Agenda of Waitākere Ranges Local Board

1 Nau mai | Welcome

2 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

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

3 Te Whakapuaki i te Whai Pānga | 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.

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 Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

Board Member	Organisation/Position
Mark Allen	- Community Waitākere – Executive Officer - Bethells Valley Fire – Life Member - Waitākere Licensing Trust – Trustee - West Auckland Trusts Services - Director
Michelle Clayton	- Glen Eden Residents’ Association – Member - The Personal Advocacy and Safeguarding Adults Trust – Trustee - Glen Eden Returned Services Association (RSA) – Member - Glen Eden Railway Trust – Member - Te Wahi Ora Charitable Trust – Member - Glen Eden Community House - Member
Sandra Coney	- Cartwright Collective – Member - Women’s Health Action Trust – Patron - New Zealand Society of Genealogists – Member - New Zealand Military Defence Society – Member - Pest Free Piha – Partner is the Coordinator - Piha Tennis Club – Patron and Partner is the President - Piha Wetland Trust – Partner is a Trustee - Waitākere Ranges Pest Free Alliance – Partner is the Co-Chair of this group
Greg Presland	- Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust – Trustee - Glen Eden BID – Member - Titirangi Ratepayers and Residents Association – Member - Waitākere Ranges Protection Society - Member - Titirangi RSA - Member
Liz Manley	- Consumer Experiences Council, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Te Whatu Ora - Co-chair - Clinical Ethics Advisory Group, Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Te Whatu Ora - Member - Titirangi Community Arts Council Board – Member - Titirangi Ratepayers and Residents Association – Member - Laingholm District Citizens Association – Member
Linda Potauaine	- Visionwest Community Trust – Employee - New Lynn Rotary – President - Archtists Limited. - Director

Member appointments

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

External organisation	Lead	Alternate
Glen Eden Business Improvement District (Glen Eden Business Association)	Michelle Clayton	Greg Presland
Aircraft Noise Community Consultative Group	Mark Allen	Liz Manley
Ark in the Park	Mark Allen	Liz Manley
Friends of Arataki and Waitākere Regional Parkland Incorporated	Michelle Clayton	Sandra Coney
Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre Trust	Mark Allen	Linda Potauaine
Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery	Linda Potauaine	Mark Allen
Glen Eden Community and Recreation Centre Incorporated	Michelle Clayton	Mark Allen
LGNZ Auckland Zone representative	Linda Potauaine	Michelle Clayton

4 Te Whakaū i ngā Āmiki | Confirmation of Minutes

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) whakaū / confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 23 February 2023, as true and correct.

5 He Tamōtanga Motuhake | Leave of Absence

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

6 Te Mihi | Acknowledgements

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

7 Ngā Petihana | Petitions

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

8 Ngā Tono Whakaaturanga | Deputations

Standing Order 7.7 provides for deputations. Those applying for deputations are required to give seven working days notice of subject matter and applications are approved by the Chairperson of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. This means that details relating to deputations can be included in the published agenda. Total speaking time per deputation is ten minutes or as resolved by the meeting.

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

9 Te Matapaki Tūmatanui | 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 Ngā Pakihi Autaia | Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

23 March 2023

Waitipu Park Service Outcomes Plan

File No.: CP2023/01177

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek adoption of the Park Service Outcomes Plan for Waitipu, to inform future development of the site as a local park should funding become available.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Waitipu, formerly known as Waitākere Quarry, is a large (22 hectare) site which has been managed by council as a local park since 2017 following cessation of quarrying activity.

3. Located in the Waitākere Valley, immediately adjacent to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, the site includes areas of ecologically important native forest, pond, and stream habitats, as well as large areas which are actively being replanted and restored.

4. The park is currently closed to the public due to health and safety concerns. Despite its closure, the site is being accessed by the public and has the potential to be an important community asset in the future should it be further developed.

5. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board approved production of a parks service outcomes plan for the park as part of their financial year 2020/2021 Parks, Sport and Recreation Work Programme (WTK/2020/91). This was carried forward into financial year 2021/2022 to complete due to delays with consultation.

6. The Waitipu Park Service Outcomes Plan (Attachment A) seeks to protect and enhance the special ecological and cultural values of Waitipu, while identifying appropriate recreational activities, facilities, and access routes for future development. It also outlines a pathway to the safe opening of the site as a local park.

7. The plan details parks service opportunities, or experiences, that should be enabled as the site is developed and indicates spatially how these could be achieved. Further investigation and design will be required as outcomes from the plan are progressed.

8. Consultation with mana whenua, key stakeholders and the wider community has helped to shape the outcomes plan. Feedback received was largely positive, and key stakeholders have expressed support for the final plan. The plan has also been discussed extensively with the local board at workshops over the course of its development from 2021 to 2022.

9. Future delivery of this plan will be a collaborative effort involving the local community, mana whenua, and delivery partners across various Auckland Council departments.

10. Many outcomes identified are dependent on the allocation of funding as part of future Customer and Community Services work programmes. The plan also identifies opportunities to develop the quarry in partnership with the community and other stakeholders such as mana whenua, the film industry and the previous quarry operator.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) whai / adopt the park service outcomes plan for Waitipu at 99 Te Henga Road, Waitākere Valley, to inform future development of the park.

b) tautoko / support progression of actions which will enable the safe opening of the site.

c) ohia / endorse investigation of partnership opportunities to progress actions from the plan, in the context of council’s current financial position.

Horopaki

Context

11. Waitipu, formerly known as Waitākere Quarry, encompasses approximately 22 hectares of land and is located at 99 Te Henga Road in the Waitākere Valley. Waitipu is held by Auckland Council under the Local Government Act 2002 and has been managed as a local park since 2017.

12. The site has a long history, initially acquired in 1916 for use as a quarry. Quarrying activity began on the site in the 1930s and operated until 2015. In 2017 the site was handed over to Auckland Council to be developed into a park. The site was split into two at this time, with the majority of the mature native forest amalgamated into the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, and the quarried areas vested as local park.

13. Waitipu is currently unoccupied and closed to the public via entrance gates and warning signage due to health and safety concerns related to the former quarry. Despite this, the local community are accessing the site for recreation, with popular activities including dog walking, walking, mountain biking, and swimming. Permitted filming also takes place regularly within the park.

14. The park was gifted the name Waitipu by local mana whenua iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki in 2021. The name matches that of the stream which runs through the park, and its translation speaks to how the stream ‘rose extremely quickly’ in flood.

15. An aftercare fund was set up by the Waitākere City Council in 1995 with the specific purpose of funding the restoration of the quarry after operations ceased. This fund was not cash-backed but sat internally on council’s books at that time.

16. The obligation to restore the quarry following cessation of quarrying activity was taken on by the former quarry operator Perry Resources Limited via a decision of Waitākere City Council in December 2009.

17. Following amalgamation into Auckland Council in 2010, an exercise was undertaken to review legacy council reserve funds. As the original purpose of the restoration fund for the quarry site was no longer required given that this obligation rested with Perry Resources Limited, council no longer had a requirement to account for this and the fund was removed via an internal accounting adjustment.

18. Restoration of much of the quarry site is ongoing. This is the responsibility of former quarry operator Perry Resources Limited (Perry) until the replanted areas achieve 75 per cent canopy closure, as per the rehabilitation agreement agreed at handover.

19. Future development within the park needs to balance restoration, to return the mauri and mana of the site following decades of exploitative industry, with the needs and aspirations of the community to use it for recreation and enjoyment.

20. Work is also required to ensure the safety of park users before it can be formally opened to the public. This operational work is ongoing, and in many places is linked to the success of restoration planting and ongoing signage renewals.

21. A holistic plan is required to ensure the park is developed appropriately in future. This plan will respond to the needs of mana whenua, stakeholders and the community, while complementing the wider network of parks in the area and considering opportunities for delivery partnership.

22. This plan builds on previous public, iwi and stakeholder consultation which took place in 2014 considering the future of the site as part of the Waitākere River Valley Local Area Plan. Consultation was also undertaken in 2015 prior to the site vesting to Auckland Council.

23. In financial year 2020/2021, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board allocated funding towards the production of a parks service outcomes plan for Waitipu (WTK/2020/91), which was carried forward into financial year 2021/2022 for completion.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

24. The Waitipu Park Service Outcomes Plan (Attachment A) was developed between 2021 and 2022. As part of the development of the plan, input was sought from various council departments and key stakeholders.

25. The plan actively considers the local context of Waitipu, which sits both within the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area and within the heartland of mana whenua iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki. As such, responses to cultural design principles and the heritage area design guide are included throughout.

Health and Safety

26. Health and safety is at the forefront of decision making within this plan, to ensure that the park can be safely opened and enjoyed by the public by managing and minimising risk to park users.

27. Community Facilities staff undertook a full health and safety audit of the site in 2020, leading to the production of a risk register. Several short-term actions were identified. While many of these have already been actioned, the remaining actions should be progressed before the park can be safely opened to the public.

28. Additional concerns were raised around the safety of swimming at the site, particularly given the unknown water quality, pond morphology, and proximity of unstable quarry walls, and lack of water safety measures. Healthy Waters input was sought regarding the hydrology and management of the stream and three detention ponds located within the park. Two of these ponds are popular for swimming and cliff jumping.

29. Water Safety New Zealand and Drowning Prevention Auckland were subsequently engaged to undertake a thorough risk assessment related to swimming at the site, which included mapping the ponds with radar. The site was deemed to be unsafe for swimming, due to an inconsistency in pond depths caused by intermittent rock fall from the unstable cliffs, high-risk behaviours of current park users, and the lack of appropriate safety infrastructure.

30. To respond to this advice, the plan does not recommend any infrastructure that would encourage swimming at the site, such as a pontoon, and recommends in the short term both preventative measures like education, updated signage and infill planting, and emergency response measures such as angel rings and installation of an emergency phone.

31. Additional investigation was required to determine the safety of fill found on the site, particularly related to a naturally occurring material called erionite that has been found within rock in the Waitākere Ranges. Expert advice confirmed that any risk to park users is minimal and can be minimized further through management, such as avoiding activities that cause significant rock disturbance.

32. Operational funding will be required to progress actions to enable the safe opening of the site to the public and improve safety for those already using the site.

Parks Activities

33. As a local park embedded into the wider Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, this provides a unique opportunity to enable activities that are not considered appropriate for delivery within the regional park as per the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022, such as dog walking or mountain biking.

34. A feasibility assessment by Trail Pro indicated that the site would be suitable for the development of mountain biking trails, enabling both uphill and downhill experiences of varying difficulty levels. Care is required to ensure that any conflict with other park users is reduced, specifically via separation of core dog walking and mountain biking routes and high-quality track design.

35. Mana whenua are supportive of the activation of this site for active recreation. However, representatives from Te Kawerau ā Maki proposed that the surrounding mature native forest is not developed, and instead left in its natural state to protect taonga species such as kauri. The importance of cultural storytelling was also identified by mana whenua. Both points have been reflected in the final plan.

36. There was significant interest to enable environmental volunteering and ongoing restoration at the site from local volunteer groups, organisations, and the public. To facilitate this, areas that are appropriate for volunteers to operate within safely will need to be identified. Care is required to ensure that Perry’s obligations to maintain the plantings until canopy closure are not compromised. In the longer term, provision of supporting infrastructure to enable this activity such as a volunteers’ compound or activation space is also recommended.

37. Staff engaged with Auckland Unlimited and Screen Auckland over the course of the plans development to investigate how filming could be better accommodated within the site. Potentially significant funding from the film industry via site-wide leasing or activation was disregarded following further investigation by Auckland Unlimited.

38. Staff recommend that the current use of the site as a destination for permitted filming on an ad hoc basis is maintained. This may include establishment of a filming set down area, and a more formal area adjacent to the carpark for infrequent activation as a depot or site compound to help reduce the footprint of filming throughout the valley.

39. The Regional Parks team also provided input into the plan, supporting the principle of preventing development of the mature native forest, mostly located within the land vested as Regional Park. They also supported future connections to the wider regional park network via improved connections with the Regional Park at Pae o Te Rangi.

Consultation

40. The draft plan consolidated previous engagement and discussions with key stakeholders including the local board, mana whenua, and significant community groups.

41. Public consultation on the draft plan was undertaken between April and May 2022. In total, 110 submissions were received via the Have Your Say Website, an interactive map on Social Pinpoint, and verbal and email submissions.

42. There was a high level of support for the four key principles (or themes) for future development of the site (relationships, recreation, restoration, circulation - see page 24 of Attachment A), with 92.5 per cent of all submissions supportive of all or most of the principles.

43. Priority outcomes were ranked by the public from one (most important) to five (least important), with the following average order of importance.

1. Environmental restoration and connection with nature

2. Passive enjoyment, walking and quiet contemplation

3. Active recreation opportunities that get the heart racing

4. Community spaces and opportunities to connect

5. Celebrating and enhancing historical and cultural narratives and values

44. Of the park activities proposed for within the quarry, five were strongly supported. This includes walking and dog walking, picnicking and passive enjoyment, nature play, environmental restoration, and mountain biking. Twelve additional park activities were suggested by the public, including swimming, interpretive signage, and an outdoor classroom. Only two were not well supported by the public. These were significant filming activities and self-contained camping.

Final Plan

45. The park service outcomes plan considered each of the high-level and parks service outcomes along with consultation feedback, and the results of initial investigations to propose future development actions for the park.

46. Nine actions have been identified and prioritised within the final plan (see page 28 of Attachment A), which will require further investigation and design prior to delivery. Grouped into themes or areas, these actions include:

· Improve entrance area and carpark circulation

· Allow for overflow carpark / community space

· Improve access, circulation and safety for passive recreation

· Provide a central gathering and community area

· Provide a picnic area adjacent to stormwater lake B

· Enable community volunteering and education opportunities

· Undertake environmental restoration

· Improve opportunities for active recreation

· Celebrate and enhance cultural narratives and values.

47. Alternative funding sources will need to be identified, should the local board wish to undertake works within the quarry not associated with its restoration, including recreational outcomes outlined within this service outcomes plan.

48. Importantly, given Auckland Council’s current budgetary constraints, elements from each action can be progressed by working in partnership with the community and other stakeholders on the site. This includes actions related to volunteering and restoration, filming, mountain bike trail development, and cultural storytelling.

49. Staff recommend adoption of the proposed parks service outcomes plan as it sets an agreed outcome for the future development of the park, which has the support of the community, mana whenua and key stakeholders as well as highlighting short-term actions to ensure the safe opening of the park.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

50. In June 2019, Auckland Council declared a climate emergency and a commitment to the community to look at ways on how we can consider climate implications in everything that we do. The Parks and Community Facilities department at Auckland Council is committed to the regional sustainability targets of Te-Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri-Auckland's Climate Plan.

51. Any formal development of parks infrastructure will contribute to climate change through carbon emissions, particularly during construction and renewal phases, and through ongoing maintenance. This needs to be carefully considered when creating new park assets.

52. The plan outlines a light touch to future development of this park, with minimal built infrastructure outside of a carpark, tracks, lookouts, and a toilet. Multifunctional use of areas such as the carpark doubling as an activation area for filming ensures an integrated approach to park development which will ensure improved climate outcomes.

53. Improvements to stormwater management, management of the ponds, streams and overflow areas through the park will increase the resilience of the park and wider catchment as climate change increases the intensity and likelihood of flooding and rain events.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

54. Parks and Community Facilities and Healthy Waters staff have provided direction throughout the development of this outcomes plan. This has included strategic direction for park service outcome delivery, advice on design and maintenance, and direction on water management actions and safety.

55. Delivery of this plan will involve collaboration across numerous departments and other stakeholders including healthy waters, Watercare, Auckland Transport, volunteer organisations and the ex-quarry operator.

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

Local impacts and local board views

56. Investment into Waitipu would provide numerous benefits to the local and wider community, and to the natural environment of the area. It would also help to enable the safe opening of the park, to serve as a recreational asset for Waitākere Ranges residents.

57. In addition to extensive community, stakeholder and mana whenua engagement previously outlined within this report, the outcomes plan has been discussed with the local board at workshops over the course of its development from 2021-2022.

58. The local board was in support of the parks service outcomes proposed for the site in the final draft, including all proposed high-level actions. The local board was keen to ensure that the views of the local community were considered.

59. The development of the outcomes plan for Waitipu aligns with the following Waitākere Ranges Local Board Plan 2020 outcomes and objectives:

Outcome One: The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area is protected and enhanced and connections with surrounding communities are strengthened

· Objective: Deliver a range of local activities across all Local Board Plan Outcomes that help deliver on the objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act (WRHAA).

Outcome Three: We work to respect, protect and restore the environment

· Objective: Communities and Council work together and we see improvements.

Outcome Seven: We have infrastructure and facilities which support and enhance our neighbourhoods and town centres

· Objective: Well maintained, accessible parks, facilities and public spaces.

60. The local board provided positive feedback and informally supported in principle drafts of the plan in March 2021, April 2022, and again at final review in June 2022.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

61. Te Kawerau ā Maki have a long and important connection to the Te Henga area and Waitākere River Valley. The land provided abundant food resources and was located strategically between the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours.

62. Te Kawerau ā Maki worked with staff to help guide development of the plan. They advised that restoration was required to restore the mauri or mana of the site, which has been heavily degraded through quarrying, while also supporting the intention to enable recreation within the site for the community to enjoy and experience the park.

63. Mana whenua proposed that the surrounding mature native forest was not developed, and instead left in its natural state to protect taonga species such as kauri. The importance of cultural storytelling was also identified. Both points are reflected in the final plan.

64. The final parks service outcomes plan references the importance of mana whenua as kaitiaki (guardians) of the whenua (land) and reflects Auckland Council’s desire to deliver the vision of a world class city, including a Māori identity that is Auckland’s point of difference in the world.

65. As actions from within the plan are progressed, staff will work with mana whenua to determine how they would like to be involved in detailed design and delivery.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

66. Opportunities to progress actions in partnership with the community and other stakeholders such as mana whenua, the film industry and the previous quarry operator will be explored following adoption of the plan.

67. Any potential future budget allocations to deliver outcomes from within the plan will be discussed with the local board as part of their future Customer and Community Services work programme development process, and in partnership with other departments and stakeholders.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

68. The plan may require amendment in the short to medium term to respond to opportunities that arise for partnership funding or implications of health and safety. Of relevance are impacts related to health and safety, water management and safety, volunteer restoration, and ambitions from the film industry. Collaboration between departments will ensure that the identified improvements to park services will not be impacted by any such changes.

69. Given the current financial constraints that Auckland Council faces, there is likely be insufficient budget to deliver on actions identified within the plan. To mitigate this, it is suggested that the local board consider funding implementation of the plan over a period of at least ten years, working in with the council’s long-term plan process, while seeking to work in partnership with the community and other parties over this time to progress actions.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

70. If adopted, the plan will enable future work programme development with the local board. All funding requirements to deliver the remaining identified improvements in the proposed concept plan will be discussed with the local board as part of their future Customer and Community Services work programme approval process.

71. Staff will work with other stakeholders, including other council departments, Watercare, Auckland Transport, Auckland Unlimited, community trusts, volunteer groups and organisations to advocate for delivery of outcomes identified within the plan.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Waitipu Park Service Outcomes Plan	19

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Thomas Dixon - Parks & Places Specialist

Authorisers

Taryn Crewe - General Manager Parks and Community Facilities

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

23 March 2023

Approval for new road names at 8 Yelash Road, Massey

File No.: CP2023/02268

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval from the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for names for a new private road being the commonly owned access lot (COAL) and a public road, created by way of the subdivision development at 8 Yelash Road, Massey.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Auckland Council Road Naming Guidelines (the Guidelines) set out the requirements and criteria of the council for proposed road names. The guidelines state that where a new road needs to be named as a result of a subdivision or development, the subdivider /developer shall be given the opportunity of suggesting their preferred new road name/s for the local board’s approval.

3. On behalf of the developer and applicant, Vista Development Group Limited, agent Ben Harper from Surveyworx has proposed the names presented below for consideration by the local board.

4. The proposed road name options have been assessed against the Guidelines and the Australian & New Zealand Standard, Rural and Urban Addressing, AS NZS 4819:2011 and the Guidelines for Addressing in-fill Developments 2019 – LINZ OP G 01245 (the Standards). The technical matters required by those documents are considered to have been met and the proposed names are not duplicated elsewhere in the region or in close proximity. Mana whenua have been consulted in the manner required by the Guidelines.

5. The proposed names for the new private road & public road at 8 Yelash Road are:

Road 1 (private, Lot 1002)

· Taunoka Lane (applicant’s preference)

· Rōhutu Lane (alternative)

· Kaikōmako Lane (alternative)

Road 2 (public, Cul-de-sac)

· Manono Close (applicant’s preference)

· Manoao Close (alternative)

· Tāwheowheo Close (alternative).

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the names ‘Taunoka Lane’ and ‘Manono Close’ for a new private road and public road created by way of the subdivision being undertaken by Neat Property Services Limited at 8 Yelash Road, Massey in accordance with section 319(1)(j) of the Local Government Act 1974 (resource consent references BUN60068681 SUB60068575-A and RDN90106211).

Horopaki

Context

6. Resource consent BUN60068681 was issued in August 2017 for the construction of 48 residential lots, a commonly owned access lot (COAL) and a public road.

7. Site and location plans of the development can be found in Attachment A.

8. In accordance with the Standards, every public road and any private way, COAL, or right of way, that serves more than five lots generally requires a new road name in order to ensure safe, logical, and efficient street numbering.

9. The new private road therefore requires a road name because it serves more than five lots.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

10. The Guidelines set out the requirements and criteria of the council for proposed road names. These requirements and criteria have been applied in this situation to ensure consistency of road naming across the Auckland Region. The Guidelines allow that where a new road needs to be named as a result of a subdivision or development, the subdivider/developer shall be given the opportunity of suggesting their preferred new road name/s for the local board’s approval.

11. The Guidelines provide for road names to reflect one of the following local themes with the use of Māori names being actively encouraged:

· a historical, cultural, or ancestral linkage to an area; or

· a particular landscape, environmental or biodiversity theme or feature; or

· an existing (or introduced) thematic identity in the area.

12. Theme: The applicant has chosen names that reflect the natural environment that surrounds the locality being plants and trees.

13. The applicant has proposed the names set out in the following table:

Proposed name	Meaning (as described by applicant)
Road 1 (Lot 1002) Taunoka Lane (applicant’s preference)	A native shrub, found in the region.
Rōhutu Lane (alternative)	A twiggy native shrub, found in the region.
Kaikōmako Lane (alternative)	A native tree with thick leaves, found in the region.
Road 2 (Cul-de-sac) Manono Close (applicant’s preference)	A large leaved coprosma tree, found in the region and throughout New Zealand.
Manoao Close (alternative)	A silver pine tree that grows up to 15m. Found in the region and from sea level to 950m.
Tāwheowheo Close (alternative)	A small bushy native tree, found in the region.

Proposed name

Meaning (as described by applicant)

Road 1 (Lot 1002)

Taunoka Lane

(applicant’s preference)

A native shrub, found in the region.

Rōhutu Lane

(alternative)

A twiggy native shrub, found in the region.

Kaikōmako Lane

(alternative)

A native tree with thick leaves, found in the region.

Road 2 (Cul-de-sac)

Manono Close

(applicant’s preference)

A large leaved coprosma tree, found in the region and throughout New Zealand.

Manoao Close

(alternative)

A silver pine tree that grows up to 15m. Found in the region and from sea level to 950m.

Tāwheowheo Close

(alternative)

A small bushy native tree, found in the region.

14. Assessment: All the name options listed in the table above have been assessed by the council’s Subdivision Specialist team to ensure that they meet both the Guidelines and the Standards in respect of road naming. The technical standards are considered to have been met and duplicate names are not located in close proximity. It is therefore for the local board to decide upon the suitability of the names within the local context and in accordance with the delegation.

15. Confirmation: Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has confirmed that all of the proposed names are acceptable for use at this location.

16. Road Type: ‘Lane’ and ‘Close’ are acceptable road types for the new private and public road, suiting their form and layout.

17. Consultation: Mana whenua were consulted in line with the processes and requirements described in the Guidelines. Additional commentary is provided in the Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori section that follows.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

18. The naming of roads has no effect on climate change. Relevant environmental issues have been considered under the provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the associated approved resource consent for the development.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

19. The decision sought for this report has no identified impacts on other parts of the Council group. The views of council-controlled organisations were not required for the preparation of the report’s advice.

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

Local impacts and local board views

20. The decision sought for this report does not trigger any significant policy and is not considered to have any immediate local impact beyond those outlined in this report.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

21. To aid local board decision making, the Guidelines include an objective of recognising cultural and ancestral linkages to areas of land through engagement with mana whenua, particularly through the resource consent approval process, and the allocation of road names where appropriate. The Guidelines identify the process that enables mana whenua the opportunity to provide feedback on all road naming applications and in this instance, the process has been adhered to.

22. On 24 of January 2023 mana whenua were contacted by the council on behalf of the applicant, through the Resource Consent department’s central facilitation process, as set out in the guidelines. Representatives of the following groups with an interest in the general area were contacted:

· Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua

· Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara

· Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

· Te Kawerau ā Maki

· Te Ākitai Waiohua

· Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua

· Waikato-Tainui.

23. A reply was received from Waikato-Tainui who deferred comment to the local iwi. However, no other responses were received.

24. The level of feedback received from mana whenua is often dependent on the scale of the development and its level of significance.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

25. The road naming process does not raise any financial implications for the Council.

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

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

27. There are no significant risks to Council as road naming is a routine part of the subdivision development process, with consultation being a key component of the process.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

28. Approved road names are notified to LINZ which records them on its New Zealand wide land information database. LINZ provides all updated information to other users, including emergency services.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	8 Yelash Road Site Plan and Location Map	71

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Dale Rewa - Subdivision Advisor

Authorisers

Trevor Cullen - Team Leader Subdivision

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

23 March 2023

Evaluation of the 2022 Auckland Council Elections

File No.: CP2023/02780

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To evaluate the 2022 Auckland Council elections and to provide opportunity for feedback from the local board.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. An evaluation of the Auckland Council 2022 elections is attached in Attachment A.

3. This follows a submission to Parliament’s Justice Committee last month. That submission focused on assessing the need for legislative changes. This evaluation incorporates key points from that submission but focuses on Auckland Council’s election processes.

4. The report suggests the council consider moving from the postal voting method to a combination of postal and booth voting whereby booths are staffed on election day and do not close until 7 pm. This is a response to criticism that it was difficult to cast a special vote for those who wanted to cast their vote on the final day.

5. This would incur a cost of more than $20,000 and would delay the announcement of election results.

6. Feedback is being sought on this proposal and on any other aspects of the Auckland Council election process that can be improved.

7. The report gives advance notice of other decisions relating to the 2025 elections.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) kohuki / consider its feedback on the evaluation of the Auckland Council local elections 2022.

Horopaki

Context

8. An evaluation of the council’s elections is carried out following each triennial election. The evaluation usually coincides with an inquiry conducted by a parliamentary select committee and is reported at the same time as a draft submission to the committee.

9. The Justice Committee invited submissions to its inquiry with a submission closing date of 14 February 2023, which was earlier than expected. A draft submission was presented to local boards in February for their comment.

10. Whereas the intent of the submission to the Justice Committee was to consider any changes to legislation that might improve the elections, this current evaluation is about the council’s own elections and how they might be improved.

11. The evaluation is attached and includes much of what has already been reported in the draft submission together with information relevant to Auckland’s own elections.

12. The evaluation and any further comments the local board has will be reported to the Governing Body.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

13. The local government voting process is straightforward using the postal voting method:

· voters do not have to register separately for the residential roll – the Parliamentary electoral roll is used

· voting documents are posted to each elector’s address as provided on the Parliamentary electoral roll

· a voter completes their voting document and either posts it back or deposits it in a ballot box; at the last election 136 of these were located at Countdown supermarkets, train stations and other council facilities

· voters have almost three weeks to do this.

14. Nevertheless, there was some criticism on social media about it being difficult to cast a special vote on election day itself (there were queues at some special voting centres).

15. Staff believe that the main reason for people needing to cast special votes is that they did not receive their voting documents in the mail, for example where their residential address on the electoral roll was not up to date.

16. It is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission to maintain the electoral roll. There is a period, prior to nominations being called, for the roll to be updated. This includes the Electoral Commission mailing each elector’s registered address with a request to update their details if they are not correct. However, if the elector has moved, they will not receive this notice unless it is forwarded. The Electoral Commission may remove the elector from the roll, or mail their voting documents to the wrong address.

17. Improving the process for reminding electors to update their address details on the electoral roll lies with the Electoral Commission.

18. Another solution is to provide more time for voting on election day itself so that those who need to cast a special vote, and who leave it until election day, have more time to do so. The Local Electoral Act and Regulations provide three authorised voting methods:

· postal voting

· booth voting

· a combination of booth voting and postal voting.

19. If the council resolved to adopt a combination of booth voting and postal voting, voting would close at 12 noon for those using the postal and ballot box options but would not close until 7 pm for those wishing to visit a voting booth in order to cast their vote on election day.

20. There would be an additional cost. A sufficient number of voting booths would need to be staffed on election day. The cost of staff for each booth would be approximately $1,000 (based on 4 staff working a 10-hour day being paid the current living wage of $23.65 per hour). One booth in each local board area would have a total staff cost of over $20,000. It might be necessary to provide more than one booth in the rural local board areas. Venue costs could be minimised if council facilities are used.

21. Staff would appreciate feedback on whether local boards support the option of moving from postal voting to a combination of postal and booth voting.

Decisions required for the 2025 elections

22. A number of decisions need to be made for the 2025 elections.

23. If the council wishes to change the electoral system from First Past the Post to Single Transferable Vote it must do so by 12 September 2023 (Local Electoral Act 2001, section 27).

24. The Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill, when enacted, will require the council to resolve by 20 December 2023 whether to have Māori representation. There must be prior engagement with Māori and the community before making this decision. If the decision is to have Māori representation then the council must provide for Māori wards when it conducts its review of representation arrangements.

25. The council is required to conduct a review of representation arrangements for the 2025 elections. This includes reviewing the number of councillors, whether they are elected at large or by ward and, if by ward, the number of wards, their names and their boundaries. It also includes reviewing the number of members on each local board, and whether they are elected at large or by subdivision. The names of local boards can also be reviewed. The proposed process for doing this will be reported later this year.

26. The council may also resolve to change the order of names on voting documents. It will need to do this prior to the Electoral Officer notifying the 2025 election.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

27. The key aspect of this report investigates the provision of booth voting on election day to make it easier to cast special votes. The climate impact of people travelling to a booth is likely to be mixed, depending on where they are located.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

28. There are no impacts on the group.

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

Local impacts and local board views

29. Local board comments in response to the evaluation report will be conveyed to the Governing Body.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

30. Demographic data shows that turnout for electors of Māori descent was lower than the average turnout. An analysis conducted by Auckland Council’s Research and Evaluation Unit (RIMU) suggested that a range of interrelated factors may be contributing to these discrepancies, including:

· differences in the perceived relevance of local government to the everyday life of different communities

· differences in family and work commitments and an ability to pay attention to local politics in light of other life priorities

· differences in civics education

· the complexity of the local government system and voting process, along with differences in knowledge about local government across communities in Auckland

· for some communities, a lack of identification with and ability to see one’s identity reflected in the local governance system

· a distrust of and disengagement from the local government system, particularly amongst Māori

· the existence of a social norm of non-voting in some families, neighbourhoods and communities.

31. The issue of Māori representation is being considered. The Local Government Electoral Legislation Bill, currently proceeding through Parliament, will require the council to make a decision on Māori representation by 20 December 2023.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

32. Moving from postal voting to a combination of postal voting and booth voting would incur additional costs. These are not quantified but based on likely costs of staffing booths on election day additional costs would be more than $20,000.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

33. Voter turnout has been steadily low over the last couple of elections, however, there is the risk that if the council does not improve the voting experience, where there has been criticism, that voter turnout will decrease further.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

34. Feedback from the local board is due on 18 April 2023 and will be reported to the Governing Body.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Evaluation of Auckland Council’s 2022 Local Elections	77

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Warwick McNaughton - Principal Advisor

Authorisers

Carol Hayward - Team Leader Operations and Policy

Louise Mason - General Manager Local Board Services

Adam Milina - Local Area Manager

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Urgent decision - Local Board feedback on Auckland Council’s membership of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) - Waitākere Ranges Local Board, 15 March 2023	99

Waitākere Ranges Local Board

23 March 2023

Council-controlled organisation forward work programme and engagement approach for Quarter Four (April-June 2023)

File No.: CP2023/02779

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Waitākere Ranges Local Board with the council-controlled organisation (CCO) forward work programme and engagement approach in its area for Quarter Four (April-June 2023).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The 2022/2023 CCO Local Board Joint Engagement Plans were adopted in June 2022. These plans record CCO responsibilities and local board commitments with Auckland Transport, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Eke Panuku Development Auckland and Watercare.

3. Local boards and CCOs are expected to review the joint engagement plans (CCO responsibilities and local board commitments) in June 2023.

4. CCOs provide local boards with the CCO work programme in their area. Each work programme item lists the engagement approach with the local board, activity status, updates and milestones anticipated for the next quarter.

5. Providing local boards with the CCO work programme addresses the 2020 CCO Review’s recommendation to coordinate CCO actions better at the local level.

6. As per the 2022/2023 CCO Local Board Joint Engagement Plans:

· CCOs, when creating their work programme, consider the priorities identified in the local board plan and any relevant strategies or policies specific to the local board area

· Local boards advise CCOs of issues or projects of significance, communicate the interests and preferences of their communities and allow for flexibility in terms of engagement, recognising differing levels of interest.

7. CCOs and local boards workshop the CCO work programme and engagement approach regularly to identify and maximise opportunities for good community outcomes within the local board area.

8. This report provides a formal update of the CCO forward work programme, engagement approach and anticipated milestones for Quarter Four (April-June 2023). This report also includes the status on CCO work programme items since the last report in September 2022.

9. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board will receive the next CCO work programme and engagement approach report in June 2023 which will include an update on projects from Quarter Four (March-June 2023) and expected milestones for work in Quarter One (July-September 2023).

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Waitākere Ranges Local Board:

a) whiwhi / receive the council-controlled organisations forward work programme and engagement approach for Quarter Four (April-June 2023).

Horopaki

Context

What are CCO Local Board Joint Engagement Plans?

10. The 2020 Review of Auckland Council’s council-controlled organisations recommended that CCOs and local boards adopt an engagement plan to:

· help cement CCO and local board relations

· agree on a common understanding of accountability between CCOs and local boards

· coordinate CCO actions better at the local level.

11. These plans record the commitment between Auckland Transport, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Eke Panuku Development Auckland, Watercare and the local boards to work together.

12. Each local board adopted their 2022/2023 CCO Local Board Joint Engagement Plans in June 2022. These plans include CCO responsibilities and local board commitments.

13. This report does not update the CCO responsibilities and local board commitments. Local boards are expected to revise these in their next engagement plans in June 2023.

What are the CCO work programme items?

14. CCOs provide local boards with a work programme that lists the different CCO projects happening in the local board area.

15. The work programme is not a full list of projects in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area. It includes work programme items for engagement purposes. Providing local boards with the CCO work programme addresses the 2020 CCO Review’s recommendation to coordinate CCO actions better at the local level.

16. As per the joint engagement plans:

· CCOs, when creating their work programme, consider the priorities identified in the local board plan and any relevant strategies or policies specific to the local board area

· Local boards advise CCOs of issues or projects of significance, to communicate the interests and preferences of their communities and to allow for flexibility in terms of engagement, recognising differing levels of interest.

17. Each work programme item records an engagement approach with the local board, activity status, updates and milestones anticipated for the next quarter.

18. The CCO work programme is intended to be reported through a local board business meeting quarterly for clarity and transparency. These updates may include the following types of changes:

· new work programme items and proposed engagement level

· changes to the engagement approach with the local board

· updates to status or anticipated milestones during the next quarter.

19. The work programme and engagement approach are workshopped regularly between CCOs and local boards to identify and maximise opportunities for good community outcomes within the local board area.

20. The engagement approach is based on the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) standards which are provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1: International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Engagement Approach Levels

CCO engagement approach	Commitment to local boards
Inform	CCOs will keep local boards informed.
Consult	CCOs will keep local boards informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and aspirations, and provide feedback on how local board input influenced the decision. CCOs will seek local board feedback on drafts and proposals.
Collaborate	CCOs will work together with local boards to formulate solutions and incorporate their advice and recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

21. Local boards received the last update to the CCO work programme and engagement approach in September 2022. CCOs have been updating local boards on their work programmes through induction workshops since November 2022.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

22. The following sections list changes since September 2022 to the CCO work programme for any:

· completed work programme items

· new work programme items

· changes to engagement levels.

23. The below sections also include any key highlights from the CCO work programme.

24. More detailed updates to the CCO work programme are provided in Attachments A-D.

Key Highlights

25. Key highlights across the CCOs’ work programme include:

· Auckland Transport has been collaborating closely with the Local Board and Auckland Council staff in order to provide a coordinated response to the recent storm and flooding events

· Auckland Transport is currently collaborating with the Local Board on its draft list of shortlisted projects to be funded via the Local Board Transport Capital Fund

· Ngā Tiriti Ngangahau – The Vibrant Streets Programme Team (Streets for People) – in conjunction with Konini School, Auckland Transport is progressing this project which aims at increasing the safety and use of streets and walkways to improve the experience of walking and cycling to school

· Watercare is progressing with its Huia no. 1 Watermain replacement project, with Stage 1 works on Atkinson Road completed before Christmas 2022 and Stage 2 and 3 works having started on 9 January 2023

· the status of Watercare’s Huia Water Treatment Plant replacement project has not changed since previous CCO reporting as this is now sitting at Environment Court.

Auckland Transport

New work programme items since September 2022

26. Auckland Transport has added new projects to the work programme including:

· Katoa, Ka Ora Regional Programmes Interim Speed Management Plan

· New Lynn SSBC (Single Stage Business Case).

27. Auckland Transport’s work programme items are provided in Attachment A.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

Completed work programme items since September 2022

28. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has completed the following work programme items:

· Rangatahi youth enterprise summit.

29. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s work programme items are provided in Attachment B.

Eke Panuku Development Auckland

New work programme items since September 2022

30. Eke Panuku Development Auckland has added new projects to the work programme including:

· Cost reduction to mitigate budget challenges.

31. Eke Panuku Development Auckland’s work programme items are provided in Attachment C.

Watercare

32. Watercare’s work programme items are provided in Attachment D.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

33. This report does not have a direct impact on climate, however the projects it refers to will.

34. Each CCO must work within Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Action Framework. Information on climate impacts will be provided to local boards on a project or programme basis.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

35. Auckland Transport, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Eke Panuku Development Auckland and Watercare have been conducting induction sessions with local boards since late 2022 to overview their CCO’s purpose and work programme.

36. Local boards advise CCOs of issues or projects of significance, communicate the interests and preferences of their communities and allow for flexibility in terms of engagement, recognising differing levels of interest.

37. The joint engagement plans and work programme items are shared with the integration teams that implement local board work programmes and give council staff greater ongoing visibility of CCO work programmes.

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

Local impacts and local board views

38. This report on the CCO work programme items ensures the communication of clear, up-to-date information from CCOs to local boards on projects in their area.

39. As per the joint engagement plan, CCOs, when creating their work programme, consider the priorities identified in the local board plan and any relevant strategies or policies specific to the local board area.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

40. This report does not have a direct impact on Māori, however the projects it refers to will.

41. Local boards and CCOs provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to their decision-making processes. These opportunities will be worked on a project or programme basis.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

42. This report does not have financial impacts on local boards.

43. Any financial implications or opportunities will be provided to local boards on a project or programme basis.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

44. Due to local elections, local board induction, and summer closedown, some local boards may not have workshopped with CCOs on the work programme and engagement approach.

45. Not having a workshop risks the local board’s ability to fulfil their commitment to advise CCOs of issues or projects of significance and to communicate the interests and preferences of their communities.

46. This report addresses this risk by providing the current CCO work programme and engagement approach to provide clarity and transparency.

47. If local boards prefer a more formal commitment for workshops with their CCOs, this arrangement can be addressed through revision of the next CCO Local Board Joint Engagement Plans (CCO responsibilities and local board commitments) in June 2023.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

48. The local board will receive the next CCO forward work programme report in June 2023 which will include an update on projects from Quarter Four (March-June 2023) and expected milestones for work in Quarter One (July-September 2023).

49. CCOs and local boards will have an opportunity to workshop the CCO forward work programme through April and May before the next report in June 2023.

50. CCOs and local boards are expected to revise their next joint engagement plans (CCO responsibilities and local board commitments) in June 2023.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments