Minutes of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

22 April 2025

1 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

There were no apologies.

2 Te Whakapuaki i te Whai Pānga | Declaration of Interest

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

There were no declarations of interest.

5	Local Board Workshop

Item 1 – 9.30 – 11.30

Local Board Annual Planning Workshop 7

Presenter/s: Lisa Kent Local Board Engagement Advisor

Henare King Local Board Advisor

Sugenthy Thomson Lead Financial Advisor

Governance role: Keeping informed

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress / Confirm advocacy priorities

The local board was provided with an update on the feedback of the Auckland Council annual budget consultation

· Consultation feedback on local board priorities for 2025/2026 and advocacy initiatives

· Other local matters that need consideration in Annual Plan

· Consultation feedback on regional topics in the proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026

· Advocacy initiatives to be considered by Governing Body for the Annual Plan 2025/2026

· Input on regional topics in the proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 incl. local matters that need consideration

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

· Sought clarity regarding the environmental feedback, requesting a summary of the top priorities specific to the environmental themes

· Raised concerns about the prioritisation of maintenance and the need for better cleaning of council facilities.

· Questioned why Panmure had more feedback and consultation compared to historical data. Staff explained that more consultation events were held in the area.

· Raised concerns about public transport, specifically bus services not meeting the standards expected by the public.

Next Steps:

· Formally receive consultation feedback and resolve on advocacy points at the 29 April business meeting

· Governing Body will consider Local Board recommendations on 28 May 2025.

Item 2 – 11.30 – 12.30

Grants Criteria Review

Presenter/s: Vincent Marshall Grants Advisor

Governance role: Local initiative / preparing for specific decisions

Proposed Outcome/s: Review programme proposals

The local board was provided with an introduction to the grants criteria review for FY2025/2026.

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

· Concern for proposal to remove priority categories entirely from grant criteria, and request to keep low priority category.

· Expressed concern that repeat applicants who were successful in previous grant rounds may automatically be placed in the lower priority category when reapplying. Suggestion to revise wording to clarify only successful applicants from the current financial year will be marked as lower priority.

· Discussed the inclusion of core business expenses in applications. Requested more clarity from applicants on what they are requesting funding for.

· Suggestion to make clear to applicants the date of decision-making for the current round, so that applicants with outstanding accountability reports are adequately informed that their applications will be declined if their reports are still outstanding.

· Inquired about the last time the maximum limit for grants was raised. Staff to clarify. Agreement that the maximum limit should be raised to $10,000 to allow more flexibility in decision-making.

Next Steps:

· Local Board to adopt the 2025/2026 grants programme at their 20 May business meeting.

60 Minute Break

Item 3 – 1.30 – 2.30

Milford Beach Front Reserve – Development Pathway Connection

Presenter/s: Steph Westmore Senior 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 Beach Front Reserve – Development Pathway Connection and concept options

· The local board was presented with the following options:

o Option 1 – Install a path across the grass

o Option 2 – Install Path within carpark

o Option 3 – Install both paths (staff recommend)

o Option 4 – Do nothing.

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

· Suggestion based on the demographic of park users to increase the number of disability parking spaces to two. Staff advised that this would sit under the remit of Auckland Transport and will reach out to express the local board’s concerns for consideration. Staff will also confirm the required number of disability parking spaces for a car park of this size.

· Raised concerns about the drainage canal in the carpark, where cars get stuck while parking. Suggestion to consider options for the canal to be relocated.

· Suggestion to investigate cost-saving options for Option 2, exploring alternatives to concrete, while ensuring it remains clear that it is a walkway.

· Expressed interest in adding more benches for seating.

· Suggest staff connect with Auckland Transport regarding Local Active Mode Projects for potential additional funding for Options 1 and 2.

Item 4 – 2.30 – 3.30

Auckland Transport Auburn Street project and Aberdeen Street Pedestrian Crossing project

Presenter/s: Raymond Tong Project Manager

Sagarkariya Kariya consultant Eliga Engineering

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

The local board was provided with an update on Auburn Street pedestrian crossing project and presenting the proposed improvements and concept designs

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

· Concern for proposal of raised table intended to reduce speed, noting the current speed limit of 30 km/h. Staff advised the speed identified is higher than 30 km/h.

· Requested that Auckland Transport staff collaborate with the Takapuna Safer Speed project, noting they have knowledge that can support Auckland Transport’s consultation in the proposed design area.

· Supported the location of the proposed crossing.

· Concern the proposed crossing will impact bus turning and cyclists on Auburn Street.

Next Steps:

· Staff to undertake speed counts and revisit the design.

The local board was provided with an update on pedestrian crossing project on Aberdeen Road.

· Auckland Transport provided the following options for the local board to consider:

o Option 1 – Swedish Crossing

o Option 2 – At Grade Crossing

o Option 3 – At Grade Crossing + Humps

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

· Questioned if Option 2 would adequately reduce speeds. Staff believed it would help as a soft treatment for driving behaviour.

· Clarified Options 1 and 2 are in similar locations to the current crossing, and electronic signs will be used to reduce speed.

· Support for Option 2 and request further detail on the budget for this project, including a full cost analysis and the cost of adding an additional path for the school. Staff advised that expanding it would require further investigation and additional costs.

· Expressed concern that options have been presented without cost estimates, making it difficult to make a fair recommendation.

· Request Auckland Transport collect feedback from the school opposite the crossing.

· Request that a speed advisory sign be included, depending on available funding from the local board transport capital fund.

Next Steps:

· Auckland Transport to conduct a cost analysis and present the findings to the local board. Options for consultation with the school will depend on the available budget.

Item 5 – 3.30 – 4.00

Update on the Devonport-Takapuna Cycling and Walking Guide

Presenter/s: John McKellar Parks and Places Specialist

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

The local board was provided with an update on the Devonport-Takapuna Cycling and Walking Guide development.

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

· Suggested the Takapuna walk loop be extended to include the Croquet Club.

· Noted the bike track on Greville Reserve does not reflect the current state and will need to be updated

· Questioned whether additional information could be added to the guide after publication. Staff advised updates could be explored in next year’s work programme.

· Sought clarity around the cost of printing. Staff advised an approximate cost and recommended a placeholder budget in the work programme.

· Requested the ferry be removed from the guide as it no longer operates to Stanley Point.

· Suggest printing a Mandarin and Korean version if there is budget available.

Next Steps:

· Staff to take the comments made by the local board and provide make changes accordingly

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