Agenda of Kaipātiki Local Board

Kaipātiki Local Board area

Kaipātiki Local Board Members

	Kay McIntyre QSM Chairperson Ph 09 484 8383 DDI 09 484 8987 Mobile 021 287 8844 kay.mcintyre@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Finance – lead · Planning, policy and governance – lead · Built environment, streetscapes and urban design – alternate		Ann Hartley JP Deputy Chairperson Mob 027 490 6909 Office 09 484 8383 Home 09 483 7572 ann.hartley@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Community Development and Facilities – lead · Sport, recreation services and parks (active) – lead · Parks, reserves and playgrounds (passive) – alternate · Planning, policy and governance – alternate · Regulatory, bylaws and compliance – alternate
	Danielle Grant Local Board Member Mob 021 835 724 Office 09 484 8383 Home 09 442 1271 danielle.grant@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Arts, culture and events services – lead · Economic development – lead · Natural environment – alternate		Grant Gillon MPP, PhD Local Board Member Mob 027 476 4679 Office 09 484 8383 grant.gillon@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Natural environment – lead · Regulatory, bylaws and compliance – lead · Libraries – alternate
	John Gillon Local Board Member Mob 021 286 2288 Office 09 484 8383 Home 09 443 1683 john.gillon@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Libraries – lead · Parks, reserves and playgrounds (passive) – lead · Civil defence and emergency management – alternate		Lindsay Waugh Local Board Member Mob 021 287 1155 Office 09 484 8383 Home 09 418 1620 lindsay.waugh@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Built environment, streetscapes and urban design – lead · Arts, culture and events services – alternate · Transport and infrastructure – alternate
	Lorene Pigg Local Board Member Mob 021 839 375 Office 09 484 8383 lorene.pigg@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Civil defence and emergency management – lead · Finance – alternate · Sport, recreation services and parks (active) – alternate		Richard Hills Local Board Member Mob 021 286 4411 Office 09 484 8383 richard.hills@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Portfolios: · Transport and infrastructure – lead · Community Development and Facilities – alternate · Economic development – alternate

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Local Board Services Monthly Report - November 2014

File No.: CP2014/27658

Purpose

1. The updates in this report relate to the following:

· Town centre transformation

· Parks and sportsfield upgrades

· Transport

· Community development

· Strategic planning and finance.

2. The next quarterly Local Board Services report in February will provide an overview of all of the board’s strategic priorities (utilising the red, amber, green status update system).

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) support the interim signage proposal for Northcote Town Centre outlined at Attachment B.

b) request staff to consult with the Northcote Mainstreet Business Assoication to seek their support for the interim signage proposal for Northcote Town Centre.

c) request staff to implement the interim signage proposal for Northcote Town Centre if it is supported by the Northcote Business Association and if budget is available.

d) approve the design and implementation of the three pieces of play equipment at Marlborough Park detailed in Attachment D.

e) approve the cancellation of the Norman King lift project and re-allocation of $67,000 of the allocated budget to other works within the Norman King building, noting that the remaining budget of $50,000 will be re-allocated once further information is available.

f) re-confirm the board’s resolution KT/2014/179 (d) appointing a local alcohol ban review panel comprised Chairperson Kay McIntyre, Deputy Chairperson Ann Hartley and Member Richard Hills to make recommendations on the review of the alcohol bans in the local board area.

g) reconfirm the board’s resolution KT/2014/179 (e) appointing Chairperson Kay McIntyre as a chairperson of the local alcohol ban review panel.

h) reconfirm the board’s resolution KT/2014/179 (f) delegating to the Chairperson the power to make a replacement appointment to the review panel in the event that any member appointed by the local board under resolution KT 2014/179 (d) is unavailable.

i) delegate sign off of a final local engagement plan for the Long-Term Plan to a smaller working group of members.

Discussion

Workshops and portfolio briefings

3. A number of Kaipātiki Local Board workshops and portfolio briefings were held in October. Records of all of these meetings are attached to separate reports on this agenda.

4. The following regional and sub-regional briefings/meetings took place in November:

· Budget Committee and Local Board Chairs workshop re: key LTP issues – 3 November (Chairs only)

· Overview of the new LTP consultation documentation and proposed engagement process (Local Board Chairs) – 3 November (Chairs only)

· Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and Local Board Chairs workshop re : Proposal for Heritage status – 4 November (Chairs only)

· Auckland Transport Northern Local Boards LTP cluster workshop – 4 November

· Crime Prevention to Environment Design (CPTED) training – 5 November

· Auckland’s Resource Recovery Network workshop – 10 November

· Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipātiki, Upper Harbour and East Coast Bays Funding Subcommittee meeting – 14 November

· Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan – Delivery Plan workshop – 17 November

· Local Board Chairs and Governing Body members meeting with Earthquake Commission (EQC) – 18 November (Chairs only)

· Joint Governing Body and Local Board Chairs meeting – 19 November (Chairs only)

· Local Board Chairs Forum – 24 November (Chairs only)

5. The board’s next workshops are scheduled for 18 and 25 February following the Christmas break.

Strategic Updates

Town Centre transformation

Birkenhead

6. At the time of writing the public information campaign had not yet commenced for the Birkenhead Transformation Projects, but will be in progress by the time of the business meeting itself.

7. The programme includes an open day to coincide with the Birkenhead Santa Parade on 7 December, various drop-ins at Birkenhead Library and static displays.

8. Work on the detail of the programme based on the working party’s decisions in October are in progress concurrent to the information campaign and will be reported to the working party in due course.

Northcote

9. Attached to this report at Attachment A is a memo from the City Transformation team outlining a proposed interim signage solution (refer Attachment B for the proposal and Attachment C for the original wayfinding concept). This report seeks the board’s endorsement of this interim approach to proceed further.

Parks and sportsfield upgrades

10. Another report on this agenda addresses the budget issue for the current financial year for delivery of the parks work programme.

Marlborough Park play equipment

11. Funding of $125,280 is in place and has been approved by the Kaipātiki Local Board to provide play equipment that is based on a parkour theme at Marlborough Park in Glenfield.

12. The board deferred decision making on this project at the 12 November business meeting, resolving the following (resolution KT/2014/218):

‘defer decision-making of the implementation of the three pieces of play equipment at Marlborough Park detailed in Attachment A, pending the investigation of the Youth Facility which will be presented to the board in December.’

13. A number of different design options have been worked through with the Kaipātiki Local Youth Board and the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust at a workshop with the board on 27 August 2014.

14. These have been incorporated into the final design and the play equipment proposed is able to be used for multiple purposes. They provide seating and general play options, as well as being able to be used by older youth for parkour. The final design is attached at Attachment D.

15. The three interactive, natural play areas will be laid out to create a parkour type course through the park, as well as being able to be used individually for physical activity, play or socialising.

16. The ‘Boulder Run’ is a series of quarry boulders installed in two artificial turf mounds, bounded by a cut out block wall beside the basketball court. This run is designed to create opportunities for physical and social activity for any age group, including running, leaping, landing, balancing, rolling, socialising and imaginative play. The vertical and horizontal complexity allows users with different skill levels to use the space in any number of relaxed or challenging ways.

17. The ‘Wave Bench Run’ is a series of three multi-level, rolling wave form timber and steel benches, each three to four meters long. This run is designed to create similar opportunities for physical and social activity as the Boulder Run. In addition, the benches have been engineered to withstand skateboards and BMX bikes. They are located to allow for views around the park and for the Movies in the Park screenings.

18. The ‘Timber Pattern Area’ is an octagonal space offering multi-level, inter-locking timber balance beams. The area is designed to create similar opportunities for physical and social activity as the Boulder Run. Its location, adjacent to the existing rope climbing pyramid, is likely to increase the use of that element, both for play and for general physical activity.

19. If the board approves the design and implementation in December, the physical works could start in February 2015 and would take about four weeks to complete.

Transport

20. Following the board’s resolution at the Community Forum meeting on 22 October, a letter has been drafted from the Chair that has been sent to Lester Levy, Chair of the Auckland Transport Board. This letter is attached at Attachment E for the information of the board.

Community Development and Facilities

21. Work on the partnering agreement between the Kaipātiki Local Board and the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust is well progressed. The agreement is currently with council’s legal team for review and will be presented to the board at its February business meeting.

22. On 18 November, the Chair and Community Facilities Portfolio Holder hosted a meeting of local community organisations which are funded by the local board to discuss the local board plan and the next steps on the LTP. The meeting was well attended and feedback was gathered from attendees on how they envisage the new approach to community development proposed by the Mayor working at the local level.

23. Youth budget

24. A memo from community development staff outlining the winding up of the Youthworx trust and the subsequent need for local boards to re-allocate funding previously committed to funding this organisation ($12,638 for Kaipātiki Local Board) is presented at Attachment F.

25. Kaipātiki Youth Development Trust were made aware of this funding becoming available and have submitted a proposal for expenditure of this funding on youth outcomes in Kaipātiki (at Attachment G). This report provides an opportunity for the board to allocate this funding to the Kaipātiki Youth Development Trust, or to request officers to present additional options for review by the board.

Norman King building

26. The board allocated a total of $160,000 of community facilities capex budget in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 to the construction of a lift in the Norman King building.

27. It has now become apparent that, due to the layout of the building and the requirements to be met in terms of lift specification, the budget allocated is not sufficient to deliver the project. In summary, $43,000 of the budget has been expended on planning to date leaving $117,000 for construction/installation. The lowest tender received for construction/installation was $219,000. This figure did not include project management costs or a contingency allowance and would mean to install a lift the overall cost would be $275,000.

28. Community Facilities have reviewed the need for the lift on this basis and recommend that the board should resolve to not proceed with the lift project.

29. Concurrent to the progression of the lift project, ACPL have begun reinvestigating the opportunity to transfer an additional part of the ground floor commercial tenancy in the building to community use. This negotiation is in progress, but may provide an opportunity to allow for community meeting space (to be accessed by any community group using the complex) on the ground floor, as well as potentially display space for NorthArt. Repurposing this space would have costs associated with it and it is therefore recommended that at this time, the lift budget is held in anticipation of this opportunity becoming available.

30. Also concurrent to the lift project, the board allocated a total of $35,000 community facilities capital budget to other works in the Norman King building along with a Property Department opex allocation of $20,000, making a total available of $55,000. As work has progressed on these projects it has been identified that a total budget of $122,000 is required to progress these items (toilets on the first floor and other miscellaneous works on the first floor). It is therefore recommended that $67,000 of the lift budget is re-allocated at this time to these projects, with the remainder to be held and re-considered in due course, dependent on the outcome of the ACPL negotiation.

Strategic planning and finance

31. The board approved the Kaipātiki Local Board Plan on 8 October. The final designed version of the plan for publication will be available before the Christmas break.

32. Another report on this agenda requests board approval for the local consultation material for the Long-Term Plan.

33. A workshop session with the board was held on Wednesday 26 November to discuss public consultation on the Long-Term Plan, which runs from 23 January – 16 March 2015. The board was informed that the Governing Body is not due to sign off on the regional approach to consultation until their meeting on 18 December. At present it is being proposed that there are at least 21 ‘have your say’ events spread across the local board areas to enable members of the public to make verbal representations to the decision makers (the Governing Body for regional matters). These events will replace the usual hearings which take place during a statutory consultative procedure (SCP) process, due to changes in the legislation made under the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014.

34. Alongside overall consultation at a regional level, local boards are also able to undertake locally focused engagement activities during the consultation period. At the workshop the board discussed a programme of engagement that would be focused on educating and informing the community about the LTP and the implications for Kaipātiki, with the aim of encouraging feedback from the community to inform the regional consultation exercises (written, online and verbal representations). Members felt that this would be most effectively achieved through an approach that:

· seeks to utilise the reach and influence of our key stakeholders and community representatives;

· links into existing organisational network meetings which are active in the local board area; and

· takes the message out directly to the community utilising existing events / activities (Summer Fun programme).

35. As the details of the consultation are still being drawn up, it is proposed that the board delegate sign off of a final engagement plan to a smaller working group of members.

36. This report notes that the board has a discretionary opex budget of $76,362 to expend in the 2014/2015 financial year. Other reports on this agenda recommend expenditure of discretionary opex budget for planning work for future capital projects. Dependent on decision-making on events funding (also at this board meeting), there may be an opportunity to top-up the discretionary opex fund through re-allocation of unallocated events funding.

Bylaws and Regulatory

Alcohol Ban Review

37. All current liquor bans are required to be reviewed by 31 October 2015. This process will require that every current ban be reviewed to see whether it should be continued, amended or allowed to lapse. It is now a legislative requirement that all alcohol bans meet new evidenced based criteria that demonstrates a high level of alcohol related crime or disorder. As part of deciding whether current bans are continued, amended or allowed to lapse, the board also needs to decide:

· what criteria it will use to show that there is evidence that the area in which a ban will apply has experienced a high level of crime or disorder due to alcohol consumption in the area;

· that an alcohol ban is appropriate and proportionate in the light of the evidence; and

· what level of consultation it is appropriate to undertake with its community and stakeholders to help inform the board’s decision-making.

38. At the board’s September meeting it appointed a Local Alcohol Ban Review Panel (the review panel) of Chair Kay MacIntyre, Deputy Chair Ann Hartley and Member Richard Hills to make recommendations on the review of alcohol bans in the local board area (resolution number KT/2014/179). The review panel has received a detailed briefing from council officers on the issues and potential work load to be considered with respect to the current alcohol ban areas to meet the statutory deadline of 31 October 2015. As a result of that briefing the review panel asked that this issue be brought back to the board, to give the board an opportunity to re-confirm this resolution or to dissolve the review panel and have the whole board undertake this review.

Sewage spill from Birkenhead into Le Roys Bush

39. The board has been made aware of a sewage spill from Birkenhead into Le Roys Bush, which was understood to be caused by commercial fats blocking the sewer line. Watercare staff have advised that they propose to place an alarm on the sewer inspection trap under Westpac Bank. Auckland Council staff will also be inspecting all premises that may have been responsible for fats entering the sewage network.

40. An assessment will be undertaken of the damage caused to Le Roys Bush

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

41. Local board views are sought via this report.

Maori Impact Statement

42. There are no specific impacts on Māori arising from this report.

Implementation Issues

43. There are no implementation issues identified in this report.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Memo - Interim Signage Proposal Northcote Town Centre	33
b View	Proposed interim signage solution	35
c View	Wayfinding Concept - Northcote Town Centre	41
d View	Marlborough Park Play Equipment design	57
e View	Letter to AT - AT HOP	69
f View	Memo - Youthworx Trust	73
g View	Memo - Kaipātiki Youth Development Trust	75

Signatories

Authors	Sarah Broad - Senior Advisor
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

136 Birkdale Road Update

File No.: CP2014/27662

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to update the local board on progress on initial work regarding the development of 136 Birkdale Road, following consultation undertaken in August this year.

2. This report also seeks support from the local board to proceed with the next steps of the project as outlined.

Executive Summary

3. 136 Birkdale Road was purchased by Auckland Council in January 2014, following advocacy from the board.

4. Following purchase, consultation on-site took place on 1 and 2 August 2014, from which a large number of comments were collected. This feedback was presented to the board at its business meeting on 10 September, at which the board resolved for Local Board Services staff to work with relevant council staff (including Parks, Community Facilities and Infrastructure and Environmental Services) and the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust to bring a report back to the board detailing suggested next steps to progress the project.

5. Since September there have been two meetings held, the first with the staff indicated by the board in its resolution of 10 September only, and the second involving a wider group including the Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project and the Kaipātiki Project.

6. The discussion at both meetings have led to a recommendation that further investigation be given to the creation of a campus-type community space, incorporating both 134 and 136 Birkdale Road that would:

· continue to provide community house and early learning centre (ELC) services;

· provide an outside and inside space for learning about and connecting with sustainable living, including food growing, healthy food preparation and nutrition and waste minimization;

· provide an outside space for natural play; and

· provide space for the North Shore Resource Centre.

7. The intention is that the campus would be managed by a collaborative partnership of community organisations. The way in which this would work including funding and its relationship to council would need to be worked through.

8. This proposal has been assessed against the Local Board Plan, and it is considered it would deliver on a number of outcomes identified in the plan.

9. This report therefore recommends:

· production of a site concept plan for the whole site to look at the feasibility of this proposal from the perspective of the physical environment;

· exploration of the capital costs involved to develop the site over time (potentially in a staged manner); and

· further exploration of the campus model from an operational perspective, and associated potential operational costs.

10. This report requests that the board allocates $30,000 of discretionary opex funding to facilitate both actions taking place, noting that this figure is an estimate only at this stage. Further progress updates will indicate if additional (or less) funding is required as the project progresses.

11. The group agreed that before this report was presented to the board (but post publication) they would reconvene, with the addition of the key stakeholder group that worked to support and promote the consultation and a representative from the North Shore Resource Centre. This meeting would provide an opportunity to review the report and provide any additional feedback to the board that can be tabled at the board’s meeting.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) approve further investigation into the proposal to develop 134 and 136 Birkdale Road as a campus type community space, providing community house and early learning centre (ELC) services, outside and inside space for learning about and connecting with sustainable living, outside space for natural play and space for the North Shore Resource Centre.

b) allocate $30,000 from the 2014/2015 discretionary opex budget to:

i. produce a site concept plan for the whole site that investigates the feasibility of this proposal from the perspective of the physical environment;

ii. explore the capital costs involved to develop the site over time in potentially a staged manner; and

iii. explore the campus model from an operational perspective and associated potential operational costs.

Discussion

Background

12. The purchase of 136 Birkdale Road by Auckland Council in January 2014 was in response to advocacy from the local board. The board advocated for the purchase due to perceptions of a lack of open space within the Birkdale community, alongside recognition of the strategic location of the site adjacent to the Birkdale Community House.

13. The location of 136 Birkdale Road in the context of council owned property and open space in the Kaipātiki area is illustrated in Attachment A. The location of the site in the context of its immediate neighbour, 134 Birkdale Road, is illustrated in Attachment B.

14. The site consists of a hall with smaller room, toilets and kitchen, land to the rear and side and car parking at the front of the property (photograph of the property at Attachment C). The property is situated between Birkenhead College on one side and the Birkdale Community House and Early Learning Centre on the other.

15. Following the purchase of the property, the board requested that consultation take place on-site with local residents to gather comments and suggestions as to the future use of the property. This consultation took place on 1 and 2 August and is detailed below.

16. The findings of the consultation were reported to the board at its business meeting on 10 September. At that meeting, the board resolved as follows (KT/2014/181):

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) receive the feedback from the initial public consultation and thank the Birkdale community for their participation and involvement in the open days.

b) request Local Board Services staff work with relevant staff (including Parks, Community Facilities and Infrastructure and Environmental Services) and the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust to bring a report back to the board detailing suggested next steps to progress the project.

c) thank the staff, in particular Hannah Bailey and the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust and Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project, for their efforts on this work.

17. This report details some suggested next steps to progress the project following two meetings with staff and community organisations and analysis of the potential for the property to deliver on local board plan priorities. It should be noted that these options have not been subject to a thorough needs or options analysis, feasibility study or benefits identification.

Consultation

18. The plan for public consultation was reported to the board at the meeting on 9 July 2014. The proposal was to initiate public consultation by way of two open days at the property. This would enable local people to come along and view both the property and the land surrounding it before making comments and suggestions as to its future use. There was deliberately no survey or set questions to answer, but an opportunity to openly share ideas and view the written comments made by others.

19. In advance of the open days, several meetings were held with a small group of key stakeholders in the area, including local residents, Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust (KCFT), Birkdale Primary School, Birkenhead College and the Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project (BBCP). The purpose of these meetings was to ensure the input of this group into planning for the consultation and promotion through local networks, including school newsletters / noticeboards and social media.

20. The open days took place on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August and were advertised via the North Shore Times (advertisement and article), the board’s e-newsletter and Facebook page, signage outside the property, a flyer drop to the older people’s housing units and the stakeholder channels described above.

21. Over the two days approximately one hundred people visited the property to share their views. Alongside local residents there were representatives of local groups and organisations, as well as a group of students from Birkdale Primary School and the after-school club at the Birkdale Community House. Over four hundred separate comments were recorded over the course of the two days, with all comments displayed around the inside of the building for others to see.

22. All of the comments were included in a full report to the board on 10 September. The below summarises the points raised, which along with the full report, was the starting point for identifying possible future use:

Key theme	Specific suggested activities
Environmental	· Community gardens (12) · Education facility for the community, including schools (around a range of sustainability issues – food growing / healthy eating, composting and recycling) (10)
Community	· Creating a focal point / hub / inviting community space (8) · Involving the community in the development of the site (1)
Youth	· Developing as a youth space (10) · Specific programmes to support young people (e.g. homework clubs, self-defence classes) (4)
Play	· Playground to cater for younger children (2 – 5 years) (2) · An all ages / abilities playground (1) · Playground to cater for older children (1) · Fenced playground at the front of the property (moving car parking) (2)
Parking	· Retain parking at the front of the site (2) · Remove / reduce parking – promote public transport / walking to the venue (3) · Angled parking on the road (2)
Connection to 134 Birkdale Road (Birkdale Community House)	· Aesthetic works to 136 to match 134 (cladding / picket fence) (4) · Use as an extension of the Community House / after school club (1) · Join the two properties, move car park to the rear of 136 Birkdale Road (1) · Removal of the fence between the two properties
Provision for specific groups	· Programmes for specific groups (2) · Space for hire (4)
Inside space	· Open for informal community use (9) · Use as exhibition space / craft or farmers market (4) · Available for hire (2) · Not available for hire (1) · Used for delivery of specific programmes (7) · Improvements / reconfiguration of existing kitchen / toilets (7)
Outside space	· Space to enable a farmers market to be held (5) · Tables and seating (4) · BBQ / hangi area (3) · Mural on the front of the building (1) · Provision of water taps (1) · Community noticeboard (1)

23. Following consultation and the report to the board on 10 September, Birkdale Primary School presented to the board’s community forum meeting on 22 October. The school expressed its desire to continue to be involved in the project with both the project to develop the site providing an opportunity to embed new skills for students into the curriculum, but also with the intention that the finished site would be accessible to school students as a local resource.

Options

24. As per the board’s resolution of 10 September, Local Board Services staff convened a meeting with parks Staff, staff from Infrastructure and Environmental Services, staff from CDAC (specialising in community garden development) and staff of the Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust to discuss possible options for the site.

25. The group identified the following options/suggested next steps:

Building

· Potential for the building to be opened up to the outside through the installation of fold-out doors at the front of the property (the current entrance is to the side);

· Investigation into whether the inside of the building is suitable for workshops / classes in its current configuration and / or whether internal work is required; and

· Potential for activity in the hall at 136 Birkdale Road to be run in conjunction with activities at 134 Birkdale Road (given the smaller room sizes more suited to workshop format in the latter).

Outside space

· Some playspace on the site would be positive given the lack of other playgrounds in the area (the nearest at Inwards Reserve);

· Natural play space encouraging use of imagination and connection to the outdoors would be desirable at the site;

· A desired outcome would be removal / reduction in car parking at the front to allow for playspace / and other outside landscaping to be visible from the road and accessible to the community;

· Related to this was discussion around whether parking for the site (which is also utilised by the community house) could be provided on the road itself (angled parking was suggested, with the removal of current restrictions to enable this); and

· Potential for development of a community garden / outdoor space which the community owns and becomes a learning environment around sustainable living.

Environmental

· The community garden / local sustainability centre theme was supported;

· Noted that there is potential to partner with the health sector and national organisations working in this area (e.g. ‘Gardens for Health’); and

· Noted that there is potential to utilise council’s Environmental Services department to run courses and programmes.

Management and Funding options

· It was recognised that any development of the site that extended beyond passive (outdoors) or bookable (indoors) use only would require management from an experienced and capable third party organization, the council, or a collaboration / partnership between organisations;

· Given the risks inherent in any project of this scale, the organization(s) would need to be financially secure with a recognised track record; and

· Third party funding to contribute to any development and / or ongoing management costs could be an option.

26. In summary the group felt that:

· the sustainability theme should be further investigated; and

· the potential to incorporate natural play into any outside space should be investigated.

27. It was also noted that the relationship of the site with the community house next door (134 Birkdale Road) needed to be explored further.

28. Following this initial meeting, a second meeting was therefore convened where these options were considered further, with additional contributions from the Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project and the Kaipātiki Project.

Exploration of options and recommended approach

29. The group in attendance at the second meeting reviewed the initial options put forward above and supported the progression of both the sustainability theme and the potential to incorporate natural play into the outside space.

30. The group explored the following:

31. Relationship to 134 Birkdale Road

· It was agreed that there needs to be a strong relationship to 134 Birkdale Road, and that due to the size of the site(s), opening up both sites to be considered as one would be beneficial.

· Given the current management arrangements at 134 Birkdale Road, and the need for any active management of new activity on the shared (134 and 136) site requiring some specific expertise around sustainability, the group felt that operating the site as a campus with a number of uses and users should be explored.

32. Management

· In the event that there are multiple organisations in operation on the site, a management model would need to be developed that allowed for collaboration, partnership, and fostering a relationship with the local board. This model would need to be based on a local placemaking approach, with the involvement of the local community as central to its operation.

· This would model need exploring further, but given it would be an unusual and innovative arrangement it would likely require operational funding from the local board and a substantial trial / pilot period to explore the model in action.

· All of the community groups in attendance (Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust, Kaipātiki Project and Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project) expressed an interest in being involved in the project’s next steps.

33. Sustainability and community gardens

· Some additional information on the development of community gardens was shared, including success factors and examples of existing community gardens in Auckland. This material is outlined at Attachment D.

· The group discussed the importance of this activity on the site being community led. The group also discussed that the opportunity is more around learning and gaining skills around growing food and living sustainably rather than a more traditional allotment-type arrangement.

34. Natural play

· Parks’ expertise in the development of natural play space was shared. The group discussed a preference for cost effective natural materials and elements that allow for explorative play, which are integrated into the overall site.

35. Car parking

· The current location of the car park was again identified as an issue for the site. The car park occupies a large portion of the frontage of 136 Birkdale Road. To fully realise the potential of the shared site, it was agreed that investigation through site planning would need to be given to re-locating / reducing the car parking, noting that the main need for the car parking is the ELC (at pick up and drop off times).

North Shore Resource Centre

36. It was noted that as discussions on 136 Birkdale Road had progressed, the North Shore Resource Centre (presented to the local board’s community forum on 28 May 2014) were still looking for a home due to their current site no longer being available within the next two years. Given the alignment of the aims and objectives of the centre with the sustainability theme identified for 136 Birkdale Road, it was felt that further investigation should be given to relocating the centre at the rear of this site.

37. The centre is run by a voluntary group that gives businesses and the general public the opportunity to recycle still-usable items. Schools, early childhood centres and community groups benefit from the chance to access cheap resources through the centre. The centre currently runs courses for six or more people in recycling and is open two days a week.

38. This part of the development could potentially attract regional Waste Minimisation Innovation Fund grant funding.

Next steps

39. The discussion at both meetings have therefore led to a recommendation that further investigation is given to the creation of campus-type community space, incorporating both 134 and 136 Birkdale Road which would:

· continue to provide community house and ELC services;

· provide an outside and inside space for learning about and connecting with sustainable living including food growing, healthy food preparation and nutrition and waste minimisation;

· provide an outside space for natural play;

· provide space (new building) for the North Shore Resource Centre; and

· be managed by a collaborative partnership of community organisations.

40. The further investigation would need to involve:

· production of a site concept plan (for the whole site) to look at the feasibility of this proposal from the perspective of the physical environment;

· exploration of the capital costs involved to develop the site over time (potentially in a staged manner); and

· further exploration of the campus model from an operational perspective, including associated potential operational costs.

41. There would be an operational cost (currently estimated at $30,000) to the board to progress this investigation.

42. The group agreed that before this report was presented to the board (but post publication) that they would reconvene, with the addition of the working party that supported and promoted the consultation and a representative from the North Shore Resource Centre, as an opportunity to review the report and provide any additional feedback to the board that can be tabled at the board’s meeting.

Strategic fit with local board plan

43. A number of initiatives and objectives identified in the local board plan align with the options identified above:

Outcome	Objective	Potential contribution
Proud positive communities that embrace the diversity of Kaipātiki	‘People are connected to their neighbours and their wider community through placemaking initiatives’	The site provides an opportunity for local placemaking through involvement of the community in the development and long term future of the site.
	‘Local community organisations are well supported, resourced and empowered to deliver to our communities’	The site provides an opportunity to enable local community organisation(s) to deliver on a new collaborative initiative in partnership with the local community.
	‘Active citizenship is encouraged within our communities and people are able to participate in decision-making’	Involving the community in the development of the site will ensure active citizenship amongst local residents in a project for which they can take ownership, including young people at the two closest schools.
Green open spaces and environments that enable active and healthy lifestyles and protect our natural heritage	‘More people are more active more often, particularly young people’	Utilising some of the site as playspace with a focus on active play will encourage local young people to be active in their neighbourhood.
	‘Our parks and reserves provide a balance of activities for all ages and abilities’	Utilising some of the site as playspace and other parts for adult learning and activity provides the opportunity for a balance of ages and abilities making use of the site.
	‘Our communities are environmentally aware and work together to live sustainably’	This project could in particular deliver on the specific outcome ‘Promote waste minimisation initiatives and community gardens / food forests’.
Vibrant town and village centres and a thriving local economy	‘Our small local precincts in Hillcrest, Totara Vale, Bayview and Birkdale are enhanced’	This project could contribute to any wider placemaking initiatives around Birkdale that look to enhance the built environment and sense of pride in the local community.

Budget

44. At the time of the writing, council’s draft long-term plan (LTP) for consultation was yet to be finalised. However, there are options for identification of both capital and operational budget for any development at this site:

45. Asset based services budget - $307,000 for ‘Citywide Foundation Infrastructure’ is indicatively included in the budget for 2015/2016. $200,000 of this is already committed, but the remaining $107,000 is available for allocation. The intent of this budget is for the development of newly acquired parks and reserves.

46. Locally-driven initiatives (LDI) budget – the board has the ability to allocate a proportion of its locally driven initiatives budget to the consequential opex costs associated with capital development (both interest and ongoing management costs, e.g. staffing, maintenance etc). If utilising the LDI budget, the board does not have to fund the actual capital development costs. However, the consequential opex charge is built into the board’s budget on an ongoing basis from the year following the initial investment. Due to the increase of the board’s budget over the first three years as will likely be indicated in the draft LTP, there is some capacity to build any ongoing costs associated with the development of the site into the board’s budget in the longer term without significantly impacting on other services and activities funded through this budget.

47. It should also be noted that third party funding (both capital and operational) could be considered as an option to augment any local board funding.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

48. Local board views are sought via this report

Maori Impact Statement

49. The development of 136 Birkdale Road would benefit the whole Birkdale community, including mataawaka living in the Birkdale area. It is envisaged that mataawaka and mana whenua will be involved as this project progresses.

Implementation Issues

50. There are a number of risks to implementation:

· There is currently no identified capital budget for any physical development on the site. Likewise, there is currently no identified operational budget for the longer term management of enhanced activity at the site. Whilst the options for funding are outlined above, decisions on these options are yet to be made and will need to be made by the local board in the context of wider priorities in Kaipātiki

· There has been no technical investigation into the site and there is therefore the risk that the developments outlined above are not feasible at this location. The planning work will need to address (to an extent) if the physical environment is suited to the concept described.

· The collaborative ‘campus’ model outlined above is untested in the Kaipātiki area and therefore has risks around deliverability.

· The project is general has not been subject to a feasibility study or options analysis.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Council owned property in Kaipātiki/Birkdale	87
b View	Aerial view of 134 and 136 Birkdale Road	89
c View	Photograph of 136 Birkdale Road	91
d View	Community gardens examples, benefits and success factors	93

Signatories

Authors	Sarah Broad - Senior Advisor
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Investigation into Kaipātiki Youth Facility Opportunities

File No.: CP2014/27836

Purpose

1. This report seeks the board’s endorsement for repurposing Marlborough Park Hall as a youth facility. It also seeks endorsement of the identified youth outcomes for the facility, and to undertake a concept design for the refurbishment of the hall based on these outcomes.

Executive Summary

2. In August 2014, the Kaipātiki Local Board requested an investigation into the repurposing of Marlborough Park Hall as a youth facility following an identified gap in youth provision.

3. Research was undertaken with Kaipātiki youth and community stakeholders to assess the highest priority youth outcomes to target. These outcomes fall into three categories; health and wellbeing (mental, physical and emotional), employment readiness and connection.

4. A location analysis has shown Marlborough Park Hall to be a preferred site, primarily due to the strength of the surrounding social and physical infrastructure.

5. There are two main challenges to repurposing Marlborough Park Hall. First, current users would have to relocate and second, there would be both a loss of revenue from current venue hire and additional operational expenditure.

6. Currently, there is no capital funding in the local board budget for a youth facility. To fund refurbishment of a facility for youth purposes, the local board will have to re-allocate a portion of their 2015/2016 budget or use their locally-driven initiatives budget.

7. Based on a data from similar refurbishments, a budget of $640,000 should be sufficient for the size of the proposed refurbishment of a repurposed Marlborough Park Hall. This is a preliminary assessment, and a more accurate financial assessment will only be known once more detailed plans are developed.

8. Repurposing Marlborough Park Hall from a venue for hire to a youth facility will alter the level of operational funding required depending on the governance and management model selected, the outcomes desired and the operational focus for the facility. Estimates range from $50K to $150K per annum.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) endorse the repurposing of Marlborough Park Hall as a youth facility subject to further feasibility investigations, concept design and Long Term Plan 2015-2025 (LTP) funding.

b) endorse health and wellbeing (mental, physical and emotional), employment readiness and connection, as priority outcomes for a youth facility.

c) request the commencement of a concept design for refurbishment of Marlborough Park Hall as a youth facility utilising the local board’s discretionary funding.

d) delegate a political working party consisting of three local board members with the authority to make decisions associated with the concept design for the repurposing and refurbishment of Marlborough Park Hall.

e) request a report on governance and management options for a repurposed Marlborough Park Hall, including estimated annual operating costs of the facility.

f) note there is no current funding for a Kaipātiki youth facility in the draft LTP 2015-2025, and that capital funding will need to be sought through re-allocation of a portion of the local board 2015/2016 budget or through the use of the local board locally-driven initiatives budget.

g) note additional operational expenditure for a repurposed Marlborough Park Hall will have to be sourced in part by the Kaipātiki Local Board.

h) note that staff will need to begin a process to engage with current users regarding the board’s intention to repurpose the hall.

Discussion

Background

9. Over the last ten years on the North Shore there has been continuous discussion about youth provision in the community sector, within council and among youth. Youth provision has been the focus of various hui, research projects, surveys and submissions. Community support for dedicated youth facility provision on the North Shore has been consistently high.

10. In 2013 the high-level youth needs research completed for Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipātiki and Upper Harbour Local Boards confirmed the previously anecdotally identified gap in provision of dedicated indoor youth spaces and facilities accessible to mainstream youth in the three local board areas.

11. These discussions and research findings culminated in a request from the Kaipātiki Local Board in August 2014:

‘that relevant information from this report is used to support the initial investigation of the opportunity to develop a youth facility at Marlborough Park Hall’ (KT/2014/142).

This investigation has been undertaken to identify the highest priority youth outcomes in Kaipātiki for a youth facility to look into the feasibility of repurposing Marlborough Park Hall for these purposes.

Kaipātiki Youth Population

12. In Kaipātiki, the total youth population has decreased between 2006 and 2013, but the total number of youth (12-24 years) is still significant at eighteen percent of the Kaipātiki population. Kaipātiki is the largest North Metro local board in absolute numbers of young people (14,505). The two age groups that have seen a notable increase in this period are the 25-44 year olds and the under 5 years of age, suggesting that families with young children are living in the area, which will potentially lead to a steady if not increased youth numbers over the next 5-10 years.

13. The number of residents in Kaipātiki with a higher educational qualification is increasing, as is the trend across Auckland. However, school leavers in Kaipātiki are less likely to leave with university entrance than in neighbouring Devonport-Takapuna or Upper Harbour (only 45% compared with 75% in Devonport-Takapuna and 70% in Upper Harbour), and are more likely to leave with little or no formal qualifications (Education Counts, 2011). The data pertaining to the Kaipātiki area indicates that it would be beneficial to add some additional and alternative support for young people, both through informal education opportunities and formalised support services.

Kaipātiki Youth Findings

14. The research clearly articulates the need and desire for a youth space in Kaipātiki. Young people and youth providers had a slightly different emphasis on the youth priorities to target. However, many priorities overlapped and both sets of priorities could be realised through a single youth space. A breakdown and summary of all the findings and methodology are provided in Attachment A.

15. The majority of young people were interested in connection opportunities and casual recreation. The highest priority for two-thirds of young people was free wifi. However, the older young people (ages 16-18 and 19-25) were more interested in early employment opportunities, employment training opportunities, workforce readiness skills, mental health and wellbeing advice and information. This information overlaps with the youth providers’ highest priorities, which were predominantly around greater access to advice, information and learning opportunities of all kinds. Most youth providers agreed that a facility would require a balanced offering of a casual space, programmes and activities that would attract all young people alongside services that may initially attract fewer youth.

16. This research supports the proposition that a space be provided for young people aged 12-24, and that demand from a wide age range could be managed with careful scheduling of programmes.

Priority Youth Outcomes and Potential Facility Focus

17. The highest priority youth outcomes fall into three categories. Based on these priorities, a facility would seek to increase young people’s:

a. Health and wellbeing (mental, physical and emotional);

b. Employment readiness; and

c. Connection.

The outcomes could be addressed in the following ways:

1) Health and wellbeing:

a. social service clustering

b. advice and information provision – through counselling, clinics or programmes

i. focussed on: whanau support, young parent support, life skills (e.g. budgeting, cooking etc.), physical and reproductive health, mental health.

c. Employment readiness:

a. work readiness programmes

b. employment training opportunities

c. early employment opportunities.

d. Connection - through skill and confidence development:

a. casual space with amenities for youth (e.g. free wifi, a café, pool table, table tennis, couches and game consoles)

b. peer support and mentoring programmes

c. social sports programmes, arts, music and performance programmes.

The specific facility objectives will be determined by the governance and management of the facility through a co-design process with youth and youth stakeholders. The facility objectives, services and programming may require some flexibility to evolve and develop over time.

18. Based on these priorities the facility refurbishment should incorporate certain design elements to enable the proposed activities. The repurposed facility design would seek to remain within the current building footprint and take advantage of the current layout wherever possible while bringing the building up to compliance and accessibility standards. Any design features will be subject to further feasibility investigation and concept design development. The potential facility specifications and current state technical drawings can be found in Attachment B.

Location Analysis

19. Early in 2014, a preliminary location investigation was completed by Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust (KCFT). Further location analysis has been undertaken for this report and limited to sites with facilities already in council ownership and tenure, as the budget for a youth facility does not cover acquisition of land or development of a purpose-built facility.

20. The three locations shortlisted for analysis were: ActivZone, 136 Birkdale Road (old church hall) and Marlborough Park Hall. The three facilities were shortlisted as the sites with the greatest potential to house a youth facility in the Kaipātiki Local Board area. The location analysis evaluated each of the three sites using criteria such as current usage, land tenure, existing infrastructure network, accessibility, visibility, development potential and transport connections. As a result of the location analysis (Attachment C), Marlborough Park Hall has been identified as the preferred site.

Preferred site

21. Marlborough Park Hall is the preferred site due to the strength of the existing social and physical infrastructure surrounding the facility. This facility is in the centre of a public park with a skatepark already heavily used by youth. It has two community trusts adjacent to the park, one of which is a youth organisation. There is an adjoining tennis club and sports fields across the road, good bus routes, high visibility, good foot traffic and passive surveillance.

Feasibility of repurposing

22. This proposed repurposing of Marlborough Park Hall is consistent with the Reserve Management Plan. However, the plan states “that the interests of all groups who regularly use the hall be recognised.” Therefore, any repurposing of the hall will require engagement with current users.

23. There are two main challenges to repurposing Marlborough Park Hall. Firstly, to meet the requirement of a facility exclusively for youth, the current users would have to relocate. There are 11 groups with regular bookings of this facility who meet on at least a monthly basis, but more often on a weekly basis over all seven days of the week. Over the past year, the hall utilisation rate was at 62%, which is very high. Displacement of these activities would have a significant impact on the groups currently using the hall.

24. To address this challenge, a process of engagement with current users will be implemented to determine their needs and flexibility in relocating. Engagement could include identifying their requirements, such as size of rooms, space, storage and access to a kitchen. A comprehensive communication plan could be developed for the groups and for the wider community to keep everyone informed of the process.

25. Depending on the requirements of each group, steps to alleviate any transition could include ensuring alternative venue options are within a 5 kilometre radius and subsidising current users’ new venue for a transition period of 6 months if the change of venue increases their hire charge. Preliminary analysis of alternative venue possibilities to be considered has been undertaken and is outlined in Attachment D.

26. The second challenge is the loss of revenue currently amounting to $21k annually and a potential increase in operational expenditure to operate a youth facility.

27. If repurposing of Marlborough Park Hall is endorsed, then governance and management options will need to be determined and will inform the annual operating costs.

28. The benefit of repurposing Marlborough Park Hall as a youth space is that it will respond to the need identified for a dedicated youth space in the Kaipataki Local Board area. Marlborough Park is an exceptional site for a youth facility offering open space and a solid facility to redevelop. A youth facility in Marlborough Park Hall can leverage off of the existing infrastructure and will allow for passive marketing as young people already use either the skatepark or the wider park.

Financial information

29. Currently, there is no capital funding in the local board budget for a youth facility. However, at the LTP phase 3 workshop the local board indicated that they would like consideration given to a proportion of their capital budget ($325,000 in 2015/2016 and $325,000 in 2016/2017) being reallocated to a youth facility project. A decision on possible reallocation of funding is expected from the Governing Body on 18 December as part of the draft long-term plan. Additionally, the local board will have a locally-driven initiatives budget totalling c.$1.1m each year for the next three years. The board has the ability to allocate a proportion of its locally driven initiatives budget to the consequential opex costs associated with capital development (both interest and ongoing management costs, e.g. staffing, maintenance etc). If utilising the LDI budget the board do not have to fund the actual capital development costs, but the consequential opex charge is built into the board’s budget on an ongoing basis from the year following the initial investment. The local board may choose to use this option dependent on the outcome of the first option described above.

30. The costs to refurbish community facilities across Auckland are estimated at $1,800 - $4,500 per square metre. Both the Takapuna Library in 2014 and the Fickling Centre facility in 2011 applied standard features and did not exceed the range-cost per square metre. It is more cost effective to refurbish an existing council owned facility particularly if the construction and current layout make alteration easy. Obtaining consent and planning permission for a facility refurbishment is easier due to its history of community use.

31. Based on initial officer assessment and the proposed scale of the refurbishment for Marlborough Park Hall (an estimated 137 square metres of refurbished space), a capital budget of $640,000 should be adequate. A more accurate financial assessment will be dependent on the cost impact of any feasibility issues and detailed planning. Scope would include the facility specifications in Attachment B.

32. There will be some set-up and fit out cost such as equipment and telecommunications connections. These are estimated to be around $30,000 and are in line with the set-up costs on current community facilities projects in Glendene and West Harbour.

33. Repurposing Marlborough Park Hall from a venue for hire to a youth facility may require paid staff to activate the space, run programming and coordinate any social service offering depending on the outcomes desired and the operational focus.

34. The level of operational funding required will depend upon the governance and management model the local board selects. Estimates range from $50K to $150K per annum. The local board will need to identify the appropriate level of funding in their budget for the model they select, noting that the important aspect of any operational funding is its continuity.

35. There will be a cost of up to $20,000 to have an external supplier undertake the concept design process including 2D imagery for the concept design. This would need to be sourced from the local board’s discretionary opex budget.

Possible Concept Design Stages

36. Attachment E provides an overview of the high-level tasks during the concept design phase that Auckland Council must complete to reach detailed design. Indicative timeframes are provided against each milestone; however, these are dependent on the availability of resources and information.

37. To expedite the progress of the project, this report recommends that the local board establish a political working party consisting of three local board members with the authority to make decisions associated with the concept design for the repurposed refurbishment of Marlborough Park Hall.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

38. The Kaipātiki Local Board has indicated strong support for the repurposing of Marlborough Park Hall for a youth facility by requesting this investigation and reallocation of funds for a youth facility in the recent LTP phase 3 workshop.

39. In the Kaipātiki Local Board Plan (2014), the local board commits to making “best use of the existing partnerships, facilities and assets.” In this plan, the local board specifically pledges to “develop a community-led youth facility” and to provide funding for that facility.

Maori Impact Statement

40. If Marlborough Park Hall is chosen for repurposing, then the next project stages will involve specific engagement with mana whenua and mataawaka to identify their needs, express their cultural values and perspectives regarding a youth facility. This will align with the Auckland Plan priority to support sustainable development of Maori outcomes, leadership, community and partnerships.

41. The following five iwi have an interest in the Kaipātiki Local Board area and will be engaged on any further project stages; Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngai Tai Ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Whātua o Orākei, Ngāti Maru and Ngāti Paoa. The mataawaka organisations we will seek to engage with are Awataha Marae, Te Puna Hauora, Hato Petera College, Te Taua Moana o Aotearoa Marae, Te Hau Kapua Te Kohanga Reo, and the Maori Wardens.

Implementation Issues

42. There are several issues that require resolution from the local board to progress this project; whether to repurpose Marlborough Park Hall for a youth facility; whether to make a commitment to funding the additional operational expenditure to design and operate this youth facility; and whether there will be capital funding in the LTP 2015-2025 to progress the refurbishment.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Kaipātiki youth provision methodology and research findings	103
b View	Potential facility specifications	111
c View	Location analysis for Kaipātiki youth provision	115
d View	Alternative venue options	119
e View	Concept design stages and timeline	121

Signatories

Authors

Bonnie-May Shantz - Principle Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Anaru Vercoe - Manager, Community Policy & Planning

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Parks Capital Budgets Update

File No.: CP2014/27657

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to update the board on the parks capital budget status and to highlight the need for additional funding to be found in order to deliver the work programme as approved by the board at its meeting on 9 July 2014.

Executive Summary

2. The board approved the parks capital work programme at its business meeting on 9 July 2014.

3. Since that date, there have been a number of movements in the budget which means that the total quantum of budget available to deliver on the programme is $496,000 less than the total required to deliver on the work programme, based on current forecasts reported by parks.

4. Officer advice from Finance and Parks is that the only option to meet this funding shortfall is allocation of un-allocated SLIPs budget. A total of $473,000 remains unallocated in the SLIPs budget at this time. It is understood that this budget (alongside any other capital or operational budget) will not be available to expend beyond this financial year if it is not committed by the end of June 2014.

5. In order for the work programme to be delivered this financial year (and in particular for construction works to commence in the summer season), it is vital that there is sufficient budget made available now. The board should note that allocating the un-allocated SLIPs budget will not meet the full shortfall. In the event that 100% of the programme is on course to be delivered later in the year, the $23,000 gap (between available SLIPs budget and the overall funding gap) would need to be addressed by either slowing down or reducing very slightly the scale of the programme.

6. The alternative to re-allocating SLIPs budget is for the board to significantly reduce the number of projects to be delivered.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) allocate 473,000 of unallocated SLIPs budget to meet the majority of the funding shortfall identified to deliver the parks capital work programme, noting that there remains an outstanding funding gap of $23,000 which will need to be addressed later in the year dependent on the progress of the programme

Discussion

7. The board approved the parks capital work programme at its business meeting on 9 July 2014. The work programme is attached at Attachment A. The advice provided by officers at the time (which formed the basis of the programme approved by the board) was based on the budget information available at that time. This information assumed that capital budget allocated in 2013/2014 to 2013/2014 projects would roll forward into 2013/2014 if those projects were not completed in that financial year.

8. The 9 July work programme included some re-allocation of budget to new/different projects, differing therefore in detail from the 2012-2022 Long-term Plan and 2014/2015 local board agreement.

9. In August/September when the Governing Body made the decision to defer some 2014/2015 projects into 2015/2016 the board provided feedback into this process. This feedback was based on the 9 July work programme which did not align with the budget information presented to the governing body. The board’s feedback was largely ignored, with a total of $1,506,951 being deferred across all of the board’s activities, $856,000 of which was from parks budgets.

10. Following these decisions on 24 September, the board’s budget has been refreshed and we now have a clear starting point for the rest of the year.

11. Unfortunately, this starting point is missing both the deferrals from 2014/2015 into 2015/2016 (as expected) and also some of the expected deferrals from 2013/2014. Local Board Services have requested a formal response from Finance as to why some of the expected deferrals from 2013/2014 are not included in the 2014/2015 budget.

12. Despite the re-allocation of budget by the board on 9 July from projects which were previously ‘over-funded’, there is therefore still a gap between available budget and work programme to be delivered, totalling $496,000 (based on current forecasts reported by parks).

13. Officer advice is that the only option to meet the funding shortfall is allocation of un-allocated SLIPs budget. A total of $473,000 remains unallocated in the SLIPs budget at this time. It is understood that this budget (alongside any other capital or operational budget) will not be available to expend beyond this financial year if it is not committed by the end of June 2014. It should also be noted that Parks are not able to deliver any additional projects this year using this unallocated budget, beyond the agreed work programme..

14. In order for the work programme to be delivered this financial year, and in particular for construction works to commence in the summer season, it is vital that there is sufficient budget made available now.

15. The alternative to re-allocating SLIPs budget is for the board to significantly reduce the number of projects to be delivered.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

16. This issue has been raised with the parks portfolio holders and the finance portfolio holders and was referred to in the local board services monthly report of 12 November 2014. This is the first time that the full extent of this issue has been brought formally before the board for a decision or feedback due to all of the information only now becoming available.

Maori Impact Statement

17. There are no specific impacts on Māori arising from this report

Implementation Issues

18. There are clear risks to implementation of the parks work programme if the budget issues outlined in this report are not resolved.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Approved Parks Work Programme 9 July 2014	127

Signatories

Authors	Sarah Broad - Senior Advisor
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Local Event Support Fund - Round Two Allocations 2014/2015

File No.: CP2014/24572

Purpose

1. To present a summary of applications received in round two of the Local Event Support Fund for 2014/2015 for the Kaipātiki Local Board.

Executive summary

2. A contestable Local Event Support Fund of $117,827.00 is available to the Kaipātiki Local Board for distribution over two funding rounds in the 2014/2015 financial year.

3. In round one the local board allocated $60,737.00, leaving $57,090.00 for allocation in round two.

4. For round two, nine applications totalling $48,232.00 have been received, which were reviewed at a workshop with the local board on 19 November 2014.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) agree to fund, part-fund or not fund, the round two 2014-2015 contestable Local Event Support Fund application as follows:

Applicant	Event	Date	Amount Requested	Funding Allocated
NZ Secondary Schools Wrestling Assn	DownUnder Wrestling Championships	3 July 2015	$5,232.00	$0
The Korean Society of Auckland Inc.	Korean Day	14 March 2015	$10,000.00	$2,500.00
North Shore Hazara Society	Summer in the Sun with Kiwi Life	1 March 2015	$3,000.00	$0
North Shore Pasefika Forum	North Shore Pasefika Festival	30 September 2015	$10,000.00	$5,000.00 Subject to conditions in b)
Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project Inc.	Celebrating Communities	1 March 2015 – 31 March 2015	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
Auckland Live, Regional Facilities Auckland	Morning Melodies	2 March 2015 – 14 September 2015	$5,000.00	$0
Auckland Pride Festival Inc.	Auckland Pride Festival Parade	1 March 2015	$3,000.00	$0
Auckland Live, Regional Facilities Auckland	School Holiday Programme 2015	13 April 2015 – 18 July 2015	$5,000.00	$0
North Shore Model Railway Club Inc.	AMRA 2015	29 May 2015 – 1 June 2015	$2,000.00	$2,000.00
TOTAL			$48,232.00	$14,500.00

b) agree to fund the North Shore Pasefika festival on the following conditions:

i) pending further discussion and investigation by the Community Development portfolio holders to ensure that the North Shore Pasefika Forum has no links with a church, which would make the applicant ineligible for funding in accordance with funding criteria;

ii) that the board of trustees is fully representative of the Pacific Island community of Kaipātiki; and

iii) that funding be held for disbursement in June 2015 following further review of the status of the North Shore Pasefika Forum.

c) transfer the remaining balance of $42,590.00 to the Kaipātiki Local Board General Discretionary Fund for allocation to a range of other projects as agreed by the local board from time to time.

Comments

5. The Local Events Support Fund provides the opportunity for the Kaipātiki Local Board to work in partnership with local event organisers to develop an events programme that reflects the aspirations of the community and supports the local board plan.

6. The contestable Local Event Support Fund has two funding rounds, which close at specified times during the 2014-2015 financial year, as follows:

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

7. Round two of the 2014-2015 Local Event Support Fund received nine applications. A summary of these is as follows:

Applicant	Event	Date	Amount Requested
NZ Secondary Schools Wrestling Assn	DownUnder Wrestling Championships	3 July 2015	$5,232.00
The Korean Society of Auckland Inc.	Korean Day	14 March 2015	$10,000.00
North Shore Hazara Society	Summer in the Sun with Kiwi Life	1 March 2015	$3,000.00
North Shore Pasefika Forum	North Shore Pasefika Festival	30 September 2015	$10,000.00
Birkdale Beach Haven Community Project Inc.	Celebrating Communities	1 March 2015 – 31 March 2015	$5,000.00
Auckland Live, Regional Facilities Auckland	Morning Melodies	2 March 2015 – 14 September 2015	$5,000.00
Auckland Pride Festival Inc.	Auckland Pride Festival Parade	1 March 2015	$3,000.00
Auckland Live, Regional Facilities Auckland	School Holiday Programme 2015	13 April 2015 – 18 July 2015	$5,000.00
North Shore Model Railway Club Inc.	AMRA 2015	29 May 2015 – 1 June 2015	$2,000.00
TOTAL			$48,232.00

8. Local Event Support Fund criteria guidelines for 2014-2015 have been established to assist applicants in understanding the focus of this fund and to guide decision-making. The applications have been assessed in accordance with the fund guidelines.

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

Consideration

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

11. The Kaipātiki Local Board seeks to engage with their diverse communities and provide for their social and cultural needs. Outcome one in the Kaipātiki Local Board Plan – proud, positive communities that embrace the diversity of Kaipātiki - addresses this through working in partnership with the community to make the most of town centres and neighbourhoods and in providing free events and activities for locals to enjoy.

Local board views and implications

12. A local board workshop was held on 19 November 2014 to consider the applications to the contestable Local Event Support Fund round two. This report reflects the views of local board members expressed at the workshop, which may be subject to change after receipt of additional information sought from some applicants.

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

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

Māori impact statement

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

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Local Event Support Fund - Round Two Applications 2014/2015	135

Signatories

Authors

Barbara Cade - Team Leader Events North/West

Authorisers

Graham Bodman - Manager - Community Development, Arts and Culture

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Kaipātiki Local Economic Development Programme 2014/15

File No.: CP2014/28124

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to seek approval of the Kaipātiki local economic development (ED) programme for 2014/15. The report recommends the approval of two projects for 2014/15, namely support for ethnic and migrant businesses and leverage of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB).

Executive Summary

2. The Kaipātiki Local ED Action Plan was approved by the board at its meeting on 11 June 2014. The plan provides a framework to guide local economic development actions for Kaipātiki Local Board area for 3 to 5 and up to 10 years. The plan identifies priority projects for implementation within the first four years of the plan period.

3. This report seeks approval of two priority projects identified for implementation in year 1 (2014/15) of the plan:

· Action 1.14 – Support for ethnic and migrant-owned businesses - The rationale for developing a migrant business support programme is broadly based on Auckland Council’s role to support business success, and to build the Auckland business proposition for a business-friendly city. The proposed budget for 2014/15 is $15,000.

· Action 1.16 – Leverage the deployment of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) – The key driver for this project is to help improve the productivity of Kaipātiki based businesses through the use of internet-based technology. The proposed budget for 2014/15 is $25,000. The ability to share costs with industry and other local boards will be investigated as part of development of the project plan and implementation.

4. It is envisaged that both projects will commence during 2014/15, with potential to extend into 2015/16 depending on project outcomes and subject to further board approval.

5. Local board workshops on 27 August and 19 November 2014 have helped shape the proposed programme. In particular, further amendments to the project scope for leverage of UFB have been made since the November workshop.

6. It is proposed that Maori be engaged at an early stage of the UFB leverage project, to see how internet-based technology and UFB can assist with Maori economic development in Kaipātiki.

7. Progress will be reported and monitored through regular Kaipātiki Local Board ED portfolio meetings. There will be a further workshop scheduled for June/July 2015 to review 2014/15 implementation and discuss a potential 2015/16 programme.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) approve the allocation of $40,000 from the 2014/15 budget assigned to the implementation of the Kaipātiki Local ED Action Plan, to implement the following projects:

i) Action 1.14 – Support for ethnic and migrant-owned businesses - $15,000

ii) Action 1.16 – Leverage the deployment of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) - $25,000.

Discussion

Background

8. The Kaipātiki Local ED Action Plan was approved by the board at its meeting on 11 June 2014 (resolution number KT/2014/115). The plan provides a framework to guide local economic development actions for the Kaipātiki Local Board area for 3 to 5 and up to 10 years. The Kaipātiki Local ED Action Plan supports Auckland’s key strategies, including the Auckland Plan and the Economic Development Strategy (EDS). It is structured into sections that align with the five priorities and cross cutting themes of the Auckland Economic Development Strategy. It also aligns with the Kaipātiki Local Board Plan.

9. At the June 2014 meeting, the board requested that officers scope priority projects (from the approved action plan) and then seek local board approval of project scopes and individual budgets. This report seeks approval of two priority projects for 2014/15:

· Action 1.14 – Support for ethnic and migrant-owned businesses

· Action 1.16 – Leverage the deployment of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB).

10. The above two projects form part of the programme for year 1 of the approved action plan (2014/15). The programme also includes completion of the Kaipātiki Commercial Property Market Study (Action 1.13). The board approved the early implementation of the study at its meeting on 16 May 2014 (resolution number KT/2014/87). A final draft of the report was presented at the 19 November workshop. Board and officer feedback will now be incorporated into a final version. The recommendations in the final report will be discussed with relevant key internal and external stakeholders early in 2015.

Action 1.14 - Support for ethnic and migrant-owned businesses

11. The rationale for developing a migrant business support programme is broadly based on Auckland Council’s role to support business success, and to build the Auckland business proposition for a business-friendly city (Auckland Plan). See Attachment A for further details.

12. Auckland is also more ethnically diverse than New Zealand as a whole, underscoring Auckland’s emerging international identity as a significant city in the Asia-Pacific region. (Auckland Economic Development Strategy). As a result, Auckland Council has a role to remove barriers and facilitate migrant business communities to participate in a vibrant economy that supports business growth and provides employment.

13. This project will initially focus on the Kaipātiki Local Board area, but could be extended to other local board areas later in 2014/15 or in future financial years. Kaipātiki has unique town centres with clusters of migrant businesses. The project aims to develop a programme of support, particularly in BID (Business Improvement District) areas (Northcote and Birkenhead), Business Association areas (Glenfield and potentially Wairau Valley).

14. A significant proportion of migrant businesses are run by Auckland’s Asian residents. Asian ethnicities represent over a quarter of the total population in Kaipātiki (26%), compared to Auckland (23%). It is relevant to Auckland's economic growth to support entrepreneurship and increase economic growth from within the migrant population.

Proposed programme

15. The proposed programme includes piloting the following activities:

· Work with the compliance team to explore how communications about Auckland Council regulations and bylaws are communicated to ethnic and migrant businesses:

o Explore if bylaws about health and safety, food and signage could be better communicated to the migrant business community.

· Support new businesses:

o Finding information is one of the most significant challenges for migrant businesses when setting up a business.

o ATEED currently offer the ‘Starting off Right’ workshop for local Auckland businesses to provide information about starting a business - can be adapted for the needs of migrant businesses and offered in Chinese and potentially other languages.

· Networking:

o Very little systematic engagement by migrant business owners with available services, professional bodies or central/local government.

o Networking will be an outcome from the ‘Starting off Right’ workshops.

o There may also be the opportunity to work with several BIDs to pilot a programme of support for migrant businesses.

Proposed timescales and budget

16. It is envisaged that the project will commence during 2014/15 with the potential to extend into 2015/16, depending on project outcomes and budget approval.

17. The proposed budget for 2014/15 is $15,000. This includes, but is not exclusive to, project management, translation services, part-funding training courses and support of BIDs and Business Association programmes. Budget requirements (if any) for 2015/16 will be discussed at a future board meeting (likely to be Q1 2015/16).

Action 1.16 - Leverage the deployment of Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB)

18. This project will develop a number of initiatives and actions to ensure that businesses operating in the Kaipātiki area benefit from efficiencies that internet-based technology will bring. See Attachment B for further details.

Project objectives

19. Following initial feedback from the board, the scope has been refocused. The primary objective of this project is to facilitate productivity growth of Kaipātiki based businesses through the use of internet-based technology. Whilst one of the objectives is to get businesses onto UFB, it is not the primary one. Companies may not be ready for UFB, but they can take small steps with their technology / business model to begin the transformation. UFB is a plus but they may not see the point until they are using technology that works best over fibre.

20. The term ‘leverage’ in the context of this project means to help maximise the business productivity benefits provided through the use of new internet-based technologies that are best accessed via new broadband infrastructure.

21. Other objectives of this project are to:

· Ensure that more businesses are using associated technologies to improve productivity

· Plug information gaps and address information failures

· Ensure that more Kaipātiki based businesses’ are connected to UFB

· Ensure that best practice is shared by working with other local boards in Auckland.

Benefits of productivity improvements

22. A recent report (March 2014) by Sapere Research (leading Australasian research company) suggests that businesses that make extensive use of the internet and fibre connections are more productive than those that do not. The research suggests that across the economy, firms that make more extensive use of Internet services are 6% more productive than average firms in their industry. This is a significant positive impact, and means that firms that use Internet services more extensively are four years ahead of the average in their industry in terms of business competitiveness. The productivity gain for firms that use a fibre connection is even more significant, providing up to12% more productivity or eight years ahead.

23. Productivity growth is important to Auckland and is one of three key targets in Auckland’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS), which have been identified to drive the necessary step change required to meet Auckland’s vision. The proposed project aligns with EDS action 1.2.5 – implement and support programmes which increase the level of uptake, demand and economic opportunities offered by ultrafast broadband.

Working in partnership

24. Maori will be engaged at an early stage of the project to see how internet-based technology and UFB can assist with Maori economic development in Kaipātiki. The project requires partnership with Kaipātiki’s business associations, and will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each business area. This project also requires working closely with key technology industry stakeholders. This potentially includes InternetNZ (Internet New Zealand Inc.), which is a non-profit open membership organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the Internet in New Zealand.

Proposed programme

25. It is proposed that the project be undertaken in three stages. Stages 2 and 3 are dependent on the outcome/results of Stage 1 (proposed business survey):

· Stage 1 – Business survey – to assess the levels of awareness, uptake and attitudes toward UFB and technology

· Stage 2 – Communication, information and education programme – including peer to peer (P2P), industry and landlord/property agent panels and other communication and marketing channels – based on issues and interested parties identified in the survey

· Stage 3 – UFB technology experiences – this stage will be developed in conjunction with or delivered by industry (possibly in conjunction with InternetNZ).

Proposed timescales and budget

26. It is envisaged that the project will commence during 2014/15 and be delivered over two financial years (2014/15 – 15/16). This is to ensure time to complete and analyse survey results and that the communication, information and education aspects of this project (Stages 2 and 3) have time to take effect/produce results.

27. The proposed budget for 2014/15 is $25,000. This is to cover the cost of undertaking the business survey, marketing/information sheets (if required), costs associated with organising panels, the UFB technology experiences and project management costs. The ability to share costs with industry and other local boards will be investigated as part of development of the project plan and implementation of Stages 2 and 3. Budget requirements (if any) for 2015/16 will be discussed at a future board meeting (likely to be Q1 2015/16).

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

28. The Kaipātiki Local Board has been kept up to date with the development of the local ED 2014/15 programme. Workshops on 27 August 2014 and 19 November 2014 have helped shape the proposed programme. In particular, further amendments to the project scope for leverage of UFB have been made since the local board workshop in November.

Maori Impact Statement

29. It is proposed that Maori be engaged at an early stage of the UFB leverage project to see how internet-based technology and UFB can assist with Maori economic development in Kaipātiki.

Implementation Issues

30. The two proposed projects outlined in this report form part of the year 1 programme of the approved Kaipātiki Local ED Action Plan. The programme also includes completion of the Kaipātiki Commercial Property Market Study (Action 1.13). The recommendations in the final report will be discussed with relevant key internal and external stakeholders early in 2015.

31. Progress with programme implementation will be reported and monitored through regular Kaipātiki Local Board ED portfolio meetings. There will be a further workshop scheduled for June/July 2015 to review of progress of 2014/15 implementation and a potential 2015/16 programme.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Migrant Business Project Plan	177
b View	Leverage the deployment of UFB Economic Development Action Plan Summary V5	181

Signatories

Author

Stephen Cavanagh - Local Economic Advisor

Authorisers

Penny Pirrit - GM - Plans & Places

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines

File No.: CP2014/27061

Purpose

1. To seek feedback from local boards on the Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines.

Executive summary

2. The Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines (‘the guidelines’) provide direction on the quantity, distribution and configuration of parks and open space sought by the council in both greenfield developments and the existing urban area.

3. The guidelines were adopted by the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee in August for interim use and feedback during a six month trial period (Attachment A). An updated version of the guidelines, incorporating amendments based on feedback, will be reported in early 2015 to the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and Regional, Strategy and Policy Committee for adoption.

4. The primary focus of the guidelines is ensuring the open space network provides access to a range of high-quality recreation, social and environmental experiences. The guidelines direct how open space should be distributed within both greenfield developments and the existing urban area by establishing triggers in relation to travel distance, resident population or the proximity of other land uses (such as an urban centre) that determine when the open space network should provide for the following experiences:

· Neighbourhood parks

· Suburb parks

· Sub-regional parks

· Civic spaces

· Local sports parks

· Connections.

5. For existing urban areas the guidelines focus on improving the quality, accessibility and connectivity of existing open space. The guidelines identify areas of significant and moderate shortfall in the quantity of open space, relative to the current and future population within the existing urban area.

6. A target for the quantity of local recreation open space within greenfield developments of 2 hectares per 1000 residents is proposed.

7. The guidelines set out how different types of open space should be laid out and configured in relation to other land uses, such as housing and streets, to ensure that a high quality open space network is achieved.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) provide feedback on the Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines.

Comments

Background and strategic context

8. The Open Space Provision Guidelines (‘the guidelines’) are part of the Parks and Open Spaces Policy Programme and are a key tool to implement the policy direction of the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP), the Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Action Plan 2013, the Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan 2013 and the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013 (‘the acquisition policy’).

9. The guidelines provide direction on the distribution, quantity and configuration of parks and open space sought by the council in both greenfield developments and existing urban areas. They will inform a range of council activities, including:

· assessing open space acquisition opportunities;

· development of spatial plans (area plans, precinct plan and structure plans);

· identifying strategic infrastructure requirements, including development of a regional open space network plan;

· informing the development of local open space network plans for local board areas; and

· providing advice on council’s open space requirements to developers.

10. The guidelines were adopted by the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee in August for interim use and feedback during a six month trial period.

11. A successful open space network responds to the local context, and therefore it is expected that variation in the provision of open space will occur across Auckland. The guidelines are intended to set out a framework for assessing open space provision, rather to than establish strict targets for council or developers to achieve.

12. The guidelines apply to greenfield developments and existing urban areas. They primarily focus on the provision of local parks, rather than sub-regional or region scale open space.

13. The guidelines have three parts, each of which are explained further below:

· distribution of open space;

· quantity of open space; and

· configuration of open space.

Distribution of open space (pages 4 to 8 of the guidelines)

14. Ensuring the open space network provides the community with access to a range of high quality recreational, social and environmental experiences is the primary focus of the guidelines.

15. The first part of the guidelines direct how open space should be distributed within both greenfield developments and existing urban areas by describing six experiences the open space network should deliver:

· Neighbourhood parks

· Suburb parks

· Sub-regional parks

· Civic spaces

· Local sports parks

· Connections.

16. The guidelines establish triggers in relation to travel distance, size of resident population or the proximity of other land uses (such as an urban centre) that determine when the open space network should provide for each of the experiences. Criteria relating to the size of open space required and key activities provided for are also established for some experiences.

17. Provision targets used by the legacy councils in Auckland as well as other councils in New Zealand and overseas have been considered in establishing the distribution targets (Attachment B).

18. Each of the experiences and the relevant triggers for provision are explained below.

Neighbourhood parks and suburb parks

19. Neighbourhood parks and suburb parks describe open space that provides common informal recreation experiences throughout urban areas. The guidelines establish criteria about the typical area of open space required for a neighbourhood park (0.3ha) and suburb park (3ha) and the activities they should provide for (such as play opportunities, respite, trail networks etc).

20. Walking distance targets are proposed for neighbourhood parks and suburb parks relative to PAUP zoning. Shorter walking distance targets are proposed for the PAUP zones that provide for higher density residential development. This assists with providing residents in higher-density housing with easy access to informal recreation open space. The following walking distance targets are proposed:

Neighbourhood Park

Suburb Park

High density areas:

(Terraced Housing and Apartment Zone, Local Centre, Town Centre, Metropolitian Centre and Mixed Use)

400m walk

(approx. 5 mins)

1000m walk

(approx. 12 mins)

Remaining urban residential areas

600m walk

(approx. 7.5 mins)

1500m walk

(approx. 18 mins)

Sub-regional parks

21. Sub-regional parks describe large (typically >30ha) areas of open space that provide for a variety of informal recreation and sport experiences. These parks are usually located within, or on the periphery of, the urban area. Examples include Barry Curtis Park, Western Springs and Auckland Domain.

22. The guidelines propose that Auckland Council will proactively acquire sub-regional parks when opportunities arise and needs are identified through network planning, rather than expect sub-regional parks to be planned for by developers in greenfield areas. The guidelines do not propose a travel distance target for sub-regional parks, but state that residents within each of the northern, central, southern and western areas of urban Auckland should have easy access to a variety of sub-regional parks.

Civic space

23. Civic space describes the squares, plazas, green areas, streets and shared spaces within urban centres that provide for social and informal recreation experiences. The provision guidelines propose that the quantity and diversity of civic space relate to the scale of the urban centre. A local centre is proposed to be the smallest urban centre to trigger civic space requirements.

Local sports parks

24. Local sports parks describe open space used for organised sport, and typically includes facilities such as sports fields, courts and club buildings. Sports parks are also provided for at a sub-regional scale.

25. The guidelines propose that greenfield developments should provide for the local sport park requirements of their residents. Based on existing levels of sports field demand, this equates to approximately 3ha of land per 2000 households. A threshold of 2000 households is proposed, as this generates sufficient demand for two sports fields, and results in larger sports parks that have efficiencies in terms of layout, facility use and maintenance. The 3ha minimum size includes allowances for club rooms, car parking and for other facilities such as courts.

26. No target for local sports parks provision is proposed for existing urban areas. The sports park network within the urban area is largely in place, and acquisition opportunities of land suitable for new sports parks are rare.

Connections

27. Creating a connected open space network is one of the areas of focus of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Action Plan 2013. The guidelines encourage open space to be distributed to create contiguous networks that have a range of recreational, transport and ecological benefits.

Quantity of open space (pages 9 to 11 of the guidelines)

28. Different policy responses are required for guidance on the quantity of open space between greenfield developments and the existing urban area. In greenfield developments, there is generally no existing open space network and there is the ability to determine the amount and distribution of open space. In existing urban areas, the open space network is largely in place and there are significant constraints on increasing the amount of open space, including the cost and availability of suitable land.

29. Achieving quantity targets is a secondary focus for the provision of open space.

Quantity of open space in existing urban areas

30. The guidelines do not establish a target for the quantity of open space relative to the population within existing urban areas. Due to the amount of population growth projected within existing urban areas, achieving and maintaining a ratio of open space to population would be unachievable due to financial (the cost of land) and practical constraints (the availability of suitable land).

31. The criteria of the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013 (‘the acquisition policy’) establish how the council prioritises acquisition opportunities within the existing urban area in response to population growth. The acquisition policy generally prioritises acquisition opportunities where there are:

· high levels of expected population growth;

· relatively poor access to informal recreation open space; and

· low quantity of existing open space relative to the current and future population.

32. For the purpose of informing open space acquisition priorities, the quantity of open space across the region has been assessed in relation to:

· the quantity of open space (all types) within each census area unit;

· the quantity of recreational open space within each census area unit;

· Projected population growth between 2014 and 2030; and

· strategic alignment with the Auckland Plan Development Strategy and PAUP zonings.

33. Draft quantity analysis is included within the interim guidelines (Attachment A, page 10). This map identifies where moderate and significant shortfalls in the quantity of open space relative to the current and future population are located within existing urban areas.

Quantity of open space in greenfield developments

34. In greenfield development areas, the guidelines set a target for the quantity of local informal recreation open space of 2 hectares per 400 households (approximately 1000 residents). Local informal recreation open space is defined as having an informal recreation, sport or civic open space function and excludes parks considered to serve a sub-regional or regional catchment.

35. Analysis of the existing provision of open space within the urban areas of Auckland, local board areas and ten case study areas has informed recommending a target of 2 hectares per 400 households of informal recreation open space. The target of 2 hectares of local recreation open space per 400 households is relatively consistent with the existing amount of local recreation open space provided in the urban area of Auckland.

36. The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan introduces a green infrastructure corridor zone that is to be applied to land within the 1 in 100 year floodplain in greenfield developments. The integration of green infrastructure and open space land is integral to creating a connected open space network. The guidelines allow for up to 50% of local recreation open space to be provided in the form of green infrastructure where this has demonstrable recreation benefits (such as creating trail networks).

37. No target for the amount of open space required for conservation or green infrastructure corridor purposes is proposed. The values and characteristics of an area determine the need for these open space functions rather than the population of a development. Targets are also not proposed for large sub-regional or regional recreation open space, as it is expected council will identify and acquire land for these functions outside of the greenfield development process (structure planning and subdivision).

Configuration of open space (pages 12 and 13 of the guidelines)

38. The third part of the guidelines set out how different types of open space should be laid out and configured in relation to other land uses, such as housing and streets, to ensure that a high quality open space network is achieved.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

39. This report seeks the views of local boards on the Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines. The views of local boards will be reported to the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee and will inform proposed amendments to the guidelines prior to their adoption.

Maori impact statement

40. Engagement with Maori on the guidelines will occur during the trial period.

Implementation

41. Further development and testing of the provision guidelines is occurring during the period for the remainder of 2014. This involves:

· assessing open space acquisition opportunities against the guidelines;

· testing the guidelines with developers preparing structure plans for special housing areas and future urban zone land;

· engagement with iwi and property developers;

· refinement of the modelling of provision targets; and

· illustration of the concepts within the guidelines.

42. Final guidelines will be reported to the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee in early 2015 following the trial period.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines	201
b View	Examples of provision targets used by former Auckland Council and other NZ and overseas park authorities	215

Signatories

Authors

Andrew Beer - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Rob Cairns - Manager Regionwide

Anaru Vercoe - Manager, Community Policy & Planning

Penny Pirrit - Regional & Local Planning Manager

Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Request for feedback on the draft Local Approved Product Policy

File No.: CP2014/25806

Purpose

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

Executive summary

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

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

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

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

Comments

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

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

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

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

Consideration

Local board views and implications

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

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

· Buffer zones around schools were increased

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

· New rules for the city centre were added.

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

Maori impact statement

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

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

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Changes from proposed to draft summary	221
b View	Statement of Proposal - draft LAPP	223

Signatories

Authors

Callum Thorpe - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Long-term Plan 2015-2025: Local consultation material

File No.: CP2014/28113

Purpose

1. This report seeks adoption of local consultation material for the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 (LTP) by the Kaipātiki Local Board.

Executive Summary

2. Over the last twelve months local boards have been involved in many Long-term Plan 2015 - 2025 workshops and meetings as part of their shared governance role.

3. In October 2014, local boards adopted local board plans that help inform draft LTP budget decisions. In addition to this, advocacy discussions were held between local boards and the governing body at the end of October, after which budget decisions for LTP consultation were agreed by the governing body on 6 November.

4. On 18 December 2014, the governing body will meet to adopt the LTP consultation document and supporting information, which includes local consultation material for each local board.

5. Indicative local budgets reflect 6 November governing body decisions and any minor amendments approved within the same funding envelope.

6. This report seeks adoption of local consultation material for the LTP.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) adopt local consultation material including:

i) a one page (2 side) local board insert; and

ii) supporting information, including local funding priorities for 2015/2016, key advocacy areas, indicative local performance targets for 2015/2016 and indicative local budgets for the next 10 years.

b) note the following:

i) the allocation of projects within Locally Driven Initiative (LDI) budgets are required to balance in every year.

ii) proposed operational savings for Asset Based Services (ABS) within the parks, community and lifestyle theme are not reflected in draft local budgets, but are instead captured at a regional level. Savings will be applied locally to final LTP budgets following consultation.

iii) high level budgets for programmes of work such as renewals, non-growth projects, parks developments, sportsfield developments and land acquisition will be developed prior to adoption of the final LTP.

c) delegate authority to Chairperson to make any final minor changes to local consultation material for the Long-term Plan 2015 - 2025 prior to publication including online consultation content.

Discussion

Process

7. Over the last twelve months local boards have been involved in many Long-term Plan 2015 - 2025 workshops and meetings as part of their shared governance role.

8. In October 2014, local boards adopted local board plans that help inform draft LTP budget decisions. In addition to this, advocacy discussions were held between local boards and the governing body at the end of October, after which budget decisions for LTP consultation were agreed by the governing body on 6 November.

9. On 18 December 2014, the governing body will meet to adopt the LTP consultation document and supporting information, which includes the following local consultation material for each local board:

a) a one page (2 side) local board insert in the LTP consultation document; and

b) supporting information, including local funding priorities for 2015/2016, key advocacy areas, indicative local performance targets for 2015/2016, and indicative local budgets for the next 10 years

Draft budgets

10. Indicative local budgets reflect 6 November governing body decisions and any minor amendments approved within the same funding envelope.

11. The allocation of projects within Locally Driven Initiative (LDI) budgets are required to balance in every year.

12. Proposed operational savings for Asset Based Services (ABS) within the parks, community and lifestyle theme are not reflected in draft local budgets, but are instead captured at a regional level. Savings will be applied locally to final LTP budgets following consultation.

13. High level budgets for programmes of work such as renewals, non-growth projects, parks developments, sportsfield developments and land acquisition will be developed prior to adoption of the final LTP.

14. This report seeks adoption of local consultation material for the LTP and agrees local targeted rate proposals, if any, for consultation.

Next steps

15. Following the governing body meeting on 18 December, information will be provided to local board members on the consultation process and finalising local board agreements.

16. LTP consultation will commence on 23 January 2015 through to mid-March. Through this engagement local boards will seek views on proposals important to the local area to help develop the Local Board Agreement 2015/2016 due for adoption in May 2015. Local boards will also seek views on the local impact of LTP proposals to inform advocacy discussions with the governing body.

17. The governing body will make final LTP budget decisions in May 2015 and meet to adopt the final LTP in June 2015, including 21 local board agreements.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

18. This report sets out the decisions local boards need to make in order to finalise local consultation material for the Long-term Plan 2015 - 2025.

19. In October 2014, local boards adopted local board plans that help inform draft LTP budget decisions. In addition to this, advocacy discussions were held between local boards and the governing body at the end of October, after which budget decisions for LTP consultation were agreed by the governing body on 6 November.

Māori Impact Statement

20. Many local board decisions are of importance to and impact on Māori. Local board agreements and long-term plans are important tools that enable and can demonstrate council’s responsiveness to Māori. Local board plans, which were developed through engagement with the community including Māori, form the basis of the consultation material of the Long-term Plan 2015-2025.

21. There is a need to continue to build relationships between local boards and iwi, and where relevant the wider Māori community. Ongoing conversations will assist local boards and Māori to understand each other’s priorities and issues. This in turn can influence and encourage Māori participation in council’s decision-making processes. In particular, local board plans and LTP consultation material will influence relevant annual plans and local board agreements for 2015/2016 and beyond.

Implementation Issues

22. Local board financial statements reflect the cost of undertaking local activities within each local board area. Budgets are indicative for consultation purposes and subject to change.

23. Following consultation, proposed initiatives and budgets will be considered and updated to reflect feedback and new information available, prior to adoption of the final LTP.

Attachments

The LTP Consultation attachments ‘Draft Local Board Insert’ and ‘Draft Local Board Support Information’ were not available at the time of agenda production and will be tabled at the meeting.

Signatories

Authors

Kate Marsh - Financial Planning Manager - Local Boards

Authorisers

Matthew Walker - Manager Financial Planning, Policy and Budgeting

Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Auckland Transport Update on Issues Raised in November 2014 for the Kaipātiki Local Board

File No.: CP2014/27742

Purpose

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

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) receive the Auckland Transport November 2014 Issues Update to the Kaipātiki Local Board.

Auckland Transport News

Auckland’s Summer Cycling Programme Wins 2014 Best Cycling Promotion

2. Auckland Transport has won the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) Cycle Friendly Awards 2014 Best Cycling Promotion, which is superb feedback and further proof it is on the right track.

3. The winners of the national walking and cycling awards were announced at the 2WALKandCYCLE 2014 Conference in Nelson. Auckland Transport’s ‘Cycling’s the Go’ Summer Programme was presented with the top award for Best Cycling Promotion.

4. The ‘Cycling's the Go’ Summer Programme delivered 73 events during February and March this year, including the inaugural Ciclovia on Quay, guided bike rides, cycle training courses and local events for families.

5. Auckland Transport’s two-pronged strategy of building cycleways and encouraging people to cycle is gaining momentum and is acknowledged by the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN).

6. An integrated media campaign with five ‘real people’ encouraged Aucklanders to improve their cycling skills by showing that ‘people like them' go to cycle training courses and events. Advertisements and online videos showed potential trainees what the experience would be like and helped to overcome any hesitancy to attend.

7. More than 900 adults learned to cycle safely at ‘Cycling’s the Go’ cycle training courses during the 2013/14 spring and summer period. In addition, more than 9000 children trained at school through the Bike Safe programme.

Upgrade to white light for Auckland roads

8. Auckland Transport will replace 44,000 high pressure sodium (golden yellow light) street lights with energy efficient light emitting diodes (LED) luminaires in what will be New Zealand’s most ambitious LED replacement programme to date. Auckland Transport owns more than 100,000 street lights, which is approximately one third of the country’s total lighting stock.

9. The first phase of the programme will be rolled out over five years and see nearly half of the region’s street lights change from golden yellow light to white light. Auckland Transport estimates a net savings of $32m over the 20-year design-life of the LED luminaires.

10. The Auckland Transport Board has approved the plan, noting that the balance of the conversion will potentially follow in four to five years.

11. Phase one will focus mainly on residential roads, which comprise approximately 60 per cent of the region’s street lighting network.

12. AT has had a policy since 2012 that all new lights on pedestrian dominated roads will be LED luminaires. Changing the old lights to LED luminaires will reduce energy consumption by over 50 per cent. Auckland Transport already has approximately 2,000 energy efficient LED luminaires in service.

13. At the same time the new luminaires are changed, a Tele-Management System (TMS) will be installed to manage and monitor the network. Through better management of light levels a further 15 to 20 per cent of energy savings can be achieved. The TMS will provide enhanced customer service as any faults on the network will be reported daily.

14. AT already has LED luminaires around Eden Park that are controlled by a TMS system. This was established under an earlier project and has worked well by increasing light levels before and after events.

15. International experience has shown that white light is also a factor in crime prevention; delivers greater comfort and security and improves visibility and reaction times for drivers and pedestrians, resulting in fewer vehicle crashes and injuries.

16. This hugely favours LED as a light source and, according to new research, the market share of LED for street lighting worldwide exceeds 50 per cent already this year.

17. Auckland Transport will be going to tender for four new Street Light Maintenance and Renewals contracts for 4 years that will include the replacement LED programme. It is planned to begin the replacement programme early in 2015.

Building better connections for Otahuhu

18. Construction will begin later this month on the new Otahuhu Bus Train Interchange, with expected completion in late 2015.

19. During the construction period, the current Otahuhu Station will be operational as usual; however, Titi Street Bridge will be closed. As shown on the map overleaf, passengers can access Otahuhu Station via Walmsley Road footbridge (at the intersection of Walmsley and Station Roads), and allow extra time for travel.

20. With Auckland moving towards a more integrated public transport network, the new interchange will provide better connections for passengers with more frequent services and the ability to transfer easily between buses and trains.

21. In upgrading the existing station to a bus and rail interchange, the rail platform will be linked with two new bus platforms and a terminal building via an elevated concourse. Once it is complete, it will also become a far more pedestrian friendly area. The project is designed to support the rollout of the new network in south Auckland in late 2015.

22. Other benefits include:

· bus platforms at the interchange for passengers moving between bus services and the train platforms;

· vehicle drop off area and taxi stand;

· interchange building providing waiting space and customer facilities and a ticket office; and

· clear, safe separation of buses, trains, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

For more details, visit: at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/otahuhu-bus-train-interchange/

Otahuhu interchange map (2)

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

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

Maori Impact Statement

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

General

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

Implementation Issues

26. There are no implementation issues.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of Issues raised in November 2014	243

Signatories

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

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

Request for Affected Party Approval for Proposed New Dwelling at 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote; and Landowner Approval for Proposed Stormwater Pipeline and Outfall on Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve

File No.: CP2014/28459

Purpose

1. To seek affected party approval from the Kaipātiki Local Board in relation to a proposed new dwelling on a vacant site at 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote, which will infringe a number of rules of the Auckland District Plan (North Shore Section) as they relate to the adjoining Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve.

2. To seek the advice of the Kaipātiki Local Board on a proposal to construct a new stormwater line and outfall (to public standard) within the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve to serve two properties at 1-19 and 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote.

Executive Summary

3. The applicant proposes to construct a new dwelling on the vacant cross-lease site at 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote, and has requested landowner approval to install drainage infrastructure within the adjacent Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve, to serve the two properties at 1-19 and 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote (refer Attachment A). If approved, the drainage infrastructure will be constructed to public standard and become the responsibility of the council’s Stormwater department.

4. The Tank Farm Explosion Crater and Tuff Ring are in the Schedule of Sites of Geological and Landform Significance, and are also within a coastal conservation area within the Auckland District Plan (North Shore section). The stormwater pipe will be thrust underground and the outfall will be designed in such a way that it will not be visually intrusive or impact on geological or landform features (refer to Attachments B and C). Mitigation will be provided in the form of wetland planting in an area that is currently dominated by willow and other weed species.

5. The stormwater infrastructure requires approval under section 48 of the Reserves Act 1977. As approvals under section 48 of this Act are considered to be a divestment, the delegation for granting approval resides with the Governing Body if considered to be significant, and with the Manager, Local and Sports Parks North if considered minor. The level of significance is determined by the scale and impact of the proposal and whether the proposal needs to be publicly notified under the requirements of the Reserves Act. It is considered that public notification is not required.

6. Taking into account the mitigation measures proposed it is recommended that the proposal can be approved. If the local board supports this recommendation, a report will be prepared to the Manager, Local and Sports Parks North seeking approval of the proposal.

7. The proposal also requires resource consent for planning infringements of various rules in the Auckland District Plan (North Shore Section). The infringements as they relate to the reserve include the height in relation to boundary rule, and the rear yard setback rules (refer to Attachment D). As the adjoining landowner, council is considered to be an affected party and the applicant is seeking approval for the proposal. The Parks Portfolio Holder has requested that the matter be reported to the Kaipātiki Local Board for their consideration.

8. Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve provides informal recreation opportunities and contains significant ecological and landscape values. The proposed infringements have been assessed in terms of the potential visual dominance, shadowing effects, and impact on the reserve’s general amenity and intrinsic values. Given the nature of the infringements (scale, location and design), it is considered that the proposal will not detract from the intrinsic values or amenity of the reserve and will not impact on the user experience. It is recommended that affected party approval is provided.

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) recommend to the Manager, Local and Sports Parks North to grant approval under section 48(1) of the Reserves Act 1977 for the new stormwater line and outfall within the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve, as detailed in the plans prepared by Chester Consultants Ltd, Drawing nos. C01-C05, dated 23.07.2014.

b) approve the granting of Affected Party Approval for the proposed new dwelling at 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote, as detailed in the plans Sheets S01, S02, P01, P21, dated 19/03/2014.

c) delegate finalising mitigation measures to be included as conditions of landowner approval to the Manager, Local and Sports Parks North.

Discussion

Landowner approval

9. An application has been received to build a new dwelling on a vacant cross-lease site at 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote (refer to location plan in Attachment A). The applicant has requested landowner approval for a new stormwater line and outfall discharging onto the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve to serve the existing dwelling at 1-19 Arahia Street, Northcote, and the proposed new dwelling (refer to photos and plans in Attachments B and C). The work involves thrusting a stormwater pipe across the boundary into the reserve to discharge to a new stormwater outlet structure to be located within an embankment within the reserve.

10. It is also proposed to install a temporary site accessway across the reserve using a geotextile separation layer with gap layer 65 or similar to be removed after construction is completed.

11. There is another stormwater pipe and outfall near the site to divert stormwater from the Watercare Services Ltd (WSL) pump station to an outlet within the same embankment adjacent to where the proposed new stormwater line and outfall is to be located. This sets a precedent for both stormwater pipes and outfalls within the reserve. However, the cumulative effect on the reserve of multiple stormwater pipes and outlet structures also needs to be considered. The applicant has approached WSL about connecting into their stormwater line, but WSL have refused permission.

12. The subject site at 2-19 Arahia Street is currently vacant and a cross-lease subdivision has created this site, so there is an expectation that a new dwelling will be built.

13. Due to the sloping nature of the land, a new dwelling and associated hardstanding areas will reduce the ability of the site to absorb stormwater. The stormwater will flow following the natural topography of the site into the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve. There is little benefit to be had of requiring stormwater attenuation within the site during heavy storm events as it is adjacent to a coastal reserve. Therefore, the most suitable outcome is to collect the stormwater for both sites and discharge this via the proposed pipe and outfall, and to filter the stormwater as much as possible via the rock outfall as proposed.

14. The proposed pipe and outfall requires assessment in terms of protection of geological, landform and coastal ecological values and features. The Tank Farm Explosion Crater and Tuff Ring are in the Schedule of Sites of Geological and Landform Significance, and are also within a coastal conservation area within the Auckland District Plan (North Shore section).

15. A summary of its geology (Geomarine Research, December 2009) has identified it as being one of “the few breached volcanic craters in Auckland that has not been reclaimed nor had a major road or railway line put through the middle of it”. Council’s Biodiversity Team Manager (Regional) has advised that the effects on the geology of the area are minor. Provided the outfall is constructed in such a way as to be visually attractive, with rocks set into the concrete coloured with black oxide to disguise into the surrounds, adverse effects will be minor.

16. With regards to ecological values, the immediate site comprises largely wet grass, mown grass, willows and other numerous weed species. The applicant proposes to revegetate the area surrounding the outfall with wetland plants, which will help mitigate the impacts of the proposal. It is recommended that prior to granting landowner approval, that a wetland planting plan be provided and approved by council’s Parks department. Planting should be able to withstand changes in ground conditions between extreme wet and dry within the location of the outfall. In terms of the existing vegetation within the location of the proposed outfall, the impact on vegetation will be low as the area is a high-density weed area.

17. The proposed method of installation will be to thrust the pipe as much as possible and using pilot holes to ensure that other infrastructure within the location is avoided. All construction machinery will be located within private property and the construction area will be temporarily fenced during installation. There is no park infrastructure, or notable trees except for the boardwalk which is raised, in the vicinity so impacts of the proposed construction works will be minor.

18. There is no alternative to the proposed stormwater infrastructure due to the topography in the area, as the subject site slopes downwards towards the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve and stormwater flows travel in this direction. Connecting to the proposed outfall within the reserve provides the best outcome in terms of potential adverse effects on the park.

19. Cumulative effects of further stormwater pipes and outfalls will be minimised as other sites within the surrounding location have been zoned under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP) as single house sites, which will minimise the possibility of future subdivisions adjacent to the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve. The site at 2-19 Arahia Road was created through a subdivision that was granted in 1992. At the time of consent the fact that there was no stormwater connection was not a reason for declining the application, as it would today. The site has remained vacant for 20 plus years and it is anticipated that this issue should not arise again.

20. There will be no adverse permanent effects on the park, as the proposed infrastructure will be located underground in an area that is predominantly used for walking and the area where the stormwater is to be discharged has a raised boardwalk for pedestrians. The proposed underground infrastructure will not have any impact on the park function or future development and use of the park. It will not have any effects on significant natural areas as the affected area is currently in grass.

Affected Party Approval

21. The applicant proposes to construct a new dwelling on the vacant cross-lease site at 2-19 Arahia Street, Northcote. The new dwelling will infringe the side yard and have several minor height in relation to boundary (HIRB) infringements.

22. As the adjoining landowner, council is considered to be an affected party and the applicant is seeking the local board’s approval for the proposed infringements. The decision to grant or decline affected party approval falls within the Kaipātiki Local Board’s delegated authority. The Parks Portfolio Holder has requested that the local board consider the request.

23. The District Plan provision that relates to height to boundary control is in place to prevent adverse effects on adjacent landowners, predominantly in relation to shading and visual dominance. Similarly, the yards control seeks to ensure that the spacious character of the zone is retained and provides opportunities for the retention of vegetation between buildings, which is also part of the particular amenity of these areas. Complying developments on properties that adjoin parkland are generally sought in order to protect and enhance the intrinsic values of the open space and the visitor experience.

24. The proposed dwelling and decking will be located within the 3m rear yard setback along the boundary with the reserve. The proposed dwelling will be setback between 2.702m and 2.740m from the boundary over a length of 7m (refer to plans dated 19/03/2014 Sheets S01, S02 and P21 in Attachment D).

25. The HIRB infringements affecting the reserve are over a vertical distance of 1.657m and a horizontal distance of 1.87m at point B, and two minor infringements at point C of 0.895m horizontal and 0.895m vertical and 0.933m horizontal and 0.895m vertical (refer plans dated 19/03/2014 Sheets S01, S02, P01 and P21 in Attachment D).

26. Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve is a coastal reserve around the banks of the harbour bed to the west of the harbour bridge. There is a pedestrian walkway and boardwalk traversing the reserve from Heath Reserve to St Peters Street.

27. The proposed infringements have been assessed in terms of the potential visual dominance, shadowing effects, and impact on the reserve’s general amenity and intrinsic values. It is considered that effects on the reserve land are minimal as the area of the reserve where the HIRB and the infringement of the 3m setback will be minor in terms of dominance and shading, as the walkway is set well down away from the proposed new dwelling. There will be a separation distance of approximately 35m between the closest point of the new dwelling from the walkway. The location of the new dwelling adjacent to the park will increase surveillance of the park, which will improve safety.

28. Overall it is considered that the scale and design of the proposal does not detract from the intrinsic values or amenity of the reserve in the context of the reserve in this particular location. It is therefore recommended that affected party approval be granted.

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

29. The Parks Portfolio Holder has requested that both requests for affected party approval and landowner approval are considered by the local board through their delegated authority.

Maori Impact Statement

30. Mana whenua have not been consulted because the proposal is to install infrastructure of a similar nature that is already present on the reserve. The protection of native flora and fauna and waterways is an important consideration for iwi. The proposed works do not impact negatively on the flora and fauna of the reserve, and wetland planting will filter any stormwater piped from the properties.

General

31. There are no financial implications of the proposal beyond the ordinary costs associated with the officer involvement for the reviewing and provision of the affected party approval and landowner approval.

Implementation Issues

32. If the Kaipātiki Local Board provides affected party approval, council’s Consents team will be able to consider the options of assessing the application without public notification under section 95A, or as limited notification under section 95B of the Resource Management Act (RMA). Additionally, council’s Consents team would no longer be entitled to consider any effects on the adjoining reserve in terms of the HIRB and rear yard infringements when deciding the application under section 104 of the RMA.

33. The stormwater infrastructure proposed to be located in the Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve requires an easement under the Reserves Act. Section 48 of the Reserves Act allows for grants of rights of way and other easements, for “any public purpose”, and (e) for “the provision of water systems”. This section requires that the proposal be publicly notified under section 120 of the Reserves Act, if it is considered that the reserve would be materially altered or permanently damaged; and the rights of the public are likely to be permanently affected by the establishment and exercise of an easement.

34. Easements are considered to be divestments, and therefore the delegation for granting this easement under section 48(1) of the Reserves Act rests with the Governing Body (if considered significant) or the Manager, Local and Sports Parks (if considered minor) under delegation for minor land purchases or sales for public works. The level of significance is determined by the scale and impact of the proposal and whether the easement needs to be publicly notified under the requirements of the Reserves Act.

35. The Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve will not be materially altered or permanently damaged as a result of the proposal, as thrusting of the pipe will not have any negative impacts on the geology of the area. The outfall will be designed to not be visually intrusive by colouring the concrete with black oxide, and planting will be required to both screen the infrastructure and to improve the ecology which is currently dominated by weeds. The rights of the public to use this part of Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve will not be permanently affected by the proposed infrastructure. It is therefore considered that public notification is not required and that the delegation for granting approval rests with the Manager, Local and Sports Parks.

36. Section 48(1) of the Reserves Act requires that the Minister of Conservation give consent to an easement. In June 2013, the Minister gave delegation to local authorities to grant this type of approval (amongst others), and this has been delegated to council’s Manager, Local and Sports Parks North.

37. If the local board recommends that the proposal be approved, a report will be prepared to the Manager, Local and Sports Parks North seeking approval for the proposal and consent to the easement acting under delegation from the Minister of Conservation.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Aerial photo - 19 Arahia St, Northcote	297
b View	Site photographs - proposed stormwater pipe and outfall location	299
c View	Stormwater plans - 19B Arahia St and Tuff Crater Recreation Reserve	301
d View	Site plans - proposed dwelling, 19B Arahia Street, Northcote	309

Signatories

Authors

Matthew Ward - Team Leader Parks and Open Space Specialists (North/West)

Authorisers

Lisa Tocker - Manager, Recreation Facilities & Service Delivery Central

Ian Maxwell - Manager Parks, Sports & Recreation

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Kaipātiki Local Board

10 December 2014

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

File No.: CP2014/27414

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to present to the Kaipātiki Local Board three applications for special exemptions from several of the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (the Act).

Executive summary

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

Recommendation/s

That the Kaipātiki Local Board:

a) receive the Swimming Pool Fencing Exemption report.

b) receive the applications from:

i) 54 Balmain Road, Chatswood

ii) 2/132 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead

c) grant the 54 Balmain Road, Chatswood application for special exemption to the current owner, subject to ongoing compliance with NZS8500-2006 Section 3.10 clause (a-k) at all times and subject to the spa pool remaining in the same location as the day of inspection.

d) grant the 2/132 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead application for special exemption to the current owner, subject to ongoing compliance with NZS8500-2006 Section 3.10 clause (a-k) at all times and subject to the spa pool remaining in the same location as the day of inspection.

Discussion

3. Each property, which is the subject of an application before the local board, has been inspected by Auckland Council pool inspectors. In each case, the swimming/spa pool fencing does not comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (the Act). The details of non-compliance in each case vary and are specified in the attachments to this report. Each applicant has chosen to seek a special exemption from the requirements of the Act.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consideration

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

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

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

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

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

16. The exemption hearing process under the Act does not trigger the significance policy but it is an important statutory function.

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

Local board views and implications

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

Maori impact statement

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

General

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

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

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	54 Balmain Road, Chatswood - Confidential
b View	2/132 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead - Confidential

Signatories

Authors

Phillip Curtis - Senior Swimming Pool Specialist

Authorisers

Barry Smedts - Manager Compliance

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Chairperson	Kay McIntyre, QSM
Deputy Chairperson	Ann Hartley, JP
Members	Dr Grant Gillon
	John Gillon
	Danielle Grant
	Richard Hills
	Lorene Pigg
	Lindsay Waugh

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

Authors	Karen Marais - Local Board Services
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager