Agenda of Waitākere Ranges Local Board

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

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

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

The following are declared interests of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

Board Member	Organisation/Position
Sandra Coney	- Waitemata District Health Board – Elected Member - Women’s Health Action Trust – Patron - New Zealand Society of Genealogists – Member - New Zealand Military Defence Society – Member - Cartwright Collective – Member - Titirangi RSA – Member - Portage Trust – Member - West Auckland Trust Services - Director
Neil Henderson	- Portage Trust – Elected Member - West Auckland Trust Services (WATS) Board – Trustee/Director
Greg Presland	- Lopdell House Development Trust – Trustee - Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust – Trustee - Combined Youth Services Trust – Trustee - Glen Eden Bid – Member - Titirangi Ratepayers and Residents Association - member - Waitakere Ranges Protection Society - member - Titirangi RSA - member - Maungakiekie Golf Club - member
Steve Tollestrup	- Waitakere Licensing Trust – Elected Member - Waitakere Task force on Family Violence – Appointee - Piha RSA - Member
Saffron Toms	Nil

Member appointments

Board members are appointed to the following bodies. In these appointments the board members represent Auckland Council:

Board	Organisation/Position
Sandra Coney	- Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Trustee
Neil Henderson	- Friends of Arataki Incorporated – Trustee - Rural Advisory Panel - Member
Steve Tollestrup	- Glen Eden Business Improvement District - Member - Aircraft Noise Consultative Committee Group - Member - Local Government New Zealand Zone One Committee - Member
Greg Presland	- Glen Eden Business Improvement District (alternate)
Saffron Toms	- Ark in the Park - Manukau Harbour Forum - Chair

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 23 August 2018, 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 7.7 provides for deputations. Those applying for deputations are required to give seven working days notice of subject matter and applications are approved by the Chairperson of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. This means that details relating to deputations can be included in the published agenda. Total speaking time per deputation is ten minutes or as resolved by the meeting.

8.1 Deputation: Titirangi Community House - update

Purpose

1. To receive a deputation from Denise Beaumont on behalf of Titirangi Community House.

Executive Sumary

2. Denise Beaumont, Managing Coordinator, will be in attendance to present an update on the Titirangi Community House activities, changes and trends in the use of the houses and opportunities and challenges going forward.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the deputation on Titirangi Community House activities and thank Denise Beaumont for her attendance.

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.”

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Huia Domain Erosion Management

File No.: CP2018/16633

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to complete the previously approved design for sand nourishment between already completed groynes through importation of sand from a consented source.

2. To seek approval from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to carry out an extension of the rock revetment seawall at Huia Domain in order to protect the carpark area from further erosion.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

3. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board previously gave approval (resolution WTK/2016/87) to complete an erosion mitigation proposal at Huia Domain. This proposal has been partially completed with the total sand nourishment required not reached due to the available intertidal sand borrow area having been exhausted of quality sand.

4. To reach the required levels this report recommends importing sand from a consented commercial source in the Kaipara Harbour, this option has the support of local communities, is the most time efficient and has fewer downside risks. Written support has been sought from mana whenua however it is still outstanding, and only once received will work begin.

5. This report also recommends the extension of a rock revetment seawall at the western end of the domain. This rock revetment will provide protection against erosion that has continued now endangering a car park on the domain and the public esplanade reserve.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) approve the proposal to import sand from an approved source (Kaipara Harbour) to be deposited within Huia Bay, in the vicinity of the recently constructed groynes, to achieve beach sand levels required under the previously consented design. noting that this is subject to written approval from mana whenua Te Kawerau a Maki.

b) approve the proposal to design, consent and construct an extension to an existing rock revetment seawall at the western end of Huia Domain, to provide protection to the carpark area.

Horopaki / Context

6. As previously reported to the Local Board on 9 July 2015 and 14 July 2016, Huia Domain’s grouted rock seawall was at risk of imminent failure due to progressive coastal erosion inducing beach lowering.

7. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board gave approval on 14 July 2016 (resolution WTK/2016/87) for council officers to progress with resource consenting and construction of an agreed design for two groynes and sand nourishment. The intent of this response, agreed with local stakeholders and mana whenua, was to stabilise the seawall and provide an increased area of dry high tide beach adjacent to Huia Domain.

8. The resource consents were granted in August 2017 and physical works started in September 2017. The rock groynes were completed in February 2018 and the sand nourishment began thereafter.

9. Sand nourishment was ceased in April 2018 due to the remaining sand within the intertidal borrow area being inaccessible with machinery made available by the contractor. Specialised machinery was subsequently made available and works resumed on 6 July 2018, and by the 26 July, it was found that the nourishment borrow area was exhausted of sand that adequately met resource consent conditions.

10. Design levels for beach nourishment have not been met due to an inability to extract more sand from the intertidal borrow area, which needs to recover with the assistance of natural coastal processes (over several months) before more material can be extracted for maintenance top ups of beach levels post severe storm events.

11. After meeting with the community and mana whenua on this matter and agreeing that beach replenishment needs to be completed as soon as possible, council officers have considered options to either extend the intertidal borrow area (via resource consent approvals) or importing sand to site from an approved commercial source, that would satisfy the project requirements regarding the suitable sand characteristics.

12. The local community have confirmed a preference for the importation of sand to complete the project, versus widening the intertidal borrow area, which may have adverse environmental impacts. Mana whenua have also verbally expressed this preference however are yet to formally advise council of their support for sand importation

13. Importation of sand can be completed without the requirement for additional resource consents as a permitted activity under the relevant provisions of the Auckland Unitary Plan.

14. During the construction period, it has also been noted that the western extent of the domain (originally out of scope) has continued to be subject to erosion, which is now threatening the gravel carpark area supported by the domain in this location. After meeting with the community on this matter, council officers have agreed to progress a proposal which would seek to extend the existing rock revetment seawall to provide protection to this section of the domain, whist providing for public access to a section of beach towards the road bridge which is to remain unprotected.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

15. The beach design (sand levels) must be achieved to meet the design criteria and subsequence compliance with the relevant consent plans, conditions and community and mana whenua expectations.

16. Council staff have investigated two options – importation of sand from a consented commercial source, or expansion of the intertidal borrow area within Huia Bay.

17. Council specialist staff advice is to progress the importation of sand from the consented source within the Kaipara Harbour, the reasons being:

- It is the preferred option of the three representative local community groups

- It is the preferred option of the regulatory authority

- There is absolute confidence in the quantity and quality of sand being available

- It can be completed without any changes to existing resource consents or applying for any additional consents

- The project can be completed sooner than the other intertidal extraction option being considered, noting it does come with potentially increased cost compared with the other option considered.

18. In comparison, expansion of the inter tidal borrow area, has been considered with the following benefits

- Possible lower cost

- Locally available sand material

19. However, the following risks are considered to out weight the benefits:

- A need for a revised resource consent, the timeframes and costs of which are unknown.

- No support from mana whenua or representative community groups.

- High risk of costs exceeding that of imported sand if inaccessible to traditional equipment available via contractors.

20. The sand that would be imported will be a net benefit to the coastal system as detailed in the memo authored by Tonkin and Taylor (council’s consultants for this work) (Attachment A).

21. Importation of sand has been considered as a one-off exercise, with the consented intertidal borrow area still available for future maintenance re-sanding (once recovered) and as required.

22. Council staff also recommend progressing design for a rock revetment seawall extension at the western end of the domain as agreed with representative community groups on site.

23. The rock revetment seawall is required to prevent further loss of esplanade reserve at Huia Domain, which has continued via the process of erosion since the wider project has been progressing. Erosion is now threatening the seaward edge of the existing gravel carpark. Extension of the seawall in this location is subject to completion of design and resource consents which will need to be sought, should this response be approved via the Local Board.

24. A proposed rock revetment extension and associated alignment (cross section) is attached to this report (Attachment B).

25. The rock revetment would be of a similar nature to that installed under emergency works to avert loss of the toilet block within Huia Domain.

26. Soft landscaping options have been considered in lieu of a seawall extension but have been discounted as they would not meet community expectation to maintain the domain in its current state. This community expectation was a key requirement in previous resolutions from the Local Board.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe /

Local impacts and local board views

27. Consultation with the Huia and Cornwallis Ratepayers and Residents Association (HCRRA), Huia Domain Protection Group and Option 3 who make up the key contributing groups in achieving the previously defined works.

28. The consultation with the members of all three groups resulted in a combined notice of support for the importation of sand:

“The community agrees that importing sand is the best and preferred option”

29. And in support for the rock revetment structure proposed at the western end of the domain

“The community agrees with the solution outlined and that rock revetment will be the hard structure used to protect the western end of the domain”

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

30. Te Kawerau a Maki have met with council staff to provide their views on sand importation against expansion of the intertidal borrow area. While importation of sand from differing sources is not usually acceptable to mana whenua, in this instance, they have balanced this option against the potential impacts of expanding the intertidal borrow area. They have expressed in meetings that this balance favours importation, they are yet to provide formal confirmation that they approve of importation. Therefore, the approval sought from the Local Board should be subject to written approval from Te Kawerau a Maki. .

31. Mana whenua were also asked for comment on the extension of the rock revetment and we will be undertaking further consultation. Currently they have raised no concerns, however wish to have further details presented to them especially around the source of the rock used for the revetment sea wall.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

32. The previously approved funding of $1,097,100 (resolution WTK/2016/87) will not cover the cost for the additional works of sand importation and rock revetment extension addressed above.

33. Additional funding will be sought from the Community Facilities coastal renewals budget to cover the cost of the additional works.

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

34. Delays to completing the beach nourishment works, could result in further losses of beach sand already placed, and led to even more sand needing to be transported to the beach than has currently been estimated

35. The rock revetment extension will be subject to another resource consent application, with the ability to give surety on timeframes subject to regulatory processing timeframes.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

36. Once approval is granted for the importation of sand and written approval received from mana whenua, procurement processes can be undertaken to have the work completed prior to the end of October.

37. Resource consents can be applied for the rock revetment structure, with detailed design and procurement undertaken while the resource consents are being processed.

38. Upon receipt of an approved resource consent (for the rock revetment structure) physical works can begin as soon as the procured contractor is available.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Memo from Tonkin & Taylor dated 3/9/2018 re Kaipara sand suitability for import	11
b ⇩	Proposed revetment extension	13

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Authors

Michael O’Shea – Senior Project Manager, Project Delivery, Community Facilities.

Authorisers

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Options for the long-term future of the Ex Doctors Room and new community lease to The Roundabout Society Incorporated, 4 Lookout Drive, Laingholm

File No.: CP2018/15902

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To grant a new community lease to The Roundabout Society Incorporated for the Ex Doctors Room located on part of Laingholm Hall Reserve, 4 Lookout Drive, Laingholm.

2. To consider options for the long-term future of the Ex Doctors Room.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

3. The Roundabout Society occupies the Auckland Council owned Ex Doctors Room on Laingholm Hall Reserve. The society holds a two year community lease with the council that will fully expire on 16 October 2018.

4. In late 2016 internal work on the building to mitigate health and safety issues was undertaken. A roof replacement has been approved in the 2018/19 work programme and will be undertaken over this summer but beyond that, no further capital works or renewals are planned. As such, the council will not be charging the society an annual maintenance fee.

5. Options for the long-term future of the Ex Doctors Room included the status quo, upgrading the room to bring it up to standard, demolish and rebuild, and demolish and reinstate the site as open space. An option to include The Roundabout Society in the Laingholm Village Hall building was not supported by Laingholm and Districts Citizens’ Association who manage the hall.

6. This report recommends the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

· grant a new community lease to The Roundabout Society Incorporated for five years commencing 17 October 2018 with one five-year right of renewal. This is the recommended term in the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines July 2012. It is recommended that the terms of the lease include reference to council’s long-term plans for the Ex Doctors Room.

· considers the future of the Ex Doctors Room when the proposed lease to The Roundabout Society expires at the end of 2028, should it no longer be required by the society or becomes unsafe.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) grant a new community lease to The Roundabout Society Incorporated for part of the Ex Doctors Room being 65m² (more or less) located on Laingholm Hall Reserve, 4 Lookout Drive, Laingholm (Attachment A) on the following terms and conditions:

i) term: five years commencing 17 October 2018 with one five-year right of renewal;

ii) rent: $1.00 plus GST per annum if requested;

iii) maintenance fee: nil;

iv) The Roundabout Society Incorporated Community Outcomes Plan as approved be attached to the lease document (Attachment B);

v) the Ex Doctors Room area marked A and outlined in red must only be used for the purposes of printing the newspaper and storing the society’s printers, printing paper and associated material to produce the community newspaper;

vi) the area marked B and outlined in green has been closed off by Auckland Council. The society will not seek to enter or gain access to this area for use;

vii) Auckland Council will not undertake any further capital upgrade works to the building during the term of the lease;

viii) Auckland Council may conduct quarterly or frequent inspections should the council in its sole discretion deem it necessary to monitor the condition of the building;

ix) Auckland Council reserves the right to give the society one month’s written notice to terminate the lease if it considers the building is non-tenantable or not safe or healthy for the tenant to remain in occupation;

x) the tenant will vacate the building immediately if notified by Auckland Council that the building is not safe or sanitary pursuant to the Building Act 2004 or to eliminate a risk or hazard pursuant to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015;

xi) approve all other terms and conditions in accordance with the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines July 2012 and the Reserves Act 1977.

b) consider the future of the Ex Doctors Room when The Roundabout Society’s lease expires at the end of 2028, should it no longer be required by The Roundabout Society or becomes unsafe.

Horopaki / Context

Laingholm Hall Reserve

7. Laingholm Hall Reserve, 4 Lookout Drive, Laingholm is described as Lots 39, 40 and 41 on Deposited Plan 19099. The three parcels making up the reserve are held as follows:

i) Lot 39 comprising 1014m² is held in fee simple by Auckland Council under the Local Government Act 2002

ii) Lot 40 comprising 1011m² is held by the Crown through the Department of Conservation as a classified local purpose (site for public hall) reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 and vested in Auckland Council

iii) Lot 41 comprising 1012m² is held in fee simple by Auckland Council under the Local Government Act 2002

The Ex Doctors Room

8. The council owned Ex Doctors Room being approximately 75m² is located on Lot 40 of the reserve.

9. A facility review was undertaken of the Ex Doctors Rooms in 2016. It considered several factors including the use, condition, strategic alignment and demographics/projected growth of the area. It concluded that the facility is used approximately four hours a month for ten months of the year for printing and permanently used for the storage of printers and paper.

10. The condition of the building was poor; however urgent internal work to mitigate health and safety issues was undertaken in late 2016. This included an electrical upgrade, removal of existing floor coverings and sectioning off the former toilet and kitchen area outlined in green and marked B on attachment A. The replacement of the building’s roof has been approved in the 2018/19 work programme. The contract to replace the roof has been awarded and will take place over this summer.

11. The Roundabout Society confirmed that the Ex Doctors Room is ideal for their purposes and they do not require it to be brought up to a high standard.

12. The Community Facilities Network Plan provides strategic direction for the provision of community facilities. This includes focusing investment on fit-for-purpose, integrated and connected community facilities. Refurbishing or rebuilding stand alone, single purpose, low use facilities do not align well with this strategic direction.

13. There has been low population growth in the area since 2001 and a population decrease is projected from 2021. At the time of the facility review it was considered that there was adequate community facility provision with the Laingholm Village Hall and the community room at the school. The council invested $100,000 towards the community room in 2009 and the school entered into an agreement for community use of the room after school hours for 20 years.

14. The local board resolved in September 2016 (resolution number WTK/2016/121) that staff report back to the local board on options and costings for the Ex Doctors Room including but not limited to replacement of the existing footprint, repair and relocation of the tenant.

The Roundabout Society Incorporated

15. The Roundabout Society holds a community lease with Auckland Council for a term of two years commencing 17 October 2016 for the council owned Ex Doctors Room on Laingholm Hall Reserve. The lease will fully expire on 16 October 2018.

16. The society publishes and distributes The Roundabout, a free monthly community newspaper from March to December each year to approximately 1800 houses in the local communities of Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis and Huia. Approximately 100 copies are also distributed amongst local dairies, cafés and libraries. The society views their newspaper as ‘the glue that holds these communities together’.

17. The Roundabout newspaper was produced by the former Laingholm Roundabout Incorporated for over 50 years. This group was granted a new community lease in 2013 by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board but the deeds were not signed due to the deaths of the chairperson and editor/treasurer. The group was then struck off the incorporated society’s register for failing to file its financial returns. The remaining committee members sought legal advice which recommended that it would be more efficient to leave the Laingholm Roundabout Incorporated struck off the register, reform and rename the group, prepare new rules, set up new bank accounts and register as a new incorporated society.

18. The group was renamed The Roundabout Society and registered as an incorporated society on 20 January 2016. The society’s objectives are to:

· provide local news and disseminate information between various groups and activities within the area of Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis and Huia by means of a monthly newspaper called The Roundabout

· encourage and promote community well-being, togetherness and caring

· support the fostering of arts, cultural activities and local issues throughout the area

19. The Roundabout Society’s printers, paper and associated material are stored in the Ex Doctors Rooms. The newspaper is printed there and then transferred to the adjacent Laingholm Hall for collation. The collation of the newspaper is undertaken by between 30-50 local volunteers and the senior class of Laingholm Primary School.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

20. The society has submitted a comprehensive application in support of its request for a new community lease.

21. A short-term lease of two years was granted to the society in 2016 to enable Auckland Council to explore the options regarding the future use of the building.

22. The options are presented below. They do not include relocating The Roundabout Society to the Laingholm Village Hall as this was not supported by the society or Laingholm and Districts Citizens’ Association who lease the hall. The options that were considered in 2016 included building a small addition to the hall at the rear, using the store room on the mezzanine or using the ground floor meeting room. These options either compromise the functioning of the hall or are not practical due to the size and weight of the society’s printers and paper.

Factor	Short term - status quo (with roof replacement)	Upgrade to bring to leasing standard	Demolish and rebuild	Demolish and return to open space
Strategic alignment	- No opportunity for co-location with other services - Not suitable for other uses	- Not aligned to Community Facility Network Plan - Limited opportunity for co-location with other services - No need identified for additional community facility	- Not aligned to Community Facility Network Plan - Limited opportunity for co-location with other services - No need identified for additional community facility	- Increase in open space and increasing sightlines into tennis court - Removal of standalone and ‘not fit for purpose’ building - No need identified for additional community facility
Capital cost estimates	~$11,000	~$47,000	~$25,000 demolition ~$35,000 - 60,000 rebuild (based on portacom/Ideal garage)	~$25,000 demolition ~$2,000 reinstatement
Operating costs	Limited maintenance No further renewals	Ongoing maintenance/ renewals	Ongoing maintenance/ renewals	Minimal maintenance increase for mowing
Impact on The Roundabout Society Incorporated	Limited impact - remain in building	Potential change in ways of working	Potential change in ways of working Disruption/impact on interim service	Minimal impact if no longer required by the society Potential significant impact if building is deemed unsafe

23. Staff recommend the status quo in the short term – offering a lease to The Roundabout Society to use the Ex Doctors Room for storage and printing. The recommended term in the Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 for a council-owned building is five years with one five-year right of renewal.

24. In the long term, staff recommend returning the land to open space. This would be considered by the local board at the end of the lease term, if The Roundabout Society no longer require the room (i.e. if they surrender their lease) or if the room becomes unsafe/uninhabitable. It is recommended that no further renewals apart from the roof replacement are completed in the meantime. As no further capital works or renewals will be undertaken on the Ex Doctors Room the council will not be charging the society a maintenance fee.

25. Due to the small size of the building it is envisaged that the roof replacement will be completed within a day and should not greatly impact on the activity of the society. The roof replacement will ensure the buildings weather tightness for the next 10 years. If during the roof replacement significant defects are uncovered that makes the building unsafe or uninhabitable then the terms and conditions relating to health and safety as defined in the recommendations will be enforced.

26. The current lease expires in October 2018, and it is good practice to review alternatives for the use of the premises. An expression of interest process can be undertaken to gauge interest and best use. However, in this case, as the incumbent group is needed in the area, is performing well, and the premises is suitable for their purposes, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board has the authority to grant a new lease to the group without undergoing an expression of interest process.

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

27. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board is the allocated authority to approve the granting of a new community lease.

28. Council staff sought the views of the local board at a workshop on 5 July 2018. The board expressed their strong support for The Roundabout Society and the work that they do in the community.

29. The board indicated support for a new community lease to the society without the need for an expression of interest process.

30. Should, during the term of the lease, the premises become uninhabitable the local board has indicated that it will work with the society and endeavour to find an alternative location.

31. A community outcomes plan has been negotiated and agreed with the society. The plan aligns to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan 2017 outcomes of:

· our unique natural habitats are protected and enhanced

· local communities feel good about where they live

· people experience local arts and culture, and recognise our heritage

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

32. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its broader legal obligations to Māori. The Council recognises these responsibilities are distinct from the Crown’s Treaty obligations and fall within a local government Tamaki Makaurau context. These commitments are articulated in the council’s key strategic planning documents the Auckland Plan, the 2015-2025 Long-term Plan, the Unitary Plan and Local Board Plans.

33. Ensuring community facilities are well maintained and accessible for all members of the community, will be of benefit to all, including Māori.

34. There are no changes in use or operational activities being conducted on the land.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

35. There are no financial implications associated with the grant of a new community lease.

36. The financial implications of the different future options vary depending on the option. At this stage, only the roof replacement (in the 2018/19 work programme) is planned.

37. The future option of returning the land to open space is estimated to cost approximately $27,000 being $25,000 for demolition and $2,000 for reinstatement. These cost estimates have been provided by the Principal Quantity Surveyor for Auckland Council’s Community Facilities. This option would have a minimal increase in maintenance for mowing.

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

38. If a lease is not granted to the society enabling its continued occupation of the building it will limit its ability to secure funding for items associated with the production of the community newspaper.

39. As Auckland Council will not be undertaking any capital works on the building or renewals it must monitor the building to ensure its safe occupation by the society.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

40. Subject to the local board granting a new community lease council staff will work with key representatives of The Roundabout Society Incorporated to finalise the community lease agreement.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Site plan for The Roundabout Society Incorporated, Ex Doctors Room, Laingholm Hall Reserve, 4 Lookout Drive, Laingholm	27
b ⇩	The Roundabout Society Incorporated Community Outcomes Plan	29

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Authors

Donna Cooper - Community Lease Advisor

Nicola Terry - Service and Asset Planning Specialist

Authorisers

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Waitākere Ranges Local Grants Round One 2018/2019 grant applications

File No.: CP2018/14549

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To fund, part-fund or decline applications received for Waitākere Ranges Local Grants, Round One 2018/2019.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

1. This report presents applications received in Waitākere Ranges Local Board Local Grants, Round One 2018/2019 (refer to Attachment B).

2. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board adopted the Waitākere Ranges Local Grants Programme 2018/2019 on 26^thApril 2018 (refer to Attachment A). The document sets application guidelines for contestable community grants submitted to the local board.

3. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has set a total community grants budget of $75,000.00 for the 2018/2019 financial year.

4. Eleven applications were received for Waitākere Ranges Local Board Local Grants Round One 2018/2019, requesting a total of $66,238.00, and fifteen multiboard applications requesting a total of $47,523.50.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) To fund, part-fund or decline applications received for Waitākere Ranges Local Board Local Grants Round One, listed in table one and table two below.

Table One: 2018/2019 Waitākere Ranges Local Grants, Round One

Application ID	Organisation	Requesting funding for	Amount requested	Eligibility
LG1919-108	The Playhouse Theatre Incorporated	Towards venue hire.	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG1919-109	Waitakere Ranges Protection Society	Towards editing, design and publishing costs including the purchase of images from the national archives.	$9,000.00	Eligible
LG1919-120	Harry Snell under the umbrella of Good Story Limited	Towards production of a series of documentaries and building a website.	$17,000.00	Eligible
LG1919-106	Kids Safe with Dogs Charitable Trust	Towards printing materials and wages for instructors and administrators.	$9,438.00	Eligible
LG1919-107	Innonative Limited	Towards cost of a pilot workshop to scope and refine content for youth leadership workshops for community - materials, catering, participant koha, facilitation and specialists costs.	$2,843.00	Eligible
LG1919-111	Bishop Stream Neighbourhood Garden	Towards replacement of logs in three raised garden beds.	$1,660.00	Eligible
LG1919-114	The UpsideDowns Education Trust	Towards 50% subsidy for speech language therapy for one year for four families with Down syndrome from the Waitākere Ranges area.	$4,000.00	Eligible
LG1919-118	Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust	Towards contribution for the salary of our Helpline Coordinator.	$2,298.00	Eligible
LG1919-117	Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust	Towards native trees and replacement classroom recycling bins for the Paper4trees programme.	$3,499.00	Eligible
LG1919-116	Elvis in the Gardens Incorporated Society	Towards operational expenses and signage for 10th annual Elvis in the Park event.	$1,500.00	Eligible
LG1919-105	Laingholm Primary School	Towards construction of a bike track at Laingholm Primary School and 50 bikes and helmets.	$10,000.00	Eligible
Total			$66,238.00

Table Two: 2018/2019 Multi-board Local Grants, Round One

Application ID	Organisation	Requesting funding for	Amount requested	Eligibility
MB1819-109	Pasifika Migrant Services Charitable Trust	Towards venue for the four community workshops and operational administrative costs.	$1,100.50	Eligible
MB1819-119	WAVES Trust	Towards costs for seven White Ribbon community BBQs, events at Hoani Waititi Marae and the purchasing and distribution of White Ribbon resource packs for local businesses.	$1,110.00	Eligible
MB1819-110	Rutherford College	Towards distribution costs of West Auckland Adult and Continuing Education booklets to over 55,000 households.	$750.00	Eligible
MB1819-148	Auckland Deaf Society Incorporated	Towards the cost of NZSL interpreter, the Circus-themed performers and Visual entertainment for the "Christmas Whanau and Community Carnival on 2 December 2018.	$817.60	Eligible
MB1819-172	The Parkinson's New Zealand Charitable Trust	Towards the salaries of six Parkinson's community educators.	$2,000.00	Eligible
MB1819-175	VisionWest Community Trust	Towards the Volunteer Co-ordinator salary for Paataka. Funding also requested towards a financial mentor to run 90 funded sessions of financial mentoring.	$5,000.00	Eligible
MB1819-183	Umma Trust	Towards a series of workshops on healthy eating and nutrition and driving.	$10,560.00	Eligible
MB1819-193	OUTLine New Zealand Incorporated	Towards a portion of general operating expenses including telephone and internet costs, printing, insurance, clinical supervision wages, training fees and volunteer costs.	$1,000.00	Eligible
MB1819-136	Zeal Education Trust	Towards project management, advertising and promotion, video and photography, guest artist, judging, master of ceremony, audio engineer, van hire and event manager costs for 10 heats and one final for the 2019 Term 1, West Auckland Schools Tour.	$2,536.40	Eligible
MB1819-115	Auckland Softball Association Inc.	Towards 150 Umpire Shirts, 60 Umpire Sets - Protective clothing and 28 Equipment Bags.	$1,500.00	Eligible
MB1819-122	Sport Waitakere Trust	Towards staff wages, venue hire, community consultation and engagement and club administration costs for the period 21 January 2019 to 20 December 2019.	$10,000.00	Eligible
MB1819-125	Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust	Towards venue hire costs for the Waipareira Rangatahi 2018 Youth Challenge at the Trusts Arena, October 2018.	$2,000.00	Eligible
MB1819-131	Westforce Woman's Lacrosse Club Incorporated	Towards outfits, protective equipment and play equipment for Westforce Woman's Lacrosse Teams.	$3,000.00	Eligible
MB1819-167	Redwood Park Golf Club Incorporated	Towards coaching, equipment and marketing costs for a School holiday programme at Redwood Park Golf Club.	$2,149.00	Eligible
MB1819-185	Ken Maunder Park Community Trust	Towards architect, building consent, structural engineer and fire consultant fees for the refurbishment of their club house pavilion.	$4,000.00	Eligible
Total			$47,523.50

Horopaki / Context

6. The local board allocates grants to groups and organisations delivering projects, activities and services that benefit Aucklanders and contribute to the vision of being a world class city.

7. The Auckland Council Community Grants Policy supports each local board to adopt a grants programme. Waitākere Ranges Local Board adopted their grants programme for 2018/2019 on 26^th April 2018 and will operate three quick response and two local grants rounds for this financial year.

8. The local board grants programme sets out:

· local board priorities;

· lower priorities for funding;

· exclusions;

· grant types, the number of grant rounds and when these will open and close; and

· any additional accountability requirements.

9. The community grant programmes have been extensively advertised through the council grants webpage, local board webpages, local board e-newsletters, Facebook pages, council publications, radio, and community networks.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

10. The aim of the local board grant programme is to deliver projects and activities which align with the outcomes identified in the local board plan. All applications have been assessed utilising the Community Grants Policy and the local board grant programme criteria. The eligibility of each application is identified in the report recommendations.

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

11. Local boards are responsible for the decision-making and allocation of local board community grants. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board is required to fund, part-fund or decline these grant applications against the local board priorities identified in the local board grant programme.

12. The board is requested to note that section 50 of the Community Grants Policy states “We will also provide feedback to unsuccessful grant applicants about why they have been declined, so they will know what they can do to increase their chances of success next time”.

13. A summary of each application received through Waitākere Ranges Local Grants, Round One is provided (refer to Attachment B).

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

14. The local board grants programme aims to respond to the council’s commitment to improving Māori wellbeing by providing grants to individuals and groups who deliver positive outcomes for Māori. Auckland Council’s Māori Responsiveness Unit has provided input and support towards the development of the community grant processes. One organisation applying in this round identified themselves to be a Māori organisation, and eleven organisations applying in this round have indicated that their project targets Māori or Māori outcomes.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

15. The allocation of grants to community groups or individuals is within the adopted LongTerm Plan 2015-2025 and local board agreements.

16. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has set a total community grants budget of $75,000.00 for the 2018/2019 financial year.

17. Eleven applications were received for Waitākere Ranges Local Board Local Grants Round One 2018/2019 requesting a total of $66,238.00, and fifteen multiboard applications requesting a total of $47,623.50.

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

18. The allocation of grants occurs within the guidelines and criteria of the Community Grants Policy and the local board grants programme. The assessment process has identified a low risk associated with funding the applications in this round.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

19. Following the Waitākere Ranges Local Board allocating funding for round one local grants, Commercial and Finance staff will notify the applicants of the local board’s decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Waitakere Ranges Grant Programme 2018/2019	37
b ⇩	Waitakere Ranges Local Grants Round One Application Summary	41

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Authors

Robert Walsh - Community Grants Coordinator

Authorisers

Fran Hayton - Principal Grants Advsr & Incentives TL

Shane King - Operations Support Manager

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Auckland Transport Update – September 2018

File No.: CP2018/15869

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. The purpose of this report is to respond to requests on transport-related matters, provide an update on the current status of the Local Board Transport Capital Fund (LBTCF), provide a summary of consultation material sent to the board and, provide transport related information on matters of specific application and interest to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and its community.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. A decision is not required this month. In particular, this report:

· Notes consultation information sent to the Board for feedback as they affect the Board area.

· Notes consultation information sent to the Board for feedback and decisions of the Traffic Control Committee as they affect the Board area.

· Attaches quarterly report material covering Auckland Transport’s activities over the April to June 2018 period.

· Notes the Forward Works Programme for this 18/19 financial year.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive Auckland Transport’s report for September 2018.

Horopaki / Context

3. This report addresses transport related matters in the Waitākere Ranges local board area.

4. The LBTCF is a capital budget provided to all local boards by Auckland Council and delivered by Auckland Transport. Local boards can use this fund to deliver transport infrastructure projects that they believe are important but are not part of Auckland Transport’s work programme. Projects must also:

· be safe

· not impede network efficiency

· be in the road corridor (although projects running through parks can be considered if there is a transport outcome).

5. Auckland Transport is responsible for all of Auckland’s transport services, excluding state highways. Auckland Transport reports on a monthly basis to all local boards, as set out in their Local Board Engagement Plan. This monthly reporting commitment acknowledges the importance of the relationship Auckland Transport has with local boards.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Local Board Transport Fund (LBTCF) Update

6. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board’s funding allocation under the LBTCF was $1,900,714, for the current political term. In addition, there is a sum of $596,937 which has been approved by Council and available from 1 July 2018. Auckland Transport encourages the local board to prioritise making decisions on what projects they would like to allocated their remaining budget too. Auckland Transport has very limited time to deliver any project before the end of this electoral term.

7. The local board has previously indicated a level of support for LBTCF allocation to Glen Eden town centre improvements subject to Auckland Council progressing a business case investigation.

Quarterly report for April to June 2018

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

i) Attachment A – report from Auckland Transport departments on their activities in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area and regionally over the last quarter.

ii) Attachment B – report on Travelwise Schools activities in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area over the last quarter.

Forward Works Programme for this 18/19 financial year

9. Following on from a workshop of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, the Local Board requested costings and lengths of re-surfacing, pavement rehabilitation, footpath renewals for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area.

10. The table below represent Auckland Transport’s plans for renewals and minor capital improvements over the next 12 months.

11. The attached maps represent Auckland Transport’s plans for renewals and minor capital improvements over the next 12 months and, major capital projects over the duration of the RLTP. These plans may be subject to change due, and not limited, to changes in scope and budget limitation. Information correct as at 16 July 2018. (Attachments C,D,E)

12. Map of Major Capital projects in sub-regional area is also attached. (Attachment F).

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

Local Board Issues Being Investigated

13. The Local board requested the following issues be investigated and they are in the initial investigation stage:

· LED Lights in the Waitākere Ranges – A workshop was held with the Local Board and AT to discuss the Waitākere Ranges Design Guideline,s during which LED lighting was discussed. AT is looking at changing the flood lights at the Piha Domain and the tall new lights near the public toilets, to very low LED light. The general concerns around LED lights in the Waitākere Ranges Hertiage Area is being investigated.

Glengarry Road, Shetland Street, Rosier Road Pedestrian Improvements

14. Auckland Transport is investigating an additional crossings at this location. Once this has been investigated AT will report the findings to the board.

65 Shetland Street – Landslip

15. AT will monitor displacement by placing survey pins in the slip. If during the next six months, the cracks gradually widen AT will need to do a detailed geotechnical investigation to decide on options for remediation.

16. AT will also include the location on the ’Slip sites periodic monitoring list’ and carry out a CCTV inspection on the culvert/pipe to check for probable dislocation and to locate the outlet.

17. The survey pins are in place and two readings have been completed. No significant movement is reported. Auckland Transport will monitor this monthly for three more consecutive months. Once this is completed AT will report on next steps.

Kamara Road, Rosier Road and West Coast Road Traffic Volumes, Glen Eden

18. Kamara Road is classified as a local residential street, which connects other local roads and has what is considered low traffic volumes, when compared to Rosier Road. Kamara Road has a volume of 1,577 vehicles per day whilst Rosier Road has a volume of 3,634 vehicles per day. These results were gathered as part of a seven day survey where ‘tubes’ were laid across the road and counted both vehicle volumes and speeds.

19. West Coast Road is classified as an arterial road, which is primarily designed to accommodate high traffic volumes and to facilitate movement between key destinations. AT’s vehicle count data shows that West Coast Road has a traffic volume of 29,887 vehicles per day.

20. It should be noted that the traffic count tubes were located near 26 Kamara Road, as AT deemed this the most appropriate location, due to the long straight section where vehicle speeds tend to highest.

21. Auckland Transport have reviewed the crash data for Kamara Road and identified that there have been no speed related crashes over the past five years.

22. Based on the above data, AT is not considering re-classifying Kamara Road or changing the hierarchy of the streets.

Consultation documents on proposed improvements

23. Consultation documents for the following proposals have been provided to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board for its feedback, and are summarised here for information purposes only:

· Slip Remediation Works in Candia Road

· Paturoa Road proposed Broken Yellow Lines

· Proposal to install new signage and No Stopping at All Times parking restrictions along the intersection of Onedin Place and Konini Road, Titirangi.

· Proposal to install new No Stopping at All Times parking restrictions on South Titirangi Road, Titirangi

24. Following consultation, Auckland Transport considers the feedback received and determines whether to proceed further with the proposal as consulted on, or proceed with an amended proposal if changes are considered necessary.

Auckland Transport’s Traffic Control Committee (TCC) report

25. Decisions of the TCC during the month of July 2018 affecting the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area are listed below.

Date	Street (Suburb)	Type of Report	Nature of Restriction	Decision
1-July-18	Glengarry Road, Glen Eden	Permanent Traffic and Parking Changes Combined	No Stopping at All Times, Edge Lines	CARRIED
1-July-18	Scenic Drive, Quinns Road, Piha Road	Permanent Traffic and Parking Changes Combined	Angle Parking, P120 Parking, Mobility Parking, Lane Arrow Markings, Stop Control, No Passing, Traffic Island, Edge Lines, Road Markings, Delineators	CARRIED
1-July-18	Glendale Road, Oates Road, Glen Eden	Permanent Traffic and Parking changes Combined	Lane Arrow Markings, No Stopping At All Times, Small Passenger Services Vehicle Stand, Traffic Island, Road Hump, Stop Control, Flush Median, No Passing, Edge Lines	CARRIED

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

26. The proposed decision of receiving the report has no impacts or opportunities for Māori. Any engagement with Māori, or consideration of impacts and opportunities, will be carried out on an individual project basis.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

27. The proposed decision of receiving the report has no financial implications

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

28. The proposed decision of receiving the report has no risks. Auckland Transport has risk management strategies in place for the transport projects undertaken in the local board area.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

29. Auckland Transport provides the Waitākere Ranges Local Board with the opportunity to comment on transport projects being delivered in the local board area.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Transport activities April to June 2018	157
b ⇩	Travelwise school activities April to June 2018	167
c ⇩	Forward Works Plan Footpath Renewals (2018-2019) Map	169
d ⇩	Forward Works Plan Renewals (2018-2019) Map	171
e ⇩	Minor Improvement Works (2018-2019) Map	173
f ⇩	West Auckland - Major Capital Project Map	175

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Authors

Owena Schuster – Elected Members Relationship Manager (Western Boards)

Authorisers

Jonathan Anyon – Manager Elected Member Relationship Unit, Auckland Transport

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Waitākere Ranges Programme - Six Month Update

File No.: CP2018/13221

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To update the Local Board about activities across the Council from those departments that are contributing to the achievement of the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008. This report focuses on the six-month period from January to June 2018 (the second half of the 2017/2018 financial year).

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. The WRHAA 2018 requires the Council to carry out a range of activities to meet the objectives of the act (Attachment A). Updates on activities are presented in Attachment B. Additional key points are outlined in the body of this report, for the following topics:

· The state of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area 2018 Monitoring Report was adopted by the Council in May 2018.The report confirmed that across many of the objectives set by the Act positive progress is being made. The key challenges are plant diseases, pest plants and animals, the water quality of lagoons and beaches and managing the pressures of human use of the area.

· Kauri dieback disease remains the most significant threat to the Waitākere Ranges. During this period walking tracks in the forested area of the Heritage Area were closed to public access. The distribution of Phytophthora agathidicida in kauri trees in the Heritage area has risen from 7.9% in 2011 to 18.85% in 2016.

· The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Web page has been refreshed with relevant information including a link to the State of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Report 2018.

· A new edition of Thrive newsletter was produced in March 2018.

· Building in the Bush Design Guidelines have been completed.

· The Auckland Transport Draft Road Corridor Design and Management Guide for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area is in the final stages of consultation. Once completed, it will form part of the Auckland Transport Design Manual.

· Auckland Unitary Plan appeals: The one remaining appeal in the Heritage Area has been referred to the Environment Court and has reached a meditation stage. The appeal concerns prohibited activity status in some subdivision situations.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the Waitākere Ranges Programme - Six Month Update Report for the period January 2018 to June 2018.

b) note that this report and its attachments will be provided as an information memorandum to the Environment and Community Committee and the Whau Local Board.

Horopaki / Context

3. The Heritage Area covers approximately 27,720 hectares and includes the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The Act recognises the national, regional and local significance of the Heritage Area, and promotes the protection and enhancement of its natural, cultural and heritage features for present and future generations.

4. This report collates information about all Council-wide activities that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Act. These include “business as usual” activities and projects that are specifically established to assist implementation of the Act.

5. An officer-level Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme Co-ordination Group (the Group) provides for exchange of information and ensures that the relevant work streams and activities are coordinated and aligned as much as possible. The Group provides a mechanism for discussing, prioritising, monitoring and reporting of progress among council units and council controlled organisations involved in implementing the Act. It continues to improve the co-ordination of work streams and activities in the Heritage Area that contribute to achieving the purpose and objectives of the Act. It has coordinated Attachment B for this report.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

6. This report lists the projects and activities for the second half of the 2017/18 financial year and provides a summary of their progress, with details provided in Attachment B. The information provided in Attachment B is primarily project-based and does not cover maintenance or routine management of physical assets, staff costs or fixed overheads. The projects and activities have been grouped under topic headings that align with the Heritage Area’s features and objectives. These are:

· Planning and Communication - Planning for, communicating about and implementation of the Act as a whole.

· Landscape - activities aimed at protecting and enhancing the characteristic landscape of the foothills, rural and forested areas and coast.

· Development and Consent Activity - management of subdivision and development within the context of the Resource Management and Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Acts.

· Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services - protection, restoration and enhancement of ecosystems by both Council and community.

· Cultural and Built Heritage - this relates to both pre-and post-European settlement, including the relationships between tangata whenua and the Heritage Area, and the history of kauri milling, horticulture and viticulture.

· Recreation Opportunities and Visitor Management - provision of facilities and services for enjoyment and appreciation of these heritage features, and management of visitor pressures and impacts.

Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Five Year Monitoring Report

7. Section 34 of the Act requires a monitoring report every five years on the heritage area’s environment and progress towards achieving the objectives of the Act. The second five-year Monitoring Report was reported to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board in April 2018 and then to the Environment and Community Committee for approval in May 2018.

Kauri Dieback Disease

8. Kauri Dieback disease continues to be the most significant threat to the Heritage Area. Following on from the iwi initiated rāhui over the Waitākere Ranges in December 2017 the Council took further steps to curtail the spread of the Kauri Dieback disease. This led to a resolution in April 2018 to close the forested section of the Ranges to public access from May 2018.

Regional and Local Parks together with the Biosecurity team continue to implement this work by physically blocking tracks, erecting signage and installing hygiene stations on those tracks remaining open.

The Ministry for Primary Industries placed a Controlled Area Notice over the tracks that remained open and the Council has engaged compliance officers to enforce the legal requirements of that notice. A small number of tracks have had minor upgrades since May 2018 and have been reopened, while work is continuing on others. A longer-term strategy for track reopening is being developed with Te Kawerau ā Maki.

9. The initial effects of the rāhui and progressive closure of tracks leading up to the May 2018 closure of all the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges are becoming evident. For instance, traffic from park visits is being displaced to other areas of the park. Volunteer groups in Ark in the Park and other groups elsewhere have had to be asked to cease operations until effective kauri dieback measures are approved and in place. The Kauri Dieback Report 2017 continues to inform the Council’s response.

10. Auckland Council’s response to kauri dieback includes consideration of the rāhui implemented by Te Kawerau ā Maki in December 2017. Alongside track closures, there is a strategy to monitor kauri health across the Regional Park network every five years using the National Vegetation Survey national standard, and to assist with the operational management of kauri dieback across the Auckland Region.

Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Webpage

11. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area webpage (embedded within the Council web site) has been maintained with relevant content added as appropriate. The webpage contains information, embedded files, documents and web links related to the Heritage Area at one place. A link to the recently completed and approved five-year State of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Report 2018 has been created.

12. There has been one further edition of the Thrive newsletter published in March 2018. Thrive reflects the Board's commitment to sustainable rural business in the Heritage Area by providing local business news, information on accessing local and regional resources, profiles of sustainable practice, and a calendar of events and learning opportunities. The newsletter is available from both the Waitākere Local Board website and from the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Webpage.

Building in the Bush Design Guide

13. The Building in the Bush Design Guide was completed.

Road Corridor Design and Management Guide

14. Auckland Transport Road Corridor Design and Management Guide was completed to a draft stage in 2017. The guide establishes a set of principles that acknowledges the specific character of the Heritage Area. It assists in meeting the requirements of the Act and delivers routes and connections that are safe and convenient for all road users. Once final consultation with the Council’s mana whenua partners is concluded then it will be presented to the Local Board. This will form part of the Auckland Transport Design Manual.

Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Local Parks Design Guidelines

15. Development of Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Local Parks Design Guidelines has continued this financial year. A draft document is being prepared and was consulted on during the 2017/2018 summer months.

Auckland Unitary Plan

16. The Council publicly notified its decisions on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan on 19 August 2016.

17. One remaining appeal relates to some of the subdivision provisions that are applicable to parts of the Heritage Area. This relates to the activity status and whether for some subdivisions, it is non-complying or prohibited. Mediation on the appeal continued to progress in the first half of 2018.

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

18. This report is for information purposes and forms the basis for a memorandum that will be provided to the Environment and Community Committee and the Whau Local Board.

19. The report is part of continuing to implement the Act and to evaluate progress being made to achieve its objectives. It is consistent with the priorities of the Board as expressed through the 2017 Local Board Plan. This report is for Council reporting purposes and has not therefore been subject to a wider consultation process.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

20. Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara and Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei have not been consulted specifically on this report. However, regular consultation and engagement takes place on a range of individual projects and activities described in this report, and on matters of mutual interest in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

21. There are no financial implications associated with this report. The work reported on is being carried out within Council’s existing budgets.

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

22. There are no risks associated with this report that are not being addressed by the workstreams discussed in the report.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

23. This report will also be provided in a memorandum format to the Environment and Community Committee and the Whau Local Board. There are no other direct implementation issues.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Objectives	181
b ⇩	Attachment B - Jan-June 2018 six month spreadsheet	183

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Authors

David Hookway - Principal Planner

Authorisers

John Duguid - General Manager - Plans and Places

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme Allocation 2018/2019

File No.: CP2018/12759

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To allocate funding to projects and initiatives within the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area that contribute to the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme for the 2018/2019 year.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme budget assists council to implement the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (the Act), alongside other relevant council and community activities and programmes.

3. The Waitākere Ranges and Foothills Protection budget is a budget of $163,693 available in 2018/2019. The recommended allocation fully commits the budget to environmental projects in the local board area that support the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme.

4. This report recommends the allocation of funding across projects that contribute to implementing the Act. Each project is described and its current status (new or continuing). Key implementation partners (council departments and external organisations) are identified. The projects align with the Act and the Local Board Plan. The projects and initiatives were discussed by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board at its workshop on 5 July 2018. Two allocations (totaling $82,000) were approved at the 28 June 2018 board meeting.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) Allocate part of the 2018/2019 Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme budget totalling $77,500, as follows:

Project	Budget
Weed Free Buffer Zone (Seven Locations)	$45,000
Opanuku Road Weed Intervention	$18,000
Heritage – Parawai Pa and Waiti Village	$6,000
Foothills Design Guide refresh	$2,693
Total allocation	$71,693

b) (i) Either allocate part of the 2018/2019 Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme budget totalling $10,000, as follows:

Project	Budget
Heritage – Titirangi War Memorial Hall – Scheduling Assessment	$10,000
Total allocation	$10,000

(ii) Or allocate part of the 2018/2019 Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme budget totalling $10,000, as follows:

Project	Budget
Heritage – Barrs Cottage Huia and Leibergreen Cottage Whatipu Scheduling Assessment	$10,000
Total allocation	$10,000

Horopaki / Context

5. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme includes all council and council controlled organisation activities that assist in achieving the objectives of the Act. This includes activities that are part of wider regionally funded programmes, and specific activities identified for Local Board funding.

6. A total of $163,693 is available for allocation by the local board in 2018/2019 to assist with implementation of the Act.

7. The projects have been selected because of their alignment with the following:

· The purpose and objectives of the Act itself, including the recommendations of the two five year monitoring reports (approved in 2013 and 2018), which assess progress towards achieving the Act’s objectives

· Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan 2017-2020 Outcomes 1 and 2 via environmental management local activities and levels of service

· The objectives and actions in the five Local Area Plans (LAPs) prepared under the Act

· Implementation of specific provisions in the Act that may not be managed through other council programmes.

8. Approximately 70 potential projects have been identified (refer to Attachment A). The selection of projects is based on a combination of each project’s strategic and operational importance (as identified in the Local Area Plans, the 2018 Monitoring Report and the Local Board Plan) and on its likelihood of being successfully implemented in 2018/2019. Some of the projects can proceed immediately, whilst others require further scoping before they commence.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu / Analysis and advice

Planning, Communications and Awareness Raising

9. The Foothills Design Guide document requires updating to reflect the operative provisions of the Auckland Unitary Plan. Publication - $2,693. This will provide for the design and printing costs associated with this document.

Ecosystem Management

10. Weed Free Buffer Zone Project –$45,000. The buffer zone project addresses serious weed issues on private properties bordering the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. A total of seven weed “hotspots” have been identified: Parker Road, Mountain Road, Scenic Drive, Bush Road, Waiatarua, Opanuku Road and Laingholm. The funding will provide support to residents to ensure the continuance of current weed control management over the seven existing sites. The report from the Ecomatters Trust on the delivery of the project in 2017-2018 is provided at Appendix A.

11. Community Weed Bins – $77,000. At its meeting on 28 June 2018, the local board approved $77,000 for community weed bins delivery in the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. (Resolution number WTK/2018/83(d)(i)).

12. The provision of $18,000 funding to Opanuku Road. The staff involved in the Buffer Zone Project have identified other parts of Opanuku Road not already managed by the Project as a fragile environment that requires a focus on climbing asparagus and wild ginger. This area is identified as Attachment B.

Biodiversity

13. Long Tailed Bat research / protection/recovery - $5,000. At its meeting on 28 June 2018, the board approved $5,000 for long tail bats in the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. (Resolution number WTK/2018/83 (d)(ii) ). This budget will continue to develop the understanding of the extent of the long-tail bat population and public awareness via promotion of night time bat walks in the foothills of the heritage area.

Built/Cultural Heritage

14. Parawai Pa and Waiti Village - $6,000. This draft report is about the history and archaeological significance of two of Te Kawerau a Maki’s historic settlement sites. The report is complete, other than the inclusion of an assessment for scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan (now that the Auckland Unitary Plan assessment criteria for scheduling historic heritage are confirmed).

15. The Titirangi War Memorial Hall - $10,000. This hall is considered worthy of assessment for scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan arising from its social and cultural significance, particularly given it was designed by Tibor Donner, who had an architectural style that reflected “high modernism”.

16. Barrs Cottage Huia and Leibergreen Cottage Whatipu - $10,000. Barrs Cottage at Huia has an association with the early milling industry and is worthy of assessment for scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan. Leibergreen Cottage at Whatipu is part of the early development of the Whatipu group of buildings and is also worthy of assessment for scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

17. A summary of progress made on the suite of heritage projects supported by the Waitākere Ranges Programme is provided at Attachment C.

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

18. All of the projects identified either complete or build upon existing projects that were funded by the Local Board in the 2012/2013 to 2016/2017 financial years, or they relate to recommendations arising from the 2013 and 2018 Five Year Monitoring Reports or LAPs. All of the projects are aligned to the priorities in the Local Board Plan and will contribute to its implementation. The projects and indicative funding allocation were considered by Local Board members at workshops on 6 April, 25 May and 24 August 2017. The recommendations contained in this report have been made in the light of feedback from those workshops.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori / Māori impact statement

19. Mana whenua (Te Kawerau a Maki and Ngati Whatua) have not been specifically consulted on this report. The engagement with both iwi is on-going throughout the year across many departments in the Council. Both iwi have in the past expressed their approval for the projects within the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea / Financial implications

20. The Waitākere Ranges Programme is a regional budget that is administered by the Chief Planning Office. It is approved in the council’s Long Term Plan 2018 – 2028. The funded projects are reported to the local board as required during each financial year, and do not give rise to any major financial risks.

Ngā raru tūpono / Risks

21. The risks to the Waitākere Ranges Programme are that the service providers are not able to complete the tasks that they are contracted to undertake, but this risk is considered to be small. Careful management will ensure that allocated budget is correctly expended in the financial year it is allocated.

Ngā koringa ā-muri / Next steps

22. Individual projects have been discussed with the implementation partners within Auckland Council, and have their support. The project list as a whole has also been considered and is supported by the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme Co-ordination Group. Completion of projects within the financial year is dependent on staff availability and expertise. Where there is a risk that appropriate staff/time/expertise will not be available, external contractors will be used. Allowance has been made for this in the allocation of funds to each project.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Bufferzone Report 2018	209
b ⇩	Opanuku Road Weed Area map	235
c ⇩	Memo dated 17/7/18 from Heritage Unit - Heritage Projects in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area	237

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Authors

Eryn Shields - Team Leader Planning - North West

Authorisers

John Duguid - General Manager - Plans and Places

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

13 September 2018

Portfolio update - Sandra Coney

File No.: CP2018/16931

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update of portfolio activities by Member Sandra Coney.

Whakarāpopototanga matua / Executive summary

2. Member Coney is the lead for the Historic Heritage/Character and Parks area portfolios.

3. Portfolio holders are responsible for leading policy development in their portfolio area, proposing and developing project concepts, overseeing agreed projects within budgets, being active advocates, accessing and providing information and advice.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the portfolio update from Member Sandra Coney.

Horopaki / ContextHeritage

4. Reginald Stanley Judson VC DCM MM Memorial Concert

This year is the last year of the centenary of WW1 and the Local Board held a concert on Sunday 2 September featuring the Royal New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Band to commemorate this. This was held at the Playhouse Theatre in Glen Eden and was attended by 113 people, followed by a very good afternoon tea at the neighbouring Glen Eden RSA. This is the fifth concert the WRLB has held through the WW1 centenary period (See Attachment A).

The band put together a great programme with popular songs in the first half – including a wonderful rendition of Hey Jude - and then a more commemorative second half. There were some great solo pieces from performers. Our thanks to secretary/MC Bob Davis and bandmaster Stephen Booth.

The concert was dedicated to Reginald Stanley Judson, one of the most decorated soldiers from WW1. Judson won a VC, a DCM and MM on the Western Front over a five-week period in 1918. The date of the concert is close to the centenary of the Battle of Bapaume at which Stanley Judson was awarded his VC.

Twenty members of the Judson family attended and brought Stanley’s uniform jacket and a set of miniature medals. The originals are at Waiouru.

Judson descendants at Glen Eden RSA

Stanley Judson was born at Wharehine, Albertland, and was brought up by his aunt and uncle, Marion and Frederick Judson, who owned land at Waiatarua – in fact, Fred Judson came up with this new name for Nihotupu and founded the Waiatarua Boarding House. Stanley went to Albertland, Oratia and Henderson Schools and his name is to be found on the Roll of Honour outside Oratia School. He is buried in Waikumete Cemetery.

5. Heritage Conference

The theme of the Heritage Conference this year is The Creative West and the programme is about to be printed. It is on Sunday 7 October at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall. We have three keynote speakers and 24 break-out workshops covering all facets of the arts from architecture to Maori weaving. There are two musical performances: Sounds of Our Stories with Riki Bennett, Peter Turei and others, and the second features George Taua’s on how Te Kawerau a Maki put together the mass haka for the opening of Matariki at Arataki Visitor Centre.

The website is already up and running, you can see everything at http://westheritageconference.nz.

There is also a Saturday night film evening, called A Window on the West. Everything is free.

This conference is part of the Auckland Heritage Festival and is largely funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board but with a contribution from the Whau Local Board for which we are very grateful. The organizing committee is made up of organizer, Annalilly van der Broeke, Council staff and community people passionate about the heritage of the west.

6. Ornamental to Detrimental

On 31 July, the Board held a very successful 2018 Leonard Cockayne Lecture at Titirangi War Memorial Hall that was attended by over 100 people.

The speaker was Professor Philip Hulme who is Chair of Plant Biosecurity at Lincoln University. His subject was “Ornamental to Detrimental: The Invasion of New Zealand by non-native plants.” He made some strong points that are very relevant to the problems we face in the Waitākeres. New Zealand has more non-native plant species than almost anywhere else in the world, and many of these introduced species are creating significant environmental and economic costs. Professor Hulme talked about the threats and potential ways to address these, and there were plenty of questions from the audience.

The talk came about after a local woman Irene Gardiner heard Prof Hulme on Radio New Zealand then found out his lecture tour for the Royal Society of New Zealand, did not include Auckland. She approached the Board which was able to find a small amount to cover getting Prof Hulme to Auckland and the Board also waived the hireage fee for Titirangi War Memorial Hall.

This was a bit of a do-it-yourself event, as Irene and myself did the publicity and organized the nuts-and-bolts, with help from Board PA Sharon Davies. The good turnout on a cold winter’s night justified the effort and we heard an important message.

(L-R) Sandra Coney, Prof Philip Hulme and Irene Gardiner

7. Nihotupu Filter Station

With Greg Presland, I have been attending meetings of the Community Liaison Group Watercare has established to look at the proposal to build a new water treatment plant on Woodlands Park Road, Waima.

The main focus of the group and participants is the ecological impacts of the plant. I am particularly interested in the future of the Nihotupu Filter Station which has been mothballed since 1992.

The filter station is one of three: the others are the Huia Filter Station at Woodlands Park Rd and the Waitakere Filter Station in Henderson Valley, which is identical to the Nihotupu station. The stations were built in the 1920s and were quite innovative for the day. The Nihotupu Filter Station is at the beginning of Exhibition Drive and is scheduled as a Category B historic heritage site.

I was asked to introduce this to the group and asked Noel Reardon, manager of heritage at Auckland Council, if he could speak about the regulatory aspects: what the scheduling means and so on. Watercare has a designation over the site, but the designation requires it to recognize the heritage values of the site. I also asked John La Roche, who has written a report on the water infrastructure for IPENZ ( the engineers’ heritage group), to present. Also attending were John Higham, chair of Engineering Heritage, Auckland Chapter, Harvey Stewart, who while working for Watercare did much to promote its heritage, and Jim Eyre, who represents the Rain Forest Express. Anthony Matthews of Mathews & Mathews Architects which carried out a heritage assessment of the filter station for Watercare was also present.

Noel Reardon explained the process for applying for demolition. Watercare has already had discussions along those lines with Auckland Council but the Council response was that it was not warm to that. Noel explained that since the inception of Auckland Council, permission has not been given in any but a very few cases to demolish scheduled buildings.

John La Roche explained why the building was special and I think quite a few at the meeting got a new appreciation of its importance, as it looks sad and neglected in its boarded up state.

Anthony Matthews also explained that this particular filter station was important because its mothballing meant that much of the equipment and interior features were intact, whereas as the other filter stations had continued to be used, they had been much modified.

The other recent development was that Watercare has worked out how it can install new infrastructure on the site and keep the filter station. This would be achieved by taking in some of the road, and Auckland Transport has given permission to do this. This means that instead of Woodlands Park Road having two arms where it meets Scenic Drive, there would be only one freeing up land for Watercare.

There was general agreement at that meeting that the building was an asset to be kept and should be restored. Potential uses were discussed and there was interest in an education centre in the building explaining about Auckland’s water supply as well as the potential for a café, offices, bike hire etc. A shuttle bus to and from Arataki and Titirangi was also discussed.

8. Matariki Celebration

This year Matariki was hosted by Te Kawerau a Maki and the Local Board contributed funding to support events and, in particular, the Whanau Days and mass haka at the launch, which was introduced by George Taua and led by Rueben Taua. Children from local schools ably carried this out. The dawn ceremony on 30 June was well-attended and was followed by breakfast.

PARKS

9. Site visit to Foothills walkway and Waitakere Quarry

A number of members of the Board attended a site visit on 24 July which took us to a number of places along the Foothills Walkway. We saw some good weed control, mostly asparagus fern and woolly nightshade that had been recently carried out with a bit of spare funding. However more funding needs to be found to complete the work and develop the track. A beautiful job has been done at Siebel Road reserve, which has some very lovely bush, although there were no hygiene stations and there are young kauri along the route.

It is rather frustrating that the Board does not have funding to progress the walkway further when people are shut out of the Ranges. It is potentially a great long walk through farmland and bush which could stretch from Titirangi/Arataki to Swanson.

We also visited Waitakere Quarry, which by default, sits with the Board. The Board is looking into whether this should better sit with regional parks, which surrounds it, and also the complete lack of funding to carry out necessary work, such as weed control, signage and general development of the site.

We were quite concerned at the state of the recent planting by the quarry operator. These were not looking healthy or vigorous, in comparison to plantings carried out earlier by Parks.

The Board is aware of local community concerns and also a desire by various sections of the community to access the site, but right now, it is not in a fit state to allow the public in although, it would potentially provide a great alternative recreational destination while the Waitākere Ranges forest is closed.

Panorama of Waitakere Quarry, note lake on right

Another panorama of the quarry showing planting

Close up of planting at the quarry

10. Roadside maintenance

Responsibility for roadside maintenance is passing from Auckland Transport (AT) to Community Facilities. This includes weed control. However, the Board is concerned that the handover and contracts have been designed for an urban setting and it is not very clear how it will apply to our large natural areas, where weeds have the potential not just to be unsightly or break up tarmac, but use the road corridors to spread into good quality natural areas and forest.

The Board had not been happy with the way AT managed these areas, both from the perspective of pest plant control and also damage to vegetation by inappropriate use of the flail mower.

We have had meetings with AT and Community Facilities and raised these issues and at our last Board meeting, passed some resolutions highlighting some areas, such as Scenic Drive, Piha Road and Titirangi, where we think special effort should be made to control roadside weeds. We could not give an exhaustive list and made the point that specifying priorities did not mean other areas should be neglected, but we are waiting to see how this changeover, which does not take place till early 2019, pans out. We also passed resolutions about protecting special areas such as significant pohutukawa at Piha and Karekare some of which are protected as “notable trees”.

11. Weed bins

A post I made on Piha Hook Ups about the Piha weed bin got picked up by the Western Leader. I was asking people not to put garden waste in the local bin. A recent survey showed that at Piha the amount of weed in the bin was from 30% to 50%. Other garden waste was from 40% to 65% and other contaminants around from 5% to 10%.

The Board was disappointed in this result, so we are asking that people stick to the rules laid out on the sign beside the bin. We do want to encourage people to deal with ecological weeds on their properties, but we can’t keep paying for dumping other garden waste. Because of kauri dieback, all material in the bin goes to landfill and is not composted, so it is expensive.

I’m not sure whether my pleas and the publicity has made a difference. This photo (below) was taken last weekend and shows flax and pieces chopped off a kauri!!!! in the bin. I hasten to say there was plenty of weed underneath, but it is disappointing. Generally people need educating to dispose of garden waste on their own properties. It will generally rot down over time and make good mulch. Or, you can take garden waste to the Te Atatu Concourse Refuse Station for a charge.

Flax and other garden clippings in Piha bin

12. Maori naming on parks

The Board was chosen to be a pilot board to looking at increasing the naming of parks in te reo and increasing the visibility of te reo in the community. The local board can choose whether it wants dual naming, English or to restore Maori place names.

Quite a few of our parks have no name or simply have the name of the street e.g. Brown Street Reserve, so there is scope for where and how this is done.

Many lovely Maori names were simply removed through lack of usage or replaced with English names. While I was at Auckland Regional Council, we restored the name Wai O Kahu on the area at the end of Glenesk Road, Piha. This was the name given by Kahukeke, the wife of Rakataura, senior tohunga on the Tainui canoe. When their party reached Pih,a she thought the valley particularly beautiful and made them stay there for some months, so it was given that name recognising Kahukeke and her relationship with the place.

This project will happen gradually as signs will only be replaced when they come up for renewal and, in some cases, we will be asking what the community thinks. There is no intention to replace names that have a history, such as recognising community members or where they were bestowed formally, such as war memorials.

13. Filming in parks

There is a great deal of filming in parks and I generally see about one application a week. Many are in regional parks but many are also in local parks or beaches or both.

This is generally welcomed as it provides economic activity and hopefully jobs for local people, while not impacting on the environment. However, there are aspects where there is limited of knowledge of impacts and a lack of policy framework. These particularly relate to applications that potentially disturb or harm wildlife.

One aspect is vehicles on beaches that those filming often ask for and often for significant numbers of vehicles. Vehicles are generally not allowed on our West Coast beaches except for emergency/lifesaving vehicles and vehicles launching fishing boats.

Vehicles on beaches are not just a risk to humans but they can also crush shellfish beds, destroy nests and disturb birds. Vehicles used at Te Henga during filming are required to move very slowly and have a spotter in front, but we do not have any guidelines for anywhere else.

While filmmakers and vehicles can avoid nesting areas, once birds have hatched, they cover a very wide area. For example, dotterels cover a wide territory in the damp area of the beach looking for food.

More recently, the issue of drones has come up with filmmakers wanting to use drones. Birds are particularly spooked by drones and it doesn’t take much imagination to work out why!

Several filming applications recently have wanted to film in caves and even to have smoke in caves. However, we have Little Blue Penguins on our coast who nest in caves.

So while the Board encourages filming, we have to do it in a way that protects our wildlife. At the last Board meeting, we adopted a guideline around filming using drones. This is seen as an interim measure while we work on a more comprehensive framework for filming in conservation areas with wildlife. We have been talking to ATEED and Film Auckland about this for some time, but need to treat this with some urgency, so the Board doesn’t have to respond on a case by case basis, but has the support of a well-thought-out guideline.

14. Piha – new signs

Community Facilities with Paradigm designers have been working on an update on the surf board signs at three places at Piha. There are three surf boards in each location and we hope that just the displays can be replaced as the wooden boards are in quite good condition. The boards pre-date the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 so they have lasted a decade in good condition. I have been helping with historic information and photos as we update the information on the boards.

15. Piha Lily Pond at Claude Abel Reserve

Over several years, the Board has been tackling an infestation of Mexican Water Lily – a pest plant – in the Lily Pond at Garden Road, Piha. This is a large area of pond that was suffering from lack of water which appears to have been corrected after the neighbours reconstructed their drive and improved the water run-off into the pond. Some years ago, it was decided to control the water lily incrementally to avoid further degradation of the pond and a smelly mess for neighbours which could well occur if it was sprayed in one session. This looks to have been quite successful as on my recent visit to the pond there were large areas of open water and minimal amounts of water lily. There were also ducks and pukeko in evidence. The Board needs to get a report on whether the water quality has improved and what it is intended to do to try and eliminate the alligator weed.

16. Sunvue Reserve

On 29 June, I attended a community event at Sunvue Reserve in Glen Eden. These was a good turn-out of local residents and children from the creche at the Glen Eden Community House to help plant three very large trees which will in time provide shelter and shade. This event was part of our “small parks” programme to make improvements in local parks for residents. This park has a good playground but not a lot else for local people. It was intended to install a water fountain here, but the cost calls this into question, as a water fountain would need to be connected to the water mains and charges by Watercare to do this are very high.

There was also a sausage sizzle and volley ball with Sports Waitakere helping our Parks team.