Agenda of Auckland Domain Committee

Terms of Reference

Background

The Auckland Domain is an important regional park and also has areas within it managed by the Waitematā Local Board. This committee is set up jointly by the Governing Body and Waitematā Local Board to co-ordinate decisions relating to the Domain.

Responsibilities

Decision-making responsibility for parks, recreation and community services and activities in Auckland Domain including those anticipated in the Auckland Domain Act 1987, which are the responsibility of the Governing Body or the Waitematā Local Board.

Powers

All powers of the Governing Body and Waitematā Local Board necessary to perform the committee’s responsibilities including those powers conferred on Auckland Council pursuant to the Auckland Domain Act 1987.

Except:

(a) powers that the Governing Body cannot delegate or has retained to itself (section 2)

(b) where a matter is the responsibility of another committee or local board

(d) the approval of expenditure of more than $2 million

(e) the approval of final policy

(f) deciding significant matters for which there is high public interest, and which are controversial.

Exclusion of the public – who needs to leave the meeting

Members of the public

All members of the public must leave the meeting when the public are excluded unless a resolution is passed permitting a person to remain because their knowledge will assist the meeting.

Those who are not members of the public

General principles

· Access to confidential information is managed on a “need to know” basis where access to the information is required in order for a person to perform their role.

· Those who are not members of the meeting (see list below) must leave unless it is necessary for them to remain and hear the debate in order to perform their role.

· Those who need to be present for one confidential item can remain only for that item and must leave the room for any other confidential items.

· In any case of doubt, the ruling of the chairperson is final.

Members of the meeting

· The members of the meeting remain (all Governing Body members if the meeting is a Governing Body meeting; all members of the committee if the meeting is a committee meeting).

· However, standing orders require that a councillor who has a pecuniary conflict of interest leave the room.

· All councillors have the right to attend any meeting of a committee and councillors who are not members of a committee may remain, subject to any limitations in standing orders.

Independent Māori Statutory Board

· Members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board who are appointed members of the committee remain.

· Independent Māori Statutory Board members and staff remain if this is necessary in order for them to perform their role.

Staff

· All staff supporting the meeting (administrative, senior management) remain.

· Other staff who need to because of their role may remain.

Local Board members

· Local Board members who need to hear the matter being discussed in order to perform their role may remain. This will usually be if the matter affects, or is relevant to, a particular Local Board area.

Council Controlled Organisations

· Representatives of a Council Controlled Organisation can remain only if required to for discussion of a matter relevant to the Council Controlled Organisation.

Auckland Domain Committee

25 February 2020

Pukekawa / Auckland Domain policy framework

File No.: CP2020/01576

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an overview of the legislation, plans and policies of particular relevance to the governance and management of Pukekawa / Auckland Domain.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. There are numerous laws, plans and policies that have some bearing on Pukekawa / Auckland Domain (domain). The following documents are specific to the domain and regularly referenced in the Auckland Domain Committee’s (committee) governance of the domain:

· Auckland Domain Act, 1987 (Attachment A)

· Auckland Domain Master Plan 2016 (Attachment B)

· Auckland Domain Events Guidelines 2016 (Attachment C)

· Auckland Domain Committee Delegations 2016 (Attachment D)

3. The plan that has been most influential in the recent management and governance of the domain is the Auckland Domain Master Plan, 2016 (master plan). The master plan recommends a number of changes to respond to growth pressures, build the resilience and quality of the domain environment and meet the changing needs of Aucklanders. Over the last four years the committee have considered a large number of reports that seek to implement actions arising from this master plan.

4. All of the plans listed above, as well as a range of other relevant documents, are discussed in this report in order to provide the committee with an overview of the policy framework needed to effectively govern the domain.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) request staff explore costs and possible funding sources associated with implementing priority recommendations that have not been advanced from the Auckland Domain Master Plan 2016 and put together a business case ahead of the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan.

Horopaki

Context

5. The domain is a regionally significant park with multiple ecological, cultural, landscape, community and recreation values and functions. There are many and varied built and natural features that characterise the domain and these inform the multiple layers of legislation and planning constraints that govern the domain.

6. The following acts of parliament, plans and policy are of particular relevance to the management and governance of the domain:

Auckland Domain Act 1987

7. The domain is of such significance that it carries its own legislation namely the Auckland Domain Act 1987. The act is quite short and somewhat dated but the intent is very clear. It emphasises that that domain must be held for public recreation and enjoyment, including free access for all. It specifically provides for cricket, the Auckland Bowling Club, Auckland Tennis and the Parnell Lawn Tennis Club.

8. Attachment A provides a full copy of the Auckland Domain Act 1987.

Auckland Domain Master Plan 2016

9. The master plan was initiated in 2011, soon after the creation of Auckland Council, when it became apparent that there was a large number of pressures on the domain that were not being coordinated or appropriately managed.

10. At the time of amalgamation, the domain, being part of Auckland’s volcanic field, was governed by the Governing Body but the transitional legislation made it clear that this arrangement was subject to review. It was later determined that the governance of the domain be split between the Waitematā Local Board and the Governing Body. As a result of this decision a joint committee was established to oversee the development of the master plan. Near the completion of this process the committee was established (in 2015) and the master plan was eventually adopted by the committee in 2016.

11. The primary findings and aspirations of the master plan are included in the principles found on pages 14-18 of the master plan included at Attachment B.

Auckland Domain Events Guideline 2016

12. The domain is a popular event venue. The Auckland Domain Act 1987 places emphasis in the management of the domain on free public access and gives priority to some sporting activities. The need to protect layers of heritage, including the significant tree assets in the domain, is supported in the Auckland Unitary Plan. When combined, these documents place layers of constraints on the use of the domain as an event site. Prior to the development of the Auckland Domain Event Guidelines (event guidelines) these layers were both difficult to navigate and not well managed. The event guidelines are intended to enable the use of the domain as an important event site for Auckland while protecting public access and the values of the domain. The event guidelines were reviewed after the first year of operation and reconfirmed, with little change, in 2016. The event guidelines are included as Attachment C.

Auckland Domain Committee Delegations 2016

13. Given the strong governance oversight of the domain and the high number of activities going on in the domain delegations were established in 2016. These are a primary reference tool in decision making associated with the domain and included as Attachment D.

Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act, 2014

14. The Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Act 2014 (Collective Act) provided for the assignment of the existing geographic name of domain to the name ‘Pukekawa’. The new geographical name took effect on 29 August 2014.

15. The way in which the gazette notice, which gave effect to the Collective Act, was drafted was by way of locating the name on hill on the north east side of the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The name given to the hill feature does not have a bounded area.

16. At the direction of the committee legal advice was sought on this matter in 2015. This advice concluded that the name of the domain is not affected by the naming of the hill but when referring to the hill specifically or the summit of the hill in official documents (including signage), the council should use the name ‘Pukekawa’. It was also concluded that the use of this name in other signage for the domain is at the council’s discretion.

17. Since 2015 the dual name of Pukekawa / Auckland Domain has been used in official documents and all signage.

Auckland Unitary Plan

18. The Resource Management Act 1991 plays a big role in the day to day protection of the values of the domain through numerous rules and policies that are included in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

19. The domain is a scheduled archaeological and geological feature, it contains a number of protected trees, scheduled buildings, objects and places. These are all considered and reported to the committee as part of all new initiatives in the domain.

Auckland War Memorial Museum Act, 1996 and Auckland War Memorial Museum Site Empowering Act 2003

20. Auckland War Memorial Museum (AWMM) is the governed by the Auckland War Memorial Museum Act 1996, which sets out its governance. Its activities are enabled by the Auckland War Memorial Museum Site Empowering Act 2003, which replaced the Auckland Institute and Museum Site Empowering Act 1918 and provides for the leasing of the land. The AWMM is also explicitly provided for in the Auckland Domain Act 1987 and the Auckland Unitary Plan.

21. The AWMM influences the public use and management of the domain and vice versa. The development and growth projections of the AWMM require the committee to work closely with the AWMM. A good working relationship has been in place for many years. A report on the AWMM activities and aspirations is included in a separate report on this agenda.

Auckland Domain Management Plan, 1993

22. The Auckland Domain Management Plan, 1993 (management plan), is not a statutory plan as the domain is not subject to the Reserves Act 1977 and the Auckland Domain Act, 1987, does not require a management plan to be adopted. The management plan was developed in response to public concern over the changes to the Auckland Domain Act driven by the development of Auckland Tennis. It was supported by a group of stakeholders who formed a group known as the Friends of Auckland Domain. Members of this group still hold an interest in the domain, but this group is no longer active.

23. The management plan is now quite out of date. While much of the context and many of the policies are still relevant several have been superseded by the master plan.

Various conservation and asset management plans (for the fernery, winter gardens and cenotaph)

24. Winter Gardens Conservation Plan, June 2001, is a document intended to assist with the conservation maintenance of the Winter Gardens buildings. It also acknowledges the winter gardens association with the wider domain. Key policies state that the complex should be used for activities similar to those originally carried out there, that its use or maintenance should not damage or intrude on the structures heritage, and that a planned programme of maintenance should be in place with a budget provided to cover costs.

25. The Auckland Domain Fernery Conservation Plan, August 1993, is a working document that directs the conservation of the fernery within the domain. Policies relate to maintenance and preservation of the fernery requiring this occur in line with the original structure and planting stile through careful restoration and planned regular maintenance of the structure.

26. Auckland Domain Wintergardens Maintenance Plan, March 2006, is a plan intended to ensure the building continues to operate as efficiently and as economically as possible and for as long as practical. As policy, it takes into account the previously prepared conservation plan as well as the International Council on Monuments and Sites New Zealand Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value.

27. There is also a conservation plan for the cenotaph which similarly guides the protection and upkeep of this important heritage feature.

Traffic management

28. Auckland Domain Option Development and Management Plan, July 2007, is a report by Flow Transportation Specialists that gives a management plan for traffic within the domain. It highlights the need to update the management plan and gives a list of actions required to reduce the amount of vehicular traffic and related safety hazards within the domain.

Waitematā Local Board plans

29. As the full extent of the domain sits within the Waitematā Local Board rohe (boundary/area) there are a number of plans that have been developed by the local board that interface with the domain. Of particular importance are the Waitematā Local Board plan, the Waitematā Greenways Plan and the Parnell Plan.

30. The most recent of these is the Parnell Plan which was completed in 2019. This plan was sponsored by the Waitematā Local Board and developed in collaboration with a working group of key community stakeholders over a series of workshops and meetings. It includes input form council staff managing the domain and council-controlled organisations. One of the key findings of the plan is to realise the Waipapa greenway. This includes the role of the Parnell train station which is noted as in important gateway to Parnell and domain. The Waipapa greenway is a rail trail in the valley between Parnell and the domain that includes the stream, a disused 320 metre long historic rail tunnel and access between Parnell and the domain.

31. Both the Waitematā Greenways Plan and Parnell Plan both recommend improvements to access and wayfinding in and around the domain. Many of these recommendations are reflected in the master plan and the Accessibility Improvement Plan reported elsewhere on this agenda.

Auckland Domain Tree Plan

32. Following the failure of several significant oak trees several years ago a tree management improvement programme was implemented. The Auckland Domain Tree Plan (tree plan) was also developed and adopted by the committee in 2016. This included a vision: “to develop a uniquely Auckland arboretum containing a mixture of native and exotic specimen trees in the heart of the Domain and complemented by large swathes of natural bush around the outer perimeter of the reserve. The treed landscape will reflect the history, culture and diversity of our evolving city and will attract people for respite, research and education.”

33. The tree plan recommended a number of actions including further engagement with mana whenua and development of a planting plan and associated resource consent for this work. A draft concept for this work was presented to the committee in a workshop in 2019. Input will now be sought from mana whenua through cultural values assessment work about to be undertaken and the planting plan will developed, with mana whenua input, over 2020 and reported back to the committee.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

34. This is an information report providing an overview of existing plans and policies only. Future decision-making reports will include analysis and advice that references the adherence to documents discussed in this report.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

35. The most relevant document that guides activities in response to climate change in the domain is master plan. The Auckland Unitary Plan also provides a robust rulebook to check any future proposals against in relation to their effect on the climate.

36. The master plan is underpinned by seven principles. All proposed interventions have been guided by these principles. Principle seven is “Creating an environmentally sustainable park that is an exemplar on the world stage.” The text from the masterplan that relates to this principle is included below as it is most relevant in the future work of the committee in relation to climate change.

“Observations: The Auckland Domain is a big contributor to the ‘green lungs’ of the city centre. The park is an arboretum containing over 17 hectares of urban forest, as well as hundreds of specimen trees, and brings many ecological and environmental beneﬁts to the city. These include being a source for biodiversity in both ﬂora and fauna. Many bird species are present in the park and native lizard species can also be found. Other beneﬁts of the forest are its improvements to air, water and climate quality as well as the amenity, heritage and cultural values that are associated with it.

The Auckland Domain Tree Plan aims to develop the Auckland Domain tree collection as a unique arboretum which maintains a balance between protecting the current collection and continued promotion of native and exotic vegetation.

However, there are further actions that could be taken in the Domain towards achieving more sustainable and environmentally responsible park management processes and systems. One example is to monitor and improve the quality of water that enters and leaves the park. Measures could be taken to improve the water quality in the spring-fed duck ponds that sources the section of Waiparuru Stream through the park. Also, low impact design methods such as swales, raingardens and bioretention tree pits could be implemented on some roads (for example, The Crescent) to help detain water and ﬁlter pollutants.

The Wintergardens are a massive visitor attraction in the Auckland Domain but to keep them operating requires a huge amount of water and energy. The greenhouses in the service yard are not well equipped for this purpose and rely on inefﬁcient and unsustainable technology and facilities. There is opportunity to create more efﬁcient operations that are more sustainable in terms of their use of water and energy.

Key proposals:

7.1 Continue to manage weeds and pests through the BioBlitz programme to increase the ecological and biodiversity values in the Domain. Involve schools and volunteers and develop educational opportunities in these activities.

7.2 Reduce potable water usage in the Domain by developing water minimisation and recycling systems in the service yard and greenhouses.

7.3 Review the heating systems in the greenhouses with the intent of reducing energy use.

7.4 Investigate opportunities for community groups to use surplus greenhouse space in the service yard for community revegetation programmes.

7.5 Enhance the mauri of all things and in particular stormwater systems and waterways

7.6 Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff on the Domain roads, and the water quality in the duck ponds and the Waiparuru Stream.

7.7 Investigate ways to reduce rubbish in the park, including advocating for visitors to take their rubbish away with them and having recycling facilities.

7.8 Seek Green Flag accreditation for the Auckland Domain.

7.9 Select ecosourced native species for new and replacement planting, particularly near car parking areas.

7.10 The redevelopment of existing buildings should be done in an environmentally sustainable manner and re use material and incorporate sustainable technology e.g. green roofs.

7.11 Identify opportunities for mana whenua to provide ecosourced seed stock and to maintain planting.

7.12 Engage with mana whenua to develop and maintain high standards of environmental sustainability.

7.13 Car park designs should include water sensitive design techniques.

7.14 Develop an arboretum at the heart of Auckland Domain which is complemented and surrounded by large swathes of native bush.

37. Funding levels have prevented progress on many of these actions but recent progress has been made on the following:

· An ongoing weed and pest eradication programme, including volunteers, has been ongoing and this has recently been accelerated with the support of the environmental targeted rate.

· Green Flag accreditation has been achieved for several years running. This international best practice audit process has driven changes in use of unsustainable materials and chemicals in the nursery and continues to recommend ongoing improvements that align with the improvements highlighted in the master plan.

· The redevelopment of depot glasshouses was completed in 2019 in an environmentally sustainable manner with water reuse and energy efficiency being a key driver. Budget constraints prevented this extending to the energy source for heating the glasshouses.

38. It is recommended that a priority be placed on adopting and implementing a tree plan in partnership with mana whenua that provides a clear planting programme, implementing environmentally sustainable stormwater swales along sealed corridors, reviewing the heating systems in the greenhouses, which are gas powered, and exploring options for rubbish reduction.

39. In addition to the actions listed above there are a number of actions relating to increasing public transport, walking and cycling which sit under the principle four of the master plan that is discussed in another paper on this agenda.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

40. The domain roads are managed by Auckland Transport (in accordance with the Auckland Domain Act 1987), there is a Watercare easement adjacent to the museum and the Auckland War Memorial Museum occupies a large part of the domain. In addition, the domain is an important event site used by Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (for the Lantern Festival and Auckland Tennis Open) as well as being a primary tourism destination. These factors ensure there is strong collaboration and input to the management of the domain from across the council group.

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

Local impacts and local board views

41. This is an information only report with no impacts on local boards arising specifically from this report.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

42. There are no specific Māori impacts arising from this report.

43. As noted in the Accessibility Improvement Programme report on this agenda there is poor recognition of mana whenua histories, values and aspirations in relation to the domain. Cultural values assessments (CVA) are being sought to address this ahead of improvements arising from the master plan. This CVA work is funded as part of implementing interpretative signage which is funded through the long-term plan.

44. In 1994 a report on Māori sites in and near the Auckland Domain was prepared by Susan Bulmar for the Department of Conservation. This report makes a number of recommendations including:

· “Māori consultation about the place names, concerning the accuracy of the ones collected and further names as appropriate, and signpost place names, if requested by Māori advisors

· Māori consultation about archaeological definition of the exact area of the Te Wherowhero house sites, and carrying out that work, as requested

· Further general site survey in the Domain, to make the state of knowledge relatively complete, that is, the search for further habitation evidence associated with the stream valley below the ponds.

· The preparation of management plans for the 3 pā sites and other sites in consultation with Māori advisors and archaeologists.”

45. None of this work has been completed. Russel Foster completing limited archaeological investigation as it relates to previous road projects in the domain. It is recommended that funding for this work, which would be completed by or in partnership with mana whenua, be sought through the long-term plan.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

46. This is primarily an information report. As noted throughout there is opportunity for further work which would require additional funding. Some of this is addressed elsewhere on the agenda. It is recommended that funding be explored for the outstanding actions as noted above.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

47. This is an information only report that does not give rise to any new risks within the domain.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

48. This is an information only report. The plans and policies discussed will give rise to future reports that will aid in deciding the next steps to respond to growth pressures, build the resilience and quality of the domain environment and meet the changing needs of Aucklanders.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Domain Act 1987	17
b ⇩	Auckland Domain Master Plan 2016	31
c ⇩	Auckland Domain Event Guidelines 2016	109
d ⇩	Auckland Domain Committee Delegations 2016	131

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

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

Auckland Domain Committee

25 February 2020

Accessibility Improvement Programme - general update and funding shortfall

File No.: CP2020/01628

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update on the implementation of the Accessibility Improvement Programme and outline the funding shortfalls to progress phase of the programme in 2020/21.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Auckland Domain Committee (the committee) has supported the delivery of the Accessibility Improvement Programme (AIP) as part of the implementation of the Auckland Domain Master Plan.

3. Funding for the programme was sought through the Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan 2018-28 however only $150,000 was supported. Parts of the programme have been funded from other sources. Implementation of this reduced programme is now underway. Attachment A provides a map of what is planned to be delivered over the next 18 months or so, which includes:

· Removing parking spaces

· Trialling gates to address commuter or long stay parking

· Introducing paid parking in Grafton Mews

· Developing a new carpark

· Developing new path connections

4. In addition, the report outlines where funding shortfalls have been identified as a result of:

· Meeting Auckland Transport (AT) requirements to make changes to the legal roads

· The need to advance planning for additional components of the AIP where there are evident pressures or the opportunity to work with partners on delivery of improvements.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) request staff investigate options to meet the approximate $490,000 funding shortfall identified in this Accessibility Improvement Programme report, including:

i) Developing a business case for the 2020/2021 Annual Plan budget

ii) Working with the Waitematā Local Board to investigate whether any of the local board’s transport fund would be available

iii) Investigating the reprioritisation of a portion of the $150,000 signage budget allocated in the 2019/20 Annual Plan budget.

b) request staff report back to the Auckland Domain Committee’s May 2020 meeting on the outcome of clause a).

Horopaki

Context

5. The committee adopted the Auckland Domain Master Plan (master plan) in 2016 and key components of the masterplan have been packaged into the AIP. This programme seeks to reduce vehicle dominance and improve pedestrian and cycling opportunities in the Domain. The Committee supported the delivery of Stage One of this AIP at its 29 November 2018 meeting (Resolution ADC/2018/35) with some additional improvements added on 29 August 2019 (Resolution ADC/2019/18).

6. Key components of the AIP are to:

· strategically remove or manage some of the parking provision to provide safer pedestrian and cycling circuits and connections

· develop new path connections

· find solutions to managing the high demand for long-stay commuter parking.

7. At the time the revised Stage One AIP was developed it was anticipated, based on initial legal advice, that council could come to an agreement with AT on managing the roads in the Domain not including the main commuter routes (Domain Drive and Lower Doman Drive). However, subsequent legal advice has confirmed the need to treat them all as legal roads, which includes following due process in accordance with the Local Government Act (LGA) 1974. In some cases, there are significant costs associated with these processes that were not factored into the original project estimates.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Removal of parking spaces

8. The committee has previously supported the removal of approximately 120 parking spaces in the Domain. This will be partly offset by the development of a new 29 space carpark and management of commuter parking. The intention of these removals is to reduce the vehicle dominance in areas frequented by pedestrians and cyclists. Improving the safety of the Sri Chinmoy circuit, enabling the delivery of path connections and protecting sightlines to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Refer to Attachment A.

9. As this parking sits within the legal roads AT approval is required prior to this being implemented. A resolution of AT’s Traffic Control Committee is needed to legalise the parking restrictions and controls and ensure these can be enforced by AT and the NZ Police.

10. A traffic consultant has been commissioned to prepare the report and initial feedback from the Traffic Control Committee has requested an outline of the communications council is planning on undertaking ahead of the parking removal (this is outlined further below). The Auckland Museum has provided a letter of support to AT on the removal of parking in close vicinity to the museum.

11. The parking to be removed from the inside of Football Road will require some formal reinstatement of the asphalt area to bring it back into the park. An initial quote to undertake this is work is $35,000 and no budget has been identified for this.

Trial gates

12. Commuter or long stay parking is a significant contributor to the vehicle dominance in the Domain. The Committee has supported the installation of temporary gates at the Titoki Street carpark and Carlton Gore entrance. These have been funded by the the Waitematā Local Board. These gates will be trialed along with use of existing bollards to restrict vehicle access to the carpark and parking on a section of Football Road and Grandstand Road South; areas heavily used for commuter parking. These will operate from dusk to 9.45am weekdays only.

13. Further discussions have been undertaken with AT on the installation of these gates. This includes determining the most appropriate location for the Carlton Gore entrance gate and the gate style. The operations team has also been consulted on the proposed design and management.

14. It has been agreed with AT the trial can be undertaken in accordance with clause 11 b) of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act (LGA) 1974, so not requiring a formal process at this stage. However, should the trial prove effective budget would need to be applied to purchasing more robust automated gates and undertaking a pedestrian mall process for Grandstand Road South and a section of Football Road.

15. It is proposed that the effectiveness of the gates be monitored with a further survey undertaken by AT once the gates have been in place for an appropriate period. This will be subject to a further report to the committee in early to mid-2021.

Paid parking in Grafton Mews

16. AT have been progressing the implementation of this and will cover the initial costs to report this to the Traffic Control Committee for approval, remark the parking spaces, install parking meters and signage and implement some additional controls around the flow of traffic.

17. It is anticipated that the paid parking will be implemented by the end of April. The general report covers off a minor extension to the agreement with the Auckland Bowling Club to manage the parking in the interim.

18. Revenue from the parking will initially be used to repay AT’s costs. Once this is achieved, the revenue minus AT’s ongoing operational costs will be returned to the Domain in accordance with section 4 of the Auckland Domain Act 1987 which requires these funds be held and applied in furtherance of the Domain.

New carpark

19. The committee has supported providing a safer experience for pedestrians and cyclists using Kiosk Road, as well as those visiting the new play space being created south of the duck ponds. This entails removing the two small parking areas off Domain Drive at the intersection with Kiosk Road and parking along Kiosk Road and developing a new carpark at the western end of Kiosk Road. This carpark has been funded by the Waitematā Local Board.

20. The project manager working on the carpark has noted additional costs that were not considered in the initial estimate, including the high possibility this will be a contaminated site, as is most of the Domain, and the requirement to include of a stormwater filtration device. These costs are likely to be in the order of $140,000.

21. The new carpark will need to provide for the passage of buses. A number of tourist buses visit the Wintergardens, parking at the entrance off Kiosk Road. There is insufficient room for most buses to then turn around and exit onto the Crescent so they will still need to pass through Kiosk Road and exit onto Domain Drive. AT have advised a pedestrian mall process will need to be undertaken to enable the restriction of vehicles, with the exception of buses, from Kiosk Road. This special consultative procedure in accordance with S336 of the LGA 1974 will cost in the order of $40,000 and was not factored into the new carpark estimate.

New path connections

22. The Waitematā Local Board has committed $962,000 to fund four new path connections. The contract to deliver the paths has been awarded and more detailed site investigations are underway. Some additional costs have been clarified or emerged.

23. The Titoki St carpark to Football Road path will require a formal road stopping of Little George Street. The committee supported this at its 29 August 2019 meeting (Resolution ADC/2019/18). The road stopping process, run by AT in accordance with S342 and Schedule 10 of the LGA 1974, will cost council in the order of $24,000. It is proposed the path project budget absorb the estimated $6,000 for the survey required to start the road stopping application.

24. The new path connection from Centennial Path to Lower Domain Drive through a section of Grafton Mews has required a formal assessment of the ability to one-way this section of Grafton Mews. This assessment will cost in the order of $7,500 and includes a review of the roundabout at the bottom of Lower Domain Drive to determine its ability to cater for larger trucks. In addition, AT has advised that given the path is being developed along the road edge that installing speed bumps in the road will assist reduce traffic speeds and the safety of this new path, these are estimated to cost $15,000. The cost of this assessment and the speed bumps were not factored into the initial path estimate.

Bus Management

25. There is an increasing presence of buses in the Domain. Currently AT run a bus service to the Domain every 30 minutes, the Explorer buses visit the Auckland Museum and Wintergardens every 15 – 30 minutes, depending on the season, and there are numerous buses associated with cruise ships, school visits and other tourist and group visits. The Domain has never been designed for buses, there are areas that do not have the height or width to accommodate buses and there is no layover area for tourist buses dropping off visitors and waiting to collect them. These buses have a visual impact on the Domain and add to the vehicle dominance around the major visitor attractions.

26. As noted above with the development of the new Kiosk Road carpark and playground consideration will need to be given to managing bus movements in this area. The next stage of the AIP needs to deal with the wider challenge of managing and designing for commuter, group and tourist bus visits.

27. It is proposed that additional funding, potentially $120,000, be sought as part of a business case to the Annual Plan, to undertake investigations and develop concept designs on how bus movements, around the Museum and the Wintergardens, can best be managed in the future. LTP funding would then be sought to deliver the outcome of these investigations.

Entrance improvements

28. AT are undertaking a review of Park Road as part of a new integrated programme of work. This has highlighted the opportunity to review the entrances off Park Rd, through the memorial gates and at the corner of Carlton Gore Road. This is the main entrance to the Domain from the Grafton train station. It is proposed funding, in the order of $100,000, be sought to take advantage of the synergies of working with AT on a review of this area; undertaking the initial investigations and concept designs for these entrances. LTP funding would then be sought to deliver the outcome of these investigations.

Signage budget

29. A $150,000 budget to deliver signage was provided by the governing body as part of the 2019/2020 Annual Plan. It is proposed that this support the commissioning of Cultural Values Assessments from mana whenua and delivery of interpretative material, in particular on Pukekaroa. In addition, a wayfinding study will inform where signage improvements should take place.

30. New signs or the reskinning of signs will be required with the delivery of the new path connections, but this will need to wait on the completion of these new assets, likely to be in 2021.

31. Given the shortfalls in the budgets to deliver the AIP the possibility to reallocate some of this budget to the wider AIP is being investigated.

Communications plan

32. A key component of the AIP was undertaking communications on the programme. A draft communications plan has been developed. This proposes several channels be used to get the message out that changes are underway and that these are about improving the experience of those purposefully visiting the Domain.

33. These will include the production of 3-4 large story boards that will advise what the changes are, why they are happening and when they will take place. Posters will be installed on existing poles in the areas where parking is to be removed. There will be media release and story on Our Auckland. More comprehensive information on the changes will also be provided on the Auckland Domain page on council’s website. In addition, communications will be targeted to all key stakeholders to inform them of the delivery of the AIP changes.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

34. The delivery of the AIP is about reducing vehicle dominance and increasing the opportunities for walking and cycling. This includes enhancing opportunities for active transport not only in the park but as a means to get to work or other destinations.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

35. This report reflects the delivery of a number of projects being managed by Community Facilities and are being viewed in context of other renewal projects they manage to ensure projects speak to each other.

36. Engaging with AT has been an important part of determining the delivery of the road-related components in the AIP and they have shown support in principle for the proposed changes.

37. The Auckland War Memorial Museum has been a partner in the development of the implementation of the programme noting the shared aspirations of improving pedestrian and cycle access, public transport options and wayfinding.

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

Local impacts and local board views

38. Representatives of the local stakeholder groups, from Parnell, Newmarket, Grafton and the City Centre, were involved in the working party set up to review the AIP. They have been supportive of measures to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists through the removal of parking, and to reduce the long-stay commuter parking and overall vehicle dominance in the Domain.

39. The improvement of accessibility in the Domain has been supported in the past by Waitematā Local Board. This support has been seen in the Local Board’s contribution last year of over $1.45M to deliver components of the AIP.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

40. As part of the preparation of the masterplan, five hui were held with mana whenua to seek their input into the draft content. Written input to the history section of the master plan was sought from all mana whenua however we were unable to get consensus amongst mana whenua on the final wording for inclusion.

41. Given the available LTP funding and the amount of change proposed as part of current and future projects outlined in this report and the master plan, and noting the intent to deliver new cultural narratives at Pukekaroa as part of the signage budget, a cultural values assessment will be sought from each mana whenua group. This will be an important means of more thoroughly understanding historical connections, current mana whenua values and aspirations and seeking input to particular proposed projects.

42. Cultural values assessments will also help define how the committee can better acknowledge the history, values and aspirations of mana whenua at the Domain. These assessments will also provide input to all aspects of the AIP.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

43. Funding of the implementation of the Auckland Domain masterplan has always been a challenge. Last year the Committee recommended funding from the Annual Plan of $5 million over two years be sought to enable delivery of the stage one of the AIP, beyond what could be achieved from Waitematā Local Board-sourced funding. The outcome was the $150,000 signage budget.

44. As noted in the report above there are a number of components of the AIP that have not been adequately funded. There are opportunities to move forward on more detailed planning to address evident pressures.

45. This funding shortfall is in the order of $489,720 and includes:

a) Commissioning traffic consultants to prepare AT required reports supporting parking removal, assessing one-way potential of Grafton Mews and undertaking a pedestrian mall process ($55,720)

b) Reinstatement of parking area removal on Football Road ($35,000)

c) The road stopping of Little George Street to support the development of the Titoki Street carpark to Football Road path and restoration of the tuff ring ($24,000)

d) Installation of speed bumps on Grafton Mews ($15,000)

e) Additional costs associated with delivery of the Kiosk Road carpark ($140,000)

f) Planning and concept designs for bus movements ($120,000)

g) Planning and concept designs for Park Road entrances ($100,000)

46. It is proposed that staff investigate options for meeting this funding shortfall through the preparation of a business case to the annual plan. If additional funding is not available some currently funded projects will have to be put on hold and a revised programme will be required to prioritise delivery of the AIP components within the current funding envelope.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

47. The implementation of parking removals and trialing access restrictions to some parking areas in the early morning will have an impact on those commuters or long stay parkers that utilise these parking areas. These users may well perceive themselves as negatively influenced by these changes in parking provision and could contact the media or elected members with their complaints. It will be important that elected members and the media are appropriately briefed about the AIP implementation.

48. Current projects discussed in this report are subject to operational health and safety plans. This includes a process for incident and near-miss reporting, and these will be reported to the committee where they have occurred.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

49. The next steps for the delivery of the AIP are:

· Cultural values assessments to be sought from all mana whenua with an interest in the Domain.

· Investigate funding options to meet the AIP budget shortfall, including preparing a business case to the 2020/2021 Annual Plan. This will be presented to the Finance and Performance Committee in April. The outcome of this investigation will be reported back to the Auckland Domain Committee in May.

· Receive confirmation from AT’s Transport Control Committee on the proposed parking removal.

· Undertake a communications campaign in April, providing information on the changes being introduced as part of the AIP to Domain users and those utilising the Domain for parking.

· Following this campaign remove parking and commence restrictions to some parking areas.

· Introduce paid parking in Grafton Mews in April.

· Work on the more detailed design on the four new path connections will be brought back to the committee in May.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Mapped Accessiblity Improvement Programme	143

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Annette Campion - Kaihautu Tai-Ranga-whenua
Authoriser	Jane Aickin - Kaiwhakahaere Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua

Auckland Domain Committee

25 February 2020

Auckland Domain General Update

File No.: CP2020/01513

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the committee on recent activities in Pukekawa/Auckland Domain.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Auckland Domain Committee (committee) has met quarterly since it’s inauguration in August 2015. The scale and significance of the domain, combined with the unique management and governance structure, means there is a lot of activity that occurs across multiple agencies. This omni-bus report provides an update on proposals or recent management matters that do not warrant a decision but will be of interest to the committee.

3. Since the 29 August 2019 meeting of the Auckland Domain Committee (the committee), the following activities of note have occurred or are in progress:

· A successful ASB Classic tennis event occurred from 6-18 January 2020 and two significant events are due to occur in March being the Lexus Urban Polo “Place des Anges” Auckland Arts Festival Event.

· An extension to the Auckland Bowling Club Operation and Management Agreement has been arranged ahead of implementation of a new car parking management regime in the Grafton Mews area due by April 2020.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) endorse an extension of the Car Park Operation and Management Agreement between Auckland Council and the Auckland Bowling Club, for a period of two months, up until 31 April 2020, being the period necessary to provide management ahead of a new car parking management regime being put in place. This extension shall be on similar terms and conditions as the existing agreement.

Horopaki

Context

Events

ASB Classic

4. The ASB Classic took place on the domain from 6 – 18 January 2020 and was well received by participants and general public. This follows the successful rebuild of Yock Stand, being stage 1A of a redevelopment that aims to increase the seating capacity to 3500. This stadium upgrade project was approved by the committee in February 2019.

5. In the past public access in and around the ASB Classic event has been an issue but this year an improved plan was put in place and no complaints were received.


Introduction of a 4-bin waste system to improve Waste Minimisation and Sustainability.	Example of way-finding signage to ensure public access is maintained through the Auckland Domain.

Lantern Festival

6. The annual Lantern Festival, due to be held from 13-16 February 2020 at the domain, was cancelled this year. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) made this decision to call off the event for the first time in its 21-year history following the outbreak of the coronavirus which lead Chinese community leaders to reconsider the appropriateness of holding the event this year.

7. The Lantern Festival was in its 5th of a five-year resource consent and is meeting with Auckland Council’s Resource Consent team to see if there is an opportunity for an extension to the Resource Consent given 2020’s cancelled event.

8. In the meantime, ATEED has been continuing to engage with Auckland District Health Board to resolve their concerns about accessibility and parking associated with the Lantern Festival. In June 2019 the committee asked ATEED to report back on options or a process for identifying alternative locations for the Lantern Festival 2021. The outcome of this will be coming to the May committee.

Polo and Arts Festival

9. There are two big events coming up at the domain being: the Lexus Urban Polo event due to take place on 14 March 2020 and the Auckland Arts Festival event “Place des Anges” which is due to take place from 12 to 15 March 2020.

General

10. Attached to this report is a summary of permitted or facilitated events held or to be held in Auckland Domain for the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 (attachment one).

Auckland Bowling Club

11. In May 2017 the committee resolved to enter into a Car Park Operation and Management Agreement with the Auckland Bowling Club to put some structure around a practice that had been operating without consent for some time. At the 30 August 2018 meeting of the committee this agreement was extended to 30 June 2019 and in June 2019 it was extended again to February 2020.

12. On 29 November 2019 the committee agreed to endorse parking charges in Grafton Mews, subject to normal consultation processes and net revenue being returned to the domain. This and other improvements were dependent on Auckland Transport being able to include this in their work programme.

13. Auckland Transport were not able to put this in their 2018/19 work programme but are currently in the process of progressing this. It is expected this will be implemented by April 2020.

14. With this in mind management have been working with the bowling club and stakeholders to manage the transition. As part of this a further extension of the Car Park Operation and Management Agreement has been necessary to bridge the gap between the current agreement concluding and the new arrangement being put in place. It is recommended that this be formally endorsed by the committee.

15. The bowling club have previously indicated they would like to enter a new and separate arrangement for the management of the car park over the period of the ASB Classic tournament each year. Management are discussing this with the club and will report back on this matter.

Garden of Humanity proposal

16. In August 2015, July 2016, and November 2017 the committee heard from the Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust (trust) about a proposal for a memorial in the domain. In July 2016 Ms Sheree Stone and Mr Robert Narev presented to the committee and the following resolution was passed:

1. “authorise staff to engage with the Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust to seek an appropriate location (outside the object exclusion and event zones) for a memorial in the Auckland Domain and report back to the committee” - Resolution number ADC/2016/19

17. In November 2017, following a presentation by Sheree Stone, Nadine Rubin-Nathan and John Barnett from the trust, it was noted:

2. “…that the committee have authorised staff to work with the Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust to find a suitable location and that the trust has indicated an interest in the Fairy Ponds.” - Resolution number ADC/2017/45

18. The trust presented a draft proposal to the committee at a workshop in February 2019. They were hoping to present a final proposal to the committee at this meeting but did not have all of the feedback from the mana whenua engagement process they have undertaken collated and incorporated into their thinking. They now hope to present their proposal for formal consideration at the May committee.

Auckland Transport

19. Auckland Transport (AT) are progressing the delivery of the two formal crossings on Lower Domain Drive funded by the Waitematā Local Board’s Community Safety Fund. While the crossing at the top of Lower Domain drive, near the intersection with Domain Drive, is straight forward, the current crossing at the Lovers Lane intersection does not meet sight distance requirements and needs further assessment on how this could be addressed.

20. Auckland Transport (AT) has road pavement repairs programmed for late February / early March in Lower Domain Drive. Maintenance patches have been completed over the last year as temporary fixes until AT could close the road to carry out the upcoming pavement repairs.

Kari Street Commons and Playground Development

21. In May 2018 the committee approved a concept plan to develop Kari Street Commons (the old nursery site between Grafton Mews and the hospital). Stage one of this work is currently in resource consent stage.

22. Specialist investigation and reports have been completed for geotechnical, hydraulic, and contaminants in support of the resource consent application and the design. The findings have unveiled a significant area of buried asbestos among other contaminants. The project landscape architect is currently reviewing the findings which may result in changes to the proposed design to avoid digging in the asbestos area.

23. At the same meeting (in May 2018) the committee approved the design for a new natural play space and connections. This was reliant upon resolving carparking adjacent to the play space on Kiosk Road. As part of the resource consent process the play space was identified as being on the former tennis court site which has triggered contaminated land testing and design methodology. This is underway and the findings will be added to the resource consent application.

Accessibility improvement programme developments

24. Installing new gates at the Titoki Street car-park, in response to direction from the committee, is in the detailed design phase. AT have proposed methodology for the works and the logistics of operation of the gate is being developed.

25. New pathway connection projects, funded from the Waitematā Local Board Transport Capital Fund, are in the site investigations and detailed design phase.

Renewals

26. Concepts are being developed for renewal of the sand carpets on fields 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Options for renewal are now been explored with users.

27. Plans for path renewals, including the Watson’s Bequest area and the Domain Drive path near the Hospital, are underway. The amount of renewals needed is in excess of available budget so management are in the process of prioritising the works until additional funding is made available.

General maintenance

28. The Amorphophallus Titanum – Corpse Flower - bloomed over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. The last time it bloomed was in 2015. During the flowering the Wintergarden opening hours were extended to allow the public to view the rarely seen flower. Public feedback was very positive.

29. There was an increase in vandalism in the domain, particularly around the grandstand, over the Christmas break. Two doors were smashed down and the building tagged over the Christmas break. The doors were immediately secured and replacement doors that fit the style of the building will replace them. The tagging was removed immediately.

30. This summer annual bedding plants were replaced with wildflower displays in the Watsons Bequest gardens. The wildflowers have put on a fantastic display and require significantly less watering.

31. The Wintergardens played host to the Coven Supreme Ball. This was the opening act of the Auckland Council Pride Centres. The event was held on a Friday evening with drag and dance entertainers performing on the runway in front of a panel of judges.

32. A member of the public had complained to the Chair about maintenance of juvenile trees in the domain. This has been followed up and all trees have now had appropriate maintenance as shown in the photo below.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

33. This is an update report and/or follows on from comprehensive reporting where analysis and advice has previously been provided to guide decisions.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

34. A number of activities in the domain have an impact on the environment and careful consideration of the impact of activities on climate change is needed.

35. The general direction provided by the committee over the last few years has been positive – in particular a push to improve access to the domain by public transport, pedestrian and cycle modes which, in general, will reduce the impact on the environment and climate.

36. In the last term a large new glasshouse complex was built to replace old facilities in the winter garden depot and this build included water recycling and energy reduction features. Solar panels were not within budget and changing the energy source for heating the winter garden complex along with a number of other improvements is recommended and could be undertaken over time. These initiatives are generally supported by the Auckland Domain Master Plan 2016 but there is currently no funding to progress these.

37. Climate change initiatives will be the subject of separate reports over time.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

38. This report largely reflects ’business as usual’ operational activities and is considered to be in line with council group activities.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

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

40. Updates on larger projects within the domain will have been, or will be, the subject of specific reports to the committee where Māori impacts will be reported on.

41. Given the significance of the site to mana whenua and Māori of Auckland, engagement on any new developments is essential and this has been, or will be, reported on a case by case basis.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

42. This is an information report and while most of the activities have funding associated with them the report relates to implementation of activities within budget or proposals that will be considered in a future report.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

43. There are no substantive risks identified at this point in time.

44. Projects discussed in this report are subject to operational health and safety plans. This includes a process for incident and near-miss reporting, and these will be reported to the committee where they have occurred.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

45. Next steps are identified throughout the report. The following next steps are of particular relevance at a governance level:

· Report back to the committee in May 2020 in regards to consent for the Lantern Festival 2021

· Implementation of changes to carparking at Grafton Mews over the next quarter in line with previous committee resolutions

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Annual calendar of events	163

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

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

Chairperson	Cr Desley Simpson, JP
Deputy Chair	Member Adriana Avendano Christie	Waitematā Local Board
Members	Member Renata Blair	Independent Māori Statutory Board
	Member Alexandra Bonham	Waitematā Local Board
	Cr Pippa Coom
	Member Hon Tau Henare	Independent Māori Statutory Board
	Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM
	Member Sarah Trotman, ONZM	Waitematā Local Board

Author	Kalinda Gopal - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Jane Aickin - Kaiwhakahaere Te Waka Tai-ranga-whenua