Agenda of Auckland Domain Committee - Monday, 15 August 2022

Terms of Reference

Background

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

Responsibilities

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

Powers

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

Except:

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

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

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

(e) the approval of final policy

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

Code of conduct

For information relating to Auckland Council’s elected members code of conduct, please refer to this link on the Auckland Council website - https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/how-auckland-council-works/elected-members-remuneration-declarations-interest/Pages/elected-members-code-conduct.aspx

Exclusion of the public – who needs to leave the meeting

Members of the public

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

Those who are not members of the public

General principles

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

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

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

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

Members of the meeting

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

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

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

Independent Māori Statutory Board

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

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

Staff

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

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

Local Board members

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

Council Controlled Organisations

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

1 Apologies

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

2 Declaration of Interest

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.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Monday, 16 May 2022, as a true and correct record.

4 Petitions

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

5 Public Input

Standing Order 7.7 provides for Public Input. Applications to speak must be made to the Governance Advisor, in writing, no later than one (1) clear working day prior to the meeting and must include the subject matter. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders. A maximum of thirty (30) minutes is allocated to the period for public input with five (5) minutes speaking time for each speaker.

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

6 Local Board Input

Standing Order 6.2 provides for Local Board Input. The Chairperson (or nominee of that Chairperson) is entitled to speak for up to five (5) minutes during this time. The Chairperson of the Local Board (or nominee of that Chairperson) shall wherever practical, give one (1) day’s notice of their wish to speak. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders.

This right is in addition to the right under Standing Order 6.1 to speak to matters on the agenda.

At the close of the agenda no requests for local board input had been received.

7 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.”

Auckland Domain Committee

15 August 2022

Auckland Domain Event Approval for Urban Polo 2023

File No.: CP2022/10677

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update on the schedule of permitted events at the Auckland Domain from
1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.

2. To seek landowner approval in principle for the proposed annual Urban Polo event for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

3. As required under the Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines, staff have compiled a summary of events scheduled to take place on the Auckland Domain between 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023 (Attachment A).

4. Staff have received one event permit application requiring Auckland Domain Committee approval.

5. The application is for the annual Urban Polo event to be held on Saturday 11 March 2023, with no contingency date.

6. As per the Auckland Domain Event Guidelines, an event permit requires landowner approval from the Auckland Domain Committee.

7. This will be the third time Urban Polo has been held at the Auckland Domain with two previous successful events held since March 2020.

8. The event organiser is a professional company with a successful track record in permitting documentation and care of the grounds post event.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) approve in principle the Urban Polo event to take place over five days at the Auckland Domain for the calendar years 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Horopaki

Context

9. The Auckland Domain is a high-demand park for a range of events. This is due to its central location, large capacity, public transport networks, limited adjacent residents and nearby hospitality offerings.

10. To manage these demands the Auckland Domain Committee adopted the Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines on 30 March 2015 (ADC/2016/9).

11. As per the guidelines, an event permit requires landowner approval from the Auckland Domain Committee if the event:

· is to be ticketed and/or;

· will take place over multiple days (more than 48 hours), including pack in and pack out and/or;

· requires an authorised road closure

12. Staff have received an event permit application for the annual Urban Polo Event, to be held at the Auckland Domain on Saturday, 11 March 2023, including an outline of proposed operations for the event (Attachment B).

13. Previously the Domain Committee have given Urban Polo one year in principle approvals due to being a new event. Now the event has established a successful and positive record with the Event Facilitation team, we have no reason not to recommend providing three-year approvals as per other events held annually in the Auckland Domain.

14. The Urban Polo event is an annual medium scale, ticketed, alcohol event where attendees are spectators to horse polo matches. It brings a fusion of sport and music events which are held in the heart of cities around New Zealand.

15. Operationally, the event is a fast paced, scaled-down version of polo with three players on each team. The traditional rules of polo have been simplified so that polo newcomers will be able to follow the action without any prior knowledge of the game. The Urban Polo concept has been developed with the intention of modernising the sport of polo and increasing accessibility for a greater range of spectators. Music is also played simultaneously to create a party type atmosphere for attendees.

16. The event will include corporate marquees, general admission space, food vendors and licensed bars. The event requires three days for pack in, one day for event delivery and one day for pack out. The event organiser is expecting approximately 3,000 people will attend.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Summary of events scheduled to be held in the Auckland Domain over the 2022/2023 event season

17. As of 1 July 2022, eleven event permits are scheduled to be issued by the Auckland Council Event Facilitation team over the 2022/2023 event season to take place in the Auckland Domain. A calendar summary can be found at Attachment A: Auckland Domain Event Calendar.

Urban Polo 2023

18. Table 1 shows the impact assessment that was carried out using the criteria in section 2.4 ‘Landowner Assessment Criteria’ of the Auckland Domain Events Operational Guidelines document.

Table 1: Impact assessment Urban Polo

Category	Impact Assessment
Public restrictions	Significant impact · Event is ticketed with fencing; however, any members of the public can purchase tickets. · Due to the elevation of the Domain, general public can also sit outside of the fenced area and view the polo games without accessing the event footprint.
Utilise zones / expanse of area occupied	Significant impact · Event will occupy Zone 1a and surrounding areas resulting in displacement of sporting activities for up to five days. The event requires a road closure which will disrupt vehicle access. · Use of the other areas of the Domain can continue with no impact or minimal disturbance to the regular users.
Duration and timing of event (including pack in and pack out)	Significant impact · The event requires three days for pack in, one day for event delivery, and one day for pack out. · The event is proposed to occur during the cricket season. · Sports group will be consulted and if necessary, temporarily relocated to another site that can fit their needs.
Values of area occupied	Significant impact · The event will utilise the lower sports fields resulting in displacement of sport for up to five days. · Area being utilised is near a significant cultural or historic heritage site or significant trees. Pukekaroa is not included within the event fence line.
Pedestrian flows	Medium impact · The event footprint will cause some restrictions on pedestrian movements through the area however access around the event site will be possible.
Impact on public vehicle access	Medium impact · Vehicle access into and through the Domain will remain open however road closures of some internal roads will be required.
Infrastructure involved	Significant impact · The event requires supporting infrastructure including marquees, a stage, 750m of fencing, food vendors and toilets on the sports fields.
Hanging objects	No impact
Event vehicle movements	Medium impact · Event vehicles require access through grassed areas away from trees during pack in and pack out only.
Access to power and water	No impact
Amplified noise	Medium impact · Amplified music will be in operation for the duration of the event 12.30pm – 8.30pm. Noise limits must be consistent with permitted activities set out in Auckland Unitary Plan.
Use of water features	No impact
Impact on sports fields	Medium impact · Based on the two previous events held, no reinstatement was required post event as no noticeable damage was caused by the horses or event infrastructure. · Event vehicles permitted during pack in and pack out only. Event vehicles are not permitted to drive on cricket pitches or park on the fields during the event. · The events application currently has a tentative booking for the domain. No conflicting sporting matches can be booked as a result. · If approval is given for the Urban Polo event, cricket displacement could occur. As BAU the Sports Parks Bookings team would work with the relevant sporting bodies to find alternative locations to accommodate the scheduled games.

19. Staff recommend that the Auckland Domain Committee approve in principle Urban Polo event and provide, landowner approval for the Urban Polo event scheduled to take place on the Auckland Domain for the next three consecutive years.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

20. Minimising the protentional climate impact of this event is a key consideration within the event facilitation process, in particular the organisers goals towards operating a zero-waste event model.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

21. The Event Facilitation team will consult with Auckland Transport, as required by the event facilitation process, to ensure the proposed road closures are adequate to support the events and minimise displacement of public and nearby residents, business and services, especially Auckland Hospital.

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

Local impacts and local board views

22. Events can cause disruption to residents and surrounding businesses. The Auckland Domain Event Operational Guidelines outlines the minimum level of consultation with affected stakeholders.

23. As part of the wider facilitation process, staff will seek feedback from the Waitematā Local Board, sports groups, and other stakeholders on the event, as outlined under Next Steps and as more detailed information becomes available.

24. The impact assessment table does demonstrate a significant impact to the public space; however, as a well-known annual event now all risks have been mitigated in previous years with no complaints or remedial works required.

25. Stakeholder consultation and approval will be obtained through the facilitation process from various internal and external parties. This process aims to ensure the operational plans for the event presents the minimum amount of risk and disruption possible to the land and local communities.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

26. The Auckland Domain is a significant site for many iwi groups in the region. The Auckland Domain is a historic site of conflict and peace. The memorial on Pukekaroa and the displays and interpretation managed by the Auckland War Memorial Museum pay tribute to significant events for Māori and the importance of the site to mana whenua.

27. Staff have not currently identified any significant impact for Māori in the event permit request for this event.

28. The event organiser will consult with Mana Whenua through the facilitation process where required. Consultation will be conducted if a resource consent is required and/or the utilisation of Sites of Significance.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

29. The event facilitation process allows the council to recover costs for remedial works that maybe required following an event.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

30. The event facilitation process is designed to mitigate the risk of having events in public open space.

31. Although the committee may approve the event, further stakeholder consultation is required under the Public Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw 2022. Event Facilitation staff will work with stakeholders, including the Auckland Hospital, to meet the requirements however if one or more stakeholders requirements cannot be met the event may not be able to proceed.

32. The event applications currently have tentative bookings for the Domain. No conflicting sporting matches can be booked as a result.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

33. As part of the Public Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw 2022, all events in public open space are required to have an event permit.

34. Stakeholder consultation and approval will be obtained through the facilitation process from various internal and external parties. The facilitation process outlines the series of steps to be completed for an event permit to be issued. This process is designed to ensure compliance, legality and ultimately a safe and enjoyable event.

35. Stakeholders who are requested to either approve the event or provide feedback may include but is not limited to:

· Auckland Transport (Special Events, Public Transport and Harbour Master)

· Auckland Council Health and Safety

· Auckland Council Community Facilities

· Auckland Council Heritage

· Auckland Council Waste Solutions

· Auckland Council Animal Management

· Auckland Council Licensing and Compliance (Building, Resource, Signage, Alcohol, Noise)

· Auckland Council Street Trading

· Civil Aviation Authority

· Auckland Emergency Management

· Auckland Hospital

· NZ Emergency Services (NZ Police, Fire and St Johns)

· Local businesses and residents

· Auckland Domain stakeholders

36. Following receipt of all relevant approval required, the Event Facilitation team will issue a permit for the event. An event permit is required to be issued annually; within any multi-year timeframe the Domain Committee approves.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Domain Event Calendar 01July2022 - 30June2023	15
b ⇩	Urban Polo Event Proposal 11March2023	17

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Lisa Kent - Team Leader Event Facilitation (Central)

Authorisers

Justine Haves - General Manager Regional Services Planning, Investment and Partnership

Martin van Jaarsveld - Manager Community Parks & Places

Auckland Domain Committee

15 August 2022

Auckland Domain - General and Financial Update

File No.: CP2022/11028

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Auckland Domain Committee with an update on the work programme and recent activities in the Domain.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. At its meeting on 16 May 2022, the Auckland Domain Committee endorsed the three-year capex work programme for the Domain. This programme, together with the community facilities regional capex work programme was approved by the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee. The budget allocations for the current financial year projects are listed in this report.

3. The temperate house works have been completed and this was opened to the public on 1 July 2022. The works included the installation of additional steelwork to increase the seismic resilience, and the replacement of safety glass and glazing bars. Two heritage ponds were discovered during construction. These have been repaired and now form part of the display. The plant display is of high quality, and features annuals and chrysanthemums.

4. The Tropical House seismic steel works is progressing well. Works are planned for completion early December 2022.

5. The Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust advised that they have withdrawn the resource consent application for the garden of humanity memorial, as they do not wish to proceed with this project at the Domain. The Trust thanked the Domain Committee for their positive commitment and support for this project.

6. These activities, along with a range of other developments, are discussed in more detail in the report.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) receive the Auckland Domain – general and financial update report.

Horopaki

Context

Update on the Current Year Work Programme guidance

7. The following table shows the current financial year work programme and budget allocation.

Project	Description	Budget Source	2021/22	2022/23
Pathway connections	Development of four priority pathway connections as approved by the Auckland Domain Committee and Waitemata Local Board. · Parnell Station to Lovers Lane – construction · Titoki St carpark to Football Rd path- design and consenting · Football Road End to the Crescent – design and consenting · Centennial Path to Grafton Mews – design and consenting	AT - fully funded	$115,270	$1,027,280
CCTV at the wintergardens	Install CCTV at the wintergardens FY22/23 - physical works	ABS: Capex - Development	$0	$80,000
Grandstand building renewal	Renew the heritage grandstand building at Auckland Domain FY22/23 - investigation and design FY23/24 - physical works	ABS: Capex - Regional Renewal	$0	$50,000
Lighting renewal	Renew lighting network at Auckland Domain. FY20/21 - investigation and design FY21/22 to FY22/23 - physical works	ABS: Capex - Regional Renewal	$0	$100,000
Mirror Pond renewal	Renew the Mirror Pond at Auckland Domain FY22/23 - physical works	ABS: Capex - Regional Renewal	$0	$75,000
Wastewater pipe renewal	Renew wastewater pipes in the Auckland Domain FY21/22 - investigation and design FY22/23 - physical works	ABS: Capex - Regional Renewal	$0	$100,000
Wintergardens - renew full facility	Full facility renewal including seismic strengthening FY18/19 - investigation and design FY20/21 to FY22/23 - physical works.	ABS: Capex - Development, ABS: Capex - Regional Renewal, Seismic Strengthening	$4,537,537	$2,955,817
Wintergardens boiler renewal	Renew Wintergardens boiler FY22/23 - physical works	ABS: Capex - Regional Renewal	$2,454	$97,546

8. The following table gives a summary of the progress of the work programme projects delivered this financial year.

Project	Progress update
Pathway connections	Lower Domain Drive to Parnell Train Station (site4); Current status: Finalising the detailed design. Resource Consent granted18th July 2022, Next steps: Preparing the tender documents for physical works delivery FY23. Paths along The Crescent (site2) and Grafton Mews (site3); Current status: finalising with AT the requirements to provide Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) to accompany the Resource Consent. Next steps: To complete detailed design, consenting by end of FY23 and delivery FY24 subject to funding Titoki Street Carpark to Football Road Investigation and feasibility underway to ensure any future plans are aligned with the AT led Carlton Gore entrance improvements.
CCTV at the wintergardens	Funding allocated for delivery in 22/23 financial year.
Grandstand building renewal	Scoping in progress and physical works to be delivered in 23/24 financial year
Lighting renewal	Work has been scoped and contract about to be issued to undertake physical works in September.
Mirror Pond renewal	Scoping and pricing received, physical works to start in September
Wastewater pipe renewal	Investigation and scoping underway. Physical works to be completed in 22/23 financial year.
Wintergardens - renew full facility	The Cool House opened to public on the 1st of July 2022 a beautiful space for the community. A piece of glory dressed beautifully with lively colorful flowers. The Tropical House seismic steel works is progressing well. Works planning for completion early December 2022. The full facility (Winter Gardens) planned opening to the public at the end of this year 2022.
Wintergardens boiler renewal	To be delivered in 22/23 financial year – clean burning biomass wood pellet burner being sourced to replaced natural gas boiler
Accessibility audit	The project is currently being scoped and is planned to commence later this year

Operations and maintenance

9. Over the past three months Community Facilities operations have been focused on working with Botanic Gardens to improve staff facilities at this site. We have works underway to re-furbish the botanic gardens staff changing rooms and lunchroom.

10. Operations has worked with specialist stone masons to undertake cleaning of the Elliot Gates. We are now scoping renewal requirements for long term preservation of this heritage asset.

11. The last quarter saw three major storms cause damage to trees within in Auckland Domain. The Community Facilities arborist team have worked with contractors to make the site safe and removed damaged trees. The fallen trees have been used for mulching of juvenile trees.

Garden of Humanity

12. During 2021, the Auckland Domain Committee granted landowner approval to the Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust (AHMT) for the garden of humanity memorial at the fairy pond. This landowner approval was subject to conditions, including that the Trust obtain resource consent for the memorial.

13. However, the AHMT advised that they have withdrawn the resource consent application as they do not wish to proceed with this project at the Domain.

14. The AHMT thanked the Domain Committee for their positive commitment and support for this project.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

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

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

16. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan provides a roadmap to a zero-emissions, resilient and healthier region that is better connected to our environment and able to thrive in the face of ongoing change and disruption.

17. The delivery of activities in the proposed work programme will contribute to the objectives of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. Key considerations include:

· Maximum upcycling and recycling of old material

· Installation of energy efficiency measures

· Building design to ensure the maximum lifetime and efficiency of the building is obtained

· Lifecycle impacts of construction materials (embodied emissions).

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

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

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

Local impacts and local board views

19. There are no impacts on local boards arising specifically from this report.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

20. The Community Facilities work programme ensures that all facilities and open space assets continue to be well-maintained assets that benefit the local community, including Māori. When developing and delivering work programmes consideration is given to how the activities can contribute to Māori well-being, values, culture and traditions.

21. Karanga Atu! Karanga Mai! relationship approach responds to Māori aspirations and delivers on council’s statutory obligations and relationship commitments to Māori.

22. Where aspects of the proposed work programme are anticipated to have a significant impact on activity of importance to Māori then appropriate engagement will be undertaken.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

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

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

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

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

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

26. Ongoing operational and work programme delivery.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Martin van Jaarsveld - Manager Community Parks & Places
Authoriser	Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

Auckland Domain Committee

15 August 2022

Pukekawa/Auckland Domain – Highlights and Achievements over the last three years

File No.: CP2022/11281

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Auckland Domain Committee (Committee) with an update on what has been achieved in Pukekawa/Auckland Domain (Domain) throughout the 2019 - 2022 council term.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The last three years have been unprecedented with the impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s budget and in the ability to be able to deliver projects through the ongoing holding pattern of lockdowns within Auckland. The pandemic has also seen changes in the way people have embraced using their local parks and the Domain has experienced ongoing high visitation.

3. At the same time, we have managed to deliver several key projects and improvements in the Domain over the three-year term of Auckland Council (council).

4. The most significant capital project has been the upgrade to the Wintergardens. The temperate or cool house works have been completed and this was opened to the public on 1 July 2022. The building and plant display are of high quality, and an asset to Auckland.

5. In addition, a number of aspects of the accessibility improvement programme have been delivered, including the planning to deliver new path connections, addressing long-stay parking through the trail gates at Titoki Street carpark and implementing paid parking at Grafton Mews, and the removal of parking to improve pedestrian safety.

6. Other successes have included improving safety on the cricket pitches and undertaking a range of renewal works, delivering events outside of lockdown periods and receiving a number of awards for how the park and the Wintergardens are managed.

7. These, and other highlights and achievements are discussed in more detail in this report.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Auckland Domain Committee:

a) receive the highlights and achievements report.

Horopaki

Context

Highlights and achievements of 2019 -2022 council term

Wintergardens upgrade

8. The upgrade of the Wintergarden glasshouses has been a major achievement over the last few years. The works included seismic strengthening of the complex. Both buildings will have steel ties installed, new laminated glass and stronger aluminum glazing bars on the roofs. In addition, improvements include timber repairs, larger gutters and additional rainwater pipes, to cope with heavier rain events, and a return to the original design of clear glass on the rooves.

9. The temperate or cool house works have been completed and this was opened to the public on 1 July 2022. Work is still underway on the tropical or hot house and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

A picture containing outdoor, building, greenhouse, different

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Accessibility improvement programme

10. Reducing vehicle dominance in the Domain and improving the experience of pedestrians and cyclists was one of the key outcomes sought in the Auckland Domain Masterplan 2016. To provide a comprehensive approach to the various streams of work required to deliver accessibility improvements, these were packaged up into a programme about five years ago.

11. Over the last three years the Committee has been asked to support several initiatives that have seen progressive changes in the Domain. The high-level outcomes sought from the accessibility programme over this period were to:

· Provide safer pedestrian connections

· Reduce the impacts of commuter or long-stay parking, and

· Address the management of the parking adjacent to the Auckland Bowling Club.

12. The Waitematā Local Board contributed funding from their Transport Capital Fund to develop four path connections in the Domain. These will connect:

· Parnell Train Station with Lower Domain Drive

· Auckland Museum with the Wintergardens via a path extending from Football Road along the Crescent to Kiosk Road

· Centennial Path through Grafton Mews to Lower Domain Drive

· Titoki Street carpark with Football Road

13. Covid-19 brought about delays initially with a hold placed on the budget. When some budget was made available priority was given to delivering the Parnell Station path. Detailed design was undertaken and recently consent was granted, and it is anticipated the tender for the works will be released in August.

14. Initial design work has been undertaken for the other three paths and the detailed design for the Crescent and Grafton Mews Paths will be progressed over the coming months.

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15. Auckland Transport have also funded two further connections being: a new path between the Bledisloe Path and the top of Lower Domain Drive and a path from the Parnell Station boardwalk to the Watercare Access Road. It is intended these be delivered in conjunction with the Parnell Station path described above.

16. The removal of parking in key locations has also contributed to the outcome of safer pedestrian connections. Approximately 38 car parks were removed in front of the museum on the Museum Circuit and Cenotaph Road in June 2021. This has also contributed to improving sightlines to and from the museum, and the manoeuvrability of buses (see photos below).

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17. To address long stay parking trial gates have been installed on the Titoki Street carpark. This has proved effective in reducing the use of the carpark by those working in the area and made this more available for visitors to the Domain and the museum. AT will assist in providing a further parking survey later in the year that will aid in determining further approaches to managing the long stay parking issue.

18. The implementation of the above projects has received positive feedback from the Auckland War Memorial Museum (AWMM). Below is a quote from Dr David Gaimster, Chief Executive at the museum.

“We are pleased with the changes to Domain parking that have been implemented this term. The removal of parking spaces from Cenotaph Road and Museum Circuit, to address health and safety risks and improve heritage sight lines to the Museum, have been successful. The trial closure of the Titoki Street carpark between 10pm and 9:30am is working well, preserving accessibility for Domain and Museum users”.

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19. Another successful accessibility improvement project was the installation of pay and display parking at the carpark adjacent to the Auckland Bowling Club in July 2021. This has been successful in reducing this carpark being used by long stay parkers from the surrounding commercial area and university.

Cricket pitches

20. To address health and safety around the layout of the cricket pitches work was undertaken to reconfigure these, reducing the number and therefore the cross-over areas. Eight new concrete cricket wickets were installed and two concrete wickets were removed.

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Operations and maintenance

21. In addition to managing plant health and ensuring the Domain is a place for outdoor exercise while lockdowns were in force, the following has been achieved.

· Japanese bridge renewal.

· Installation of two disabled car-parking bays and accompanying seating at the Winter Gardens.

· Rehoming of 20 geese to the farm in Kaipara harbor which has improved cleanliness of the duck-ponds. Two geese remain.

· Installation of a vertical display wall within the tropical house.

· Cleaning of the Elliot Gates (photo below).

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Events

22. While Covid-19 has impacted the ability to hold events world-wide, the Domain has managed to support a range of events including:

· ANZAC services – April every year

· Christmas In the Park - December 2019, cancelled 2020, 2021

· Corporate Challenge – November 2019, 2020, cancelled 2021

· Pink Ribbon Walk – November 2019, 2020, cancelled 2021

· Sri Chinmoy running events went ahead throughout the year in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

· Urban Polo – March 2020, 2021, cancelled 2022

· Walking Stars – November 2019, cancelled 2020, 2021.

New operating model for horticultural services in the Domain

23. Early 2022, the Auckland Botanic Gardens (ABG) took over responsibility for the horticultural outcomes at the Domain. These include the Wintergardens and nursery glasshouses, the fernery, all planted gardens including annual and perennial display beds and bush and natural areas.

24. Several improvement projects have commenced during the last six months.

25. ABG and Domain teams have been working together on processes to improve the already high-quality plant displays at the Domain. Botanic gardens staff are supporting development of a guidelines document for Domain horticultural operations similar to the Auckland Botanic Gardens Plant Collections Guidelines. The purpose is to;

· provide a framework for the management and enhancement of the displays in the Wintergardens and outdoor gardens,

· provide direction for the future documentation of the plant collections,

· put in place a structured process for future improvements, and

· outline processes for new plant introductions and the disposal of plants no longer required.

26. ABG and the Domain teams are integrating their Health, safety and wellbeing processes and practices. Staff training is also being aligned, with Domain staff participating in training delivered at the Gardens.

Volunteers

27. Around 20 regular volunteers have continued to monitor the pest animal traplines within the Domain. This programme is a highly engaging and sustainable way to allow volunteers to contribute to the biodiversity outcomes of the site and has three outcomes:

· reduce animal pests

· foster in volunteers a sense of stewardship towards their local park

· enable people to help protect local park habitat for urban wildlife.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

28. The Auckland War Memorial Museum (AWMM) influences the public use and management of the Domain and vice versa. A good working relationship has been in place for many years. Below is a quote from Dr David Gaimster, Chief Executive at the AWMM, highlighting some of the key achievements over the last three years;

“It has been an eventful three years for the Museum. At the end of 2020 we completed the renovation of our South Atrium Te Ao Marama arrival precinct combining mana whenua welcome, cultural orientation and generous manaakitanga. In addition, we opened our new learning galleries and laboratories, together with our new galleries dedicated to Auckland past, present and future, Tāmaki Herenga Waka Stories of Auckland. With the creation of an enlarged special exhibition suite, we also launched an initiative to bring major international touring exhibitions to Auckland. Sea Monsters and Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes have proved popular with our public. Despite the disruptions of COVID, the new precincts and touring exhibitions have driven greater local visitation and engagement with the Museum.

The Museum was affected by the pandemic, which necessitated periodic and long closures of our destination building, as well as different ways of working. In the last year, we operated open to the public for only 23 weeks; however, at peak times we experienced visitation that was on par with, and at times exceeded, all records. We are seeing exceptionally strong visitation at peak times such as school holidays, even without international tourists, and expect this to continue to grow as international tourism returns. It is likely that this strong visitation growth will put further pressure on Domain infrastructure near the Museum.

Use of the Domain as a site of protest appears to have increased over the last couple of years, and this has negatively affected Museum operations. Communication and interoperability with Council and law enforcement over these issues has been mixed.

We are pleased with the changes to Domain parking that have been implemented this term. The removal of parking spaces from Cenotaph Road and Museum Circuit, to address health and safety risks and improve heritage sight lines to the Museum, have been successful. The trial closure of the Titoki Street carpark between 10pm and 9:30am is working well, preserving accessibility for Domain and Museum users. Finally, we thank the committee for their work and leadership this term.”

Awards

29. Diagram

Description automatically generated The Domain has received two Green Flag Awards in 2020 and 2021/22. This is an international benchmark standard for recreational outdoor spaces including criteria such as quality of services, safety, maintenance, community involvement and sustainability. In 2021/22 the Domain was one of 24 parks across New Zealand to receive the award.

30. In addition, the Wintergardens have twice received a five-star appraisal as a Garden of Significance in the past three years. The New Zealand Gardens Trust noted in particular ‘the continued attainment and high quality in the perennial border on the north side of the building – one of Auckland’s gems”.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

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

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

32. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan provides a roadmap to a zero-emissions, resilient and healthier region that is better connected to our environment and able to thrive in the face of ongoing change and disruption.

33. The delivery of activities in discussed in this report have contributed to the objectives of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan as follows;

· Upcycling and recycling of old material

· Installation of energy efficiency measures

· Building design to ensure the maximum lifetime and efficiency of the building is obtained

· Lifecycle impacts of construction materials (embodied emissions)

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

34. This report largely reflects what has been achieved over the current term of council. This reflects ’business as usual’ activities and is considered to be in line with council group activities.

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

Local impacts and local board views

35. There are no impacts on local boards arising specifically from this report.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

36. The achievements over the last three years have provided benefit to the local community, including Māori. When developing and delivering work programmes consideration is given to how the activities can contribute to Māori well-being, values, culture and traditions.

37. Karanga Atu! Karanga Mai! relationship approach responds to Māori aspirations and delivers on council’s statutory obligations and relationship commitments to Māori.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

38. This is an information report and all the activities have funding associated with them.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

39. There are no risks associated with this report.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

40. The next Pukekawa/Auckland Domain – Highlights and Achievements report will be presented at the end of the 2022 -2025 electoral term.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Martin van Jaarsveld - Manager Community Parks & Places
Authoriser	Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Forward work programme - 15 August 2022	41

Auckland Domain Committee

15 August 2022

Auckland Domain Committee Forward Work Programme 2022 This committee deals with policy and landowner decision-making that relates to the Auckland Domain. The full terms of reference can be found here: Auckland Council Governing Body Terms of Reference
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Expected timeframes Highlight the month(s) this is expected to come to committee in 2022
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
General Update	To inform the committee on progress of delivery of the capital work programme and update on general operational matters of interest. This includes: · Pathway connections · CCTV at the wintergardens · Grandstand building renewal · Lighting renewal · Mirror Pond renewal · Wastewater pipe renewal · Wintergardens - renew full facility · Wintergardens boiler renewal	Progress report for the committee’s information and update. Progress to date: General update reports on this financial year’s work programme have been given at the following meetings; 17 August 2020 Link to decision 9 November 2020 Link to decision 8 March 2021 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision 14 February 2020 Link to decision 16 May 2022 Link to decision
Events	All events within committee delegation (also updates if available with decision reports – otherwise updates to go in general update)	To consider landowner approvals for events within the Domain. Progress to date: 9 November 2020 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision 13 Sept 2021 Link to decision 14 February 2020 Link to decision 16 May 2022 Link to decision

Completed

Auckland Domain Committee Forward Work Programme 2021 This committee deals with policy and landowner decision-making that relates to the Auckland Domain. The full terms of reference can be found here: Auckland Council Governing Body Terms of Reference
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Expected timeframes Highlight the month(s) this is expected to come to committee in 2021
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
General Update	To inform the committee on progress of delivery of the work programme and update on general operational matters of interest. This includes. · Renewals · Maintenance · Project delivery · Volunteer activities	Progress report for the committee’s information and update. Progress to date: General update reports on this financial year’s work programme have been given at the following meetings; 17 August 2020 Link to decision 9 November 2020 Link to decision 8 March 2021 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision
Events	All events within committee delegation (also updates if available with decision reports – otherwise updates to go in general update)	To consider landowner approvals for events within the Domain. Progress to date: Auckland Domain Event Approvals from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2021 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision 13 Sept 2021 Link to decision
Accessibility Improvement programme (AIP)	An investigation of options to extend pathway connections and safety for walking and cycling in the Domain using interim low cost intervention. Communication on AIP programme / parking removals, road closure, path connections Report back on trials	· To consider interim measures to extend pathway connections. · To consider removal of parking options. · To consider the installation of trial gates to address commuter parking. · Update on communications / approval for rollout timeframe and messages. Progress to date: Requested staff investigate options to extend pathway connections and safety for walking and cycling in the Domain using interim low cost interventions such as painted pathways on the existing carriageway, consistent with the Master Plan 17 November 2020 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision
LTP work programme priorities	Prioritise the strategic projects in the Auckland Domain for the next 10 years. Funding will then be allocated to priority projects as it becomes available.	To approve the prioritisation of the work programme. Progress to date: A workshop was held with the committee on 15 February 2021 to discuss the priorities. 8 March 2021 Link to decision Endorsement of the LTP 3 year work programme. 4 June 2021 Link to decision
Landowner approval – Parnell railway station underpass	Auckland Transport have applied for landowner approval to undertake works within 24 Nicholls Lane, Parnell which is owned by council. The works are part of a joint project between Auckland Transport and Summerset Villages (Parnell) Limited to construct an underpass beneath Parnell railway station at the northern end, to connect Heather Street in Parnell with an existing path within the Auckland Domain.	Request the endorsement of the Auckland Domain Committee for the landowner approval application from Auckland Transport to undertake works within 24 Nicholls Lane, Parnell related to the Parnell railway station underpass. Progress to date: This proposed underpass was discussed on 15 February 2020 at a committee workshop as part of the pathway projects. 8 March 2021 Link to decision
Error! No document variable supplied.	To enable the Auckland Domain Committee to provide its views on public feedback to the proposal to amend the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014 relating to Pukekawa / Auckland Domain, staff have prepared summary and deliberation reports.	To seek views on public feedback to the proposal to amend Te Ture ā-Rohe Whakararata Waipiro / the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2014 relating to Pukekawa / Auckland Domain before a final decision is made. Progress to date: 8 March 2021 Link to decision
Grafton Mews carpark – Auckland Bowling club parking request	A proposal from the Auckland bowling club for exclusive use of 15 additional parking spaces. Exploring alternative solutions, such as amending the parking restrictions originally proposed.	To consider endorsing a license for 15 parking spaces at the Grafton Mews carpark. Progress to date: A workshop was held with the committee on 15 February 2021 to discuss the proposal from the bowling club. 8 March 2021 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision
Landowner approval - Garden of Humanity memorial	The Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust is proposing to install a memorial called the ‘Garden of Humanity’ at the Fairy Pond within the Auckland Domain.	To consider granting landowner consent for the Garden of Humanity memorial Progress to date: Public input from Auckland Holocaust Memorial Trust 30 November 2017 Link to tabled documents Decision for staff to work with Trust and for Trust to submit design options 30 November 2017 Link to decision Update on the project to the Auckland Domain Committee August 2020 Link to decision 8 March 2021 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision
Events policy	An updated event approval form for the Auckland Domain, with a focus on te reo and zero waste principles.	To consider the updated event approval policy for the Domain. Progress to date: Committee requested an updated event/ landowner approval/policy form for the Auckland Domain 17 November 2020 Link to decision 14 June 2021 Link to decision

Auckland Domain Committee Forward Work Programme 2023 This committee deals with policy and landowner decision-making that relates to the Auckland Domain. The full terms of reference can be found here: Auckland Council Governing Body Terms of Reference
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Expected timeframes Highlight the month(s) this is expected to come to committee in 2022
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
General Update	To inform the committee on progress of delivery of the capital work programme and update on general operational matters of interest.	Progress report for the committee’s information and update.
Events	All events within committee delegation (also updates if available with decision reports – otherwise updates to go in general update)	To consider landowner approvals for events within the Domain.
Three-year capital work propgramme	Present the 3 year capital work programme for the Domain	To consider the projects that form part of the three-year regional renewal and development work programme.
Accessibility Improvement programme (AIP), including Parking	Report back on the outcomes of the trial gates at the Titoki Street carpark and a general update on the Accessibility Improvement programme (AIP).	To consider long term solutions to address commuter parking based on the trial gate trial.
Accessibility Audit	Report back on the outcomes of the accessibility audit	To consider improvement projects to address all ability access in the Domain for inclusion in the work programme

Chairperson	Cr Desley Simpson, JP
Deputy Chairperson	Alexandra Bonham
Members	Cr Pippa Coom
	Member Kerrin Leoni
	Member Mr Richard Northey, ONZM
	Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM
IMSB Members	Renata Blair
	Hon Tau Henare

Author	Sonja Tomovska - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere / Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Martin van Jaarsveld - Manager Community Parks & Places