Agenda of Parks Committee - Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Parks Committee

29 April 2025

Regional Parks Q3 2024-2025 operations performance update

File No.: CP2025/06559

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Parks Committee with the Regional Parks operations performance update for financial year 2024/2025 quarter three, 1 January to 31 March 2025.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Parks Committee received the Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025 at its meeting in October 2024. This plan outlined the programmes and projects that were planned to be delivered in financial year 2024/2025 to support the specific management intentions outlined in the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022 (RPMP).

3. The Regional Parks operations performance update (Attachment A) provides an overview of the following topics for quarter three:

· visitor numbers and an overview of accommodation use in Regional Parks

· summer ranger programme

· incidents and challenges

· acknowledgement and awards

· the successful work undertaken within the six focus areas of the RPMP

· farming operations

· asset management

· capex delivery

· RPMP Implementation Plan progress update.

4. The next performance update for financial year 2024/2025, quarter four, will be provided to the Parks Committee at the August 2025 meeting.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Parks Committee:

a) whiwhi / receive the Regional Parks operations work programme update for financial year 2024/2025 quarter three, 1 January-31 March 2025 (Attachment A of the agenda report).

Horopaki

Context

5. The Parks Committee received the Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025 at its meeting in October 2024. This plan outlined the programmes and projects that were planned to be delivered in financial year 2024/2025.

6. The overall Regional Parks work programme includes a mix of ongoing ‘business as usual’ work and new projects to support the specific management intentions outlined in the RPMP.

7. The Regional Parks operational performance update and progress implementing the RPMP actions are detailed in Attachment A.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

8. The Regional Parks operational performance update (Attachment A) provides details on the following topics for the quarter three period:

· visitor numbers and an overview of accommodation use in Regional Parks over the summer period

· summer ranger programme

· incidents and challenges

· acknowledgement and awards

· the successful work undertaken within the six focus areas of the RPMP

· farming operations

· asset management

· capex delivery

· RPMP Implementation Plan progress update.

9. Some of the activities highlighted in the operations performance update include:

· Recognition – the Arataki Visitor Centre won the Nikau Award category in the Eco Matters Love Your Place Awards 2024, recognising the 45 years of service Riki Bennett has provided to regional parks.

· Hunua Forum – the planned 1080 pest operation in Hunua saw the establishment of a forum with mana whenua in February 2025. The proposal is for the forum to meet every three to six months, supporting a closer working relationship with mana whenua on the current and future pest operations.

· Deed of acknowledgement – good progress has been made progressing the deed with Te Kawerau ā Maki. Public engagement through two webinars is planned for early April 2025, along with feedback opportunities through AK Have Your Say.

· Raukawa gecko – following a weed control exercise at Whakatīwai, staff sighted a rare gecko being only the second known individual on the mainland.

· Endangered species success – the success of kiwi breeding at Tāwharanui has resulted in 20 kiwis being translocated to Tamahunga. A successful breeding season has seen eight kōkako chicks fledge of the six pairs monitored.

· Hunua Kauri Ora Survey – report confirmed the Hunua Ranges are still free from kauri dieback diseases.

· Open sanctuaries – continue to achieve results with success with Tākehe, NZ Dotterel and Hihi breeding results.

· Fire plans – a focused approach to completing Regional Parks fire plans has seen 18 draft plans and maps produced with the intent of completing by June 2025.

· Community events – five community focused events were carried out on across the region with events at Omana, Duder, Karamatura, Atiu Creek and Mahurangi West. The Arataki Visitor Centre also hosted five events over the summer period as part of their continued activation of the centre.

· Regional Parks Implementation Plan 2024/2025 – a focused programme to deliver on the plan’s intensions has resulted in several key workstreams being progressed. This initial work will inform future work programmes and budgets.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

10. The risk of fire over the summer period is high and this season has seen a heightened risk due to the lack of any significant rain. A new Regional Parks Fire Risk Reduction Network Plan has been prepared that identified the high-risk regional parks across the network. To date we have completed 18 draft park-specific response plans and associated maps and intend to have all plans finalised by June 2025.

11. A report has been produced on guidelines for providing shade for animals. These guidelines will direct any work related to welfare of stock on regional parks through an effective stock shade and shelter program.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

12. The implementation of the RPMP requires a collective approach to delivering the management plan’s intentions across the Parks and Community Facilities department and broader council family. A collaborative approach has been taken to progress the assessment of disability access and the development of the concessionaire framework. Future work will focus on a regional recreation assessment and the Hunua recreation plan.

13. Staff also regularly liaise with Area Operations staff on the review of Full Facilities Maintenance contracts and ongoing delivery of contracts associated with mowing, rubbish removal, servicing of infrastructure etc.

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

Local impacts and local board views

14. The RPMP 2024/2025 Implementation Plan was distributed to all local boards in December 2024.

15. Regional Parks staff met with the Franklin Local Board in early March to clarify questions on the implementation plan and the current work programme. The local board was supportive of the plan and thanked staff for attending.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

Delivering outcomes for and with Māori

16. Staff are committed to strengthening partnerships and working with mana whenua on opportunities for greater involvement in park management. This relationship has seen a focus on project-based and park-specific programs.

17. In February 2025, the Hunua Forum was successfully established to support a collaborative approach to planning for the upcoming 1080 pest program. The forum also supports taking a longer-term view on future programs and outcomes.

18. Staff have engaged with Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara on the protection of a pa site adjacent to the Te Rau Pῡriri regional park. Work will continue to investigate options for this site to be protected and preserved.

19. Staff continue to work closely with Te Kawerau ā Maki on managing the track re-opening programme in the Waitākere Ranges and developing the Deed of Acknowledgement between Auckland Council and Te Kawerau ā Maki, as provided for under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

20. The Regional Parks work programme delivered during financial year 2024/2025 quarter three (January-March 2025) is within the allocated operating budget.

21. The Parks and Community Facilities – Regional Operations Capital Work Programme 2024/2025 delivery update report (file number CP2025/01137) includes the most recent overview of the Regional Parks performance to date. This report was presented to the Parks Committee on 25 February 2025.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

22. Identified risks and mitigation actions are detailed in the table below:

Risk	Mitigation
Delays in capex project delivery	Ensure the project planning and investigation phase is completed at the initial stage. Work closely with project managers to monitor all stages of delivery and identify potential delays early in the process.
Increased costs, shortages of labour and materials, leading to higher project costs Delays in obtaining resource consent to enable a project to proceed	Manage increased costs and other delays using the Risk Adjusted Programme (RAP) process to potentially advance another project or reallocate funds to address budget shortfalls on other priority initiatives.
Inability to progress a project due to external factors / processes that must be completed first.	Continue to liaise with external parties to work towards solutions and remove barriers and identify a way forward. Re-prioritise projects to enable other priority initiatives to proceed.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

23. The focus for financial year 2024/2025 quarter four will be on continuing to implement the operational work programme and the approved capex work programme projects.

24. The Parks Committee will receive the next Regional Parks work programme performance update for quarter four (April – June 2025), at the June committee meeting.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇨	Regional Parks Performance update - Quarter three financial year 2024-2025

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Scott De Silva - Manager Regional Parks

Toni Giacon - Head of Regional Operations

Authorisers

Rachel Kelleher - Director Community

Taryn Crewe - General Manager Parks and Community Facilities

Parks Committee

29 April 2025

Regional Parks – Project Koru update

File No.: CP2025/06560

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide the Parks Committee with an update on the delivery of Project Koru, the review and enhancement of Regional Park operations.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Project Koru was initiated in March 2023, following the establishment of the Parks and Community Facilities department. The project seeks to review and enhance Regional Parks operations.

3. Project Koru comprises of ten workstreams, each with specific defined objectives, outcomes and a list of key actions required to deliver the overall programme.

4. Several workstreams have been completed since Project Koru was initiated.

5. Review of the operating model, roster, workflow management, asset management and implementation of the Regional Parks Management Plan workstreams are currently in progress.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Parks Committee:

a) whiwhi / receive the Regional Parks Project Koru update.

Horopaki

Context

6. In September 2022, the Parks and Community Facilities department was restructured. A new Regional Operations unit was established within the department, comprised of staff from Regional Parks, Farming Operations, Auckland Botanic Gardens and Cemetery Services.

7. This brought together all parks related functions into one department to promote efficiency by leveraging key skills across the department and ensuring better collaboration of delivery functions.

8. Project Koru was initiated to:

· help embed the teams into the new department

· maintain the strong ranger service

· enhance and evolve how Regional Parks deliver business outcomes to Aucklanders.

9. Through the Long-term Plan 2024-2034, staff were also directed to:

· investigate options to acquire land for a new regional park

· build cooperation between the Regional Parks network and Tupuna Maunga whānau

· review track upgrade engineering methodologies

· safeguard all Regional Parks under section 139 of the Local Government Act 2002

· review Regional Parks operations to ensure best value for money.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Project Koru workstreams

10. Project Koru comprises of ten workstreams, each having specific defined objectives, outcomes and a list of key actions required to deliver the programme.

Workstream	Description	Outcomes / benefits	Status
Operating model	Review the operating model to ensure it is fit for purpose	Clarification of roles, responsibilities and accountability. Identify efficiencies in the delivery of our service.	In progress
Strategic direction	Increase kaimahi understanding of strategic direction of Regional Parks	All kaimahi know and understand the priorities and deliverables and how the work they do contributes to strategic outcomes.	Completed
Empowering kaimahi	Increase staff capability and provide clear development opportunities.	All kaimahi understand the core training requirements for their role. Development plans are in plan for all kaimahi.	Completed
Farming operating model	Build collaboration between Farming and Regional Parks team to successfully deliver farming operations.	Improve business performance and increase integration across the unit. Improve decision making.	Completed
Roster review	Review the roster to ensure it meets our service requirements and supports staff wellbeing	Roster meets work programme, and customer needs and enables us to effectively plan our work.	Not started (subject to operating model review findings)
Workflow management	Manage workflow effectively to support sustainable workloads for kaimahi	Develop and deliver a successful workflow management solution.	In progress
Simplified business processes	Improve operational processes to achieve greater efficiency across Regional Parks	Efficiencies achieved through reduction in manual processes through increased automation.	iAuditor application completed.
Asset management	Improve asset data capture to effectively manage Regional Parks / Farming assets	All asset data is captured, all assets have a condition rating. Real time information supports capex renewal programme.	In progress
Regional Parks Management Plan	Successfully implement the Regional Parks Management Plan actions.	A staged implementation plan is produced annually. Identified priorities are included in capex programme. Public expectations on when work will occur are managed effectively.	Plan for 2024/2025 approved and in progress.
Support NETR delivery	Review the NETR programme to identify the optimum delivery model for Regional Parks	Resource requirements to deliver are aligned to the expanded programme and budget; roles and responsibilities clearly defined.	Review completed.

11. The Head of Regional Operations is the sponsor for Project Koru.

12. Engagement with key stakeholders including kaimahi, unions, and health, safety and wellbeing specialists is a key component of the programme and has been incorporated into the engagement and communications plan.

Table 1: Project Koru workstreams

Operating model

13. The operating model workstream is the primary focus area under Project Koru and has been the largest area of work to date. A staff working group was set up in March 2024, comprising of rangers, senior rangers and principal rangers.

14. The operating model has three distinct stages:

· Stage 1: Current state, investigated and identified the work staff currently do.

· Stage 2: Implement immediate priorities, and review and clarify data and levels of service, and ensure adequate resources required to deliver on any changes.

· Stage 3: Implement changes.

15. Work began on Stage 1 via a series of staff workshops from March to September 2024. These focussed on capturing all functions carried out by Regional Parks staff in their respective roles and provided visibility of the volume of work being carried out.

16. Over 940 different functions were identified using the RASCI project management framework (responsible, accountable, supportive, consulted, and informed) that assigns specific roles and responsibilities to stakeholders involved in a project or process. This information is now captured in a comprehensive tool that enables analysis of the work carried out by Regional Parks staff in a way not previously undertaken.

17. The Stage 2 is currently in process, with work being undertaken on immediate priorities such as:

· reviewing the summer ranger program

· completing the annual farming operations plans

· develop a visitor service guide for staff

· tracking and reporting on the Open Sanctuaries Operations Plans.

18. Work is also underway to identify areas where clear Levels of Service are required such as track and asset maintenance, parks conservation programs, volunteer and community programs and recreation activities.

Roster Review

19. A review of the current roster will be completed as part of the Operating Model workstream. The roster review will consider how we resource staff to respond to on park incidents and effectively manage our park network to ensure we deliver high quality visitor services and response capability.

Strategic direction

20. A presentation on the long-term direction and objectives for Regional Parks was delivered to staff during June/July 2024. This included an overview of the strategic framework that sets the priorities for delivery and the policy direction / actions captured in the Regional Parks Management Plan 2022. The key point of this workstream was to make the link for staff on how the work they do on the ground contributes to the wider strategic outcomes.

Empowered kaimahi

21. A detailed training and development programme has been developed, following a review of the core training requirements for each specific role. All staff now have individual development plans in place, which ensures the required training is programmed for completion, in alignment with the available budget.

Farming operating model

22. A review of the farming operating model was completed in 2023. This has clarified the roles and responsibilities of all staff involved in delivering the farming operation and resulted in a greater level of collaboration and integration between staff. An outcome of this work was the completion of a new five-year Farming Strategy which is now being implemented.

Workflow management

23. A review of different methods used to manage workflow across the regional parks network has been undertaken, to identify opportunities to standardise the tools and processes used. Further work is required to reach an agreed solution to be adopted by all sectors.

Simplified business processes

24. The simplified business processes workstream comprises several initiatives, such as iAuditor, which is an app-based data capture tool, launched in July 2024, which is used to record data for track inspections, visitor counts, water meter readings, and full facility management contract audit inspections, etc.

25. Other projects within this workstream include a system to deliver automated water tank monitoring; the installation of solar water pumps at Pae o Te Rangi and Anawhata farm, and the trialing electric operational vehicles on regional parks.

Asset management

26. Improving our asset data capture is the primary focus of this workstream, to provide accurate condition rating information to support the capex renewal programme. Progress has been made over the last six months to increase the number of asset condition ratings completed across the network.

Supporting National Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) delivery

27. An initial review of the NETR operating model has been completed, which included an assessment of roles and responsibilities and resource requirements to deliver the expanding NETR programme on Regional Parks. A new Programme Manager NETR role was established in July 2024 to support delivery and reporting on the projects delivered on regional parks.

Regional Parks Management Plan

28. Implementation of the Regional Parks Management Plan actions has been underway since 2023. The Implementation Plan for the 2024/2025 financial year was presented to the Parks Committee in October 2024. An annual report on progress made implementing key actions during financial year 2023/2024 was also provided to the Parks Committee via memorandum in February 2025.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

29. The operating model workstream has assessed how we currently allocate staff labour and manage travel requirements across both the Regional Parks and Farming Operations teams. Travel between and inside the parks occupies up to 17.8 per cent of staff time across both teams.

30. Efficient use of vehicles and travel time for teams will be considered to ensure efficiency and to reduce task duplication. The geographic spread of parks across the region does create challenges but also provides an opportunity to consider where staff are located and how we operate effectively.

31. The simplified business processes workstream will improve the sustainable management of assets, water and energy across the parks network. An example is the automation of water tank monitoring, which ensures leaks are quickly identified before water supplies are depleted, and reduces the staff travel time involved in manually checking water tanks levels.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

32. A review of the Full Facilities Maintenance contract is currently being undertaken as part of Te Ara Hura / Project 27 (P27). The role of contractors and staff in managing and maintaining parks assets will be reviewed as part of the process.

33. The current model has a split between contractors and parks staff managing park assets. The core functions of kaimahi identified through the operating model workstream will be useful information to be considered through this review process.

34. The operating model review will determine the extent of the work that the Regional Parks team can effectively manage with our current labour force and skills, along with specific KPIs or levels of service for areas such as visitor services, track maintenance and arboriculture. This work will be considered as part of the operating model and Te Ara Hura / Project 27 workstream.

35. Management have engaged with staff leading Te Ara Hura review to ensure that any identified functions currently undertaken by rangers are assessed in terms of efficiency in delivery and value for money and aligned to the operating model workstream.

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

Local impacts and local board views

36. There are no impacts on local boards resulting from this programme of work. Project Koru is an internal, operational initiative specifically focused on reviewing the Regional Parks operating model and identifying opportunities for business improvement.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

37. Auckland Council is committed to strengthening partnerships and working with mana whenua on opportunities for greater involvement in the management of Regional Parks.

38. Staff are regularly engaging with mana whenua at the project and operational level and will continue to do so in the delivery of work programmes across the network.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

39. Any future changes identified for the Regional Parks operating model will be presented in subsequent business cases if there is a need to source additional funding.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

Risks	Mitigation
Staff are not aware of work completed to date in workstreams.	Monthly updates on progress have been sent out to all staff, replicated in staff newsletters and discussed at sector meetings. Regular communications / meetings with union representatives are held to discuss any issues raised.
Staff feel their views have not been considered	Staff representatives from all levels were involved in the operating model workshops (March-October) and were responsible for providing input into the review of the current operating model.
Timelines for completing operating model and other workstreams slip	Key meetings and workshops with kaimahi have been scheduled and prioritised.
Inability to progress work that is reliant on other teams’ input	Issues are raised directly with Manager Regional Parks, liaison and planning with other teams to confirm ability to deliver, revise timeframes as necessary.
Te Ara Hura review and possible impact on staff roles	Ensure staff are involved in any discussion on changes to contracts, staff roles / responsibilities.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

40. Work associated with the delivery of Project Koru will continue through 2025.

41. The operating model mahi is a high priority for Parks and Community Facilities. This work will be carried out over 2025.

42. Resources are also focused on workflow management, asset management and simplified business processes.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇨	Regional Operations Project Koru update - Presentation

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Scott De Silva - Manager Regional Parks

Toni Giacon - Head of Regional Operations

Authorisers

Rachel Kelleher - Director Community

Taryn Crewe - General Manager Parks and Community Facilities

Chairperson	Cr Ken Turner
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Mike Lee
Members	Cr Angela Dalton
	Cr Alf Filipaina, MNZM
	Cr Christine Fletcher, QSO
	Houkura Member Muka Hohneck (Terrence)
	Cr Daniel Newman, JP
	Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM
	Cr Wayne Walker
	Houkura Member Glenn Wilcox
Ex-officio	Mayor Wayne Brown
	Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, JP

Resolution Number	Item	Status
PCCCC/2025/7	Item 8 - Te Ara Hura 2027 Parks and Community Facilities maintenance contracts	Staff are currently seeking feedback from all Local Boards and Mana Whenua with a subsequent report to the Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee. Prior to that, a paper will be brought to Parks Committee to determine recommendations around the contract delivery model for Regional Parks in particular.
PCCCC/2025/10	Item 10 - Draft Regional Capital Investment Programme for Regional Parks, Farming and Auckland Botanic Gardens for financial years 2026-2028	The relevant information was provided to the Community Committee for consideration at the 19 March 2025 workshop.
PCCCC/2025/6	Item 11 - Rainforest Express - Waitākere Ranges Regional Park - investigation into approval process required for a third party to restore the Rainforest Express.	Staff are planning to meet with Waitakere Rainforest Tramline Trust and NZTA to confirm the access and operational requirements that will be needed as part of the process to reactivate the Rainforest Express and to confirm next steps with the group.
PCCCC/2025/11	Item 12 - Chair's report - Reports of the Regional Parks Working Group	Staff continue to update the committee on progress against recommendation in (b) relating to the LTP recommendations. The Chair and members visited Shakespear Regional Parks just prior to the last Parks Committee meeting and have planned visits to Atiu Creek and Te Arai over the next two months.

Date	Subject
11/3/2025	Draft capital work programme for Regional Parks, Botanic Gardens, and Farming (2 half hour sessions)

Author	Lata Smith - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Taryn Crewe - General Manager Parks and Community Facilities