Albert-Eden Local Board

 

OPEN MINUTES

 

 

 

Minutes of a meeting of the Albert-Eden Local Board held in the Albert-Eden Local Board Office, 114 Dominion Road, Mt Eden and online via Microsoft Teams, on Thursday, 27 July 2023 at 10.00am.

 

Te Hunga kua Tae mai | present

 

Chairperson

Margi Watson

 

Deputy Chairperson

Kendyl Smith

 

Members

José Fowler

 

 

Julia Maskill

 

 

Christina Robertson

 

 

Liv Roe

 

 

Rex Smith

 

 

Jack Tan

Re-entered the meeting at 12.08pm during item 16, following a brief adjournment.

 

 


Albert-Eden Local Board

27 July 2023

 

 

 

1          Nau mai | Welcome

 

Chairperson M Watson commenced the meeting with a karakia and welcomed everyone in attendance.

 

 

2          Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

 

There were no apologies.

 

 

 

3          Te Whakapuaki i te Whai Pānga | Declaration of Interest

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

 

4          Te Whakaū i ngā Āmiki | Confirmation of Minutes

 

Resolution number AE/2023/92

MOVED by Member C Robertson, seconded by Member J Maskill:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          confirm the minutes of its ordinary meeting held on Thursday, 22 June 2023, including the confidential section, as true and correct.

CARRIED

 

 

5          He Tamōtanga Motuhake | Leave of Absence

 

There were no leaves of absence.

 

 

6          Te Mihi | Acknowledgements

 

6.1

Acknowledgement - FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Tāmaki Makaurau

 

Resolution number AE/2023/93

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Member J Maskill:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      congratulate FIFA, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eden Park on delivery of an outstanding opening ceremony and first four games in Tāmaki Makaurau as part of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

CARRIED

 

 

6.2

Acknowledgment - Uptown Business Association’s Futures Festival

 

Resolution number AE/2023/94

MOVED by Member C Robertson, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)         acknowledge the Uptown Business Association for the success of its recent Futures Festival, which showcased the work of architecture and urban design students from the Auckland University Technology (AUT), the University of Auckland and Unitec to imagine future possibilities for the Uptown neighbourhood, and attracted over 1,000 visitors from the community to attend events, view the students’ work and give their own input into Uptown’s future development.

CARRIED

 

 

 

7          Ngā Petihana | Petitions

 

There were no petitions.

 

 

8          Ngā Tono Whakaaturanga | Deputations

 

There were no deputations.

 

 

9          Te Matapaki Tūmatanui  | Public Forum

 

9.1

Public Forum - Elizabeth Walker, St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS)

 

Elizabeth Walker, St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS), and Sel Arbuckle, were in attendance to deliver a Public Forum presentation regarding restoring Central Interceptor (CI) sites on Waitītiko Meola Creek.

 

A powerpoint presentation and information document were tabled for this item.  A copy of each will be placed on the official minutes and made available on the Auckland Council website as a minutes attachment.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/95

MOVED by Member J Maskill, seconded by Member C Robertson:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      thank Elizabeth Walker, and Sel Arbuckle, St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS), for their attendance and Public Forum presentation regarding restoring Central Interceptor (CI) sites on Waitītiko Meola Creek.

CARRIED

 

Attachments

a     20230727 Albert-Eden Local Board, Item 9.1: Public Forum - Elizabeth Walker, St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS) - Powerpoint Presentation

b     20230727 Albert-Eden Local Board, Item 9.1: Public Forum - Elizabeth Walker, St Lukes Environmental Protection Society (STEPS) - Information Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

9.2

Public Forum - Auckland Netball submission on the draft concept plan for Windmill Park

 

Liz Kirschberg – Member, Auckland Netball Board, was in attendance to deliver a Public Forum presentation outlining Auckland Netball’s submission to the draft concept plan for Windmill Park.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/96

MOVED by Member J Tan, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      thank Liz Kirschberg – Member, Auckland Netball Board, for her attendance and Public Forum presentation outlining Auckland Netball’s submission to the draft concept plan for Windmill Park.

CARRIED

 

 

 

10        Ngā Pakihi Autaia | Extraordinary Business

 

There was no extraordinary business.

 

 

11

Approval of the 2023/2024 Albert-Eden Local Board Infrastructure and Environmental Services Work Programme

 

Hana Perry – Relationship Advisor, was in attendance online via Microsoft Teams, to speak to the report.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/97

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      whakaae / approve its 2023/2024 Infrastructure and Environmental Services work programme and associated budgets, as summarised in the table below (Attachment A to the agenda report):

Activity name

2023/2024 budget for approval

Bike hub

$10,000

Maungakiekie songbird

$10,000

Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek pest plant control buffer programme

$15,000

Urban Ark Strategic Plan implementation

$40,000

Waitītiko / Meola Creek restoration

$9,800

Climate action programme (already approved)

$40,000

EcoNeighbourhoods (already approved)

$55,000

Total

$179,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b)         tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that $40,000 for Climate Action Programme and $55,000 for EcoNeighbourhoods has already been approved as part of its adoption of the local board agreement at the 22 June 2023 business meeting (AE/2023/89).

c)          request that any locally-driven initiative operating expenditure budget that becomes available during the financial year is reallocated to ID522 Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek Pest Plant Control Buffer Programme as a priority, to reinstate funding back to the original budget of $20,000.

d)         request that where a work programme activity cannot be completed on time or to budget, that this is signalled to the local board at the earliest opportunity, so that funding can be reallocated should that be necessary.

e)          thank staff for their advice in creating the 2023/2024 Infrastructure and Environmental Services Work Programme.

CARRIED

 

 

12

Approval of the 2023/2024 Albert-Eden Local Board Customer and Community Services work programme

 

Linda Smith - Principal Integration Specialist, Jody Morley – Area Operations Manager, and Rodney Klaassen – Work Programme Lead, were in attendance to speak to the report.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/98

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          approve the 2023/2024 Customer and Community Services work programme and its associated budget (attachment A to the agenda report), subject to the following amendments:

i)           delete ID2868 Legacy Rates Grants Albert-Eden - $16,724

ii)         allocate ID76 Community Grants Albert-Eden $140,500 of locally-driven initiative operating expenditure budget

iii)        allocate ID82 Accommodation Grants Albert-Eden $136,334 of locally-driven initiative operating expenditure budget

iv)        amend the Activity Description for ID1502 Albert-Eden Schools Cultural Festival to read “Funding to deliver the following event through a non-contestable process: Albert-Eden Schools Cultural Festival - $30,000”

v)         amend the Activity Description for ID3916 Community development specialist delivery Albert-Eden by deleting the words “Line 66 – enabling shared use of space”

vi)        amend the Activity Name for ID3668 - Radio New Zealand (RNZ) Plunket Society Auckland City area Owairaka by deleting the words “Radio New Zealand” and replacing them with “Royal New Zealand”.

b)         request staff undertake a review of ID28685 Fowlds Park - remove/install - softball fence in consultation with Fowlds Park stakeholders and report back to the local board with the findings of the review by December 2023:

i)           note that any potential reallocation could fund the Fowlds Park Ecological Restoration Plan

ii)         note this work was requested in June 2022 but not completed.

c)          note that ID36656 Aberfoyle Street – new link pedestrian path delivery is conditional on funding being allocated via the Local Board Transport Capital Fund which is not yet confirmed.

d)         note that the annual rent amount for new Community Leases in the work programme is yet to be confirmed.

e)          request that any locally-driven initiative operating expenditure budget that becomes available during the financial year is reallocated to ID82 Accommodation Grants Albert-Eden as a priority, to reinstate funding back to the original budget of $160,000.

f)           approve in principle the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 Customer and Community Services – Parks and Community Facilities only work programme (Attachment A to the agenda report).

g)         approve the Risk Adjusted Programme projects identified in the 2023/2024 Customer and Community Services work programme (Attachment A to the agenda report).

h)         note that funding for the Coastal Renewals, Slips Prevention, Local Parks and Sports Field Development budgets is subject to approval by the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee.

i)           request that Growth funding be reinstated for sportsfield developments and the Motu Manawa boardwalk, as they were removed from the regional funding programme in previous years.

j)           request that consideration be given to Slips Prevention projects in the Albert-Eden Local Board area, such as the coastal areas of Point Chevalier, Waterview and Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek.

k)          request that where a work programme activity cannot be completed on time or to budget, that this is signalled to the local board at the earliest opportunity, so that funding can be reallocated should that be necessary.

l)           thank staff for their advice in creating the 2023/2024 Customer and Community Services Work Programme.

CARRIED

 

 

13

Local Board Transport Capital Fund

 

Tamarisk Sutherland – Auckland Transport Elected Member Relationship Partner, Central, Raman Singh - Senior Transportation Engineer, were in attendance in person, and Sila Auvaa - Programme Manager – Local Board Transport Capital Fund, was in attendance online via Microsoft Teams, to speak to the report.

 

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Member C Robertson: 

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      note completion of 2 projects from 2019-2022 is the priority and information on the ability to implement remaining projects is required prior to making decision on new projects.

b)      request Auckland Transport provide confirmation back to the local board in early August 2023 whether deferral funding has been confirmed for:

i)        Greenwoods Corner improvements $659,000

ii)       Signalised crossing on Great North Road at Western Springs $335,000.

c)      request the following information related to these proposed Local Board Transport Capital Fund projects:

i)        the cost of the Pt Chevalier Road Improvements being an extension to the Westmere - Pt Chevalier Project given that Auckland Transport have now approved the latter project and possible savings could be procured.                     

ii)       the size, configuration and number of bike shelters that would be provided for $200,000.

iii)      whether Elim Christian College has been accepted into the Ka Ora Katoa Programme

d)      request Auckland Transport report back to the local board in August 2023 with the requested information in c) and any updated advice on funding allocations for the 2022-2025 term.

 

 

An amendment was moved by Deputy Chairperson K Smith, seconded by Member J Tan.

a)         note the following projects from last term are a priority for delivery but have uncertainty around funding for construction:

i)           Greenwoods Corner improvements

ii)          Signalised crossing on Great North Road at Western Springs.

b)         provide the following prioritised lists, based on the scenarios that deferral funding is secured or if it is not secured and additional funding needs to be allocated to complete existing projects:

Scenario 1: New projects (assuming deferrals are successful and previous projects can be delivered)

Scenario 2: Funding previous and new projects (assuming deferrals are not successful)

·       St Lukes Wagner Place - $1,000,000

·       Aberfoyle - $930,000

·       Elim crossing - $375,000

·       Parking signs - $5,000

·       Street trees - $97,106.61

·       Bike shelter - $200,000

 

 

·       Greenwoods Corner - $659,000

·       Signalised crossing on Great North Road at Western Springs - $335,000

 

Remaining projects to be prioritised in this order

·       St Lukes Wagner Place - $1,000,000

·       Elim crossing - $375,000

·       Parking signs - $5,000

·       Street trees - $97,106.61

 

 

c)          request Auckland Transport report back to the local board on the outcome of the deferrals and confirmation of which project list is able to be progressed for 2022-2025 term.

A division was called for, voting on which was as follows:

For

Member J Fowler

Deputy Chairperson K Smith

Member R Smith

Member J Tan

Against

Member J Maskill

Member C Robertson

Member L Roe

Chairperson M Watson

Abstained

 

The motion was declared EQUAL.

Chairperson M Watson exercised their casting vote against, so the amendment was Lost.

 

The chairperson put the substantive motion.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/99

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Member C Robertson:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          note completion of 2 projects from 2019-2022 is the priority and information on the ability to implement remaining projects is required prior to making decision on new projects.

b)         request Auckland Transport provide confirmation back to the local board in early August 2023 whether deferral funding has been confirmed for:

i)           Greenwoods Corner improvements $659,000

ii)         Signalised crossing on Great North Road at Western Springs $335,000.

c)          request the following information related to these proposed Local Board Transport Capital Fund projects:

i)           the cost of the Pt Chevalier Road Improvements being an extension to the Westmere - Pt Chevalier Project given that Auckland Transport have now approved the latter project and possible savings could be procured.                     

ii)         the size, configuration and number of bike shelters that would be provided for $200,000.

iii)        whether Elim Christian College has been accepted into the Ka Ora Katoa Programme

d)         request Auckland Transport report back to the local board in August 2023 with the requested information in c) and any updated advice on funding allocations for the 2022-2025 term.

CARRIED

 

Note:   Deputy Chairperson K Smith and Members J Fowler, R Smith and J Tan requested that their dissenting votes be recorded.

 

 

14

Proposed new community lease to The Scouts Association of New Zealand – Sea Scout Group at Murray Halberg Park, Ōwairaka

 

Jo Heaven – Senior Community Lease Advisor, was in attendance online via Microsoft Teams to speak to the report.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/100

MOVED by Deputy Chairperson K Smith, seconded by Member J Maskill:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          grant, under Section 54 (1) (b) Reserves Act 1977, a new community lease to The Scouts Association of New Zealand – Ōwairaka Sea Scout Group for 240 square meters (more or less) located at Murray Halberg Park, 187 Richardson Road, Ōwairaka on the land legally described as Part Lot 49 DP 43547 and contained in NA1551/67 (Part-Cancelled) held under the Reserves Act 1977 as a classified recreation reserve, vested in Council in trust by the Crown (as per Attachment A – Site Plan), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i)       term - five years, commencing 1 August 2023, with one five year right of renewal noting it is a tenant-owned building, and final expiry 31 July 2033.

ii)      rent – $1 plus Goods and Services Tax (GST) per annum if demanded as per the Community Occupancy Guidelines 2023.

iii)     rent review – the rental fee to be reviewed at three years (on 1 August 2026).

iv)     include an additional obligation in the lease agreement that the lease holder takes actions to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions related to their operations to reduce climate impact and include this in the Community Outcomes Plan.

v)      Community Outcomes Plan - to be appended to the lease as a schedule of the lease agreement (as per Attachment B – Community Outcomes Plan).

b)         approve all other terms and conditions in accordance with the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 and the Reserves Act 1977.

c)          thank Jo Heaven – Senior Community Lease Advisor, for her advice and attendance.

CARRIED

 

 

15

Council-controlled organisation update on work programme items (April-June 2023) and expected milestones (July-September 2023)

 

Emma Reed – Senior Local Board Advisor, was in attendance to speak to the report.

 

Resolution number AE/2023/101

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Member J Fowler:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          note that the Council-controlled Organisation Local Board Joint Engagement Plan 2023/24 will be approved in September 2023 and request engagement with Albert-Eden Local Board before this occurs.

b)         receive the formal update on the Council-controlled Organisation Local Board Joint Engagement Plan for Quarter Four 2022/2023 and the engagement approach for Quarter One 2023/2203.

c)          note Auckland Transport’s cancellation of the Connected Communities programme of integrated public transport and safety improvements on arterial routes and are very disappointed and alarmed by its cancellation from the Auckland Transport programme noting:

i)           the New North Road corridor was chosen to be progressed first due to its safety issues including a high number of Deaths and Serious Injuries (DSIs)

ii)         the New North Road corridor proposal had undergone significant public consultation and was approaching the detailed design phase

iii)        improvements on New North Road in the Albert-Eden Local Board area would have enabled more cycling, addressed safety issues including parking of heavy vehicles in the median outside Pak n’ Save and contributed to improving access to train stations along the Western Line, including the new Maungawhau Station.

d)         request that Auckland Transport investigate and implement the necessary safety and public transport improvements to maximise access to the train stations adjacent to New North Road, so that Aucklanders gain the most benefit from the increased frequency and capacity enabled by the City Rail Link.

e)          request staff to share resolutions c) - e) with the Waitematā and Whau Local Boards given the Connected Communities New North Road corridor project was in their area.

f)           request Auckland Transport workshop the Greenwoods Corner Village Intersection Improvements with the Albert-Eden Local Board noting that the plans have been amended.

g)         thank Auckland Transport Board for committing to, and funding, the Westmere to Point Chevalier Improvements.

h)         support Auckland Transport advocating for the inclusion and prioritisation of the Mount Eden and Landscape Road intersection into the National Land Transport Plan.

i)           request an update from Eke Panuku on the Maungawhau Precinct Development.

j)           thank Watercare for running Community Open Days at their Central Interceptor site in Mt Albert.

CARRIED

 

Note:   Chairperson M Watson adjourned the meeting at 11.58am and reconvened the meeting at 12.05pm.

 

16

2025 Auckland Council elections - electoral system

 

Resolution number AE/2023/102

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Member L Roe:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          note that the Governing Body is considering whether the electoral system should be changed for the 2025 Auckland Council elections.

b)         acknowledge the representative issues with the First Past the Post system.

c)          note low voter turnout in Auckland Council elections especially for Local Boards, and that more proportional voting systems tend to increase higher levels of voting.

d)         support more representative voting systems being used in future Auckland Council elections.

e)          support further investigation be undertaken to progress the voting system being more representative but attention being needed on ease of voting for non-native speakers of English or Te Reo.

f)           note the need for simple and clear voting instructions if Single Transferable Voting (STV) is used.

g)         request staff to forward on the local board’s resolutions and feedback through to the Governing Body.

The motion was put to the vote by voice and show of hands and was declared EQUAL.

Chairperson M Watson exercised their casting vote for, so the motion was Carried.

CARRIED

 

Note:   Deputy Chairperson K Smith and Members J Fowler, J Tan and R Smith requested that their dissenting votes be recorded.

 

Note:   Member J Tan re-entered the meeting at 12.08pm during item 16.

 

 

17

Waiheke Local Board resolutions - Caulerpa brachypus

 

Resolution number AE/2023/103

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Member J Maskill:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)          support Waiheke Local Board’s Notice of Motion and resolutions a) – f) regarding Caulerpa dated 28 June 2023.

b)         note extreme concern regarding the current status of Caulerpa and its threat to the biodiversity and health of our ocean and supports the decision of the Hauraki Gulf Forum on this matter (resolution number HGF/2023/8).

c)          note the recent discovery of Caulerpa around Kawau Island.

d)         back the calls from the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust and other iwi and hapū, the Hauraki Gulf Forum, and community organisations, for a step change in New Zealand’s approach from containment to containment and eradication, with whole system engagement, and trials of hydraulic removal methods.

e)          urge the provision of Crown funding to mana whenua and community organisations for proactive underwater surveillance.

f)           support an urgent and thorough assessment of the likely economic, social, cultural, and ecological impacts of the spread of Caulerpa.

g)         call for reconsideration of the current prohibition on impacted communities engaging in the active removal of Caulerpa.

h)         request publicly available mapping of known Caulerpa sites which is accurate and updated in a timely fashion.

i)           request staff to forward these resolutions to the Waiheke Local Board.

CARRIED

 

 

 

18

Change of Albert-Eden Local Board Plan Have Your Say 2023 event date

 

Resolution number AE/2023/104

MOVED by Member R Smith, seconded by Member C Robertson:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      note the board’s decision (Attachment A) on the new date for the Have Your Say event during the Albert-Eden Local Board Plan consultation period, as authorised by delegation to the Chair and Deputy Chair in accordance with the Urgent Decision process AE/2022/199.

CARRIED

 

 

 

 

19

Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward Councillors' Updates

 

Note:  This item was withdrawn.

 

 

20

Chairperson's Report

 

Resolution number AE/2023/105

MOVED by Deputy Chairperson K Smith, seconded by Member J Maskill:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      receive Chairperson M Watson’s verbal July 2023 report.

CARRIED

 

 

21

Board Members' Reports

 

Resolution number AE/2023/106

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      receive Members C Robertson, J Fowler, R Smith and J Maskill’s verbal Board Reports for July 2023.

CARRIED

 

 

22

Albert-Eden Local Board Workshop Records

 

Resolution number AE/2023/107

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      receive the Albert-Eden Local Board Workshop Records for the workshops held on 15 and 29 June 2023 and 13 July 2023.

b)      receive the Albert-Eden Local Board Workshop Record for the workshop held on 6 July 2023, noting that the chairperson briefly exited the workshop from 1.34pm-1.43pm to take a phone call.

CARRIED

 

 

23

Hōtaka Kaupapa/Governance Forward Work Programme Calendar

 

Resolution number AE/2023/108

MOVED by Chairperson M Watson, seconded by Deputy Chairperson K Smith:  

That the Albert-Eden Local Board:

a)      receive the Hōtaka Kaupapa/Governance Forward work programme calendar for July 2023.

CARRIED

 

 

 

24        Te Whakaaro ki ngā Take Pūtea e Autaia ana | Consideration of Extraordinary Items

 

There was no consideration of extraordinary items.

 

 

 

 

12.52pm.                                            The chairperson thanked members for their attendance and attention to business and declared the meeting closed.

 

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF THE Albert-Eden Local Board HELD ON

 

 

 

DATE:.........................................................................

 

 

 

CHAIRPERSON:.......................................................