Agenda of Waitākere Ranges Local Board

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Mr Smith will lead the meeting in prayer – or whatever set text we decide will appear here.

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

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

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 22 August 2019, including the confidential section, 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

6.1 Local board member end of term address's

Purpose

1. To provide Waitākere Local Board members the opportunity to make a brief (5 minute) end of term address.

Executive summary

2. This is an opportunity for Waitākere Local Board members to make a brief end of term or valedictory address prior to the 2019 Local Government elections.

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the end of term address from local board members.

b) note this is the final meeting for Member Steve Tollestrup and thank him for his hard work and contribution to the 2013-2016 and 2016-2019 terms of the Board and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

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.

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

9 Public Forum

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

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

10 Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waitākere Ward Councillor Update

File No.: CP2019/15761

Te take mō te pūrongo / Purpose of the report

1. To enable the Waitākere Ward Councillors to verbally update the Board.

Ngā tūtohunga / Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) thank Waitākere Ward Councillors Linda Cooper and Penny Hulse for their update.

Ngā tāpirihanga / Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina / Signatories

Author	Brenda Railey - Democracy Advisor - Waitakere Ranges
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Classification of Oratia Hall Reserve, 565 West Coast Road, Oratia

File No.: CP2019/16474

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To approve the classification of two of the three parcels of land that make up Oratia Hall Reserve, 565 West Coast Road Oratia under Section 16 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 as local purpose (community facilities) reserve.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Oratia Hall Reserve, 565 West Coast Road, Oratia is held in fee simple by Auckland Council as follows:

a) Lot 1 DP 420322 contained in Record of Title 571058 and comprising 3313m² is held as an unclassified recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977;

b) Part Allotment 251 Parish of Waikomiti, contained in Record of Title NA568/123 comprising 1012m² is held under the Local Government Act 2002 as a site for a public hall. Located on this parcel is the Auckland Council owned Oratia Settlers Hall;

c) Part Allotment 251 Parish of Waikomiti, contained in Record of Title NA568/124 comprising 1012m² is held as unclassified local purpose (public hall site) reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. Located on this parcel is the Auckland Council-owned Oratia Small Hall.

3. Oratia District Ratepayers & Residents Association Incorporated (Association) manages the two council-owned halls through a lease arrangement for the benefit of the community.

4. It is a legal requirement under the Reserves Act 1977 to classify the two unclassified reserves. This will enable the council to grant a renewal or a new community lease to the Association when required.

5. Council staff recommend classifying the two parcels held under the Reserves Act 1977 as outlined in paragraph 2 a) and c) as local purpose (community facilities) reserve. This classification will allow the Association to continue its activities on the reserve.

6. Council staff recommend retaining the parcel outlined in paragraph 2 b) under the Local Government Act 2002 as this Act allows for the community activities undertaken by the Association and the hirers of the halls.

7. The Department of Conservation (DoC) announced in March 2019 that it proposes revoking the majority of administering bodies delegations under the Reserves Act 1977. DoC has given all administering bodies time to prepare submissions before making a decision. During this time administering bodies may continue to progress matters as the delegations remain in place until a final decision has been made.

8. This report recommends the Waitākere Ranges Local Board approve the classification of Lot 1 DP 420322 contained in Record of Title 571058 and Part Allotment 251 Parish of Waikomiti, contained in Record of Title NA568/124 as local purpose (community facilities) reserve under Section 16 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) approve the classification of the following parcels of land as local purpose (community facilities) reserve under Section 16 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 being part of Oratia Hall Reserve, 565 West Coast Road, Oratia (Attachment A):

i) Lot 1 DP 420322 contained in Record of Title 571058 and comprising 3313m²

ii) part Allotment 251 Parish of Waikomiti, contained in Record of Title NA568/124 comprising 1012m².

Horopaki

Context

9. This report considers land classification matters impacting on community leasing issues with respect to Oratia Hall Reserve.

10. Local boards hold delegated authority under Section 16(2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 to approve classifications of council owned reserves, subject to all statutory processes having been satisfied.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Oratia Hall Reserve

11. Oratia Hall Reserve is made up of three parcels of land (Attachment B). The three parcels are all held in fee simple by Auckland Council and described as follows:

a) Lot 1 DP 420322 contained in Record of Title 571058 and comprising 3313m² is held as an unclassified recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977

Oratia District Ratepayers & Residents Association Incorporated

12. The Oratia District Ratepayers & Residents Association Incorporated manages the two halls on behalf of the council for the benefit of the community through a community lease. The Association’s community lease is for the two parcels of land that the halls are located on as outlined in paragraphs 11 b) and c).

13. The Association entered into a lease with the former Waitemata City Council for a term of 33 years commencing 1 September 1987. There is one right of renewal of 33 years commencing 1 September 2020 effecting final expiry on 31 August 2053. In 1989 Waitemata City Council joined with the boroughs of Henderson, Glen Eden and New Lynn to form Waitakere City Council. The deed of lease was executed on 15 April 1990 with the Waitakere City Council.

Reserves Act 1977

14. The Reserves Act 1977 came into force on 1 April 1978 and requires all reserves to be classified for their primary purposes.

15. The two parcels of the reserve outlined in paragraph 11 a) and c) have remained unclassified and require classification. For the council to grant a renewal or new lease staff recommend the following reserve classification and the reasons for this:

Local Purpose (community facilities) reserve

The Reserves Act 1977 requires the administering body to have considered the activity on the reserve necessary or desirable and to classify it for its specified purpose. The term ‘community facilities’ provides a wide scope for activities. Facility has the dictionary meaning of a place, amenity or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose, or a special feature that offers the opportunity to do or benefit from something.

16. Classification of the two parcels will allow for the Association to continue its activities on the reserve.

17. Classification will also enable the low level commercial activity such as a kiosk as mentioned in the Oratia Village Draft Masterplan 2013 to be compliant with the Reserves Act 1977. This plan is still in draft and has not been formally adopted but is still used as a guide for the reserve and the Oratia village.

18. Prior to proceeding with the classification, the council is required under Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987 to engage with local iwi. There is no provision under Section 16 (2A) requiring the council to publicly advertise its intention to classify.

19. Engagement with iwi has been undertaken as outlined in paragraphs 27 and 28 below.

20. In March 2019 the Department of Conservation (DoC) announced that it is proposing to revoke the majority of administering bodies delegations under the Reserves Act 1977. DoC has given all administering bodies time to prepare submissions before making a decision. During this time administering bodies may continue to progress matters as the delegations remain in place during the submission and decision process.

21. Council staff recommend retaining Part Allotment 251 Parish of Waikomiti on Record of Title NA568/123 under the Local Government Act 2002 as this Act allows for the activities undertaken by the Association and the hirers of the halls.

22. The Oratia District Ratepayers & Residents Association Incorporated were advised of the requirement to classify the two parcels of land at a meeting held on 22 May 2019.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

23. Staff from council’s Parks, Sports and Recreation team support the proposed classification of the land at Oratia Hall Reserve to reflect the activities being undertaken on the reserve.

24. The proposed classification has no identified impact on other parts of the council group. The views of council-controlled organisations were not required for the preparation of advice in this report.

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

Local impacts and local board views

25. Council staff sought input at a local board workshop on 14 May 2019 regarding the classification of Oratia Hall Reserve.

26. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board is the delegated authority under Section 16 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 to approve the classification of Oratia Hall Reserve.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

27. Engagement was undertaken in July 2019 with the seven iwi groups identified as having an interest in land in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area regarding the intention to classify two parcels of Oratia Hall Reserve.

28. Engagement involved:

· a presentation at the North West Mana Whenua Forum on 3 July 2019 held in Orewa

· email contact containing detailed information on the reserve, the activities undertaken by groups who hold community leases and invited iwi representatives to hui and for a kaitiaki site visit to comment on any spiritual, cultural or environmental impact with respect to the proposal

29. No objections to the proposal were received.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

30. Publication in the New Zealand Gazette records the local board’s resolution. A permanent public record of the classification will be obtained after registration of the published gazette notice against the titles containing the two reserves. The cost of publication is approximately $100 and will be borne by Community Facilities.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

31. Should the Waitākere Ranges Local Board resolve not to approve classification of Oratia Hall Reserve this decision:

· would, (subject to the satisfactory completion of all statutory processes which will mean that the land status legally supports the lessee’s activities) prevent council staff from recommending a renewal of new community lease

· may increase Auckland Council’s maintenance requirements in terms of maintaining the improvements on the reserve including those owned by the existing lessee.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

32. Subject to local board approval council staff will publish a notice in the New Zealand Gazette so a permanent public record of the classification is held.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Classification of the two unclassified parcels of land held under the Reserves Act 1977 that makes up Oratia Hall Reserve, 565 West Coast Road, Oratia	13
b ⇩	Three land parcels that make up Oratia Hall Reserve, 565 West Coast Road, Oratia	15

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Donna Cooper - Community Lease Advisor

Authorisers

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Small Park Improvements project

File No.: CP2019/15417

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval for additional Locally Driven Initiative (LDI) Capex funding and a selection of small park improvements initiatives in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board park network.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The local board allocated Locally Driven Initiative (LDI) Capex of $50,000 for small park improvement projects in their Community Facilities work programme 2019-2022.

3. Following consideration of a list of proposed small park improvement projects the Waitākere Ranges Local Board have identified initiatives at Prospect Park, Olive Grove and Glucina Reserve as priorities parks for improvements.

4. A list of priority projects was discussed with the local board with an estimated additional cost of $16,000.

5. Staff seek approval for the list of initiatives and allocation of an additional $16,000 LDI Capex to undertake all physical work.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) approve a change to the Community Facilities Work Programme 2019 - 2022 project ‘Waitākere Ranges – small park improvements – phase 2’ (SharePoint ID 2831) to increase the project budget from $50,000 to $66,000, an increase of $16,000 to be funded from Locally Driven Initiative Capex.

b) approve the list of projects for delivery in the ‘Wāitakere Ranges – small park improvements – phase 2’ project as shown in Attachment A to the agenda report.

Horopaki

Context

6. In June 2019 the local board approved allocation of $50,000 LDI Capex to undertake small improvements in its park network. A recommended list of potential projects was developed by staff and presented to the local board on 11 July 2019 at a workshop. The local board selected priority projects and staff received high level costing for these to assist the local board in selecting a final list of projects for delivery.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

7. At a workshop held on 22 August 2019, staff provided the list of potential small park improvement projects with high level costing, for the local board to prioritise. The identified projects feature the addition of a range of new assets that would complement existing provision within the parks and contribute to an improved user experience.

8. The list of potential projects provided at the workshop is shown in Table 1.

Item No.	Activity Name	Activity Description
1	Prospect Park – install new BBQ	Supply and install an electric BBQ mounted on a concrete pad with pool fencing surround. Power will be drawn from park amenity lighting.
2	Prospect Park – move existing picnic table to BBQ area	Move existing picnic table to new position near newly installed BBQ.
3	Milan Reserve – install concrete path connection	Install approximately 8 metres of concrete footpath connection roadside path with bush trail.
4	Olive Grove – install park picnic table	Supply and install a new picnic table on a concrete pad.
5	Olive Grove – install footpath connections	Install new footpaths to connect existing paths at 1.2m wide.
6	Kamara Road Common – install new park seat	Supply and install a new park seat.
7	Osman Street Common – install park sign	Supply and install a park identification blade sign.
8	Glucina Reserve – install new park sign	Supply and install a park identification pole sign. (Note: this sign would have to be installed on private land with owners approval)
9	Glucina Reserve – install new swing set	Supply and install a new swing set with one baby swing and one child swing. Price includes edging and cushion fall.
10	George Herring Common – install new park ID sign	Supply and install park identification blade sign.
11	Titirangi Beach Reserve – install new BBQ	Supply and install a new electric BBQ powered from nearby toilet block.
12	Titirangi Beach Reserve – install new picnic table	Supply and install a new picnic table near the new BBQ.
13	Virgo Park – install new seat	Supply and install new park seat.
14	Opou Reserve – install new interpretive signage	Research, supply and install a new interpretive sign.
15	Maywood Reserve – install new swing set	Supply and install a new swing set with basket swing and child’s swing, including edging and cushion fall.
16	Maywood Reserve – install new park seat	Supply and install a new park seat.
17	Maywood Reserve – plant trees	Supply trees and undertake a community planting.

9. Through discussion with the local board at the workshop, five of the potential projects were identified as delivering the most benefit within the highest priority parks. The estimated cost for these five projects is $66,000, which would require the allocation of an additional $16,000 to the $50,000 LDI capex approved in June 2019 to the project.

10. Table 2 shows the five projects identified at the workshop for delivery in the 2019/2020 financial year.

Table 2

Item No.	Initiative Name
1	Prospect Park – supply and install a new BBQ, mounted on a concrete pad with pool fencing surround. Power will be drawn from the park amenity lighting.
2	Prospect Park – move existing picnic table to new BBQ area.
4	Olive Grove - supply and install a new picnic table on a concrete pad.
5	Olive Grove – install new footpaths to connect existing paths at 1.2 metres wide.
9	Glucina Reserve – supply and install a new swing set with edging and cushion fall.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

11. The list of potential small park improvement projects was developed in collaboration between Community Facilities, Park Services and Community Empowerment staff, with information gathered through community consultation and meetings, being shared and projects discussed between departments.

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

Local impacts and local board views

12. The recommendation to undertake small park improvements in the Waitākere Ranges park network will benefit park users by providing a higher level of service.

13. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board support development of parks by considering and approving a range of park service level improvements in under developed open space. During the 2018/2019 financial year small park improvements were undertaken at Sunvue Park, Vale Park and Prospect Park following approval of LDI Capex funding from the local board.

14. At a workshop on 22 August 2019 the local board considered the list of recommended small park improvements projects provided by staff, and indicated their preference for delivery of a selection of these.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

15. The project to make small park improvements in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area will benefit the local communities including Māori residents.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

16. Waitākere Ranges Local Board currently has $736,000 of unallocated LDI Capex as such there are sufficient funds for the recommended additional LDI of $16,000.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

17. No risks have been identified which will affect the delivery of this project.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

18. Following approval, physical works to deliver the prioritised small park improvements in Table 1 above will begin.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Community Facilities work programme FY19-22 amendment	21

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Helen Biffin - Work Programme Lead

Authorisers

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Kauri Dieback Disease - Local Park Mitigation for Waitākere Ranges Local Board

File No.: CP2019/16931

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval for the proposed mitigation work on tracks in local parks to protect healthy kauri and prevent kauri dieback spread within the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. There are 307 local parks throughout the Auckland region that contain kauri. Protection of healthy kauri is the primary objective of council’s kauri dieback management approach, as is preventing the spread of kauri dieback through – among other things - the isolation of any diseased specimens.

3. To protect healthy kauri and prevent the spread of kauri dieback, staff have analysed all local parks and reserves in the Auckland region and developed recommended mitigation measures for each park.

4. An interim report was presented to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on 18 April 2019 (WTK/2019/38). This report obtained the local board’s endorsement of the proposed high-level kauri protection measures prior to the development of a detailed programme of works.

5. This report focuses on the specific programme of works for each park, including the associated costs and timeframes.

6. There are currently 47 local parks across Auckland subject to partial or full track closures. These closures were implemented between April and July 2019, as a temporary measure while mitigation options were developed. Temporary closures will continue until the mitigation works have been completed and tracks have been upgraded to be kauri-safe. In Papakura, tracks in one park have been closed temporarily.

7. Ninety-four local parks in the Waitākere Ranges were initially assessed and prioritised. Forty seven of these required no further action as they are not easily accessible and/or had no formed tracks. Twelve of these parks were outside of scope as they were associated with regional park and 18 parks were recommended for indefinite closure as there were no formed public tracks. Detailed investigation was carried out in 16 local parks to determine the appropriate mitigation measures (ATTACHMENT A).

8. Community meetings were held on 11 July 2019 and 15 July 2019, with representatives from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, representatives from South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network and other key park stakeholders in attendance to discuss the proposed mitigation measures. A workshop was held with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on 15 August 2019 to discuss the proposed detailed mitigation programme.

9. Recommended mitigation measures include re-alignment or re-routing of tracks, installation of new track surface, steps, boardwalks and installation of hygiene stations. Where appropriate, indefinite track closure is also considered as a mitigation option. Public education and engagement are always a part the proposed mitigation measures.

10. Mitigation measures proposed for 16 local parks within Waitākere Ranges are detailed in ATTACHMENT A. Location maps are provided in ATTACHMENT B

11. Further detailed design and tendering is planned for September and October. The identified mitigation works are planned to be undertaken from November 2019 to March 2021, subject to any required consent and other approvals.

12. Track mitigation works will be carried out in accordance with the dry track standards and specifications provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for Kauri Dieback Management.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) approve the following proposed mitigation work programme to protect healthy kauri and prevent kauri dieback spread in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area.

Park	Recommendation	Cost Estimate (physical works only)
1. Wood Bay Reserve	· Indefinite closure of small track with buffer planting and fencing	$20,000
2. Mahoe Walk	· Indefinite closure of track	$20,000
3. Opou Reserve	· Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards with BAM filled Geoweb and box steps within Kauri Hygiene Areas · Bring the remainder of the track to a dry track standard	$90,000
4. Bill Haresnape track	· Mitigate tracks to national kauri safe standards with BAM filled Geoweb, rope barrier to delineate the track, box steps and a staircase to realign the existing track to bypass kauri · Bring the remainder of the track to a formed dry track standard	$120,000
5. Okewa Reserve	· Indefinite closure of track with fencing and removal of assets to discourage off track movement	$20,000
6. Tinopai/ Eric Leigh Hunt	· Mitigate track to national kauri safe standards by reforming the track to 1.4m width, removal a rebuild of stringers	$244,000
7. Paturoa Way/ Tinopai Walk	· Mitigate to national kauri safe standards with BAM filled Geoweb and box steps within Kauri Hygiene Areas · Bring the rest of the track to a dry track standard	$133,000
8. Arama Reserve	· Mitigate to national standards Mitigate track within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb and boardwalk · Bring the rest of the track to a dry track standard	$78,000
9. Rahui Kahika Reserve	· Track A-B is upgraded to kauri safe standards with aggregate, edgeboards, BMA filled Geoweb, box steps and a handrail to delineate the track · Track B-C is upgraded to kauri safe standards with aggregate resurfacing, side drains and low boardwalk · Track B-E is closed indefinitely	$128,000
10. Titirangi War Memorial	· Indefinite closure with fencing	$20,000
11. Henderson Valley Scenic Reserve	· Mitigate tracks to national kauri safe standards within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb, box steps · Bring the rest of the track to a dry track standard	$103,000
12. Siebel Scenic Reserve	· Mitigate track within Kauri Hygiene Areas with Geoweb with BAM and box steps · Bring unformed section of track to a dry track standard	$36,000
13. Arapito Plantation	· Mitigate track to national kauri safe standards within the Kauri Hygiene Areas with Geoweb with BAM infill around the kauri and, aggregate resurfacing and replacement of old stringer steps	$70,000
14. Kaurimu Park	· Mitigate track to national kauri safe standards within the Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb, box steps, replacement of handrail and steps	$90,000
15. Warner Park	· Upgrade the track leading into Kauri Hygiene Areas with resurfacing and side drains. Keep existing box steps and refill.	$50,000
16. Waitoru Reserve	· Indefinite closure with buffer planting and fencing	$20,000

b) note that budget allocation for all projects in the kauri dieback mitigation work programme are best current estimates, and amendments may be required to the kauri dieback mitigation work programme to accommodate final costs as the year progresses.

c) that the the following proposed mitigation work programme as detailed in Attachment A (Proposed Kauri Dieback Mitigation Work Programme) is incorporated into the 2019 - 2022 Community Facilities Work Programme.

d) delegate to the chairperson authority to approve minor amendments to the Kauri Dieback Mitigation Work Programme, following receipt of written advice from staff.

Horopaki

Context

13. There are 307 local parks throughout the Auckland region that contain kauri. The funding available from the natural environment targeted rate will not be able to provide for the protection of all kauri in the region.

14. To manage investment across the region, a risk-based prioritisation approach has been applied. Local parks have been analysed in terms of kauri ecosystem value, recreational value and kauri health status, noting that the council’s primary objective is the protection of healthy kauri.

15. This report outlines the proposed mitigation works for parks that have been prioritised, including the associated implementation costs and estimated timeframes.

16. An interim report (Resolution number WTK/2019/38) regarding proposed kauri dieback mitigation in local parks was presented to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on 18 April 2019. The local board resolved the following:

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) endorse the temporary closure of the tracks within the following nine parks and reserves to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease, as per Attachment A of the report:

· Seibel Scenic Reserve

· Bill Haresnape Walk

· Mahoe Walk

· Opua Reserve

· Paturoa Way

· Rahui Kahika Reserve

· Titirangi War Memorial

· Okewa Reserve

· Tinopai Reserve – Eric Leigh Hunt Track

b) endorse the temporary closure of the tracks within the following two parks and reserves, refer to Attachment B of the report, to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease:

· Wood Bay Reserve – within the bush areas

· Arama Reserve

c) endorse the continued closure of the tracks and access into the following park to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease until tracks upgraded to Kauri Dieback Disease (KDD) standard, reference Attachment C of the report:

· Concordia Reserve

d) endorse the closure of the tracks within Henderson Valley Scenic Reserve from 31 April 2019 to 31 October 2019 to prevent the spread of Kauri dieback disease

e) request that staff expedite the development programme to enable the high use tracks to be reopened for summer of 2019

f) request staff to report back on a timetable for track reopening by July 2019

g) note that a further workshop and report will come to the local board on Category B parks

h) staff report back on the opportunity and potential support mechanisms for community involvement in the development and maintenance works of upgrading tracks

i) thank officers Grant Jennings and Lisa Tolich for their attendance.

17. The kauri dieback budget is dedicated to protecting kauri and preventing the spread of kauri dieback disease, through the provision of new assets or upgrading of existing assets. Natural environment targeted rate budget cannot be used for the renewal of tracks in kauri forest, unless it is specifically allocated to protecting kauri.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

18. The interim report provided to the Waitākere Ranges Local Board on 18 April 2019 (WTK/2019/38) included the results of the prioritisation of local parks and sought endorsement of the recommended high-level kauri protection actions prior to the development of the detailed programmed of works.

19. There are currently 47 local parks across Auckland subject to partial of full track closures. These closures were implemented between April and July 2019, as a temporary measure while mitigation options were developed. In Waitākere Ranges, fourteen tracks have been closed temporarily as follows: Seibel Scenic Reserve, Bill Haresnape Walk, Mahoe Walk, Opou Reserve, Paturoa Way, Rahui Kahika Reserve, Titirangi War Memorial, Okewa Reserve, Tinopai Reserve, Wood Bay Reserve, Arama Reserve and Henderson Valley Scenic, Kaurimu Park and Waitoru Reserve

20. 94 local parks in the Waitākere Ranges were initially assessed and prioritised. 47 of these required no further action as they are not easily accessible and/or had no formed tracks. 12 of these parks were outside of scope as they were associated with regional park and 18 parks were recommended for indefinite closure as there were no formed public tracks. Detailed investigation was carried out in 16 local parks to determine the appropriate mitigation measures (ATTACHMENT A).

21. Each track was assessed and prioritised on the following basis:

· the value of the kauri ecosystem, which was classified as high, medium or low. A kauri ecosystem value was assigned by council ecologists based on the work undertaken by Singers et al (2017): Indigenous terrestrial and wetland ecosystems of Auckland

· the health status of the kauri, which was noted as infected, possibly infected or symptom free. This information was sourced from the council’s active surveillance programme, which includes soil sampling

· the recreational value of the park, which was identified as high, medium or low. The analysis considered key recreational activities such as recreational trails, active transport, visitor destinations, volunteer activity and sports and recreation use, whether there were alternative tracks available and potential future growth. Reviews of reserve management plans (if applicable) and any other relevant strategic documents were undertaken.

22. The priority for natural environment targeted rate funding is on formal tracks with high value kauri areas and high recreational use. Mitigation of unformed or informal tracks is generally not a high priority. Those tracks are normally recommended for indefinite closure.

23. Consultation has been undertaken with the local board, key park stakeholders (South Titirangi Neighborhood Network and Kauri Rescue) and mana whenua.

24. The kauri dieback disease mitigation programme below identifies some of the key milestones. Timeframes are estimates only, and are subject to resourcing, weather conditions (for construction) and the actual scope of the works that are required to be undertaken.

25. The mitigation options for fourteen reserves in Waitākere Ranges is described in detail in ATTACHMENT A. Location maps are provided in ATTACHMENT B.

The recommended mitigation works are summarised as follows:

a. Wood Bay Reserve: Indefinite closure of small track with buffer planting and fencing. The estimated cost is $20,000. The estimated timeframe for completion is November 2019, subject to contractor availability.

b. Mahoe Walk: Indefinite closure of track with fencing. The estimate cost is $20,000. The estimated timeframe for completion is November 2019, subject to contractor availability.

c. Opou Reserve: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards with BAM filled Geoweb and box steps within Kauri Hygiene Areas and bring the remainder of the track to a dry track standard. The estimated cost is $90,000. The estimated timeframe for completion is December 2019, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions

d. Bill Haresnape Track: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards with BAM filled Geoweb, rope barrier to delineate the track, box steps and a staircase to realign the existing track to bypass kauri. Bring the remainder of the track to a formed, dry track standard. The estimated cost is $120,000. As this work will require a resource consent, the estimated timeframe for completion is June 2020- subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

e. Okewa Reserve: Indefinite closure of track with fencing and removal of assets to discourage off track movement. The estimated cost is $20,000. The estimated timeframe for completion is November 2019, subject to contractor availability.

f. Tinopai/ Eric Leigh Hunt track: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards by reforming the track and remove and rebuild the stringer steps. The estimated cost is $244,000. As this work will require a specific resource consent, the estimated timeframe for completion of works is March 2021, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

g. Paturoa Way/ Tinopai Walk: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards with BAM filled Geoweb and box steps within the Kauri Hygiene Areas. Bring the rest of the track to a dry track standard. The estimated cost is $133,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of works is December 2019, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

h. Arama Reserve: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb and boardwalk. Bring the rest of the track to a dry track standard. The estimated cost is $78,000. As the recommended mitigation works will require a specific resource consent he estimated timeframe for completion of works is March 2021, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

i. Rahui Kahika Reserve: Track A-B is upgraded to kauri safe standards with aggregate, edgeboards, BAM filled Geoweb, box steps and a handrail to delineate the track. Track B-C is upgraded to kauri safe standards with aggregate resurfacing, side drains and low boardwalk. Track B-E is recommended to be closed indefinitely. The estimated cost is $128,000. As a standard resource consent is required for these works, the estimated timeframe for completion is June 2020, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

j. Titirangi War Memorial: Indefinite closure with fencing. The estimated cost is $20,000. The estimated timeframe for completion is November 2019, subject to contractor availability.

k. Henderson Valley Scenic Reserve: Mitigate tracks to national kauri-safe standards within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb and box steps. Bring the rest of the track to a dry track standard. The estimated cost is $103,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of works is December 2019, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

l. Siebel Scenic Reserve: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standards within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb and box steps. Bring unformed section of track to a dry track standard. The estimated cost is $36,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of works is June 2020, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

m. Arapito Plantation: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standard within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb around kauri, aggregate resurfacing and replacement of stringer steps. The estimated cost is $70,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of works is June 2020, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

n. Kaurimu Park: Mitigate track to national kauri-safe standard within Kauri Hygiene Areas with BAM filled Geoweb, replacement of handrail and steps. The estimated cost is $90,000. As this work will require a standard resource consent, the estimated timeframe for completion of works is March 2021, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

o. Warner Park: Upgrade the track leading into Kauri Hygiene Areas with aggregate resurfacing and side drainage. Keep the existing box steps and refill. The estimated cost is $50,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of works is March 2020, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

p. Waitoru Reserve: Indefinite closure with buffer planting and fencing. The estimated cost is $20,000. The estimated timeframe for completion of works in November 2019, subject to contractor availability and weather conditions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

26. The recommendations in this report have been developed through collaboration between council’s Environmental Services department, Parks, Sports and Recreation department and Community Facilities department.

27. Representatives from these key departments are working as part of a dedicated and ongoing project team, to ensure that all aspects of the kauri dieback mitigation programme are undertaken in an integrated manner.

28. Auckland Council Biosecurity specialists and kauri dieback team members have visited all parks in the Auckland regions that have kauri in close proximity to tracks to assess possible mitigation options.

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

Local impacts and local board views

29. On 18 April 2019, an interim report was presented to Waitākere Ranges Local Board where multiple high-level kauri protection measures for local parks and reserves were endorsed.

30. Closing tracks in parks or reserves will have an impact on recreational activities available in the local board area. These impacts were taken into consideration when determining suitable kauri dieback mitigation measures.

31. On 11 July 2019 and 15 July 2019 key park stakeholder meetings were held with representatives from South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network, local residents, local board members, park rangers and park specialists from Auckland Council. The purpose of the meetings was to gain feedback on the proposed detailed mitigation works.

32. The community representatives were understanding of the rationale behind the temporarily closure of the tracks until mitigation works were completed. Feedback from the community allowed us to prioritise works where critical commuter routes were closed with no alternative routes. For example, Paturoa Way and Tinopai Reserve have subsequently been considered together as they are used as a loop route for local residents both recreationally and as a commuter link.

33. As a result of the community discussions, we have prioritised the reopening of Paturoa Way by December 2019 as the recommended mitigation work does not require a consent. Feedback for the temporary closures for Tinopai reserve included the erection of appropriate signage to inform walkers of the closure before undertaking an unnecessary walk to the track entrance.

34. When discussing Bill Haresnape Walk, the main concern was timeframes for completion of the recommended mitigation works. As a result of the community discussions Bill Haresnape walk has also been prioritised as the temporary closures has resulted in much longer walking/ travel time for locals.

35. Titirangi war memorial is recommended for indefinite closure. After an in depth discussion on the mitigation options the feedback included support in protecting the kauri within the reserve and concern around the safety of the alternative route via Park Road. A local resident also noted that the closest alternative walking route at the Zig-Zag track “ is lovely but has limited capacity for those that walk and exercise regularly”.

36. Okewa reserve is recommended for indefinite closure. Initial scoping determined that the existing unformed track is a health and safety hazard, the recreational use of the reserve is low (only local residents) and the cost to bring the track to a kauri safe standard would not be commensurate with the recreational use of the reserve. Feedback included a request to investigate the options for an alternative route away from the kauri at the entrance so that locals could continue to use the reserve.

37. Mahoe Walk is recommended for indefinite closure as it is a high risk with confirmed kauri dieback. The community were understanding of the need to isolate the infection by closing Mahoe Walk indefinitely.

38. Overall, while the community were understanding of the rationale behind the temporary and indefinite closures there are concerns over the amount of closures and loss of track networks in this particular area. There is concern that local residents especially young children will miss out on valuable exercise and recreational time.

39. Timeframes for completion of works have been considered in accordance with community feedback and statutory requirements (consents etc) and it was agreed that the community groups would be kept informed on the timings of the track works, prioritised tracks and any changes to the discussed recommendations.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

40. 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 Tāmaki 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.

41. Tāmaki Makaurau Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Kaimahi representatives have stressed the importance of the kauri species and expressed a desire to work more closely with the council and the Department of Conservation. Staff will work with mana whenua on the approach to kauri dieback on a site by site basis, where appropriate.

42. Te Kawerau a Maki, were engaged during the scoping of the parks and attended Bill Haresnape, Henderson Valley Scenic Reserve, Siebel Scenic Reserve and Titirangi War Memorial.

· Bill Haresnape Track: Te Kawerau a Maki representatives attended the initial site scoping and were supportive of the temporary closures until appropriate mitigation had been completed.

· Henderson Valley Scenic Reserve: Te Kawerau a Maki representatives attended the initial site scoping and advised that they would like to see track A-B closed and track B-C only upgraded to a kauri safe standard. It is noted that a portion of the site in the north eastern corner has been returned to iwi ownership.

· Siebel Scenic Reserve: Te Kawerau a Maki representatives had comments regarding dogs off leash on the tracks and wanted to see the tracks closed until mitigation was installed to the track

· Titirangi War Memorial: Te Kawerau a Maki representatives view was that the track should be closed. They viewed the track as a commuter link, not a recreational reserve and with an alternative commuter connection near by it is an unnecessary risk to keep the track open.

43. A workshop with mana whenua was held on 7 August 2019 where the proposed mitigation works were discussed in detail.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

44. In May 2018, the Governing Body approved a natural environment targeted rate to support environmental initiatives, including addressing kauri dieback. The rate will raise $311 million over the duration of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 (resolution GB/2018/91).

45. The natural environment targeted rate provides funding for kauri dieback control, including new infrastructure such as track upgrades to kauri dry track standard.

46. Where track works are already programmed in the renewals budget, additional works required to protect kauri, such as removing muddy sections of track where kauri are at risk, will be funded by the natural environment targeted rate.

47. Due to the required new standards and hygiene operating procedures the costs for building tracks to kauri dry track standard are expected to be higher than previous track projects.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

48. The main risk is the spread of kauri dieback disease, where tracks are located within three times the drip line radius of kauri.

49. Closing tracks in parks and reserves, whether temporary (until upgrade works are completed) or indefinitely (where upgrade works are not recommended), will have an impact on the recreational activities available in the local board area. This may result in additional recreational pressure on other parks and reserves.

50. To mitigate this risk, information will be provided to the public about alternative recreational activities. As part of the kauri dieback community engagement and education programme, the public is provided with information about the reasons for the track closures, the objectives of the kauri dieback mitigation programme and hygiene around kauri.

51. There is also a risk of non-compliance, where mitigation measures are disregarded by the public, particularly with respect to track closures (where tracks continue to be used despite closure notices) and hygiene stations (where hygiene stations are not used, or not used correctly).

52. Risk mitigation includes the provision of appropriate information and effective implementation of track closures, including signage and physical barriers.

53. In undertaking the mitigation works, strict adherence to the standards and hygiene operating requirements will be required and enforced to reduce the risk of the spread of kauri dieback disease by contractors, volunteers and council staff.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

54. Following the local board’s decision on the recommendations provided in this report, further design, consenting (if required) and tendering will be undertaken. Contractors will then be engaged to undertake park/track mitigation works in late 2019 and/or early 2020.

55. A priority system will be in place to determine the order of works, considering the impact on the community, volume of track users, alternative routes and safety.

56. The local board and the local community will be kept updated and informed on the timing for the planned works.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Proposed mitigation work programme for local parks	35
b ⇩	Location Maps for local parks	65

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Grant Jennings - Principal Sports Parks Advisor

Authorisers

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

New road names in the Harvestfield Holdings Limited subdivision Stage 1 at 33 – 37 Seymour Road, Sunnyvale

File No.: CP2019/17119

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval from the Waitākere Ranges Local Board for names for two new road public roads created by way of the Stage 1 subdivision at 33-37 Seymour Road, Sunnyvale.

2. Approval is also sought to use the existing name for a road that has been extended from a previously approved subdivision

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

3. Auckland Council has road naming guidelines that set out the requirements and criteria of the Council for proposed road names. These requirements and criteria have been applied in this situation to ensure consistency of road naming across the Auckland Region.

4. The applicant, Harvestfield Holdings Limited, has submitted the following names for the two new public roads:

Road 3: Bloom Crescent (applicants preferred option)

Road 8: Petal Lane (applicants preferred option)

The following names have been submitted as alternatives for either road:

· Satsuma Crescent

· Mina Lane

Existing road extension (Road 1): Rosandich Drive

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) approve the following names for the two new public roads constructed within the subdivision being undertaken by Harvestfield Holdings Limited at 13 Scott Road, Hobsonville, in accordance with section 319(1)(j) of the Local Government Act 1974:

Road 3: [local board to insert chosen name]

Road 8: [local board to insert chosen name]

b) approve the name ‘Rosandich Drive’ for the extension of the existing road of the same name, in accordance with section 319(1)(j) of the Local Government Act 1974.

Horopaki

Context

5. Resource consent has been obtained for a 31 lot residential subdivision for Stage 1 at 33 – 37 Seymour Road and the council reference is SUB-2008-1174/SUB60038141-A.

6. A site plan of the roads and development can be found in Attachment A.

7. A location map of the proposed development can be found in Attachment B.

8. In accordance with the national addressing standard all public roads require a name.

9. It should be noted that part of Road 3 which is to be a ‘crescent’, will be developed as part of a different stage

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

10. Auckland Council’s road naming criteria typically require that road names reflect:

- A historical or ancestral linkage to an area;

- A particular landscape, environment or biodiversity theme or feature; or

- An existing (or introduced) thematic identity in the area.

- The use of Maori names is actively encouraged

11. `Research into the history of the site shows that Sunnyvale was an orchard and wine growing area. Ivan Rosandich (from where the name ‘Rosandich Drive’ originates) is listed as “Auckland Orchardist” on the historic title for the property. it is therefore considered appropriate to incorporate names associated with the fruiting of trees.

12. The applicant has therefore proposed those names set out in the following table.

Proposed New Road Name

Meaning

Road Naming Criteria

Road 3

Bloom Crescent (preferred)

Bloom is part of the cycle of any fruit tree found on an orchard.

Meets criteria – thematic and unique.

Road 8

Petal Lane

(preferred)

Part of a flower of the fruit.

Meets criteria – thematic and unique.

Satsuma Crescent

(alternative)

Name of a type of mandarin.

Meets criteria – thematic and unique.

Mina Lane

(alternative)

Means desire, want, wish, aspiration. We want the project to be harmonious, warm and loving place for residents.

Meets criteria – thematic and unique.

13. Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has confirmed the proposed and alternative names are acceptable and no duplicates exist within the Auckland region.

14. All iwi in the Auckland area were written to and invited to comment.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei deferred comment to Te Kawerau a Maki who did not respond.

No other replies were received.

15. The proposed new names are deemed to meet the council’s road naming guidelines

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

16. The decision sought for this report does not trigger any significance policy and is not considered to have any immediate impacts on any council groups.

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

Local impacts and local board views

17. The decision sought for this report does not trigger any significant policy and is not considered to have any immediate impact on the community.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

18. The applicant has corresponded with local iwi and no objections were received.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

19. The applicant has responsibility for ensuring that appropriate signage will be installed accordingly once approval is obtained for the new road name.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

20. There are no significant risks to council as road naming is a routine part of the subdivision development process with consultation being a key part of the process.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

21. Approved road names are notified to Land Information New Zealand which records them on its New Zealand wide land information database which includes street addresses issued by councils.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	33-37 Seymour Road Sunnyvale Scheme Plan	77
b ⇩	33-37 Seymour Road Sunnyvale Location Map	79

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Dale Rewa, Subdivision Advisor

Authorisers

Trevor Cullen - Team Leader Subdivision

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Maori naming of parks and places in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area

File No.: CP2019/17470

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To agree the initial scope, priorities and work programme for Te Kete Rukuruku, a Māori naming and storytelling programme for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Te Kete Rukuruku is a programme involving the collection and telling of the unique stories of Tāmaki Makaurau. A subset of this programme is the Māori naming of parks and places which involves the reclamation or identification of new Māori names and narratives across Tāmaki Makaurau.

3. Te Kete Rukuruku is a programme that responds to feedback from mana whenua about the current naming practices across Council which are inconsistent and appear to place low priority and visibility on Māori naming and narratives.

4. The programme also responds to the Auckland Council Māori Language Policy adopted in 2016 (refer Attachment A).

5. Te Kete Rukuruku is a partnership between the Auckland Council and 19 mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau. Mana whenua have been actively working on the programme since 2017 and have agreed on a new Māori naming process.

6. All local boards were invited to join this programme in 2017. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board elected to join the programme in the 2019/2020 financial year.

7. The first phase of the programme is focussed on libraries and local parks. This report is specifically seeking direction on the number of local parks to be included within this first phase.

8. Waitākere Ranges Local Board have held four workshops (August 2018, November 2018, July 2019 & August 2019) where the scope of the programme has been discussed and the research showing known history of existing park names has been considered. Attachment B shows the list of parks that the Waitākere Ranges Local Board have identified through this series of workshops.

9. It is expected that a follow up report, to approve the gifted names and narratives will be delivered to the local board, in partnership with mana whenua, in 2020. Prior to adoption of any of the gifted names, a focussed communications approach will be developed to inform the local community of the project and raise awareness and understanding of the Māori history and values in the local board area.

10. If the local board considers more community engagement is required for specific parks, then this engagement will be developed with the local board and undertaken prior to the proposed Māori names being adopted for specific parks

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) note the Auckland Council Māori Language Policy 2016 (Attachment A).

b) approve the list of parks detailed in Attachment B of this report.

c) invite mana whenua to provide a Māori name and narrative for the list of parks detailed in Attachment B of this report.

d) note that the gifted names and narratives are intended to be approved by the local board for use as dual names or monolingual Māori names to enrich the stories of parks and support Māori language to be visible, heard, spoken and learnt.

Horopaki

Context

Strategic context

11. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its broader legal obligations to Māori. The council recognises these responsibilities are distinct from the Crown’s Treaty obligations and fall within an Auckland local government context.

12. The Māori Responsiveness Framework called Whiria Te Muka Tangata has been developed in response to Council's commitments and obligations to Māori in a way that will improve outcomes for all. Its purpose is to enhance and guide Auckland Council’s responsiveness to Māori. The framework articulates that council will work to ensure its policies and its actions consider:

· the recognition and protection of Māori rights and interests within Tāmaki Makaurau

· how to address and contribute to the needs and aspirations of Māori.

13. Auckland Council’s Māori Language Policy was adopted by the Governing Body in 2016 (resolution number REG/2016/89). The policy recognises council’s commitment to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This policy recognises that the Māori language is a cultural treasure and an official language of Aotearoa. It notes that the Māori language and culture forms a critical part of a Māori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference in the world. Reclaiming or identifying new Māori names for local parks within the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area provides a significant opportunity to fulfil the policy intent.

14. Key outcome areas of the Māori language policy are:

· Te reo te kitea - Māori language that is visible

· Te reo te rongohia - Māori language that is heard

· Te reo te kōrerohia - Māori language that is spoken

· Te reo te ākona - Māori language that is learnt.

15. The Māori language policy acknowledges that te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa and should receive equal status to English and NZ Sign Language.

16. Te Kete Rukuruku is a programme involving the collection and telling of the unique stories of Tāmaki Makaurau. A subset of this programme is the Māori naming of parks and places which involves the reclamation or identification of new Māori names for parks and facilities across Tāmaki Makaurau.

17. The programme represents a partnership between Auckland Council and 19 mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau.

18. The programme directly responds to the Auckland Council Māori Language Policy adopted in 2016

19. Local boards are delegated decision-making authority for naming most local parks and facilities.

20. All local boards were consulted on the Māori Language Policy. The Waitākere Ranges local board’s participation in Te Kete Rukuruku, the Māori naming of parks and places programme, provides the opportunity for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to give effect to the Māori naming policy in a meaningful way within the local board area.

Project scope

21. The scope of Te Kete Rukuruku programme, and particularly the Māori naming of parks and places, is defined as the naming, renaming or dual naming of parks and places throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.

22. The programme recognises there was a rich layer of Māori names that existed across Tāmaki Makaurau. The programme provides an opportunity for Aucklander’s to learn te reo, Māori history and Māori values relevant to places throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.

23. In line with the Māori Language Policy, reclaiming or identifying new Māori names for parks and places will have the following benefits:

· accelerate the public visibility of the Māori language as a cultural treasure which is at the heart of Māori identity

· contribute to the Māori language being visible, heard, spoken and learnt

· celebrate and create connections with the rich Māori heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau

· enable or support storytelling and interpretation of place and communities

· provide a practical means for Council to fulfil its commitments and obligations to Māori.

24. It is expected that, in most cases, Māori naming will be dual naming. Dual naming means that a Māori name is added to the existing name thereby enriching the stories about that place or facility and not taking away from a story. For the public this means signs will present both names and in line with the Māori language policy and signage guidelines the te reo Māori name will be presented first.

25. Dual naming also means that a Māori name, which is appropriate to the place, sits alongside another name that is not related in its meaning. In other words, the two names are not translations of each other but independent and unique.

Year one of the programme

26. This report focuses on the proposed approach for local parks.

27. The project demonstrates a best practice approach for naming in partnership with mana whenua. This practice enables a commitment to a consistent process and a strong relationship between mana whenua and the local boards as decision makers of local parks and facilities.

28. The following aspects are not included in the scope of the Te Kete Rukuruku programme although some of these may be progressed as separate projects parallel or following on from the programme:

· the naming of features or assets within a park or facility e.g. bridges and walkways

· English translations of messages within parks and facilities

· capital development

· gazetting of the name via the Geographic Board

· any change to council brand.

29. The scale of the programme is significant. It is estimated there are 4130 parks and facilities across Tāmaki Makaurau and there are 22 council governance entities and 19 mana whenua governance entities.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

30. Within the Waitākere Ranges local board area there are a total of 250 parks, of which 38 have an existing Māori name. Some five parks are unnamed and 115 are named after a street while 86 parks carry a European name.

31. The current approach to Māori naming (in most cases) is to look for opportunities to identify a Māori name as part of capital development works or when acquiring new parks or facilities. This approach (the status quo) is likely to result in no change in percentage or only a few percentage points change in any given year noting that across the region there is a lot of growth and new parks many of which are not being given a Māori name.

32. The current approach to Māori naming is considered ad hoc and presents the following challenges:

· it is often too late i.e. the naming occurs at the end of a project thereby losing the opportunity to familiarise and connect to the park name

· The opportunity is also lost for the name to inform the design and development of a place.

· the process is often not clear and mana whenua may select a name only for it to compete with another name suggested from elsewhere in the community. It is difficult and inappropriate to create a process where names that are gifted by mana whenua are competition with other naming options.

33. This programme is about moving away from the status quo and supporting local boards to make a transformational shift in the number of Māori names and the associated visibility of te reo Māori and the unique Māori narratives.

34. As this process shows the number of parks and facilities where mana whenua is invited to gift a name and narrative is at the discretion of the local board.

35. It is not yet clear how far the funding that the local board has already committed to the project is likely to go as this will vary based on the significance to mana whenua of the sites chosen and their history.

36. The funding the local board has already committed to the project is likely to support between 20 to 40 names and narratives being identified.

37. It is recommended that the first list of parks or places (tranche one) are local parks where the parks are named after a street, not named or are new parks. It is also likely that in adopting new Māori names these will be applied as dual names rather than replacing an existing name although this needs to be assessed on a case by case basis.

38. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board has had the opportunity to review the research that is available for all local parks in their rohe (area). Based on this review, the local parks in Waitākere Ranges that are considered appropriate for inviting mana whenua to identify Māori names for are provided in Attachment B.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

39. Te reo Māori being seen, heard, spoken & learnt across Tāmaki Makaurau through signage and storytelling will impact councils commitment to the Maori language policy.

40. Te Kete Rukuruku offers an opportunity to strengthen our working relationships with Mana Whenua.

41. Through the Te Kete Rukuruku programme strong partnerships are being created across various council departments that are working in parks and reserves. This is creating greater opportunities for collective advance planning around naming and signage.

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

Local impacts and local board views

42. Four workshops have been held with the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to date.

43. Workshop one, on 16 August 2018, focussed on introducing the project and seeking feedback as part of the draft work programme process.

44. The board approved this activity as outcomes contribute to the delivery of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board Maori Responsiveness Plan and have requested that staff collaborate to ensure initiatives are complimentary.

45. The naming project was approved by the local board as an activity in its Waitākere Ranges Local Board Community Services 2019/2020 Work Programme on 25 June 2019 (MT/2019/84).

46. Workshop two, 15 November 2018, focussed on discussing research findings, communications approach; parks list approach and principles for a draft tranche 1 parks list. There was additional discussion around dual naming vs translation, consultation vs communication. The local board was very clear they were interested in a partnership approach.

47. Workshop three, July 2019, meeting with Member Sandra Cooney, focussed on refining draft tranche one and getting a clear process in place to so that we could present a shorter tranche one list to the Local Board.

48. Workshop four, August 2019. A shortened tranche one list was presented and discussed. The board agreed a tranche one park list to be presented for approval at the next available business meeting.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

49. As discussed in tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu (the analysis and advice section of the report) the Māori naming of parks and places programme is a response to feedback from mana whenua.

50. The proposed programme seeks to develop a good practice approach to Māori naming, through an agreed process in partnership between mana whenua and local boards. Through this partnership it is envisaged that relationships between mana whenua and their local boards will be strengthened.

51. The role of providing Māori names in Tāmaki Makaurau rests with mana whenua. This is Māori who have mana and for which Tāmaki Makaurau is their tūrangawaewae (standing place) and they have whakapapa (a genealogical link) to the place.

52. This programme is expected to provide significant benefits to mātāwaka Māori and mātāwaka Māori organisations will be engaged and potentially become partners in the communication plan for the programme. The increase in Māori language and stories will enable matawaka Māori to see and hear their culture and language being used in their community. This is expected to increase their sense of belonging and connection. It is also recognised that many Māori are yet to learn or in the process of learning their language is in a phase of revitalisation and many Māori are not yet able to speak their language. This is programme will play a role in supporting this.

53. Mana whenua have been meeting monthly since 2017 where the issues, opportunities and the scope of the programme have been discussed. Through this regular engagement up to 17 of 19 mana whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau have been engaged.

54. The project team also provide regular programme updates to the Independent Māori Statutory Board secretariat on progress.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

55. The local board’s Te Kete Rukuruku budget for the 2019/20 financial year is $23,000. The exact cost to be spent this year can only be confirmed once the names are confirmed, the level of significance of the sites and the number of mana whenua with an interest in the sites are known.

56. The programme involves the gifting of names and narratives for nominated parks. It does not include any capital expenditure. Any new signage or capital works would occur over multiple years as signage renewals occur or if the local board sets aside budget to fast track upgrades to signage.

57. The project team are working closely with the signage renewals team to align the signage renewals work programme with the adoption of Māori names to enable the names to be seen, heard, learnt and spoken as soon as practicable.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

58. A number of risks have been discussed during the scoping of this programme and most of these have been mitigated through project design. These risks and mitigations are outlined below:

· The volume of names and narratives and the capacity to deliver on these.

· Māori translation of functional names for parks or facilities for example domain or esplanade adds a lot of complexity and could make Māori names quite long. As noted above a principle of the project is that the Māori name will not be a translation of the existing name. There is therefore no need to apply the functional name and in general it is not expected that this will occur for park names. However, this has occurred with libraries and may be considered for other facilities. This will be discussed in future reports as part of the next phase of the programme.

· Where there are multiple iwi interests there may be no agreement. There are overlapping iwi interests throughout much of Tāmaki Makaurau. In recognition of this, a principle of the project, as agreed by mana whenua, is that mana whenua will work together to provide a single name except where there is more than one traditional name for a site. However, it is noted that many of the Tūpuna Maunga (volcanic cones) have several traditional names (for example Puketāpapa and Pukewiwi are both gazetted names that sit alongside the English name Mt Roskill, so Auckland Council and the community now has a history of supporting multiple Māori names.

· Digital naming only won’t gain traction and names will be lost. It may take some time for the names to be ‘seen’ through signage renewals. As an interim measure a Geographic Information System (GIS) database and web page is in development that can be easily searched that will provide information on the origin of the existing name and the Māori name and narrative. The communications strategy will promote the website and database so that the community can have access to it. It will also look to celebrate new names through publications, events and other means. It is noted that many of the Tūpuna Maunga have Māori names that are not yet all on signs, yet through the work of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, media and events the Māori names have been widely used.

· Navigation confusion / way finding – this is a potential or perceived risk but given the significant growth in Auckland and the number of new names popping up on a regular basis the placement of names in GIS and other digital forums as well as an effective communication plan is expected to mitigate any actual or perceived risk.

· Some local boards have had negative experiences with changing the names of parks within their local area. In response to this concern the programme includes a research phase to ensure the origins of the existing names are well understood. Where current names have a significant history, they are not included in the first phase. In addition, the predominant outcome is going to be the addition of names and associated rich narratives and will not involve the removal of names. Where it is considered appropriate to replace a name the board will also need to carefully consider who the affected parties are and determine if community engagement is appropriate. In all other cases we are proposing that a strong public communications approach to enable the community to understand the process and enjoy the benefits of the additional name and narrative.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

59. The list of parks that is approved by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board will be provided to mana whenua inviting them to gift names and narratives.

60. Mana whenua with an interest in these parks will undertake research and, where necessary, will work together to agree a single name and narrative to be gifted to the local board.

61. In parallel with the mana whenua naming process, the project team will work closely with local board communications team to develop a tailored communications plan for the local board area.

62. The project team will also continue to work closely with the signage renewals delivery team to seek opportunities for new Māori names to be part of signage renewals.

63. Dual naming is expected to make up the largest number of new Māori names and, in general, it is expected that an effective communications programme to inform the community of the new names and narratives will be the appropriate approach.

64. A report for the local board to approve the gifted names and narratives is anticipated during 2020.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Māori Language Policy	89
b ⇩	Waitākere Ranges Local Board Tranche 1 Park List	97

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Anahera Higgins - Te Kete Rukuruku Programme Manager

Laina Cheung - Te Kete Rukuruku Naming Lead

Authorisers

Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Informal local board workshop views on the draft findings of the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 review

File No.: CP2019/15764

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide a summary to local boards of informal views presented at recent workshops on the draft findings of the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 review, and to provide an opportunity for any formal resolutions from local boards.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Auckland Council is reviewing the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 as part of its required five-year statutory review.

3. In May 2019, staff circulated draft findings report on the bylaw review to all local boards. Eighteen local boards requested individual workshops to ask staff questions and provide informal views on the draft findings. Staff conducted these workshops in June and July 2019.

4. The workshop discussions about the draft findings report included:

· animal nuisances occurring regionally and locally

· issues with some definitions in the bylaw

· requirements to provide identification for owned animals

· Auckland Council’s processes for managing animals

· current and suggested controls on specific animals, e.g. stock, bees, horses, and cats.

5. This report summarises the informal views provided at these workshops. These informal views will guide staff in developing and assessing options for managing animals in Auckland.

6. This report also gives local boards an opportunity to formalise any views before staff present findings and options to the Regulatory Committee in early 2020. Staff will seek direction from the committee at that time if the bylaw needs to be confirmed, amended, or revoked.

7. Local boards will have another opportunity to provide formal views when staff develop a statement of proposal following the Regulatory Committee’s recommendations.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive this report on informal workshop summary views from local boards on the draft findings of the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 review.

b) provide any formal views on the draft findings of the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 review.

Horopaki

Context

8. The Ture ā-rohe Tiaki Kararehe 2015 (Animal Management Bylaw 2015) was adopted by the Governing Body on 30 April 2015.

9. The purpose of the bylaw is to provide for the ownership of animals in a way that:

· protects the public from nuisance

· maintains and promotes public health and safety

· minimises the potential for offensive behaviour in public places

· manages animals in public places.

10. To help achieve its purpose, the bylaw enables rules to be made on specific animals in separate controls (see Figure 1 below). The bylaw contains controls for:

· beekeeping in urban areas

· keeping stock in urban areas

· horse riding in a public place.

Figure 1 – Animal Management Bylaw 2015 framework

The bylaw does not address dogs

11. Dogs are managed through the Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2019 and Dog Management Bylaw 2019. The Dog Control Act 1996 requires territorial authorities to adopt a dog management policy.

12. The bylaw regulates owners of any animal of the animal kingdom except humans and dogs.

The bylaw does not regulate animal welfare

13. The Local Government Act 2002 and Health Act 1956 under which the bylaw was created, provide powers to protect people from nuisance and harm, not animals.

14. Issues with predators eating protected wildlife or animals trampling natural fauna are addressed through other legislation such as the Animal Welfare Act 1999, Wildlife Act 1953 and Biosecurity Act 1993.

The bylaw must be reviewed to ensure it is still necessary and appropriate

15. Auckland Council must complete a statutory review of the bylaw by 30 April 2020 to prevent it from expiring.

16. Following the statutory review, the council can propose the bylaw be confirmed, amended, revoked or replaced using a public consultative procedure.

17. In May 2019, staff completed a draft findings report for the bylaw review. The draft report identified current issues with animal nuisance and potential areas of improvement for the bylaw.

Staff held local board workshops to obtain informal views on the draft findings report

18. In May 2019, staff provided a copy of the draft findings report to all local boards. Eighteen local boards requested workshops which were conducted in June and July 2019.

19. At these workshops, local boards provided informal views and asked questions on the draft findings report. These informal views will aid staff in producing a range of options to respond to identified animal nuisance and management issues.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

20. The following sections summarise informal local board views from the workshops collectively. The sections provide informal views on:

· ongoing animal nuisance issues

· the bylaw’s definition of ‘owner’

· the bylaw’s definition of ‘nuisance’

· exclusion rules for companion animals

· identifying owned animals

· the council’s processes for managing animals

· views on existing and new controls for specific animals.

21. The PowerPoint presented at the local board workshops is provided in Attachment A. The sub-sections below reference the relevant slide pages.

22. Questions from local boards at the workshops are provided in Attachment B. These questions will be further explored during the options analysis.

There are ongoing issues with animal nuisance (Slides 9-10)

23. At the workshops, staff presented known animal nuisances occurring regionally and locally. Previous engagement captured many types of nuisance, but local boards added and emphasised the nuisances listed below:

Table 1 - Local board informal views on animal nuisances

Bees	· Bees leaving excrement on cars is a minor nuisance. · Some people, especially those with bee allergies, are fearful of bees coming onto their property.
Birds	· Types of nuisance caused by birds is very subjective. · People are abandoning geese and ducks. · Breeding parrots is a nuisance. · Turkeys and peacocks are causing a nuisance in rural areas. · Feeding wild pigeons and seagulls is causing a nuisance.
Cats	· There are large numbers of stray cats across the region. · Cats breed in construction and development spaces. · Cats cause a nuisance by defecating in vegetable gardens. · Abandoned kittens become feral and cause nuisance. · Cats are eating native wildlife.
Pigs	· In urban areas, temporarily keeping pigs for fattening causes nuisance.
Rabbits	· Rabbit infestations on council land cause nuisance to neighbouring properties.
Roosters	· Roosters are a nuisance and can be vicious, harmful animals. · In rural areas, people are abandoning roosters. · Rural areas have a higher tolerance for roosters.
Stock	· In rural areas there are issues with fences deteriorating and stock escaping. · Loose chickens and wandering stock are a nuisance.
Vermin	· People complain about vermin and water rats in waterways, low tide or the deep bush. · Open composting could create issues with vermin. · Complaints about rats are increasing.

The bylaw’s definition of ‘owner’ needs to be reviewed (Slide 15)

24. The bylaw focuses on the responsibilities of owners of animals. It is unclear if someone who is providing for the needs of an animal, such as food or shelter, becomes responsible for that animal as their ‘owner’.

25. Most local boards view that the bylaw’s definition of ‘owner’ should be clearer.

Table 2 - Local Board informal views on the definition of ‘owner’

· Any animal, whether owned or unowned, should be addressed in the bylaw.

· The current definition is useful as it captures a broad scope of animal owners.

· The definition should elaborate on criteria for the phrase ‘under that person’s care’.

· Owner definition should include accountability for feeding wild animals but should:

o not punish volunteers who care for the animals’ wellbeing

o allow animal control officers to feed animals to trap them.

26. In response to questions from local boards at the workshops, staff note the following.

· The Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029 manages cats that are not microchipped or identified by a collar and that are on significant ecological areas.

· The Wildlife Act 1953 provides that a wild animal is the property of the Crown until it has been lawfully taken or killed. At that point, it becomes the property of the killer or trapper. This act specifically excludes some animals, such as cats, pigeons and rats, from being vested in the Crown.

· In areas of high conservation value or where there is serious threat, the council will undertake control of certain pest animals. In general, landowners and occupiers are primarily responsible for managing pests.

The bylaw’s definition of ‘nuisance’ needs to be reviewed (Slide 15)

27. The bylaw uses the Health Act 1956 definition of ‘nuisance’. This includes a person, animal thing, or circumstance causing unreasonable interference with the peace, comfort, or convenience of another person.

28. Local boards provided a mix of informal views on the definition of ‘nuisance’. Some local boards commented that the definition should have more specific criteria, while others said the bylaw should retain the current broad definition.

Table 3 - Local board informal views on the definition of ‘nuisance’

· The definition of nuisance in the Health Act 1956 is outdated.

· Having specific and measurable criteria for nuisance is good.

· The nuisance definition is difficult to enforce without some specific criteria.

· Intensification and tenancy laws allowing for pets will increase nuisance incidents, so the definition needs more specific criteria.

· Reporting animal nuisance can cause tension between neighbours. Specific criteria would be useful, so neighbours are not left to interpret nuisance on their own.

· A broader definition of nuisance fits with common law and covers more occurrences.

· There cannot be one definition of nuisance since there is no one definition of Aucklanders.

· The definition of nuisance in the bylaw should have both general and specific parts.

Incorporating companion animals into the bylaw needs to be reviewed (Slide 15)

29. Currently, the bylaw does not mention companion animals (pets). The bylaw manages animals equally unless they are stock, poultry or bees.

30. Some Aucklanders find it confusing that the bylaw does not specifically address companion animals. There is misunderstanding that stock animals which are kept as pets instead of food, such as pigs and goats, are not subject to the bylaw’s stock controls.

31. Local boards had mixed views about creating a definition for companion animals. Some viewed the rules should apply based on how the animal is kept. Other local boards said the rules should apply regardless if the animal is a pet.

Table 4 - Local board informal views on adding companion animals in the bylaw's definitions

Companion animals should have separate rules

· Some animals should be defined as companion animals in the bylaw.

· The bylaw should make exceptions if any animal is defined as stock but is a pet.

· Companion animals should be excluded from the bylaw rules.

o Goats are popular pets and can be good companions.

o Farm animals as pets can provide the same benefits as traditional pets.

Companion animals should not have separate rules

· Companion animals which are stock animals should still require the same licensing process as other stock animals.

· Companion animals should not have their own rules as some neighbours are not familiar or okay with stock animals being kept as pets.

· Having a specific definition increases complexity and introduces subjectivity. It should not matter what a person says about their animal.

· People should not be allowed to have livestock as pets in urban areas.

· An animal is an animal no matter how it is kept. Since the nuisance effects on neighbours are the same, there should be no distinctions.

32. In response to questions from local boards at the workshops, staff note that you cannot buy or take ownership of a pest animal. If you already own a pest animal, you can keep it, but you cannot abandon it, give it to a new owner, or allow the pest animal to breed. The Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029 classifies unowned cats as pests.

Requirements for identifying owned animals needs to be reviewed (Slide 17)

33. The bylaw does not require owners to provide their animal with identification.

34. The draft findings report revealed that requiring animal identification would facilitate addressing animal nuisance issues. Most local boards viewed animal identification as helpful but impractical.

Table 5 - Local board informal views on identifying owned animals

· If your animal is going to leave your property, it should be identified.

· Council should offer a form of assistance to identify your animal.

· Every farm animal should be tagged and named.

· Identifying animals would prevent people from feeding unowned animals.

· Identifying animals is useful but impractical.

· The council should collaborate with the National Animal Identification and Tracing database.

35. In response to questions from local boards at the workshops, staff note that provided there is a valid purpose, the council has power to regulate animal registration. Any requirement would need to match the size and scale of the issue and would need to show it would effectively reduce harm and nuisance to people.

There is uncertainty about the council’s processes for managing animals (Slide 17)

36. The draft findings report identified that some Aucklanders are unclear about the council’s processes and protocols for managing animals, especially unowned animals. This confusion reduces people’s willingness to report nuisance as they are unsure who is responsible. Only 2 per cent of surveyed respondents who experienced animal nuisance reported it to the council.

37. The draft findings report identified the bylaw could be strengthened by providing information about non-regulatory processes and protocols for managing animals, especially unowned animals. Most local boards viewed that the council’s processes could be clearer.

Table 6 - Local board informal views on council processes for managing animals

· The bylaw should be clear on what the council does and does not do regarding animal management.

· The council should clarify the process for reporting unowned animals causing nuisance.

· The bylaw’s animal management processes need to align with the Regional Pest Management Plan.

· The council should offer mediation services for disgruntled neighbours over animal nuisance.

38. In response to questions from local boards at the workshops, staff note the following:

· A property owner may trap and/or lawfully kill an animal on their property. It is a criminal offence to kill an owned animal or destroy the animal inhumanely.

· To prove a legal claim for damage to private property by an owned animal, the property owner would need to show that the owner of the animal had failed to take reasonable care to avoid the damage.

· Culling is managed by central government laws and regulations, rather than the Animal Management Bylaw 2015.

Views on existing controls for specific animals in the bylaw (Slide 22)

39. Around 90 per cent of surveyed Aucklanders said the current bylaw controls for bees, stock and horses were about right or had no view.

40. The draft findings report showed council compliance response officers would find limits to urban beehives and more specific requirements for chicken coop locations easier to enforce than the current bylaw controls.

41. Local boards had a mix of views. Some had views on needing more controls, and some had views to keep the controls the same or less.

Table 7 - Local board informal views on the current controls in the bylaw

Animal

Current control

Views on more control

Views on same or less control

Bees

· Any properties, urban or rural, can keep any number of bees.

· Beekeepers must manage the flight path and temperament of their bees.

· Beekeepers must ensure nuisance from their bees’ excrement is minimised, and the bees have a suitable water source on the premises.

· The council should restrict beekeeping if people have bee-sting allergies.

· Limit the number of beehives in an area to prevent colony competition.

· Increase awareness and visibility of who keeps bees in an area.

· Restrict beekeeping to rural areas.

· Restrict the number of beehives a person can have in urban areas.

· Restrict beehive ownership by size of property.

· There should be minimum training or qualification to own bees. You need experience.

· Amateur beekeepers should be treated differently to commercial beekeepers.

· Bees are not causing much nuisance, so there is no need for more regulation.

· We should be encouraging beekeeping. Should regulate rather than overregulate.

· Do not restrict bees to just urban areas.

· Bees should be unregulated.

· Would be concerned if licensing costs for beekeeping were introduced.

· Should be careful about restricting bees as they are important to the ecosystem.

Horses

· Local boards are able to set specific controls for horses for local parks and beaches.

· Horses are currently not allowed to be kept in urban areas without a licence from the council unless the premises is larger than 4000 square metres.

Horses are permitted in public spaces if:

· manure is removed

· consideration is taken to not intimidate or cause a nuisance for other public space users

· beach dune damage is minimised.

· The same access rules for dogs on beaches should be applied to horses.

· Do not prohibit horses on beaches but restrict them to off-peak times.

· Should lobby central government to include the same powers that protect native fauna and wildlife from dogs for horses.

· Horse owners should be responsible for removing manure. The bylaw should encourage accountability and consider that picking up manure is not always practical, e.g. on busy roads.

· Should be allowed to ride horses on berms.

· Horses should not be banned from roads. There are few places to ride.

· Increase communication and awareness of current controls to horse owners.

· Would rather have horses on the roads than scooters.

Stock

· Chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants and quail are the only stock animals currently permitted by the bylaw in urban areas without a licence from the council. Any other stock animal, including roosters, would require a licence from the council in urban areas unless the premises is larger than 4000 square metres.

· Stock in urban areas must also be restrained within the boundaries of the premises on which they are kept, and chicken coops must not cause a nuisance and must be regularly cleaned.

· In rural areas the above controls do not apply. Rural residents must ensure their animals do not cause a nuisance to any other person.

· Stock should not be kept in urban areas. This is also humane for the animal.

· There should be penalties for poor stock fencing by roads in rural areas.

· The bylaw needs a mechanism to deal with repeat ‘wandering stock’ offenders.

· The criteria for keeping goats and other herbivores should be defined by the amount of grassy area on the property.

· There should be restrictions on how far a chicken coop should be from the property boundary.

· Fewer chickens should be allowed in urban areas.

· Roosters should not be allowed in rural lifestyle blocks in urban areas.

· The current stock controls are adequate.

· Support allowing pheasants in urban areas.

· There are already legal consequences for not fencing your stock. The bylaw does not need to address.

· If you have a large property in an urban area, goats should be allowed.

· Make sure urban pet days are still allowed.

· It does not matter where the chicken coop sits on the property if it is cleaned regularly.

· There should not be a complete ban on roosters in urban areas.

Views on new controls for specific animals (Slide 23)

42. A quarter of surveyed Aucklanders (26 per cent) said the bylaw should introduce controls for other animals. Of those wanting controls for other animals, over half (57 per cent) wanted controls introduced for cats.

43. The draft findings report identified that council compliance officers and the SPCA support microchipping and registering of cats.

44. Local boards provided mixed views on introducing controls for new animals. The local boards agreed that any regulatory response would need to match the scale of the issue, be cost-effective, and have measurable effects on reducing nuisance.

Table 8 - Local board informal views on controls for cats and other animals

Informal local board views on controls for cats

Informal views on introducing controls for cats

· The bylaw should limit the number of cats a person can own.

o Should make sure extremes are restricted, such as having 30+ cats.

· The bylaw should require the de-sexing of cats.

o The council should work closely with the SPCA in this matter.

o Make it compulsory for cat owners.

· Local boards have varying support for requiring microchipping of cats including:

o full compulsory microchipping across the region

o limited microchipping only to cats living in eco-sensitive areas.

· The bylaw should have the same registration process for cats as the council has for dogs.

· There should be a curfew for cats.

· There should be controls to dissuade people from feeding stray cats as it reinforces the cats’ behaviour.

· Publish best practices for tourists with cats and other animals visiting Hauraki Gulf Islands.

· The council should restrict cats from wandering.

· The council should restrict certain cat breeds, like Bengals.

Informal views on not introducing controls for cats

· Cat registration is difficult and has failed before. Auckland Council already has difficulty registering and enforcing dogs.

· Rely on the Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029 guidelines.

· Cats naturally wander. Containing them would be cruel.

· The council should invest in substantial long-term public education regarding cats.

· If the council restricts caring for stray cats, it could create animal welfare issues.

· Controlling cats is too trivial for the council to get involved.

Informal local board views on controls for other animals

· Rules are needed to restrict feeding wild animals in public, especially birds.

· How many animals a person can own should be restricted by section size.

· There should be a higher management expectation on animal owners in urban areas.

· The bylaw should address the health risks that animals can cause their owners.

· There should be a complete ban on snakes and ferrets.

· Rabbits are a major pest, especially in urban areas. The bylaw should restrict breeding.

· There should be controls on keeping birds in small cages.

· Unless there is a significant problem, neighbours should sort out their own problems.

45. In response to questions from local boards at the workshops, staff note the following:

· Any costs for managing stray cats would be investigated during the options development phase to respond to nuisance issues.

· The Local Government Act 2002 would give the council power to impose a curfew on cats if it was an appropriate response to the scale of the nuisance and would clearly show how the curfew would reduce harm and nuisance to humans.

· The council currently has more legal power to respond to dog nuisance than cat nuisance. The Dog Control Act 1996 gives the council wide-varying powers to address dog issues. There is no similar legislation for cats.

· Rat pest control is addressed through the Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029.

· The Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029 lists some tropical animals that can be treated as pests. These include eastern water dragons, Indian ring-necked parakeets, and snake-necked turtles.

· Chickens were not classified as pests in the Regional Pest Management Plan 2019-2029. The purpose of the plan is to protect the Auckland region’s important biodiversity assets. There are no significant biodiversity benefits to managing feral chickens at a regional level. Feral chickens are primarily a human nuisance issue centred in the urban areas where people feed them.

Other views from local boards

Rights of property owners and protection

46. The bylaw does not explain what options property owners have to handle animal nuisance on their property themselves. It is unclear which animals property owners are allowed to trap and dispose of on their own and which animals are protected.

47. Some local boards said the bylaw should clarify property owners’ rights.

Enforcement

48. Some local boards said the council should be prepared to enforce any rules it may introduce.

49. The Local Government Act 2002 does not give the power to issue an infringement notice under a bylaw. Compliance officers have said this inhibits their ability to address nuisance issues as, after trying to elicit voluntary compliance, the next step is prosecution. This can be costly to the council.

50. Some local boards provided views that the Local Government Act 2002 should be amended to allow for infringement fines. Some local boards viewed that the bylaw would already be fit for purpose if it could be enforced with infringements.

Education

51. Most local boards said the council needs to increase education and awareness about the current animal management rules. Some local boards viewed that the council should focus more on informing Aucklanders of responsible animal management than increasing regulation.

52. Some local boards also advised that any changes to the bylaw, if required, would need to have a strong communication and awareness plan.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

53. The bylaw affects the operation of council units involved in animal management. These include biosecurity, animal management and compliance response officers. Staff held face-to-face meetings and a workshop with council officers. These views were provided in the draft findings report and workshops.

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

Local impacts and local board views

54. Staff captured informal local board views through cluster workshops in March 2019. The draft findings report was shared with all local boards in May 2019, and staff attended individual local board workshops through June and July 2019.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

55. Staff sought views from mana whenua at the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Forum in April 2019. The members present at the hui sought clarity that the bylaw’s reference of ‘public places’ does not extend to papakāinga (communal Māori land).

56. Members were also concerned with threats to estuaries, beaches, and waterways from unregulated coastal horse trails. These views were provided in the draft findings report and options development will consider these views.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

57. The cost of the bylaw review and implementation will be met within existing budgets.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

58. There is a risk that the public may perceive this report as formal local board views or an attempt to regulate cats without public engagement. This risk can be mitigated by replying to any emerging media or public concerns by saying that no additions or changes will be made to the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 without full public consultation.

59. Local boards will have an opportunity to provide formal resolutions on any changes proposed to the bylaw in early 2020 before a public consultative procedure.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

60. Following any additional formalised views from local boards, staff will generate and assess options to respond to identified animal nuisances. Staff will present these findings and options in a report to the relevant committee in the new council term in early 2020.

61. Staff will seek formal local board views when developing a statement of proposal once the committee gives direction on animal management.

Add: Authoriser Kataraina Maki – GM – Community & Social Policy

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Presentation at local board workshops on draft findings of the Animal Management Bylaw 2015 review	111
b ⇩	Local board questions from the workshops	135

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Maclean Grindell - Policy Analyst
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Waitākere Ranges Programme - 2018-19 Bufferzone Report and the Waiti Village and Parawai Pa Report

File No.: CP2019/16294

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. The purpose of this report is to update the local board about two reports that have been completed that contribute to the Waitākere Ranges programme and one project that was not progressed.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Actions by the council to meet the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (the Act) include business as usual activities undertaken by many departments. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board augments council’s business as usual activities by allocating funding to projects throughout the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area (WRHA).

3. Each year projects are identified and funded by the local board. These projects are ones where the local board perceives that there is an opportunity to add extra value to the council’s delivery of services in the WRHA, over and above that provided by council departments. This report provides a summary of the progress made on three projects.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the Buffer Zone Project Report dated July 2019 prepared by the EcoMatters Environment Trust.

b) note that the assessment of Titirangi War Memorial Hall did not proceed.

c) receive the Waiti Village and Parawai Pa Report prepared by Kim Tatton.

Horopaki

Context

4. The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Programme seeks to assist in implementing the objectives of the Act. The Programme includes projects to implement the existing Local Area Plans and projects identified through the preparation of the 2018 Five Year Monitoring Report. This report summarises the outputs from three projects.

5. The local board resolved at its meeting on 13 September 2018 (Resolution number WTK/2018/129) to allocate $45,000 to the existing multiyear project called the Weed Free Bufferzone, and combined that with the allocation of $18,000 for new weed sites in Opanuku Road. The EcoMatters Environment Trust (EcoMatters) was contracted to undertake this project.

6. The local board allocated $10,000 for a scheduling assessment for Titirangi War Memorial Hall, which was designed by Tibor Donner. It also allocated $6,000 to undertake an Auckland Unitary Plan scheduling assessment for two previously completed heritage reports for Parawai Pa and Waiti Village.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Weed Free Bufferzone

7. The Weed Free Bufferzone project has been running for seven years, during which time it has been refined to become a highly effective community-based weed removal project. All the areas are chosen in terms of their ecological importance and their proximity to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. This year EcoMatters engaged with the communities involved in targeting pest animals as well as weeds (particularly along Opanuku Road). All areas are progressing well, both in terms of controlling climbing asparagus and wild ginger. EcoMatters has continued its engagement with and support for weed management being done by the local communities. Control of climbing asparagus in 2019 averages 90% over the seven buffer zone areas, and control of wild ginger averages 80%.

8. All seven buffer zones have different challenges that need to be managed separately. Mapping progress is an important part of this project, and all areas have aggregated averages of weed control success to maintain the privacy of individual landowners. The EcoMatters report on this project for the 2018/19 year is Attachment A.

Titirangi War Memorial Hall

9. The local board allocated $10,000 for an assessment of Titirangi War Memorial Hall for possible scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan arising from its social and cultural significance. It was designed by Tibor Donner, who had an architectural style that reflected modernism. Estimates for the assessment exceeded the allocated amount, and so this work was not progressed.

Waiti Village and Parawai Pa

10. For many centuries the Waitākere River Valley and the Te Henga area were one of the most intensely settled areas by Māori in Auckland. This long occupation is reflected in the largest concentration of Maori archaeological sites found in the WRHA. It was also the only area in the WRHA that was continuously occupied by Te Kawerau ā Maki, from the time Europeans arrived until about 1950. During this historic period the main Te Kawerau ā Maki settlement sites were Parawai Pa and Waiti Village, both of which are recognised as significant cultural and archaeological sites.

11. The report prepared by Kim Tatton provides the results of historic and archaeological research on the Maori kainga (villages) of Waiti and Parawai Pa at Te Henga (Bethell's Beach). The report on this project is Attachment B.

12. Building on earlier desktop research this report amalgamates historic accounts, maps, survey plans, historic images and modern aerial photographs. Collectively this provides a detailed historical background and a summary of the prehistoric and historic occupation of the Waitākere – Te Henga area by Te Kawerau ā Maki, as well as accurately locating and characterising these two sites. The report then provides a discussion of the results of archaeological research and the field survey of private and public land that identified surviving features of historic interest for these sites. In addition, an updated assessment for both Parawai Pa and Waiti Village has been undertaken using the Auckland Unitary Plan Historic Heritage schedule assessment criteria as outlined in Chapter B5.2.2.

13. The research and schedule assessment determined:

· That Parawai Pa has considerable heritage significance in the local Te Henga - Waitākere area and in the wider Auckland region based upon its historical, mana whenua, knowledge potential and context. It is recommended that Parawai Pa retain its scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan as a Historic Heritage Place: Category B. It is a place of considerable significance. The research has however defined a larger extent of place, including an area that is integral to the function, meaning and relationships of the place. It includes all known components of the site supported by a suitable buffer.

· No evidence of archaeological remains has been identified at the Waiti Village site. This is either because the remains are now buried by sand to a depth of over one metre, or the remains have been destroyed entirely by erosion caused by the changing alignment of the Waiti Stream and Waitākere River. Waiti Village is not recommended for scheduling in the Auckland Unitary Plan because of a lack of any physical evidence. The assessment did confirm that this site has considerable historical and contextual value, and significance to mana whenua.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

14. The outputs from these projects augment the council’s business as usual activities and therefore do not have any adverse impacts on the wider council group.

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

Local impacts and local board views

15. The two reports either complete or build upon existing projects that were funded by the local board between the 2012/13 to 2018/19 financial years. They are drawn from the recommendations from the 2013 and 2018 Five Year Monitoring Reports or approved Local Area Plans. The projects that these reports are part of are aligned to the priorities in the 2017 Local Board Plan and will help to implement Outcome 1 (People actively protect the WRHA), Outcome 2 (Our unique natural habitats are protected and enhanced) and Outcome 4 (People experience local arts and culture and recognise our heritage).

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

16. Mana whenua (Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngāti Whātua) have not been specifically consulted on this report. This reports builds upon commentary and information that Te Kawerau ā Maki have provided and published previously. Engagement with both iwi is on-going throughout the year across many departments in the Council. Both iwi have expressed their approval for the projects within the Waitākere Ranges Implementation Programme.

17. A copy of the final report will be provided to Te Kawerau ā Maki and Ngāti Whātua.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

18. There are no financial implications associated with these two reports.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

19. There are no risks associated with these two reports.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

20. The local board has allocated $50,000 to the Weedfree Buffer Zone project for 2019/20 financial year, and that contract is underway. This allocation will provide maintenance services to all sites included in the EcoMatters report in Attachment A.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	2018-19 Bufferzone Report	141
b ⇩	Waiti Village and Parawai Pa Research Report	167

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

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

26 September 2019

Waitākere Ranges Programme - Six Month Update (January to July 2019)

File No.: CP2019/16026

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the Waitākere Ranges 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 July 2019 (the second half of the 2018/2019 financial year).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The implementation of activities to meet the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 (the Act) is coordinated by the council. These objectives are summarised in Attachment A. Additional key points are outlined in the body of this report for the following topics:

· Kauri dieback remains the most significant threat to the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area. Eight closed tracks have been re-opened following upgrade works in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Parks and a further six tracks are undergoing additional maintenance to ensure adherence with standards. Compliance monitoring with the closed tracks has demonstrated overall high levels of compliance. For most of the last 12 months council has focused on encouraging voluntary compliance. Regulatory enforcement has recently been introduced to support this.

· Additional pest control efforts continue for pigs and possums as they are some of the potential vectors in the spread of kauri dieback disease. A total of 2,385 hunting hours have been completed, with 2,571 hours allocated to begin in August 2019.

· Land at Te Henga that is to be transferred to the local Iwi for marae purposes has completed a milestone relating to the uplifting of the reserve status over the site. The transfer of the land is now into its final phase.

· Long tail bat research continues, with 13 bats trapped and released in January 2019 and seven fitted with transmitters.

· Monthly water quality monitoring continues at the Cascades and Opanuku, with water quality reported as being generally very good at both sites.

· Piha pump track has been purchased and is planned for installation at Les Waygood Park in September 2019.

· Staff within the Healthy Waters department are now managing the Piha flooding project.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) receive the Waitākere Ranges Programme -Six Month Update Report for the period January-July 2019

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. This includes “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 also continues to improve the coordination of workstreams and activities in the Heritage Area that contribute to achieving the purposes of the Act. It has contributed to the attachments for this report.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

6. This report lists the projects and activities for the second half of the 2018/2019 financial year and provides a summary of their progress, with the details of this 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 the 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

· Recreational Opportunities and Visitor Management- provision of facilities and services for enjoyment and appreciation of the Heritage Area and management of visitor pressures and impacts.

Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Five Year Monitoring report

7. The second State of Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area (monitoring report) was released in May 2018. The next monitoring review and report will be released in 2023 as required under the Act.

Kauri Dieback Disease

8. With the council’s decision in May 2018 to close most of the walking tracks within the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges, significant consequential effects have occurred. These are:

· the disease continues to spread within the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and instances of the disease elsewhere in the City have arisen e.g. Birkenhead

· compliance monitoring on closed tracks shows high levels of compliance overall. For most of the last 12 months council has focused on encouraging voluntary compliance. Provision for regulatory enforcement has recently been introduced to support this

· eight closed tracks have been re-opened following upgrade works in Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and a further six tracks are undergoing additional maintenance to ensure adherence with standards. These works have resulted in an additional 7.2 kilometres of track now upgraded to Kauri safe standard which have been re-opened to the public

· in February 2019 public consultation was undertaken on a plan for prioritising further track upgrades within Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. A strong theme from this consultation was a desire to see more recreational access to the Ranges

· staff have now confirmed the final track upgrade plan for the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The main change to the plan is the inclusion of more tracks for re-opening, including Spragg’s Bush, Cutty Grass and McElwain Lookout Tracks. Several other tracks have also been identified for further investigative work to determine options for partial re-opening. Te Kawerau ā Maki supports the plan.

Weed Management.

9. Surveys were completed in selected areas across Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. These areas were selected due to potential weed infestations (close to private property, historic human activity and proximity to known and managed weed infestations). Around 734.5 hectares were surveyed in the Regional Park. The majority of the sites contained weed infestations and will be added to future weed control contracts:

· Roadside weed surveys were completed on major roads within the Waitākere Ranges. High quality botanical data was collected during this process. This information will inform future research into new introduced species naturalising in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area.

· Weed control has been completed in Huia, Piha, Arataki and Cascades areas of the Regional Park. New additions in this financial year includes Puponga Point at Cornwallis, Atkinson Reserve at Titirangi, drone pampas control at Taitomo (to support development of new tracks), follow up control at the fire site in Piha, and extending the pampas buffer work to the entire wetland margin at Whatipu. The main pest plants controlled by the contractor at these properties were Climbing Asparagus and Wild Ginger.

· Ark in the Park volunteers are once again active undertaking monitoring and pest control activity, operating under stringent Kauri Dieback hygiene measures.

Animal pest control.

10. Allied with the Kauri Dieback Strategy additional efforts have gone into pig and possum control both in the Regional Park and in council’s local and sports parks.

· 2,385 hunting hours have been completed, which is a significant increase from last year. 284 pigs were controlled this year compared to 153 the year before.

· This means that for last year, each pig took an average of 8.4 hours to hunt and the year before, 8.82 hours per pig was the average.

· Hunters are reporting that pigs are now more active as a result of abundant food, less human activity, increasing their home ranges and more favourable weather during this time period.

· The next round of hunting began in August with 2,571 hours allocated.

Te Henga Marae land

11. Revocation of the reserve status over the land at Te Henga has occurred.The legal agreement to allow for the formal handover of the land to Te Kawerau ā Maki is being prepared. Staff are now waiting for the parties that the land was originally acquired from to sign a waiver so that the land can be transferred to Te Kawerau ā Maki.

Long Tail Bat Research

12. In June 2019 Community Waitākere and Auckland Council Biodiversity presented to the local board on the results of the January 2019 bat catching efforts. Thirteen bats were trapped, with seven bats fitted with transmitters. The report will be finalised in September 2019.

13. There were 243 participants across nine bat walk events over the last year (2018-2019) and bats were heard at six events. All events were booked to capacity. One event was targeted specifically at teachers, with teaching resources provided. There was great feedback from all events.

Piha projects

14. Healthy Waters are now managing the Piha flooding project. The Outcomes Plan for the Piha community wetland project is scheduled for completion in June 2020. The Piha pump track has been purchased and is planned for installation at Les Waygood Park in September. It will be on site for six months before being relocated.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

15. The report has no ongoing operational impacts for CCO’s such as Auckland Transport, Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development and Watercare Services Limited. The spreadsheet of actions for January - July 2019 (Attachment B) has been prepared with input by the various council groups responsible for those projects and activities and therefore the text reflects their views.

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

Local impacts and local board views

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

17. 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 therefore not been subject to a wider consultation process.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

18. Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara and Ngāti Whātua o Orakei 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

19. There are no additional financial implications associated with this report. The work reported on is being carried out within the council’s existing budgets.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

20. Risks associated with this report are addressed by the workstreams discussed in the report.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

21. 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	245
b ⇩	Waitākere Ranges Six Month Update Spreadsheet January-July 2019	247

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Katie Maxwell - Graduate Planner

Authorisers

John Duguid - General Manager - Plans and Places

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Temporary arrangements for urgent decisions and staff delegations during the election period

File No.: CP2019/16438

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval for temporary arrangements during the election period for:

· urgent decisions

· decisions made by staff under delegated authority from the local board that require consultation with local board members under delegation protocols.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Between the last local board business meeting of the current electoral term, and the first business meeting of the new term, decisions may be needed on urgent matters or routine business as usual that cannot wait until the incoming local board’s first business meeting in the new electoral term.

3. Current elected members remain in office until the new members’ term of office commences, which is the day after the declaration of election results. The declaration will be publicly notified on 21 October 2019, with the term of office of current members ending and the term of office of new members commencing on 22 October 2019. The new members cannot act as members of the local board until they have made their statutory declaration at the inaugural local board meeting.

4. As for each of the previous terms, temporary arrangements are needed for urgent decisions of the local board, and decisions made by staff under existing delegated authority.

5. All local boards have made a general delegation to the Chief Executive, subject to a requirement to comply with delegation protocols approved by the local board, which require, amongst other matters, staff to consult with local board portfolio holders on certain matters. Where there is no nominated portfolio holder, staff consult with the chair. After the election, there will be no local board portfolio holders or chairs to consult until new arrangements are made in the new term.

6. As a temporary measure, approval is sought from the local board to allow staff to continue to process business as usual decisions that cannot wait until the local board’s first business meeting, without consulting with the nominated portfolio holder or local board chair. Staff will consult with the local board chair following the inaugural meeting until new arrangements are made at the first business meeting in the term.

7. Appointments made by the local board to external bodies will cease on the date of the election. New appointments will need to be made by the local board in the new term.

Do not delete this line

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) utilise the board’s existing urgent decision-making process between the final local board business meeting and the commencement of the term of office of new local board members] OR [delegate to the chair and deputy chair the power to make, on behalf of the local board, urgent decisions that may be needed between the final local board business meeting and the commencement of the term of office of new local board members]

b) note that from the commencement of the term of office of new local board members until the inaugural meeting of the incoming local board, urgent decision-making will be undertaken by the Chief Executive under existing delegations

c) approve that staff, as a temporary measure, can make business as usual decisions under their existing delegated authority without requiring compliance with the requirement in the current delegation protocols to consult with the nominated portfolio holder (or chair where there is no portfolio holder in place), from 22 October 2019, noting that staff will consult with the chair following the inaugural meeting until new arrangements are made at the first business meeting in the new term

d) note that existing appointments by the local board to external bodies will cease at the election and new appointments will need to be made by the local board in the new term.

Horopaki

Context

8. Current elected members remain in office until the new members’ term of office commences, which is the day after the declaration of election results (Sections 115 and 116, Local Electoral Act 2001). The declaration will be publicly notified on 21 October 2019, with the term of office of current members ending and the term of office of new members commencing on 22 October 2019.

9. The new members cannot act as members of the local board until they have made their statutory declaration at the inaugural local board meeting (Clause 14, Schedule 7, Local Government Act 2002).

10. Following the last local board meeting of the current electoral term, decisions may be needed on urgent matters or routine business as usual that cannot wait until the incoming local board’s first business meeting in the new electoral term.

11. As with each of the previous electoral terms, temporary arrangements need to be made for:

· urgent decisions

· decisions made by staff under delegated authority from the local board that require consultation with local board members under delegation protocols.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Urgent decisions

12. Between the last business meeting and the declaration of results on 21 October, current members are still in office, and can make urgent decisions if delegated to do so. If the board does not have an existing urgent decision-making process already in place, it is recommended that the board delegate to the chair and deputy chair the power to make urgent decisions on behalf of the local board during this period.

13. The urgent decision-making process enables the board to make decisions where it is not practical to call the full board together. The Local Government Act 2002 provides for local boards to delegate to committees, sub-committees, members of the local board or Auckland Council staff, any of its responsibilities, duties and powers, with some specific exceptions. This legislation enables the urgent decision-making process.

14. All requests for an urgent decision will be supported by a memo stating the nature of the issue, reason for urgency and what decisions or resolutions are required.

15. Board members that have delegated responsibilities, for example, delegations to provide feedback on notified resource consents, notified plan changes and notices of requirement, may continue to exercise those delegations until their term of office ends on 22 October (or earlier if the delegation was specified to end earlier).

16. Between the declaration of results and the inaugural meeting, the current members are no longer in office, the new members cannot act until they give their statutory declaration, and new chairs and deputies will not be in place. During this period, urgent decisions will be made by the Chief Executive under his existing delegated authority (which includes a financial cap).

Decisions made by staff under delegated authority

17. All local boards have made a delegation to the Chief Executive. The delegation is subject to a requirement to comply with delegation protocols approved by the local board. These delegation protocols require, amongst other things, staff to consult with nominated portfolio holders on certain issues. Where there is no nominated portfolio holder, staff consult with the local board chair.

18. The most common area requiring consultation is landowner consents relating to local parks. The portfolio holder can refer the matter to the local board for a decision.

19. Parks staff receive a large number of landowner consent requests each month that relate to local parks across Auckland. The majority of these need to be processed within 20 working days (or less), either in order to meet the applicant’s timeframes and provide good customer service, or to meet statutory timeframes associated with resource consents. Only a small number of landowner requests are referred by the portfolio holder to the local board for a decision.

20. Prior to the election, staff can continue to consult with portfolio holders as required by the delegation protocols (or chair where there is no portfolio holder). However, after the election, there will be no portfolio holders or chairs in place to consult with until new arrangements are made in the new term.

21. During this time, staff will need to continue to process routine business as usual matters, including routine requests from third parties for landowner approval such as commercial operator permits, temporary access requests and affected party approvals.

22. As a temporary measure, it is recommended that the local board allow staff to continue to process business as usual decisions that cannot wait until the local board’s first business meeting. This is irrespective of the requirements of the current delegation protocols to consult with the nominated portfolio holder on landowner consents. Staff will consult with the local board chair following the inaugural meeting until new arrangements are made at the first business meeting in the term.

Appointment to external bodies

23. Appointments made by the local board to external bodies will cease at the election, so local board members will not be able to attend meetings of their organisations as an Auckland Council representative from 22 October 2019, until new appointments are made in the new term. Staff will advise the affected external bodies accordingly.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

24. The arrangements proposed in this report enable the council to process routine local matters during the election period. They apply only to local boards. The reduced political decision-making will be communicated to the wider council group.

25. The governing body has made its own arrangements to cover the election period, including delegating the power to make urgent decisions between the last governing body meeting of the term and the day the current term ends, to any two of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and a chairperson of a committee of the whole. From the commencement of the term of office of the new members until the governing body’s inaugural meeting, the Chief Executive will carry out decision-making under his current delegations.

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

Local impacts and local board views

26. This is a report to all local boards that proposes arrangements to enable the council to process routine local matters during the election period. This will enable the council to meet timeframes and provide good customer service.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

27. A decision of this procedural nature is not considered to have specific implications for Māori, and the arrangements proposed in this report do not affect the Māori community differently to the rest of the community.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

28. The decisions sought in this report are procedural and there are no significant financial implications.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

29. There is a risk that unforeseen decisions will arise during this period, such as a decision that is politically significant or a decision that exceeds the Chief Executive’s financial delegations.

30. This risk has been mitigated by scheduling meetings as late possible in the current term, and communicating to reporting staff that significant decisions should not be made during October 2019.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

31. The decision of the local board will be communicated to senior staff so that they are aware of the arrangements for the month of October 2019.

ADD: Louise Mason – GM Local Board Services

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Anna Bray - Policy and Planning Manager - Local Boards
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Referred from the Governing Body: Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw

File No.: CP2019/16439

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To note the resolution of the Governing Body and consider giving feedback to the Chief Executive before 30 September 2019.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. At its meeting on 22 August 2019, the Governing Body resolved as follows:

Resolution number GB/2019/82

MOVED by Mayor P Goff, seconded by Cr L Cooper:

That the Governing Body:

a) receive the Freedom Camping Hearings Panel recommendations

b) defer any decision on a Freedom Camping in Vehicles bylaw pending advice from officers on the content of a new Statement of Proposal for a bylaw, and further information on a possible review of the Freedom Camping Act 2011

c) agree to alter part of previous resolution GB/2015/112 passed at the Governing Body meeting on 29 October 2015

from:

“a) confirm the following legacy bylaws, or residual parts, in accordance with section 63(3) of the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 until 31 October 2020, at which time these bylaws, or residual parts, will be automatically revoked …”

to:

“a) confirm the legacy bylaws in i., or residual parts, in accordance with section 63(3) of the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010, until a new bylaw made under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 comes into force at which time these bylaws or residual parts will be automatically revoked; and confirm the legacy bylaws in subparagraphs ii. to v. or residual parts, in accordance with section 63(3) of the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 until 31 October 2020, at which time these bylaws, or residual parts, will be automatically revoked…”

d) direct officers to provide the Regulatory Committee (or its equivalent) and Governing Body with advice on the following potential elements of a future Statement of Proposal:

i) proposed prohibitions in the following areas:

A) all areas the Freedom Camping Hearings Panel recommended should be prohibited

B) the 61 sites proposed in public submissions for inclusion as prohibited areas, which were not specified in the original Statement of Proposal but are identified in Attachment E of the Hearings Panel Report

C) all Reserves in residential areas that are Reserves held under the Reserves Act 1977

ii) restricted freedom camping in the seven sites proposed in public submissions for inclusion as restricted freedom camping areas, which were not specified in the original Statement of Proposal but are identified in Attachment E of the Hearings Panel Report

iii) restricted or prohibited freedom camping in two sites proposed in public submissions, which were not specified in the original Statement of Proposal but are identified in Attachment E of the Hearings Panel Report

iv) a General Rule that regulates freedom camping outside restricted and prohibited areas not listed in the proposed bylaw, which includes provision for:

A) a prohibition of all freedom camping in vehicles parked directly outside residential homes (unless the resident has granted permission for the vehicle to be parked outside their home)

B) a prohibition of all freedom camping in vehicles parked directly outside commercial premises, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, playgrounds, and swimming pools

C) a maximum number of nights stay at any specific site

D) the same enforcement approach in relation to homelessness as set out in the original Statement of Proposal, which aims to offer compassionate support for people with social needs

v) any other specific proposal for possible inclusion in a Statement of Proposal that is communicated to the Chief Executive by a councillor or Local Board before 30 September 2019

e) note that following decisions on the advice on the matters in recommendation d) above, council officers will be directed to develop a new Statement of Proposal for the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw for consideration by the Regulatory Committee (or its equivalent) and the Governing Body, following consultation with Local Boards”.

3. The Governing Body considered the following at its meeting on 22 August 2019:

a) Item 9 – Implementing the next steps for the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw (Hearings Panel Report).

b) Item 10 – Chair’s Report on Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

4. The attachments to this report show sites that are already in scope for the next phase of work. Attachment A provides a list of areas included in the previous statement of proposal and Attachment B provides a list of the 70 additional areas raised by submitters during the previous consultation.

5. This is an opportunity to provide further input on proposed sites which have not already been included within the scope of the next phase and which meet statutory requirements for inclusion in the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) note the resolution of the Governing Body with regards to the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

b) forward any other specific proposal for possible inclusion in a Statement of Proposal to the Chief Executive before 30 September 2019.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Freedom Camping in Vehicles – Managing freedom camping in Auckland (Statement of Proposal) (Under Separate Cover)
b ⇩	Areas proposed by submitters during public consultation and not included within the statement of proposal (Attachment E of the Hearings Panel Report)	281

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Michael Sinclair - Manager Social Policy and Bylaws

Authorisers

Kataraina Maki, General Manager, Community & Social Policy

Louise Mason, General Manager, Local Board Services

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Chair's Report for September 2019 - Greg Presland

File No.: CP2019/17591

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the Waitākere Ranges Local Board members on projects, activities and issues.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Board members are responsible for leading policy development in their areas of interest, 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 Chair’s report for September 2019.

Horopaki

Context

Tena koutou katoa

1. The end of a political term is always an opportunity to reflect on what has happened during the term, wonder about what we could have achieved but did not, and celebrate the decisions that we are proud of.

2. And, it is an opportunity to reflect on the nature of the job and our powers and position in the larger Auckland Council family and to think about what the optimal structure would be.

3. In my speech to our inaugural meeting, I listed what I thought would be the big issues. They were climate change, the housing crisis, Glen Eden renewal, Kauri dieback, the state of our marine environment, weeds and pests and oversight of the Waitāakere Ranges Heritage Area. And they were the big issues that we dealt with although, there were a couple of surprise additions.

4. Time will properly measure the progress that we made. But I believe that we, all of us, have done our bit to make our part of paradise better one decision at a time.

5. Following are some of the matters that I think were the most important or most noteworthy from this term.

Denise Yates

6. The most poignant event this term was the death of Kuia Denise Yates who died part way through the term.

7. Denise had a long career in local government. She knew everyone and loved the human contact involved with the job. She was an unapologetic progressive, a staunch defender of workers’ rights, a lesbian woman who came out when this was a brave thing to do, a steadfast advocate for the environment, a tireless worker wanting to improve the West. She was still working just before Christmas 2017 but had become ill and died shortly after. Thanks to the generosity of Hoani Waititi Marae she spent her last few days on the marae.

The west is a better place because of Denise.

Ken Turner

8. Ken Turner was elected in the by election after Denise's death. He has settled into the job quickly. He is very energetic and dedicated and has done some really good work on areas such as the Glen Eden Playhouse and the Waima Water Treatment plant. We disagree about some matters, but a diversity of views is healthy for a democracy.

Water quality

9. Thanks, to Saffron Toms, the Local Board commissioned a report into water quality in the Manukau Harbour and the West Coast. The report, titled Big Blue Waitakere, was publicly released during this term.

10. To be frank, our local water quality is appalling. This local board area has half of the region’s trouble spots. Wood Bay and Laingholm Beach, in particular, are shut too often. And, the Piha and Te Henga lagoons have unsafe contamination levels occurring far too frequently.

11. Swimmability is only one aspect of what is a complex problem. Fish stock and, in particular, protection of Maui’s dolphin along with contamination by plastics are other major issues that need to be addressed although improving water quality will help with these other issues.

12. The intent is that the report should start a discussion with local communities about the state of our beaches and lagoons and what should we do to improve them. We want to prompt a wide-ranging local conversation about our marine and coastal environment, how we interact with it and how we work together to protect and restore it.

13. The report itself is complex and identifies a number of threats and areas for concern. From the Executive Summary:

"Some of the greatest threats to the diversity and resilience of marine and coastal habitats are global issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and associated climate change, ocean acidification and sea level rise. Several management actions identified relate to how the local board can advocate for local scale contributions to carbon emissions that contribute to these global issues.”

14. The key pressures affecting the marine and coastal habitats within the Waitākere Ranges Local Board (WRLB) area include; urban development and discharge of contaminants; fishing pressure and methods; habitat destruction; wastewater pollution; rubbish, plastics and marine debris; invasive species; and potential risks associated with petroleum and sand exploration and mining.

15. While improvements have been made to local and regional management approaches, 90% of our native seabirds and more than a quarter of our native marine mammals are threatened with or are at risk of extinction. The rapid expansion of urbanised Auckland has resulted in coastal marine habitats and ecosystems becoming degraded. Chemical contaminants, high levels of nutrients and discharged sediments from waterways will continue to result in negative impacts. Even with the implementation of best practice management, it is unknown how irreversible these ecosystem-level changes may be.

16. The report sets out eight management objectives designed to focus the debate in what can and should happen in discrete areas. These include a focus on water quality, habitat diversity and natural character, natural coastal processes, sustainable fisheries, threatened species which includes the critically endangered Māui’s dolphin, the offshore environment, recreational value and safety and the accumulation of knowledge and research by local communities.

17. The report has been well received and I hope that along with the targeted water quality rate will drive an improvement in local water quality over the next decade.

Watercare Treatment Plant

18. Perhaps the most significant issue that we faced was the announcement by Watercare that it wanted to construct a treatment plant in the area and the list of potential sites had been reduced to either a new site in Oratia or near the existing site in Waima.

19. The Oratia site was very problematic. A number of houses and properties would have to be bought or would be affected. The work required would have been substantial. Placing a large-scale industrial plant in a quiet rural area would have changed the area irreversibly.

20. Consenting the site would have been difficult. The protection offered by the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act could have been decisive. The announcement caused an immediate response from the local Oratia community. With impressive passion and organisational skills they countered the plan with a community-based response to the proposal. They called a number of public meetings that must have been attended by most people living in the valley. Their campaign was visually adept and clearly caused Watercare to rethink things. It then settled on the Waima site as its preferred site.

21. An existing designation has made the obtaining of resource consent is easier than it would have been in Oratia and I suspect that this was the determining factor. But the Waima site is also problematic. Who wants to cut down nearly 4 hectares of regenerating indigenous forest, some of it pristine, to site an industrial plant in the Waitakere Ranges? The local board has taken an active role in the community consultation meetings. We suggested to Watercare that opponents of the plant should be included so that there was a proper contest of ideas.

22. The committee I believe has had an effect. An earlier plan which would have resulted in the felling of a significant grove of Kauri to make way for one of two massive reservoirs has been altered. There is now only the one reservoir in a lower quality ecological area. And construction of the second reservoir on the site of the existing plant will mean that disruption caused by truck movements will lessen as construction time will be increased.

But the project is problematic.

23. A few months ago, I wrote to Watercare inviting them to consider siting the site on the "sludge site". The proposal is one that came from Ken Turner and the rest of the board were happy to support it. The benefit would have been that a significant dump site covered in the residue of the treatment process would be remediated. And the vegetation in the area was low quality. Watercare declined to follow the proposal on the basis that any potential spill would have contaminated the water supply. Given the proposed plant's proximity to homes this is a worrying concession.

24. The board had provided formal feedback. This is as follows:

a) We oppose the application in its current form.

b) We note the proposed development is in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area and is adjacent to regional parkland and our view is that it is inconsistent with the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 as well as the Muddy Creek Local Area Plan.

c) We invite Watercare to renew consultation with the Waima community to locate a site and a plant design that will satisfy local expectations.

d) We invite Watercare to investigate repositioning of the plant to the sludge site close to the Nihotupu lake as identified in the Local Board’s letter to Watercare dated October 9, 2018 a copy of which is attached.

e) Alternatively, we invite Watercare to consider repositioning the site in an urban industrial area such as Spam Farm in Glendene which is more suitable for the location of a large industrial complex of this sort.

f) We are concerned:

i) the plant design requires the destruction of 3.5 hectares of regenerating sub-tropical rainforest that is home to many indigenous species including a previously unidentified wasp.

ii) the project will require up to 118 heavy vehicle movements a day on Titirangi’s narrow and fragile roads.

g) We support the restoration and repurposing of the Nihotupu Filter Station which is a scheduled heritage building at the entrance to Exhibition Drive

h) We support a significant restoration fund being established should the new plant be constructed in the Waima area.

25. The matter is heading for a hearing and the new board will no doubt want to include to advocate on behalf of local communities for the best result.

Kauri dieback

25. This issue burst into prominence early in the term after the draft 5-year report was prepared. It was clear that the rate of spread of the disease was alarming and we were and are facing a crisis.

26. It was also clear that the current response was inadequate. Cleaning stations were either not being utilised properly or ignored completely. Track conditions were not stopping the spread of the disease. Urgent action was requested but unfortunately things dragged.

27. Te Kawerau a Maki became, rightfully in my view, frustrated with the delay and paced a rahui on the great forest of Tiriwa. This focused everyone's attention and drove action.

28. The local board's position on the matter changed over time. Initially we wanted to close all high and medium risk tracks. But, after Christmas 2017, we realised that all tracks needed to be closed before they could be repaired to an acceptable standard and we urged Council to do so.

29. This has caused objection among part of our community. People talked about the loss they felt by not being able to walk in the forest. I agree and also felt that loss. But a walk along the Maungaroa Ridge Track I took five years ago has always stayed with me. At the peak of the track there is a large cluster of dead and dying Kauri. If we want to protect Kauri so that our forests do not become graveyards, then we have to take strong protective action.

30. Tracks through kauri areas in local parks have also recently closed. We are working through a process of prioritising their reopening.

Hoani Waititi Marae

31. I consider the Marae as one of the most important social institutions in the local board area and this term I have gone to the Marae as often as possible. Chair of the Marae Eynon Delamere and I have met regularly. I have also met regularly with the headmaster of the Kura Hare Rua and I am pleased that the Board has been able to assist the Kura with support for its activities.

32. The best advice I can give for any local board member is that relationships with the Marae and its members are best improved kanohi ki te kanohi.

Glen Eden redevelopment

32. Glen Eden renewal has been on the Board’s agenda for many years. As part of our annual pilgrimage to Council we have urged further investment in Glen Eden. We also, at the suggestion of Steve Tollestrup, engaged David Haigh and David Kenkel and Kate Doswell from Unitec to research social trends in Glen Eden. Their report "Change and Development in Glen Eden" was the result.

33. One recommendation that I am still keen to progress is the proposal that there be a Glen Eden charter, which sets out various principles including quality urban design, and social, cultural, economic and environmental principles for decision makers.

34. I thought that discussion about what should be in the charter should help us understand the values that are important to Glen Eden and what we want Glen Eden to look like in the future.

35. The draft charter is a collection of value statements that should inform Auckland Council decision making. Its mission statement is for “[a] sustainable Glen Eden that moves confidently to the future.”

36. It requires Council to encourage public transport, walking and cycling and improve traffic safety. It mandates good urban design, affordable housing and energy efficiency. It talks about improved access for everyone and planning for the future. It talks about cultural. social and economic interests.

37. It is an aspirational document. By starting a conversation about what we value about Glen Eden I hope that we can come up with a charter that we can all be proud of. I provided a copy of the full report to Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford who thought the report was outstanding and helped stage a public meeting based on the report. The report is a very helpful insight into how Glen Eden is changing and should be compulsory reading for any new elected member for the area. And clearly Glen Eden is changing.

38. The railway station has always been central to this. Ever since the electrification of the western line and the improvement of rail service times use has soured. The park and ride that the board urged Auckland Transport to build is now full from a fairly early time of the day. And apartment houses, currently being built and planned are a reflection of the importance of Glen Eden as a transport hub.

39. This term has seen the announcement of projects that promise to rejuvenate Glen Eden. Auckland Transport announced major safety improvements for West Coast Road and Council has purchased a strategically significant building and is getting ready to redevelop the site as an urban renewal project for the area. And the Local Board, which has carefully saved up its capital funds so that a town square for the area can be advanced, is making plans. The timing of the eventual development of the site may mean that our plans will need to be delayed. It would be best and economical to do all work at once.

Glen Eden apartments

40. I spent a lot of time on this issue. The apartments are the idea of Ted Manson. He has an interesting background. He grew up in poverty and spent a great deal of his early years living in a state house. He then became exceptionally successful in business. The Herald highlighted him in an article, and he was quoted as saying this:

“I used to think ‘if I can come up from a state house, anyone can’ but as you get older, you start to realise life is not fair. Not everyone can do it ...

I woke up one day and I got a social conscience. That happens at some stage of your life for some, but not for all. Up until then, I was a capitalist.

Many people are enduring tough times and are under constant pressure and constraint because of hardship or misfortune. But robust, safe, warm, healthy homes which ensure security of tenure would give them the stability to contribute positively to their community and improve their quality of life."

We do need every dwelling we can get. The housing crisis is a scourge on Auckland. Having kids whose families have jobs with no choice but to live in cars is not the sort of New Zealand I want us to have. And the effect of the crisis is wide. Families living in crowded sub-standard conditions blights the future potential of our young ones. Paying exorbitant amounts in rent means that many basics which should be guaranteed are not happening. And having a society where teachers struggle to pay the rent but can never dream of owning their own property is just wrong.

41. So, Ted’s project is important. We do however have to make sure that these developments have a positive effect on the surrounding area. A compact urban form is a good thing as long as it is a good quality urban form.

42. And there is a virtue in building around our transport nodes. Developments such as these mean that we can avoid the pressure to build into the foothills of the Waitakeres. And they make our city more carbon neutral in that they lessen the need to drive private cars.

43. We need to make this project an exemplar. Most of the housing will be social housing and to make the project succeed we will have to make sure that there are social supports in place and that the new residents are welcome into our community.

44. As part of the welcome process Jade Tang-Taylor has been engaged to produce a welcome home campaign which will involve the provision of information, pamphlets, a website, maps and events to welcome these residents to Glen Eden. Details should appear in the coming months.

Te Henga Quarry

45. Remediation of the Te Henga quarry is a significant issue for the local board.

46. Quarrying activity ceased in 2015. There was a request to allow quarrying activity to continue in a neighbouring reserve area but the local board was firmly against the desecration of pristine reserve land and so quarrying activity eventually ended.

47. Since then remediation of the land has started. The intent is that much of the area will be replanted and for there to be canopy cover over most of the site.

48. Perrys, the company with the right to quarry the area has an obligation to perform some rehabilitation work on the site.

49. There was also funds collected by Waitakere City over a number of years tagged for the rehabilitation of the site and I calculated that that a million dollars or so was collected.

50. The site is an interesting area. There is a great deal of bush. There is a rather steep rock face that would be ideal for climbing if adequate safety provisions could be put in place. And there is a rather large pool that is being used for swimming but which clearly poses some danger in its present form. The site has a great deal of potential but needs a lot of work and attention before it can be made safe. Which is why the money accumulated by Waitakere City is so important.

51. There is no current dedicated fund available to finish the site and make it accessible to and enjoyable for the public. But there is, I believe, at least a moral obligation for Council to come up with the money so the work can be done. The matter has been raised with Council staff.

Huia Seawall replacement

52. One of the big projects the Board was involved in was the Huia Seawall. The project involved the construction of two groynes and the replacement of the existing wall which was being undermined. The project struck problems after the method of taking sand from the bay was shown to be less than optimal. Residents contacted the board and asked us to get involved which we did.

53. After some discussion and negotiation with staff a consensus was reached to continue the sea wall towards the stream at the western side of the beach and to bring in sand from elsewhere. The project is nearly complete and the last I saw was operating as anticipated.

Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act review

54. This is a five yearly report and an important discipline as we work out how effective the Act is functioning. The second report was produced last year.

In the forward I said this:

"We find that despite all efforts made so far kauri dieback disease continues to spread. This is a particularly local tragedy for a taonga of the heritage area and a national one in terms of our wider forest ecology. Auckland needs to make some tough decisions on what needs to be done to halt the further loss of kauri. The potential new threat of myrtle rust is also on our horizon.

55. This report gives us time to recognise the progress and achievements made towards meeting the objectives of the Act. This local board always strives to represent the values of the heritage area and is very conscious of community action taken to hold the line against, for example, animal pests and weeds, and of council’s role in empowering private landowners to do their bit. People are generally very proud to live in a heritage area, and that strength of feeling is growing.

56. This report underlines our collective responsibility to manage, monitor, protect and celebrate this special place. In another ten years I would like to find not only that we have added to the successes of today but have risen to the long-term challenges that we face to ensure the vision for the heritage area is met."

Climate emergency declaration

57. The local board decided that we should declare a climate emergency for our local board area and urge Auckland Council to do the same, which I am pleased they have done so. The question will be what next?

58. One area that I believe we can be very proactive is implementing our Greenways network. This meeting we should finalise our Greenways Plan.

59. The problem is however budget, our scarce resources are not sufficient to do more than one or two projects a year and there are many.

60. Auckland transport has been criticised for not doing enough about walking and cycling. One solution may be for the current capital grants made to local boards to be increased and tagged specifically for greenways project. That way board by board we could prioritise and construct those walking and cycling projects that make most sense to us.

Emergency management

61. After the floods in 2018 and the big storm that wrecked the west's power supply the board took an active role in assessing current management plans and upgrading them. A lot of the work occurred in Piha which had two significant floods that year as well as regular power outages. The work was productive, and I believe will assist in the future.

Titirangi Chickens

62. They have been a feature of the village for many years. Originally there were only a couple of them but numbers have grown and they are now a significant problem. They pose danger to road users, they are undermining the quality of the bush and scratching around Kauri and they are really messy and unhygienic.

63. Matters came to a head after the appearance of large rats in the village. Chickens may not have been the only problem but they were a contributor. And the news put Titirangi in the world news for all the wrong reasons. In one week, I had interviews with CNN Hong Kong, three national radio stations and a number of media organisations.

64. The response to the rat plague was quick. I am pleased that Council's contractors managed to quickly dampen down numbers and I must acknowledge and thank the South Titirangi Neighbourhood Network for also stepping up and helping. And a contract for removal of the chickens is now being put in place. As many as possible will be rehomed.

Other Highlights

Taking part in a world record at Glen Eden Intermediate

The ethkick event, the perfect antidote after the horror of the Christchurch massacre.

The dawn ceremony at Matariki

Beats and eats in Glen Eden

Conclusion

65. There is a lot more that I could write about but time and space prevent me from doing so. Can I acknowledge all staff but especially the following:

Glenn Boyd

Claire Liousse

Brett Lane

Raewyn Curran

Brenda Railey

The one and only Shaz

66. Who are all consummate professionals, all work hard and make us appear to be efficient and resourceful and convert our random mutterings into concrete action?

67. Can I also acknowledge the local board members, my very capable and dedicated deputy chair Saffron, Sandra, Steve, Neil and Ken for all of your contributions this term. Each of you are in this because you want to make Waitakere a better place. Mostly we agree on what is needed. Occasionally we don't. But I have found that working with you has been a pleasure.

68. I wish Steve all the best for his retirement and acknowledge the passion and enthusiasm he has poured into the job over the past six years.

Nor reira tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa.

Greg Presland

Waitakere Ranges Local Board Chairperson

Phone +6421998411

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Brenda Railey - Democracy Advisor - Waitakere Ranges
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Members Report for September 2019 - Steve Tollestrup

File No.: CP2019/17596

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the Waitākere Ranges Local Board members on projects, activities and issues.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board

a) receive Member S Tollestrup’s report for September 2019.

Horopaki

Context

LGNZ Conference

3. As our Local Board representative for Local Government NZ, I attended the 2019 LGNZ annual conference and EXCELLENCE Awards held in Wellington from 7-9 July 2019.

4. The 2019 conference theme was "Riding the localism wave: Putting communities in charge". It was about communities and empowering them to take charge of their social, economic, environmental and culture well-being through localism. This is a global concept reshaping government around the world, recognising that best outcomes are a result of local people making local decisions about the places they live.

5. In spite of our highly centralised governance political system, examples of localism abound in New Zealand. The conference focused on these best practice examples and how we apply the lessons from these examples to how communities, local government and central government engage with each other.

6. Approximately 600 delegates attended, such as mayors, chairs, chief executives, councilors and senior management from New Zealand's councils, along with key players from the private sector, business, government and non-government agencies.

Personal Highlights

Climate change

7. This was a highly informative panel discussion that included John Mauro, Chief Sustainability Officer, Auckland Council, Sophie Handford and Raven Maeder, School Strike 4 Climate NZ organisers and James Palmer, Chief Executive, Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

8. First, I’d like to mention the value of including Sophie Hanford and Raven Maeder, which as both pointed out, would face because of their youth the longest span of climate impact of anyone in the room. A bit overwhelmed by the audience, they handled their message well stressing the need to have youth engaged and consulted as well as providing opportunities for them to develop their understanding of sustainability and climate.

9. I took note of John Mauro’s discussion that climate resilience requires integration across Councils and the breaking down of silos. Climate policy must be seamless. There was a further need to ensure and encourage innovation to flourish such as digital platforms for information sharing and modelling. There needed to be an inclusive and collaborative strategy to ensure sector and community partnerships were in place. Finally, that financial investment is critical, and it would never be cheaper than now.

Managing fresh water - best practice, breakthroughs in innovation and barriers

Doug Leeder, Chair, LGNZ Regional Group, Terry Copeland, Chief Executive, Federated Farmers, Geoff Simmons, Leader of The Opportunities Party and former CE of the My River programme.

10. From a progressive position, Doug Leeder and Geoff Simmons stressed water as a valuable and critical resource. Contrary to some, water is a very limited resource. A major issue is public ignorance. Most citizens don’t understand the water cycle, the process of water delivery and discharge and this needs to change. To start dealing with management of this dwindling resource public awareness both in urban centres and rural communities is required.

11. A suggested framework is Te Mana O te Wai “The health of the water is the measure of the health of the nation.” Te Mana O te Wai is based on three obligations:

a) To protect the health of the water; ecological, quality and quantity

b) The health of water for human sustenance; its purity and safety

c) Consumptive use of water for agriculture, livestock, generation, industry without compromising a) and b).

12. The workshop was barely 40 minutes and admittedly a high flyover of the issue. Nevertheless, a very inspiring session and a good basic framework in Te Mana O te Wai.

Auckland Airport Noise Consultative Committee Group (ANCCG)

13. This consultative group is concerned with assessing and reducing nuisance noise from aircraft landing and departing at Auckland Airport. A major area of focus is nighttime flight movements. Take offs because they require additional thrust and energy are identified as the more problematic though inbound complaints are not uncommon. Airways is currently considering rerouting of some early morning flights to avoid residential areas on inbound flights and take-off procedures and flight management to reduce noise disturbance in built up areas, particularly in South Auckland. Advisories to all airlines are to be advised bearing in mind the captain of an aircraft has discretion when situations warrant e.g. visibility and weather.

14. The consultative committee receives quarterly detailed reports on noise complaints which identify time, area and aircraft. Complaints seem to be predominantly from South Auckland, Eastern Suburbs including Orakei. We, in the west, have some of the lowest number of complaints.

15. As previously expressed, my focus has been to ensure that the legislated peace of the Waitākere Ranges is protected and to advocate when flight path changes are raised. By term five the second runway will be well advanced and when completed, aircraft movements can be expected to increase and vigilance by the local western boards will be important.

16. As I will be departing this role at the end of term, I want to stress the importance of having a WRLB representative. The committee work is important and interesting, and the meetings are well managed, and time bound to two hours.

Presentation of Draft Piha Resilience Plan

17. A final draft resilience plan for Piha was presented at a well-attended community meeting. This plan has been a great example of a community led initiative where key community leaders and first responders have worked together facilitated by both Auckland Emergency Management and WRLB staff over the last year. The draft was well received with some minor adjustments and correction before final document. This working group should be commended for its work as it has been regarded by AEM as a model for other communities

Local Board input into Regional Disaster planning

18. I reviewed and contributed input to Auckland Emergency Management draft document Pathways to Preparedness: A Planning Framework for Recovery. The framework sets the scene for recovery, provides direction based on community values and principles, outlines our approach to recovery and identifies actions to build momentum on improving our preparedness to recover from a disaster. A detailed recovery work programme will be developed to deliver on these actions across Auckland Council group and with our partners.

19. The framework replaces an earlier management protocol pre-Christchurch earthquake and integrates some of the lessons learned from that event. The Focus on effective recovery noted five strategic areas to ensure recovery management: ensuring capacity and capability is available, collaborative approach is supported and assets integrated, recovery management is communicated real time and through multiple channels, recovery management is understood, and that monitoring and evaluation of recovery ensured.

20. The draft framework was well thought through but I noted some suggestions for enhancement. These were:

a) To consider the international “Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability” framework with its focus on vulnerable groups during a disaster particularly women, young persons, homeless and elderly.

b) To ensure that community groups with assets that could be mobilised e.g. churches and faith based groups, camps, Marae, surf clubs etc are advised and actively integrated into recovery plans.

c) Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation requires local communities are able to contribute their own evaluative benchmarks and take responsibility to ensure they are monitored.

d) That emergency management plans have the flexibility to ensure responsiveness is not ‘Cookie-cutter’ but acknowledges the uniqueness of each community and their context.

Family Violence Taskforce

21. As Chair of the West Auckland Family Violence Taskforce, I have been working with Amiria Fletcher (Manager WAVES Trust (West Auckland Anti-violence Essential Services), Mark Allen Community Waitakere and taskforce members to review the purpose of the taskforce going forward, developing planning for the next twelve months and succession planning for a new chair beginning 2020.

Citizenship Ceremony

22. I attended our last Citizenship ceremony of the term. As I often report, these events are personal highlights knowing something of the circumstances that especially our refugee communities have left. The courage to leave, the grief of leaving loved ones behind and the commitment and passion to start fresh here in Aotearoa New Zealand. As far as I’m concerned, they are among our most positive citizens and constituents.

Miscellaneous

23. Winter seems to be the time for AGMs. I’ve attended the Henderson Valley Residents and Ratepayers AGM as well as the Waitakere Residents Association. I was pleased that just days before Auckland Transport announced the scheduled repair of a slip on Sunnyvale Rd – its taken eighteen months to get done, but a great outcome for my last meeting with WRR.

Final Report

24. As I will not be seeking re-election, this will be my final report as an elected local board member. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all my board colleagues for their hard work on behalf of our range’s constituents. Their hard work and advocacy often go unnoticed and unacclaimed. I want to especially thank Sandra Coney for her chairing in my first term and Greg Presland for my second term. I wish all my board colleagues well for the coming election and future.

25. Likewise, I have been served by an outstanding council support staff at the Glen Eden office. Much of what we do would have been impossible without their behind the scenes effort. Thank you!

26. Thanks too, to the many local constituents I have met and for their support. I’ve loved the passion they have for their communities and the west.

27. On reflection, I’m particularly pleased with a number of outcomes I have personally championed:

· Prohibition of synthetic cannabis in our local board area

· The establishment of the Glen Eden safety hub and the integration of community safety services.

· The co-funded partnership between council and Unitech developing the Glen Eden research and the important consideration of growth and gentrification on our more vulnerable residents

· The important role of small business including crafts and arts within the Heritage area.

· Piha Resilience and recovery planning with Sandra Coney which is now being used as a model for other communities

· WIFI through to Bethell’s Valley

· Henderson Valley pedestrian safety through the completion of the Mountain Road walkway.

· Just starting to raise awareness of our valued dark night skies and their protection – I’ll keep being an activist on this one!

As a board:

· Our advocacy and winning of funding for Glen Eden town centre improvement.

· The difficult but important step to temporarily close the ranges and support the Rahui to stop the spread of Kauri dieback. Great to see as I leave that trails are being upgraded to standard and being reopened.

· The integration of climate change measures into our deliberations and policy.

· And there is much more.

Some observations as a two-term member:

· Greater devolution of decision-making and discretionary budget to the local boards. This is key if true local democracy is to thrive.

· The ability for local boards to enact transparent and competitive local procurements for local contracts.

· A skilled mediation service should be in place that serves the needs of the council internally as well as with community engagement. Small and easily resolved misunderstandings and disputes escalate into conflict without that skilled support.

· The culture of Auckland Council appears to me as ‘low risk and high blame’. What I mean is that except for a few specialist areas, innovation and risk is shunned for fear of reputational consequences for failures. For this city to thrive, bold and innovative thinking needs to be released and encouraged right through the organisations. Where failure occur or the objective not met critical but positive reflection and learning should follow.

· Finally, I would suggest that the lens we develop and grow this city is one through compassion. The marginalised, the at risk and vulnerable, have little voice and appear to me too often overlooked; homeless, aged, unemployed, street people, low income struggling to make ends meet. Perhaps the world’s most compassionate city is the world’s most livable.

Mahia I runga I te Rangimarie me te ngakau mahaki:

with a peaceful mind and respectful heart, we will get the best results

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Brenda Railey - Democracy Advisor - Waitakere Ranges
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

26 September 2019

Members Report for September 2019 - Sandra Coney

File No.: CP2019/17971

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the Waitākere Ranges Local Board members on projects, activities and issues.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board

a) receive Member S Coney’s parks and heritage report for September 2019.

Horopaki

Context

Heritage

Peace commemoration concert

The final WW1 commemoration concert was held at Swanson RSA in August with the Royal New Zealand Artillery Band entertaining. This was a celebration of the peace that arrived on 11 November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. In 1918, because the city was in the grip of influenza and it was thought unwise to invite people to congregate, the peace celebrations were put off till July 1919. That also meant most of the New Zealand troops had arrived home, many being delayed for occupation duties in Germany and dismantling infrastructure such as New Zealand camps.

The RSA put on an afternoon tea and Terry Urbahn of the Council’s events team had done a wonderful job decorating the room with bunting, flags, lanterns and carpets. We have held these concerts every year of the WW1 centenary and thank Bob Davis and his band for a very rewarding partnership.

The man on the screen in the photo was Fred Mettam one of the Swanson men who went to war and died on the Western Front, as did his brother Tom Mettam.

Waikumete Cemetery

The Governing Body consulted on a plan to extend the life of Waikumete Cemetery by modifying some of the SEA areas in the Unitary Plan. This had shortended the period in which the cemetery could be used for burials to a few years. The Board supported this approach to retain the best SEA areas but make more area available for burials.

It is not desirable that cemeteries are closed, especially such a large cemtery in the middle of a residential area. Generally, they are difficult to maintain. There was also the issue of ensuring families can continue to use the cemetery where they already have loved ones buried there.

Matariki Event

Matariki was once again celebrated in June with a programme of events throughout Auckland, and in the west, focused on Arataki Visitor Centres, where events such as a whanau day were held. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board is proud to support these events with funding.

Shadbolt House Writers in Residence

The Board’s desire to see a writers’ residence at Maurice Shadbolt’s house in Arapito Street, Titirangi, delivered by the Gping West Trust. The house has been vacant for some time and works need to be carried out under the house to support an excavated bank. We hope this will be completed in the next couple of months and the Going West Trust can get on with delivering the residency to complement the annual writers and readers festival and celebrate our writers of the west. The house was purchased by the legacy Waitakere City Council to honour Maurice Shadbolt and establish a residency.

Heritage Conference

The theme this year is Destination West, and celebrates the west as the end of the journey, the place which people explored and came for recreation and settlement. Now in its fourth year, the conference will feature respected historians and archaeologists sharing the rich heritage of the area in the morning and a host of shorter workshops in the afternoon. Speakers include Graeme Murdoch, Isaac McIver, and Robyn Mason.

A highlight will be the opening address, in which historian Graeme Murdoch will take us through the Waitakeres Ranges as seen by the earliest explorers from the Tainui canoe, explaining the place names they bestowed. We will also hear about the Daring schooner recovered from the sands of Muriwai Beach and the myth of Henry Swan.

The conference is held in the Titirangi War Memorial Hall on 20 October as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival.

Parks

Portable Pump Track

On 21 September the portable pump track which had been at Sunvue Park, Glen Eden, was shifted to Les Waygood Park, North Piha. Sport Waitakere attended and brought bikes, Piha Kidz Charitable Trust ran a sausage sizzle with lots of fresh fruit and the 1^st Response attended in case of accidents of which, happily, there were none.

About 30 children with parents attended, aged from about 2 to 14 years old. Bikes, scooters and skate parks were used. It was great to see a good number of girls take part and heart-warming to see older children look out for the littlies.

It is intended that the portable pump track stay 6 months at Piha before being moved to another site. The group Water & Wheels has been working on a permanent skatepark at Piha and the temporary facility will give us information about how much and when it is used and any issues.

Huia beach protection works

In March a blessing was held at Huia Domain to mark the end of the major works carried out to protect the Huia Domain from erosion. The works included building two rocky groins out into the bay. Sand was also brought in from elsewhere to replenish the beach.

These seem to have been very successful at catching and holding sand so that currently there is a stretch of sandy beach which did not exist before the work was done.

At the west end the Domain has been protected against erosion by a rock revetment. Board members inspected this in late July. There are further works due to be carried out on the carpark.

Huia Bay, March 2019

Sandy beach from west end, July 2019

Greg Presland on rock revetment, west end Huia

Kauri Dieback Local Parks Closures

The Board has been working its way through closures some tracks that are at risk of kauri dieback spread. Some of these in Titirangi are particularly valued by local communities as off-road tracks used by locals and school-children to get around.

There has been local consultation about these and the Board hopes to get the tracks upgraded and reopened as soon as possible.

With regard to tracks through regional parks a number of these have recently been reopened including Zigzag Track, Titirangi, Comans Track, Karekare, Marawhara Walk and Kitekite Falls Track, Piha.

Flooding at Piha

The Board held a public meeting to look at resilience plans for Piha and Karekare. A group of stakeholders – emergency services, Piha organisations, Emergency Management, Local Board – developed the resource for the community to improve its readiness for flooding, fire, prolonged power outages or any other emergencies. It is waiting to hear what the advice is about a number of leases on local parks which are subject to flooding.

Following an earlier public meeting in Barnett Hall, the Healthy Waters team has said the major feedback centred around the need to be prepared, to institute early warning systems and take steps to make the valley better able to cope with high rainfall events. There was not much appetite for hard engineering interventions such as tunnels, dams or widening the stream.

The HW team is putting in place various interventions such as:

· Cameras at two bridges – Piha Mill Camp and Seaview Road - to send data on stream levels and velocity, by the time you read this they will probably both be in.

· A vertical rain radar and tipping bucket at Glen Esk Rd ranger station that sends message if more than 15-20 ml an hour – already in

· Pre and post inspection of stream if forecast rain events. Once a month walk whole stream and remove debris – this is happening

· Alarms are being worked on.

· Rain radar installed and more to come

· Messaging systems to alert Emergency Management and improved cellphone coverage.

· Morphum Report on improved hydrology in old Ministry of Education wetland to be implemented.

· Morphum Report on works to prevent erosion around Gallery to be implemented.

Seabirds in local and regional parks

A recent survey of the Tasman Coast carried out for the Local Board found 113 burrows for oi or grey-faced petrels between Anawhata and Karekare. While nesting was known to occur at Te Waha (North Piha) and Taitomo Island, the survey found birds at six other sites, including two at North Piha and two at Piha. The survey was carried out using a trained black lab called Rua, who sniffs out the locations of burrows. Earlier surveys had looked at the Te Henga/Bethells Beach area, where four petrel species are breeding, but this is the first time a systematic survey has been carried out on the coast south of Te Henga and along the Manukau Harbour edge.

This resurgence of these seabirds is thought to be the result of animal pest control in the Waitakeres and coastal villages carried out by regional park rangers and volunteers. These birds are predated by rats, which take eggs, and stouts, which attack chicks. Grey-faced petrel burrows were also found at Whatipu, Cornwallis, and headlands at South Titirangi.

The survey also looked at shorebirds and also found 9 pairs of breeding dotterels along the Coast, as well as non-breeding birds and fledged birds, and 17 pairs of variable oyster catcher. The survey was funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Brenda Railey - Democracy Advisor - Waitakere Ranges
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Chairperson	Greg Presland
Deputy Chairperson	Saffron Toms
Members	Sandra Coney, QSO
	Neil Henderson
	Steve Tollestrup
	Ken Turner

Author	Brett Lane - Local Board Advisor
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau

Author	Raewyn Curran - Senior Local Board Advisor - Waitakere Rnge
Authoriser	Glenn Boyd - Relationship Manager Henderson-Massey, Waitakere Ranges, Whau