Agenda of Howick Local Board

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

2014/2015 Weed Management Programme Report Back and Proposed 2015/2016 Weed Management Programme Programme

File No.: CP2015/11614

Purpose

1. To provide a report back to the Howick Local Board (the board) on its 2014/2015 weed management programme, and to recommend a similar weed management programme be funded from the board’s 2015/2016 budget for weed and pest management programme and education parks and walkways.

Executive Summary

2. In 2014/2015 the Howick Local Board (the board) funded a total of $53,186 toward a local weed control programme, specifically targeting moth plant and rhamnus, in the Musick Point, Bucklands Beach and Eastern Beach areas. This programme included rhamnus control along the cliffs at Musick Point and an associated community awareness campaign.

3. This report provides a report back on the 2014/2015 weed programme, and recommends a similar programme for funding from the board’s 2015/2016 weed and pest management programme and education parks and walkways budget line ($47,000).

Recommendations

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Notes the achievements and outcomes of the 2014/2015 weed management programme.

b) Agrees to fund a weed management programme targeting rhamnus and moth plant in 2015/2016 from its budget for weed and pest management programme and education parks and walkways, noting that the programme will consist of the following four workstreams;

· community awareness;

· support for private property owners to remove the target weed species;

· strategic weed control on properties bordering reserves of high ecological value; and

· weed control on the cliffs at Musick Point.

Comments

4. Moth plant and rhamnus are widespread in the Howick area on both public and private land. The prevalence of these pest plants, particularly at Musick point and the Bucklands and Eastern Beaches area, pose a significant threat to islands in the inner Hauraki Gulf. As such, the Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) categorises rhamnus as a containment pest plant requiring removal along the Bucklands Beach and Eastern Beach peninsula (see map appended as Attachment A). In Howick, moth plant is listed as a surveillance plant (not requiring removal). However, effective control of both of these pest plants ensures that populations are reduced thus protecting the recreational and ecological values of Auckland.

5. In 2014/2015, the board agreed to fund a weed management programme targeting these two pest plants. The programme consisted of a community engagement and awareness campaign, as well as rhamnus control at Musick Point.

6. Table 1 below provides a summary of the achievements and outcomes of the weed control programme.

Programme

Achievements and Outcomes

Community Engagement and awareness

· A total of two workshops were held at the Howick Village Market to raise awareness and provide weed control advice.

· Weed bins were installed at Pigeon Mountain and Lloyd Elsmore Park. A total of 10m³ of weeds was collected from the bins. This is low when compared to similar programmes elsewhere, however, it is expected the volume will increase as awareness of the programme grows.

· 500 native plants purchased, delivered and implemented in the weed swap event held in May 2015. Attended by approximately 15 to 20 groups of people.

· Leaflet drop to targeted homes (Bucklands Beach, Eastern Beach peninsula) explaining Rhamnus control, bin location and availability, workshop invitation and other relevant information.

· Assistance to private landowners to remove rhamnus and moth plant on request and on a case by case basis. In addition, a total of 30 individuals were provided with equipment (herbicide, tools) to control weeds on their private properties.

· Three billboards were designed, constructed and installed (one on Bucklands Beach Road and two along Pakuranga Road) to help motivate residents to control these pest plants.

· Further public awareness through the design and distribution of posters and brochures throughout the local board area, including schools, libraries and community centres.

· One workshop held with the Pakuranga Garden Club to provide information and advice on pest plants, with a particular focus on moth plant and rhamnus.

· Equipment (herbicide, tools) provided for community led projects specifically targeting moth plant, rhamnus and other environmental weeds.

Weed Control – Musick Pint

· Weed control on the Musick point cliffs and surrounding high value areas targeting rhamnus and moth plant and other serious environmental pest plants.

Table 1: Summary of achievements and outcomes of the weed control programme

7. It is recommended that the 2015/2016 weed management programme similarly consist of three workstreams (community awareness and engagement; working with private property owners; and weed control at Musick Point). However, it is recommended that a portion of the local budget for weed control in 2015/2016 fund weed control on properties neighbouring reserves of high ecological value.

8. Table 2 below provides an overview of the recommended weed management programme, with additional detail noted in paragraphs 9 to 14 below.

Weed Management Programme workstream	Project Outcome
Community Awareness	· To grow community awareness of the problem of weeds, particularly rhamnus and moth plant, and to encourage the community to undertake removal.
Working with private property owners	· To support private property owners to identify, and remove, rhamnus and moth plant from their properties.
Strategic Weed Control	· To undertake weed control on private properties neighbouring reserves of high ecological value (eg Mangemangeroa)
Musick Point Weed Control	· To undertake weed control at Musick Point

Table 2: Summary of 2015/2016 Weed Management Programme

Community Awareness and Engagement Workstream

9. The 2014/2015 community awareness and engagement campaign was targeted in the Musick Point and Bucklands Beach area. It is recommended that this campaign be extended to cover the whole of the board area with publicity materials placed in more locations and local publications.

10. It is proposed to undertake the following as part of the community awareness and engagement work stream with a focus on moth plant and rhamnus:

· Skip bins provided for residents to dispose of weeds. Although the volume of weeds disposed of in the bins this year was not high compared to other areas in Auckland, it is suggested that this will increase as interest in, and awareness, of the programme develops;

· A weed swap event (whereby residents bring a weed and receive a native plant in exchange;

· Billboards to raise public awareness and placed in more locations to cover the wider board area;

· Brochures distributed to schools, local community centres and libraries across the whole Howick Local Board area; and

· Articles in local newspapers throughout the board area.

Targeting private properties workstream

11. This workstream focuses on working with private landowners to remove the target weed species. Properties will be visited by a weed expert who will liaise with the property owners regarding rhamnus, and undertake control if necessary. Moth plant will also be controlled if found to be present. This work will be undertaken near Musick Point to complement the work already undertaken on public land to control the target species.

Strategic weed control and community support workstream

12. It is recommended that a programme of targeted weed control on properties bordering reserves of high ecological value be undertaken as part of the weed management programme. For example, funding would support a local community group and students from Botany College who have been working to control moth plant at a site near Mangemangeroa.

13. Assistance will also be provided to private landowners (on request by the property owner and on a case-by-case-basis) to assist with rhamnus control across the wider Howick Local Board area.

Weed control on Musick Point cliffs workstream

14. Further control may be necessary to complete the work on Musick Point cliffs funded as part of the 2014/2015 weed management programme. This is pending the outcome of the current 2014/2015 work programme.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

15. An early analysis of the 2014/2015 weed control programme, and overview of the proposed 2015/2016 programme, was provided at a portfolio meeting in May 2015.

16. Weed control, in particular rhamnus and moth plant control, is noted as a key initiative for the board in working towards its environment outcome of ‘We all treasure and enjoy our environment’.

Māori impact statement

17. No consultation with Maori was undertaken for the purposes of this report. It is noted that pending treaty settlements with local iwi may impact on how biosecurity and weed control programmes are delivered in the local area, and in particular Musick Point.

Implementation

18. A full assessment of the 2014/2015 programme has not yet been undertaken. Further refinement of the proposed 2015/2016 weed control programme, particularly the control work undertaken on the Musick Point cliffs, may be required once that assessment is completed.

19. There are no other implementation issues arising from this report. Regular reporting on the weed control programme will be included as part of the Quarterly Performance Report from the Infrastructure and Environmental Services department, or as required.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Rhamnus Containment Zone	15

Signatories

Authors

Rowena Gilchrist – Biosecurity Advisor

Ron Matthews – Biosecurity Team Leader (South)

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Local Event Support Fund South - Round 1 2015/2016

File No.: CP2015/12444

Purpose

1. To present a summary of applications received in round one of the local event support fund for 2015/2016 for the Howick Local Board. The Howick Local Board is requested to either fund, partially fund or decline the applications.

Executive Summary

2. A local events support fund of $271,000 is available to the Howick Local Board for distribution to events within the following budget lines:

(i) CDAC Work Programme 2015/2016 Event Line items

(ii) Event Support Funding rounds 2015/2016

(iii) Quick response rounds 2015/2016.

3. The Howick Local Board adopted the 2015/2016 Community Development Arts and Culture work programme at the business meeting on 15 June 2015 (HW/2015/92). This included the allocation of $47,500 to seven events.

4. A balance of $223,500 remains available for contestable event funding in 2015/2016.

5. Sixteen applications totalling $155,252.49 have been received for round one. Summary coversheets of these applications are provided in Attachment A.

6. A workshop was held with the Howick Local Board on 25 June 2015 to consider the applications for round one. Indicative levels of funding were proposed, to be formally agreed via this report.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Agrees to either fund, partially fund or decline the applications for round one 2015/2016 Local Event Support Fund as follows:

Applicant	Event	Venue	Date	Amount Requested
Manukau Indian Association	Manukau Diwali: Multi-Cultural Day	Vodafone Event Centre Manukau	7 November 2015	$15,000
Eastgate Christian Centre	Eastgate Christian Centre Christmas Walk Through	5 Ben Lomond Cres, Pakuranga	18-23 December 2015	$8,000
Glenn Innes Chinese Friendship Group Inc	2015 Christmas Parade; 2016 Chinese New Year Festival; 2016 Lantern Festival; Dragon Boat Festival	Glen Innes, Panmure, and Pakuranga	10 November 2015 – 10 June 2016	$2,030
Uxbridge Creative Centre	Summer Boost	Fencible park	20 February 2016 – 12 March 2016	$9,798
Able Music Charitable Trust	Able Music Summer Concert	Raye Freedman Arts Centre	13 March 2016	$9,000
The Sowers Trust	The Great Christmas Show	The Picton Centre, 120 Picton Street, Howick	9 - 13 December 2015	$7,500
The Howick Children’s Charitable Trust	Howick Santa Parade	Howick CBD and surrounding streets	6 December 2015	$35,844.49
BSG Events	Beachlands Kids Triathlon	Te Puru Park, Beachlands	25 March 2016	$4,000
NZ Offshore Powerboat Association Inc.	NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship Series 2016	Sunkist Bay, Beachlands	13 February 2016	$5,000
Howick Village Christmas Lights Charitable Trust	Howick Village Christmas Lights	Fencible Walk Park Picton Street Howick	13 November - 31 December 2015	$14,580
Counties Manukau Sports Foundation	2015 Counties Manukau Sporting Awards	Vodafone Events Centre Manukau	28 November 2015	$4,000
Manukau Beautification Charitable Trust	Eye On Nature	Auckland Botanic Gardens	5 - 9 April 2016	$12,000
Primal Youth Group	Undefeated	High Schools	May 2016	$22,000
BSG Events	Beachlands Kids Triathlon	Te Puru Park, Beachlands	25 March 2016	$2,000
Auckland Highland Games Incorporation	The Auckland Highland Games and Gathering	Three Kings Reserve, Cnr Mt Eden & Albert Roads, Three Kings	21 November 2015	$3,500
BSG Events	Manukau Kids Obstacle Duathlon	Barry Curtis Park, Manukau	14 April 2016	$2,000
NZ Women Limited	Elvis in the Gardens	Auckland Botanic Gardens	13 March 2016	$1,000
			TOTAL	$155,252.49

Comments

7. A local events support fund of $271,000 is available to the Howick Local Board for distribution to events within the following lines:

(i) CDAC Work Programme 2015/2016 Event Line items

(ii) Event Support Funding rounds 2015/2016

(iii) Quick response rounds 2015/2016.

8. The local event support fund provides the opportunity for Howick 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.

9. The Howick Local Board adopted the 2015/2016 Community Development Arts and Culture work programme at the business meeting on 15 June 2015 (HW/2015/92). This included the allocation of $47,500 to seven events, tabled below:

Estuary Artworks	$8,000
Fencible Walk Christmas Light Display	$12,000
Christmas in Burswood	$1,500
Botany Community Day	$5,000
Howick Celebrated Citizens	$10,000
Koanga Spring Festival	$2,000
Movies In Parks	$9,000
Total	$47,500

10. Round one of the 2015/2016 local event support fund received 16 applications totalling $155,252.49. Summary coversheets of these applications are provided in Attachment A.

11. A balance of $223,500 remains available to Howick Local Board for contestable event funding and Quick response rounds in 2015/2016.

Consideration

12. Local boards are responsible for the decision-making and allocation of local board event funding including the local event support fund.

13. The Howick Local Board seeks to engage with their diverse communities and provide for their social and cultural needs. Supporting local community events assists in building a strong sense of community and ensures that each community maintains its own identity.

Local Board views and implications

14. A local board workshop was held on 25 June 2015 to consider the applications to the local event support fund round one. This report reflects the views of local board members expressed at the workshop.

Māori impact statement

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

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

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

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Funding Application Cover Sheets (Under Separate Cover)

Signatories

Authors

Sharon McGinity - Team Leader, Event Facilitation South

Authorisers

Graham Bodman - Manager - Community Development, Arts and Culture

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Auckland Transport Update – August 2015

File No.: CP2015/15276

Purpose

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

Executive Summary

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

3. In particular, this report provides information on:

· the Howick Local Board’s transport capital fund

· new Half Moon Bay ferry facility update

· Response to Howick Local Board June 2015 resolution

· AMETI update

· Public transport patronage for June 2015.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) receives the report entitled ‘Auckland Transport Update – August 2015’ and the attached issues register from Auckland Transport’s Elected Member Relationship Manager (South).

Discussion

Howick Items

A1. Local board transport capital fund (LBTCF)

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

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

Table 1:

ID#

Project Description

Progress/Current Status

009

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

· FEC estimate of $422,000

· $27,000 received from 2011/12 Local Board Discretionary budget

· $395,000 balance from LBTCF

· The FEC for the entire project is $422,000. As $27,000 has been received from the Board’s 2011/12 discretionary budget, the amount required from the LBTCF is estimated at $395,000.

· On 8-Jun-15, the Board approved the project for construction.

· TCC approval and the consent for earthworks and trees are currently being progressed, as is a streetlighting design. Minor design amendments particularly surrounding protected trees have been discussed with the Board’s transport portfolio holders. Development of the contract for physical works will be done in parallel with these processes. It is expected that tenders for the physical works will be called in Sep-15.

155

Burswood Business Area enhancements

· FEC estimate of $318,730

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

· $214,730 balance from LBTCF

· On 10-Nov-14, the Board approved the project for construction.

· Delivery is expected in Jul/Sept-15, starting with calling for tenders in July and physical works commencing in late August.

156

Highland Park bus shelter installation

· FEC estimate of $29,000

· Final cost of $28,205

· On 8-Dec-14, the Board approved the project for construction, based on the FEC of $29,000.

· Installation was carried out in the third week of June.

· Final cost reported at $28,205.

217

Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals (i.e. installation of metering signals on Pigeon Mountain Road to create breaks in the flow of traffic exiting Half Moon Bay ferry terminal in the afternoon peak to allow opportunities for the backup in traffic on side roads to clear)

· ROC revised to $280,000

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

· Public consultation was completed in March and submissions were considered at the Transport Portfolio meeting on 31-Mar-15.

· On 20-Apr-15, the Board resolved that AT should proceed to complete detailed design and costing.

· There has been on-going liaison and discussions with utility providers to finalise the extent and detail of the kerb widening, so detailed design should now be completed in Aug-15. AT expects to report to the Board’s Sep-15 meeting to seek construction approval.

272

Bucklands Beach walkway improvements (along length of The Parade)

· ROCs for various sections as shown on plans at Attachment A as follows (* indicates alternate option):

o A-B = $134,000

o B-C = $496,000

o C-D = $57,000

o D-E = $104,000

o E-F = $803,000 or $97,000*

o F-G = $324,000 or $115,000*

o G-H = $97,000

o H-I = $224,000

o I-J = $152,000

o J-K = $93,000

· Total ROC = either $2,484,000 or $1,569,000 with alternate options

· On 14-Jul-14, the Board approved a Little Bucklands Beach walkway (either side of Grainger Point) project to progress to detailed design and costing stage.

· The Board, AT and AC Parks subsequently worked together to investigate options for further pedestrian improvements along the length of The Parade.

· On 8-Jun-15, the Board resolved to expand the scope of the earlier project to include pedestrian improvements along the entire length of The Parade.

· On 13-Jul-15, concept plans showing the length of The Parade, itemising proposed pedestrian improvements in various sections and ROCs for each section were presented to the Board. AT sought further direction from the Board in respect of the proposals.

· The Board resolved to consult with the public and key stakeholders on the strategic vision for the proposed walkway improvements.

276

East Tamaki streetlighting upgrade (Kerwyn Avenue, Andromeda Crescent, Lorien Place & Arwen Place)

· ROC estimated at $58,000

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

· Installation/construction is completed.

· AT extended the scope of the project and spent nearly $100k. AT will cover the extra cost over and above the $58,000 allocated by the Board.

· Final cost still to be advised.

279

Chapel Road pedestrian signals

· FEC estimate of $261,282

· On 11-May-15, the Board approved this project for construction based on the FEC estimate of $261,282.

· TCC approval for the project was given on 3-Jul-15.

· Tender documents are about to be released.

274

Point View Drive footpath

· FEC estimate of $137,400

· Final cost of $108,617

· On 13-Oct-14, the Board approved this project for construction based on the FEC of $137,400.

· Construction was completed in May-15.

· The final cost is reported as $108,617.

396

Half Moon Bay (HMB) new ferry facility

· $2.5m allocated*

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

· NZTA subsidy approval for approximately 50% of the proposed $4.3M project is confirmed.

· A progress update is included at item A2 below.

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

Howick Local Board transport capital fund summary:

Total funding available ($871,903 p.a. across 5 FYs – 2012/13 to 2016/17)	$4,359,515
Completed projects reporting actual costs (3x driver feedback signs; Ti Rakau & Cockle Bay bus shelters; Pedestrian improvements at Meadowlands/Whitford/Millhouse; Crooks Road streetscape improvements; The Parade footpath; Highland Park Adshel double bus shelter; Point View Drive footpath)	-817,343
Firm estimates for projects given construction approval (East Tamaki streetlighting upgrade; Burswood Business Area enhancements; Chapel Road pedestrian signals; HMB walkway/amenity improvements)	-929,012
Maximum allocation towards new Half Moon Bay ferry facility	-2,500,000
Rough estimates on projects at detailed design stage (Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals)	-280,000
*Funding available to allocate* (assuming construction approval given to all projects and full $2.5m required for HMB ferry facility)	*($166,840)*
Rough estimates on project requiring further direction (Bucklands Beach/The Parade walkway improvements - two alternate costings provided)	$2,848,000 or $1,569,000

A2. New Half Moon Bay ferry facility update

7. The Stage 1 pontoon and gangway fabrication works have been completed with the fabricated components now placed in storage.

8. The Stage 2 wharf design is progressing in line with the project programme with completion anticipated in August 2015.

9. A quantity surveyor will be engaged once the wharf design is complete, which will provide more complete budgetary requirements based on the more complete design scope for both the ferry facility and the integrated bus stopping facility.

10. Project designers recently met with Auckland Council to discuss requirements for the wharf building consent submission. Stage 2 includes the preparation of the building consent for submission to Council once the Assessment of Environmental Effect (AEE)/Resource Consent has been approved.

11. Following an extended internal review, submission of the Resource Consent/AEE to Council is now anticipated in August.

12. Meetings/Hui with Mana Whenua are ongoing and will continue through to project completion.

13. The bus vehicle tracking curves have been completed to confirm the land required to facilitate the space required to enable an efficient bus turnaround facility. This provides greater certainty of land take and informs discussions with Council Parks and Reserves team.

14. An initial review into the current and proposed vehicle movements has been completed and this is being worked through with the Auckland Transport’s Bus Service Operations team. Works will continue over the next period in collaboration with adjacent land users.

15. Overall the project progress is as planned, with completion scheduled for September 2016.

16. Conceptual still views of the proposed new ferry facility are shown at Attachment A.

A3. Response to Howick Local Board June 2015 resolution

17. At its June meeting, under item 16 “Auckland Transport Update – June 2015”, the Howick Local Board passed the following resolution:

Resolution number HW/2015/82

That the Howick Local Board:

e) Requests Auckland Transport review the relocation of the Picton Street bus stop in light of the concerns raised in public forum and previously by the Board.

18. Given the poor location of the current bus stop at the Picton Street/Ridge Road intersection and the lack of ideal alternatives for relocating it, Auckland Transport investigated the proposed relocation of the stop thoroughly and reviewed the outcomes a number of times, including by the Road Safety team, prior to seeking formal approval for the relocation from the Auckland Transport Traffic Control Committee on 22 May 2015.

19. Auckland Transport is unable to continue to allow buses to stop and load and/or unload passengers at the ‘Give Way’ sign due to safety reasons. The current stopping position does not allow passengers to safely exit the rear door of the bus onto the footpath due to the kerb alignment, and other vehicles are blocked from safely and legally using the intersection when a bus is loading or unloading. The stop is therefore being relocated to a position that resolves these issues.

20. Minor amendments were made to the proposed new bus stop position following consultation in order to improve visibility for motorists exiting the end of Picton Street at the ‘Give Way’ hold line. Relocation of the stop further down the main road in either direction would place the stop too close to other bus stops.

21. The new bus stop location will be available for use by a larger number of both existing bus services and proposed New Network services that are currently expected to be publicly consulted on from 1 October 2015, and the removal of the need to divert around Stockade Hill and wait at the ‘Give Way’ intersection to re-join traffic flow will improve reliability. The existing stop was used by only 20 tag-on and 20 tag-off (AT HOP) users and 6 paper ticket holders over a whole week in the busiest month of this year to date (March).

22. In summary, the existing stop is in a poor location for reasons of both safety and the provision of access, and adds journey time to every bus on one route in order to serve a very small number of passengers each week. While the new bus stop location chosen isn’t optimum and the site is somewhat constricted, the footpath width does meet minimum standards and the bus can at least be brought parallel to the kerb to improve accessibility standards.

23. As the Road Controlling Authority, Auckland Transport has determined it is unable to continue to allow buses to use the stop at the ‘Give Way’ sign, and there are no other viable alternatives to the relocation site chosen.

A5. Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) update

24. Lodgment of the Stage 2A Notice of Requirement for the busway from Panmure to Pakuranga is pending resolution of the cultural mitigation process. This is expected in August.

25. A joint review of the AMETI delivery strategy with regards to the timing of the Reeves Road flyover and Stage 2B (busway between Pakuranga and Botany) components is being carried out between Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency.

26. In response to the Howick Local Board’s resolution last month regarding the AMETI project, Auckland Transport can confirm that working on an agreed strategy with the NZTA and Auckland Council for the timing of the flyover and the extension of the busway to Botany has been a priority, and good progress is being made on a complex issue with significant funding impacts. The agreed strategy will then need to be endorsed by the Board of Auckland Transport before the outcome can be communicated to the Howick Local Board.

A7. Consultation documents on proposed improvements

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

28. Proposed ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (NSAAT) parking restrictions and road marking changes, Cockle Bay Road, Cockle Bay – Auckland Transport is introducing double-decker buses on east Auckland commuter routes between Botany and downtown Auckland later this year. These buses will have 90 seats, which is nearly double the capacity of a regular Howick & Eastern commuter bus, and will improve the efficiency of the bus service by carrying more passengers without adding to congestion.

29. The bus routes have been reviewed to ensure that new double-decker buses can be accommodated, particularly given the increased height of these buses and clearances required from fixed horizontal features.

30. As part of the review, it has been identified that a section of Cockle Bay Road between the intersections of Stevenson Road and Tainui Road will need alterations to the road marking layout as the presence of overhanging mature trees, unrestricted parking and curves on the road will hinder the movement of double-decker buses along this section of the road.

31. Auckland Transport is therefore proposing a new road marking layout to resolve safety issues for the use of double-decker buses on this section of Cockle Bay Road. The proposed changes are shown on the plan at Attachment B and comprise:

a. Installing NSAAT parking restrictions outside 53 to 59 Cockle Bay Road

b. Relocating the centreline and continuity road markings

c. Installing new edgelines.

General Information Items

B1. Public transport patronage for June 2015

32. The summary patronage performance for June 2015 is presented below (NB: SOI = Statement of Intent):

a. AT Metrol patronage totalled 79.2M for 12-months to June 2015 – growth of +9.5% against an SOI target of 73.7M.

b. Rail patronage totalled 13.9M for the 12-months to June 2015 – growth of +21.7% against an SOI target of 12.1M.

c. Northern Express patronage totalled 2.8M for the 12-months to June 2015 – growth of +17.2% against an SOI target of 2.5M.

d. Bus patronage totalled 57M for the 12-months to June 2015 – growth of +6.6% against an SOI target of 53.7M.

e. Ferry patronage totalled 5.5M for the 12-months to June 2015 – growth of +8.3% against an SOI target of 5.4M.

Media Items

C1. Auckland’s electrified network has gone all electric

33. Auckland’s metropolitan rail network went all-electric on Monday 20 July. New electric trains were operating all services on the electrified network from Papakura in the south to Swanson in the west.

34. The roll-out was completed a few weeks ahead of schedule, going all electric just 15 months after the first electric trains in April 2014.

35. The last few months have been difficult with on-going issues caused by the ageing diesel fleet, and running both electric and diesel trains together has caused a few problems. Auckland Transport is working hard with KiwiRail, CAF and Transdev to improve performance and reliability, and will continue to make improvements now the all-electric fleet is operational.

36. With the increased number of services now operating on the network, schedules are very tight and work is continuing to make sure trains meet their allocated slot into the busy Newmarket and Britomart stations. Customers will see an improvement in punctuality as drivers become more familiar with the new trains.

37. There will be a bedding-in period and it is inevitable that there will be issues. Auckland Transport hopes to keep any disruption to a minimum but overseas experience shows we have to be prepared for the possibility.

38. From 20 July, buses shuttled passengers between Swanson and the former Waitakere station.

39. On the Southern Line, electric trains ended at Papakura and a shuttle service using diesel trains ran to and from Pukekohe.

40. The last of Auckland’s 57 electric trains are currently being shipped from Spain and the full fleet will be in service by the end of the year.

41. The new electric trains have been very popular. By 20 July, Aucklanders had taken more than 14 million trips across the Auckland rail network in the past year, a 21% increase.

42. The modern new trains mean extra capacity as well as improved comfort, and trains have wider doors making it easier for passengers. At peak times, six-car trains provide even more room.

43. Auckland’s new electric trains are much quieter than the old diesel trains and accelerate faster, so pedestrians and motorists are warned to be extra cautious when using railway crossings.

44. To see Auckland Transport’s video showing the features of the new trains, visit:
www.at.govt.nz/electrictrains

C2. Touch pads help the blind use AT HOP machines

45. Auckland Transport has worked with the Blind Foundation to make it easier for people who are blind or vision-impaired to use Auckland’s public transport system.

46. Bright yellow raised tactile markers have been installed on 74 AT HOP ticket and top-up machines to help people find their way round the screen.

47. Blind Foundation Environmental Awareness Advisor Chris Orr welcomes the move. “This means anyone who is blind or has low vision can top-up their HOP card or buy a ticket like anyone else.”

48. The AT HOP ticket and top-up machines already have a voice prompt. People can also select a mode which makes the font on the machine larger and increases the colour contrast to make it easier to read.

49. This new function means that people in the blind community can now be more independent and manage their own HOP transactions at their local station, in their own time.

C3. A modern twist on Auckland’s Māori history

50. Auckland Transport has gone ‘high tech’ to help youngsters learn the Māori history of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

51. As part of Māori Language Week, Auckland Transport, COMET (an Auckland Council educational department) and Kiwa Digital have produced a bilingual App that showcases historic Auckland. The App, called “Whānau Fun Day on the Train”, features the story of a family trip by train from Pukekohe to Eden Park for a day at the Dick Smith Auckland NRL Nines. Along the way the family shares stories about sites of significance such as maunga, traditional names for landmarks and some family history.

52. The original idea came from Tui Gilling, Senior Māori Policy and Engagement Advisor at Auckland Transport. The App was co-authored by Tui and Nikora Wharerau with illustrations by Moanaroa Te Whata. The interactive book is voiced story is acted by children from Te Raki o Pukekohe /Pukekohe North School. The children also helped develop the characters.

53. As far as Auckland Transport knows, this is the first App to introduce Māori history in an interactive way, and users can choose either English or Māori and swipe to read, double tap to spell or just listen to get the correct pronunciations.

54. Other interactive features let users record their own voice for the story, paint the pictures and learn more about the history of landmarks on the journey

55. The App’s primary target is children aged 9 to 13 in rumaki reo or Kura Kaupapa Māori but it is also likely to appeal to a wider audience.

56. The book:

· meets Auckland Plan Māori outcomes including: Te hau o te whenua, te hau o te tangata, a Māori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference in the world

· promotes te reo Māori and good pronunciation

· promotes speaking te reo Māori in public areas, making it a natural part of Tāmaki Makaurau’s cultural fabric

· encourages the use of Auckland’s original Māori place names

· leads and celebrates Tāmaki Makaurau's Māori history.

57. Broader themes are:

· Māori using public transport

· fostering the development of relationships with rumaki reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori

· Māori literacy and education

· appealing to all Aucklanders/New Zealanders in content and language.

58. The App covers the Māori cultural heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau in a general way, taken from published sources, books and treaty settlement material.

59. It is hoped the book will be the first in a series featuring the same characters and may be used to tell the stories of other regions. Auckland Transport also wants to use the characters to spread road safety messages to young people.

60. The App is available free from Google Play Store and iTunes (search: whanau tereina) and downloadable via Auckland Transport’s website. (http://at.govt.nz)

Issues Register

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

Consideration

Local Board Views

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

Implementation Issues

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Half Moon Bay - Conceptual still views of proposed new ferry facility	29
b View	Plan of proposed 'No Stopping At All Times' parking restrictions and road marking changes, Cockle Bay Road Cockle Bay	31
c View	Issues Register - Howick Local Board - August 2015	33

Signatories

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

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Auckland Transport Quarterly Update to Local Boards
For the quarter - 1 April to 30 June 2015

File No.: CP2015/15286

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 April – June 2015 and planned activities anticipated to be undertaken in the next three months.

Attachments include:

A – Auckland Transport activities

B – Travelwise Schools activities

C – Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee

D – Report against local board advocacy issues

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

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Receives the Auckland Transport Quarterly update report to Local Boards

Significant activities during the period under review

Strategy and Planning

2. Corridor Management Plans (CMPs) – seven new CMP studies and one CMP review were completed this quarter. These are (1) Gillies Avenue CMP, (2) Henderson Metropolitan Centre Transport Study, (3) Glenfield Road-Birkenhead Avenue CMP, (4) Remuera Road-St Johns Road CMP, (5) Parnell Road-Parnell Rise CMP, (6) Hillsborough Road-Kinross Street CMP, (7) Rosebank Road-Patiki Road CMP and (8) Great South Road Stage 1 (Manukau to Drury) CMP Review.

3. AT Parking Strategy 2015 – The Strategy was approved in April and successfully launched at the end of May.

4. RPTP Variation – Public consultations and hearing deliberations on the Regional Public Transport Plan were completed this quarter.

Investment and Development

5. SMART (Southwest Multi-modal Airport Rapid Transit)

Investigation to identify the best public transport mode (heavy or light rail) to support the employment and passenger growth at the Airport. It also includes the identification of a preferred corridor for protection. Construction has started on the Kirkbride interchange which includes widening for SMART.

PT Development

6. Otahuhu Bus Rail Interchange

Detailed design is complete and NZTA funding has been approved for construction. The Signal Box was removed and the overhead live line lowered over Queens Birthday weekend. Enabling works are on schedule, with the main works tender deferred until all funding is approved (now approved) and planned for July release. It is expected that main works will begin in October 2015 and be completed in early June 2016.

7. Half Moon Bay New Ferry Facility

This project includes the design and development of a new passenger ferry facility at Half Moon Bay, including integration with Public Transport, and accessibility and passenger amenity improvements. A site inspection of the pontoon and gangway units was completed in early July prior to placing these units into storage in readiness for the Stage 2 physical works completion. The wharf design is progressing with the submission of the building consent to Auckland Council expected in July/August 2015 .

8. City Rail Link

· Enabling Works Package: Phase 1 ECI design service contracts 1 and 2 have been awarded. Construction is to commence November 2015 with services relocation.

· Main Works: Construction to start in 2018/19, subject to a funding agreement with Government.

9. EMU Procurement

54 units have been provisionally accepted and the final three are in transit and due in Auckland in early August. Peak period EMU services began on 8 June from Papakura, and on 20 July the network became fully electric with Papakura and Swanson to Britomart service introduction.

PT Operations

10. Public Transport overall

· For the 12 months to the end of June, patronage was 79.25 million trips which is up 9.5% on the 2014 result. This is an increase of almost 7 million trips over the course of a year and, given the strong weekday growth, likely represents around an extra 30,000 trips being taken each working day. The changes for individual modes were:

· Bus (excluding Northern Express) – 57 million trips, up 6.6%

· Northern Express – 2.8 million trips, up 17.2%

· Rail – 13.9 million trips, up 21.7%

· Ferry – 5.5 million trips, up 8.3%

11. Rail Improvements

· The big performer was rail which reached 13.9 million passenger trips for the year, representing an annual increase of 21.7%. 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.

· The AT network became fully electric on 20 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 all lines.

12. Bus & Ferry Improvements

· June was also a record-breaking month on the Northern Express, with patronage up 17% on the same month last year. The 12 month total patronage reached 2.8 million. It was also a record for other bus services as patronage rose 6.6% to 57 million trips. Ferry numbers for the year totalled 5.5 million trips, up 8.3% 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 routes will also be introduced from later this year.

Road Design and Development

13. Te Atatu Road Improvements

Road Corridor Improvement project on Te Atatu Rd from School Road/Edmonton Road intersection to SH16. The evaluation of the construction tenders is now completed, with the award of the contract being imminent. Construction is targeted to start in August 2015 with completion expected around February 2017. A public open day will be arranged prior to the starting of physical works.

14. Albany Highway

The Albany Highway North Upgrade project involves widening of Albany Highway between Schnapper Rock Road and the Albany Expressway. Construction is approximately 40% complete. Disruption to land owners and road users due to construction is being well managed, with any issues being quickly resolved. The Rosedale Road intersection signalisation has been brought forward to July to assist with traffic management and pedestrian safety.

15. Lincoln Road Improvements

The project involves widening Lincoln Road between Te Pai Place and the motorway interchange to accommodate additional transit/bus lanes on both sides. Stakeholder feedback has been received for the 2-D layout plan, and the NZTA funding application for the detailed design is progressing. The designation process is expected to start in late November 2015.

16. Mill Road Improvements

The Redoubt Road - Mill Road corridor project will provide an arterial road connection east of State Highway 1 between Manukau, Papakura and Drury and includes Murphys Road improvements from Redoubt Road to Flatbush School Road. Submissions to the NOR have closed and AT is now preparing evidence for the formal hearing due at the end of August.

Services

17. Road Safety Highlights

· Over 4,000 young people and their parents have participated in the Crossroads young driver programme.

· The Oi! Mind on the road, not on the phone driver distraction campaign in May targeted 20-29yr old drivers.

· The Love Being a Local road safety campaign enabled rural communities to take a lead role in raising awareness of local speed issues.

18. Schools Travelwise Programme Highlights

· The United Nations Global Road Safety Week took place from 4 to 10 May. 146 teachers registered for Road Safety Week information and resources and 27 schools entered the competition.

· On 25 June 2015, 400 volunteers attended the Walking School Bus (WSB) megastars event to recognize the efforts of WSB volunteers.

· Recently completed research has found that crash rates involving children walking and cycling at schools with Safe School Travel Plans (SSTPs) and Active School Signage were significantly reduced by 37% after the implementation of these measures.

19. Road Safety Education in Schools: (2014/15 Year)

· 79 new Walking School Buses were established, bringing the regional total to 369 and exceeding the target of 347

· 23 schools and 1,683 students received cycle training against a target of 1500

· 4 new schools joined the Travelwise programme, creating a total of 408 schools

· 2 regional ‘Slow Down Around Schools’ campaigns were delivered

· 536 students and 77 teachers attended Travelwise Primary and Secondary school workshops

· 4 high risk schools received rail fare evasion prevention campaigns.

20. Road Safety Promotion and Training: (2014/15 Year)

· A number of Local campaigns were delivered including: 5,275 drivers through local Drink/Drive operations with NZ Police.

· The #Drunksense radio advertisement won the Outstanding Radio Creativity Award and Driver Distractions won the Social and Community Platinum Award.

21. Travel Demand (2014/15 Year)

The ‘Commute’ programme promotes behavioural change to reduce the reliance on and impact of Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) trips. Focused on the morning peak period of congestion, the programme works with businesses to support public transport, carpooling and active modes of getting to work. Seventeen new organisations joined the ‘Commute’ programme, and 23 organisations progressed or launched their travel plan activities.

2014/15 Performance Outcomes

22. School Travel Trips Avoided

· The 2015 Community and Road Safety Team target of 16,700 morning car trips avoided through school travel planning activities was exceeded with 17,164 trips avoided.

· The total number of deaths and serious injuries (DSI) on Auckland Local Roads in the 2014 calendar year was 398, representing a 7.4% reduction from 2013. For the 2014 calendar year, the Auckland region had the lowest rate of road deaths and serious injuries (DSI) per capita in New Zealand – 31 DSI per 100,000 population.

Road Corridor Delivery

26. The Asset and Maintenance 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

· Promoting 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 AT’s roading assets.

April – June Quarter key highlights

27. The Road Corridor Delivery Team have a year to date target (YTD) to deliver 581km of resurfacing (asphalt or chipseals), pavement renewals and footpath renewals. As outlined in figure 1, for 2014/2015 the group delivered 568km, or 98% of the planned programme.

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

	YTD Planned Targets (KM)	Actuals (KM)	%
Resurfacing	427.4	418.9
Pavement Renewals	37.4	40
Footpath Renewals	116.7	110
Total	581.5	568.9	98%

28. The new Streetlighting contracts have been awarded to Downer (for Central and Southern areas) and Electrix (for North and West areas). The four new contracts align with the road maintenance contracts and replace the nine legacy contracts which have been in place until now. The new contracts are for a four year term with an additional 1+1 year right of renewal at AT’s discretion.

29. AT’s second asset management plan (AMP) covering the period 2015-2018 will be published in August 2015. This document details the strategies and management systems deployed by AT and sets out the future renewals and maintenance investment required to continue building the assets, infrastructure and delivery systems of a world-leading, transformational, sustainable and affordable urban transport service. The AMP also addresses the shortfalls that will begin to accrue if current budget levels continue over the medium to long term. Electronic copies will be available for download on the AT website and a hard copy will be sent to each Local Board.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of Activities undertaken for the fourth quarter (2014/15) ending 30 June 2015	41
b View	Travelwise School activities broken down by local board	61
c View	Traffic Control Committee Decisions broken down by local board	63
d View	Local Board Advocacy Report	65
e View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	67

Signatories

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

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan (2015 - 2025) and recommended priorities for 2015/2016.

File No.: CP2015/15206

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to seek Howick Local Board endorsement of the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan and to recommend priorities for implementation in 2015/2016.

Executive Summary

2. The local board recognises that there will be limited funds to contribute to the development of sport and recreation facilities in future, and it will need to prioritise demand. In the 2014 Local Board Plan, the board prioritised a review of sport and active recreation facilities to identify opportunities for optimising use of existing facilities and to prepare a strategy for the development of new facilities.

3. The Howick Local Board engaged SGL Funding Ltd (SGL) to research current and future sport and recreation facility needs and to prepare a strategy for their provision over the next 10 years. The scope for the project included ascertaining issues and challenges for clubs and how the use of existing facilities could be optimised. It also considered the impact of forecast growth and what facilities will be needed in the future.

4. The Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan (the plan) was completed in April 2015. The plan will help guide local board decision making for sport and active recreation facility provision in the area now and in the future.

5. Recommendations in the plan have been prioritised by staff using a Project Assessment Framework, and these have been supported by the local board. Further projects identified by SGL over the next ten years (2015-2025) will be discussed and considered by the board on an annual basis. The facilities plan will be reviewed every three years to ensure that it is kept up to date and informs decision making on projects and priorities.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) approves the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan to guide decision making for optimising sports facilities and sharing resources across the area.

b) notes that implementation of the plan is underway with funding allocated from its 2014/2015 discretionary budget to the following projects:

· Athletics: $130,000 to the Pakuranga Athletics Charitable Trust (PACT) towards construction of the pavilion at the 100m finish line of the athletics track, on the condition that the funding is only to be released when PACT has secured the balance of the funds required to complete the pavilion project

· BMX toilet: $125,000 to the Mountain Raiders BMX Club for a toilet facility to be owned by the club, including ongoing responsibility for maintenance and cleaning.

c) agrees priorities and recommendations in the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan for 2015/2016, as set out below.

Priority	Project description
1	Football. Staff to approach Macleans College (if required) to discuss the possibility of community access and the use of the new artificial turf by Bucklands Beach AFC, 10 hours a week over 40 weeks of the year.
2	Gymsports. A feasibility study and business case for a new purpose built building, including other users.
3	Athletics. Development of a pavilion above a storage area next to the Yvette Williams Track at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
4	Netball. Investigate a joint venture with Pakuranga College to develop two indoor courts. If not feasible then spatially plan to cover two courts at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
5	Softball/squash. A feasibility study and business case for offices and a squash court at Meadowlands Park, if required. If these documents are not required, then preparation of design plans, quantity survey, consents and project management for the planning of offices and squash court.
6	Waka Ama. A boat storage and wash down area at Tiraumea Drive Reserve.

d) notes that the Recreation Planning and Programming team will continue to implement the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan and provide regular reports to the Parks Sport Recreation and Open Spaces portfolio.

e) considers the draft concept plans and recommendations in the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan prior to developing further facilities at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Howick Domain and Barry Curtis Park.

Comments

6. Howick Local Board has invested in several sport and recreation facility developments since 2010/2011 via the Facility Partnership Fund.

7. Applications to the Facilities Partnership Fund have been considered by the board with advice from staff within the Parks, Recreation and Sport Department. Without clear prioritisation of sport and recreation projects within the local board area, this approach can mean that decisions are made with the best intentions, but funds may not be allocated for maximum effectiveness.

Sport and Recreation Facilities Research

8. In 2014, Howick Local Board funded a research project to ascertain current and future sport and recreation facility needs within the local board area. The board was seeking guidance for its investment decisions to maximise outcomes from future investment.

9. The research objectives included:

- ascertaining club membership and identifying issues and challenges for clubs

- reviewing demand for existing sports facilities

- identifying gaps in facility provision

- identifying opportunities for sharing resources and optimising the use of existing facilities

- preparing a strategy and priorities for the development of new facilities and additions to existing facilities

- preparing a draft concept plan for Lloyd Elsmore Park and

- ascertaining what sport and recreation club code/s should be accommodated at Barry Curtis Park.

10. The project scope included sport and active recreation groups operating from both council-owned and club owned facilities (e.g., sports parks and other reserves) as well as relevant private and school facilities. Groups that use community halls (except if used for sport or active recreation), fitness centres and aquatic facilities were excluded. Aquatic facility provision will be addressed by the Community Facilities Network Plan.

11. For the purpose of the research, passive recreational groups (e.g., chess club), were excluded as council’s focus is on i) the targets and priorities in the Auckland Plan and ii) key initiatives in the Auckland Sport and Active Recreation Strategic Plan. These strategic documents focus on four key themes including increasing participation and providing fit for purpose facilities.

Methodology

12. SGL was engaged to undertake the research. The methodology included interviews with sports club representatives, an online survey for clubs and schools, meetings and workshops with council staff and the local board, and discussions with key groups such as Pakuranga United Chinese Association. The consultants visited parks both within and outside the local board area, the latter due to the many residents that use facilities outside the local board boundary (e.g., Rongomai Park).

Draft Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan

13. A draft report was circulated to council staff and the local board in January 2015. Feedback was received in late February 2015. Staff and local board feedback is summarised in Table 1.

Table 1 – Summary of feedback provided on the draft report by staff and local board members.

	Feedback provided	How the feedback was/is to be addressed.
1	There is a need to manage club expectations given the limited funding the local board will have to contribute to projects over the next few years.	Staff will meet with clubs that wish to develop facilities, whereby the facility/project has not been identified for consideration by the local board, for investment.
2	Include a statement about council’s current position on facility ownership.	This has been included on page 8 of the final report.
3	Include criteria in the Project Assessment Framework that assesses whether the club/lead organisation is seeking a partnership with other clubs/groups for the development of a facility.	The following statement was added to the Project Assessment Framework: “willingness and readiness for the group to enter into the development of a shared facility”.
4	Ensure there is reference to Howick Local Board Plan outcomes.	The outcomes related to sport and recreation, have been included on page 8 of the report.
5	Label the concept plans to ensure it is clear they are draft plans and for further consideration/discussion.	To ensure this is clear, labels were added to the three concept plans included in the report to communicate that they are “for consideration”.
6	Change the title of the report so it is shorter.	This was discussed with the local board and the board did not wish to change the title.

Final Report – Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan

14. The final report was completed in early April 2015 and presents recommendations for Howick Local Board to consider over the next 10 years (see report summary in Attachment A). Planning was underway for some projects when SGL started the research and others were identified during the research.

15. The report includes background information on sport and recreation clubs and the recommended direction for each. It also includes a summary of demographic trends, a sport/ venue matrix illustrating venues used by each code, and draft concept plans for Lloyd Elsmore Park, Barry Curtis Park and Howick Domain. A Project Assessment Framework is included (see Attachment B).

Recommended projects, 2015/2016 to 2017/2018

16. Projects identified by SGL for the next three years are listed below in Table 2. These projects have been listed in order of priority, based on the score each received when assessed by staff using the Project Assessment Framework.

Table 2 - Projects recommended in the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan

for 2015/2016 – 2017/2018

Priority	Project description	Project Score (staff)	Notes
1	Gymsports. Development of a new purpose built building (proposed location is Lloyd Elsmore Park).	88	A feasibility study and business case is recommended. Possible inclusion of martial arts, cheerleading and aerobics.
2	BMX. Construction of a toilet for the Mountain Raiders BMX Club members at Lloyd Elsmore Park.	75	This project will be completed in 2015/2016 by the Mountain Raiders BMX Club.
3	Tennis / Football. A joint Howick Tennis Club / Bucklands Beach AFC development at Howick Domain.	75	This option is recommended if there is no support for a shared clubroom development at Macleans College. Bucklands Beach AFC has advised staff that Howick Domain is not the club’s preferred location. The club prefers to be based at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
4	Athletics. Development of a pavilion above the storage area next to Yvette Williams Track at Lloyd Elsmore Park.	70	Extension of a $100,000 Facility Partnership Grant from 2014/2015 was approved by Howick Local Board on 15 June 2015. An additional $130,000 will be available for construction on the condition that Pakuranga Athletics Charitable Trust can raise the full balance required to construct the pavilion.
5	Netball. Development of a joint venture with Pakuranga College. If not feasible then spatial plan for two covered courts at Lloyd Elsmore Park.	64	Discussion is needed with Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre as to its preferred location for the investment.
6	Tennis. Convert a bowling green at Morrow Ave Reserve to two tennis courts.	61	One of two bowling greens at Morrow Ave Reserve is rarely used by the Bucklands Beach Bowling Club (i.e., used two or three times a year). Bucklands Beach and Eastern Tennis Club has requested more courts. Further discussion is needed with the clubs.
7	Softball/squash. A feasibility study at Meadowlands Park.	58	This was recommended as the consultant advised the club would need a feasibility study to seek funding for proposed offices and a squash court.
8	Waka Ama. A boat storage and wash down area at Tiraumea Drive Reserve.	38	Boats will last longer if they are stored securely. This assists the club in gaining adequate insurance for boats and equipment.
9	Football. Access to the new Macleans College astro turf (10 hours per week, 40 weeks per annum).	Not scored	Discussion is needed with Macleans College about the use of artificial turf by Bucklands Beach AFC.
10	Community hub/facility. A feasibility study for a community hub/sport facility at Ti Rakau Park	Not scored	This project is not a priority at present as the Ameti road construction project has been delayed by several years.

17. The projects in Table 2 were identified at the time of the research. Should other projects become evident, they can be assessed and prioritised by council staff in accordance with the long term needs identified for each code and the Project Assessment Framework. As there is now detailed knowledge available about clubs, the local board will be in a better position to respond to requests for financial support.

18. In regard to No. 2 (BMX) in Table 2, the local board recently approved a grant of $125,000 from its discretionary operational budget 2014/2015 for the Mountain Raiders BMX Club to construct new toilets. This has achieved this priority in the Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan. The toilets will be owned and maintained by the club.

19. The project identified in No. 4 in Table 2 (Athletics), is to construct a pavilion over an existing storage shed next to the 100m finish line at the athletics track in Lloyd Elsmore Park. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately $440,000 which includes design, quantity survey, consents and construction. The local board has approved the reallocation of $100,000 from its Facility Partnership Fund 2014/2015 for the project. In addition, $130,000 was recently allocated from the local board’s discretionary operational fund 2014/2015 towards construction of the pavilion, taking the total funding contributed by the local board to $230,000. The funding agreements with Pakuranga Athletics Charitable Trust for the two grants ($100,000 and $130,000) include a condition - that the trust will be required to raise the balance of funds required to complete construction, before grant funding for construction is released.

20. From the projects identified in Table 2, the following priorities are recommended for consideration by Howick Local Board in 2015/2016.

Table 3 – Recommended priorities for consideration in 2015/2016

Priority	Project description
1	Football. Staff to approach Macleans College (if required) to discuss the possibility of community access and the use of the new artificial turf by Bucklands Beach AFC, 10 hours a week over 40 weeks of the year.
2	Gymsports. A feasibility study and business case for the development of a new purpose built building, including other users.
3	Athletics. Development of a pavilion above a storage area next to the Yvette Williams Track at Lloyd Elsmore Park. The board will part fund this project via two grants on the condition that the Pakuranga Athletics Charitable Trust can raise the balance required to construct the pavilion.
4	Netball. Either a joint venture with Pakuranga College to develop two indoor courts or cover two courts at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
5	Softball/squash. A feasibility study and business case for offices and a squash court at Meadowlands Park, if required. If these documents are not required, then preparation of design plans, quantity survey, consents and project management for the planning of offices and squash court.
6	Waka Ama. Boat storage and wash down area at Tiraumea Drive Reserve. This assists the club in gaining adequate insurance for boats and equipment.

With reference to priority 4 in Table 3, Pakuranga College is currently preparing plans and seeking funding to develop two indoor stadiums therefore the options for either a joint venture with Pakuranga College or covering courts at Lloyd Elsmore Park are recommended for consideration in 2015/2016 rather than later. The rationale is that if this is not considered in 2015/2016, the opportunity with Pakuranga College may be lost.

21. From 2018, the report recommends other projects for consideration. These will be assessed year by year using the Project Assessment Framework, and can be considered if funding is available.

22. The Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan will be reviewed every three years to ensure that any changes in facility needs are identified and prioritised.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

23. The local board reviewed the report in February and considered the recommended projects at workshops on 21 April and 18 June 2015. For netball facilities, the local board agreed that consideration of the two projects is needed in 2015/2016. By considering the projects in the same time frame (2015/2016), the best outcome will be achieved for the community.

24. The local board is supportive of having the opportunity to consider the recommended projects in 2015/2016.

Māori impact statement

25. The Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan will assist the local board with decision making to increase community participation, including the potential to increase participation for Māori. No particular negative implications for the Māori community or Māori stakeholders have been identified as arising from this report. Given the variety of projects identified in the facility plan, it is likely some Māori will benefit from these projects (e.g., Waka ama project).

Implementation

26. For each of the projects recommended by SGL, council staff will engage with the relevant group. Whereby a group’s project is not identified in the SGL report or as a priority project, council staff can provide support by working with a group to plan a project.

27. Howick Local Board can consider future funding requests for the development of sport and recreation facilities against the recommendations provided. In future, the Project Assessment Framework will be helpful to assess projects so that the funds invested in facility development reflect the local board’s strategic direction, in accordance with the Auckland Plan and the Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan. Should the strategic direction change, the Project Assessment Framework can be reviewed and updated to ensure there is alignment with council’s strategic direction.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Howick Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan 2015 - 2025, Report Summary, April 2014. (Under Separate Cover)
b View	Project Assessment Framework	87

Signatories

Authors

Rose Ward - Parks and Recreation Advisor

Authorisers

Mark Bowater - Manager Local and Sports Parks

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Howick Sports Plan, 2015/2016

File No.: CP2015/14955

Purpose

1. This report seeks approval to allocate $105,000 in the 2015/2016 Howick Sports Plan budget to deliver sport and recreation initiatives throughout the Howick Local Board area

Executive Summary

2. The 2015/2016 Howick Local Board Agreement identifies the implementation of the Howick Sports Plan as a key priority that will have many benefits for our community, particularly our young people.

3. Howick Local Board has allocated $105,000 for the Howick Sport Plan which includes a Howick Sports Forum, Howick Sports Awards, Howick Coaches Club, ‘Have-a-Go’ days and the ActivAsian Programme.

Recommendation

That the Howick Local Board:

a) approves the allocation of $105,000 to deliver the 2015/2016 Howick Sports Plan which includes the Howick Sports Forum, Howick Sports Expo, Howick Sports Awards, Howick Coaches Club, Have a Go days, a BMX holiday programme, ActivAsian, a dance programme, the Club Smart programme and bike initiatives.

Comments

4. Background

The Howick Sports Plan is a key initiative in the local board area which aims to increase participation in recreation and sport. The plan has been delivered over the last two years. In 2014/2015, a number of successful initiatives and events were delivered including the Howick Sports Forum, Howick Sports Awards, Howick Coaches Club, and four Have-a-go-Days.

The Howick Local Board Plan 2014 prioritises the continued delivery of a Howick Sports Plan. The local board has allocated $105,000 in 2015/2016 in its Local Board Agreement for Howick Sports Plan initiatives.

5. Strategic Context

The proposed Howick Sports Plan initiatives for 2015/2016 align with strategic direction in the Auckland Plan and the Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan as follows:

Auckland Plan targets:

· increase the number of school-aged children participating in organised sport and informal physical activities by 2040

· increase the number of Aucklanders actively participating in recreation and sport every week from 79% to 90% by 2040.

Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan Key Initiatives (priority references are in parenthesis):

· develop and run free or low-cost, easy to get to, family-friendly events that are focused on physical activity or sport (1.3)

· invest in increased local provision of recreation and sport programmes (2.5)

· invest in and deliver initiatives that increase levels of physical activity and fitness in low-participant populations (3.4)

· invest in free or low-cost, locally provided physical activity programmes, recreation and sport that increase participation by ethnic communities (4.1).

The Howick Sports Plan initiatives proposed for 2015/2016 are summarised below: The Recreation Planning and Programming team (south) will be working with Counties Manukau Sport to support the delivery of the Howick Sports Plan

Howick Sports Forum

6. The second Howick Sports Forum was held on 29 March 2015 with attendees from eight Howick sport and recreation clubs and one primary school. Feedback from the forum indicates participant support for this event. It is anticipated that the number of attendees will increase as the event becomes an annual fixture and is more widely promoted.

7. The 2015/2016 forum will provide an ongoing opportunity to seek feedback from Howick sports clubs. Once identified, suggestions can be evaluated and possibly addressed through strategic partnerships or future investment.

Howick Sports Expo

8. The Howick Sports Expo will involve representatives from schools and sports clubs and will focus on developing strong local partnerships, particularly in regard to facility use.

9. The Howick Sports Expo will be delivered in Term 4, 2015 in preparation for the 2016 school year.

Howick Sports Awards

10. The Howick Sports Awards event was held on May 2015 to raise the profile of sports clubs and celebrate the success and dedication of Howick athletes and volunteers. There were 178 attendees, up from 146 in May 2014.

11. Following the sports awards, Howick Local Board portfolio holders provided feedback and indicated they would like to see this event in 2015/2016 with additional award categories.

Howick Coaches Club

12. Nine coaches modules were delivered 2014/2015. Seventy five coaches attended the workshops and indicted a desire for ongoing coaching workshops where current practise can be shared. The aim is that aside from increasing capability, the workshops will provide a network of support and mentors available to coaches.

13. A programme of coaching workshops has been prepared for 2015/2016 and includes the following topics: i) Creating Environments to Enhance Athlete Development, ii) Psychology and iii) Peak Performance Coaching.

Have-a-Go Days

14. Four Have-a-Go Days were delivered in 2014/2015 (table tennis, softball, waka ama and the Santa Run).

15. Two Have-a-Go Days are proposed in 2015/2016. These will provide an opportunity for local clubs to promote their sport.

School holidays BMX programme at Lloyd Elsmore Park BMX track.

16. In January 2015, Counties Manukau Sport (CM Sport) delivered a school holiday programme for children at the Lloyd Elsmore Park BMX track which attracted 58 participants. It is proposed that in 2015/2016, CM Sport will continue to deliver this programme with the aim of attracting new club members early in the season. Public bike riding sessions will be included.

17. CM Sport has been delivering learn-to-ride lessons at Baverstock Oaks School, Elm Park School and Owairoa Primary School in 2014/2015. Children at these schools and other local schools will be encouraged to visit the BMX track during the school holidays.

ActivAsian

18. The ActivAsian programme seeks to increase participation in sport and recreation among Asian residents and includes a:

· Have a Go day for Asian residents

· volunteer workshop targeting Asian secondary school students

· Asian Youth Leadership Summit for secondary school students

· waka ama or indoor rock climbing school holiday programme

· recreation and sport programme at five primary schools that have a high percentage of Asian students

· learn-to-swim and water safety programme for the Asian community

· forum about health, fitness and wellbeing

· sports fun day

· club/s with a high percentage of Asian members producing collateral with the objective of attracting more club members (e.g., signs, brochures).

New initiatives for 2015/2016

Dance programmes

19. In the 2013 report “Sport and Recreation in the lives of young Aucklanders”, ‘Dance’ was the forth most popular activity that children and young people from the Howick Local Board area indicated they would like to try. Dance initiatives have therefore been added to the programme.

20. Dance options will be targeted at children and young people that do not dance or have not had an opportunity to learn/try. Options will include Have a Go days so those interested can try different forms of dance, as well as a school holiday programme. Clubs will be encouraged to promote their type of dance and recruit new members.

Club Smart

21. It is proposed that the Club Smart Programme will start in the Howick Local Board area. This programme will focus on building capability within three clubs initially by having a club’s management committee work through a process of preparing strategic documents (e.g., a coaching plan).

Bike events/initiatives

22. Several new bike initiatives/events are proposed for 2015/2016 for children and young people. They focus on developing confidence and skills in a variety of settings including BMX and triathlon. Also included is support for the Bikes in Schools programme and arranging skills training for children unable to ride a bike. To follow is a summary.

Table 1 – Proposed bike initiatives for 2015/2016

	Description	Outcomes expected
1	A 'cross country' bike event for schools. Four selected primary schools will compete for the title of the inaugural 'Bike Cross Country Champion'.	Four training sessions will be delivered at each of the four schools. 120 children (30 per school) in Year 5 and 6 will participate in the event.
2	A 'Have a Go' BMX event alongside the Mountain Raiders BMX Club to raise awareness of the community track and support membership growth.	A minimum of 30 people attend the event. 80% of participants will be confident riders by the end of event.
3	A bike triathlon training programme for young people participating in a Weetbix triathlon or similar.	A minimum of 40 young people will attend a programme over two days. All participants will feel confident riding in a triathlon.
4	A training programme for children unable to ride a bike.	A minimum of 40 young people will attend a programme held in the school holidays over two days (September/October). Note, this is in response to parents asking if learn to ride sessions can be organised outside of school hours, in addition to lessons at school.
5	Provide information to schools and visit schools to raise awareness about Bikes in Schools”. Support two schools, to undertake a Bikes in Schools project.	Two schools begin a Bikes in Schools project.
6	Provide an additional cycle skills instructor to support the Cycling NZ/Kiwisport initiative (Pedal Power).	A cycle skills instructor is engaged. Delivery of 80 sessions (minimum) within Howick/Pakuranga Primary Schools.
7	Provide participants with a geared bike and helmet when participating in an event or programme.	10 geared bikes and 30 new helmets will be purchased so young people have equal opportunity to participate in events and programmes if they do not own a bike or helmet. Note: CM Sport currently has a fleet of 20 bikes.

Initiatives not recommended in 2015/2016

23. The sports club promotion days held in 2014/2015 at Pakuranga Plaza and Botany Plaza have been removed from the programme for 2015/2016. The reason for removing them is they did not achieve the expected increase in club membership and / or participation in sport.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

24. On 18 June 2015, the Howick Sports Plan proposal for 2015/2016 was presented to Howick Local Board to seek feedback. Local board portfolio holders were supportive of the proposed initiatives and events.

Māori impact statement

25. The Howick Sports Plan provides a variety of initiatives and events that will appeal to the sport and recreation sector including sports coaches, clubs seeking to recruit new members, schools, and residents who would like to ‘Have a Go’ at a new activity. This is likely to increase community participation, including the potential to increase participation among Māori. No particular negative implications for the Māori community or Māori stakeholders have been identified as arising from this report.

Implementation

26. A funding agreement will be established with Counties Manukau Sport for the delivery of initiatives. This will be monitored by the Recreation Planning and Programming team (south).

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Rose Ward - Parks and Recreation Advisor

Authorisers

Mark Bowater - Manager Local and Sports Parks

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

7. Howick

Visit your local board website http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/howick

The year in review

Financial Performance

The majority of our spend has been for the ongoing Barry Curtis Park development including the construction of the community shelter in that park, the redevelopment of Uxbridge Creative Arts Centre which will be completed next year, erosion control at all major beaches, sports field upgrades for irrigation and sand carpeting or slitting, the continued development of esplanade walkways and cycle ways, and community facilities renewals at Glen House. Through our discretionary funding budgets we allocated $1.3 million for local community activities and to community organisations.

Achievements and events

We have progressed many projects throughout the year particularly for outdoor activities in parks. The local board completed its Local Board Plan and Long Term Plan. The inaugural Tamaki River Festival was held and this is expected to be Howick’s signature annual event. The Howick Sports Plan effected popular initiatives including the Activasian and Counties Manukau sports programmes. Other popular events were the ANZAC commemorative service, Christmas events and lights, Movies in Parks, Howick Celebrated Citizens’ Awards, Howick in the Park Military Tattoo plus over 30 other community events funded through the local board.

Challenges in our area

Transport is a major issue and we are advocating to Auckland Transport to urgently prioritise the Half Moon Bay Transport hub, increase ferry services, and accelerate the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) project.

Howick’s burgeoning population requires an extensive network of housing, businesses, services and community facilities. The Flat Bush area dominates our capital programme over the next ten years and we will deliver projects to support residential and business development. However, constraints on capital expenditure have delayed the building of the Flatbush mulit-use community facility to 2018 and the Flatbush aquatic and recreation facility to 2021. Howick’s burgeoning population requires an extensive network of housing, businesses, services and community facilities. The Flat Bush area dominates our capital programme over the next ten years and we will deliver projects to support residential and business development.

Looking forward

The key messages from our community consultation are to continue with coastal and beach management, develop Barry Curtis Park and other sports parks, extend walkways and cycle ways, support arts activities, continue financial support for extended library hours, continue our ecological programmes, and focus on our youth, and we have invested local board funds to achieve these objectives. We aim to complete the Uxbridge Creative Arts Centre next year as planned. We will continue to support our Business Improvement District (BID) partnerships.

Message from the chair

This year, I am pleased to report that many of the projects we sought feedback from you are now underway. We also engaged with you on key strategic plans and as a result we approved the 2014 Local Board Plan and successfully advocated for resources to support this work with the recent adoption of the Long Term Plan by the Governing Body.

In 2014/2015, the focus continued to be on completing sports field and infrastructure development at Barry Curtis Park and Lloyd Elsmore Park. Further planting and pedestrian linkages to sportsfields at Barry Curtis Park is progressing, and a community shelter which was opened in February, and 5km run/walk/cycle markers have been put in place. At Lloyd Elsmore Park, drainage and irrigation has been undertaken for the ‘top flat’ sports fields used by cricket and football with the ongoing work yet to be completed.

The Burswood walkway has been completed and improvements made to the Cyril French Park playground for kids from 7-13 years old. Construction has also begun on the Macleans Park playground and flying fox. These projects will help to achieve the outcome ‘our community is active and healthy.’

The construction of the Ormiston Town Centre was officially launched in April 2015 by the Deputy Prime Minister, Todd Property and Mayor Len Brown which will support growth in the Howick area. The development of a new library and multi-use community facility at Flat Bush is included in the Long Term Plan but has been deferred to 2017 and 2018 respectively. Redevelopment of the Uxbridge Creative Arts Centre has begun and making good progress to be completed by the end of 2016.

As part of our outcome ‘we all treasure and enjoy our environment’, the board has maintained a programme to restore and protect our beaches, particularly at Eastern Beach. A campaign to eradicate noxious weeds and plants has been strongly promoted and has received good responses. Planning is also underway to complete the Heritage Plan with the support of mana whenua.

We have invested $2.5 million in partnership with Auckland Transport and New Zealand Transport Authority for a ferry wharf project, including a new pontoon, at Half Moon Bay. This forms part of our advocacy for a wider transport programme to develop a transport hub at Half Moon Bay. Advocacy also continues for improvements to the transport network, particularly AMETI: (Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative), the Reeves Road flyover at Pakuranga and for the East/West Link connections which will help support business growth and take pressure off our existing roading network.

Thank you for your input into the plans and projects for the year. We look forward to working with you and progressing many of our projects in 2015/2016.

David Collings

Chairman

Performance

7.1 Local libraries

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	69	60
Total operating expenditure	6,036	6,387
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(5,967)	(6,327)
Total capital expenditure	139	2,667

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

Capital renewals at Pakuranga Library included the public toilets and the staff work room.

All four libraries offered a variety of programmes with emphasis this year on Dare to Explore summer reading programme, school holiday programmes, guest speakers, visiting delegations, National Poetry Day, and Family History month. Among the many celebrations featured in the libraries were Lunar New Year, Diwali, Waitangi Day and Matariki where Te Reo classes were offered.

WIFI sessions have seen a vast increase in usage not just in Ebook uptake, but also with the introduction of new portal activation technology to encourage and enable simple repeat connectivity. The library promoted its many services and WIFI features at the inaugural Tamaki River Festival

How we performed

The increase in uptake of WIFI and digital services is reflected in the decrease in library visitor numbers. Library hours at all Howick libraries have now been rationalised to meet local demand.

7.2 Local community services

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	157	210
Total operating expenditure	1,372	1,382
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(1,215)	(1,172)
Total capital expenditure	384	313

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

Capital expenditure was for facility renewals at Glen House (Stage 2 completed) and Stancombe Cottage. The car park renewal at Stancombe Cottage has been delayed due to increased costs estimates which we have now approved and funded from our existing capital budgets. The Bucklands/Eastern Beach Memorial Hall was repainted. As part of the capex deferral process, the Flatbush Multi-use Community Facility has been deferred to commence in 2018.

Grants of $0.17 million have been made to the community. Te Whare o Matariki in the Emilia Maud Nixon Garden of Memories was officially opened. The decline in graffiti occurrences has been substantial with contractors often resolving before reports from the public. We are continuing our strong support for youth development and neighbourhood engagement through initiatives such as Neighbours Day, and further strengthening core safety initiatives.

How we performed

The increase in facility fees and charges has met with resistance in our community and we have reduced the impact on regular users by phasing these increases. We have made provision in our 2016 local budget to cover any revenue shortfall in the interim.

7.3 Local arts, culture and
events services

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	0	0
Total operating expenditure	2,269	2,442
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(2,269)	(2,442)
Total capital expenditure	811	5,082

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

Uxbridge Arts Centre redevelopment of $6.3 million is underway, but most of the funds have been deferred to next year to meet the construction programme. This should not affect the expected completion date. The Centre will occupy an alternative lease throughout the rebuild.

Community events and contestable funding of $0.26 million was spent this year. Over 35 cultural, youth, community and family events were funded throughout the year, including the inaugural Tamaki River festival. Although attendance was affected by extremely bad weather on the day, this will be a regular annual event on our calendar. We are continuing to fund through grants Howick Historical Village, Howick Little Theatre, Howick Children’s and Youth Centre, and various bands.

How we performed

We have a comprehensive events programme with community input and numerous events grants. Unfortunately a new community signature event this year was rained out, and in some cases where local board funding is provided, organisers needs stronger promotion of the event.

7.4 Local parks service

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	0	0
Total operating expenditure	9,809	9,459
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(9,809)	(9,459)
Total capital expenditure	3,489	5,822

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

Barry Curtis Park continues to be the focus for the premier park development funding. The community shelter at Barry Curtis Park was completed this year. The development of esplanade walkways has continued at Mangemangeroa Reserve, Burswood Rotary cycle and walk way, and Flatbush. Sand replenishment initiatives have been carried out at various beaches including Howick Beach, Cockle Bay, Mellons Bay and Eastern Beach. The toilets at Eastern Beach are to be replaced with contracts issued and construction to carry over into next year. Sports field upgrades of irrigation and/ or sand carpet and slitting has been carried out at Lloyd Elsmore Top Flat and rugby field, Howick Domain, Paparoa Domain, Elm Park, Millhouse Park and Rogers Park. Significant amounts were spent on horticultural renewals and essential tree removal was completed in Mangemangeroa Reserve.

How we performed

We have an ongoing commitment to providing quality facilities for a varied range of activities on our sports fields, parks and reserves. Erosion control at our beaches is a large concern to residents and we are continuing to make improvements.

7.5 Local recreation services

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	3,865	4,257
Total operating expenditure	7,217	7,658
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(3,352)	(3,401)
Total capital expenditure	299	705

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

Capital renewals have been carried out at the Lloyd Elsmore Recreation Centre the Howick Recreation Centre. The Howick Sports Plan has directed our spend of $0.15 million on initiatives highlighted for the area. Counties Manukau Sport continues to deliver against their annual work programme which aligns with the Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan. Recreation facility visitor and member numbers overall are steady in an area where commercial competition is very stringent. Facility partnership scheme grants of $0.14 million have been allocated and a further $0.26 million in discretionary grants have been made to local sports associations for upgrades to their facilities.

How we performed

Some pool entry fees have increased this year and therefore satisfaction has fallen slightly. Recreation centres are well attended but over-subscribed for some sessions. The new aquatic centre has been deferred for several years which has proved disappointing considering our expected population growth.

7.6 Local economic development

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	0	0
Total operating expenditure	673	670
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(673)	(670)
Total capital expenditure	72	372

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

We continue to support our Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and grants to Greater East Tamaki BID and Howick BID

How we performed

Community satisfaction with town centre and street cleanliness has exceeded all targets.

7.7 Local built and natural environment

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	0	0
Total operating expenditure	65	105
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(65)	(105)
Total capital expenditure	0	12

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

We funded an intensive Rhamnus management programme especially in the Bucklands Beach area and at the Musick Point Cliffs and provided support to landowners in controlling the weed. This also included selective plant control in high value ecological areas. Moth plant eradication is another weed management initiative. Other projects included the Industry Pollution Prevention Project, funding for the Resource Recovery Network scoping, Thriving Ecosystems, improving water quality, pristine waterways and harbours, and zero waste initiatives.

How we performed

We have successfully continued our weed management programmes and commenced our heritage plan

7.8 Local governance

What we spent

Financial Statement Summary ($000)*	Actual 2015	Annual Plan 2015
Total operating revenue	20	21
Total operating expenditure	2,298	2,025
Surplus (deficit) of operating funding	(2,278)	(2,004)
Total capital expenditure	72	66

*Full financial reports are included at the end of this report.

What we delivered

The Local Board Plan which sets the direction for the next three years and the Local Board Agreement were adopted. We allocated $0.39 million from our Community Response Fund mostly for grants to sports facilities, and community programs. The board directed $75,000 of capital to community notice boards and directional signage throughout the area, and for a contribution to Auckland Transport for the Half Moon Bay pedestrian walkway.

How we performed

Participation in local board decision-making has a marked drop this year, especially among Māori residents, but of those polled only 35% had a definite opinion. There is an expectation of continuous improvement in community engagement, particularly over specific topics.

Performance measures

7.1 Local libraries

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Provide safe, welcoming and accessible library facilities for customers to access library services	Percentage of customers satisfied with overall services provided by libraries		88%	90%	91%
	Average number of library visits per capita		8.6	11	9
	Total library building floor space per 1,000 residents (m²)		27	27	28

7.2 Local community services

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Provide local community development resources, funds and programmes that build community wellbeing	Percentage of community funding applicants satisfied with information, assistance and advice provided		74%	75%	72%
	Percentage of community funding/grant recipients meeting grant obligations		98%	90%	100%
Provide community halls, centres and houses that meet the recreational and social needs of the local community	Percentage of users satisfied with community centres and community houses		69%	80%	76%
	Percentage of available time community centres and halls are used (actual hours used compared to hours available)		41%	56%	49%
Improve community safety through delivery of programmes and initiatives with partner organisations and the community	Percentage of respondents who perceive that their neighbourhood is reasonably safe in the day time		94%	85%	88%
	Percentage of respondents who perceive that their neighbourhood is reasonably safe at night time		51%	55%	47%

7.3 Local arts, culture and events services

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Provide opportunities and facilities for the community to experience and enjoy the arts	Percentage of visitors satisfied with council delivered or funded local arts facilities		91%	85%	92%
	Number of visits to local arts facilities per 1,000 residents		1,484	1,500	1,535
	Number of participants in local arts activities per 1,000 residents		538	300	729
	Percentage of participants satisfied with local arts activities		94%	85%	93%
Deliver, facilitate and fund diverse and high-quality arts and cultural programmes	Number of local arts and culture activities that contribute to Māori outcomes		25	20	38
Deliver and facilitate events that meet local community needs	Percentage of attendees satisfied with council provided local events overall		64%	85%	86%
	Estimated number of attendees at council delivered and funded local events per 1,000 residents		1,484	657	1,067

7.4 Local parks services

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Develop and maintain local park network to cater for community needs	Percentage of residents satisfied with the provision (location and distribution) of local parks and reserves		73%	75%	75%
	Percentage of residents satisfied with the quality of parks, reserves, sports fields and beaches		72%	75%	78%
	Percentage of residents who visited a local park or reserve in last 12 months		94%	85%	91%
	The playing capacity of sports fields (playing hours per week)		666	613	622
	Percentage of local parks and reserves maintenance standards achieved as per contractual requirements		97%	98%	97%

7.5 Local recreation services

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Provide safe and accessible facilities and programmes that support recreation and leisure activities	Percentage customers satisfied with swimming pool facilities and programmes overall		73%	85%	79%
	Percentage customers satisfied with recreation centre facilities and programmes overall (excluding swimming pools)		82%	85%	84%
	Average number of visits to swimming pools per capita		4.5	5.5	3.2
	Average number of visits to recreation facilities (excluding swimming pools) per capita		3.4	3.5	3.2

7.6 Local economic development

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Develop local business precincts and town centres as great places to do business	Percentage of business associations meeting their Business Improvement District (BID) Partnership Programme obligations		100%	85%	100%
Develop and maintain safe, clean and vibrant commercial town centres and street environments	Percentage of residents satisfied with cleanliness of their local town centre		83%	65%	84%
	Percentage of residents satisfied with the quality and maintenance of the street environment		63%	60%	69%
	Percentage of agreed street environment upgrade programmes and initiatives completed on time and within budget		0%	90%	No upgrades

7.1 Local built and natural environment

Levels of service

Measures

2015 status

2015

actual

2015

target

2014 actual

Provide leadership and support to protect and conserve the region's natural heritage and cultural heritage

Number of environmental programmes led or supported

Number of environmental programmes with Māori participation

7.2 Local governance

Levels of service	Measures	2015 status	2015 actual	2015 target	2014 actual
Ensure the community can participate and contribute to local board decision-making	Percentage of residents who feel they can participate in local board decision-making		24%	50%	30%
	Percentage of Māori residents who feel they can participate in local board decision-making		8%	50%	43%
	Percentage compliance with statutory requirements for publishing agendas and minutes for local board meetings		100%	100%	100%

Key projects and initiatives

Capital projects

Project	Progress report	2015 status	Est. cost	Our role	Est. timing
Barry Curtis Park Development	Project ongoing to ultimately support the Flatbush growth area.		$15.3million	Lead	5 years
Uxbridge Arts Centre Redevelopment	Contractors are appointed and Main construction phase deferred to 2015/2016		$6.3 million	Lead	1 - 2 years
Coastal erosion control	Contracts in place and project about to commence		$2.0 million	Lead	3 years
Playspace, walking and cycleways (green fingers) at Flat Bush	Project ongoing to support the Flatbush growth area.		$2.0 million	Lead	3 – 5 years

Financial information

$000	Note	2015 Actual	2015 Annual Plan	2014 Actual

Total operating revenue		4,111	4,548	4,067

Operating expenditure
Local arts, culture and events services		2,269	2,442	1,846
Local built and natural environment		65	105	37
Local community services		1,372	1,382	1,339
Local economic development		673	670	624
Local governance		2,298	2,025	2,146
Local libraries		6,036	6,387	5,820
Local parks services		9,809	9,459	11,974
Local recreation services		7,217	7,658	7,301
Total operating expenditure		29,739	30,128	31,087

Net expenditure		25,628	25,580	27,020

Capital expenditure
Local arts, culture and events services	1	811	5,082	171
Local built and natural environment		0	12	19
Local community services		384	313	168
Local economic development		72	372	113
Local governance		72	66	199
Local libraries	2	139	2,667	88
Local parks services	3	3,489	5,822	5,085
Local recreation services		299	705	86
Total capital expenditure		5,266	15,039	5,929

Notes

1. $3.6 million of the Uxbridge Arts Centre theatre building renovations were deferred into 2015/2016.

2. Flatbush Library development deferred $2.5 million to commence in 2016/2017.

3. Coastal erosion remediation, further Premier Park development and public convenience projects were delayed by the consent process. Contracts are now in place for 2015/2016. The costs of planting which were previously budgeted as capital expenditure are now treated as operating expenditure.

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Future Urban Land Supply Strategy

File No.: CP2015/14864

Purpose

1. To inform Local Boards about the purpose and content of the draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy and seek their feedback.

2. To outline the Special Consultative Procedure being undertaken and the anticipated role of Local Boards in this consultation process.

3. To obtain Local Board views on the draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy.

Executive Summary

4. The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan provides for approximately 11,000 hectares of Future Urban zone land. This land is located within the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB), but outside the 2010 Metropolitan Urban Limit (MUL).

5. The Future Urban Land Supply Strategy (the “Strategy”) (Attachment A) provides direction on the next stage in planning for the following Future Urban zone areas:

· North: Warkworth, Wainui and Silverdale-Dairy Flat

· North-west: Whenuapai, Redhills, Kumeu-Huapai and Riverhead

· South: Takanini, Opaheke-Drury, Karaka, Paerata and Pukekohe.

6. The Strategy sets out Auckland Council’s intention for when the above Future Urban areas are proposed to be development ready. The Strategy was developed in collaboration with infrastructure providers such as Watercare, Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

7. The Strategy has significant implications for Rodney, Upper Harbour, Henderson-Massey, Papakura and Franklin Local Boards as they contain areas of Future Urban land which are sequenced for development readiness by the Strategy.

8. At its July meeting the Auckland Development Committee resolved to approve the draft Strategy for public consultation in accordance with the Special Consultative Procedure set out in s83 of the Local Government Act (2002) (Attachment B). They also appointed a five person hearing panel consisting of four Councillors and a member of the Independent Maori Statutory Board.

9. The consultation period will run from 17 July to 17 August 2015. Public engagement on the Strategy will include a series of ‘Have your say’ events to be held in Warkworth, Dairy Flat, Drury and Kumeu.

10. The final Strategy will be submitted to the Auckland Development Committee in October for adoption.

11. This report seeks views from the Howick Local Board for consideration by the Auckland Development Committee and hearing panel in making a determination on if and how the Strategy will be amended.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Receives this report

b) Provides feedback to the Auckland Development Committee and hearing panel on the Strategy, in particular on:

i) whether the Howick Local Board agrees with the sequencing proposed within the draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy and, if so, the reasons why

ii) aspects of the sequencing in the draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy the Howick Local Board disagrees with and the reasons as to why

c) any further issues on the draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy.

Comments

Background

12. The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan provides for approximately 11,000 hectares of Future Urban zone land. This land is located within the Rural Urban Boundary (RUB) but outside the 2010 Metropolitan Urban Limit (MUL). The Future Urban zone indicates that this land is appropriate for future urban development.

13. A key goal of the Auckland Plan Development Strategy is to achieve a quality compact form. This requires urban intensification, supplemented by well-managed urban expansion. The Auckland Plan advocates for 70 per cent of growth in the existing urban area and up to 40 per cent of growth in locations outside the 2010 MUL. The Future Urban land is intended to provide a significant portion of the growth outside the 2010 MUL – around 110,000 dwellings. The balance of growth outside the RUB and the satellite towns of Warkworth and Pukekohe, will be accommodated in rural and coastal towns, rural villages, countryside living and general rural areas.

14. The draft Strategy focuses on the Future Urban land areas located in:

· North: Warkworth, Wainui and Silverdale-Dairy Flat

· North-west: Whenuapai, Redhills, Kumeu-Huapai and Riverhead

· South: Takanini, Opaheke-Drury, Karaka, Paerata and Pukekohe.

15. Local Board areas which contain Future Urban land directly affected by this Strategy include Rodney, Upper Harbour, Henderson-Massey, Papakura and Franklin.

16. The draft Strategy marks the next step in planning the Future Urban areas that started with the Auckland Plan. The Auckland Plan identified ‘greenfield areas of investigation’ to provide for future growth outside the MUL. The Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan formalised this concept through the location of the RUB and the proposed zoning of this land as Future Urban.

17. High-level planning was undertaken to provide more detail around possible land use, key infrastructure and potential housing yield and business land location. Based on this, the Strategy sequences the order for when this land is intended to be ready for development over the three decades of the Auckland Plan. It is a proactive approach to long-term planning, infrastructure provision and providing housing and business capacity.

18. Most of the Future Urban areas are predominantly rural and have not previously been identified for urbanisation. Bulk infrastructure will therefore have to be provided to these areas. All Future Urban areas require some degree of bulk infrastructure; development will therefore not be able to occur until this infrastructure is in place. In areas where bulk infrastructure projects are large and complex, longer lead-in times (for design, consenting and build) are required. This affects the timing for when land can be development ready.

Purpose of the Strategy

19. The purpose of the draft Strategy is to provide a robust and logical sequence for when the Future Urban areas are proposed to be ‘development ready’ across the three decades of the Auckland Plan. This will enable coordination of timely structure planning and bulk infrastructure provision to these areas and provide clarity and certainty to all key stakeholders, including infrastructure providers.

Drivers for the Strategy

20. The key driver for the draft Strategy is the significant current and projected growth in Auckland and the pressure this growth places on housing supply and key infrastructure. The Strategy therefore aims to proactively plan for, coordinate and deliver bulk infrastructure so that this land can be brought on stream for both residential and business development i.e. contributing to development capacity across the region.

21. Accommodating this growth will come at a significant cost. Preliminary, high level estimates of bulk infrastructure costs are provided within the draft Strategy; however it does not include costs for any local network infrastructure. The significant costs are primarily driven by the size of the Future Urban areas (these equate to approximately one and a half times the area of urban Hamilton); the scale of the bulk infrastructure that will be required; and the current lack of such infrastructure in these areas. For these reasons it would be prohibitively expensive for Council, CCOs and, more broadly, for central government (e.g. the New Zealand Transport Agency and Ministry of Education) to invest in all Future Urban areas at the same time.

The draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy

22. The draft Strategy sets out a logical timed sequence for development readiness. It integrates information on key infrastructure required to get these areas ready for urban development. The sequencing is based on a suite of principles (attached to the Strategy) that include the consideration of the lead-in times for the bulk infrastructure required. Bulk infrastructure refers to water, wastewater, stormwater and the transport network. This draft Strategy will also assist with the forward planning of community facilities and services critical for creating sustainable communities.

23. The sequencing set out in the draft Strategy was developed with input from a number of infrastructure providers including Watercare, Veolia, Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

24. The analysis done for this draft Strategy is of sufficient scale and specificity to broadly determine bulk infrastructure requirements. There are two subsequent parallel and inter-dependent processes to get land ready for development – more detailed structure planning, and bulk infrastructure planning and build.

25. Structure planning and plan changes (to urban zones) will be done prior to the areas being ready for development and will be undertaken by the Council (or in partnership with others) in line with the programme set out in the draft Strategy. This is the stage of the process where Local Boards, mana whenua and communities will be involved in the detailed planning of these areas.

26. The sequencing programme ensures the infrastructure costs are distributed over three decades to smooth spikes in capital expenditure, allow all infrastructure providers to forward plan their asset management and assist with prioritising key enabling projects.

27. A monitoring programme is an integral part of the Strategy and will be used to monitor trends over time. This is to ensure that the proposed sequencing remains relevant. This monitoring will be part of an overall strategy to provide information on development capacity in brownfield and greenfield locations. Given the 30-year timeframe, a number of factors could change the proposed sequencing and timing as set out in the Strategy. These include funding constraints, possible alternative funding options and changes to population growth and housing demand. Therefore, for the Strategy to remain relevant and effective, it must be a ‘living’ document, able to respond to changes identified through the monitoring programme.

The Consultation Process

28. The public consultation period will run from 17 July – 17 August 2015. It will follow the Special Consultative Procedure set out in s83 of the Local Government Act (2002). This procedure requires all interested parties to be given an opportunity to present submissions in a manner which enables spoken interaction.

29. The Auckland Development Committee has appointed Councillors Cashmore, Darby, Webster and Quax and one member of the IMSB (to be confirmed) to form a hearing panel to receive the spoken submissions.

30. A series of ‘Have your say’ events will be held to provide an opportunity to all interested parties to provide spoken feedback. These events will be held at the following dates, times and locations:

· Monday 3 August (7pm-8.30pm) – Warkworth Masonic Hall

· Wednesday 5 August (7pm-8.30pm) – Drury Hall

· Monday 10 August (7pm-8.30pm) – Dairy Flat School Hall

· Tuesday 11 August (7pm-8.30pm) – Kumeu Community Hall

31. Invitations will be extended to Ward Councillors and Local Board members to attend these events.

32. Public notices will be placed in the New Zealand Herald and relevant local newspapers notifying interested parties about the Strategy itself and the ‘Have your say’ events. The Strategy and a feedback form will be available on the Shape Auckland website and a media release will be distributed at the commencement of the consultation period. A targeted direct mail out will also be undertaken for key stakeholders.

33. Local Board participation at the events and feedback and input to the draft Strategy are welcomed.

34. Feedback received during the period, including that received from Local Boards, will be analysed, summarised and reported to the Auckland Development Committee and the hearing panel. The panel will then make a determination about amendment of the Strategy.

35. The final Strategy will be submitted for adoption at the Auckland Development Committee meeting in October.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

36. The Strategy has significant implications for Local Boards particularly Rodney, Upper Harbour, Henderson-Massey, Papakura and Franklin Local Boards as they contain areas of Future Urban land sequenced by this Strategy. The consultation period and the ‘Have your say’ events provide an opportunity for Local Boards to become involved in the process, hear the views of their communities and form their own views and response to the Strategy.

37. Local Boards were informed about the Strategy at a joint workshop held with the Auckland Development Committee on 16 June 2015. A briefing on the Strategy and the consultation process was held for Local Board members on 15 July 2015. This was to ensure Local Boards have a sound understanding of the Strategy and consultation process prior to the commencement of the consultation period.

38. Preliminary issues raised by attendees included the need to manage community expectation about land purchases in the future urban areas, the need to ensure Council is fully resourced to undertake the structure planning work, a need to forward plan land purchase for community facilities and a proactive engagement approach with central government around provision of education and health facilities and services to deliver the best outcomes for local communities.

39. This report seeks Local Board views on the Strategy and these issues and any other feedback will be reported to the Auckland Development Committee and the hearing panel.

Māori impact statement

40. This Strategy has significant implications for Maori and has the capacity to contribute to Maori well-being and development of Maori capacity. It is acknowledged that Maori have a special relationship with Auckland’s physical and cultural environment. Ongoing liaison has occurred with Te Waka Angamua around the Strategy and the suite of principles which sit behind it. One of the principles reflects Council’s commitment to Maori social and economic well-being as a transformational shift set out in the Auckland Plan. Independent Maori Statutory Board staff were briefed at the commencement of the project, provided with background documentation and invited to workshops as the Strategy was developed. A representative from the IMSB is to be appointed to the hearing panel for this project. A hui was held with mana whenua chairs on 29 June 2015 and individual meetings will occur with interested Chairs who were unable to attend the hui.

41. Iwi responses will be sought as part of the public consultation process outlined in this report. Consultation submissions from iwi will be reported to the Auckland Development Committee and the hearing panel.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Draft Future Urban Land Supply Strategy	119
b View	The Auckland Development Committee resolution	141

Signatories

Authors

Simon Tattersfield - Principal Growth and Infrastructure Adviser

Authorisers

Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Karen Lyons - Manager Local Board Services

Howick Local Board

10 August 2015

Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act (ARAFA) Funding Model Review - Local Board Input

File No.: CP2015/14869

Purpose

1. Auckland Council is undertaking a review of the funding model under the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008 (ARAFA Funding Model Review). Feedback from the local boards is sought on the level of change proposed in the options and the impacts on local boards and local communities (if any).

Executive Summary

1. The Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008 (the Act) established a distinct model for contributing funds to specified regional amenities (regional amenities). This funding model is now under review to consider whether it remains fit for purpose and to identify how it might be improved. The Governing Body adopted Terms of Reference for the review on 26 February 2015.

2. Working closely with representatives of the regional amenities, seven funding model options were generated along a spectrum, ranging from:

· retaining the status quo

· seeking improvements within the existing ARAFA legislative framework

· modifying the existing ARAFA framework by amending legislation, to

· repealing the existing ARAFA framework and replacing it with an Auckland Council policy framework. (The options are discussed in paragraphs 15 - 32)

3. The Finance and Performance Committee endorsed the seven options for evaluation on 18 June 2015. The options will be evaluated against criteria previously endorsed by Finance and Performance on 21 May 2015. (The criteria is discussed in paragraph 14)

4. When viewed across the spectrum, the options shift the role of Auckland Council from influencing decision-making under the Act (by a Funding Board) to becoming the decision-maker itself. The closer Auckland Council becomes to being the decision-maker the more opportunities there are to align the council’s strategic outcomes with those of the regional amenities. The options also incorporate improvements relating to information flows, longer term planning, communications and relationship building.

5. The options are also associated with a progressively increasing volume of further work that would be required to implement them. The implementation of options requiring legislative change is particularly complex. The necessary trade-offs involved will be teased out and considered through the evaluation of the options.

6. The evaluation is to be completed and will be reported to the Finance and Performance Committee on 17 September 2015. The evaluation will identify the preferred option/s which may be a refined version, comprising different elements of the options proposed.

7. Local board feedback is sought on the level of change proposed in the options as set out in this report and the impacts on local boards and local communities(if any).

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Provides feedback on the level of change proposed in the options and the impacts on local boards and local communities (if any) as an input into the evaluation of options under the Auckland Regional Funding Amenities Act Funding Model Review.

Comments

The Funding Model under the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008

2. The Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008 (the Act) has two purposes; to provide adequate, sustainable and secure funding for specified regional amenities, and to ensure that local government in Auckland contributes funding.

3. The Act came into force prior to amalgamation of Auckland’s former councils. It was designed to ensure that all councils in the region contributed fairly to funding the regional amenities given the amenities operated across and benefited the whole of the Auckland region. It also sought to ensure that qualifying regional amenities remained financially viable.

4. The regional amenities apply each year to a Funding Board for next year’s funding. The Funding Board confers with Auckland Council and prepares and consults on a funding plan, before recommending a levy to Auckland Council for the next financial year. Auckland Council approves the recommended levy and if not, arbitration takes place. The Funding Board subsequently receives the levy and allocates funding to the regional amenities.

5. Auckland Council appoints six of the Funding Board’s 10 members with four members appointed by an Amenities Board, also created by the Act.

6. Only the regional amenities specified under the Act may apply for funding and funding is not available for any part of services or facilities provided outside of the Auckland region. Funding is to contribute towards the operational expenditure that regional amenities must incur and is not available for capital expenditure.

7. The regional amenities must make all reasonable endeavours to maximise funding from other sources. The regional amenities are prohibited from receiving operating funding form Auckland Council, other than via the Funding Board. However, staff are aware that local boards may receive funding requests from groups affiliated with the amenities.

8. The Funding Board and Auckland Council must have regard to the funding principles prescribed in the Act. The Act makes provision for additional funding principles to be adopted.

Regional Amenities

8. The purpose of the Act is to ensure the regional amenities are funded to provide services or facilities that contribute to “the well-being of the whole region” and “towards making Auckland an attractive place to live in and visit”. Organisations that wish to become regional amenities must possess these qualities to satisfy criteria for admission. The Act as enacted specified 10 regional amenities in Schedule 1:

· Auckland Observatory and Planetarium Trust Board

· Auckland Philharmonia

· Auckland Regional Rescue Helicopter Trust

· Auckland Theatre Company

· Coast Guard Northern Region Incorporated

· New Zealand National Maritime Museum

· New Zealand Opera Limited

· Surf Life Saving Northern Region Incorporated

· Auckland Festival Trust

· Watersafe Auckland Incorporated

9. The following examples illustrate the way the regional amenities serve the Auckland region:

· The Auckland Philharmonia (APO) was accorded the status of Metropolitan Orchestra as part of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s Orchestra Review in 2012. In that year the APO presented 31 performances in the Auckland Town Hall and performed in the Bruce Mason Centre (Takapuna) Telstra Events Centre (Manukau), Massey High Schools and Trusts Stadium (West Auckland) and the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Parnell). It also presented chamber concerts in Takapuna, Remuera and Howick and five free community performances and events in west, central, north and south Auckland.

· Coast Guard Northern Region Incorporated has 14 units located across the Auckland region at Waiuku, Papakura, Titirangi, Kaipara, Kawau, Great Barrier, Hibiscus, North Shore, Auckland, Waiheke, Howick and Maraetei, with the Operations Centre and the Auckland Air Patrol operating centrally.

· Similarly, there are 10 clubs in the Auckland Region under the umbrella of Surf Life Saving Northern Region Incorporated, located at Karioitahi Beach, Karekare, Piha (2), Bethels Beach, Murawai, Omaha, Red Beach, Orewa and Mairangi Bay.

The ARAFA Funding Model Review

10. Auckland Council’s establishment and issues arising out of the Act’s operation have raised the question of ‘whether the funding model remains fit for purpose’. Auckland Council agreed to review the ARAFA Funding Model through its deliberations on the Mayor’s proposal for the 2014 Annual Plan. The Governing Body endorsed Terms of Reference (Attachment A) for this review on 26 February 2015. It records stakeholder issues and objectives (Schedule 2) and sets the overarching objective to:

“achieve long term sustainable, affordable and predictable funding of the existing amenities while recognising the Council’s purpose and responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2002 and other legislation.” (paragraph 12):

11. The ARAFA funding model and changes to enhance its effectiveness are the focus of the review:

· The review will not consider whether to add or remove any of the regional amenities from the funding mechanism. That would be a separate piece of work.

· The review will also not consider how much funding each regional amenity currently receives but rather look at the process that determines the amount of funding provided.

12. The Terms of Reference set out the basic process for the review with the identification of criteria for the evaluation of options, identification of options and their subsequent evaluation. In undertaking this review we are working closely with representatives of the amenities and engaging with the Funding Board.

Criteria for the Evaluation of Options

13. The following criteria for evaluating options were endorsed by the Finance and Performance Committee on 21 May 2015:

i. Financial sustainability and certainty

- Addresses the ‘sufficiency’ of the contribution provided by the funding model in terms of “adequate, sustainable and secure funding for specified amenities.” It includes the predictability of that funding over the short to medium terms in support of financial planning.

ii. Affordability

- Addresses the affordability of the sum of the contributions allocated under the funding model including the impact on rates.

iii. Independence and continuity

- Considers the extent to which the option provides for objective decision making and the extent it provides for continuity of decision-making over time. These considerations go to the stability of the funding model over time.

iv. Accountability and transparency

- Considers the information and the processes to support decision-making required by an option to ensure there is a clear chain of accountability from the recipient through to the funder. Transparency supports accountability, providing clarity around decision-making processes. Public sector responsibility requires accountability and transparency generally, and particularly in respect of public funds.

v. Administrative efficiency

- Considers the efficiency of the funding model, with regard to the costs associated with the information and processes required by an option. Funding arrangements should have regard to the costs of implementation, and how effective they will be in achieving their objectives.

vi. Alignment of outcomes and goals

- Considers the extent to which the option allows for alignment between the outcomes and goals sought and achieved by the regional amenities and those of the Auckland Council on behalf of Auckland’s ratepayers.

vii. Fairness

- Considers the extent to which the funding model provides for fairness.

viii. Flexibility

- Requires consideration of the extent to which the option provides a funding model with sufficient flexibility to take account of changing circumstances.

Options to Enhance Effectiveness

14. Working closely with representatives of the amenities, seven options along a spectrum have been generated, ranging from:

· retaining the status quo

· seeking improvements within the existing ARAFA legislative framework

· modifying the existing ARAFA framework by amending the legislation, to

· repealing the existing ARAFA legislative framework and replacing it with an Auckland Council policy framework.

15. The options were endorsed for evaluation by the Finance and Performance Committee on 18 June 2015.

16. Figure 1 illustrates the options and where they are located on the spectrum. Viewed across the spectrum, the options shift the role of Auckland Council from influencing the Funding Board’s decision-making to becoming the decision-maker itself. Similarly, there are increasing opportunities along the spectrum to align Auckland Council’s strategic outcomes with those of the amenities.

17. The review to date has identified that processes relating to funding bids and reporting have evolved under the existing arrangements. There appear to be further opportunities to pursue improvements through a focus on, information, communication, developing relationships and longer term planning which are being investigated through the final evaluation.

18. Implementation of the options will require further work, some of which is significant. The implementation of options requiring legislative change is particularly complex.

19. Options 1 to 4 are based on current arrangements which provide the pathway for regional amenities to seek operational funding from Auckland Council. Improvements under these options would be available for the 2016/2017 funding year.

20. Option 5 limits opportunities for Auckland Council to scrutinise the funding sought by the regional amenities, whereas Options 6 and 7 increase Auckland Council’s role in decision-making. The level of funding provided under Option 7 would be dependent on the policy and decisions of the governing body. There may therefore be a greater level of uncertainty for the regional amenities which may hold implications for the level of services and facilities they provide.

21. Options 5 to 7 require legislative change through the parliamentary process and it is not possible to indicate when they might become available for implementation.

22. The necessary trade-offs in relation to implementation will be considered through the evaluation of the options.

Figure 1.

23. Option 1 – Status Quo

The existing funding model prescribed by the Act is the benchmark against which the other options will be compared. It is described in paragraphs 1 to 7.

Seeking Improvements from within the existing ARAFA legislative framework

24. The following three options seek to introduce changes to enhance the legislative framework and the sharing of information between the regional amenities, the Funding Board and Auckland Council.

25. Option 2 – Enhanced Status Quo – ‘Clear Pathway to Capital Funding’

This option provides a ‘clear pathway for capital funding’ to augment the status quo.

While the amenities can currently apply for capital funding from Auckland Council via the Long Term Plan process, the granting of such funding is considered to be by exception. Under this option, applications for capital could be anticipated from any of the regional amenities. Potential applications would need to be signaled well ahead of time to assist financial planning and to enable the provision of funding.

26. Option 3 - Enhanced Status Quo – ‘Sustainable Funding’

This option introduces financial planning over a longer time frame with a 3 year rolling funding cycle and supporting information, and establishes how the sustainable level of funding for each regional amenity might be determined:

Introduction of a three year ‘rolling’ funding cycle

This cycle would align with Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan/Annual Plan cycle. Applications for the first year of funding (the year of application) would seek that year’s funding and identify anticipated funding for the next two years. Annual applications made in the second and third year would be considered in the light of all the relevant information then provided.

Information supporting ‘rolling’ applications

The clarity and timeframe of information accompanying applications would be reviewed to ensure it supports the rolling funding cycle.

‘Sustainability’

A definition of the sustainable level of funding would be developed for application in the context of each of the regional amenities. This would also establish appropriate levels of reserves amenities would be able to build-up and maintain to help manage the peaks and troughs of the funding requirements.

27. Option 4 – Enhanced Status Quo – ‘Alignment/Groupings’

This option similarly proposes the three year rolling review, maximises opportunities to improve strategic alignment between the regional amenities and Auckland Council and addresses the diverse range of regional amenities.

The three year ‘rolling’ funding cycle / Information supporting applications becomes available as set out in the previous option.

Auckland Council and the Funding Board confer

Auckland Council would be more explicit in clarifying its expectations, its funding constraints and its intentions when conferring with the Funding Board on the draft Funding Plan. The purpose would be to ensure transparency about the Auckland Council context and any funding constraints the council might face.

Auckland Council supports public notification

Auckland Council supports public notification of the Draft Funding Plan. The council could support the notification of the Draft Funding Plan on the council’s web site, through the media centre and/or in publications. This would help rate payers provide feedback and make submissions.

More particular consideration relevant to the type of amenity

This could include:

· Criteria and considerations as relevant to different types of amenities – e.g. safety, arts & culture, and facilities

· Clarification and guidance around what might be meant by ‘sustainability’ and the sustainable contribution required could be developed with reference to the activities undertaken by the particular regional amenities.

Modifying the existing ARAFA framework by amending legislation

28. The two following options amend the ARAFA legislative framework, proposing specific amendments to the way funding is determined or the roles of institutions and the processes through which they work.

29. Option 5 – Baseline Plus CPI

Under this option the specified amenities would determine the ‘sustainable’ level of funding required for year 1, which would be CPI adjusted for the next two years. The level of sustainable funding would then be reset for the next (4^th) year and CPI adjusted in each of the next two years.

The basis for determining the sustainable level of funding would need to be developed and the implications for the Funding Board explored.

30. Option 6 - Strong Funder

This option remaps the relationship between the regional amenities and the Auckland Council with Auckland Council providing funds directly. Under this option the ARAFA legislative framework would be amended so that:

· the regional amenities apply to Auckland Council directly for funding

· three year rolling funding cycle / supporting information applies

· Auckland Council sets the funding envelope

· Auckland Council prepares and adopts the Funding Plan

· the role of the Funding Board becomes one of providing expert advice to Auckland Council

· the regional amenities report annually to the Auckland Council.

Auckland Council sets the funding envelope

The funding envelope from which contributions to the regional amenities would be drawn would be set for the 10 year period though the Council’s Long Term Plan process. This longer term approach to funding would likely require a review of the information required in support of setting the envelope.

Auckland Council prepares and adopts the Funding Plan

The Funding Plan mechanism could be similar to the status quo or be modified in terms of the process and matters to be taken into consideration.

The role of the Funding Board

The Funding Board’s role would change to one of providing expert advice to assist Auckland Council. Appointments may still be made by Auckland Council and by the regional amenities.

Repeal of the existing ARAFA framework and replacement with an Auckland Council policy framework

31. Under this model the existing ARAFA legislative framework would be repealed and replaced with a policy framework established and maintained by Auckland Council.

32. Option 7 - Auckland Council Dedicated Fund

The repealed ARAFA legislative framework would be replaced by a specific policy of Auckland Council where:

· Auckland Council sets the funding envelope

· there is no Funding Board and the regional amenities apply to Auckland Council for funding

· Auckland Council considers applications and determines the funding allocated following public consultation

· there is separate policy and consideration for different types of amenity – for example, safety, arts & culture and facilities for example.

· a three year rolling funding cycle with supporting information would apply

· the amenities annually report to the Auckland Council.

This option replicates many of the policy intentions of the Strong Funder option within Auckland Council formulated policy, though without the legislation or the Funding Board. As Council policy, the funding model/policy framework would be amenable to any amendment subsequent Councils may require.

Evaluation

33. The evaluation involves considering the performance of each option against the criteria, relative to the performance of the status quo. Working closely with the amenities representatives, this process is currently underway and the results will be reported to the Finance and Performance Committee on 17 September 2015. The evaluation will identify the preferred option/s which may be a refined version, comprising different elements of the options proposed.

34. Local board feedback on the level of changes proposed in the options and the impacts on local boards and local communities (if any) is sought and will be an input into the evaluation along-side feedback received from the Funding Board and Regional Facilities Auckland.

35. From the work completed to date it is clear that Option 4- ‘Alignment/Groupings’ is compromised. The idea of grouping amenities by the nature of their operations is unworkable due to the extent of the difference between each of the regional amenities. The other features of this option continue to offer merit however and will be included in the evaluation.

36. Implementation is a particular consideration in addition to the identified criteria. With the exception of the status quo, each option will require further work to become operational. The amount of work required and the level of complexity is likely to:

· be less from options seeking improvement within existing frameworks (options 2, 3 and 4)

· increase where improvements are sought through amendments to the Act (options 5 and 6)

· further increase with the repeal of the Act and its replacement by an alternative regime (option 7).

37. Seeking amendments to or the repeal of the Act would require sponsorship by a Member of Parliament to drive it through the Parliamentary processes. These include three readings in Parliament and the Select Committee Hearings process. The Act is a private Act. A private bill seeking changes would be subject to parliamentary processes required and it is not possible to indicate the time it might take for it to be enacted.

Next Steps

38. Local Board feedback will be collated and incorporated into the final report to the Finance and Performance Committee on 17 September 2015.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

39. The ARAFA funding model review considers the funding model established under the ARAFA legislation and will not directly impact on local board funding or decision-making. However, communities across all of Auckland are able to benefit from the services and facilities provided by the amenities funded through the Act.

40. Local board views on the level of change proposed in the options and their impacts on local boards (if any) are being sought via this report. This report follows a memo circulated to Local Board Chairs in February 2015 and a briefing to Local Board Chairs and members on 22 June 2015. This report follows the structure of that briefing while elaborating on the information provided.

Māori impact statement

41. The ARAFA funding model review focuses on how Auckland Council’s funding contribution to the specified amenities is determined. Using Whiria Te Muka Tangata: The Māori Responsiveness Framework as a lens there do not appear to be any statutory or treaty obligations, direct Māori or value Te Ao Māori outcomes affected by this review. Enquiries were made of mana whenua in March 2015 to ascertain whether the ARAFA funding model review held any interest. No interests were identified.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act Review	153

Signatories

Authors

Alastair Cameron - Principal Advisor CCO Governance and External Partnerships

Wayne Brown - Lead Strategic Advisor Strategic Scanning

Authorisers

John Bishop - Treasurer and Manager CCO Governance & External Partnerships

Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

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

Principal Criteria	Sub-Criteria	Maximum weighting	Reason/ notes
Participation	Total Active Membership	20	Divide membership by 1000 and multiply by 20. For maximum score (20/20), total playing membership greater than 1,000.
	Junior Membership	20	Divide membership by 1000 and multiply by 20. For maximum score, greater than 500 juniors. If less than 500 juniors calculate score as ratio of junior membership: total membership.
	Membership Growth (last 3 years)	5	For maximum score, has increased by 20% or more over last 3 years.
Level of Facility Significance	National = 10, Regional = 7. Sub-Regional = 5, Local only = 0	10	National = maximum weighting.
Facility Makes a Significant Difference to the future operation of the sport/sports	Pre-Requisite for any score here – no better alternative solution .	Yes/ No
	Significant Participation Difference(Fundamental Service Need, Quality of Experience and/or Numbers) and/or Competition Pathway Need	25	Level of subjectivity because there are many factors to consider. Suggest should score high if meets fundamental need.
Ability of Group to Self Help with Funding		15	If the group can fund one third or more of capital cost from ‘own resources’ (i.e. not including public funding), maximum score.
Sharing Facilities	Willingness and readiness for group to enter into development of shared facility.	5	If club is seeking genuine partnership with other codes and clubs for the development of this facility. Strong evidence of other activity.

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