Agenda of Franklin Local Board - Tuesday, 25 March 2025

1 Nau mai | Welcome

The meeting will open with karakia and the Chair will welcome everyone present.

2 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

At the close of the agenda one apology 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 Franklin Local Board:

a) whakaū / confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Tuesday, 4 March 2025 as true and correct.

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 one request for acknowledgement 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 Franklin 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 - Franklin Active Trails - Economic opportunities

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Andrew Sinclair from Franklin Active Trails will be in attendance.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Andrew would like to discuss the economic opportunities from trails connecting communities.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) thank Andrew Sinclair from Franklin Active Trails for his attendance and discussion on economic opportunities arising from trails in the community.

8.2 Deputation - Counties Manukau Sport

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. Counties Manukau Sport will be in attendance to address the board.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Counties Manukau Sport wish to provide a full overview to the board on the breadth of the work they undertake with and for groups in Franklin, and outline their aspirations for the future.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) whakamihi / thank Justine Maddern, from Counties Manukau Sport for her attendance and presentation.

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 one request 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.”

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Constellation Park Beachlands, pump track funding report

File No.: CP2025/03535

Te take mō te pūrongoPurpose of the report

1. To seek approval from the Franklin Local Board to enter into an Infrastructure Funding Agreement (IFA) with Trail Pro Ltd to build a pump track in the location identified in attachment A at Constellation Park, 17R Intrepid Crescent, Beachlands.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. A local resident with expertise in bike/pump track construction and owner of Trail Pro Limited, which has built several pump tracks on behalf of Auckland Council in recent years, has offered to largely self-fund and build a new pump track in Beachlands.

3. Young people in Beachlands have limited recreational opportunities and fewer places to gather and socialise in an environment that is safe and inviting.

4. Based on several park location assessments in the Beachlands area, Constellation Park is considered by staff to be the most suitable site to locate a pump track.

5. Consultation was undertaken in February 2025 to ascertain the views of residents, both in Beachlands and across the wider local board catchment, regarding the build of a pump track facility at Constellation Park.

6. Feedback was generally in support of the project but noting that a significant number of residents living near the park are concerned about noise, privacy and anti-social behaviour and oppose the project on this basis.

7. For the reasons set out in the Advice and Analysis section of this report, it is recommended that the Franklin Local Board approve the offer and delegate staff authority to enter an IFA with Trail Pro. This will require the board committing $65,000 of discretionary capex budget towards the build and landscape elements of the project, along with a contingency of $30,000 to cover any unforeseen expenses, which will be returned if unspent.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the location as identified in Attachment A for the build of a pump track at Constellation Park, 17R Intrepid Crescent, Beachlands

b) whakaae / approve Trail Pro’s offer to cover 80% of the material and construction costs for build of the pump track at Constellation Park

c) whakaae / approve entering into an Infrastructure Funding Agreement with Trail Pro to build a pump track at Constellation Park as per the plan set out in Attachment B

d) whakaae / approve board funding of $95,000 to cover $25,000 of Trail Pro’s material and build costs, shrub and tree planting (30,000), project management ($10,000) and a contingency of $30,000

e) whakaae / agree that ownership of the pump track, with the associated maintenance responsibilities, transfer to Auckland Council upon handover of the facility post verification by council staff that the pump track has been built to the required design and safety standards.

Horopaki

Context

8. A local resident with expertise in bike/pump track development and owner of Trail Pro Limited has approached the Franklin Local Board with a proposal to build a pump track in a park in Beachlands. The offer being made by Trail Pro is driven by the company’s desire to provide additional recreation outcomes for young people close to their Franklin base.

9. Pump tracks are bike tracks consisting of carefully designed humps, hollows and corners allowing users to flow through the track seamlessly. The track is formed on a well-drained, flat grassed area using imported soil with an asphalt surface and amenity planting. They are popular with a broad group of children and youth, generally ranging from five to fifteen years of age.

10. Pump tracks provide for specialised wheel play appealing to scooters and all types of bikes from balance bikes to mountain bikes.

11. Project outcomes align with the Franklin Local Board Plan 2023 outcome - Our places: ‘Partner with others, including communities, businesses, schools, mana whenua, local organisations and developers to deliver new or improved facilities. The key initiative linked to this outcome is: Create youth space in Franklin by reconfiguring existing facilities or partnering to deliver new facilities.

12. Constellation Park has been identified by staff, as the most suitable location for a pump in Beachlands. The site is zoned informal recreation and serves as a neighbourhood park. It has a playground catering for the three to ten-year-old age group and a concrete circular pathway and bike racks.

13. It is considered a suitable location for a pump track because of its zoning, size, connectivity and existing complementary asset base on which to expand wheeled play at the park. There is also adequate space within which to accommodate the proposed facility without compromising important cultural components that were evident at other potential sites.

Figure 1: Constellation Park

14. Trail Pro have offered to cover 80% of the build costs which are estimated to be approximately $125,000 and undertake all related construction works. The remaining build costs ($25,000) and all of the planting ($30,000) and project management ($10,000) costs, totalling $65,000, will need to be funded by the Franklin Local Board.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

15. Several parks and reserves that could potentially accommodate a pump track were assessed:

· Constellation Reserve

· Kahawairahi Reserve

· Ken Parker Reserve

· Sunkist Bay Reserve

· Leigh Auton Reserve.

16. The Parks and Places Specialist in the Parks and Community Facilities Department visited several of these sites with local iwi kaitiaki from Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki to gather iwi views of this proposal and identify potential sites that could accommodate wheeled play activity in Beachlands and Maraetai.

17. It was determined early in the process that Te Puru Park was not a suitable location for a pump track due to the risk of future coastal inundation, the anticipated demand for open space to support future growth, and the cultural significance of the area, as identified by local iwi Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki.

18. Constellation Park was viewed as the most suitable site for the following reasons:

· Existing greenway connections from the site to the Beachlands Town Centre and Te Puru Park offer a safe and accessible route for cyclists to reach the park.

· The site provides a flat, open grassed area with good passive surveillance and sufficient space for an additional facility such as a pump track.

· The addition of a pump track generally catering to a five to 15 plus age group would complement the existing play facilities in the park.

· A concrete circular pathway and bike racks, encouraging wheeled play, are already situated within Constellation Park and support additional wheeled play activity.

· Kahawairahi Park, located at the southern end of Beachlands, already provides facilities for youth activities. Constellation Park can help meet the needs of the northern Beachlands community by offering complementary amenities.

19. There is a lack of play for children in the ten-to-fifteen-year age bracket in the local area and the introduction of a pump track would partly address this service provision gap. Current amenities in the area include a small skatepark at Te Puru Park and half-courts at Sunkist Bay Reserve and Kahawairahi Reserve.

20. Consultation was undertaken in February 2025 to ascertain the views of residents, both in Beachlands and across the wider board catchment, regarding the build of a pump track facility at Constellation Park. The consultation process was advertised via corflute signs put up at the park, a letter-drop to 150 properties surrounding the park and to Te Puru Park Community Centre plus local schools, and on the Franklin Local Board’s website. All feedback, totalling 326 responses, was processed through Auckland Council’s Have Your Say consultation platform.

Figure 2: Table showing consultation results

21. The large majority of submitters supported the project, but some residents living close to the park are concerned about noise, anti-social behaviour and privacy and oppose the project on these grounds.

22. While Auckland Council works actively to encourage and facilitate greater use of our parks and open space through development and installation of amenity infrastructure, staff are also very aware of the impacts that different recreation activities can have on neighbouring residents and the wider park landscape.

23. Pump tracks provide for a range of users generally from five to 15 years of age. They are unlike skate infrastructure which has an older youth focus and which consequently has specific location requirements. Pump tracks essentially provide a play element for both younger and older children, and this project will extend the number of play elements available to the Beachlands community. A parental presence to monitor younger children on pump tracks also tends to moderate behaviour.

24. Asphalt will be used for the surface of the pump track, meaning that there isn’t the clattering noise of wheel on concrete associated with skate.

25. Planting in the middle and around the edges of the structure while soften the hard landscape elements of the build and specimen trees can be provided on request to achieve screening, ecological and environmental outcomes.

26. Based on the consultation feedback (summarised in table 1), the lack of play facilities for older children in the area, the expertise of the donor / supplier in pump-track construction and the low delivery costs for council, staff are recommending that the project proceed.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

27. Auckland 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.

28. Improvement to service levels for the local community are likely to increase the number of local active transport journeys (walking and cycling) to Constellation Park.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

29. Adopted strategic plans such as the Auckland Council Unitary Plan, Open Space Provision Policy and the Franklin Local Board Plan have informed the recommendations.

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

Local impacts and local board views

30. The Franklin Local Board Plan 2023 includes the following outcome - Our places: ‘Partner with others, including communities, businesses, schools, mana whenua, local organisations and developers to deliver new or improved facilities’. The key initiative linked to this outcome is: Create youth space in Franklin by reconfiguring existing facilities or partnering to deliver new facilities.

31. The board have been aware of the proposal to build a pump track in the Beachlands area since March 2024 and asked staff to investigate further to recommend appropriate site options

32. The site assessments and Constellation Park pump track concept plan were presented at a Franklin Local Board workshop on 7 November 2024, with local board members providing the following feedback:

· The provision of youth facilities is supported with the suggestion that the pump track be located more centrally within the reserve, if feasible and pending community feedback, to move it further away from residential properties on the northern side of the park.

· The importance of getting community feedback on the draft concept plan.

33. Following feedback from the board regarding the track positioning, discussions with Trail Pro Limited determined that centrally positioning the track would be challenging due to the land sloping away further south, which would significantly increase construction costs.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

34. 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 2021-2031, the Unitary Plan (operative in part), Whiria Te Muka Tangata Māori Responsiveness Framework and local board plans.

35. Parks and reserves are taonga and hold significant importance to mana whenua. Developing open space that provides for all ages and abilities will positively benefit the health and wellbeing of mana whenua and the wider community through increased recreation provision.

36. Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki assessed with staff the cultural impacts a pump track could have at five Beachlands park sites in June 2024. Constellation Park was identified as the most appropriate site to accommodate such a facility, largely because the site has been modified, with subsequent planning checks confirming there is no cultural heritage inventory at the site.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

37. While $65,000 of the Franklin Local Board’s discretionary capex funding will be required, the financing of 80% of the build costs will be covered by Trail Pro Limited. The funding balance and staging of a $25,000 payment to the supplier / donor will be formalised through an IFA prior to physical works taking place. If actual costs of the works exceed the approved budget solely due to factors beyond the Developer's control, the Franklin Local Board shall reimburse the Developer for the excess, but with this contingency payment being capped at $30,000 and subject to receipt of documented evidence.

38. IFAs ensure partnership and project integrity, quality, and seamless transition to the asset owners. They also capture the following detail about the assets to be constructed:

i. The final approved designs and construction plan.

ii. The Local Board resolutions taken in relation to the proposed assets – serving as the formal approval.

iii. All quality control assurance processes i.e. inspection and handover protocols.

iv. The post contract execution management.

39. It is standard practice for IFAs to include a performance bond, which is where the relevant supplier / contractor pays their bank to underwrite the works in the event that they (the supplier) are unable, due to unforeseen circumstances, complete the project works. Given Trail Pro are a well-known supplier with relevant expertise and the project works are being largely gifted, staff are recommending the requirement for a performance bond be waived.

40. In this instance the Franklin Local Board will take on the project risk and will have to pay for the project to be completed or pay for the park to be returned to its pre-construction state, should Trail Pro be unable to deliver on their commitment as set out in this report. This matter has been discussed informally with the board.

41. Auckland Council will manage the $30,000 planting budget. The $10,000 project management budget will provide for a PM from the Parks and Community Facilities Department to oversee the works.

42. The funding will be allocated across two financial years to allow Auckland Council staff time to work in collaboration with local residents with the placement of plants and trees on the park.

Financial year	2024/2025	2025/2026
Amount	$65,000	$30,000

Figure 3: Table showing budget commitments across two financial years

43. The pump track once completed and signed off will become a council asset and maintained under the Parks and Community Facilities full facility contract. The annual maintenance costs for this facility is estimated to be $1,600 per annum.

44. To date, no board budgets have been allocated to this project.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

45. While a significant number of residents have objected to the project, a large majority of submitters were in favour of a pump track being constructed at Constellation Park.

46. The project is largely being funded by Trail Pro. There is risk for the Franklin Local Board should Trail Pro fail to follow through and meet the finance and build commitments as set out, with community expectation having been raised because of the consultation undertaken. However, Trail Pro Limited are an established company with expertise in this field and fully understand the financial and logistical requirements to deliver the project as presented.

47. The signing of an IFA will clarify the commitments required from both parties and help reduce the inherent risks that apply to partnership projects of this nature.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

48. Enter into an IFA with Trail Pro, with physical works anticipated to start in April 2025.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Constellation Park Pump Track Concept Plan	17

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Kristen Greenfield - Parks & Places Specialist

Authorisers

Martin van Jaarsveld - Head of Specialist Operations

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

b) endorse the Te Kete Rukuruku programme and process for Māori naming of parks and places, noting that it supports the visibility of te reo Māori and seeks to capture and tell the unique stories of Franklin and Tāmaki Makaurau

c) confirm the list of 71 sites for Māori naming in tranche three as detailed in Attachment B of the agenda report

d) endorse the installation of new signage at Te Nikau Pā and an unveiling ceremony to be held with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki

e) commit to upholding the correct use of Māori names and to use them only for purposes that have a community outreach or educational purpose (non-commercial use).

Horopaki

Context

12. Te Kete Rukuruku (TKR) is a culture and identity programme that collects and tells the unique Māori stories of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. It is a partnership, led by iwi, between Auckland Council and all 19 mana whenua groups that have interests across the region.

13. A key outcome of the programme is for te reo Māori to be seen, heard, learned and spoken. The programme contributes towards reclaiming Māori identity and the restoration of mana and mauri (life force) to the whenua (land). This is achieved through the restoration of the Māori language, traditional names and storytelling.

14. Te Kete Rukuruku process, as agreed with mana whenua and local boards, is that te reo Māori names are provided by mana whenua. Iwi have the mātauranga and the mana for deciding on appropriate Māori names for the whenua. Public feedback on these names is not sought. In some cases, the Māori names have been attached to the park or area for hundreds of years.

15. When received, the Māori names will be accepted and adopted by the local board. Communication and public notification of the Māori names will commence following this formal adoption.

Strategic alignment

16. The adoption of dual or sole Māori names supports and delivers on multiple council policies and plans including:

a) the Auckland Plan outlining council’s commitment to support te reo to flourish

b) Council’s Long-term Plan 2021-2031 strategic priority of the promotion of te reo Māori

c) the Māori Language Policy whose actions include increasing bilingual signage and dual naming.

17. Auckland Council’s Māori Language Policy was adopted by the Governing Body in 2016 (resolution number REG/2016/89). The policy recognises council’s commitment to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It notes that the Māori language and culture forms a critical part of a Māori identity. Reclaiming or identifying Māori names for local parks within the Franklin Local Board area provides a significant opportunity to fulfil the policy intent.

18. The Māori language policy acknowledges that te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa and should receive equal status to English and NZ Sign Language.

Project Scope

19. The scope of the TKR programme, in relation to the Māori naming of parks and places, is defined as the naming, renaming or dual naming of parks and places throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.

20. The programme recognises that there was a rich layer of Māori names that existed across Tāmaki Makaurau. It provides an opportunity for Aucklanders to learn te reo, Māori history and Māori values relevant to places throughout the city.

21. It is expected that, in most cases, Māori naming will be dual naming. Dual naming means that a Māori name is added to the existing name, thereby enriching the stories about that place or facility. The existing name is not removed. This means that signage will present both names, with the English name following the Māori name. This is in accordance with the council’s Māori language policy and signage guidelines.

22. Dual naming also means that a Māori name sits alongside another name that is not related in its meaning. In other words, the two names are not translations of each other, but are independent and unique.

23. The local board may choose to adopt a sole Māori name after considerations such as the history of the existing name, the connection and usage of the name by the community and whether any impacts might arise from its removal. Where it is considered appropriate to replace a name, the local board will also need to carefully consider who the affected parties are and determine if community engagement is appropriate.

24. Public consultation is not undertaken by TKR or mana whenua. Any consultation with community groups, stakeholders or the public, in relation to site selection or sole naming, is at the local board’s discretion. It is recommended to occur prior to the parks being put forward to iwi for naming.

25. Te Kete Rukuruku is not a signage project. Once names are adopted signage will be replaced only when due for renewal, except for one bilingual exemplar park selected. Should the local board wish to upgrade signage sooner to reflect the new names, funding would be required from the local board’s Locally Driven Initiatives (LDI) budget.

Gazettal

26. The council, as landowner, can name parks and places by resolution through exercising its power of general competence under section 12 of the Local Government Act 2002. Local boards are the allocated decision-makers for the naming of local parks, as resolved by the Governing Body on 28 June 2018, resolution GB/2018/106.

27. Where the land is vested in council and held as reserve under the Reserves Act, the council may name or change the name of a reserve by notice in the Gazette (s16(10) Reserves Act).

28. As part of Te Kete Rukuruku process, any sites subject to the Reserves Act 1977 will be gazetted once the local board has adopted the names.

Background

29. In September 2019, the Franklin Local Board resolved to invite mana whenua to name 149 parks in the Franklin area (resolution number FR/2019/2). This was done as part of Te Kete Rukuruku, the Māori naming of parks and community places programme.

30. On 14 December 2021, 61 sites had Māori names adopted as tranche one (resolution number FR/2021/3).

31. Five sites were added to tranche two, with two of these sites requiring a sole Māori name (resolutions FR/2021/184, FR/2023/108, and FR/2024/45).

32. Tranche two names were adopted for 23 sites on 25 June 2024 (resolution number FR/2024/73). Twenty sites had dual names adopted and three had sole Māori names.

33. At this same business meeting, an undeveloped reserve on Paparata Road was resolved for naming in tranche three.

34. Ten sites have been removed as they were unsuitable for naming. They were either being considered for sale or iwi advised they do not require naming. This leaves 61 sites resolved for naming in tranche three.

Libraries

35. The libraries team has been leading a programme to provide te reo Māori names for the 55 Auckland Council libraries across the Auckland region.

36. Research has been conducted to determine a naming convention that would be appropriate for libraries, this has included consultation with mana whenua and historians.

37. The preferred naming convention for libraries is Te Pātaka Kōrero o (Māori place name).

38. The concept of pātaka kōrero was developed as a metaphor for libraries. The notion of a pātaka (food storehouse) has been used as an analogy of feeding the minds of people. It also refers to the historical and cultural importance of the pātaka as a central facility of marae. Kōrero refers to the crucial role of language, stories, discussion in the transferral of information. Therefore, the combination of all these concepts reveals “Pātaka Kōrero”.

39. Examples of libraries that have received their dual names already include Te Pātaka Kōrero o Waimāhia / Clendon Library and Te Pātaka Kōrero o Manurewa / Manurewa Library.

40. Franklin Local Board has two libraries that would be covered by this naming convention, the Pukekohe Library located in Franklin: The Centre, and the Waiuku Library.

41. The names would be adopted as dual names in line with the city-wide naming convention outlined above. The name for Pukekohe Library would only be for the library and would not be the name for Franklin: The Centre.

42. Naming of the libraries was discussed at a local board workshop in November 2024. The local board indicated support for the addition of the libraries for naming in tranche three.

Communications approach

43. The local communications team will continue to work with the local board and mana whenua, with support from the programme team, to develop communication outputs.

44. Messaging will be focused on what the community is gaining and being proud of what we are doing for all Aucklanders.

45. Local board communication channels will be used to distribute messaging, including Facebook pages and e-newsletters. The local communication team will also work with the local board to develop media opportunities at the time of the whakarewatanga, should the local board wish to hold one.

46. If park stakeholders are identified, emails can be sent immediately following adoption of the names. Information can be provided about the names and the stories behind them, along with contact details should anyone have any questions.

Exemplar park to receive bilingual signage

47. In each tranche the local board may select one park where signage is upgraded to be fully bilingual and include the newly adopted name. A number of criteria are considered in relation to the selection of the exemplar bilingual park, including:

· size: big enough to have impact, but not so big that it would not be possible to deliver within the timeframe

· street frontage: signage visible from the street is an advantage for impact and reach

· use: well enough used that the signage would be visible to many

· assets and natural environment: the park draws people, feels lively and is visually appealing. The condition of the current signage and whether it needs replacement is also considered

· existing Māori connection e.g. public art, close to marae, site of significance.

48. Taahuna Kaitoto / Sandspit Reserve was chosen as the site to receive bilingual signage in tranche one. This was resolved at the 14 December 2021 business meeting (resolution FR/2021/184). Bilingual signage, including the new name of the park, was installed in 2022. A whakarewatanga to celebrate the adopted names with key stakeholders, and to officially unveil the signage, was held on 5 July 2023.

49. In July 2024, the local board resolved that Kennelly Park was their preferred site to receive bilingual signage in tranche two. Signage assessments have been completed, feedback from the local board incorporated and the signage was installed over the first few weeks of March 2025.

50. The signage for exemplar parks is funded from the Te Kete Rukuruku capital works budget and local board funding is not required.

51. A tranche three park will be able to be selected. An assessment will be undertaken, and this will be workshopped with the local board and iwi, so that a decision can be made prior to the next tranche of names being adopted.

52. At the time of writing this report a whakarewatanga to unveil the new signage and share the story behind the name, Te Ara-poouri, is planned for 20 March 2025. This will involve the local school and local community. It provides the opportunity to learn the name and the meaning behind it, directly from local iwi. The three iwi involved are Te Aakitai Waiohua, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua and Ngāti Tamaoho.

53. A workshop was held on 26 November 2024 where concerns raised by iwi about the care and protection of their narratives on signage was discussed with the local board. Iwi have requested that alternative options be considered to protect this taonga. Consequently, a narrative sign will not be installed as part of the signage upgrade in the park.

54. Te Kete Rukuruku staff and Te Waiohua iwi are finalising options to potentially tell the story either using QR codes or through an app. This will be workshopped and discussed in more detail with the local board, as we work through that process. In the meantime, the full story is accessible on the Auckland Council website. It will also be shared by iwi with the community at the whakarewatanga event on 20 March 2025.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

55. Analysis and adviceAt the November 2024 workshop, the sites for naming in tranche three were discussed. Five additional parks and two libraries were suggested for inclusion, in addition to the 61 sites already resolved for naming.

· 27 Trevor McMiken Drive – requested by Parks and Community Facilities

· Colin Lawrie Reserve and Fields – requested by Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua

· Paerātā Scenic Bush Reserve – requested by Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua

· Ray Fausett Reserve, Pukekohe – requested by Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua

· Bremner Road Esplanade, Drury – requested by Parks and Community Facilities

· Pukekohe and Waiuku Library.

56. The local board were supportive of the additional sites being added and requested another two reserves named Paerātā also be included, so that the three Paerātā sites can be considered holistically by iwi. For clarity aerial maps of all three sites are shown in Attachment A.

57. Research into some existing park names and plans was also requested at the November 2024 workshop in relation to:

· The history behind Colin Lawrie and Ray Fawcett names. The local board suggested the Historical Society be contacted for further information. This was requested to be reported back for consideration.

· Auckland Councils Land Advisory Team be contacted and asked if there are any plans for the development of Bremnar Esplanade.

58. The results of this research are detailed below in paragraphs 64 to 70.

59. One additional site has been suggested by the Community Park Ranger for naming, as they feel the site would benefit from a Māori name. This reserve is Rooseville Reserve. It was purchased in 1921 from Elijah Roose, and was originally known as Roose’s Bush, before being later renamed as Rooseville Park. It has been added to the list for consideration by the local board for dual naming.

60. Ngāti Paoa have also requested a site be included for naming in this tranche. That site is Martyn Farm Estate Esplanade Reserve on Great South Road in Drury. It is recommended that this site be included for naming in tranche three.

61. The full list of 71 sites, including those previously resolved for naming, is detailed in Attachment B.

62. Six iwi are currently interested in providing names for sites in tranche three:

63. Given the large size of the tranche, it may not be possible for mana whenua to name all the sites at one time. Should the local board wish to prioritise some of the 70 sites this should be highlighted with Te Kete Rukuruku team.

Park research

64. Colin William James Lawrie was born in Pukekohe in 1910, the fourth child in a family of eight children. He attended Pukekohe Highschool and was a notable sportsman both during his school years and afterwards. During the second world war he served with the 27^th Machine Gun Battalion in the Middle East. He was wounded in action and invalided home in 1942. The son of a former three-time mayor of Pukekohe (1912-1915, 1919-1921, 1935-1938), Colin himself served on the Pukekohe Borough Council for 24 years, as mayor from 1963 to 1974.

65. He held many other official and community positions, including serving on the establishment committee for the Auckland Regional Authority, and for 12 years as chairman of the Pukekohe Fire Board. Mr. Lawrie was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1976. The playing fields in the Cape Hill area of Pukekohe were named the Colin Lawrie Fields in his honour. He died in the 1980’s.

66. At the time of writing the report we have not identified any relatives of Colin Lawrie in the area, but we continue to work towards finding some.

67. We recommend proceeding with the addition of a Māori name as a dual name, retaining the connection with Colin Lawrie and his legacy. The addition of a Māori name to this site adds a layer of cultural connection to this site whilst taking nothing away.

68. Ray Fausett was a descendant of John and Sarah Fausett who arrived here on the Ganges in 1865. Ray was born in 1917 and married Gwendolyn Cathcart. He served in the Second World War, and after the war, he became a taxicab proprietor in Pukekohe. He passed away in 1986 aged 68. His wife Gwen lived until 2007. They had two daughters Ngaire and Raewyn. Ngaire Fausett married David Lowry and owned the land that was eventually purchased by council for the park. Part of the sale and purchase agreement was a condition that the reserve be named Ray Fausett Reserve, after her father. Ngaire passed away in 2015.

69. The granddaughter of Ray and Gwendolyn Fausett was contacted to seek her views on whether the family would support the addition of a Māori name. The family oppose having a dual name on the site. Given this opposition, and the commitment implied as part of the sale of the land, our recommendation is that the name Ray Fausett Reserve remain as a sole English name. Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua understand and support this recommendation.

70. The Land Advisory team were contacted and asked to provide any further information regarding future development of Bremner Esplanade Reserve. At the time of writing this report no plans for development had been received. This is not considered to be an issue for the adoption of a Māori name to the site.

Sole Naming

71. Sole naming is more often undertaken when the existing name has little meaning, such as when a road or suburb name has been used. It is also preferred when the Māori name is of historical significance.

72. So far, the local board has adopted five names as sole names in tranches one and two of the programme. Seventy-nine names have been adopted as dual names.

73. As the tranche is so large the option of sole or dual naming will be workshopped with the local board prior to names being adopted. This will allow time for individual sites to be considered and enable iwi to identify any sites where the names being submitted may be significant.

74. Once sites are identified for sole naming any necessary consultation can be confirmed. This can then be undertaken prior to a final decision being made when the names are adopted.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

75. There are no substantive climate change impacts relating to this matter.

76. Signage will be replaced as it comes up for renewal, with the only exception being the bilingual signage at a selected exemplar park, where existing signs will be reskinned if replacement is not warranted. This minimises environmental impacts and unnecessary wastage of resource.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

77. Te Kete Rukuruku is a cross-organisational regional programme of works that delivers on council’s Māori Language Policy and Kia Ora Te Reo. The policies are a priority within Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau, the organisation’s Māori Outcome Performance Management Framework. It also delivers on Kia Ora Te Ahurea (the Māori culture and identity outcomes). The programme helps to reclaim Māori identity and our unique point of difference in the world.

78. The programme also aligns with the aspirations of the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB), as articulated in the Schedule of Issues of Significance 2017, Māori Plan.

79. This is a partnership programme with the naming and narratives being led by mana whenua. It seeks to bring rigor to the process of naming across the council group over time.

80. The programme has also triggered the development of new bilingual signage templates that may be used across the organisation in the future.

81. The Parks and Community Facilities department is responsible for renewal of existing signage and will incorporate the new dual names as and when signage is renewed.

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

Local impacts and local board views

82. Through partnering with mana whenua on this project, it is envisaged that relationships between mana whenua and local boards will be strengthened.

83. The programme’s recommendation of dual naming adds an additional name and narrative to each park, as opposed to taking anything away from the community.

84. Dual language naming signage and bilingual signage help to enrich park user experience. It provides opportunity for communities to learn more of their cultural history and to use the Māori language as part of their everyday life.

85. A QR code is added to any interpretive text installed through the programme so correct pronunciation of names can be learnt.

86. Māori naming and bilingual signage in parks is aligned to “Our Places” in the Franklin Local Board Plan 2023:

· Objective: Invest in and support local place-based initiatives that celebrate ahi kā mana whenua identity and culture.

· Key Initiative: Fund the Te Kete Rukuruku programme, enabling mana whenua to gift names to new and existing parks and public spaces.

87. As names are received and adopted, Auckland Council is permitted to use them for community outreach and educational purposes (non-commercial).

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

88. This project helps to increase Māori identity and belonging and is aligned with outcomes in the Auckland Plan.

89. The project contributes towards outcomes from the Te Reo Māori Action Plan 2020-2023. The action plan brings to life the Māori Language Policy (2016). The plan also describes actions to champion a bilingual city where te reo Māori is seen, heard, spoken and learned.

90. Adopting Māori names and narratives increases the visibility of te reo Māori in the local board area. It will safeguard the stories of mana whenua and help ensure their survival.

91. Returning the Māori language and stories of the area helps to restore some of the wairua and mana of the whenua (land) that has been lost. It increases cultural knowledge and provides the opportunity to incorporate te reo Māori into people’s everyday lives. It allows Māori to see their language, an important taonga, reflected in the world around them.

92. Te Kete Rukuruku has sought to establish a best practice approach to Māori naming, and the collection and sharing of stories. The process has been developed and finalised with iwi.

93. As a partnership programme, all aspects of providing names and narratives have been led by the iwi of Tāmaki Makaurau. It is a true partnership programme where iwi are able to make decisions. This is appropriate as mana whenua are those with the mana and the mātauranga (knowledge) in this area to carry the responsibility for Māori naming.

94. Mātauranga agreements are being developed to ensure that names and stories are protected by the council. It is important that the correct use is upheld and that they are only used for purposes that have a community outreach or educational purpose (non-commercial use).

95. There are many resident mataawaka (Māori who live in Auckland and are not in a mana whenua group) who will have a great interest in these new names and narratives. This provides an opportunity to engage with mataawaka Māori organisations and invite them to embrace and help champion the names and narratives once the names are adopted.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

96. Franklin Local Board allocated $6,000 to progress Māori naming through the Te Kete Rukuruku programme this year. As discussed at the November 2024 workshop the whakarewatanga at Te Ara-poouri / Kennelly Park is expected to cost around $3,000-$3,500 to deliver. This leaves $2,500 remaining.

97. At the November workshop the local board advised that they would prefer the remaining money be utilised within the programme to achieve further outcomes for Māori. It was suggested that discussions could be held with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki in regard to Te Nikau Pā. This is a site of some significance to iwi that had the name restored as part of tranche two.

98. Discussions have been held with iwi and they have suggested that the name be installed on new signage and a small unveiling event be held.

99. Te Kete Rukuruku support this idea and are currently getting a price for signage installation. This will be funded from Te Kete Rukuruku capital works budget. The remaining $2,500 of operational budget left can be used for the unveiling event.

100. No further funding will be required this financial year.

101. Six iwi are currently involved in providing names in this local board area and this is not expected to change. If names are received next financial year from all six iwi then $9,000 will be required. This will be requested as part of financial year 2025/2026 annual work programme.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

102. Several risks and issues were highlighted at the outset of this programme or added as the programme progressed. These risks are carefully managed throughout the process and mitigated in a variety of ways as outlined in table two below:

Table two

Potential Risks	Mitigation
Multiple mana whenua having an interest in the parks, with differing views on naming.	Timeframes are extended when required to allow robust discussion amongst iwi. The approach of the programme has been to focus on a quality agreed outcome.
Extended delays in the adoption of Māori names, continuing the predominance of English only names and missing renewal opportunities.	Splitting the tranche to allow for adoption of names as they are finalised, rather than waiting for the completion of the entire tranche. This is particularly relevant when a high number of parks are being named.
Potential negative public reaction to Māori names.	The existing name is retained, with the Māori name being added. Communications once the Māori names are adopted to ensure a full understanding of the significance of the names and their meanings.
High costs of replacement signage.	Signage will be replaced as it comes up for renewal so that no additional costs are incurred. The only exception being bilingual signage installed at one exemplar park chosen in each tranche.
Descendants of families whose names are on parks are upset at the addition of Māori names.	Where it is known that a park has been purposely named after a person connected to the site, dual names are recommended to honour and maintain the connection with that person. Research can be undertaken to try and contact living relatives. Should any be found then information can be provided outlining the value of the addition of a Māori name and to provide assurances around the retention of their family name.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

103. Once the local board has approved the list of sites for tranche three, iwi will be invited to name this next tranche.

104. Te Kete Rukuruku will then work with iwi to finalise their shared interests and agree on who will be naming each site.

105. Naming will take place once the shared interests are confirmed. This is expected to start in financial year 2025/2026.

106. Options for telling the story of Te Ara-poouri at Kennelly Park will be workshopped with the local board once details are finalised

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Aerials of New Parks	31
b ⇩	Tranche Three Sites for Naming	33

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Dawn Bardsley - Naming Lead

Authorisers

Anahera Higgins - Head of Māori Outcomes

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	AT Kōkiri quarterly report	39
b ⇩	Auckland Transport Attachment A to the Kōkiri Quarterly report	43
c ⇩	Auckland Transport Attachment B Kōkiri report - maintenance and renewals	47

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Transport - Clevedon Village Pedestrian Safety projects	53

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Transport - Kōkiri - Setting priorities for Auckland Transport project and programme	59

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Local board input into Auckland Council’s submission on the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill

File No.: CP2025/03934

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek feedback from the local board on the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill proposes a mechanism for extending New Zealand’s parliamentary term from three to four years, subject to a binding referendum.

3. Rather than mandating an automatic change, this would allow Parliament to extend its term only if select committees reflect proportional representation – meaning the number of MPs from each party on committees matches their share of seats in Parliament.

4. Supporters argue a four-year term enables better policymaking and project delivery, while opponents highlight reduced electoral accountability. New Zealand’s three-year term is rare globally, and past referendums have opposed extending it, though recent reviews suggest shifting public sentiment.

5. A key consideration for Auckland Council is the potential impact on local election cycles. There could be years where local and central elections coincide, which could impact voter engagement. Fixed parliamentary terms would benefit the alignment of local election timing.

6. In December 2024, the council submitted feedback on the LGNZ Electoral Reform Working Group Issues Paper, supporting a four-year electoral cycle for local government. The submission acknowledged potential benefits of aligning local and central elections if local elections shift to booth voting but recommended keeping them two years apart otherwise. While most local boards supported a four-year term, views varied on election timing—some favoured aligning with central elections, while others preferred a two-year gap.

7. The Policy and Planning Committee will consider the council’s submission on 10 April. The submission closing date is 17 April.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) tuku / provide feedback to Auckland Council’s submission on the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill.

Horopaki

Context

Overview of the Bill

8. The Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill (“the Bill”) proposes a mechanism to extend the current three-year Parliamentary term to four years, subject to a binding referendum.

9. The Bill doesn’t automatically change the term to four years. Instead, Parliament can choose to extend its term from three to four years if select committees are structured in a way that fairly reflects the makeup of Parliament. To make this happen, Parliament must pass a resolution within the first three months of a new term stating that the proportionality requirement has been met, and the Governor-General must then issue a proclamation.

Key Considerations

10. Arguments in favour of a four-year term include allowing for a more deliberate and considered legislative process, reducing the frequency of election cycles, and providing governments with a longer timeframe to implement policy.

11. Arguments against a four-year term highlight concerns around democratic accountability. A longer term would mean elected representatives face elections less frequently, shifting accountability from a three-year to a four-year cycle.

12. Additionally, New Zealand’s constitutional framework differs from jurisdictions with stronger checks and balances, such as an upper and lower house or a clearer separation of executive and legislative powers. In New Zealand, the executive is formed from the majority party in Parliament and drives the legislative agenda.

13. To address concerns around accountability, the Bill strengthens the role of select committees by requiring their composition to more accurately reflect the proportionality of Parliament.

History of New Zealand Parliamentary terms

14. New Zealand originally had a five-year parliamentary term, in line with Britain. In 1879, it was reduced to three years following the abolition of provincial governments, as there were concerns about the concentration of power at the central level. Reducing the term ensured more frequent electoral accountability.

15. Two non-binding referendums on extending the term—held in 1967 and 1990—both resulted in strong opposition. Both referendums saw large majorities opposed to extending the term to four years.

16. Recent reviews, including the 2013 Constitutional Advisory Panel and the 2023 Independent Electoral Review, suggest public opinion may be shifting towards a four-year term.

17. A key change since the last referendum was the introduction of the Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) system in 1993, which increased proportional representation and strengthened the role of smaller parties in governance. While MMP has enhanced legislative scrutiny, concerns remain about reduced accountability if the term is extended.

18. The Constitutional Advisory Panel in 2013 found that public support for a four-year term was contingent on improved legislative scrutiny and accountability measures, such as more referenda, better human rights assessments, and the introduction of an upper house. The panel emphasised that any extension should be decided by referendum.

19. The Independent Electoral Review (IER), set up in 2022, also assessed the term length and found arguments for and against a four-year term to be finely balanced.

International context

20. New Zealand’s three-year parliamentary term is rare internationally. In 183 countries with elected lower houses or unicameral parliaments, only eight have a term of three years or less, 72 have a four-year term, 99 have a five-year term and four have a six-year term.

21. In general, parliaments (whether unicameral or bicameral) have a four-year or five-year term including both the United Kingdom (with Westminster-style of Parliament and Executive, headed by a sovereign) and Germany (with an MMP electoral system), from which New Zealand’s system is based.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

22. The last referendum on the parliamentary term took place in 1990 in which 69 per cent of voters rejected extending the term from three to four years. It is timely to revisit the topic again with communities.

23. A key concern for local government is the uncertainty around whether Parliament will adopt a three-year or four-year term. If local government maintains its three-year term while Parliament alternates between three and four years, there is likely to be occasional overlap, where parliamentary and local elections occur in the same year. However, this would likely happen inconsistently.

24. If local elections remain the responsibility of councils (rather than the Electoral Commission), the concurrent timing of parliamentary and local elections could lead to voter confusion.

25. Auckland Council, in its submission to the Electoral Reform Working Group, acknowledged that there could be potential benefits if local elections were conducted by the Electoral Commission, using the booth voting method, alongside parliamentary elections. This could capitalise on the higher voter turnout for parliamentary elections to boost participation in local elections. However, it remains uncertain whether this will occur.

26. As a result, the council’s draft submission on the bill would consider requesting that parliamentary terms be fixed, and that the legislation governing local elections be amended to align with parliamentary terms.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

27. The Bill does not have any direct climate impacts.

28. However, a four-year term could provide a longer, uninterrupted timeframe for planning and implementing climate-related initiatives.

29. If both local and central government terms are fixed at four years, this could lead to a reduction in postal voting for local government elections. This change may result in environmental benefits, such as reduced paper usage and a decrease in transport requirements for the delivery and collection of voting papers.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

30. The council group is not directly affected by the proposed change. However, if local and central elections were to coincide, further analysis of the potential impacts would be necessary.

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

Local impacts and local board views

31. In February 2023, nine local boards provided feedback on the introduction of a four-year electoral term for local government in the draft submission of the Future for Local Government paper. Most supported a four-year term, though views on election sequencing varied. One board opposed aligning local and central elections, emphasising the importance of maintaining local focus.

32. In November 2024, local boards provided further feedback to inform the council’s submission on the LGNZ Electoral Reform Working Group Issues Paper (Issue Five), which also addressed the four-year term. While most local boards supported the shift, there were differing views on election timing—some favored aligning local and central elections, while others preferred a two-year gap. Local board views are compiled here.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

33. Māori views were not sought in the preparation of this report. A four-year term could allow more time to build relationships and ensure continuity in key initiatives, without disruptions from frequent election cycles.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

34. The Bill does not impose any direct costs. Potential cost efficiencies could arise if central and local elections coincide.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

35. The council's position on this matter presents minimal risk.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

36. The Policy and Planning Committee will consider approving the council’s submission at its meeting on 10 April.

37. Submissions close on Thursday, 17 April.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Maclean Grindell - Senior Advisor Operations and Policy

Warwick McNaughton - Principal Advisor Governance

Authorisers

Oliver Roberts - Planning & Operations Manager

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Local board views on draft plan change to add trees and groups of trees to the Auckland Unitary Plan Operative in Part and to the Notable Trees overlay

File No.: CP2025/03935

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To invite local board views on a draft plan, change which seeks to add trees and groups of trees to Schedule 10 of the Auckland Unitary Plan Operative in Part.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Decision-makers on a plan change to the Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) must consider local boards’ views on the plan change if local boards provide their views.

3. The purpose of the draft plan change is to add approximately 169 trees and 27 groups of trees across the region to the AUP Schedule of Notable Trees (‘Schedule 10’), and to the Notable Trees Overlay in the AUP maps. The proposed additions are derived from nominations received from the public over the course of the last decade, and which have been held in council’s database. The 169 trees and 27 groups affect approximately 160 properties.

4. Any additional analysis necessary will be undertaken following receipt of local board views. The final draft plan change, including local board views, will be reported to committee seeking authorisation to notify the plan change for submissions. If authorisation is given by the committee, it is anticipated that the plan change will be notified in May 2025.

5. The local board will have a second opportunity to express its views on the plan change after the period for submissions is complete

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) tuku / provide local board views on draft plan change to add approximately 169 trees and 27 groups of trees across the region to Schedule 10, and to the Notable Trees Overlay in the AUP maps.

Horopaki

Context

Decision-making authority

6. 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 these documents’ contents. Decision-makers must consider local boards’ views when deciding the content of these policy documents (sections 15-16 Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009). Accordingly, local boards’ views are relevant to finalising a draft plan change (to be notified for submissions). A plan change will be included in the AUP if it is later approved.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Plan change overview

7. The purpose of the draft plan change is to address all of the nominations for notable trees that council has held in its database over the last 10-12 years. All nominations have been progressively evaluated, with a view to adding them to Schedule 10, and the corresponding mapped overlay which spatially sets out the locations of all notable trees and notable groups found in the schedule.

8. Schedule 10 currently contains approximately 3000 ‘line items’ representing thousands of trees and groups of trees. It is a very large and dynamic schedule, which undergoes constant change through consenting activities such as subdivision, resource consent processes and other changes as a result of emergency works (in the case of dangerous of storm-affected trees, for example). Schedule 10 is an amalgam of all the legacy councils’ similar schedules which contained lists of specially protected trees. These were ‘rolled over’ into the Proposed AUP prior to the AUP being made partially operative in November 2016.

9. Schedule 10 is managed by the AUP through a policy and rule framework. The Regional Policy Statement (RPS) in the AUP (Chapter B4.5. Notable Trees) contains the objectives and policies (including the criteria for scheduling), while Chapter D13. Notable Trees overlay contains the district-level objectives and policies, and sets out the rules framework for how activities affecting notable trees are treated. Schedule 10 itself is found in Chapter L Schedules. The AUP maps contain the Notable Trees overlay which spatially sets out the locations of all notable trees and groups throughout the region, using specific symbology.

10. A number of plan changes have been undertaken in the last 5 years relating to Schedule 10 and Chapter D13 of the AUP. However, there has not been a comprehensive plan change that has attempted to evaluate and address all of the nominations received by council. These nominations have been sporadic but regular, and also include those trees which were requested to be included at the time of the PAUP through the public submission process.

11. All nominations that seek to add trees and groups to the Schedule are triaged to ensure they are ‘eligible’ to progress through to the site evaluation stage. Those that are found to already be included in Schedule 10, or which are duplicate nominations, or those which nominate trees that are no longer present on the site, for example, are not added to the on-site application which council and consultant arborists use to assess trees.

12. The evaluation process is a detailed exercise based on the criteria as set out in the RPS. Each tree, and group of trees, is evaluated against each criterion and provided with a score.

The criteria are based on the following:

a) heritage or historical association;

b) scientific importance or rarity;

c) ecosystem service or environmental function;

d) cultural association and accessibility

e) intrinsic value: the trees are intrinsically notable because of a combination of factors including size, age, vigour and vitality, stature and form or visual contribution.

13. Approximately 160 new ‘line items’ representing 169 trees and 27 groups have been found to meet the criteria and are proposed to be put forward to the plan change with a view to adding them to Schedule 10 and the corresponding Notable Trees overlay maps.

14. The plan change addresses the nominations only, and does not seek to alter any of the objectives and policies, or any part of the rules framework relating to Notable Trees.

15. A summary of the numbers of trees and groups of trees according to Local Board area that are proposed to be added to Schedule 10 is included at Attachment A. The table also includes the districts within the Local Board areas that will be affected by the addition of trees and group of trees.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

Context

16. 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).

17. Both council’s climate goals (climate adaptation and climate mitigation) are relevant and align with the requirementfor Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) decision-makers to:

· have particular regard to the effects of climate change (section 7(i) RMA), and

· to have regard to any emissions reduction plan and any national adaptation plan prepared under the Climate Change Response Act 2002 (section 74(2) RMA) when preparing or changing a district plan.

18. It is considered that the draft plan change has positive climate considerations. The proposed formal protection through scheduling of 169 trees and 27 groups of trees across the region will contribute positively to carbon sequestration and therefore is beneficial to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Local board views – climate

19. It is not considered that the plan change will affect any local board in particular in terms of climate change. Across local board areas, the collective addition of approximately 169 trees and 27 groups of trees will be beneficial in terms of their contribution to climate change mitigation by ensuring the retention of and formal protection of a number of trees.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

20. Many of the trees and groups of trees are located on council reserves and also on road reserves which are the domain of Auckland Transport. All owners of land upon which a nominated tree or group is located were notified as part of a mail-out to advise of an upcoming site visit by a council or consultant arborist. As part of the notification process, they will again be contacted if a tree or group is one of those included in the qualifying number for inclusion to the plan change. All owners and affected parties (including council departments and Auckland Transport) will have the opportunity to participate in the submission process.

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

Local impacts and local board views

21. The purpose of the draft plan change is to add approximately 160 new ‘line items’ to Schedule 10 of the AUP, representing 169 trees and 27 groups of trees.

22. This draft plan change affects all local boards, except for Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board and Waiheke Local Board.

23. There are no funding impacts on Local Boards as a result of the plan change.

24. This report is the mechanism for obtaining local board views. The committee will be provided with the local board’s resolution when considering whether to authorise notification of the draft plan change.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

25. 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 well-being of Māori communities or Te Ao Māori (Māori worldview).

26. Council is required to consult with iwi authorities when preparing a plan change. Consultation is currently underway simultaneously with all iwi authorities. Feedback will be incorporated into the plan change.

27. Later in the plan-making process, the planner will analyse Part 2 of the RMA which requires that all persons exercising RMA functions take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The plan change does not trigger an issue of significance as identified in the Schedule of Issues of Significance (2021) and Māori Plan (2017, Houkura Independent Māori Statutory Board).

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

28. The plan change does not pose any financial implications for the local board’s assets or operations.

29. Costs from undertaking the plan change are met by existing council budgets.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

30. The local board will be unable to provide its views and preferences on the draft plan change, if it does not pass a resolution. This report provides the mechanism for the local board to express its views and preferences in contributing to formulation of the draft plan change.

31. If the local board chooses not to pass a resolution at this business meeting, the opportunity to influence policy prior to public notification is forgone. (There is a later opportunity to comment on the plan change, following the close of submissions).

32. The power to provide local board views regarding the content of a plan change cannot be delegated to individual local board member(s) (Local Government Act 2002, Sch 7, cls 36D). 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

33. Local boards will provide feedback at the March business meetings.

34. Any additional analysis necessary will be undertaken following receipt of local board views. The final draft plan change, including local board views, will be reported to committee in May 2025 seeking authorisation to notify the plan change for submissions.

35. After submissions close, a second report will provide an opportunity for views and preferences of the local board, which will then be included in a hearing report for the decision-makers on the plan change. The local board may appoint a local board member to speak to the local board’s views at the plan change hearing.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Attachment A: Proposed additions of trees and groups by Local Board, and areas within each Local Board	77

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Ruth Andrews - Senior Policy Planner

Authorisers

Lou-Ann Ballantyne - General Manager Governance and Engagement

John Duguid - General Manager Planning and Resource Consents

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Franklin Local Board feedback on the proposed wastewater environmental performance standards

File No.: CP2025/04747

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To invite local board to provide input to the council’s upcoming submission to central government’s public consultation on proposed wastewater environmental performance standards by the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai, on behalf of the Minister of Local Government, has made available for consultation until 24 April 2025 a discussion document on proposed wastewater environmental performance standards (Help shape New Zealand’s wastewater future - Taumata Arowai - Citizen Space).

3. The purpose of the wastewater standards, proposed under regulation-making powers of the Water Services Act 2021, is to set nationally consistent requirements for all public wastewater networks and operators through resource consents. The proposed standards are intended to apply as these consents expire and are replaced or are issued for new wastewater infrastructure.

4. The proposed wastewater standards in this initial package will cover discharges to water, discharges to land, beneficial reuse of biosolids, and arrangements for wastewater network overflows and bypasses of wastewater treatment plants. Local boards were provided with a memo on 14 March 2025, which provides more information on the proposal (see Attachment A).

5. From a council perspective, the key issue will be whether these national wastewater standards potentially constrain the range of tools available to achieve appropriate environmental outcomes in different receiving environments, bearing in mind that there are multiple stressors within a catchment for the relevant contaminant. Councils use a range of tools to achieve environmental outcomes, including parameters managed through resource consents, that gives effect to Resource Management Act planning provisions (e.g. National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management).

6. Wastewater standards that are beyond challenge may save time and money by simplifying consenting, design and procurement of some elements of public wastewater plants. The assessment of cumulative effects will continue to be a challenge, as well as attributing mitigation actions for contributing parties, beyond wastewater discharges from public networks.

7. Policy department staff (Natural Environment Strategy unit) are coordinating the preparation of a council group submission. Local board feedback is due 4 April 2025.

8. Central government’s intention is to finalise regulations for the initial package of wastewater standards before the end of 2025.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) tuku / provide feedback to the council’s submission on proposed wastewater environmental performance standards by the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Attachment A – Memorandum	81

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Dave Allen – Manager, Natural Environment Strategy

Approvers

Lou-Ann Ballantyne - General Manager Governance and Engagement

Louise Mason – General Manager, Policy

Manoj Ragupathy – Local Area Manager

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Proposed classification of the land at 31 Paparata Road, Bombay and grant of new community leases to Playcentre Bombay and Scouts Bombay at Paparata Road Local Purpose Reserve, Bombay

File No.: CP2025/01504

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To request Franklin Local Board to:

a) classify the land at Paparata Road Local Purpose Reserve, 31 Paparata Road, Bombay.

b) grant a new lease to Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa - Playcentre Aotearoa (for Playcentre Bombay) for Paparata Road Local Purpose Reserve, 31 Paparata Road, Bombay.

c) grant a new lease to The Scout Association of NZ (for Scouts Bombay) for Paparata Road Local Purpose Reserve, 31 Paparata Road, Bombay.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The land at 31 Paparata Road, Bombay is held under the Reserves Act 1977 as an unclassified Local Purpose (community buildings) Reserve. Before the new leases are considered it is binding on council to formally classify the land.

3. The council has received new lease applications from the tenants named above to continue operations at Paparata Road Local Purpose Reserve. Site plans are attached to the report (Attachments A – Playcentre Bombay and C – Scouts Bombay).

4. The leases were identified, and approved by the Franklin Local Board, as part of the Community Services Work Programme 2017/2018 at its 6 June 2017 local board meeting (resolution number FR/2017/75).

5. The final lease term for each group has expired and the current leases are holding over on a month-by-month basis, on the same terms and conditions, until terminated or new leases are granted.

6. As these are tenant-owned buildings, each group has an automatic right to re‑apply for a new lease at the end of their final occupancy term.

7. Each group has provided all required information including financial details, showing that they have sufficient funds that are being managed appropriately. The tenants have all the necessary insurance cover, including public liability, building and contents insurance, in place.

8. A visit to the sites show the assets are well maintained. All maintenance and operational costs for each facility are borne by the groups.

9. No feedback was received from iwi or from the public notification of the proposed land classification and new leases.

10. There are no specific climate impacts relating to the granting of these new leases.

11. Community Outcomes Plans have been prepared for each group (Attachment B - Playcentre, and Attachment D - Scouts) and will be included as a schedule within the respective lease agreements.

12. This report recommends that the land be classified and new community leases be granted to:

a) Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa - Playcentre Aotearoa (for Playcentre Bombay play area) for a term of 10 years commencing 1 February 2025 with one 10-year right of renewal

b) The Scout Association of NZ (for Scouts Bombay) for a term of 10 years commencing 1 February 2025 with one 10-year right of renewal.

13. If the local board decides to classify the land and grant the proposed new leases, staff will advise the land specialists regarding the classification and work with the tenants to finalise the lease agreements

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) whakaae / classify under section 16 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 as a Local Purpose (community use) Reserve, the land legally described as Allotment 372 Parish of Mangatawhiri comprising 8427 square metres contained in NA54A/1416

b) whakaae / grant under section 61 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977, a new community ground lease to Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa - Playcentre Aotearoa for an area of 278 square meters (more or less) at 31 Paparata Road, Bombay on land legally described as Allotment 372 Parish of Mangatawhiri comprising 8427 square metres contained in NA54A/1416 (Attachment A –site plan Playcentre Bombay), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years, commencing 1 February 2025, with one 10-year right of renewal, reaching final expiry on 31 January 2045

ii) rent – $1.00 plus GST per annum if demanded

iii) Community Outcomes Plan - to be appended to the lease as a schedule of the lease agreement (Attachment B – Community Outcomes Plan Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa - Playcentre Aotearoa for Playcentre Bombay)

c) whakaae / grant, under section 61 (2A) of the Reserves Act 1977, a new community ground lease to The Scout Association of New Zealand for 563 square meters (more or less) at 31 Paparata Road, Bombay on land legally described as Allotment 372 Parish of Mangatawhiri comprising 8427 square metres contained in NA54A/1416 (Attachment C –site plan – Scouts Bombay), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years, commencing 1 February 2025, with one 10-year right of renewal, reaching final expiry on 31 January 2045

ii) rent – $1.00 plus GST per annum if demanded

iii) Community Outcomes Plan - to be appended to the lease as a schedule of the lease agreement (Attachment D – Community Outcomes Plan – The Scout Association of New Zealand for Scouts Bombay)

d) whakaae / approve all other terms and conditions in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977, the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 (Updated July 2023) and the Auckland Council standard form community lease.

e) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that Auckland Council’s intention to classify the land and grant new leases for Playcentre Bombay and Scouts Bombay was undertaken:

· to iwi on 6 December 2023, with responses due on 26 January 2024

· by public notice on 3 October 2024, with responses due on 1 November 2024

f) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that no responses to the notified proposals were received.

Horopaki

Context

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

15. Franklin Local Board approved the Community Facilities Work Programme 2017/2018 at their meeting on 6 June 2017 (resolution number FR/2017/75).

16. The proposed new leases are part of the approved work programme, under items 1876 (Playcentre Bombay) and 1902 (Scouts Bombay).

17. Detailed information regarding each tenant, building and lease is noted in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Information about land, building, lease and tenants

	Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa - Playcentre Aotearoa	The Scout Association of New Zealand
Building ownership	tenant owned	tenant owned
Area of proposed lease	278m² (more or less)	563m² (more or less)
Current lease commenced on	1 August 2007	1 January 1997
Lease expiry	31 July 2017	31 December 2016
Activities currently being delivered from the building and benefits	parent-led early childhood education	youth development services

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

18. Under the Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 (Updated July 2023), groups that own their buildings have an automatic right to re-apply for a new lease at the end of their occupancy term.

19. The Scout Association owns the building on the reserve and Playcentre Aotearoa leases 278 square meters (more or less) of the reserve that forms part of the outdoor play area of their property. The tenants are each exercising the right to apply for a new lease. The local board may vary the lease term if it wishes.

Land

20. The land at 31 Paparata Road, Bombay is held in fee simple by Auckland Council under the Reserves Act 1977. The land is in a single parcel and described as Allotment 372 Parish of Mangatawhiri comprising 8427 square metres contained in NA54A/1416. The land was acquired by the former Franklin County Council from the Crown in 1984 and currently is an unclassified Local Purpose (site for community buildings) Reserve.

21. Before the new leases are granted it is prudent for council to decide the classification of the reserve. Staff recommends the classification be Local Purpose (community use) Reserve. This classification best describes the current, and expected future, use of the reserve.

Public notification and engagement

22. As there is no current reserve management plan, public notification of the intention to grant the new leases is required under the Reserves Act 1977.

23. Iwi engagement is required under the terms of section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987.

24. The proposed new community leases were publicly notified. The notification appeared in the Franklin County News on 3 October 2024 and the Auckland Council website with a submission deadline of 1 November 2024.

25. The cost of the public notification was met by the Parks and Community Facilities department of council.

26. No submissions or objections to the notified proposals were received.

Assessment of the applications

27. Each tenant has submitted:

a. an application supporting the new lease application and can demonstrate its ability to deliver its programmes

b. financial details that show accounting records are being kept, funds are being managed appropriately and there are sufficient funds to meet liabilities

c. information that it has all necessary insurance cover, including public liability insurance, in place.

The Scout Association of New Zealand (for Scouts Bombay)

28. Scouts in New Zealand were formed in 1923 as a branch of the Boy Scouts Association of the United Kingdom. In 1941 the New Zealand branch of Boy Scouts incorporated as The Boy Scouts Association (New Zealand Branch), Incorporated. The association is now known as The Scout Association of New Zealand.

29. The area proposed to be leased is 563 square meters (more or less). A plan of the site is outlined in Attachment A – Site plan – Bombay Scouts.

30. Staff have undertaken a site visit, and the building is well managed and maintained. All management and operational costs, including maintenance and renewal, are funded by the group.

31. The group serves the local community by providing a community organisation for young people between the ages of five and eight years old (Keas), eight to 11 years old (Cubs), 11 to 14 years old (Scouts), 14 to 18 years old (Venturers) and 18 to 26 years old (Rovers).

32. Their purpose is to empower young people through adventurous experiences and to lead lives that make a positive difference. Young people undertake adventures, experience the outdoors, make connections and gain confidence to allow them to reach their full potential. The Scout programme focuses on three core areas:

· personal development

· adventure

· community engagement.

Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa - Playcentre Aotearoa

33. The first playcentre opened in 1941 and The New Zealand Playcentre Federation was registered with the New Zealand Companies Office under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 in December 1947.

34. It is now known as Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa – Playcentre Aotearoa and trades as Playcentre Aotearoa and has over 400 parent-led centres across New Zealand. Playcentres provide a place for babies, young children and parents to come together to enjoy a sense of belonging and friendship.

35. The area proposed to be leased consists of 278 square meters (more or less) and is outlined in Attachment C – Site plan – Playcentre Bombay. The land forms part of the outdoor play area of the centre. The land containing the playcentre building and part of the outdoor play area is owned by Playcentre Aotearoa.

36. The group provides a valuable service to the local community by providing parent-lead early childhood education for children from birth to six years of age. Centres focus on child-led learning with a variety of learning and play experiences, e.g. building, baking, painting, dressing-up, singing, and sand and water play.

37. Playcentres are unique in offering families a sense of belonging and share the responsibilities and decision-making of their local centre.

Outcome plans and occupancy agreements

38. Community Outcomes Plans for each proposed lease have been drafted. These identify the benefits that each tenant provides to the community and will be attached as a schedule to each lease agreement. Both Community Outcomes Plans are attached to the report as Attachments B (Playcentre) and D (Scouts).

39. Auckland Council’s Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 (updated July 2023) sets out the requirements for community occupancy agreements and the terms and conditions will be included as part of each lease agreement.

40. Staff recommend that the proposed new community leases be granted to Playcentre Aotearoa and Scouts NZ.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

41. Te Tāruke-a-Tāwhiri is Tāmaki Makaurau’s climate action plan. It sets out goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and prepare the region for the adverse impacts of climate change.

42. It is anticipated that continued use of the Scout building and outdoor play area of the playcentre will not increase greenhouse gas emissions.

43. Climate change has an unlikely potential to impact the proposed leases, as no part of the reserve is within a flood-sensitive zone

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

44. Council staff from the Parks and Places, Community Facilities Operational Management and Maintenance, and Community Wellbeing teams have been consulted. No concerns were raised on the proposed new leases.

45. The proposed new leases have no identified impact on other parts of the council group. The views of council-controlled organisations were not required for the preparation of the advice within this report

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

Local impacts and local board views

46. The proposed new leases will benefit the community by enabling initiatives that promote early childhood education and child and youth development for the Franklin Local Board area and its surrounding communities.

47. Franklin Local Board was advised of the applications at the monthly Community Facilities Update workshop on 3 December 2024. The local board indicated its in-principle support of the proposed new leases.

48. The delivered activities align and support the Franklin Local Board Plan 2023:

· Our people - We are focusing on empowering and enabling all people in our community, with a focus on key groups – Māori, young people, and the aged and disabled communities

49. Our places - Make changes to our current facilities network so that our parks, libraries, community halls and recreational facilities are fit for purpose, and deliver to future need and budget constraints.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

50. Notification of the intention to grant these two new community ground leases for Paparata Road Local Purpose Reserve was undertaken between December 2023 and January 2024 with the 18 iwi groups identified as having an interest in the land within the Franklin Local Board area.

51. The engagement involved an email to iwi (Attachment E), containing information on the land, the lessee, and the lease proposal as per Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987.

52. No responses were received from iwi representatives.

53. The tenants will, via the Community Outcomes Plan, deliver Māori outcomes that reflect their local community as outlined in the plan (Attachments B – Playcentre and D - Scouts).

54. The services provided by the tenant groups will benefit Māori and the wider community through health and well-being. The 2023 census shows that 16.6% of the total Franklin population identify as Māori.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

55. Staff have consulted with the Local Board Financial Advisory team of council. No concerns were raised regarding the financial implications of the proposed new leases.

56. Ongoing maintenance of the assets including operational costs continues to be the responsibility of each tenant.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

57. Should the local board resolve not to grant the proposed community leases, the groups’ ability to undertake all current and future activities will be negatively impacted. This will adversely impact the achievement of the desired local board plan outcomes.

58. The proposed new leases will give the groups security of tenure, enabling them to attend to the scheduled maintenance of their facilities.

59. Should the building and land become unoccupied, there is a risk associated with the lack of maintenance and renewal. Auckland Council will be liable for the asset/s regardless of whether a budget is allocated to, or identified for, maintenance and renewals.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

60. If the local board resolves to grant the proposed land classification and new community leases, staff will:

· advise the Land Advisory team of the decision to classify the land, to enable the decision to be printed in the New Zealand Gazette

· work with the tenants to finalise each lease agreement in line with the decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Site plan - 31 Paparata Road, Bombay (Bombay Playcentre)	95
b ⇩	Site plan - 31 Paparata Road, Bombay (Bombay Scouts)	97
c ⇩	Community outcomes plan - Bombay Playcentre	99
d ⇩	Community outcomes plan - Bombay Scouts	101

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Jenny Young - Community Lease Specialist

Authorisers

Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial Business

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Proposed new community lease to Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated at Runciman Reserve, 29R Pitt Road, Drury

File No.: CP2025/01585

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To request the Franklin Local Board:

a) classify Runciman Reserve as a Recreation Reserve

b) grant a new community lease to Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated for Runciman Reserve, 29R Pitt Road, Drury.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Runciman Tennis Club seeks a new community lease to continue occupation and operation from the group-owned building at Runciman Reserve, 29R Pitt Road, Drury.

3. The club holds a ground lease that reached final expiry on 1 August 2024. The lease is holding-over, on a month-by-month basis, on the same terms and conditions, until terminated, or a new lease is granted.

4. This new lease was identified and approved by Franklin Local Board as part of its Customer and Community Services: Community Leases work programme 2024/2025 at the 25 June 2024 local board meeting (resolution number FR/2024/68).

5. With the adoption in 2022 of the Drury Sports Complex Concept Plan, staff recommend that this lease be granted with the addition of an early termination clause to allow for the club to relocate to the proposed new multi-use building planned for the reserve.

6. The club provides for the playing of the game of tennis from the property. These activities support the Franklin Local Board Plan 2023 objective: Our places.

7. As this is a tenant-owned building, the club has an automatic right to re-apply for a new lease at the end of their occupancy term.

8. The club has provided all required information including financials, showing that it has sufficient funds and is being managed appropriately.

9. The proposed new community lease was publicly notified. The notification appeared in both the Franklin County News and Papakura Manukau Courier on 16 January 2025 and the Auckland Council website. At the time this report was prepared 11 submissions in support of the proposed lease have been received. Any additional submissions received will be advised to the local board.

10. Staff visited the property in July 2023 and the building is well-kept and maintained. A new overflow pump to clear rainwater from the courts has been installed and fundraising is planned to replace the courts’ artificial surface.

11. A community outcomes plan has been prepared (Attachment B) for inclusion in the lease agreement.

12. A triage of the application confirmed that engagement with iwi is not required.

13. Feedback from Auckland Council stakeholders did not raise any issues regarding this proposed lease.

14. The property is not within an identified floodplain or flood-prone area.

15. This report recommends that a new community lease be granted to Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated for a term of 10 years commencing 1 March 2025 with a single 10-year right of renewal.

16. If the local board decides to grant the lease, staff will notify the land advisory team to gazette the classification and work with the tenant to finalise the lease agreement.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) whakarōpū / classify, under section 16 of the Reserves Act 1977, the land at 29R Pitt Road Drury, described as Lot 1 Deposited Plan 101705, as a Recreation Reserve

b) whakaae / grant, under section 54 (1) (b) of the Reserves Act 1977, a new community lease to Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated for 1978 square meters (more or less). located at 29R Pitt Road, Drury on land legally described as Lot 1 Deposited Plan 101705 (Attachment A – Site map 29R Pitt Road, Drury), subject to the following terms and conditions:

i) term – 10 years from 1 April 2025, with one 10-year right of renewal, reaching final expiry on 31 March 2045

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

iii) community outcomes plan - to be included as a schedule within the lease agreement (Attachment B – Community outcomes plan – Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated)

iv) early termination – an agreed change to allow for an early termination of the lease, in the event of the club moving to Drury Sports Complex

c) whakaae / approve all other terms and conditions in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977, the Auckland Council Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 (updated July 2023), and the Auckland Council standard form community lease agreement for a new community lease

d) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that public notification for Auckland Council’s intention to classify the land and grant a new community lease was undertaken in January/February 2025

e) tuhi ā-taipitopito / note that no objections to the notified proposal of the new community lease were received.

Horopaki

Context

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

18. Franklin Local Board approved the Customer and Community Services: Community Leases work programme 2024/2025 at their meeting on 25 June 2024 (resolution number FR/2024/68).

19. The lease with Runciman Tennis Club is part of the approved work programme. This report considers the new community lease approved as item 4242 on the work programme.

Land

20. Runciman Reserve, 29R Pitt Road, Drury (Attachment A), legally described as Lot 1 Deposited Plan 101705, is held in fee simple by Auckland Council under the Reserves Act 1977 as an unclassified Recreation Reserve.

21. This report recommends the local board formerly classify the land as a Recreation Reserve. This is the appropriate classification for this land.

Building and assets

22. The site at Pitt Road contains three hard courts, a clubhouse building, a covered outdoor seating area, a water tank, and an outdoor toilet. All operational and maintenance costs for the structures and other assets are the responsibility of the tenant.

23. The club is looking to fundraise to replace the artificial surface of the courts.

24. The building is small (approximately 25m²) and used as a base for the club. Next to the clubhouse is a covered, three-sided, viewing and seating area (approximately 16m²).

25. The club promotes the sport of tennis by providing individuals with access to tennis courts and equipment to play, and to improve their skills and fitness. They create a social environment, providing opportunities for members to meet new people, form friendships and share a passion for tennis.

26. Playing tennis contributes to improved physical health by enhancing strength, agility, and endurance. Most members are over 65 years old and regular playing helps them maintain physical, social, and mental wellbeing.

Figure 1: Runciman Tennis Club facility

Lease

27. Runciman Tennis Club holds a community lease for a group-owned building and hard courts at Runciman Reserve. The current lease, with the former Papakura District Council, commenced on 2 August 2004 with a term of 10 years and a single renewal term of a further 10 years. The lease is holding over month-by-month, on the same terms and conditions, until a new lease is granted. Responsibility for this lease now sits with the Franklin Local Board as the location is within the Franklin Local Board area of the Auckland region.

28. The Papakura Local Board, at their 23 September 2020 meeting, adopted the Drury Sports Park Complex Master Plan 2020 (resolution number PPK/2020/145). Drury Sports complex is within the Papakura Local Board area of the Auckland region but sits on the border of Franklin and is within 2km of Runciman Reserve. The master plan implements the recommendations of the 2018 Papakura Local Board Sports Needs Assessment concerning Drury Sports Complex and includes new playing surfaces (including six tennis courts), clubrooms, storage, four changing rooms, a referees’ room and public toilets.

29. It is recommended that plans for additional tennis capacity at Drury Sports Complex should be considered in the context of this lease (i.e. to enable Runciman Tennis or the Franklin Local Board to terminate the agreement if and when alternative tennis facilities become available in the vicinity).

30. Staff propose an additional clause within the new lease to allow for early termination of the agreement to take effect when the proposed new shared clubrooms and tennis courts are completed as part of the proposed development of Drury Sports Complex Master Plan 2020.

Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated

31. The club was established in 1934 and registered with the New Zealand Companies Office, under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 in April 1985. The objectives of the club include promoting the sport of tennis, providing courts for the playing of tennis, and facilities for social purposes.

32. The club has 20 members, one life member and nine casual users. All members and users are aged over 22 years old. Fifty-five per cent of members are female. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic membership was stable. During the periods of lockdown during the pandemic membership decreased, though has remained stable for the past three years. With an increase in housing and population growth of the area, the club feels they are in a good position to gain new members.

33. The club has been operating from the site since 1934, with the property originally owned and gifted to the club by the McPherson family. The land was then bought by the Lees family and subsequently signed over to the former Papakura City Council.

34. In 1985 Papakura City Council granted the club $5,000 and loaned $10,000 to resurface the courts. Working bees were held to construct the pipe fencing, concrete block walls and concrete block volley-board, footpaths, and toilet; with tree planting and lawns also being installed/planted. The local Kiwanis Club assisted with the work.

35. The clubhouse building was moved to the site from the Burtt Road go-cart club. The clubhouse was upgraded by club volunteers in 2016.

36. The building and other improvements are owned by the tenant.

37. The following table contains brief details from the latest financial statement.

Figure 1: Income and Expenditure year to 30 June 2023

Income for the financial year ended 31 March 2023	Operating Expenditure	Affiliation fees (income)	Income less expenses
$2,392	$2,148	$2,392	$244

38. The club’s greatest annual expense is for electricity ($1,002).

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

39. The proposed new community lease was publicly notified. The notification appeared in the Papakura Manukau Courier and the Franklin County News issue of 6 January 2025 and the Auckland Council website, with a submission deadline of 14 February 2025.

40. The cost of the public notification has been met by the Parks and Community Facilities department of the council.

41. Twelve submissions in support of the proposed new lease have been received (Attachment C). No submitters objected to the notified proposal.

Assessment of the application

42. The club has submitted a comprehensive application supporting the new lease request and is able to demonstrate its ability to deliver its services.

43. The area proposed to be leased consists of 1978 square meters (more or less) and is outlined in Attachment A – Site map – 29R Pitt Road, Drury.

44. Runciman Tennis has provided financials that show that accounting records are being kept, funds are being managed appropriately and there are sufficient funds to meet liabilities.

45. A site visit has been carried out by staff and the property is well-managed and appears to be well maintained. All management and operational costs are funded from membership fees.

46. The group provides a service to the local community by providing facilities for the sport of tennis.

47. A community outcomes plan has been prepared to identify the benefits the club will provide to the community. This will be attached as a schedule to the lease agreement and is attached to the report as Attachment B.

48. Auckland Council’s Community Occupancy Guidelines 2012 (updated July 2023) sets out the requirements for community occupancy agreements and the terms and conditions will be included as part of the lease agreement if approved by the local board.

49. Staff recommend that a new community lease be granted to Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated for a term of 10 years commencing on 1 April 2025 with a single 10-year right of renewal, reaching final expiry on 31 March 2045.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

50. The site on Pitt Road is elevated and not within any identified floodplain or flood-prone area.

51. Continued use of the land is not expected to increase greenhouse gas emissions.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

52. Council staff from Local Board Financial Advisory, Parks and Community Facilities Operational Management and Maintenance, and Parks and Places have been consulted. No concerns or objections to the proposed lease were noted.

53. The proposed new lease 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

54. The proposed lease will benefit the community by enabling initiatives that promote the sport of tennis for the local board area and its surrounding communities.

55. The delivered activities align and support the Franklin Local Board Plan 2023 objectives of:

· Our Places - Make changes to our current facilities network so that our parks, libraries, community halls and recreational facilities are fit for purpose, and deliver to future need and budget constraints.

· Our Community - Support the community to plan and deliver activities celebrating local history, engaging new residents in community life, promoting healthy active lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and local resilience. Improving access to Auckland Council services and facilities.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

56. A triage of the application has been done. This included a check of the site against information held on the location relative to waterways and significant sites (e.g. pā (old settlements), urupā (burial sites), midden, significant native trees, pits/terraces, wāhi tapu (sacred place); the activities undertaken on the site (e.g.school (kohanga reo, kura), mana whenua or mataawaka/ethnic marae; environmental activity (e.g. nursery, ecological restoration); and new development.

57. No issues were noted and following review by the Parks and Community Facilities Māori Engagement Advisor it was advised that formal iwi engagement is not required.

58. The tenant has agreed, via a community outcomes plan, to deliver Māori Outcomes that reflect their local community as outlined in Attachment B of this report.

59. The 2023 New Zealand census shows 16.6 per cent of Franklin residents identify as Māori.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

60. All costs relating to the advertising of council’s intention to grant the proposed lease have been borne by the Parks and Community Facilities department.

61. Staff have consulted with the Local Board Financial Advisory team of the council. No concerns were raised regarding the financial implications of the proposed new lease.

62. Ongoing maintenance of the assets remains the responsibility of the club.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

63. Should the local board resolve not to grant the proposed community lease the group’s ability to undertake all current and future activities will be negatively impacted. This will adversely impact on the achievement of the desired local board plan outcomes.

64. The new lease gives the club security of tenure, enabling them to attend to the scheduled maintenance of the facility. Should the building become unoccupied, there is a risk associated with the lack of maintenance and future improvements. Council will be liable for the asset/s regardless of whether a budget is allocated to or identified for renewals. The renewal of the building will also not appear in the annual work programme.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

65. If the local board resolves to classify the land and grant the proposed new community lease, staff will work with the land advisory team to gazette the classification and with the tenant to finalise a lease agreement as outlined in the local board’s decision.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Site plan - 29R Pitt Road, Drury	111
b ⇩	Community outcomes plan - Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated	113
c ⇩	Submissions received to public notice of intention to lease - 29R Pitt Road, Drury to Runciman Tennis Club Incorporated	115

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Jenny Young - Community Lease Specialist

Authorisers

Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial Business

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Classification and Proposed Grant of Easement at 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe

File No.: CP2025/03715

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek approval from the Franklin Local Board for classification of land at 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe, as local purpose (road) reserve pursuant to section 16(2A) of the Reserves Act 1977.

2. To seek approval for an agreement to grant easement (ATGE) to Watercare over part of the land at 50 Isabella Drive to allow Watercare Services Ltd (Watercare) to access the construction site and undertake works over the reserve for the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

3. Watercare have requested to use part of the reserve at 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe to access the private land adjoining the reserve and to install a rising main wastewater pipeline, stormwater pipeline and electrical cable over the reserve, being part of the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

4. An agreement between Auckland Council and Watercare for the grant of the easement has been negotiated and reviewed by Auckland Council’s legal services team. The easement allows Watercare a right to drain sewage and water, right to convey electricity and right of way to access the private land to the north of the reserve.

5. The agreement also includes a licence for Watercare to temporarily occupy the reserve to facilitate the construction of a wastewater pump station and to install underground infrastructures over part of the reserve.

6. 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe is legally described as Lot 29 DP 35662, contained in Record of Title 156390.

7. It is currently held by Auckland Council as unclassified local purpose (road) reserve and is zoned as Road under the Auckland Unitary Plan operative in part.

8. Classification of reserves according to their principal or primary purpose is required by the Reserves Act 1977, and helps direct their management, usage and development. It is a necessary step to enable Auckland Council to grant Watercare rights over the reserve.

9. Mana whenua representatives have been advised of the recommended classification via email and invited to submit their feedback. No objections or submissions to the proposed classification were received.

11. It is a statutory requirement under the Reserves Act that Auckland Council classify all reserves vested in it. Where a reserve is awaiting classification (is unclassified), the council as administering body of the reserve is legally unable to grant rights over the land such as leases, licenses, easements or undertake an exchange until it is classified.

12. Local boards hold delegated authority to approve classifications of council owned reserves and the grant of easements over reserves.

13. The report recommends classifying 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe as local purpose (road) reserve and to approve the grant of an easement which allows Watercare to undertake works for the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

14. Subject to the local board’s decision, staff will formalise the classification through a gazette notice, which will be published to record the approved classification. Following that staff will arrange execution of the agreement to grant easement and any registration of the documents if required.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) whakaae / approve the classification of land at 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe legally described as Lot 29 Deposited Plan 335662 held in Record of Title 156390 as local purpose (road) reserve pursuant to section 16(2A) Reserves Act 1977

b) whakaae / approve grant of an easement over part of 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe legally described as Lot 29 Deposited Plan 335662 held in Record of Title 156390 to allow Watercare to access the construction site and undertake works over the reserve for the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

Horopaki

Context

15. In 2024, Watercare acquired part of 135 Cape Hill Road, Pukekohe (now known as 50A Isabella Drive, Pukekohe) from a private landowner to construct a wastewater pump station, being part of the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

16. Following the acquisition, Watercare required legal access to 50A Isabella Drive via the council’s reserve at 50 Isabella Drive and the private land at 135 Cape Hill Road.

17. As part of the project, Watercare will also install a rising main wastewater pipeline, stormwater pipeline and electrical cable over part of 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe.

18. The proposed easement area comprises 77 square metres shaded in red in Figure 1 below. It allows Watercare to access their land at 50A Isabella Drive (shaded in blue) from the legal road Isabella Drive (shaded in yellow) via the reserve (teal) and the other right of way at the private land 135 Cape Hill Road (shaded in green).

Figure 1: Aerial map showing the proposed easement area

50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe

19. The reserve located at 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe is legally described as Lot 29 DP 335662 with an area of 153 square metres, contained in Record of Title 156390.

20. The reserve is currently unclassified and the land is zoned as ‘Road’ under the Auckland Unitary Plan operative in part.

21. An aerial map of the reserve is shown in Figure 2 below. It is a level grassed site and adjoins the legal road Isabella Drive shaded in yellow.

Figure 2: 50 Isabella Drive, Pukekohe - aerial view

Classification of reserves under the Reserves Act 1977 and the local board’s role

22. Classification of reserves under the Reserves Act 1977 identifies the principal or primary purpose of a reserve. The classification helps direct the reserve’s management, usage and development. It is a necessary step to enable the administering body to grant third parties rights over reserves.

23. Classification of reserves provides an additional layer of legislative protection under the Act. The classification will bind the council to that classification and will limit (to a greater or lesser extent) how the land can be used. The classification also provides the community with certainty as to the types of activities that can take place on the reserve.

24. Franklin Local Board has decision-making responsibility for all reserves in the local board area. The local board also holds delegated authority under Section 16(2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 to approve classification of council held reserves, subject to all statutory processes having been satisfied.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Proposed classification of 50 Isabella Drive as Local Purpose (Road) reserve

25. As the reserve is held under the Reserves Act, it is a statutory requirement to classify according to its primary or principal purpose.

26. Classification under section 16 of the Reserves Act involves assigning a reserve (or parts of a reserve) to the appropriate class. The class determines the principal or primary purpose/use of the reserve to the appropriate class. The present value of the reserve is considered, along with the future ‘potential’ values and the possible future uses and activities on the reserve.

27. The reserve is currently vacant and adjoins legal road, the proposed classification reflects that usage.

28. As the proposed classification is substantially the same as the purpose for which the reserve is held and administered, public notification of the council’s intention to classify the land is not required.

29. Staff consider that classification of the reserve as local purpose (road) reserve is the most appropriate as:

· the reserve was acquired and vested in Auckland Council for local purpose (road) reserve

· it aligns with the current and intended use of the whole reserve

· it will not restrict current and potential future uses of the reserve.

Agreement to Grant an Easement

30. Staff consider that the proposed grant of an easement is appropriate as it facilitates the requirements of the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

31. The proposed easement provides Watercare a right of way and a right to drain sewage and water and right to convey electricity over part of the reserve. Electricity infrastructure for the project will be provided by Counties Energy.

32. The agreement to grant an easement includes a licence which allows Watercare to use the reserve to access the adjoining land and undertaking works to install infrastructures within the easement area.

33. The term of the licence is 5 years or until the construction works has been completed by Watercare, whichever is the earliest.

34. During the license period, Watercare have to keep the reserve at all times clean and tidy and protect the reserve from damage and promptly repair and make good to council’s satisfaction.

35. Public notification is not required under Section 48 Reserves Act or Section 138 Local Government Act where:

· the reserve is vested in an administering body and is not likely to be materially altered or permanently damaged

· the rights of the public in respect of the reserve are not likely to be permanently affected.

36. In this case the reserve will not be materially altered or permanently damaged and the rights of the public in respect of the reserve will not be permanently affected.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

37. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Action Plan sets out two core goals:

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

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

38. The proposed classification is a formalisation of a statutory requirement under the Reserves Act, which is an administrative process and therefore will have no impact on climate change.

39. The proposed grant of easement does not include any change in the use of the land or activity on the land which introduce any new sources of greenhouse gas emissions and will not impact climate change.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

40. The proposed classification has no identified impacts on other parts of the council group.

41. The views of relevant council departments have been considered for the preparation of the agreement to grant an easement. This includes advice from staff in Land Advisory Services team and Legal Services team.

42. The views of other 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

43. The Franklin Local Board holds the delegated authority under Section 16(2A) of the Reserves Act 1977 to resolve to classify this reserve and to grant an easement over this reserve.

44. The local board’s approval to classify the land and to grant easement is sought in this report so that staff can give effect to the easement to enable access for the Watercare project.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

45. Auckland Council is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its broader obligations to Māori.

46. These commitments are articulated in the council’s key strategic planning documents, the Auckland Plan, the Long-term Plan, the Unitary Plan, Whiria Te Muka Tangata Māori Responsiveness Framework, Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau - Māori Outcomes Performance Measurement Framework and the local board plans.

47. Under Section 4 of the Conservation Act 1987, the council is required to engage with Iwi regarding the intention to classify Lough Bourne Reserve as local purpose (drainage) reserve.

48. An email was circulated to all iwi identified as having an interest in the land on 18 November 2024. The email contained detailed information on the proposed classification and no objections or submissions were received.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

49. The proposed classification is an administrative exercise and will not result in any costs to the local board. All costs (if any) relating to the publication of a notice of classification in the New Zealand Gazette will be met by Auckland Council’s Parks & Community Facilities Department.

50. Watercare will bear all costs associated with the grant and any registration of the easement, and any arrangements between Auckland Council and Counties Energy in relation to the works and any consequential easement in favour of Counties Energy.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

51. The proposed classification will fulfil the council’s statutory requirement under the Act to classify all unclassified reserves which are either held or managed by the council. If the local board does not classify the reserve, the council will be in breach of this statutory requirement under the Act.

52. Should the local board resolve not to grant the proposed agreement to grant an easement, Watercare will not be able to facilitate the construction works of the Pukekohe Wastewater Capacity Upgrade Project.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

53. Subject to the local board’s decision, staff will:

i) formalise the classification through a gazette notice. The notice will be published to record the approved classification of 50 Isabella Drive as local purpose (road) reserve

ii) arrange execution of the agreement to grant an easement

iii) attend to any registration of easements against the title of 50 Isabella Drive to protect Auckland Council’s interest over the reserve.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Denise Chan - Specialist Technical Statutory Advisor

Authorisers

Kim O’Neill - Head of Property & Commercial Business

Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

Franklin Local Board

25 March 2025

Update on the Rural Advisory Panel

File No.: CP2025/02459

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide an opportunity for the nominated board representative to update the local board on matters being considered by Rural Advisory Panel.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Rural Advisory Panel (RAP) advises the council on policies and plans specific to the rural sector. It also communicates shared rural sector interests to the council, contributes to the rural outcomes of the Auckland Plan, and provides advice on how rural areas are to be managed in the Unitary Plan

3. The Franklin Local Board (resolution number FR/2022/168) appointed Alan Cole, with Logan Soole as alternate, to the RAP at its November 2022 business meeting.

4. This report provides an update from the board’s representative on issues arising from the RAP as a matter of interest to the local board.

5. The below items, noted by Deputy Chair and Panel member Alan Cole, have been discussed at the RAP and are shared as an update:

a) RAP meeting with staff on riparian management, agriculture discharges and land disturbance covered the feedback Federated Farmers and the other sectors had given last year. Members thought the meeting went well and they will be able to give more evidence on the economic impacts of what they are proposing and information on the benefits of farm plans on freshwater health.

b) Healthy Waters and Flood resilience update The RAP meeting covered several key topics including the establishment of a Rural Partnerships Team to oversee a contestable grants program.

The Rural Waters Fund prioritises rural private landowners with properties larger than 5 hectares in high-risk flood catchments, including Mauku Stream, Whangamaire Stream, Oira Creek, Whangapouri Creek, Pukekohe - Tutaenui Stream, and Slippery Creek. The program focuses on education and engagement, providing expert advice, and collaborating with organisations to enhance flood resilience and water management.

c) Essential Freshwater update: The update covered the RMA (Freshwater and other Matters amendment Act#1 2024, Resource Management (Consenting and Other Matters) amendment Act #2 and the proposed changes to Part 9A. Discussion included Auckland Council’s position on the proposed changes. Changes to national direction documents is expected to be consulted on later in 2025 and will potentially include changes to:

· National Policy Statements including NPS-FM

· National Environmental Standards including NES-F

· Stock exclusion regulations

· National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land

· National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry

· National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.

d) National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management programme update. Staff discussions provided valuable insights through information sharing, emphasising the importance of strong evidence-based decision making and comprehensive cost analysis. The team highlighted the need for multiple opportunities for stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with existing work by the council and other stakeholders. Additionally, they stressed the importance of being responsive to national policy changes and ensuring that freshwater management remains adaptable and tailored to diverse land uses and challenges.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Franklin Local Board:

a) whiwhi / receive the verbal and written update from the appointed representative Alan Cole on matters being considered by the Rural Advisory Panel.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Orrin Kapua - Local Board Advisor
Authoriser	Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager

Chairperson	Angela Fulljames
Deputy Chairperson	Alan Cole
Members	Malcolm Bell JP
	Sharlene Druyven
	Gary Holmes
	Amanda Hopkins
	Andrew Kay
	Amanda Kinzett
	Logan Soole

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	4 February 2025 Franklin Local Board workshop notes	147
b ⇩	11 February 2025 Franklin Local Board workshop notes	151
c ⇩	18 February 2025 Franklin Local Board workshop notes	155
d ⇩	25 February 2025 Franklin Local Board workshop notes	159

Author	Denise Gunn - Democracy Advisor
Authoriser	Manoj Ragupathy - Local Area Manager