waitematā local board achievements report · waitematā local board achievements report 1 july...

Waitematā Local Board Achievements report1 July 2014 - 30 June 2015

BC50

22

2 Waitematā Local Board Achievements Report 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015

Child engaging with ‘Twist’ one of the two bronze sculptures called ‘Twist & Thief’. More on page 23

3Waitematā Local Board Achievements Report 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015

Contents

Front page: View of Myers Park over the colourful new playground.

Message from the Chair 4

Waitematā Local Board Members 5

Waitematā Local Board Governance 6

Official Duties 8

Waitematā - The Economic Hub 9

Local Board Plan 2014 - 2017 10

Local Board Agreement 10

Local Engagement 10

Planning for Waitematā 11 Point Resolution Taurarua Development Plan 11 Grey Lynn Park Development Plan 11 Western Park Development Plan 12 Karangahape Road Plan 12 Becoming a Low Carbon Community 2015 12 Newmarket Laneways Plan 13 Newton and Eden Terrace Plan 13

Major Projects and Initiatives 14 Myers Park Development 14 POP Programme 15 Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway 15 Ellen Melville Centre 16 Child-friendly Local Board 16 WaitematāYouthDevelopment 17 Symonds Street Cemetery 18 Fukuoka Friendship Garden 18 Community Development 19 Accessibility 19 Playground Renewals 20 Seismic Exemplar Guidebook 21 The Boroughs 21 Drinking Fountains 21 Ecological Restoration 22 Waipapa Stream Restoration 22

Local Implementation Projects 22

Local Input into Regional Policies 24

Local Events 26

Major Openings, Ceremonies and Celebrations 27

Transport Advocacy 29

Community Grants and Funding 30

Looking Ahead 31


ItcontinuestobeanexcitingtimeinthedevelopmentofWaitematāandAuckland.

EveryyearIenjoythischancetositbackandreflectonthebusyandchallengingyearthathasbeen,toshareandcelebrateourachievementsoverthepast12months.

Overthepastyear,theWaitematāLocalBoardworkedhardtoturnthevisionandprioritiesofoursecondLocalBoardPlanandfourthLocalBoardAgreementintoactionsontheground.Wehaveinvestedinprojectsandinitiativesthatensureourgrowingcommunitieshavemoreplacestosafelyplay,beactive,walk,cycle,relax,andenjoytheirsurroundsincludingaccessthebeautifulWaitematācoastline.

In November last year we celebrated the completion of stage 1 of Myers Park planned development opening a state-of-the-artchildrenplayground(nearly)100yearsaftertheparkwasfirstopened.ForthesecondyearwedeliveredthePOPprogramme-apopularseriesofinteractivepublicartperformances.

WesawthecompletionofourfirstlocalplaygroundrenewalatCostleyReserve,withtwomoreplaygroundsdueforcompletionbySeptemberthisyear.

Wehelpedsetfoundationsforthefuturebycompletingthreemajorparkdevelopmentplansandoneareaplan.These documents will provide clear planning frameworks for these areas and help direct both future renewals and capitaldevelopment.

The re-establishment of the Fukuoka Friendship Garden at Western Springs Lakeside Park was endorsed by the boardandareoverseeingtheimplementationofthisoverthecomingyear.

It is encouraging to see the much anticipated Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway moving forward with the completionofstage1,andwelookforwardtoworkingonthisprojectasitcontinues

WearethefirstAucklandlocalboardtobenominatedandregisteredas‘childfriendly’throughtheinternationalUNICEF‘ChildFriendlyCities’accreditationprocess.

Andlastly,agreatachievementformepersonallyandtheBoardasawhole,wasbeingapartofsavingthesixPohutukawaonGreatNorthRoad.‘PeoplePower’andcommonsensewonthedayon20February,whentheAucklandTransportBoardwentagainstofficeradvicebydecidingnottogoaheadwiththewideningplanofGreatNorthRoad,whichwouldhaverequiredtheremovalofsixheritagePohutukawatrees.

Thesearesomeofourachievementsthisyear,noneofwhichcouldhavebeenpossiblewithouttheenthusiasmandsupportofourengagedandactivecommunities.Weareconfidenttheinitiativeswearedeliveringandcontinuetoadvocatefor,willmakeWaitematāabetterplacetolive,work,study,playandvisit.WeinviteyoutoreadourachievementsreportandencourageyoutocontacttheBoardifyouwishtofindoutmore.

Shale Chambers Chair,WaitematāLocalBoard

Message from the Chair


Waitematā Local Board members

Address:WaitematāLocalBoardoffice,Level2,35GrahamStreet,AucklandCentral

Postal address:AucklandCouncil,PrivateBag92300,Auckland1142

Email:[email protected]: 09 353 9654

Facebook:facebook.com/waitemata

Shale Chambers

Chair

M 0212867111

[email protected]

Portfolios: Arts,CultureandEvents(Lead);Parksand Open Spaces Positions: HeartoftheCity;AucklandCityCentreAdvisoryBoard;Waterfront,AucklandliaisonCommittees: Finance;Grants;CentralFacilitiesPartnerships(Chair),AucklandDomainCommittee(Deputy Chair)

Christopher Dempsey

M 0212843377

[email protected]

Portfolios: Heritage;UrbanDesignandPlanning(Lead);TransportPositions:ParnellInc.Committees: Hearings(Chair);Finance

Greg Moyle

M 021 444 339

[email protected]

Portfolios: SportandRecreation(Lead);Arts;Culture and EventsPositions: Newmarket Business AssociationCommittees: Finance(Chair);Hearings

Pippa Coom

Deputy Chair

M 021 926 618

[email protected]

Portfolios: Community(Lead);Transport(Lead)Positions: Ponsonby Business AssociationCommittees: Grants(Chair);CentralJointFunding

Vernon Tava

M 021 242 4608

[email protected]

Portfolios: ParksandOpenSpaces(Lead);Heritage;UrbanDesignandPlanning;Positions:K’RoadBusinessAssociationCommittees: Finance(DeputyChair);Hearings(DeputyChair),AucklandDomain Committee

Rob Thomas

M 021704423

[email protected]

Portfolios: NaturalEnvironment;SportandRecreationPositions: Uptown Business AssociationCommittees: Grants,AucklandDomainCommittee

DeborahYates

M 0212426472

[email protected]

Portfolios: NaturalEnvironment(Lead);Community(incl.ChildrenandYoungPeople sub-portfolio)Positions: Grey Lynn Business Association liaisonCommittees: Grants(DeputyChair);Hearings


Waitematā Local Board Governance

Byworkingcloselywiththevariousarmsofcouncil,includingthegoverningbody,councildepartments,councilcontrolledorganisations,andotherlocalboardsthelocalboardhasachievedamanygreatthings.ThisgovernancestructureenablestheboardtodeliveronitscommitmentstotheWaitematācommunity.Allboardmembersareactiveonforums,committeesandworkinggroups,manyofwhichareoutlinedbelow.

Working with the Mayor and the Governing Body

Theboardhasastrongcollaborativerelationshipwiththegoverningbodyandotherarmsofcouncil,andactivelyseeksopportunitiestorepresentandadvocateforgoodoutcomesforWaitematā.Areasofcollaborationinclude:

Auckland Domain Committee

The Auckland Domain Committee is a newly-created joint governance committee comprised of three governing bodymembers,threelocalboardmembersandtwomembersoftheIndependentMaoriStatutoryBoard.ThiscommitteereplacesthepreviousAucklandDomainMasterplanPanel;itoverseesthedevelopmentoftheAucklandDomainMasterplanwhichwillprovideaholisticframeworkforthedevelopmentofthepark.Theplanincorporatesexistinginitiativesandidentifiesotherimprovementsinthepark,fundingandatimelinesforimplementation.Themainthemesthattheplan,oncefinished,willincludeare:improvingandprioritisingthepedestrianandcyclenetwork,improvingtheamenities,viewprotection,andimprovingtherelationshipbetweentheparkandthemuseum.WaitematāLocalBoardChair,ShaleChambers,andmembersVernonTavaandRobThomassitonthiscommittee.

Representation Review Working Party

TheChairShaleChambersisamemberoftheRepresentationReviewWorkingParty.Thisworkingpartywasestablished by the governing body to look at options for conducting the next representation review and whether legislationshouldbechangedtoallow(i)afuturecounciltoreviewthenumberofcouncillors;and(ii)asimplerprocessforaligninglocalboardandwardboundaries.


Urban Cycling Investment Panel

Deputy Chair Pippa Coom was appointed to this panel by the Transport Minister on the recommendation of Local GovernmentNewZealand.ThepanelwastaskedwithassessingcyclewayprojectsthatCouncilsfromacrossthecountryputforwardforfundingfromtheGovernment’s$100mUrbanCyclewaysFund.ThePanelprovidedrecommendationstotheMinisterofTransportonthefinalUrbanCyclewayProgramme.

Local Board Agreement

TheboardworkedwiththegoverningbodytoagreeontheLocalBoardAgreement(LBA)forthe2015/2016financialyear.TheLBAdeliversontheprioritiessetintheLocalBoardPlan2014andshowstheintendedprovisionoflocalprojectsandtheoperatingexpenditurerequiredtofundthem.

First World War Political Steering Group (WWIPSG)

WWIPSG was set up to support and foster activities to mark the centenary of the First World War both run by councilandthebroadercommunity.Overthepastyear,WWIPSGhasbeenworkingonapermanentWorldWar1centenarymemorialprojectattheAucklandDomain.WaitematāLocalBoardmemberGregMoyleisthedeputychairofthesteeringgroup.

Working with Council Controlled Organisations

TheWaitematāLocalBoardhasbeenworkingconstructivelywiththesevenCouncilControlledOrganisations(CCOs)todelivertheprojectsandprioritiesoftheWaitematācommunity.CCOsprovidebasicservicessuchaswaterandtransport.Theyalsoplayanimportantroleinplanningandhelpingtoachievethevisionforareasofsignificancesuchasthewaterfront,regionalfacilities,managementofcouncilownedproperties,supportforlocalbusinessesandattractinghighqualityinvestmenttoAucklandandrunandsupportavibranteventprogrammefortheregion.TheLocalBoardisactiveincontinuingtodevelopstrongworkingrelationshipswiththeCCOsthatenablejoinedupthinking,andlocalinputintoregionaldecisionmaking.

Working with other Local Boards

WaitematāLocalBoardrecognisestheimportanceofworkingcollaborativelywithotherlocalboardstoprogressinitiativesthatareofsharedbenefit.Examplesinclude:

Resource Recovery Centre

WaitematāLocalBoardcontinuestoworkwithAlbert-EdenandPuketapāpaLocalBoardstoestablishamuchneeded community-led resource recovery centre that will serve the needs of all three communities and provide amodelforcollaborativedevelopmentacrosstheregion.

Central Facilities Partnership Committee

The Central Facilities Partnership Committee was a joint working committee across the seven central local boards.Itdecidedonandadministeredfundingtocommunityorganisationstoprovidecommunityfacilities.Theseincluded,forexample,artsfacilities,sportandrecreationfacilitiesandcommunityhubs.TheWaitematāLocalBoardChair,ShaleChambers,wasthechairofthecommittee,followingre-election.

Central Joint Funding Committee

TheCentralJointFundingCommitteemadefundingdecisionsontheAucklandCityNaturalHeritageFund,AucklandCityCulturalHeritageFund,CommunityGroupAccommodationSupport,andCommunityGroupAssistanceFund.Ithadrepresentationfromthesevencentrallocalboards.WaitematāDeputyChairPippaCoomwasdeputychairofthecommittee.TheGoverningBodydecidedthatfrom1July2015thesegrantsandallotherlegacygrantsfromacrosstheregionwillbereducedanddistributeddirectlytolocalboards.Thecentrallocalboardsarecurrentlyconsideringthere-establishmentofthiscommittee.


Community-led Place-making Champions Group

This across-local board group was set up to promote place-making led by the community and in partnership withthecouncil.WaitematāLocalBoardDeputyChairPippaCoomsitsonthegroupandchairsaworkinggroupfocusedonidentifyingbestpractice.

Local Boards Urban Design Champions Group

The Local Boards Urban Design Champions Group was set up to contribute towards the goal of creating the world’smostliveablecity.MemberChristopherDempseysitsonthegroupforWaitematā,alongsidemembersfromtheother20localboardsandthegoverningbody.

Official Duties

Civic Ceremonies

TheboardparticipatesinandrepresentsWaitematāresidentsatsomeofthekeycivicceremonieswithintheWaitematāregion.Theseinclude:

• Centralareacitizenshipceremonies:jointlyhostedbytheChair,ShaleChambers,andothercentralregionlocalboardchairsattheAucklandTownHall.Localboardmembersareactivelyinvolvedintheseceremonies.

• AnzacDayceremonies:attendedbyboardmembersrepresentingthelocalboard.In2015’scentenaryANZACevents,ChairShaleChambersspokeattheGreyLynnRSCparadeandceremony,andalongwithDeputyChairPippaCoom,laidawreathonbehalfoftheWaitematāLocalBoard.ChairShaleChambersandlocalboardmember Rob Thomas attended the Dawn Parade Ceremony at Auckland War Memorial Museum on behalf of theboardwhileboardmembersVernonTavaandDeborahYatesrepresentedtheoardatthecivicserviceandlaidawreathonbehalfoftheboard.MembersVernonTavaandRobThomasrepresentedtheboardattheNewmarketBusinessAssociationorganisedANZACparadeandlaidawreathonbehalfoftheboard.

• WaitematāGoodCitizens’Awards:theBoardhosteditssecondWaitematāGoodCitizens’Awardceremonyon17June2015,torecogniseandcelebratethecontributionsthatvolunteershavemadetothebettermentofWaitematā.ChairShaleChambers,andboardmembersPippaCoomandDeborahYateswerepartoftheselectionpanelalongwithPennySefuiva,DeanJoKellyMooreandAlexJohnstone.Allboardmemberstookpartinformalitiesontheday.

Vernon Tava and Christopher Dempsey presenting presentingTejoVanSchie,onbehalfofthePestControlVolunteersGroup,aCommunityGroupAwardatWaitematāLocalBoardGoodCitizen’sAwards2015.

Shale Chambers speaking at the Grey Lynn RSC ANZAC Day commemorations.


Waitematā - The Economic Hub

TheWaitematāregionisanimportanteconomichubforAuckland.Theboardrecognisesthevitalimportanceofastronglocaleconomicdevelopmentplanthatsupportslocalbusinessesandchampion’sinnovation.Anessentialpartofthisisthemaintenanceofstrongcollaborativerelationshipswiththebusinesscommunity.

Business Associations

TherearecurrentlysixBusinessImprovementDistricts(BIDs)withintheWaitematāarea.EachboardmembersitsononeoftheBIDsorbusinessassociation,workingcloselywiththegrouptoaddressawiderangeofmattersaffectingthebusinessarea.Thiscanincludeissuessuchasparking,safety,andcommunitybeautification.Belowis the list of the BIDs with the respective board member representative:

• Heart of the City – Shale Chambers

• Newmarket Business Association – Greg Moyle

• K Road Business Association – Vernon Tava

• Parnell Inc – Christopher Dempsey

• Ponsonby Business Association – Pippa Coom

• Uptown Business Association – Rob Thomas

• GreyLynnBusinessAssociation(notcurrentlyaBID)–DeborahYates.

Waitematā City Fringe Economic Development Action Plan

WaitematāLocalBoardinitiatedthisplan,whichsetsoutaframeworkforguidinglocaleconomicdevelopmentinthecityfringe.Theplanisverymucha“livingdocument”thatwillcontinuetoevolvewiththecity.ThelocalboardcontinuestosupportBIDsasstrongadvocatesfortheneedsoflocalbusinesses.Theboardhasadvocatedstronglyforgoodintegratedpublictransport,theCityRailLinkandmanyotherprojectsandactionareas.

Extension of Parnell’s Business Improvement District

ParnellInchasbeenaBIDsince1999andisoneof48BIDsoperatingacrosstheAucklandregion.ParnellIncisasignificantplayerinfacilitatingandcreatinglocaleconomicdevelopmentintheWaitematālocalboardarea;thereare500businessesandpropertyownersinvolvedinthisBIDProgramme.

RobThomas,DeborahYates,ShaleChambers,PippaCoombandGregMoyleattheFederalStreetopeningfestival.

ShaleChambersspeakingattheofficialopeningceremonyoftheFederalStreetsharedspace.


In2014,ParnellIncsignalleditsintentiontoexpandtheBIDboundarytoincludebusinesseslocatedintheareadefinedbyFalconStreet,CheshireStreet,HeatherStreet,CarlawParkAvenue,StanleyStreet,TheStrand,YorkStreet,StGeorgesBayRoadandGladstoneRoad.Theboardwassupportiveofthisexerciseandallocatedfundingtowardsmarketingcosts.

Theresultsoftheexpansionballotwhenvotingclosedwasstronglyinfavouroftheexpansion.Thereturnrateof52.3%isaBIDrecordandagreatachievementfortheParnellBIDprogramme.TheexpansionprovidesParnellIncwithanadditionalBIDtargetrateof$360,000perannum,bringingtheirannualtargetrategrantto$700,000andincreasetheirmembershipto1000members.

Local Board Plan 2014 - 2017

InJuly2014,theWaitematāLocalBoardreleasedthedraftlocalboardplanforpublicconsultation.Theboardreceived213submissions,whichtheydeliberationonatitsSeptember2014meeting.ThefinalplanwasadoptedbytheboardinOctober2014.Thelocalboardplansetsoutathreeyearfoundationforplanning,actionandadvocacyforWaitematā.Itprovidesabasisforworkingtowardscreatingtheworld’smostliveablecityatthelocallevel,andaimstoachievethefollowingidentifiedoutcomes:

• Adistinctive,highqualityurbanenvironmentthatembraces heritage

• Connected,accessibleandsafetransportchoices

• Waitematā,theinnovativeeconomichubofAuckland

• Natural beauty is respected and enhanced

• Qualityparks,openspacesandcommunityfacilitiescreatedforpeople to use and enjoy

• Strongcommunitiesthatareinclusive,vibrantandengaged.

Local Board Agreement

Foreachfinancialyear,AucklandCouncilmusthavealocalboardagreementbetweenthegoverningbodyandthelocalboard,foreachlocalboardarea.InJune2015,theWaitematāLocalBoardadopteditsfifthWaitematālocalboardagreementwiththegoverningbody,whichformspartoftheAucklandCouncilLong-TermPlan 2015-2025.Aspartofthisagreementtheboardagreedallocationoflocallydriveninitiativefundingtoprojectsandservicesforthe2015-2016financialyear.

Local Engagement

Publicengagementisanessentialpartofhowtheboardreachesdecisionsonpriorities,projectsandpositionsfortheregion.Thislastyearthecommunitywasconsultedonanumberofsignificantprojectsincluding:

• Auckland Unitary Plan

• Community Grant Policy

• 254 Ponsonby Road Consultation

• Becoming a Low Carbon Community – Action Plan

• Point Resolution Taurarua Development Plan

• LocalBoardPlan2014-2017.


• Long-TermPlan/LocalBoardAgreement2015/2016

• Newmarket Laneways Plan

• Karangahape Road Plan

• Newton and Eden Terrace Plan

• Western Park Development Plan

• Grey Lynn Park Development Plan

The community is invited to every monthly local board businessmeeting,andin2014aregulareBulletintostakeholders and those who have expressed an interest inhearingaboutlocalboardprojectswasinitiated.

Planning for Waitematā

TheWaitematāLocalBoardrecognisestheimportanceofgoodurbanplanningtoaccommodateforfuturegrowth.Hence,overthepastyeartheboardcompleted,orisintheprocessofcompleting,anumberofarea/developmentplans.Thepurposeofthesedocumentsistoprovideclearplanningframeworkfortheseareasinthefutureandtodirectbothrenewalsandfuturecapitaldevelopmentwhenapplicable.

Point Resolution Taurarua Development Plan

PointResolutionTauraruaisaplaceofsignificanthistoricandheritagevaluetoiwi,beingthesiteofapre-Europeanpaandoneofthefewunmodifiedheadlandsinthearea.ThesitealsohasheritagevalueasthelocationofFortResolution,aVictorian-eraRussianScarefort.Duetoitssignificance,in2013theboard commissioned the preparation of a development plan.Theaimoftheplanistocreateacleardesignframework which will assist with the delivery of programmed renewals and also identify opportunities to improve the site through new capital projects in theshort,mediumandlongterm.Anyrenewalordevelopment work in the area will be aligned with the developmentplan.

InApril2015,theBoardapprovedthefinalPointResolutionTauraruaDevelopmentPlan.

Grey Lynn Park Development Plan

Grey Lynn Park is a destination park located in Grey Lynn,ithasawiderangeoffacilitiescateringforactive and passive recreation including three sports fields,twoplaygrounds,askateramp,basketballandtenniscourts,apaddlingpool,anextensivefootpathnetworkandtwooff-leashdogexerciseareas.

With both playgrounds and many other assets requiringrenewal,andseveralotherprojectspotentiallyaffectingthepark,theboardidentifiedtheneedforanupdateddevelopmentplantodirectbothrenewalsandfuturecapitaldevelopment.Thefinalplan,adoptedbytheboardinApril2015,tookintoconsiderationtwopreviousdevelopmentplansforthepark,createdin2004and2008,aswellasanewlycommissionedcommunityfacilityneedsanalysis.

Child friendly element to the Pt Resolution Tauraura DevelopmentPlanconsultationattheParnellFestivalofRoses.


Theplanaimstoprovideconceptdesignsforupgradestobothplaygrounds,thein-parksectionoftheprioritisedgreenwaysroutes(HakanoaReserveandGreyLynnPark)andidentifiedotherimprovementsandcoordinatedrenewalrequirements.TheplanalsoidentifiesalocationofapossiblefutureRichmondRoversbasepavilion/communityfacility,basedonthebestoutcomeforthewiderpark.

Western Park Development Plan

WesternParkisoneofAuckland’soldestpublicparksandhassignificantcultural,heritage,ecologicalandrecreationalvalue.Inrecognitionofthesignificanceofthispark,theboardcommissionedadevelopmentplanin2014.Theplanisintendedtoallowinformeddecision-making in the future and assist with programmed renewals and other park improvements overtheshort,mediumandlongterm.

The draft Western Park development plan was released forpublicconsultationinMarch2015itidentifiesa number of key asset groups within the park and proposesdesignconsiderationsandimprovementsasappropriate.

ThefinaldevelopmentplanisduetobeadoptedbytheboardinAugust2015

Karangahape Road Plan

TheWaitematāLocalBoardendorsedtheplanningprocess for the development of a local area-based planforKarangahapeRoadinJun2013.Thepurposeof the plan is to provide clear planning framework to guide how the Karangahape Road area could grow andchangeoverthenext30years.TheCityRailLinkproject and the proposed Karangaphape Road Station are catalysts for change and transformation in the area and this change needs to be carefully and thoughtfully plannedfor.

The draft plan was released for public consultation in April 2014 to give both public and key stakeholders anopportunitytoprovidefeedback.FollowingthisasummaryofpublicfeedbackreportwasreleasedinJuly2014withthefinalplanadoptedbytheboardinNovember2014.

Thefinalplansetsoutavision,keymoves,projectsandinitiativestosupportgrowth,change,andtheaspirationsandgoalthatthecommunity,manawhenuaandlocalbusinesseshavefortheKarangahapeRoadarea.Itprovidesforanimplementationstrategy–whichisdesignedtobealivingdocument.Theplancontainsanumberofspecificprojectsandactionsandoutlinesthetimeframes,deliverypartners,fundingmechanismandmonitoringandreviewprocesses.

Becoming a Low Carbon Community 2015

InWaitematāLocalBoard’sfirstlocalboardplan(2011),istheaspirationtodevelopalocalisedplanforreducingemissions‘thatwillfocusonreducingenergyuse,sustainabletransportoptions,wastereduction,localfoodproductionandmoreeffectiveandcooperativeuseofresourcesandland’.

BecomingaLowCarbonCommunity2015giveseffecttothisaspiration.ThefinalplanwasendorsedbytheboardinApril2015.


Theplan-whichisthefirstofitskind-providesaframeworkforcontributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at the local level.Itlooksatwaystoreduceenergyuseandwaste,promotingsustainabletransportoptions,encouraginglocalfoodproductionandpromotingeffective,cooperativeandsustainableuseofresourcesandland.ItgivesrealeffecttobothlocalboardandregionalAucklandCounciloutcomesastheyrelatetosustainability,carbonreductionandcaringfortheenvironment.Animplementationplanwhichwillguide delivery of the overall plan over the next few years is currently beingdeveloped.

Newmarket Laneways Plan

An update of the Newmarket Laneways public realm has been in theplanningandprogressivedeliverystagesincethelate1990s.Itisrecognisedthatthestreetscape,andinparticularthefootpathsinthishighusepedestrianarea,haveoutlivedtheirdesignlifeandareoverduefortotalreplacement.InadditionNewmarketisdevelopingasaboutiqueretail/entertainmentprecinct,andisinneedofanupgradeto create a safer and more vibrant environment for pedestriansandshoppers.

The board initiated the development of a plan to set a framework to establish which streetscape improvement projects should be delivered in the area whilst ensuring that improvements contribute to a wider vision for the laneways and projects are delivered in a coordinated way,asfundsbecomeavailable.

The board approved the draft plan for public consultationinMarch2015and$4mhasbeenallocated towards the delivery of improvement projects overthenexttwoyears.

Newton and Eden Terrace Plan

WaitematāandAlbert-Edenlocalboardsendorsedtheplanning process for the development of a local area-based plan for NewtonandEdenTerraceinJune2013.

The purpose of the Newton and Eden Terrace Plan is to provide a framework to guide how the Newton and Eden Terrace area could growandchangeoverthenext30years.

InApril2014,theWaitematāandAlbert-Edenlocalboardsendorsedthedraftplanforcommunityengagement,however,inAugust2014Auckland Transport announced that it will redevelop the existing Mt Eden station instead of constructing a new station in Newton as part oftheCityRailLinkproject.Asaresultofthisdecision,thedraftplanhadtobere-scoped,revisedandconsulted.ThenewdraftoftheplanwasendorsedbybothWaitematāandAlbert-EdenlocalboardsforasecondroundofcommunityengagementInNovember2014.

The plan process is currently on hold pending decisions on outcomes regardingtransportinfrastructureinthearea.Followingthesedecisions,whicharelikelytobereleasedlate2015,afinaldocument–respondingtotheissuesraisedthroughthesubmissionprocess-willbeproduced.


Major Projects and Initiatives

TheWaitematāLocalBoardworkedcollaborativelyandwithsupportfromcommunitygroups,iwiandotherstakeholderstodeliverandprogressawiderangeofprojectsandinitiativesin2014/15.Thisincluded,forexample,infrastructureupgradeprojects,eventsandartsprogrammes,ecologicalprogrammes,urbanplanningframeworks,andaccessibilityinitiatives.

Myers Park Development

TheMyersParkDevelopmentPlanwasadoptedbytheboardinSeptember2012.Itestablishedasetofprinciplesanddesignideasforthepark,recognisingitsimportanceasa“greenlung”andopenspaceforchildrenandlocalresidents.Thepastyearsawthecompletionofstage1ofthisproject,improvementsincluded:nativeplantingalongtheperimeterofthepark,CCTVandlightingupgradesandthedeliveryofastateoftheartchildrenplayground.AblessingandformalopeningofthenewplaygroundatMyersParktookplaceon26November2014,nearly100yearsaftertheparkwasfirstopened.

The City Centre Advisory Board approved a targeted rates fundingof$4.55MforstageIIof the Myers Park Development Plan.Workhasalreadycommenced on delivering these elements which includes improvements to:

• Queen Street corner Mayoral Drive entrance

• Greys Avenue corner Mayoral Drive entrance

• Mayoral Drive underpass entrance into Myers Park WaitematāLocalBoardandguests,attheMyersParkcentenarycelebrations.

ConceptdesignoftheproposedupgradestotheMyersParkunderpass.


• Stormwater detention area and stormwater detention wall adjacent the underpass

• Relocationofkindergartencarpark.

• Investigaterestorationoptionsforchangingshedandcaretaker’scottage

• Designandconsentforrestorationofheritagebuilding(toinformabusinesscase,physicalworksareexcluded)

• Splashplayarea,whichisdesignedandfullyconsented.

POP Programme

ThePOPprogrammeisacontinuationofaninitialpilotprojectthatwasdeliveredin2013/14.TheintentoftheprogrammeistopresentWaitematāinanewway,usingcreativityandinnovationtoconnectpeopletoplacesand each other and to deliver on the Auckland Plans aim of integrating arts and culture into the everyday lives of Aucklanders.ThePOPProgrammewaswellcoveredinlocalmediaandwasalsofeaturedonCampbellLivewithaninterviewwiththeBoardChairwhilstplayingPOPPingPong.

POP elements included:

• WordPOP:aseriesofpostersfeaturingworksofAucklandlyricist’spresentedassitespecificstreetpostersinthePOPtypeface.

• Pop Foolery: White Face Crew popping up in various locations to create a series of theatre performances that engagewithanaudienceinvariouswaysthroughaseriesofpropsandnarratives.

• POPPlinths:aninstallationofaseriesofplinthsthatcreatelivingsculpturesoutofAucklandresidents.Eachplinthhasinstructionspromptingpeopletostrikeapose,standononeleg,andkissinpublic.Imagesarecapturedandsharedonline.

• POPPercussion:installationofmultiplebikehornsandbellsonhandrailsaroundAuckland.Organisedperformanceswithmusiciansaswellasengagementfrompublic.

• POPPingPong:installationofseriesofcustomdesignedpingpongtablesindifferentpartsofthecity.

Weona-Westmere Coastal Walkway

TheWeona-WestmereCoastalWalkwayispartofthewiderWaitematāCoastalWalkwayproject,whichstretchesfromMeolaReefinWestmeretoPointResolutionTauraruainParnell,connectingupwiththeHobsonBayWalkway.TheWeona–WestmereCoastalWalkwaywillcreateapedestriancoastalroutefromLemingtonReservetoWestmereParkReserve.Thiscoastalwalkwaywillformpartofanintegratedpedestrianandcycleway network across the city that will enable people to interact more directly with their coastal environment andheritage.Followingtheprojectbeinggrantedresourceconsentthefocushasbeenonimplementingtheconditionsoftheresourceconsentincludingsiteclearance,basictrackformationandfencinginpreparationoflayingthewalkwaystructuresin2015/2016.


Ellen Melville Centre

TheWaitematālocalboardisre-developingthePioneerWomen’sandEllenMelvilleHallintoanintegratedinner-citycommunityhubforlocalsandvisitorstoenjoy.Thedecisiontoupdatethisfacilitywaspromptedbyresearchthattheboardcommissionedin2013,whichconcludedthatduetoagrowingnumbersofresidentsinthecitycentre,manyofwhomareyoungerandethnicallydiverse;thereisanincreasedneedforavibrantcommunityhubthatbringsthecommunitytogether.ThePioneerWomen’sandEllenMelvilleHallwasconsideredanidealsite,however,itwasindesperateneedofupgrade.

TheupgradeofthisfacilitywillbecomplementedinconjunctionwiththeupgradeofadjacentFreybergSquare,whichwillbefundedbycitycentretargetedrates.Theupgradeofthesquarewillimproveconnectivityandactivationbetweenthetwospaces.

Duringthepastyear,theboardhasadvocatedandsuccessfullysecuredfundingforthedeliveryofthisproject.AdesignteamhasbeenengagedandconstructionisduetocommenceJune2016.

Child-friendly Local Board

InJanuary2015WaitematāLocalBoardwasofficiallyregisteredwithUNICEFasthefirstlocalboardtobeworkingtowards‘childfriendly’accreditation.

Sincethenstaffhaveworkedonanumberof‘childfriendly’projectsinWaitematāincluding:

• Running child friendly consultations simultaneously with the public consultations on: Dog Access Bylaw review,DraftGreyLynnParkDevelopmentPlan,DraftPointResolutionTauraruaDevelopmentPlan,andDraftNewmarketLanewaysPlan.Duringtheseconsultationssubmissionwerereceivedfromchildrenasyoungasthree.

• Facilitatingafunchildren’sactivityattheMyersParkCentennialCelebration.Over70childrentookpartinthe‘TreasureHunt’tocelebratethenewmanholecovers.

DraftconceptdesignsfortheupgradestoPioneerWomen’sandEllenMelvilleHall.


WaitematāYouthCollective.

• Working with expert child researchers from Massey University and the City Centre Design team to conduct a childfriendlyexaminationofFreybergSquaretoinformthedesignofthesquare.

• SupportingParnellDistrictSchoolinbecomingthefirstcentralschooltosignuptothe‘AdoptaPark’.TheschoolhaveadoptedAyrReserve.Otherschoolsarealsotakingupthechallenge.

Waitematā Youth Development

ThelocalboardrecognisestheneedforWaitematāyouthtoactivelyparticipateinWaitematā‘scivic,culturalandrecreationallife.Especiallywhenyoungpeopleundertheageof24constituteonethirdofWaitematā’spopulationaccordingtoStatisticNewZealand2013Census.

Inordertounderstandyouthneedsandbetterinvolveyouthinplanninganddecisionmaking,AlexJohnstonwasappointedastheWaitematārepresentativetotheregionalYouthAdvisoryPanel(YAP)replacingIsabellaLenihan-lkin.

WaitematāchildrenandyouthprovidingfeedbackonFreybergSquareaspartofawiderpublicconsultation.

Zoe Roche presenting Shale Chambers the Parnell SchoolgroupschoolteamKM’s(KidsMatter)feedbackby over 200 local school children on the Newmarket Lanewaysconsultation.


AlexworkedcloselywithCommunityDevelopmenttoestablishthe‘WaitematāYouthCollective’(WYC).TheWYCaimstoprovidearepresentativevoiceonissuesthatmattertoyoungpeopleinWaitematāandfacilitatediscussionanddecisionmakingwiththebroaderyouthpopulationinthelocalboardarea.

Sinceitsestablishment,theWYChavebeeninvolvedinanumberofevents,activitiesandprojectsincluding:volunteeringatthedawnceremonytocommemoratetheANZACDayCentenary,holding‘popupactivations’toencourageyouthengagementwithcouncilandlocalboardissues,andworkingonanappthataimstoprovideaninteractiveplatformtohighlightanumberofyouth-friendlyplaces/spacesandservicesavailableinthecity.Atthelocalboard’srecentWaitematāGoodCitizenAwardsevent,twomembersfromtheWYCreceivedawardsfortheircontributiontoyouthdevelopment,nominatedbymembersofthecommunity.

Symonds Street Cemetery

RestorationofSymondsStreetCemeteryisalong-terminitiativewhichthelocalboardembarkedonin2011.ThecemeteryistheoldestinAucklandandisthefinalrestingplaceofsomeofAuckland’sEuropeansettlers,includingCaptainWilliamHobson.Duringthepastyear,workundertakenatthecemeteryincludes:repairofvandalisedanddamagedmonuments,removalofgraffitivandalismattheJewishcemetery,vegetationmanagement,andpathrenewals.Inadditiontothis,workhascommencedondevelopingawayfindingplanforthecemeterywhichtakesintoaccounttheuniqueheritageofthecemetery.

Fukuoka Friendship Garden

The Fukuoka Friendship Garden was established in 1989 as a gift to Auckland City Council from the cityofFukuokaJapaninrecognitionoftheirsistercityrelationship.ThistraditionalJapanesegardenwas constructed in the grounds of AucklandZoo,however,throughaZoo master planning process the siteofthegardenwasidentifiedfor improved circulation routes and to accommodate threatened species and as a result the garden was dismantled and stored in December2013.

WesternSpringsLakesideParkwasselectedasanalternativesiteforthere-establishmentofthegarden.Landscape designers from Auckland Council and Fukuoka City prepared the concept designs for the new garden andinMay2015,theboardendorsedtheconceptdesignrecommendedbytheFukuokaFriendshipGardenAdvisoryGroupforthere-establishmentoftheFukuokaFriendshipGardenasatraditionalJapaneseGarden.LocalboardmembersVernonTavaandDeborahYatesarebothmembersoftheadvisorygroup.Theprojectiscurrentlyinthedevelopeddesignstage.Constructionwillcommenceearlyin2016,andwillbeopenedtothepublicinAugust.

Community Development

TheWaitematālocalboardbelievescommunitiesthrivewhentheyareactivelyinvolvedinshapingtheirneighbourhoodandcontributingtolocaldecision-making.Toachieveamoreempoweredcommunity,thereisaneedtobuildcommunitycapacity,leadershipandskills.Overthepastyear,theBoardsupportedanumberofcommunity development initiatives including:

Waitematālocalboard,FukuokaFriendshipGardenAdvisoryGroupandMayorLen Brown with visitors from Fukuoka City at the blessing of the new Western Springslocationforthegarden.


• An Inner City Network that provides an opportunity to share community updates and to engage in discussionontopicsrelevanttothecitycentre.Sinceitsestablishment,thenetworkhasgrownnearly 200 members with approximately 50 people attendingeachmonthlymeeting.

• Community gardens: Community gardens are a great way for neighbours to get to know each otherandworktogether.Theboardsupportedthe development of a community gardens small grantsprogramme,whichsawfundingdirectedtowards three existing gardens this year (Grafton CommunityGarden,WiltonPicnicPatch,andFreemans Bay Community Garden) and two new community gardens (Francis Reserve Community GardenandTeMāraSaintColombiaCommunityGardens).Amongstotherthingsthefundingwasutilisedtosourceresourcestosupportthegardensovertheautumnandwintermonths.

• ActivationofPioneerWomen’sandEllenMelvilleHall:toactivatethisinnercityfacilityasacommunityhub,theboardfundedacelebrationofNeighboursDaywithanumberofactivitiesincludingafreeBBQ,livemusic,andchildrenactivitiesattheHallandtheadjacentFreybergSquaretoencourageinterestandawarenessofthespace.

Accessibility

Theboardbelievesthateveryonehastherighttoparticipateincommunitylife.In2012theboarddevelopedanaccessibilityplanwhichcontinuestoprovidethebasisfor‘accessible’projects.Someoftheeventsandactivitiesfrom past year where efforts have been made to ensure accessibility include:

• Parnell Festival of Roses: This event remains an important event for Parnell and the wider Auckland community.Lastyear’sfestivalwasheldon15and16November2014andincludedaccessibleactivitiessuchas an audio described walk and a rose-potting workshop for blind and vision impaired visitors as well as large print,transportoptioninformationandmore.

Te Māra,SaintColumbaCommunityGardensinGreyLynn.

Sign language interpretertation during The Bugman showattheParnellFestivalofRoses2014.

ApagefromTheCube2015Re-Imagineprojectcalander.


• Child Friendly City: The board funded the following three‘accessible’activitiesaroundtheprincipleofthefirstChildFriendlyCity:

• A networking meeting of organisations working withchildrenandyoungpeoplewithdisability.

• SupportedBe.AccessibletoworkwiththeSt.David’sChurchANZACcommemorationsto provide accessible information including New Zealand Sign Language videos and audio description of art work

• SupportedtheCubewiththeirYouthWeekproject.Theprojectaimedtoempoweryoung people with disabilities and build theirconfidencebyrepresentingtheminthestyleoficonicalbumcovers,movieposters,inspirationalpeople,worksofartandphotography.

Playground Renewals

The local board recognises that in an intensifying city theprovisionofhighqualityurbanparksandplayspacesishugelyimportant.Hence,whenplaygroundsarescheduledforrenewal,ratherthanrenewingthemlike-for-like,whereverpossible,theyprovidedadditionalfundingtotop-uptherenewalbudget.Thisenabledthedesigntorespondtoresidents’feedbackandcreatehighqualityplaygroundswithlocallyledlandscapingenhancements.Duringthepastyear,theboard has completed detailed design of the following localplaygrounds:CostleyReserve,ToleReserveandSalisburyReserveplaygrounds.Constructiononallthree playgrounds commenced during 2015 with CostleyReserveplaygroundofficiallyopeninginJune2015.Thenewplayequipmentprovidesagreaternumber of play experiences for a wider age group as wellassafer,sunnierandenhancedsurrounds.

Salisbury Reserve playground is due to be completed September2015.

MyersPark,ToleReserveandCostleyReserveplaygroundre-openings.


Seismic Exemplar Guidebook

WaitematāishometomanyofAuckland’shistoricalbuildings.AlthoughAuckland has a low likelihood of a damagingearthquake,theareaishometo a critical mass of heritage building that fall short of seismic performance standards and are therefore considered earthquakeprone.Theprocessoffixingthese buildings can be confusing and costly which causes some owners to considerdemolition.Topreventseismicstrengthening work adversely affecting the intrinsic value of a building or causetheunnecessarylossofheritagethroughdemolitions,theboarddraftedaguidebookasatooltoguidebuildingowners,tenantsandbuildingmanagers.Theguidebookoutlinestherequirementsandprocessforseismicstrengtheningandillustratestechniquesthatrespectandprotectheritage.Italsoprovidesahighleveloverviewoftheearthquakeassessmentprocess,anunderstandingofthecommonearthquakevulnerabilitiesofhistoricalbuildings,theretrofitprocessandanoutlineofthepotentialcostsassociatedwiththeseprocesses.TheguidebookisduetobepublishedbyOctober2015.

The Boroughs

TheBoroughsbasketballprojectisaSparkinitiativeinpartnershipwithAucklandCouncil.In2014SparkapproachedAucklandCouncilwithaproposaltodevelopfivehightechnologyoutdoorbasketballcourtsacrossAucklandaspartofaprojectnamed‘TheBoroughs’.TheBoroughsconceptaimstobuildupontheoutdoorbasketballcourtinfrastructurethatiscurrentlyprovidedbyAucklandCouncil.Itinvolvesdevelopment(orredevelopment)offiveoutdoorcourtsinparksaroundAuckland(North,South,East,WestandCentral).Thisincludessurfaceinstallationorrepairs,backboards,hoops,possiblyseatingandworldclasstechnology,whichwillbefreeateachcourt.WithintheWaitematālocalboardarea,SparkwilldeveloptheCentralcourtatVictoriaPark.Thiswillenhancetheexistingyouthareaconsistingofahalfcourtanddestinationskatepark.Thefacilitywillactasahubforlocalactivityandinparticularhaveafocusonyouthparticipationinsportandrecreation.WhiletheprojectisfundedbySpark,theboardhascontributedadditionalfundstocovertherelocationofthecarparkaccessroadandadditionalperipheralamenitybenefits.Theprojectisdueforcompletionbytheendof2015.

Drinking Fountains

The drinking fountains project commenced in 2011 with the aim of installing water fountains in parks and open spaces,toreducewastefromplasticdrinkbottlesandprovidebetteramenitiestothecommunity.ThisispartoftheWaitematālocalboardcommitmenttowasteminimisationandtheprovisionofhighqualitylocalamenities.To-date,waterfountainsinthefollowingareashavebeeninstalled:

• Auckland Domain

• Cox’sBayReserve

• BayfieldPark

• Tole Reserve

• Arch Hill Scenic Reserve

• Vermont Park

• Francis Street Reserve

• Old Mill Road Reserve

• Sentinel Beach Reserve

• Herne Bay Reserve

• Lemington Reserve

• BasqueParkReserve

• Grey Lynn Park (Dryden Street)

• JaggerBushReserve.


Inaddition,throughAucklandTransporttheboarddeliveredadditionalwaterfountainsaspartoftheUpperQueenStreetBridgeCyclewayandtheCartonGoreCyclewayprojects.AdrinkingfountainisalsobeingincorporatedintotheNelsonStreetCyclewayproject.

Ecological Restoration

Theboardcontinueditsfundingofanumberoflong-termecologicalrestorationinitiativeswithintheWaitematāarea.Activitiesinvolveremovalofinvasiveweedspecies,plantingnativespecies,aswellasco-ordinationofvolunteerplantingdayswhichsupportcommunityownershipofthework.Thepurposeofthisprogrammeistoreturnsignificantareasofbushtoweedfreenativeforest.Duringthepastyear,workwasundertakenatthefollowingsites:AlberonReserve,ArchHillScenicReserve,Cox’sBayReserve,LemingtonReserve,MeolaReefReserve,andWellparkReserve.Thesesitesarenowstartingtoshowgoodresults.

Healthyurbanbushencouragesthereturnofthebirdlife,aswellasincreasingbiodiversityoftheurbanecosystem.Theseprojectscontributetoavisionofacitywhereregeneratedurbanbushlinksupviaanetworkofgreenspaces,enablingvisitorsandresidentstointeractwithandbepartofalivingcity.

Waipapa Stream Restoration

Thisisthethirdyearofa10yearrestorationplanfortheWaipapastream,whichwasdraftedin2012toguidefuturerestorationwork.Itfocusesonundertakingextensiverestorationworktocontrolinvasiveweedsbyreplacingthemwithnativeplantspecies,andremovingrubbishanddebris.Thisprojecthasbeensupportedbycommunityvolunteerswhohaveundertakenplantings,cleanupsandhostedcommunitydays.

Theworkdoneonpreviousseasonshasstartedtostrengthenthebanktopreventfurthersoilerosion.

Lastyear’srestorationefforts,fundedbytheboard,included,acommunityplantingdaysupportedbyParnellHeritageandParnellCommunityCommittee.To-date,80%oftheareahasbeenre-planted.

MembersofthecommunitygetbehindtheWaipapaStreamrestorationproject.


Local Implementation Projects

InadditiontodeliveringprojectsandinitiativesoutlinedintheLocalBoardAgreement2014/15theboardfundedanumberofprojectsthroughtheLocalImprovementProjects(LIPs)fund.Thoughsomeoftheseprojectsarerelativelysmall,theyhavesignificantenvironmentalandsocialbenefitsforthecommunity.Activitiesinclude:

• Installation of a double set of automated doors at Grey Lynn Community Centre.GreyLynnCommunity Centre has over 1000 visitors each week.Theoldmanualdoor system prohibited people from entering easily,especiallyforthosewithdisabilities,parentswith prams and those who bring materials for activities.

• Installation of Twist & Thiefatwopiece,child-friendlysculpture,bywell-known artist and designer,Misery,(TanjaThompson) are installed atBeresfordSquareandonKarangahapeRoad.

• FundingParnellHeritagetoproducethebook,ParnellBaths:ajewelinAuckland’scrown,documentingtherichhistoryoftheParnellBathstomarkits100thanniversary.

• ExtensionandupgradeoftheVictoriaParkpremiercricketpitch.Thisisanextensiontotheexistingcricketpitchtoallowarestweektobeimplementedtoincreaseperformanceandlongevityforpitchesatthepark.

• TemporaryparkingimprovementsatSeddonFieldscarpark,toenhancepedestrianlinksfromoverflowparking.

• CompletionofStMary’sBayconnectionpathfromtheendofStMary’sRoadtoawalkwayrunningparallelwiththemotorway.Thisallowspedestrianaccessfromtheparkingareatothemainfootpaththroughwhatisotherwiseaboggyturfarea.

• InstallationofadoublegateandsignageatPtErinReservetoaddressovernightparkingissues.

• WorkwithlocalbusinesstoprovideadditionalskatingequipmentatVictoriaParkstakeparkduetohighdemandfromtheskatingcommunity.

• Replacementofoldfire-runBBQsatCox’sBay,withtwoelectricBBQs.

• PreparationofareportoutliningSymondsStreetCemeterypre-colonialhistory.

• Removalofrubbishfromanhistoricrubbish/flytippingandreplantsitewithintheArchHillScenicReserve.

• ContractofCloveKinlocktoprepareconditionsurveyfor3PonsonbyRoad,includingcomplianceissues.

• PlacementofabenchseatadjacenttostreamatSeddonFields,thiswillallowthepublictoenjoythestreamriparianrestoration.

• CompletionofheritageassessmentoftheAlberonParkanchor,toinformtherestorationandrelocationofthispopularelementofthepark.

TheofficalunveilingofTwist&Theifbypopularlocalartist,Misery(TanjaThompson,thirdright).


• FundingcontributiontoMyersParkcentennialeventwhichtookplaceon15February2015.

• FundingcontributiontoParnellPoolsandTepidBathscentenarycommunityevents.Fundsusedtocoveradvertising,marketingcollateralandlogistics.

• InstallationofmuralsatNewmarketandParnellbyWhitecliffeCollegestudents.Thisprojectaimstoshowcasetheworkofemergingartists,givethemexposure,buildtheirprofileandhelpthemgainrecognition.

• Delivery of a public consultation for Point Resolution Taurarua Development Plan and completion of the developmentplanfollowingconsultation.

• Delivery of a public consultation for Grey Lynn Park Development Plan including preparation of consultationcollateral.

• ArchaeologicalsurveyandfieldassessmentofWesternSpringsaccessibilityandecologicalrestoration.

• InstallationofappropriateseatbasestoallseatsingrassedareasatAoteaSquaretoimprovetheeffectsofheavywearofgrass.

• Funding contribution to top up planned renewal of playground and widening of existing path at SalisburyReserve.

• FundingcontributiontotopupplannedrenewalofplaygroundandsurroundingareaatCostleyReserve.

• FundingcontributiontotopupplannedrenewalatCox’sBayReserveandcoverwideningofthereplacementpathto2.5m.

• Delivery of a public consultation for Western Park Development Plan and completion of the development plan followingtheconsultation.

• InstallationofstormwatermanholecoversatMyersParkandAlbertPark.

• Printingandinstallationofadditionalsmoke-freesignageat17highprioritysitesaroundWaitematā.

• InstallationofinterpretativesignageatHighwicHouseGarden.

Local Input into Regional Policies

The board is committed to being a strong local voice and advocating on behalf of communities to the wider council.Onewaytheboarddoesthis,isthroughprovidingmeasuredfeedbackonawiderangeofregionaldraftpoliciesandplans.Overthepastyeartheboardprovidedformalfeedbackonthefollowing:

• AucklandTransport’sNoticeofRequirementfortheStLukesInterchange(July2014)

• AucklandTransport’sDraftParkingDiscussionDocument(August2014)

• Draft Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy (August 2014)

• Review of Alcohol Control Bylaws (September 2014)

• Draft Allocation of Decision Making Review (September 2014)

• Draft Arts and Culture Strategic Action Plan (October 2014)

• Long Term Plan 2015-2025 Feedback on Mayoral Proposal (October 2014)

• Draft Psychoactive Substances – Locally Approved ProductsPolicy(October2014).

• Draft Community Grants Policy (October 2014)

• Interim Open Space Provision Guidelines (December 2014) ManholecoversdesignedforMyersPark.


• Draft Community Facilities Network Plan (February 2015)

• Draft Local Approved Product Policy (February 2015)

• Draft Regional Land Transport Programme (April 2015)

• Review of Business Improvement Districts Service Delivery Model (May 2015)

• AucklandTransport’sproposedvariationtotheAucklandRegionalPublicTransportPlan(June2015).

Board Representation on behalf of Community Groups

TheboardregularlyadvocatesonbehalfofWaitematāresidentsandcommunitygroups,andstandsasacommunitywitnessatvarioushearingpanels,forexamples:

• ChairShaleChambersandDeputyChairPippaCoom–onbehalfoftheboardandtheWaitematācommunity-presentedaNoticeofRequirementtotheIndependentHearingPanelontheproposaltoremovesixmaturepohutukawatreesat820GreatNorthRoadforaroadwideningproject.ChairShaleChambersalsopresentedonthesameissuetotheAucklandTransportBoard.Thefinaldecisionwentagainstofficeradviceastheboardvotedunanimouslytodeclinetheproposalandreturntheprojecttotheplanningstagewiththespecificrequirementthatthetreesbesaved.

• ChairShaleChambersadvocatedonbehalfofGreyLynnandWestmereResidents’SocietyIncorporatedagainstaresourceconsentapplicationbyOddfellowsHoldingsLimited,toconvertexistingretailat311RichmondRoadtoafullkitchenwithlicensedcafé–theoutcomeofthisapplicationisyettobedetermined.

• Member Vernon Tava advocated on behalf of Parnell residents against an alcohol licence application by Parnell Liquorproposingtotradeasabottleshopat486BParnellRoad.Asaresultofthisadvocacy,theapplicationwassuccessfullydeclined.

Photo credit: Patrick Reynolds


Local Events

WaitematāisthemaineventsandentertainmentcentreforAuckland.Inthepastyeartheboarddeliveredandsupported a number of important community events:

Board delivered events

• The Parnell Festival of the Roses (15-16 November 2014)

• Myers Park Centennial Event (15 February 2015)

• WaitematāGoodCitizens’Awards(17June2015)

Board supported events

• Festival Italiano (Newmarket 28 September 2014)

• Art Week Auckland (10-19 October 2014)

• Art in the Dark (Western Park 13-16 November 2014)

• Grey Lynn Park Festival (28 November 2014)

• Franklin Road Christmas Lights Opening Night (1 December 2014)

• WitherHillsWestEndCup(4-7December2014)

• BuskersFestival(23-26January2015)

• Auckland Fringe Festival (11 February 2015)

• MoviesinthePark(TheBookThiefatGreyLynnPark,5March2015).

MembersofZeroGenerationreceivingaCommunityGroupAward-OutstandingContribution-attheWaitematāGoodCitizenAwards2015.


Inordertogivemorefundingsecuritytothelargeeventsthattheboardsupports,theboardhasdevelopedthreeyearagreementswithGreyLynnParkFestival,ArtintheDark,ArtWeekandFestivalItaliano.Thiswillensurethattheeventorganisersareabletoplantheiractivitiesmuchbettergoingforward.

RepresentativesfromtheboardhaveattendedallthemajoreventsthathavebeenheldintheWaitematāareaincludingPasifikaFestival,Diwali,thePrideParade,andtheLanternFestival.

Major Openings, Ceremonies and Celebrations

Waitematāistheregion’spremiereconomic,culturalandhistoricalcentre.Duringthepastyear,theboardhashad the honour of overseeing the completion of a number of its own projects as well as those completed by the councilfamilywhichareindicativeofongoingimprovementsandsuccessforthearea.

Celebrating significant milestones and celebrations

• MyersParksodturningceremonywasheld14July,2014.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• AblessingandformalopeningofthenewplaygroundatMyersParktookplace26November2014,nearly100yearsaftertheparkwasfirstopened.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• ParnellBathCentenarycelebrationwasheld5December,2015.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• TepidBathCentenarycelebrationwasheld12December,2015.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• On12February2015,theboardcelebratedthelaunchofTwist&Thief-twosculpturesbywell-knownartistanddesignerMisery(TanjaThompson).TheseartworksareinstalledinBeresfordSquareandinKarangahapeRoad.

• Theformalopeningofthenewly-renovatedCostleyReserveplaygroundwasheld27June2015,withasmallceremonyattendedbylocalresidents.

CrowdsfillingthestreetsatNewmarket’sFestivalItaliano.LocalboardmemberswithCouncillorMikeLee,attheturningonofFranklinLights.


StudentsfromParnellPrimarypresenttoRobMcGee,Parks,SportsandRecreation,ShaleChambersandCouncilorMikeLee,theirinterpretationoftheJamesTurkingtonmosaic,incelebrationofParnellBathsreaching100years.

Shale Champers speaking at the unveiling of the Grey Lynn RSCmural.

A street performer entertains the crowds at the Myers Park CentenaryCelebrations.

Other openings, ceremonies and celebrations

• The opening of the newly upgraded Khartoum Place tookplace10September2014.DeputyChairPippaCoom spoke at the event

• There-openingoftheupgradedO’ConnelStreettookplaceSeptember2014.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• Opening of Festival Italiano at Osborne Street Newmarketon28September2014.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• OpeningofFederalStreetsharedspacewasheld7November,2014.CouncilpartneredwithSkycitytodeliverthisevent.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• Turning on Franklin Road Christmas Lights was held 1December2015.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• AucklandAnniversaryWeekend175thcelebrationsopeningwasheld23January2015atShed10.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• Grey Lynn RSC Mural Blessing was held 28 February 2015.ChairShaleChambersspokeattheevent.

• LaunchofParnellBaths:AJewelinAuckland’sCrownbookwasheld4June2015withafunctionatJublieeHall.


Transport Advocacy

TheWaitematāLocalBoardsupportstheaimofacongestionfreetransportnetwork,whichmakesapositivecontributiontohealthylifestylesinWaitematā.WorkingcloselywithAucklandTransport,theboardensuresthatthereisavoiceforcommunitytransportinitiativesthatsupportwalking,cyclingandpublictransportuse,improvedsafetyandareductionincongestionandcarbonemissions.Theboardtookanumberofadvocacypositions in relation to transport over the past year and has achieved the following:

• The board has long advocated to Auckland Transport (AT) to undertake the planned upgrade of Franklin Road includingroadresurfacing,footpathupgrade,pedestriancrossingsandmore.AThasnowconfirmedabudgetfortheupgradeandcommencedcommunityconsultationondesignoptions.

• Cycling in Auckland is considered a key contributor to improving travel options and increasing reliability across thetransportnetwork.Theboardhascontinuedtoadvocatestronglyforatransportnetworkwhichprioritiseswalkingandcyclinginfrastructureandprogrammes.Acitycentrenetworkpackagevaluedat$20.33mwasannouncedinJuneandwillbeundertakenoverthenextthreeyears.Constructionisanticipatedtobegininlate2015.Thiswillincludekeyconnections,includingKarangahapeRoadandUpperQueenStreet,QuayStreetandtheWaterfrontandanumberofeast-westconnections.Inaddition,AucklandTransportalso:

• completed Carlton Gore Cycleway

• completed Upper Queen Street bridge connection to Grafton Gully

• completed Beach Road walking and Cycleway stage one

• progressedtheNelsonStreetCyclewayprojectphaseone.

• The board was instrumental in preserving the budget for Beach Road stage 2 funded from general city centre targetedrate.

• TheboardcontinuestoadvocatetoATtoundertakerouteoptimisationtoimprovepedestrians’movementinthecitycentre.Duringthepastyear,AThasundertakenseveralminorprojectsincludingtheintroductionofthebuslanesonFanshawe/Sturdee/Nelsonintersection.TheremainingCityCentreRoutesOptimisationprojects due for delivery by the end of 2015 include:

• KitchenerStreet/BowenAvenue:ConstructionearlyJune.

• SymondsStreet/WakefieldStreetintersection:ConstructionearlyJune.

• SymondsStreet/GraftonRoad/AlfredStreet:Intheresourceconsentprocess.PlanningtoimplementinSeptember.

• SymondsStreet/WellesleyStreet:Inconsultationwithlocalresidentsandbusinessestofinalisesomekeydesignissues.PlanningtoimplementinSeptember.

• VincentStreet/MayoralDriveintersection:ConstructionearlyJune.2015

• GraftonRoadandStanleyStreet:Atconceptdesign,planningtoimplementinSeptember2015.

• The board continues to challenge AT to consider every renewal or maintenance project so that the transport budgetcanbemaximisedandalltransportmodesprovidedfor.AnexampleofthisiswhenPonsonbyRoadwasscheduledforresurfacingonalike-for-likebasis.Followingadvocacybytheboardandinputfromstakeholders,ATagreedtomakeminorbutcriticalsafetyimprovementswhenthesurfaceisre-marked.

• TheboardcontinuedtoadvocatetoATtodeliverresidentialparkingzoneschemesincentralsuburbstomanagecommuterparking.InApril2015,theATBoardapprovedtheAucklandTransportParkingStrategy,whichcontainsapolicyforaddressingparkingissuesinresidentialstreets.Inaddition,AThascommencedtheprocesstoadopttheStMary’sBayResidentialParkingZoneonapermanentbasisandisworkingtoextendtheschemetoFreeman’sBay,Ponsonby,GreyLynn,ParnellandGrafton.

• TheboardplayedastrongadvocacyrolefortheconstructionofParnelltrainstation.ATcommencedconstructionoftheplatformsinAprilandthetrainstationisdueforcompletionbyApril2016.


• Greenways: in October 2014 the board approved a budgetof$350,000fromtheATcapexbudget,fortheWaitematāGreenwaysProjectroutethroughGreyLynnPark.

• GraftonGullyCycleway:Auckland’sbiggestcycleinfrastructureprojectopenedon6September2014.It links the North West cycleway via upper Queens Street to Quay Street via new separated cycle lanes on Beach Road

Community Grants and Funding

Theboardsetaside$100,000fortheyear,1July2014to30June2015,forthefundingofcommunitygroups,clubsandorganisationswhoseworkorprogrammesandinitiativesservetheWaitematācommunity.Duringthelast year grants were provided to the following community groups and organisations:

• Coastguard Boating Education

• AssociationofHandcraftPrinters(NZ)Inc.

• Auckland City Mission

• Ensemble Polymnia

• NewZealandBlueLightVenturesInc.

• Saint Columba Anglican Church

• HeritageRoses,Auckland

• Parnell Community Committee Inc

• Chinese New Settlers Services Trust

• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) Trust NZ

• Migrant Action Trust

• Recreate NZ

• Auckland Kids Achievement Trust

• Auckland Regional Migrant Services Charitable Trust

• The Karangahape Road Business Association

• Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation Charitable Trust

• Grafton Residents Association

• Freemans Bay Residents Association

ChairShaleChambers,VernonTava,ChristopherDempsey,Mayor Len Brown and Deputy Chair Pippa Coom at the openingoftheGraftonGullyCyleway.

• Lifewise (legal name The Lifewise Trust)

• The Black Grace Trust

• Parnell Heritage

• Splice(legalname,MethodistMissionNorthern)

• Connected Media Charitable Trust

• AucklandWomen’sCentre

• TheParentingPlace–AttitudeYouthDivision

• Kelmarna Gardens Trust Board

• The People of Auckland Community Trust

• Alternative Bindings

• Auckland Badminton Association

• The Documentary New Zealand Trust

• New Zealand Dance Advancement Trust

• Tumeke Cycle Space Inc

• Urban Pantry Charitable Trust

• JapaneseSocietyofAuckland

• Crackerjack Promotions Ltd


TheWaitematāLocalBoardandrecipientsofGoodCitizenAwards2015.

Looking Ahead

Tokeepratesaffordable,itisimportanttoplansensiblyforthefuture.

Theboard’sprioritiesforcomingyeararetocontinuetofocusonpreservingcharacterareas,protectingheritage,advocatingfortransportimprovementsandlookingaftertheenvironment.In2015/16andwithsupportfromtheWaitematācommunitiestheboardwillcontinuewithsomeofthegoodworkthathasbeenstartedinthepastfewyears,includingcontinuingthedevelopmentoftheWeona-WestmereCoastalWalkway,WaipapaStreamandWesternSpringsnativebushrestorations,andtheredevelopmentofthePioneerWomen’sandEllenMelvilleHallasacitycentrecommunityhub.Theboardwillcontinuetosupportcommunity,arts,sportinggroupsandlocaleventsthroughgrantsandpartnerships.

Inaddition,therearesomenewandexcitinginitiativesplannedfor2015/16,includingstreetscapeimprovementsinthehistoriclanewaysofNewmarket,re-establishmentoftheFukuokaJapaneseGardenatWesternSpringsLakeside and delivering recreational programmes to activate public spaces and encourage children and young peopletobeactive.TheimplementationoftheWaitematāLowCarbonPlanwillcommence.

TheWaitematāLocalBoardbelievesintheneedforanoutstandingpublictransportsystemandtheimportanceofapeople-focusedcitycentrethatiseasyandsafetowalkandcyclearound.Itwillcontinuetoforthedeliveryofinitiativesthatimprovepedestrianandcyclistssafety,andseekaregionalbudgettoenabletheimplementationoflocalboardsGreenwayPlansacrossAuckland.

ThepeopleofWaitematācanbeconfidentthattheinitiativesplannedandadvocatedforin2015/2016bythelocalboardwillcontributetoabetter,morepeoplefriendlyandliveableAuckland.

Find out more: phone 09 353 9654 orvisitaucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Waitematā

ISBN:978-0-908320-92-9

waitematā local board achievements report · waitematā local board achievements report 1 july...

Documents