Agenda of Whau Local Board - Wednesday, 26 May 2021

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.

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

The following are declared interests of the Whau Local Board:

Member

Organisation

Position

Kay Thomas

· New Lynn Citizens Advice Bureau

· Friends of Arataki

· Western Quilters

· Citizens Advice Bureau
Waitākere Board

Volunteer

Committee member

Member

Chair

Susan Zhu

· Chinese Oral History Foundation

· The Chinese Garden Steering Committee of Auckland

Committee member

Board Member

Fasitua Amosa

· Equity NZ

· Massive Theatre Company

· Avondale Business Association

Vice President

Board member

A family member is the Chair

Catherine Farmer

· Avondale-Waterview Historical Society

· Blockhouse Bay Historical Society

· Portage Licensing Trust

· Blockhouse Bay Bowls

· Forest and Bird organisation

· Grey Power

Member

Trustee

Patron

Member

Te’eva Matafai

· Pacific Events and Entertainment Trust

· Miss Samoa NZ

· Malu Measina Samoan Dance Group

· Aspire Events

Co-Founder

Director

Director/Founder

Director

Warren Piper

· New Lynn RSA

· New Lynn Business

· Association

Associate Member

Member

Jessica Rose

· Women in Urbanism-Aotearoa, Auckland Branch

· Forest & Bird

· Big Feels Club

· Frocks on Bikes

· Bike Auckland

· Department of Conservation

Committee member

Member

Patron

Former co-chair

Former committee member

Employee

Member appointments

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

External organisation	Leads	Alternate
Aircraft Noise Community Consultative Group	Warren Piper	Catherine Farmer
Avondale Business Association	Kay Thomas	Warren Piper
Blockhouse Bay Business Association	Warren Piper	Fasitua Amosa
New Lynn Business Association	Susan Zhu	Kay Thomas Warren Piper
Rosebank Business Association	Fasitua Amosa	Warren Piper
Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust	Fasitua Amosa	Jessica Rose

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Whau Local Board:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Wednesday, 28 April 2021 and the extraordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Wednesday, 5 May 2021, as true and correct.

5 Leave of Absence

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

6 Acknowledgements

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

7 Petitions

At the close of the agenda no requests to present petitions had been received.

8 Deputations

Standing Order 7.7 provides for deputations. Those applying for deputations are required to give seven working days notice of subject matter and applications are approved by the Chairperson of the Whau 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.”

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Whau Ward Councillor's Report	9

Whau Local Board

26 May 2021

Endorsing the Business Improvement District (BID) targeted rate 2021/2022

File No.: CP2021/05557

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To recommend to the Governing Body the setting of the targeted rates for the Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank Business Improvement District (BID) programmes for the 2021/2022 financial year.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are rohe within Tāmaki Makaurau, where local business and property owners have agreed to work together to improve their business environment, encourage resilience and attract new businesses and customers.

3. Auckland Council supports business associations operating BID programmes, including Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations, by collecting a targeted rate from commercial properties within a defined geographic area. The funds from the targeted rate are then provided by way of a BID grant to the relevant business association.

4. Under the Auckland Council shared governance arrangements, local boards are allocated several decision-making responsibilities in relation to BID programmes. One of these is to annually recommend BID targeted rates to the Governing Body.

5. Each business association operating a BID programme sets the BID grant amount at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) when members vote to approve an operational budget for the following financial year. This budget funds the implementation of a business plan that delivers programmes based on each association’s BID strategic priorities.

6. Avondale Business Association members approved a BID grant sum of $154,000 for 2021/2022. This figure is unchanged from the current financial year.

7. Blockhouse Bay Business Association members approved a BID grant sum of $60,000 for 2021/2022. This figure has increased by 7.2 per cent from the current financial year.

8. New Lynn Business Association members approved a BID grant sum of $199,548 for 2021/2022. This figure has increased by 3.5 per cent from the current financial year.

9. Rosebank Business Association members approved a BID grant sum of $455,000 for 2021/2022. This figure is unchanged from the current financial year.

10. The business associations operating BID programmes are incorporated societies that are independent of the council. However, to sustain public trust and confidence in the council, there needs to be a balance between the independence of the business associations and the accountability for monies collected by a public sector organisation.

11. For the council to be confident that the funds provided to the BID-operating business associations are being used appropriately, the council requires the BIDs to comply with the Business Improvement District (BID) Policy (2016) (Kaupapa Here ā-Rohe Whakapiki Pakihi), known as the BID Policy.

12. The council staff regularly monitor compliance with the BID Policy and this report is part of an active risk management programme to minimise inappropriate use of funds.

13. Staff are satisfied Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations sufficiently comply with the BID Policy.

14. Staff propose the Whau Local Board receives this report and recommends to the Governing Body the striking (setting) of the BID targeted rates sought by Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations as part of the council’s Annual Budget 2021/2022 decision-making.

15. After the Annual Budget is approved, the council collects the targeted rate funds and distributes them in quarterly BID grant payments, effective from 1 July 2021. This enables Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations to implement programmes that contribute to Outcome 6: Thriving town centres, a strong local economy and neighbourhoods that are supportive and connected, thereby supporting the aspirations of the Whau Local Board Plan 2020.

16. Whau Local Board’s BID programmes, managed by the BID-operating business associations, will continue to play an important role in supporting their members facing two global challenges. A BID programme can support local businesses to mitigate some of the economic flow-on effects from the COVID 19 lockdowns through business resilience and recovery initiatives. A BID programme can also facilitate opportunities that address the climate change emergency, with a focus on sustainability.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Whau Local Board:

a) recommend to the Governing Body the setting of the targeted rates for inclusion in the Annual Budget 2021/2022 for the following Business Improvement District (BID) programmes:

i. $154,000 for Avondale Business Association.

ii. $60,000 for Blockhouse Bay Business Association.

iii. $199,548 for New Lynn Business Association.

iv. $455,000 for Rosebank Business Association.

Horopaki

Context

BID programmes promote economic well-being and collaboration with the council

17. Tāmaki Makaurau is projected to include approximately 660,000 more people in the next 30 years. This level of population growth presents challenges and opportunities for Auckland town centres and commercial precincts.

18. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are rohe within Auckland where local business and property owners have agreed to work together, with support from the council, to improve their business environment, promote innovation and attract new businesses and customers.

19. BID programmes provide the opportunity for the council group to partner with business associations to seize on the opportunities from Auckland’s growth.

20. BID programmes encourage collaboration to achieve greater local outcomes. They provide a mechanism to enable local boards to engage with the business sector in local town centres and business areas in a co-ordinated way.

BID programmes provide essential support in building business resilience and aiding economic recovery

21. The economy continues to be impacted by the flow-on effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns, affecting both retail-based town centres and industrial precincts.

22. BID-operating business associations provide the local business leadership required to help their members to mitigate some of the economic effects of the pandemic through business resilience and recovery initiatives.

BID programmes are funded by a targeted rate on business ratepayers within a set area

23. BID programmes are funded by a targeted rate applied to all commercially rated properties within a designated area around a town centre or commercial precinct.

24. Auckland Council supports business associations operating BID programmes by collecting the targeted rates and providing these funds, in their entirety, by way of a BID grant to the relevant business association.

25. This revenue is paid to the business association every quarter to provide a regular and sustainable income stream to implement an agreed work programme.

The BID Policy is the mechanism to ensure accountability for BID targeted rates

26. Auckland Council’s Business Improvement District (BID) Policy (2016) (Kaupapa Here ā-Rohe Whakapiki Pakihi) ensures accountability for BID targeted rate funding and encourages good governance and programme management.

27. The policy outlines the principles behind the council’s BID programme; creates the process for establishing, expanding, amalgamating and disestablishing BID programmes; determines rating mechanisms; prescribes operating standards and guidelines; and sets accountability requirements.

Diagram A: From calculation to approval, how the BID targeted rate is set

The business association sets the BID grant amount to deliver its work programme

28. BID-operating business associations are provided with a rate modelling spreadsheet to help with their budget decision-making. The spreadsheet models any proposed changes to their current BID grant amount and, most importantly, how that influences the BID targeted rate for everyone who will pay it. When considering a change to the BID grant amount, the association’s board must take into account what the local business and property owners can afford.

29. Each BID-operating business association prepares an annual business plan for the following financial year that will deliver programmes based on their strategic priorities and financial parameters.

30. The cost of implementing that business plan is set out in an annual budget that the association’s board (governing committee) agrees will be recommended for approval by the business association membership.

31. The AGM provides the forum where members vote to approve the operational budget and, in doing so, set the requisite BID grant amount for the following financial year.

Local boards are responsible for recommending the targeted rate if a BID complies with the BID Policy

32. Under the Auckland Council shared governance arrangements, local boards are allocated several decision-making responsibilities in relation to BID programmes. One of these is to annually recommend BID targeted rates to the Governing Body. The local board should recommend the setting of the targeted rate if it is satisfied that the BID is sufficiently complying with the BID Policy.

33. The Whau Local Board approved a similar recommendation for the four BID programmes last year (resolution number WH/2020/42), as did 17 other local boards that have BID programmes operating in their rohe.

The Governing Body sets the targeted rate when it approves the Annual Budget

34. The recommendation in this report is put into effect with the Governing Body’s approval of the Annual Budget 2021/2022 and its striking (setting) of the targeted rates.

35. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, the Governing Body is authorised to make the final decisions on what BID programme targeted rates, if any, to set in any particular year or property (in terms of the amount and the geographic area to be rated).

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

36. BID programmes are operated by independent business associations, and their programmes and services are provided according to their members’ stated priorities. In recognition of their independent status, the BID Policy does not prescribe standards for programme effectiveness. That is a matter for business association members to determine. Staff, therefore, cannot base recommendations on these factors, but only on the policy’s express requirements.

All four business associations comply with the BID Policy

37. Staff are satisfied that Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations have sufficiently met the requirements of the BID Policy.

38. Staff require BID-operating business associations to provide to the council the following documents, and stay in touch with their local board at least once a year:

· Current strategic plan – evidence of achievable medium- to long-term opportunities.

· Audited accounts – assurance that the BID-operating business association is managing its members’ BID targeted rate funds responsibly.

· Annual report on the year just completed – evidence that programmes are addressing priority issues that benefit BID targeted ratepayers.

· Business plan for the coming year – detailed one-year programme, based on the strategic plan, to be resourced and achieved.

· Indicative budget for the following year – Auckland Council’s Annual Budget requires targeted rates to be identified a year in advance to inform the Annual Budget process which sets all rates.

· Board Charter – establishes guidelines for effective board governance and positive relationships between the association and its members.

· Annual Accountability Agreement – certification that these requirements have been met.

· Programme Agreement – a good faith agreement between each BID-operating business association and the council that sets basic parameters of the council-business association relationship.

· AGM minutes – the provisional minutes of each business association’s 2020 AGM meetings which contain the resolution, voted on by members, confirming the BID grant amount for the 2021/2022 financial year.

39. In addition, BID-operating business associations are required to inform the council staff of progress with other compliance requirements, including:

· Incorporated Society registration – a current registration of the business association along with all required documents up to date.

· Resolving problems or issues, if any – problems or issues that have an impact on the governance or operation of the BID programme.

40. The BID Policy sets an annual compliance deadline of 10 March for the information to be forwarded to the council, as summarised in the table below.

Table 1: Business associations’ compliance with the BID Policy as of 10 March 2021

Requirement Financial Year 2019/2020
Strategic Plan*	2017-2022	2015-2020 – extended to 2021	2020-2022	2016-2021
Audited financials
Annual Report
Business Plan
Indicative budget
Board Charter
Annual Accountability Agreement
Annual meeting w/ local board	3 March 2021	3 March 2021	10 March 2021	3 March 2021
Programme Agreement	valid to Dec 2023	valid to Dec 2023	signed 2017, no expiry date	valid to Dec 2022
Incorporated society registration
2020 AGM minutes (provisional)
Resolving problems or issues	Nothing to record	Nothing to record	Nothing to record	Nothing to record

41. As the Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations have sufficiently complied with the BID Policy, staff advise the local board to recommend to the Governing Body the setting of their respective targeted rates.

Two business associations increased their BID grant amounts for 2021/2022 while two maintained the fiscal status quo

42. As shown in Table 2 below:

· Avondale Business Association’s proposed BID targeted rate for 2021/2022 - $154,000 - is unchanged from the current financial year.

· Rosebank Business Association’s proposed BID targeted rate for 2021/2022 - $455,000 – is unchanged from the current financial year.

· Blockhouse Bay Business Association’s proposed BID targeted rate for 2021/2022 - $60,000 – has increased from the current financial year.

· New Lynn Business Association’s proposed BID targeted rate for 2021/2022 - $199,548 - has increased from the current financial year.

Table 2: BID targeted rates comparison: 2021/2022 c.f. 2020/2021

BID

2021/2022

2020/2021

Increase / %

A picture containing drawing

Description automatically generated

$154,000

$154,000

Nil

LAST INCREASED: 2019/2020

$60,000

$56,000

+$4,000 +7.2%

$199,548

$192,738

+$6,810 +3.5%

$455,000

$455,000

Nil

LAST INCREASED: 2017/2018

43. Of Tāmaki Makaurau’s 50 BID-operating business associations, 21 increased their targeted rates for 2021/2022 with the percentage increase ranging between 1.7 per cent to 10 per cent. One BID reduced its income after a one-off increase in 2020/2021 to fund America’s Cup-related activities.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

44. Through targeted rate-funded advocacy and activities, BID-operating business associations promote and often facilitate environmental sustainability programmes.

45. From running carbon-reducing ‘shop local’ campaigns to promoting online channels and championing waste reduction and recovery programmes, there are many examples of BID programmes leading the local business sector’s response to the climate change emergency.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

46. Advocacy is a key service provided by business associations and those with BID programme-funded personnel are at an advantage. BID-operating business associations ensure the views and ambitions of their members are provided to elected representatives and council teams, including CCOs, on those policies, plans, programmes and projects that impact them.

47. The BID-operating business associations work with Auckland Unlimited (AU) on economic development initiatives, events and sustainability programmes.

48. The BID-operating business associations also work constructively with both Panuku and Auckland Transport on often controversial proposals and projects.

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

Local impacts and local board views

49. The local board’s views are most frequently expressed by its appointed representative on the board of each BID-operating business association. This liaison board member (or alternates) can attend BID board meetings to ensure there is a direct link between the council and the operation of the BID programme.

Visions, plans aligned

50. The BID-operating business associations and local board share an interest in the local rohe and are ambitious for its future and its people. They also share goals that include economic prosperity, community identity, placemaking and pride.

51. Whau BID programmes tangibly support the vision and aspirations of the Whau Local Board Plan 2020, best expressed in Outcome 6: Thriving town centres, a strong local economy and neighbourhoods that are supportive and connected.

Local rohe, local benefit, local funding

52. Recommending that the Governing Body sets the targeted rates for Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations means that these BID programmes will continue to be funded from targeted rates on commercial properties in their respective rohe. They will provide services in accordance with their members’ priorities as stated in their strategic plans.

53. Whau Local Board is among several local boards which provides additional funding to local business associations, however accountability for any grants is set by funding agreements between the local board and the relevant business association. Those contractual obligations are separate from the requirements of the BID Policy and are not covered in this report.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

54. Māori make up more than 9.9 per cent of the population living in the Whau Local Board area, compared to 11.5 per cent of Auckland^{^[1]}. Individual business associations may, through operating their BID programme, identify opportunities for niche support or development of any Māori business sector in their rohe.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

55. There are no financial implications for the local board. Targeted rates for BID-operating business associations are raised directly from commercial ratepayers in the district and used by the business association for improvements within that rohe. The council’s financial role is to collect the BID targeted rates and pass them directly to the associations every quarter.

56. The targeted rate is payable by the owners of the commercial properties within the geographic area of the individual BID programmes. In practice, this cost is often passed on to the business owners who occupy these properties. This cost may be harder to meet at a time when businesses continue to be financially impacted by the flow-on effects of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

57. The council last year extended its Rates Remission and Postponement Policy to commercial property owners as part of the Annual Budget 2020/2021 to help mitigate the impact of the targeted rate on those who are struggling financially. This policy will continue for the 2021/2022 financial year.

58. If the Governing Body agrees with the BID targeted rates proposed by the business associations, the cost of grants will be met from the existing operational budget.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

59. There are no direct financial risks to the local board or the council that could result from this recommendation to endorse the BID targeted rates for these business associations.

60. To sustain public trust and confidence in the council, there needs to be a balance between the independence of the BID-operating business associations and the accountability for monies collected by a public sector organisation.

61. The rules and obligations of the BID Policy are intended to help minimise the potential for business associations to misuse BID targeted rate funds by requiring each BID to plan for their intended use, report on its activities to its members and to have its accounts audited.

62. The council staff regularly monitor compliance with the BID Policy and this report is part of an active risk management programme to minimise inappropriate use of funds.

63. Economic disruption created by the flow-on effects of COVID-19 lockdowns will continue to be felt in Auckland’s town centres and business precincts. The BID programme is an internationally proven approach to engage and empower local businesses.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

64. If the local board supports this report, it will recommend to the Governing Body that the BID targeted rates be set as part of the Annual Budget 2021/2022.

65. After the Annual Budget is approved, the council collects the targeted rate funds and distributes them in quarterly BID grant payments, effective from 1 July 2021, to the Avondale, Blockhouse Bay, New Lynn and Rosebank business associations. This enables the four BIDs to implement programmes that improve the local business environment and support businesses as they recover from the flow-on effects from the COVID 19 lockdowns and help address the climate change emergency through sustainability initiatives.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Claire Siddens - Principal Advisor

Authorisers

Alastair Cameron - Manager - CCO Governance and External Partnerships

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

Whau Local Board

26 May 2021

Proposed land exchange - Bellgrove Reserves, Avondale

File No.: CP2021/06077

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek the views of the local board on the proposal to exchange Bellgrove Reserve West and part of Bellgrove Reserve East for open space located on Bellgrove Place in Avondale.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Whau Local Board supported (February 2021), and the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee approved (March 2021) public notification on a proposal to exchange 397m² of council land at Bellgrove Reserve East and West (in part) with 1,372m² of Kāinga Ora land.

3. Staff ran the public notification process from 22 March to 18 April in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 to inform decision-making on whether to support the proposal.

4. Council received three submissions in support of the proposal and one objection. There were no objections from iwi.

5. Supporters highlighted the benefit of retaining the large eucalyptus tree and providing an area for play space and community activities. The objector expressed concern the new pocket park would be enclosed within the new development.

6. The exchange would enable the creation of a new pocket park and accessway on Bellgrove Place.

7. The proposed land exchange could benefit the community by:

· increasing amenity values and open space (net gain of 975m² open space)

· providing a more multifunctional and useable recreational space

· delivering better sightlines and pedestrian access to open space.

8. Staff recommend that the local board support the land exchange as it is deemed high priority when assessed against council’s policy. No strategic argument against the proposal was made during the public notification process.

9. There is a low risk of judicial review of council decision-making processes as the process has been run in accordance with section 15(2) of the Reserves Act 1977.

10. The Parks, Arts Community and Events Committee will consider the land exchange proposal on 8 July 2021.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Whau Local Board:

a) recommend that the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee approve the exchange of 397m² of reserve land as follows:

i) Bellgrove Reserve West, 12A Bellgrove Place, 245m², LOT 5 DP 100239

ii) Bellgrove Reserve East in part, 15A Bellgrove Place, 152m², LOT 2 DP 100239

for a 1372m² new pocket park and pedestrian accessway situated on:

iii) part of 30-36 Bellgrove Place, 242m², LOT 6 DP 96572

iv) part of 35-40 Bellgrove Place, 906m², LOT 5 DP 96572

v) part of 27-33 Bellgrove Place, 44m², LOT 4 DP 96572

vi) part of 7-13 Bellgrove Place, 54m², LOT 3 DP 100239

vii) part of Bellgrove Road Reserve, 126m².

Horopaki

Context

Kāinga Ora has proposed a land exchange

11. Kāinga Ora is redeveloping the site centred around Bellgrove Place, Avondale. This redevelopment presents opportunities for Auckland Council to improve the amenity and functionality of existing open space around Bellgrove Place.

12. Auckland Council currently owns two small unclassified recreation reserves off Bellgrove Place. Figure 1 shows the location, size, and layout of these two lots.

Figure 1: Bellgrove Reserve East and Bellgrove Reserve West

13. To facilitate the implementation of the masterplan, Kāinga Ora requests to exchange Bellgrove Reserve West (245m²) and parts of Bellgrove Reserve East (152m²) for 1372m² of Kāinga Ora land.

14. This exchange would enable the development of a pocket park and a six-metre wide accessway with footpath wider at the southern end to accommodate an existing tree.

15. Bellgrove Reserve East currently contains a playground and a large Eucalyptus cinerea tree. The proposed land exchange allows for the tree to be retained.

16. Figure 2 shows the proposed Kāinga Ora land (shaded blue) to be exchanged to Auckland Council as a recreational reserve. Shaded in red is Auckland Council reserve land to be exchanged to Kāinga Ora.

Figure 2: Proposed land exchange areas

Land to be exchanged to Auckland Council as local purpose reserve (recreation) (SHADED BLUE)
Shown	Legal Name		Area (Total = 1,372m²)			Current owner
S1 (Lot A)	LOT 6 DP 96572		242m²			Kāinga Ora
S2 (Lot B)	LOT 5 DP 96572		906m²			Kāinga Ora
S3 (Lot C)	LOT 4 DP 96572		44m²			Kāinga Ora
S4 (Road)	ROAD RESERVE (see note)		84m²			Auckland Transport
S5 (Lot D)	LOT 3 DP 100239		54m²			Kāinga Ora
S6 (Road)	ROAD RESERVE (see note)		42m²			Auckland Transport
Note: Kāinga Ora has proposed Bellgrove Place road reserve, including S4 and S6, is stopped and acquired by Kāinga Ora. S4 and S6 would then be exchanged to Auckland Council. This process is already underway with Auckland Transport.

Land to be exchanged to Kāinga Ora (SHADED RED)
Shown		Legal Name		Area (Total = 397m²)	Current owner
S7 (B.R.West)		LOT 5 DP 100239		245m²	Auckland Council
S8 (B.R.East)		LOT 2 DP 100239		81m²	Auckland Council
S9 (B.R.East)		LOT 2 DP 100239		71m²	Auckland Council
Note: S10, currently part of Bellgrove Reserve East, will remain Auckland Council open space.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Public consultation

17. In March 2021 the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee approved the public notification of the proposed land exchange.

18. The four-week public notification period ran from 22 March to 18 April.

19. Public notification on the proposal included:

· a public notice in the Western Leader (25 March and 1 April) and NZ Herald (22 March)

· posters in the Whau Local Board office and Avondale Library

· a webpage on the Auckland Council Have Your Say website to be able to provide written submissions.

Consultation feedback

20. Four submissions were received through the online portal. Three supported the proposal and one objected. The submission comments are provided below in Table 1.

Table 1: Comments from public engagement submissions

Support/ Oppose	Comments
Support	“This particular part of Avondale needs a lot of awhina and I think this is a great start. I do however believe the residents in the area need to be consulted in person and not via an online feedback form as they are usually from a low socio-economic background. I'm sure they would appreciate being kept in the loop.”
Support	“I am pleased to see that the tree will be saved and that some of the hard won playing area will be retained. I look forward to the regeneration of the area. I am pleased to see provision for community activities.”
Support	No comment provided
Oppose	“Exchange of public open space for space enclosed within the proposed development.”

Iwi consultation

21. The following 13 iwi were contacted as part of the engagement process:

· Te Kawerau a Maki	· Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei	· Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara
· Waikato-Tainui	· Ngāti Pāoa	· Ngāti Pāoa Trust Board
· Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki	· Ngāti Maru	· Ngāti Tamaterā
· Ngāti Te Ata	· Te Ahiwaru - Waiohua	· Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua
· Te Ākitai Waiohua

22. A letter was sent on 22 March, followed by two reminder letters on 13 April and 27 April.

23. Nine iwi did not respond to the letters.

24. The following iwi provided responses:

· Te Kawerau a Maki advised that they had no concerns regarding the reserve exchange, and that the transaction does not conflict with any of their culturally significant sites, guiding principles or future projects.

· Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara advised the proposal seems a sensible arrangement, however they defer to those with current connections to the Avondale area.

· Waikato-Tainui advised that they support mana whenua to lead in these localised matters.

25. No iwi voiced any objections to the proposed land exchange.

There were no significant objections following the public notification process

26. Section 15 of the Reserves Act 1977 requires council to consider the objections to any reserve land exchange.

27. One submitter objected on the ground that the proposed new open space would be enclosed within the future development. This objection is not deemed significant as the proposal increases access, road frontage and sightlines to the open space.

Staff recommend the exchange of land at Bellgrove Reserves

28. Land exchanges are assessed against criteria in the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013 and Parks and Open Space Provision Policy 2016.

29. The land exchange at Bellgrove Place is deemed high priority due to the potential benefits arising from the proposed exchange.

30. Table 2 provides a summary of the assessment of the proposed disposal of Bellgrove Reserve West and parts of Bellgrove Reserve East in exchange for a new pocket park and pedestrian accessway.

Table 2: Initial assessment of the open space benefits that could result from the proposed land exchange

Acquisition criteria	Comment	Total Rating
Meeting community needs, now and in the future	· Bellgrove Reserve West and Bellgrove Reserve East are currently too small to meet open space provision policy · 1000m² is the smallest suggest size for a pocket park and the current combined Bellgrove reserves are 630m² · The proposed new pocket park would be 1140m² which meets provision policy	The land exchange is a high priority
Connecting parks and open spaces	· Bellgrove Reserve West and Bellgrove Reserve East currently provide no benefit to connecting parks and open spaces · The proposed pocket park and thoroughfare would provide a central pedestrian link across the proposed residential superlot and then further access for the community to Riversdale Road and Reserve
Protecting and restoring Auckland’s unique features and meanings	· Bellgrove Reserve West and Bellgrove Reserve East have no known historic heritage, landscape, geological or cultural values · Bellgrove Reserve East has a large Eucalyptus cinerea which provides a unique ecological feature · The proposed new pocket park and thoroughfare accommodate the retention of this tree on site which aligns with protecting unique features
Improving the parks and open spaces we already have	· Bellgrove East Reserve provides no benefit as a park and is unlikely to in the future · Bellgrove West Reserve currently provides play equipment for the area but does not offer sizable open space. The benefits of the play equipment should be retained. · The proposed pocket park indicative plans include new play equipment, multi-functional outdoor space, seating areas and bike racks. · The proposed pocket park and walkway would provide a larger (+975m²) more useful, and better multifunctional space than the currently split Bellgrove East Reserve and Bellgrove West Reserve

31. The land exchange could benefit the local community by:

· increasing amenity values and open space (net gain 975m²)

· providing more multifunctional and useable recreational space

· delivering better sightlines and pedestrian access to open space.

32. Staff recommend that the Whau Local Board support the proposed land exchange.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

33. Vegetation on parks and open space can serve as temperature regulators through shade and evapotranspiration. Plants and woodlands can also process and store carbon, helping to offset the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

34. Parks and open space also act as collection points for surface and run-off water, reducing flood risks during storms.

35. Climate change is expected to bring increasing temperatures, rising sea levels and changing rainfall patterns. Park development proposals will need to reflect these effects and take into consideration the environmentally sensitive ways parks and open space must be managed to achieve their benefits. This includes energy and waste reduction, and conserving water resources.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

36. Once the land exchange has been completed, Customer and Community Services will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the site.

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

Local impacts and local board views

37. The Whau Local Board supported public notification of the proposed land exchange at its business meeting in February 2021. The local board previously expressed its interest in seeking public feedback before making a decision on the proposal.

38. Views from the local community were sought during the public notification process. Four submissions were received. None of them made a strategic case against the proposed land exchange.

39. The local board has allocated authority for the development of the park. The local board will consider the proposed designs presented by Kāinga Ora after the land exchange process concludes. Kāinga Ora has indicated that it will provide capital investment to develop the pocket park.

40. The Whau Open Space Network Plan 2017 identifies Bellgrove Reserve East and West as low priority for ecological restoration and a need to upgrade play equipment in the next eight to ten years.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

41. A total of 13 iwi were contacted as part of the engagement process.

42. Four iwi provided a response, and none objected to the proposed land exchange.

43. The proposed land exchange does not contain any known sites or places of significance to mana whenua.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

44. There are no additional costs to council associated with the exchange process.

45. Should the land exchange proceed, Kāinga Ora has indicated that it would provide capital investment to develop the pocket park with approval form the local board.

46. It is estimated that there will be additional maintenance costs associated with the increase in open space area if the land exchange proceeds. The Long-term Plan 2018-2028 provides for maintenance, including for land acquired at no capital cost.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

47. There is a low legal risk to council as the land exchange process has been managed in accordance with section 15 of the Reserves Act 1977.

48. Kāinga Ora will manage any risks associated with their redevelopment projects in Avondale.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

49. The Parks, Arts Community and Events Committee will consider the land exchange proposal on 8 July 2021.

50. Table 3 below shows the stages of the land exchange process.

Table 3: Land exchange process

Initiation Phase

· Auckland Council receives a formal request to pursue the land exchange

Decision-making to publicly notify the proposed land exchange

· Staff assess the proposed land exchange against council’s policies

· Report to local board to seek support for public notification of the proposed land exchange

· Report to Parks Arts Community and Events committee to seek agreement to publicly notify the proposed land exchange

Public Notification Phase

· Public consultation opens for a month

· Iwi consultation

· Hearing required if requested by a submitter against the proposed land exchange (independent commissioner appointed by Regulatory Committee)

Decision-making to finalise the land exchange

· Staff assess the submissions against the Reserves Act 1977 and make a recommendation

· Report to local board to seek support for or against the proposed land exchange

· Report to PACE to resolve to support (or not) the proposed land exchange

· Report to Finance & Performance Committee to resolve to dispose of council land

Transaction Phase

· Application to the Minister of Conservation for authorisation

· Gazette notification

· Land Exchange Agreement finalised

· Open space final designs authorised by the local board

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Kāinga Ora indicative designs	29

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Maclean Grindell - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Carole Canler - Senior Policy Manager

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

Whau Local Board

26 May 2021

Whau Local and Multiboard Grant Rounds Two 2020/2021 grant allocations

File No.: CP2021/04444

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Whau Local Board with information on applications in Whau Local Grant and Multiboard Grant Rounds Two 2020/2021; to enable a decision to fund, part fund or decline each application.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. This report presents applications received in Whau Local Grant Round Two 2020/2021 (Attachment A) and Multiboard Grant Round Two 2020/2021(Attachment B).

3. The Whau Local Board adopted the Whau Local Grant Programme 2020/2021 on 6 May 2020. The document sets application guidelines for contestable grants submitted to the local board (Attachment C).

4. The Whau Local Board has set a total community grant budget of $130,503 for the 2020/2021 financial year. A total of $71,285 was allocated to Local Grant Round One and Quick Response rounds One and Two. This leaves a total of $59,218 to be allocated to one local and multiboard grant round, and one quick response round.

5. Forty-six applications were received for the Local Grant Round Two, including twenty-one multiboard applications, requesting a total of $204,400.14.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Whau Local Board:

a) agree to fund, part-fund, or decline each application in Whau Local Grant Round Two 2020/2021 listed in the following table:

Table One: Whau Local Grant Round Two 2020/2021 grant applications

Application ID	Organisation	Main focus	Requesting funding for	Amount requested	Eligibility
LG2121-218	Morning People Limited	Arts and culture	Towards a public address system and venue hire to deliver a social event at Hollywood Avondale on 2 June 2021	$2,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-221	NZ-Sri Lanka Performing Arts Circle Incorporated	Arts and culture	Towards marketing, printing, venue and stage equipment hire to deliver Sri Lankan performances at Avondale College	$4,902.95	Eligible
LG2121-228	Muskaan Care Trust NZ	Arts and culture	Towards venue, instructor, wages, promotion, donations and banners for “BollyEX” dance classes from 1 September 2021 to 31 March 2022	$14,950.00	Eligible
LG2121-230	Arogya Mantra	Arts and culture	Towards the “Avondale Diwali Celebration” on 16 October 2021, including venue hire, performance, marketing, decoration, photography, artists, and travel costs	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-203	Lions Club of New Lynn Incorporated	Community	Towards the "New Lynn Lions Christmas Parade," including costs for road closure, advertising and traffic management	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-206	Big Buddy Mentoring Trust	Community	Towards the purchase of a laptop package for the West Auckland Mentor Manager	$3,891.55	Eligible
LG2121-207	Auckland Refugee Council Incorporated	Community	Towards the purchase of bikes, locks, helmets and a bike stand for the Auckland Refugee Council Incorporated	$2,500.00	Eligible
LG2121-208	Polynesian Entertainers Limited	Community	Towards "Siva Afi" festival workshop costs, including venue hire, resources, tutors, production crew and producer fees	$4,421.74	Eligible
LG2121-211	Autism New Zealand Incorporated	Community	Towards the rental costs at a satellite office in the Whau	$8,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-212	Auckland Regional Migrant Services Charitable Trust	Community	Towards venue hire, marketing, administration, coordination and facilitation costs to deliver a community engagement project	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-213	Communicare CMA (Ak) Incorporated	Community	Towards the weekly venue hire at Blockhouse Bay and the Avondale Baptist Church halls between June 2021 to May 2022	$2,266.00	Eligible
LG2121-214	Auckland Pilipino Trust	Community	Towards the project management, marketing, decorations, and donations to deliver the Philippines Independence Day event on 12 June 2021	$2,600.00	Eligible
LG2121-216	Gujarati Samaj NZ Incorporated	Community	Towards souvenir, advertisement, venue and transport hire for the10th anniversary celebration for Gujarati Samaj New Zealand	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-219	Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust	Community	Towards the volunteer supervision, triage support, and phone bills for Youthline phoneline services in the Whau area	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-222	Graeme Dingle Foundation Auckland	Community	Towards wages for the two Kiwi Can leaders in schools between term two and three	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-224	Garden to Table Trust	Community	Towards salaries for school coordinators and mileage costs	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-225	Green Bay Community House	Community	Towards the replacement of a dishwasher for the Green Bay Community House	$1,049.00	Eligible
LG2121-227	Avondale Business Association	Community	Towards 12 months subscription of the Marketview online software from July 2021 to June 2022	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-229	Body Positive Incorporated	Community	Towards the staff salary to provide peer support and testing sessions in Avondale for the 2021/2022 financial year	$4,944.00	Eligible
LG2121-231	Bike Avondale '"under the umbrella of Bike Auckland"	Community	Towards the facilitation and catering costs to deliver the "Matariki Night Bike" event in June 2021	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-232	New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups National Office	Community	Contribution towards operational expenses of the volunteer support worker programme for the 2021/2022 financial year	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-217	Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Whitebait Connection	Environment	Towards the delivery cost of the “Freshwater Citizen Science” programme including the coordinator wages	$4,997.88	Eligible
LG2121-226	Environmental Education for Resource Sustainability Trust	Environment	Towards the purchase and delivery of 512 native plants, 107 classroom recycling bins and operational cost to engage with 64 schools and preschools	$7,270.20	Eligible
LG2121-220	Portage Ceramics Trust	Historic Heritage	Towards the cataloguing of the “Jack Diamond” collection of bricks and other objects	$5,000.00	Eligible
LG2121-233	Hollywood Avondale under the umbrella of Sea of Trees Limited	Historic Heritage	Towards the exterior painting work for the Hollywood Avondale cinema and the community hall	$5,000.00	Eligible
Total				$123,793.32

b) agree to fund, part-fund or decline each application received in Multiboard Grant Round Two 2020/2021, listed in Table Two:

Table Two: Multiboard Grant Round Two 2020/2021 grant applications

Application ID	Organisation	Main focus	Requesting funding for	Amount requested	Eligibility
MB2021-209	New Zealand Dance Advancement Trust	Arts and culture	Towards the artists and associated fees for the "Tamaki Tour" programme and creative workshops between June and August 2021	$2,500.00	Eligible
MB2021-245	The Operating Theatre Trust	Arts and culture	Towards free theatre tickets for low decile schools and early childhood centre children from September to November 2021	$5,217.60	Eligible
MB2021-226	Zeal Education Charitable Trust	Community	Towards the "West Auckland Street Youth Work and Community Activation," including project management fees, activity costs, van hire and resources for the 2021/2022 financial year	$3,832.00	Eligible
MB2021-228	Re-Creators Charitable Trust	Community	Towards the costs for upcycling workshops and to provide educational services in the local board area	$4,766.00	Eligible
MB2021-229	The StarJam Charitable Trust	Community	Towards the tutor fees, coordinator salary and levies, venue hire, equipment and resources, and training	$4,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-232	Brain Play Limited	Community	Towards the operational costs to deliver the Brain Play Science and Technology classes	$3,150.00	Eligible
MB2021-236	Children's Autism Foundation	Community	Towards overall costs to deliver community workshops and outreach visits between October 2021 to May 2022	$1,566.22	Eligible
MB2021-243	Anxiety New Zealand Trust	Community	Towards the staff salaries to deliver a series of community workshops for the 2021/2022 financial year	$4,275.00	Eligible
MB2021-246	Age Concern Auckland Incorporated	Community	Towards the staff salary, office overheads, room and equipment hire, catering, and volunteer expenses	$4,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-247	Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust	Community	Towards professional counselling services	$4,400.00	Eligible
MB2021-253	KidsCan Charitable Trust	Community	Towards programme items food, raincoats, shoes and socks for children attending KidsCan low decile partner schools within the Auckland region	$6,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-257	Interacting Theatre	Community	Towards the delivery of an online “InterACT” festival 2021, including costs for in-school tutors, the host, and event equipment	$5,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-259	Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust	Community	Towards the transport costs to deliver an elderly support programme	$5,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-260	PHAB Association (Auckland) Incorporated	Community	Towards the operational costs, including youth worker wages, activity costs, administration and coordination fees for the 2021/2022 financial year	$2,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-266	The Reading Revolution	Community	Towards the manager's wages for the shared reading programme at local libraries, retirement villages and community hubs	$3,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-267	OUTLine New Zealand Incorporated	Community	Towards a portion of general operating expenses including telephone and internet costs, printing, insurance, clinical supervision wages, training fees and volunteer costs	$2,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-269	Whau ACE Adult & Community Education Incorporated	Community	Towards the purchase of five laptops and salary costs for employment facilitators for the 2021/2022 financial year	$5,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-217	New Zealand Eid Day Trust Board	Events	Towards the costs of venue hire, security, audio-visual equipment, electrical services, cleaning, games, and entertainment to host the New Zealand Eid Day 2021 - Eid-ul-Adha	$5,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-218	Leyte-Samar NZ Solidarity Foundation Incorporated	Events	Towards the delivery of the 2021 "Quincentennial Celebration" on 16 October, including event management, performance, choreographer fee, photography, food, decoration, costumes and theatre property	$2,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-214	Auckland Softball Association Incorporated	Sport and recreation	Towards the operating expenses for the Auckland Softball Association	$3,000.00	Eligible
MB2021-251	Touch New Zealand Incorporated	Sport and recreation	Towards the cost of running the "Community Connect" programme, including venue hire and equipment	$4,900.00	Eligible
Total				$80,606.82

Horopaki

Context

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

7. Auckland Council Community Grant Policy supports each local board to adopt a grant programme.

8. The local board grant programme sets out:

· local board priorities

· lower priorities for funding

· exclusions

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

· any additional accountability requirements.

9. The Whau Local Board adopted its grant programme for 2020/2021 on 6 May 2020 (Attachment C). The document sets application guidelines for contestable grant.

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

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

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

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

12. The Local Board Grant Programme aims to respond to Auckland Council’s commitment to address climate change by providing grants to individuals and groups for projects that support and enable community climate action. Community climate action involves reducing or responding to climate change by local residents in a locally relevant way. Local board grants can contribute to expanding climate action by supporting projects that reduce carbon emissions and increase community resilience to climate impacts. Examples of projects include local food production and food waste reduction; increasing access to single-occupancy transport options; home energy efficiency and community renewable energy generation; local tree planting and streamside revegetation; and educating about sustainable lifestyle choices that reduce carbon footprints.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

13. Based on the main focus of an application, a subject matter expert from the relevant department will provide input and advice. The main focus of an application is identified as arts, community, events, sport and recreation, environment or heritage.

14. The grant programme has no identified impacts on council-controlled organisations and therefore their views are not required.

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

Local impacts and local board views

15. Local boards are responsible for the decision-making and allocation of local board community grants. The Whau Local Board is required to fund, part-fund or decline these grant applications against the local board priorities identified in the Whau Local Board Community Grant Programme 2020/2021.

16. The local board is requested to note that section 48 of the Community Grant Policy states: “We will also provide feedback to unsuccessful grant applicants about why they have been declined, so they will know what they can do to increase their chances of success next time”.

17. A summary of each application received through Whau Local Grant Round Two (refer Attachment A), and Multiboard Grant Round Two 2020/2021 (refer Attachment B) is provided.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

18. The local board grant programme aims to respond to Auckland Council’s commitment to improving Māori wellbeing by providing grants to individuals and groups who deliver positive outcomes for Māori. Auckland Council’s Māori Responsiveness Unit has provided input and support towards the development of the community grant processes.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

19. The allocation of grants to community groups is within the adopted Long-term Plan 2018-2028 and local board agreements.

20. The Whau Local Board has set a total community grant budget of $130,503 for the 2020/2021 financial year. A total of $71,285 was allocated to Local Grant Round One and Quick Response rounds One and Two. This leaves a total of $59,218 to be allocated to one local and multiboard grant round, and one quick response round.

21. Forty-six applications were received for the Local Grant Round Two, including twenty-one multiboard applications, requesting a total of $204,400.14.

22. Relevant staff from Auckland Council’s Finance Department have been fully involved in the development of all local board work programmes, including financial information in this report, and have not identified any financial implications.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

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

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

24. Following the Whau Local Board allocation of funding for Local Grant and Multiboard Grant Rounds Two 2020/2021, the grant staff will notify the applicants of the local board’s decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Whau Local Grant Round Two 2020/2021 grant applications (Under Separate Cover)
b	Whau Multiboard Grant Round Two 2020/2021 grant applications (Under Separate Cover)
c	Whau Local Board Grant Programme 2020/2021 (Under Separate Cover)

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Erin Shin - Senior Grants Advisor

Authorisers

Marion Davies - Grants and Incentives Manager

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

Whau Local Board

26 May 2021

Local Board Views on Plan Change 60 - Open Space (2020) and Other Rezoning Matters

File No.: CP2021/05646

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To invite the local board to provide its views on the council-initiated Plan Change 60 – Open Space (2020) and Other Rezoning Matters (PC60).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Decision-makers on a plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan must consider local boards’ views on the plan change, if the relevant local boards choose to provide their views.

3. Each local board has a responsibility to communicate the interests and preferences of people in its area on Auckland Council policy documents, including plan changes. A local board can present local views and preferences when that view is expressed by the whole local board.^{^[2]}

4. On 28 January 2021, Auckland Council notified Plan Change 60. Submissions closed on 1 March 2021. The plan change includes 105 sites (in some cases, a site comprises more than one lot) and aims to rezone land to:

a) recognise land recently vested or acquired as open space

b) correct zoning errors or anomalies (including rezoning land to better reflect its use)

c) facilitate Panuku Development Auckland’s (Panuku) land rationalisation and disposal process or

d) facilitate Kāinga Ora’s and Auckland Council redevelopment of certain neighbourhoods.

5. One hundred and six submissions have been received on the proposed plan change. The vast majority of these oppose Panuku’s rezoning and land disposal. In summary there are 15 submissions in support of the plan change, four in support but seeking amendments, 85 in opposition and two out of scope.

6. No iwi authority has made a submission in support or opposition to Plan Change 60.

7. This report is the mechanism for the local board to resolve and provide its views on Plan Change 60 should it wish to do so. Staff do not recommend what view the local board should convey.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Whau Local Board:

a) provide local board views on Plan Change 60 - Open Space (2020) and Other Rezoning Matters.

b) appoint a local board member to speak to the local board views at a hearing on Plan Change 60.

c) delegate authority to the chairperson of the Whau Local Board to make a replacement appointment in the event the local board member appointed in resolution b) is unable to attend the plan change hearing.

Horopaki

Context

8. Each local board is responsible for communicating the interests and preferences of people in its area regarding the content of Auckland Council’s strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws. Local boards provide their views on the content of these documents. Decision-makers must consider local boards’ views when deciding the content of these policy documents.^{^[3]}

9. If the local board chooses to provide its views, the planner includes those views in the hearing report. Local board views are included in the analysis of the plan change, along with submissions.

10. If appointed by resolution, local board members may present the local board’s views at the hearing to commissioners, who decide on the plan change.

11. This report provides an overview of the proposed plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP), and a summary of submissions’ key themes.

12. The report does not recommend what the local board should convey, should the local board decide to convey its views on plan change 60. The planner must include any local board views in the evaluation of the plan change. The planner cannot advise the local board as to what its views should be, and then evaluate those views.

13. The key theme from submissions is opposition to the proposed rezonings relating to Kāinga Ora/Auckland Council redevelopment and Panuku’s land rationalisation and disposal. Attachment A identifies the land parcels that are the subject of submissions.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

14. Plan Change 60 affects land across the Auckland region.

15. The purpose of the proposed plan change is to rezone land to either:

a) recognise land recently vested or acquired as open space

b) correct zoning errors or anomalies (including rezoning land to better reflect its use)

c) facilitate Panuku’s land rationalisation and disposal process or

d) facilitate Kāinga Ora’s and Auckland Council redevelopment of certain neighbourhoods.

16. The Section 32 Report and details of the plan change are available from the council’s website at Plan Change 60. The council’s planner, and other experts, will evaluate and report on:

· section 32 Report that accompanies the plan change

· submissions and

· the views and preferences of the local board, if the local board passes a resolution.

17. Submissions were made by 106 people/organisations as outlined below.

Submissions	Number of submissions
In support	15
In support but requesting change(s)	4
In opposition	85
Out of scope	2
Total	106

18. Key submission themes are listed below.

Oppose the rezoning of:

· 142 Triangle Road, Massey (Maps 4 & 37)

· 1-5 Lippiatt Road, Otahuhu (Map 73)

· 23 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington (Map 75)

· 12R Rockfield Road, Ellerslie (Map 76)

· 11R Birmingham Road, Otara (Map 77)

· 2R Keeney Court, Papakura (Map 78)

· Walkway adjacent to 45 Brandon Road, Glen Eden (Map 79)

· 45 Georgina Street, Freemans Bay (Map 81)

· 36 Cooper Street, Grey Lynn (Map 82)

· 13 Davern Lane, New Lynn (Map 85)

· 67 East Street, Pukekohe (Map 86)

· Princes Street West, Pukekohe (Map 87)

· R105 Stott Avenue, Birkenhead (Map 93)

· 26 Princes Otahuhu (Map 96).

Support the rezoning but request an alternative zone:

· 2157 East Coast Road, Stillwater (Map 71).

Both support for and opposition to the rezoning:

· 50 Mayflower Close, Mangere East (Map 100)

· 62 Mayflower Close, Mangere East (Map 105).

Support for rezoning or further information required:

· 1337 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay (Map 104).

19. The key reasons for submission opposing the plan change include:

· opposed to the rezoning of pocket parks – they are needed to support intensification and for social and environmental benefits

· loss of valuable reserve land

· few parks in the area

· significant negative effect on enjoyment of our neighbourhood/ adverse effects on property and locality

· park has significant cultural heritage associations and natural value

· contradicts Auckland Unitary Plan heritage policies

· inadequate public notification

· green areas needed in more intensive housing areas

· contrary to climate change/greenhouse effects – green spaces are needed for low carbon Auckland Council

· inconsistent with Auckland Unitary Plan objectives and policies

· park has trees which will be lost with rezoning and development

· site is an overland flow path and flood plain

· property values will be adversely affected

· loss of walkway and critical linkage

· sale of spaces is desperate revenue gathering/selling due to COVID-19 is short-sighted

· subsequent building will severely impact on sunlight and amenities of adjoining sites

· contrary to Auckland Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, open space network plans, National Policy Statement – Urban Development – well functioning environments, open space provision policy, Auckland Plan 2050, the Urban Ngahere Strategy

· site is a Significant Ecological Area and part of a wildlife corridor and refuge

· inconsistent with Local Boards goal of increasing tree canopy.

20. Information on individual submissions, and the summary of all decisions requested by submitters, is available from council’s website: Plan Change 60.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

21. Several submissions raised specific climate concerns. These relate to the loss of locally accessible open space and the associated vegetation, particularly mature trees.

22. The council’s climate goals as set out in Te Taruke-a-Tawhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan are:

· to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and

· to prepare the region for the adverse impacts of climate change.

23. The local board could consider if Plan Change 60:

· will reduce, increase or have no effect on Auckland’s overall greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. does it encourage car dependency, enhance connections to public transit, walking and cycling or support quality compact urban form)

· prepare the region for the adverse impacts of climate change. That is, does the proposed plan change elevate or alleviate climate risks (e.g. flooding, coastal and storm inundation, urban heat effect, stress on infrastructure).

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

24. Panuku is a council-controlled organisation that resulted from the merging of Auckland Council Property Limited and Waterfront Auckland. One of the roles of Panuku is the release of land or properties that can be better utilised by others.

25. In conjunction with Auckland Council’s Stakeholder and Land Advisory team, Panuku have identified 26 council-owned parcels of land which are either surplus to requirements or they are part of a Panuku regeneration project (i.e. a series of projects and initiatives, designed to kickstart the transformation process and bring about changes that will help centres prosper in the future). Those parcels considered to be surplus to requirements have been cleared for sale by Auckland Council.

26. Auckland Council’s decision to dispose of or sell the land parcels is separate from the zoning of the land. Zoning is a method used to implement the Auckland Unitary Plan’s objectives and policies and to achieve the purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The merit of any rezoning of land (from open space to residential or business) therefore must be assessed against the purpose of the RMA and the relevant Auckland Unitary Plan objectives and policies. Other relevant considerations which will be considered in the section 42A hearing report include the Auckland Plan 2050, Auckland’s Climate Plan and the Urban Ngahere Strategy and open space network plans.

27. Auckland Transport made a submission in relation to the rezoning of 1337 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay. The key matter raised is the traffic effects of rezoning the Whangaparaoa Golf course from Residential – Single House to Open Space – Sport and Active Recreation zone.

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

Local impacts and local board views

28. The plan change affects sites throughout the Auckland region and feedback is therefore sought from all local boards.

29. Factors the local board may wish to consider in formulating its view:

· interests and preferences of people in local board area

· well-being of communities within the local board area

· local board documents, such as the local board plan and local board agreement

· responsibilities and operation of the local board.

30. A memo was sent to all local boards on 27 October 2020 outlining the proposed changes, the rational for them and the likely plan change timeframes.

31. This report is the mechanism for obtaining formal local board views. The decision-maker will consider local board views, if provided, when deciding on the plan change.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

32. If the local board chooses to provide its views on Plan Change 60 it may also comment on matters that may be of interest or importance to Māori generally. In the 2018 census, approximately 11.5 per cent (or 181,194) of the Auckland region’s population identified as Māori.

33. Plans and Places consulted with all iwi authorities when it prepared Plan Change 60. On 27 October 2020, a memorandum outlining the draft proposed plan change was sent to all Auckland’s 19 mana whenua entities and the Tupuna Maunga Authority as required under the RMA.

34. Comments were received from:

· Ngāti Manuhiri – asking for an extension of time to 11 December 2020 to enable a discussion with their governance arm

· Waikato Tainui – they will support manawhenua to take the lead role on such plan changes

· Tupuna Maunga Authority – their interest is those sites that are within Height Sensitive Areas or regionally Significant Volcanic Viewshafts.

35. No iwi authorities made a formal submission.

36. The hearing report will include analysis of Part 2 of the RMA which requires that all persons exercising RMA functions shall take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi.^{^[4]} The plan change does not trigger an issue of significance as identified in the Schedule of Issues of Significance and Māori Plan 2017.^{^[5]}

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

37. Panuku’s land rezoning and rationalisation (26 land parcels) is part of the Auckland Council’s financial recovery.

38. The draft Long-term Plan 2021-2031 proposes the selling of surplus properties and reinvesting the proceeds into critical infrastructure for the city. Over the next three years, Auckland Council is seeking to increase these sales to return $70 million a year to invest in Auckland.

39. The 26 land parcels that are part of this plan change form part of the $70 million return sought.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

40. There is a risk that the local board will be unable to provide its views and preferences on the plan change if it doesn’t pass a resolution. This report provides:

· the mechanism for the local board to express its views and preferences if it so wishes

· the opportunity for a local board member to speak at a hearing.

41. If the local board chooses not to pass a resolution at this business meeting, these opportunities are forgone.

42. The power to provide local board views regarding the content of a plan change cannot be delegated to individual local board member(s).^{^[6]} This report enables the whole local board to decide whether to provide its views and, if so, to determine what matters those views should include.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

43. The planner will include, and report on, any resolution(s) of the local boards in the Section 42A hearing report. The local board member appointed to speak to the local board’s views will be informed of the hearing date and invited to the hearing for that purpose.

44. The planner will advise the local boards of the decision on the plan change request by memorandum.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	The land parcels in PC60 that are the subject of submissions	49

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Tony Reidy - Team Leader Planning

Authorisers

Eryn Shields - Team Leader Regional, North West and Islands

John Duguid - General Manager - Plans and Places

Louise Mason – General Manager Local Board Services

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

Whau Local Board

26 May 2021

Economic Development Action Plan: Draft for feedback

File No.: CP2021/05647

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek local board feedback on the draft Economic Development Action Plan: Council’s role in Auckland’s recovery 2021-2024.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The council organisation and council-controlled organisations have worked collaboratively to develop the draft Economic Development Action Plan. This plan defines and agrees, for the next three years, the council family’s economic objectives and priorities and determines a coordinated course of action. The plan is limited to actions that are within the remit of council and council-controlled organisation (CCO) activities.

3. The draft plan aligns with the 10-year budget and will inform the work programmes of relevant council family departments. The work is supported by the chief executives of council and all substantive council-controlled organisations.

4. The draft plan outlines detailed actions within six areas of focus (‘workstreams’) as outlined in Attachment A. It reflects the guiding principles of transitioning towards a regenerative and low carbon economy, supporting economic opportunities for Māori, and responding to our communities of greatest need.

5. There will be targeted engagement on the draft plan, including with iwi, advisory panel members and business groups. Feedback will be sought until 14 June 2021.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Whau Local Board:

a) provide feedback by 14 June 2021 for consideration in the final draft Economic Development Action Plan: Council’s role in Auckland’s recovery 2021-2024.

Horopaki

Context

6. In August 2020, the CCO Review Panel delivered its report alongside 64 recommendations which were endorsed in full by the Governing Body. The review stated that council and all substantive council-controlled organisations (CCOs) should together define the economic outcomes for Auckland and agree on how to achieve and measure them. The review also acknowledged the need for better coordination and definition of responsibilities for local economic development within the council family. The Economic Development Action Plan forms part of council’s response to that review.

7. The plan is not a long-term strategy and does not replace the Economic Development Strategy 2012. The priorities and focus over the next three years, however, consider direction from council’s existing strategies i.e., the Auckland Plan 2050, Economic Development Strategy 2012, Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau: Council’s Māori Outcomes Framework.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

8. Comprehensive background work to support the development of the action plan has been completed by the Chief Economist Unit (CEU), the Auckland Plan Strategy and Research Department (APSR) and Auckland Unlimited. This includes a report from the CEU providing a profile of Auckland’s economy over the last 10 years, the impact of Covid-19 on the Auckland economy, and the main roadblocks to recovery. The same report also identified areas where the council group can have a material impact on economic development. Key areas are:

· assets

· procurement

· land use and zoning

· regulatory processes

· travel network

· town centres

· pricing

· skills and investment attraction

· tourism attraction

· social support services

· coordination of responses through partnerships.

9. There has also been an extensive review of plans and strategies across the council and CCOs to identify common economic development themes. These were: innovation and technology, Māori economy, regenerative, resilient, low carbon economy, workforce transition, competitive high-value sectors, local economic development, infrastructure, and culture and creativity.

10. This background work formed the basis for six workstreams:

· Destination Tāmaki Makaurau: attracting people and investment

· Local Tāmaki Makaurau: enabling thriving local economies

· Skilled Tāmaki Makaurau: supporting quality jobs and skill development

· Future Tāmaki Makaurau: preparing businesses for the future

· Enabled Tāmaki Makaurau: infrastructure enabling economic development

· Enabled Tāmaki Makaurau: regulations that enable economic development.

11. Each workstream has both council and CCO staff representation. These workstreams have developed a set of actions with responsibilities and timeframes as detailed in this draft plan. A monitoring framework will be developed to ensure roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of council and each CCO are clearly defined as they relate to the actions in the draft plan.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

12. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan has provided direction to the development of the draft plan, aspiring to a more resilient economy that is regenerative, inclusive, local and enables Aucklanders to thrive.

13. The draft action plan has embedded the guiding principle of ‘transitioning to a regenerative and low carbon economy’ into each of its six workstreams. The development of actions is underpinned by kaitiakitanga and considers how resources used give back to nature and increase value through reuse and renewal. Where applicable, actions broadly encourage a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, low carbon products and services, climate innovation, and less dependency on natural resources.

14. The actions presented in this draft action plan will go through a further climate impact assessment using tools developed by the Chief Sustainability Office. The results of this assessment will be incorporated into the final plan.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

15. The draft plan responds to the CCO review recommendation for council and all CCOs to together define the economic outcomes for Auckland and agree on how to achieve and measure them. The actions in the draft plan will be shared and accountabilities of council and each CCO well defined. Some CCOs will have a more active role than others.

16. The scope and development of the Economic Development Action Plan has been agreed to through the council and CCO Chief Executives’ group. This group is updated with progress on the plan as appropriate. The project team includes a representative and contribution from each CCO.

17. The scope of the plan is limited to actions that are within the remit of council and CCO activities. A review and discussion document of the council group’s levers that materially contribute to economic development formed the basis for this draft plan (refer to Attachment B).

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

Local impacts and local board views

18. Each workstream of the plan will have a local impact, acknowledging the interdependency of local economies and the regional economy. The draft plan includes the focus area ‘Local Tāmaki Makaurau: enabling thriving local economies’ and has been informed by the recent local board plans’ local economic priorities.

19. The Local Tāmaki Makaurau workstream seeks to clarify what the Auckland Council group will do to support the local economies of Auckland. This includes setting out the roles that each part of the group plays in delivering actions, while also setting the foundations to help the group identify the economic places (sub-regional and local) of Auckland and deliver outcomes at the local level.

20. A memo was distributed on 17 February 2021 to inform local board members of the development of council’s Economic Development Action Plan 2021-24 and to outline the process for local board feedback to the plan. At the request of the local board chairpersons, the draft plan will be provided at all local board business meetings in May 2021 with written feedback by formal resolution provided to the project leads by 14 June 2021.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

21. Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau has provided direction to the development of the draft plan, in particular, the Kia ora te Umanga mahi objective of supporting economic opportunities for Māori businesses and iwi organisations. The draft plan has also considered direction from the Auckland Plan 2050, the Kaitiaki Forum’s strategic plan and the Independent Māori Statutory Board’s Issues of Significance (2017) as they relate to Māori economic development.

22. The draft action plan has embedded the guiding principle of ‘supporting economic opportunities for Māori’ into each of its six workstreams. The development of actions will consider partnership opportunities with mana whenua and mataawaka, a focus on equity and addressing systemic barriers, and identifying new economic opportunities for Māori.

23. The project team have communicated with iwi from the commencement of the project to determine and initiate the preferred process of engagement for each iwi. This draft plan will be sent to all iwi for input and feedback through to 14 June 2021.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

24. The scope of the Economic Development Action Plan states that actions will be funded within the existing 10-year Budget 2021-2031 and therefore, no additional funding is required. The draft plan identifies some actions that rely on external funding sources and partnerships.

25. At the advice of the finance division, budget alignment is demonstrated in the draft plan at both the group of activity and CCO / council directorate level.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

26. The draft plan outlines actions that require a commitment from the responsible directorate to include in their work programmes and within their existing budgets. The monitoring framework will include regular progress reporting to ensure effective implementation of the action plan.

27. This action plan is an internal document, outlining work to be done within the remit of council and its CCOs. The content of the plan builds on earlier consultation undertaken in the development of key strategies that have provided direction. Input and feedback for this action plan has therefore been targeted to key groups.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

28. The draft plan will be distributed to the key groups that have been engaged from the commencement of the project. Feedback will be considered until 14 June 2021.

29. The final Economic Development Action Plan: Council’s role in Auckland’s recovery 2021-2024 and its monitoring framework will be presented to the Parks, Arts, Community and Events committee on 8 July 2021 for adoption.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Draft Economic Development Action Plan (Under Separate Cover)
b	Auckland's economic recovery and council's role (Under Separate Cover)