Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

 

OPEN MINUTES

 

 

 

Minutes of a meeting of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop  held in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Office, 1-7 The Strand, Takapuna on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at 9.30am.

 

Te Hunga kua Tae mai | present

 

Chairperson

Melissa Powell

 

Deputy Chairperson

Terence Harpur

Online from item 6 onwards

Members

Peter Allen

 

 

Gavin Busch

 

 

George Wood, CNZM

 

 


Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Workshop

09 September 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.

 

 

 

3

Local Board Workshop

 

Item 1 – 10.00 – 10.30

Community Delivery Monthly Update

Presenter/s:                  Nina Darrah Community Broker

Margo Athy Connect Communities Lead & Coach

Kathryn Schuster Specialist Advisor, Youth Specialist

 

Governance role:          Keeping informed

Proposed Outcome/s:   Receive update on progress

 

The local board was provided with an update on Community Delivery work programme and youth development property lines.

 

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

·        Reiterated desire for Younite members to attend and participate in local board meetings and workshops.

·        Raised concern for staff capacity in supporting Younite.

 

Item 2 – 10.30 – 12.00

This workshop is closed as there may be some sensitive information shared and to allow free and frank discussion

Item 3 – 12.00 – 1.00

Anne Street Trees and Northboro Road Trees

Presenter/s:                  David Stejskal Urban Forest, Arboriculture and Ecology Manager

 

Governance role:          Keeping informed

Proposed Outcome/s:   Define board position and feedback

 

The local board was provided with an update on Anne Street Trees and Northboro Road Trees.

 

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

 

Anne Street Trees

·        Expressed preference for option to lodge a basic application for a restricted discretionary resource consent.

·        Sought clarity on public notification process for resource consent..

Northboro Road Trees

·        Supported option to advise the owner of the two grevillea trees that they undertake future monitoring of the trees for stability (rather than removing the trees).

·        Raised concern about the macrocarpa cluster due to weather-related risks. Staff advised all public trees carry some risk and assessments must be consistent citywide.

Next Steps:

·        Staff to proceed with letter to the resident.

30 Minute Break

Item 4 – 1.30 – 2.15

Auckland Transport – Kitchener Road, Takapuna – Pedestrian Improvements

Presenter/s:                  Vishak Balasundaram Transportation Engineer

Jun Park Auckland Transport

 

Governance role:          Oversight and monitoring

Proposed Outcome/s:   Review project proposal

 

The local board was provided with an update on proposed Pedestrian improvements on Kitchener Road.

·        Presented optioneering of bus stop arrangements with staff’s proposed option at 17 Kitchener Road, after community request.

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

·        Sought clarity on who requested the investigation. Staff advised there were three requests over five years and that requesters had been notified the matter was under investigation.

·        Sought clarity on project priority. Staff advised the project had been on a waitlist and was prioritised as a safety improvement for a high crash-risk location.

·        Raised concerns about visibility around the bend. Staff confirmed a sightline check was completed and was deemed satisfactory.

·        Asked if prior line marking approval conflicts with the new proposal. Staff advised markings remain unchanged, and the crossing would improve pedestrian safety.

·        Sought clarity on consultation costs. Staff advised costs depend on the catchment area and will need to confirm at a later date.

·        Requested updated and accurate costings, including consultation.

·        Noted future presentations should clearly outline objectives, details, community impact, and demand.

Next Steps:

·        A report will be considered at the Local Board’s September business meeting, seeking support for the project.

Item 5 – 2.15 – 2.45

Dacre Park Comprehensive Renewals Project

Presenter/s:                  Ravi Chandrappa Senior Project Manager

 

Governance role:          Keeping informed

Proposed Outcome/s:   Review project proposal

 

The local board was provided with an update on Dacre Park Comprehensive Renewals Project

·        Recap of the 12 August workshop with corrected cost estimates and a refined option for the pathway.

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

·        Supported the recommendation of a permeable concrete pathway with the adjusted costing presented..

·        Requested assurance that the club, as key users of the park, are kept well informed of the proposed works. Staff confirmed they are in contact with the club.

 

Item 6 – 2.45 – 3.30

Open Water Access Plan Update

Presenter/s:                  Mike Thompson Sport & Recreation Lead

Hamish Rogers Consultant (HMR Sport Solutions)

 

Governance role:          Work programme updates

Proposed Outcome/s:   Define opportunities / potential approach

 

The local board was provided with an update on the development of the Devonport-Takapuna Open Water Access Plan.

·        Recap from the 26 August workshop and acknowledgment of the changes requested by the local board with an updated scope and clear timeline.

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

·        Acknowledged the revised scope is clearer and better aligned with the purpose.

·        Request that Milford Beach Reserve be identified as a key area within the scope.

·        Sought clarity on whether the change in scope is adequate for delivery given the reduced funding. Staff advised it is achievable.

Next Steps:

·        Staff to bring a report to the 23 September local board business meeting to adopt the scope.