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Auckland Domain Committee
24 February 2025
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Pukekawa /
Auckland Domain – work programme update
File No.: CP2025/01262
Te take mō te
pūrongo
Purpose of the report
1. To
provide the Pukekawa / Auckland Domain Committee with an update on the work
programme in the Domain.
Whakarāpopototanga matua
Executive summary
2. At
its meeting on 20 May 2024, the Pukekawa / Auckland Domain Committee (the
committee) endorsed the three-year capex work programme for the Pukekawa /
Auckland Domain. This programme, together with the community facilities
regional capex work programme was approved by the Planning, Environment and
Parks Committee on 25 August 2024. The budget allocations for projects listed
in this report to be delivered in the current financial year (FY) total
$1,757,000.
3. The
majority of the projects relate to renewal of existing assets. There is a mix
of project stages with some still in investigation and design while others are
progressing to physical works either in financial year 2024/205 or 2025/2026.
The report provides an update on each of the projects in the work programme.
4. The
report also includes a more detailed discussion on the pathway connections
project, looking at the budget implications from the latest approved concept
designs for two of the paths, seeking the committee’s recommendations on
this.
5. In
addition, the report provides an update on the development of sustainable
garden areas with nature-based solutions. Both the pathway connections project
and the sustainable garden areas will be discussed at a site visit ahead of the
committee meeting.
6. Upcoming
approved events to be held within the Pukekawa / Auckland Domain are also
outlined in the report.
Ngā tūtohunga
Recommendation/s
That the Auckland Domain
Committee:
a) whiwhi /
receive the Pukekawa / Auckland Domain – general and financial update
report.
b) tuku / provide guidance on their preference for the delivery of
paths on Sites 1 and 2, as set out in the report, with the potential options
being:
i)
support the delivery of the Site 1 path from Titoki St to Football Rd
only, and that further budget will be required to deliver this path.
ii)
propose to the Waitematā Local Board that the Site 2 path on the
Crescent only be delivered, recognising this will utilise most of the current
budget, with a $119k either being viewed as:
A)
an underspend given back to the Waitematā Local Board, or
B)
carried over to support further works on Site 1 and as a contingency.
iii)
support the delivery of the Site 1 path from Titoki St to Football Rd
and the Site 2 path on the Crescent, recognising that further budget will be required
to deliver both paths.
iv)
if the preference is to support options i or iii above, the delivery of
Site 1 only or delivery of both paths, that the Waitematā Local Board be
requested to provide further funding towards this project from their Local
Board Transport Capital Fund.
c) tuku
/ provide their support for the establishment of the three sustainable garden
areas as outlined in the report.
Horopaki
Context
7. The
following table shows the financial year 2024/2025 work programme and budget
allocation.
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Project
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Description
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Budget Source
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2024/2025
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Pathway
connections
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The
first of the pathways from Parnell Station to Lovers Lane was completed in
June 2023. Design and consenting for other three paths:
1. Titoki St carpark to
Football Rd
2. Football Road end
along the Crescent
3. Centennial Path to
Grafton Mews
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AT
- fully funded
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$394,888
Note:
this is part of the approved budget discussed in further detail in clause 12.
below
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Sports field drainage
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Improve
the drainage of the sports field
FY22/23 – investigation and design
FY23/24
to FY24/25 - physical works
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ABS:
Capex - Development
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$288,190
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Refurbish
Wintergarden pergolas
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Refurbish the
pergola in the northern Wintergardens
FY24/25 - investigation
and design
FY25/26 -
physical works
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ABS: Capex -
Regional Renewal
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$40,000
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Refurbish
nursery glasshouses
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Refurbish
heritage glasshouses at Domain nursery
FY22/23 to
FY23/24 - investigation and design
FY24/25 to
FY25/26 - physical works
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ABS: Capex -
Regional Renewal
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$185,000
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Refurbish
water features
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Refurbish water
features (6)
FY23/24 to
FY25/26 - investigation and physical works
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ABS: Capex - Regional
Renewal
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$37,723
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Centennial and
Watson Bequest walkways
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Renew the
Centennial and Watson Bequest walkways at Auckland Domain
FY22/23 to
FY23/24 -investigation and design
FY23/24 to
FY25/26 - physical works
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ABS: Capex -
Regional Renewal
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$622,500
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Fixtures and
furniture renewals
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Renew
fixtures and furniture such as signage, park seating and rubbish bins
FY23/24
to FY24/25 - investigation and physical works
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ABS:
Capex - Regional Renewal
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$30,000
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Replace
amenity block – the Crescent
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Replace
the four-pan toilet block at the Kiosk carpark
FY23/24
to FY24/25 - investigation and design
FY24/25
to FY25/26 - physical works
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ABS:
Capex - Regional Renewal
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$129,000
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Forested
tracks – storm remediation
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Remediate
storm damaged tracks
FY23/24
- investigation and design
FY24/25
- physical works
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ABS:
Capex
Renewal
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$450,000
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Play space
development
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Develop
a play space
FY23/24
and FY24/25 - investigation and design
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External
funding
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TBC
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Titoki carpark
– redesign carpark layout
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Refurbish
and redesign car park
FY23/24
- investigation and design
FY24/25
physical works
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ABS:
Capex
Renewal
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$150,000
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Wintergardens
renew fixtures and equipment
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Renew fixtures
and furniture such as signage, park seating and rubbish bins
FY23/24 to
FY24/25 - investigation and physical works
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ABS: Capex
Renewal
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$26,000
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8. The
following table gives a summary of the progress of the work programme projects.
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Project
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Progress update
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Pathway connections
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Site 1: Titoki
St carpark to Football Road - concept design completed.
Site 2: The
Crescent: Detailed design has been completed.
Site 3: still on hold due to no available funding for this pathway.
Project manager
at the request of AT, presented the project at the Waitemata Transport
Capital Fund workshop on 3rd December 2024 to seek additional funding
required to complete both paths.
The Committee's direction is now being sought on the next steps as detailed
further below in the report and outlined in the recommendations.
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Sports field
drainage
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The third sand
application and kikuyu turfing were completed in October and the last sand
application is to be carried out in April 2025 to avoid conflicts with
some of the larger events.
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Refurbish Wintergarden
pergolas
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Site
investigations have been undertaken of the north, south and the fernery
pergolas. These are all old and have some timber failings. Now waiting for
SRA to submit their investigation report.
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Refurbish
nursery glasshouses
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Contract
awarded to Argon for the renewal of glasshouse #8.
Argon will commence physical works on 10th February 2025, with a pre-start
meeting scheduled on 4th February.
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Refurbish
water features
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Cenotaph water feature
– an auto backwash system
was installed, and spare pumps were
ordered to replace current faulty one. In addition, plant room ventilation
was installed to have fresh air when the feature is being serviced (health
and safety issue). Mirror Pond – works include installation of UV light
system, and renewal of the hydro strainer and various pipework. Winter Garden
– sprayers for pond jets replaced. Valkyrie water feature –
plantroom construction underway.
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Centennial and
Watson Bequest walkways
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Resource
consent application has been lodged. Construction approval from Heritage New
Zealand received. Tender documents ready. Engineer's estimate around $1.085M.
Ariba contract request raised. Aim to commence the physical works in late
March or early April 2025.
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Fixtures and
furniture renewals
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The site
manager has been approached to provide requirements.
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Replace toilet
block – the Crescent
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The recent
repair and maintenance work has extended the asset life, and it is unlikely
to need replacement in the next few years. However, consideration is being
given to investigating a cost-effective design for its long-term replacement.
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Forested
tracks – storm remediation
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Resource consent has been
lodged and the physical works contract awarded, with the aim to start works
as soon as the consent has been granted. Iwi engagement has been completed.
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Play space
development
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There will be a fundraising launch for this
project on 12 March 2025. The function will be organised by Auckland
Foundation and Jeremy Smith and will be held at the Wintergarden Café.
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Titoki carpark
– redesign carpark layout
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Carpark
reconfiguration concept options have been developed. The project control
group has confirmed an anticlockwise direction for the traffic flow. The next
steps are to submit resource consent for geotechnical investigations.
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Wintergardens
renew fixtures and equipment
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The
wintergardens requested a taller entrance gate due to security and safety
issues. Consultation with the heritage specialist on the entrance gate has
been completed. This has been ordered, and installation is set when it
arrives in late February or early March 2025. Four benches have also been
ordered and scheduled to be delivered in March.
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Domain pathway connections project
9. The
aim of this project is to improve accessibility and strengthen walking
connections in the Domain. The Waitematā Local Board had initially funded
through their Local Board Transport Capital Fund the development of four paths
in Domain. This funding was first committed in 2019 and was put on hold and
modified following Covid’s impact on budgets.
10. One of the
four paths has been delivered being Site 4 leading from the Parnell Train
Station up to Lower Domain Drive. This was completed in June 2023.
11. Work is
underway on another two of the paths, being:
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· Site
1 - a 1.8m wide path, covering 350m from the Titoki Street carpark to
Football Road to provide easier access between the carpark and the sports
fields.
· Site
2 - a 1.8m wide path, covering 170m along the Cresent connecting the path
from the museum to the Wintergardens, duck ponds and toilets. This will
include the installation of raised speed tables on Wintergarden Road and
Kiosk Road to improve pedestrian safety.
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12. The final
path, Site 3, from Centennial Walkway to Lower Domain Drive along Grafton Mews
is on hold due to budget constraints.
13. The
concept designs for Sites 1 and 2 have been approved by Auckland
Transport’s Design Review Panel and community consultation is currently
in progress.
14. The
Waitematā Local Board has allocated to date $1,561,957 for the delivery of
this project as shown in the table below. In the latest 3-year budget for
2023-2026 the local board allocated $617,000. With the $270,200 carry over from
the previous underspend that makes the 2023-2026 budget allocation $887,200.
Approximately $236,722 has been spent to date leaving in the order of $650,428
as a remaining budget.
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Budget
allocated by WLB
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Budget
spent in previous years
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Budget
spent to date in this LB term
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Variance
or remaining budget
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Budget
lost from budget cuts
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Approved
carry over
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Total
project budget to date
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2020
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$70,000
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$70,000
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$70,000
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2021
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$1,041,889
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$604,757
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$437,132
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$166,932
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$270,200
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$604,757
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2023-2026
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$617,000
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2023-2026 carry over
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$270,200
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2023-2026 total budget
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$887,200
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$236,722*
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$650,428
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$887,200
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$1,561,957
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· Note that the budget spent so far within the
current 3 financial years might not be fully accurate as some invoices Dec/ Jan
have not yet been received, so it will be slightly more once confirmed.
15. Further cost
estimates on the concept designs for Sites 1 and 2 has revealed that the
initial estimates undertaken in 2019 are now no longer accurate. There have
also been some changes in scope that have added further costs. This includes a
change to the lower end of the Site 1 path, so it no longer requires a road
closure to Little George Street and an extension of the Site 2 path to link to
the toilet block.
16. The table
below shows the latest cost estimates based on the approved concept designs and
indicates the current project shortfall, looking at the options of delivering
only one path or both paths.
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Path
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Resolved or remaining
budget
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Updated cost estimates
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If delivering only one
path – impact on budget
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If delivering both paths
– budget shortfall
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Site 1:
Titoki St to Football
Rd
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$887,200 - $236,772 (spend to date) = $650,428 (remaining budget)
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$916,000
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(-$265,573)
shortfall
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$796,573
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Site 2:
Along the Crescent
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1.
$531,000 |
$119,427
remaining
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1.
| Total |
$650,428
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$1,447,000
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$796,573
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17. The committee
is asked to provide guidance on their preference for delivery of this project
which may include the following options:
a. Deliver Site 1 from
Titoki St carpark to Football Rd only by June 2026, and request the additional
$265k required to top up the budget from the Local Board
b. Propose to the
Waitematā Local Board that Site 2 along the Crescent is only delivered by
June 2026 with close to $119k as an underspend be provided back to the local
board
c. Propose to the
Waitematā Local Board that Site 2 along the Crescent is only delivered by
June 2026 and have close to $119k to get the Site 1 construction ready and as a
contingency for Site 2.
d. Seek to deliver both
paths and request the additional $796k required to top up the budget from the
Waitematā Local Board.
18. The two paths
will be discussed at the site visit scheduled ahead of the committee’s
meeting.
Sustainable garden areas with
nature-based solutions
19. A meeting of
representatives from the Auckland Botanic Gardens’ team, urban arborist
and Parks and Community Facilities was held prior to Christmas to review
nature-based solutions at the Domain.
20. Nature based
solutions work best when there are multiple solutions implemented on a site.
Assessing the site at a strategic level determined there are three solutions
that could be implemented to improve soil and tree health which will improve
this site’s ability to slow the flow and filter water.
21. Site 1:
Regenerative horticulture located beside the duck ponds with the aim of
transitioning the pond edge planting to native riparian planting. The purpose
is to improve water quality when entering the pond, slowing flow of water from
surrounding areas into the pond, improve the soil for existing mature trees and
provide shade for improved pond water quality.
22. This will be
achieved by – using chipped mulch and limited green waste in open turf
areas to improve soil and provide a base for planting riparian species.
Riparian species will include Carex virgata, Cordyline australis, Veronica
stricta, Carpodetus serratus, Phormium tenax, Cyperus ustulatus, Sophora
microphylla, Plagianthus regius. Species selected provide effective ground
cover, while maintaining view shafts. Signage will be provided to explain
regenerative horticulture to the public.
23. Site 2:
No-mow area under the entire extent of the oaks on Pukekaroa with the aim
of creating a meadow-like ecosystem. The purpose is to reduce soil compaction,
improve soil water retention and tree trunk damage during mowing to support the
health and long-term survival of the mature oaks. An annual mow during March
can be done to reduce fire risk and rest the system. One or two paths will be
mown through the trees for visitors.
24. A site
assessment and soil test will be undertaken prior to starting so a baseline is
established (for future research) and to determine that site is suitable i.e.,
no kikuyu or other species that need chemical control. Monitoring of
regeneration benefit to the oaks would be required and any environmental weeds
would need to be removed. Signage will be provided to explain the no-mow
benefits to the public.
25. Site 3:
Regenerative horticulture (with some spongy gardening) under oaks near the
cricket grandstand with the aim to see the impact of regenerative gardening on
newly established and mature oaks. The purpose is to reduce mowing pressure on
the oaks by reducing soil compaction and tree trunk damage, as well as
improving soil health with green waste and mulch.
26. Five to six
mature and juvenile oak have been identified where green waste will be applied
within the dripline of each individual tree and the remaining area will not be
mowed. There will be one annual mow in March. No environmental weeds (privet,
ivy, agapanthus etc.), bulbs, spikey plants (e.g. cactus, bamboo) will be used
in this work. Signage will be provided to explain regenerative horticulture and
the no-mow approach to the public.
27. These three
sites will be pointed out and discussed at the site visit scheduled ahead of
the committee’s meeting.
Other operational updates
28. The holiday
season saw a large number of people visiting the domain, all in all the
contractors kept the site looking great and keeping up with the cleaning and
maintenance regime.
Events
29. The sports
fields held up well after Christmas in the Park.
30. Five major
events are booked to take place in the Domain over the next few months, being:
· Red Bull Trolley Grand Prix – 15 February 2025As many as 50 teams will compete by racing their vehicles down the
twists and turns of Lower Domain Drive, over several obstacles.
· Gardens Festival
– 28 February and 1 March 2025
This is a two-day festival that is making
its return to the Domain in 2025, having last taken place in 2023. In 2024 it
was originally planned for the Domain but was forced to make the quick move to
Spark Arena due to extreme weather conditions.
It will be held on the Domain’s
upper fields with international headliners Wilkinson, Skream, Groove Armada,
2ManyDJs among others. Day One will mainly focus on the 18-35 year old
demographic, whilst Day Two will aim for a slightly older demographic of 30-55
year olds.
· Synthony in the
Domain – 29 March 2025
Synthony is a NZ originated orchestral
event that forms a unique collaboration between DJs, orchestras and feature
vocalists and musicians performing the biggest dance tracks of the last 30+
years, complete with an immersive light, laser, and visual spectacle.
· Lexus Urban Polo
– 8 March 2025
Lexus Urban Polo is returning for its fifth year.
It is held on the Domain’s lower fields and provides a contemporary spin
on the traditional game of polo with a shorter, faster paced and simplified
version of the game, creating a more exciting version of polo for spectators.
· Anzac Day –
25 April 2025 held on the Cenotaph
Tātaritanga me ngā
tohutohu
Analysis and advice
31. This is an
update report and / or follows on from comprehensive reporting where analysis
and advice has previously been provided to guide decisions.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
āhuarangi
Climate impact statement
32. Te
Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan provides a
roadmap to a zero-emissions, resilient and healthier region that is better
connected to our environment and able to thrive in the face of ongoing change
and disruption.
33. The delivery
of activities in the proposed work programme will contribute to the objectives
of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. Key
considerations include:
· Maximum
upcycling and recycling of old material
· Installation
of energy efficiency measures
· Building
design to ensure the maximum lifetime and efficiency of the building is
obtained.
· Lifecycle
impacts of construction materials (embodied emissions)
· Resilience
of design, taking into account the impacts of weather events.
34. The
development of the new sustainable garden areas using nature-based solutions is
a particular example of a new approach to contribute to the objectives of Te
Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.
Ngā whakaaweawe me
ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera
Council group impacts and views
35. This report
reflects the delivery of the approved work programme and is in line with
council group activities.
Ngā whakaaweawe
ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe
Local impacts and local board views
36. The committee
is being asked to consider the delivery of the pathway connection project that
has been funded through the Waitematā Local Board’s Transport
Capital Fund. The local board has shown a preference for the delivery of
the Site 1 path through the resolution allocating the funding for the project.
37. The
committee’s views on the delivery of the paths will need to be reported
back to the local board.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
Māori
Māori impact statement
38. The Parks and
Community Facilities work programme ensures that all facilities and open space
assets continue to be well-maintained assets that benefit the local community,
including Māori. When developing and delivering work programmes
consideration is given to how the activities can contribute to Māori
well-being, values, culture and traditions.
39. Karanga Atu!
Karanga Mai! relationship approach responds to Māori aspirations and
delivers on council’s statutory obligations and relationship commitments
to Māori.
40. Where aspects
of the proposed work programme are anticipated to have a significant impact on
activity of importance to Māori then appropriate engagement will be
undertaken. Engagement with four iwi is currently underway on the bush track
rebuilding project.
Ngā ritenga
ā-pūtea
Financial implications
41. The report highlights
a shortfall in funding to deliver the pathways project and proposes further
funding be sought from the Waitematā Local Board’s Transport Capital
Fund.
Ngā raru tūpono me
ngā whakamaurutanga
Risks and mitigations
42. There are no
substantive risks identified at this point in time.
43. Projects
discussed in this report are subject to operational health and safety plans.
This includes a process for incident and near-miss reporting, and these will be
reported to the Committee where they have occurred.
Ngā koringa ā-muri
Next steps
44. Ongoing
operational and work programme delivery.
45. Seeking
endorsement and potential further funding from the Waitematā Local Board
to proceed with the pathway connections project.
Ngā tāpirihanga
Attachments
There are no attachments for
this report.
Ngā kaihaina
Signatories
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Author
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Martin Wong - Manager Area Operations
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|
Authoriser
|
Martin van Jaarsveld - Head of Specialist Operations
|
