Minutes of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

29 July 2025

1 Ngā Tamōtanga | Apologies

Apologies form Member P Allen for being absent

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.

3	Local Board Workshop

Item 1 – 9.30 – 10.00

Community Lease – Devonport Yacht Club

Presenter/s: Randy Jiang Community Lease Specialist

Governance role: Keeping informed

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

The local board was provided with an update on a lease renewal for the Devonport Yacht Club.

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

· Sought clarity on how the board can provide feedback; staff advised this can be done via direct email

· Sought clarification on the approval process

Next Steps:

· Staff to provide the local board with a memo outlining recommendations and considerations.

Item 2 – 10.00 – 10.30

Local Board Services – Pre-Election Protocols

Presenter/s: Trina Thompson Local Area Manager

Governance role: Keeping informed

Proposed Outcome/s: Inform future direction

The local board was provided with an update on pre-election period protocols for local board members:

· Staff encouraged to review the “Communication in the Pre-Election Period” protocol.

· Decision making by the board is still valid right up to the election period and depending on the subject matter and appropriateness, some items may be deferred to the next board term.

· Emphasis on exercising care when speaking in a public capacity; members should clearly distinguish the council’s current position from future intentions as a candidate (e.g. when speaking with journalists).

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

· Questioned how to respond to emails from the public sent to personal email addresses. Staff advised that members should clearly separate responses made in their capacity as elected members from those as candidates. Council email addresses must not be used for campaign purposes.

· Sought clarity for current members not standing for re-election. Staff confirmed those members remain elected officials until the end of the term and cannot use council resources to promote other candidates.

· Clarity around breach of rules. Staff confirmed there are monitoring mechanisms in place, and breaches are managed under the Local Electoral Act.

Next Steps:

· Staff to identify and bring forward any current work programme items that may need to be progressed prior to the election period.

Item 3 – 10.30 – 11.30

Community Patrol

Presenter/s: Michael Alofa Specialist Advisor

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

The local board was provided with an update on Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Community Safety and Wellbeing.

· Highlighted the increase in provision by North Harbour Community Patrol following their additional funding allocation.

· Provided an overview of the newly established North Shore Safety Network (NSSN), which meets monthly and includes members such as NZ Police, North Harbour Community Patrol, Pacific Wardens, Māori Wardens, Neighbourhood Support, and Auckland Transport.

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

· Questioned who is funding the coordination of the NSSN. Staff advised that the network is still new and, due to the grey area of responsibility, Auckland Council’s Specialist advisor is currently facilitating it. The local board requested more information on the group’s goals and activities.

· Gave thanks to North Harbour Community Patrol and encouraged continued contact with the local board to strengthen the relationship.

· Clarified whether graffiti removal is still being funded. Staff clarified that graffiti management is now handled by the Compliance team and will update the board on the current process and funding status.

60 Minute Break

Item 4 – 12.30 – 1.00

Takapuna Community Hub Update

Presenter/s: Sophie Bell Service and Asset Planning Specialist

Jasmine Hsu Senior Project Manager

Andrew Elcoat Strategic Property Specialist

Eloi Fonseca Manager Area Operations

Ellie McBroom Change & Programme Manager

Ben Meadows Manager Specialist Asset Assessments

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Define board position and feedback

The local board was provided with an update on the Takapuna Community Hub project.

· At a workshop in April, the local board received a presentation on the proposed community hub. Members acknowledged a challenging funding situation and requested that staff provide information on funding options that could be explored.

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

· Suggested the Climate Action Targeted Rate as a potential funding source to provide renewal energy sources.

· Asked whether development contributions could be considered. Staff advised that this would be difficult as contributions are generally tied to growth, and the amount available for this project would be minimal. Members noted that assets in other local board areas had benefited from the availability of development contributions. Staff agreed to look into this further.

· Asked what future renewal funding would be required for both the existing library and Takapuna Community Services building.

· Questioned whether partnership opportunities can be explored.

· Raised concern over increasing project costs.

· Queried whether any new policy changes under the Fairer Funding model would affect the renewal aspect. Staff were unaware of any such changes.

· Questioned whether the proceeds from the sale of 2 The Strand are earning interest, and if that interest will be attributed to the project budget. Staff advised the finance team would be best placed to answer and will follow up.

Next Steps:

· Staff to provide information on funding sources, asset management, and renewal budgets, including follow-ups from finance and asset teams.

· Update to be brought to the new local board post-election.

Item 5 – 1.00 – 2.00

This workshop item was held with the public excluded (confidential) as the workshop material contains information which is not yet publicly available.

Item 6 – 2.00 – 2.30

Devonport-Takapuna Play Plan 2025

Presenter/s: Jacquelyn Collins Play Portfolio Lead

Matthew Johnson Play Portfolio Manager

Governance role: Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s: Receive update on progress

The local board was provided with an update on the broader play developments of the Devonport-Takapuna Play Plan

· Provided an overview of 2024/2025 financial year deliverables.

· Outlined plans to strengthen relationships with community organisations to support delivery.

· TH left the workshop at 2:33pm.

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

· Questioned how the swing at Taharoto Park was installed given its height. Staff advised an arborist was engaged to install it, and they work closely with them.

· Sought further information about the BMX track at Greville Reserve and the possibility of a swing there. Staff advised they are comfortable implementing a swing and are thinking of working with Bike North Harbour to provide community advocacy, while also considering safety in the area.

· Queried the rings installed next to the swing at Greville Reserve which are quite low to the ground. Staff advised these were community-installed, and as long as they are not damaging trees or posing risk, there is no reason to remove them.

· Highlighted the importance of play not just for children, but also for older residents in the community. Staff suggested collaboration with local Scout groups, and the board supported this outreach.

Next Steps:

· Staff to continue progressing projects and maintain regular updates with the local board, particularly regarding the tree swings and potential collaborations.

Workshop concluded 2.57pm.

Chairperson	Melissa Powell
Deputy Chairperson	Terence Harpur	Absent from item 6
Members	Gavin Busch
	George Wood, CNZM