Agenda of Howick Local Board

Howick Local Board

12 October 2015

Auckland Transport Update – October 2015

File No.: CP2015/20746

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

· Eastern New Network consultation

· Redoubt Road-Mill Road corridor update

· Crackdown on fare evasion

· Spring cycling events.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

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

b) approves project #217 Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals (as shown on the plans at Attachment A) for construction to be funded from the Local Board Transport Capital fund, based on the firm estimate of cost of $418,000.

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 was 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. Development of the contract for physical works will be done in parallel with these processes.

· The resource consent application was lodged on 1-Sep-15.

· Further design amendments are required, particularly in response to the streetlighting design, and will have cost implications for the project. These will need to be presented back to the Board for further approval, and will be discussed with the Board transport portfolio holders in the first instance at the next available opportunity.

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.

· Tenders closed on 25-Sep-15 and are currently being evaluated. Subject to price conformity with the approved budget, the contract award is expected in early October, for delivery to start in late October.

217

Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals

· ROC estimate of $280,000

· FEC estimate of $418,000

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

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

· Detailed design and costing has been completed and was presented to the Board transport portfolio meeting on 15-Sep-15.

· Detailed designs are included at Attachment A and were presented to the transport portfolio meeting on 15-Sep-15. The firm estimate for the project is $418,000.

· Approval for construction is sought, and a draft resolution has been provided for the Board’s consideration.

272

Bucklands Beach walkway improvements

· ROCs for various sections (as per concept plans)

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.

· 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 awaits 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. Further planning is underway regarding the next steps.

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 being finalised and the project will be tendered in late Oct/mid Nov.

396

Half Moon Bay (HMB) new ferry facility

· Up to $2.5m originally allocated

· $1.25m confirmed as required from LBTCF following NZTA subsidy approval

· Further funding and NZTA subsidy application required for Stage 2 landside works

· On 13-Oct-14, the Board allocated up to $2.5m towards a new $4.3m ferry facility at HMB, subject to AT allocating at least $1m towards the project.

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

· AT agrees that the Board’s proportion of funding for the initial $4.3m project will be abated by an equal proportion of the NZTA subsidy, meaning that $1.25m of the Board’s original allocation will be required. However, if the project runs over budget the Board will need to contribute to any shortfall on the same basis.

· A further NZTA funding application will be made for the proposed Stage 2 landside works once estimates are finalised.

· 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; East Tamaki streetlighting upgrade)	-867,294
Firm estimates for projects given construction approval (Burswood Business Area enhancements; Chapel Road pedestrian signals; HMB walkway/amenity improvements)	-871,012
Confirmed LB funding requirement towards initial Half Moon Bay ferry facility project (though further discussions required regarding funding of Stage 2 landside works)	-1,250,000
Firm estimate on project seeking construction approval (Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals)	-418,000
*Funding available to allocate* (assuming construction approval given to all projects excluding Bucklands Beach)	*$953,209*
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 and placed in storage and will not be required until the latter half of 2016.

8. The fabricated Half Moon Bay pontoon units, whalers and fenders are to be used to replace the existing pontoon structure at Down Town Ferry Terminal Pier 2.

9. All items utilised for Down Town Ferry Terminal Pier 2 will be replaced with no cost or time implications for the Half Moon Bay project.

10. The wharf design fire reports along with the structural peer review are on-going and will be provided shortly.

11. The Quantity Surveyor is working through the marine and landside proposals and will provide costs estimate for the wharf construction and the proposed landside design works towards the end of October.

12. Once the estimate for the landside works is finalised, the Howick Local Board will be briefed on the additional scope for landside including a request for approval for additional funding.

13. The marine resource consent submission period has closed and the project is currently aware of four submissions from interested parties.

14. The project recently met with local iwi and is continuing on-going engagement with Mana Whenua to confirm Te Aranga Design Principles in line with Council engagement policies.

15. The overall project is progressing as planned with completion scheduled for October 2016.

A3. Eastern New Network consultation

16. Between 1 October and 10 December 2015, public consultation is being undertaken on proposed changes to the bus services for Central and East Auckland, known as the proposed ‘New Network’.

17. Key benefits of the proposed New Network are:

· New frequent services – on key routes, frequent services will be introduced operating at least every 15 minutes, 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, and at lower frequencies outside of these times. The New Network will increase the number of East Auckland residents within 500m of a frequent service from 2% to 35%.

· Train stations and bus interchanges become transport hubs – once patrons get to a train station or bus interchange, they will be able to choose to go to a wider variety of destinations.

18. A consultation brochure containing maps and details of the proposed changes is being delivered to all households in East Auckland. The proposed New Network routes in East Auckland are shown on the plan at Attachment B.

19. The consultation brochure, individual route maps, FAQs, videos and all other information relating to the proposed changes are available on the consultation webpage at AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork. A Chinese translation of the brochure is also available on the webpage and at libraries in the east.

20. The public and interested groups and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed New Network, whether in support of the proposals or suggesting changes. Feedback will help Auckland Transport to make better decisions and can be given by:

· Completing the online feedback form at AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork

· Filling out and sending in the Freepost form attached to the consultation brochure

· Attending a planned event and completing a feedback form in person (see below)

· Participating in the online discussion forum at AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork

21. People who are blind, with low vision or who have difficulty filling out forms or using the internet due to disability can call 09 366 6400 and receive assistance from someone who can complete the form on their behalf.

22. The planned events in or near the Howick Local Board area are shown in the table below. Also visit AT.govt.nz/NewNetwork for more event details.

A4. Redoubt Road-Mill Road Corridor update

23. The hearing for the designation of the route in early September lasted six days, with independent commissioners hearing from submitters, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport. The commissioners adjourned the hearing until 2 October to allow continued discussions on proposed designation conditions.

24. It is expected that the commissioners will make a recommendation in November.

A5. Consultation documents on proposed improvements

25. 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.

26. Proposed pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Chapel Road and Kilkenny Drive (north), Botany Downs – In response to concerns raised by the Point View Primary School regarding pedestrian facilities and safety at the intersection of Chapel Road and Kilkenny Drive (north), Auckland Transport is proposing to widen the existing traffic island and install a zebra crossing on the left turn slip lane, and as shown on the plan at Attachment C.

27. Currently there is insufficient room for the demand generated by walking school children, and also there is a traffic conflict between vehicles making a left turn out onto Chapel Road and pedestrians crossing from the traffic island to the footpath. The proposal to widen the existing traffic island will aim to maximise the refuge area to better accommodate pedestrians and provide a pedestrian crossing facility on the left turn slip lane. The installation of the zebra crossing will improve visibility of pedestrians for approaching motorists. These improvements aim to make the road and footpath environment safe as part of a coordinated plan to develop safer road layouts, promote sustainable travel and ensure ease of passage for those travelling on foot.

28. Proposed pedestrian refuge island and ‘No Stopping At All Times’ (NSAAT) parking restrictions, Glenmore Road, Pakuranga – Auckland Transport has undertaken a traffic safety study along Glenmore Road and has found several areas needing improvement. Because there are no traffic islands near the Meadway intersection, vehicles turning right into Meadway have been observed travelling at high speeds, cutting across the centreline on Meadway. Further, the number of cars parking near the intersections of Glenmore Road with The Boulevard and Meadway restrict visibility and make it very dangerous for drivers turning into and out of these roads.

29. It is therefore proposed to install a pedestrian refuge island at the mouth of Meadway to both increase pedestrian safety and help ensure that vehicles travel through the intersection with greater caution, and relocate the existing pram crossings to align with the new refuge island,. It is further proposed to install NSAAT parking restrictions near the intersections of Glenmore Road, The Boulevard and Meadway to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers, and make these roads safer for all users. The proposed restrictions will remove approximately one parking space on the south side of The Boulevard, eight spaces along the west side of Glenmore Road, and four spaces on the south side and one space on the north side of Meadway. The proposed improvements are shown on the plans at Attachment D.

General Information Items

B1. Crackdown on fare evasion

30. On 29 September, Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced major changes to penalties for fare evasion on public transport, along with Mayor Len Brown and Auckland Transport chairman Dr Lester Levy.

31. Changes to the Land Transport Act in 2016 will mean greater powers for councils to deal with fare evasion. As before, fare evaders will face a fine of $150 if a valid paper or electronic ticket cannot be produced, or a maximum fee of $500 on conviction. However, new amendments to the Act will include a new offence of failure to comply with an enforcement officer’s directions to provide details or leave the service, which will carry a maximum fine of $1,000 on conviction. In challenging situations, enforcement officers will still be able to call on Police for assistance, but the need for this should be significantly reduced by the new measures

32. Mayor Len Brown said the announcement was another example of the close working relationship the city has with the Government on Auckland’s transport issues. Auckland Transport had previously raised its concerns around fare evasion with the Minister.

33. An estimated 6% of passengers evade fares, which has a negative effect on revenue (estimated at $2 million per year) and the provision of services. Fare evasion can often be accompanied by anti-social behavior.

34. Fare evasion increases the costs of public transport for paying passengers as well as to taxpayers and ratepayers who subsidise the services. It also undermines the integrity of the ticketing systems used and the effectiveness of public transport generally.

35. Recorded public transport patronage has recently exceeded 80 million trips for the first time, with annual rail patronage up 22.7 per cent to 14.4 million. Fare evasion also means true patronage figures are being under-recorded, and accurate figures are important to properly plan for future service and infrastructure requirements.

B2. Spring cycling events

36. The seasonal spring cycling campaign has begun and Auckland Transport has a number of free cycling courses taking place across Auckland from October through to early December. These are targeted at people of all ages and abilities who are interested in trying cycling or want to build their confidence levels. Bookings are essential for all courses so it is recommended to book a place as early as numbers are limited. For more information and to register for courses, visit the AT website at www.AT.govt.nz/cyclingsthego or phone 09 355 3553.

37. Courses being run in the Howick Local Board area are:

Beginner bike training for adults

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

· Pakuranga Tuesday 20 October, 6pm – 8pm

Bike care and maintenance

A fun, interactive workshop that takes the mystery out of the bicycle. Participants are shown how to do a basic inspection to make sure their bike is in safe working order, learn how to check brakes and gears, clean their bike and how to fix a flat tyre.

· Botany Saturday 10 October, 10am – 12 pm

· Pakuranga Tuesday 27 October, 6pm – 8pm

38. For families with children who love to ride, or for those wanting information on how to ride with little ones, a featured spring event is also taking place in the area:

Halloween Ride

Put on those monster shoes to explore the hidden treasures of a local park. Get into the spirit of the day by donning a costume – there will also be treats and great spot prizes.

· Lloyd Elsmore Park Saturday 31 October, 2pm – 6pm.

B3. Public Transport Patronage

39. The summary patronage performance for August 2015 is presented below:

40. Auckland public transport patronage totalled 80,070,969 passenger boardings for the 12 months to August 2015, an increase of 0.4% on the 12 months to July 2015 and 9.4% on the 12 months to August 2014. August 2015 monthly patronage was 7,276,530, an increase of 341,616 boardings or 4.9% on August 2014, normalised to ~ 4.8% accounting for special event patronage.

41. Rapid and Frequent services totalled 30,945,424 passenger boardings for the 12 months to August 2015, an increase of 1.0% on the 12 months to July 2015. Rapid and Frequent services patronage for August 2015 was 2,921,124, an increase of 294,805 boardings or 11.2% on August 2014.

42. Train services totalled 14,393,840 passenger boardings for the 12 months to August 2015, an increase of 1.7% on the 12 months to July 2015 and 22.7% on the 12 months to August 2014. Patronage for August 2015 was 1,419,398, an increase of 238,281 boardings or 20.2% on August 2014, normalised to ~20.0%.

43. Bus services totalled 60,084,137 passenger boardings for the 12 months to August 2015, an increase of 0.1% on the 12 months to July 2015 and 6.6% on the 12 months to August 2014. Bus services patronage for August 2015 was 5,453,594, an increase of 80,610 boardings or 1.5% on August 2014, normalised to ~1.5%.

44. Ferry services totalled 5,592,992 passenger boardings for the 12 months to August 2015, an increase of 0.4% on the 12 months to July 2015 and 10.2% on the 12 months to August 2014. Ferry services patronage for August 2015 was 403,538, an increase of 22,725 boardings or 6.0% on August 2014, normalised to ~6.0%.

45. The proportion of all trips utilising AT HOP was 73.9% in August 2015 (Bus 76.2%, Rail 77.9%, Ferry 28.4%); up from 71.7% in July 2015.

Media Items

C1. New 24 hour bus lanes to keep the city moving

46. Auckland Transport is adding more than 1.2km of new 24/7 bus lanes to the city centre to minimise effects on bus timetables when construction starts on the City Rail Link (CRL) later this year. The work on the bus lanes started in mid-September.

47. In November, a new stormwater main being tunnelled under the eastern side of Albert Street between Swanson and Wellesley Streets for CRL will affect traffic lanes at these and the Victoria Street intersections.

48. Some bus routes and stops are being moved to new locations away from construction works and an information campaign will inform bus users of the changes.

49. The new bus lanes will be on:

· Fanshawe Street between Daldy and Halsey Streets

· Halsey Street between Fanshawe and Victoria Street West

· Victoria Street West between Graham and Queen Streets

· Wellesley Street West between Sale and Queen Streets

· Mayoral Drive between Cook and Wellesley Streets

· Hobson Street between Wellesley and Victoria Streets

50. The new bus lanes will be marked using a system called EverGreen.

51. The main CRL construction work will involve trenching along Albert Street and will start next year and the work is expected to take about 3½ years. Bus changes will be staged around construction during that time.

52. Auckland Transport will run a campaign early next year, closer to the main construction work, advising commuters to reduce their car trips into the city and will also hold information sessions on travel choices such as public transport, walking, cycling, carpooling and flexible working hours.

53. For more information, see: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/city-centre-transport-changes/

C2. Auckland’s rail contract tender postponed

54. The procurement of a new contract for Auckland’s commuter rail operations is being placed on hold.

55. In April, Auckland Transport had short-listed three companies, Transdev Auckland, KiwiRail and Serco NZ, to tender to operate rail passenger services from July 2016.

56. General Manager AT Metro Mark Lambert said the decision to postpone the release of the request for tender has been made due to a number of contributing factors.

57. Since the decision to tender for a new contract, the Auckland Transport Alignment Project between Auckland Council and the Government has commenced that will consider strategic transport opportunities, which is likely to include rail services and infrastructure. CRL will also commence enabling works in the next few months. Given these key strategic considerations it is considered prudent to wait for any outputs that may impact the scope of future rail service delivery before we go to tender.

58. Another key factor relates to the recent transition to full electric train operations (other than between Papakura and Pukekohe) from 20 July and achieving a stable period of high rail punctuality and reliability performance prior to release of the request for tender.

Issues Register

59. The regular monthly issues register is Attachment E to this report.

Consideration

Local Board Views

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

Implementation Issues

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Detailed design plans for proposed Pigeon Mountain Road metering signals	21
b View	Plan of proposed New Network bus routes in East Auckland	23
c View	Plan of proposed pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Chapel Road and Kilkenny Drive (north), Botany Downs	25
d View	Plan of proposed pedestrian refuge island and 'No Stopping At All Times' parking restrictions, Glenmore Road, Pakuranga	27
e View	Issues Register - October 2015	29

Signatories

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

Howick Local Board

12 October 2015

New Road Name Approval for the residential subdivision by Dong Global Investments Limited at 333 Ormiston Road – 248 Murphys Road, Flat Bush

File No.: CP2015/19702

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to seek approval from the Howick Local Board, for a road name for a new road created by way of subdivision at 333 Ormiston Road – 248 Murphys Road, Flat Bush.

Executive Summary

2. Auckland Council has road naming guidelines that set out the requirements and criteria of the Council for proposed road names. These requirements and criteria have been applied in this situation to ensure consistency of road naming for the Auckland Council.

3. Following assessment against the road naming criteria, the road names “Lemon Tree Lane” (applicant’s preferred road name), “Fullbright Lane” and “Taiao Lane” were determined to meet the road naming policy criteria.

4. Local iwi groups were consulted and Ngai Tai ki Tamaki preferred “Taiao Lane”, stating that they only support and endorse the use and application of Maori names.

5. The name “Lemon Tree Lane”, proposed by the Applicant and the names “Fullbright Lane” and “Taiao Lane”, are recommended for approval by the Local Board.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board, pursuant to section 319(1)(j) of the Local Government Act 1974, considers for the approval, the road name “Lemon Tree Lane”, proposed by the Applicant, for the new road created by way of subdivision at 333 Ormiston Road – 248 Murphys Road, Flat Bush while noting that “Fullbright Lane” and “Taiao Lane”, also meet the road naming criteria.

Comments

6. The Auckland Council Road Naming Guidelines allowed that where a new road needs to be named as a result of a subdivision or development, the subdivider/developer shall be given the opportunity of suggesting their preferred new road name for Council’s approval.

7. The road to be named is a small, looped private road accessed from both Ormiston Road and Murphys Road. The road will serve 21 residential lots. Dong Global Investments Limited applied and was granted this subdivision under resource consent 44313, SP11364.

The Applicant has proposed the following names for consideration for the road created as part of the development at 333 Ormiston Road – 248 Murphys Road, Flat Bush.

Preference	Proposed New Road Name	Meaning
Preferred Name	Lemon Tree Lane	There is a desire to plant lemon trees in the open space behind the townhouse units as a theme for the development. Lemon trees are also prevalent in many NZ household gardens and have health benefits.
First Alternative	Fullbright Lane	Fullbright is similar sounding to a well-known educational funder providing higher education scholarships around the world.
Second Alternative	Taiao Lane	A Maori word (noun) that means “nature” “world”, “Earth”, “natural world”, “environment”, “nature” and “country”. It is the third choice due to the pronunciation being uncertain when seen visually.

Figure One: Location and Layout of new Road

Decision Making

8. The Auckland Council, by way of the Auckland Council Long Term Plan (2012 - 2022), allocated the responsibility for the naming of new roads, pursuant to section 319(1)(j) of the Local Government Act 1974, to Local Boards.

Assessment

9. The Applicant’s proposed road names have been assessed against the criteria set out in the Auckland Council road naming guidelines;

10. The Applicant’s preferred name “Lemon Tree Lane” meets all the criteria of the road naming guidelines. It is also noted that the proposed names “Fullbright Lane” and “Taiao Lane” also comply with the criteria.

11. The proposed suffix of “Lane” is appropriate in this circumstance, as the road is a narrow roadway between buildings. Other suffixes also meet the definition, being: “Street”, “Place”, Close”, “Court” and “Way”. The applicant’s preference was “Place”, however, “Place” is generally associated with a short and closed street such as a cul-de-sac.

12. As the Applicant’s preferred name “Lemon Tree Lane” meets the criteria, it is recommended for consideration for approval while noting that the names proposed by the iwi “Fullbright Lane” and “Taiao Lane” are also appropriate as they comply with all the criteria of the road naming guidelines.

Consideration

Significance of Decision

13. The decision sought from the Howick Local Board for this report does not trigger any significant policy and is not considered to have any immediate impact on the community.

Māori impact statement

14. The decision sought from the Howick Local Board on this report is linked to the Auckland Plan Outcome, “A Maori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference in the world”. The use of Maori names for roads, buildings and other public places is an opportunity to publicly demonstrate Maori identity.

Consultation

15. The applicant has emailed all of the 12 relevant iwi groups, and has allowed over 20 working days for them to respond. Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki replied, stating preference for the name “Taiao Lane” out of the three proposed and that they would not support or endorse names that are not Maori. No other responses were received.

16. New Zealand Post was consulted and indicated that all the names provided are acceptable from their perspective.

Financial and Resourcing Implications

17. The cost of processing the approval of the proposed new road name and any installation of road name signage is recoverable in accordance with Council’s Administrative Charges.

Legal and Legislative Implications

18. The decision sought from the Howick Local Board for this report is not considered to have any legal or legislative implications.

Implementation

19. The Resource Consenting Team is involved in ensuring that appropriate road name signage will be installed accordingly once an approval is obtained for the new road name.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Debby Blackburn - Resource Consent Administrator

Authorisers

Ian Smallburn - General Manager Resource Consents

Teresa Turner - Relationship Manager

Howick Local Board

12 October 2015

Land Owner Approval- Proposed Pipe Installation Hope Farm Reserve

File No.: CP2015/20018

Purpose

1. To seek land owner approval for stormwater works within Hope Farm Avenue Esplanade Reserve, Pakuranga.

Executive Summary

2. A request has been received from the owners of 65 Reelick Avenue to install stormwater infrastructure from the property discharging into the waterway within Hope Farm Avenue Esplanade Reserve. The proposed stormwater infrastructure will include a pipe, manhole androck outlet and will service two dwellings to be developed on the Reelick Avenue property (refer to the Attachments).

3. Various options have been assessed and council staff considers the proposal to be the most practical option. The proposed pipe and outlet will be developed to public standards and become a public asset. It will enable other sites to connect into it as they develop in the future.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Grants landowner approval for the construction and location of stormwater infrastructure within Hope Farm Avenue Esplanade Reserve, Pakuranga, associated with the development of a new dwelling at 65 Reelick Ave, in general accordance with the Landowner Approval Plan prepared by RPC Land Surveyors, reference P1055-03A, dated Aug 2015.

b) Delegates to the Local and Sports Parks Manager (South) the ability to impose landowner approval conditions around construction works and reinstatement of the reserve.

Discussion

4. The owners of 65 Reelick Avenue, Pakuranga, have resource consent to construct a new dwelling on the rear portion of their site. With the increase in impervious surface from the new dwelling, driveway and paved areas, a stormwater solution is required.

5. A number of stormwater options have been considered including private soakage, connection to the existing stormwater network and kerb discharge. Due to the size of the properties and unfavourable site levels, it is not appropriate to connect into existing systems.

6. The proposal is to construct a new public stormwater system from the property to discharge runoff into the existing water course within the adjoining Hope Farm Avenue Esplanade Reserve. The system includes a buried pipe, manhole and grouted rock outlet in the bank of the watercourse (refer Attachment A for a location plan and Attachments B and C for plans showing the work area and proposed stormwater infrastructure).

7. The majority of the works will be undertaken in the grassed area of the reserve and outside the dripline of existing trees. The rock outlet and a short section of the pipe will be located in the vegetated bank of the water course. An arboriculture assessment of the potential effects on the trees has been undertaken. Two trees stand in the vicinity of the proposed pipe, a Crack willow tree and pinus radiata. The pipe has been aligned so as to avoid these trees.

8. Works will be undertaken via open trench during the summer months and will take approximately one week to complete. Silt fences will be installed throughout the works to stop sediment entering the watercourse.

9. Upon completion of the works, the reserve will be reinstated and the rock outfall will be planted to assist in preventing scouring and mitigate any visual impacts.

10. The proposal has been assessed by staff. The proposal is considered to be an acceptable option for the following reasons:

· The receiving environment is considered suitable for the additional minor flows proposed and there will be no flooding effects.

· The pipe will be designed to avoid scouring effects at the outlet and silt traps will control silt entering the waterway.

· Planting will be undertaken to improve the amenity of the area and screen the outlet.

· Machinery to access the reserve will be from the back of the property at 65 Reelick Ave, to limit damage to the reserve.

· The stormwater system will become public and allow other developing sites to connect into it, thus contributing to the stormwater management of the surrounding area.

· The proposal has received resource consent and has therefore been approved by Council’s Development Engineers. The proposal has been reviewed by Councils Stormwater Department who will take on the pipes, manhole and outlet as a public infrastructure.

Overall it is considered that any adverse effects will be avoided and mitigated, and staff therefore recommend that landowner approval be granted.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

11. The proposal was discussed at the Parks, Sport, Recreation and Open Spaces Portfolio meeting on 8 September 2015, where they requested that the full board review the proposal.

Māori impact statement

12. There are no sites or places of significance or value to Mana Whenua under the Operative District Plan, located at the point the proposed pipe will pass through the esplanade reserve. The nearest Site and Place of Value to Mana Whenua is 280m away on the other side of the watercourse.

13. No consultation with mana whenua has been undertaken by the applicants.

Implementation

14. If the proposal receives landowner approval from the local board a letter will be prepared with conditions around construction and mitigation. The applicants wish to start works this summer 2015/2016.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Location Plan	39
b View	Site Plan	41
c View	Engineering Plan	43

Signatories

Authors	Simon Roche - Parks and Open Space Specialist
Authorisers	Mark Bowater - Manager Local and Sports Parks

Howick Local Board

12 October 2015

Hearing Panel Decision Report on review of alcohol bans in the Howick Local Board Area 2015

File No.: CP2015/20716

Purpose

1. To decide which existing alcohol bans are to be retained after 31 October 2015.

Executive Summary

2. The Howick Local Board has undertaken to review its existing local alcohol bans in its local board area using a public engagement process.

3. The purpose of the review is to identify which existing local alcohol bans meet the new higher statutory threshold to enable them to be retained. Alcohol bans that do not meet the new threshold will lapse on 31 October 2015.

4. The local board appointed a hearing panel to receive, hear and deliberate on submissions and other relevant information and recommend changes to the local board.

5. The key recommendations of the panel are that:

· 19 alcohol bans meet the new higher statutory threshold and should be retained

· 167 alcohol bans do not meet the new threshold and should be allowed to lapse

A full copy of the deliberations and decisions (including any amendments to areas and times) are contained in Attachment B.

6. The hearing panel also notes that the local board has the delegated authority to consider evidence to make a new alcohol ban.

7. The decision required of the local board is whether to approve the recommendations of the hearing panel.

8. Following the decision, staff will update the register of local alcohol bans to commence on 31 October 2015 and update signage.

Recommendation/s

That the Howick Local Board:

a) Makes the alcohol bans recommended to be retained (with any amendments) as contained in Attachment B and C pursuant to the Auckland Council Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014, with a commencement date of 31 October 2015.

b) Allows the alcohol bans recommended to lapse as contained in Attachment B to lapse on 31 October 2015.

c) Confirms that the decisions in (a) and (b) are in accordance with relevant requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 and Auckland Council Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014.

d) Authorises the Manager Social Policy and Bylaws to make any minor edits or amendments to Attachments B and C to correct any identified errors or typographical edits.

Background

9. Alcohol bans are an accepted and effective way of helping to reduce alcohol-related harm. They reduce the amount of alcohol consumed in public places. This helps to reduce harm including levels of intoxication, noise, litter, harm and disorder.

10. Alcohol bans prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public places and are enforced by the New Zealand Police using powers of search, seizure, and arrest. Penalties include an infringement fee of $250.

11. Recent changes to legislation require a review of existing alcohol bans against a new, higher threshold. This means that alcohol bans can only be retained in areas displaying high levels of alcohol-related crime or disorder.

12. Alcohol bans are made under the Auckland Council Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014, and local boards have the delegated responsibility to review existing local alcohol bans in their local board areas by 31 October 2015. This does not include a review of existing alcohol bans in areas of regional significance, which is the responsibility of the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee, nor consideration of new alcohol bans, which will be subject to a separate process (commencing after 31 October 2015).

Proposal

13. The Howick Local Board, at its business meeting on the 11 May 2015 (resolution number HW/2015/64), adopted for public engagement a proposal to:

· retain 14 existing alcohol bans

· lapse 180 existing alcohol bans unless sufficient evidence is provided through the public submission process . This includes 89 bans proposed to lapse on heavy traffic roads once attractive to street racers.

14. The public engagement period opened on 19 June and closed 17 July 2015.

15. The proposed changes were notified as follows:

· a public notice in the New Zealand Herald

· on the Auckland Council website

· through social media, including the local board’s Facebook page and a Facebook advertisement

· in the local board’s e-bulletins circulated to local board stakeholders.

16. All supporting documents were made available on council’s website and through local libraries and service centres.

17. A total of 25 submitters gave evidence for 85 alcohol ban areas. One hundred and thirty-two submitters gave general feedback not specific to an alcohol ban area.

Hearing and deliberations process

18. The Howick Local Board appointed a hearing panel of members White (as chair), Wichman, Spiller and Collings to receive, hear and deliberate on submissions and other relevant information and to make recommendations to the local board (resolution number HW/2015/64). Prior to the hearings, member Wichman withdrew from the hearings panel.

19. A total of ten submitters indicated they wished to be heard. The hearing panel heard from seven submitters on 6 August 2015 and held deliberations 24 September 2015 on all written and oral submissions.

20. Copies of all submissions received were made publicly available.

21. In conducting hearings and making decisions, the hearings panel considered a range of the statutory and bylaw requirements, summarised in Attachment A. The most important requirements outlined in the bylaw are:

· evidence that the alcohol ban area has experienced a high level of crime or disorder that can be shown to have been caused or made worse by alcohol consumption in the area

· that the alcohol ban is appropriate and proportionate in the light of the evidence and can be justified as a reasonable limitation on people's rights and freedoms

· consideration of community-focused solutions as an alternative to or to complement an alcohol ban

· consideration of the views of owners, occupiers, or persons that council has reason to believe are representative of the interests of owners or occupiers, of premises within the area to which the alcohol ban will apply

· consideration of using one of the following times for consistency:

§ 24 hours, 7 days a week (at all times alcohol ban);

§ 7pm to 7am daily (evening alcohol ban)

§ 10pm to 7am daylight saving and 7pm to 7am outside daylight saving (night time alcohol ban)

§ 7pm on the day before to 7am on the day after any weekend, public holiday or Christmas/New Year holiday period (weekend and holiday alcohol ban).

Comments

22. The decisions of the hearing panel (including any amendments to areas and times) and summary of the evidence considered are contained in Attachment B and maps are provided in Attachment C.

23. The key recommendations of the panel are that:

· 19 alcohol bans meet the new higher statutory threshold and should be retained

· 167 alcohol bans do not meet the new threshold and should be allowed to lapse (including 89 bans on heavy traffic roads that were once attractive to street racers, and are no longer required by the New Zealand Police).

24. As part of the its decisions, the panel:

· retained nine areas that did not require geographical or operative time amendments.

· extended the existing geographical areas of Bucklands Beach and Cockle Bay alcohol ban areas (there is sufficient evidence of alcohol-related crime or disorder to support the extended areas).

· subsumed 13 existing alcohol ban areas in to eight larger alcohol ban areas (five children’s playgrounds, five public reserve car parks and three skate parks) on the following parks:

§ Barry Curtis Park

§ Blundell Park

§ Bucklands Beach Hall Grnds

§ Earnslaw Park

§ Howick Domain

§ Lloyd Elsmore Active and Passive Parks

§ McCahill Views Reserve

§ William Green Domain.

25. The decision required of the local board is whether to approve the recommendations of the hearing panel.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

26. Since the commencement of the review in November 2014 the local board at workshops has been presented with the statutory decision making requirements, review process options, and pre-public engagement process evidence to assist the local board in making decisions on which current alcohol bans will be retained after 31 October 2015.

Māori impact statement

27. Managing alcohol related harm associated with people consuming alcohol in public places increases opportunities for health and wellbeing, which is consistent with the outcomes of the Māori Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau.

28. Feedback received from mana whenua representatives at a hui held in March 2015 supported alcohol bans in principle, and believe that non-regulatory approaches should be considered to help reduce alcohol-related harm.

Implementation

29. Any decision on current alcohol bans to be retained or lapsed will require an update to the register of local alcohol bans and to signage. The updating of signage will be coordinated through the Integrated Bylaw Review and Implementation programme.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Decision making requirements	49
b View	Deliberation Table	51
c View	Maps of alcohol bans retained	59

Signatories

Authors	Chair of Howick Local Board hearings panel for the review of alcohol bans 2015 on behalf of the panel, Member Adele White
Authorisers	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

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