Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Auckland Transport Report – May 2015 – Great Barrier Island

 

File No.: CP2015/07864

  

Purpose

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

Executive Summary

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

3.      In particular, this report provides an update on;

·      Local Board Transport Capital Fund

·      Consultation documents on proposed safety improvements

·      Up-date on previous Resolutions

·    Media

 

Recommendation/s That the Great Barrier Local Board: a)      Receives the Auckland Transport Report – May 2015.

 

Comments

Local Board Transport Capital Fund

4.      At the Local Board meeting on the 12 March 2014 the Board were provided with a list of potential Local Board Transport Capital Fund projects.

5.      The below table outlines an up-date as to decisions by the Board and on the progress of the projects. 

Table 1: Great Barrier Local Board project update for Board approval:

Resolution # GBI/2013/234 (2013)

Resolution # GBI/2014/20 (April 2014)

ID#	Project Description	Progress/Current Status
211	Hector Sanderson Road Split into sections for funding purposes	·     Resolution GBI/2014/63 (15 May 2014) “The design element of the project will be led by the Local Parks and SLIP’s project team”   ·     Resolution GBI/2014/154 (December 2014) Requests that those parts of projects 221 and 211 currently being progressed by the board be funded from Local Board Transport capital Board agreed to fund from the LBTCF April 2015.
222	Fitzroy Wharf parking ·      ROC – Unable to determine at present	Auckland Transport is still looking at options; every option investigated to date suggests huge costs for the benefit of a few cars. The area is very short of available space.   4 Parking spaces were identified, however the wall above these spaces slipped, forcing a reconsideration of location   This car park extension has been put on hold until the slip has been repaired. There are currently rubbish bins occupying the proposed new car park spaces and these will be relocated once slip work carried out.

Note: ROC = rough order of costs; FEC = firm estimate of cost)

Consultation documents on proposed safety improvements

6.      Consultation documents for the following proposals have been provided to the Upper Harbour Local Board for its feedback. As the Board’s transport portfolio holders provide feedback on the Board’s behalf, the material below is included for general information purposes only.

7.      Shoal Bay – Speed Table Plan

As part of the Minor safety programme, the Local Board were consulted on the proposed installation of two speed tables on Shoal Bay Road, between Garden Rd and Mulberry Grove Road Great Barrier Island. This section of road has been identified as having a number of facilities in the area that generate pedestrian activities, including the Mulberry Grove School, local park and skate park.

8.      The Local Board raised no objections to this proposal. - Plan, attachment A.

 

Resolution Updates

August 2014 resolutions:

9.         On the 13 August 2014 the Great Barrier local Board made the following resolution;

I.        Request a response from Auckland Transport on the following matters at the September 2014 business meeting which are not included in the officer’s report;

II.       An update on the speed limits project.

10.       Auckland Transport response;

I.       Auckland Transport legislative team is still working on this and an up-date is now expected in May/June 2015.

November 2014 resolutions:

11.       On the 12 November 2014 the Great Barrier Local Board made the following resolution;

a.    Great Barrier local Board agrees to contribute $71,455.87 from its SLIPs capex towards the installation of a commercial pontoon at Whangaparapara Wharf subject to Auckland Transport contributing the remaining costs and confirming the project can be delivered in the current financial year.

12.       Auckland Transport response;

a.   Pontoon installation is currently in planning, engineering and consenting state, the project is still on track to be completed by June/July 2015.

Media

Auckland’s Public transport numbers keep going up

13.    There’s been another big jump in the numbers using public transport in Auckland.

14.    Annual patronage now exceeds 78 million boarding’s, an increase of 10%.

15.    In March 2015 there were 8.4 million boarding’s, a jump of more than one million on March 2014.

16.    Auckland Transport chairman Dr Lester Levy says it’s been a big year with increased services across rail and bus and the gradual replacement of the diesel trains with new electric models.

17.    The big performer was rail which reached 13.4 million passenger trips for the year, an annual increase of 21%. March saw a monthly record high of 1.56 million train trips, an increase of 29% on March last year.

18.    Auckland Transport is moving to speed up the roll-out of the electric trains as public feedback shows Aucklanders want the extra capacity and the improved service that they provide.

19.    Auckland Transport is aiming to have a full electric network by the end of July 2015, except for the link between Papakura and Pukekohe which will continue to use diesel trains. These will be refurbished over time to provide an enhanced experience.

20.    The electric trains will provide improved travel experience and more capacity on the Southern and Western Lines.

21.    Auckland Mayor Len Brown says the figures are good news for the City Rail Link.

22.    At this rate, it is expected Auckland will meet the Government's threshold for financial support for the CRL early in 2017, three years earlier than projected, as growth has been accelerating since late 2013.”

23.    March was also a record breaking month on the Northern Express with patronage up almost 17% on the same month last year; the 12 month total reached 2.8 million.

24.    It was also a record for other bus services, patronage rose 8% to 56.6 million and ferry numbers for the year totaled 5.4 million trips, up 5% on an annual basis.  

25.    Auckland Transport believes growth on bus services is attributed to increased services and frequency, improving travel times from new bus priority lanes and a significant improvement in service punctuality being achieved by bus operators through new timetables.

26.    Further service level increases and punctuality improvements are planned for later this year along with the introduction of double decker buses on a number of routes.  New network designs will also be introduced from later this year.

27.    Meanwhile, Auckland Transport apologises for recent disruptions on the rail network including track and signal failures (operated by KiwiRail), mechanical breakdowns with the old diesel trains and staffing issues.

28.    The new timetable from December 2014 introduced a 20% plus increase in services across the constrained Auckland rail network making it difficult to recover when there is an issue. Auckland Transport is working with the rail operator Transdev to speed-up the recovery time when unfortunately inevitable failures occur.

City Rail Link contract award

29.    The City Rail Link (CRL) takes another significant step forward with the announcement of the appointment of two construction consortia to commence the first phase of the CRL construction in the Downtown area.

30.    There was wide interest from the New Zealand construction industry and Auckland Transport has appointed two Joint Venture contractors for the work; Downer NZ and Soletanche Bachy JV and Connectus (McConnell Dowell and Hawkins JV) for the first phase of design at a cost of about $3 million.

31.    The next phase will provide for a negotiated contract to construct the City Rail Link.  

32.    The Downer lead joint venture has been chosen to progress the CRL work through and under Britomart Station and Queen Street to the Downtown Shopping Centre site with construction likely to start in early 2016.

33.    The contract includes establishing temporary accommodation for Britomart Station’s ticketing and customer service operations, underpinning the historic former Chief Post Office building, to allow the construction of the rail tunnels beneath and reinstating Britomart Station and upgrading urban space and surrounding roads.

34.    Downer says they are excited to have won a contract for what will be the most significant improvement to Auckland’s transport network since the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

35.    The Connectus Consortium will construct the cut and cover tunnels under and along Albert St from Customs St to Wyndham St. The work is likely to start in October with the relocation of a major stormwater line in Albert Street between Swanson and Wellesley Streets.

36.    McConnell Dowell and Hawkins have a combined history of over 100 years in infrastructure construction in New Zealand and say it’s enormously satisfying to be working together on a transport project that is helping to shape the future.

37.    Auckland’s population is set to grow rapidly over the next 20 years, reaching close to two million with nearly four out of every 10 New Zealanders calling the city home.

38.    Once completed, the CRL will turn a one way cul-de-sac rail system at Britomart, into a two way through system that will be able to carry 30,000 people an hour, providing an efficient and reliable transport choice for Aucklander’s

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

39.    The board’s views will be incorporated during consultation on any proposed schemes.

Māori impact statement

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

General

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

Implementation

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

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Shaol Bay Rd speed table plan	51

 

Signatories

Author	Ivan Trethowen – Auckland Transport Elected Member Relationship Manager
Authorisers	Jonathan Anyon – Auckland Transport Elected Member Relationship Team Manager John Nash - Senior Local Board Advisor

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards
For the quarter - 1 January to 31 March 2015

 

File No.: CP2015/07877

  

 

Executive summary

1.      The purpose of this report is to inform local boards about progress on activities undertaken by Auckland Transport (AT) in the three months January – March 2015 and planned activities anticipated to be undertaken in the next three months.

 

2.      Attachments include:

·      A – Auckland Transport activities

·      B – Travelwise Schools activities

·      C – Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee

·      D – Report against local board advocacy issues

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

 

Recommendation/s a)      That the Auckland Transport Quarterly Report be received.

 

Significant activities during the period under review

Investment and Development

3.      SMART (formerly SWAMMCP)

Investigation into protecting a rail (rapid transit) corridor from Onehunga to the Auckland airport then connecting back to the main trunk line at Puhinui forming a rail loop.  NZTA and AT have completed the design work on the Kirkbride Interchange, which is now future proofed for rail.  Also the remaining SH20A corridor has been re-assessed for rail, taking into account the improvements that NZTA is proposing.  Work is also continuing on updating the business case for the project.

 

PT Development

4.      Otahuhu Bus Rail Interchange

Detailed design completion is expected in April/May 2015. Site pre-loading and rail platform enabling works are now underway.  The signal box will be lifted off the rail platform during Queens Birthday Block of Line. Main works are due to commence in July 2015 and scheduled for completion in March 2016 (subject to funding availability).  Go-live date for Interchange depends on the South Public Transport Operating Model Network roll-out; currently scheduled for May 2016.

 

5.      Half Moon Bay Ferry Upgrade

The pontoon and gangway contract has been awarded for completion of fabrication by the end of June 2015.  Design of the wharf is on-going in readiness for consent submission to council mid-May 2015.

 

6.      City Rail Link

Enabling Works Package: Phase 1 Early Contractor Involvement design service contracts 1 and 2 awarded.  Construction is scheduled to commence early 2016.

Main Works: Construction is subject to funding availability in the new LTP yet to be adopted by Auckland Council (assumed to be 2018).

 

7.      EMU Procurement

AT currently has a total of 51 three-car units in Auckland with 42 of these issued with provisional acceptance.  Five six-car services are operating during Manukau peak times.  Non-peak services have been operating between Britomart and Papakura and driver conversion trains are running out to Swanson on a regular basis.

 

PT Operations

8.      Public Transport overall

There has been another big jump in the numbers using public transport in Auckland.  Annual patronage now exceeds 78 million boardings, an increase of 10%. In March, there were 8.4 million boardings, a jump of more than 1 million on March 2014.

 

9.      Rail Improvements

The big performer was rail which reached 13.4 million passenger trips for the year, an annual increase of 21%.  March saw a monthly record high of 1.56 million train trips, an increase of 29% on March last year.  The growth is put down to the enhanced travel experience and additional capacity provided by the new electric trains and greater service frequency introduced over recent years.

 

Auckland Transport is aiming to have a full electric network by the end of July, except for the link between Papakura and Pukekohe which will continue to use diesel trains.  These will be refurbished over time to provide an enhanced experience.  The electric trains will provide improved travel experience and more capacity on the Southern and Western Lines.

 

10.    Bus Improvements

March was also a record-breaking month on the Northern Express, with patronage up almost 17% on the same month last year.  The 12 month total reached 2.8 million.  It was also a record for other bus services as patronage rose 8% to 56.6 million.  Ferry numbers for the year totalled 5.4 million trips, up 5% on an annual basis.

 

Growth on bus services is attributed to increased services and frequency, improving travel times from new bus priority lanes and a significant improvement in service punctuality being achieved by bus operators through new timetables.  Further service level increases and punctuality improvements are planned for later this year along with the introduction of double decker buses on a number of routes.  New network designs will also be introduced from later this year.

 

Road Design and Development

11.    Te Atatu Road Improvements

Road Corridor Improvement project on Te Atatu Rd from School Road/Edmonton Road intersection to SH16.  Building consents have now been obtained.  Three contractors been short-listed to submit a tender for the physical works.  Construction is targeted to start in July 2015 with a view towards completion around January 2017.

 

12.    Albany Highway

The Albany Highway North Upgrade is a 4km road widening of Albany Highway between Schnapper Rock Road and Albany Expressway.  Construction is approximately 25% complete.  The majority of the site is operating with a 30 km/hr speed limit, which results in a 2-3 minute delay to vehicles.  Disruption to neighbouring land owners due to construction is well managed, with some positive feedback received regarding the construction team's approach to resolving issues.

13.    Lincoln Road Improvements

The project involves widening Lincoln Road between Te Pai Place and Motorway Interchange to accommodate additional transit/bus lanes on both sides.  A stakeholders workshop was conducted in March to discuss the best identified options for storm water treatment sites. At the same time a meeting was arranged with Parks and Planning to come-up with best layout for the road access for the properties between Daytona Reserve and Lincoln Road.

 

14.    Mill Road Improvements

The Redoubt Road - Mill Road corridor provides an arterial road connection east of State High 1 between Manukau, Papakura and Drury and includes Murphys Road from Redoubt Road to Flatbush School Road.  The Notice of Requirement has been notified for the northern section of this project and submissions close in May 2015.  AT held public open days in mid-April.

 

15.    Cycle Initiatives

An information day has been held to share design concepts for the second stage of the Beach Road walking and cycling project.  Stage two will deliver a streetscape upgrade and continue the cycleway along Beach Road from the intersection with Mahuhu Crescent through to Britomart Place.  Construction is expected to begin in February and be completed in July.

 

Services

16.    Road Safety

A regional alcohol #Drunksense #Straightsense campaign was delivered.  The programme targeted males aged 18-25 years.  To reach the target audience, a combination of cinema advertisements, Facebook and social media activities were undertaken.  Localised interventions including promotions of key messages were undertaken at Auckland Council Movies in the Park, NRL Auckland Nines, Kumeu A&P Show and Pasifika.

 

AT delivered a Red Light Running regional campaign supporting the installation of new red light cameras and locations in partnership with enforcement support by NZ Police.

 

17.    Safer Communities and Schools Travelwise programme

Over 120 students from 25 secondary schools attended the regional Travelwise Secondary Schools Summit on 18 March 2015.  The objective of this event was to introduce Travelwise leaders to the resources and skills they need to ‘get going’ on developing a successful Travelwise campaign for their school community.  Students participated in an AT Metro public transport challenge, and worked in teams to develop and present a road safety campaign that they would deliver in their school.

 

In March 2015, 414 students and 77 Travelwise lead teachers attended four area-based Travelwise Primary student workshops.  The workshops were an opportunity for students and teachers to share ideas and be motivated to further develop road safety activities and initiatives in their schools.

 

Since 1 July 2014, 79 new Walking School Buses have been established, exceeding the KPI by 43 new Walking School Buses.

 

The following schools received safety infrastructure over the last quarter to support the schools’ travel plan initiatives:

·   Mayfield School

·   Koru School

·   Favona School

·   Otahuhu Intermediate

·   Otahuhu Primary School

·   St. Josephs School

·   Pakuranga College

 

18.    Travel Demand

Auckland Council and AT have jointly developed a business action plan for the Auckland Council Travel Plan.  The travel plan was approved for implementation by the Executive team at the end of January.  The travel plan is currently in the process of being approved by PSA delegates before it goes out for staff consultation.  Auckland Council also celebrated ‘Go By Bike Day’ with Cycle Information Sessions at the main centres.  The sessions included route planning advice for cyclists, safety tips and distribution of resources.

 

19.    Walk 2 Work Day

National ‘Walk2Work Day’ was held on Wednesday 11 March.  AT supported the day with a regional radio campaign, a dedicated web page and an online photo competition.  On the day, AT organised the ZM Black Thunder radio station vehicles to engage with people walking near Victoria Park and on Karangahape Road.  AT also worked with Living Streets Aotearoa to engage with people walking to work or to public transport at Devonport Wharf, and the Sunnynook and Smales Farm bus stations.

 

Road Corridor Delivery

20.    Overview

The Road Corridor Group is tasked with the responsibility for a wide range of activities within the Road Corridor. These include but are not limited to:

·      The Delivery of roading and streetlight maintenance and renewal programmes

·      Managing the access, co-ordination and traffic management impacts of activities taking place within the road corridor

·      Promote design innovation and efficiency around how work is carried out on the network

·      The development of long term asset management plans and modelling which support the decision making process around the management of our roading assets.

 

21.    January – March Quarter key highlights

The Road Corridor Delivery Team has a Year to date (YTD) target to deliver 580.9 km of resurfacing or pavement and footpath renewals.  Sealed roads require periodic resurfacing to keep the sealed surface waterproof with good skid resistance.  Roads are resurfaced using either an asphalt or chipseal coating.  Pavement rehabilitation is undertaken when the road pavement reaches the end of its service life and is either too rough, or expensive, to maintain.  New pavements are designed with a life expectancy of 25 years.

 

As outlined in figure 1, to date AT has delivered 489.5km or 85% of the YTD programme and is on track to complete the full programme by the end of the financial year in June.

 

Figure 1:  Actual vs planned lengths (km) for February YTD

 

Renewal Activity	Full Year Target (km)	Completed length at end of March (km)	Completion v. Full Year Target (%)
Pavements	36.4	24.3	67
Resurfacing	428.2	380.6	89
Footpaths	116.4	84.6	73
Total	580.9	489.5	85

 

The renewal forward work programme for 2015/2016 will be published at the end of April.  This will identify the planned renewal works for roads, footpaths, structures and public transport.

 

The streetlight tender process for the procurement of five contracts is well underway.  These contracts will commence on 1 July 2015 and coincide with a programme to replace 40,000 x 70w luminaires currently on the network with Light Emitting Diodes.  This is a five-year renewal programme aimed initially at residential streets.  A priority matrix will be developed for other key areas such as town centres.  The use of LEDs not only reduces electricity consumption by 50-60% but also plays a part in producing a clearer white light which helps in the overall effort to improve road safety.

 

To date the management of the 6,885km footpath network has been subjected to the policies of the legacy councils and, as a result, has created inconsistencies across the region in standards and practice.  In response a regional footpath renewal strategy is now being developed.  The aim is to achieve a consistent and coherent approach to the renewal and maintenance of AT’s footpath assets.  The approach will also align with level of service requirements whilst taking into account key factors such as affordability and value for money for the ratepayers of Auckland.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Schedule of activities undertaken for the third quarter (2014/15) ending 31 March 2015	59
bView	Travelwise Schools activities broken down by local board	69
cView	Traffic Control Committee Decisions broken down by local board	71
dView	Local Board Advocacy Report	73
eView	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	75

 

Signatories

Authors	Various Auckland Transport authors
Authorisers	Jonathan Anyon, Elected Member Relationship Team Manager John Nash – Relationship Manager/ Senior Local Board Advisor

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Developing the Empowered Communities Approach - Next Steps

 

File No.: CP2015/07577

  

Purpose

1.      This report provides an update on the Empowered Communities Approach (ECA), and enables the Great Barrier Local Board to provide formal feedback. Resolutions will be reported to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 4 June 2015.

Executive Summary

2.      The Mayor’s Proposal for the Long Term Plan 2015-2025 (LTP) includes developing a more empowered community approach to the work of Auckland Council.

3.      The Community Development, Arts and Culture Department of the Operations Division is leading the development of ECA, with support from Local Board Services and others.

4.      The purpose of the ECA is to develop a new, more effective and empowering approach to the way council delivers services and supports community activities. The ECA will establish a new operating model for the Community Development and Safety (CDS) unit which will shift its service delivery to have a greater focus on local and community empowerment, with a view to embedding this way of working across the council family.

5.      The proposed approach builds on the Thriving Communities Action Plan Ngā Hapori Momoho (April 2014).

6.      The proposed approach is guided by the principle of Empowered Communities: Enabling Council resulting in improved outcomes for Aucklanders. The approach identifies what will change, what council will do and enabling ways of working.  

7.      The proposed approach was reported to local boards and the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in April 2015.

8.      The key functions of the new operating model are to support local boards, build community capacity and capability, increase diverse community input into the work of council, catalyse the approach across the whole of council and build the capacity of the organisation to work in ways which empower communities. 

9.      There will be a shift from delivering community development activities directly to communities, to using community development practices to achieve local board and governing body aspirations and outcomes.

10.    The proposed operating model will consist of three components which together will better support the delivery of local board plans as well as address complex community issues across Auckland. These components are provisionally called: local community brokers, the community practice hub and Auckland-wide response.  

11.    A reduction in the cost to deliver community development over time is expected, starting with savings in the 2015/2016 financial year.

12.    Community development and engagement is at the heart of the role of local boards. The local board plans all include a focus on developing strong communities. Proposed changes to council’s community development approach are of significant interest to local boards. 

13.    To date the ECA has been informed by the following input from local boards: Political Advisory Group (PAG), two chairs and portfolio holders’ workshops and individual local board workshops.

14.    Community and council staff consultation has also informed the approach.

15.    The final PAG meeting is on 4 May 2015. Feedback from that meeting will be tabled at the board’s business meeting.

16.    The transition timeline is for work to be done on models and roles from now until the end of June. From July to December the approach will be implemented to meet local board needs and in 2016 as the approach matures and evolves it will be extended across the council family.

17.    This report enables the Great Barrier Local Board to make resolutions on the ECA. These resolutions will be reported to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 4 June 2015.

 

Recommendation/s That the Great Barrier Local Board: a)      make resolutions on the proposed Empowered Communities Approach, for consideration as part of the report to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in June.

 

Comments

Background

18.    The Mayor’s Proposal for the Long Term Plan 2015-2025 (LTP) includes developing a more empowered community approach to the work of Auckland Council. The proposed changes to the community development function are:

·    to transition delivery to a more empowered community approach

·    to move away from direct delivery (and therefore save overheads) and fund community groups to deliver more

·    for local boards to play a much more active role by allocating more funding through them.

19.    The purpose of the ECA is to develop a new, more effective and empowering approach to the way council delivers services and supports community activities. The ECA will establish a new operating model for the Community Development and Safety (CDS) unit which will shift its service delivery to have a greater focus on local and community empowerment, with a view to embedding this way of working across the council family. 

20.    The proposed approach builds on the Thriving Communities Action Plan Ngā Hapori Momoho (April 2014).  It will bring to life the principles, focus areas and actions by providing a clear operational direction to enable implementation of the plan across council.

21.    The approach also provides an implementation framework for the High Performing Council’s special focus area ‘Engaging and Enabling Communities’. The approach could play a significant role in building best practice across the organisation in the four high performance behaviours: develop, serve, collaborate and achieve.

22.    The approach is guided by the principle of Empowered Communities: Enabling Council resulting in improved outcomes for Aucklanders. The approach identifies what will change, what council will do and enabling ways of working.  This approach was reported to local boards and the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in April 2015. More information is provided in attachment A.

The new operating model

23.    A primary focus for the new unit will be on working with other parts of council to provide community development support, expertise and assistance to local board projects and activities so that every opportunity for council to work in ways that are enabling of communities is maximised. There will be a shift from delivering community development activities directly to communities, to using community development practices to achieve local board and governing body aspirations.

24.    The key functions of the new operating model are to:

·    support the council to work seamlessly together at local board level

·    build community capacity and capability

·    increase diverse community input into the work of council

·    embed the approach across the whole of council and build the capacity of the organisation

·    to work in ways that empower communities.

25.    The proposed operating model will consist of three components which together will better support the delivery of local board plans as well as address complex community issues across Auckland. These components are provisionally called: local community brokers, the community practice hub and Auckland-wide response.

26.    The local community brokers are strategic roles. They will be co-located alongside local board services teams. They will work alongside local board advisors to support and join up the work of all departments delivering on local board outcomes and will support devolving more resources to the community. The broker’s work programme will be based on local board outcomes. The role will be tailored to meet local board and community needs and they will provide a portal into council for the community.

27.    The community practice hub consists of a dedicated team of expert practitioners with skills including community development, facilitation and project management. They will work alongside the local board teams to deliver programmes and tools, capacity building for communities, inclusive engagement and participation programmes and also provide operational support for local community brokers, local boards and across the council family.

28.    The local community brokers will work with the local board members and advisors to identify which projects offer opportunities to work in a more empowered communities way and are priorities for support from the community practice hub. The hub will then develop a work programme incorporating priorities from across local boards.

29.    If new community priorities start to emerge, the local community brokers will work with local board members and staff to agree next steps. The community practice hub will have some capacity to support work on emerging issues if they become local board priorities.

30.    The Auckland-wide response will be a team of people with specialist skills. They will work on significant and/ or complex issues that would benefit from an all of Auckland approach, internal systems and processes and barriers and activity where a regional response delivers efficiency/ effectiveness benefits.

31.    Different responses will be needed around Auckland taking into account community capacity, strength and resilience. This range of responses will need to cover those areas where there is well developed community capacity to opportunities to further development community capacity and newly formed communities.

32.    The impact of the approach will be that:

·    local boards are able to access tailored and strategic support

·    community development practice enhances the work of the whole of the council family

·    communities have more access to resources and support to do things for themselves

·    the empowered communities approach is embedded throughout the organisation.

33.    There are a number of empowering initiatives and activities, both new and existing, which could be further developed to empower communities.

34.    A reduction in the cost to deliver community development over time is expected, starting with savings in the 2015/2016 financial year.

35.    Community development and engagement is at the heart of the role of local boards. The local board plans all include a focus on developing strong communities. Proposed changes to council’s community development approach are of significant interest to local boards. 

36.    This report provides the opportunity to provide formal feedback. This will be reported to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee on 4 June 2015.

Political Advisory Group

37.    A Political Advisory Group (PAG) has provided strategic advice and guidance to staff during the development of the empowered communities approach. 

38.    At their meeting on 16 April 2015 the PAG supported:

·    the key functions of the new unit

·    the three components of the new operating model (local community brokers, community practice hub and Auckland-wide response).

39.    Other feedback from the PAG included the need to consider the relationship with the Māori Responsiveness Framework and the need for staff to have cultural competencies. There was also discussion around whether the local community brokers should be located within Community Development and Safety or Local Board Services, and comment that local board outcomes are the same as community aspirations.

40.    Staff will report back to the PAG on 4 May with the following:

·    revised approach and model

·    approach to devolving resources

·    tools to support implementing the approach.

41.    Feedback from the PAG meeting on 4 May forms attachment B to this report.  However, due to the timing of this PAG, where local boards are meeting early in May this will mean the tabling of attachment B.

ECA timeline

42.    The remaining key milestones are shown in the table below.

Stage	Date	Purpose
Budget Committee	7-8 May	LTP budget decisions including CDS budget for 2015/2016
Regional Strategy and Policy Committee	4 June	Endorse ECA and the CDS operational model

 

Consultation and engagement

43.    The community was consulted through a limited number of community-led, and staff run, workshops around the region. Staff were also consulted.

44.    The key points from the consultation were:

·    use a high trust model that is values based

·    value what communities bring to the table

·    one size does not fit all

·    capacity building is critical and a fresh approach is required

·    a whole of council approach

·    respond to the diversity of Auckland’s communities.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

45.    The ECA aims to provide a much more active role for local boards in community development.

46.    ECA builds on the strong focus on community led planning and development in the local board plans 2014.

47.    Local board chairs met to consider ECA on 30 March. The following four principles arose from this meeting:

·    local boards need to be empowered themselves so that they can in turn empower their communities in a way that suits the area

·    local board outcomes are community outcomes and need to be central to and drive the community empowerment approach and focus under the direction of the local board.

·    community empowerment is not as simple as channelling funds through community groups, which has risks. Community empowerment is an approach and any change to the current needs to be carefully staged and made appropriate for each local board.

·    within change there are always opportunities but they carry risks which can be minimised through careful planning, full engagement of the main parties and undertaken within a timeframe that is feasible for significant change to take place.

48.    Local boards’ formal views are sought through this paper. This builds on earlier opportunities to provide informal feedback at local board workshops during April and at two workshops for local board chairs and portfolio holders.

49.    The summary feedback from the chairs and portfolio holders meeting on 20 April was:

·    the budget approach and costs associated with the proposed model are required to be able to make an informed response. There was also desire for better utilisation of the budget to achieve improved outcomes. Additionally, it was unclear how the model will deliver more resources to local boards 

·    the broker role needs to operate on a continuum that is tailored to local boards and can deliver across the continuum from those with contracted out services to communities with less capacity to take on additional services

·    the broker role bests sits in local board services but the overlap with local board advisor roles needs to be explored

·    the community practice hub services are valuable but local boards do not want to have to pitch for resources. A bottom up approach is preferred and the hub should also use resources from other areas of council and the community.  It was also unclear where the expertise exists to deliver the hub services

·    uncertainty over what the Auckland wide response team will deliver and concern that it will not deliver local board priorities.  Local boards could be supported to work collaboratively on common issues as community development is delegated to local boards.  The community brokers can collaborate to tackle the systemic issues. Regional issues should be funded by the governing body and Community and Social Policy can cover these Auckland wide issues

·    the need to respond to diverse and disempowered communities

·    the transition process was unclear and raised concerns over delivery in coming months.

There were also recurring themes from early discussions:

·    one size does not fit all

·    the model needs to focus on delivering local board priorities, which are the same as the communities’ priorities.

Māori impact statement

50.    The ECA has a direct relationship with the Māori Responsiveness Framework, which sets out two key areas of activity; the first being understanding the rights and interests of Māori. The second, and closely intertwined, is acting on the needs and aspirations of Māori.

51.    To be a High Performing Organisation a key component is engaging with and enabling communities, which means considering and understanding Māori needs and issues and having the capability and capacity to improve process and systems to enhance involvement. The approach described in this report sets out a shift in the way the organisation delivers services, which includes improving outcomes for Māori. The Council Māori Responsiveness Leadership Group has been established to enable better outcomes with Māori in the areas of cultural, social, economic effectiveness for Māori and treaty settlements and moving to a more empowered community way of working will help make progress in all these areas.  

52.    There are a number of initiatives underway which can help inform the Empowered Community Approach such the Māori Input to Decision Making project in the south of Auckland. This, and other activities being undertaken in partnership with Mana Whenau around the environment, provide strong examples of how Māori can be engaged with and participate to embed the proposed approach to communities.   

53.    Engagement with mataawaka and mana whenua is ongoing to enable staff to understand potential impacts.

54.    A representative from the Independent Māori Statutory Board sits on the PAG.

Implementation

55.    The transition timeline is for work to be done on models and roles from now until the end of June. From July to December the approach will be implemented to meet local board needs and in 2016 as the approach matures and evolves it will be extended across the council family.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Empowered Communities: Enabling Council	85

     

Signatories

Author	Helen Dodd - Strategic Advisor, Local Board Services
Authoriser	Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Quarterly Performance Report for the period ending 31st March 2015

 

File No.: CP2015/01646

  

Purpose

1.      To update the Great Barrier Local Board on progress towards their objectives for the year from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 as set out in the local board agreement.

Executive Summary

2.      A financial performance report is presented to the local boards for the accounting quarters ending September, December, March and June.

3.      Auckland Council departments and Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) also present regular performance reports to the local boards.

4.      To improve overall performance reporting the Financial Advisory Services – Local Boards team produces a combined quarterly financial report, department report and CCO report.

5.      The attached omnibus consolidation contains the following reports this quarter.

·    Local board financial performance report

·    Local Community Development, Arts and Culture (CDAC) activity overview

·    Local Sports Parks and Recreation overview

·    Local Libraries overview

·    Treasury Report

 

Recommendation/s That the Great Barrier Local Board: a)      Receive the Quarterly Performance Report for the Great Barrier Local Board for the period ended 31st March 2015.

 

Discussion

Consideration

Local Board Views and Implications

6.      This report informs the Great Barrier Local Board of the performance to date for the period ending 31^st March 2015.

Maori Impact Statement

7.      Maori as stakeholders of the council are affected and have an interest in any report on financial results. However this report does not impact specific outcomes or activities. As such the content of this report has no particular benefit to, or adverse effect on Maori.

General

8.      This is the financial report for the 9 months year to date for the Great Barrier Local Board for the financial year ending 30 June 2015; the next report will be presented to the board in September 2015.

 

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Quarterly Performance Report for the period ending 31st March 2015	89

     

Signatories

Author	Jane Koch - Lead Financial Advisor
Authorisers	John Nash – Relationship Manager/ Senior Local Board Advisor Christine Watson - Manager Financial Advisory Services - Local Boards

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

 

 

GREAT BARRIER LOCAL BOARD

QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT

Quarter ending March 2015

 

 

 

 

 

Table of contents

 

a)           1. Executive Summary	b)               3
c)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       1.1 Highlights and achievements	d)               3
e)       1.2 Watching brief	f)                 3
g)       1.3 Recommendation	h)               3
i)         2. Update on key projects and initiatives	j)                 4
k)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       3. Performance report by department	l)
m)      3.1 Libraries	n)               6
o)       3.2 Community development arts and culture (CDAC)	p)               7
q)       3.3 Infrastructure and environmental services	r)                10
s)       3.4 Parks, sports and leisure	t)                 13
u)	v)
w)      4. Financial performance information	x)               15
y)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       5  Appendices	z)
aa)    A. Parks, sports and Leisure	bb)            26
cc)    B: CDAC Work Programme	dd)            29
ee)    C: Treasury Report to March 2015	ff)               31

 

 

 

1. Executive Summary

1.1 Highlights & Achievements

·     Public consultation has been completed for the Long Term Plan (LTP) with a successful turnout and participation of the community at the community centre along with discussions held across the island at local Farmer’s markets.  Work in now ongoing to review feedback and revise plans for adoption of the LTP and Annual Plan in June 2015.

·     The Minister of Conversation has announced a joint purchase with Auckland Council and Great Barrier Local Board the purchase of Glenfern Sanctuary. The site is set on 80ha and includes the historic Fitzroy house built in 1901.

·     The Great Barrier Local Board contracted Aotea Ora Trust to undertake two feasibility studies one on social housing and the second on Micro abattoir further details can be found in the Community Development section of this report.

 

1.2 Watching Brief

·     The community lease renewal for the Great Barrier Island Community Heritage and Arts Village Trust will be presented to the Local Board for a decision in the fourth quarter.

Financial Performance

The net cost of service is 7% below budget; this reflects underspends in consequential opex (depreciation) and response maintenance which as winter progresses may decrease.  The variance also reflects timing variances between programs in the environmental budgets and contracts in the community budgets not matching the budget profile in year.

Capital expenditure is $67k below budget, part of this reflects that the final payment for the sealing of Okiwi airport has not been made; the defects period ends at the end of April. Furthermore to date there has been very little expenditure in relation to the Small Local Improvement Project (SLIPS) budget at the end of March a total of $26k had been spent against $408k budget. Work is ongoing to ensure that these projects are delivered by the end of the financial year.

 

1.3 Recommendation

·   To receive this performance report for the year to date ending March 2015

2. Update on key projects and initiatives (As detailed in Local Board Plan 2014/15)

2.1 Local libraries

 

This group of activities covers the local libraries located within the local board area. We plan to spend $1000 operating expenditure (opex) and $3000 capital expenditure (capex) on these activities in 2014/2015.

 

March 2015 update

 

·      Wifi sessions have had a 45% increase in session numbers in the month of March, due namely to the implementation of the Auckland ON aggregated Wifi app and the migration of all Auckland Library sites to the new Lightswitch Portal. The portal uses new technology to make it easier for users to connect, and when they return to a Library they automatically reconnect without the need to login again. These sessions are counted only if data is used.

2.2 Local community services

 

This group of activities covers local community facilities, local community development initiatives and local community safety programmes. Great Barrier is unique in the Auckland Council area, in that it has no council-owned community halls, community centres, or sports fields and facilities and local groups mostly provide community services.

Instead the board’s discretionary budget is a significant contributor to island community group funding needs and this will continue to be our focus.

 

For example in the 2012/2013 year the board allocated over $500,000 to community groups for such things as building repairs, power systems, youth training and development, sporting equipment, and printing of community information.

The key initiatives we have planned for 2014/2015 include identifying gaps and constraints to community service provision and the provision of suitable sites for these services on council land.

 

March 2015 update

 

·   A total of $248k has been allocated to community capital projects by the way of grants.

 

2.3 Local arts, culture and events

 

This group of activities covers local arts and culture facilities, local arts and culture initiatives and local events.  Local events in the Great Barrier Local Board area include local Christmas events, the Wharf-to-Wharf marathon, the New Year Picnic and Mussel Fest. The second Great Barrier walking festival will also be held.  

For the first time the board has established a dedicated fund of $10,000 to support the work of the island’s art gallery and to explore options for more local arts projects. Arts, culture and events are important for the local community, but they also provide an opportunity for visitors to share in the community’s life. These events also provide local community groups with valuable fundraising opportunities.

 

March 2015 Update

 

·   The Art Gallery Grant of $10k has been established.

·   A total of $34k has been allocated from the event funding; a further $25k has been allocated from the discretionary budget for the Great Barrier Walk Fest.

 

2.4 Local parks

 

This group of activities covers local parks located within the local board area. Our focus will be continuing to develop our open space network, including walkways, view shafts, interpretation and signage and coastal access.

 

The key initiatives we have planned for 2014/2015 include continuing with the Harataonga track upgrade, Station Rock Road walkway development, additional viewshaft development and more interpretive signage and local story telling. Development of Okiwi Park will also continue.

 

March 2015 update

 

·   The third stage of the four-year programme to upgrade the Harataonga Track is now underway.  It includes two more bridges and 3km of track widening and surfacing. 

·   Design and consultation of the Station Rock Road walkway between Medland’s Road and Rosalie Bay Road has started.

·   Consultation with the public has commenced on potential sites for an Aotea Board riders Clubhouse at Medland’s Beach.

 

The new track to the Iona Mine in Okupu has been completed.

 

2.5 Local economic development

 

This group of activities covers initiatives that the local board can progress to grow the economy and the island’s population. Our focus will be on continuing to identify and progress projects and initiatives to improve the island’s economic viability and provide jobs for our local workforce.

 

The key initiatives we have planned for 2014/2015 include further exploring opportunities in these areas with the council’s Economic Development department and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.

 

March 2015 update

 

· No update at this time

 

2.6 Local built and natural environment

 

This group of activities covers local environment and heritage protection. Our focus will be on continuing to progress existing environmental protection initiatives, commencing a conversation with islanders on their vision for the island’s future ecology, and agreeing next steps on the local Aotea marine protection initiative. We will also investigate opportunities to develop alternative energy technologies and an increased and better coordinated rabbit control programme. These will be progressed through the board’s new environment committee.

 

March 2015 update

·   The board has established an Environment committee to focus on biosecurity, and pest management programmes and environmental enhancement.  The combined budget for specific programs exceeds $102k.  Full details of the programmes can be found in Section 3.3 Infrastructure and environmental services of this report.

·   Water quality monitoring of streams in Tryphena has commenced, with permission received from relevant landowners.

·   A local resident has been contracted through Envirokiwi to undertake the role of community pest coordinator.

·   Regional funding will continue to resource and support a community waste education role in the 2015/2016 financial year. We are working with the community waste educator to explore options for expanding the role.

3. Performance report by department

3.1 Libraries: Great Barrier Library

Highlights

 

We have had a wonderful summer and a busy one for Great Barrier Library. Free Wifi continues to be very popular and we have had many returning summer visitors, pleased they no longer have to bring their summer reading with them.

 

Performance Measures

    

Note: Library visit data was not available in Q1 or Q2 of 2013/14.

 

Library Performance Analysis

 

·      Due to a delay in the availability of data from Sierra, the new Library Management System, the number of items borrowed for February and March is an approximation that follows the trend of physical visits for each of the 55 libraries was used. If, for example, a library had an 8% increase in visits during this time, it was assumed that they also had an 8% increase in issues.

·      Region wide, there has been a 2% increase in the number of visits during March; this is reflected in the quarterly totals for items borrowed.

 

Regional Update

 

·    The summer reading adventure Dare to Explore Kia Maia te Whai attracted 9,673 new library registrations, of which 1,283 were children - an increase of 16% on last year. The Te Reo programme, a first this year, achieved notable successes.

·    As a result of the “Wherever you go, take the library with you” campaign, more than 80,214 e-items were issued in January 2015, a 63% increase from January 2014.

·    Auckland Libraries celebrated, with themed events and programmes: Lunar New Year and the start of the Year of the Ram with over 3,200 participants; Waitangi Day with over 1,600 participants; Auckland Pride Festival, with over 600 participants, (Libraries also attended the LYC Big Gay Out for the very first time); and Pasifika, which attracted over 12,000 participants.

·    Libraries strengthened its relationship with Ngāti Paoa on the 175th commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Karaka Bay on 1 March. Staff shared some of the taonga in library collections.

·    In March the Auckland Libraries App was launched across multiple app stores to give customers mobile-friendly access to the library catalogue, library locations, hours and library social media sites. Libraries developed the app in partnership with Boopsie Inc. Initial customer feedback has been very positive.

·    The Library Management System was upgraded in February from Millennium to Sierra, providing increased efficiencies and an improved customer service experience.

·    Libraries joined the Auckland ON project, led by ATEED, which replaced the existing Wi-Fi platform with an improved, region wide Auckland Wi-Fi experience.

·    At Central City Library: ‘The Big OE: an exhibition - New Zealanders travelling overseas’ opened in Sir George Grey Special Collections on 6 March, it runs until 14 June. Over 1,500 people attended ‘White Night’, part of the Auckland Arts Festival, on 14 March. Artworks both inside and outside the Library were installed by the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts to create a late-night art gallery.

·    The West Auckland Research Centre has begun a new collaboration with the Dalmatian Cultural Society to help archive the history of Dalmatian migrants to New Zealand. This partnership supports Te Kauroa’s priorities and directions in the Heritage & Research area by involving local communities, and by broadening the collections.

3.2 Community development, arts and culture (CDAC)

 

Phoenix Rising travels to Great Barrier Island

Keith Simpson’s 1995 stainless steel sculpture Phoenix Rising was originally purchased for Council and installed outside the Epsom Community Library where it remained until it was stolen in 2004. Council engaged the artist to make a replacement in 2005.

The original sculpture was relocated in 2014 when a member of the public noticed the sculpture in the background of a listing for a bach. The police were contacted and Phoenix Rising was returned to Auckland Council’s Albert-Eden Local Board office.

The artist has a connection to Great Barrier Island, having lived there for many years, and so in March this year the work was delivered to its new home, the Aotea Community Art Gallery on the island. Phoenix Rising is now installed outside the gallery, with new secure footings.

Figure: The Ohakune police constable assisted in getting Phoenix Rising back to Auckland Council.

Social Housing and Micro-abattoir feasibility studies

The first study on social housing was to determine the supply, demand, and future direction for social housing. The report identified that the demand for affordable housing is increasing.  The Island population is ageing and careful consideration is needed to respond positively to the changing environment. 

The second study was conducted to scope models for the potential establishment of a micro-abattoir enterprise. The report looked at a range of models which could be suitable for developing a social enterprise to operate the abattoir and the potential social and economic benefits for the island.

Motairehe Water Project

Heavy storm conditions experienced in 2014 caused severe damage to the collection and access to clean water on parts of the island.  The Mayoral Relief Fund allocated money to Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust for the Motairehe Water Project to install a water tank for water collection by the community of Motairehe.  A working bee was undertaken to install the water tank by Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust, Aotea Family Support Group and the community.

Community lease renewals

The Local Board approved community lease renewals for

·          Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust

·          Great Barrier Island Golf Club Inc.

Performance

An extremely high level of overall event satisfaction at 97% was recorded for the Wharf to Wharf event surveyed this year for the Great Barrier Local Board, this well exceeding the 85% target. The New Year’s picnic at 74% satisfaction, while not meeting the target, still reflects a good result but with opportunity for improvement. Of particular note in feedback was a desire for more shade and availability of food, which ran out.  The surveys also provide a range of other comments from respondents which can be used to guide future event planning.

 

 

3.3 Infrastructure and environmental services

Local Board-funded projects

Infrastructure and Environmental Services has been allocated the Great Barrier Local Board budget lines for biosecurity pest management programmes ($52,936) and environmental enhancement ($49,558) for delivery.  A work programme supporting those budget lines was agreed by the Great Barrier Environment Committee (the Committee) at its September 2014 meeting (resolution number GBESP/2014/29). The table below provides a brief update on the local environment work programme as agreed by the Committee.

Budget line	Key Initiative		Budget amount
Environmental Enhancement / Planning projects	Water Quality Monitoring	Four upstream and four downstream monitoring sites at Tryphena were confirmed at a site visit in March 2015. Monitoring of the eight sites will commence in April 2015. Permission has been obtained from landowners where access is required. It is anticipated that this monitoring programme will build on existing knowledge of water quality in Great Barrier streams, and increase our understanding of water quality potential stressors in the Tryphena Harbour. It had been suggested that a stream at Windy Hill be used as a reference site. However, a site at Tryphena has been identified as more appropriate reference sites for this monitoring programme. Samples will be collected monthly and tested at the Watercare Services laboratory in Auckland. A poster advising residents of the programme will be placed at locations around Tryphena and at the board office.	$12,063
	Threatened Plants	Awana roadside fence to be completed by end of April (Motu Nurseries) with the Regional budget. Next weed spray trial to take place in March (Envirokiwi). One more monitoring period to take place at the beginning of June (Envirokiwi) Overall, project is on track, all budget will be spent.	$10,000
	Sustainability Stocktake	The results of the sustainability stocktake were presented at the April meeting of the Great Barrier Environment Committee. Options for further developing low carbon, ‘off-the-grid’ initiatives as a result of the survey were discussed at the meeting, and will be presented as part of the board’s draft 2015/2016 work programme.	$10,000
	Community Pest Coordinator	A local resident has been contracted through Envirokiwi to undertake the role of community pest coordinator. The Initial work programme has been focused on contacting permanent residents in the neighbourhood and developing a contact list. This will assist in identifying people who can take part in monitoring and baiting of traps.	$10,729
Total			$50,567.50[1]

 

 

Biosecurity / Pest management programmes	Rainbow Skinks	Unitec students completed the surveillance of 60 sites at the beginning of March 2015. No new populations of rainbow skinks have been detected at the surveyed sites so far.	$15,000
	Rabbit Control	Rabbit control was undertaken in the first week of March. The night shoot tallies are noted below; § Kaitoke - 124 over 3 nights § Awana - 160 over 3 nights § Okiwi township -  276 over 4 nights § Whangapoua spit – 39 over 1 night The control at Whangapoua was funded by the Department of Conservation.	$27,020
	Weed Survey	Procurement documentation has been completed and this programme is scheduled to start in March 2015.	$9,037
Total			$51,057

Regional Programmes

The table below reports on activities undertaken by the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Department as part of regional programmes of interest to the Great Barrier Local Board.

 

The Environment Is At Its Best Here

Thriving Ecosystems

·   Control of the rainbow skink incursion at Shoal Bay was undertaken over January and February 2015. The drift fence will remain in place until the end of March 2015. A report on the rainbow skink programme will be provided to the board. ·   An information pamphlet on rainbow skinks is being produced as part of the Treasure Islands programme. ·   Ongoing pest control work at Mahuki to support the population of Cook’s scurvy grass. ·   Undertaken monitoring of bait stations at Claris Airport, Okiwi airfield and wharves. Rats were caught in traps at Port Fitzroy, Tryphena and Whangaparapara.  ·   Support was given to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) response to the discovery of Queensland fruit fly in Grey Lynn. Staff undertook inspections of properties for further fruit flies and provided advice to residents on precautions implemented by MPI to prevent the possible spread of fruit fly.  No new adult flies have been trapped since 6 March 2015, although further detections are anticipated.  Control is ongoing. ·   Continued support to the Unitary Plan process through undertaking further ecological surveys of land included in the Significant Ecological Area layer.  This work is expected to be completed by the end of April 2015.

Healthy Waterways

·   Sampling of the Kaitoke Stream to determine if the sludge from the landfill has any effect on water quality has commenced. Analysis of the samples will be provided to the board when available. This sampling is in addition to the sampling undertaken as part of consent conditions, and is being undertaken as part of the septic tank project.

Zero Waste

·   Regional funding will continue to resource and support a community waste education role in the 2015/2016 financial year. Staff are working with the community waste educator to explore options for expanding the role. ·   The Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund opened for applications for small grants of less than $5000 in value on 1 April. The fund is open for one month and provides support to individuals and organisations leading new and innovative waste minimisation projects. ·   A report is included on the April 2015 agenda of the Great Barrier Environment Committee noting possible options for the board to consider in reducing the cost of waste services on Great Barrier.

 

3.4 Sports, parks and recreation

Local Sports and Park

	Installation interpretive sign telling story of gold mining in the Te Ahumata/Okupu area. Final element of opening of short walk to Iona Mine – collaborative work with Sanderson family and local artist – part of the interpretation project funded by the boards Visitor orientation and signage budget.
	The second Great Barrier Walking Festival was successfully delivered in March through a community partnership with Ngati Rehua Ngati Wai ki Aotea. One new feature was the inclusion of Rangatahi (teenagers) from the hapu as assistant guides.

 

 

 

 

 

The spike in requests for service largely relate to:

·    Wasps have been an issue on walkways.

·    Vehicle access into Sandhills Reserve has been restricted due to damage.

·    Haratonga works continued.

·    All BBQ’s operational. 

 

 

4. Financial overview

Net cost of service and Capital expenditure relating to the local board is summarised below and further discussed in the report in respect of each activity. 

 

Net cost of service was $2.3m which is (7%) below budget.

 

Operating expenditure is $177k below budget. The major variances relate to:

·      Parks $51k, Full facility parks contract response maintenance and consequential opex.

 ·     Local built natural environment $51k, which has been allocated but programs are spread throughout the year.

·      Governance $45k, relates to overheads for plans and agreements

 

Revenue is $1k and on budget.

Capital expenditure year to date is $151k and is $67k below budget. This mainly relates to the final payments for Okiwi airport resealing that is due in April.

 

 

4.1 Local community services

 

Net cost of service was $239k and is 4% below budget.

 

Operating expenditure, $11k below budget the main variances are as follows:

·    Local community discretionary grants ($6k) over budget year to date, this is due to an error in coding of a grant that should have been funded from Capital grants budget and will be amended next month.

Off set by

·    Destination Great Barrier $11k below budget and Health, welfare and education initiatives $7k below budget, the variance reflects that both of these are staged contract payments while the budget is apportioned on a monthly basis.

Revenue is on budget

 

 

.

 

4.3 Local arts, culture and events

 

Net cost of service was $213k, which is 3% below budget.

 

Operating expenditure: is $6k below budget and relates to the timing of expenditure for the events budget which has been fully committed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.4 Local parks services

 

Net cost of service was $985k, which is below budget by 5%.

 

Operating expenditure is $51k below budget the major variances are as follows:

·    Consequential opex $51k below budget

·    Full parks facility $89k below budget due to response maintenance

 

Offset by

 

·    Storm damage ($32k) over budget repairs due to last year’s storm

·    Small local improvement ($18k) due budget being phased monthly and expenditure not matching profile.

·    Contact auditing local parks ($19k) over budget.

Capital expenditure is $151k, $67k below budget which relates to the following variances:

·    Practical public access $18k

·    Okiwi Airport sealing final payments $58k

 

Offset by

 

·    Local improvement projects ($26k)

 

 

4.5 Local economic development

 

Net cost of service is $153k, which is 8% below budget. 

 

Operating expenditure is underspent $13k, made up of the following variances:  Street arboriculture $15k and Local youth employment $7k.

 

 

 

 

4.6 Local built and natural environment

 

Net cost of service was $53k (49%) below budget.  

 

Operating expenditure is underspent by $51k, the budgets have been allocated, with detailed provided in Section 3.3 Infrastructure and environmental services of this report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.7 Local governance

 

Net cost of service is $657k and is 6% below budget.

 

Operating expenditure is underspent by $45k.  Local governance includes travel, overhead and the costs associated with the preparing the local board plan and the engagement with the community.

 

4.8 Discretionary Funding and Grants

The Great Barrier Local Board allocation of discretionary funding and grants is summarised below

 

 

 

 

4.9 Capital Expenditure by Project

5.0 Appendices

A: Parks Summary Project Status Report

 

Project Name	Program	·     Overall Status	·     Finances	·     Key Milestones	Phase	Expected Finish date	Local Board Commentary
Great Barrier - Community Facilities And Parks, Visitor Orientation And Signage	·        Furniture and Fixtures Development				1.Concept	30/06/2022	Draft interpretation plan developed and initial batch of signage prepared for review by board. Subjects for individual signs agreed upon. Development of signs currently underway.
Great Barrier - Miscellaneous Signage	·        Local Park furniture and fixture renewals				Benefits Realisation	30/06/2014	Project complete.
Great Barrier - Condition 4 & 5 Asset Renewals	·        Local Park furniture and fixture renewals				4.Execution & Delivery	30/04/2015	Project on track for completion by the end of this financial year. All complete except Awana Road Reserve Sign. Furniture and fixture renewal project sites consists of: Awana Road Reserve: Signage - Design approved.  Installation pending communications approval for installation in April. Medlands Reserve: Furniture - Complete.  Picnic table installed. Mulberry Grove Reserve & School: Signage - Complete Old Service Centre Build. Great Barrier; Signage - Signage removed as needed.  Works complete.
Great Barrier - FY15 Condition 4&5 Renewals	·        Local Park furniture and fixture renewals				4.Execution & Delivery	30/04/2015	Project complete. Replacement/renewal of fixtures and fences: Awana Road Reserve: Renew Post & Rail Fence and Remove Farm Fence - farm fence removal completed Done Gooseberry Flat Cemetery: Replace Picket Fence & Renew Wooden Sign - complete. Mulberry Grove Reserve & School: Replace Picnic Table - Installed. Tryphena Hall: Replace Picnic Table - Installed. Medlands Playground Reserve:  BBQ installed. Okupu Reserve: Remove Sign - physical works completed.
Great Barrier - Motairehe Playground	·        Local Park playspace renewals				4.Execution & Delivery	30/06/2015	Completed initial site visit.  Concept designs have been done for public consultation in February. Consultation scheduled for 26 March 2015. Work programmed to be complete prior to year end.
Great Barrier - Puriri Bay Boat Ramp	·        Local Park structure renewals				Benefits Realisation	30/06/2014	Project consists of Puriri Bay Boat Ramp Sealing Renewal. Project to be completed by 30 June 2014 and is forecasted to come in under budget.
Great Barrier - Walkways	·        Walkways and cycleways Development				4.Execution & Delivery	30/06/2023	The Harataonga walkway renewal and bridge construction project is a 4 year programme. Year 1 and 2 with walkway sections A, B and associated bridges are complete and have been handed over.
Great Barrier - Practical Public Access	·        Walkways and cycleways Development				3.Planning	30/06/2017	Local Board has approved the Tryphena Coastal Walkway Concept Plan. This budget is for the design and consent in FY15, budget for physical works allocated within the FY16 Locally Driven Initiatives (LDI) budget.
Great Barrier - Harataonga Walkway Works	·        Local Park walkway and cycleway renewals				5.Handover & Closure	30/08/2014	Project Complete.
Great Barrier - Harataonga Track Stage 2	·        Local Park walkway and cycleway renewals				4.Execution & Delivery	31/03/2015	Four year project. Stage 3 underway in conjunction with capex development. Contractor appointed, pre commencement meeting complete.  Physical works commenced in December and planned for completion by June 2015.
Great Barrier - Dolphin Bay Walkway	·        Local Park walkway and cycleway renewals				4.Execution & Delivery	30/06/2016	Procurement underway for design and consents only for FY15. Physical works planned for construction in FY16. Seeking planning advice regarding level of works being done.  Consenting requirements to be confirmed.  Still on track for physical works in FY16 construction season.
Great Barrier - OKIWI Airfield Sealing	·        Park Development				5.Handover & Closure	30/04/2014	Construction contract completed 30 April 2014.

 

 

 

B: CDAC Work Programme

CDAC Quarter 3 update report to Local Boards:		Great Barrier
Project/Event Name	Description/Key Activities	Progress update
Building economic prosperity
Christmas Events	Funding for free Christmas events for Gt Barrier. Event Facilitation team to administer this funding for event organisers.	Completed: Funding allocated
Community economic development	Coordinate with Principal Advisor–Social Entrepreneurship to create opportunities for communities to develop social enterprise opportunities in social housing and provision of other services. Support the development of Ngati Rehua.	On Track: CDS staff manage the contract and provide support to the Aotea Ora Trust. The Trust carried out feasibility studies with a focus on Social Housing for the elderly and social enterprise opportunities.
Community economic development	Undertake a destination marketing and promotion campaign, to profile Great Barrier Island as a destination. Support opportunities to develop partnerships with ATEED, Events and the Arts.	On Track: CDS staff manage the agreement and provide support to Destination Great Barrier who have promoted and delivered local events and are following through on the work plan.
Community funding	Funding rounds, processing of applications, consideration of recommendations to local board, approval of allocations and payments made to successful applicants	On Track: The total community funding budget is $25,459.There is now $12,870 remaining for allocation in this financial year.  Round three closes on 15 May for decision-making in June 2015.
Local Event Fund	Local discretionary events funding. Intention to itemise specific events for an agreed funding term.  Applicable events to be confirmed for 2014/2015 (budget for 2013/2014 came from the contestable budget)	Completed
Local Event Support Fund - Contestable	Local contestable events funding which is disbursed through two funding rounds per year.	Completed
Signature Event	Provide Events Delivery Team resource to support the delivery of a signature event.	Completed: Event went very well and was a great pilot for 2015.  Due to the limited planning time for the event the numbers were low but this could be rectified in 2015.  All organisations that were involved are happy to be part of the event next year.
Caring for each other
Anzac Day	Deliver or support a meaningful Remembrance Service to honour the ANZACs and those who have served and died in other military operations. 2014/2015: - Develop appropriate initiatives to commemorate WWI Centenary.	On Track: Planning completed, delivery phase in progress.
Community art programmes	Administer a funding agreement with GBI Community Heritage and Arts Village Trust for the delivery of community arts programmes.	On Track: Report provided - bringing in new audiences through foot traffic and social media. Use of centre by a range of community groups for arts activities, engagement of young people, implementation of newsletter, visitor surveys carried out.
Community Leasing - delivery	Deliver the community lease work list as agreed with the local board to create:  - increased currency of portfolio - increased opportunity for potential new occupiers to express interest - increase alignment of Community Outcome Plans to local board priorities - increased utilisation of community lease spaces	On Track: Regular portfolio meetings progressing workplan priorities. Development of 2015/2016 work programme.
Community Volunteer Awards	Recognise the contribution of local volunteers who help make the community a safer, more caring, more vibrant and more rewarding place to reside.	On Track
Local Civic functions	Carry out civic/ceremonial events that seek to commemorate, celebrate or acknowledge important occasions or special achievements. Acknowledge milestones of development within local community.	On Track
Social Development	Delivery of a range of health, welfare, employment and education services	On Track: A successful application was made for additional funding to the Local Board by the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust to enable the community development worker better access to the northern end of Great Barrier Island. CDS staff manages the contract and provide support to the Trust.
Youth Development	Support and empower the YAP representative. Support "Youth Speak" Rangatahi/youth group to develop a plan that reflects their priorities in the Youth Action Plan. Identify areas of training and development that will enhance their skills.  The Youth group is to attend Local Board meetings to inform the board of progress and to update regional issues from the YAP representative.	On Track: There is continued support from the Aotea Family Support Group and CDS staff to assist the YAP representative to deliver youth focused programmes on the island. Due to the success of the 2014 Volunteer Day to assist elderly residents, another Volunteer Day is planned for the April school holidays.

 

C: Treasury report for the quarter ending 31 March 2015

 

The treasury report provides a summary of how Auckland Council is complying with the Treasury Management Policy limits and the performance of treasury activities against benchmarks.  

 

Key highlights for the quarter include:

Ø issuing a $125 million wholesale bond maturing March 2025

Ø issuing a domestic $250 million retail bond in December for 5.5 years

Ø managing the Diversified Financial Asset Portfolio from 1 March 2015.

 

The focus of treasury remains minimising funding costs, managing liquidity and interest rate risk, diversifying the investor base and lengthening the term of debt.

 

Debt

Parent gross debt as at 31 March 2015 was $6.4 billion ($6.2 billion as at 31 December 2014).  After allowing for $260 million of cash investments ($389 million as at 31 December 2014), net debt was $6.1 billion ($5.8 billion as at 31 December 2014). 

 

Borrowing limits	Policy maximum	Annual[2]	Budget	Compliance
Net debt as a percentage of total revenue	275 %	181%	195 %	Yes
Net interest as a percentage of total revenue	15 %	12 %	11%	Yes
Net interest as a percentage of rates income	25 %	21 %	19 %	Yes

 

Debt portfolio performance	March Actual	Average YTD	Budget as per plan	Benchmark 7 year
Cost of funds versus budget	5.24 %	5.42 %	5.69 %	5.78 %

 

The parent March and average year to date cost of funds remains below the group budgeted cost of funds and the 7 year benchmark. The average duration of our debt portfolio has lengthened to 8.3 years, and the average duration of our interest rate hedging has increased to 7.5 years.

 

Gross Debt as at   1 Jul 14	Gross Debt Issued	Gross Debt as at 31 Mar 15	Treasury forecast increase in Debt	Treasury forecast closing position	Annual Plan closing position	Variance
$ 5,553 m	$ 818 m	$ 6,371 m	$ 235 m	$ 6,606 m	$ 6,670 m	$ 64 m

Treasury’s forecast closing gross debt position for the parent at 30 June 2015 is $6,606 million with cash of $253 million.  The parent debt level in the Annual Plan is $6,670 million.  The positive variance of $64 million is due to higher planned cash holdings of $12 million and reduced capital expenditure of $52 million.  

 

Debt Maturity Profile (all debt and excludes swaps)	Actual	Actual %
15% to 60% of debt to mature between 0 to 3 years.	$ 1,736 m	27 %
20% to 60% of debt to mature between 3 to 7 years.	$ 2,222 m	35 %
10% to 65% of debt to mature beyond 7 years.	$ 2,413 m	38 %

 

 

Fixed Interest Rate Repricing [3]	Actual	Actual %
Debt to be between 50 per cent and 95 per cent of total debt.	$ 4,804 m	87 %

 

	Amount on issue				Change
	31 March 2014		30 June 2014		YTD
Commercial paper	$ 230 m	4 %	$ 125 m	2 %	ñ $ 105 m
Retail bonds	$ 1,021 m	16 %	$ 1,121 m	20 %	ò $100 m
Wholesale bonds	$ 1,710 m	27 %	$ 1,469 m	27 %	ñ $ 241 m
Local Government Funding Agency	$ 1,600 m	25 %	$ 1,175 m	21 %	ñ $ 425 m
Offshore funding	$ 1,355 m	21 %	$ 1,355 m	24 %	-
Crown EMU facility	$ 455 m	7 %	$ 308 m	6 %	ñ $ 147 m
Total debt	$ 6,371 m	100 %	$ 5,553 m	100 %	ñ $ 818 m

 

The graph below shows the parent full maturity profile of Auckland Council debt.

Investments

Total cash and liquid investments held as at 31 March 2015 was $260 million.

 

Treasury manages the Diversified Financial Asset Portfolio of $346 million held in line with the Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives and the guidelines contained in the council’s treasury policy.

 

 

Diversified Financial Asset Portfolio performance		Actual	Benchmark
Diversified Financial Asset portfolio returns exceed reference portfolio benchmark	Monthly	2.11 %	- 0.04 %
	Year to date	13.49 %	11.70 %

 

Treasury also manages the Trust and Reserves portfolio of $28 million held in trust to optimise the return within the guidelines contained in the council’s treasury policy.

 

 

Trust and Reserves Portfolio performance		Actual	Benchmark
Investment returns to exceed 20 per cent weighting of NZX 90 day Bank Bill Index and 80 per cent weighting to NZX “A” Grade index	Monthly	0.43 %	0.52 %
	Year to date	5.04 %	6.49 %

 

Credit Exposure to Counterparties

Our counterparty credit exposure is within the policy limit of no more than $800 million of assessed credit exposure for AA rated (or better) entities, not more than $600 million of assessed credit exposure for AA- rated and not more than $400 million for entities rated between A- and A+.  No exposure is permitted to entities that are rated below A- unless they are a local authority. 

 

Risk measure	Counterparty	Limit	Actual	In policy
Credit exposure	NZ Government	£ 100 %	0 %	Yes
	Local Government Funding Agency	£ 100 %	1 %	Yes
	Registered banks >AA- / A1+	£ 100 %	96 %	Yes
	Registered banks >A- / A1	£ 100 %	3 %	Yes
	Rated local authorities >A- / A1	£ 75 %	0 %	Yes
	Unrated local authorities	£ 40 %	0 %	Yes
	Other corporate issuers and SOEs >AA- / A1+	£ 75 %	0 %	Yes
	Other corporate issuers and SOEs >A- / A1	£ 40 %	0 %	Yes

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Chairperson's report

File No.: CP2015/07597

  

 

Executive Summary

An opportunity is provided for the chairperson to update the Board on the projects and issues she has been involved with since the last meeting, for information.

 

Recommendation That the Great Barrier Local Board: a)         Receives the Chairperson’s report.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Chairperson Izzy Fordham's report	129

    

Signatories

Author	Guia Nonoy - Local Board Democracy/Engagement Advisor
Authorisers	Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services John Nash – Relationship Manager/Senior Local Board Advisor

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Board Members' Reports

File No.: CP2015/07595

  

 

Executive Summary

An opportunity is provided for members to update the Board on the projects and issues they have been involved with since the last meeting, for information.

 

Recommendation/s a)         That the report of Board Member Susan Daly be received. b)         That the report of Board Member Jeff Cleave be received. c)         That the report of Board Member Judy Gilbert be received. d)         That the report of Board Member Christina Spence be received.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Board Member Susan Daly's report	135
bView	Board Member Jeff Cleave's report	139
cView	Board Member Judy Gilbert's report	141
dView	Board Member Christina Spence's report	147

    

Signatories

Author	Guia Nonoy - Local Board Democracy/Engagement Advisor
Authorisers	Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services John Nash – Relationship Manager/ Senior Local Board Advisor

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Correspondence

File No.: CP2015/07892

  

 

Executive Summary

Correspondence sent and received for the Great Barrier Local Board’s information.

 

Recommendation/s That the Great Barrier Local Board: a)         Receives the correspondence for the month of April 2015.

 

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Email of 28 April 2015 from Rob Abbott, Manager Alcohol Licensing, Licensing and Compliance Services	153
bView	Memo dated 28 April from Belinda Hansen, Principal Policy Analyst, Social Policy and Bylaws	155
c	Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy Project (Under Separate Cover)

    

Signatories

Authors
Authorisers

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board Workshop Proceedings

File No.: CP2015/07594

  

Executive Summary

Attached is the Great Barrier Local Board workshop proceedings taken at the workshop held on the 1^st, 7^th, 8^th and 22^nd of April 2015.

 

Recommendation That the Great Barrier Local Board: a)      Receives the workshop proceedings for the workshops held on the 1st, 7th, 8th and 22nd of April 2015.

 

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
aView	Workshop proceedings of 1st April 2015	161
bView	Workshop proceedings of 7th April 2015	163
cView	Workshop proceedings of 8th April 2015	165
dView	Workshop proceedings of 22nd April 2015	167

    

Signatories

Authors	Guia Nonoy - Local Board Democracy/Engagement Advisor
Authorisers	Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services John Nash - Senior Local Board Advisor

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015

 

Great Barrier Local Board 13 May 2015