Agenda of Rodney Local Board - Wednesday, 20 November 2024

1 Nau mai | Welcome

2 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

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

3 Te Whakapuaki i te Whai Pānga | Declaration of Interest

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

4 Te Whakaū i ngā Āmiki | Confirmation of Minutes

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakaū / confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, as a true and correct record.

5 He Tamōtanga Motuhake | Leave of Absence

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

6 Te Mihi | Acknowledgements

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

7 Ngā Petihana | Petitions

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

8 Ngā Tono Whakaaturanga | Deputations

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

8.1 Deputation: Kings Quarry - Pebble Brook Road

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Alan Cato from has requested a deputation to discuss issues at Pebble Brook Road – Kings Quarry Limited.

2. Supporting documents have been provided and is available under Attachment A of this item (under separate cover).

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakamihi / thank Mr Cato for his attendance at the meeting.

Attachments

a Kings Quarry Pebble Brook Road, supporting information.......................... 183

8.2 Deputation: Waitemata West Community Patrols

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. John Cowsill from Waitemata West Community Patrols has requested a deputation to discuss future funding.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakamihi / thank Mr Cowsill for his attendance at the meeting.

8.3 Deputation: Redhills Pony Club

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Nikki Shephard from Redhills Pony Club has requested a deputation to discuss the pony club’s lease at Harry James Reserve, Taupaki.

2. A PowerPoint presentation has been provided and is available under Attachment A of this item (under separate cover).

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakamihi / thank Ms Shephard for her attendance at the meeting.

8.4 Deputation: Waimauku Pony Club

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Louise Harness and Denise Sills from Waimauku Pony Club have requested a deputation to discuss the pony club’s lease at Glasgow Park, and Blomfield Reserve, Waimauku.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakamihi / thank Ms Harness and Ms Sills for their attendance at the meeting.

9 Te Matapaki Tūmatanui | Public Forum

A period of time (approximately 30 minutes) is set aside for members of the public to address the meeting on matters within its delegated authority. A maximum of three minutes per speaker is allowed, following which there may be questions from members.

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

10 Ngā Pakihi Autaia | Extraordinary Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Grant Redhills Pony Club Incorporated a lease and licence to occupy for land at Harry James Reserve, Taupaki Road, Taupaki

File No.: CP2024/17065

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To grant Redhills Pony Club Incorporated a lease and a licence to occupy for land at Harry James Reserve, Taupaki Road, Taupaki.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Redhills Pony Club Incorporated has occupied an area of land located at Harry James Reserve since 2000 by way of a lease with the former Rodney District Council. The lease was issued to the club’s parent body (Kumeū District Pony Club Incorporated) as the Redhills Pony Club did not become a legal entity until 2002.

3. The lease commenced 1 May 2000 and provided for tenure of one term of 15 years and expired on 30 April 2015. As such, the lease agreement has been holding over on a month-to-month basis on its existing terms and conditions since 30 April 2015.

4. The local board decided not to grant leases and licences to groups deemed occupying significant areas of land until after the formal adoption of the Rodney Local Parks Management Plan. The local board adopted the plan at its business meeting of 19 July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/100).

5. The Redhills Pony Club (the club) was duly incorporated in 2002 and as a registered legal entity, has formally applied to the council for a new lease and licence to occupy. The club has a strong committee and sufficient funds to meet its liabilities, and it is managed appropriately. The club meets the criteria as a community lessee and licensee. The club carries all necessary insurance cover.

6. The progression of the new lease and licence to occupy was originally listed on the Customer and Community Services, Parks and Community Facilities, Community Leases Work Programme 2023/2024 as approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/95). The project was subsequently carried over to the Customer and Community Services 2024/2025 work programme ad approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 June 2024 (resolution number RD/2024/85).

7. Harry James Reserve is subject to the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977 and is classified as recreation reserve under the Act. The classification legally supports the club’s activities. The Rodney Local Parks Management Plan contemplates the club’s activities. As such, council staff were not required to publicly notify the proposed new lease and licence.

8. The most recent guiding document relating to the recommended provision for equestrian facilities is the Auckland Equestrian Facility Plan 2014, prepared by the Morvern Group Limited. The plan identified the facilities required for various equestrian codes, including the New Zealand Pony Club Association, for the following 10 years.

9. With respect to the needs of pony clubs, relevant findings within the plan recorded under ‘Priority: secure, maintain and invest in existing network to maximise use’, included:

“Work with Auckland Council to secure lease arrangements for pony clubs where there are none or they are due for renewal. Ensure new leases identify land area available (i.e. site plan) for pony club use and grazing access”.

10. This report recommends the local board grant Redhills Pony Club Incorporated a new community lease for the footprint of land at Harry James Reserve on which the club’s all-weather arena, shed and stalls are located. Similarly, a non-exclusive licence to occupy for the remainder of the land which the club occupies at Harry James Reserve.

11. If the local board resolves to grant the lease and licence to occupy, staff will work with the club to finalise the lease and licence agreements.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) grant Redhills Pony Club Incorporated under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, a lease for 2,060 square metres (more or less) of reserve land at Harry James Reserve, Taupaki Road, Taupaki, legally described as Lot 1 Deposited Plan 181222 (Attachment A to the agenda report), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years, commencing 21 November 2024, with one 10 year right of renewal

ii) rent – $1,300.00 plus GST per annum

iii) a community outcomes plan will be appended as a schedule to the lease agreement

b) grant Redhills Pony Club Incorporated under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, a licence to occupy for 16,312 square metres (more or less) of land at Harry James Reserve, Taupaki Road, Taupaki, legally described as Lot 1 Deposited Plan 181222 (Attachment A to the agenda report), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years, commencing 21 November 2024, with one 10 year right of renewal

c) approve Redhills Pony Club Incorporated community outcomes plan (Attachment B to the agenda report)

d) note that all other terms and conditions will be in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 and the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines as updated 1 July 2023.

Horopaki

Context

12. Local boards have the allocated authority relating to local recreation, sport and community facilities, including community leasing matters.

13. The club has occupied an area of land at Harry James Reserve, by way of a lease entered into with the former Rodney District Council. The lease, issued to the club’s parent body (Kumeū District Pony Club Incorporated) commenced 1 May 2000 and provided for tenure of one term of 15 years and expired 30 April 2015. As such, the lease agreement has been holding over on a month-to-month basis on its existing terms and conditions since 30 April 2015.

14. The club has formally applied to the council for a new lease and licence to occupy.

15. The progression of the proposed new lease and licence to occupy was originally listed as item number 3343 on the Parks and Community Facilities, Community Leases Work Programme 2023/2024 as approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/95). The project was subsequently carried over to the Customer and Community Services 2024/2025 work programme ad approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 June 2024 (resolution number RD/2024/85).

Land

16. The land the club occupies at Harry James Reserve is legally described as Lot 1 Deposited Plan 181222. The land is subject to the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977 and is classified as recreation reserve under the Act. The land classification legally supports a lease and licence to occupy for the equestrian activities.

Redhills Pony Club Incorporated

17. The club was established in 1989 and has occupied land at Harry James Reserve for over three decades. The club is affiliated to the equestrian regional and national bodies; the Waitematā Rodney Area Pony Club and the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Incorporated.

18. The club was incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on 18 June 2002. Contained within the club’s constitution, its primary purpose is to provide the club with a constitution so it can legally operate and flow from the New Zealand Pony Club Association constitution.

19. The club owns and maintains its improvements on the site comprising a shed, stalls and an all-weather arena.

20. The club has provided financial accounts which indicate that its funds are sufficient to meet its liabilities and are being managed appropriately. The club has all necessary insurance cover, including public liability insurance, in place.

21. Council staff have negotiated and agreed a community outcomes plan with the club, which, if approved by the local board will be appended as a schedule to the new lease agreement.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Recommended term of tenure

22. Under the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines 2023, the standard term of tenure for leases is an initial term of 10 years with one right of renewal for 10 years. Where a licence to occupy sits alongside a lease, the term of tenure will align with that of the lease agreement.

23. The subject land at Harry James Reserve is subject to the provisions of the Reserves Act 1977 and classified as recreation reserve. The local board formally adopted its Local Parks Management Plan in July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/100). As the club’s activities are contemplated and in conformity with the plan, council staff were not required to publicly notify the proposed new lease or licence to occupy.

Assessment of the lease application

24. The club has submitted a comprehensive application supporting its request for a new lease and licence to occupy and is able to demonstrate its ability to manage and maintain its improvements. On 13 June 2023, staff undertook a site visit and observed that the club was maintaining its lease area.

25. The following table contains brief details on the club’s latest financials. While the club’s year end financials show a loss, the club is typically able to break-even or make a small profit.

Table 1: Financials

Income for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Operating Expenditure

Coaches

Income less expense

$20,818.83

$23,892.01

$8,330.00

$3073.18

26. The club’s largest recorded expense for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 was its investment in coaches, in the amount of $8,330.00. The club’s main source of income, aside from membership subscriptions is derived from grass roots fundraising e.g. sausage sizzles, and film events, etc. Membership subscriptions pay for childrens’ coaching.

27. The club provides instruction on riding and pony management, offering a structured certificate system that allows its youth to gain qualifications. The club also provides rallies, events and competitions. The club regularly holds community open days.

28. The club’s membership numbers and fees for the 2024 season is as follows:

· 13 Youth riders $185.00

· 12 Adult riders $200.00.

29. The club holds 20 rallies per year and pays its coaches $80.00 per rally. Casual riders (non-Redhill members) pay $20 a time to utilise the club’s arena.

Auckland Equestrian Facility Plan

30. In 2012, the council requested a high-level needs analysis be undertaken on equestrian facilities in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and to work with the equestrian sport sector to identify their priorities for future facility provision. Pony clubs were in scope as part of this analysis.

31. The 2012 review of the provision for facilities and participation levels combined with information gathered as part of the equestrian sector workshops indicated as follows:

· pony clubs will cater for localized use and entry level participation

· there is capacity for increased and wider use of some pony clubs with greater investment into all-weather surfaces, arena, parking, surrounds and open level cross-country courses reducing the need to provide and maintain these facilities at all pony clubs

· security of tenure is an issue for the network.

32. In 2014, the Equestrian Sports NZ, the New Zealand Pony Club Association, Auckland Polo and Counties Manukau Polo Crosse engaged the Morvern Group to undertake a detailed assessment of the future facility requirements for their codes in Tāmaki Makaurau.

33. In October 2014, the Auckland Equestrian Facilities Plan prepared by the Morvern Group Limited, was published. The plan identified the facilities required for various equestrian codes, including the New Zealand Pony Club Association, for the following 10 years.

34. With respect to the needs of pony clubs, relevant findings within the plan recorded under ‘Priority: secure, maintain and invest in existing network to maximise use’, included:
“Work with Auckland Council to secure lease arrangements for pony clubs where there are none or they are due for renewal. Ensure new leases identify land area available (i.e. site plan) for pony club use and grazing access”.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

35. To improve environmental outcomes and mitigate climate change impacts, the council advocates that the lessee:

· use sustainable waste, energy and water efficiency systems

· use eco labelled products and services

· seek opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from lease-related activities

· include any other outcomes that will improve environmental outcomes and mitigate climate change impacts.

36. All measures taken are aimed at meeting council’s climate goals, as set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which are:

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

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

37. Climate change does have the potential to impact the lease or licence to occupy. This is because the club’s all-weather arena, shed and stalls (the improvements) sit within flood plain areas identified on Auckland Council’s Hazard Viewer (Attachment C). Any significant impacts to the club’s improvements caused by flooding are mitigated by the fact that they are constructed specifically for the area in which they are located.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

38. Council staff from within the Community Directorate have been consulted on the proposed new lease. The table below contains detailed feedback:

Relevant team	Feedback
Sport and Recreation Lead, Parks and Community Facilities	Supportive of proposed new lease.
Facilities Manager, Area Operations, Parks and Community Facilities	Suggested that maintenance of the driveway from the gate beside the playground to the highlighted lease area is included in the lease conditions. There are very large horse trucks and floats that gain access to the leased area through this driveway and gate. There is no general public access as it is locked so wear and tear is solely from the lease activities.
Parks and Places Specialist, Parks and Community Facilities	Proposal aligns with the Local Parks Management Plan. No concerns.
Strategic Broker, Connected Communities	No concerns and supportive of the proposed new lease.

39. The proposed new lease and licence to occupy has no identified impact on other parts of the council group. The views of council-controlled organisations were not required for the preparation of this report’s advice.

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

Local impacts and local board views

40. Community Services, Parks and Community Facilities 2023/2024 work programme (resolution number RD/2023/95). The Community Leases Work Programme 2023/2024 was contained within this work programme. The progression of the proposed lease and licence to occupy were listed as item number 3343 on the work programme.

41. The project was subsequently carried over to the Customer and Community Services 2024/2025 work programme ad approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 June 2024 (resolution number RD/2024/85).

42. The recommendations in this report support the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 outcomes ‘Our People’ and ‘Our Community’.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

43. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which are outlined in council’s key strategic planning documents; the Auckland Plan, the Long-Term Plan 2024 - 2034, the Unitary Plan, and local board plans.

44. Staff engagement with mana whenua, has been recently undertaken during the preparation of the Local Parks Management Plan process. As the Local Parks Management Plan was adopted in July 2023, staff did not undertake fresh engagement with mana whenua about the lease and licence to occupy proposal.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

45. There is no direct cost to the council associated with the grant of a new lease and licence. The club will continue to take responsibility for all operational and renewal costs involved with its all-weather arena, shed and stalls located on Harry James Reserve.

46. A new lease and licence would afford the club with security of tenure and enable it to attend to the scheduled maintenance of its all-weather arena, shed and stalls. Should the club vacate its area, there would be a risk associated with lack of maintenance. In this scenario, council would be liable for the club’s assets regardless of whether budget is allocated to or identified for renewals. Similarly, any required asset renewals do not appear in the annual work programme.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

47. Should the local board resolve not to grant the club a new lease and licence to occupy, this will negatively impact the ability of the club to undertake all current and future activities. This would have an adverse impact on the achievement of the respective local board plan outcome.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

48. If the local board resolves to the grant the proposed lease and licence to occupy, staff will work with the club to finalise the agreements in accordance with the local board decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Attachment A Site Plan	17
b ⇩	Attachment B - Community Outcomes Plan Red Hills Pony Club Inc	19
c ⇩	Attachment C - GIS aerial view from Auckland Council's Hazard Viewer	21

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Karen Walby - Community Lease Specialist

Authorisers

Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial Business

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Grant Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated a lease and licence to occupy for land at Glasgow Park, 69 Muriwai Road and Blomfield Reserve, 71 Pollard Lane, Waimauku

File No.: CP2024/16588

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval to grant Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated a lease and a licence to occupy land at Glasgow Park 69 Muriwai Road and Blomfield Reserve, 71 Pollard Lane, Waimauku.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated (the club) has occupied areas of land located at Glasgow Park for decades by way of leases and licences to occupy, entered into with excerpts from Auckland Council. The club also had a licence to occupy in place with the previous private landowner at what is now known as Blomfield Reserve.

3. The club’s current lease and licence to occupy with Auckland Council commenced 1 March 2016 with tenure of one term of five years. The agreement has been holding over on a month-to-month basis on its existing terms and conditions since 28 February 2021.

5. The club has formally applied to the council for a new lease and licence to occupy at Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve. The club has a strong committee and sufficient funds to meet its liabilities, and it is managed appropriately. The club meets the criteria as a community lessee and licensee. The club carries all necessary insurance cover.

6. The progression of the new lease and licence to occupy was originally listed on the Customer and Community Services, Parks and Community Facilities: Community Leases work programme 2023/2024 as approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/95). The project was subsequently carried over to the Customer and Community Services 2024/2025 work programme and approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 June 2024 (resolution number RD/2024/85).

7. The land comprising Glasgow Park and Blomfield Recreation Reserve is subject to the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977 and is classified as recreation reserve under the Act. The Local Parks Management Plan contemplates the club’s activities for Glasgow Park. As the plan does not fully contemplate the club’s activities at Blomfield Recreation Reserve, council staff publicly notified the club’s proposed new lease and licence for land at Blomfield Reserve.

8. Staff received 90 submissions during the public notification process. Except for one submission for the purposes of seeking clarification, all submissions were in support of the proposed grant of a lease and licence to the club for land at Blomfield Reserve.

9. The most recent guiding document relating to the recommended provision for equestrian facilities is the Auckland Equestrian Facility Plan 2014, prepared by the Morvern Group Limited. The plan identified the facilities required for various equestrian codes, including the New Zealand Pony Club Association, for the following 10 years.

10. With respect to the needs of pony clubs, relevant findings within the plan recorded under ‘Priority: secure, maintain and invest in existing network to maximise use’, included: “Work with Auckland Council to secure lease arrangements for pony clubs where there are none or they are due for renewal. Ensure new leases identify land area available (i.e. site plan) for pony club use and grazing access”.

11. This report recommends the local board grant Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated a new community lease for the footprint of land on which its water jump, shed and dressage arena are located and a non-exclusive licence to occupy for the remainder of the land at occupied at Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve, respectively.

12. If the local board resolves to grant the lease and licence to occupy, staff will work with the club to finalise the lease and licence agreements.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakaae / grant Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, a lease for 1651 square metres (more or less) of reserve land at Glasgow Park, 69 Muriwai Road and Blomfield Reserve, 71 Pollard Lane, Waimauku, legally described as Section 2 Survey Office Plan 518512 and Section 1 Survey Office Plan 356956, respectively (Attachment A to the agenda report), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years, commencing 21 November 2024, with one 10 year right of renewal

ii) rent – $1300.00 plus GST per annum

iii) a community outcomes plan will be appended as a schedule to the lease agreement

b) whakaae/ grant Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, a licence to occupy for 37,686 square metres (more or less) of reserve land at Glasgow Park, 69 Muriwai Road and Blomfield Reserve, 71 Pollard Lane, Waimauku, legally described as Section 2 Survey Office Plan 518512 and Section 1 Survey Office Plan 356956, respectively (Attachment A to the agenda report), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years, commencing 21 November 2024, with one 10 - year right of renewal

c) whakaae /approve Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated community outcomes plan (Attachment B to the agenda report)

d) tuhi ā-taipitopito /note that all other terms and conditions will be in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 and the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines as updated 1 July 2023.

Horopaki

Context

13. Local boards have the allocated authority relating to local recreation, sport, and community facilities, including community leasing matters.

14. The club has occupied areas of land located at Glasgow Park for decades by way of leases and licences to occupy entered into with the council. The club also had a licence to occupy in place with the previous private landowner for land at 71 Pollard Lane, Waimauku, now known as Blomfield Reserve.

15. The club’s current lease and licence to occupy for land at Glasgow Park commenced 1 March 2016 with tenure of one term of five years. The agreement has been holding over on a month-to-month basis on its existing terms and conditions since 28 February 2021.

16. The club has formally applied to the council for a new lease and licence to occupy.

17. The progression of the proposed new lease and licence to occupy was originally listed as item number 3345 on the Parks and Community Facilities, Community Leases Work Programme 2023/2024 as approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/95). The project was subsequently carried over to the Customer and Community Services 2024/2025 work programme and approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 June 2024 (resolution number RD/2024/85).

Land

18. The land at Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve occupied by the club is legally described as Section 2 Survey Office Plan 518512, and Section 1 Survey Office Plan 356956, respectively. Both land parcels are subject to the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977 and are classified as recreation reserve under the Act. The land classification legally supports a lease and licence to occupy for the equestrian activities.

Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated

19. The club was established in 1957 and has occupied land at Glasgow Park since 1965. It has more than 61 riding members comprising junior, senior and adult riding groups. The club is affiliated to equestrian regional bodies (Waitematā Area Pony Club and Kumeū District Pony Club) and the national body, the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association Incorporated (NZPCA).

20. The club was incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on 14 September 1989. Contained within the club’s rules, its objects include the following:

· to encourage young people to ride and enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses and riding, to instill in them proper care of their animals and to offer them the opportunity of receiving instruction of a higher class and on more orthodox lines than many of them can obtain individually

· to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty, thereby cultivating strength of character and self-discipline.

21. The club’s mission is to:

· educate and empower youth

· cultivate sportsmanship and citizenship

· provide safe and engaging activities

· support community engagement.

22. The club owns and maintains its improvements on Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve, respectively, comprising water jump, stalls, and all-weather dressage arena.

23. The club has provided financial accounts which indicate that its funds are sufficient to meet its liabilities and are being managed appropriately. The club has all necessary insurance cover, including public liability insurance, in place.

24. Council staff have negotiated and agreed a community outcomes plan with the club, which, if approved by the Rodney Local Board will be appended as a schedule to the new lease agreement.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Recommended term of tenure

25. Under the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines 2023, the standard term of tenure for leases is an initial term of 10 years with one right of renewal for 10 years. Where a licence to occupy sits alongside a lease, the term of tenure will align with that of the lease agreement.

Land and the requirement for public notification with regard to the club’s proposed lease and licence for land at Blomfield Reserve

26. The subject land at Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve is subject to the provisions of the Reserves Act 1977 is classified as recreation reserve. The classification legally supports the club’s activities.

27. At its business meeting of 19 July 2023, the local board formally adopted its Local Parks Management Plan (resolution number RD/2023/100). As the club’s activities at Glasgow Park are contemplated and in conformity with the plan, council staff were not required to publicly notify the proposed new lease or licence to occupy.

28. Conversely, as the plan does not fully contemplate the club’s activities at Blomfield Reserve, council staff publicly notified the club’s proposed new lease and licence for land at Blomfield Reserve. Information on page 203 of the Local Parks Management Plan for the Kumeū Subdivision (Waimauku) contains the following:

Table 1: Excerpts from the Rodney Local Parks Management Plan

Recreational values	Other information	Management intentions	Leases and licences
Waimauku Pony Club has developed a cross country course in the reserve. Among other obstacles, the course includes a water jump.	Equestrian activity takes place on Blomfield Reserve and Glasgow Park.	Management intention number four: Work with relevant stakeholders for the continued use of the reserve for equestrian activities and formalising the current use arrangements.	Contemplated leases and licences within existing footprints on recreation reserve land for: organised recreation and education activities, e.g., youth activities and development

29. Public notices were placed in the North Shore Times Advertiser, the Rodney Times and on the council’s website on 6 June 2024. Interested parties were provided with one month in which to make submission as to whether the submitter supported or objected to the proposed new lease and licence to occupy. The submission period closed at 5.00pm on 5 July 2024.

30. Staff received 90 submissions during the public notification process. Except for one submission for the purposes of seeking clarification, all submissions were in support of the proposed grant of a lease and licence to the club for land at Blomfield Reserve.

31. Staff also contacted mana whenua representatives about the club’s proposal. Feedback received from mana whenua is detailed in paragraph 61, below.

32. In addition to the public notification process, council staff is in receipt of two letters of support for the proposed new lease and licence to occupy as follows:

a) Glasgow Park Advisory Committee (Attachment C to the agenda report).

b) Motutara-Waimauku Scout Group (Attachment D to the agenda report).

Assessment of the lease application

33. The club has submitted a comprehensive application supporting its request for a new lease and licence to occupy and is able to demonstrate its ability to manage and maintain its improvements. On 3 August 2023, staff undertook a site visit and observed that the club has its maintenance requirements in hand and noted that future plans for a new storage facility are well considered.

34. Regarding the club’s future plans for a new storage facility, the club is currently working through the landowner approval process with the council’s arborist, specifically with respect to the existing trees adjacent to the area proposed for the construction of the storage facility.

35. The following table contains brief details on the club’s latest financials including its required affiliation fees payable to New Zealand Pony Club Association.

Table 2: Financials

Income for the financial year ended 31 December 2023

Operating Expenditure

Affiliation fees (levies)

Income less expenses

$27,725.00

$20,955.00

$923.00

$6,770.00

36. The club’s largest recorded source of income in the amount of $8,200.00 was for the Waimauku Adult Ride (income due in 2022). The Waimauku Adult Ride, however, had not continued its association with the club during 2023. As such, the club’s 2024 financials will likely show a significant drop in income. The club’s largest recorded expense for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 was its investment in coaches, in the amount of $9,320.00.

37. The club recently had riders who represented New Zealand and also achieved on the international equestrian stage within the Australasian Show Horse Council Grand Nationals in Australia. Similarly, the club participated in the New Zealand Pony Club International Dressage Competition, competing against the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Manilla, South Africa, and Australia. Riders from the club placing in the top four of the competition.

38. The club also has a very successful team of riders who represent its branch in the district, club and area level. In a recent season, the club had two riders represent it at the New Zealand Pony Club Championships in both eventing and dressage.

Memberships and services offered by the club

39. The club’s youth members range in age from four to 25 years. During the equestrian season (eight months of the year weather permitting from spring to late autumn), the club organises approximately 35 formal weekly rallies. The club offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where riders of all backgrounds, ages and abilities come together. Mature riders support and mentor younger riders and the rallies provide an opportunity for learning and socialisation.

40. Whānau of the club are actively engaged in the running of the pony club rallies and help with the shared weekly barbeque. The club holds monthly working bees on its grounds. The club’s volunteer base and diversity of local members helps develop connection and community.

41. During the winter months (off season) the club utilises the land at Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve to learn horsemanship theory and to prepare for the upcoming season.

42. The club’s membership fee for the 2024/2025 season is as follows:

· adult members $15 per annum

· first riding member $250.00 per annum

· second riding member $190.00 per annum

· third riding member $50.00 per annum

· maximum fee per whānau/family $490.00 per annum.

43. To foster community engagement and sharing the joy of equestrian sport, the club regularly hosts open days including one day events, open ribbon days and have-a-go events. These events not only provide opportunities for the local community to connect with the club but also facilitate collaboration and resource-sharing among riders from the local area and other pony clubs.

44. Typical participant numbers for these events range between 50 to 90 riders and along with riders’ whānau and supporters, this creates an electric atmosphere essential to the success and vibrancy of the equestrian sport. Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve provide the ideal grounds for the events with full utilisation which are appreciated by all.

Auckland Equestrian Facility Plan

45. In 2012, the council requested a high-level needs analysis be undertaken on equestrian facilities in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and to work with the equestrian sport sector to identify their priorities for future facility provision. Pony clubs were in scope as part of this analysis.

46. The 2012 review of the provision for facilities and participation levels combined with information gathered as part of the equestrian sector workshops indicated as follows:

· pony clubs will cater for localised use and entry level participation

· security of tenure is an issue for the network.

47. In 2014, the Equestrian Sports NZ, the New Zealand Pony Club Association, Auckland Polo and Counties Manukau Polo Crosse engaged the Morvern Group to undertake a detailed assessment of the future facility requirements for their codes in Tāmaki Makaurau.

48. In October 2014 the Auckland Equestrian Facilities Plan prepared by the Morvern Group Limited, was published. The plan identified the facilities required for various equestrian codes, including the New Zealand Pony Club Association, for the following 10 years.

49. With respect to the needs of pony clubs, relevant findings within the plan recorded under ‘Priority: secure, maintain and invest in existing network to maximise use’, included:
“Work with Auckland Council to secure lease arrangements for pony clubs where there are none or they are due for renewal. Ensure new leases identify land area available (i.e. site plan) for pony club use and grazing access”.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

50. To improve environmental outcomes and mitigate climate change impacts, the council advocates that the lessee:

· use sustainable waste, energy, and water efficiency systems

· use eco labelled products and services

· seek opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from lease-related activities

· include any other outcomes that will improve environmental outcomes and mitigate climate change impacts.

51. All measures taken are aimed at meeting council’s climate goals, as set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which are:

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

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

52. Climate change does not have the potential to significantly impact the lease. This is because the club’s dressage arena, stalls and proposed new storage facility do not sit within flood plain or prone areas identified on Auckland Council’s Hazard Viewer (Attachment E).

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

53. Council staff from within the Community Directorate have been consulted on the proposed new lease. The table below contains detailed feedback:

Relevant team	Feedback
Facilities Manager and Coordinator, respectively, Area Operations, Parks and Community Facilities	“The Waimauku Pony Club is trying to get LOA to relocate its storage shed over to the arena. I am currently trying to assist it on how to go about getting permission as it needs to get Tree consent to remove some Wattle trees. Council’s arborist has been on site with me and will support the club’s application. The club has said it will plant the stream with reveg as part of the tree removal mitigation.” “All good no issues.“
Parks and Places Specialist, Parks and Community Facilities	“Glasgow Park and Blomfield I am less familiar with, but that’s great that you have publicly notified. No further questions from me, happy with your process.”
Strategic Broker, Connected Communities	“No issues with this.”

54. The proposed new lease and licence to occupy has no identified impact on other parts of the council group. The views of council-controlled organisations were not required for the preparation of this report’s advice.

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

Local impacts and local board views

55. At its business meeting of 19 July 2023, the local board approved the work programme. The Community Leases Work Programme 2023/2024 was contained within this work programme. The progression of the proposed lease and licence to occupy were listed as item number 3345 on the work programme.

56. The project was subsequently carried over to the 2024/2025 work programme and approved by the local board at its business meeting of 19 June 2024 (resolution number RD/2024/85).

57. The recommendations in this report support the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 outcomes ‘Our People’ and ‘Our Community’.

58. During April 2024, staff prepared a memorandum for circulation by way of email to the local board to inform it of the requirement for public notification and engagement with iwi about the new lease and licence proposal. Staff did not receive any feedback from members on this process.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

59. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which are outlined in council’s key strategic planning documents; the Auckland Plan, the Long-Term Plan 2024 - 2034, the Unitary Plan, and local board plans.

60. With respect to staff engagement with mana whenua, on 31 May 2024, staff emailed mana whenua groups identified as having an interest in land in the Rodney Local Board rohe (area). The email contained information on the club’s proposed new lease and licence to occupy for land at Blomfield Reserve.

61. Staff received a response from the Pou Tiaki of Te Kawerau Iwi. The table below contains details of the feedback received and staff responses, accordingly:

Feedback received	Staff responses
We are the iwi of these places, though we acknowledge overlap with Ngāti Manuhiri at Silverdale.	All your feedback will be included in the staff report to the local board about the lease and licence to occupy decision.
We support those leases in principle (but would want to know if Ngāti Manuhiri (in the case of Silverdale) had any issues to ensure alignment where possible.	With regard to ensuring alignment in terms of whether Ngāti Manuhiri (in the case of Silverdale) had any issues, staff will certainly come back to you.
We would seek both leases to include an engagement clause for Te Kawerau a Maki regarding any development of the land and/or a general annual update.	With regard to engagement clauses for Te Kawerau Iwi regarding any development of the land and/or a general annual update; a) development of the land would trigger landowner approval (opportunity for engagement) and may also trigger a resource or a building consent application. Engagement for these types of consents is typically, a regulatory requirement. b) with respect to a general annual update – a requirement for a general update may be in the form of a community outcomes plan (a plan contains targets aligned with various council policies and plans). Once the plan is agreed and approved by the local board it is appended as a schedule to the new occupancy agreement and obliges the club to provide an annual report on how it has met the agreed targets. While yet to create a community outcomes plan in conjunction with the respective club, it will include a mechanism for a copy or synopsis of the club’s annual report to be forwarded to Te Kawerau Iwi.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

62. There is no direct cost to the council associated with the grant of a new lease and licence. In line with the updated Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines (1 July 2023), staff has recommended an annual rent of $1300 plus GST is charged with the club continuing to take responsibility for all operational and renewal costs involved with its dressage arena, storage and associated improvements located on Glasgow Park and Blomfield Reserve.

63. Should the club vacate its area, there would be a risk associated with lack of maintenance. In this scenario, council would be liable for the club’s assets regardless of whether budget is allocated to or identified for renewals. Similarly, any required asset renewals do not appear in the annual work programme.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

64. Should the local board resolve not to grant the club a new lease and licence to occupy, it will negatively impact the ability of the club to undertake all current and future activities. This would have an adverse impact on the achievement of the respective local board plan outcome.

65. A new lease and licence would afford the club with security of tenure and enable it to attend to the scheduled maintenance of its dressage arena and other assets, to continue fundraising, seek and obtain relevant consents and construct its proposed new storage facility and associated improvements.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

66. If the local board resolves to grant the proposed lease and licence to occupy, staff will work with the club to finalise the agreements in accordance with the local board decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Site Plan	33
b ⇩	Waimauku Pony Club Incorporated Community Outcomes Plan	35
c ⇩	Letter of support from Glasgow Park Advisory Committee	39
d ⇩	Letter of support from Motutara Waimauku Scout Group	41
e ⇩	GIS aerial view from Auckland Council's Hazard Viewer	43

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Karen Walby - Community Lease Specialist

Authorisers

Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial Business

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Hearing Panel recommendation and grant of lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the former wharf manager's dwelling, Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Reserve, Sandspit

File No.: CP2024/16649

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To present for endorsement and approval by the local board, the hearing panel’s recommendation relating to the hearing held 19 August 2024 regarding Auckland Council’s proposal to grant Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust a community lease for the council-owned former wharf manager’s dwelling on Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Reserve, 1451 Sandspit Road, Sandspit and to grant Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust the lease under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The council-owned former wharf manager’s dwelling (the building) is located on Allotment 340 Parish of Mahurangi, Survey Office Plan 43479 and is held by the council as a recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 (NZ Gazette 2022, In2068).

3. In March 2023, Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust (the trust through which the Ngāti Manuhiri post settlement governance entity provides environmental services) applied to the council for a community lease for the building. At this point in time, the building had been sitting vacant for approximately three years.

4. Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust (the trust) plans to operate the building as a marine hub for the purposes of maritime safety, protection, education and enhancement. These activities align with the purpose for which the reserve is held and the newly adopted Rodney Local Parks Management Plan containing Sandspit Recreation Reserve, which contemplates leases being granted for marine related recreation and education activities on the reserve. In addition, the proposal also aligns with the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 outcome two - Our land, waterways and coasts are cared for and protected.

5. The Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 inform staff standard recommendations to local boards regarding community leases. In accordance with the guidelines, the trust’s request for a community lease would trigger an expression of interest process. The guidelines also provide that the local board may vary staff recommendations on a case-by-case basis as it deems appropriate.

6. Sandspit Reserve is subject to the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977. The Reserves Act 1977 is listed in the First Schedule of the Conservation Act 1987, making it a piece of legislation to which the Conservation Act applies. Section 4 of the Conservation Act contains an obligation to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. As a consequence, in performing functions and duties under the Reserves Act, such as granting a recreation reserve lease, the local board must interpret the Reserves Act to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti/the Treaty.

7. The principles of the Treaty likely to be most relevant in making a decision on the lease are:

· Partnership – mutual good faith and reasonableness

· Informed decision making – being well-informed of the mana whenua interests and views

· Active protection – this involves the active protection of Māori interests retained under te Tiriti/the Treaty. It includes the promise to protect rangatiratanga and taonga. Active protection requires informed decision-making and judgement as to what is reasonable in the circumstances.

8. At its business meeting of 20 September 2023, staff presented the local board with a report on the matter recommending that it resolve on its preferred option for progressing a community lease of the building at Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Recreation Reserve, 1451 Sandspit Road, Sandspit.

a) Option one – undertake an expression of interest process.

b) Option two – progress a proposed new lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, subject to engaging with other mana whenua.

9. The report contained information regarding the requirement for public notification:

a) should the local board resolve to waive an expression of interest process and progress a new lease to the trust, the council as the administering body of the reserve land is not legally required to publicly notify the proposal. This is because a lease to the trust is contemplated and in conformity with the newly adopted Local Parks Management Plan.

b) the local board, however, may choose to publicly notify the lease proposal under management intention 9 of the Local Park Management Plan which requires the local board to consider the values, issues and intentions outlined in the management plan and the community needs, including those of Kawau Island residents, when investigating community and commercial leases for the reserve.

10. Staff publicly notified the council’s intention for the local board to grant the trust a proposed new community lease with notices placed in the Mahurangi Matters newspaper on 29 April 2024, the Rodney Times newspaper on 2 May 2024 and on the council’s website. Submitters were given one month to respond, ending on 31 May 2024.

11. Staff received communication from five separate parties through the public notification process. One party enquired about a lease for the former carpark manager’s dwelling on behalf of a local model boating club for the purposes of housing its collection. The four other submissions received were directly related to council’s intention to grant the trust a proposed lease, two in support of the proposal and two to object to the proposal. The latter two submitters requesting to speak to their respective submission.

12. On 31 May 2024, staff emailed mana whenua representatives identified as having an interest in land in the Rodney Local Board geographical rohe (area) about the lease proposal.

13. With regard to feedback from mana whenua about the proposal, staff received an email from the Pou Tiaki on behalf of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust. The feedback provided was as follows:

· “we strongly support Ngāti Manuhiri to enter into a lease here as this is their heartland

· while we understand maintenance fees falling on the user (i.e. the $5k), we do not agree with the morals/ethics of Council’s policy of iwi who’s land this was in the first place having to pay any sort of rent for the land itself ($1300). We think Council should waive the rental fee.”

14. As a consequence of the two submissions received during the public notification process in which the submitters requested to have their respective submissions heard, a hearings process was triggered in accordance with resolution number RD/2023/148 c).

15. The local board subsequently appointed a hearings panel (comprised a sole commissioner) to:

a) consider the written submissions, hear from those submitters wishing to be heard and subsequently consider those respective verbal submissions.

b) make a recommendation to the local board about the proposed community lease to the trust, to resolve on at an upcoming business meeting.

16. Council staff arranged for a hearing, which was held on Monday 19 August 2024. The panel released its recommendation on 16 October 2024. The panel recommends that a community lease be granted to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the use and management of the former carpark manager’s dwelling at Sandspit Recreation Reserve.

17. All statutory requirements have been satisfied with regard to this leasing matter. As such, this report recommends that the Rodney Local Board:

a) endorse the hearings panel report titled “Recommendations following the hearing of the proposed community lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the council building at Sandspit Reserve, 1451 Sandspit Road, Sandspit.”

b) grant Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust a community lease for the former car park manager’s dwelling at Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Reserve.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) ohia/endorse the hearings panel report titled “Recommendations following the hearing of the proposed community lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the council building at Sandspit Reserve, 1451 Sandspit Road, Sandspit” (Attachment A to the agenda report – Hearings Panel recommendation)

b) whakaee/grant in accordance with the hearings panel recommendation and under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977, a new community lease to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the council-owned former wharf manager’s dwelling (the building, which expressly excludes the garage and the adjoining former ticket office area) comprising 109 square metres (more or less) and 394 square metres (more or less) of land at Sandspit Wharf, Sandspit Recreation Reserve, 1451 Sandspit Rd, Sandspit, legally described as Allotment 340, Parish of Mahurangi, Survey Office Plan 43479 (Attachment B to the agenda report – site plan) subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – five years, with one, five-year right of renewal commencing on date of issue of code compliance certificate/certificate of public use/practical completion of the council’s refurbishment works to bring the premises up to the required specifications for occupation under the terms of a community lease

ii) rent – $1,300 plus GST per annum if demanded

iii) maintenance fee - $5,000 plus GST per annum

iv) a community outcomes plan will be appended as a schedule to the lease agreement

c) whakaee/approve Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust community outcomes plan (Attachment C to the agenda report)

d) tuhi/note that all other terms and conditions will be in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977 and the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines as updated 1 July 2023.

Horopaki

Context

18. Local boards have the allocated decision-making authority relating to local parks, including community leasing matters in those parks. At its business meeting on 20 September 2023 staff presented the local board with a report containing options in relation to the occupancy of the former wharf manager’s dwelling. The local board resolved to approve the public notification of a proposed new lease to the trust, resolution number RD/2023/148 (Attachment B).

19. Staff publicly notified the council’s intention to grant the trust a proposed new community lease with notices placed in the Mahurangi Matters newspaper on 29 April 2024, the Rodney Times newspaper on 2 May 2024 and on the council’s website. Submitters were given one month to respond, ending on 31 May 2024.

20. Staff received communication from five separate parties through the public notification process. One party enquired about a lease for the former carpark manager’s dwelling on behalf of a local model boating club for the purposes of housing its collection. The four other submissions received were directly related to council’s intention to grant the trust a proposed lease, two in support of the proposal and two to object to the proposal. The latter two submitters requesting to speak to their respective submission.

21. As a consequence of the two submissions received during the public notification process in which the submitters requested to have their respective submissions heard, a hearings process was triggered in accordance with resolution number RD/2023/148 c).

22. The local board subsequently appointed a hearings panel (comprised a sole commissioner) to:

a) consider the written submissions, hear from those submitters wishing to be heard and subsequently consider those respective verbal submissions.

b) make a recommendation to the local board about the proposed community lease to the trust, to resolve on at an upcoming business meeting.

23. Council staff arranged for a hearing which was held on Monday 19 August 2024. The panel released its recommendation on 16 October 2024. The panel recommends that a community lease be granted to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the use and management of the former carpark manager’s dwelling at the Sandspit Reserve.

24. This report presents the panel’s recommendation (Attachment A) - for endorsement by the local board. Similarly, the report recommends that the local board grant the trust a community lease for the council-owned former carpark manager’s dwelling at the Sandspit Reserve.

25. The proposal is in line with the requirements for recreation reserves under the Reserves Act 1977, and the proposed lease is contemplated in conformity with the Sandspit Recreation Reserve section of the Rodney Local Parks Management Plan 2023 adopted in July 2023 (resolution number RD/2023/100).

26. The proposal would result in the operation of a marine hub for the purposes of maritime safety, protection, education and enhancement, in accordance with the issue of a lease under section 54(1)(b) of the Reserves Act 1977.

27. Similarly, and with respect to section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987, the trust has customary interests within the geographical rohe that includes Sandspit Reserve. The trust’s planned operations from and activities within the building (maritime safety, protection, education and enhancement) would give effect to relevant Treaty principles.

Public notification

28. The public notification process and rights of making submissions are set out in sections 119 and 120 of the Reserves Act 1977. Section 120 provides that any submitter who makes a request to be heard in person is given reasonable opportunity to do so.

29. The public notice was published in the Mahurangi Matters newspaper on 29 April 2024 and the Rodney Times newspaper on 2 May 2024, both of which are distributed within the catchment of Sandspit Reserve and was accessible on the council website (Attachment D to the agenda report – public notice).

30. Submitters were allowed one calendar month in which to make their submission and advise whether they wished to have their submission heard. The submission period ended at 5pm on 31 May 2024.

Hearings process

31. At its business meeting of 20 September 2023, the local board resolved to delegate authority to the local board chairperson to appoint a hearings panel to hear submissions should the requirement for a hearing be triggered through the public notification process, resolution number RD/2023/148 c).

32. Under his delegated authority, the local board chairperson appointed a panel (comprised a sole commissioner) to:

a) consider the written submissions, hear from those submitters wishing to be heard and subsequently consider those respective verbal submissions.

b) make a recommendation to the local board about the proposed community lease to the trust, to resolve on at an upcoming business meeting.

33. The consequential hearing was held on Monday 19 August 2024, at which submitters presented to and were heard by the panel.

34. Following the hearing, the panel considered the submissions, and made a recommendation to the local board that a community lease be granted to Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust for the use and management of the former carpark manager’s dwelling at Sandspit Reserve.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Land and building

35. Sandspit Wharf on Sandspit Reserve is located at 1451 Sandspit Road, Sandspit. The subject land is held by the council in trust, for recreational purposes under the Reserves Act 1977. Sandspit Wharf is the conduit for Kawau Island residents (and visitors) travelling to and from the island with residents utilising ferry and water taxi services as are available.

36. The subject land is legally described as Allotment 340, Parish of Mahurangi, Survey Office plan 43479 and is classified as recreation reserve. The area proposed to be leased is 380 square meters (more or less) comprising the building and the associated outdoor area, outlined in Attachment B to the agenda report.

37. The building (proper) comprises 109 square metres (more or less) and was constructed in two parts, with the building most likely transported to the site in the late 1990s and the garage extension added on site, in 2002. The building was constructed using timber foundations and floor. The wall and roof frames are covered with a Coloursteel roof. The cladding is likely an imported PVC material and the joinery is the early manufactured single-glazed aluminium. These factors date the house around the mid-1970s.

38. Adjoining the building is an area utilised as a ticket office (the office) during the tenure of the former manager of the wharf carpark. The office accommodates various CCTV components and contains the electrical supply metre box that feeds the office and the building proper. The council requires access to the office e.g. for the future planned reintroduction of paid parking. As such, the office is expressly excluded from the trust’s lease area.

39. A building condition assessment was undertaken by the council in January 2023. The assessment report records the building as generally in a moderate condition, with some signs of deterioration requiring repair. The garage extension to the south side is in poor condition and essentially provides dry storage.

40. The building must be repaired and upgraded before being leased out. The required works include installing heat pumps, partially replacing wall cladding and extending the cut-off drain. The works will also include the removal of the garage.

Renewal of the former wharf manager’s dwelling (the building)

41. The local board has approved a project to deliver the asset renewals as recommended in the respective building assessment as part of its 2023/2024 Rodney Local Board Customer and Community Services Work Programme (resolution RD/2023/95). The project forms part of the local board’s risk adjusted programme, which allows advanced delivery should other projects experience unforeseen delays.

42. The approved budget allocation for the project is shown in the table below:

Table 1: Approved budget allocation for the project

Project ID	Activity name	Activity description	Budget source	2023 / 2024	2024 / 2025	2025 / 2026	Total cost
40318	Sandspit Wharf – refurbish manager’s house	This building requires refurbishment.	ABS: Capex – Local renewal	$0	$20,000	$100,000	$120,000

43. During the third week of October 2024, the Parks and Community Facilities Project Manager will lodge a building consent for the project. Staff understand that consent processing has commenced however it could be December 2024 before any consent is approved.

44. The project manager will have the tender documents ready to enable pricing over the end-of-the-year holiday period and (subject to all regulatory processes being satisfied and approvals granted) should be in the position to award the contract in the new year. The project manager hopes to be in a position to commence works in February or March 2025 and expects the works to take from six to eight weeks with handover at the end of April 2025.

45. If the consent is processed and granted quicker than expected, and if the project manager can advance the anticipated timing of the project, then handover may be prior to the end of April 2025.

46. Leasing staff has recommended that the commencement date for a new community lease aligns with the date of issue of code compliance certificate/certificate of public use/practical completion of the council’s refurbishment works to bring the premises up to the required specifications for occupation under the terms of a community lease.

Waste collection

47. For many years the former Rodney District Council provided waste collections at Sandspit Wharf for Kawau Island residents. More recently the collections were from Molok bins located on the foreshore area. Inevitably the bins would fill and waste would be dumped on the ground around the bins. This dumping attracted misuse by non Kawau Island residents and significant levels of illegal dumping occurring around the bins with wind-blown litter entering the coastal environment.

48. The Molok bins were subsequently removed and during 2020, on relatively short notice, the council’s Waste Solutions department created a temporary waste compound adjacent to the vacant building. The Parks and Community Facilities department, along with Waste Solutions agreed that this waste compound would be in-situ for five years, four of which have now passed.

49. During recent meetings staff from both departments have agreed that the temporary waste compound will remain in-situ for the next 12 months. In the immediate term, the new lease area will expressly exclude the area of the waste compound.

Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust - vision for the lease and its alignment with the council’s policies and plans

50. The trust’s vision for the building, its proposed operations, activities and the consequential outcomes align with the following council policies and plans as detailed in the table below:

1. Council’s plan or policy	2. Relevant excerpts from plans or policies	3. Alignment
Te Tāruke a Tāwhiri (Auckland’s Climate Plan)	“A Tāmaki Makarau/Auckland response reflects our values and the foundations we need to succeed, including how we embed mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori principles and how we work together as a region to ensure no one is left behind.”	The trust’s proposed use for the building includes iwi-led events in the marine environment and planned programmes of environmental management and education (i.e. mātauranga Māori and Te Ao Māori principles).
The Auckland Plan 2050 Outcome: Māori Identity and wellbeing Direction 3 “Recognise and provide for te Tiriti o Waitangi outcomes” Focus area 3 “Strengthen rangitahi (youth) participation in leadership, education and employment outcomes”	“To achieve te Tiriti o Waitangi outcomes first and foremost requires a commitment to te Tiriti and strong support by everybody. This means delivery for Māori, by Māori, through Māori organisations in relation to planning for and addressing the impacts of climate change to achieve an equitable transition. Te Tiriti outcomes for hapu and iwi also mean acknowledging and recognising their mana, and protection of their rights and interests in Tāmaki Makarau. This reflects their important relationship to the whenua (land) and wai (water). Treaty principles provide guidance for decision-making, partnership and collaboration between mana whenua and government. Treaty partnerships in natural resource management provide integrated approaches. These produce holistic and sustainable environmental, social and cultural outcomes that benefit both Auckland the people and Auckland the place.” “Almost 50 per cent of Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau are aged under 25 years. Education and training must develop to meet the learning needs and aspirations of rangitahi in an ever-evolving education system and job market. Education and training models that enable new thinking and approaches to unlock rangitahi talent will be valuable. Alongside this current formal education system needs to improve the culturally appropriate learning environment. Fostering Māori models of learning will provide opportunities to build rangatahi capability and to staircase them into career pathways they value.”	The trust’s planned activities of marine protection are proposed to have a positive effect on climate change. The customary interests of Ngāti Manuhiri (the trust) in the rohe are recognised in Treaty Settlement commitments. The trust’s proposed activities encompassing holistic, sustainable, environmental, social and cultural practices align with the Auckland Plan 2050 outcomes. The building would provide an integral space for an educational facility for rangatahi (youth) to learn about the marine environment. The unique location of the building would afford the trust with the opportunity to provide educational opportunities for rangatahi to reconnect with te Taiao (earth, nature, environment).
Kia ora Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council’s Māori outcomes performance measurement framework), specifically Kia ora te Taiao – kaitiakitanga	Mana outcome statement: “Mana whenua actively exercise kaitiakitanga in Tāmaki Makarau. Kaitiaki provide an aligned approach to remediate, protect and enhance the mauri of these treasured environments for present and future generations.” Mahi objective: “Māori exercise tino rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga through te Tiriti based relationships with the council group, to enhance the mauri of te taiao.” Measures: “Auckland Council group investment into activities that contribute to Māori environmental outcomes.” “Number of initiatives with Māori which protect and improve the environment, improve water quality and reduce pollution.”	The trust’s proposed activities align with the council’s Māori outcomes performance measurement framework in terms of exercising kaitiakitanga in Tāmaki Makaurau to enhance the mauri (life force) of te taiao (earth, nature, environment).

51. The trust’s vision also aligns with the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 Outcome Two: Our land, waterways and coasts are cared for and protected.

52. The Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 also acknowledges “Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara as mana whenua of the rohe and commits to foster an environment that allows for meaningful engagement, understanding their properties and nurturing enduring relationships.”

Council’s application of section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987

53. Sandspit Reserve is subject to the requirements of the Reserves Act 1977. The Reserves Act 1977 is listed in the First Schedule of the Conservation Act 1987, making it a piece of legislation to which the Conservation Act applies. Section 4 of the Conservation Act contains an obligation to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. As a consequence, in performing functions and duties under the Reserves Act such as granting a recreation reserve lease, the local board must interpret the Reserves Act to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti/the Treaty.

54. The principles of the Treaty likely to be most relevant in making a decision on the lease are:

· Partnership – mutual good faith and reasonableness

· Informed decision making – being well-informed of the mana whenua interests and views

· Active protection - this involves the active protection of Māori interests retained under te Tiriti/the Treaty. It includes the promise to protect rangatiratanga and taonga. Active protection requires informed decision-making and judgement as to what is reasonable in the circumstances.

55. Treaty obligations are overarching and not something to be considered or applied after all other matters are considered.

56. The Supreme Court^{^[1]} as recently stated that this requires more than mere consultation with mana whenua, undertaken simply as a matter of procedure. The Court stated that in the context of applications for activities, achieving substantive outcomes for iwi or hapū may require that applications by other parties must be declined; that one way to give practical effect to the Treaty principles is to enable iwi or hapū to reconnect to their ancestral lands by taking up opportunities on reserve land.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

57. Asset improvements and maintenance undertaken by the council will strive for maximum re-use and recycling of existing material. This will be in alignment with the waste management hierarchy (prevention, reduction, recycle) to ensure minimum impact on greenhouse gas emission.

58. To improve environmental outcomes and mitigate climate change impacts, the council advocates that the lease holder:

· use sustainable waste, energy and water efficiency systems

· use eco labelled products and services

· seek opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from lease-related activities.

59. All measures taken are aimed at meeting council’s climate goals, as set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which are:

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

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

60. Climate change has a likely potential to impact the lease, as the leased area is located in a coastal inundation zone. Specifically, a 100-year average return interval coastal inundation meaning that the level of flooding predicted in the 1-in-100-year coastal storm inundation
(Attachment E of the agenda report – GIS aerial view from Auckland Council’s Hazard Viewer). Such an event has a one per cent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. In preparedness for such scenarios, lessees are advised to subscribe to emergency alerts and to be ready by making an evacuation plan.

61. The trust plans to operate the building as a marine hub for the purposes of maritime safety, protection, education and enhancement. These activities with the involvement of mana whenua, with te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori, focus on positive climate outcomes.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

62. Council staff from within the Community Directorate have been consulted. They are supportive of the proposed lease to the trust as it will enable it to effect positive outcomes in terms of the proposed marine hub for the purposes of maritime safety, protection, education and enhancement.

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

Local impacts and local board views

63. The activities proposed to be delivered by the trust align with the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 outcome and objective as detailed in the table below:

Outcome	Objective
Outcome Two:	Our land, waterways and coasts are cared for and protected.
The Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 also acknowledges “Te Uri o Hau, Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara as mana whenua of the rohe and commits to foster an environment that allows for meaningful engagement, understanding their properties and nurturing enduring relationships” and ‘we acknowledge the critical importance of the environment to mana whenua and their role as kaitiaki (guardianship) of Rodney’s natural resources. We will work together with and support mana whenua, mataawaka and community groups to protect, enhance and restore biodiversity in Rodney and achieve our mutual environmental aspirations for current and future generations”.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

64. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its statutory obligations and relationship commitments to Māori. The council recognises these responsibilities are distinct from the Crown’s Treaty obligations and fall within a local government Tāmaki Makaurau context.

65. These commitments are articulated in the council’s key strategic planning documents the Auckland Plan, the Long-term Plan 2024-2034, the Unitary Plan (operative in part), individual local board plans and in Whiria Te Muka Tangata, Auckland Council’s Māori Responsiveness Framework.

66. The Reserves Act 1977 is stated in the First Schedule to the Conservation Act 1987. Section 4 of the Conservation Act contains an obligation to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. As a consequence, in performing functions and duties under the Reserves Act such as granting a recreation reserve lease, the local board must interpret the Reserves Act 1977 to give effect to the principles of te Tiriti/the Treaty.

67. The principles of the Treaty likely to be most relevant in making a decision on the lease are:

· partnership – mutual good faith and reasonableness

· informed decision making – being well-informed of the mana whenua interests and views

· active protection – this involves the active protection of Māori interests retained under te Tiriti/the Treaty. It includes the promise to protect rangatiratanga and taonga. Active protection requires informed decision-making and judgement as to what is reasonable in the circumstances.

68. On 31 May 2024, staff emailed mana whenua representatives identified as having an interest in land in the Rodney Local Board geographical rohe (area) about the lease proposal.

69. With regard to feedback from mana whenua about the proposal, staff received an email from the Pou Tiaki on behalf of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust. The feedback provided was as follows:

· “we strongly support Ngāti Manuhiri to enter into a lease here as this is their heartland

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

70. The Parks and Community Facilities department have met the costs involved in the public notification and the hearing processes.

71. Costs involved with the refurbishment of the building are budgeted for as part of local board’s 2023/2024 Customer and Community Services work programme. Responsibility for ongoing maintenance of the building and associated outdoor area will be undertaken by the new lessee in accordance with the specific terms and conditions of the lease agreement.

72. On the grant of the proposed lease for the building and in accordance with staff recommendations in alignment with the updated Community Occupancy Guidelines, the local board would receive the rent in the amount of $1,300.00 plus GST per annum and the subsidised maintenance fee in the amount of $5,000.00 plus GST per annum.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

73. The issue of a lease to the trust under the Reserves Act 1977 is contingent upon satisfying the respective requirements of the Act and section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987, which requires giving effect to the principles of the te Tiriti/the Treaty. One way to give practical effect is to enable iwi or hapū to reconnect to their ancestral lands by taking up opportunities on reserve land. This requirement may be satisfied by progressing a proposed new lease to the trust.

74. Treaty obligations are overarching and not something to be considered or applied after all other matters are considered.

75. The Supreme Court has recently stated that this requires more than mere consultation with mana whenua, undertaken simply as a matter of procedure. The Court stated that in the context of applications for activities, achieving substantive outcomes for iwi or hapū may require that applications by other parties must be declined; that one way to give practical effect to the Treaty principles is to enable iwi or hapū to reconnect to their ancestral lands by taking up opportunities on reserve land.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

76. If the local board resolves to the grant the trust a lease, staff will work with the trust to finalise the agreements in accordance with the local board decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Panel recommendation (Under Separate Cover)
b	Site Plan (Under Separate Cover)
c	Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust Community Outcomes Plan (Under Separate Cover)
d	Public notice (Under Separate Cover)
e	GIS aerial view from the council's Hazard Viewer (Under Separate Cover)

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Karen Walby - Community Lease Specialist

Authorisers

Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial Business

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Auckland Transport update on the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate – November 2024

File No.: CP2024/17579

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an update on the programme of work being delivered by Auckland Transport using the funding from the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate.

2. To respond to local board resolutions from the 16 October 2024 business meeting, including requests for information on transport targeted rate funded project options based on information provided by members of the Kumeū subdivision (resolution RD/2024/178).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

3. The available capex for the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate in Financial Year 2024-2025 has been reduced from $3.1m to $2.53m. This does not affect opex funding for the 999 Warkworth Loop bus service.

4. Some projects can be completed/continued in Financial Year 2024-2025, including Coatesville-Riverhead Highway footpaths, Jones Road sealing and Green Road Park paths stage 1. The remainder, including the construction of Kaukapakapa Village footpaths, Koraha Road footpath, and the projects resolved on at the 16October 2024 business meeting, should be deferred to Financial Year 2025-2026.

5. Seven new proposed footpaths in the Kumeū subdivision will be investigated by Auckland Transport as capex allows. Additional footpath projects may be added by the local board.

6. Auckland Transport is scoping service changes to the route 999 Warkworth Loop bus service, including later Friday and Saturday running, and a new bus stop near Warkworth Primary School. A south-east route extension is not recommended, as the additional distance would necessitate either a second vehicle or a change to the 30-minute frequency. Bus stops changes near Warkworth RSA and on Alnwick Street would require removal of on-street parking and/or landscaping and may be investigated further should the local board wish.

7. Auckland Transport is investigating options for the approved budget of $333,000 from the Wellsford subdivision of the transport targeted rate towards the replacement of a portion of the Rodney Street, Wellsford pavers and will report back to the local board at a future workshop.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note the status and progress on the programme of work being delivered by Auckland Transport using the funding from the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate

b) provide feedback on the following:

i) proposed rescheduling of projects to Financial Year 2025-2026

ii) seven new proposed projects for the Tranche 4 Kumeū footpaths

iii) proposed changes to the route 999 Warkworth Loop bus service.

Horopaki

Context

8. In May 2018, the local board recommended that the Governing Body approve a targeted rate to accelerate investment in transport in the Rodney Local Board area (resolution RD/2018/61). The recommendation was accepted, and the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate is currently scheduled to run for 10 years (2018-2028).

9. The local board is the decision-maker regarding funds raised through the rate. Auckland Council receives the rates payments, and Auckland Transport provides technical advice and administers the funds on behalf of the local board.

10. On 16 October 2024, Auckland Transport presented an updated financial forecast and an update on active projects. The local board noted the update, and requested Auckland Transport to deliver a prioritised list of projects from the remaining funds (resolution RD/2024/178)

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Funding & Allocations

11. The Regional Land Transport Plan 2024-2034 had allocated $3.1 million in capex funding to the transport targeted rate for Financial Year 2024-2025. This assumed contributions from both the Auckland Council capital plan and the Government’s National Land Transport Fund.

12. The National Land Transport Fund has since been published, allocating Auckland Council approximately $564 million less than requested for the 2024-2027 period, including no contribution to the transport targeted rate.

13. In October 2024, Auckland Council approved the full local share of $2.2 billion for transport, as per the Auckland Council Long-term Plan 2024-2034.

14. As a result of the reduced National Land Transport Fund, the annual capex allowance for transport targeted rate has been reduced, with Financial Year 2024-2025 now at $2.53 million.

15. Financial Year (end 30 June)	16. RLTP 2024-2034	17. AT Capital Plan, updated October 2024
18. FY25	19. $3.1m	20. $2.53m
21. FY26	22. $8.5m	23. $6.9m
24. FY27	25. $2.2m	26. $1.8m
27. FY28	28. $0.6m	29. Unspecified

Figure 1: Annual Capital Allowance for Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate

30. This reduced funding will have a direct impact on the capex projects that may be delivered in Financial Years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.

31. Auckland Transport recommends the investigation and/or construction of some projects are deferred to Financial Year 2025-2026 to meet these capex constraints (per Figure 2). This should reduce the Financial Year 2024-2025 forecast spend to approx. $2.58m, noting that this may require a small increase to the capex allowance.

32. These changes are not expected to impact opex projects. The opex projects currently approved are:

a) The service funding for 999 Warkworth Loop bus service of $373,000 per annum, plus approximately $20,000 per annum for late Friday and Saturday running.

b) Investigation into extending the service to the south-east (John Andrew Drive, McKinney Road and past the Grange); cost to be confirmed.

Project	Status	Recommendation	Forecast capex
			FY25		FY26		FY27 & FY28
Footpaths completed in last 12 months	Complete / monitoring	Continue monitoring for 12 months after completion	$1.40m ^{^[2]}		-		-
Original bus stops for route 999	Complete	n/a	$0.07m
Sussex Terrace footpath	Design ongoing; may not require TTR funding	Construction FY25	- ^{^[3]}		-		-
Coatesville-Riverhead Hwy footpaths	Design ongoing	Complete design & construct FY25	$0.34m		-		-
Jones Road sealing	Construction planned Nov 2024	Construction FY25	$0.35m		-		-
Kaukapakapa village footpaths	Design almost complete	Construction FY26	$0.12m		$2.40m
Koraha Road, Kumeū footpath	Design complete	Construction FY26	$0.30m		$1.04m
Green Road Park paths (Stages 1 & 2 ^{^[4]})	S1: Construction start planned in near future S2: New instruction Oct 2024	S1: Construction FY25 S2: Investigation & construction FY26	- ^{^[5]}		$0.91m		-
Rodney Street clay pavers replacement	Investigation underway	Investigation FY25 Construction FY26	Minor		$0.33m		-
Changes to bus stops for route 999	New instruction Oct 2024	Investigation FY26	-		TBC		-
Tranche 4 Kumeū footpaths^{^[6]}	New instruction Oct 2024	Investigation FY26	-		$2.00m		$3.28m
Campbell Reserve, Glenmore Drive carpark	New instruction Oct 2024	Investigation FY26	-		TBC		TBC
Riverhead Road footpaths	On hold pending intersection design review	Remain on hold	-		-		-
Total				$2.58m		$6.68m + TBC	$3.28m + TBC

Figure 2: Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate capex projects for Financial Year 2024/2025 and beyond

Kumeū Additions to Footpath Programme

33. At the 16 October 2024 business meeting, the local board proposed the delivery of seven footpath projects in the Kumeū subdivision and requested that Auckland Transport report to the 20 November 2024 business meeting on transport targeted rate funded project options based on information provided by members of the Kumeū subdivision (resolution RD/2024/178).

34. The local board has advised it may wish to add projects to this list in due course.

35. These proposed projects are collectively referred to as “Tranche 4 Kumeū footpaths”.

Location	Length (m)	Estimated budget (updated 2024)	Comments
154-163 Raitawhiri Rd (northern), Helensville	130	$325,000	Would allow walking to the entry of Rautawhiri Park. Currently the footpath falls 130m short of the entry.
57 Raitawhiri Rd - 1 Mahi Rd (southern), Helensville	363	$910,000	Connects current footpath network to the new Parkview development. Students would be able to walk from the new development to the college.
Taupaki School, Cottle Rd (western), Taupaki	130	$325,000	No footpath on either side. Would extend the footpath to Waitakere Road.
Nobilo Rd - Station Rd (northern), Kumeu	105	$265,000	Both ends of footpath are connected to existing.
Waioneke School, 1981 South Head Rd (southern), South Head	25	$100.000	No links for the footpath; new footpath only at school frontage.
York Tce & Elliot St (western), Riverhead	160	$550,000	New footpath constructed in York Terrace / Elliot Street; missing link between Queens Street and York Terrace of about 110-120m.
Kahikatea Flat Rd - 22 Waitoki Road (northern), Waitoki	100	$250k	Connecting residents to village centre.

Figure 3: Desktop cost estimates of Tranche 4 Kumeū footpaths projects

Footpath project updates

Coatesville-Riverhead Highway

36. Auckland Transport has been progressing with the detailed design of a flat signalised crossing.

37. Both the Coatesville Residents and Ratepayers Association and the local Member of Parliament, Hon Mark Mitchell, have indicated they support the pedestrian crossing to be raised and not signalised.

Wellsford Clay Pavers

38. Auckland Transport is investigating options for the approved budget of $333,000 towards the replacement of a portion of the pavers and will report back to a future workshop.

Changes to the route 999 Warkworth loop bus

Friday/Saturday late running

39. In October 2024, the local board requested Auckland Transport to extend the 999 Warkworth Loop bus service to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays at an estimated cost of $20,000.

40. The operational change and cost is being reviewed with the operator, and the local board will be informed prior to being confirmed.

Route extension to south-east

41. At the same meeting, Auckland Transport was asked to investigate extending the route to add John Andrew Drive, McKinney Road and past The Grange to Woodcocks Road, and including up to three associated stops. This would extend the route from approximately 8km to 10km.

42. The existing route can operate with a single vehicle on a 30-minute timetable, which allows it to connect with other buses in Warkworth.

43. The extended route was discussed in the investigation phase, however it was excluded due to the operational changes required to make it feasible. The longer route would require either a second vehicle at significant additional cost, or a change to the timetable which would reduce the useability and alignment with other services.

44. Auckland Transport recommends this is not pursued further at this time.

Bus stop changes

45. Auckland Transport was asked to investigate changes to three bus stops on the existing route.

46. Opposite Shoesmith Reserve close to Warkworth Primary School – Auckland Transport is already investigating relocating the current Hill Street bus stop at 62 Hill Street, to a bus stop near 40-42 Hill Street which will service the area to the west of Shoesmith Reserve and Warkworth Primary School. This will be at no cost to the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate.

Figure 4: Proposed Bus Stop near 40-42 Hill Street

32. Warkworth RSA – A stop at this location was investigated during the planning of the route, however was discounted as it would necessitate the removal of on-street parking and/or loading zone. However, Auckland Transport can investigate further on the instruction of the local board. It is strongly recommended that a public engagement/consultation process is undertaken as part of the process.

Figure 5: Warkworth RSA bus stop options

33. Medical centre on Alnwick Street – When the bus turns left from Percy Street into Alnwick Street, the bus is incapable of docking flush with the kerb. This does not meet a minimum design standard and could result in trips or falls from our more vulnerable customers. Moving the bus stop further east would require changes to either the existing gardens or removal of on-street parking with addition of footpaths. Auckland Transport can investigate further on the instruction of the local board.

Figure 6: Alnwick Street bus stop options

34. Mansel Drive bus shelter - Additionally, following a request for a bus shelter at the existing bus stop outside Summerset Falls Retirement Village at 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth, Auckland Transport has completed a design and commenced external consultation with affected residents. This bus shelter will be erected at no cost to the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate.

Figure 7: Mansel Drive bus shelter

Other projects

35. Auckland Transport will report back to a future workshop or business meeting on the upgrade of the existing pedestrian refuge outside 349 Mahurangi Road to a zebra crossing, when it has completed investigations.

36. Auckland Transport has referred the request to construct a gravel carpark in the Campbell Reserve, Glenmore Drive to Auckland Council Parks and Community Facilities as this is a recreation reserve. Once advice has been received whether it is possible to do so, Auckland Transport will investigate the cost of constructing the gravel carpark and report back to the local board.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

37. The Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate supports the outcomes sought by the Auckland Plan 2050, the Auckland Climate Action Plan, the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023 and Auckland Council priorities regarding mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing the council’s carbon emissions. The transport targeted rate funds projects that enable better access to active and public transport, namely footpaths, bus services, bus infrastructure and community transport hub facilities.

38. Auckland Transport strives to provide attractive alternatives to private vehicle travel, reduce the carbon footprint of its own operations and, to the extent feasible, that of the contracted public transport network. Many of these projects support pedestrian and/or cyclist safety, therefore contributing to climate change actions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

39. The appropriate council group inputs were sought by Auckland Transport in the formulation of this update report.

40. Auckland Transport receives updates from Auckland Council regarding the latest transport targeted rate revenue figures.

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

Local impacts and local board views

41. The local board is the decision-maker for funds collected through the transport targeted rate. Auckland Council receives the rates payments, and Auckland Transport provides technical advice and administers the funds on behalf of the local board.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

42. This report has no identified impacts or opportunities for Māori. Engagement with Māori, giving consideration of impacts and opportunities for Māori has been progressed through Auckland Transport’s Mana Whenua Northern Hui.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

43. This report highlights the allocation of funds across current and future financial years. The 10-year financial position of Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate should not be affected.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

44. Any increases in the cost estimate in any projects agreed by the local board will need formal approval via resolution at a business meeting.

45. The projects being developed under the Rodney Local Board Transport Targeted Rate programme are subject to the usual project risks including scope changes and cost escalation associated with the development of detailed design plans. To mitigate this risk Auckland Transport will monitor, manage and report significant potential risks and seek approval from the local board on changes.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

46. Auckland Transport will continue working on the programme elements previously resolved by the local board, incorporating any new direction received.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Graeme Gunthorp – Programme Director, Auckland Transport

Authorisers

Beth Houlbrook – Elected Member Relationship Partner (North)

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Approval for new private road names at 223 Falls Road, Warkworth

File No.: CP2024/16994

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval to name two private roads, being commonly owned access lots, created by way of a subdivision development at 223 Falls Road, Warkworth.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

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

3. The developer and applicant, Turnstone Limited has proposed the names presented below for consideration by the local board.

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

5. The proposed names for the private roads at 223 Falls Road, Warkworth are:

Road Number

Applicant’s Preference

Alternatives

Road 1

Rockford Place

Stillmont Place

Browns Mill Place

Road 2

Goldfinch Lane

Ridgemont Place

Browns Mill Lane

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the following names for two private roads created by way of subdivision undertaken by Turnstone Limited at 223 Falls Road, Warkworth, in accordance with section 319(1)(j) of the Local Government Act 1974 (road naming reference RDN90117542).

i) Rockford Place (Road 1)

ii) Goldfinch Lane (Road 2).

Horopaki

Context

6. Resource consent reference BUN60339957 (Subdivision Consent reference: SUB60339965) was issued on 30 October 2021 for a subdivision development consisting of 41 residential lots, an esplanade reserve, and a number of commonly owned access lots.

7. Site and location plans of the development can be found in Attachments A and B to the agenda report.

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

9. Within this development Lots 100, 101, and 201 will need to be named. Lots 101 and 201 are treated as one road and will have the same name. The other commonly owned access lots do not need to be named. The roads that require names are highlighted in blue in Attachment B.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

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

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

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

· a particular landscape, environmental or biodiversity theme or feature

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

12. Theme: The proposed names either reflect the history of the area or the landscape/ environmental features in the area

Road Number	Proposed name	Meaning (as described by applicant)
Road 1	Rockford Place (applicant’s preference)	The choice of ’Rockford Place’ was inspired by the fjord at the bottom of Falls Road. In essence, while ’Rockford Place’ doesn’t directly mean fjord, it was chosen as fjords are usually characterised by their rocky terrain which metaphorically evokes a sense of stability, natural charm, and enduring beauty. Whilst 'Place' conveys a welcoming and cohesive neighbourhood atmosphere. This name was selected to resonate positively with residents and the beauty on their doorstep.
	Stillmont Place (alternative)	The name ’Stillmont Place’ emphasises the tranquil and desirable qualities of the neighbourhood and to align with the surrounding area’s natural features. Whilst 'Place' conveys a welcoming and cohesive neighbourhood atmosphere.
	Browns Mill Place (alternative)	‘Browns Mill Place’ is taken from the historical use of the name in Warkworth from over 100 years ago, and it serves to honour the town's historical roots. The name reinforces a sense of community identity and provides educational value for the public by prompting curiosity and interest in the history of Warkworth. Whilst 'Place' conveys a welcoming and cohesive neighbourhood atmosphere.
Road 2	Goldfinch Lane (applicant’s preference)	This specific road name was chosen to reflect the biodiversity of the area as goldfinches were spotted in the surrounding native trees. This celebrates the local biodiversity the area has to offer, evoking a sense of natural beauty and biodiversity which creates a distinctive neighbourhood identity. This in turn enhances the neighbourhood’s appeal and residents’ pride in their community.
	Ridgemont Place (alternative)	’Ridgemont Place’ is proposed as the residence is situated near a ridge, which offers scenic views and an elevated position. This choice once again reflects the geographical features of the area, offering its residents a sense of the natural beauty and topography of the location. Whilst 'Place' conveys a welcoming and cohesive neighbourhood atmosphere.
	Browns Mill Lane (alternative)	‘Browns Mill Lane’ is derived from the history of the name in Warkworth from over 100 years ago, it honours the town's historical roots. The name reinforces a sense of community identity and provides educational value for the public by prompting curiosity and interest in the history of Warkworth.

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

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

15. Road Type ‘Place’ and ‘Lane’ are acceptable road types for the new roads, suiting the form and layout of the commonly owned access lots.

16. Consultation: Community groups and mana whenua were consulted in line with the processes and requirements described in the guidelines. Additional commentary is provided in the Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori section that follows.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

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

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

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

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

Local impacts and local board views

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

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

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

21. On 22 May 2024, the applicant contacted Ngāti Manuhiri for feedback and suggestions. Ngāti Manuhiri indicated that they do not support the proposed names due to the fact that the names celebrate a period of time where it is claimed a European, John Anderson Brown, took advantage of Ngāti Manuhiri.

22. On 07 August 2024, mana whenua were contacted by council on behalf of the applicant, through the Resource Consent department’s central facilitation process, as set out in the Guidelines. Representatives of the following groups with an interest in the general area were contacted:

· Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua

· Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara

· Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

· Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki

· Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust

· Te Kawerau ā Maki

· Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua

· Ngāti Maru

· Ngāti Whanaunga

· Ngāti Manuhiri

· Ngāti Wai

23. By the close of the consultation period (10 working days), a response had been received from Ngāti Manuhiri indicating that they oppose the names proposed. The applicant has been encouraged to consult further with Ngāti Manuhiri. However, they are of the opinion that sufficient consultation has been carried out with Ngāti Manuhiri. The applicant has advised that there is now a degree of urgency to have the roads named because the subdivision is near completion.

24. The applicant has since provided additional information regarding consultation to date. A copy of this information can be found in Attachment C to the agenda report. In summary, the applicant has an extensive history of working closely with Ngāti Manuhiri across their development sites in the area. Taking into account Ngāti Manuhiri’s comments regarding John Anderson Brown, the applicant has decided to not propose the name ‘Browns Mill’ as the preferred name for the new roads, as the name may offend Ngāti Manuhiri. This aligns with the staff recommendation in September 2024 when the application was previously presented to the local board.

25. Overall, for this reason, it is considered that this application meets the mana whenua engagement outcomes as indicated in the guidelines.

26. This site is not listed as a site of significance to mana whenua.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

27. The road naming process does not raise any financial implications for the council.

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

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

29. There are no significant risks to council as road naming is a routine part of the subdivision development process with consultation being a key part of the process.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

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

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Report Attachment A Site Plan	73
b ⇩	Report Attachment B Location Map	75
c ⇩	Report Attachment C - Summary of Applicant's Mana Whenua Consultation	77

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Amy Cao - Subdivision Advisor

Authorisers

Trevor Cullen - Team Leader Subdivision

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Huapai Recreation Reserve – approval of the concept design for stage one of the implementation plan and carpark works

File No.: CP2024/17114

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval of the concept design for stage 1 of the implementation plan which includes the full carpark works package for the Huapai Recreation Reserve located on Tapu Road, Huapai and to progress the carpark works to construction stages.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The site development plan, including the renewal and redevelopment of the play network at Huapai Recreation Reserve, was identified via strategic assessment. The local board requested that staff look at the possibility of a destination playground and wheel play facility at the time of renewal to amalgamate the existing playgrounds into a more centralised location.

3. The local board has allocated $5,121,754 of ABS: Renewals, Locally Driven Initiatives capex and Growth funding towards the play network redevelopment and the implementation plan works. The Huapai Recreation Reserve – development of full site plan including the redevelopment of play network (ID28196) has been approved as part of the Rodney Local Board Customer and Community Services 2024 - 2027 capital work programme 2024 - 2027 (RD/2024/83).

4. The project supports the Rodney Local Board Plan 2023:

· Outcome 4: Our places, growth and development are supported by first class infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of our growing communities and support sustainability outcomes.

5. Consultation with the local community via AK Have Your Say’ was undertaken from November 2023 and January 2024, including a drop-in session at the Huapai Reserve food truck festival on the 20 January 2024 and direct engagement with sports club representatives.

6. Consultation with Ngāti Whatua o Kaipara has been ongoing throughout the progression of the project and feedback will continue to be incorporated into the site development plan for the reserve.

7. The site development plan, play network redevelopment and the implementation plan was endorsed by the local board at the 17 July 2024 business meeting (resolution RD/2024/105).

8. The first stage of the implementation plan focuses on delivering the carpark works that will deliver:

· a main entry and new carpark off Van Rixel Drive, including associated lighting, signage, footpath, bollards, furniture, drainage and planting

· the installation of a new small carpark at 46 Tapu Road, including footpath, furniture, drainage, signage and planting.

9. To deliver the first stage of the implementation plan the total estimate cost for the physical works is $1,510,802.

10. Subject to local board approval of the concept design for stage 1 of the implementation plan, staff will progress the project to detailed design and consenting with construction planned to commence in early 2025.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the concept design for stage one of the implementation plan for the redevelopment of Huapai Recreation Reserve located at Tapu Road Huapai which includes the carpark works package, as per attachment A of this agenda report, and request staff to progress the project to construction stages.

Horopaki

Context

11. The Huapai Recreation Reserve is located on Tapu Road, Huapai.

Figure 1: Location plan of Huapai Recreation Reserve

12. As a part of the Rodney Local Board 2024 - 2027 Customer and Community Services three-year capital works programme, the local board approved a project to create a site development plan for the reserve that included the redevelopment of the existing play networks. The budget sources for this project being made up of ABS: Renewals, Local-driven initiatives (LDI) capex and Growth funding.

13. The site development plan, redevelopment of the play network and the implementation plan has been prepared to provide a high-level layout for the reserve and outline an approach on the best way to stage each portion of the works.

14. The elements presented in the implementation plan showed a series of separate projects and how they should be delivered. The works were grouped and prioritised into different stages in consultation with council specialist staff and are detailed below. The implementation plan was endorsed by the local board at its 17 July 2024 business meeting (resolution RD/2024/105).

15. Stage one - carparking works will deliver:

· a main entry and new carpark off Van Rixel Drive, including associated lighting, signage, footpath, bollards, furniture, drainage and planting

· the installation of a new small carpark at 46 Tapu Road, including footpath, furniture, rainage, signage and planting.

Link to strategic documents

Strategic document	Outcome
Rodney Local Board Plan 2023	Outcome 4: Our places, growth and development are supported by first class infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of our growing communities and support sustainability outcomes
Rodney Play Provision Assessment undertaken in 2018	Identified Huapai Recreation Reserve as being the preferred site location for a destination playground.
Auckland Unitary Plan	Future Growth Zone
Northwest Strategic – Rapid transit corridor	A Notice of Requirement has been lodged which overlays Huapai Recreation Reserve and will have implications for the park

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

16. The site development plan, redevelopment of play network and the implementation plan was endorsed by the local board via a business meeting on 17 July 2024.

17. An assessment of design considerations which includes constraints, risks and benefits for the stage one carpark works have been highlighted in the table below:

Table 1: Carpark works design considerations.

Carpark works	Design considerations
Carpark	Two new carparks to be established at 46 Tapu Road and Van Rixel Drive due to the carparks by the netball courts being reduced to allow for the development of a destination play facility. Van Rixel Drive carpark to be asphalt and to consist of 63 carparks, including two accessible parks. Tapu Road carpark to be asphalt and to consist of 15 carparks, including one accessible park.
Lighting	Four lights will be installed within the Van Rixel Drive carpark.
Stormwater	Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) requires stormwater treatment for both carparks, as the site is a Stormwater Management 1 area. Stormwater Management 1 areas generally have low levels of existing development with streams that have high natural values and are sensitive to increased stormwater flows. For the Van Rixel Drive carpark, stormwater is proposed to be managed and detained by a heavily planted and constructed wetland for the stormwater management area. For the Tapu Road carpark, stormwater management proposal is a dry detention basin to detain the stormwater management area.
Planting	Planting is proposed in the stormwater management areas, amenity planting surrounding the carparks, and steep slopes along the eastern boundary. All proposed planting is as per the development plan, and will encourage natural diversity, reduce mowing of steep slopes, and increase the value of this green space. Planting that is proposed will be 97 per cent native across the two carpark sites (excluding a few deciduous specimen trees included in the Tapu Road eastern bank planting). There will be a mixture of low <0.4m high planting for carpark overhangs, <0.8m high planting for carpark amenity, and batter slope planting which will tie in with the proposed earthworks and stormwater pond. A smaller selection of native wetland species will be selected for proposed raingardens and pond edges. Specimen trees will be used to accent the carpark edges and provide visual amenity.
Pathway	The existing pathway has been removed and replaced with a new footpath that ties into the proposed carpark. The existing footpath is within the area proposed for the relocation of the designated training area (DTA). Moving this footpath as part of the carpark works ensures there is seamless connection between the carpark and the path network and works are undertaken while civil contractors are on site. A concrete pathway is proposed to continue from the existing path along Van Rixel Drive, to ensure that there is a seamless connection from the road into the reserve for pedestrians. A concrete pathway is proposed to connect Tapu Road and the new carpark into the reserve.
Signage	A blade entrance sign is proposed at both carparks. There is currently no park signage at either of these entrances to the park, signage creates a sense of arrival and aides with wayfinding.

Consultation / Engagement

18. The site development plan, redevelopment of play network and the implementation plan was endorsed by the local board at its 17 July 2024 business meeting (resolution RD/2024/105).

19. Consultation with the local community via AK Have Your Say’ was undertaken from November 2023 and January 2024 including a drop-n session at the Huapai Reserve food truck festival on the 20 January 2024. Staff then closed the loop on this consultation via direct email to those who submitted feedback via ‘AK Have your Say’ in August 2024.

20. Direct engagement with parks club representatives has been undertaken, providing an update on the endorsement of the site development plan and the first stage of works which consists of the carpark works package.

21. Consultation has been undertaken with Auckland Transport regarding the pathway connection from Van Rixel Drive into the reserve. The final design will be confirmed via a pre-application meeting with the Auckland Council project team, the resource consent team and Auckland Transport.

Mana whenua engagement

22. Direct consultation with Ngāti Whatua o Kaipara has been ongoing throughout the progression of the project. The site development plan will be in draft format and will be subject to amendment to incorporate feedback from Ngāti Whatua o Kaipara as our conversations continue. These conversations will focus on the history of the reserve, the wider Auckland context and the values and objectives for Huapai Reserve.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

23. The council’s climate goals as set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan are:

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

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

24. It is anticipated that there will be an increase in carbon emissions from construction, including contractor emissions. Staff will seek to minimise carbon and contractor emissions as much as possible when delivering the project.

25. Maximising the upcycling and recycling of existing material, aligned with the waste management hierarchy (prevention, reduction, recycle), will also be prioritised to ensure minimum impact.

26. Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions will be achieved through sourcing of low-carbon material options (including sourcing materials locally) and the use of products with environmental declarations for embodied carbon reductions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

27. Council staff from within the Customer and Community Services (Parks and Community Facilities operational management and maintenance and Active Communities), Auckland Transport and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi have been consulted. This engagement will be ongoing throughout the project.

28. Collaboration with staff will be ongoing to ensure that the development of the play network is integrated appropriately into the operational maintenance and asset management systems once completed.

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

Local impacts and local board views

29. The site development plan will provide a 20-year vision for the park. The redevelopment of the play network into a destination playground will provide improved play value, user experience and park amenity for the local community.

30. The site development plan will help facilitate conversation between Auckland Council and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi around the Notice of Requirement and ensure that any future developments of the reserve is captured.

31. The project aligns and supports the following Rodney Local Board strategic documents:

· Rodney Local Board Plan 2023: Outcome 4: Our places, growth and development are supported by first class infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of our growing communities and support sustainability outcomes.

· Rodney Play Provision Assessment undertaken in 2018: Identified Huapai Recreation Reserve as being the preferred site location for a destination playground.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

32. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its statutory obligations and relationship commitments to Māori. These commitments are articulated in the council’s key strategic planning documents, the Auckland Plan, the Long-term Plan, the Unitary Plan (operative in part), Whiria Te Muka Tangata Māori Responsiveness Framework and local board plans.

33. The redevelopment discussed in this report will benefit Māori and the wider community through creating objectives that will guide all future development on the park.

34. Direct consultation with Ngāti Whatua o Kaipara will be ongoing throughout the progression of the project.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

35. Identified in the 2024-2027 Customer and Community Services Capital Work Programme, the total budget allocation for the life of this project is $5,121,754 and is detailed below.

Table 2 and 3: Huapai Recreation Reserve site development plan budget allocations.

Budget source	Financial Years	Total ($)
ABS: Renewals	2023/2024 and 2027/2028	$1,349275
Locally-driven initiatives (LDI) - capex	2024/2025	$665,902
Growth	2025/2026 and 2026/2027	$3,000,000
Total allocated budget		$5,121,754

2023/2024 + prior financial years Actuals	2024/2025	2025/2026	2026/2027	2027/2028	Total Cost
$ 91,262	$665,902	$1,106,575	$2,000,000	$1,258,013	$5,121,754

36. The current 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 work programme has a total funding allocation of $1,772,477.

37. To deliver stage one of the implementation plan, the carpark physical works package, the total cost estimate for the physical works will be approximately $1,714,410, as outlined in attachment A of the agenda report.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

38. The following risks and mitigations have been considered:

Table 4: Risks and mitigations for the site development plan, redevelopment of the play network and implementation plan:

Risks identified	Mitigation
Timeline
Consents	The carpark works package will be submitted for consent at the end of October 2024, should the local board endorse the concept design via the October Business Meeting. Staff will ensure all appropriate information is submitted when applying for consent to mitigate any delays in the consents being granted
Budget
Carpark	Staff have prepared a high-level cost estimate for the carpark works package. They have undertaken a topographical survey and geotechnical testing to help inform this cost estimate to provide as accurate pricing as possible based on the concept design package.
Play and Skate	As the project progresses, the budget requirements to deliver the skate and play networks will be refined. True costs for the physical works will become apparent once the concept design has been completed in 2025. Staff will ensure that if further funding is required, consultation for this will be undertaken via a workshop with the local board

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

39. Table five below summarises the anticipated next steps and estimated delivery timeframes for the carpark works package. The estimated timeframes assume successful and timely completion of each identified project step.

Table 5: Carpark works phasing and timelines

Project phase	Planned completion
Carpark concept design approval Seek approval of the concept design of the stage one carpark physical works package, so consenting and physical works can be progressed	October 2024
Carpark detailed design / consenting Once the concept design is approved by the local board, detailed design and consenting will be completed	October – November 2024
Physical works Commence construction for the stage one carpark works package	February – June 2025

40. Staff will be undertaking the concept design development of the skate and play networks in parallel to the delivery of the stage one carpark package works.

41. Progress updates on the project will be provided to the local board as part of the Parks and Community Facilities quarterly reports.

42. Staff are planning to attend a local board workshop in May/June 2025, to present the concept design for the skate and play network package for feedback.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Attachment A – Stage One - carpark works	91

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Sarah Ross - Senior Project Manager

Authorisers

Eli Nathan - Head of Area Operations

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Local board views on Private Plan Change 103 to rezone land at Silverdale West from Future Urban Zone to Business - Light Industry Zone

File No.: CP2024/16744

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To invite local board views on a private plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan by Fletcher Development Limited and Fulton Hogan Land Development to rezone approximately 107ha of land at Silverdale West from Future Urban Zone to Business - Light Industry Zone and to introduce a new precinct.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

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

3. Fletcher Development Limited and Fulton Hogan Land Development (the requestor) lodged a private plan change to rezone approximately 107ha of land at Silverdale West from Future Urban Zone to Business - Light Industry Zone and to introduce a new precinct.

4. The site is located in Silverdale West between State Highway 1 (SH1) to the east and Dairy Flat Highway to the west. It extends to the south to approximately halfway to Wilks Road.

5. The private plan change request includes a proposed new precinct to align future subdivision and development with the provision of the necessary transport, wastewater and other infrastructure, as well as achieving specified landscape, stormwater management and ecological outcomes. The proposed new precinct includes staging provisions and triggers to align development with the provision of infrastructure. If specified infrastructure upgrades are not in place, then development is limited to specified thresholds.

6. There were 20 submitters who made 124 submission points. There were submissions from six submitters. The submissions seek a range of outcomes. Some seek that the plan change be approved, and others seek that it is declined or if not amended. There are many submission points seeking detailed changes to the proposed precinct rules.

7. Overall, the key issue raised in submissions is around the appropriate provision of infrastructure.

8. A local board can present local views and preferences when expressed by the whole local board. This report is the mechanism for the local board to resolve and provide its views on private plan change insert number. Staff do not recommend what view the local board should convey.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakarite / provide local board views on Private Plan Change 103 to rezone approximately 107ha of land at Silverdale West from Future Urban Zone to Business - Light Industry Zone and to introduce a new precinct.

b) kopou / appoint a local board member to speak to the local board views at a hearing on Private Plan Change 103.

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

Horopaki

Context

9. Each local board is responsible for communicating the interests and preferences of people in its area regarding the content of Auckland Council’s strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws. Local boards provide their views on the content of these documents. Decision-makers must consider local boards’ views when deciding the content of these policy documents (ss15-16 Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009).

10. A private plan change request will be included in the Auckland Unitary Plan if it is approved. Local boards must have the opportunity to provide their views on private plan change requests – when an entity other than council proposes a change to the Auckland Unitary Plan.

11. If the local board chooses to provide its views, the planner includes those views in the hearing report. The hearing report will address issues raised in local board views and submissions by themes.

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

13. This report provides an overview of the private plan change, and a summary of the key themes in submissions.

14. The report does not recommend what the local board should convey, if the local board expresses its views on Private Plan Change 103. The planner must include any local board views verbatim in the evaluation of the private plan change. The planner cannot advise the local board as to what its views should be, and then evaluate those views.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

15. Fletcher Development Limited and Fulton Hogan Land Development proposes to rezone approximately 107ha of land at Silverdale West from Future Urban Zone to Business - Light Industry Zone and introduce a new precinct. The subject land is outlined in red on the map below.

Figure 1 Private Plan Change 103 Location

16. The private plan change request includes a proposed new precinct including staging provisions and triggers to align development with the provision of infrastructure. If specified infrastructure upgrades are not in place, then development is limited to specified thresholds. It also seeks to achieve specified landscape, stormwater management and ecological outcomes.

17. The private plan change also includes the following amendments to the Auckland Unitary Plan :

· identifies four trees to be included within Chapter 3 Overlays – D13 Notable Tree Overlay Schedule 10: Notable Trees and on the Planning Maps

· adds an area of native vegetation to the SEA Overlay.

18. A copy of Private Plan Change 103 is included in Attachment A to the agenda report. The supporting plan change documents can be found here:

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/auckland-unitary-plan-modifications/Pages/details.aspx?UnitaryPlanId=268

19. The Planning, Environment and Parks Committee accepted the private plan change under clause 25 Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) on 13 June 2024.

20. Private Plan Change 103 was publicly notified on 12 July 2024 and submissions closed on 9 August 2024. The submissions were notified for further submissions on 13 September 2024 and closed on 27 September 2024.

Submission Themes

21. There were 20 submitters who made 124 submission points. These sought the following:

· four submitters sought that the PC be approved

· six submitters sought that the PC be declined

· four sought that it be declined but if not, it be amended

· six sought amendments.

22. Further submissions in support and opposition to submissions were lodged by six parties. There were 74 points of further submission mainly by Auckland Transport, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Watercare in support of the submissions each other lodged opposing the plan change.

23. The summary of submissions and the submissions themselves can be found at the link above.

24. The submitters included the following:

· landowners within the plan change area

· adjoining landowners

· Auckland Council

· Auckland Transport

· Watercare

· New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

25. The key issues raised include:

· decline as out of sequence with the council’s Future Development Strategy

· ensure funding and financing of infrastructure

· align development with the provision of infrastructure

· restrict development until bulk water and wastewater capacity available

· provide transport upgrades – eg Silverdale interchange, active mode access across interchange and on Dairy Flat Highway

· remove the “additional height area” or make over height buildings a Restricted Discretionary Activity

· require onsite attenuation for 100-year flood

· correctly assess wetlands

· carry out bat and lizard surveys

· delete provisions on ecological offsetting and compensation

· include additional areas, Pine Valley area and a site on the southern edge of the plan change area.

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

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/UnitaryPlanDocuments/pc103-sdr.pdf

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

27. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan sets out Auckland’s climate goals:

· to adapt to the impacts of climate change by planning for the changes we will face (climate adaptation)

· to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 (climate mitigation).

28. The Private Plan Change 103 site is mostly in an area identified by the council for urban development in the future (the Future Urban zone). The stormwater/ flooding assessment includes consideration of climate change.

29. The climate impacts can be considered in the hearing report on the private plan change request. At that time the potential impacts on Auckland’s overall greenhouse gas emissions may be considered (whether it encourages car dependency, enhances connections to public transport, walking and cycling or supports quality compact urban form), and whether the request elevates or alleviates climate risks (such as flooding).

30. Greenhouse gas emissions were raised in the context of ensuring that active transport modes and public transport were provided for. Flooding was also raised by one submitter.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

31. Discussions were held between the applicant and a number of council departments including the former Plans and Places, Healthy Waters, Environmental Services (Ecology) departments. These departments, and the former Parks and Community Facilities, Resilient Land and Coasts (Geotech) and the Development Programme Office, have also considered the requested private plan change and had input into the requests for additional information under clause 23 of Schedule 1 of the RMA.

32. Both Watercare and Auckland Transport lodged submissions to Private Plan Change 103.

33. The key matters raised by Auckland Transport are:

· decline or amend as submitted

· is out of sequence with the council’s Future Development Strategy

· ensure funding and financing of transport infrastructure

· align development with the provision of transport infrastructure

· provide transport upgrades – eg Silverdale interchange, active mode access across interchange and on Dairy Flat Highway.

34. The key matters raised by Watercare are:

· decline the plan change or amend as submitted

· is out of sequence with the council’s Future Development Strategy

· align development with the provision of functioning wastewater and water infrastructure

· restrict development until bulk water and wastewater capacity available

· accepts temporary on-site wastewater treatment and disposal.

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

Local impacts and local board views

35. Private Plan Change 103 relates to the Rodney Local Board area only. This report is the mechanism for obtaining formal local board views. The decision-maker will consider local board views, if provided, when deciding on the private plan change.

36. Private Plan Change 103 seeks to provide for industrial development close to the new Milldale residential area and the existing Silverdale urban area.

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

· interests and preferences of people in local board area

· well-being of communities within the local board area

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

· responsibilities and operation of the local board.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

38. If the local board chooses to provide its views on the plan change it includes the opportunity to comment on matters that may be of interest or importance to Māori People, well-being of Māori communities or Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview).

39. The requestor has consulted with mana whenua and correspondence was sent to the following 12 iwi authorities in late 2022 seeking confirmation as to whether they wanted to attend a hui on a private plan change request relating to Silverdale West:

· Ngāti Maru

· Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei

· Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara

· Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki

· Ngāti Manuhiri

· Ngāti Pāoa

· Ngāti Te Ata

· Ngātiwai

· Ngāti Whanaunga

· Te Ākitai Waiohua

· Te Kawerau ā Maki

· Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua

· Kaipara Moana.

40. Ngāti Maru responded confirming their interest in being involved. The Ngāti Maru representative asked broad questions in regard to John Creek and riparian margins. They also confirmed that no Cultural Values Assessment would be required for the private plan change, and instead agreed an approach to continue engaging directly with the applicant.

41. The requestor notes that a significant amount of iwi engagement was undertaken by Auckland Council in the development of the Silverdale West Dairy Flat Industrial Area Structure Plan. It was informed by contributions from mana whenua, Iwi Management Plans, and a Cultural Values Assessment prepared on behalf of Ngāti Manuhiri.

42. The requestor also notes that publicly available outcomes of that engagement have been reviewed in the development of the private plan change. The requestor indicates that the private plan change precinct provisions seek to provide certainty around water quality and ecological enhancement within the precinct, particularly along Johns Creek and its tributaries, with these features protected by way of proposed open space identified in the precinct plan.

43. No iwi authorities made a submission on Private Plan Change 103.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

44. Costs to the council associated with processing the private plan change request will be recovered from the applicant. Impacts on infrastructure arising from the private plan change request, including any financing and funding issues will be addressed in the hearing report.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

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

· the mechanism for the Rodney Local Board to express its views and preferences

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

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

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

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

48. The reporting planner will include, and report on, any resolution of the local board in the section 42A hearing report. The local board member appointed to speak to the local board’s views will be informed of the hearing date and invited to the hearing of submissions for that purpose.

49. The reporting planner will advise the local board of the decision on the private plan change request by memorandum.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	PC103 Silverdale West Industrial Private Plan Change (Under Separate Cover)

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Dave Paul - Senior Policy Planner

Authorisers

Warren Maclennan - Manager Regional, North, West and Islands Planning

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy – Part 1

File No.: CP2024/17442

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek local board feedback on Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee directed staff to refresh and consolidate five regional strategies, policies and plans that guide Auckland Council‘s planning and investment for open space, sport and recreation.

3. In response, staff have drafted an open space, sport and recreation strategy (see Attachment A to the agenda report) that responds to the challenges and opportunities of a growing and changing Auckland (refer background paper reported to the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee in April 2024).

4. The work has been guided by the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group, an advisory and Māori rōpū and key council kaimahi, as well as targeted engagement with partners and key stakeholders. Two local board members are on the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group. Local boards members have also been involved through briefings and workshops.

5. The draft strategy aims to provide open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities to benefit all Aucklanders now and in the future to improve the health of Tāmaki Makaurau. It provides a refreshed and simplified approach to planning and investment and sets five strategic directions and four investment principles.

6. The draft strategy also contains three supporting policies that set expectations for delivery. They are presented in a separate report on this agenda for ease of understanding and to avoid lengthy reports. This enables local boards to tailor their feedback to the different components of the draft strategy.

7. The draft strategy reduces duplication and complexity and reflects the key challenges and opportunities Auckland currently faces, taking a holistic view to better support decision-makers to respond to the needs and preferences of local communities.

8. Staff will include local board feedback in the agenda report when seeking approval from the Policy and Planning Committee to engage with Aucklanders on the draft strategy. If approved, engagement will take place in early 2025. Following engagement, the strategy will be finalised and presented again to local boards for consideration and to the Policy and Planning Committee for adoption.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakarite / provide feedback on the strategic directions and investment principles in Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy, for consideration by the Policy and Planning Committee.

b) ohia / endorse Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy, going for public consultation.

Horopaki

Context

Open space, sport and recreation contribute to all six Auckland Plan 2050 outcomes

9. Open space, sport and recreation deliver a wide range of benefits, from enhancing the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Aucklanders to climate change mitigation and resilience. They contribute to all six Auckland Plan 2050 outcomes, with activities spanning across the council’s investment areas.

10. In addition to the council, many organisations contribute to providing open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities for Aucklanders. By enhancing collaboration and partnerships with other providers and having clear common directions for success we can focus our collective efforts to maximise benefits to Aucklanders.

Staff are delivering an approved programme of work

11. In August 2022, the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee approved the development of a refreshed and consolidated open space, sport and recreation policy framework [PAC/2022/68], which currently consists of:

· Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Action Plan (2013)

· Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy (2013)

· Open Space Provision Policy (2016)

· Auckland Sport and Recreation Strategic Action Plan 2014-2024 (2014, refreshed 2017)

· Increasing Aucklanders’ Participation in Sport: Investment Plan 2019-39 (2019).

12. The committee set clear expectations that the draft strategy:

· retain Auckland Council leadership

· enable collaboration with open space, sport and recreation interests and sectors

· enable integration using a te ao Māori framework

· reflect changes in Auckland Council’s legislative, strategic and fiscal environment

· align the five documents to achieve better coordination of long-term decision-making and forward planning.

Staff have drafted a strategy underpinned by evidence and guided by an advisory structure

13. Staff developed a strong evidence base to inform the drafting of the strategy. Evidence includes assessment of the existing policy framework, relevant legislative, strategic and fiscal documents, horizon scanning of current and future trends, relevant data, contemporary literature. Staff also undertook targeted engagement with partners and key stakeholders.

14. This evidence base is provided in a background paper that outlines eight key challenges and opportunities for the draft strategy to consider. It was reported to the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee and local board members in April 2024.

15. Three key themes cut across the challenges and opportunities presented:

· focus on wellbeing and resilience: we can increase Auckland’s and Aucklanders’ oranga (wellbeing) by encouraging our communities to be more active more often and taking an ecosystem approach in the face of climate change

· make the most of what we have: we can make better use of Auckland’s many assets to deliver multiple benefits for people and the environment

· work within budget constraints: this calls for different responses, such as relying less on assets to deliver services, working with partners and the community and prioritising our efforts where they deliver the most value.

16. An advisory structure made up of the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group, an advisory and Māori rōpū (with mana whenua, mataawaka and sector representatives) and council kaimahi has provided input and direction throughout work. Details of memberships and frequency of meetings are provided in Attachment B to the agenda report.

17. The development of the draft strategy has been informed by local board views through the two local board members on the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group. Staff also engaged with local boards through targeted engagement on the background paper, memos, briefings and workshops (see paragraph 54).

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

The draft strategy combines open space and sport and recreation, and consolidates existing policies into a single document

18. The draft strategy brings together the domains of open space and of sport and recreation. Combining these two domains reflects the significant contribution investment in open space makes in enabling Aucklanders to live healthy, active lives. Walking, running and playing are the most popular forms of physical activity among Aucklanders.

19. The draft strategy consolidates and simplifies all five existing strategies, policies and plans into a single document. It provides decision-makers and implementers with a single source of information and contains:

· five strategic directions and four investment principles that set out where we are heading and how we will get there

· supporting policies that set the council's expectations for delivery (this more technical information is presented in a separate report on this agenda).

The draft strategy connects and builds on key council strategies

20. The draft strategy takes a te ao Māori lens. It builds on and simplifies Te Ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau, the wellbeing framework developed with the Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum in response to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.

21. It speaks to the role that open space, sport and recreation play in contributing to four dimensions of wellbeing (oranga): tāngata, whānau, whenua and wai, all of which contribute to the health of Tamaki Makaurau.

22. It sets five holistic strategic directions, integrating the domains of open space and sport and recreation to better recognise their interrelated nature.

23. It also sets four investment principles to guide our investment approach. The investment principles are adapted from those adopted in Ngā Hapori Momoho: Thriving Communities Strategy 2022-32.

24. It is underpinned by a single value that will guide implementation: manaakitanga, a te ao Māori process of showing respect, generosity and care for resources and for others. Manaakitanga was chosen by the Māori rōpū for this kaupapa as it fosters community connection, supports caring for the land and each other and promotes a spirit of unity.

25. The draft strategy on a page is shown below.

Figure 1: Strategy on a page

Five strategic directions outline where we are heading to contribute to te ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau

26. The draft strategy aims to provide open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities to benefit all Aucklanders now and in the future to improve the health of Tāmaki Makaurau.

27. It contains five strategic directions that reflect the importance of Auckland’s green, blue and grey open spaces and places and take an ecosystem view of people, place and the environment.

28. Each strategic direction is presented on a page outlining: why it matters, how we manaaki (i.e. what we will do to make it happen) and our implementation focus (see Attachment A, pages 9-14).

29. They were developed in response to the challenges and opportunities articulated in the background paper. In addition to feedback received on the challenges and opportunities, the five strategic directions were refined iteratively based on input and direction from our advisory structure.

Four investment principles guide our approach to prioritising investment to deliver on the five strategic directions

30. The existing policy framework contains several different approaches to prioritising investment, with little guidance about how they relate to each other.

31. The refresh and consolidation of the existing framework provides an opportunity to design a more effective approach to investment, one that is:

· streamlined – to reduce complexity

· consistent – to provide a more robust approach to prioritisation and enable better comparison of options

· flexible – to reflect and adapt to differences across communities and changes in demand over time.

32. Staff considered a prescriptive ‘action plan’ approach to investment where specific detailed priorities are identified. However, this would maintain the risk of investment prioritisation being rigid and very ‘point in time’, failing to keep pace with change and new opportunities.

33. A principles-based approach was considered to better provide both the consistency and flexibility needed. It can be more easily applied across the entire scope of the draft strategy, allow for investment to be responsive to changing circumstances, and still ensure that investment is appropriately targeted.

34. Staff reviewed existing council policies for relevant investment principles in an effort to reduce duplication.

· The principles adopted as part of the Increasing Aucklanders’ Participation in Sport: Investment Plan 2019-2039 were viewed as specific to that context, rather than to the broader scope of the draft strategy

· Those adopted as part of the council’s Ngā Hapori Momoho: Thriving Communities Strategy 2022-32 were regarded as well aligned to the strategic context and direction of the draft strategy. They have been slightly adapted to specifically respond to the unique open space, sport and recreation delivery and funding environment. They can support investment priorisation for sports and recreation.

35. The four investment principles for the draft strategy (see Attachment A, pages 15-23) are:

· take a benefits-led approach to improve the holistic wellbeing of people, places and the environment

· invest based on evidence of need and the voices of Aucklanders

· honour our Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations

· work together towards a healthy future, using all our resources.

The draft strategy supports decision-makers and delivers for Aucklanders

36. When scoping this programme of work, two alternative approaches to refreshing and consolidating the five existing strategies, policies and plans that form the policy framework were considered: keeping the status quo or refreshing the individual documents without consolidating them. Those two options were discarded based on a technical assessment and feedback from stakeholders. The refresh and consolidation approach was approved by the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee.

37. The option not to have any regional strategy for open space, sport and recreation was not considered. Having a whole of region direction is considered valuable. Having no regional strategy may provide more local flexibility but would risk not delivering equitable outcomes for all Aucklanders as well as creating inefficiencies through a less integrated network. Providing regional direction is also needed to support regional decision-making as well as to enable joint delivery with our partners and stakeholders.

38. The draft strategy better supports decision-makers to respond to the needs and preferences of their communities than existing plans and policies. This is because it reduces duplication and complexity. It is contemporary and reflects the key challenges and opportunities Auckland currently faces. It takes a holistic view: it reflects the interrelationship between open spaces and sport and recreation, encompasses green, blue and grey spaces, takes an ecosystem view, and has a strong focus on wellbeing, climate change, the environment and biodiversity.

39. Delivery of the strategy will be supported by an implementation and monitoring plan. The three-yearly plan will set out what we will deliver and track progress against the five strategic directions. A key consideration is how to best support local boards in making decisions and delivering the relevant priorities expressed in their local board plans.

The draft strategy will be refined based on the views of Aucklanders

40. Going for consultation will enable us to gather the views of Aucklanders, as well as our partners and stakeholders. This would add to the inputs from previous targeted engagement and from our advisory structure and help us refine the draft strategy.

41. Consultation would involve running an online Have Your Say submissions campaign, a limited series of regional events, hui with partners and stakeholders, as well as a People’s Panel survey. We will work closely with local board engagement advisors to maximise our reach to local groups and residents.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

42. Auckland faces significant challenges from climate change, including rising temperatures, becoming more drought prone, higher probability of extreme weather events and threats from coastal erosion, storm surges and flooding.

43. These challenges will impact our open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities. Hotter temperatures and extreme weather events will disrupt the ability of Aucklanders to engage in play, sport and recreation. Heatwaves, drought and water restrictions will affect the health of vegetation in our open spaces and its ability to moderate temperatures and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

44. The draft strategy considers how to adapt to these challenges and work to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions. One of the five strategic directions is to enhance our resilience to climate change and our contribution to mitigation, including through reducing carbon emissions, in line with Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan.

45. The draft strategy outlines what we will do to make this happen, including:

· develop the blue-green network to better manage stormwater

· accelerate the use of nature-based solutions in our open spaces and built environment to improve water capture and storage, green the city and reduce temperatures in urban areas

· improve the performance of our open spaces and facilities to reduce negative environmental impacts, including carbon emissions

· adapt our open spaces and facilities on the coast and in flood-prone areas.

46. While we already contribute to this strategic direction, the draft strategy proposes a ’do more’ approach to implementation. This is in recognition of the challenges we are facing and their significant impacts on Aucklanders now and in the future.

47. The investment approach in the draft strategy also includes a greater emphasis on identifying and quantifying the environmental benefits of our investment and designing initiatives to deliver multiple benefits, such as making recreation parks better able to support stormwater management.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

48. Kaimahi from across the council group have provided input throughout the development of the draft strategy (see Attachment B).

49. This includes staff from Policy; Parks and Community Facilities; Community Wellbeing; Planning and Resource Consents; Group Strategy, Transformation and Partnerships; Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience; Engineering, Assets and Technical Advisory; Financial Advisory; Governance and Engagement; Chief Sustainability Office; Environmental Services; Māori Outcomes; Auckland Transport; Eke Panuku and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

50. Implementing the draft strategy will span across the investment areas identified in the council’s performance management framework.

51. We will continue to work closely with colleagues in planning for and supporting delivery, and monitoring progress.

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

Local impacts and local board views

52. Local boards have a role in communicating the views and preferences of their local communities. Parks and sport and recreation assets are highly valued by Aucklanders, whether they use them or not. This is reflected in outcomes and priorities expressed in local board plans.

53. Local boards have been represented by the two local board members on the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group: Member Sandra Coney and Member Margi Watson. The direction and input received are summarised in memos after each meeting.

54. In addition, staff have engaged with local boards as follows:

· November 2023: targeted engagement on the background paper

· April 2024: memo presenting the background paper

· June 2024: memo presenting the draft strategic directions

· June 2024: briefing to all members on the draft strategic directions

· July 2024: briefing to all members on the investment principles

· July 2024: workshop with the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, local board chairs and Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group members on the investment principles and open space provision options

· August 2024: briefing with all members on the open space provision options

· August and September 2024: individual local board workshops on the draft strategy, including a high-level overview of the proposed policies

· October 2024: workshop with the Policy and Planning Committee, local board chairs and Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group members on the open space provision options.

55. Both the Governing Body and local boards have a role in delivering the regional strategy in accordance with their allocated decision-making responsibilities. For local boards this includes:

· acquisition of local parks and local sport and recreation facilities (within budget parameters agreed by the Governing Body) and their specific location and development

· local parks improvement and place-shaping, the use of and activities within local parks (including community events and programmes) and the use of local sport and recreation facilities (including leasing and changes of use)

· local sport and recreation programmes and initiatives and local community funding and grants.

56. Local boards will consider how to deliver on the strategy, once adopted, as part of their local board plans and work programmes.

57. The strategy will support local boards in their investment and priorisation decisions, as outlined in Attachment A, page 23. It represents a number of beneficial shifts for local boards including:

· from having to navigate the application of five strategies, policies and plans to having a single coherent document to support decision-making by local boards and advocacy within annual and long-term planning processes

· from a narrow focus on costs to a wider focus on the value created by better understanding the full range of benefits delivered by different projects

· from having a one size fits all approach to having a consistent yet flexible approach to better reflect differences in local boards’ context and priorities and support local boards to deliver in response to local needs

· from having multiple uncoordinated investment frameworks to ensuring investment is evidence-based in response to needs and supports equitable outcomes

· from a focus on the council as the sole provider to strengthening the opportunity to use a wider range of potential funding sources and delivery options.

58. Local board feedback on the draft strategy will be reported to the Policy and Planning Commitee when it considers whether to approve the draft strategy going for consultation.

59. We will work with Governance and Engagement to ensure we reach local community groups and residents during consultation on the draft strategy.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

60. Mana whenua have special relationships to open spaces and places in Tāmaki Makaurau through whakapapa, including the tūpuna maunga and other sites and places of significance. They are kaitiaki of the whenua and wai.

61. Open spaces and physical activities play an important role in achieving te tuakiri Māori me tōna oranga – a thriving Māori identity and wellbeing in Tāmaki Makaurau. Young Māori are active participants in play, sport and recreation, but this declines as they get older and historic inequities exist.

62. The views of mana whenua and mataawaka have been sought throughout the development of the draft strategy including:

· regular meetings of the advisory and Māori rōpū, which includes mana whenua and mataawaka representatives

· Houkura representation on the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group to provide input and direction

· invitation to mana whenua and mataawaka organisations to provide feedback as part of the targeted engagement on the background paper.

63. All iwi were invited to join the rōpū or engage in the manner that best suited them. Mana whenua have also been kept up to date with progress via memos.

64. The draft strategy incorporates a te ao Māori lens, one of the expectations of success set by the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee and one of the key themes identified in the background paper. This includes:

· Te Ora ō Tāmaki Makaurau wellbeing framework adapted and simplified by the Māori rōpū to sit at the heart the draft strategy with four dimensions of wellbeing (oranga): tāngata, whānau, whenua and wai

· manaakitanga as a single value to guide implementation

· a focus on honouring our Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations embedded in our investment approach

· Māori as a key target group for investment in play, sport and recreation.

65. Implementation of the draft strategy includes a focus on investing in ‘by Māori for Māori’ solutions, building the capacity and capability of mana whenua and mataawaka and partnering with mana whenua to co-design our spaces and places.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

66. There are no financial implications for the local board associated with providing feedback on the draft strategy.

67. The development of, and consultation on, the draft strategy can be completed within the existing policy department budget.

68. Each strategic direction specifies an implementation focus, from emphasising continuing to do things that work well and embedding emerging practices to delivering differently and doing more.

69. Two strategic directions have a focus on doing more:

· Direction 2 ‘Deliver innovative open spaces in high-density areas’ – because population growth and intensification mean we have more people living closer together with less private green space and our ability to deliver more parks is constrained

· Direction 3 ‘Enhance our response to climate disruption’ – because significant climate change impacts and extreme weather events mean we need to make our city greener and spongier.

70. Implementation will be enabled through available budgets set during long-term plan and annual plan processes.

71. The draft strategy reflects the resource constraints faced by the council and the need to deliver value for money. The proposed investment approach emphasises the importance of establishing a robust evidence-based approach to investment and prioritisation to better support elected decision-makers.

72. Advice around investment in open space and sport and recreation will be based on a better articulation of costs and benefits, including in relation to local board plan priorities. This will be supported by a new tool to enable better identification, description and quantification of these benefits to help local boards prioritise investment.

73. Consideration of a broad range of funding and delivery tools will support implementation, including making the most of what we have, delivering differently and partnerships.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

74. Potential risks and mitigations are outlined below:

If…	Then…	Possible mitigations…
Aucklanders, key stakeholders and partners are not supportive of the draft strategy.	Decision-makers may be less likely to adopt the draft strategy. Low reputational, strategic and delivery risk.	· Stakeholders and partners were supportive of the refresh and consolidation They have been involved through the programme of work. · Engagement provides a further opportunity to seek the views of Aucklanders, partners and stakeholders and refine the draft strategy to reflect feedback as required.
The draft strategy does not provide clear enough direction to implementers.	The draft strategy may not be incorporated into business as usual. Low reputational, strategic and delivery risk.	· Implementers provided regular input into development of the draft strategy. · The implementation context, including financial constraints, has also informed the draft strategy. · Implementers will be further engaged to develop the draft strategy’s implementation and monitoring plan.
The draft strategy is perceived as unfunded.	There may be less support for the draft strategy and decision-makers may be less likely to adopt it. Medium financial, reputational and strategic risk.	· The draft strategy sets strategic directions and investment principles to guide prioritisation and enable better informed discussions on future budget allocation.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

75. Staff will include local board feedback when seeking approval from the Policy and Planning Committee in December 2024 to consult on the draft strategy.

76. If approved, public consultation will begin in February 2025 and run for approximately one month.

77. The findings from the public consultation and an updated draft strategy will then be reported to local board business meetings ahead of going to the Policy and Planning Committee for adoption.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy – draft strategic directions and investment principles (Under Separate Cover)
b	Advisory structure memberships and meetings (Under Separate Cover)

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Aubrey Bloomfield - Senior Policy Advisor

Authorisers

Carole Canler – Senior Policy Manager

Louise Mason - General Manager Policy

Lou-Ann Ballantyne – General Manager, Governance and Engagement

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy – Part 2

File No.: CP2024/17443

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek local board feedback on the proposed policies in Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy, including on two options to update the open space provision standards.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Staff have drafted Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy. It aims to provide open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities to benefit all Aucklanders now and in the future and improve the health of Tāmaki Makaurau. It contains:

· five strategic directions and four investment principles (see Part 1 report on this agenda).

· three supporting policies for making the most of our open spaces, for open space provision and acquisition, and for the council’s investment in play, sport and recreation (see Attachment A).

3. The proposed policies are the focus of this report. They set Auckland Council’s expectations for delivery. Like Part 1, their development has been guided by an advisory structure and engagement with local boards.

4. They build on adopted policies and plans. Proposed updated and new information is as follows:

· new objectives to guide the development of Auckland's existing open space network

· two options to change current open space provision standards and add to our existing open space network to continue serving the needs of a growing population:

o Package 1 – High-density focused: provide more open space than currently enabled in high-density areas (mostly located in brownfield areas)

o Package 2 – Capacity focused: provide more open space than currently enabled in high- and medium-density areas where residents have low or moderate levels of provision (recommended by staff as the best way to balance open space outcomes and value for money).

· more targeted council investment in play, sport and recreation to enable more equitable participation.

5. As a next step, staff will seek approval from the Policy and Planning Committee in December 2024 to undertake consultation on the draft strategy, including the proposed policies and the two options for open space provision standards. The committee report will include local board feedback.

6. If approved, consultation would take place early in 2025. The policies are detailed and technical in nature and intended for use by individuals and local and regional organisations that will deliver the draft strategy. This will be reflected in our approach to consultation.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakarite / provide feedback on the proposed policies in Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy, for consideration by the Policy and Planning Committee

b) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note the two options for updated open space provision standards for consultation:

i) Package 1 – High-density focused: provide more open space than currently enabled in high-density areas

ii) Package 2 – Capacity focused: provide more open space than currently enabled in high- and medium-density areas where residents have low or moderate levels of provision.

Horopaki

Context

Proposed policies in the draft strategy set the council’s expectations for delivery

7. The draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy aims to provide open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities to benefit all Aucklanders now and in the future and improve the health of Tāmaki Makaurau.

8. It provides a refreshed and simplified approach to planning and investment and sets five strategic directions, outlining where we are heading, and four investment principles, outlining how we will get there. This material is presented in a separate report on this agenda (see Part 1).

9. What the council will deliver is informed by three policies contained in the draft strategy. The policies set the council’s expectations for delivery through objectives, rules or guidelines. They contain detailed technical information intended for a professional audience (e.g. developers, consultants, council kaimahi, sport funding agencies).

10. Budgets for delivery are set through the annual and long-term plan processes.

11. The policies build on the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013, the Open Space Provision Policy 2016 and the Increasing Aucklanders’ Participation in Sport: Investment Plan 2019-2039, and propose updated and new information detailed in this report.

12. Local boards have key decision-making responsibilities in relation to open spaces and play, sport and recreation, and the proposed policies are designed to support them to deliver for their communities.

13. A separate three-yearly implementation and monitoring plan will detail what we will deliver. It will include priorities for delivery and track progress against key performance indicators.

Staff considered evidence and political input and direction in developing the proposed policies

14. The proposed policies in the draft strategy have been developed using:

· a strong body of evidence, including the background paper and a fit for purpose review of the Open Space Provision Policy 2016, options development and testing through working examples and assessment

· input from the advisory and Māori rōpū and key council kaimahi

· input and direction from the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group; the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee; the Policy and Planning Committee and local boards.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Policy 1: Making the most of our open spaces

15. Auckland has an extensive network of green, blue and grey open spaces and facilities that are much used and valued by Aucklanders.

16. The quality, accessibility and functionality of those spaces and places are essential to drive participation and use. In addition, increasing demand from population growth and intensification, as well as financial and land availability challenges, mean we need to deliver more from our existing assets.

17. The policy for making the most of our open spaces sets four objectives and proposes new tools and guidelines to support delivery of the objectives (see Attachment A, pages 28-41).

Proposed objectives	Proposed new tools and guidelines
1. Increase the range of benefits our open space network delivers consistent with each space’s primary purpose	· Identification of opportunities to deliver multiple benefits from our open spaces · An overview of the primary and secondary purposes of different open space types to assist with identifying risks and trade-offs associated with delivering additional functions · A risk appetite framework to support strategic asset owners taking on more risk to realise greater benefits from the open space network
2. Improve the quality of our open spaces	· Best practice guidance for improving the quality of our existing open spaces
3. Improve our network to provide diverse recreation opportunities accessible to all Aucklanders	· An open space recreation opportunities tool that outlines the diverse range of opportunities we want to provide for Aucklanders to be physically active, recreate and connect with nature across the network and how we can provide them
4. Improve open spaces’ accessibility and functionality by prioritising connections and linkages across all types of open space	· Planning and development responses to ensure the delivery of quality connections and linkages across all types of open space, including using streets and footpaths, along waterways and the coast, and in our blue-green network

18. The policy informs the planning, development and management approach for open spaces by Auckland Council, its council-controlled organisations, private developers and external development agencies such as Kāinga Ora.

Policy 2: Open space provision and acquisition

19. The open space provision and acquisition policy sets standards and methods for the types of open space we need, how we acquire them, and how we achieve quality outcomes from our open space network.

20. The policy sets two objectives and proposes new rules and guidelines to support delivery of the objectives (see Attachment A, pages 42-76).

Proposed objectives

Proposed new rules and guidelines

5. Plan for the provision of a high-quality open space network that keeps pace with growth and celebrates our cultural landscapes

· Two options for updated provision standards for pocket parks and neighbourhood parks to deliver better open space outcomes in high-density and greenfield development (see paragraphs 21 to 36)

· New open space capacity measure to enable us to compare provision levels across areas and over time (for more details see paragraph 25)

6. Ensure the acquisition of fit for purpose open space land that provides value for money and is sustainable in the long-term

· Updated criteria for prioritising potential acquisitions aligned with our strategic directions

· Updated acquisition process to include the development of an open space land acquisition priority plan to provide a 10-year and 30-year view of the open space acquisition pipeline

· Strengthened acquisitions standards (mandatory standards and site assessment criteria) to ensure acquisitions are fit for purpose and align with our strategic directions

· Detailed qualitative standards (including location, configuration, accessibility, coastal inundation and soil contamination) to ensure we acquire quality open space land from the start

· Emphasis on reconfiguring, redistributing or redeveloping open spaces rather than disposing of them to help us cater for growth

· Methodology to identify future regional park acquisitions so we can continue to meet the needs of Aucklanders

21. The policy informs developers, planners, implementers and decision-makers in their planning and investment decisions to expand Auckland’s existing open space network to best respond to Aucklanders’ needs and balance value for money and affordability considerations. It is an important consideration in regulatory and planning processes such as plan changes, structure plans and resource consents.

We propose to change provision standards for pocket and neighbourhood parks as part of Policy 2

22. As part of Policy 2, staff are proposing updated provision standards for pocket parks and neighbourhood parks to provide better open space outcomes in high-density areas and greenfield areas (see Attachment A, page 45).

23. Two options for updating the provision standards are outlined below. Those options reflect different ways of adding to our existing open space network across Auckland to continue serving the needs of a growing population.

Density	Park type	Current provision standards	Package 1 High-density focused	Package 2 Capacity focused (recommended)
High-density areas or other areas developed to an equivalent density	Pocket parks	1000-1500m² provided at no capital cost to the council	1000-1500m² acquired at cost to the council regardless of capacity	1000-1500m² in areas with moderate or low capacity acquired at cost to the council
	Neighbourhood parks (within 400m walking distances)	3000m² to 5000m²	5000m² regardless of capacity	2000m² to 5000m² depending on capacity
Medium-density areas	Pocket parks	No pocket parks	1000-1500m² provided at no capital cost to the council
Medium-density areas	Neighbourhood parks (within 400m walking distances)	3000m² to 5000m²	No change	2000m² to 5000m² depending on capacity
Low-density areas	Neighbourhood parks (within 600m walking distances)	3000m² to 5000m²	3000m²

24. Urban density is based on the Auckland Unitary Plan zones. Varying provision standards based on planned intensification levels enables us to better provide according to the likely demand for public open space, as well as likely private open space provision levels.

25. The capacity measure is a proposed addition to the existing policy. While the quantity of open space provision per capita is not a meaningful metric in isolation, it provides a basis of comparison when considering future provision across Auckland’s urban areas. There is no accepted international or national capacity standards. Based on local observations and international examples, we propose that capacity is considered low when below 10m² of open space per person, moderate when between 10 and 20m² and high when more than 20m².

Both Package 1 and Package 2 involve trade-offs

26. Both options involve trade-offs, as shown below.

	Trade-offs
Package 1 High-density focused	Delivers more open space in high-density areas than current policy but larger parks might be difficult to acquire due to land ownership and cost Is a simple standard to understand but not tailored to where provision is most needed


Package 2 Capacity focused	Is more affordable than Package 1 but does not deliver the same level of additional open spaces in high-density areas Takes an equity lens by focusing provision where most needed but is more complicated to understand and apply

27. Both options are included in the draft strategy (see Attachment A, page 45). The final strategy will reflect the option (or variation of) that the Policy and Planning Committee chooses through resolution after consultation.

28. In addition, improving open space outcomes where needed can be supported by increasing access to and functionality of existing open space, including connection, linkage and access open spaces. This is reflected in Policy 1 – Objective 4 (Improve open spaces’ accessibility and functionality by prioritising connections and linkages across all types of open space).

HOW WERE THESE TWO OPTION PACKAGES DEVELOPED?

The current provision policy is generally consistent with good practice but could be improved

· The proposed change to existing open space provision standards responds to a fit for purpose review of Auckland Council’s current Open Space Provision Policy 2016. The review found that it was generally consistent with good practice, but there was room for improvement and innovation. In particular, it found that the policy is not working effectively in high-density urban areas and is delivering low capacity in greenfield areas.

· Staff investigated how to vary the quantity of open space provided to best respond to this problem. The process for revising the open space provision standards is outlined in Attachment B. It includes significant political input and direction.

Staff developed options to vary the quantity of open space and improve open space outcomes

· To vary the quantity of open space, staff developed 12 options along a policy continum involving changes to the size, distribution and / or number of pocket and neighbourhood parks as they are the most common types of parks. The options also included increasing access to and functionality of other types of open space (e.g. riparian margins and esplanade reserves).

· Provision standards for suburb and destination parks, civic squares, and connection, linkage and access open spaces set in the Open Space Provision Policy 2016 are unchanged.

· After applying the 12 options in four brownfield and greenfield working examples and assessing them against a set of criteria, staff developed five packages of options that vary provision according to urban density and open space capacity.

· This will enable investment to be targeted where it is needed most, focusing on areas with less open space per person, to respond to both Auckland’s population growth and the council’s financial constraints. The five packages of options are:

Package 1

High-density focused

Package 2

Capacity focused

Package 3

Budget focused

Package 4

Doing things differently

Package 5

Consolidating and simplifying

Acquire pocket parks and larger neighbourhood parks in high-density areas and increase access to / functionality of existing public and private open space

Acquire pocket parks in high-density areas depending on capacity, vary the size of neighbourhood parks depending on capacity and increase access to / functionality of existing public and private open space

Do not acquire new land for open space, instead enable pocket parks in medium-density areas and increase access to / functionality of existing public and private open space

Acquire pocket parks and increase access to / functionality of existing public and private open space

Maintain existing provision standards but acquire pocket parks in high-density areas and increase access to / functionality of existing public and private open space

Based on assessment and political direction two options are presented for local board feedback

· The five packages were assessed using four additional working examples (two greenfield areas and two brownfield areas). The results of the assessment are below.

Criteria	Package 1 High-density focused		Package 2 Capacity focused		Package 3 Budget focused	Package 4 Doing things differently		Package 5 Consolidating and simplifying
Alignment	üü		üü		üüü	üüü		üü
Open space outcomes	üü		üüü		ü	ü		üü
Response to growth	üü		üüü		ü	ü		üü
Value for money	üü		üü		üü	üü		üü
Achievability	üü		üü		üüü	üüü		üü
Key:		ü Low		üü Medium			üüü High

· Based on this assessment and direction from the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group; the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee; and the Policy and Planning Committee, two options are presented for local board feedback: Package 1 and Package 2.

· Both Package 1 and Package 2 scored well across the brownfield and greenfield working examples. Staff recommend Package 2 as it was the highest scoring package.

Policy 3: Auckland Council’s investment in play, sport and recreation

29. Regular physical activity, whether it be play, sport or recreation, provides significant health and wellbeing benefits. While many Aucklanders are physically active, not everyone is getting enough physical activity in their lives and some are missing out as they face barriers to participation.

30. The policy for Auckland Council’s investment in play, sport and recreation sets three objectives and proposes new planning and investment approaches and indicators of what success looks like to support delivery of the objectives (see Attachment A, pages 77-88).

Proposed objectives	Proposed new planning and investment approaches and indicators of success
7. Increase physical activity levels by targeting our investment to low-participating communities and addressing disparities	Planning and investment approach: · balance investment to increase physical activity levels across four key groups: all Aucklanders, Māori, young people (5-17 years old) and low participation groups (based on Active New Zealand surveys, Auckland Council and Aktive information) · invest to enable Aucklanders to be more physically active, whether through play, recreation or community sport. Indicators of what success looks like: · increasing numbers of adult Aucklanders meeting physical activity guidelines (150-plus minutes per week) · increasing numbers of Aucklanders aged 5-17 years meeting physical activity guidelines (420-plus minutes per week) · increasing numbers of Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau meeting physical activity guidelines · increases in specific community groups with low levels of physical activity meeting physically activity guidelines · increase in the proportion of the regional sport and recreation grants directed to low participation groups and emerging physical activity opportunities that target these groups.
8. Deliver a fit for purpose, future proofed facility network that makes the most of what we have	Planning and investment approach: · plan for a regional sport and recreation facilities network to provide opportunities for Aucklanders to be physically active through their choice of activity, focusing primarily on facilities for community sport · accelerate the transition to multi-use and adaptable facilities to provide more opportunities for community participation, including high-level guidance on developing multi-use facilities · improving the performance of our facilities to reduce negative environmental impacts and supporting the development of universally accessible facilities so more people in our community can use them. Indicators of what success looks like: · increasing community satisfaction with the level of access to sport and recreation facilities and the range of opportunities provided.
9. Strengthen partnerships with mana whenua and mataawaka, local communities and other sport and recreation providers	Planning and investment approach: · partner with others to improve public access to existing non-council facilities and identify joint solutions for delivery of opportunities for Aucklanders · work with communities to understand barriers to participation, including guidance on co-designing with the community · support delivery of play, sport and recreation opportunities by Māori for Māori. Indicators of what success looks like: · increasing number of Auckland schools and tertiary institutions making their sport and recreation facilities available for public use over time · increasing number of sport and recreation initiatives delivered by Māori for Māori · a more visible Māori presence in sport and recreation spaces, places and activities.

31. The policy outlines how Auckland Council will fund and invest in play, sport and recreation alongside many other organisations delivering these opportunities to Aucklanders at both the local and regional level.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

32. Delivering the proposed policies in the draft strategy will positively contribute to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan’s core goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

33. The proposed policies help enable the achievement of strategic direction three in the draft strategy: ‘Enhance our response to climate disruption.’ This focuses on better planning and designing our open spaces and places network to respond to climate change and prioritising our investment to make Auckland greener and spongier.

34. The proposed policies provide:

· guidance on delivering multiple benefits from our open spaces (including designing or retrofitting recreation parks to contribute to water retention)

· guidance on increasing connections between open spaces to green the city and manage stormwater (such as blue-green corridors)

· clear qualitative standards to ensure we acquire fit for purpose land for open spaces, including relating to flood plains, overland flow paths and coastal inundation

· a planning and investment approach focused on improving the performance of our spaces and places to reduce negative environmental impacts, including carbon emissions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

35. Kaimahi from across the council group have provided input throughout the development of the draft strategy.

36. The proposed policies were developed with detailed input from Policy; Parks and Community Facilities; Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience; Community Wellbeing and Engineering, Assets and Technical Advisory. This helps ensure that the proposed policies provide the necessary information and clarity to support implementation.

37. Staff will continue to work closely with colleagues in planning for and supporting delivery.

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

Local impacts and local board views

38. The proposed policies are designed to support local boards to deliver open spaces and play, sport and recreation opportunities for their communities in line with their local board plan priorities.

Allocated decision-making responsibilities

Examples of proposed policies to support decision-making

Acquisition of new local parks (within budget parameters agreed by the Governing Body) and their specific location and acquisition of new local sport and recreation facilities (within budget parameters agreed by the Governing Body) and their specific location, design, build and fit out

Local parks improvement and place-shaping, the use of and activities within local parks and the use of local sport and recreation facilities

Local sport and recreation programmes and initiatives and local community funding and grants.

Standards to ensure the acquisition of fit for purpose open space land, including relating to location, configuration and accessibility

Best practice guidance for improving the quality of existing open spaces

A tool to support the provision of a diverse range of accessible recreation opportunities across the open space network

Standards to ensure the acquisition of fit for purpose open space land, including relating to location, configuration and accessibility

Guidance on developing multi-use sport and recreation facilities and maximising community benefits.

39. Two local board members were on the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group: Member Sandra Coney and Member Margi Watson. In addition, staff have engaged with local boards on the proposed policies in workshops and briefings between July and October 2024.

40. Local board views on the proposed policies, including on the two options for updating the open space provision standards, will be reported to the Policy and Planning Committee when staff seek approval to undertake consultation on the draft strategy.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

41. In a Māori worldview, Auckland's open spaces and places are interconnected parts of the natural world, imbued with spiritual and ancestral significance.

42. The draft strategy puts manaakitanga, a te ao Māori way of showing respect, generosity, and care for one another and for our resources, at the forefront of open space, sport and recreation to achieve oranga tāngata, whenua, wai and whānau.

43. The proposed policies provide:

· guidance on delivering multiple benefits from our open spaces (including reflecting mana whenua culture and identity and drawing on mātauranga Māori to protect and enhance our environment, biodiversity and heritage)

· best practice guidance for improving the quality of existing open spaces (including emphasis on the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge from mana whenua)

· a planning and investment approach that targets increased participation in physical activity by Māori Aucklanders (including in traditional Māori sports) and supports the delivery of sport and recreation opportunities by Māori for Māori.

44. The views of mana whenua and mataawaka have been sought in the development of the proposed policies. This includes input from the advisory and Māori rōpū (with mana whenua and mataawaka representatives) and input and direction from the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Joint Political Working Group (with a Houkura representative).

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

45. There are no financial implications for the local board associated with providing feedback.

46. The development of, and consultation on, the draft strategy can be completed within the existing policy departmental budget.

47. Implementation will be enabled through available budgets set during the long-term plan and annual plan processes.

48. The proposed policies reflect the resource constraints faced by the council and the need to deliver value for money. They place a greater emphasis on making the most of our open spaces and facilities, as well as recognising the need to continue to cater for a growing Auckland and to target our investment where it is needed most and will have the greatest impact.

49. All the options for changes to the open space provision standards involve high-level trade-offs, including on cost. The recommended changes (Package 2) take an equity lens, balancing the higher cost of acquisition of larger parks in some areas to address capacity issues with acquiring smaller parks in areas that are already well served.

50. The emphasis on reconfiguring, redistributing or redeveloping open spaces rather than disposing of them includes the opportunity to make greater use of the service property optimisation process. This means that money generated by disposing of an open space can be used by local boards to fund already-planned open space acquisition or development.

51. The strengthened acquisition standards will help ensure that we acquire fit for purpose open space land from the outset, with a positive flow on effect to the cost of developing and managing our open spaces.

52. The draft strategy also proposes developing an open space land acquisition priority plan every three years to provide a 10-year and 30-year view of the open space acquisition pipeline. This will support decision-makers, including local boards, in understanding the trade-offs between meeting the expectations set in the draft strategy and budgetary allocation.

53. Our investment in sport will be primarily focused on community sport, where participation levels are higher and we can achieve the most impact. Investment will also be targeted to low-participating communities and addressing disparities.

54. The draft strategy proposes changes to the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund to increase the proportion directed to low participation groups and emerging physical activity opportunities, with a corresponding decrease in the amount of contestable funding available.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

55. Potential risks and mitigations relating to the proposed policies are outlined below:

If…

Then…

Possible mitigations…

The proposed policies, and open space provision options, go for consultation.

Some Aucklanders may feel unable / unwilling to provide their views due to the technical nature and complexity of the information.

Low reputational and strategic risk.

Consultation material will simplify the content of the draft strategy.

The two open space provision packages will be articulated in plain English and supported by images to explain what density could look like.

Staff will present at stakeholders’ meetings (as resources allow). This will enable us to answer questions and provide clarity where needed.

We will engage with mana whenua and mataawaka separately in a way that suits them.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

56. Staff will include local board feedback when seeking approval from the Policy and Planning Committee at its December 2024 meeting to consult on the draft strategy, including the proposed policies and open space provision options.

57. If approved, public consultation will begin in February 2025 and run for approximately one month.

58. The findings from the public consultation and an updated draft strategy will then be reported to local board business meetings ahead of going to the Policy and Planning Committee for adoption.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a	Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy – proposed policies (Under Separate Cover)
b	Process to develop revised open space provision standards (Under Separate Cover)

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Aubrey Bloomfield - Senior Policy Advisor

Authorisers

Carole Canler – Senior Policy Manager

Lou-Ann Ballantyne – General Manager Governance and Engagement

Louise Mason - General Manager Policy

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Annual Plan 2025/2026 - Input on Regional Consultation Content

File No.: CP2024/17706

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide feedback on the draft Mayoral Proposal including potential regional consultation topics and local board advocacy for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Annual Plan 2025/2026 contains the proposed budget and funding impact statement for the year, identifies any variations from the financial statements and funding impact statement in the 10-year budget for the relevant year, and provides for integrated decision-making and coordination of the council’s resources. The Governing Body is responsible for adopting the Annual Plan. As part of this process, local boards develop annual local board agreements which are agreed between local boards and the Governing Body (and are included in the Annual Plan).

3. Consultation on the Annual Plan 2025/2026 is planned to take place late February to late March 2025. These dates are yet to be confirmed and so are subject to change.

4. This report seeks the views of the local board on priority regional topics to be included in the Annual Plan 2025/2026 consultation.

5. The Governing Body will approve regional items for consultation on 4 December 2024. The regional and local consultation items (adopted in separate report) will then be incorporated into the Annual Plan 2025/2026 consultation document and supporting information, which is also planned to be adopted by the Governing Body on 19 February 2025.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) whakarite / provide feedback on the draft Mayoral Proposal including potential regional consultation topics and local board advocacy for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.

Horopaki

Context

6. The Annual Plan 2025/2026 contains the proposed budget and funding impact statement for the year, identifies any variations from the financial statements and funding impact statement in the 10-year budget for the relevant year, and provides for integrated decision-making and coordination of the council’s resources. The Governing Body is responsible for adopting the Annual Plan. As part of this process, local boards develop annual local board agreements which are agreed between local boards and the Governing Body (and are included in the Annual Plan).

7. When making decisions, the Governing Body has a statutory obligation to consider the views and preferences of the local boards if the decision affects, or may affect, the responsibilities or operations of the local board or the well-being of communities within its local board area.

8. Public consultation on the Annual Plan 2025/2026 is planned to take place late February to late March 2025. These dates are yet to be confirmed.

9. Aucklanders will be able to provide feedback during the consultation period through a variety of channels, which include face-to-face (for spoken and New Zealand sign language interaction), written and social media.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

10. At the beginning of this annual plan process, the mayor and councillors provided direction to staff including a request for options relating to the following areas:

· council-controlled organisation reform

· planning and paying for growth

· funding major events, destination marketing and visitor attraction.

11. Local board chairs were invited to attend the Budget Committee workshops on the development of the regional topics for consultation. Local board members were provided recordings or briefings of the Budget Committee workshops for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.

12. The draft Mayoral Proposal is scheduled to be released the week of the local boards’ meeting to approve feedback on the Mayoral Proposal including the Annual Plan regional consultation topics. The draft Mayoral Proposal will be tabled at the local board business meeting and attached to the meeting minutes.. The final Mayoral proposal, which outlines the mayor’s priorities for consultation will be released toward the end of November after local boards have presented their feedback to the Budget Committee.

13. The local board is asked to provide feedback on the draft Mayoral Proposal for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 consultation. The feedback from the local boards will be collated and provided to the Budget Committee to consider when making decisions, including agreeing regional items for consultation on 4 December 2024.

14. Staff are also proposing to consult on the following changes to targeted rates and fees and charges:

· changes to waste management targeted rates to reflect updated budget forecasts including a three per cent increase to the overall waste management targeted rate for a typical household

· the introduction of the refuse targeted rate to the former Rodney and Franklin districts in conjunction with the rollout of rates funded refuse to these areas

· possible changes to some Business Improvement District targeted rates (noting that relevant boards have received advice and will provide a formal recommendation in May 2025 on whether the Governing Body should set each rate depending on ballot results and compliance)

· changes to some animal management fees including an increase in the dog adoption fee from $350 to $450 and an increase vet fee from $75 to $150

· changes to some cemetery fees

· changes to other fees and charges that are over and above inflationary adjustments including:

o changing deposit levels for some regulatory services to better reflect actual final charges,

o realigning bach fees into pricing tiers based on occupancy levels, capacity and location and

o aligning staff charge out rates with staff pay bands for services in regional parks.

15. More information on proposed targeted rates and fees and charges can be found in the ‘Proposed changes to targeted rates and fees and charges for Annual Plan 2025/2026’ memorandum as Attachment A to the agenda report.

16. Local boards may also have advocacy items they want to advocate for to the Governing Body.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

17. The decision to consult is procedural in nature. These decisions are unlikely to result in any identifiable changes to greenhouse gas emissions. The effects of climate change will not impact the decisions.

18. Some of the proposed initiatives or projects included in the consultation content may have climate change impacts. The impacts of any initiatives or projects Auckland Council chooses to progress as a result of this consultation will be assessed as part of the relevant reporting requirements.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

19. The Annual Plan 2025/2026 is an Auckland Council group document and will include budgets at a consolidated group level.

20. Consultation items and updates to budgets to reflect decisions and new information may include items from across the group. This will be reflected in the report on regional consultation items going the Budget Committee on 4 December 2024.

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

Local impacts and local board views

21. Local board chairs have been invited to be involved in the development of the regional topics for consultation by attending Budget Committee workshops. Local board members were provided recordings or briefings of the Budget Committee workshops for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.

22. Local boards will have further opportunities to provide information and views as the council progresses through the Annual Plan 2025/2026 process.

23. Aucklanders will have the opportunity to give feedback on regional and local proposals through the public consultation on the Annual Plan 2025/2026. All feedback received from submitters that indicate that they reside in the local board area will be analysed by staff and made available for consideration by the local board.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

24. The approach to Māori engagement for Annual Plan 2025/2026 will be finalised once consultation topics are confirmed, including development of bespoke materials.

25. There is a need to continue to build local board relationships with iwi and the wider Māori community. Ongoing conversations will assist the local board and Māori to understand each other’s priorities and challenges.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

26. The local board provides input to regional plans and proposals. There will be information in the council’s consultation material for each plan or proposal with the financial implications of each option outlined for consideration.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

27. Under the Local Government Act 2002, the consultation document for the Annual Plan must be audited. The draft consultation document (including local consultation content) will be prepared by staff and audited in December and January ahead of adoption by the Budget Committee in mid-February.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

28. The Budget Committee will agree items for consultation and approve the consultation approach for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 on 4 December 2024.

29. Following the decisions on consultation content, staff will prepare the consultation document and supporting information for the Annual Plan 2025/2026. These will be adopted by the Budget Committee on 19 February 2025.

30. Following consultation, the Governing Body and the local board will make decisions on the Annual Plan 2025/2026 and local board agreements respectively in June 2025.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Proposed changes to targeted rates and fees and charges for Annual Plan 2025/2026 memorandum	135
b ⇩	Draft Mayoral Proposal for consultation on the Annual Plan 2025/2026 (To Be Tabled)	141

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Phoebe Peguero - Senior Advisor Operations and Policy

Authorisers

Lou-Ann Ballantyne - General Manager Governance and Engagement

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Rodney Local Board

20 November 2024

Appointment of delegated local board member to provide feedback on stormwater activities

File No.: CP2024/15624

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To appoint a lead to provide local board views and preferences on council’s stormwater activities that take place over local parks.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Section 17 of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 requires that decision-making for activities that impact beyond a single local board area, and which are beneficial and effective to be managed and coordinated on an Auckland-wide basis must be exercised by the Governing Body. As such, decision-making responsibility for stormwater management and the stormwater network is allocated to the Governing Body.

3. Local boards are responsible for a wide range of non-regulatory activities of the council that are deemed to be local in nature. This includes the use of and activities in local parks and reserves. However, as parks and reserves are crucial to the stormwater network, council’s allocation of non-regulatory responsibilities acknowledges that local board decision-making over parks and reserves may be constrained where decisions relate to council stormwater management activities.

4. Prior to June 2024, staff treated all stormwater management activities on local parks as subject to local board approval. However, as part of the long-term plan, it was clarified that it is not appropriate to require a landowner approval from local boards for activities of the council that are required for the management of stormwater activities. This is because council’s own activities are to be undertake under the authority that already rests with the Governing Body.

5. Although a landowner approval will not be required for the council’s own stormwater activities, Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 requires that the Governing Body (including staff acting under delegation) consider the views and preferences of local boards when making its decisions (section 15 Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009). Therefore, the new process now requires Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience staff to liaise directly with local boards and consider the views and preferences of local boards when making decisions (under delegation from the Governing Body). If a local board wishes to object to any decision made by staff under delegation, they can consider raising an objection with the Governing Body via the Policy and Planning Committee.

6. Staff recommend local boards appoint a lead who can identify and communicate each local board’s views and preferences over stormwater management-related decisions that impact local parks.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney Local Board:

a) kopou / appoint a lead, and an alternate, for stormwater activities feedback and delegate authority to these members to:

i) identify and community the local board views and preferences on proposed council stormwater management activities in local parks

ii) represent the local board at the Policy and Planning Committee, if required, to discuss any objections to proposed council stormwater management activities in local parks.

Horopaki

Context

7. As per their legislative role and council’s allocation of non-regulatory responsibilities (pursuant to section 17 of Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009) (LGACA), local boards are accountable for the range of non-regulatory activities of the council deemed to be ‘local’ in nature.

8. On the other hand, the Governing Body is responsible for decision-making over activities that are ‘regional’ in nature i.e. that extend beyond local board areas, and which are beneficial and effective to be managed and coordinated on an Auckland-wide basis.

9. Staff who manage local parks and reserves have relied on council’s allocation of decision-making responsibilities over local parks to require local board approval (referred to as landowner approval or landowner consents) for most activities that take place over local parks. This means that staff have been treating all stormwater management works that occur on parks, including those that the Governing Body has been allocated decision-making responsibilities for, as being subject to landowner approvals.

10. Although local boards have generally managed to accommodate council’s stormwater management activities in local parks, a recent case where landowner approval was likely to be withheld highlighted a misalignment between council’s agreed allocation of responsibilities and operational process assumptions.

11. Staff have now provided advice to local boards clarifying that activities allocated to the Governing Body, i.e. council’s own stormwater management activities, should not be subject to a landowner approval. They have clarified that the operational processes that facilitated this misunderstanding have been changed.

12. This change does not affect third-party applications for works over local parks that relate to or connect to the stormwater network. Those applications will continue to require landowner approval from local boards.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

13. Auckland Council’s allocation of non-regulatory responsibilities acknowledges that the decision making of local boards in relation to local parks may be constrained when such decisions intersect with council stormwater management activities, including the stormwater network. This provision ensures the Governing Body’s decision-making, and the effectiveness of the stormwater network, are not compromised.

14. A well-functioning stormwater system enhances flood resilience, reduces waterway contamination, and ensures local beaches are safer for swimming. Parks and reserves play a crucial role in this system, acting as flood plains, hosting waterways, and providing essential facilities for the effective functioning of the council’s stormwater network.

15. Decisions relating to the maintenance of the stormwater network have been delegated by the Governing Body to staff in Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience via the Chief Executive.

Process for giving input to stormwater network decisions

16. Local boards have been advised of the new process that will see Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience, instead of Land Advisory, seeking the views of local boards before making decisions (under delegation from the Governing Body) on whether to proceed with any proposed council-led stormwater projects in local parks.

17. The experience of local boards should not differ from the previous process, where consultations occurred over landowner approval applications while final decision-making is exercised by (Land Advisory) staff under delegation from local boards. Figure 1 shows the comparison between the current and updated processes.

Figure 1: Current and updated decision-making processes for stormwater activities on

local parks

Appointment of a lead to provide input to stormwater network decisions

18. To enable the effective and efficient conduct of a local board’s business, LGACA provides that a local board may delegate to a committee, subcommittee, or member of the local board, or to an officer of council, any of its responsibilities, duties, or powers, except for the exceptions listed in clause 36D, schedule 7 of the Act. The responsibilities that cannot be delegated include the duty to identify and communicate the interests and preferences of the people in the local board area in relation to the content of the strategies, policies, plans and bylaws of Auckland Council.

19. The updated process in Figure 1 requires that Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience seek input from local boards. Seeking input from local boards often requires a report and a decision at a business meeting.

20. Appointing a lead to finalise and provide input on stormwater network decisions can enable efficiencies. While it is expected that stormwater projects on local parks may be referred for discussion to a local board workshop and may include site visits, relying on staff to identify the agreed local board view might lead to misunderstandings, especially if different views are expressed in workshops and site visits. Having a single point of contact on the local board who can be accountable for collating, finalising, and communicating the local board view can prevent confusion and avoid unnecessary delays in decision-making.

21. If it were not possible to identify a shared view from the local board, it is open to the lead to refer the matter to the whole local board for a decision (on the local board input). This can be done at an upcoming local board meeting.

Resolving disputes and disagreements over use of local parks

22. In circumstances where the local board does not support use of a local park for a stormwater management activity and Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience and the local board are unable to agree on reasonable conditions for the use of a local park, Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience staff are encouraged to escalate the matter to the Chief Executive for a decision. This is on the basis that the Chief Executive at an operational level may be best placed to determine issues from an organisation wide perspective and may provide some assurance to the local board that competing perspectives are being carefully balanced.

23. It would also be open to the local board to seek the intervention of the Governing Body, via the Policy and Planning Committee.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

24. This is a procedural decision and is not expected to have any impact on council’s climate commitments.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

25. This report recommends the appointment of a lead to ensure that local board input can be provided in a timely manner enabling the council to undertake its operational and statutory duties efficiently.

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

Local impacts and local board views

26. This report seeks to appoint a local board member to perform a specific function on behalf of the local board. Any local board member who is appointed as a lead should ensure that they represent the wider local board views and preferences on each matter before them.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

27. This procedural decision is not anticipated to have a direct impact on Māori.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

28. A decision of this procedural nature is not considered to have financial implications on Auckland Council.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

29. If a local board chooses not to appoint a lead, staff will need to seek input from the local board at a business meeting. This may require a report which delays input and further risk delays to council projects.

30. Where a local board may feel dissatisfied with a proposed council stormwater project or feel that a project may adversely impact on the wellbeing of its community or other local board areas of decision making, and this cannot be resolved in discussions with Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience, staff are expected to escalate the matter to the Chief Executive. It is also open to local boards to seek intervention from the Governing Body via the relevant committee (Policy and Planning Committee)

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

31. Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience will provide a template to help the appointed lead quickly finalise and communicate the local board’s feedback.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Shirley Coutts - Principal Advisor - Governance Strategy

Authorisers

Oliver Roberts - Planning & Operations Manager

Lou-Ann Ballantyne - General Manager Governance and Engagement

Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

[1] Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Tribal Trust v Minister of Conservation [2018] NZSC 122

[2] Includes costs incurred in Financial Year 2024-2025 only: construction costs (including Rodney Street and Mason Heights), monitoring costs of footpaths completed in last 12 months, and reversal of Sussex Terrace contribution ($877, 000).

[3] Assume no Transport Targeted Rate funding is needed for Sussex Terrace.

[4] Green Road Park Stage 1 instructed in May 2023; Stage 2 instructed in October 2024 and is yet to be scoped.

[5] Full Stage 1 allocation of $620,000 was transferred to Auckland Council Parks in Financial Year 2023-2024; no additional cost to be incurred in Financial Year 2024-2025.

[6] See following section for composition of Tranche 4.

Chairperson	Brent Bailey
Deputy Chairperson	Louise Johnston
Members	Michelle Carmichael
	Mark Dennis
	Tim Holdgate
	Colin Smith
	Geoff Upson
	Ivan Wagstaff
	Guy Wishart

Local Board Member	Organisation	Position
Brent Bailey	Central Shooters Inc	President
	Auckland Shooting Club	Member
	Royal NZ Yacht Squadron	Member
	Muriwai Community Association Incorporated	Member
Michelle Carmichael	Fight the Tip Tiaki te Whenua Inc	Deputy chairperson
Michelle Carmichael	Tapora School Board of Trustees	Staff representative
Mark Dennis	Helensville Tennis Club	Elected member
	Helensville District Health Trust	Committee member
	Everykid Charitable Trust	Trustee
	Auckland Justices of the Peace Association	Member (JP)
	Parakai Springs Complex	Operations manager
	North West Security	Director
Tim Holdgate	Landowners Contractors Association	Vice chairman
Tim Holdgate	Agricultural & Pastoral Society Warkworth	Committee member
Louise Johnston	Blackbridge Environmental Protection Society	Treasurer
Colin Smith	Landowners Contractors Association	Committee member
Geoff Upson
Ivan Wagstaff
Guy Wishart	Huapai Kumeū Lions	Member
	Kaipara ki Mahurangi LEC	Member
	Kumeū Community Centre	Committee member
	Kumeū Small Landowners Assoc	Member
	Future Kumeū Inc Committee	Member
	Kumeū Live (Music Events)	Manager
	Kumeū Emergency Network	Member
	Kumeū Community Action	Member
	Kumeū Showgrounds Committee	Member

Author	Robyn Joynes - Local Board Advisor
Authorisers	Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager

Author	Robyn Joynes - Local Board Advisor
Authoriser	Lesley Jenkins - Local Area Manager