Minutes of Whau Local Board - Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Whau Local Board

20 November 2024

Chairperson Kay Thomas opened the meeting with a karakia.

2 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

There were no apologies.

3 Te Whakapuaki i te Whai Pānga | Declaration of Interest

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

Specifically, members are asked to identify any new interests that they have not previously disclosed and any interest that might be considered as a conflict of interest with a matter on the agenda.

The following are declared interests of elected members of the Whau Local Board:

Member	Organisation	Position
Kay Thomas	New Lynn Citizens Advice Bureau	Volunteer
	Citizens Advice Bureau Waitākere Board	Deputy Chair
	Literacy Waitākere	Board Member
	West Auckland Heritage Conference	Committee Member
	Whau Ethnic Collective	Patron
	Whau Wildlink Network	Member
Fasitua Amosa	Equity NZ	Vice President
	Massive Theatre Company	Board Member
	Avondale Business Association	Family Member is Chair
	Silo Theatre Trust	Board Member
Ross Clow	Portage Licensing Trust	Trustee
	Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust	Patron
	Bay Olympic Sports Club	Life Member
	Forest and Bird Society	Member
	Waitākere Ranges Protection Society	Member
	New Lynn Heritage Protection Society	Member
	Trust Community foundation Limited	Trustee
	Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club	Member
	Libraries	Family Member is Librarian
Catherine Farmer	Avondale-Waterview Historical Society	Member
	Blockhouse Bay Historical Society	Member
	Blockhouse Bay Bowls	Patron
	Forest and Bird organisation	Member
	Grey Power	Member
Sarah Paterson-Hamlin	New Zealand Down Syndrome Association	Employee
Sarah Paterson-Hamlin	Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust	Employee
Warren Piper	New Lynn RSA	Associate Member
Warren Piper	New Lynn Business Association	Member

External Organisations	Lead	Alternate
The Avondale Business Association	Kay Thomas	Ross Clow
The Blockhouse Bay Business Association	Warren Piper	Sarah Paterson-Hamlin
The New Lynn Business Association	Warren Piper	Kay Thomas
The Rosebank Business Association	Warren Piper	Fasitua Amosa
The Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust	Ross Clow	Sarah Paterson-Hamlin

4 Te Whakaū i ngā Āmiki | Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution number WH/2024/142

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member W Piper:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) whakaū / confirm the minutes of its meeting, held on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, as true and correct.

CARRIED

5 He Tamōtanga Motuhake | Leave of Absence

There were no leaves of absence.

6 Te Mihi | Acknowledgements

There were no acknowledgements.

7 Ngā Petihana | Petitions

There were no petitions.

8 Ngā Tono Whakaaturanga | Deputations

There were no deputations.

9 Te Matapaki Tūmatanui | Public Forum

There was no public forum.

10 Ngā Pakihi Autaia | Extraordinary Business

There was no extraordinary business.

11	Appointment of and Declaration by new Whau Local Board Member Valeria Gascoigne
	Copies of Valeria Gascoigne’s declaration and maiden speech have been placed on the official minutes and will be available on the Auckland Council website as a minutes attachment.
	Resolution number WH/2024/143 MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Deputy Chairperson F Amosa: That the Whau Local Board: a) confirm its appointment of Valeria Gascoigne to the vacancy created by the resignation of former member Susan Zhu. CARRIED
	Note: Valeria Gascoigne made her declaration pursuant to Schedule 7, clause 14, of the Local Government Act 2002.
	Resolution number WH/2024/144 MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Deputy Chairperson F Amosa: That the Whau Local Board: b) receive the declaration made by Member V Gascoigne pursuant to Schedule 7, clause 14, of the Local Government Act 2002. CARRIED
	Member Valeria Gascoigne was given the opportunity to address the meeting and delivered her maiden speech.
	Attachments a 20 November 2024, Whau Local Board - Item 11: Appointment of and Declaration by new Whau Local Board Member Valeria Gascoigne - declaration

Classification of land at 64 Fremlin Place, Avondale under the Reserves Act 1977

Resolution number WH/2024/145

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member S Paterson-Hamlin:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the classification of land legally described as Lot 3 DP 106430 held in Record of Title NA64B/750 at Fremlin Reserve as local purpose (esplanade) reserve, pursuant to section 16(2A) of the Reserves Act 1977.

CARRIED

Miranda Reserve and Pump Station 25 - Outdoor Space Restoration Plans

Resolution number WH/2024/146

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member R Clow:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the Open Space Restoration Plans for Miranda Reserve and Pump Station 25 in Avondale.

b) note its extreme disappointment that the local board was not presented with the Open Space Restoration Plans before works were undertaken and completed, and that the local board did not get the opportunity to input into the plans as was a condition in the Landowner Approval.

c) note that the size and shape of the permanent easement area adjacent to Blockhouse Bay Road severely limits the board’s ability to reinstate a playground in that area, further noting that the remainder of Miranda Reserve is not suitable due to safety and visibility issues.

d) note that Glenavon is an area of significant deprivation and increasing intensification where many residents cannot provide private play spaces.

e) acknowledge Watercare funding the provision of an alternate play space on Kainga Ora land during construction but note the limitation of that space when the population of the surrounding area is considered.

CARRIED

Annual Plan 2025/2026 - Input on Regional Consultation Content

Resolution number WH/2024/147

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member R Clow:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) whakarite / provide the following feedback on the draft Mayoral Proposal including potential regional consultation topics for the Annual Plan 2025/2026:

General

i) acknowledge the Mayor’s achievement in bringing in Fairer Funding but also note that this may be under threat due to cost pressures.

ii) oppose a slower transition to fairer funding, noting that the Whau Local Board has had a funding shortfall for over 14 years due to a lack of assets, and that the Whau community will be very disappointed if the Whau area continues to be underfunded.

iii) support the financial proposals:

A) retaining the agreed rates increase of 5.8 per cent

B) aiming for a group debt to revenue limit of 250 per cent noting the qualification of adequate headroom

C) delivering a further $47 million in savings

D) continuing to invest in services and activities with $4 billion of capital investment.

Funding major events, destination marketing and visitor attraction

iv) support in principle a bed night visitor levy and support Council’s continued advocacy to Central Government.

v) support consultation on funding options for major events.

Council-Controlled Organisation Reform

vi) support in principle reform of the listed council-controlled organisations (CCOs), noting that not all recommendations from the 2020 CCO review were put in place and there were lengthy delays to those that were enacted.

vii) note that the complex nature of CCO functions and responsibilities presents a risk of insufficient public understanding to enable informed feedback, if there is public consultation.

viii) note the need to build staff capability and capacity within Auckland Council to be able to develop strategic and policy direction, regardless of the outcome of CCO reforms.

ix) support reestablishing economic policy capability to support decision-making across all council activities and enable a greater focus on local economic development.

Eke Panuku

x) support option 2: reset Eke Panuku as an urban regeneration delivery organisation, with property management functions transferring to Auckland Council

xi) acknowledge the importance of the separating the commercial and regulatory functions required for development

xii) acknowledge Eke Panuku’s great work in urban regeneration for Avondale.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

xiii) support the disestablishment of Tataki Auckland Unlimited, with all functions being transferred to Auckland Council.

xiv) note the importance for building staff capability and capacity to deliver functions delivered by Tataki Auckland Unlimited, if disestablished.

xv) note that there is no current support for local economic development, and minimal ability for local areas to leverage the benefits from regional events.

Auckland Transport

xvi) support option 2: Refocus Auckland Transport on delivery, and transfer the strategy, policy and planning functions to council, noting that legislative change will be required.

xvii) support the review of decision-making delegations and practices to provide Auckland Transport with a clearer mandate to make decisions within their zone of influence.

xviii) support the proposal that Auckland Transport fully participate in the Group Shared Services programme.

xix) note the impact Central Government decisions have on the transport network in Auckland.

xx) acknowledge the recent improved relationship and engagement between the Whau Local Board and Auckland Transport.

Planning and paying for growth

xxi) support advocacy that Central Government’s rationale and direction for development in Auckland considers the Auckland Future Development Strategy.

xxii) support tighter controls for private plan changes to enable better timing alignment between development and the provision of essential infrastructure.

xxiii) support advocacy to Central Government for reform on funding tools to ensure “growth pays for growth”, especially to support and enable ongoing work of the Supporting Growth Alliance.

xxiv) note the Fulton Hogan Milldale development bulk housing infrastructure funding model, with an encumbrance on individual titles over 30 years, as an example of a potential tool to pay for growth.

xxv) support development contributions being increased with such contributions being ring-fenced to provide amenities for the area from which the levies were collected.

Other issues

xxvi) support the review of procurement and spending.

xxvii)acknowledge the Mayor’s initiatives for creating a safer Auckland region.

Changes to other rates, fees and charges

xxviii) note that the proposed 3 per cent increase to the overall waste management targeted rate is included in the proposed 5.8 per cent increase to general rates.

xxix) support the introduction of the refuse targeted rate to the former districts of Rodney and Franklin, in alignment with the former Waitakere, North Shore and Papakura districts.

xxx) generally support consultation on increases to animal management fees.

xxxi) encourage keeping dog adoption fee reasonable in order not to discourage public uptake of dog adoption.

xxxii)support consultation on changes to cemetery fees, acknowledging that existing fees are well below those charged by other providers.

c) whakarite / provide the following local board advocacy for the Annual Plan 2025/2026:

Initiative	Description
Acquisition of park land at Avondale Racecourse	Acquisition of significant park land in Avondale Racecourse as part of region wide reprioritisation of funding for open space acquisition.
Te Whau Pathway	Construction of the bridge across the Whau River to connect the Avondale and New Lynn sections of Te Whau Pathway.
Whau Aquatic and Recreation Centre	Site identification and acquisition of land to deliver the Whau Aquatic and Recreation Centre by 2032, which will benefit the inner-west and Waitakere Ranges areas.

d) support Te Kawerau ā Maki’s ongoing requests for:

i) Waitakere Rages Heritage Area - Establishment of a Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Forum and funding to implement the objectives of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.

ii) Te Henga Marae development – Council support to navigate the regulatory processes, and infrastructure to establish a marae.

CARRIED

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

Resolution number WH/2024/148

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member S Paterson-Hamlin:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) whakarite / provide the following 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:

i) support a ‘principle-based’ approach to consolidating and simplifying five strategies, policies and plans that previously guided investment in open space, sport and recreation in Tāmaki Makaurau.

ii) support in principle the five strategic directions for the future provision of open spaces and sport and recreation opportunities, ie:

· make all of Tāmaki Makaurau our backyard

· deliver innovative open spaces in high-density areas

· enhance our response to climate disruption

· protect and enhance our environment, biodiversity and heritage

· support Aucklanders to live healthy, active lives.

iii) support taking a broad view of open space (green, blue and grey open spaces) as an ecosystem of people, place and the environment to provide multiple outcomes and benefits.

iv) support in principle the four investment principles, ie:

· 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.

iii) request that staff provide local boards with advice on the local impacts of the strategy, and the implications for the boards’ decision-making role as governors, prior to local boards’ further input following public consultation.

e) ohia / endorse Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau, the draft Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy, going for public consultation, on the understanding that further local board input will be sought following the public consultation and after receiving further staff advice on the implications of the strategy at a local board level.

CARRIED

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

Resolution number WH/2024/149

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member S Paterson-Hamlin:

That the Whau Local Board:

whakarite / provide the following 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:

i) support in principle the four objectives of Policy 1: Making the most of our open spaces, i.e.

increase the range of benefits our open spaces network delivers consistent with each space’s primary purpose

improve the quality of our open spaces

improve our network to provide diverse recreation opportunities accessible to all Aucklanders

improve open spaces’ accessibility and functionality by prioritising connections and linkages across all types of open space.

ii) support in principle the objectives of Policy 2: Open space provision and acquisition, i.e.

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

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

iii) support reconfiguring, redistributing or redeveloping open spaces rather than disposing of them on a case-by-case basis.

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

v) support in principle the three objectives of Policy 3: Auckland Council’s investment in play, sport and recreation, namely:

increase physical activity levels by targeting our investment to low-participating communities and addressing disparities

deliver a fit for purpose, future proofed facility network that makes the most of what we have

strengthen partnerships with mana whenua and mataawaka, local communities and other sport and recreation providers.

vi) note the Whau Local Board’s concern that the acquisition policies are focused on growth or development and do not appear to consider the impact of the loss or change in accessibility of open space and sport and recreation facilities for assets not in council ownership or control, e.g. the Avondale Racecourse, golf courses and school facilities. The board believes this is an oversight that needs to be specifically addressed in this strategy.

vii) request that planning for good community outcomes be the main focus of the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy, ie: while providing value for money, saving money should not be an outcome in an open space policy.

viii) request that staff provide local boards with advice on the local impacts of the strategy, and the implications for the boards’ decision-making role as governors, prior to local boards’ further input following public consultation.

CARRIED

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Electoral Reform Working Group - Issues Paper

Resolution number WH/2024/150

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Deputy Chairperson F Amosa:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the on Local Electoral Issues Reform Paper.

Issue One

b) note its concern over the low voter turnout in the Whau area for local body elections.

c) note its concern over the lack of understanding of the importance and value of local government, but also note that the overloaded school curriculum may prevent the inclusion of civics education.

d) support promotion of the importance and value of local government being a role for councils and central government.

e) further support the translation of such promotional materials into several key languages noting that the Whau local board area has a high proportion of migrants, many of whom have a limited or no understanding of English.

Issue Two

f) note the high number of candidates for positions on Whau local board in previous elections and also note the difficulty of providing sufficient information on candidates, while not overwhelming voters with too much voting material.

g) support the translation of candidate information material into several key languages noting that the Whau local board area has a high proportion of migrants, many of whom have no or a limited understanding of English.

h) support in principle candidates being required to provide an explanation of their policies.

Issue Three

i) note that many voters may not receive voting papers with the current postal system and support the options of voters receiving their voting papers electronically in addition to receiving them by mail.

j) support improved legislative requirements to simplify the system for re-issuing voting papers.

k) note the difficulty of postal voting with the ongoing decline in postal services and urge central government and LGNZ to undertake an online voting pilot in the 2025 elections in two council areas, one primarily urban and one provincial / rural.

l) further note that such a pilot would enable the practicality of a system for uploading voting papers to be fully evaluated.

m) support an extension to the postal method of voting of having drop boxes for voting papers in secure locations, as was available in one supermarket chain in the 2022 elections.

n) note the high proportion of unenrolled voters in the Whau local board area and further note the success of One Stop Shops in Auckland in the 2019 elections and therefore urge more opportunities be provided for people to enrol and vote at the same time.

o) support improved legislative requirements to simplify the system for re-issuing voting papers.

Issue Four

p) note the lower proportion of funding spent per capita on the promotion and administration of local body elections, compared to central government elections.

q) support a larger role for the Electoral Commission in the promotion of local government elections.

r) support local government elections being administered by the Electoral Commission with an expressed goal of increasing voter turnout.

Issue Five

s) note significant support for a four-year term for local government in a poll conducted by Curia Market Research in August 2024 and further noting that some respondents would support such a term if central government also had a four year term.

t) note that in the United States of America voting for the president, state and local government occurs at the same time and further note that such a system may increase voter turnout.

u) support an investigation into the implications and impact of voting for central and local government occurring at the same time.

CARRIED

Eke Panuku six-monthly update October 2024 to March 2025

Resolution number WH/2024/151

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Deputy Chairperson F Amosa:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) tūtohi / receive Eke Panuku’s six-monthly update for October 2024 to March 2025.

CARRIED

Hōtaka Kaupapa / Governance Forward Work Programme

Resolution number WH/2024/152

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member W Piper:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) whiwhi / receive the Hōtaka Kaupapa / Governance Forward Work Programme for November 2024.

CARRIED

Whau Local Board Workshop Records

Resolution number WH/2024/153

MOVED by Chairperson K Thomas, seconded by Member C Farmer:

That the Whau Local Board:

a) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note the records of the workshops held on 2, 16 and 23 October 2024.

CARRIED

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

There was no consideration of extraordinary items.

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

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF THE Whau Local Board HELD ON

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

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

Chairperson	Kay Thomas
Deputy Chairperson	Fasitua Amosa
Members	Ross Clow
	Catherine Farmer
	Valeria Gascoigne	From Item 12
	Sarah Paterson-Hamlin
	Warren Piper