Agenda of Waitākere Ranges 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.

Specifically members are asked to identify any new interests they have not previously disclosed, an interest that might be considered as a conflict of interest with a matter on the agenda.

The following are declared interests of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Board Member	Organisation / Position
Sandra Coney	· Waitemata District Health Board – Elected Member · Women’s Health Action Trust – Patron · New Zealand Society of Genealogists – Member · New Zealand Military Defence Society – Member · Cartwright Collective – Member · Titirangi RSA – Member · Portage Trust – Member · West Auckland Trust Services - Director
Neil Henderson	· Portage Trust – Elected Member · West Auckland Trust Services (WATS) Board – Trustee/Director
Greg Presland	· Lopdell House Development Trust – Trustee · Titirangi Residents & Ratepayers Group – Committee Member · Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust – Trustee · Combined Youth Services Trust – Trustee · Glen Eden Bid - Member
Steve Tollestrup	· Waitakere Licensing Trust – Elected Member · Waitakere Task force on Family Violence – Appointee
Saffron Toms	NIL
Denise Yates	· Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Committee member · EcoMatters Environment Trust – Trustee

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 24 November 2016, 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 Ward Councillors update

An opportunity is provided for the Waitakere Ward Councillors to update the board on regional issues they have been involved with since the last meeting.

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 Waitākere Ranges 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.

8.1 Deputation: No Weapons Expo-No Warships in Auckland Peace City

Purpose

1. Laurie Ross of the Peace Foundation and a resident of West Auckland for most of the last 40 years, she is a well-known campaigner for New Zealand Nuclear Free Peacemaking and the international movement to abolish nuclear weapons and stopping the perpetuation of war-making based on investment and profit of the military/industrial complex of companies.

2. She is asking for the support of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to declare the Waitemata Harbour, Hauraki Gulf Islands and surrounding waters to be a War-Free Zone in accordance with the Auckland Peace City policy mandate. This means that Wargames are not acceptable and warship visits are not encouraged. Also, that Auckland Peace City will refuse to host events or provide support for the production, promotion or sale of weapons for warfare.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the deputation from Laurie Ross of the Peace Foundation.

Attachments

a Information report from Laurie Ross...................................................... 87

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

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

08 December 2016

Auckland Transport Update Report

File No.: CP2016/23980

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to; respond to requests from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board on transport-related matters, inform the board on the current status of the board’s Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF), facilitate decisions on proposed and current LBTCF projects and to provide information to elected members about Auckland Transport (AT) activities.

Executive summary

2. In particular, this report provides an update on:

· Local Board Transport Capital Fund projects

· Consultation documents on proposed safety improvements

· Local Board requests on transport-related matters

· Media

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the Auckland Transport Update Report December 2016.

Comments

3. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board Plan 2014 - 2017 provides direction to Auckland Transport on the views and preferences of the local community. It has three main themes, with a number of key initiatives relating to transport and the enhancement of public space along the road corridor.

The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area is protected.

§ Developing a Road Corridor Design Guide for the Heritage area.

§ Implementing Local Area Plans (LAPs). The five existing LAPs for Oratia; Henderson Valley-Opanuku; Waiatarua; Muddy Creeks; Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and the Waitakere River Valley have transport related actions for each area.

Our Unique natural environments are healthy and restored.

§ Implementing the Waitakere Ranges Strategic Weed Management Plan

Public transport, cycling and walking are easy, safe and connected.

§ Support rail electrification and improvements to bus services.

§ Work with our communities on a proposal for a connector shuttle service for coastal / rural areas, similar to the Kowhai connection in Warkworth.

§ Support the development of park and ride in Glen Eden.

§ Working with Auckland Transport to improve the road corridor in Glen Eden.

§ Develop a greenways plan for walking and cycling.

§ Investigate options for a cycleway from Project Twin Streams pathway to Glen Eden Town Centre.

§ Support the development of a cycleway alongside the western rail line.

§ Advocate for rural road safety improvements – including sensible speed limits and provisions for walking and cycling.

Monthly Overview

4. Auckland Transport attended the regular Transport Portfolio holder briefing on 19 September, covering proposed and current LBTCF projects, provided information on the Auckland Transport Report and discussed current outstanding issues from the Local Board.

Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF)

5. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board’s funding allocation under the LBTCF is currently $348,936 per annum. The following table notes previous decisions, progress since the last update, budgets and financial commitments.

NO	Project Description	Project Budget Approved by Local Board	Project Budget Spend	Progress/Current Status
066	Glen Eden Park and Ride	$140,000.00	$139,000.00	Completed
359	Captain Scott Road Streetscape Improvements	$35,000.00	$36,616.00	Initial investigation and community consultation completed
362	West Coast Road Pedestrian & Cyclist safety improvements	$803,000	$164,735	Currently under construction
366	Waitakere Ranges Footpath - Mountain Rd to Opanuku Pipeline track	$564,000	$543,691	This project is completed and is open to the public
441	Sunnyvale to Oratia Shared Path	$88,000	$81,283	Approved stage-1 detail design

TRAFFIC CONTROL COMMITTEE (TCC) REPORT

6. Decisions of the TCC over the months of September and October 2016 affecting the Waitakere Ranges Local Board Local Board area are shown below:

Seymour Road	Sunnyvale	Permanent Traffic and Parking changes Combined	No Stopping At All Times, Bus Stop, Bus Shelter, Flush Median	Carried
Shaw Road / West Coast Road	Oratia	Permanent Traffic and Parking changes Combined	No Stopping At All Times, Angle Parking, Give Way Control, No Passing, Traffic Island, Pedestrian Crossing, School Crossing Point, Edge Lines	Carried

2. WAITAKERE RANGES QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD - July to September 2016

7. As advised in July 2016 to the Local Board, previous Quarterly Report material is now being incorporated into monthly reports. The following reports are attached to this monthly report:

· Attachment A – report from Auckland Transport departments on their activities in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area and regionally over the last quarter

· Attachment B – report on Travelwise Schools activities in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area over the last quarter.

LOCAL BOARD ADVOCACY REPORT

Advocacy Initiative	Latest Update
Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation, improved public transport systems: Support Rail Electrification and improvements to bus services	Electric Trains have been rolled out and are in full operation on the western line. Feedback on the West Auckland New Network closed at the end of 2014. The feedback was analysed and the final bus route decisions confirmed in mid 2015. The next steps involve tendering for operators, required infrastructure changes and implementation of the New Network in early 2017.
Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation, improved public transport systems: Advocate to Auckland Transport to work with our communities on a proposal for a connector shuttle bus service for coastal/rural areas	Unfortunately, Auckland Transport are behind schedule and have not yet finalised the report. This is due to resource capacity and the focus on the implementation of the Southern New Network. AT will advise shortly with an amended timeline.
Reduced reliance on the motor vehicle as the primary means of transportation, improved public transport systems: Support the development of park and ride drop-off points in Glen Eden and Swanson	The Swanson Park and Ride and the Glen Eden Park and Ride are both completed and are now open.
Increasing walking and Cycleway Connections: Develop Greenways Plan for walking and cycling	Auckland Transport supports and will contribute to the development of a Greenways Plan for the Waitakere Ranges
Increasing walking and Cycleway Connections: Investigate options for a cycleway from Project Twin Streams pathway to Glen Eden Town Centre	Auckland Transport will work with the Local Board to provide a link from the Project Twin streams pathway to Glen Eden Town Centre for those sections within the road reserve.
Increasing walking and Cycleway Connections: Support the development of a Cycleway alongside the Western Line	Auckland Transport is working with our consultants to determine an indicative Cost Benefit Ratio for a substantially off road shared path facility along the Western Line, between Waitakere Station and New Lynn. Auckland Transport will report to the Local Board once the findings are analysed..
Rural Road Safety: Advocate for rural road safety improvements - including sensible speed limits and provisions for walking and cycling facilities.	Auckland Transport will investigate all public requests to improve road safety, review speed limits, and provision of walking and cycling infrastructure. Auckland Transport also has a proactive programme of work across these areas. Auckland Transport has an annual Crash Reduction Programme which identifies areas with high crash rates or a high risk of crashes. Where these are identified, AT will study the location and implement improvements. Auckland Transport reviews speed limits that are above 50 km/h on a regular basis. These reviews focus on areas that are known to be a focus for land development or change in use and they also focus on known problem areas.

Draft Speed Management Guide overview

8. The draft Speed Management Guide is a deliverable to give effect to the significant new direction and framework for speed management in NZ, as set out here http://www.saferjourneys.govt.nz/assets/safer-speeds-programme.pdf.

9. It is currently in draft form while a demonstration project is carried out in the Waikato. We want to demonstrate how it will work across an integrated, regional network, including using (and proving) new approaches for ‘changing the conversation on speed’.

10. Purpose of the draft Guide

The draft Guide provides a framework and a toolbox to help manage speed on the network. It will help Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs) identify where the risks are, where effort should be prioritised and exactly ‘what’ interventions are needed on what roads. Use of the Guide will ensure there’s a consistent network-wide approach to managing speeds that is targeted to risk.

11. The key change in approach contained in the Guide is to begin with a strategic whole-of-network based approach and then, by applying a series of techniques, drill down to identify where there is the greatest misalignment between actual travel speeds, and safe and appropriate travel speeds. The Guide applies a Safe System approach while ensuring network efficiency.

Safe and appropriate travel speeds

12. The One Network Road Classification classifies all New Zealand roads into categories based on their use and function in the national network. In simple terms, the Speed Management Framework overlays recommended travel speed ranges onto these classifications. The framework sets the national direction for all future speed management decisions.

13. Recommended safe and appropriate speed ranges for road classes

What does the draft Guide contain?

14. The draft Guide contains a step by step Speed Management Framework to help RCAs develop, engage and deliver an effective Speed Management Plan. It outlines how speed management can achieve both safety and efficiency, and it will enable RCAs to work with their communities to build support for an evidence-based, network-wide strategic approach to achieve these twin outcomes.

More specifically it:

• Outlines a network-wide approach to managing speed, tied in with the One Network Road Classification so that travel speeds are appropriate for road function, design, safety and use

• Offers guidance for targeting to risk and prioritising investment

• Outlines a Speed Management Framework that encompasses all elements of the Safe System approach to reduce the risk of death and serious injury, while supporting overall economic productivity

• Provides RCAs with guidance for where setting different speed limits is the identified solution

• Identifies best-practice and successful case studies, including demonstrations

• Develops an evaluation framework to track effectiveness, and measure performance.

• The best outcomes will result if community and stakeholder groups are engaged, kept informed and are part of the process. The ‘changing the conversation on speed’ work will inform how this can be done effectively.

• Through the use of the Guide, people will see speed being managed consistently and targeted to risk, which will help build understanding and support for safe and appropriate speeds.

Investment approach for speed management

15. Speed Management Plans will be developed and reviewed every three years. They are an integral element of Activity Management Plans, informing investment decisions for each NLTP cycle.

RESPONSES AND PROGRESS REPORTS

GLEN EDEN PARK N RIDE - PROGRESS UPDATE

16. For the Local Board’s information. The Glen Eden Park N Ride is now completed and is functioning as a Park N Ride.

PARAU RESIDENT & RATEPAYERS TRANSPORT ISSUES – PUBLIC MEETING

17. Auckland Transport, along with local board members, attended the Parau R&R annual general meeting, to listen to the concerns of the community in regards to speed and safety on Huia and Cornwallis Roads.

Update

18. Auckland Transport and the Local Board are looking at confirming a date and time in December 2016 for our follow up meeting.

ALBIONVALE ROAD, GLEN EDEN ROADING ISSUES

19. Auckland Transport held a meeting on the 26^th of September with the Local Board and residents from Albionvale Road in Glen Eden to discuss the issues regarding inappropriate parking on their street and other safety issues.

20. To summarise the issues raised at the meeting:

· Cars parking adjacent to each other on both sides of the road leaving insufficient space for vehicles to get through. Emergency vehicles find it difficult to access the properties in the event of an emergency.

· Cars parking on the footpath and grass berms causing safety issues for pedestrians, including children.

21. The action from the meeting was for letters to be sent to the residents of Albionvale Road suggesting ways to avoid inappropriate parking.

22. There were other action points for Auckland Transport to undertake. A follow up meeting will be arranged with the Local Board and residents in mid December.

HORSMAN ROAD, WAITAKERE - NO STOPPING AT ALL TIMES SIGNS - OUTCOME OF CONSULTATION

Terms of reference

23. This matter is dealt with under the delegated authority of the Traffic Control Committee consisting of Manager Road Corridor Access, Manager Parking and Enforcement, and Manager Road Corridor Operations. Authority for passing resolutions under bylaws was delegated by the Auckland Transport Board of Directors to the Traffic Control Committee at its meeting of 26 October 2010.

Background

24. Auckland Transport have received a number of complaints from residents of Horsman Road regarding parking around the entrance to the Goldies Bush trails. Representation has also been made by the ward Local Board Members on behalf of the residents.

Location

25. This section of road is classified as a Local Road and is situated east of Wairere Road in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area.

26. This road is unsealed and is in a predominantly rural residential area. The entrance to Goldie's Bush Reserve is via a cul-de-sac off of Horsman Road. AADT is shown as between 100 and 500 vehicles per day and that much of the traffic on Horsman Road is due to the reserve.

Issue

27. Auckland Transport (AT) has recently received a number of complaints regarding visitor parking at the entrance to Goldies Bush on Horsman Road. This has arisen as Department of Conservation have improved Goldies Trail and increased advertising leading to an increase in the number of users walking the trails. AT has investigated this complaint and has identified two issues which appear to occur most notably during the weekends and the holiday periods.

Outcome of consultation process

28. Consultation letters were sent out to property owners and occupiers and a single response was received which did not support the proposal. The customer advised that the proposal would encourage vehicles to park on the western side of Horsman Road and that should she wish to exit her property then she would need to come out further into the road to check for vehicles coming around the bend. This issue was discussed with Traffic Operations and it was agreed to install a further section of No Stopping At All Times at this junction. The customer was advised of this proposal and agreed.

29. The customer also highlighted that the traffic problem will now occur further up the road and as the road is relatively narrow there will be problems with cars turning after they have finished their walk. Turning possibilities are scarce further up the road. AT feels that implementation of this proposal will free up some space closer to the trails and that it will be easier for vehicles to turn than it currently is.

30. Additionally, the response noted that the road needs to be tar sealed as it is pot holed, pitted and ruptured along the length of the road and visitors that walk are always skidding on the loose metal-especially when they attempt to turn. The dust nuisance at the moment is also considerable and this is increased with the weekend walkers. The customer was advised that this was outside the scope of this proposal.

31. None of the Auckland Transport departments consulted objected to the proposal.

32. The department of Conservation were sent consultation documents on two occasions but did not respond. An advisory notice was sent out on 27th March 2015 noting that AT would be moving to the next stage of the process and no further correspondence has been received.

Local Board Response Transport spokesperson

33. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board were consulted through the Elected Member Relationship Manager on 17th February and no comment was made.

JENKINS BAY, SOUTH TITIRANGI ROAD - MEETING REQUEST TO DISCUSS ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR / NUISANCE ISSUES

34. Auckland Transport have now completed our investigation into concerns regarding safety at the end of South Titirangi Road.

35. The issue that has been raised is one of driver behavior, rather than problems with the design of the road. As such, AT are unable to justify implementing engineering treatments in order to address the behaviour of a few. This matter is therefore best addressed by the NZ Police as they are best placed to respond to issues relating to anti-social behaviour.

36. There has been a request for gates to be put in place at the entrance to Jenkins Bay. Auckland Transport is not able to put a locked gate across a public road in this sort of situation because although the behaviour is anti-social, other people still have a legal right to use the public road to get to the park or the beach at any time of the day or night. However, this right to use the road would not extend to the boat ramp, so it may be possible for Council to install a gate at that point?

37. It was also asked whether Auckland Transport could put a Car Ban Bylaw in place. Auckland Transport has looked into this and the power that AT would use to ban cars from going down this road in the early morning or late at night, would not work here because of the park and the beach. People would be able to claim they were on the road to visit the park and there would be no way that Auckland Transport could prove that they weren’t.

38. Therefore, Auckland Transport suggest that if this behaviour persists, this matter should be raised directly with the NZ Police so that they can carry out targeted enforcement in the area if necessary.

Consultation Documents on Proposed Safety Improvements

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

· Township Road, Waitakere Road – Improvements to Intersection Layout

· Rosier Road – Zebra Crossing Upgrade

· Glenesk Road, Piha - No Stopping at All Times Restrictions (Broken Yellow Lines, BYL)

· Rangiwai Road, Titirangi -No Stopping at All Times Restriction (Broken Yellow Lines)

Local Board Response

40. The Local Board were in support of all four proposals.

Design Guidelines Update

41. Auckland Transport is in the process of obtaining final sign off. Aiming for December to have the Design Guidelines operating with Auckland Transport.

42. Auckland Transport will also be sending out the approved guidelines to the combined Resident & Ratepayers group for their information.

Auckland Transport News

AT Convenience Vending Trial

43. As part of ongoing efforts to further improve customer amenity and convenience at public transport facilities, Auckland Transport will be conducting a vending machine trial in partnership with Coca-Cola (Branded as Pump) and Sanitarium. The trial will begin on 9^th November 2016 and run over a period of six months.

44. As a part of this trial, AT will seek to provide customers with a broad range of breakfast, snack and cold drink products to choose from, while promoting healthier choices. This will be achieved by ensuring that healthy options benefit from high visibility and dominate the range of products on offer.

45. Nine rail stations across the network will be involved in this trial; Grafton, Manukau, Manurewa, Mt Albert, New Lynn, Newmarket, Otahuhu, Panmure and Puhinui. Following the successful outcome of this trial, an open Request for Proposal process will be held to identify network wide partners to provide a longer term offering.

Schools Recognised for their Commitment to Safety

46. Hundreds of children have been recognised for their involvement in Auckland Transport’s Travelwise programme.

47. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Auckland Transport Chief Executive David Warburton congratulated the children, parents and teachers for their work in making it safer and easier to walk or cycle to school.

48. Travelwise is an Auckland Transport programme working with local communities and partners including NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and NZ Police to promote and encourage walking and cycling instead of using private vehicle trips to and from school. The objective is to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

49. To achieve this, AT works with Travelwise schools on various initiatives like organising walking school buses, holding safety workshops, and implementing changes in the road corridor to improve safety.

50. Melanie Sands, aged 11, from Hillsborough Primary School says she prefers walking to getting a lift. “I don’t like car rides because it’s stuffy and cramped compared with being outside with the birds and fresh air.”

51. Nicola Girling, Hillsborough Primary School, principal says the parents love knowing that their kids are safe travelling to school. “We have four walking school buses now and we will be adding another next year.”

52. At the Travelwise celebration at Queens Wharf yesterday, schools were awarded gold, silver or bronze status, based on their level of engagement and commitment to the Travelwise curriculum.

53. Of the 300 Auckland schools in the Travelwise programme in Auckland, 62 were awarded gold, 73 silver and 96 bronze.

Motorcycle Safety Is Under the Spotlight

54. Saving lives of motorcyclists is the aim of Motorcycle Month which kicked off with Auckland Transport’s Motorcycle and Scooter Breakfast at the Auckland Fish Market.

55. Auckland Transport is working alongside Road Safety partners NZ Transport Agency, ACC, the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MSAC) and NZ Police to support the new Motorcycle Safety Strategy. The strategy aims to lower the number of motorcycle crashes and improve rider safety.

56. Over the summer there will be education checkpoints, high risk enforcement, training courses, promotions at rider events and a supporting media campaign. The aim is to encourage riders and drivers to be more vigilant and aware of each other.

57. Crash data shows there were 113 death and serious injury (DSI) casualties from motorcycle crashes in Auckland for 2015. This is an 18 percent increase from 2014 and amounts to around 1 in 5 of all serious injury crashes in Auckland.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

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

Māori impact statement

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

General

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

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Transport departments on their activities in the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area and regionally over the last quarter	19
b ⇩	Travelwise Schools activities in the WRLB area over the last quarter	33

Signatories

Authors	Owena Schuster - Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

08 December 2016

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

File No.: CP2016/24044

Purpose

1. To seek a decision on the applications for special exemption from some of the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 (the Act) by the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Executive Summary

2. Applications for an exemption for swimming or spa pools have been received from the owners of:

· 1032 Scenic Drive North, Swanson

· 27 Landing Road, Titirangi

3. The applications do not comply with the Act. Pool inspectors have inspected the properties and consulted with the applicants. Full assessment reports are attached to this report.

4. The local board must now resolve to grant, grant subject to conditions or decline the exemptions sought.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board :

a) grant the application for special exemption as sought for 1032 Scenic Drive North, Swanson, with the following conditions:

i. that NZS 8500-2006 clause a-k is met at all times

ii. that the spa remain in its current location

b) grant the application for special exemption as sought for 27 Landing Road, Titirangi, with the following conditions:

i. that the wall is maintained in good condition and remain non-climbable by children aged 6 and under

Comments

Background

5. Auckland Council pool inspectors have inspected each property for which an application for special exemption from the Act has been received. In each case, the swimming pool fencing does not comply with the Act. The details of the non-compliance are specified in the attachments to this report.

6. The council’s pool inspectors have consulted with the applicants in each case. The applicants have been made aware of the council’s requirements to ensure fencing is compliant with the Act and they have chosen to seek a special exemption from those requirements.

Legislative implications

7. Compliance with the Act is a mandatory requirement for all pool owners unless exemptions are granted by the local board.

8. The Act requires pool owners to fence their pool, or all or some of the immediate pool area including the pool itself. Specific detail on this is contained in the schedule to the Act. If a pool does not have a complying fence it is an offence under the Act, unless exempt.

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

10. The definition of the immediate pool area, which is “the land in or on which the pool is situated and as much of the surrounding area that is used for activities or purposes related to the use of the pool”, is a key consideration for granting an exemption.

11. Where a building forms part of the pool fence and there are doors opening into the pool area, the local board may grant an exemption from compliance with clauses 8 and 10 of the schedule to the Act. It may exempt if it is satisfied that compliance with the Act is impossible, unreasonable or in breach of any other Act, regulation or bylaw and the door is fitted with a locking device that when properly operated prevents the door from being readily opened by children under the age of six years.

12. When granting a special exemption the local board may impose reasonable conditions relating to the property or the pool or reflecting other relevant circumstances. These may include:

a) Making the exemption personal to the applicant so that on a sale of the property a new owner will need to apply for a new exemption

b) Granting the exemption for a fixed term irrespective of changes of ownership

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

Consideration

Local board views and implications

14. Local boards have delegated authority to approve exemptions to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

Before making an exemption, the local board must consider:

· the particular characteristics of the property and the pool

· any other relevant circumstances

· conditions it may be necessary to impose.

15. The local board must also be satisfied that the exemption would not significantly increase the danger to young children.

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

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

Maori impact statement

18. There are no particular impacts on Maori that are different from those of other pool owners.

Implementation

19. The decision must be made by resolution.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	1032 Scenic Drive North Swanson (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential
b ⇩	27 Landing Road Titirangi (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential

Signatories

Authors

Phillip Curtis - Senior Swimming Pool Specialist

Authorisers

Sally Grey - Manager Weather Tightness & Compliance

Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

08 December 2016

Annual Budget 2017/2018

File No.: CP2016/24248

Purpose

1. This report requests that local boards consider proposed locally driven initiative (LDI) allocations for 2017/2018, key advocacy issues, and any local targeted rate proposals and business improvement district (BID) targeted rates.

2. It also requests the adoption of local content for consultation as part of the annual budget process.

Executive summary

3. Legislation governing the annual budget process has changed, and there is no longer the requirement to produce a draft annual budget. Instead, the council will be producing a consultation document which will cover:

· any significant or material changes proposed to the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 (LTP)

· content relating to local board agreements.

4. Consultation on the Annual Budget 2017/2018 will take place in February and March of 2017.

5. This report seeks agreement from local boards on their proposed LDI allocations for 2017/2018 and key advocacy issues, recommendations as to any local targeted rate proposals and BID targeted rates and adoption of local content for consultation.

6. These will be considered by the governing body prior to finalising annual budget consultation topics and adoption of the consultation document and supporting information.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) agrees indicative locally driven initiative allocations for 2017/2018 (Attachment A).

b) agrees key advocacy issues.

c) recommends local targeted rate proposals (if any) for consultation.

d) recommends business improvement district targeted rates (if any) for consultation.

e) adopts local content for consultation.

f) agrees that the chairperson be delegated the authority to make any final minor changes to local consultation content for the Annual Budget 2017/2018 prior to publication, including online consultation content.

Comments

7. As part of the Annual Budget 2017/2018 process, the council will be producing a consultation document. This will cover any significant or material changes proposed to the LTP and content relating to local board agreements.

8. Public consultation will take place in February and March of 2017, and will include information on local board issues and priorities.

9. As such, local boards are requested to agree their indicative LDI allocations for 2017/2018 (see Attachment A) and adopt local content for consultation.

10. Any new local targeted rates and/or BIDs must be consulted on before they can be implemented. Local boards are therefore also requested to agree any new proposals for consultation.

11. This triennium we are considering a long term approach in respect of local board priorities / advocacy initiatives. Such an approach seeks to better utilise, in an integrated way, the annual budget, LTP and local board plan processes.

12. It is proposed that, as part of the Annual Budget 2017/2018 process, local boards begin narrowing the range of their advocacy initiatives - and agree their key advocacy issues for further research and consideration. Council departments will then provide local boards with in depth information to help inform their position on these issues. Based on this information, local boards identify one to two key priorities to develop further in the local board plan process and discuss with the governing body through the next LTP process.

13. This should enable realistic and genuine discussions and engagement between local boards and the governing body.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

14. Local board decisions are being sought in this report.

15. Local boards will have further opportunities to provide information and views as council progresses through the annual budget process.

Māori impact statement

16. Many local board decisions are of importance to and impact on Māori. Local board agreements and the annual budget are important tools that enable and can demonstrate council’s responsiveness to Māori. Local board plans, which were developed in 2014 through engagement with the community including Māori, form the basis of local priorities.There is a need to continue to build relationships between local boards and iwi, and where relevant the wider Māori community. Ongoing conversations will assist local boards and Māori to understand each other’s priorities and issues. This in turn can influence and encourage Māori participation in council’s decision-making processes.

Implementation

17. The governing body will adopt consultation material for the Annual Budget 2017/2018 in early February 2017.

18. Following consultation, a local board agreement with the governing body for 2017/2018 will be developed.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Indicative LDI allocations for 2017/2018	43

Signatories

Authors

Mark Purdie - Lead Financial Advisor

Authorisers

Christine Watson - Manager Financial Advisory Services - Local Boards

Karen Lyons - General Manager Local Board Services

Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

08 December 2016

Appointment of Waitākere Ranges Local Board Representative to Ark in the Park

File No.: CP2016/24417

Purpose

1. To appoint one member of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to the Ark in the Park Governance Group.

Executive summary

2. Ark in the Park is a conservation project in the northern part of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park that is managed in partnership between Forest and Bird and the Auckland Council. By controlling non-native pests and predators, and reintroducing certain native species, it aims to restore the ecology of the area to its natural state

3. This flagship community partnership has been active for nearly 15 years. The project involves substantial volunteer efforts (over 9000 hours of activity last year) to achieve significant conservation outcomes in one of the Auckland’s most important ecological areas.

4. In 2014 Auckland Council and Forest and Bird signed a partnership agreement to renew the shared commitment to the open sanctuary project for a ten-year period, and identify the support each party offers. The partnership agreement is attached as Attachment A to this report.

5. As specified in the partnership agreement, the management of the project is overseen by a governance group made up of two nominees from the Governing Body of the Auckland Council, one nominee from the Auckland Council Waitākere Ranges Local Board, one nominee of the Executive of Forest and Bird and two nominees of the Waitākere Branch of Forest and Bird.

6. Two councillors will be appointed to the Ark in the Park Governance Group for the 2016-2019 electoral term at the 6 December 2016 Environment and Community Committee meeting.

7. One Waitākere Ranges Local Board member is required to be appointed to the Ark in the Park Governance Group for the 2016-2019 electoral term, and a nomination is sought for this role.

Recommendation

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) appoint one Waitākere Ranges Local Board member to the Ark in the Park Governance Group for the 2016-2019 electoral term.

Comments

8. The Ark in the Park Open Sanctuary Project aims to enhance biodiversity in the Waitākere Ranges, while conserving the natural, recreational, historical and cultural features of the Ranges. The project covers approximately 2,100ha of the Upper Waitākere River catchment within the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.

9. Since the concept was initiated by Forest and Bird members in 1999, some of the achievements of the project include:

· Expansion of active animal pest control from an initial 250ha in 2002, to over 2,100ha within parkland, and additional buffer areas exceeding 600ha.

· Successful establishment of a thriving population of North Island robin, following translocations of 83 birds since 2005. No further translocations of this species are required.

· Successful breeding and expansion of the kōkako population following on-going translocations of 47 birds since 2009. This year’s kōkako census located 20 founder (translocated) birds and 15 unbanded birds that have hatched locally. A further five chicks have been banded this breeding season.

· On-going translocation of whiteheads has resulted in successful breeding of the species as far afield as the vicinity of Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive.

· Overall maintenance of low animal pest numbers over the project area, allowing common forest bird species to be 50-100 % more numerous inside the Ark compared to surrounding areas.

· The number and input of volunteers continues to grow, with the ethnic diversity of volunteers increasing as well. The scope of activities carried out by volunteers is also expanding, with newer pursuits including native insect monitoring and tree canopy studies.

10. The Ark in the Park project is mandated under Auckland Council’s Regional Parks Management Plan (August 2010), with specific management policies in the Waitākere Ranges section of the management plan that provide for the project.

11. The Ark in the Park project helps council to meet the following Auckland Plan Directives:

Directive 7.4

Identify places of high natural heritage value, and where appropriate, protect, manage and expand public open space areas so they can be enjoyed by everyone.

Directive 7.5

Protect ecological areas, ecosystems and areas of significant indigenous biodiversity from inappropriate use and development, and ensure ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity on public and private land are protected and restored.

12. The Ark in the Park project contributes significantly towards achieving several of the Objectives of Auckland Council’s Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy. This strategy describes the Council's vision and objectives for biodiversity work, and was approved by Auckland Council’s Governing Body in July 2012.

13. The Ark in the Park partnership agreement (Attachment A) specifies that a governance group for the project should be made up of two nominees from the Governing Body of the Auckland Council, one nominee from the Auckland Council Waitākere Ranges Local Board, one nominee of the Executive of Forest and Bird and two nominees of the Waitākere Branch of Forest and Bird.

14. The purpose of the Ark in the Park governance group is to oversee and review the overall direction of the project, approve the annual Ark plan and long term restoration plan, and when necessary, recommend the approval of the plans (including funding implications) to the appropriate governance bodies of Auckland Council and Forest and Bird.

15. Previous council representatives on the governance group have been Councillor Ross Clow, Councillor Wayne Walker and Waitākere Local Board Member Saffron Toms. Currently, the Forest and Bird nominees on the governance group are John Staniland and Robert Woolf, both of whom have a long association with the project. Until recently, outgoing Forest and Bird Chief Executive Officer Hōne McGregor filled the third position. In future this will be filled by Kevin Hague, the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.

16. The governance group meets twice yearly or as may be otherwise agreed between the parties. In practice, the meeting commitment over the last term has typically been once per annum.

17. One nominee from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board is sought to sit on the Ark in the Park Governance Group for the 2016-2019 electoral term, in accordance with the partnership agreement. It is recommended that nominated local board member has an interest in management of the natural environment for the protection of indigenous biodiversity.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

18. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has identified an aspiration in their Local Board Plan 2014-2017 that ‘our unique natural environments are healthy and restored’. It also describes a number of environmental and community objectives such as ‘partnering with community organisations’, ‘we will encourage environmentally responsible lifestyles, including promoting volunteering, conserving water and energy’, ‘connecting with nature and people adopting responsible lifestyles’ and we take an integrated approach to the control of weeds and pests.’

19. To give effect to this aspiration the local board has invested a significant component of their annual budget to local environmental projects that protect, restore and enhance the natural environment in partnership with their communities. The partnership with Ark in the Park strongly aligns with these aspirations and objectives.

Māori impact statement

20. A specific objective of the project is to “acknowledge the role of Te Kawerau a Maki as mana whenua for Te Wao nui o Tiriwa.”(Tiriwa’s great forest). This is achieved in practice chiefly by the project manager and Western Principal Ranger, Parks who liaise directly with Kawerau a Maki representatives to seek their input into the project and wider parks initiatives respectively.

21. Iwi involvement in the project to date includes attendance and ceremonial involvement with wildlife translocation events, such as the release of pōpokotea (whitehead) and kokako.

22. The current Ark in the Park five year plan includes the following goals in relation to iwi involvement:

- Seek opportunities to work with Te Kawerau a Maki

- Foster the relationship

- Provide opportunities for youth mentoring

- Recognise the role of Te Kawerau a Maki in communications about the project.

Implementation

23. The project is managed day to day by a full-time project manager employed by Forest and Bird. Auckland Council’s environmental services department has an annual budget of $46,710, which is paid to Forest and Bird and covers part of the salary for that role.

24. Operational funding for council staff resource to support the Ark in the Park activities is funded from within the budgets of the environmental services and parks departments.

25. In addition to the governance group, a management committee consisting of council staff, Forest and Bird employees and project volunteers meets six times a year to guide Ark in the Park operations.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Ark in the Park Partnership Agreement	49

Signatories

Authors

Jaimee Maha - Democracy Advisor

Alastair Jamieson – Biodiversity Team Manager Regional

Authorisers

Mara Bebich - Relationship Manager, Infrastructure & Environmental Services

Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

08 December 2016

DEPUTATION to Waitakere Ranges Local Board

by Laurie Ross 8^th December 2016

PROPOSAL

That the Waitakere Ranges Local Board declares the Waitemata Harbour, Hauraki Gulf Islands and surrounding waters to be a War-Free Zone in accordance with the Auckland Peace City policy mandate.

This means that Wargames are not acceptable and warship visits are not encouraged.

Also, that Auckland Peace City will refuse to host events or provide support for the production, promotion or sale of weapons for warfare.

In addition, it means that Auckland Peace City will not do business with companies who produce nuclear weapons.

Backround

Laurie Ross of the Peace Foundation is a resident of West Auckland for most of the last 40 years. She is a well-known campaigner for New Zealand Nuclear Free Peacemaking and the international movement to abolish nuclear weapons.

She recently organised the Public Peace meeting at Te Uru Gallery with fellow Titirangi Peace veteran activist Lisa Er who is also working to stop militarisation and investment in conventional weapons and warfare.

Principles

To cultivate a more Peaceful world requires that governments divest from the military/industrial complex of companies who profit from the arms trade.

City Councils and Local Boards have an important role in this process which must be activated by a concerned public.

Situation November 2016

The Government, the NZ Navy, and the Defence Industry Association conspired, without public consultation or debate, to produce a series of events from 14th-22nd November 2016, that promoted acceptance of warfare.

The NZ Navy invited over 30 nations to send warships to Auckland to 'celebrate' its 75th anniversary.

There were unscheduled naval war games in the Hauraki Gulf over six days involving 14 visiting warships who did attend. There was also the annual NZ Defence Industry Conference and Weapons Trade Show on 16/17 November for over 500 delegates at the ANZ Viaduct Event Centre on Auckland Waterfront sponsored by leading international arms dealers.

Other events, including boarding the warships, were scheduled to draw the crowds, with 'The Cloud' at Queens Wharf serving as headquarters. It is easy to understand how we all get swept up by the promotion of these festivities and the emotion of remembering our history of warfare, but it is urgent that we do not project the cult of warfare as our future nor promote it as patriotism.

Auckland Peace Action

This group organised a Week of Peace, November 13 to 20 to demonstrate our opposition to mass warship visits, warplanning and the weapons Expo. This was supported by Waitakere Peace Action, the Peace Foundation, People for Peace and many other groups and individuals.

In addition, to a non-violent blockade of the weapons conference, specific protests on the water and around the waterfront, there were a variety of Peace events to honour our Auckland Peace City and New Zealand as a proud Nuclear Free Peacemaker nation.

Understanding the problem as follows:

There is increased militarisation in the Pacific by super-powers and multi-national corporations who profit from production of war and weaponry.

We believe it is vital to stop militarisation which threatens our environment, contributes to fear and insecurity, plus drains billions of taxpayers dollars from our economy.

· New Zealand is a proud nuclear-free nation est. 1987 and should be the focus of modern day civic pride. Yet the primary sponsor of the weapons conference, Lockheed Martin, is the world's largest manufacturer of weapons, including nuclear weapons. We should not do business with companies that produce nuclear weapons which could destroy life on earth. We are fortunate to have a nuclear free law as a platform to base our rejection of those companies who produce nuclear weapons.

· Many other participants at the NZ Defence industry conference are engaged in manufacturing nuclear weapons, including Babcock, a UK company which has a head office embedded in the Devonport Naval Base.

· Numerous small NZ companies, who form the NZ Defense Industry Association, have contracts with Lockheed Martin and other international weapons manufacturers. Surely we want to discourage NZ companies from producing and profitting from the business of war.

· The recent revelations about KiwiSaver providers investing in banned war weapons is not acceptable to the majority of New Zealanders eg. Landmines, cluster munitions and nuclear weapons. But now it is time to make it unacceptable for NZ companies to profit from conventional war weapon production as well.

· In December 2011 Auckland was declared a City of Peace, joining a broad network of over 7000 cities worldwide. Surely a City of Peace should not host war weapons conferences and trade shows? It is true that military companies generate profit but our Mayor and City for Peace should not accept this form of economic growth from the war industry business.

· Environmental reasons to reject mass warship visits and the war industry

· Military vehicles, aircraft and naval vessels are serious polluters. Worldwide, military waste and fuel consumption are the leading contributors to environmental pollution. Waitakere has a proud history of being a Nuclear Free Zone since 1983, then became an Eco City and later declared itself a Peace City.

· Now it must continue this legacy and play its part to protect the whole of Auckland Peace City harbours and waterways from pollution and preserve our threatened marine reserves. Visits by fleets of warships threaten the waters and shores of the Gulf, adding to an already dire situation.

Warships to Peaceships

*While not opposed in principle to New Zealand's naval vessels, it is essential that we begin converting these warships to peace ships -- to deal with emergency rescues, protection of fisheries, prevention of piracy, assisting with refugees, provision of medical aid and transport in times of cyclones, quakes, tsunamis, etc.

The need for this was demonstrated in the Kaikoura Earthquake that happened at the same time as the arrival of the foreign warships. Thus, several warships went down to the South Island to deliver humanitarian aid to the victims of this natural disaster which was much needed and appreciated.

This should be the permanent and primary function of the defence forces, not training in warfare with weapons for killing. The major threats to NZ are not military but due to environmental disasters, earthquakes, hurricanes,climate change, poverty and social problems, etc. The NZ government needs to restructure the military to better contribute to global security in a more appropriate manner.

This can be developed as part of a much broader approach to defence and foreign policy which is called Peacemaking, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding. *Thus, we must stop spending billions loading our naval vessels with ever newer and more expensive combat weapons, (which are sitting ducks for sophisticated drone weaponry) when we have no real enemies (as admitted by our own defence commanders).

Redirect Military spending to Meet Social Needs

$20billion for defence is indefensible when NZers real need is for increased investment in affordable housing, health care and education. We must stop allowing weapons makers, governments and the militaries who are beholden to them, to continue economic production based on making and selling weapons, which then require wars to be tested. This is a dead-end enterprise costing trillions of dollars.

As the US President Dwight Eisenhower famously said, "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed, This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children."

Then there is the inevitable destruction of habitat and property, horrible injury and massive death of civilians, who are innocent people.

Reject Normalisation of Warfare and Violence

Governments get blinded by the profits of weaponry and the 'glory' of war, which is then reinforced by the media and the public who have lost touch with the true horror of war.

The reality is that War is a form of mass murder and should be rejected by civilised people as stated in the UN Charter.

We must face up to our responsibility to abolish the institution of war, which requires that each community takes a stand to withdraw social consent for perpetuation of warfare by the state (see WarKillsChildren.org). Thus, we call on our elected government representatives at all levels to reconnect with their hearts (or higher collective intelligence) to condemn the business of warfare.

Government must increase investment in people that have the skills to work effectively to prevent war, to reduce crime and violent behaviour, to resolve conflict in peaceful ways. We need to invest more in social workers, psychological counsellors and community development programmes that deal with growing social unrest and psychological dysfunction in society. We must work to prevent conflict from becoming violent and armed warring factions. (also known as gangs, terrorists or criminals)

Waitakere Peace Group

Our mission is to encourage conversion of warfare to welfare, divestment in weapons to investment in peacemaking and disarmament. In addition, we want to see more funding for programmes that reduce child abuse and family violence, that would become available from reduced military budgets.

New Zealand can be a leading peacemaker nation internationally, based on non-militaristic defence and foreign policy, pro-active Peace City Councils and grassroots peacework in our communities. Thus, we must inspire our Local Boards and communities to be brave in the pursuit of a Peace City Culture based on social justice, human rights, environmental protection and non-violence which requires the rejection of institutionalised warfare.

Thus, we conclude with a recommendation that the Waitakere Ranges Local Board reinforce Auckland as a Peace City in the following resolution:

1) Declare support for Auckland City, Waitemata Harbour, Hauraki Gulf and the surrounding waters to be a War-Free Zone. This means that wargames and mass warship visits are no longer permitted.

2) Express disapproval of weapons manufacturers and investment in events or activities which promote the war business and militarism.

Refuse permission for the use of Council venues and public spaces for events which promote weapons, warfare and violence (even under the guise of defence).

3) Make a Public Statement (of the above) issued to the media and promote it through Auckland council PR communication channels eg. 'Our Auckland')

Conclusion: Although military weapon producing corporations bring financial wealth, power and ‘opportunity’ to Auckland, we eschew this kind of economic growth in our city and country. Therefore, Waitakere Ranges Local Board is determined to help lead the way for Auckland Peace City to reject the military war weapons industry. It positively encourages investment in the Peace business for protection of our children today and for generations henceforth.

* Auckland -- City of Peace Declaration (2011)

http://www.peace.net.nz/sites/ default/files/kiora/wp- content/uploads/2013/06/City- for-Peace-Declaration.pdf

Chairperson	Greg Presland
Deputy Chairperson	Saffron Toms
Members	Sandra Coney, QSO
	Neil Henderson
	Steve Tollestrup
	Denise Yates, JP

Activity	$ (000’s)
Local community services	834
Local parks, sports and recreation	89
Local environment services	359
Local planning and development	50
Total	1,332

Authors	Tua Viliamu - Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau