Agenda of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	28 March 2023, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Business Meeting: Item 12 - Chairperson's report	11

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

28 March 2023

Adoption of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Climate Action Plan and redirection of the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget

File No.: CP2023/02164

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To adopt the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan and approve the redirection of the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. This report presents the ‘Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan’ for the board’s consideration and adoption (see Attachment A). It also recommends that the local board’s climate action programme budget that was set aside for a climate action activator in the 2022/2023 financial year be redirected to deliver non-contestable community climate action grants.

3. The local board allocated $20,000 of its locally driven initiatives operational budget towards the development of a local climate action plan in 2021/2022 (resolution MT/2021/101). This was supplemented with $15,000 of regional budget in May 2022 to support plan completion.

4. The action plan was developed to align with Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which outlines a pathway for transforming Auckland to a resilient, zero carbon community actively adapting to the impacts of climate change.

5. To support the development of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan, a stocktake was conducted of existing low carbon projects and two virtual workshops were held with community stakeholders.

6. The action plan builds on existing initiatives of the council, local board, council-controlled organisations, and key community-based organisations including Tāmaki Urban Market Garden, Tāmaki Estuary Environmental Forum, the Onehunga Community Recycling Centre and various environment restoration initiatives.

7. A draft action plan was presented to the board in August 2022 and refined based on feedback from the local board at several workshops. Staff now recommend it be adopted.

8. If the climate action plan is adopted, staff from across the council group will contribute to the implementation of currently funded action. Staff will provide the board with a brief update on some key climate indicators and actions in the plan annually.

9. The board allocated $40,000 of its locally driven initiatives operational budget towards the climate action programme. These funds were intended to deliver a climate action activator in the 2022/2023 financial year (resolution MT/2022/87). This activity was delayed pending the completion of the plan.

10. The local climate activator role was intended to be held by an individual, or by a community group. The local activator would work part-time to encourage and amplify climate action in the community based on the key priorities and opportunities identified within the local climate action plan.

11. Procuring a local climate action activator for the remaining few months of the financial year would only be a viable course of action if the programme will continue in the next financial year. Providing certainty on continuing budget availability for this programme may be challenging at present given the projected budget constraints indicated in the draft Annual Budget 2023/2024.

12. Given the uncertainty of future funding for a local climate action activator, staff have identified alternative options for utilising the climate action programme budget, which are described in the analysis below. These options were discussed with the board at a workshop on 7 February 2023.

13. Staff recommend that 2022/2023 climate action programme budget be redirected to deliver non-contestable community grants to enable climate action. These grants would be awarded before the end of the current financial year.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board:

a) whai / adopt the ‘Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan’ as per Attachment A

b) tautapa / delegate to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair the ability to approve minor amendments of the action plan document

c) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that staff will continue to work with mana whenua to identify more opportunities to partner with them on climate/te taiao projects in the board area

d) whakaae / approve redirection of the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget to deliver non-contestable community climate action grants.

e) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that staff will consult the board on options for awarding these grants to groups/individuals in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board area at a workshop before 30 June 2023.

Horopaki

Context

Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan

14. In 2019 Auckland Council declared a Climate Emergency and in 2020 Auckland Council launched ‘Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan’.

15. The Auckland Plan and Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan lay the foundation for Auckland’s transformation to a resilient, zero carbon community which is actively adapting to the impacts of climate change.

16. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan sets out a decarbonisation pathway and two core goals:

· to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050

· to adapt to the impacts of climate change by ensuring we plan for the changes we face under our current emissions pathway.

17. In order for the aspirations of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan to be realised, local communities must be aware, engaged, and contributing to climate action mitigation efforts.

18. Local boards may contribute to fulfilling Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri through:

· leading delivery of local board projects that support increased community awareness of climate issues and encourage action to reduce emissions

· provision of funds through grants and other mechanisms to support delivery of community or Māori-led climate action project

· partnering with businesses and other key organisations to deliver climate action.

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan

19. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board allocated $20,000 in their 2021/2022 local board work programme (resolution MT/2021/101) to support development of a local climate action plan. Staff subsequently supplemented this with an investment of $15,000 from regional climate budgets to ensure completion of the plan.

20. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan (Attachment A) has been developed in alignment with the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020. In particular, the action plan supports the Local Board Plan (2020) outcomes that ‘Our built, natural and cultural taonga / treasures are protected and celebrated’ and ‘Our transport choices are accessible, sustainable and safe’.

21. The action plan also supports local board plan objectives including that ‘more people have the choice to use public or active transport to go about their daily lives’ and ‘our community is resilient and feels prepared for the effects of climate change’.

22. Over 30 stakeholders contributed to the development of the plan including representatives from key community organisations and businesses, Auckland Council staff, and council-controlled organisations. The community contributors are identified in the appendix to the action plan document (Attachment A).

23. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, face-to-face community engagement was limited. Instead, two online hui were facilitated with the community to develop the draft plan on 9 March^,and 16 March 2022. This was followed by interviews with key stakeholders and subject matter experts for additional input.

24. The draft action plan was discussed with the local board at a workshop held on 16 August 2022. The board decided to defer adoption of the action plan until further feedback could be provided after the October 2022 local body elections. The board provided further feedback on the plan in workshops on 6 December 2022 and 7 February 2023, and this has been incorporated into the plan.

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan Activation

25. In 2022/2023, the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board allocated $40,000 towards employing a local climate action activator (resolution MT/2022/87). This activity was delayed pending the completion of the plan.

26. The local climate activator role was intended to be contracted to an individual or community group. The local activator would work part-time connecting community groups to amplify existing climate action and initiate new activity based on the key priorities and opportunities identified within the local climate action plan.

27. Procuring a local climate action activator for the remaining few months of the 2022/2023 financial year would only be a viable course of action if the programme will continue next financial year. There are significant projected budget constraints indicated in the draft Annual Budget Plan 2023/2024. There is also a risk that a suitable candidate may not be found in time for the budget to be spent.

28. Given the uncertainty of future funding for a local climate action activator and the limited time available within the 2022/2023 financial year, staff have identified alternative options for utilising the climate action plan activation budget. These options were discussed with the board at a workshop on 7 February 2023 and are outlined below.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Content of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan

29. The local climate action plan focuses on promoting actions by individuals, households and businesses which will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. It also includes consideration of how the board can reduce emissions from infrastructure and buildings in the board area. It gives effect to both local board and regional outcomes which relate to sustainability, carbon reduction and caring for the environment.

30. The action plan aligns with council’s regional Live Lightly programme. This involves collaboration between community groups, Auckland Council, and partners to engage with Aucklanders about how they can take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and live a low carbon lifestyle.

31. Feedback from community during the development of the Live Lightly programme indicated a need to focus on low or no-cost solutions and initiatives enabling behaviour change, and this feedback has been considered through the development of the local climate action plan.

32. The action plan builds on Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board’s existing environmental and sustainability initiatives and focuses on the eight action priority areas from Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. These action areas are listed below, and are further detailed in Attachment A to this report:

· Natural Environment

· Built Environment

· Transport

· Economy

· Community and Coast

· Food

· Te Puāwaitanga ō Te Tātai

· Energy and Industry.

33. For each of these action areas, the action plan includes:

· goals based on achieving regional, national, and global greenhouse gas emission reduction targets

· opportunities to amplify existing regional and local initiatives

· actions suggested through consultation with community stakeholders, including:

o flagship climate action projects for which seed funding should be prioritised by the board where needed and as funding allows over the next three years

o a monitoring framework for measuring progress against these targets.

34. The action plan includes quantitative detail on specific targets, as well as a proposed programme to measure progress against these (see Attachment A page 61).

35. The plan identifies priority areas for the board to support emissions reductions (particularly in relation to the built environment, active transport, energy and the economy) and key areas to promote climate resilience (particularly, in relation to food and the natural environment).

36. Within the action plan seven flagship projects have been identified. Flagship projects are activities identified as being particularly impactful in reducing carbon emissions or empowering community resilience within key priority areas. Flagship projects are detailed in Table One.

Table One: Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan Flagship projects

Action area	Flagship Project
Natural Environment	Develop a programme of funded tree plantings from the planting opportunities set out in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Urban Ngahere Action Plan 2019.
Build Environment	Investigate installing solar on facilities with significant solar potential including: · Glen Innes Pool and Leisure Centre · Lagoon Pool and Leisure Centre · Onehunga War Memorial Pool · Panmure Library and Offices · Onehunga Library. Replace natural gas pool heating with electric heat-pumps at the Onehunga War Memorial Pool.
Transport	Fund and implement high and moderate priority projects from Local Paths Greenway Plan 2019.
Economy	Host a new programme with Sustainable Business Network and business associations to help businesses measure and reduce climate emissions. Promote community awareness of the Onehunga Community Recycling Centre, to support the transition to a circular economy and plan to open a new recycling centre in Tāmaki.
Community and Coast	Fund establishment of community climate activation programme to support community activities.
Food	Support community-led low carbon food initiatives such as community gardens, markets, cooking lessons, plant-based meal choices, community fridges and garden projects, such as those set out in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Naturalisation of Parks Assessment.
Te Puāwaitanga ō Te Tātai	Build relationships between local board and interested mana whenua as a foundation for future co-delivery of te taiao projects.

37. The intention of the action plan is for implementation and ownership by the whole community. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board will support the implementation of the action plan where possible through a variety of mechanisms including:

· advocacy

· funding to enable local project delivery

· further investigation of potential climate initiatives

· leadership (delivering projects directly as well as enabling and encouraging others)

· partnerships

· promotion

· monitoring and recognition.

Options analysis for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan

38. Staff have identified two options for the board’s consideration in relation to the local climate action plan including:

· Option A: Adopt a local climate action plan, noting that implementation of the plan may be delayed until funding becomes available given current budget constraints

· Option B: Do not adopt the plan.

Table 2: Options for the local climate action plan against key outcome criteria

Increased community awareness of climate change

Guidance for strategic local board climate action advocacy and funding

Direction for local climate action within the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board area specifically

Option A: Adopt a local climate action plan, noting that implementation of the plan may be delayed until funding becomes available given current budget constraints

✓✓

Moderate outcomes

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

Option B: Do not adopt the plan

✓

Limited Outcomes

✓

Limited Outcomes

✓

Limited Outcomes

39. Adopting the local climate action plan (Option A) will provide the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki community with a resource to inform their own climate action, whether this be at the individual, household, or community group level. The local climate action plan also provides a foundation for future coordinated climate action, such as funding a local climate activator, and it signals the board’s prioritisation of climate action.

40. If the local board choose not to adopt the plan (Option B), climate action in the area will not be coordinated for maximum efficiency and the local board will have not clear guidance for how to prioritise their advocacy and funding in future.

41. A full risk assessment for adopting the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan is included in the risks and mitigations section below.

Options analysis for the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget

42. Staff have identified four options for the 2022/2023 climate activation budget of $40,000. These options are listed in the table below, alongside information of the necessary 2023/2024 funding requirements for each option.

Table 3: Options for the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget

Option Description	Funding implications for 2023/2024
Option A: Put $20,000 towards a part-time climate action activator and put $20,000 towards non-contestable community grants to enable climate action.	For this option to be viable a minimum of $30,000 funding would need to be available to continue the part-time activator contract next financial year.
Option B: Put $40,000 towards a climate action activator to work full time for the remainder of this financial year. The climate action activator would begin working part-time hours at the beginning of next financial year.	For this option to be viable a minimum of $30,000 funding would need to be available to continue the part-time activator contract next financial year. A supplier would also need to be available who is willing to work full-time from April to June 2023.
Option C: Redirect $40,000 to non-contestable community grants to enable climate action. These will be awarded before the end of the current financial year.	This option does not require that further funding be available in the 2023/2024 financial year.
Option D: Reallocate the $40,000 set aside for climate activation to a different project or to be added to the council’s savings.	This option does not require that further funding be available in the 2023/2024 financial year.

43. Staff have assessed these options against three relevant outcomes, including whether the option could be delivered irrespective of future funding being available next financial year. This information is presented in table four below.

Table 4: Options for the Local Climate Action Programme budget against key outcome criteria

The local community are engaged, encouraged, and supported to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate impacts

Support local network of community organisations, mana whenua and Māori communities, businesses, schools, and individuals participating in climate action

Can be successfully delivered within the 2022/2023 financial year irrespective of support available in future financial years

Option A – Fund part-time activator and community grants

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

✓

Limited outcomes

Option B – Fund full-time activator

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

✓

Limited outcomes

Option C – Fund only community grants (recommended option)

✓✓

Some outcomes

✓

Limited outcomes

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

Option D – Allocate budget to another area or use as savings

No outcome

✓✓✓

Highest outcomes

44. The local climate activator would connect existing groups through in-person and virtual network support including facilitating meetings and providing a forum to share information.

45. Supporting a part-time climate activator alongside some redirection of the budget to non-contestable community grants (Option A) would amplify existing climate action and provide greater opportunities for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki community to participate in priority climate action activities identified through the local climate action plan. This option is only deliverable if funding will be available to continue the climate action activator contract in the 2023/2024 financial year.

46. There is a risk of a partial programme underspend with Option A if recruitment of a part-time climate activator role takes longer than anticipated or if a suitable candidate for the role cannot be found.

47. Using the $40,000 climate action programme budget to recruit an activator to work full-time for the remainder of the financial year (Option B) would also only be a viable option if funding will be available to continue the activator contract in the 2023/2024 financial year.

48. There is a significant risk of programme underspend with Option B if a suitable candidate cannot be found who is able to work full-time until the end of the financial year and then have their hours reduced to a part-time position in the 2023/2024 financial year.

49. Redirecting the 2022/2023 budget to non-contestable grants to enable climate action (Option C) will enable amplification of climate action activity within select priority areas. As there are already community groups in the Maungakiekie Tāmaki Local Board area delivering climate action activities, staff are confident that the budget could be fully spent through non-contestable grants within the financial year. This option does not require further funding to be available in the 2023/2024 financial year.

50. Grants would be awarded for discrete climate action projects, which will have limited benefits in building a local climate action network within the community.

51. The risks associated for Option C to redirect $40,000 to non-contestable community grants to enable climate action are expanded in the risks and mitigations section below.

52. Redirecting the climate action programme budget to council savings or to another programme (Option D) would have no outcomes for increasing community awareness of climate and engagement in emissions reduction or climate resilience activities.

53. If this budget is allocated to another work programme, there is a risk that the programme will not have capacity to spend this extra funding by the end of the current financial year. The board can mitigate this risk by consulting with their advisors from various departments to determine where this funding could be effectively reallocated.

54. Given the uncertainty of future funding for a local climate action activator, and the limited time available within the 2022/2023 financial year, staff recommend Option C – to redirect the climate action programme budget to non-contestable community climate action grants.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

55. The ‘Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan’ provides a roadmap for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki to become a low carbon community and deliver on the goals of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.

56. Climate action recommendations and priorities within the local plan have been informed by feedback from a range of community stakeholders, experts from various Auckland Council departments and Council Controlled Organisations, as well as a stocktake of existing climate action activities in the community.

57. The approval of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan will provide guidance for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki community to:

· take effective actions to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions

· prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change.

58. The plan covers all eight priority areas from Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan as outlined above.

59. Key climate action priorities for the board area include:

· amplifying current work protecting the natural environment, including increasing funded tree plantings

· reducing emissions from community facilities

· reducing transport emissions through investment in active travel infrastructure

· educating and engaging communities and local businesses to reduce their emissions and prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

60. Key staff from across the council group contributed to the development of the action plan, including representatives from Chief Sustainability Office, Community Facilities, Auckland Emergency Management, Resilient Land and Coasts, Environmental Services, Parks Services, Local Board Services, Auckland Transport and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

61. Some actions identified under the transport section of the plan will be delivered by Auckland Transport as part of other plans and strategies.

62. Goals in the action plan relating specifically to the council group are those outlined in existing council group plans and strategies.

63. Key staff from across the council group will contribute to the implementation of the action plan and will also contribute to periodic review and update of the action plan.

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

Local impacts and local board views

64. The action plan supports the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan 2020 outcomes that ‘our built, natural and cultural taonga / treasures are protected and celebrated’ and ‘our transport choices are accessible, sustainable and safe’. The action plan supports objectives including ‘more people have the choice to use public or active transport to go about their daily lives’ and ‘our community is resilient and feels prepared for the effects of climate change’.

65. Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board members considered draft versions of the action plan at a workshop held on 16 August 2022. The board decided to defer adoption of the action plan until after the October 2022 local body election. Further workshops on 6 December 2022 and 7 February 2023 were held with the board. Local board members were provided with a full draft plan and staff have incorporated members’ feedback into the final version.

66. Options for using the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget were first discussed with the board on 7 February 2023, and these ideas were expanded on through written advice in late February.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

67. A Te Ao Māori lens was used for the development of the action plan to help frame thinking about and approaches to climate change. This helped ensure that taiao (nature), whenua (land) and tangata (people) remain the focal point for all climate related decisions. Key values and principles of the Te Ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau Wellbeing Framework developed by the Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum in response to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan will be applied as the action plan is developed and implemented.

68. Staff also presented to the I&ES Mana Whenua Hui, which includes operational kaitiaki representatives of Ngā Iwi Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau to seek their feedback on development of five local climate action plans, including the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki plan in November 2021 and April 2022. Staff asked mana whenua for feedback on how they would like to be engaged on this project in more depth.

69. Informal feedback from mana whenua representatives at this hui covered topics such as:

· the need for local boards to work in partnership with mana whenua to develop climate projects and to support mana whenua as kaitiaki of Auckland’s natural environment

· a desire to be engaged in projects that respond to climate change through a partnership approach

· the urgent need for more support for mana whenua to respond to climate impacts, particularly in relation to sea level rise and coastal change

· the need for regional support to be offered to mana whenua to support them with drafting their own climate response plans.

70. Mana whenua also asked that staff hold one on one hui with any iwi that would like to be engaged further. Staff subsequently sent an invitation to representatives of all iwi with an interest in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki area to participate in a one on one hui. At the time of writing, only one iwi representative from Waikato-Tainui requested a one-on-one hui which was held in June 2022.

71. Some informal feedback points that were raised at this hui included:

· need for local boards to reduce their own operational carbon footprint and ‘walk the talk’ by leading efforts to reduce emissions

· local boards should invest in educating communities about the risks of climate change and supporting them to reduce emissions as quickly as possible

· more support for Māori-led and rangatahi led climate initiatives, including innovative responses to the climate challenge that draw on mātauranga Māori and indigenous knowledge systems.

72. Feedback from mana whenua to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local board as part of Auckland Council 10-year Budget 2021-2031 also informed development of the plan. Eight iwi (Ngaati Whanaunga Incorporated Society, Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki, Te Runanga o Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Whiti Ora o Kaipara Charitable Trust) provided feedback. Feedback was received on coastal issues, food, housing, the natural environment, transport, water, waste, climate policy, built environment, rates, emissions and Māori engagement and opportunities.

73. In response to this feedback, practical ways of supporting kaitiakitanga outcomes have been identified and included in Te Puāwaitanga ō Te Tātai section of the action plan. This includes supporting rangatahi Māori leadership on climate change, the protection and restoration of our natural environment, strengthening awareness of tikanga, taonga species, and continuing to identify and protect sites of cultural heritage which may be impacted by climate change.

74. The plan proposes that ongoing engagement with mana whenua be carried out to guide implementation of the action plan and future reviews and updates of the plan.

75. Staff will also work to try and identify additional opportunities for the local board to support Māori-led climate or te taiao projects in the future.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

Financial implications of the Local Climate Action Plan and its implementation

76. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan is aspirational and as such, many of the proposed actions are not currently funded within regional or local board budgets.

77. Auckland Council adopted a new climate action investment package as part of the Recovery Budget 2021-2031 with a total value of $152 million over ten years to implement Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. The council also adopted a Climate Action Targeted Rate in the Annual Budget 2022/2023. This rate will directly generate $574 million over 10 years and seek to leverage a further $482 million in co-funding from central government and other sources.

78. These budgets will provide support for some of the council-led actions in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan, such as improving walking and cycling infrastructure.

79. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board currently provides funding for some of the climate actions identified in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan through its locally driven initiatives budget and environment grants programme. For example, the local board funds Maungakiekie Songbird, OPE Programme and EcoMatters. The local board has also allocated $40,000 in 2022/2023 towards a local climate activation work programme to amplify and support community initiatives in the local climate action plan (resolution MT/2022/87) .

80. Implementing the plan is not solely reliant on investment derived from Auckland Council-related funding. Central government incentives and programmes, philanthropic funding entities, as well as investment decisions of local businesses all have a part to play. As part of the community climate activation work programme, staff will work to identify opportunities for partnerships with businesses and community organisations to leverage funding from external sources to deliver on the aspirations of the action plan.

81. The intention of the action plan is implementation and ownership by the whole community. As such, flagship projects outlined in the action plan may be subject to change, due to community interest and changes in central government policies and legislation.

Financial implications of redirecting the $40,000 climate action programme budget to non-contestable community grants to enable climate action (Option C)

82. After consultation with the board, staff are seeking to spend $40,000 budget through awarding multiple non-contestable grants to various community groups to enable discrete climate action projects.

83. Staff are confident this funding will be completely spent within the current financial year as many community groups are already known to be engaged with environmental and climate action work in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board area.

84. This option does not require further funding to be available in the 2023/2024 financial year.

85. Given the budget constraints indicated in the draft Annual Budget Plan 2023/2024, it is likely funding for climate action activation will be limited or unavailable within the board’s locally driven initiatives operational budget next financial year.

86. In response to budget constraints, staff will provide scaleable options for community climate activation in future years during the work programme planning process.

87. If funding for a community climate action activator or other climate action activation activity is not available next financial year, this can be presented to the board in future years if increased funding becomes available.

88. Staff note that Governing Body have resolved on 23 February 2023 to encourage the Chief Executive, Local Boards and Council Controlled Organizations to closely scrutinise and manage any spending and, where possible, consider stopping or limiting new discretionary spending (resolution GB/2023/10).

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

Risks associated with options for the local climate action plan

89. Staff have conducted a risk assessment on the two options identified for the local climate action plan. These are listed below.

Table Three: Risks of adopting the climate action plan

Risk	Mitigation	Likelihood
Financial / Funding Risk - after adoption the board may not be able to fund implementation of the plan due to budget constraints.	Many actions within the plan, are already partially or fully funded through existing regional and local board budgets. The local climate action plan also includes advocacy points for the board, which can be delivered without additional funding. Staff will provide scalable and phased options for plan activation for the board’s consideration during the 2023/2024 work programme planning process. Due to current budget constraints, funding for community climate activation may need to be deferred until there is increased budget availability.	Medium - High
Insufficient regional staff resource to oversee implementation of the plan	Delivery of the projects focused on engaging communities in climate action and protecting the natural environment will be supported by the Environmental Services department. Many other actions in the plan rest with the relevant department or Council Controlled Organisation to deliver. The board can support implementation through advocating to governing body and central government on regional and national projects and plans. As the council looks to prioritise its resources in financially constrained times there is a risk that there may not be staff resource to support implementation and monitoring of the plan.	Medium
Flagship projects outlined in the action plan may be subject to change, due to factors such as community interest, funding, and legislative changes	The action plan is designed as an evolving plan with regular updates in anticipation of a rapidly changing environment as Auckland and Aotearoa’s climate response accelerates. Given current budget constraints, it is likely some of the actions outlined in the plan will not be able to be resourced next financial year. These may be revisited when there is increased budget availability.	Medium

Risks associated with redirecting $40,000 to non-contestable community grants to enable climate action to be spent within the current financial year (Option C)

90. Staff have conducted a risk assessment on Option C – redirecting $40,000 to non-contestable community grants to enable climate action. These are listed below.

Risk	Mitigation	Likelihood
If an activator is not employed, many projects and opportunities identified in the local plan may not be realised.	Many actions within the plan, are already partially or fully funded through existing regional and local board budgets. Opportunities outlined in the plan may be eligible for other local and regional sources of funding. The board may wish to employ an activator when budget becomes available in the future. The local climate action plan also includes advocacy points for the board, which can be delivered without additional funding.	High
Activity supported through non-contestable grants may have a short-term focus determined by the term of the funding agreement. Non-contestable grants would not deliver the long-term benefits associated with supporting a network.	Many of the groups supported through non-contestable grants will already be delivering climate action activity within the local board area. Groups may be connected with other similar organization through existing networks. The board may wish to employ an activator when budget becomes available in the future.	High
Potential for disagreements in recipients selected and delays in action delivery	Groups and activities supported through non-contestable grants will align with priorities identified in the action plan	Medium

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

91. Once the climate action plan is adopted, staff from across the council group will contribute to the implementation of currently funded action.

92. If the climate action programme is continued, staff will monitor some key indicators and actions in the plan on an annual basis (Attachment A). The local climate activator will also provide a more in-depth update on community actions in the plan if they are employed in a future year.

93. If the climate action programme is not continued next financial year, annual reporting would be provided on flagship actions through existing channels.

94. If the recommended Option C for redirecting the 2022/2023 climate action programme budget to non-contestable community climate action grants is approved, staff will begin consulting with local community groups to identify opportunities to fund community climate action through the non-contestable grant.

95. Staff will workshop options for the non-contestable grants with the board in early April 2023, and the board will then receive updates on the delivery of these projects through email or workshops with staff, and through the board’s work programme quarterly reports.

96. Scaleable options for community climate action activation through the board’s 2023/2024 environmental work programme will be presented during the work programme planning process in the coming months.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Climate Action Plan (Under Separate Cover)

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Nicola Perry - Relationship Coordinator

Authorisers

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Victoria Villaraza - Local Area Manager

Louise Mason - General Manager Local Board Services

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

28 March 2023

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

File No.: CP2023/03230

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki 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 Maungakiekie-Tāmaki 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 Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board:

a) 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 Maungakiekie-Tāmaki 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.

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

Auckland Transport

Completed work programme items since September 2022

24. Auckland Transport has completed the following work programme items:

· Apirana Ave Bus Layover

· Mount Smart Road Onehunga - raised pedestrian crossing

· Mount Wellington Highway bus lane (More alternative modes and PT)

New work programme items since September 2022

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

· Community Bike Hubs

· Glen Innes Town Centre Improvements

· Grey Street/Mays Road Safety Improvements

· Marua Road Bus Stop upgrade and pedestrian improvement

· Mount Smart Road Onehunga - raised pedestrian crossing

· Neilson Street/Alfred Street signalisation

· Onehunga Mall and Princes Street Pedestrian Improvements

· Onehunga TC Safety.

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

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

Completed work programme items since September 2022

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

· Activating Auckland’s innovation network - Tāmaki Innovation Hub

· Rangatahi youth enterprise summit.

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

Eke Panuku Development Auckland

New work programme items since September 2022

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

· 3 Kings Road, Panmure

· 535 Ellerslie-Panmure Highway, Panmure

· Cost reduction to mitigate budget challenges.

Changes to work programme item engagement levels since September 2022

30. Changes to the engagement levels have been made to the following work programme items:

· Walking and Cycling Connection to Panmure Basin (Project has been absorbed into the Basin View Precinct and the Lagoon Edge enhancement).

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

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Transport forward work programme items for Q4 2023	37
b ⇩	Tātaki Auckland Unlimited forward work programme items for Q4 2023	39
c ⇩	Eke Panuku Development Auckland forward work programme items for Q4 2023	43
d ⇩	Watercare forward work programme items for Q4 2023	45

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Maclean Grindell - Senior Local Board Advisor

Authorisers

Victoria Villaraza - Local Area Manager

Louise Mason - General Manager Local Board Services

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

28 March 2023

Seeking views on the proposed approach for Katoa, Ka Ora - Speed Managment Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2024 - 2027

File No.: CP2023/03226

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek formal views on the approach for developing Katoa Ka Ora, Auckland’s Speed Management Plan 2024-2027.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Auckland Council and Auckland Transport (AT) have adopted the Vision Zero goal of eliminating road transport related deaths and serious injuries (DSI) within the Auckland road network by 2050.

3. Setting safe speed limits that recognize the function, safety, design, and layout of roads is a fast and cost-effective way to reduce DSI. AT is conducting a phased review of speed limits and has completed three phases of changes to date.

4. Katoa, Ka Ora is a speed management plan for the Auckland region. It is a plan to set safe and appropriate speed limits in order to reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

5. AT workshopped Katoa, Ka Ora a Speed Management Plan for Auckland with local boards in February and March 2023. This report seeks formal views on the five development approaches for the speed management plan.

6. Local boards provided formal views in May 2022 on speed limit changes. If local board views have changed, AT will make any amendments needed before a proposal is mapped. We expect Katoa, Ka Ora to be publicly consulted in mid-2023.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board:

a) provide views on the proposed approaches for development of Katoa, Ka Ora a Speed Management Plan for Auckland per the form in Attachment A.

Horopaki

Context

7. AT is Auckland’s road controlling authority. Part of this role is reviewing and ensuring that speed limits across Auckland are set at levels that are safe and appropriate for road function, safety, design, and their use.

Alignment with Central Government Policy

8. Waka-Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency adopted a ‘Vision Zero’ approach to road safety in 2019 when it launched the ‘Road to Zero’ national strategy that aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on New Zealand’s roads to zero by 2050.

9. The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022 (the Rule) sets out requirements road controlling authrorities must comply with when setting speed limits.

10. The Rule requires road controlling authorities to use reasonable efforts to have at least 40 per cent of speed limit changes for roads outside schools completed by 30 June 2024. The remainder must be completed by 31 December 2027, and these changes must be built into speed management plans.

11. The Rule groups schools into two classifications. The majority of Auckland schools are classified as Category One, these require speed limits of 30km/h (fixed or variable) in the area outside of the school.

Alignment with Auckland Council Policy

12. Auckland Council’s Planning Committee requested AT to accelerate the road safety and speed management programmes and work with partners to make Auckland a Vision Zero region in 2018.

13. Since receiving endorsement from Auckland Council and from the AT Board, AT has progressively reviewed roads across Auckland and reduced speeds on many roads.

14. In the most recent phase of speed limit changes (Phase 3), the focus has been on town centres, roads near schools and rural marae. Local boards received localised reports on public feedback in early May 2022 and provided feedback at their May business meeting. This feedback was used in preparing final recommendations that went to the AT Board.

15. Speed limit changes approved by the AT Board have been implemented during December 2022- March 2023.

Auckland Transport’s role

16. AT manages more than 7,300 kilometres of roads for Auckland Council.

17. This role includes setting speed limits and since ‘Vision Zero’ was adopted, AT has been progressively reviewing and amending speed limits to align with the strategy. Changes have been made only after engaging with both the community and their representative local board.

18. Road deaths have reduced 30 per cent where speed limits have changed in the 24 months following the June 2020 Auckland speed limit reductions. In comparison, over this same period, the rest of the network has seen a 9 per cent increase in road deaths.

19. The Safe Speeds Programme focuses on speed limit review. Physical speed management measures like speed tables or raised crossings require careful consideration and planning because of costs and funding constraints. Following speed limit changes, roads are monitored and evaluated to help prioritise engineering investment decisions.

20. 30km/h is the internationally accepted speed to greatly reduce the chances of people walking or cycling from being killed or seriously injured if they are struck by a vehicle.

21. Speed limit changes made in the first three phases of the Safe Speeds Programme (between June 2020 and March 2023) were completed under the AT Speed Limits Bylaw 2019 and the Speed Limits Amendment Bylaw 2022.

22. The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022 is the current legislation, and it requires all road controlling authorities to have a speed management plan. The AT plan is Katoa, Ka Ora a Speed Management Plan for Auckland, with development of the plan currently in a discussion phase with local boards.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

23. Following AT’s Katoa, Ka Ora a Speed Management Plan presentation on 21 February 2023 AT is seeking formal views from the local board on proposed mapping approaches for speed management.

24. The presentation slide pack is included with this report as Attachment B.

25. The proposed approaches will be used along with the eight working principles when public consultation takes place on Katoa, Ka Ora, Speed Management Plan for Auckland, later in 2023.

26. The draft working principles are provided in Table One below.

Table One – Draft working principles

Draft working principles used to guide the development of

Katoa, Ka Ora Speed Management Plan

1. Tiakitanga. The top priority of speed management is to keep people safe and alive on Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland’s roads.

2. Easy to understand. Speed limits are a critical part of an integrated safe road system; we will ensure they are easy to understand for all.

3. Safe children. Safe speeds around schools will ensure the safety of children (and all ages and people).

4. Safe speed limits. Speed limits align with government guidance . We consider complex factors ranging from the function of our roads and streets* to how many people travel outside of vehicles.

5. Safe infrastructure. Investment in engineering and safety improvements will be prioritised on roads that have high safety needs and provide active mode benefits.

6. Partnership. We work with our Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi and other partners in governance, design, delivery, education, communication, enforcement and monitoring.

7. Healthy communities. Safe speeds support more walking and cycling; this improves health and is better for the environment.

8. Measure results. We constantly monitor the roads to evaluate any changes required to make our roads and streets safe.

*AT’s Future Connect and Roads and Streets Framework tools to be used.

Proposed mapping approaches

27. There are two groups of proposed approaches.

· Consistent Approach (Approaches One and Two) – these require consistency across all local boards to have a regional approach for Aucklanders.

· Tailored Approach (Aproaches Three, Four and Five) – these approaches allow for a tailored approach for each local board.

28. The proposed approaches are detailed more in Table Two below.

Table Two: Proposed Approaches for developing Katoa, Ka Ora, Speed Management Plan

Consistent approaches

Approach One

An easy-to-understand approach

Includes:

· treating blocks of roads/ local road areas to ensure consistent speed limits across the same types of roads e.g., similar urban residential roads don’t have limits of 30, 40 and 50 km/h in adjacent streets

· matching the speed limit to the use and design of the road, i.e. slower speeds for areas that have higher amounts of people walking and cycling such as residential roads, near schools and/or town centres, and for roads that are designed for lower speeds

· filling in ‘gaps’ so there are not small pockets of untreated roads which is inconsistent for drivers

· treating roads that could be rat runs, e.g., drivers take short cuts through local residential streets or traffic is pushed from one road to another.

Approach Two

A high benefit cost ratio approach, proposing methods that provide higher return on investment.

Includes:

· permanent changes for local roads

· variable changes at school gates for arterial roads (high movement roads) and high-speed rural roads

· changes for high-risk roads, or town centres on high-risk roads where support has been identified from previous engagement

· complementing planned infrastructure or developments, e.g. new housing areas.

Tailored approaches

Approach Three

An approach that is responsive to requests from partners and communities for specific speed limit reductions. These include requests from mana whenua, local boards, schools and community groups.

Approach Four

An approach that covers a high percentage of roads in the local board area for this phase of the programme.

Approach Five

An approach that implements approved changes early in the local board area for this phase of the programme.

29. Auckland Transport is seeking local board views on each approach to understand benefit to the community, prioritisation of community requests, preferred percentage of cover and timing of implementation.

30. Attachment A contains a form for local boards to provide their views on the proposed approaches.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

31. The primary climate change benefit of safe and appropriate speed limits is that they support and encourage walking, cycling and micromobility by reducing the risk to vulnerable road users, making these modes more attractive.

32. A key action required in the Auckland Council Transport Emissions Reduction Plan is to ‘rapidly deliver safe speeds across urban Auckland’ in order to create more pleasant urban environments, revitalise local centres and make it safer for children to travel independently.

33. A recent road safety perceptions study was completed in town centres where speed limits were reduced and safety improvements introduced. Overall, 19 per cent of people surveyed say they participate in at least one active mode activity (e.g., walking or cycling) more often since the projects have been completed. This is a direct contribution towards encouraging people to walk or cycle instead of using cars that produce carbon emissions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views guidance

34. The Safe Speeds Programme has been endorsed by the Auckland Council Planning Committee. We have requested to workshop Katoa, Ka Ora a Speed Management Plan for Auckland with the Transport and Infrastructure Committee.

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

Local impacts and local board views

35. AT workshopped with all local boards during February/March 2023 to discuss the proposed changes kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face).

36. Summaries of community, school and mana whenua requests were provided to local boards in February/March 2023 to support their consideration of this topic.

37. Auckland Transport is seeking formal views from local boards through this report. The presentation slide pack from the workshops is included as Attachment B.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

38. Māori are overrepresented in DSI statistics making up 12 per cent of Auckland’s population and 16 per cent of road deaths and serious injuries.

39. Engagement with iwi at the northern, central and southern transport kaitiaki hui has taken place regarding the wider programme since 2021. Detailed engagement about speed around rural marae has recently been completed as part of Phase Three and is currently being implemented.

40. Mana whenua are, in general, supportive of the Safe Speeds Programme and the positive safety, community and environmental outcomes arising through safe and appropriate speed limits.

41. Ongoing engagement regarding further requests are being reviewed and considered for inclusion in the full Katoa, Ka Ora Speed Management Plan. These requests have been shared with local boards at the recent workshops in February/ March 2023.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

42. Although there are no specific financial implications arising from local boards providing views on Katoa, Ka Ora Speed Management Plan, the introduction of safe speed limits has considerable social cost implications.

43. Reducing the harm caused by road crashes impacts on the community by reducing hospital costs, insurance costs and Accident Compensation Corporation costs, all of which are of direct financial benefit to the communities that the local board represents.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

44. Public understanding regarding the ‘why’ for safe speeds needs continued communication. A comprehensive communication and marketing plan is being developed to share with Aucklanders that ‘safe speeds save lives’.

45. Possible funding constraints may require the scale of the plan or delivery to be slowed or delayed until future phases of the Safe Speeds Programme. Clear updates will be given should there be changes to funding throughout the duration of the programme.

46. Public views expressed during consultation may differ to the views expressed by the local board in their resolution. As AT have done in previous consultations we will come back to the local board and provide interim reports, before a further resolution is sought.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

47. The Safe Speeds Programme Team will review and consider all feedback provided by local boards and will use this along with feedback from the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Mana Whenua Treaty Partners and our obligations as a road controlling authority to help develop Katoa, Ka Ora Speed Management Plan for Auckland.

48. A report will be provided to local boards to show how feedback has been used to help shape the final plan that goes out for public consultation.

49. Public consultation is planned for mid 2023, but dates are subject to change. Dates will be confirmed after the Regional Transport Committee approval of the draft plan.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Attachment A - Form for LB to provide views on proposed Approaches	53
b ⇩	Attachment B - Katoa, Ka Ora - Maungakiekie-Tāmaki workshop 21 February 2023	55

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Marlene Kotze, Auckland Transport Programme Director

Authorisers

Louise Mason - General Manager Local Board Services

Victoria Villaraza - Local Area Manager

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

28 March 2023

Evaluation of the 2022 Auckland Council Elections

File No.: CP2023/02752

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 Maungakiekie-Tāmaki 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