Agenda of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Minutes of the Ngati Whatua Orakei Reserves Board meeting, 18 February 2019	9

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Ōrākei Visual Framework Engagement Plan	15

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve - Charter for entrance and nursery complex development	25

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board

13 May 2019

General
Project Name:	Pourewa Nursery Complex and Entranceway
Project Sponsor:	Ngāti Whātua Orākei Reserves Board
Project Manager:	Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia Ltd

Business Case Statement
The Entranceway and Nursery Complex at Pourewa (Pourewa Nursery) was envisaged by and supports the Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve Management Plan (2016) environmental and cultural objectives. This Project Charter describes the scope of the programme including the goals, deliverables, budget assumptions, contraints, risks, stakeholders and programme management team. In broad terms the Pourewa Nursery development opens up Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve for public access and establishes a fit for purpose volunteer and staff hub that is focused on environmental restoration, education and research. The Pourewa Nursery will offer an ongoing legacy in terms of the protection and development of the Tāmaki plant collection, as well as the development of a seed bank of Tāmaki species to be held in the Centre for Mahi Toi, Innovation and Culture. These collections support Ngati Whatua Orakei’s role as a key educator, carrier and guardian of knowledge and leader for research around both traditional and modern ecological practices. The Pourewa Nursery will provide significant public and community benefit. As part of the nursery base, rongoā plantings will form a garden which interfaces with the public, as part of the Tāmaki plant collection and as a physical site for hands on education and research. Aligned with this, there will be a dedicated space for rongoā preparation. In the short term, this can be integrated into the nursery and in the long term be part of the hub. While plants for rongoā will be integrated into the restoration of both Pourewa and Takaparawhau, a collection close to the nursery will support education and research and help to ensure a complete collection of important plants are maintained and accessible to all. The Pourewa Nursery is part of the restoration of Pourewa and will be integrated as part of the restoration work currently being undertaken by various groups connecting across the Pourewa valley to Glen Innes. Pest management practices on Pourewa will be consistent with the kaupapa that has been carried out at Whenua Rangatira (Takaparawhau). Extensive analysis was carried out of the various potential sites on Pourewa for Ōkahu Rākau’s nursery base to find one best suited for current needs, future potential for growth as well as not limiting scope for other activities on the site. In line with this, the proposed design achieved Resource Consent approval LUC60328743 in January 2019.

Business Case Statement

The Entranceway and Nursery Complex at Pourewa (Pourewa Nursery) was envisaged by and supports the Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve Management Plan (2016) environmental and cultural objectives. This Project Charter describes the scope of the programme including the goals, deliverables, budget assumptions, contraints, risks, stakeholders and programme management team. In broad terms the Pourewa Nursery development opens up Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve for public access and establishes a fit for purpose volunteer and staff hub that is focused on environmental restoration, education and research.

The Pourewa Nursery will offer an ongoing legacy in terms of the protection and development of the Tāmaki plant collection, as well as the development of a seed bank of Tāmaki species to be held in the Centre for Mahi Toi, Innovation and Culture. These collections support Ngati Whatua Orakei’s role as a key educator, carrier and guardian of knowledge and leader for research around both traditional and modern ecological practices.

The Pourewa Nursery will provide significant public and community benefit. As part of the nursery base, rongoā plantings will form a garden which interfaces with the public, as part of the Tāmaki plant collection and as a physical site for hands on education and research. Aligned with this, there will be a dedicated space for rongoā preparation. In the short term, this can be integrated into the nursery and in the long term be part of the hub. While plants for rongoā will be integrated into the restoration of both Pourewa and Takaparawhau, a collection close to the nursery will support education and research and help to ensure a complete collection of important plants are maintained and accessible to all.

The Pourewa Nursery is part of the restoration of Pourewa and will be integrated as part of the restoration work currently being undertaken by various groups connecting across the Pourewa valley to Glen Innes. Pest management practices on Pourewa will be consistent with the kaupapa that has been carried out at Whenua Rangatira (Takaparawhau).

Extensive analysis was carried out of the various potential sites on Pourewa for Ōkahu Rākau’s nursery base to find one best suited for current needs, future potential for growth as well as not limiting scope for other activities on the site.

In line with this, the proposed design achieved Resource Consent approval LUC60328743 in January 2019.

Goal Statements
1.	Enable safe access on to the Pourewa site for wider community engagement and activity.
2.	Provide a hub for traditional Maori and modern educational programmes.
3.	Support of community groups e.g. Eastern Bays Song Bird and ongoing Research Programmes with University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology.
4.	Commence the activation and ecological regeneration of the land at Pourewa
5.	Provide enhanced facilities for the nursery operations that are ecologically, environmentally, and socially sustainable

High-Level Project Risks
Deliverables: The primary objectives of the project are: · To commence the activation and regeneration of the land at Pourewa. · To provide enhanced facilities for the nursery operations that are ecologically, environmentally and socially sustainable. · To enable access on to the Pourewa site for wider community engagement and activity. · To support educational and research programmes. To deliver on these objectives, the Pourewa Nursery project will ideally comprise the full scope of works, as described in the approved Resource Consent (application number LUC60328743) and broadly summarised as: · Establishing the new nursery at Pourewa, relocating and expanding the nursery operations from their current location on the Marae. · Construction of associated accesses, carparking, roads and pathways. Including entrance signange.Two new sealed entrances off Kepa Road. Small entrance road and public carpark where the old pony club entrance was. Service road to the nursery complex, crop toppers and hard stands. · Four hard stands and impermeable layer for planting bays · Two Crop toppers for seed propogation and two refurbished storage containers for seed banks. · Ecopod staff offices and education centre. Re-purpose old clubrooms for project and community engagement office · Stormwater infrastructure, with potential to store and re-use stormwater for plant irrigation Budget and Assumptions: · The total Pourewa Nursery project budget will be circa NZ$2.1M (excluding GST). Detailed costing has been supplied in a separate confidential report. · Subject to project sponsor approval in May 2019, the Pourewa Nursery project has an estimated completion date of May 2020. · Project programme and cost estimate are based on the scope of works as currently detailed in the resource consent documentation. Constraints: · Land useage constraints due to unitary plan, and geotechnical aspects of the land · Unique landscape includes sites of cultural and archeological significance · Retention of all excavated material and stripped topsoil on site. · Compliance with all Resource Consent Conditions · Building Consents will likely be required for the buildings and retaining structures · Engineering approvals would likely be required for any connections to the public stormwater system
The following key risks are highlighted: · There is a risk that the works cause the unstable slopes to move / collapse. This is a significant concern identified in the Resource Consent and by the geotech and civil engineers, Rileys. Careful adherence to the mitigation measures that have been identified will need to be closely managed. · It is unclear what works may be required to stabilise the slopes to accommodate the installation of the proposed stormwater retention tanks. No design details have yet been prepared, as the locations for the tanks is as yet unconfirmed. If significant additional excavation or civil engineering is required, this would have implications to the costs and programme. · There is a risk that the retaining wall, if required, may be larger and more expensive than assumed in the cost estimates. · There is a risk that the depth of topsoil is greater than that envisaged and allowed for in the cost estimate.

Deliverables:

The primary objectives of the project are:

· To commence the activation and regeneration of the land at Pourewa.

· To provide enhanced facilities for the nursery operations that are ecologically, environmentally and socially sustainable.

· To enable access on to the Pourewa site for wider community engagement and activity.

· To support educational and research programmes.

To deliver on these objectives, the Pourewa Nursery project will ideally comprise the full scope of works, as described in the approved Resource Consent (application number LUC60328743) and broadly summarised as:

· Establishing the new nursery at Pourewa, relocating and expanding the nursery operations from their current location on the Marae.

· Construction of associated accesses, carparking, roads and pathways. Including entrance signange.Two new sealed entrances off Kepa Road. Small entrance road and public carpark where the old pony club entrance was. Service road to the nursery complex, crop toppers and hard stands.

· Four hard stands and impermeable layer for planting bays

· Two Crop toppers for seed propogation and two refurbished storage containers for seed banks.

· Ecopod staff offices and education centre. Re-purpose old clubrooms for project and community engagement office

· Stormwater infrastructure, with potential to store and re-use stormwater for plant irrigation

Budget and Assumptions:

· The total Pourewa Nursery project budget will be circa NZ$2.1M (excluding GST). Detailed costing has been supplied in a separate confidential report.

· Subject to project sponsor approval in May 2019, the Pourewa Nursery project has an estimated completion date of May 2020.

· Project programme and cost estimate are based on the scope of works as currently detailed in the resource consent documentation.

Constraints:

· Land useage constraints due to unitary plan, and geotechnical aspects of the land

· Unique landscape includes sites of cultural and archeological significance

· Retention of all excavated material and stripped topsoil on site.

· Compliance with all Resource Consent Conditions

· Building Consents will likely be required for the buildings and retaining structures

· Engineering approvals would likely be required for any connections to the public stormwater system

High-Level Project Risks

The following key risks are highlighted:

· There is a risk that the works cause the unstable slopes to move / collapse. This is a significant concern identified in the Resource Consent and by the geotech and civil engineers, Rileys. Careful adherence to the mitigation measures that have been identified will need to be closely managed.

· It is unclear what works may be required to stabilise the slopes to accommodate the installation of the proposed stormwater retention tanks. No design details have yet been prepared, as the locations for the tanks is as yet unconfirmed. If significant additional excavation or civil engineering is required, this would have implications to the costs and programme.

· There is a risk that the retaining wall, if required, may be larger and more expensive than assumed in the cost estimates.

· There is a risk that the depth of topsoil is greater than that envisaged and allowed for in the cost estimate.

Stakeholders & Affected Business Areas
· Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei · NWO Reserves Board · Auckland Council · Orākei and broader Community · Community Groups e.g. Eastern Bays Songbird Project, Sustainable Coastline, Bluelight Programme · Educational / Research Organisations e.g. University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology · Department of Conservation

Stakeholders & Affected Business Areas

· Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

· NWO Reserves Board

· Auckland Council

· Orākei and broader Community

· Community Groups e.g. Eastern Bays Songbird Project, Sustainable Coastline, Bluelight Programme

· Educational / Research Organisations e.g. University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology

· Department of Conservation

Core Team Members

· Tom Irvine – GM Transformation – Whai Maia Ltd, Technical Officer – Orākei Reserves Board

· Jamie Cook – Stakeholder and Ventures Manager – Transformation Team, Whai Maia Ltd

· Andrew Taylor – Independent Consultant and Project Manager

· Rawinia Maihi – Communications – Whai Maia Ltd

· Mera Kerehoma – Okahu Rakau Manager

· Jane Aickin – Manager Co-Governance Reserves, Auckland Council

· Xanthe White Ltd – Design Lead

Project Sponsor Approval

_____________________________________

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board

13 May 2019

Quarterly report incluidng financial update and reforecast

File No.: CP2019/06559

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board (reserves board) on the operational and capital work programmes as well as the finances including year-end reforecast for the Whenua Rangatira and Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The year-end financial forecast is behind plan due to delays in progressing capital work programmes, the management plan, branding and activation. It is recommended that the reserves board seek for these funds to be carried forward to support the backlog of maintenance and capital works on Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve as well as supporting the development of the combined management plan and programme management function.

3. The Atkin Avenue naturalisation project, which was delayed by several years due to funding constraints, was completed on 26 April 2019.

4. A rubbish free policy has been in place on the Whenua Rangatira since 2015. This report provides an overview of the policy and the generally positive impact made. Due to the change in suppliers it has not been possible to get long term data collection on volumes of litter collected however monitoring of skip bins that are used by Ōkahu Rakau to accumulate loose litter/dumped rubbish is now being monitored. This will be reported in the future.

5. Recently the Department of Conservation wrote to all Chief Executives of Councils advising that the Department was requesting feedback on a proposal to revoke Ministerial powers under the Reserves Act. It proposes to revoke 44 of the 50 Ministerial powers currently delegated to local authorities. This would have an impact on the reserves board and it is recommended the Chair write the Minister of Conservation to this effect.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board:

a) request Auckland Council to carry forward the 2018/2019 unspent operational budget at year end into the 2019/2020 budget to support deferred maintenance at Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve, delivery of the joint management plan and the ongoing employment of a programme manager.

b) request Auckland Council defer $3,260,000 capital funding, currently allocated in years 2018-2021, to years 2021-2025. This includes any underspend in 2018/2019 which is estimated to be $783,147.

c) delegate to the Chair to write to the Minister of Conservation, in particular highlighting the autonomous role that the reserves board has under the settlement legislation as it relates to the Reserves Act and the impact the Minister’s proposal would have on this role.

Financial update

6. An overview of the operational and capital expenditure for the financial year to date is included in the table below.

7. Revenue received is on target while operational expenditure continues to be behind plan. This is primarily due to the additional budget provision allocated to new maintenance works on Pourewa Creek Recreational Reserve starting later than planned and the management plan being put on hold this year.

8. In addition there are forecast operational budgets in the area of governance and celebrations, brand and research that are under budget in addition to a delay in paying for technical services.

9. It is estimated that there will be a operational underspend of close to $308,057. It is recommended this be carried forward for the management plan, defferred maintenance at Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve and to fund the programme management role.

10. Progress is being made on a range of capital works projects including the entrance way and nursery complex development at Pourewa Creek (for which some costs will show at year end), the Ōkahu Bay Recreational Facilities (complete) and Atkin Ave stream naturalisation projects (complete although costs are yet to settle against the reserves board books). In addition a wayfinding plan has been completed that will enable delivery in 2019/20.

11. The underspend in capital budget is primarily driven through a deferral of tourism projects and a delay in laying Mahuhu o te Rangi to rest (i.e. utilising the wharewaka budget). It is recommended that the capital budget be reforecast as detailed below.

Financial reforecast

12. At the February 2019 meeting a reforecast financial position was reported. The reserves board requested a clearer overview of the reforecast position.

13. The total budget for the reserves board for the current financial year (2018/2019) is:

· Capital budget $1,091,147

· Operational budget $1,112,876

14. The forecasted year end position for 2018/19, as at the end of April 2019, is:

· Capital net expenditure $ 308,000

· Operational net expenditure $ 822,759

15. It is recommended that the reserves board request Auckland Council (council) to carry forward all unspent operational and capital funding.

16. The operational budget carry forward, to the 2019/20 financial year, will be used to fund the programme management resource required to deliver on the significant increase in accountability and activity happening across the reserves board programme in a professional and timely manner. It will also deliver on the backlog of plant pest control and maintenance work required to bring Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve into a respectable state and delivery of the combined reserves management plan.

17. It is recommended that the capital funding be carried forward into the middle years of Auckland Council’s10-Year Budget 2018-2028 (long term plan). This is due to the fact that the reserves board have reprioritised their work programme with the primary focus being on Pourewa Creek Recreational Reserves and Mahuhu o te Rangi next year.

Work programme overview

18. Below is an overview of forecast projects with an indication of their progress against agreed milestones. Further commentary on many of these is provided later in the report.

*Project*	*Next milestone/est completion date*	*Status*
Atkin Ave stream enhancement	Project complete – April 2019.
Concessions area review	The policy review is complete however the “on the ground” work is on hold subject to the visual framework being formally endorsed
Kaitiaki	The kaitiaki service is present on the Whenua Rangatira with a new mobile base providing visual identity and supplies
Nursery	Consent granted. Scope proposed to expand to include entranceway and access to Pourewa and subject to funding approval
Kohimaramara Pou	Project complete. Installed January 2019
Recreation facilities Ōkahu	Project complete. Installed December 2018 ready for use this summer
Masterplan (Ōrākei Visual Framework)	Draft complete - subject to endorsement
Wharewaka	Detailed planning put on hold subject to consideration as part of visual framework

19. The next meeting of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board will be in the new financial year. For future reporting the completed projects will be removed from this table and projects forecast in next financial year will be added.

20. As previously requested, a Programme Manager has been contracted to assist with establishing the governance elements associated with delivering on the future work plan for the reserves board. This will be necessary to ensure there is consistency in the way projects are scoped, delivered and monitored. Key outputs developed include a programme charter which includes a proposed structure for programme management and templates associated with project management and reporting. A further verbal update will be provided at the meeting.

Capital project update

Reserves Act

21. Decisions in respect to the Whenua Rangatira and Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve need to comply with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Settlement Act 2012, and through the provisions in that Act must also comply with the Reserves Act 1977 (Reserves Act).

22. Recently the Department of Conservation wrote to all Chief Executives of Councils (but did not specifically write to the reserves board) advising that the Department was requesting feedback on a proposal to revoke Ministerial powers under the Reserves Act. It proposes to revoke 44 of the 50 Ministerial powers currently delegated to local authorities. In response to this management have been reviewing the advice and considering the impacts of this potential change on the work of the reserves board.

23. The settlement act treats Whenua Rangatira and Pourewa Creek slightly differently. Pourewa Creek is a classified as a recreation reserves under the reserves act and the reserves board is treated as if the reserve was vested in the reserves board and if the reserves board was a local authority.

24. The Whenua Rangatira is treated as if it were recreation reserve, but it is also deemed to be set apart as a Maori reservation for the common use and benefit of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the citizens of Auckland (but exempt from some provisions affecting Maori reservations). The reserves board therefore has powers conferred as trustee of a Māori reservation by way of having the regulations and powers of an administering body.

25. The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board would, however, be equally affected in its management of Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve and Whenua Rangatira (sections 46(3) and 67(3)) by this proposal, because the Settlement Act deems the Reserves Board to be a local authority for the purpose of the Ministerial delegations for both reserves.

26. If the delegations were revoked this would mean, for instance, that any decision to grant a lease or licence would require approval by the Minister of Conservation. Currently, the Reserves Board makes both the administering body decision and the delegated Ministerial decision for leases and licences.

27. It is recommended that the reserves board delegate to the Chair to write to the Minister of Conservation, in particular highlighting the autonomous role that the reserves board has under the settlement legislation as it relates to the Reserves Act and the impact the proposal would have on this. Feedback is required by 17 May 2019.

Atkin Avenue naturalization works

28. The Atkin Avenue naturalisation project was completed on 26 April 2019. This project was approved several years ago. The project scope involved the management of erosion adjacent to residential neighbours and daylighting and improving parts of the stream running along the boundary of the Whenua Rangatira and Atkin Ave.

Atkin Ave stream restoration works complete, April 2019

Kohimaramara Pou

29. As previously reported the Kohimaramara Pou was installed at the beginning of the year.

30. The catalyst for this new taonga on the whenua rangatira Matua Grant Hawke when he was Chair of the reserves board in 2015. The reserves board provided funding to deliver the project.

31. The pou was designed by Lenard Philips and Te Aroha Witika and generically references the active waka culture that once existed and the toka that stood near the current Auckland Yacht Club but was quarried away to provide for Tamaki Drive. The toka was seen as a ‘beacon’ for all waka and ships in the area.

32. The pou is made up of a bespoke coloured and polished concrete base with corten steel and polished stainless steel strips that form the ‘tauraparapa’.

33. A large turn out of kaumatua, staff and whanau attended an unveiling as did Councillor Desley Simpson on behalf of the reserves board. This was followed by Koi Kawhé hosting a delicious morning tea. The highlight of the unveiling was seeing the puna tamariki and kaiako - next generation marveling at their new tāonga.

Operational update

Pourewa Maintenance

34. Work on restoring Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve has been a focus of the last quarter. In addition to a routine mowing regime being developed on the street frontages there has been work an initial focus on moving pest plant trees using an arboriculture supplier.

35. There was initial delays in commencing this work due to miscommunication between Auckland Council and Ōkahu Rakau. This has now been resolved and work will continue in earnest for the next few months however there will be an underspend in the current financial year. There will be an increase in resource going into the site in the next financial year to start to tackle the significant pest plant problem, mow tracks through the site and focus on ecological restoration.

36. Ōkahu Rakau are currently working with local groups to support pest plant removal. They are also targeting pest trees on Kepa road side and Kepa bush side on Pourewa.

Koi Café

37. In 2018 a decision was made, by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Group, that Whai Maia Ltd exit all Tourism Activities. After 18 months of trading and moving into the tourism “off season” Whai Maia has set the closing date for Koi Café as 31 May 2019. Whai Rawa Ltd have picked up the tourism portfolio and may re-purpose the temporary building that houses the Café, otherwise it will be removed and the site “made good” prior to the end of June 2019.

Rubbish free

38. Following discussion at the February 2019 meeting of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board both Ōkahu Rakau and the Kaitiaki team have been looking at the volume of rubbish being collected off the Whenua Rangatira and looking at future options for monitoring.

39. The context for this is that over the summer of 2013/14 the reserves board agreed to a rubbish free trial. This was based on ongoing efforts to work toward environmentally sustainable practices and a healthy environment. In May 2014 the reserves board resolved that a permanent rubbish free approach for Ōkahu be supported. It was recognised, at the time, that the kaitiaki service and ongoing signage were an important part of the success of this programme.

40. At the time this programme was implemented the rubbish bins were removed and three large banner signs were installed (either side of the toilet block and near the playground). Biodegradable rubbish bags were handed out to the Kaitiaki who distributed them to park users reinforcing the message that they needed to take their rubbish home to recycle. Media releases were picked up by several local papers helping to spread the word that things had changed at Ōkahu.

41. City Park Services (CPS) provided the litter management services at Ōkahu at that time. They monitored the situation before and during the trial and reported the following results:

· Historically, during the summer period, CPS recorded collecting approximately 55 -75 bags, weighing approx. 8kg per bag, of assorted rubbish, per day, from the 14 bins in the Ōkahu catchment.

· Over summer, without the 14 bins, CPS collected approximately 6 to 12 bags left behind by the users of these reserves. This rubbish was generally placed to the sides or under trees and given the quantity was small and they were neatly contained in bags it did not appear to cause copycat behavior.

42. CPS loose litter staff handed out rubbish bags to parks users, while informing them of the changes that had been put into practice. This was well received by the majority of visitors.

43. The following findings from the 2013/14 summer trial were expressed by Tracy Davis, Tourism Experience Manager on behalf of Toki Taiao, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia who managed the kaitiaki service:

· There was a noticeable reduction of loose litter on the Whenua

· Large groups were often bringing their own rubbish bags but were appreciative when they were offered more

· Loose litter was often McDonalds or KFC which may have come from the local outlets

· After hours / night groups often left rubbish especially alcohol litter

· Sometimes CPS clean-up crews did not walk the whole perimeter from Watene Cres to Kitemoana St and rubbish was left for hours.

· The Kaitiaki were instrumental in working with CPS to make sure greater attention was paid to the outlying areas as part of the loose litter pick up.

44. Fast forward a few years and the litter management contract was awarded to Ventia. In addition to this the initial signage had worn out and the programme of handing out litter bags had lapsed. Recognising that litter management was becoming a problem the following measures were put in place:

· Educational messaging was renewed with use of both banners and coreflute signage

· The Kaitaiki service was increased

· Litter management was varied into the Ōkahu Rakau contract (and removed from Venita).

45. The feedback from the Kaitiaki Service and Council contract managers has been that the impact of all of these measures has been positive.

46. Due to the change in suppliers it has not been possible to get longitudinal data from 2013 until today however Ōkahu Rakau advise that the most practical way of monitoring litter volumes is to report on the number of 9 metre skip bins used over a period of time. These skip bins are used to collect any loose litter found. Over the busy summer months of January and February this year a total of three skips bins of litter were collected. This will be monitored in the future.

Volunteers and visiting groups

47. Ōkahu Rakau have supported 34 international volunteers from sustainable coastlines. They were from the following countries: Qatar, Egypt, USA, Pakistan, UK, Portugal, Australia, Germany, Austria and Japan.

48. In addition to this there have been five youth and six staff volunteer every Tuesday from the Blue Light program and two groups have been hosted from Volunteer Auckland.

49. In addition to visiting volunteers/volunteer groups there are a number of groups that visit the Ōkahu Rakau operations over the year. This quarter Ōkahu Rakau has hosted two groups from universities, two groups from Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) and two groups from Auckland Council.

Biodiversity

50. There has been ongoing pest control work by Ōkahu Rakau with 20 rats and 6 possums caught over the last quarter.

51. From the 1st May Ōkahu Rakau are working with the Eastern Song Bird volunteers on an enhanced rat control programme at Pourewa Creek Recreation Reserve. This will involve handing out rat traps for volunteers to put out and manage.

Health and Safety

52. Ōkahu Rakau have reported one lost time injury over the period.

53. The dilapidated bollards along Hapimana Street continue to be raised as a risk (trip hazard/obstacle). Funding is available to replace these however the design is not fit for purpose, they are not all on the Whenua Rangatira and they may not be needed in places depending on the future design of the area so their replacement is subject to agreement on the future of this are through the visual framework and agreement with the Ōrākei Local Board.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Atkin Ave Naturalisation Project - before and after pictures	37

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Jane Aickin - Kaiwhakahaere Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Tom Irvine – General Manager Transformation – Whai Maia

Authorisers

Jamie Sinclair - Chief Executive Officer - Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust

Jane Aickin - Kaiwhakahaere Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board

13 May 2019

Kaitiaki - report back and approval for 2019/20 programme

File No.: CP2019/06556

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update on the 2018/19 summer season for the Kaitiaki Service and put forward recommendations for 2019/20 for the Kaitiaki Service.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Kaitiaki Service has completed another successful season operating over the summer period. The high-profile hub is the focal point for arriving visitors and as such public engagement has increased markedly this season.

3. Feedback has been extremely positive. The public support and appreciation of the Kaitiaki service has been relayed to the team many times. The most common theme often expressed is that manuhiri have a general appreciation for not only the view but for a sense of safety and assurance within a pristine and litter free environment.

4. An increase in visitor numbers and a change in patterns and waves of movement on the whenua and beach have been observed this season. There are definite and distinct waves of visitors that begin at first light and continue on throughout the late afternoon and into the evening.

5. Kaitiaki Staff have been working 0630 – 1600 weekends and public holidays. In addition a reduced service is provided May – Sept.

6. A large number of visitors to these two major tourist destinations occurs during the week when there is no Kaitiaki Service presence. There is an aspiration to provide the Kaitiaki Service through consist presence and application of standards during the week however in order to consolidate and grow incrementally it is first recommended that the weekend hours increase to start early and end later i.e. 0630 -1900 October 2019 - April 2020 weekends and public holidays. This can be achieved with the same budget provision as previously approved by the reserves board. This is $19,000 above the base budget provided in the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board 10-year Financial Plan. It is therefore recommended that a permanent budget change be made to accommodate this level of service.

7. Capital expenditure is also recommended to help support the Kaitaiki Service. $50,000 is provided in the budget and this it is recommended that this be approved to enable:

· 20 Foot container for equipment storage

· Sign writing of trailer and container

· Replacement tent canopy

· Signage flags

8. Neil Maihi, Manager of the Kaitiaki Service advises “This season has been very successful with improved delivery and improved outcomes. Our Kaitiaki have grown within their respective roles and the brand and profile of the Kaitiaki Service is growing amongst our locals, visitors and tourist operators alike. We are privileged to be the ambassadors for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei on the Whenua Rangatira. This is a model to be celebrated and the Kaitiaki Service sincerely thank the Reserves Board for their ongoing and continued support.”

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board:

a) support the ongoing provision of a kaitiaki service on the Whenua Rangatira on weekends and public holidays from 0630 -1900 from October through to April in addition to a reduced kaitiaki role from May to September.

b) approve an ongoing operational budget of $77,240 for the Kaitiaki Service with funding over and above the current budget provision being reallocated from the underspent maintenance budget.

c) approve capital expenditure of up to $50,000 for capital works including a branded container for equipment storage and marketing collateral to support community engagement. This approval is subject to reporting back to the reserves board for approval in relation to the location of the container.

Horopaki

Context

9. The Ōrākei Reserves Board Summer Kaitiaki Service drew to a close on the 28 April coinciding with the end of the cruise ship season.

10. Neil Maihi, Manager of the Kaitiaki Service is happy with his teams’ efforts and delivery this season having established a standard and model of service that they are proud of.

11. The relationships fostered and the gains achieved this season include interaction with the public, regular users, facilities management team, tourist operators and visitors from all over the world and all of these have been both effective and rewarding.

12. Consistency of service has grown the brand and profile of the Kaitiaki Service and there is an established working understanding and respect with and from most visitors and operators. More importantly there has been improved relationships and behavior with groups where previously there were issues.

13. It has not always been plain sailing. There have been occasion this season where the safety of staff was prioritised due to the overwhelming numbers of boy racer cars and activity, on those few occasions Kaitiaki, as per protocol, called the Police Non-Emergency line and staff were withdrawn.

14. Despite, and because of this, staff remain professional, whilst maintaining and employing ongoing positive engagement and education of, who the Kaitiaki Service are, what the service does and why it is there. Importantly, some brief history and a warm sunny disposition has been more effective than any enforcement whakaaro (thinking).

15. The Kaitiaki Service direct contact with the public has meant they are in a prime position to gather valuable feedback and input directly from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to visitors and tourist operators, who are very happy to engage.

16. Not all feedback is positive. There are consistent issues that keep arising regarding the health and safety and experience of visitors, particularly mobility access to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial and the deficiencies with the public toilet block on Hapimana Street. This has been reported to Community Facilities, Auckland Council, who look after assets on these sites on behalf of the Ōrākei Local Board.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

17. A number of recommendations arising from this summers activities have been put to the Community Facilities Department of Auckland Council however there are also a number of actions that can be taken on the Whenua Rangatira to improve the experience. These are listed below and will be able to be included in the implementation of the Ōrākei Visual Framework and the joint branding work. An explanation supporting these recommendations follows:

· Install access and conditions of entry sign at entrance bottom of Hapimana Drive (on the Whenua Rangatira and Auckland Transport land areas but will need liaison with the Ōrākei Local Board as the access is to areas also managed by the local board)

· Installation of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board signage at the summit and include no smoking signage

· Engage with the local board and Auckland Transport in regard to the Ōkāhu Visual Framework and seek to achieve a better long-term design and outcome at this busy tourism hub. This may include:

o greater toilet capacity.

o options for ensuring ongoing unhindered access and egress to and from Takaparawhau summit.

18. While the toilet facilities at Takaparawhau are on an area administered by the Ōrākei Local Board they affect the experience of visitors and all are manuhiri on the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei rohe. Kaitiaki have been bombarded with complaints about the toilet facilities on a daily basis. The available conveniences are disproportionate to the number and regularity of visitors, the locking systems consistently fail leaving manuhiri vulnerable and potentially at risk of being walked in on, or, they are locking themselves in, unable to get out without assistance, at times with considerable distress. The asset failure component is being dealt with by Community Facilities who have noted that there is a delay in getting the locking systems but that hook and latches have now been installed. The greater issue is one of capacity.

19. Mass vehicle gridlocks on Hapimana Street are preventing safe unimpeded access to the summit.

20. Currently the community descends onto this area on-mass as, and when it suits, blocking off the roads by parking on both sides, loosing traction, whilst the observers cheer, drink and generally make a nuisance of themselves. Neil Maihi notes “nuisance aside, this activity does not align with our goals here at Takaparawhau nor Te Tikanga me Kawa o Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. This activity is disruptive, controversial and has a definite and negative impact on our, New Zealand’s, tourism brand and reputation.”

21. This mass congregating physically prevents dual vehicle access to and from the summit as vehicles park on both sides of the road creating a very dangerous and obvious safety hazard, drivers sometimes are physically unable to get past, with drivers often clashing with each other and observers. Historically there have been altercations, near misses, accidents and assaults as a direct result of this issue.

22. The installation of yellow lines, already requested, supported by signage up both sides of Hapimana Avenue will have immediate impact in preventing this congestion. Concurrently a total liquor ban should be implemented to support this. This request has been put to the local board.

23. In the interim, this season we have had significant success in moderating the behavior of the boy racer community that frequent the memorial, suffice to say we are for the most part achieving compliance whilst we are present, our engagement with a few of the trouble makers has borne fruit regarding compliance and education, by allowing them to understand the Kaitiaki Service are, what we were doing on behalf of who and why, we actually changed the thinking of some through dialogue and positive engagement as opposed to a strong enforcement whakaaro.

24. The fact that this community now does not gather on mass as early as they used to and wait until the Kaitiaki Service have left before they start congregating speaks volumes of the positive impact our Kaitiaki have had on this section of our community.

25. Direct and positive engagement with our Falun Gong practitioners has developed a mutual respect and understanding, consequently we have not had a repeat of previous negative activity. Kaitiaki have grown their relationship to a point where some Kaitiaki actively engage in korero and exercise and there has not been a repeat of previous adverse activity.

26. The Kaitiaki Service at Ōkahu Bay has enjoyed a successful summer season without major incident, our events were very successful and visitor numbers have been consistent.

27. The service has seen some new issues arise during this summer season. There has been a marked increase in water activity, especially from the SUP and Waka Ama communities who frequent the bay almost daily during the week and on mass during the weekends.

28. This increase in activity introduced new challenges regarding trailer parking and the congestion and risks this creates. An understanding was reached with most of the community who now utilise Watene Cres reserve for trailer parking with the guidance of Kaitiaki.

29. The management of electric scooters and drones has also kept our Kaitiaki very busy this season with scooter speed being a constant risk along Tamaki Drive.

30. This season has seen multiple incidents of illegal fishing, predominantly Pacific Island whanau groups who camp overnight setting multiple nets and rods.

31. This season four set nets were removed before the owners returned and Neil Maihi instructed the owners of eight others to remove those nets and clean their mess immediately. Fishermen were also advised net fishing was prohibited at Ōkahu Bay and further incidents may result in prosecution.

32. Kaitiaki have established a tour operator register. This is to aid and improve communication and understanding of combined services and inform each other of upcoming events, relevant issues and concerns.

33. The tent and branding have gone very well this season and as foreshadowed in the budget it is now time to provide a more permanent branded base and increase the amount of collateral (signage, rubbish bags etc) available to the Kaitiaki Service. It is recommended that this is still a mobile structure but with more capacity and permanence than a pop up tent.

34. It is recommended approval is given to spend up to $50,000 for capital works including a branded container and marketing collateral to support community engagement. Some thought needs to go into the location of the container and following some more detailed planning approval for the location will be reported back to the reserves board.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Tom Irvine – General Manager Transformation – Whai Maia

Authorisers

Jamie Sinclair - Chief Executive Officer - Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust

Jane Aickin - Kaiwhakahaere Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Chairperson	Marama Royal
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Desley Simpson, JP
Members	Mr Renata Blair
	Cr Linda Cooper, JP
	Member Wyllis Maihi
	Mr Kit Parkinson

Author	Maea Petherick - Senior Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Jane Aickin - Kaiwhakahaere Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua