Minutes of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

25 March 2025

1 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

There were no apologies.

2 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.

There were no declarations of interest.

5	Local Board Workshop

Item 1 – 9.30 – 11.30

LB Annual Planning Workshop 6

Presenter/s: Maureen Buchanan Senior Advisor

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an update on the draft 2025/2026 work programme.

· Member M Powell sat back from the table and took no part in discussions of Community Garden Network line.

· Member T Harpur left the room and took no part in discussions of Takapuna Beach Business Association line

· Member P Allen sat back from the table and took no part in discussions of Milford Business Association line

The local board raised the following points and questions in response to the presentation:

CAPEX

· Raised concerns about the rising costs to maintain heritage buildings.

· Asked for more clarity on the work being done at 27 Lake Road.

· Note that Paerewa is a project that the local board are interested in, but do not currently have the funds to prioritise.

· Raised concerns about the progress of Te Uru Tapu/Sacred Grove. Staff confirmed that preparations for a workshop are underway to provide further information.

· Expressed concerns for Kennedy Park carpark renewal and questioned if this could be prioritized following urgent works to the Observation Post building.

· Confirmed that contingencies of 10% are included in project budgets as standard.

OPEX

· Questioned if Kaipatiki Local Board is also contributing to a Wairau estuary water quality action plan. Staff noted it is currently not an inclusion in their draft work programme.

· Expressed concerns regarding Council’s policy on public rubbish bins

· Raised concerns about the scope of work related to rubbish pickup, suggesting that time would be better spent addressing water outlets. Suggestion that sea bins be investigated as an option.

· Request staff investigate whether the Devonport museum should be retained as an arts partner and whether change would impact their funding. Staff note that this should not affect the funding process, as the museum rarely seeks additional funding, but will seek clarification.

· Questioned the proposal to significantly increase funding for the North Shore Brass Band. Staff explained that the proposed increase is due to a mentorship program, and clarified that the funding will support new programs and equipment for tutoring, and will allow for sustainability in the future, even with potential reductions.

· Suggestion to transition the Michael King Writers Centre to regional funding in the face of ongoing cost pressures.

· Note that the board will further review the Pump House funding, acknowledging that it is an interim amount to support them.

· Clarified the current proposals for Māori Outcomes are indicative of ongoing cost pressures. Suggest not splitting across two work programme lines.

· No appetite to reduce Contestable Grants budget

Next Steps:

· The next Annual Planning workshop will be held on 22 April

· Work programmes to be approved in June

Item 2 – 11.30 – 12.30

Local Parks Management Plan draft review

Presenter/s: Tommo Cooper-Cuthbert Service and Asset Planner

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

The local board was provided with an update on the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board draft local parks management plan.

· An update on the questions and feedback from the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board on Volume 1 and 2 of the LPMP, following the workshop on 4 February 2025.

The local board raised the following points and questions in response to the presentation:

· Confirmed that plan is ready to go to Council’s legal team for review.

· Clarified the importance of Mana Whenua involvement. Staff advised that consultation will include outreach to individual iwi for feedback, with a 20-working-day period to provide input.

Next Steps:

· Further engagement with Mana Whenua

· Receive feedback from legal review

· Approve public notification in June

30 Min Break

Item 3 – 1.00 – 2.00

Te Ara Hura 2027 Parks & Community Facilities maintenance contracts

Presenter/s: Jennifer Rose Head of Asset and Business Performance

Sarah Jones Programme Manager

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

Parks & Community Facilities maintenance contracts

The local board was provided with an update Te Ara Hura 2027 Parks & Community Facilities maintenance contracts

The local board raised the following points and questions in response to the presentation:

· Clarified that the distribution of the workforce is based on the specific needs of the projects, as advised by staff.

· Questioned whether Data Brick software is necessary for asset data flow. Staff confirmed that an Asset Management team has been established to support the board’s outcomes, a resource that was previously unavailable

· Expressed concerns regarding the lack of visibility over contract details, especially with large contracts such as the $5 million agreement. Staff acknowledged the concern.

· Clarity around the responsibilities of grass berms outside businesses which staff confirmed that are the responsibility of the property owners.

· Noted that playground equipment is frequently being broken, with staff clarifying that the issue is primarily due to wear and tear rather than manufacturing defects.

· Asked for clarification on plant pest removal efforts, with staff explaining that this work is happening across multiple locations. Staff also noted that the ecological value of these locations requires specialized skill sets, which may involve other contractors.

· Suggested looking into alternative bin designs, particularly for dog waste dispensers. Staff confirmed that all waste, including dog waste, goes to the landfill

· How much visablity will the local board have once contracts decisions are made. Local board will have more visablity including cost and spend.

Next Steps:

· Formal report to governing body in July and Septmeber

Item 4 – 2.00 – 2.30

Auckland Transport CATTR

Presenter/s: Francis Doesburg Senior Transport Planner

Paul Buckle

Petra Mojzes Project Manager

Amy Wilson Behavior change programme lead

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an update on cycling investment investigation

· With a high level overview of the 3 related workstreams: Climate Action Transport Targeted rate, Local Active Modes Plan and Community enable insights

The local board raised the following points and questions in response to the presentation:

· The board sought clarification on the amount of money in the fund, its allocation to be used in the Devonport – Takapuna area

· the DT and AT budgets, and whether it is sourced elsewhere, and staff confirmed that the funding relies on co-funding, with the board being aware of the inadequate funding, which has led AT to prioritize these workshops.

· Could the climate action targeted rate funding be used to support the Francis Esmonde link for walking and cycling staff advised that it may cost up to 10 million and further investigation is required.

Next Step:

· The local board nominated Member Busch and Harpur as board representatives as lamp projects

Item 5 – 2.30 – 3.30

Auckland Transport Sycamore Dr / Sunset Rd / Ramp Rd Intersection Improvement

Presenter/s: Thomas Mark Designer

Kyle Martin

Yan Peng Transportation engineer

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an introduction to the Sycamore Dr / Sunset Rd / Ramp Rd intersection safety improvement project.

The local board raised the following points and questions in response to the presentation:

· Concern for the potential impact on buses, noting this is a high-traffic area for bus routes.

· Keen to go out for consultation and see public feedback on both options proposed.

· Note that Sunnynook Community Centre have signalled their support for the signalised crossing option.

· Clarified that a roundabout would only be slightly more efficient than a signalised crossing, but is more expensive.

Item 6 – 3.30 – 4.00

Devonport association sign

Presenter/s: Gustavo Ferreira Specialist Advisor

Bruce Grant Devonport Business Association

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an update on Devonport Placemaking Signage Proposal

· Mock-up locations and potential design ideas to attract tourism were presented to the board

The local board raised the following points and questions in response to the presentation:

· Clarified that budget has already been allocated for this project and DBA is here to present concept design, with Council staff alongside to revolve funding agreement.

· Concerns raised for potential theft of signage.

· Suggestion for permanent signage at Devonport Wharf.

Workshop concluded 3.45 pm

Chairperson	Melissa Powell
Deputy Chairperson	Terence Harpur
Members	Peter Allen
	Gavin Busch
	George Wood, CNZM