Agenda of Extraordinary Meeting of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

10 November 2020

Adoption of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020

File No.: CP2020/16481

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To adopt the final Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 requires that each local board complete a local board plan for adoption every three years and uses the special consultative procedure (SCP) to engage with their communities.

3. The consultation period for the SCP ran from 13 July to 13 August 2020.

4. The local board has considered all submissions and feedback received from the consultation period. Substantive changes and minor edits for clarification are proposed.

5. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020, which includes the proposed changes, is attached to this report.

6. Pending adoption of the plan photographs, maps and other design features will be added for final publication.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board:

a) adopt the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 as set out in Attachment A of the agenda report.

b) delegate authority to the Chairperson and/or other nominated member(s) of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board to approve any minor edits that may be necessary to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 prior to publication.

Horopaki

Context

7. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 states that each local board must:

· adopt their local board plan by 31 October of the year following an election

· use the special consultative procedure (SCP) to engage with their communities.

8. Local board plans are strategic documents developed every three years. They set a direction for local boards and reflect community priorities and preferences. They provide a guide for local board activity, funding and investment decisions. They also influence local board input into regional strategies and plans, including annual budgets.

9. The plans inform the development of the council’s 10-year budget. They also form the basis for development of the annual local board agreement for the following three financial years and subsequent work programmes.

Timeframes

10. The implementation of COVID-19 alert levels forced a delay to the consultation period planned in June and July 2020 to be rescheduled to July and August 2020.

11. Every effort has been made to adopt the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 in October, however the unavoidable change to the dates of the consultation period has required a small extension of time. This is to ensure the local board had sufficient time to consider the submissions received.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Consideration of submissions and feedback

12. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has considered the submissions and feedback received.

13. Overall, 90% responded positively to the direction of the plan, while 5% responded negatively. A further 5% were unsure.

14. Asian and Pasifika communities were well represented in the feedback, however there was an underrepresentation of youth, Māori and European communities.

15. Overall, 79% felt the plan would help the community recover from the impact of COVID-19, while 5% did not. A further 16% were unsure.

16. The key feedback points, analysis and subsequent proposed changes to the outcome chapters are outlined in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Substantive changes to the draft Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020

Key point of feedback	Analysis	Proposed change
A common theme among submissions was that there should be more support for youth, particularly in relation to wellbeing and learning and development opportunities.	Outcome 1 already acknowledges the younger demographic of the local area and notes the boards intent to support opportunities for rangatahi / youth to participate and develop. Outcome 6 acknowledges that there are a larger number of young people in the local area who are not in education, employment or training compared to the Auckland average. This outcome also states the boards’ intent to support programmes such as Youth Connections, as well as look for ways to create learning opportunities for young people. However, given community feedback it was noted that this section should be strengthened.	Add a new sentence to the ‘life-long learning’ subsection of outcome 6 to clarify the board’s position as follows: It is important to us that our rangitahi / youth have the skills and education they need to access opportunities.
A common theme among submissions was the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity, mental health and social isolation. There was a desire for the community to be enabled to identify ways to respond and for the board to support initiatives, such as community gardens, that would have a positive social impact.	Outcome 1 generally identifies the impact of COVID-19 on the community. This can be strengthened further in the narrative and initiatives of outcome 1 by noting clear support for activities that improve community wellbeing.	Add a new sentence to the ‘empowered communities’ subsection of outcome 1 as follows: We know that climate change will increasingly affect our way of life and, now, COVID-19 has added to food insecurity and social isolation, particularly for our large number of low-income whānau / family. Add a new sentence to the ‘inclusiveness’ subsection of outcome 1 as follows: We believe celebrating our differences and supporting social connectedness are important. It will make our community a better place for everyone and help us recover from the effect of COVID-19 on our well-being. Replace the second challenge in outcome 1 with the following: COVID-19 has increased issues related to well-being, food security and social connection. Add a new initiative to outcome 1 as follows: Support community garden initiatives that help people learn how to grow their own food. Reword the initiative in outcome 1 as follows: Support community-led initiatives that contribute to well-being, community resilience and social cohesion.
Several submitters felt that Oranga was not acknowledged adequately in the plan given the level of development by Kainga Ora in the area. Similarly, several submitters felt that Riverside was not acknowledged adequately in the plan given development by Kainga Ora and social issues experienced in the community.	While development by Kainga Ora within the local area is noted in the plan, naming of Oranga and Riverside is not. The two suburbs could be named in the plan as communities of interest, with similar levels of development and youth respectively. In relation to the social issues experienced in these areas, outcome 1 could be strengthened to acknowledge the board’s support for high-need communities.	Strengthen the paragraph related to Kainga Ora under the ‘development areas’ subsection of outcome 3 as follows: Riverside and Oranga are communities of interest to us, both being central hubs for development, youth and employment. We’ll continue to work closely with Kāinga Ora in Oranga, and closer with them in Riverside to ensure they deliver good quality design and enhance our area with safer connections, better open spaces and community places. Strengthen the ‘empowered communities’ subsection in outcome 1 as follows: We’ll enable people to influence the things they care about and focus on supporting initiatives that respond to our high-need communities.
Some submitters felt that the board needed to improve civic engagement to reach a wider number of people in the community and for the community to better understand the board’s role and responsibilities.	Outcome 1 notes the board’s intent to learn from one another through active engagement, where everyone’s input is valued. However, this can be strengthened with a corresponding initiative related to improving civic engagement.	Include a new initiative under outcome 1 as follows: Improve the community’s understanding of our local board role and responsibilities through increased and targeted civic and community engagement.
Numerous submissions were received seeking the board to undertake a feasibility study for a Pasifika Fale in the area.	A Pasifika Fale is noted as an opportunity in the Tāmaki Open Space Network Plan. The board could work with partners, either other local boards or key stakeholders, to investigate this further. In response to the submissions, a new sentence regarding this request could be added to the narrative of outcome 3 and a new initiative to undertake a feasibility study for a Pasifika Fale could be added to outcome 3.	Include a new sentence under the ‘development areas’ subsection of outcome 3 as follows: Our large and growing Pasifika community have told us they would like a local Pasifika Fale. This is also identified as an opportunity in our Tāmaki Open Space Network Plan, and we will work with key partners to investigate this further. Include a new initiative under outcome 3 as follows: Work with partners to progress a feasibility study for a Pasifika Fale for our growing Pasifika community.
Many submitters noted the increased uptake in walking and cycling during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 and asked the board to build on these experiences and support initiatives that encourage alternative transport options.	Outcome 4 acknowledges the experiences of COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4 with increased walking and cycling. However, this can be strengthened in the narrative and corresponding initiatives.	Strengthen the ‘active transport’ subsection of outcome 4 as follows: During the COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4, we saw more walking and cycling in our area. We want to build on this and will look for opportunities to trial low-cost improvements to the pedestrian and active transport environment. Reword the initiative in outcome 4 as follows: Investigate the connectedness, walkability and accessibility of our key neighbourhoods and town centres to better understand the opportunities and constraints of our environment for pedestrians.
A number of submitters supported improvements to public transport connections and minor public transport infrastructure such as bus shelters.	Outcome 4 acknowledges the importance of public transport connections and services. However, specific support for bus services and their correlating infrastructure can be strengthened. A new initiative regarding support for bus services and infrastructure could also replace the initiative to trial a free feeder shuttle service, as it would better respond to need and available resource.	Strengthen the ‘public transport’ subsection of outcome 4 as follows: To help increase uptake, we will advocate to Auckland Transport (AT) for more effective public transport connections and services, improvements to minor assets such as bus shelters, and to address affordability through subsidy schemes. Replace the initiative regarding shuttle services with the following: Advocate to AT to improve the bus network, including better bus services and connections and minor assets, such as bus shelters.
The Wai-o-Taiki Bay Residents and the Wai-o-Taiki Nature Reserve Rangers identified a number of opportunities in relation to Wai-o-Taiki area.	Outcome 5 acknowledges that the water, land and air needs to be protected. It also notes the boards intent to protect vulnerable birdlife, restore the harbours and waterways, and a specific initiative regarding the connections between Wai-o-Taiki Reserve, Tāhuna Torea and Ōmaru Creek walkways. The outcome also notes the need to work with community, among others, to achieve the outcome. This outcome could be strengthened by noting in the narrative specific need to manage pest animals and plants, and to make some tweaks to the initiative.	Under the ‘ecosystems and biodiversity’ subsection in outcome 5, add the following point: Manage the effect of pest animals and plants. Reword the initiative in outcome 5 as follows: Work with the community to develop the connections between Wai-o-Taiki Reserve, Tāhuna Torea and Ōmaru Creek walkways.
Many submitters including the Onehunga, Panmure and Glen Innes business improvement districts noted the importance of supporting local businesses through placemaking and other activities, such as market days, as part of COVID-19 recovery. The BIDs also requested acknowledgement of their involvement in business planning and prosperity throughout the area.	Outcome 6 acknowledges the challenges that local businesses will face as a result of COVID-19. However, support for local businesses and town centres could be strengthened throughout the narrative. The BIDs are also noted as a partner within outcome 6, though this could be referenced further.	Emphasise partnership with the BIDs where possible throughout outcome 6. Strengthen the ‘town centres’ subsection of outcome 6 as follows: Onehunga, Panmure and Glen Innes are our key town centres. We will encourage our community to shop local to help them recover from COVID-19. We’ll also partner with our BIDs to identify ways to bring the community into our town centres, such as events and market days. We will also support ways to help revitalise the town centres where needed, building on their unique characteristics to promote better economic outcomes.

17. Other minor changes to the plan which respond to submissions include:

· specific mention of the increase in park users during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4

· specific mention of local facilities being used as welfare centres during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3 and 4

· specific mention of playgrounds and play equipment using best practice design and maintenance standards to minimise injuries

· specific mention of partnering with mana whenua, the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Maukau Authority and the community to enhance and honour our unique natural features

· specific reference to Auckland Council’s recently adopted Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri Auckland Climate Plan in developing a local climate action plan

· separated the Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum (TEEF) and Manukau Harbour Forum (MHF) into two respective initiatives, noting feedback from TEEF and MHF

· shift in focus to business resiliency over business development, with business continuity planning replacing pop-up business school

· specific reference to the role the film industry can play in helping the economy to recover from COVID-19 by providing local jobs and business to industry.

Changes to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020

18. Staff recommend adopting the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 (Attachment A) which incorporates the proposed substantive changes to the outcome chapters as described in Table 1 and other minor changes.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

19. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 reflects the impacts of predicted climate change.

20. Climate action is a key theme that is woven throughout the entire plan. In addition, the plan includes Outcome five ‘Our built, natural and cultural taonga / treasures are protected and celebrated’, which includes specific objectives and initiatives including:

· objective: our community is resilient and feels prepared for the effects of climate change

· initiative: develop a local climate action plan that integrates with wellbeing initiatives and council’s Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland Climate Plan

· initiative: enhance, maintain and protect the urban ngahere / forest in our parks, streets and public open spaces

· initiative: partner with key agencies to grow the number of local Enviroschools and support the development of sustainable, resilient communities

· initiative: support the establishment of the new Onehunga Community Recycling Centre and promote its use as a local hub for waste minimisation education, employment and enterprise.

21. The impact on the climate of the final plans has been considered. The final publication will be an online document to minimise printing hard copies.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

22. The adoption of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 will inform the development of the council’s 10-year budget. It will also form the basis for the development of the following three years’ work programmes.

23. Planning and operational areas of the council have taken part in the development and review of the draft and final plans.

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

Local impacts and local board views

24. The local board’s views have informed the development of the final Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020. Workshops were held on 8 September, 15 September and 13 October to discuss and consider feedback and agree any changes.

25. In developing the plan, the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board considered:

· advice from mana whenua and mataawaka

· what is already known about our communities and what is important to them

· submissions received via online forms, hardcopy forms, emails and post

· feedback provided at engagement events and online through Facebook

· regional strategies and policies

· staff advice.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

26. The draft Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 was developed with consideration given to existing feedback from mana whenua and mataawaka. This included seeking their views and values in January 2020.

27. The following events were held with iwi:

· Southern local boards hui with mana whenua, Thursday, 30 January 2020, Ngāti Ōtara Marae Kohanga Reo, 100 Ōtara Road, Ōtara. The following iwis participated in the hui: Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whanaunga, Te Ahiwaru Waiohua and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua.

· Southern local boards hui with mana whenua, mana whenua rōpū sharing priorities, plans and aspirations with local boards, Tuesday 14 July 2020, Manukau Civic Annex Ground, Manukau Civic Building. The following iwi participated in the hui: Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whanaunga and Te Akitai.

· Verbal feedback was received from all participating mana whenua iwi at the above hui.

· Chairs’ hui with Ngāti Paoa Trust Board to discuss feedback on the draft Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan2020, Friday, 7 August 2020, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board office, 7-13 Pilkington Road, Panmure.

· Chairs’ hui with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to discuss feedback on the draft Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020, Friday, 14 August 2020, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board office, 7-13 Pilkington Road, Panmure.

· Verbal feedback from both Chairs’ hui were considered in the feedback report and review of the draft Local Board Plan.

28. 10 submissions were received from those identifying as Māori.

29. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 promotes outcomes or issues of importance to Māori by:

· weaving through a theme of Māori outcomes throughout the entire plan

· including a new outcome ‘Te ao Māori is thriving and visible’, with corresponding objectives and initiatives, which highlights how the local board will contribute to Māori social and cultural wellbeing

· including a commitment to working with mana whenua and the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Maukau Authority on environmental outcomes

· using te reo Māori and whakatauki where possible throughout the plan.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

30. Budget to implement initiatives and projects is confirmed through the annual plan budgeting process. The local board plan informs this process.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

31. There is a minor reputational risk associated with the adoption of the final Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020. The process of consultation is likely to have raised expectations of the local board being able to achieve particular initiatives. As a result of the economic impact of COVID-19 and the council’s significantly reduced budget, it may no longer be possible to achieve all the priorities and aspirations that were identified in the draft plan.

32. This will be mitigated by clear communication of decision-making processes.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

33. Staff recommend that responsibility for approving any minor edits following adoption are delegated to the Chairperson and/or other nominated member(s) of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.

34. Photographs, maps and other design features will be added to the plan for final publication. This will be an online digital document that will be available in early 2021.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments