Agenda of Waitematā Local Board

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.

3 Declaration of Interest

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Tuesday, 8 December 2015, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

At the close of the agenda no requests for leave of absence had been received.

6 Acknowledgements

At the close of the agenda no requests for acknowledgements had been received.

7 Petitions

At the close of the agenda no requests to present petitions had been received.

8 Deputations

Standing Order 3.20 provides for deputations. Those applying for deputations are required to give seven working days notice of subject matter and applications are approved by the Chairperson of the Waitematā Local Board. This means that details relating to deputations can be included in the published agenda. Total speaking time per deputation is ten minutes or as resolved by the meeting.

At the close of the agenda no requests for deputations had been received.

9 Public Forum

A period of time (approximately 30 minutes) is set aside for members of the public to address the meeting on matters within its delegated authority. A maximum of 3 minutes per item is allowed, following which there may be questions from members.

At the close of the agenda no requests for public forum had been received.

10 Extraordinary Business

Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“An item that is not on the agenda for a meeting may be dealt with at that meeting if-

(a) The local authority by resolution so decides; and

(b) The presiding member explains at the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public,-

(i) The reason why the item is not on the agenda; and

(ii) The reason why the discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.”

Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,-

(a) That item may be discussed at that meeting if-

(i) That item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and

(ii) the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but

(b) no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”

11 Notices of Motion

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

Auckland Transport Quarterly Report Update to Local Boards

File No.: CP2016/00843

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to inform local boards about progress on activities undertaken by Auckland Transport (AT) in the three months from 1 October to 31 December 2015.

Attachments include:

A – Auckland Transport activities by local board area

B – Travelwise Schools activities by local board area

C – Decisions of the Traffic Control Committee by local board area

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).

Recommendations

a) That the Auckland Transport Quarterly Report Update to Local Boards be received.

Comments

Significant activities during the period under review

Strategy and Planning

Transport for Future Urban Growth (TFUG)

2. Under the new business case approach AT has got approved funding to develop growth-related Programme Business Cases (PBCs) to identify the transport infrastructure needed within the next 30 years for the growth areas identified in Auckland Council's Future Urban Land Supply Strategy. The areas to be assessed are the Northwest, Southern, Northern and Warkworth areas. A multi-disciplinary and cross organisational team has been developed and is currently working from a co-located space on the four areas. Procurement is well advanced and consultant teams are on board with a number of workshops planned in January and February.

Central Access Strategy

3. A Strategic Case was jointly developed by the investment partners, and approved by NZTA in November 2015, agreeing the problems faced for access to the city centre. A PBC is underway to identify and agree a programme of options to address the problems, with a high level costs and benefits analysis.

PT Development

Double Decker Network Mitigation works

4. Each route is in a different project phase. By Jun-2018, the following routes are planned to be completed:

· Mt Eden (31 March 2016);

· Northern Express 2 (30 Jun 2016);

· Great North (31 March 2017);

· Manukau (30 June 2017;

· Remuera;

· New North; and

· Onewa.

Botany bus route 500 (from Botany Town Centre to Britomart) has been cleared.

PT Safety, Security and Amenity

5. Involves enhancing station safety, security and amenity. Current projects include completion of Ellerslie Station canopies, upgrade to Morningside Level Crossing and electronic gating at Manurewa Station. Programmed activities in various phases on these projects are:

· Ellerslie canopies will be completed January 2016;

· Morningside Level Crossing Improvement construction work planned for April/May 2016 and interim improvements were completed in November 2015; and

· Manurewa gates in early design stage.

City Rail Link

6. Enabling Works Contract 2, construction of pipe jack (services relocation) commenced (Albert Street) on 21 December 2015. Enabling Works Contract 1, Britomart to Lower Albert Street and Contract 2, Lower Albert Street to Wyndham Street, is to commence in May 2016. Main Works: Construction to start in 2018/19 FY subject to funding agreement with Government.

PT Operations

Highlights for the quarter

· SuperGold Travel – a competitive tender process for SuperGold funding exempt ferry services from downtown Auckland to Matiatia Wharf, Waiheke – as per MoT directive. The tender process resulted in two operators being eligible for SuperGold reimbursements from 1 January 2016. Super Gold card holders conversion onto HOP cards has commenced, for delivery by 1 July 2016. This will mean seniors will be required to use HOP cards to access free PT SuperGold travel.

· Integrated Fares – just prior to Christmas Thales delivered the first release of version 7.0 (customer facing enhancements) for Integrated Fares, ready for AT to commence testing. Some minor changes to zone boundaries were also approved to mitigate some passengers who would have had fare increases under integrated fares. Initial testing of version 7.0 has commenced. Integrated fares implementation is targeted for mid-2016. A late February 2016 annual PT Fares review will be implemented as a stepping stone to integrated fares.

· Ferry Improvements – Waiheke Ferry Services: strong growth has been experienced on the route during the year, reaffirming the route as being the most popular on the Auckland Ferry network. A local initiative to display interpretative signage at Matiatia was delivered with the Waiheke Local Board in the last quarter, and way-finding signage was updated and replaced at Matiatia as well. Next quarter will see the installation of a purpose-built customer information/ticket office by Explore. Overall patronage to Waiheke has grown over 10% in the last 12 months with the combination of Fullers and Explore services.

Road Design and Development

SMART (Southwest Multi-modal Airport Rapid Transit)

7. Future proofing of the SMART route on the Kirkbride (trench) intersection is progressing together with the infrastructure works by Highway Network Operations of NZTA. This element of the project is expected to be complete in 2022. AT is working with the East West team to ensure the projects are well aligned at the critical points. The indicative business case is being updated for LRT and heavy rail. The cycle strategy for the wider Mangere area is also underway.

AMETI – Pakuranga Road Busway

8. Involves provision of a signalised Panmure roundabout, two-lane busway, Walking and Cycling facilities, Panmure bridge upgrade and upgrades to existing bridge and local roads towards Pakuranga Town Centre. A completion date is subject to the outcome/approval of a revised delivery strategy by the AT Board by February 2016. The Notice of Requirement lodgement is ready to proceed, with lodgement pending the outcomes of cultural mitigation discussion. The expected lodgement date is mid-February 2016.

Tamaki Ngapipi Intersection Safety Improvements

9. Involves installation of traffic lights at the Tamaki Drive/Ngapipi Road intersection to address safety issues. The design aims to encourage shared use by reducing conflict points and maintaining efficient movement through the intersection. The AT Board has approved the preferred option, that allows five Pohutukawa trees to be retained, and this option will be taken forward to consenting and construction. Detailed design is underway to finalise the proposal for consenting.

Services

Community and Road Safety Programme

· Delivered alcohol checkpoints in partnership with NZ Police;

· Delivered child restraint checkpoints and Plunket promotions in partnership with NZ Police;

· Delivered safety messages to motorcycle riders regarding high visibility vests and training in Northcote;

· Delivered a targeted social media campaign for high risk young drivers in Henderson;

· Delivered a ‘Train the Trainer’ course to local community and NZ Police for Learners Licence in Henderson;

· Delivered learner and restricted licencing programmes to high risk young drivers in Mangere;

· Delivered a targeted social media campaign for high risk young drivers in Mangere; and

· Supporting ACC and NZTA Young Drivers Signature programme in Mangere.

Commute Travel Planning

· Unitec Travel Plan – Unitec won the 'Think outside the car award for creative excellence' for its cycling programme including installation of 10 covered, student-designed bike racks

· Waitemata District Health Board was awarded the carpooling award at the AT Commute awards for its Carpooling programme.

Travel Demand (2015/16 Year)

10. Transport Choice campaign – ‘Time to cool your love affair with your car' video campaign was promoted for eight weeks primarily via online media and the AT website. Promoted travel choice and encouraged Public Transport, Walking, Cycling, Carpooling and Flexi-working. Over 625,000 views of the videos are recorded – which is a high rate and demonstrates increased awareness.

Road Corridor Delivery

11. The Assets 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; and

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

Road Corridor Delivery

· In the 2015/2016 financial year AT is planning to deliver 37.7 km of pavement rehabilitation, 480.1 km of resurfacing (comprising 88.9 km of hotmix and 391.2 km of chip sealing), 75.7 km of footpath renewals and 82.7 km of kerb and channel replacement.

Table 1: Progress against Asset Renewal Targets

· Pavement rehabilitation projects have been completed on Kohimarama Road, Ranui Station Road, Edmonton Road, Robertson Road, Te Irirangi Drive, Ormiston Road, Whitford Road, Glenbrook Road, Linwood Road, Clyde Road, Lakeside Drive, Maygrove Drive, Brigham Creek Road, Mokoia Road, Kahika Road, Diana Drive, Glenmore Road, South Head Road, Waitoki Road, Mahurangi East Road, Hector Sanderson Road and Blind Bay Road. Further projects are underway on College Road, Hunua Road, Roscommon Road, St George Street, Bairds Road and Cavendish Drive.

· Contracts have been awarded to two suppliers for the provision of LED luminaires for the 2015/16 year. In the 2015/16 year approximately 11,000 of the existing 70W HPS lamps on the network will be replaced with LED luminaires and connected to the new central management system. Initially most will be in the central and north contract areas. The LED retrofit programme is being accelerated with the aim of completing the replacement of all the existing 70W HPS lamps by 1 July 2018 so as to maximise the available subsidy from the NZTA.

Road Corridor Access

· Monitoring of Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) at work sites is continuing to ensure compliance with the approved traffic management plans and to identify opportunities for improvement. The average percentage of low risk sites for Quarter 2 is 94% (against the target of 90%)

· With an anticipated dip in numbers for December, the Corridor Access Request (CAR) team continues to process around 1,300 applications per month. These requests are for AT operations (inclusive of CRL) and various utility operators to access and maintain the assets sitting within the road corridor. Access is also sought by private operators and individuals who need to access the road network to undertake activities such as private water connections etc.

Strategic Asset Management and Systems

· AT inherited an inventory of 117 permanent traffic counting sites across the Auckland region. These comprise inductive loops installed in the road pavement which detect passing vehicles through electro-magnetic induction. The loops provide details of traffic flows by vehicle category. In addition, AT can deploy pneumatic tubes installed across traffic lanes to undertake ad-hoc traffic counts. These are used where there are no permanent loops installed.

· The information generated by the loops provides an ongoing record of traffic growth across Auckland, which is used to inform infrastructure design as well as providing current and trend information for the Auckland traffic and growth models managed by the Auckland Joint Modelling Applications Centre (JMAC). The output from these models has been used in the development of the Integrated Transport Programme (ITP), defining AT’s road hierarchy for ONRC, and will be used for the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP).

· During the period October to December inclusive, a total of 493 traffic counts were undertaken using a mixture or permanent sites and pneumatic tubes. Additionally, 57 additional counts were undertaken over the Christmas holiday period to identify recreational traffic flows which may be significant at certain locations. Sixteen of these were on Waiheke and four on Great Barrier Island.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Schedule of activities undertaken for the first quarter (2015/2016) ending 30 September 2015	13
b View	Travelwise Schools Activities Broken Down by Local Board	31
c View	Traffic Control Committee Decisions broken down by Local Board	33
d View	Local Board Advocacy Report	39
e View	Local Board Transport Capital Fund Report	43

Signatories

Authors

Various Auckland Transport Authors

Authorisers

Jonathan Anyon, Elected Member Relationship Team Manager, Auckland Transport

Victoria Villaraza - Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

Auckland Transport Update - February 2016

File No.: CP2016/00637

Purpose

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

Executive summary

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

Recommendations

a) That the Auckland Transport Report – February 2016 be received.

Comments

Local Board Transport Capital Fund Update

Budget Allocation

$1,879,156 4 year budget (2012/13 – 2015/16)

$1,662,370 Approved spend to date

$216,786 4 year budget (2012/13 – 2015/16) remaining to be allocated

$469,789 5^th year budget (2016/17)

Project Descriptions – Live Projects

Project	Budget	Description	Status
Newmarket Rail Station Artwork Fencing	$5,000	Funding for an upgraded fence design will complement renewals work AT will undertake on the bridge over rail structure	Verbal update to be supplied at meeting
Drinking Fountains Programme	$88,000	Funding for drinking fountains to compliment AC/AT Cycling projects in the city	Upper Queen St – delivered Carlton Gore Rd – delivered Nelson St – delivered
Waitemata Greenways – Grey Lynn Park Shared Path	$350,000	Development of a wider, shared path that supports the Grey Lynn Park Development Plan and the future Waitemata Greenways Route G1 cycle route	In progress, consultation being planned for route
Ponsonby Road Pedestrian Improvements	$703,000	Funding to create an improved pedestrian experience, including safety elements and amenity, on Ponsonby Road between Williamson and Franklin Road.	In progress. Designs released for public consultation in November, analysis will be presented to Board’s March 2016 meeting.
Newmarket Laneways Streetscape Improvements	$500,000	Funding for concept design development for the Newmarket Laneways Plan. Council has allocated $3.5m over next two financial years to deliver the project.	In progress. Concept designs with expanded scope including York and Kent streets underway.

Parnell Station Building Internal Refurbishment

3. The Waitemata Local Board requested AT to identify use of a potential local board transport capital fund allocation towards refurbishment of the inside of the future Parnell Station Building.

4. Auckland Transport’s Executive Team has recently engaged with KiwiRail and received advice that the station building will be relocated to the site in late 2016.

5. This change of date to the building being on-site will not allow the board’s fund to be spent in time under the Local Board transport Capital Fund financial rules.

6. Auckland Transport suggests the Board to look at other opportunities for use of the remaining $216,786 of the fund.

Major Projects Delivery Programme 2015/16 – Waitemata

Projects Under Construction		Projects Delivered (FY2015-16)
PT Infrastructure	Parnell Station	Walking & Cycling	Carlton Gore Cycle lane
PT Network	Double decker bus enabling works	Road Maintenance	Ponsonby Road Resurfacing and Cycling Improvements
Roading/Public Spaces	Wynyard Quarter Road and Public Space Improvements	PT Infrastructure	Parnell Road Southbound bus lane
Walking & Cycling	Wynyard Quarter Interim Cycle Path	Walking & Cycling	Beach Road Walking and Cycling – Stage 2
		Minor Safety Improvements	Parnell Road/Parnell Rise Intersection Upgrade
		Major Projects	Nelson Street Cycleway – Phase 1 (Off-ramp)

Engagements

Monthly Engagement Overview

7. Auckland Transport engaged with the Board on a number of transport matters during the month of November:

Date	Subject	Forum
1 Dec	Karangahape Road Cycleway and Public Realm Enhancement	Workshop
3 Dec	Nelson Street Cycleway Opening Event	Event
8 Dec	Waitemata Local Board Business Meeting	Meeting
9 Dec	Franklin Road Community Liaison Meeting	Meeting
14 Dec	Tamaki Drive (Plumer St to Ngapipi Rd) Cycle Route Options Workshop	Workshop
16 Dec	Update on Countdown/Vinegar Lane roading proposals	Transport Portfolio
22 Dec	Update on outstanding items	Transport Portfolio

Consultations

8. Public consultation has been undertaken on the proposals listed in the table below. Should any feedback by the Board wish to be made, the Board may choose to make its feedback through formal resolutions or request further engagement or a submissions analysis to be presented to the Board before a formal board position is made.

Recent Proposals Consulted On		Upcoming Consultations (2015/16)
*Proposal*	*Timeframe*	*Proposal*	*Indicative Timeframe*
Nelson Street Phase 2	Closed, submissions analysis completed	Ponsonby Paid Parking Zone	February 2016
Quay Street	Closed 11 Dec	Ponsonby Residential Parking Zone	February 2016
Eden Terrace Paid Parking Zone Extension	Closed 18 Dec	Waitemata Safe Routes Scheme	February 2016
Curran Street / Sarsfield Street Intersection Improvements	Closed, feedback analysis underway
Grey Lynn Shops PT and Safety Improvements	Closed 09 Dec
New Bus Network	Closed 10 Dec

Quay Street Cycleway

9. Public consultation was conducted with the following themes received from the consultation;

10. Three questions were posed;

1. What did you like about the Quay Street Cycleway.

2. What would you change about the Quay Street Cycleway.

3. Do you have any other comments about the Quay Street Cycleway.

11. Refer to Attachment A, for the themes.

12. Auckland Transport is currently conducting a full analysis of the consultation feedback raw data and once completed the board will be provided with a copy.

Eden Terrace Paid Parking Zone Extension

13. Public consultation was conducted. Feedback received appears to show polar opposite views between the businesses and the residents of the area. Auckland Transport is therefore conducting an in depth analysis of the feedback and will supply the board with this information once completed.

Curran Street / Sarsfield Street Intersection Improvements

14. This project is currently under review, with further consultation to be conducted.

Grey Lynn Shops Public Transport and Safety Improvements

15. Auckland Transport (AT) sought public feedback on ten proposed aspects of town centre improvements for Grey Lynn, including; relocation, removal and extension of bus stops, the introduction of a right-turn only lane, the introduction of a signalised pedestrian crossing, the installation of traffic calming treatments and, parking restrictions.

16. Feedback on the proposal was initially invited from Monday 2 November to Friday 20 November. This period was later extended to Wednesday 9 December. In total, 315 feedback responses were received: 241 via freepost feedback forms and 74 via the online survey.

17. Submitters were invited to comment on each proposal.

18. People were also asked to tell Auckland Transport whether they supported or opposed the proposed traffic calming in Prime Road and Selbourne St.

19. There was strong support for the proposed traffic calming on Prime Road (a central island with tactile paving markers and a median strip), with 26% in strong support, 48% in support, 10% neutral, 3% opposed and 8% strongly opposed. 5% of submitters provided no response to this question.

20. There was also strong support for the proposed traffic calming on Selbourne St (a raised speed table with tactile paving markers and associated footpath extensions) with 30% in strong support, 48% in support, 8% neutral, 4% opposed and 5% strongly opposed. 6% of submitters provided no response to this question.

21. Themes identified in the open-ended feedback were specific to each improvement/ location and have been identified (most number of comments to least number) below.

22. Proposed pedestrian crossing and right-turn only lane (Great North Rd and Surrey Cres): Like proposed pedestrian crossing (88 comments); like proposed right-turn only (64 comments); suggest other (21 comments); right-turn only will cause congestion/ rat running (12); traffic speed concerns (11); cycling facilities/ safety (11); right-turn arrow required at intersection (10); additional pedestrian crossing facilities required (9); pedestrian safety concerns (7); dislike proposal (general)/ leave as is (5); signal phase timings (5); pedestrian crossing unnecessary (4); proposed pedestrian crossing will cause congestion (4); proposed pedestrian crossing visibility concerns (4); right-turn only unnecessary/ dislike (4); query (2); proposed road marking will confuse drivers (1).

23. Proposed traffic calming on Prime Rd (traffic island): Like/support proposal (52); dislike car park loss (33); proposed unnecessary/ no speed issue (19); suggest additional/ other in this location (11); suggest other location traffic calming (10); cycling facilities/ concerns (8); install raised table also (7); other comments (5); dislike proposal (general) (3); will help stop rat-running behaviour (3); support car park loss (specifically) (3); Selbourne St crossing higher priority (3); expect noise to increase (2); expect congestion (no simultaneous L/R turn from Prime) (1).

24. Proposed traffic calming on Selbourne St (raised speed table): Like/ support proposal (48); proposed speed calming unnecessary (16); suggest other (13); more speed calming on Selbourne required (12); should have pedestrian facilities in this location (10); dislike proposed traffic calming (6); will help stop rat-running behaviour (6); dislike car park loss (4); cycle facilities (4); stop sign from Surrey right into Selbourne ignored (3); Selbourne one-way ignored (3).

25. Proposed bus stop extensions, relocation and removal: dislike loss of parks (102); suggestion/ query (96); relocate bus stops away from main shopping area (91); do not relocate bus stops away from main stopping area (6); support all proposed (39); oppose all proposed (10); cycling concerns (5); like/ no objection to parking restrictions (broken yellow lines) (3)

26. 8114 extension: dislike proposed 89; relocate to outside 526 Great North Rd instead (84); install footpath buildout for 8114 (6); 8114 like proposed (4)

27. 8115 extension and footpath buildout: dislike proposed (17); like proposed (5); relocate to outside 487 Great North Rd instead (7)

28. 8116 removal: like proposed (14); 8116 dislike proposed (2)

29. 8894 relocation from 134 Williamson: like proposed (12); dislike proposed (9)

30. Proposed loading bay relocation from 604 to 592 Great North Rd: support proposed relocation (32); additional suggestions (17); support additional parking (7); oppose proposed relocation (6); cycling concerns (3); unnecessary/ pointless (2); like improved visibility (2).

Nelson St Cycleway Phase 2

31. For the 8 Dec 2015 Waitemata Local Board meeting, Auckland Transport provided a summary of the Phase 2 public consultation for both Pitt St and Nelson St north of Victoria St to Quay St via Sturdee and Lower Hobson St.

32. The following resolution is from the Waitemata Local Board meeting held on 8 December 2016:

“That the Waitematā Local Board notes the public feedback analysis for the Nelson Street Cycleway Phase 2 and requests Auckland Transport provide a direct connection to Wynyard Quarter via Market Place and the Western side of Nelson St in addition to the proposed Quay St connection.”

33. There was considerable consultation feedback received regarding route choice and a desire by many submitters for the cycleway to remain on the left hand side (west) of Nelson St north of Victoria St.

34. Traffic modelling of a two-way cycleway facility at the Nelson St/ Fanshawe St/ Sturdee St/ Market Place intersection, through into Market Place demonstrates that most options have a detrimental impact on network operation including public transport on the Fanshawe Street/ Sturdee Street route resulting in increased delays and queuing.

35. This poor performance is mostly related to removing the existing left turn signalised slip lanes from Nelson Street to Fanshawe Street.

36. The option with the least affect is to retain the left turn signalised slip lane from Nelson Street to Fanshawe Street but with just one left turn lane and an increased splitter island size for increased amenity for pedestrians and people on bikes waiting to cross.

37. In some regards this option may not provide the level of service anticipated by those who submitted wanting the cycleway to remain on the left hand side (west) of Nelson St north of Victoria St through into Market Place. Furthermore it could be difficult for the southbound uphill user who would need to negotiate a left hand turn and 12-14% uphill grade.

38. On that basis Auckland Transport is assessing the feasibility of providing the two-way cycleway facility on the right hand (east) side of Nelson St for the “interested but concerned” user, as per consultation, and providing a one-way downhill on-road cycle lane on the left side (west) for the confident user to stay left on Nelson St though to Market Place.

39. Auckland Transport is also enhancing options to get people on bikes to/ from the Market Place to the east (right hand side).

40. Auckland Transport will provide the board with updated plans before closing out consultation with the public.

Consideration

Media

41. The Auckland Bike Challenge commences in February, designed to encourage employees to give cycling a go during Bikewise month.

Cyclists are seeing the light and heading to Nelson St

42. The magenta walking and cycling path over Auckland’s Spaghetti Junction is proving popular with thousands of people trying it out in the first couple of weeks. On the opening day almost 2800 people cycled on Lightpath, Te Ara I Whiti with hundreds more on foot enjoying the sweeping views across the city and harbour.

43. With a number of cycle projects in the inner city to be completed in the next two to three years, AT predicts a real growth in the number of people choosing to bike into the city. Assuming the inner city network is completed, Auckland Transport projects 1400 cycle movements per day on Nelson St by 2026.

44. Below is a table of the number of cycle movements over Lightpath and Nelson St, south of Wellesley St (the figures are in both directions but does not include pedestrians).

Date	Nelson Street	Nelson Street Lightpath Counter
Thu 3 Dec	1064	2797
Fri 4 Dec	511	1086
Sat 5 Dec	612	1685
Sun 6 Dec	776	2231
Mon 7 Dec	463	892
Tue 8 Dec	514	684
Wed 9 Dec	436	806
Thu 10 Dec	420	840
Fri 11 Dec	280	380
Sat 12 Dec	443	1153
Sun 13 Dec	295	787
Mon 14 Dec	435	728

Consideration

Local board views and implications

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

Māori impact statement

46. Mana whenua and Mana waka are consulted on Auckland Transport’s capital programme and proposed changes to policy.

Implementation

47. All proposed schemes are subject to prioritization, funding and consultation.

Implementation

48. All proposed schemes are subject to prioritization, funding and consultation.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Quay Street Cycleway Themes	51

Signatories

Authors	Ivan Trethowen - Auckland Transport, Elected Member Relationship Manager
Authoriser	Jonathan Anyon - Auckland Transport, Elected Member Relationship Team Manager

PDF Creator

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central (adjoined to Auckland Library) – Application for Extension of Lease to Library Coffee Limited “Esquires”

File No.: CP2016/00485

Purpose

1. This report seeks to gain approval from the Waitemata Local Board for the application of an extension of a commercial lease to Library Coffee Limited “Esquires” over the site at 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central being adjacent to the Auckland Library; this will be by way of variation of the current lease.

Executive Summary

2. The current lease to Library Cafe Limited (the “Tenant”) over the corner of the site situated at 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central will expire on 21 June 2018.

3. The Tenant has requested an extension of the lease until 21 November 2020 (a further two years, five months of the current term). The Tenant intends to sell the business to a new franchisee which will result in an assignment of the current lease. The purchaser of the business intends to carry out a substantial upgrade of the premises only on the basis that the lease term is extended in order to receive the benefit of the investment in the refurbishment. If the lease term is extended to 2020 the new franchisee will purchase the business and fully renovate/upgrade the site. This will include a completely new modern look and new menu, better food, coffee and service. Auckland Council Library representative has approved the proposed internal renovations.

4. If the term is not extended to 2020, the business will remain under the operation of the current franchisee as the new franchisee will not proceed with the purchase. The condition of the café will remain exactly the same as no renovations will take place.

5. “Esquires” has proved to be a reliable tenant and the continued use of a café in this location is complimentary to the Library. The proposed renovation work will enhance the surrounding Library environment. The extension will generate an extra 2 years, 5 months of commercial rental which can further contribute to any redevelopment of the site that Auckland Council Library wishes to pursue in the future.

6. Auckland Council’s legal department have confirmed that given the application relates to a variation of the lease and a refurbishment of the property at 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central, the Waitemata Local Board has the delegation to approve the new extended lease term and refurbishment of the premises.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) That the Waitemata Local Board approves the extension of commercial lease application to Library Coffee Limited over the premises at 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central, subject to the following terms and conditions:

I) 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central:

i) a variation of lease to Library Coffee Limited to provide for an extension for a term of two years, 5 months applicable from 1 October 2018;

ii) a final expiry date of 20 November 2020; and

iii) the above terms are approved on the condition that the Tenant carried out the renovation/refurbishment work at the Premises promptly and in accordance with the approved plans.

Comments

7. The property is located adjacent to the Auckland Library and Auckland Council Library Department has confirmed they are supportive of the lease extension application to Library Coffee Limited over the premises at 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

8. There are no known implications to approving the extension of lease application.

Māori impact statement

9. Panuku Development Auckland has a comprehensive Iwi engagement process that engages with the 19 key Mana Whenua groups in the Tamaki region on four fronts: identifying cultural significance concerns regarding disposal and development properties, flagging commercial interests, development partnering discussions and engagement around design outcomes for council driven development projects. Panuku Development Auckland has also undertaken to be part of Council’s Maori Responsiveness Plan pilot program. The project’s key output will be an operational document outlining how Panuku Development Auckland will contribute to Council’s strategic and operational commitments to Maori. As there is no change to the property, the existing tenants, or re-tender of the property, there has been no Iwi engagement undertaken in respect of the Tenant’s extension of lease application.

Implementation

10. If the Local Board supports the above recommendations Panuku Development Auckland will provide a deed of variation for an extension of the lease to Library Coffee Limited over the premises at 44-48 Lorne Street, Auckland Central.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Katerina Marinkovich, Property Manager, Panuku Development Auckland

Authorisers

Margrit de Man, Property Portfolio Manager, Panuku Development Auckland

Victoria Villaraza, Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

Draft Local Government Election Year Policy for Elected Members

File No.: CP2016/00642

Purpose

1. To provide comments to the governing body on the draft “Local Government Election Year Policy for Elected Members”.

Executive Summary

2. This report attaches the draft policy which will be considered by the governing body at its meeting on 25 February 2016, along with comments from local boards.

3. The policy applies during an election year, which is the time that some sitting members may be “wearing two hats”. One role is as an elected member, making the decisions of the Auckland Council. The other role is as a candidate for the next elections. The policy sets out how to distinguish between these two roles. The “pre-election” period (three months prior to the election) is a particularly sensitive period.

4. The draft policy is based on the policy that was presented to local boards and the governing body in 2013 and reflects guidance provided to public sector entities by the State Services Commission and by the Office of the Auditor General.

5. It has been reformatted to:

· make it clearer it is principle-based;

· remove some of the policy relating to staff conduct, which will be contained in a separate organisational policy for staff; and

· include a “Frequently Asked Questions” section giving additional guidance to common questions that confront elected members.

6. The body of the report provides comments raised by local boards in 2013 and the responses to them as contained in the report to the governing body.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) Consider its comments on the draft “Local Government Election Year Policy for Elected Members”.

Comments

7. Previous comments from local boards that were reported to the governing body in 2013, along with responses, are below.

8. Two local boards queried the requirement that elected member bodies do not criticise decisions of other elected member bodies in council publications and one sought clarification regarding who the arbiter of this is.

· This principle is included on the basis that it is considered inappropriate for different parts of council to be publicly criticising each other’s decisions in council-resourced communications. This principle operates once a decision has been made. Auckland Council’s decision-making process provides several opportunities, prior to a decision being made, for local boards and the governing body to advocate for a particular position. There are no restrictions on elected members’ use of non-council funded news media or publicity, other than the standards of behaviour required by the Code of Conduct.

· The Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, is responsible for ensuring that council-funded publications adhere to council’s policies.

9. One local board expressed a view that the pre-election period was one month too early.

· The pre-election period of three months is defined in the OAG guidelines and applies nationally for all local government elections.

10. One local board requested information on sanctions that will be put in place to ensure elected member candidates adhere to the policies.

· The Election Year Policy now includes a section on breaches of the policy. This is based on a similar section in the Code of Conduct and provides that the chief executive will consider and take appropriate action on a case by case basis in response to complaints about breaches of the policy. This may include involving the electoral officer depending on the nature of the alleged breach.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

11. This report provides an opportunity for the local board to record its views on the draft policy.

Māori impact statement

12. The attached policies are for the guidance of all elected members and are of equal relevance to Māori and non-Māori.

Implementation

13. Once adopted, the policies will be forwarded to all elected members.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Local Government Election Year Policy for Elected Members	65

Signatories

Authors

Warwick McNaughton - Principal Advisor - Democracy Services

Authorisers

Marguerite Delbet - Manager Democracy Services

Victoria Villaraza - Relationship Manager

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

Governance Forward Work Calendar

File No.: CP2016/00643

Purpose

1. To present to the local board with a 12 month governance forward work calendar.

Executive Summary

2. This report introduces the governance forward work calendar: a schedule of items that will come before the board at business meetings and workshops over the next 12 months. The governance forward work calendar for your local board is included in Attachment A.

3. The calendar aims to support local boards’ governance role by:

· ensuring advice on agendas and workshop material is driven by local board priorities

· clarifying what advice is required and when

· clarifying the rationale for reports.

4. The calendar will be updated every month. Each update will be reported back to business meetings and distributed to relevant council staff. It is recognised that at times items will arise that are not programmed. Local board members are welcome to discuss changes to the calendar.

Recommendations

That the Waitematā Local Board:

a) Notes the attached Governance Forward Work Calendar.

Comments

5. Council’s Quality Advice Programme aims to improve the focus, analysis, presentation and timeliness of staff advice to elected representatives. An initiative under this is to develop forward work calendars for governing body committees and local boards. These provide elected members with better visibility of the types of governance tasks they are being asked to undertake and when they are scheduled.

6. Although the document is new, there are no new projects in the governance forward work calendar. The calendar brings together in one schedule reporting on all of the local board’s projects and activities previously approved in the local board plan, long-term plan, departmental work programmes and through other local board decisions. It includes governing body policies and initiatives that call for a local board response.

7. This initiative is intended to support the local boards’ governance role. It will also help staff to support local boards, as an additional tool to manage workloads and track activities across council departments, and it will allow greater transparency for the public.

8. The calendar is arranged in three columns, “Topic”, “Purpose” and “Governance Role”:

· Topic describes the items and may indicate how they fit in with broader processes such as the annual plan;

· Purpose indicates the aim of the item, such as formally approving plans or projects, hearing submissions or receiving progress updates; and

· Governance role is a higher-level categorisation of the work local boards do. Examples of the seven governance categories are tabled on the following page.

Governance role	Examples
Setting direction/priorities/budget	Capex projects, work programmes, annual plan
Local initiatives/specific decisions	Grants, road names, alcohol bans
Input into regional decision-making	Comments on regional bylaws, policies, plans
Oversight and monitoring	Local board agreement, quarterly performance reports, review projects
Accountability to the public	Annual report
Engagement	Community hui, submissions processes
Keeping informed	Briefings, cluster workshops

9. Local board members are welcome to discuss changes to the calendar. The calendar will be updated and reported back every month to business meetings. Updates will also be distributed to relevant council staff.

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

10. All local boards are being presented with governance forward work calendars for their consideration.

Māori impact statement

11. The projects and processes referred to in the governance forward work calendar will have a range of implications for Māori which will be considered when the work is reported.

Implementation

12. Staff will review the calendar each month in consultation with board members and will report an updated calendar to the local board.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	Governance Forward Work Programme - February 2016	75

Signatories

Authors

Neil Taylor – Senior Advisor Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board

Kris Munday – Senior Advisor Improvement Team

Authorisers

Victoria Villaraza - Relationship Manager

Karen Lyon – Manager Local Boards Services

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

2 February 2016

Feedback from the Waitematā Local Board on Auckland Transport’s proposed New Network for Auckland’s Central Suburbs

Introduction

The Waitematā Local Board welcomes the opportunity to provide its feedback on the New Network for Auckland’s central suburbs.

The Board notes that the public consultation period for the central New Network ran from 1 October to 10 December 2015. During this time, the public had the option to submit on behalf of an organisation or as individuals. The Waitematā Local Board was briefed pre-consultation and encouraged to make a submission on behalf of the board. Members of the transport portfolio also attended a number of the New Network stakeholder engagement events and meetings. The Board thanks Auckland Transport for the innovative engagement tools prepared for children with students from Freemans Bay Primary School (the Board funded Think Big project).

The vision of the Waitematā Local Board is to foster ever-more vibrant, connected, healthy and thriving communities. The Board recognises the significant role that transport networks and services play to achieve this vision and the impact they have on communities – in living healthy lifestyles, shaping town centres and safely travelling to the places we want to be.

Our support for outstanding public transport is outlined in our Local Board Plan 2014 under Outcome: Connected, accessible and safe transport choices: Public transport must be affordable and easier for everyone to access. Frequent, flexible and integrated services are essential if people are to get out of their cars and into trains, buses and ferries. Better and more accessible passenger information and ticketing systems, along with comfortable safe and smoke-free bus stops, will attract new users.

The Board also recognises the role that public transport has to play in reducing Auckland’s greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the Becoming a Low Carbon Community: An Action Plan adopted by the Board in August 2015 the Board included a public transport focused Action Area: Low Carbon Transport Options 4.1 Advocate for public transport (this includes buses, ferries, rail, trams and light rail) that is easy to access, frequent, affordable, comfortable and integrated.

The New Network fundamentally changes the way bus services operate. The key principle is to run a number of high frequency services that are designed to work together through easy connections. The Board is strongly supportive of the principles behind the New Network that will positively contribute to the ongoing transformation of Auckland’s public transport system over the next few years and make a big contribution to achieving the vision of the Auckland Plan and the vision of the Waitematā Local Board.

We wish to provide feedback on specific concerns relevant to the Waitematā Local Board area that have been raised through the consultation process and to make a number of general comments about elements that support the New Network. We would like the opportunity to provide further feedback to Auckland Transport once we have been provided with the full analysis of the submissions received relevant to Waitemata and have a full picture of all concerns raised.

This feedback was prepared by the Transport portfolio on behalf of the Waitematā Local Board.

Key Waitematā Local Board area issues

Herne Bay bus stop

The Board is concerned about the proposed closure of bus stop 7124 at the end of Jervois Road in Herne Bay and the significant impact on residents who will be required to walk up to 500m further to the nearest bus stop. For buses to offer a real alternative to the private car as a means of moving around the region they must be within a comfortable walking distance from people’s origins and destinations. The general acceptable standard practice for bus stopping within an urban area is a stop every 400 meters. The Board requests that Auckland Transport reconsider this proposal in consultation with the local community.

Richmond Rd service

The Board supports the proposed more direct service from the city to Richmond Road via Hopetoun St.

Williamson Ave service

The Board notes that AT proposes to discontinue services from Williamson Ave to the city. The Board requests Auckland Transport to reconsider route options available in light of any community concerns raised on this issue.

New Crosstown 5

The Board supports the proposed new Crosstown 5 service that will improve connections from Grey Lynn and Ponsonby to Wynyard Quarter and provide a new connection to Kingsland Train Station.

Crosstown 4 replacement of the Outer Link

The Board is generally positive about the replacement of the Outer Link with the proposed Crosstown 4 service due to the increased reliability of a non- circular route.

The Board would like Auckland Transport to reconsider whether more of the current Outer link connections can be maintained (for example the connection from Herne Bay to St Lukes and Newmarket to Mt Eden).

Freemans Bay service

The Board supports Auckland Transport maintaining a Freemans Bay service (to replace the current 020). Once a preferred route is identified the Board requests that Auckland Transport undertake further targeted consultation with residents.

Uptown and Grafton services

The Board does not support the removal of all services from the full length of Khyber Pass and requests that Auckland Transport reconsider the bus routes required to service the Uptown business community and the Eden Tce/Symonds St residential community. The Board also requests Auckland Transport work to ensure the reliability of services to the Uptown area that may be impacted by the CRL works.

The Board is also concerned about the impact of additional services on Park Road; the road is relatively constrained and may not be suitable for increased numbers of services. The Board notes the concerns raised by the Grafton Residents Association.

These include concerns that the increased numbers of services using the Central Connector route will lead to a ‘wall’ of buses that makes it difficult for Grafton Residents to exit the area, and to access the Domain for recreational purposes.

The Board requests that Auckland Transport urgently install cycling facilities on Park Road to separate people on bikes from the significant number of buses using this route.

Wynyard Quarter services

The Board supports the proposed increase in services to Wynyard Quarter. The Board is concerned at the amount of development that is occurring in the Quarter which may suffer from poor levels of public transport service. For example, what provision is being made to enable patrons from the new Auckland Theatre Company theatre to both attend and leave from shows at the theatre (some shows run to 10.30pm at night)?

Lower St Georges Bay road services

The Board supports new and improved services for the Lower St Georges Bay Road area in recognition of the number of businesses and employment density in this location.

The Board also requests Auckland Transport work with NZTA to ensure bus stops are conveniently and safely located on the Strand to allow safe use of buses for users from the residential area to the north, and from employees working in the area to the south.

Museum services

The Board supports a service targeted at museum visitors but notes that to be effective and viable an increase in promotion of the route is required.

Curran St

The Board is concerned that Auckland Transport may be considering locating North Shore bus services on Curran St, Herne Bay. The proposal has not been consulted on with the Board or wider community and is holding up the Board and community supported project to make safety improvements to the intersection of Curran and Sarsfield Streets.

Newmarket

The Board opposes the proposal to remove a bus connection between Remuera Road and Newmarket/Parnell.

The Board opposes the use of Nuffield Street as a bus layover point.. The street is designed for outside dinning and shopping which conflicts with its current and proposed use by buses. The Board requests Auckland Transport reconsider Newmarket routes in light of planned streetscape upgrades and pedestrian priority.

Three Lamps

The Board requests Auckland Transport to consider what improvements could be made to Three Lamps on Ponsonby Road that are consistent with the Ponsonby Plan and support the New Network (for example providing a contra flow for north bound buses). The Board requests that these options for reconfiguration of the road corridor are reported back to the Board.

General feedback

Greenhouse gas emissions

The Board requests that Auckland Transport incorporate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a commitment to the Auckland Plan climate change targets as part of the New Network principles

The Board requests that Auckland Transport work with bus operators to remove all polluting buses from service and enforce a high environmental standard for all new buses. The Board encourages Auckland Transport to consider trailing electric buses particularly for city centre routes.

Bus lanes

The Board supports Auckland Transport’s parking strategy that prioritises bus lanes on arterial (district and regional) routes. We reconfirm our position as outlined in the Board’s feedback on AT’s parking discussion document:

On corridors serving the FTN and on-road cycling corridors with proven safety issues we generally support phasing out on-street parking where it is necessary to encourage more frequent and reliable PT services, increased PT patronage and increased walking and cycling.

However we would first like Auckland Transport to work closely with Business Associations and stakeholders to clearly explain the local economic benefits of streetscape improvements and the FTN (noting that many studies have shown retailers over-estimate the value of on- road car parking and underestimate the spend of customers arriving by PT, walking or cycling).

Walking and cycling safety

The Board is pleased to see that Auckland Transport has recently acknowledged bus lanes are unsuitable for sharing with people on bikes and is removing bus lanes from the existing cycle network.

The Board notes the benefits to bus services of separating bikes from buses on busy routes and requests that Auckland Transport’s bus team work more closely with the walking & cycling team to improve cycling facilities as part of the New Network rollout. This includes the provision of bike storage at transport hubs and providing for safe connections to frequent services.

The Board requests that Auckland Transport ensure all bus drivers have undertaken cycle awareness training. We are concerned with the current number of incidents involving poor driver behaviour towards vulnerable road users.

The Board also requests that Auckland Transport supports the lowering of speeds through town centres as part of the New Network rollout. Lower speeds will improve safety for all road users particularly at busy transport hubs.

Passenger experience

The Board notes the importance of providing bus passengers with a high level of service in all areas to make public transport an attractive, pleasant and cost effective transport option. As well as frequent and reliable services the Board requests that Auckland Transport focus on:

- Maintaining buses to a high standard (clean and tidy)

- Allowing bus passengers to see out of the bus by removing advertising from windows

- Ensuring bus stops are smokefree and keep passengers dry

- Convenient and well-spaced bus stops

Transfer points

The Board notes that greater route accessibility is provided through ‘transfer points’, where two services cross each other. For example, people needing to go from Jervois Rd to Balmoral Rd will need to transfer from Crosstown 4 to Crosstown 6 service at either Mt Albert or Greenlane / Balmoral Rd intersection.

These points need to have adequate infrastructure to support transfer movements. This includes adequate shelter and information for users. Auckland Transport to ensure success of the New Network needs to pay close attention to Transfer Points.

Accessibility

The Board is committed to being an Accessible Board. This means ensuring that our communications, our culture and our physical environments are accessible to all users. In this case, it is important that the physical environments are accessible to those in wheelchairs e.g. bus shelters, and information is accessible to Deaf (capital D Deaf refers to people who are Deaf, and culturally use NZSL, and interact with other Deaf people), and low vision / blind people.

The Board requests that Auckland Transport ensures that accessibility issues have been considered and continues to review its accessibility approach, plan and progress.

Zonal fares and price of travel

The Board supports the proposed integrated ticketing as part of a zone based system. However we confirm our previous feedback to Auckland Transport requesting the extension of the western boundary of the City fare zone so that it includes MOTAT and the Auckland Zoo.

We would also like to see Auckland Transport review further opportunities for reducing fares particularly at off peak times and implementing incentives that make it more cost effective to leave the car at home.

Night buses

The Board notes that night services are particularly important for young people and shift workers. The Board requests that Auckland Transport identify frequent central area services that are required 24/7 and include these as part of the New Network.

Existing and transitional issues

The Board would like to see the New Network implemented as soon as possible. We note the current implementation date is not until 2017. In the meantime the Board requests that Auckland Transport takes further steps to improve the reliability of existing services (timing, bus priority measures, etc), and investigates the provision of new services early on The Strand . The Board is particularly concerned about delays to bus services as a result of the City Rail Link enabling works and requests that Auckland Transport improves passenger information services (eg bus stop and route changes) and implement any improvements necessary to maintain a high level of service (eg temporary bus lanes).

Board members have had reason to log a number of issues with Auckland Transport about current services that we know are frustrating to passengers (for example delays on the Outer Link and insufficient services to support events). We would like Auckland Transport to work further with bus operators to ensure the reliability of existing services until the New Network is implemented.

Waitematā Local Board

09 February 2016

Deputy Chairperson's Report

File No.: CP2016/01254

Executive summary

This is my first report for 2016 covering updates from December 2015 and January.

Recommendations

a) That the Deputy Chairperson’s Report be received.

Comments

Highlights

City of cycles

The opening of Lightpath and the Nelson St cycleway on 3 December by Hon Simon Bridges marked the beginning of a fantastic summer of cycling for Auckland. There has been a 20 percent increase in cycling in December 2015 compared to 2014 thanks to the expanding network of safe cycleways.

Lightpath is now the second busiest route with an average of 936 cycle trips per day (pedestrian numbers have yet to be made available but it is also proving to be extremely popular for walkers, runners and skateboarders).

Although Nelson St cycleway has been a big success (and Lightpath is guaranteed to be an award winner) we have been concerned about poor connections and lack of wayfinding to the route. At our December board meeting we passed the following:

Moved by Deputy Chairperson PJ Coom, seconded by member CP Dempsey:

i) That the Auckland Transport Update – December 2015 report be received.

ii) That the Waitematā Local Board notes the public feedback analysis for the Nelson Street Cycleway Phase 2 and requests Auckland Transport provide a direct connection to Wynyard Quarter via Market Place and the Western side of Nelson St in addition to the proposed Quay St connection.

iii) Congratulate NZTA and Auckland Transport on the successful opening of the Nelson St cycleway Phase 1

iv) Requests that NZTA and Auckland Transport urgently undertake measures (interim if necessary) to provide safe connections from K’rd, Grafton Gully Cycleway and Ian McKinnon Drive to the entrance of Te ara i whiti/Lightpath at Canada St including:

· Installation of an advance cycle box on K’rd at the intersection of Pitt St and Mercury Lane for the right hand turn on to Mercury Lane

· Traffic calming on Mercury Lane

· Treatment to provide for riders moving across the traffic lane to enter the right hand slip lane on Mercury lane to cross over Canada St to the entrance to the Canada St bridge

· Traffic calming on the approach to the Canada St give way sign at the intersection with Mercury Lane

· Installation of a cycle facility from Upper Queen St bridge to the K’rd intersection on the western side of Upper Queen St

· Wayfinding signage on K’rd

· Appropriate kerb ramps for riders wishing to enter the Canada St shared path from Mercury Lane

· Signalised crossing from Grafton Gully to the southern side of Canada Street across Upper Queen St (photo right)

vii) Requests NZTA and Auckland Transport to report back to the February 2016 meeting of the Waitemata Local Board on the actions taken

As at 2 February NZTA has advised that the work around Mercury Lane and Canada Street is being reviewed as part of the final safety audit which is due to be concluded imminently with remediation work to follow.

Love to Ride – Auckland Bike Challenge

I’ve signed up the Waitematā Local Board to the Auckland Bike Challenge through the Love to Ride website. Over February we are going to aim for every member of the local board and all our local board services team to give cycling a go at least once.

https://www.lovetoride.net/auckland

City Rail Link announcement

The Waitematā Local Board has consistently supported the City Rail Link as we understand that it is critical to the development of an integrated, efficient transport system in Auckland. It was therefore a pleasure to mark two significant CRL milestones.

First on 21 December I attended with Christopher Dempsey on behalf of the Board the dawn blessing for the start of the CRL works (photo right).

On 27 January I joined MP Julie Anne Genter, supporters and board members for a celebration to mark the government’s announcement on the CRL funding. This commitment is long overdue but it is good to see the government finally respond to the overwhelming evidence that the CRL is essential to Auckland.

Congratulations to everyone who championed the CRL project and in particular the Mayor who made it his number one priority.

New Network consultation

In January I worked on the Board’s feedback on Auckland Transport’s proposed New Network for Auckland’s Central Suburbs following the public consultation process that ran from 1 October until 10 December 2015.

The Board’s feedback is attached to the agenda.

Taxi trial on Grafton bridge

The Board welcomed the news that Auckland Transport proposes an early end to the Grafton bridge taxi trial. We originally opposed the introduction of the trial.

b) From AT’s monitoring data it appears that the introduction of taxis to the bridge had a more than minor effect as outlined in the pre-trial monitoring methodology. The two main areas of concern are; failure to adhere to the 30km/h speed limit and, the number of recorded instances of taxis overtaking cyclists on the bridge.

c) We agreed with this assessment (which supported our own experience of taxis and unauthorised drivers using Grafton Bridge) and the recommendation to the Traffic Control Committee (TCC) for the trial to be stopped and for the special vehicle lane to be returned to a bus lane.

Franklin Road

I am the Board’s representative on the Community Liaison Group for the upgrade of Franklin Road

In December, following further public engagement and peer review of the options, Auckland Transport announced the preferred design option.

The key reasons given for selecting option 1 as preferred option are:

· It balances the needs of all road users taking into account feedback from stakeholders.

· It retains the flush median which is used predominantly by vehicles for right turn movements into side street.

· It retains parking between trees.

· It provides for confident cyclists.

· It’s considered an appropriate facility for the steep gradient of Franklin Road.

· There is good separation between cyclists and vehicles reversing from driveways.

· It is supported by an independent peer reviewer.

Option 1 will now progress to the detailed design stage with a draft design expected in March 2016. This will include further consideration of the treatment of the Wellington Street intersection and side road intersections, and the location and design of pedestrian crossing facilities.

Physical works on stage one are due to commence in March 2016 and implementation of the residents parking zone in April. It is great to see this project moving forward after a long campaign by the Board and local residents.

Unitary Plan

I have been following the Unitary Plan debate closely and how it impacts on our communities even though planning sits outside my portfolios.

On 25^th January I attended with the Chair the Grey Lynn Residents Association information evening. At least 40 people came along to Grey Lynn RSC to hear about the latest zone changes.

What is of most of concern is the out of scope upzoning that is currently proposed by Auckland Council. This has involved unilateral changes to zoning without the ability of people to have any input. It is likely that not all the zoning changes will be opposed where it has been done to correct anomalies or where there may be support for more intensification particularly on transport routes (one of the rationales for the upzoning).

However current opposition to the proposals is not a NIMBY response but an objection to the process. As the Shale Chambers said at the meeting it is a “procedural abomination” that the usual rules of natural justice and the democratic process have not been applied to the up-zoning proposals.

Another aspect of the Unitary Plan process that was mentioned at the meeting is how draining it has been on community groups. The Grey Lynn Residents Association is one of the few voluntary groups that are still managing to be part of the hearing process.

Events

The Auckland Anniversary long weekend provided a smorgasbord of amazing events. I enjoyed checking out the Waitemata Local Board sponsored International buskers festival, Ports of Auckland hosted See Port, and the new Tamaki Herenga Waka Festival in the Cloud as well as taking visitors on a bike ride along the waterfront.

It was just really disappointing to hear that so many people were let down by public transport over the weekend. Member Christopher Dempsey is following this up with Auckland Transport as there is no excuse for not being able to plan for the huge crowds that are now attracted to the city centre to celebrate Auckland’s anniversary.

I was fortunate to attend a number of events in December in the lead up to the holiday break (including the Franklin Road lights, West Lynn Street party, Grey Lynn 2030 Christmas lunch, Ponsonby Business Association breakfast). I was particularly grateful for the invite extended to all elected representatives to attend a settlement waananga and Christmas lunch at Umupuia Marae on 11 December. It was a very special day learning about the history of Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki and their recent settlement with the crown.

Opening of the Te Atatu underpass on 21 December 2015 – Christopher Dempsey and I joined local elected, iwi and community representatives out west to celebrate another cycleway improvement

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Author

Pippa Coom, Deputy Chair

Chairperson	Shale Chambers
Deputy Chairperson	Pippa Coom
Members	Christopher Dempsey
	Greg Moyle
	Vernon Tava
	Rob Thomas
	Deborah Yates

Item	Topic	Lead officer	Notes
1	Auckland Zoo	Jonathan Wicken (Director, Auckland Zoo)	The members received a presentation on the history of the Zoo and the current aims and objectives of the organisation
2	Auckland Art Gallery	Rhana Devenport (Director, Auckland Art Gallery)	The officer provided an update of the current issues facing the Gallery
3.	Auckland Transport Update	Priscilla Steel (Elected Members Relationship Manager, Auckland Transport)	The Board received an update on upcoming plans, projects and consultations and provided feedback to AT
4	New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Update	Mieszko Iwaskow (NZTA) Vishwanath Krishnaswamy (NZTA)	The officers presented NZTA plans and discussed current issues with the members

Item	Topic	Lead officer	Notes
1	City Centre Integration	Gyles Bendall, Oliver Roberts, Catherine	The officers sought feedback from the Board in relation to key projects
2	Heart of the City update	Viv Beck	The HoTC chief executive provided an update to the Board and exchanged ideas for the future with the members
3.	POP Project Series Update	Tracey Williams	The officer gave an update on the POP Project Series and received input from the Board

Authors	Desiree Tukutama - Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Victoria Villaraza - Relationship Manager

Authors	Trina Thompson - Senior Local Board Advisor - Waitemata
Authorisers	Victoria Villaraza - Relationship Manager

Authors	Corina Claps - PA/Liaison Waitemata Local Board
Authorisers	Victoria Villaraza - Relationship Manager