes.

13. Consultation will largely be focused online through ShapeAuckland. A sign language submissions service has also been set up through Deaf Radio.

14. A variety of stakeholder organisations have been contacted to help organise community workshops on the draft policy. This includes youth groups, ethnic groups, Grey Power, Age Concern, community organisations and networks.

15. In addition, the council will use Our Auckland, the People’s Panel and social media as a way of further encouraging feedback on the draft policy. Local boards are encouraged to help encourage participation through their stakeholder newsletters and social media.

Role of local boards

16. A core function of local boards is to understand, engage with and represent their local communities. They do this through a number of formal and informal mechanisms in relation to their local board plans and local board agreements, and also to inform local board input into regional plans and policies. The development of the Significance and Engagement Policy is not intended to constrain or restrict this role.

17. While adoption of the Significance and Engagement Policy is a Governing Body decision, local boards have a role in providing input to its development. The purpose of this report is to seek local board input on the attached draft policy.

Policy approach to engagement

18. The LGA2002 sets out principles for consultation that all councils must follow.

19. Feedback received from the community and stakeholders on Auckland Council consultation and engagement processes has highlighted a number of other important principles to consider when engaging with the community. These have been incorporated into the policy as a way of recognising the needs of Auckland’s diverse communities, and the value that is placed on their involvement in decision-making processes.

20. The legislation requires the policy to set out how the council will respond to community preferences about engagement on decisions relating to specific issues, assets and other matters. Auckland Council carries out hundreds of consultation exercises each year from small neighbourhood matters up to large regional issues. A list of how the council will engage on each issue would be extensive and would not allow flexibility depending on the timing, the community affected and likely level of interest on the issue. It would also limit the council’s ability to consider and refine approaches for engagement in response to community feedback.

21. An overview of the kinds of methods that could be used depending on the significance of the issue has been compiled to provide guidance. These have been categorised as small and simple, medium or large and complex. The level of significance will be determined using the criteria in section 3 of the policy. The criteria used to assess whether a decision is significant are also useful when considering which engagement methods should be used for a particular decision (if any). For the avoidance of doubt, the use of the criteria to assess the level of engagement does not replace the council’s assessment of whether or not a decision is ‘significant’.

Significance

22. A decision is significant if:

a. the thresholds related to an activity or group of activities are exceeded; or

b. the decision relates to strategic assets.

23. A decision will also be significant where the council, having applied the criteria, decides that it is significant. Where a decision is determined to be significant, it will automatically trigger a requirement to consult.

Strategic Assets

24. Strategic assets are defined as assets or a group of assets required for the local authority to maintain its capacity to achieve or promote any outcome that council determines is important for the present or future wellbeing of the community. The council considers its strategic assets as whole (rather than single assets), because it is the asset class as a whole that delivers the service. The list of strategic assets should cover only those assets that are significant for an entity the size of the Auckland Council. The strategic assets are listed in the Significance and Engagement Policy, which includes land or buildings owned by the council that are required to maintain the local authority’s capacity to provide affordable housing, and equity securities held by council in a port company or airport company.

25. The definition of networks included in the list of strategic assets has been updated by inclusion of the North Harbour Stadium, Bruce Mason Theatre and Q Theatre, which Auckland Council acquired since the adoption of the Significance Policy in 2012. In addition, substantive shares in Watercare have been combined with shares in substantive CCOs as Watercare became a substantive CCO in 2012.

26. The legislation provides that a decision to transfer the ownership or control of a strategic asset to or from the local authority may only be made if they are explicitly provided for in the council’s LTP and, from 2015, also included in the consultation document used to consult on the LTP.

27. Decisions on assets not included in the list are subject to the normal provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 regarding decision making and consultation. This ensures that interested or affected parties will have their views considered appropriately in decision making. The council would retain discretion to consult (including using the special consultative procedure) for these decisions if it wished.

28. Strategic assets, as defined by this policy, that are owned and or managed by a substantive CCO are identified in the CCO Accountability Policy.

Thresholds

29. As a general guide, the creation of a new group of activity, the cessation of a group of activity, or a 33 per cent increase or 20 per cent decrease in the nature of a group of activity, would be considered significant.

General Criteria

30. The council has also identified a list of criteria to consider when deciding whether or not a matter is significant.

Timeline

31. The high level timeline for the development of the policy is as follows:

Milestone	Description / steps	Timing
Developing the draft policy	Drafting the policy Testing the policy internally, with key stakeholders and advisory panels Gaining feedback on draft policy with local board members, local board chairs, IMSB Regional Strategy & Policy for adoption prior to consultation	July – August 5 September
Consulting on the draft policy	Communications and engagement on the draft Local board workshops Local board reports / formal feedback process Advisory panel workshops Stakeholder discussions Public engagement	September-October
Revising the draft policy	Analysing and reviewing feedback Updating draft policy	October onwards
Adopting the policy	Budget Committee Regional Strategy and Policy Governing body for adoption	5 November 6 November 27 November

32. This policy is expected to be adopted by 1 December 2014 and must be incorporated into the Long-term Plan (in summary form). The policy can be amended at any time.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

33. This report is seeking the views of local boards on the draft policy.

34. Local boards’ statutory role of identifying and communicating the views of the community on regional strategies, policies, plans and bylaws of the council has been taken into account during the development of the draft policy.

35. Engagement with local boards to date has included:

· an initial discussion at the Local Board Chairs Forum meeting on 28 April 2014;

· a workshop for all local board members to discuss aspects of the draft policy on 22 August; and

· workshops are being held with individual boards during September and October where requested.

Māori impact statement

36. Auckland Council recognize that Māori are a critical / important audience that need to be engaged in a meaningful way. The Treaty of Waitangi Audit 2012 and the Auckland Council Guide on Engaging with Māori were reviewed during the development of the draft policy. The draft policy has been presented for discussion to the Independent Māori Statutory Board. The results of a recent research study on Māori engagement with Auckland Council will be considered prior to finalizing the draft policy and to identify improvements with the engagement guidelines.

37. Discussions on the draft policy and guidelines will also take place at a mana whenua forum during the consultation period.

General

38. This report does not involve decisions that will trigger the council’s current Significance Policy.

Implementation

39. Auckland Council does not currently have an adopted engagement policy. It does however have:

· a consultation and engagement guidebook;

· a guide on Engagement with Māori;

· a staff training programme in community engagement through the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2);

· an internal network which is used to share case studies; and

· an annual awards event to celebrate good practice.

40. Further work is taking place to improve the guidance that is available, in particular with respect to engaging with Auckland’s culturally and demographically diverse communities.

41. It is expected that updated guidance, case studies and templates will be prepared alongside the development of the draft policy so that these are available for the purposes of engagement on the draft Long-term Plan and other processes as soon as practicable. This will include legal advice on the consultation document and other changes to requirements as a result of the LGA 2002 amendments.

42. Local boards will be encouraged to input into the development of the updated guidance, case studies and templates through engagement advisors.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Draft Significance and Engagement Policy	101

Signatories

Authors

Carol Hayward - Senior Specialist Engagement & Consultation

Authorisers

Karl Ferguson - Communication & Engagement Director

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Chairperson	David Collings
Deputy Chairperson	Adele White
Members	Garry Boles
	Katrina Bungard
	Jim Donald
	Lucy Schwaner
	John Spiller
	Steve Udy
	Bob Wichman

Howick Recreation Centre Activity room ventilation install	15,000
Howick Recreation Centre Re-carpet childcare space	18,750
Howick Recreation Centre Re-carpet aerobics room	10,000
Howick Rec - stadium heating	170,833
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre Car park removal & replacement	168,750
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre spin bikes	35,657
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre Install dosing system	25,000
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre Pool light switch split	18,750
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre Lift Replacement retention	2,600
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre Expansion joints	18,000
Rec Equipment Renewal project 1 (all in-house facilities)	168,367

Attachment 1 Howick Local Board CAPEX Budget
Facility / Site	Project name	Project description	2014-15 CAPEX
Aquatic facility building renewals		Budget amount:	$403,700
Recreational facility building renewals			$285,577
Howick Leisure Centre	Stadium heating install	Install air conditioning units in stadium to get better air flow through the building	$70,000
Howick Local Board fitness, pool, & recreation equipment renewals		Pool, Rec and Fitness equipment	153,000
Howick Recreation Centre	Activity room ventilation install	Install ventilation in activity room	15,000
Howick Recreation Centre	Fitness changing room vinyl	Renew vinyl floor covering in the fitness change rooms	5,000
Howick Recreation Centre	Install storage cage	Install secure lockable storage cage within the existing internal store room	2,500
Howick Recreation Centre	Re-carpet childcare space	Re-carpet childcare space	18,750
Howick Recreation Centre	Repaint internal walls childcare	Repaint internal walls childcare	6,250
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre	Backup plantroom pumps	Purchase back up pumps for all circulation and domestic hot water	43,750
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre	Car park removal & replacement	Car park removal & replacement	168,750
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre	Install dosing system	Install a DE loader similar to the other centres to reduce media dust being inhaled and damaging other plant. Install a PVC slurry tank.	25,000
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre	Pool light switch split	Leisure pool lights split into two circuits with independent switches	18,750
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre	Reception & cafe re-vinyl	Replace vinyl in café and reception floor	3,750
Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre	Refit sauna	Replace internal cladding & heating	25,000
Pakuranga Recreation & Youth Centre	Change shower & tap heads to auto push	Change shower & tap heads to auto push	3,125
Pakuranga Recreation & Youth Centre	Childcare gate installation	Install child care gates at the outdoor basketball court	4,375
Pakuranga Recreation & Youth Centre	Front entrance full refit	Gut & refit the front entrance, install auto doors and a wind break. Modernise the reception area	100,000

Event	Day	Date	Venue
Movies in Parks	Saturday	14 February 2015	Lloyd Elsmore Park

Authors	Lynda Pearson - Local Board Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Authors	Michael Groom - Manager Aquatic and Recreation Facilities, Parks Sports & Recreation
Authorisers	Rob McGee – Manager Leisure, Parks Sports & Recreation