Agenda of Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1 Welcome 5

2 Apologies 5

3 Declaration of Interest 5

4 Confirmation of Minutes 5

5 Leave of Absence 5

6 Acknowledgements 5

7 Petitions 5

8 Deputations 5

9 Public Forum 5

10 Extraordinary Business 5

11 Notices of Motion 6

12 Manurewa Youth Council Update 7

13 Manurewa Ward Councillors Update 9

14 Members' Update 11

15 Chairperson's Update 13

16 Auckland Transport Update to the Manurewa Local Board - November 2017 15

17 Amendment of the Auckland Transport Election Signs Bylaw 2013 and its impact on local parks 35

18 Actions to improve water quality at Weymouth Beach 45

19 Manurewa Open Space Network Plan - Key Moves 49

20 Draft reserve management plan for David Nathan Park: approval for public notification 57

21 Adoption of a regional membership structure across council operated pools and leisure centres 87

22 Input to the Review of Citizens Advice Bureaux services 93

23 Auckland Council’s Quarterly Performance Report: Manurewa Local Board for quarter one, 1 July - 30 September 2017 159

24 Manurewa Local Board objection to a renewal of an off-license application made by R.S NZ Holding Limited trading as Crown Liquor Clendon Wines 195

25 Manurewa Local Board - Feedback on the Remuneration Authority consultation document 201

26 Manurewa Local Board - Feedback on the Review of representation arrangements - process 205

27 Manurewa Local Board Governance Forward Work Calendar - November 2017 209

28 Reports Requested - Pending - Issues 213

29 Manurewa Local Board Achievements Register 2016-2019 Political Term 217

30 For Information: Reports referred to the Manurewa Local Board 225

31 Manurewa Local Board Workshop Notes 227

32 Consideration of Extraordinary Items

1 Welcome

The meeting will begin with a prayer.

2 Apologies

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

3 Declaration of Interest

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

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 19 October 2017, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

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

6 Acknowledgements

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

7 Petitions

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

8 Deputations

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

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

9 Public Forum

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

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

10 Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Notices of Motion

There were no notices of motion.

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Auckland Transport Update to the Manurewa Local Board - November 2017

File No.: CP2017/23625

Purpose

1. This report:

a) Provides an update on the current status of the Local Board Transport Capital Fund

b) Responds to requests on transport-related matters

c) Provides a summary of consultation material sent to the Manurewa Local Board, and

d) Provides information on transport related matters of specific application and interest to the Manurewa Local Board and its community.

Executive summary

2. In particular, this report covers:

a) Current standings on Local Board Transport Capital Fund projects

b) Update on the installation of electronic ticket gating at Manurewa station

c) Proposed installation of bus layover parking area at Manurewa station

d) Auckland Transport’s Quarterly Report for the July to September 2017 quarter.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) Receives the report entitled ‘Auckland Transport Update to the Manurewa Local Board – November 2017’.

Comments

Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF) update

3. The board’s current LBTCF projects are included in the table below (in which ROC = rough order of costs, and FEC = firm estimate of cost):

ID#

Project Description

Progress/Current Status

353

Hill Road pedestrian link:

A project to improve pedestrian links on Hill Road between Great South Road and the Botanic Gardens

· FEC = $525,000

· Spend to date = $416,750

· Project first initiated in Oct-14 but scale reduced in Nov-15 to new crossing points and safer intersections only (and proposed cycle ways removed).

· Construction approved in Nov-15 based on FEC of $575,000 (later reduced to $525,000).

b) Project update:

· Project completed except for the Hillcrest Grove intersection as the work is yet to be reported to the Traffic Control Committee (TCC) for approval due to a consultation issue.

· A further consultation letter was sent out to the property owners at the registered address on 29-Sep-17, seeking a response within two weeks. As no response was received, AT will proceed to seek TCC approval for the work.

354

Manurewa covered walkway:

A project to improve connectivity between the Manurewa bus station, rail station, and Great South Road (through Southmall) by building a weather-proof canopy to link all three.

· FEC = $1,172,000

· Spend to date = $1,076,529

· Project initiated in Oct-14 and construction approved in Nov-15. FEC has changed a number of times due to scope changes.

· Following a further request, ROCs were provided in Mar-17 for canopies over the station ramps – the ROC for a solid (metal) roof was $721,632 while the ROC for a structureflex roof was $795,072. The board withheld making a decision on covering the ramps until potential opportunities relating to Te Mahia train station can be identified with AT.

· Construction of the canopy has been completed over the station over-bridge, stairs and over to Southmall. In Mar-17, based on AT advice it would be reviewing the layout of the existing bus station, the board deferred the canopy extension to the bus station to the future.

c) Project update:

· All works expected have now been completed except for the mesh installation on the overbridge.

· The mesh is required to prevent people throwing objects down onto the platforms below. The size of the mesh is driven by KiwiRail standards. AT also wants the size of the holes to allow hoses to be fed through that will enable cleaning of the canopy.

· AT standard mesh is currently in storage and an installation date will be coordinated with the Public Arts team for the design mesh that is being developed with iwi artists.

· Installation is behind schedule and is now expected to await the Christmas shutdown period from 27 Dec to 7 Jan.

512

Manurewa RSA mobility parking:

A project to create mobility parking spaces directly outside the RSA main entrance to improve ease of access and comfort for disabled patrons

· FEC estimate of $11,600

· Spend to date $4,855

· Work completed.

Project update:

· Final costs to be reported.

545

Wattle Farm Road new central pedestrian refuge:

A project to improve pedestrian inter-connectivity between Acacia Cove Village and Bupa Retirement Village

· ROC estimate of $24,360

· Spend to date $108

· On 17-Aug-17, the board approved the project to proceed to detailed design and costing based on a ROC of $24,360.

Project update:

· Bupa is yet to install a side-islands style pedestrian facility. Given the board would prefer a central-island style facility, AT will work with Bupa on implementing the board’s preferred option and share costs.

· AT has made contact with Bupa, finalised plans and is expecting design drawings in two weeks. After receipt, consultation and TCC approval will be needed.

· AT is planning for works on the pedestrian refuge to be undertaken in conjunction with AT’s installation of footpaths in the immediate area. A realistic timeframe for construction is mid-late Feb 2018.

546

Te Mahia station upgrade:

A project to work in conjunction with AT to upgrade the station beyond the basic scope of works identified by AT

· $2.5M confirmed funding from AT

· Potential $2.5M allocation identified by board

· AT has identified $2.5M this FY to upgrade the station, including platform resurfacing, new shelter, lighting, public announcement system, passenger information and CCTV improvements, perimeter fencing and upgrading the pedestrian level crossing.

· On 17-Aug-17, the board noted that $2.5 million had been identified to contribute towards the Te Mahia rail station upgrade project.

· AT met with representatives of the board’s MTC Steering Group on 5-Sep-17 to discuss the additional scope envisaged by the board.

Project update:

· AT staff attended the MTC Steering Group meeting on 10-Oct-17 to present and discuss a draft proposal and estimates.

· AT staff will attend a board workshop on 9-Nov-17 seeking board endorsement.

4. The Manurewa Local Board’s transport capital fund to date is summarised below.

Manurewa Local Board transport capital fund summary:

Total Funds Available in current political term (includes 2019/20 FY)	$3,068,375
Amount committed to date on projects approved for detailed design and/or construction	$538,901
Amount identified to contribute to joint Te Mahia station upgrade project	$2,500,000
Remaining budget left available to allocate by the end of the current political term	$29,474

Responses to Manurewa Local Board requests

5. At its May 2017 business meeting, the Manurewa Local Board requested Auckland Transport to investigate the possibility of installing public toilets at the Manurewa bus/train station. Auckland Transport has since identified a spare three-berth exeloos unit which could be relocated to the bus station area, and potential locations were workshopped with the Manurewa Local Board on 5 October.

6. Both the exeloos unit and the required portacom for bus drivers (also workshopped with the board) require resource consent. An application has been prepared, is being reviewed by Auckland Transport’s consents team, and is expected to be submitted with Auckland Council in the week beginning 6 November. Council approval takes a minimum of 20 working days, and installation can only occur once the consent is granted.

7. At the Manurewa Local Board’s business meeting on 18 May 2017, the board passed resolution number MR/2017/95 as follows:

That the Manurewa Local Board:

b) request the removal of the bus stop and shelter located at 149 Great South Road Manurewa, being bus stop number 6043 on the corner of Northcrest Way and Great South Road.

8. In an earlier interim response, Auckland Transport had indicated that the bus stop at 149 Great South Road was a potential site being investigated for use as a bus layover, meaning its removal might be premature. Auckland Transport undertook to report back to a subsequent workshop following its investigations into bus layover sites.

9. As addressed further below (see “Manurewa bus layovers”) the bus stop at 149 Great South Road is no longer under consideration for a bus layover site. However, at the Manurewa Local Board’s request, Auckland Transport is separately reviewing the removal of bus services on Great South Road through the Manurewa town centre. It is therefore suggested that a final decision regarding the future of the stop and shelter should await the completion of that bus services review.

Projects and activities of interest to the board

Electronic ticket gating at Manurewa station

10. To prevent vandalism, security gates to close the station after hours will be put in place at Manurewa station prior to the remaining electronic gating infrastructure being installed.

11. Installation of security gates is approximately three weeks away (late November), and the remaining infrastructure is expected to be installed thereafter. The electronic ticket gates are scheduled to come into use in December.

Manurewa bus layovers

12. At a Manurewa Local Board workshop on 25 October, Auckland Transport presented its investigations into bus layover sites required in the Manurewa town centre area and discussed its preferred option within the existing Manurewa park and ride area (see plan below).

13. As the preferred option would result in the loss of car parking spaces, Auckland Transport proposed to mitigate the loss through improvements to the currently under-utilised overflow car park immediately north of Station Road, comprising improved signage, lighting and CCTV. While the loss of parking was not considered ideal, at the workshop the Manurewa Local Board indicated its acceptance of the mitigation works proposed.

14. Auckland Transport will therefore further develop the preferred option and send to the Manurewa Local Board for further feedback. Construction of the new layover is expected to commence in January 2018 and be operational by February 2018.

Quarterly report for July-September 2017

15. The following quarterly report material is attached to this monthly report:

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

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

Consultation documents on proposed improvements

16. No new proposals have been consulted on since the October monthly report.

17. Last month, consultation documents were reported for proposed P180 parking restrictions on Hill Road outside the Auckland Botanic Gardens, which was supported by the Manurewa Local Board.

18. Consultation has now been completed and a resolution report to the Traffic Control Committee (TCC) is in preparation. It is anticipated that TCC approval will be obtained in mid-late December.

Traffic Control Committee (TCC) report

19. Decisions of the TCC during the month of October 2017 affecting the Manurewa Local Board area are shown below.

Date	Street (Suburb)	Type of Report	Nature Of Restriction	Decision
6-Oct-17	Wairere Road (The Gardens)	Temporary Traffic and Parking changes (Event – Puhinui Stream Challenge)	Temporary Traffic and Parking restrictions	Carried
20-Oct-17	Pacific Events Centre Drive, Great South Road, Non-Vested Roads (Manukau)	Permanent Traffic and Parking changes Combined	No Stopping At All Times, Lane Arrow Markings, Must Travel, Give-Way Control, Flush Median, Traffic Island, Road Hump, Pedestrian Crossing	Approved in Principle

Regional and sub-regional projects

Papatoetoe Station pedestrian level crossing to be closed

20. The pedestrian crossing across the tracks at Papatoetoe Station is being closed to improve safety. When the pedestrian crossing is closed, the access route to the station platforms will be via the ramp from Shirley Road across the existing footbridge which links to Station Road.

21. This is one of many Auckland Transport initiatives to keep customers safe, especially school children who regularly cross the train tracks at Papatoetoe Station.

22. Auckland Transport is continuously looking at ways to make public transport travel safer for all its customers and recently announced a package of customer safety improvements. Where possible, Auckland Transport plans to close pedestrian level crossings at rail stations if a safer alternative can be provided.

Public transport numbers the best in more than 60 years

23. Auckland’s public transport users have clocked up 90 million trips on buses, trains and ferries over the past year. The last time Auckland saw that many trips was back in 1956.

24. Auckland in 1956 was a totally different city, with a population of around 400,000 and where car ownership was still not the norm. It was the last year the trams were running, trolley buses were very popular and ferry numbers were high because the Harbour Bridge was still three years away.

25. However, that was the beginning of the era of the car in Auckland, as the Northwestern and Southern Motorways had just partially opened, so people were buying cars and public transport usage was dropping by around 8 million trips a year.

26. The numbers using public transport in Auckland bottomed out at 28 million and stayed low until 2002.

27. Since then public transport usage has grown steadily with train patronage rising from 3 million trips a year to 20 million.

28. The 90 million mark is an increase of 6 million on the previous year, a growth of 6.7%. With even more services to be rolled out in December and next year, hopefully patronage will soon pass 100 million. Customer satisfaction also continues to rise, reaching 90.5% for bus customers, 93.7% for train and 91% for ferry.

29. A graph showing public transport patronage since 1920 is shown below.

Parking machine payments made easier

30. It’s getting easier to use parking machines with Auckland Transport upgrading its 810 on-street parking machines.

31. The new Pay by Plate technology means all motorists have to do is punch in their registration number and pay. There’s no need to walk back to their vehicle and display a paper ticket on their dashboard as the system is paperless.

32. The newly upgraded machines mean motorists have the choice of machines that use coins, credit cards or cards that have ‘pay wave’. Around 10% of machines will only accept cards.

33. Text-a-Park is no longer available but customers can download the new AT Park phone app to pay for parking. The app is popular with around 27,000 downloads.

34. The new machines will be rolled out in stages, and the first ones have already been installed on the streets of Ponsonby. November will see the new machines in Newmarket, followed by Parnell, Kingsland and Remuera before Christmas. The city centre, Takapuna, Manukau and Eden Terrace will see the machines introduced early next year.

35. The new machines will not affect the price of pay and display parking and receipts can be emailed to customers who require them for work purposes.

36. For more information and to watch the instructional video, visit https://at.govt.nz/driving-parking/paying-for-parking/pay-by-plate-parking/

New community bike fund

37. Auckland Transport is proud to launch the first AT Community Bike Fund, with $35,000 of funding available to community groups to support cycling initiatives and projects. The maximum grant amount per application is $5,000.

38. The fund has been established to recognise and support the work of community groups that champion bike riding in the region. Many community organisations have great ideas to get more people on their bikes, and Auckland Transport is keen to work with them to deliver some creative projects that encourage more people to ride bikes more often.

39. Auckland Transport is really committed to promoting cycling as a transport choice and by enabling these groups, it is hoped even more people will consider riding a bike as a great option to get around Auckland.

40. Funding is available during 2017/18 for community-focussed projects that encourage riding a bike as a regular transport option, improve cycle safety, and contribute to the normalisation of cycling in Auckland.

41. The fund can be used for community events, activities, training programmes, and the development of resources and information for specific communities. The fund has three application rounds, the first of which is open for applications until 13 December.

42. Applicants can apply online and read the grant policy at https://at.govt.nz/cycling-walking/at-community-bike-fund/

Consideration

Local board views and implications

43. The local board’s views on Auckland Transport projects will be taken into account during consultation on any proposed schemes. Any implications are discussed in the relevant section of the report.

44. Local board views on transport capital projects are discussed and addressed during the design phase of those projects and will be considered in the relevant section of the report at the time.

Māori impact statement

45. As this is an information only report, no specific issues with regard to impacts on Maori are triggered by this report and any engagement with Maori will be carried out on an individual project basis.

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Transport Activities in the Manurewa Local Board Area and Regionally for the July - September 2017 Quarter	23
b ⇩	Travelwise Schools Activities in the Manurewa Local Board Area for the July - September 2017 Quarter	33

Signatories

Authors

Jenni Wild – Elected Member Relationship Manager (South); Auckland Transport

Authorisers

Jonathan Anyon – Manager Elected Member Relationship Unit, Auckland Transport

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Amendment of the Auckland Transport Election Signs Bylaw 2013 and its impact on local parks

File No.: CP2017/23227

Purpose

1. The purpose of this report is to:

· update the Manurewa Local Board on the changes to the Auckland Transport Election Signs Bylaw

· propose a nine week time restriction on public election sign sites.

Executive summary

2. On 1 August 2017 the Auckland Transport Board amended the Auckland Transport Election Signs Bylaw 2013 (“the Bylaw”) which removed the nine week time restriction on the display of election signs. This change came about due to concerns that the time restrictions may limit the right to freedom of expression in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (“BoRA”).

3. Due to the Bylaw amendment, public sites, including those in local parks and reserves, can now be used for election signs for longer than nine weeks. Signs must relate to a specific election, and must be removed prior to the day of the election. However, there is no limit on the length of time that they can be erected prior to the election.

4. Under section 14 (freedom of expression) of the BoRA everyone has the right to freedom of expression. Under section 5 (justified limitations) of the BoRA the rights and freedoms contained in the Bill of Rights may be subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

5. Local boards must balance the need to provide adequate advertising locations to allow the democratic process to run smoothly, while ensuring that parks and reserves are not overly encumbered with election signage.

6. Election signs restrict the public use of parks, have an impact on amenity and create potential safety issues. Increasing the amount of time that election signs can be erected for will lead to additional compliance and maintenance costs.

7. Staff recommend that local boards limit the time period for election signs on parks and reserves to a nine week period. This option would still provide for election signs in parks and reserves and meet community expectations. These changes would apply to the upcoming by-elections in February 2018 and any future elections, unless the decision is revisited.

8. A nine week period is also consistent with the Electoral Act 1993, which provides that no limitation contained in a bylaw restricts election advertising for a period of nine weeks prior to a general election. This legislation contemplates that local authorities may seek to limit the display of election signs, but provides an override for a nine week period. Further, a nine week restriction for public sites has been in place in Auckland since the bylaw was made in 2013, and therefore continuation of this restriction is in line with community expectations. The complaint to the Minister of Transport in 2016 concerned private sites, which are not affected by the proposal to reintroduce a time restriction on public sites.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) amend landowner approvals for election signs to provide a nine week time restriction on local parks and reserves identified in the List of Election Sign Sites

b) request that Auckland Transport’s Traffic Control Committee provide a nine week time restriction for election signs on road reserve to provide a consistency for public sites across Auckland

c) request that Auckland Transport’s Traffic Control Committee consider updating their List of Election Sign Sites to reflect these time restrictions in accordance with clause 6 of the Election Signs Bylaw 2013.

Comments

Background

9. On 1 August 2017 the Auckland Transport Board amended the Auckland Transport Election Signs Bylaw 2013 (“the Bylaw”). This amendment, among other things, removed the nine week time restriction on the display of election signs.

10. During the 2016 local body election, a private citizen requested the Minister of Transport to disallow the Bylaw under the provisions of the Land Transport Act 1998. This was due to the time restrictions on the display of election signs, the Bylaw breached the right to freedom of expression in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (“BoRA”). The Minister took no action at the time, but required Auckland Transport to review the time restriction in 2017.

11. Prior to the amendment, Auckland Transport consulted with the public and stakeholders. Of the 51 submissions received, 40 disagreed with the proposed removal of the time restriction. They raised concerns over visual pollution issues (loss of amenity if signs remained longer than a nine-week period) and increased safety risk associated with the lack of maintenance and the temporary nature of such signage and supporting structures.

12. Auckland Transport specifies which public sites are suitable for the display of election signs. The report to the Auckland Transport Board (1 August 2017) concluded that time restrictions could be imposed through this process (by only permitting public sites to be used for limited periods of time). This was thought sufficient to address concerns raised by submitters on this issue. Auckland Transport will be seeking feedback from local boards on signage sites prior to the 2019 local body elections. The Auckland Transport website provides a list of the current election sign sites (https://at.govt.nz/about-us/bylaws/election-signs-bylaw/#v).

13. Local Boards have the jurisdiction of local parks and reserves. Prior to the 2016 local body elections, Auckland Transport sought feedback from local boards about the use of local parks and reserves for the use of temporary election signs. Auckland Transport updated the List of Election Sign Sites (located on the Auckland Transport website) following consideration of local board feedback. Due to the Bylaw amendment, these sites, including those in local reserves, can now be used for election signs for periods longer than nine weeks, and this needs review.

Deletion of one election sign site

14. Following the 2017 general election, the council has received the resignation of a local board member in the Manurewa Local Board. To fill the vacancy the council is proceeding with a by-election in February 2018.

15. Auckland Transport have identified that the (S-M5) Roscommon Road site needs deletion prior to the by-election (Attachment A). This is because a new footpath has been constructed through the site, making it unsuitable. Auckland Transport is willing to consider any replacement sites that the local board may wish to propose.

Existing issues caused by election signs

16. During the run up to the 2017 general election (1 July 2017 to 29 Sep 2017), council received 131 complaints about election signs. Of those complaints received 63 were about signs being placed in the wrong location, 20 were about oversized signs, 17 raised maintenance issues and 11 complaints were about early placement. There were also a small number of complaints about signs being erected on private property without permission, multiple signs being located on one site and safety hazards. Twenty percent of the complaints were associated with signs on parks and reserves. Community Facilities noted that existing issues with election signs relate to broken signs, which are often abandoned and become an eyesore or hazard.

17. Council staff anticipate that if election signs are erected for a period longer than nine weeks, there will be additional issues with amenity and safety. Safety concerns include risks associated signs collapsing or blowing down and broken hoardings creating hazards like sharp edges.

18. There will also be additional complaints and increased council costs associated with compliance and park maintenance.

Freedom of expression

19. The following analysis of considerations under BoRA has been prepared by council’s Legal and Risk Department.

20. Under section 14 (freedom of expression) of the BoRA everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form. Restricting the time period that parties and candidates for election can erect signs promoting their election campaigns restricts the freedom of expression.

21. Under section 5 (justified limitations) of the BoRA the rights and freedoms contained in the Bill of Rights may be subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

22. The section 5 inquiry has been summarised in a leading Supreme Court case (R v Hansen [2007] NZSC 7) as follows:

(a) does the limiting measure serve a purpose sufficiently important to justify some limitation of the right or freedom?

(b) If so, then:

(i) is the limit rationally connected with the objective?

(ii) does the limit impair the right or freedom no more than is reasonably necessary for sufficient achievement of the objective?

(iii) is the limit in due proportion to the importance of the objective?

23. In considering the approach to determining whether a limiting measure impairs a right "no more than is reasonably necessary", the Court of Appeal in Ministry of Health v Atkinson [2012] 3 NZLR 456 endorsed the following approach from a Canadian case:

"The law must be carefully tailored so that rights are impaired no more than necessary. The tailoring process seldom admits of perfection and the courts must accord some leeway to the legislator. If the law falls within a range of reasonable alternatives, the courts will not find it overbroad merely because they can conceive of an alternative which might better tailor objective to infringement. On the other hand, if the government fails to explain why a significantly less intrusive and equally effective measure was not chosen, the law may fail."

24. The Court of Appeal agreed that if there is an alternative option that will have less impact, it does not follow that the option adopted is necessarily outside the range of reasonable alternatives.

Purpose of restriction

25. The purposes of the proposed time restriction on public sites are set out above and can be summarised as:

· minimising the risk to public safety (e.g. signs collapsing or blowing down, broken hoardings creating hazards like sharp edges)

· allowing the public to have access and use of public reserves with minimal disruption

· maintaining visual amenity in public places

· limiting the amount of public expenditure that must be spent on compliance monitoring and enforcement, and the maintenance of parks and reserves

26. These are legitimate concerns that justify some limitation on the freedom of expression.

Connection with objective

27. The proposed time restrictions are rationally connected with the achievement of these purposes. Limiting the amount of time that an election sign may be displayed (and therefore limiting expression on such signs) is intended to promote and protect public safety and/or amenity, protect access to public parks and reserves, and minimise expenditure on compliance and maintenance.

Restriction no more than reasonably necessary

28. The proposed nine week restriction is a reasonable limit on the freedom of expression for signs in public places. The restriction applies only to signs on the designated public sites. Elections signs may be displayed without time restriction on any private property (including commercial billboards and poster board sites). Further, the election signs to which the restriction applies are located in public places, where there is no general right to have the structure in any event - the bylaw therefore effectively authorises the sign (and the expression) when it would not otherwise be allowed.

29. Election signs are only one means of advertising a candidate or party in an election. Other options open to candidates include the internet (e.g. social media advertising), radio or television advertising, pamphlets, letterbox drops, public meetings, and advertising on vehicles.

30. A nine week period is also consistent with the Electoral Act 1993, which provides that no limitation contained in a bylaw restricts election advertising for a period of nine weeks prior to a general election. This legislation contemplates that local authorities may seek to limit the display of election signs, but provides an override for a nine week period. Further, a nine week restriction for public sites has been in place in Auckland since the bylaw was made in 2013, and therefore continuation of this restriction is in line with community expectations. The complaint to the Minister of Transport in 2016 concerned private sites, which are not affected by the proposal to reintroduce a time restriction on public sites.

31. Given the wide range of advertising and promotional opportunities open to candidates, the proposed restriction on public parks and reserves does not restrict the freedom of expression more than reasonably necessary.

Proportionality

32. Overall, the proposed time restriction is not considered to be a disproportionate limit on freedom of expression, given the importance of the objectives. Ensuring the public safety of park users is a matter of very high importance, and there is also a high amenity value in regulating the proliferation of election signage that occurs prior to every election. A reasonably high level of interference with freedom of expression might therefore be justifiable. In fact, however, the time restriction involves only a reasonably modest limit on freedom of expression. It is a measured response, far from being a blanket ban, and candidates can still promote or otherwise express themselves using other means. The proposed restriction is consistent with community expectations and the Electoral Act, and many other councils around New Zealand similarly restrict election signage, suggesting the proposal is not out of step with what is considered reasonable regulation of election signs that are in or visible from public places.

33. The proposed time restriction is therefore not considered to be inconsistent with the BoRA. Such limits as there are on freedom of expression are reasonable and "can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society", in terms of section 5 of that Act.

Options

34. Local boards have the following options available to them, which are discussed in more detail below:

· Continue without a time limit on public election signs

· Amend landowner approvals to limit the time period to nine weeks prior to an election

· Amend landowner approvals to limit the time period of shorter or longer than nine weeks

· Revoke landowner approval for election signs on parks and reserves.

35. The pros and cons of each approach are provided in Table 1.

Option 1 - Continue without a time limit on public election signs

36. Under the do nothing option, local boards would continue to allow use of the parks and reserves as provided for in the List of Election Sign Sites. There would be no time limit on how long the signs could remain on parks and reserves. Staff do not recommend this option.

Option 2 - Limit time period to nine weeks on parks and reserves

37. Under this option, election signs on parks and reserves would be limited to a time period of nine weeks before the election date. This would be consistent with the timeframes that local boards agreed to when Auckland Transport sought feedback on the sites in the List of Election Sign Sites. It is also consistent with the time limitations imposed during the general elections. This option would still provide for election signs in parks and reserves and meet community expectations (as the nine week time period has been past practice).

38. If this option was selected, local boards would need to request that Auckland Transport to resolve to update the list sites that are suitable for the display of election signs under clause 6 of the Bylaw.

39. Staff recommend that the Local Board adopt this option.

Option 3 - Amend landowner approvals to limit the time period of shorter or longer than nine weeks

40. Under this option election signs on parks and reserves would be limited to a time period, with the length determined by the local board. The key disadvantage of this proposal is that if different sites have different time limits, this could lead to confusion for candidates and the public and lead to inadvertent non-compliance, therefore it is not recommended

41. As with option two, local boards would need to instruct Auckland Transport to resolve to update the list sites that are suitable for the display of election signs under clause 6 of the Bylaw.

Option 4 - Revoke landowner approval for election signs on parks and reserves

42. Under this option, landowner approval for election signs on parks and reserves would be revoked. While this option would remove the impacts of election signs on parks and reserves, it would also reduce the available locations for election signs, therefore it is not recommended.

Table 1 – Pros and cons of options for election signs on parks and reserves

Pros

Cons

Option 1 – Continue without a time limit on public election signs

· Consistent administration of the Bylaw across local boards

· Opportunity to update time limits is provided when Auckland Transport undertakes a review of public election sign sites.

· Provides the opportunity for candidates to erect signs at any time, and retain them there until the day prior to the election

· Potential to “privatise” parks and reserves where signage is located over extended periods of time

· Potential to increase maintenance costs (e.g. mowing around signage)

· Potential to increase the compliance costs of administering signage under the Bylaw

· Increased risk to safety due to the temporary nature of signage and decay of signs over time

· Increased opportunity to progressively impact on amenity, where signs become scruffy from prolonged exposure to the elements

· Increased chance of public dissatisfaction and complaints.

Option 2 - Limit time period to nine weeks on parks and reserves

· Continues the status quo (prior to the Bylaw change), and is consistent with community expectation

· Limits the adverse impacts of signage (visual amenity, safety)

· Limits the impact on maintenance contracts (e.g. mowing around signs)

· Limits safety and amenity concerns to a nine week timeframes

· Consistent with the nine week Electoral Act timeframe.

· Small loss of amenity and use of parks and reserves due to election signage over a short period of time

· Needs Auckland Transport to also impose a nine week time limit on road reserve to ensure consistency.

Option 3 - Amend landowner approvals to limit the time period of shorter or longer than nine weeks

· Limits the adverse impacts of signage (visual amenity, safety)

· Limits the impact on maintenance contracts (e.g. mowing around signs)

· Limits safety and amenity concerns to a short timeframe.

· Inconsistent timeframe across local board areas would be confusing for candidates, the public and council staff

· If the timeframes are shortened significantly, there may be freedom of expression implications under the BoRA.

Option 4 - Revoke landowner approval for election signs on parks and reserves

· Removes any effects caused by election signs on parks and reserves.

· The number of public places for election signs is decreased across the Auckland region

· If there are very limited election sign locations, there may be freedom of expression implications under the BoRA.

43. Option 2 is the preferred option because it continues to provide for election signs on parks and reserves and is consistent with what local boards have previously agreed when making previous decisions on placement of election signs.

44. The inclusion of a nine week time limit provides some consistency with the Electoral Act. During the nine weeks before polling day the display of election advertisements are not subject to prohibitions imposed in other enactments or in bylaws imposed by local authorities.

45. Staff also consider that a consistent approach to time limits across all local board areas is important. This is because it will provide consistent rules and messaging across the region for candidates, the public and council staff.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

46. This report seeks direction from the local board on whether or not to impose a timeframe on election signs in parks and reserves under the Auckland Transport Election Signs Bylaw 2013. All other local boards are also considering the report to ensure there is a consistent set of rules for election signs across Auckland.

Māori impact statement

47. The impacts associated with election signs are considered to have a similar impact on Māori compared to the general population. There has been no specific engagement with iwi or mana whenua as part of this report.

Implementation

48. Information provided to candidates for the upcoming February 2018 by-elections will include the location of public election sign sites and time restrictions agreed by local boards and Auckland Transport.

49. These changes would apply to the upcoming by-elections in February 2018 and any future elections, unless the decision is revisited.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Existing location of (S-M5) Roscommon Road	43

Signatories

Authors

Carol Stewart - Principal Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Anna Bray - Policy and Planning Manager - Local Boards

Carol McKenzie-Rex - Relationship Manager

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Actions to improve water quality at Weymouth Beach

File No.: CP2017/21555

Purpose

1. To approve funding for signage at Weymouth Beach and to assess the feasibility of undertaking water quality monitoring at the beach at the end of Roys Road.

Executive summary

2. A long-term health warning sign was erected at Weymouth Beach in 2000 advising people against swimming at the site. Investigations and actions have been ongoing to address the sources of faecal contamination.

3. Recent testing indicates that human faecal contamination has reduced. However, bird and dog sources remain present. This report recommends the Manurewa Local Board (the board) fund signage to discourage the feeding of ducks and to do some planting in key areas to address avian contamination at the beach.

4. The results of the monitoring to date were presented to the board in August 2017. At that time, it was noted that there is a beach located at the end of Roys Road where people are also known to swim. This report recommends that no monitoring be undertaken at this location at this time as it is likely Safeswim monitoring programme could include this site at a future date. No budget is available to fund this monitoring as all 2017/2018 local environment budget is fully allocated to other projects.

Recommendations

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) approve funding of $1,000 for installation of signs advising people not to feed the ducks in order to support improvements to the avian sources of faecal contamination at Weymouth Beach.

b) agree that no physical monitoring be undertaken at Roys Road Beach, noting that the Safeswim predictive modelling programme has the potential to include this beach at no cost to local board.

Comments

5. Weymouth Beach has had historically high levels of faecal contamination with long-term health warning signage erected at the beach in 2000. An investigation during the 2014/2015 summer season indicated that the stormwater outfall onto Weymouth Beach was the main source of human faecal contamination, with birds and dogs contributing to a lesser extent. Further investigation of wastewater and stormwater infrastructure resulted in 44 issues being identified of which all were remedied by mid-2016.

6. A follow up investigation upon the completion of the remedial work indicated that bird and dog contamination is still an issue, with the high number of birds in the reserve most likely contributing to the poor water quality at the beach. Human sources of faecal contamination were detected only during a significant rain event in the most recent monitoring carried out over summer 2016/2017.

7. The wastewater and stormwater improvements to reduce the sources of human contamination at Weymouth Beach have been successful. If the avian faecal contamination can be reduced and levels of faecal contamination continued to decrease, Weymouth Beach could have the long-term health warning sign removed, and the beach re-classified as safe for swimming.

8. Options available to address the issue of avian faecal contamination include;

· Signage to inform people not to feed the ducks in Keith Park, adjacent to Weymouth Beach (the reserve).

· Strategic planting to help filter faecal contamination from birds in key areas of the reserve and to discourage birds from the key areas.

9. This report recommends the board allocate funding of $1,000 to erect signage advising visitors to not feed the birds, noting that birds are part of the reason for the beach being closed for swimming. Funding will need to be made available from the board’s locally driven initiatives capex budget.

Water quality monitoring

10. The most recent water quality monitoring results for Weymouth Beach were presented to the board in August 2017. Board members noted that there was a beach located at the end of Roys Road, Weymouth where people are known to swim. As such, they requested information on the costs and process to monitor this beach for faecal indicator bacteria levels.

11. There are a number of options regarding monitoring at the Roys Road beach. The options are below.

· Option one: No physical monitoring to be undertaken at Roys Road beach, noting that the Safeswim predictive modelling programme has the potential to include this beach. This option is preferred.

· Option two: Monitor the Roys Road beach for one summer season to see if it breaches the National Contact Recreation Guidelines at any point, before committing to long-term monitoring.

· Option three: Commit to long term monitoring at the beach and subsequent catchment investigations, as needed.

12. No new monitoring sites are being included in the 2017/2018 Safeswim bathing beach monitoring program. Auckland Council is developing a predictive model which will inform the public of the health risks associated with swimming on a daily, rather than weekly basis. In the long-term, the predictive modelling method will reduce the need for expensive physical water quality monitoring, and could include beaches like Roys Road beach in the near future.

13. Option one is recommended as it is likely monitoring could be undertaken at this location in the future, at no cost to the local board. This also allows funding to be directed towards addressing the avian contamination at Weymouth beach and allowing the removal of the long-term signage.

14. There is no available funding in the current 2017/2018 local environment work programme to undertake any monitoring work. If the board approved a monitoring programme for this summer, funding would need to be made available from the board’s 2017/2018 locally driven initiatives budget.

15. Option two is to monitor the beach for one summer season at an estimated cost of $8,500. This monitoring will determine if the beach exceeds the national contact recreation guidelines. However, this monitoring information would not be included in the Safeswim programme, and not made publically available on the Safeswim website.

16. Option three will require three years’ of summer monitoring data to generate a provisional Microbiological Assessment Category (MAC) grade. This grade is one of the criteria used to determine if a beach has long-term signage erected. If water quality at a site is persistently poor, then it is assigned a MAC D grade.

17. It is common practice that a catchment investigation is undertaken to understand the sources of faecal contamination at sites with a MAC D grade. The cost of this would be approximately $25,000 for the first stage (after the third year of monitoring) and approximately $54,000 for the second stage. These costs are similar to that invested in the current Weymouth monitoring program. Option three is not recommended due to the costs of long-term catchment monitoring.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

18. The board have advocated for improvements at Weymouth Beach for several years. A key initiative in the local board plan recognises this commitment to improving water quality at the beach.

19. The faecal source tracking results were presented to the board at a workshop in August 2017. While the board was generally supportive of the results, it was highlighted that the beach at the end of Roys Road where people sometimes swim was not currently a monitored site. Options for monitoring at this location are addressed in the detailed commentary above.

Māori impact statement

20. No specific consultation with mana whenua was undertaken for this report. A representative from Ngāti Tamaoho attended the local board workshop where the source tracking results were presented, and provided feedback on the mitigation options presented in this report.

21. Mana whenua feedback received through previous council consultation is supportive of projects that aim to improve water quality in the Manukau Harbour.

Implementation

22. Any monitoring at Roys Road beach would be undertaken from November 2017 to the end of March 2018. Results would be presented to the board after that time. If the monitoring results indicated a high level of faecal contamination, the board may need to consider whether it funds additional monitoring in future years.

23. As noted in paragraph 14 above, funding for any monitoring programme would need to be made available from the board’s 2017/2018 locally driven initiatives budget. The 2017/2018 local environment management budget is fully allocated to other projects, and there is no regional budget available to support additional monitoring this financial year.

24. Planting at Weymouth Beach is recommended as a mitigation option. Options for funding this work will be explored through the annual work programme development as any planting would not occur before winter 2018.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Emma Joyce - Relationship Advisor

Authorisers

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Manurewa Open Space Network Plan - Key Moves

File No.: CP2017/23022

Purpose

1. To adopt the key moves for the development of the Manurewa Open Space Network Plan.

Executive summary

2. An open space network plan is being prepared for the Manurewa Local Board area. This plan will set out key moves for the development of open space over the next 10 years.

3. Staff have worked with mana whenua and the local board to develop key moves to guide the development of the network plan. The key moves focus on improving the quality of, and access to, open space. They will help inform a set of actions which will be prioritised to assist local board decisions. These actions respond to the current open space needs and the growth anticipated in the Manurewa area.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) approve the following key moves to guide the development of the Manurewa Open Space Network Plan:

i. create parks for our community

ii. make connections

iii. protect the environment

iv. cater for growth

v. express local identity.

Comments

Background

4. An open space network plan is being prepared for the Manurewa Local Board area.

5. This plan is being prepared to inform local board decision-making and expenditure across the park network as the area grows and changes over time. It is expected that the open space network plan will be completed by the end of February 2018.

6. The open space network plan will set out key moves for the development of open space over the next 10 years. The key moves respond to the current open space provision, the growth anticipated in the Manurewa area and changes in demographics and patterns of usage.

7. Staff have researched growth projections, demographic data and the current state of open space in the Manurewa area. The following is a summary of the findings.

The local community

8. Manurewa is a young and culturally diverse community:

· 33% identify as Pacific Islanders

· 25% identify as Māori

· 20% identify as Asian

· 37% identify as New Zealand European

· 27% of residents are under 15 years of age.

9. There are high levels of deprivation in Manurewa. Fifteen out of the 21 census area units score nine or 10 on the deprivation index (with 10 being the highest level of deprivation).

10. According to the 2016 Manurewa and Manukau central: Community Needs Assessment, prepared for Auckland Council by Buzz Channel, local residents identified community strengths as being:

· a strong sense of community

· cultural diversity

· access to services, amenities and community facilities, including parks.

11. The top two community weaknesses identified were:

· crime and sense of security (lack of policing, incidents of theft, robbery, gangs, drug dealers and petty crime such as vandalism)

· disengaged youth (lack of activities and facilities for youth).

Population growth

12. The population of Manurewa is not anticipated to grow significantly over the next 30 years. Approximately 12 per cent growth is projected. However, more intensive development is expected. The Auckland Unitary Plan will result in the intensification of residential and business development in Manurewa.

13. High-density apartments and terraced housing (five to seven storeys) can be built around the main Manurewa town centre, the Clendon Community Centre and south of the Homai train station.

14. Much of the housing along the rail corridor and main arterial routes in eastern Manurewa are zoned for mixed housing urban. This zone provides for dwellings up to three storeys high.

15. Additionally, the development of the Integrated Area Plan for Manurewa, Takanini and Papakura will increase the flow of people and traffic into, and through, Manurewa.

16. This planned and expected growth will put pressure on parks and open space and a range of community and sports facilities. .

Current open space status

17. Staff have researched the current state of open space in the Manurewa area through desk-top research, user surveys and discussions with key staff members.

18. The analysis has identified the following key points about existing open space network:

· the network includes 143 council-owned parks covering 557 hectares of open space

· there is a lack of diversity in the open space experiences across the network

· a number of parks have poor access and are unsafe because of poor surveillance and connectivity.

Open space provision

19. Manurewa is generally well provided for in terms of the quantity of open space.

20. Neighbourhood parks provide basic informal recreation and social opportunities within a short walk of people’s homes.

21. There are some gaps in neighbourhood park provision when the Manurewa parks network is assessed against the Open Space Provision Policy. The policy states that a neighbourhood park should be provided within a 400m-600m walk of residents’ homes. The gaps are around the following census area units: Burbank, Rowandale, Hill Park, Manurewa East, Beaumount, Wattle Farm, the southern half of Totara Heights and the northern corner of Redoubt South.

22. Suburb parks provide a variety of informal recreation and social experiences and will often accommodate organised sport facilities such as sportfields. The Open Space Provision Policy states that suburb parks should be provided within a 1000m-1500m walk of residents’ homes.

23. The main gaps in the suburb park network are around the following census area units: Burbank, Homai West and East, Manurewa East, Beaumont and Wattle Farm. Partial gaps include Clendon North, Manurewa Central, the southern coastline of Weymouth, the northern corner of Redoubt south and pockets of Randwick Park.

Manurewa is generally well provided for in terms of sports fields. Manurewa has only a small shortfall in field capacity to meet demand in 2017, and is expected to meet 75% to 100% of community expected field provision target in 2028. However, Manurewa has significant lighting shortfalls. There is an existing total shortfall of 121 hours in lit weekday playing across football, league and rugby. This is forcast to remain the same by 2028, suggesting there is a need to provide lighting for training fields in Manurewa to meet current and projected demand.

Public assessment of open space

24. In 2017, the Parks and Recreation Policy Unit commissioned research to understand how people in the Manurewa Local Board area use and regard their local parks. The research found that 82 per cent of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their local neighbourhood parks.

25. People who visit parks in Manurewa enjoy a variety of activities, as shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Manurewa residents’ park activity preferences

26. The main barriers preventing people from using parks more often included a lack of time due to other commitments such as family or work, a perception that parks are not safe and a lack of facilities and activities.

27. The most common suggestions for improvements across all ages, ethnicities, family structures and incomes included:

· more facilities - benches/seating, water fountains, barbeques, toilets, basketball and volleyball courts

· improved park maintenance - specifically tree trimming and rubbish

· better play spaces - including play for different ages.

Play spaces

28. The existing play spaces are of a similar design and do not provide for a wide range of age groups. Furthermore, there is limited supporting recreation infrastructure in the parks to encourage people to stay for longer periods of time.

29. There are approximately 44 playgrounds that vary in size in Manurewa. Research found that 40 per cent of residents suggested improvements to local parks related to provision of more or better play facilities, such as playgrounds, basketball courts and skate parks.

30. Issues around existing play provision centred on maintenance and lack of an interesting mix of activities.

31. Families with children under 5 years of age or children over 12 years of age had low satisfaction levels. They cited a lack of play provision, or a need for better play opportunities, as the primary reason for their dissatisfaction.

Local Paths (Greenways)

32. A priority outcome in the Manurewa Local Board Plan 2017 is for Manurewa to be well-connected and easy to get around. The plan emphasises the desire to increase the use of bicycles and walking facilities by everyone and to achieve safe, joined up shared paths.

33. There are well-connected walking and cycling routes around the coastlines of Manukau Harbour, Waimahia Creek and the Pahurehure Inlet. However, there is a distinct lack of way-finding signage around this route and in Manurewa parks generally.

34. Work is underway to develop a Manurewa Neighbourhood Local Paths (Greenways) Plan. This is a long-term plan aimed at improving walking, cycling and ecological connections across the Manurewa Local Board area. The plan will identify existing and potential greenway connections.

Mana whenua

35. Staff have engaged with mana whenua three times on the development of the Manurewa Open Space Network Plan.

36. At a southern mana whenua parks and recreation forum hui in April 2017, iwi representatives identified the opportunity to integrate a mana whenua perspective into the open space network plan.

37. At the south-central mana whenua parks and recreation forum hui in September 2017, iwi representatives provided significant feedback on mana whenua values and priorities (see Table 1 below).

38. Staff also worked collaboratively with both the Manurewa Local Board and mana whenua to develop key moves at a workshop in October 2017.

Open space network plan key moves

39. Key moves are developed to inform and analyse the development of options in the open space network plan. They respond to the current state and anticipated growth in the area.

40. Both the local board and mana whenua have similar aspirations for the open space network in Manurewa. These aspirations are outlined in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Local Board priorities and mana whenua priorities

Manurewa Local Board priorities

Mana whenua priorities

· our environment is a source of pride and enjoyment for the community

· we treasure our home, our community

· Manurewa is well-connected and easy to move around

· a prosperous local economy, support local people

· people in Manurewa are actively connecting everywhere, everyday.

· improve water quality / environmental quality

· keep open space open and available to all by reducing the number of buildings and commercial activities on parks

· make parks attractive places for locals to use

· promote use of local parks with local residents

· prevent crime and make parks feel safe

· incorporate Māori names, storytelling and signage

· always involve mana whenua in the process.

41. Based on the current state analysis and feedback from the local board and mana whenua, staff recommend five key moves. These key moves are summarised in Table 2 below. They will be explained in more detail in the Manurewa Open Space Network Plan.

Table 2: Key moves and focus areas for action

Key move

Focus areas

Create parks for our community

· deliver high quality parks that locals love and enjoy

o provide amenities that encourage people to stay

· diversify play experiences

o cater for all ages

· promote events and programmes in parks

o build a volunteer base.

Make connections

· provide way-finding signage

· deliver local paths (greenways) to improve connections between parks

· incorporate street tree planting

· enhance ecological corridors.

Protect the environment

· improve water quality

· implement the Priority Ecological Management Areas

· increase eco-sourced native tree planting and remove exotics.

Cater for growth

· acquire new park land

o improve access to existing parks

· diversify experiences in and across neighbourhood parks.

Express local identity

· tell local stories

· use Māori place names

· make all signage bi-lingual.

42. The key moves will inform the options development and analysis to improve the quality of open space in the Manurewa area.

43. The key moves will also inform the prioritisation of actions that will be included in the final open space network plan.

Next steps

44. Staff will prepare a draft open space network plan for the Manurewa Local Board area using the key moves.

45. The draft plan will be presented to the local board and mana whenua at a workshop in December 2017 for feedback. The final plan will be reported to the local board for adoption in February 2018.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

46. A series of workshops have been held with Manurewa Local Board to present the open space network plan, identify the key open space issues in the network plan area and to develop the key moves.

Māori impact statement

47. Improving the quality of open space will have a positive impact on all residents in the network plan area including Māori.

48. Data from the 2013 Census show that the Manurewa area has a higher Māori population (25 per cent) than the average population across Auckland (10.7 per cent).

49. The provision of quality parks and open spaces will facilitate Māori participation in sport and recreation.

50. Māori participation rates in sport and recreation in Auckland are slightly higher than the national average. Approximately 85 per cent of Māori participate in sport and recreation each month according to Active New Zealand Survey – Auckland Results (2013/2014). This figure is relatively comparable to other ethnic groups. However, Māori are disproportionately represented among those with sedentary lifestyles and there is a higher incidence of mortality and morbidity associated with inactivity.

51. Staff engaged with mana whenua in April, September and October of this year to seek their views and values in relation to Manurewa’s open space network. These views have been incorporated into the key moves.

52. Staff will continue to engage with mana whenua on the development of the open space network plans at a local board workshop.

Implementation

53. The open space network plan will be implemented over the next 10 years. An implementation plan will form part of the network plan.

54. There is no funding in the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 to implement projects in the open space network plan beyond renewal of existing assets and planned capital expenditure. Priority actions will be implemented as budget becomes available.

55. The local board is responsible for allocating funding to parks and open spaces projects.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Allison Rokke - Policy Analyst

Roma Leota - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Emma Golightly - Team Leader - Parks and Recreation Policy

Paul Marriott-Lloyd - Senior Policy Manager

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Draft reserve management plan for David Nathan Park: approval for public notification

File No.: CP2017/23429

Purpose

1. To approve the draft reserve management plan for David Nathan Park for public notification.

Executive summary

2. A draft reserve management plan has been prepared for David Nathan Park in accordance with section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977. This plan (Attachment A) sets out a vision for the park, the opportunities and issues that exist, and objectives and policies to guide use, development, protection and management of the park.

3. Public and mana whenua consultation from recent projects and for this plan has informed the draft reserve management plan. Further korero is anticipated with mana whenua, and in particular Te Ākitai Waiohua and Ngāti Te Ata to inform the plan.

4. The Reserves Act sets out the process for creating a reserve management plan including a requirement to notify the intent to prepare a plan and subsequently to notify the draft plan. In this case considerable public consultation had recently been undertaken, and this, combined with consultation undertaken for this plan, mean that formal notification of the intent to draft the plan was not considered necessary. A resolution to determine that this notification is not required is recommended to comply with section 41(5A) of the Reserves Act.

5. The process for notification of the draft plan requires that submitters be given a hearing should they wish to be heard. It is recommended that the board approve the draft plan and nominate the full local board to form a hearing panel rather than delegate this responsibility to an independent commissioner. This is because the local board are best placed to understand the local context and community views and because the process is not expected to be onerous.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) In accordance with section 41(5A) of the Reserves Act 1977, determine that formal notification on the intention to draft a reserve management plan is not required due to the extent of consultation already undertaken.

b) Approve the draft David Nathan Park Reserve Management Plan (Attachment A) for iwi consultation and public notification under sections 41(6)(a) of the Reserves Act 1977.

c) Nominate the full local board to consider written submissions, hear submitters that request to be heard (if any) and make a decision on any submissions or objections received following the public notification process.

Comments

6. A draft reserve management plan (RMP) for David Nathan Park (Attachment A) has been prepared to guide future use, development, maintenance and preservation of this important park. The draft RMP sets out a long term vision for the park including the values it holds for the community and mana whenua. It considers the opportunities and issues that impact on the park, and sets objectives and policies to guide actions to protect park values, realise the vision and opportunities and overcome the issues.

7. David Nathan Park was classified as a historic reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 in November 2015 (Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee resolution number PAR/2015/78), and the classification gazetted in March 2016. Classifying the reserve is a necessary pre-condition for the preparation of a RMP under the Act, and this piece of work was also specified as an action in the David Nathan Park and Homestead Strategic Business Plan 2016-2026.

8. The process to create a RMP under the Reserves Act includes iwi consultation and formal public notification of the intention to draft a plan.

9. In this case, no formal public notification prior to the drafting of the plan has occurred. This is because there was consultation carried out between 2014 and 2015 for various technical reports and the Strategic Business Plan. In addition, further consultation occurred prior to the drafting of this plan including a survey delivered to 700 homes in the vicinity of the park seeking feedback from the community on the use, values, gaps and opportunities for David Nathan Park. Surveys were returned from 105 people, and four separate submissions were made. Feedback was also received at a drop-in session. A summary of the consultation is included in Appendix E of the draft RMP (Attachment A) and engagement with mana whenua is described in paragraphs 16-18 below. Common themes included support for:

· a better café – including better connection to the park

· offering more activities including facilities to enable events

· more places for walking, sitting and socializing and;

· improved signage telling the story of the site’s history

10. The extent of consultation undertaken recently means that there is sufficient information on which to draft a plan. In this case, the Reserves Act stipulates under section 41(5A) that the council must resolve that no formal notification is required as it would not materially assist in the preparation of the plan.

11. The Reserves Act stipulates a second period of notification be provided once the draft plan is prepared. This is a two month period in which the public may give written submissions or objections to the plan, followed by a hearing in the case that submitters wish to be heard.

12. The local board may choose to delegate the hearing process to specific local board members and/or to independent hearing commissioner/s. In this case it is recommended that the full local board form the hearing panel. This is because the process is not anticipated to be especially onerous given the plan relates only to this one park, and because the local board is best placed to understand the local context and views of the community.

13. Following any hearings, a report will be prepared to the local board recommending the extent to which submissions or objections should be allowed or accepted or disallowed or not accepted. Changes will then be made to the draft plan reflecting these decisions and a revised RMP will be forwarded to the local board for approval. As the park is classified a historic reserve, the Minister of Conservation is required to approve the final plan. This power has been delegated to territorial authorities and would be exercised by the Director Community Services.

14. It is noted that council staff have recently been investigating how reserve management plans can be efficiently developed for Auckland’s parks and open space network. Recent work has focused on a model of developing omnibus open space management plans which would cover all parks and reserves in a local board area under a single plan. While that approach will reduce overall costs and time resources, it is recommended that the current draft plan for David Nathan Park is continued to completion because the project is well progressed and there is currently no certainty on the timing and funding of an omnibus plan approach.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

15. The project and proposed consultation was discussed with the local board at a workshop on 25 May 2017. The draft RMP has been subsequently reviewed and discussed with Members Joseph Allan, Rangi McLean and Ken Penney as agreed by the local board.

Māori impact statement

16. Mana whenua consider that the park has cultural significance as part of the wider landscape of Manurewa and Manukau that was used for fishing, travel, occupation and cultivation. Mana whenua with an interest in this area of Auckland were briefed on the RMP project at a regular forum for council parks projects on 31 May 2017. The following iwi were represented at the forum:

· Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua

· Ngaati Whanaunga

· Te Ākitai Waiohua

· Te Ahiwaru

· Te Runanga o Ngāti Whatua

· Ngāti Tamaoho

· Ngaati Whanaunga

17. A formal invitation to participate in the RMP process was sent to iwi on 10 July though no responses were received. The opportunity to participate was raised again at a forum on 30 August. Te Ākitai Waiohuia and Ngāti Te Ata indicated an interest, and subsequent meetings have been held with representatives. It is anticipated that discussions will be ongoing during the next phase of consultation.

18. Previous engagement with mana whenua in 2014 resulted in a report from Te Ākitai Waiohua on the significance of the site and this has informed objectives and policies in the draft plan.

Implementation

19. If the local board approve the draft RMP for public notification, it is proposed that the draft would be advertised in the Manukau Courier in late November. A copy of the draft would be made available on the ShapeAuckland website and those who have previously indicated an interest in the plan will be contacted. This includes those who provided feedback on the survey carried out in July of this year. A hearing and decision would be scheduled for March, 2018.

20. At this stage no funding has been set aside for implementation of projects and improvements suggested in the draft RMP. This may create a misconception that adoption of the plan will trigger immediate spending on the reserve. The draft plan includes some text to indicate that improvements are subject to budgetary constraints and will be coordinated through the three-year action plan associated with the Strategic Business Plan for David Nathan Park and Homestead. It is anticipated however that the RMP will inform plans to spend within the reserve should the local board choose to prioritise that investment.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Proposed Reserve Management Plan for David Nathan Park	61

Signatories

Authors

Tania Utley - Service and Asset Planning Specialist

Authorisers

Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Adoption of a regional membership structure across council operated pools and leisure centres

File No.: CP2017/23560

Purpose

1. To endorse the introduction of a regional membership structure across Auckland Council operated pools and leisure centres and approve new membership prices for Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre.

Executive summary

2. The Active Recreation team have developed a strategic “Game Plan” to support the vision of the Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan – inspiring more Aucklanders to be more active, more often – and to achieve local board priorities.

3. Deploying a single consolidated operating system across all council operated leisure facilities is a key project in this work programme. The new system supports improved operational and business processes. It also enables Auckland Council to offer a new range of affordable and accessible memberships across all council operated leisure centres.

4. A new membership structure was piloted in three leisure centres in June: Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, Stanmore Bay and East Coast Bays (Albany Stadium Pool opened in February with the same membership categories).

5. The response to the pilot was overwhelmingly positive, with increases in membership, member satisfaction and staff engagement. Active Recreation intends to offer the new memberships at council operated pools and leisure centres, beginning in November 2017.

6. The recommended membership model will provide more choice and membership features, improved benefits and allow full members access to more activities in more centres throughout the region. It will also provide lower cost options for people that predominantly enjoy one activity at their home centre.

The impact in the Manurewa Local Board area

7. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre will become a bronze centre. New members will pay $16.00 for full membership at Manurewa and 9 other bronze centres across Auckland. Currently (2017/2018) membership is $15.70 per week.

8. Alternatively, new members can choose a new single function membership, Gym It (gym access only) and Swim It (swimming), at $14.00 per week.

9. Concessions for seniors, students, families, disabled people, community services card holders and green prescription will apply to these prices.

10. Existing members are welcome to retain their memberships until:

a. their current fixed term membership period ends, at which time they will be offered one of the new fixed or open-term memberships, or

b. they choose to upgrade or cancel their open-term direct debit membership.

11. These changes only apply to membership-based products and services. There will be no impact on the cost, features or availability of other activities, including pool entry, Learn-To-Swim, spa/sauna/steam access, casual fitness, OSCAR after school care, Early Childhood Education (ECE), recreation or holiday programmes.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) endorse the introduction of a regional membership structure across council operated pools and leisure centres.

b) approve new membership prices for Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre for the 2017/2018 financial year: Get Into It bronze membership, valued at $16.00 per week, and Swim It or Gym It memberships at $14.00 per week.

Comments

Background – enabling more Aucklanders to be more active, more often

12. Council manages 44 aquatic, leisure and ECE facilities across the Auckland region. Nineteen pools and leisure centres are operated under contract or lease agreements by third parties. The remainder are managed and operated by the council’s Active Recreation team.

13. The Active Recreation “Game Plan” is a three year transformation programme designed to achieve outcomes aligned to the Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan (ASARSAP):

· inspiring more Aucklanders to be more active, more often

· enabling our children, young people and whanau to reach their potential

· delivering quality experiences through an operationally cost neutral leisure network.

14. Active Recreation has developed a range of new initiatives to improve engagement with “insufficiently active” Aucklanders, based on extensive sector insights, market research, pilot testing and customer feedback. These include:

· offering flexibility and variety in our membership offering, including regional access to Auckland Council operated pools and leisure centres (a new membership structure)

· providing consistently high quality and engaging member services that encourage and support regular activity for a wide variety of Aucklanders (a new customer promise).

15. Our new leisure consolidated operating system (LCOS) will be deployed across all council operated leisure facilities by March 2018. The new system will support improvements in operational processes and business practices (including: point of sale, processing entries and payments, managing memberships, running programmes and courses, allocating staff).

New Auckland-wide leisure membership

16. One significant advantage of the consolidated operation system – for both customers and the council – is the ability to simplify and standardise products (memberships), services (courses and programmes) and prices across the leisure network.

17. It will also enable us to offer a new range of affordable and accessible “Get Active Your Way” memberships that include access to many more of our council operated leisure centres and activities. We have ensured that within each membership tier there is a mix of services including pool, gym and group fitness programmes for customers with “Get into it” membership and that all prices are attuned to the local community.

18. If members want access to centres or services that don’t fall within their home centre’s tier they are welcome to purchase a membership for a tier above.

19. Active Recreation has also introduced a new single function (swimming, fitness, group fitness) membership at each centre to offer a cheaper, more targeted alternative.

20. Screenshot%202017-09-27%2020
Get Active Your Way Membership Structure:

21. The table below outlines the proposed changes to individual membership:

Type of membership	Description	Replaces	What’s the change?
Get Into It	Full membership, offers access to all activities within each centre and to other council operated centres across the region according to three tier groupings: Gold (17 centres, including silver & bronze) Silver (15 centres, including bronze) Bronze (10 centres)	Over 50 different full access memberships. Offered in single or small clusters of centres across the region. Currently prices, services, terms and benefits vary across the region and from centre to centre. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre full membership = $15.70/week	Simplicity, clarity and consistency of prices, services and benefits. Access to a much wider range of Auckland Council operated leisure centres. Improved range and quality of services offered. Bronze Get Into It membership = $16.00/week
Gym It Swim It Move It	Activity based membership option. Offers access to a specific activity at the local centre: Gym It – gym/fitness centre Swim It – pool/spa/sauna Move It – group fitness	Off-peak and restricted single-centre memberships. NA	This is a new, cheaper membership category meeting the demands of customers who only wish to use the gym, pool or group fitness. Gym It, Swim It membership = $14.00/week
Concessions	Senior, disability, student, youth and green prescription concessions are available for all membership types	Existing concession offers	Membership concessions will be carried forward. Both new and current offers will be applied more consistently.

Membership pilot and positive feedback

22. The membership framework has been extensively researched, developed and tested prior to piloting in three sites (Stanmore Bay, East Coast Bays and Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa) in June and July 2017. Albany Stadium Pool opened in February with the same membership categories. These sites represent a diverse range of customers, services and functions. This allowed Active Recreation to test the membership model across a range of local communities, functions and facilities.

23. Feedback from new members who signed up during the pilot period was overwhelmingly positive (e.g. over 90% opted for the “Get Into It” full access bronze membership at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa).

24. All three pilot centres experienced similar benefit from the new membership structure and have continued with the new membership offering past the end of the period (note that new prices have not been introduced, only the new membership services). This has allowed Active Recreation to continue to evaluate the new membership model against the existing membership offering in other centres.

25. Results remain positive. Sales have increased in all pilot centres and both customer and staff experience measures have improved. This is shown in the tables below.

26. New membership growth at pilot leisure centres:

Membership Totals	30 May 2016	30 May 2017	Membership Pilot Begins	30 June 2017	30 July 2017	27 Aug 2017
MNAK Total members	956	985		988	1039	1062
Get Into It members	na	0		+59	+143	+210
ECB Total members	553	571		597	590	576
Get Into It members	na	0		+83	+106	+128
Stanmore Bay Total	1784	2095		2126	2115	2148
Get Into It members	na	0		+117	+191	+260

Customer feedback on the recommended changes

27. Active Recreation performs regular customer research, using Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys – which provide a quantitative measurement of customer satisfaction. This benchmarks the quality of our customer engagement and service standards.

28. NPS results suggest that, along with other improvements to the service and support offering, the new membership framework has been received really positively by customers.

29. Customer experience results at pilot sites:

Average NPS Scores	3 months, March to May 2017	3 months, June to Sept 2017
Pilot centres	43.6	48.7
Auckland Council Pools & Leisure	28.9	27.4

30. The survey also enquires about the key attributes that customers valued. The top attributes across the pilot sites are:

1. programme suitability

2. good instructors/teachers

3. friendliness

4. value for money.

These are all benefits associated with the new membership services, which reinforces the positive feedback received from staff and through customer interactions.

Inclusion of contracted pools and leisure centres

31. These new membership options will only apply to council operated facilities at this time, with one exception. Staff have an agreement in principle with Community Leisure Management (CLM), one of our three contracted operators, that Auckland Council membership will also include Otahuhu Pool and Leisure Centre (Toia) as a bronze centre.

Impact on existing members of the recommended changes

32. One of the key principles of the change process is that existing members, particularly concession holders, are not disadvantaged by the changes. All current membership types will either be continued for active members and access will not change, or the current membership will be matched to an equivalent new membership (and any cost difference discounted). If the new cost is lower in price, existing members will pay the lesser amount. New members will sign up to one of the new membership types at the new prices.

33. Active Recreation is confident that the new Get Active Your Way membership model, coupled with improvements to the service offering and a more integrated network of pools and leisure centres will provide Auckland residents with better access to quality facilities, expert staff and engaging recreation opportunities.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

34. Hibiscus and Bays and Mangere-Otahuhu local boards were notified before piloting and updated in July, in workshops after the pilot.

35. The new membership structure and prices were presented and discussed in a workshop to the Manurewa Local Board on 5 October 2017.

36. The Howick, Mangere-Otahuhu, Otara-Papatoetoe and Devonport-Takapuna Local Boards have approved the new membership prices.

37. To date, this has also been presented at workshops to Manurewa, Orakei, Upper Harbour, Henderson-Massey and Waitemata Local Boards. They have all expressed their support for the new membership model. Reports have been submitted for formal approval.

38. The pools and leisure network is a regional asset-based service, so the recommendation carries no financial risk to the local board.

Māori impact statement

39. The Active Recreation Game Plan and the membership model have been presented to the Northwest Iwi hui. The Iwi representatives were very supportive of these initiatives.

40. Recreation, leisure and aquatics programmes, provided for local communities through pools, leisure centres and recreation teams, contribute to improving wellbeing among Maori communities. Some programmes, such as free swimming for under 16s, are intended to benefit local Maori as a targeted population.

Implementation

41. The membership model and changes to access are being presented to local boards for approval during September and October. Meanwhile the Active Recreation support team are developing and delivering staff training to support the new membership structure and customer activation process. Communications for existing members and marketing materials for the new memberships are being created. Active Recreation is aiming, with local board approval, to introduce these membership options in early November.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Authors

Garth Dawson - Leisure Business Manager

Authorisers

Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

Rob McGee - Manager Leisure – Parks, Sports and Recreation

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Input to the Review of Citizens Advice Bureaux services

File No.: CP2017/23820

Purpose

1. To seek local board feedback on the draft options for supporting the future provision of Citizens Advice Bureaux services to Auckland’s communities.

Executive summary

2. Auckland Council is reviewing Citizens Advice Bureaux services in Auckland following a resolution by the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in April 2016.

3. The review will determine the appropriate level of Auckland Council support for Citizens Advice Bureaux services from 2018/2019 onwards.

4. Thirty-one Citizens Advice Bureaux operate in the Auckland region.

5. Auckland Council fund Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Incorporated $1.839 million a year which then distributes the funds to bureaux.

6. Local boards have provided input to the review on the local relationships, services and funding. Staff have developed draft options to address the issues and opportunities raised.

The options are in the table below:

Option 1: Enhanced status quo	Enhancements are a refined funding model, reporting improvements and strengthened local relationships
Option 2: Locally driven	Transfers responsibility for existing budget to local boards
Option 3: Regional service provision	Collective review of funding levels and number and location of service sites

7. Staff consider Option 3 to be the best option to achieve consistent regional service delivery. If CABx and CABNZ do not agree with Option 3, then Option 1 provides for greater consistency of service delivery than Option 2.

8. Staff will incorporate feedback from local boards on the draft options in to the review findings to be reported to the Environment and Community Committee in early 2018.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) provide feedback on the draft options for supporting the future provision of Citizens Advice Bureaux services to Auckland’s communities by 1 December 2017.

Comments

Background

9. On 7 April 2016 the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee resolved to:

“seek information from staff regarding a review of the service after consultation with the 21 local boards on the issues raised by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board regarding Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Incorporated (ACABx) funding, to achieve greater equity and fairness, taking into consideration social issues in local communities across Auckland.” (REG/2016/22)

10. The review scope includes:

· alignment to council policy, strategic priorities, local board plans and policies

· equitable service provision – Aucklanders having access to the services they need across the region, responding to growth and change in Auckland’s communities

· equity of funding for bureaux across Auckland – the basis for how funding is distributed

· how Auckland Council interacts and engages with bureaux across Auckland

· communicating the impact and value of Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) services

· council’s governance needs and role with regard to reporting and accountability.

11. Since 2013 Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Incorporated (ACABx), a board made up of representatives from across Auckland bureaux, has been distributing the council funding to bureaux using a population-based funding model which replaced previous funding arrangements by legacy councils.

12. ACABx received $1.839 million for 2017/2018, which includes an annual inflation provision. This expenditure is included in the Long-term Plan 2015-2025.

13. Some local boards provide funding to their local bureaux in addition to the core funding allocated through ACABx. Local boards provide support to CAB through accommodation as the majority of bureaux are located in council facilities.

14. ACABx distributes funds to local CAB so that communities are provided with access to information, advice, referral and client advocacy services.

Current Auckland CAB services and alignment with local board plans and council strategies

15. Currently there are 31 Auckland CAB sites in 18 local board areas, with over 900 trained volunteers fielding approximately 300,000 enquiries per annum; 75% of the service is delivered face-to-face.

16. Support for CAB services aligns with the following:

· local board plan outcomes, such as connected communities, employment and housing

· Auckland Plan (strategic direction one): to create a strong, inclusive and equitable society that ensures opportunity for all Aucklanders

· Empowered Communities Approach, where individuals, whānau and communities have the power and ability to influence decisions.

17. The first annual review of the Auckland Council-ACABx Strategic Relationship Agreement (2016-2018) noted the following achievements and issues:

· agreed relationship principles, established a governing group and secured CAB New Zealand (CABNZ) involvement to support the relationship

· work is still in progress to improve measurement and the CAB reporting model

· both parties acknowledged that the current arrangements limit the collective ability to achieve regional level change, including closure, rationalisation or new sites and influencing local service provision

· currently ACABx will not address the overall number and location of service sites operated by member bureaux, which is based on legacy council models. They will not consider opening new sites unless there is an increase in the overall funding envelope. Based on current information shared by CAB it is difficult to determine the value of the service in order for the council to review its funding commitment.

The review of CAB Services in Auckland

18. Local boards provided input to the review during July and August 2017. A comprehensive information pack was provided to resource and support their input. The full summary of local board input is provided in Attachment A.

19. Feedback from boards highlighted what is working well:

· Most boards consider the services are of high value to the community.

· Leverage of council funding as services are delivered by well trained, approachable, multi-lingual and knowledgeable volunteers.

· Connecting people with information and services otherwise out of reach, especially for migrants, older people, international students and lower socioeconomic groups.

20. The review has identified a number of issues, including:

· Inequity in funding of bureaux and service provision across the region – service needs to be responsive to growth and community need.

· The need for better connections between local boards and bureaux to support improved two-way communication.

· The need for bureau data and information on trends and emerging issues at regional and site level.

· Future service sustainability, including awareness of service and better outreach to targeted groups that currently are under-represented as users (e.g. Māori, some migrant groups, young people, rural communities).

21. Some local boards have raised deprivation as a factor that should be taken into account in allocating funding to bureaux. These boards consider that areas of high deprivation should get more funding as there is increased and more complex need. Further investigation is needed and staff are seeking evidence from CAB on what they deliver and from which sites, and where their clients live before deprivation can be considered within the funding model.

Draft options for feedback

22. Three draft options have been developed that respond to the issues and opportunities raised by local boards and the review of the Strategic Relationship Agreement.

Table 1: Review of CAB services: Draft options

Option

Description

Pros

Cons

Implementation

Option 1: Enhanced status quo

· Overall funding envelope unchanged

· Governing Body remains the decision maker for funding

· Council has funding agreement with ACABx

· The funding agreement includes:

- A review of the population-based funding model with up-to-date local board population estimates, current CAB sites and exploring the use of deprivation as a proxy for need

- Improved reporting with consistent trend information at regional and site level

- A local relationship framework developed to support strengthened and more strategic relationships between local boards and bureaux

· Valued community service is maintained

· Continued contribution to regional strategies and improved contribution to local board plan outcomes

· Updated funding model to include some aspects of need, including population growth and potentially deprivation

· Improved reporting on the use and value of the service regionally and locally (who is using the service, why and where)

· Community intelligence is shared to support local decision making and advocacy

· Efficient bulk funding model because Governing Body would allocate bulk funding to ACABx to distribute to the bureaux

· No change to the fixed funding envelope

· Does not address the overall number and location of service sites or opening of new sites in high growth areas

· No strategic approach to the region’s service needs

· Does not address that some local boards are providing additional funding for bureau services from LDI budgets

· Does not address the CAB as a largely passive service with limited resources to undertake outreach to vulnerable groups that are currently underrepresented as users

· Does not address responsiveness of the service to changing demographics and evolving community needs

· Could be implemented for 2018/2019 with a two-year funding agreement (July 2018 - June 2020)

· This is the most achievable of the options

Option 2: Locally driven

· CAB operates as a local service rather than a regional service

· Governing Body transfers responsibility for existing budget to local boards. Locally driven initiatives (LDI) budgets adjusted accordingly

· It would be up to each local board to decide if local bureaux are funded and to what level. From the bureaux perspective, their funding agreement would be with Auckland Council instead of ACABx

· Local boards govern the relationship with bureaux

· The funding agreement includes:

- Meeting local board priorities

- Improved reporting and local relationship framework as under Option 1

· Opportunity to strengthen alignment of bureaux services with local board plan outcomes and with other local community services

· Local boards and bureaux work together to respond to growth and local changes

· Council funding of the service can be more responsive to local need, e.g. seek rationalisation of bureau sites at a local or cluster level, outreach to vulnerable groups that are currently underrepresented as users

· Boards can direct funding to providers best placed to serve the local community

· Improved reporting on the use and value of the service regionally and locally (who is using the service, why and where)

· Community intelligence is shared to support local decision making and advocacy

· The fixed funding envelope constrains the ability to open new sites

· No strategic approach to the region’s service needs

· Significantly higher administrative burden on CAB which will need to seek local board support for funding arrangements

· Would require increased dedicated resource from council (Community Empowerment Unit) to administer multiple funding agreements and accountability reports

· Could be implemented for 2018/2019

· Funding could be ring fenced for the 2018/2019 during phased implementation

· From 2019-2021, local boards could fund on an annual or multi-year basis and could also fund on a local board cluster basis

· This option is achievable but would require significant change for bureaux and local boards

Option 3: Regional service provision

· Assessment undertaken to understand the value of the service which would also determine the appropriate level of Auckland Council support required

· This option requires active participation from CABNZ and Auckland bureaux

· Regional Network Provision Framework developed by council, CABNZ and bureaux that reviews the location of bureau sites across the region to address service gaps and opportunities around accommodation

· Could also include potential for a single CAB entity for whole of Auckland with a mandate to develop the service regionally – requires major constitutional change for bureaux

· Comprehensive review of the CAB service going forward and role for Auckland Council in supporting the service

· Only option that allows for a review of the level of council funding for the service

· Strengthened contribution to regional strategies and local board plan outcomes

· Only option that would be able to comprehensively address the overall number and location of service sites, including new sites

· Strategic approach to the region’s service needs and addresses responsiveness of local service delivery

· Requires significant commitment and change from a volunteer-based organisation

· Relies on substantial council involvement and increased dedicated resource

· The new approach would be developed during 2018/19 and implemented in 2019/2020

· Enhanced status quo would apply in 2018/2019

· This option is the most difficult to achieve and would require long term commitment from all parties and council resourcing to implement

23. Overall Option 3: Regional service provision provides the most likelihood of achieving regional consistency of service delivery to meet changing community need and for this reason staff consider this to be the best option. However, without the agreement of the CABx and CABNZ Option 3 is not achievable. Discussions between council staff, the ACABx board and CABNZ are still ongoing.

24. If Option 3 is not achievable Option 1: Enhanced status quo will provide for greater consistency of service delivery than Option 2: Locally driven.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

25. Local boards have detailed knowledge of both local bureau delivery and of their local communities’ needs. Boards have provided input to the review on their relationship with the local bureau, services and funding, indicating that for most boards there is good alignment of the CAB services with local board plan outcomes.

26. Staff have developed draft options that respond to the issues and opportunities raised by local boards and are seeking feedback on these options.

27. Under Option 1 (Enhanced status quo) the funding model is reviewed and an improved local relationship framework would be available to support reporting and discussions between boards and bureaux. Under Option 2 (Locally driven), boards would take on responsibility for funding local bureaux. Under Option 3 (Regional service provision) a fuller assessment would be undertaken with board involvement to determine a new approach for future CAB service provision across the region.

Māori impact statement

28. For 2016/2017, Māori users of CAB services comprised between 2.5% of users in the central Auckland/Waiheke cluster to 13.2% in south/east Auckland cluster (Source: ACABx Accountability Report to Auckland Council July 2016-June 2017).

29. Options 2 and 3 are more likely to improve Māori engagement with CAB services as they would support more responsive local service provision.

Implementation

30. Staff request local boards provide feedback on the draft options by 1 December 2017. Staff will incorporate this feedback in to the review findings which will be reported to the Environment and Community Committee in early 2018.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Summary of local board input July - August 2017	99

Signatories

Authors

Carole Blacklock - Specialist Advisor - Partnering and Social Investment, Community Empowerment Unit, Arts, Community a

Authorisers

Graham Bodman - General Manager Arts, Community and Events

Carol McKenzie-Rex - Relationship Manager

Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Auckland Council’s Quarterly Performance Report: Manurewa Local Board for quarter one, 1 July - 30 September 2017

File No.: CP2017/23230

Purpose

1. To provide the Manurewa Local Board with an integrated quarterly performance report for quarter one, 1 July to 30 September 2017.

Executive summary

2. This report includes financial performance, progress against local board key performance indicators, progress against work programmes, key challenges the board should be aware of and any risks to delivery against the 2017/2018 work programme.

3. Of note this quarter was the number of people who visited Nathan Homestead and the number of children, young people and adults who participated in a range of library activities. There has also been further progress against Local Board Plan outcomes.

4. The snapshot (Attachment A), indicates performance against the agreed 2017/2018 work programmes is tracking positively.

5. All operating departments with agreed work programmes have provided a quarterly update against their work programme delivery (Attachment B). All items are reported as ‘green’ status (on track) except for the following which have a ‘red’ status (behind delivery, significant risk)/’amber’ status (some risk or issues, which are being managed):

Red

· Community Facilities: Project Delivery – Manurewa AFC Roof and cladding renewals

Amber

· Community Facilities: Investigation and Design - Waimahia Inlet - remove mangroves

· Infrastructure and Environmental Services: Healthy Waters – Manukau Harbour Forum - Manurewa

· Community Services: Libraries and Information - Information and lending services Manurewa

· Community Services: Parks, Sports and Recreation Park Services - Heron Point Planning for mangrove removal

· Community Services: Parks, Sports and Recreation Park Services - Teaching Gardens

6. The overall financial performance for quarter one 2017/2018 is unfavourable compared to the budget. There are some points for the board to note:

· Financial operating performance is over budget for the quarter, mostly in operating expenditure, where spend for the RIMA facilities contract has exceeded allocated budget for this local board. Operating revenue is better than budget by 19%, the main factor being increased membership and entrance fees in leisure facilities. Capital spend so far is mostly a continuance of parks asset renewals, however a particularly wet winter continues to delay some capital work. Attachment C contains further detailed financial information.

7. Attachment D provides an overview of the Key Performance Indicators for the Manurewa Local Board. In summary, the key performance indicators show the year-end outlook is that 55 per cent of measures will not achieve target. This is explained in further detail in the report and in the attachment.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) receive the performance report for the financial quarter ending 30 September 2017.

Comments

8. The Manurewa Local Board has an approved 2017/2018 work programme for the following operating departments:

· Arts, Community and Events; approved on 1 June 2017

· Parks, Sport and Recreation; approved on 1 June 2017

· Libraries and Information; approved on 1 June 2017

· Local Economic Development; approved on 1 June 2017

· Infrastructure and Environmental Services; approved on 1 June 2017

· Community Facilities: Build Maintain Renew; approved on 15 June 2017

· Community Leases; approved on 15 June 2017

Key achievements for quarter one

9. The Manurewa Local Board has some key achievements to report from the quarter one period, which include:

· Nathan Homestead received a total of 9625 visitors, delivered 40 programmes with 362 participants and staged two performances to 75 attendees. Highlights included the exhibition "Gatherings on the Manukau" as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival

· over 500 children, young people and adults participated in arrange of library activities during the first quarter that celebrated Cook Island and Tongan Language Weeks, and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, and another 1100 children participated in after school and holiday programme activities.

Key project updates from the 2017/2018 work programme

10. The following are progress updates against key projects identified in the Manurewa Local Board Plan and/or Local Board Agreement.

· Manurewa has an attractive, prosperous town centre

o Funding agreements have been completed for three events in the Event Partnership Fund totalling $52,000 with payments of the grants currently in progress, with the remaining three agreements totalling $58,000 expected to be completed and paid out in quarter two. Some of these events will take place in and around the town centre. In addition four Manurewa Business Association place-making events are being held at Southmall.

o The Manurewa Town Centre Steering Group has continued to meet on a monthly basis, and has progressed work in relation to Te Mahia Station. To support the work on Te Mahia Station, the steering group is looking at undertaking an employment land survey of the industrial area to the west of the station.

· All people are valued and encouraged

o The Community Action Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) team attended a meeting hosted by the Police to discuss local contribution to the Youth Crime Action Plan. This meeting resulted in the CAYAD team offering to lead the development of a drug and alcohol action plan for Manurewa.

o The strategic broker has been attending the Manurewa Housing First Steering Group and provided advice from the Community Empowerment Unit on the strategic direction being taken regionally by the Auckland Rough Sleeper Steering Group.

o Staff facilitated a workshop with the local board on options for community led place-making activities, and the recommendations of the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) reports. Funding agreements to reflect the direction given at the local board workshop will be completed in the next quarter.

· Our natural heritage and resources are preserved and nurtured for future generations

o As part of the work to restore a portion of the Puhinui Stream to support inanga spawning habitat, and improve water quality, the planting site received three rounds of weed control prior to planting followed by three community planting days. A total of 3,410 native sedges and trees will be planted this winter. This work forms part of the Puhinui Cross Council Collaboration working group.

o Idea Services continued weekly reserve clean-ups with 25 bags of rubbish collected each month in the Weymouth/Clendon area, Papatoetoe Lions group planted 200 trees with the Friends of Totara Park, DHL planted 80 trees with Residents of Trimdon reserve and nine BNZ 'Closed for Good day' staff spent the day at Totara park doing weeding, mulching and some drain clearance. The total volunteer hours for this quarter were 413, with 280 items planted.

o A funding agreement has been entered into with Te Awa Ora Trust. The focus is to build the capacity of residents for using waste as a resource, and developing skills and support for employment and business enterprise through practical hands on and digital workshops. Three local residents are being sent for electrical testing training and a tester unit is being purchased.

Risks identified in the 2017/2018 work programme

11. The following are risks that have been identified by operating departments where the progress and performance indicator has been set to ‘red’ – significantly behind budget/time or achievement of outcomes/’amber’ status – some risk or issues, which are being managed.

Red

a) Community Facilities: Project Delivery – Manurewa AFC Roof and cladding renewals

This project is on hold as awaiting further instructions regarding local board advocacy.

Amber

b) Community Facilities: Investigation and Design - Waimahia Inlet - remove mangroves

This is a cancelled project record as it is a duplicate. The project sits within Community Services - please refer to SharePoint ID 2012 for an update. Staff will request this be removed prior to quarter two reporting.

c) Infrastructure and Environmental Services: Healthy Waters – Manukau Harbour Forum - Manurewa

The forum is yet to agree its full work programme. The Manukau Harbour Forum considered its work programme at its August 2017 meeting. A further work programme allocation report will be considered by the forum at its meeting on 20 October 2017. Funding was approved for a communications programme with the forum reserving its decision on $44,000 of budget until receipt of a report on the marine education programmes and funding of external programmes. Local Board Services department will look to incorporate the governance review of the forum within the wider Governance Framework Review currently underway.

d) Community Services: Libraries and Information - Information and lending services Manurewa

The number of library items borrowed this quarter has decreased by 11 per cent. This is similar to the pattern reported for the last year. The number of eBook and eMagazine issues continues to increase at a regional level and now makes up of 11 per cent of items borrowed regionally.

e) Community Services: Parks, Sports and Recreation Park Services - Heron Point Planning for mangrove removal

A workshop with the local board gave direction to work with the Manurewa Marae on community-led removal of mangroves from in front of Manurewa Marae, and to engage in discussions on the development of a waka ama launching facility once mangroves are removed. A change of scope is yet to be formally approved, once discussions have been held with the Manurewa Marae.

f) Community Services: Parks, Sports and Recreation Park Services - Teaching Gardens

The scope of this work programme has not yet been agreed, but funding is not needed for the Teaching Gardens Trust at this stage. One option that the local board has asked staff to provide advice on is the creating a Māori identity, which considers naming and re-naming of council parks and reserves, in consultation with mana whenua. A workshop will be held in quarter two to consider options.

Financial performance

12. The Manurewa Local Board Financial Performance report is in Attachment C.

· Operating expenditure in Asset Based Services (ABS) had exceeded budget as the RIMA contract has overspent by $476k (29%). This is the first set of accounts for this project and it is expected that it will take at least a full year to collect stable and more predictable costings for budgets for the Long Term Plan. Operating expenditure in Locally Driven Initiatives (LDI Opex) has no current issues and some projects are yet to commence.

· Operating Revenue was above budget by $158k for this quarter. In community services, revenue has exceeded budget overall by $25k for user charges and government subsidies In overall leisure activity OSCAR government subsidies are $43k ahead, and member and entrance fees are $90k above budget.

· Capital Expenditure of $507k is $808k behind budget for this quarter however a particularly wet winter continues to delay some capital work. Spend so far is mostly a continuance of parks asset renewals with further progress on the David Nathan Homestead retaining wall renewal and the completion of the playground renewal at Finlayson Park.

· There is $739k of Locally Driven Initiative Capex funding still to be allocated by the local board and most of this fund has been deferred into Y19, as project options are still being discussed.

Key performance indicators

13. The local board agreements include level of service statements and associated performance measures to guide and monitor the delivery of local services. This report provides information on the performance measure year-end outlook for Manurewa Local Board’s measures, showing how we are tracking after the first quarter of FY18.

14. The year-end outlook is that 55 per cent of measures will not achieve target.

15. Currently all performance measures are being reviewed as part of the development of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan.

16. For the first and second quarter we will be providing the year-end outlook based on the results of 2016/17 or for any changes to the outlook based on results available. In the third quarter we will be in a better position to accurately project the year-end outlook for all measures. This is because the frequency of most measures is annual as data is collected through surveys.

17. Local environmental management, local planning and development and all but one of the local parks, sport and recreation measures are on track; the key areas of below-target performance are related to local community services (see Table 1 below).

18. Further information can be found in Attachment D which provides an overview of the Key Performance Indicators for the Manurewa Local Board.

Table 1

Activity	Not on track to achieve target
Parks, Sport and Recreation	· Percentage of residents satisfied with the provision (quality, location and distribution) of local parks and reserves
	· Percentage of residents who visited a local park or reserve in the last 12 months
	· Percentage of residents satisfied with the provision (quality, location and distribution) of sports fields
Community Services	· Percentage of Aucklanders that feel connected to their neighbourhood and local community
	· Percentage of attendees satisfied with council delivered and funded local events
	· Percentage of Aucklanders that feel their local town centre is safe (night)
Environmental management	· Proportion of local programmes that deliver intended environmental actions and/or outcomes

Consideration

Local board views and implications

19. This report informs the Manurewa Local Board of the performance for the quarter ending 30 September 2017.

Māori impact statement

20. Work has continued through the Māori Responsiveness work programme item with the Māori input into Local Board Decision-Making Project Reference Group (PRG). A service agreement will be prepared in the next quarter for the continued facilitation of the PRG and development of activity to progress the PRG’s recommendations. Co-Creationz completed interviews with members of the PRG to establish an understanding of the shape of a tikanga toolkit. The interview findings were reported back to the PRG at the September hui. PRG representatives, council staff and Otara Health will now develop a tikanga 101 toolkit.

21. Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori was celebrated with 218 children and staff from Manurewa East Primary. They enjoyed Readers Theatre of the book, "Hohepa te puru" and the creation of a mask based on its characters followed by an induction through the junior collections.

22. The Reserve Management Plan for David Nathan Park is currently in development. As well as the regular Parks Sports and Recreation southern mana whenua forum, mana whenua have also been involved in providing input directly with the local board and staff.

23. Staff are working with the Citizen Value and Engagement team to develop a funding agreement with Te Ora O Manukau that focuses on the development of capacity and capability to enable Te Ora O Manukau to deliver Māori led engagement for the Long-term Plan in Manurewa. This piece of work will continue in the next quarter.

Implementation

24. The Manurewa Local Board will receive the next performance update following the end of quarter 2, December 2017.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Manurewa Q1_Attachment A Snapshot	165
b ⇩	Manurewa Q1_Attachment B WP Update	167
c ⇩	Manurewa Q1_Attachment C Financial Report	185
d ⇩	Manurewa Q1_Attachment D KPI Report	193

Signatories

Authors	Sarah McGhee - Senior Local Board Advisor
Authorisers	Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Manurewa Local Board

16 November 2017

Manurewa Local Board Governance Forward Work Calendar - November 2017

File No.: CP2017/23094

Purpose

1. To present to the Manurewa Local Board the six months Governance Forward Work Calendar.

Executive Summary

2. This report introduces the Governance Forward Work Calendar: a schedule of items that will come before local boards at business meetings and workshops over the next six months. The Governance Forward Work Calendar for the Manurewa Local Board is included in Attachment A.

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

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

· clarifying what advice is required and when

· clarifying the rationale for reports.

4. The calendar will be updated every month, be included on the agenda for business meetings and distributed to relevant council staff. It is recognised that at times items will arise that are not programmed. Board members are welcome to discuss changes to the calendar.

Recommendation/s

That the Manurewa Local Board:

a) note the attached Governance Forward Work Calendar as at 9 November 2017.

Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consideration

Local Board views and implications

10. All local boards are being presented with Governance Forward Work Calendars for their consideration.

Māori impact statement

11. The projects and processes referred to in the Governance Forward Work Calendar will have a range of implications for Māori which will be considered when the work is reported.

Implementation

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

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Manurewa Local Board Forward Governance Work Programme - November 2017	211

Signatories

Authors	Sarah McGhee - Senior Local Board Advisor
Authorisers	Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager

Chairperson	Angela Dalton
Deputy Chairperson	Rangi McLean
Members	Joseph Allan
	Stella Cattle
	Sarah Colcord
	Angela Cunningham-Marino
	Ken Penney

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Manurewa Local Board 5 October 2017 Workshop Record	229
b ⇩	Manurewa Local Board 11 October 2017 Workshop Record	243
c ⇩	Manurewa Local Board 12 October 2017 Workshop Record	249
d ⇩	Manurewa Local Board 25 October 2017 Workshop Record	253
e ⇩	Manurewa Local Board 26 October 2017 Workshop Record	259

Authors	Trina Bishop - Democracy Advisor
Authorisers	Rex Hewitt - Relationship Manager