Minutes of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

01 April 2025

1 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

Member M Powell gave their apology for absence.

2 Te Whakapuaki i te Whai Pānga | Declaration of Interest

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

5	Local Board Workshop

Item 1 – 9.30 – 11.00

24/25 Grants round two

Presenter/s: Vincent Marshall Grants Advisor

Governance role: Local initiative / preparing for specific decisions

Proposed Outcome/s: Review community grant applications

The local board was provided with an overview of the 2024/2025 Local Grants round two applications.

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

· Milford Cruising Club: Requested clarity around marquee sizes. Questioned the frequency of community group usage and the lifespan of the marquees.

North Shore Performing Arts: Supportive of applicants utilising the PumpHouse Theatre, noting the need to support them in light of Tim Bray theatre company closing.
North Shore Rugby Football Club: Supportive due to safety concerns.
Vamos Community Trust: Requested clarity on the performance aspect of the request.
Unitec: Smaller allocation due to the location of their request. Suggest applicant find a closer venue to the local board area.
Ngutu Atamai Foolish Wit Theatre Trust: Concerns raised about storage requirements.
North Shore Brass: Noted that they were fully funded this grant year.
North Shore United: the local board has yet to make a decision on the building; funding will support temporary needs. Staff to clarify allocation after the business meeting.
Korean Gardens: Requested clarity on previous funding and the current state due to poor appearance. The local board asks for an update on delays.
Good Works Charitable Trust: the local board requests specifics on their application before making a decision.
Devonport Squash: No allocation as it does not encourage further involvement. The request is for current gym members, not increasing participation.
Bayswater School Whanau: the local board requests clarity on whether the event is happening. Staff confirms it’s dependent on local board funding. Allocated $5k on the basis as a one-off. Staff to follow up.

Item 2 – 11.00 – 12.00

Knightsbridge Reserve

Presenter/s: Ravi Chandrappa Senior Project Manager

Eloi Fonseca Area Manager

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an update on the Knightsbridge Reserve, Forrest Hill Renew play equipment

· The local board was satisfied with the dragon shape project in the previous workshop, and consultation has gone out with contractors now.

· Consultation revealed that the Asian community wants the playground to support activities like badminton, dancing, and provide shade, especially for the elderly.

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

· The local board are satisfied with the presented option 1 and the allocated funding. Would like to see completion of the park prior to the school holidays at the end of the 2025 year

· Inquired about the possibility of adding a drinking fountain. Staff advised that there is no water main in place, but if one were to be added, staff can provide estimates and will look into it.

· Asked about path upgrades, which will only occur if the paths are damaged during construction.

· Confirmed that the contingency budget will be 10 percent.

· Raised the possibility of a badminton port that allows users to bring their own net. Staff will explore options for portable gear and will investigate further.

· Raised concerns about the poor condition of the path.

· Suggested adding cherry blossoms or an Asian garden, a request echoed by the community. Staff mentioned that they would also like to include fruit trees instead.

· Expressed interest in adding a sports equipment box, which the local board supports.

Next Steps:

· Staff will look into bringing a report into the April business meeting if possible.

30 minute Break

Item 3 – 12.30 – 1.30

Milford Marina –Proposed Footpath

Presenter/s: Grant Jennings Manager Sustainaility & Environmental Delivery

Nidhin Nair Project Manager

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an update on Milford Marina proposed footpath and seeking feedback and direction form the local board.

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

· Raised concerns regarding the proposed budget of $110k, asking where the budget currently sits and whether it is sufficient for the project. Staff will come back to the local board as it was noted that the set budget may not be enough to cover the full scope of the work.

· Expressed a desire for a more affordable alternative, such as omitting the handrails. Staff advised that handrails are essential for support and function as a safety barrier, but requested that staff explore other cost-effective options.

· Inquired about the possibility of using asphalt instead of concrete to reduce costs. Staff will investigate this suggestion and provide feedback.

· Stressed the importance of ensuring that the walkway remains part of the design to maintain public access.

· Raised concerns regarding the proposed changes to the car park and their potential impact on the area. Staff will clarify how these changes will affect parking and provide more details.

· Raised concerns about potential impacts to access for boat ramps. Staff clarified that this issue has been taken into account and considered in the planning process.

· Reiterated concerns about the budget for the project, stressing the need for a thorough review. Staff will ensure that the budget is re-evaluated and will provide more clarity.

· Indicated that Option 3, particularly the inclusion of the boardwalk, was a favourable option.

· Confirmed they will meet with the Active Modes Plan members to further discuss the proposed options. Staff will collaborate with the local board to explore funding sources and bring these options to the meeting.

· Expressed concerns regarding parking in the area and noted that a horizontal design option would be a safer alternative. Staff will explore this suggestion and assess its feasibility.

· Requested confirmation that this is a capital expenditure (Capex) project. Staff confirmed that the project falls under Capex and will provide further details if needed.

Inquired about the age and condition of the Takapuna boilers. Staff will look into the boilers and provide an update on their status.

Next Steps:

Item 4 – 1.30 – 2.30

Lake Pupuke

Presenter/s: Janet Kidd Manager Wai Ora Strategic Programmes

Jack Dickens Healthy Waters Specialist

Sarah Jones Manager Area Operations

Eloi Fonseca Manager Area Operations

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Provide direction on preferred approach

The local board was provided with an update on Water quality issues on Lake Pupuke

· An update to the resolutions made by the local board in November on water quality issues of Lake Pupuke including any existing correspondence from third-party organisations on both water quality issues and the maintenance and management of the areas surrounding Lake Pupuke

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

· Raised concerns about eel weed growth. Noted that regular clearing of the weed would be beneficial.

· Raised concerns about planting too much in the open spaces, specifically at Henderson Park. The board is wary of excessive planting designed to support water quality.

· Inquired whether there has been any impact from the hospital on the lake. Staff advised that there are no major alerts into the lake.

· Staff advised that even if funding were available, it cannot guarantee that the efforts to improve the lake’s health would be entirely successful, acknowledging the feasibility and risk involved.

· Requested better public communication regarding the current state of Lake Pupuke. Staff will work on improving public awareness and transparency.

· Raised questions about stormwater runoff into the lake, confirming that stormwater does indeed flow into the lake. The local board also inquired about monitoring the water coming from the stormwater system. Staff clarified that they do not monitor the water at the outlets, though they are well aware of the general information surrounding them. Staff noted that constant monitoring of the outlets would be very costly, but they will explore solutions to provide early identification of potential issues.

· Raised concerns regarding Option 1 of capping of the lake bottom, especially after workshop discussions, questioning the feasibility of making a significant impact with that option.

Next Steps

· Requested staff to look into improving the stormwater system at Taharoto Road and the hospital, and to test the water quality at each of the outlets, including the installation of filters. Staff will review the request and provide feedback.

· Raised the issue of controlling weed growth at Sylvan Park and Killarney Park, suggesting that Healthy Waters take action. Staff will investigate and provide updates on potential solutions.

· Inquired about the oxygen weed issue. Staff will come back with further information on this matter.

Next Steps:

Staff to look into the questions raised by the local board

2.26 pm

Deputy Chairperson	Terence Harpur (acting)
Members	Peter Allen
	Gavin Busch
	George Wood, CNZM