Agenda of Auckland Domain Committee

Auckland Domain Committee

30 May 2018

Natural Play and Kari Street Commons Concept Approval

File No.: CP2018/08456

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To consider and approve concept designs for the development of Kari Street Commons and a new natural play space.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. The Auckland Domain Masterplan identify the development of a natural play space next to the duck ponds and the restoration of the Kari Street nursery site to create an active recreation area and event area as development actions. Both actions were supported by the public during consultation on the masterplan.

3. Final concept designs for the Kari Street Commons area and the natural play space are complete and this report seeks approval for these concepts. If approved, the projects will proceed to application for resource consent.

4. These projects have been presented to the committee at previous workshops and the committee has indicated its support for the concept designs. Mana whenua have been engaged during the design development and the wider community has had the opportunity to provide input into the concept designs.

5. Budget is available to progress both projects in the 2018/2019 financial year.

6. There are other accessibility improvement project proposed for Auckland Domain that would help ensure both new recreation areas are easily and safely accessed by park users. These are the subject of a funding request currently being considered through the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) approve the concept plans, as attached, for the development of Kari Street Commons and a new natural play space.

b) delegate the Manager Project Delivery, Community Facilities Department, to implement the projects within the available budget. This delegation is subject to:

· obtaining committee approval for projects that improve the public accessibility of both sites

· any approved accessibility improvements being implemented at the same time as the new play facilities to ensure park users can safely get to and around the new facilities.

c) note that the design of the natural play space reflects the underlying geological landscape and the historical use of the area as a pā, a meeting place, a water source and a food gathering area. As part of the detailed design work a mana whenua endorsed designer will be employed to shape these detailed design elements and ensure these stories are told as part of the play experience.

Horopaki / Context

7. The Auckland Domain Master Plan 2016 included Principle 5: “Improving Auckland Domain as a recreation and event destination”. Within this principle there were two specific actions that gave rise to a natural play and Kari Street Commons project. These were:

· action 5.3: “to enhance the natural play space next to the duck ponds”, and

· action 5.4: “Restore the Kari Street nursery site to an active recreation area, which can be also used as an event space. This space would take pressure of the sports fields and provide for other event opportunities.”

8. These actions were intended to respond to and cater for the increasing growth in visitor numbers from throughout Auckland and in the communities surrounding Auckland Domain.

9. In 2015 funding was allocated to support the development of a new natural play space and stage one of the developments at Kari Street Commons.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Natural play

10. Located on the two flat terraces between the duck ponds, Domain Drive and Kiosk Road the natural play space will integrate sympathetically into the existing environment and incorporate existing mature trees. The play space will use natural elements and found materials including timber, rocks, rope, stepping logs, planting and earthworks including mounding. Large pieces of hardwood timber have been sourced from sites around Auckland and stored at Kari Street for incorporation into the play space.

11. The proposed play features will encourage children of all ages and abilities to explore, use their imaginations, keep active and develop a respect for and a connection to the natural world with a focus on un-prescribed play spaces.

12. The play space is proposed to be built on a series of landforms inspired by the site’s rich natural and cultural history. Heritage elements referred to in the design include Pukekawa, historic pā sites, Waiparuru stream and swamp, the duck ponds as a water source, the historical use of the site for food gathering and production, and the use of the site for passive and active recreation.

13. A review of international best practice in natural play was undertaken at the beginning of the project. These sites were in Melbourne, Sydney, London and Vancouver. These examples were selected as they are located in built up urban environments with a similar context to Auckland Domain, and they had similar characteristics in regard to size, degree of complexity, demographics and profile with the proposed play space. The draft concept design incorporates learnings and from these benchmark projects.

Kari Street Commons

14. The masterplan notes that the Kari Street nursery is an ideal location for active recreation and events and that there is a lot of capacity for concessions and other short-term activity to enhance the visitor and event experience. It also notes that no-one should be allowed to exclusively occupy this area.

15. The concept generally uses the current landform, which provides a range of flat usable platforms but also acknowledges the area’s geological history.

16. There is a risk associated with land contamination at Kari St arising from its previous use as a plant nursery. To manage this risk contamination reports have been carried out, and the contaminated land team involved in the concept planning.

17. Land use change consent will be lodged to enable Kari Street Commons to be used as a recreational space. The land use consent will potentially include conditions that must be met in respect to the site’s land contamination risks.

Public feedback

18. The two projects were subject to formal public engagement during the development of the master plan. This feedback showed that 65% of the supported the development of the play space and 17% did not. 67% supported the development of the nursery area and 7% did not (others were undecided).

19. Subsequently, more specific engagement on the high-level concepts was carried out for Kari Street and the natural play space. Consultation consisted of a public open day held on site by the split pohutukawa tree on Saturday 22^nd April 2017 and feedback was also collected online via Shape Auckland (the consultation period ran from Saturday 22^nd April – Saturday 13^th May 2017).

20. Feedback at the public open day was primarily provided by families with young children (typically aged between 3-12 years) and passers-by (typically local residents). Information was collected via sticker boards where respondents were invited to place stickers on images of their preferred play experiences.

21. The online feedback form collected information about the style and types of play people would like to see at the Domain. In total 55 submissions were received. Respondents, from across Auckland (including individuals as well as representatives from various organisations) showed strong support for a natural play styled playground using predominately natural materials (81% support), and for the incorporation of elements of Auckland Domain’s natural and cultural history into the play space (80% support).

Auckland Domain Committee input

22. Progress on these two projects has been regularly reported to the committee and the following direction has been provided:

· In October 2015 the committee endorsed, in principle, the plans for a natural play space.

· In May 2017 the committee received an update on the public engagement and designs for the natural play space and Kari Street Commons and delegated decision making on the final design to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the committee.

Other considerations

23. The master plan includes a range of other recommended improvements which the committee has been discussing over the last year or so. As part of this work a parking survey has been completed. It is apparent that the challenges associated with parking, pedestrian and cycle access will affect both the Kari Street Commons and natural play space projects.

24. Kiosk Drive, adjacent to the natural play space, serves as both a footpath and a road although it is designed, built and used as a car dominant space. There have been problems in this area with cars parking on grass and a high incidence of long stay parking use both of which inhibit safe pedestrian access from several parts of Auckland Domain.

25. Stage one of the Kari Street Commons project is expected to attract a younger audience accessing Auckland Domain on public transport, by cycle and by foot. Most users will access the site from the Stanley Street entrance and potentially a percentage will access from Parnell Rail Station across lower Domain Drive. Both access routes are designed for and dominated by cars.

26. It is recommended that access issues are addressed prior to the new facilities being developed to ensure these areas are safely and easily accessible by park users.

Resource consent

27. The draft concepts have been internally reviewed by the arboricultural, operations and heritage teams and positive feedback has been received. The Cultural Heritage Team have provided a memo based on the initial concepts outlining identified sites within the vicinity of the proposed works, initial issues, potential benefits and statutory requirements. The Built Heritage Team have also provided preliminary feedback noting the need for the design of the structures and surfacing to be well integrated into the existing landscape, particularly in relation to adjacent heritage structures, and have made recommendations for assessments to support the consent application.

28. An initial planning assessment suggests that there is unlikely to be a regulatory requirement to publicly notify resource consent applications for these projects. As council will be the applicant, the applications will be considered by an independent commissioner, who will determine whether the applications require notification.

29. The Chair of the committee has informally indicated to staff that he would support requesting resource consent applications for both projects be publicly notified.

30. Council can, as applicant request that the applications be publicly notified, however, requesting public notification would increase both the time and cost of the consent process.

31. The time and cost implications of requesting a notified resource consent cannot be accurately predicted, as they are dependent on the nature and significance of any submissions received, the need or otherwise for a hearing, length of any hearing required, and the extent of additional work required to respond to submissions and support the hearing process. An initial assessment of these implications follows.

32. Time implications

· The statutory timeframe for a decision on a non-notified consent is 20 days. That timeframe may be exceeded for several reasons, and a non-notified decision for these projects could reasonably be expected between one and two months.

· A notified resource consent application would typically take between six and nine months. This allows time for submissions to be made, preparation of evidence for hearing, hearings to be held and a decision report prepared following the hearing.

· Following the decision there is also the potential for an appeal of the decision to the Environment Court, which would add significant additional time to the consent process.

33. Cost implications

· Application costs for a non-notified consent are likely to be in the range of $7000 to $20,000 (not including the cost of preparing the application material).

· Costs for a notified consent are likely to range between $30,000 - $80,000 for a simple one-day hearing. This cost is made up of:

o Notification costs: $3000 (administration and newspaper advertisements)

o Preparation of Section 42A report: $7000-$20,000 (this cost is for a similar report that would need to be prepared for a non-notified application)

o Preparation of evidence and attendance at hearings $10,000-$30,000

o Hearing cost of typically $5000-$10,000 per day

o Commissioner decision costs $5000-$10,000.

· Additional days of hearings would further increase costs by $10,000 for each additional day.

· These additional consenting costs would need to be met from within the existing project budget.

34. Staff recommend that council, as applicant, does not request that these resource consent applications be publicly notified and that the applications are processed in the manner determined as appropriate by the independent commissioner.

35. This recommendation is on the basis that:

· These projects have been clearly signaled and supported through the preparation of the Auckland Domain Masterplan.

· Specific project consultation indicates good support for the concepts.

· There is unlikely to be a regulatory requirement for notification.

· Additional time and cost required for a notified consent will result in the projects taking longer to deliver and having scope reduced to ensure delivery within budget.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe /
Local impacts and local board views

36. This initiative will positively affect the well-being of users of Auckland Domain which includes neighbours, city fringe residents (about ½ of the visitors surveyed in 2014) and visitors from through the region as well as national and international visitors.

37. The Waitematā and other neighbouring local boards have not been specifically engaged in respect to the project designs but three members of the Waitematā Local Board are on the committee and some local board members have participated in the community engagement.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

38. The projects have been presented at three mana whenua hui. A letter has also been sent to all mana whenua with an interest in Auckland Domain.

39. The draft concept designs reference the site’s proximity to the harbour and the natural volcanic and historical wetland features of the site. Both concept designs have themes which allow cultural narratives to be told and improve ecological stewardship, including native planting and better treatment of storm water which is consistent with the general aspirations of mana whenua that have been consistently expressed to Auckland Council.

40. At the most recent hui with mana whenua (December 2017) the complex cultural history of occupation around Auckland Domain was acknowledged. As such, direction was provided that more generic themes such as the importance of the area to Māori as a living landscape, meeting place, natural water spring and area for resource gathering be incorporated. It was also proposed that the detailed design be developed in collaboration with a mana whenua endorsed artist/designer who can guide the design of the narrative.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

41. The current budget and future budget allocations, subject to confirmation through the 2018 – 2028 Long-term Plan are:

Natural play space

· 2016-18 FY = $36,000 (year to date)

· 2018/19 FY = $920,000

Kari Street Commons

· 2016-18 FY = $98,000 (year to date)

· 2018/19 FY = $1,200,000

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

42. The risks associated with safe public access are highlighted elsewhere in this report. The recommended mitigation is to make any approval subject to parallel projects that address sufficient safe access being funded and approved by the committee.

43. Health and safety in design has been a critical consideration throughout the concept design development. This includes crime prevention through environmental design at Kari Street Commons and addressing potential pedestrian and vehicle interactions around the playground. Both points are, in part, addressed by making the development of these projects contingent on the access improvement projects discussed earlier in the report.

44. Not progressing with these projects or resolving the associated access issues may impact council’s reputation given the amount of public feedback received to date.

45. While both projects are visionary and have the potential to be developed well beyond the available budget staff believe that should construction costs be higher than the current estimated costs of the designs can be amended to ensure that the bulk of the intent is delivered within the available budget. The budget will be managed prudently through use of tried and tested contracts, quantity surveying, and project management of the highest standard.

46. If the projects are publicly notified the costs for this, in addition to an allowance for a change in construction costs, may be too great to be accommodated by way of adjusting the design. If public notification is required staff will report back to the committee with funding implications and options.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

47. Following endorsement by the committee final resource consent sets of drawings will be prepared and lodged. Mana whenua will also be invited to support the appointment of a design lead to develop the detailed design (for the tender and construction purposes).

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Kari Street Commons draft concept design	15
b ⇩	Natural play space draft concept design	17
c ⇩	Te Aranga Design Principles assessment relative to both play concepts (presented to mana wheuna in December 2017)	25

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author

David Little - Manager Landscape Architecture

Authorisers

Rob Cairns - Head of Investigation and Design

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

Jane Aickin - Paeurungi Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Auckland Domain Committee

30 May 2018

Auckland Domain Event Approvals and Reporting from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019

File No.: CP2018/05715

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval in principle for the six proposed events and to provide a review of events that have taken place in the Auckland Domain from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. The report is seeking in principle approval for the following events for their 2018, 2019 and 2020 occurrences:

· Pink Star Walk

· The Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge

· Walking Stars

· Christmas in the Park

3. The report is seeking approval for the following events for the dates as listed:

· Armistice Day Field Commemoration (10 October 2018 – 26 November 2018)

· Armistice Day Memorial Service (11 November 2018)

4. Staff have compiled a summary of a selection of events (attachment A) that took place from 1 July 2017 – 1 June 2018 as required in the Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) approve in principle the following events to take place on the Auckland Domain for the calendar years 2018, 2019 and 2020:

· Pink Star Walk

· The Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge

· Walking Stars

· Christmas in the Park

b) approve in principle the following events to take place in 2018:

· Armistice Day Field Commemoration (10 October 2018 – 26 November 2018)

· Armistice Day Memorial Service (11 November 2018)

Horopaki / Context

5. The Auckland Domain is in high demand for a range of events. This is due to its central location, large capacity, public transport networks, limited adjacent residents and hospitality offerings.

6. To manage these demands the Auckland Domain Committee adopted the Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines on 30 March 2015 (ADC/2016/9)

7. As per the guidelines, events require landowner approval from the Auckland Domain Committee if they :

· are ticketed and/or

· take place over multiple days (more than 48 hours) including pack in and pack out and/or

· require an authorised road closure.

8. Previously the Domain Committee have approved events for a single year or instance of each respective event. The report is seeking a three year in principle approval for the calendar years 2018, 2019 and 2020 given the minimal operational changes to the event year to year for the following events:

· Pink Star Walk

· Walking Stars

· The Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge

· Christmas in the Park.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Three Year Approval in Principle Request

Pink Star Walk

9. The Pink Star Walk is a medium scale, ticketed for charity, alcohol free, annual event held in the Auckland Domain. This event is a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Foundation and invites breast cancer survivors, supporters and their families to take part in the 5km, 10km or 20km charity walk.

10. Typically attendance is around 2,000 people. The event requires one day for pack in, event execution and pack out.

11. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 ‘Land Owner Assessment Criteria’ of the Domain Events Operational Guidelines document.

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Medium impact · Event is ticketed but a not for profit.
Utilisezones / expanse of area occupied	Low/medium impact · Event outside of identified zones or utilises a minor portion of zone 1. However the event does require a road closure which will disrupt vehicle access.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Medium impact · Pack in and out of the event is during the peak-use periods (Saturday), over 6 hours on one day only.
Values of area occupied	Low impact · Area being utilised is not in close proximity to a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees.
Pedestrian flows	Low/medium impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed along with a small section of Zone 1 for start/finish.
Impact on public vehicle access	Significant impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain is restricted by required road closure.
Infrastructure involved	Low/medium impact · Some structures (Minimal self-supporting and weighted structures) to be placed on a small area of zone 1.
Hanging objects	No Impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium impact · Low number of event vehicle requiring access through grassed areas away from trees.
Access to power and water	Low impact · Access to on-site power and water supplies.
Amplified noise	Medium impact · Amplified music is core to the event - announcements of finishing and marshalling. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in Auckland Unitary Plan.
Use of water features	Minimal impact

12. An outline of proposed operations for the event is included as Attachment A.

The Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge 2018, 2019 and 2020

13. The Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge is a medium scale, ticketed, alcohol free, annual event held in the Auckland Domain. The event encourages business houses and their employees to participate in a 5km walk/jog/run around the internal roads of Auckland Domain.

14. Typically the event can expect an attendance of 1,700 people. The event requires one day for pack in, event execution and pack out.

15. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 ‘Land Owner Assessment Criteria’ of the Domain Events Operational Guidelines document.

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Medium impact · Event is ticketed.
Utilised zones / expanse of area occupied	Low/medium impact · Event outside of identified zones or utilises a minor portion of zone 1. However the event does require a road closure which will disrupt vehicle access.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Medium impact · Pack in and out of the event is mid-week (Wednesday) over 12 hours on one day only.
Values of area occupied	Low impact · Area being utilised is not in close proximity to a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees.
Pedestrian flows	Low/medium impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed along with a small section of Zone 1 for start/finish.
Impact on public vehicle access	Significant impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain is restricted by required road closure
Infrastructure involved	Low/Medium impact · Some structures (Minimal self-supporting and weighted structures) to be placed on a small area of zone 1.
Hanging objects	No impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium impact · Low number of event vehicle requiring access through grassed areas away from trees.
Access to power and water	No impact · Access to on-site power and water supplies is not requested.
Amplified noise	Medium impact · Amplified music is core to the event - announcements of finishing and marshalling approx. 5.30pm – 8.30pm. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in the District Plan (Isthmus Section) or successive Auckland Unitary Plan.
Use of water features	Minimal impact

16. An outline of proposed operations for the event is included as Attachment B.

Walking Stars 2018, 2019 and 2020

17. Walking Stars is a medium scale, alcohol free, annual event held in the Auckland Domain. The event is a sponsored walk which raises vital funds for cancer research. Cancer survivors, supporters and their families are invited to take part in the 21km half marathon route overnight.

18. Typical attendance is around 5,000 people. The event requires two days for pack in, event execution and pack out as it takes place overnight.

19. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 ‘Land Owner Assessment Criteria’ of the Domain Events Operational Guidelines document.

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Medium impact · Event is ticketed but a not for profit.
Utilised zones / expanse of area occupied	Low/medium impact · Event outside of identified zones or utilises a minor portion of zone 1. However the event does require a road closure which will disrupt vehicle access.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Medium impact · Pack in and out of the event is during the peak-use periods (Saturday/Sunday), 24 hours over two days.
Values of area occupied	Low impact · Area being utilised is not in close proximity to a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees.
Pedestrian flows	Low/medium impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed along with a small section of Zone 1 for start/finish.
Impact on public vehicle access	Significant impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain is restricted by required road closure.
Infrastructure involved	Low/medium impact · Some structures (Minimal self-supporting and weighted structures) to be placed on a small area of zone 1.
Hanging objects	No impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium impact · Low number of event vehicle requiring access through grassed areas away from trees.
Access to power and water	Low impact · Access to on-site power and water supplies.
Amplified noise	Medium impact · Amplified music is core to the event - announcements of finishing and marshaling approx. 7 – 10pm. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in the District Plan (Isthmus Section) or successive Auckland Unitary Plan.
Use of water features	Minimal impact

20. An outline of proposed operations for the event is included as Attachment C.

Christmas in the Park

21. Coca Cola Christmas in the Park is a large scale, free entry, alcohol free, annual Christmas event held in the Auckland Domain. If approved, 2018 will be the 25th instance of the event taking place.

22. Attendance for the event has varied over the years and can be anywhere between 40,000 – 100,000 on site depending on weather and other events that take place at the same time.

23. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 ‘Land Owner Assessment Criteria’ of the Domain Events Operational Guidelines document.

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Minimal impact · Event is free to the public.
Utilised zones / expanse of area occupied	Significant impact · The number of events taking up Zone 1 being ‘the cricket ground’ will be restricted in accordance with the Auckland Domain Act, 7days maximum for one event and up to 20 days maximum in a calendar year.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Significant impact · Pack in and out of the event is during the peak use periods, based on season and use.
Values of area occupied	Low impact · Area being utilised is not in close proximity to a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees.
Pedestrian flows	Minimal impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed or where an approved, temporary surface is provided, such as matting or bark.
Impact on public vehicle access	Significant impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain is restricted by required road closure.
Infrastructure involved	Medium impact · Heavily weighted structures – (size/weight) outside the dripline of trees.
Hanging objects	No impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium impact · Event vehicle access required through grassed areas away from trees.
Access to power and water	Significant impact · Access to power and water off-site.
Amplified noise	Significant impact · Amplified music is core to the event. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in the District Plan (Isthmus Section) or successive Auckland Unitary Plan.
Use of water features	Minimal impact

24. An outline of proposed operations for the event calendar is included as Attachment D.

Single year approval in principle request

Armistice Day Field Commemoration

25. Armistice Day Field Commemoration is a medium scale, free entry, alcohol free, event held in the Auckland Domain.

26. The event organiser is requesting event dates of Wednesday 10 October 2018 through to Monday 26 November 2018.

27. The organiser would like to display 18,000 white crosses, representing the sacrifice made by New Zealand servicemen and women during WW1. The organiser would like to have the crosses placed in the grass area in front of the cenotaph (just up from Domain Drive).

28. Attendance for the event is anticipated to reach anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 spectators across the duration (weather dependant).

29. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 ‘Land Owner Assessment Criteria’ of Auckland Domain Events Operational Guidelines document:

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Minimal impact · Event is free to the public.
Utilised zones / expanse of area occupied	Significant impact · The event infrastructure is based within Zone 2 ‘Civic Events – Museum Surrounds’.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Medium impact · Significant impact regarding the size of the site required · Minimum displacement of sport
Values of area occupied	Significant impact · The main event area is within Zone 2 which holds significant heritage value.
Pedestrian flows	Minimal impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed.
Impact on public vehicle access	Minimal impact · There are no road closures or parking resolutions associated to the event.
Infrastructure involved	Minimal impact · Structures are small and lightweight. Are outside the dripline of trees.
Hanging objects	No impact
Event vehicle movements	Minimal impact · Event vehicle access required for set up and pack down.
Access to power and water	Minimal impact · Access to power required.
Amplified noise	No impact · Amplified sound will not be used for the duration of the event.
Use of water features	No impact

30. An outline of proposed operations for the event is included as Attachment E.

Armistice Day Memorial Service

31. Armistice Day Field Commemoration is a medium scale, free entry, alcohol free, event held in the Auckland Domain.

32. The event organiser is requesting event dates of Sunday 11 November 2018 and has requested pack in starting from Thursday 8 November 2018 with the intention of being fully packed down by Wednesday 14 November 2018.

33. Attendance for the event could potentially reach anywhere between 10,000 and 30,000 (similar to ANZAC), depending on weather.

34. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 ‘Land Owner Assessment Criteria’ of Auckland Domain Events Operational Guidelines document:

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Minimal impact · Event is free to the public.
Utilised zones / expanse of area occupied	Significant impact · The event infrastructure is based within Zone 2 ‘Civic Events – Museum Surrounds’.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Minimal impact · Pack in and out of the event is during the peak use periods, based on season and use
Values of area occupied	Significant impact · The main event area is within Zone 2 which holds significant heritage value.
Pedestrian flows	Minimal impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed.
Impact on public vehicle access	Medium impact · Vehicle access through Auckland Domain is partially restricted by required road closure
Infrastructure involved	Medium impact · Heavily weighted structures – (size/weight) outside the dripline of trees
Hanging objects	No impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium impact · Event vehicle access required through grassed areas away from trees.
Access to power and water	Significant impact · Access to power and water required
Amplified noise	Significant impact · Amplified PA system will be used throughout the event with the addition of onsite instruments. · Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in the District Plan (Isthmus Section) or successive Auckland Unitary Plan.
Use of water features	No impact

35. An outline of proposed operations for the event is included as Attachment F.

Summary of Events held in the Auckland Domain over the 2017/2018 event season

36. Twenty Seven event permits were issued by Arts, Community and Events Event Facilitation Team over the 2017/2018 event season to take place on the Auckland Domain. A calendar summary can be found at Attachment G 2017/2018 event season review.

37. A calendar forecast the upcoming 2018/2019 event season will be available at the next committee meeting.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe /
Local impacts and local board views

38. Events can cause disruption to local residents and surrounding businesses. The Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines outlines the minimum level of consultation with affected stakeholders.

39. As part of the wider facilitation process, staff will seek feedback from the Waitematā Local Board on each specific event as more detailed information for each application becomes available.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

40. Auckland Domain is considered of great importance to many iwi in the region. The Auckland Domain is a historic site of conflict and peace. The memorial on Pukekaroa and the displays and interpretation managed by the Auckland War Memorial Museum pay tribute to significant events for Māori and the importance of the site to mana whenua.

41. The event organiser will consult, as required, with mana whenua on each individual event as noted in the guideline.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

42. The event facilitation process provides for Auckland Council to recover costs for remedial works that may be required following an event.

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

43. The event facilitation process is designed to mitigate the risk of having events in public open space.

44. These events are considered part of the regular annual schedule of events, there may be a follow on risk to reputation if these events are declined.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

45. As part of the Trading and Events in Public Places Bylaw 2015, all events in public open space are required to have an event permit.

46. The facilitation process outlines the series of steps to be completed in order for an event permit to be issued. This process is designed to ensure compliance, legality and ultimately a safe and enjoyable event.

47. Stakeholder consultation and approval is obtained through the facilitation process from various internal and external parties. This process aims to ensure the operational plans for the event presents the minimum amount of risk and disruption possible to the land and local communities.

48. Stakeholders who are requested to either approve the event or provide feedback may include but is not limited to:

- Auckland Transport (Streetscapes, Special Events and Public Transport)

- Auckland Council Community Facilities

- Auckland Council Environmental Health (Noise)

- Auckland Transport Harbour Master

- Auckland Council Heritage

- Auckland Council Resource Consents

- Auckland Council Waste Solutions

- Auckland Council Animal Management

- Auckland Council Bylaws

- Auckland Council Alcohol Licencing

- Auckland Council Building Consents

- Auckland Council Health & Safety

- Auckland Council Street Trading

- Civil Aviation Authority

- Civil Defence

- NZ Police

- Fire and Ambulance

- Local Businesses and Residents

49. Following receipt of all relevant approvals required, ACE Event Facilitation issue a permit for the event.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Attachment A - Event Proposal Pink Star Walk	47
b ⇩	Attachment B - Event Proposal The Fidelity Life Corporate Challenge	59
c ⇩	Attachment C - Event Proposal Walking Stars	65
d ⇩	Attachment D - Event Proposal Coca Cola Christmas in the Park	79
e ⇩	Attachment E - Event Proposal Armistice Day Memorial Field	87
f ⇩	Attachment F - Event Proposal Armistice Day 2018 Dawn and Civic services	93
g ⇩	Attachment G - Event Calendar 2017 2018 Season	97

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author

Carrie Doust - Team Leader Event Facilitation Central

Authorisers

Graham Bodman - General Manager Arts, Community and Events

Jane Aickin - Paeurungi Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Auckland Domain Committee

30 May 2018

ATEED event approval request and summer 2018 event update

File No.: CP2018/08713

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide a debrief on the 2018 Auckland Lantern Festival and ASB Classic Summer of Tennis, to update on key planning considerations for the 2019 events and seek approval in principle for these events for 2019.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. The evaluation of the Lantern Festival 2018, delivered by ATEED in February 2018, showed that it was a very successful event. There were a number of learnings from this event and these have been taken on board for the Lantern Festival 2019.

3. This report includes an update on outcomes of ASB Classic Summer of Tennis 2018 facilitated by ATEED.

4. ATEED requests landowner approval, in principle, to enable detailed planning to start for the ASB Classic Summer of Tennis and Auckland Lantern Festival 2019. If granted ATEED proposes to conduct detailed planning for these events with the Area Manager Operational Manager and Maintenance, Community Facilities.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) approve in principle for the following events:

i) the ASB Classic Summer of Tennis on the following dates:

Pack In Auckland Domain

Pack In Domain Drive, Grafton Mews

Thursday 13–Monday 31 December

Wednesday 26 - Monday 31 December

Event

Monday 31 December- Saturday 12 January

Pack Out Auckland Domain

Pack Out Domain Drive, Grafton Mews

Monday 14 -Thursday 17 January Saturday 12 -Monday 14 January

ii) the Auckland Lantern Festival 2019 on the following dates:

Pack In	Thursday 7–Thursday 14 February
Event	Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 February
Pack Out	Sunday 17 – Wednesday 20 February

b) note that this approval is conditional upon:

i) a detailed pedestrian and cycle access plan for the ASB Classic Summer of Tennis event, which demonstrates improved pedestrian and cycle access to and through Auckland Domain, being submitted to the Deputy Chair of the Auckland Domain Committee for approval.

ii) all other detailed event plans including, but not limited to, travel management, site set up, waste management and arboriculture reports being submitted to the Community Facilities Department for approval and this approval being obtained before these events progress.

Horopaki / Context

5. The Auckland Domain Event Guidelines outline that land owner approval is required from the Auckland Domain Committee (committee) for both Auckland Lantern Festival and the ASB Classic Tennis being classified as large-scale events, over multiple days with authorised road closures. Please refer to resolution number ADC/2017/19, attachment A, for the 2017 committee resolutions.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

2018 Lantern Festival debrief

6. The 2018 festival grew in popularity this year as the event increased from 160,543 attendees in 2017 to 165,176 attendees in 2018 (up 3%). Each year the Lantern Festival generates a substantial proportion of new attendees (57% and 60%).

7. In comparison to 2017, more young people attended the festival in 2018. The attendance of those aged 15-29 increased by 21% while attendance of those aged 30 and above decreased by 22%.

Health and safety

8. The Lantern Festival places a high priority on health and safety planning and delivery. Feedback from contractors and participants is that Lantern Festival health and safety compliance is the most robust and complex of any festival in New Zealand. Despite this staff recognize there are workstreams that still require enhancing.

9. The 2018 post event debrief identified some opportunities for improvement to respond to the multi-use nature of Auckland Domain and the changing conditions that occur with the different phases of the festival i.e. pack in - event live - pack out.

10. The pack in and pack out phases operate with multiple vehicle movements, equipment deployment, building/dismantling structures and staff movement. As required, specific work sites identified as high risk are cordoned and access controlled, and this can be likened to a construction site. The festival health and safety plan must also operate simultaneously with free access for the public. This includes pedestrians, runners, sports teams, cyclists, tour buses and commuters. A vehicle movement plan is implemented to coordinate and control the multiple vehicles in motion.

11. The festival also incorporates health and safety actions that address the needs of the Auckland Museum, Auckland Hospital, residents, heritage assets, park flora and the contractor depot.

12. The ‘event-live’ phase is controlled and coordinated via the Onsite Operations Centre [OSOC] and is designed to manage and mitigate health and safety concerns in a proactive and responsive manner. Key components of OSOC are its fully rostered management and the regular two-hourly ‘hot briefs’ for ‘Heads of Department’ to meet, update and forward plan.

Waste

13. The data for total waste collected at the 2018 event was not available at the time of submitting this report. In 2017, 21.78 tonnes (2017- 21.78 tonnes) and the diversion of waste to landfill was 14.39 ton (2017 -14.39 or 66%).

Park condition

14. Community Facilities staff were satisfied with the condition of the park following the event at the handback meeting. There were some areas that required additional fertiliser due to the lawn impacted by footfall, additional cleaning and a few minor repairs. The event team worked closely with the Community Facilities team and AIMS to identify these areas.

15. There was some minor tree damage during the festival and pack out. There were three damaged branches, two were caused by event contractor vehicles travelling on Auckland Domain roads with the third was damaged during pack out within the park. We had endeavoured to prevent this from happening by outlining event site rules in briefing sessions and monitoring during the event. Large vehicle access will continue to be monitored and audited by ATEED during pack in and out, vehicle flow plans will continue to be improved and distributed.

16. An additional area of grass bordering the lower cricket field was utilized in a new activation (Mahons) with little impact to the surface.

17. The process of sports field protection will be reviewed prior to the 2019 Festival.

Cycle access

18. As in 2017, there were two bike stations at the event with approximately 50 racks in each station. Both bike racks were busy throughout the event. The hospital entrance station on Park Road was mostly full and the Football Road station was busy. We will be using this set up again for the 2019 event.

Promotion of alternative transport options

19. For the 2018 Festival ATEED facilitated a working group inviting AT operational and communications teams, AT walking and cycling teams, Bike Auckland and the Auckland Hospital to develop unified messaging with the aim to promote the uptake of alternative transport to the festival. This work stream will continue for the 2019 event.

Traffic management

20. Input on traffic management plans was sought from AT, NZ Police and Auckland Hospital. ATEED reviewed the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) and made minor adjustments relating to Hospital access and parking management.

21. Reflecting on feedback post the 2018 festival the festival will continue to:

· implement additional parking resolutions to reduce congestion where required in narrow local streets

· review signage positioning to minimise congestion at specific sites in surrounding areas.

· review the scope of the traffic management plan inside Auckland Domain (lane closures and parking resolutions) to avoid unnecessary restrictions

· continue to provide information to residents on reporting illegal parking during the festival dates

· ensure that traffic management staff are aware of all details and event operations to minimise delays and impact for local residents and businesses

Stakeholder engagement

22. ATEED consulted with key stakeholders in and around the Auckland Domain in the planning phase and will continue to hold these discussions in 2019 to mitigate any areas of concern and improve the festival experience.

23. Discussions with the museum were largely around access requirements, marketing fit and health and safety concerns. Feedback after the festival was provided and there were several areas that will be improved for the 2019 event including the protection of the memorial area in-front of the museum and clearer information provided to traffic controllers at the museum.

24. Discussions with Auckland Hospital expanded this year from access and traffic management mitigations to security contribution. ATEED has responded to the hospitals request for providing additional security assistance in areas impacted by the event.

25. Other essential stakeholders the ATEED event team work with are:

· Council Community Facilities Team

· Council AIMS team

· Council Solid Solutions

· Council Noise Control

· Council Compliance Monitoring Team

· Council Heritage Team

· Auckland Transport

· NZ Police

· NZ Fire

· St John

· Wintergarden Café

Antisocial behavior

26. ATEED continued to work closely with the NZ Police to improve the antisocial behaviour in the surrounding streets, on public transport and at the event. Improved staff deployment for both the NZ Police and security teams as well as an extension to the alcohol ban was in place for this event.

27. ATEED and AT consulted closely on the security measures at nearby transport stations. NZ Police have and will continue to put uniformed officers on trains to minimize antisocial behaviour.

Youth

28. Over the last two years the number of youth attending the festival has increased. Although NZ Police are happy with the majority of the behaviour this is an area that the festival will address to minimise unwanted behaviour and keep youth safe. For 2018 large gatherings of youth concentrated on the banks beside the museum and the areas in-front of and behind the museum. ATEED will continue to work closely on mitigation measures with the museum, NZ Police and within their internal operations plans.

2019 Auckland Lantern Festival – Request for Land Owner Approval

29. The Lantern Festival is an annual four-day festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The festival is proposed to begin on Thursday 14 February 2019 with a lantern-only-night and end of Sunday, 17 February with a fireworks display. The Lantern Festival is delivered by ATEED.

· This request for landowner approval in principle is based on operational planning details from 2018 which remain largely unchanged for 2019 and is requesting that final operational details for the 2019 event are worked through with the asset owner Community Facilities.

· The only significant change is a request for a further reduction of public vehicle access in during pack in and out due to health and safety concerns.

30. It was noted that during the event pack in and out the event site becomes a temporary construction site with vehicle, equipment and event staff movement, including significant loading/unloading and building/dismantling activities taking place.

31. For 2019 we propose that the TMP is adjusted for part of the pack in and pack out period. This would include redirection of vehicle movements to ensure that vehicle flow through the Domain is maintained. Affected roads would include Kiosk Road and The Crescent from Cenotaph Road south to Domain Drive.

32. We would propose to do this for the week prior to the event and for two days following the event.

· The event is requesting a date of February 14 – 17 4, 2019 and would typically expect an attendance of 170,000 people. The event in 2018 required 7 day/s for pack in, 4 days event execution and 2 days for pack out.

· The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 “Land Owner Assessment Criteria” of the Domain Events Operational Guidelines document and is based on the 2018 details.

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Minimal impact · Event is free to the public and/or is a not-for-profit event. · Proposed restricted vehicle access to the event site during pack in and out for Health and Safety reasons
Utilises zones / expanse of area occupied	Medium impact · Event is free to the public and/or is a not-for-profit event.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Medium impact Utilises Zone 1 and Zone 2. · The use of other areas of the park can continue with no impact or minimal disturbance to the regular users. · The number of events taking up Zone 1 being ‘the cricket ground’ will be restricted in accordance with the Auckland Domain Act. · Event does not disrupt the free flow of casual users through the Domain · Event will be on site for 13 days in total
Values of area occupied	Medium Impact · Area being utilised is near a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees and the event will engage heritage and arboricultural experts.
Pedestrian flows	Minimal/Medium Impact · Directing of pedestrians where paths are already formed or where an approved, temporary surface is provided, such as matting or bark.
Impact on public vehicle access	Significant Impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain and surrounding streets is restricted by required road closure and approved traffic management plan
Infrastructure involved	Minimal/Medium Impact · Some structures (Minimal self-supporting and weighted structures and lanterns) to be placed on a small area of zone 1. Hard stand areas will be utilised as much as possible
Hanging objects	Medium Impact · The lanterns shall be attached to trees by suitably qualified arborists or under the direction and supervision of the appointed arborist in such a way that does not result in damage to any part of the tree. · Lanterns shall be attached only to trees which are determined to be suitable for the hanging of lanterns by Auckland Council’s Landscape and Arboriculture Advisor · No lantern, sign, bin or any other object shall be hung from a Scheduled Notable tree without written approval from Auckland Council’s Heritage Arborist. No lantern, sign, bin or any other object shall be nailed to any tree.
Event vehicle movements	Medium Impact · Low number of event vehicle requiring access through grassed areas away from trees. · All vehicle movements within the Domain will be restricted to the sealed roads unless approval has been provided for by the Team Leader Monitoring – Central, in consultation with Council Advisors.
Access to power and water	Minimal Impact · Access to on-site power and water supplies is required and will be supplemented by the use of generators.
Amplified Noise	Medium Impact · Amplified music is core to the event - announcements as well as several stage performances. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in the District Plan (Isthmus Section) or successive Auckland Unitary Plan as well as the approved resource consent.
Use of water features	No impact

ASB Classic Summer of Tennis

33. The ASB Classic Summer of Tennis is an annually occurring event held in the lower portion of the Auckland Domain adjacent to the existing ASB Tennis Arena. The fan zone dubbed “The Serve” will seek approval to provide two weeks of daily off court entertainment from music, fashion shows, player appearances and the tennis on giant screens. The area is only for patrons who have purchased a ticket to the ASB Classic and will only operate when the ASB Tennis Arena is operational. 2018 attendance was measured at 52,624 patrons over the event, split for men’s: 33,045 and women’s: 19,579.

34. This request for landowner approval in principle is based on operational planning details from 2018 which remain largely unchanged for 2019. However feedback regarding pedestrian and cycle access to and through Auckland Domain through the event site is an area for improvement. ATEED are requesting approval in principle for the 2019 event subject to an improved Auckland Domain accessibility plan being approved and with final operational details for the 2019 event are worked through with the asset owner Community Facilities.

35. The event is requesting a date of December 31 – January 14, 2019 and would typically expect an attendance of 35 000 unique visitors. The event in 2018 required 20 days day/s for pack in, with no activity on the public holidays and sixteen days event execution and five days for pack out.

36. The following impact assessment has been conducted against criteria as listed in section 2.4 “Land Owner Assessment Criteria” of the Domain Events Operational Guidelines document and is based on the 2018 details.

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Significant impact · Event is ticketed but the event is aligned with the Auckland Council Events Policy 2013 and the Auckland Major Events Strategy.
Utilises zones / expanse of area occupied	Minimal impact · The event is not in zone 1. Event does not disrupt the free-flow of casual users through the majority of the Domain.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and out time)	Minimal Impact · No use of zone 1, creates no disturbance to sports use and does not unduly impact on an area of the Domain that is heavily used for passive recreation.
Values of area occupied	Minimal Impact · Area being utilised is not in close proximity to a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees.
Pedestrian flows	Minimal Impact · Pedestrians will be directed to already formed access paths. · Additional wayfinding signage will be implemented to redirect pedestrian flow through the Domain.
Impact on public vehicle access	Significant Impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain from Stanly Street is restricted by required road closure
Infrastructure involved	Minimal/Medium Impact · Some structures (Minimal self-supporting and weighted structures) to be placed on a small area of the Domain.
Hanging objects	No Impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium Impact · Low number of event vehicle requiring access through grassed areas.
Access to power and water	Minimal Impact · Access to on-site power and water supplies is not required. Power will be provided by generators or direct from the Tennis Centre.
Amplified Noise	Medium Impact · Amplified music is core to the event for announcements of upcoming matches and results. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in the resource consent.
Use of water features	No impact

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe /
Local impacts and local board views

37. ATEED portfolio 2018/2019 - ATEED will seek feedback from the Waitemata Local Board events portfolio holder on each event as more information for each application becomes available. This is in line with the Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

38. ATEED portfolio 2018/2019 - ATEED consulted with mana whenua during the resource consent process for the Lantern Festival and The ASB Classic Summer of Tennis event resource consents. Lantern Festival will be in year four of a five-year consent and the ASB Tennis is in the last year of their five-year consent during the 2019 events.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

39. Through the planning phase for the two 2019 events, ATEED staff will conduct stakeholder consultation and seek approval from various internal and external parties. This process aims to ensure the operational plans for the event presents the minimum amount of risk and disruption possible to the land and local communities. The facilitation process will be completed by the ATEED Major Event Operations Team.

40. Once the facilitation process is complete, staff will issue event permits.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	2017 Auckland Domain Committee resolutions re: Lantern and ASB Classic	107
b ⇩	Site plan for 2018 ASB Classic	109
c ⇩	Images for the 2018 ASB Classic	111
d ⇩	Site plan for 2018 Lantern Festival	113

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Liesl Kemp - Acting Manager Event Operations
Authoriser	Jane Aickin - Paeurungi Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Auckland Domain Committee

30 May 2018

Auckland Domain - general update

File No.: CP2018/08426

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report guidance

1. To update the Auckland Domain Committee on recent activities in Auckland Domain.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary guidance

2. A new piece of land was officially added to Auckland Domain on 15 February 2018. This is an area adjacent to Parnell Train Station which will extend the green corridor against the city fringe.

3. Two new pedestrian connections to and through Auckland Domain are currently being constructed. These will improve connections to the Parnell Rail Station and Auckland War Memorial Museum.

4. Over the last quarter Auckland has experience a number of extreme weather events. This resulted in significant storm damage however the clean-up has now been completed.

5. These, along with a range of other activities, are discussed in more detail in this report.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) receive the report.

Horopaki / Context guidance

New addition to Auckland Domain

6. A new section of parkland has now been added to Auckland Domain. On 15 February 2018 a 1209m2 portion of 22-24 Nicolls Lane, being Section 1 SO Plan 516461, was vested as parkland as published by way of gazette Notice No. 2018-In741. This is a portion of the old Carlaw Park site, adjacent to Auckland Domain, which was developed for student accommodation.

7. The site is surrounded on one side by tall apartment style accommodation, the rail line to the north and native bush to the west and south with the new Carlaw Park pedestrian path cutting through part of the site. Once the pedestrian path is complete landscaping of the site will be explored. It is most likely to become an extension of the native bush network although it may be appropriate to keep some areas more open to assist with site lines and safety of the users of the new pedestrian pathway.

New parkland located between Parnell Rail Station and Auckland Domain

Investment proposal for the implementation of the Auckland Domain Master Plan, 2016

8. At the August meeting of the Auckland Domain Committee (committee) it was agreed that a business case for the implementation of the Auckland Domain Masterplan (masterplan) be progressed for inclusion in the Long Term Plan 2018-28 (LTP). The committee agreed that this should include revenue sources appropriate to the status of Auckland Domain.

9. An investment proposal was submitted through the LTP process. At the time of writing this report the outcome of this process is not known. An update, if available, will be provided at the meeting.

Parking survey

10. Following the August meeting of the committee Auckland Transport (AT) was asked to undertake a comprehensive parking survey.

11. The results of this survey were provided to the committee in February 2018. The committee asked for another opportunity to review these findings and this will be done at a workshop on 30 May 2018. Following direction received from this workshop staff will prepare a report for decision making for the August 2018 committee meeting.

Carlaw Park pedestrian path connecting to Parnell Train Station

12. The Carlaw Park pedestrian pathway project, being led by AT, has been progressing well and is due for completion in June.

13. At the time of writing the report the earthworks were complete and the installation of the timber piled screen was about to commence.

View from Auckland Domain to the Parnell Train Station southern platform ticket gate showing progress on piling. Photo taken May 2018

Titoki Street pedestrian connection to Auckland War Memorial Museum

14. Work on the southern path connecting the south end of the museum to Titoki Street through Auckland Domain has commenced.

15. Weather permitting the path is due to be completed in September 2018.

Bus link

16. At the February 2018 committee meeting members were advised that, as part of the central network public transport improvements, a regular bus service from Newmarket was about to be amended to loop through Auckland Domain. Increasing public transport to Auckland Domain has been a high priority for the committee and for the museum however there was some concerns raised that this new service had been planned without engagement with the committee and that the planned loop around the museum would increase bus movements in an area that was not intended to be a main bus route. The route included use of Cenotaph Road running around the front of the museum. This is a high amenity, cobbled route that has been signalled, in the masterplan, as an area to be pedestrianised.

17. At a follow up meeting it was explained that the new bus service, operated by NZ Bus, makes use of existing resources and has come at little additional cost. AT also committed to:

· promote the new service in Our Auckland and through AT channels

· monitor usage (AT monitors all contracted bus services) and provide this data to the committee upon request

· work with Auckland Council staff and museum staff on proposals for more appropriate bus infrastructure to and through Auckland Domain.

Renewals

Wintergardens nursery

18. The renewal of the Wintergardens nursery is about to commence. This work involves the demolition of several glass houses that are in a state of disrepair and the construction of a single new glasshouse in their place. Several historic glasshouses are not been affected. It also involves the relocation of depot staff and the nursery operation from the Wintergardens nursery to the old Kari Street nursery for the period of the construction works. This includes movement of 8,000 to 10,000 plants/seed trays/trees.

19. The replacement glasshouse will be built on top of the ground. This work is expected to take 10 -12 months. The Wintergardens will continue to be serviced and open to the public during this time.

20. During construction, fencing will be erected around the entry and exit to the construction site which is also the primary entrance to Watson’s Bequest to ensure that park users are safely separated from the construction works. Interpretation is going to adorn the safety fences. This will tell some of the history and stories of Auckland Domain while making the construction site look more attractive.

Maintenance and operation

Parking on the grass

21. Parking on the Auckland Domain grass and road edges has been effectively managed. In February and March 2018 staff worked with Auckland Cricket who stationed cricket officials on site to deal with the twilight cricket. This was the most effective method of dealing with the cricket related misuse. It allowed Auckland Cricket to see first-hand the issues and put the responsibility on them to deal with the twilight players.

22. With the changeover in the sports codes and the season it has been found that cars are no longer parking on the grass areas. Contractor staff are placing ropes and extra signage out in the weekends to inform the users that parking is not permitted on grass areas.

Ponds

23. In February 2018 the duck pond was emptied and the water jets were cleaned. They hadn’t been working correctly for some time but are now working well.

After Before

24. The Reflection Pond was also cleaned after the February 2018 events in the Auckland Domain.

Storm damage

25. The Auckland Domain suffered significant storm damage during the extreme weather events over during autumn. This damage resulted in roads and other areas being closed. The removal of some of the branches has taken time with crews working across the region dealing with high priority access areas first.

26. Similarly, the storm washed out some track areas. This has since been rectified and all storm related works are now completed.

Some of the recent storm damage at Auckland Domain

The Grandstand

27. The toilet on the southern side of the Grandstand has been closed off due to continual issues with people damaging the amenities and making holes in the wall to access the back of the grandstand. These toilets will remain closed for day to day use and will be opened as required for events. There are three lots of public toilets are available on the eastern side of Football Road, within the Wintergardens and adjacent to the duck ponds. This is in addition to the toilets provided within the museum.

Volunteer Animal Pest Control

28. The Auckland Domain is a possum hotspot in the city due to the mature exotic and native trees located throughout the park that provide possums with food and habitat. Volunteers have participated in trapping since 2007 when the local school, Junior College, offered to trap possums as part of a local environmental project. Whilst the school no longer participates, its activities were the start of an ongoing project by the council and volunteers to address the problem of animal pests in the park. Currently a group of around 20 volunteers regularly check possum and rodent traps throughout the ‘natural bush’ areas of the park.

29. The key objectives of the volunteer animal pest control programme are to:

· Reduce animal pests to a sufficiently low level to allow natural processes such as regeneration of native plant species and successful breeding of birds to occur

· Foster a sense of stewardship for Auckland Domain

· Enable people to protect Auckland Domain habitat for urban wildlife

30. There are two periods of trapping each year - early March to the end of June and early August to mid-December.

31. Following a successful volunteer recruitment drive at the end of 2015 the number of trap lines was doubled from two to four in early 2016. This led to an increase in the number of volunteers and took the total number of rat and possum traps in the park to 86.

32. The latest available data shows that since trapping began in 2007 volunteers have caught around 700 possums (over 60 a year), 900 rodents, as well as around 50 hedgehogs. The number of rats and possums caught over recent years has risen whilst hedgehog catches remain relatively constant.

33. Overall, the animal pest control programme at the Auckland Domain continues to be a highly engaging and sustainable way for volunteers to be actively involved in helping to protect the biodiversity values of the park.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe /
Local impacts and local board views guidance

34. This is largely an operational update so the views of the Waitemata Local Board have not been sought on this report however matters affecting the community will be discussed with the local board as required.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement guidance

35. This report largely reflects ‘business as usual’ operational activity and, in general, is not considered to have an impact on the significant values to mana whenua of Auckland Domain.

36. Given the significance of the site to mana whenua and Māori of Auckland engagement on any new developments is essential and this has been reported on a case by case basis as projects arise.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Signatories

Author	Jane Aickin - Paeurungi Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua
Authoriser	Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

Chairperson	Cr Mike Lee
Deputy Chairperson	Pippa Coom, Waitemata Local Board Chair
Members	Shale Chambers, Waitemata Local Board Deputy Chair
	Cr Linda Cooper, JP
	Cr Desley Simpson, JP
	Vernon Tava, Waitemata Local Board member
	IMSB Member Renata Blair
	IMSB Chair David Taipari

Ex-officio	Mayor Hon Phil Goff, CNZM, JP

AUCKLAND DOMAIN COMMITTEE - Terms of Reference