Agenda of Extraordinary Meeting of the Devonport-Takapuna 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.

The Auckland Council Code of Conduct for Elected Members (the Code) requires elected members to fully acquaint themselves with, and strictly adhere to, the provisions of Auckland Council’s Conflicts of Interest Policy. The policy covers two classes of conflict of interest:

i) A financial conflict of interest, which is one where a decision or act of the local board could reasonably give rise to an expectation of financial gain or loss to an elected member; and

ii) A non-financial conflict interest, which does not have a direct personal financial component. It may arise, for example, from a personal relationship, or involvement with a non-profit organisation, or from conduct that indicates prejudice or predetermination.

The Office of the Auditor General has produced guidelines to help elected members understand the requirements of the Local Authority (Member’s Interest) Act 1968. The guidelines discuss both types of conflicts in more detail, and provide elected members with practical examples and advice around when they may (or may not) have a conflict of interest.

Copies of both the Auckland Council Code of Conduct for Elected Members and the Office of the Auditor General guidelines are available for inspection by members upon request.

Any questions relating to the Code or the guidelines may be directed to the Relationship Manager in the first instance.

4 Leave of Absence

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

5 Acknowledgements

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

6 Petitions

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

7 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 Devonport-Takapuna 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.

8 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.

9 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.”

10 Notices of Motion

There were no notices of motion.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

02 May 2017

Urban Development Authorities submissions

File No.: CP2017/06710

Purpose

1. To provide an opportunity for local boards to formally provide feedback on government’s Urban Development Authorities Discussion Document.

Executive summary

2. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s Urban Development Authorities Discussion Document, released in February 2017, proposes new legislation for urban development authorities.

3. The potential legislation is the government’s direct response to recommendations made by the Productivity Commission during the Using Land for Housing inquiry (2015). The government signaled the proposal in August 2016.

4. The discussion document notes that the urban development authority proposal is one of a number of initiatives to improve the urban development system overall, others being the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill and the Productivity Commission inquiry into Better Urban Planning.

5. The proposed legislation is intended to complement the government’s recent introduction of a National Policy Statement on Urban Development Capacity and the Housing Infrastructure Fund.

6. The purpose of the proposed legislation is to enable better urban development at scale, where projects are complex or strategically important.

7. The legislation would enable local and central government:

· to empower nationally or locally significant urban development projects to access more enabling development powers and land use rules; and

· to establish new urban development authorities to support those projects where required.

8. The intention is to overcome barriers to large-scale urban development identified by the Productivity Commission’s Using Land for Housing inquiry.

9. The proposed legislation would enable publicly-controlled urban development authorities to plan and oversee the necessary development. Urban development authorities would be granted access powers to overcome these barriers, where applicable and strategically appropriate. This may include:

· powers to acquire parcels of land;

· powers to plan and fund infrastructure;

· powers to buy, sell or lease land and buildings and fund infrastructure; and

· over-ride existing and proposed district plans.

10. Developments could include housing, commercial premises, associated infrastructure, and amenities including parks, community spaces or shopping centres. Projects could also be greenfield and part of city expansion. Projects would not be limited to solely housing related projects. Development powers will not be available for stand-alone infrastructure projects.

11. The planning and consenting system as a whole, and any ability for urban development authorities to access powers under the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code, will not be considered in this discussion document or during the further development of the urban development authority proposal.

12. In its submission to the Productivity Commission Using Land for Housing draft report in June 2015, council raised the following points regarding urban development authorities. These are that council:

· agree there can be high value in urban development agency models;

· do not support the establishment of a government urban development agency in Auckland;

· support and believe there is scope for government to undertake complementary development activities and work alongside Development Auckland (now Panuku);

· do not support the removal of planning powers from local government to an urban development agency, as local government is better placed to undertake local planning; and

· recommend government undertakes an evaluation of existing development initiatives it has been involved in in Auckland, e.g. Tamaki Redevelopment Company Limited, and Hobsonville Point Company Limited.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) endorse the feedback (refer to Attachment A under separate cover) on the Urban Development Authorities discussion document; and

b) delegates authority to Chair Gillon and Deputy Chair Wood to finalise the local board’s submission on Urban Development Authorities.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

13. Local board chairpersons were invited to make an Expression of Interest to be a member of the Political Reference Group providing direction to staff on the submission.

14. The purpose of this report is to seek local board feedback which will be attached to the Auckland Council submission at the Planning Committee.

15. A committee report with the draft Political Reference Group submission points will be reported to the 2 May meeting of the Planning Committee, with delegated sign off for the final submission for the 19 May deadline. The submission closing date is very tight and local board feedback will be tabled at the 2 May Planning Committee meeting. We would be grateful if any specific comments for submission to council be:

· in a word document, submitted by 28 April 2017 (any feedback received after 28 April and before 15 May 2017 will be attached to the final submission);

· in reference to the overall proposal to enact new legislation, as well as the specific proposals, which are included within the overall proposal (see Attachment B); and

· sent to Christina Kaiser christina.kaiser@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (any queries prior to submission should be submitted to Christina Kaiser).

Māori impact statement

16. The proposals in the discussion document will have an impact on Māori. The discussion document proposes a process to identify potential Urban Development Authorities and develop related plans that may impact on agreed planning decisions, which were made with Māori engagement and input.

17. The Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) are providing input into the submission. The Political Reference Group set up to work with staff on Auckland Council’s submission includes a member of the IMSB Secretariat.

Implementation

18. There are no implementation issues as a result of this report.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇨	Urban Development Authorities Discussion Document - February 2017 (Under Separate Cover)
b ⇩	Appendix 1 - Questions for consideration	11
c ⇩	Appendix 2 - Summary diagram of the processes being proposed under the new legislation	13

Signatories

Authors

Christina Kaiser - Principal Strategic Advisor

Authorisers

Jacques Victor - GM Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

02 May 2017

Annual Budget 2017/2018

File No.: CP2017/07394

Purpose

1. This report seeks decisions and input from the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board on a range of Annual Budget 2017/2018 matters, including locally driven initiatives (LDI), advocacy, regional policy issues and other rate proposals.

Executive summary

2. This report seeks decisions and input from the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board on a range of Annual Budget 2017/2018 matters, which include decisions on:

· final LDI budgets by project, within funding envelopes;

Activity area	Allocation
Local community services	$1,047,000
Local parks, sport and recreation	$140,000
Local environmental development	$50,000
Local planning and development	$108,000
Total	$1,345,000

· local board advocacy initiatives;

· providing feedback on the five regional topics, which include;

o rates increases;

o rating stability (regarding proposals that both businesses and residential ratepayers receive the same rates increase);

o paying for tourism promotion;

o paying for housing infrastructure;

o paying council staff a living wage;

· locally driven initiative Opex projects to be deferred to 2017/2018;

o $150,000 for the Korean Gardens;

o $50,000 for the Takapuna Camping Ground Expressions of Interest.

3. It should be noted that the local board recommended targeted rates for the three Business Improvement District (BIDs) at their April 2017 business meeting (DT/2017/2018).

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) makes decisions on final 2017/2018 locally driven initiative (LDI) budgets by project and within funding envelopes.

b) agrees its advocacy initiatives for inclusion in the 2017/2018 Local Board Agreement.

c) agrees one key priority for the organisation to work on (and potentially a common issue).

d) provides any views it may have on regional financial policy issues.

e) recommends any new or amended BID targeted rates.

f) recommends any new or amended local targeted rate proposals.

g) recommends any proposed LDI capital projects, which are outside local boards’ decision-making responsibility.

h) recommends $200,000 of 2016/2017 local driven initiative (LDI) opex to be deferred to 2017/2018.

Comments

Consultation

4. Consultation on the Annual Budget 2017/2018 took place from 27 February – 27 March 2017. The results from the consultation have been analysed and are presented in the report entitled Annual Budget 2017/2018 – feedback from public consultation.

Locally driven initiatives

5. Local boards are requested to agree the level of funding by project for each group of activity. The expected delivery outcomes are further detailed in work programme, which will be reported against throughout 2017/2018.

6. The locally driven initiative (LDI) funding by project area as is follows:

Activity area	Allocation
Local community services	$1,047,000
Local parks, sport and recreation	$140,000
Local environmental development	$50,000
Local planning and development	$108,000
Total	$1,345,000

7. Local boards can defer those projects that are funded by their locally driven initiatives (LDI) where there was an agreed scope and cost but have not been delivered. The local board are requested to defer the budgets for the Korean Garden ($150,000) and Takapuna Camping Ground Expressions of Interest ($50,000) projects.

Local board advocacy

8. This triennium a three year approach is proposed for considering initiatives that local boards wish to progress that are unable to be funded by LDI. Such an approach seeks to better utilise the annual budget, Long Term Plan (LTP) and local board plan processes to progress and advise on a narrower range of local board initiatives, in a more comprehensive way.

9. The proposed new approach involves:

· as part of the Annual Budget 2017/2018 process, local boards begin narrowing their priorities to predominately one key advocacy initiative, and one initiative held in common with other local boards, for further research and consideration;

· Council departments provide local boards with information to help inform their position on these initiatives (in essence, developing a business case for them);

· based on this information, local boards develop the case for their advocacy further by testing ideas with the community in the local board plan process and other engagement; and

· local boards discuss priority initiatives with the Finance and Performance Committee through the annual budget and LTP processes, supported by organisational advice on the key initiative.

10. Local boards resolved on their key advocacy initiatives in December 2016 (Attachment A), for potential inclusion in their Local Board Agreements. Local boards were requested to further consider and refine these at workshops post consultation, and look to identify:

· one key initiative, and potentially one initiative held in common with other local boards, for business case development and to progress through the annual budget, local board plan and LTP processes; and

· other advocacy initiatives to be included in the Local Board Agreements, as key matters of importance to the local board.

11. Local boards may now wish to agree on these advocacy priorities.

12. Discussions with the Finance and Performance Committee will take place on 9 May.

Regional topics

13. Regional issues consulted on as part of the 2017/2018 Annual Budget process include rates increases, rating stability, paying for tourism promotion, paying for housing infrastructure, paying council staff a living wage and other changes for 2017/2018 (regarding waste management and charges, the mass transit network, SkyPath implementation, collaborations on reducing homelessness and the rural fire service).

14. Local boards may wish to provide feedback on these issues for consideration by the Finance and Performance Committee.

Local targeted rate and Business Improvement District (BID) targeted rate proposals

15. Local boards are required to agree any new Business Improvement District (BID) and local targeted rate proposals (noting that any new local targeted rates and/or BIDs must have been consulted on before they can be implemented).

16. It should be noted that the local board recommended targeted rates for the three BIDs at their April 2017 business meeting (DT/2017/62).

Consideration

Local board views and implications

17. Local board decisions and feedback are being sought in this report.

18. Local boards play an important role in the development of the annual budget, and provide views and information at key stages as council continues through the annual budget process.

Māori impact statement

19. 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.

20. 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

21. Feedback from the local boards will be provided to the Finance and Performance Committee and governing body for consideration and adopting the Annual Budget 2017/2018.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Devonport-Takapuna Proposed Advocacy Initiatives	19

Signatories

Authors

Pramod Nair - Lead Financial Advisor

Authorisers

Christine Watson - Manager Financial Advisory Services - Local Boards

Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

02 May 2017

Annual Budget 2017/2018 – feedback from public consultation

File No.: CP2017/07385

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to present feedback on the:

· Devonport-Takapuna Local Board’s (the local board) proposed local projects, advocacy initiatives and the regional topics received through the Annual Budget 2017/2018 public consultation

· inform the local board’s decisions on projects and priorities and setting budgets as part of its 2017/2018 Local Board Agreement.

Executive summary

2. Public consultation on the Annual Budget 2017/2018 was undertaken between 27 February and 27 March 2017. Feedback was sought on the local board’s priorities and five regional topics.

3. 8,058 submissions were received on the Annual Budget 2017/2018. Of this, the local board received 266 submissions that commented on both the proposed local projects and regional topics. This equates to three per cent of all submissions received across the region.

4. The following table outlines the key findings from the public consultation:

Local project or advocacy initiative	Public consultation feedback
Priorities for 2017/2018	· 36% partial support. · 34% support. · 26% did not support. · 4% other.
Regional topics	Public consultation feedback
Rates increases	· 56% overall support for a 2.5% average rates increase. · 25% overall support for a lower rates increase. · 15% overall support for a higher rates increase.
What should council do more of if there is a higher rates increase?	What should council do more of if there is a higher rates increase: · 40% want more transport projects · 14% want more parks and community projects. · 12% want more investment in Auckland’s development. · 12% want more council governance and support.
What should council do less of if there is a lower rates increase?	· 34% want less council governance and support. · 17% want less economic development and cultural projects. · 14% want less transport projects. · 10% want less parks and community projects.
Rating stability	· 70% support adjusting the share between businesses and residential ratepayers over time. · 19% do not support adjusting the share between businesses and residential ratepayers over time. · 9% were unsure about an adjustment.
Paying for tourism promotion	· 68% support a targeted rate. · 22% do not support a targeted rate. · 8% were unsure.
Paying for household infrastructure	· 64% support for new developments to be funded from targeted rates or growth charges. · 17% were unsure. · 13% do not support for new developments to be funded from targeted rates or growth charges.
Living wage for council staff	· 60% support for council implementing a living wage. · 25% do not support council implementing a living wage. · 11% were unsure.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board :

a) Receives feedback on its local projects and advocacy initiatives from Devonport-Takapuna submitters on the draft Annual Budget 2017/2018.

Comments

Overview of the Annual Budget 2017/2018 public consultation

5. Public consultation on the Annual Budget 2017/2018 was undertaken between 27 February and 27 March 2017. Feedback was sought on the local board’s proposed projects and advocacy initiatives and the five regional topics. The proposed local projects focussed on planning to continue the following priorities:

· general park development

· greenway and walkway development

· road revitalisation (Takapuna Centre – Hurstmere) and stormwater upgrade

· renewal of existing assets.

The four regional topics for feedback were rates increases, rating stability, paying for tourism promotion, paying for housing infrastructure and a living wage for council staff.

6. The council provided a suite of options for the public to provide feedback on the local and regional consultation topics. This included online through Shape Auckland and Facebook, completing a physical feedback form or in person by attending a drop-in session or Have Your Say events. To support the feedback process the local board held two drop-in sessions in the area on 22 February and 18 March 2017.

Summary of submissions

7. 8,058 submissions were received on the Annual Budget. Of this, the local board received 266 submissions that commented on both the proposed local projects and regional topics. This equates to three per cent of all submissions received across the region.

8. 257 of all submissions were from individuals, while nine were from organisations (e.g. business associations and community organisations.).

9. Using the internet to submit feedback was the most effective mechanism for Devonport-Takapuna respondents. 74 per cent of all respondents used either the Shape Auckland website, People’s Panel or emailed their feedback. 23 per cent of respondents posted their feedback. A notable outcome is that more postal submitters wrote a submission instead of using the Our Auckland form (15 per cent compared to 8 per cent).

10. Attachment A provides a full breakdown of respondent’s methods to provide feedback.

Demographic profile of submitters

11. A demographic snapshot of respondents from the Devonport-Takapuna area highlights that:

· 49 per cent of the respondents were male, while 44 per cent were female. These figures differ to the regional response rate for gender, where more females responded than men

· 31 per cent of respondents were aged between 65 years and over. This is higher than regional response rate of 25 per cent

· 12 per cent of respondents were aged 34 years or younger. This is slightly lower than the regional response of 19 per cent

· 66 per cent of respondents were NZ European and NZ / Kiwi, while 8 per cent were of Korean and 6 per cent were of Chinese decent

· four per cent of respondents identified themselves as Māori.

12. It should be noted that the demographic snapshot is not representative of all submissions. This is due to the demographic questions being optional and therefore some respondents chose to not respond.

13. Further details on the demographic profile of submitters from the local board area, and a comparison to regional responses rates are included in Attachment A.

Feedback on local projects and advocacy initiatives

14. This section provides a high-level summary of feedback received on the local board’s projects and advocacy initiatives for the 2017/2018 financial year. Detailed feedback on each project can be viewed in Attachment A.

Local board priorities for 2017/2018

15. Submitters were asked have we got our priorities right for this area in 2017/2018? This question allowed submitters to broadly comment on all the local board’s priorities. 233 responses were received for this question, where:

· 36 per cent partially supported the priorities

· 34 per cent supported the priorities

· 26 per cent did not support the priorities

· four per cent were unsure.

16. Submitters also had the opportunity to comment on their response to the first question, and note any changes they would like to see. Eight submitters responded to the priorities outlined in the consultation document, which highlighted support for renewal of existing assets, support for road revitalisation, stormwater upgrades and park development.

17. The question however drew a range of comments on the local board’s priorities, as well as broader local board and council issues. While broader local board and council issues were typically individualistic in nature, a number of key themes emerged from the comments. The following table provides a summary of these key themes, by activity type:

Theme	Commentary
Upgrades to Lake Road	· The overwhelming theme that arose from feedback is the need to upgrade and make improvements to Lake Road. · 25 per cent all submitters either commented or referenced that this was the key priority for them and the local board area. · Staff advise that due to the significant direction provided by the community, that the Lake Road upgrade be the primary advocacy initiative to the Governing Body.
Cycle ways and green routes	· Submitters noted the need to improve and provide more cycle way connections and green routes, in particular around Takapuna, Belmont and Devonport areas. · Submitters also suggested that future routes also connect to the proposed SeaPath cycle route, via Takapuna.
Public transport	· Submitters highlighted that improvements to public transport in the area is critical to get people moving. This includes ensuring public transport runs efficiently and ferry operators provide a quality service. · There is strong support the Bayswater Ferry terminal upgrade being a priority for the area, as this would help alleviate congestion issues on Lake Road.
Ryman Healthcare development	· Submitters raised a variety of concerns regarding the impact the Ryman Healthcare development will have on the local area, such as impact on existing infrastructure and increased traffic on Lake Road.
Parks and beaches	· A number of submitters highlighted that upgrades to toilets and changing facilities and Takapuna and Milford beaches are urgently required. · Submitters supported the proposal to improve accessibility along lakes and coastlines.
Takarunga / Mt Victoria	· Several respondents noted concerns, or indicated that they did not support the decision to remove vehicles from Takarunga / Mt Victoria. · A number of solutions were provided, which include allowing vehicles up the maunga on the weekend, and requesting the local board form a robust relationship with the Tupuna Maunga Authority to ensure the community’s view is reflected.
Libraries	· Submitters highlighted concerns over how the ‘Fit for the Future’ could impact services at the Devonport and Takapuna libraries, and supported to reduced level of service.
Environmental Services	· Respondents support that the local board area continues to take a chemical-free approach to weed management

18. Comments relating to the local board’s priorities are detailed in the following sections.

19. Attachment A provides a full breakdown of broader local board issues by activity type.

Feedback on regional topics

20. This section provides a high-level summary of feedback received on the five regional topics. Detailed feedback on each topic can be viewed in Attachment A.

Rates increases

21. Submitters were asked three questions relating to the proposed rates increases. The first question asked do you think we have the balance about right with a 2.5 per cent average rates increase? 259 responses were received for this question, where:

· 144 submitters (56 per cent) support a 2.5 per cent average rates increase

· 64 submitters (25 per cent) support a lower rates increase

· 39 submitters (15 per cent) support a higher rates increase

· 12 submitters (4 per cent) did not respond.

22. Two additional questions asked submitters what should council do more of if there is a higher rates increase, and what should council do less of if there is a lower rates increase? 73 and 59 responses were respectively received for this question, which also included a range of comments and preferences on what council should focus on.

23. The following table provides a summary of feedback by respondents on higher or lower rates increases:

Activity area	Number	Comments
Transport	More: 29 Less: 8	More: · Walking and cycling infrastructure. · Dedicated bus lanes and busways. · More transport infrastructure and increased public transport services. · Maintenance and cleaning of existing footpaths, roads, public areas. Public transport esp. ferries, trams and buses. Less: · Reduce the number of proposed cycle ways. · Spending on traffic lights, car parks.
Parks, community and lifestyle	More: 10 Less: 6	· More: · Sports field development and playgrounds. · Ensure upkeep of community facilities, parks and libraries. · Less: · Unnecessary spending on parks when are they adequate. · Given we still have problems with core infrastructure then we should be scrutinising any expenditure on other areas like ‘lifestyle’ projects.
Economic and cultural development	More: 2 Less: 10	More: · Heritage incentives. Less: · Promotion of events and major events should not be funded by rate payer. · The Council should not be spending ratepayers' money on which only satisfies a limited portion of ratepayers.
Auckland development	More: 9 Less: 4	More: · Invest more in infrastructure. · Addressing homelessness, social housing and poverty. · Less: · Less substandard development. · Less social housing.
Environmental management and regulation	More: 7 Less: 1	More: · Drainage and sewerage infrastructure. · Improving stormwater.
Governance and support	More: 9 Less: 20	More: · Local board discretionary funding. · Focus on core services and increase efficiency. Less: · Any non-core activities - stick to the basics. · Cap the number of staff and consultants. · Undertake a review of inefficiencies and duplication of resource.

Activity area

Number

Comments

Transport

More: 29

Less: 8

· Walking and cycling infrastructure.

· Dedicated bus lanes and busways.

· More transport infrastructure and increased public transport services.

· Maintenance and cleaning of existing footpaths, roads, public areas. Public transport esp. ferries, trams and buses.

Less:

· Reduce the number of proposed cycle ways.

· Spending on traffic lights, car parks.

Parks, community and lifestyle

More: 10

Less: 6

· More:

· Sports field development and playgrounds.

· Ensure upkeep of community facilities, parks and libraries.

· Less:

· Unnecessary spending on parks when are they adequate.

· Given we still have problems with core infrastructure then we should be scrutinising any expenditure on other areas like ‘lifestyle’ projects.

Economic and cultural development

More: 2

Less: 10

· Heritage incentives.

Less:

· Promotion of events and major events should not be funded by rate payer.

· The Council should not be spending ratepayers' money on which only satisfies a limited portion of ratepayers.

Auckland development

More: 9

Less: 4

· Invest more in infrastructure.

· Addressing homelessness, social housing and poverty.

· Less:

· Less substandard development.

· Less social housing.

Environmental management and regulation

More: 7

Less: 1

· Drainage and sewerage infrastructure.

· Improving stormwater.

Governance and support

More: 9

Less: 20

· Local board discretionary funding.

· Focus on core services and increase efficiency.

Less:

· Any non-core activities - stick to the basics.

· Cap the number of staff and consultants.

· Undertake a review of inefficiencies and duplication of resource.

Rating stability

24. Submitters were asked to provide feedback on a proposal that suggests for 2017/2018; both business and residential ratepayers should receive the same rates increases. The council has been adjusting the share of general rates between businesses and residential ratepayers over time, and this has resulted in businesses having a smaller increase than residential ratepayers.

25. 256 responses were received for this question, with 70 per cent of all respondents agreeing that both business and residential ratepayers should receive the same rates increase. Those who commented stated that this approach is a sensible short-term proposal, and businesses have the added ability to recover increased costs that residential ratepayers do not.

26. 19 per cent of respondents did not support the proposal, and noted that business should always pay more rates because they profit from the services and infrastructure the council provides.

Paying for tourism promotion

27. 256 responses were received on the proposal to introduce a targeted rate on accommodation providers that will guide council’s annual spending on tourism promotion and major events. 175 submitters (68 per cent) supported the proposal, and commented that:

· it is a sensible approach which makes those pay for the significant financial benefits they receive

· this is a consistent model that is applied in many overseas cities

· ratepayers should not be funding this activity in the first place

· alternative providers such as Airbnb and Bookabach should also be included within the targeted rate to accommodation providers, as they provide the same services as hotels and motels

28. Conversely, 57 respondents (22 per cent) did not support the proposal, and 20 (8 per cent) were unsure. The majority of submitters who did not support the proposal felt that introducing a targeted rate will be another ‘tourist tax’ that penalises visitors, have a negative impact on tourism and believed any targeted rate should also include other industries that benefit from tourism (i.e. souvenir stores and tourist attractions).

29. It is important to note that a number of submitters felt that council should not invest ratepayer money, or have any role tourism promotion and major events. Submitters believed that this was not core-council business, and Auckland by default gets sufficient tourism exposure from central government advertising, and also being the gateway to New Zealand.

Paying for housing infrastructure

30. Submitters were asked about changing council’s funding policy to allow infrastructure for new housing developments to be funded by targeted rates and existing growth charges. 256 responses were received for this question, where:

· 164 submitters (64 per cent) agreed with the proposal

· 43 submitters (17 per cent) were unsure

· 34 submitters (13 per cent) disagreed with the proposal.

31. Respondents felt that targeted rates to developers and development contributions are an appropriate way to fund infrastructure, and this proposal will also reduce the burden on residential ratepayers, who don’t receive as the amount of benefit from new housing developments.

32. Respondents who disagreed with the proposal noted a variety of concerns and suggestions, such as:

· this approach will not speed up new developments or create more affordable housing

· it will only increase the cost of housing as the targeted rate will be recovered by developers elsewhere

· council should instead consider a levy for new home buyers who are not already living in Auckland.

Living wage for council staff

33. Submitters were asked do you agree with council implementing a living wage policy to ensure all staff can afford typical living costs? 257 responses were received for this question, where 60 per cent of submitters agreed with the proposal, 25 per cent disagreed and 11 per cent were not sure. The following table provides a summary of feedback on council adopting a living wage policy:

Response	Comments
Agree to living wage	· If rates are increasing then wages also need to increase so council employees can support their families. If it is already coming out of an existing budget, then it can be implemented. · This should also apply to staff working for council under through contractors, for example cleaners and catering staff, the majority of who are women. · It is a positive and proactive move and hopefully it will encourage more companies and government departments to follow suit.
Disagree to living wage	· If savings can be made within existing budgets the benefit should be incurred on the ratepayer, not simply used to fund another project. · The minimum wage is a central government issue and it is not the responsibility of the ratepayer. · Council staff should be appropriately paid, however any funding you can save within existing budgets should be used for other services, and wages for council staff should be brought in line by considering improved efficiencies.
Unsure	· There is pay disparity across all New Zealand and it is unclear whether the ratepayers should fund this. · Perhaps other alternatives can be considered, such as offering cheaper public transport or subsidised parking for those who really need it.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

34. The local board will need to consider any changes to their locally driven initiatives budget or advocacy based on feedback from the Annual Budget 2017/2018 public consultation.

Māori impact statement

35. The local board’s proposed projects and advocacy initiatives for 2017/2018 have the potential to make a positive impact on Māori and can respond to Auckland Council’s commitment to improving Māori wellbeing and delivering Māori outcomes. For example the:

· parks development programme provides active and healthy lifestyle options for everyone, including Māori

· increased community grants budget could support events and programmes relating to Matariki.

Implementation

36. There are no implementation issues at this stage of the Annual Budget’s development.

37. The following table outlines the local board’s role and next steps to complete the development of the Annual Budget:

Month	Deliverable
2 May 2017	Local board decisions on: · final locally driven initiative (LDI) priorities, by activity, within funding envelopes · proposed LDI capital projects outside local board decision-making · any recommendations to the governing body on financial matter (i.e. a BID or targeted rate) · advocacy initiatives.
To be confirmed	Discussions between the local board and governing body on local board advocacy initiatives.
31 May / 1 June 2017	Governing body agree to budgets
6 June 2017	Local board decisions on: · adopting the 2017/2018 Local Board Agreement · adopting a fees and charges schedule for 2017/2018 · agreeing work programming for 2017/2018 by activity.
28 / 29 June 2017	Governing body adopts Annual Budget.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Analysis of 2017/2018 Annual Plan feedback	31

Signatories

Authors	Tristan Coulson - Senior Local Board Advisor Devonport-Takapuna
Authorisers	Eric Perry - Relationship Manager

Initiative	Description	Advocating to
Lake Road upgrade – budget prioritisation Local advocacy initiative	Proposal Request that Auckland Transport (AT) prioritise the budget for the Lake Road upgrade, to alleviate increasing congestion issues and meet future population growth. Overview of initiative Lake Road is one of the busiest arterials across the Auckland region, and as the only road both into and out of the peninsula, has a critical role in transporting commuters. The importance of the road is reflected in the Auckland Transport Alignment Project, where it has been identified a ‘primary arterial road’ in the proposed future strategic road network. Over the last five years, the road has become heavily congested and bottlenecking is being experienced by motorists on both weekdays and weekends. The congestion will only further increase significantly due to factors such as: · the Unitary Plan permitting greater intensification in the area · major infrastructure developments such as the Ryman Retirement village and Ngati Whatua landholdings in Bayswater. · population growth projections. In 2016, AT undertook a Corridor Management Plan (CMP), a 30 year strategic document for the management of the road and is currently preparing an Indicative Business Case to fund the project. Following the completion of the business case, the local board urge AT to budget, prioritise and deliver the outputs in the CMP. The importance of this project was recently highlighted in the 2017/2018 Annual Plan public consultation, where 25 percent of all submissions referenced the need to upgrade Lake Road.	Auckland Transport Governing Body
New Bayswater Ferry Terminal Local advocacy initiative	Proposal Request that AT bring forward the funding for a new ferry terminal at Bayswater. Overview of initiative In 2014, AT’s Ferry Development Plan outlined that there will be low growth in patronage for the Bayswater Ferry Terminal due to a lack of residential intensification, an ageing population, or a switch to using the Devonport Ferry Terminal. Subsequently the plan proposed it as a long-term project but recommended to bring forward funding for a new terminal. Since the adoption of the plan, a number of significant developments (as noted in the previous advocacy initiative) will result in greater demand than what was originally proposed. The local board believe that these aspects should trigger a review of the plan’s existing priorities, and inform budget reallocation towards a new ferry terminal. The new ferry terminal is a significant project because it is the shortest service that links downtown Auckland to the North Shore, and will also provide an effective alternative to alleviate traffic congestion on Lake Road.	Auckland Transport Governing Body
Ongoing investment and provision for new open spaces Sub-regional / regional advocacy initiative	Proposal Request that the Governing Body ensure there is ongoing investment and provision for new open spaces across the North Shore, and greater Auckland Region. Overview of initiative It is critical that the Governing Body continues to invest and acquire new open spaces in both new and existing areas to meet population growth and greater intensification across the North Shore and greater Auckland. In addition, the scope of this work should include other mechanisms / approaches to land acquisition, such as: · repurposing existing land managed by council or CCOs (e.g. road ends managed by Auckland Transport) as local parks · upgrading existing, and investing in new sports fields and playing surfaces · providing innovative and flexible open spaces in metropolitan and village centers.	Governing Body
Pest and weed management Sub-regional / regional advocacy initiative	Proposal Request that the Governing Body consider funding local boards to enable locally-delivered approaches to pest and weed management. Overview of initiative The current Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy is (2007-2012) outdated and a number of local boards have identified an opportunity to take a community-led approach to minimizing, and eliminating pest and weeds in their area. Funding a locally-delivered approach will enable local boards to focus on their priority areas, while linking and aligning to council’s strategic objectives for weeds and pests.	Governing Body

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

02 May 2017

Approval of the draft Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Plan 2017

File No.: CP2017/04564

Purpose

1. To approve:

· the draft Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Plan 2017 and, the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Plan summary for public consultation; and

· key engagement events to be held as part of the consultation.

Executive summary

2. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 requires that each local board complete a local board plan for adoption by 31 October 2017.

3. The draft plan and summary are attached to this report for the local board to approve for public consultation.

4. Consultation using the special consultative procedure (SCP) is taking place from 22 May to 30 June 2017.

5. The formal engagement events the board will conduct are detailed as follows:

· Drop-in session 1 – Sunnynook Community Centre, 148 Sycamore Dr, Sunnynook, Thursday 25 May, 11am-1pm;

· Drop-in session 2 – Takapuna Sunday Market (17 Anzac St) and Hurstmere Green, Takapuna, Sunday 18 June, 8am-12pm.

6. Staff recommend that the board fund a social media campaign with the aim of gaining valuable feedback from the 18-40 year old age group in Devonport-Takapuna. If executed well, social media can be used to engage with the hard-to-reach members of the community, with the 18- 40 year old segment a core target of the Local Board. Understanding the priorities of this audience will be a key outcome, as well as potentially opening up a new channel for the younger generations to engage with the Local Board through.

Recommendation/s

That the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board:

a) approves the draft Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Plan 2017 for public consultation using the special consultative procedure (SPC);

b) approves the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Plan household summary document as attached to the agenda report;

c) notes that, in the event minor edits are required to the draft local board plan or the household summary, the board delegates to the Chairperson (or other delegate) to finalise edits with staff as a matter of urgency.

d) approves the scheduled formal engagement events, as follows:

· Drop-in session 1 – Sunnynook Community Centre, 148 Sycamore Drive, Sunnynook, Thursday 25 May, 11am-1pm;

· Drop-in session 2 – Takapuna Sunday Market (17 Anzac St) and Hurstmere Green, Takapuna, Sunday 18 June, 8am-12pm;

e) approves $15,000 from the operational budgets towards a social media campaign that targets engagement with the 18-40 year old age group in Devonport-Takapuna.

Comments

7. Local board plans are strategic plans for the following three years and beyond. The plans reflect the priorities and preferences of the community. They guide how the local board:

· makes decisions on local activities and projects; and

· provides input into regional strategies and policies.

8. The plans inform the development of council’s 10-year budget. They also form the basis for development of the annual local board agreement for the following three financial years and subsequent work programmes.

9. The local board is required to use the Special Consultative Procedure (SCP) to consult on the draft local board plan. The period for the SCP is from 22 May to 30 June 2017.

10. As part of meeting these SCP requirements, a full draft of the local board plan and a household summary document will be made available on the Shape Auckland website, at local libraries, council service centres and the local board office. The summary will also be delivered to all households in the local board area, and engagement events will be scheduled during the SCP period of 22 May to 30 June 2017. These will be advertised on the Shape Auckland website, through local and regional publications, online and through social media.

11. In addition to the SCP, staff propose an opportunity to undertake an enhanced social media campaign, with the aim of engaging hard-to-reach residents, or those who typically do not input into council planning processes. These people are typically:

· young people (in high school and university)

· families and young professionals in the 18-40 year age group.

12. Both the 2017/2018 Annual Budget and previous public consultations have regularly highlighted low engagement results from these age groups. While there are a number of factors which contribute to low engagement, one solution identified by staff is to increase engagement on social media, an area where these age groups spend significant amount of their time interacting with each other. Undertaking an enhanced social media campaign could assist to engage these age groups, and generate comments to help inform the local board plan’s development.

13. The social media campaign will utilise alternative engagement mechanism to reach these people, as they are regular users of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. The campaign will seek to hear from people about what matters most to them and which projects they would like to see progressed in their local board area. The outcome of the campaign will be to learn more about what these age groups would like to see happening in the Devonport-Takapuna area, what they cherish in the area, and which projects they would like to prioritised.

14. It is important to note that the campaign will support and complement the SCP, rather than being considered as formal submissions. The campaign will continue to encourage people to provide formal feedback on the Council’s Shape Auckland website.

15. $15,000 is required to implement to social media campaign, and will need to be supported from the local board’s operational budgets.

16. Key features of the draft Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Plan 2017 include reference to parks and beaches; natural environment and heritage; transport; empowering communities; and local economic development.

Consideration

17. The draft plan has been developed by considering:

· previous community engagement;

· stakeholder meetings on Takapuna Projects with Panuku Development, with the following groups: Takapuna Residents Group, ANCAD, Environment Takapuna, Sentinel and Maison Apartments, and PHAB;

· local strategies, including the Takapuna Centre Plan, the Milford Centre Plan, the Devonport-Takapuna Area Plan, Takapuna Beach Concept Plan, Takapuna Beach Reserve Management Plan;

· regional policies, including Auckland Council Weed Management Policy;

· subject matter expert advice from Parks, Sports and Recreation, Community Empowerment, Panuku Development, Auckland Transport; and

· mana whenua and mataawaka feedback, including feedback received from the 6 March sub-regional hui.

Local board views and implications

18. The local board’s views have driven the development of the draft plan attached to this report.

Māori impact statement

· As part of pre-engagement on the draft plan, the board have engaged with mana whenua at a sub-regional governance level hui, held on 6 March.

19. During the development of the final plan, and throughout the rest of the term, the board also intend to:

· send a copy of the draft plan to mana whenua and mataawaka for formal submission during the SCP

· continue to develop relationships with mana whenua and mataawaka through the development of a governance group specific to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area and by attending sub-regional hui.

Implementation

20. Formal consultation for the draft local board plan will take place from 22 May to 30 June 2017.

21. Amendments will be made to the final plan during August and September.

22. The local board will adopt the final plan in September.

Attachments