from Shale Chambers, Chair, Waitemata Local Board

Ponsonby News, December 2011 

The parliamentary election is over and we have another Minister of Local Government in Hon Nick Smith.   Let us hope he has moved from his 2005 position as National Spokesman for Local Government when he presented his draft Local Government policy to Local Government New Zealand with the phrase “National believes the new Local Government Act’s purpose, which is to give councils a broad role in ‘social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of communities’ is flawed and idealistic nonsense.”

We are all on Christmas countdown.  Whether it is the amount of ‘sleeps’ before the big day, anticipation of a quiet time at the beach or a music fuelled noisy time at a festival or just in the back yard we have yet to get through the Christmas present buying, and cooking up a storm on Christmas day for our loved ones and friends.

Just in case you are wondering who the Grinch was who stole Ponsonby Road Christmas Telecom tree that was a magnet for families, teenagers and friends over the last few years as part of the wander between Franklin Road lights and the tree at Western Park, it was Waterfront Auckland. It’s now at the new Wynyard Quarter despite the fervent lobbying by your Waitemata Local Board to the tree’s telecommunication owners to keep it in Ponsonby Road.

It is the little victories and losses that are day to day work of your very busy Local Board.  The nice pictures and stories in local news media of the Victoria Park Skate Park, going smoke free in our local playgrounds and sports grounds, planting trees in local parks, making Waitemata a Fair Trade area, calling upon developers to keep to their promises about opening up public space they promised when they got additional development rights in the city centre are only a small part of what we have had to do over the last year.

The Waitemata Local Board are proud supporters of the Grey Lynn  Park Festival and Art in the Dark and it was great to see so many people - locals and from greater Auckland - taking advantage of attending well-staged events.

We should have the Three Lamps back on the corner of Jervois and Ponsonby Road in their almost original position.  The new water fountain in West Lynn is one of many that will be coming into the parks and shopping centres where you need fresh clean water for drinking.   Bikers will be able to rest their bikes up safely in new bike stands.   Walkers, bikers and car drivers should be safer when we implement the results of representations on unsafe crossroads, and roads.  The staged walkway around our coast will be a valuable asset for our communities.  The destination playground at Myers Park will be great for our children.

Waitemata has become an ‘assessable’ Board so that all our residents no matter what their needs will find it easier to enjoy our buildings and public places.  New path lights for Western Park will enable dog walkers and locals to enjoy evening walks. More trees will be safe from developers’ chainsaws.

These are the little things but sporting and recreational clubs will be pleased we have been able to budget for some bigger items as well such as new all-weather turfs at Seddons Fields, a refurbished athletics clubroom building at Grey Lynn Park, and hopefully upgrading the Pt Erin Pools before long.

Residents have all been busy writing submissions this year about how you want to see in your community over the next 3-30 years. My thanks go out to all the submission writers for caring and participating, and helping to plan for Auckland to be the world’s most livable city. Plans have been coming out of the Auckland Council system this year for your comment like lollies handed out to children by the jolly man in the red suit at Christmas.

Wresting local control of the funding from where the Auckland Transition Authority put it has been one of our major challenges as a local board, as our funding has been wrongly given to other Boards, Departments and CCOs.  But the end is in sight.  Waitemata Local Board has been allocated $34 million projected to increase to $60 million over the next 10 years to spend in our communities and we have listened to you about your priorities and how residents want their rates prudently and carefully spent.  The Local Board Plan setting out our direction for the next 3 years and beyond has now been published.

Property revaluations have meant some families will be paying higher rates in these tough times.   All residents demand that it is well spent in our communities in an accountable way.

We have a great responsibility to make sure you get the biggest bang for the bucks.  Our accountability report on our first year will shortly be online on the council website and will be an on-going account of how we have or intend to spend your money.

On behalf of the Waitemata Local Board I wish you and your loved ones season’s greetings.

Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Edited from Ponsonby News article in the December edition

Victoria Park Tunnel has a Community Open Event

Thousands of local families - young and old - walked down the emergency exits and through the tunnel on 29 October before it  opens to traffic.  There was a real buzz about the occasion.  It must have been similar to the opening of the Harbour Bridge, but without the views, of course.  It was an extremely well organised event and a fundraiser (by donation) for Freemans Bay Primary School who are raising money for a new school hall.  Many thanks to the Victoria Park Tunnel people for making it happen.

Waitemata Local Board Chair opens Skate Park. Speech by Shale Chambers

Victoria Park Skate Park Opening Friday, 7 October 2011 

Designed as a safe, urban plaza, elements in the park are styled to look like natural street terrain with stairs and benches. It features a bowl, a BMX jump box, mini ramp and two quarter pipes. Broad walls, steps and planters provide seating for visitors wanting to enjoy the action.

It’s not just the Rugby World Cup

Let’s Hear It for Sports and Recreation in the Community 

by

Shale Chambers, Chair, Waitemata Local Board

Like most of you over the last month I have been caught up in the razzmatazz of the Rugby World Cup or, alternatively, the marvelous arts, community and cultural events that have been rolled up into this international sporting event that has sent Auckland into event exhilaration and at the same time event exhaustion. It is sometimes easy to forget that at the end of the day this is a sporting event that sits on the shoulders of grass-roots sport and recreation clubs facilities in our community.

Community sport and recreation is held together by enthusiastic parents who act as coaches, dedicated committees that serve our community year in year out, bright eyed children who want just to have fun with their mates, and charities like the ASB Trust which has a wide mandate to fund recreation, arts and culture that benefit the community, supported by local politicians like the Waitemata Local Board, whose predecessors over many terms of office, have wanted to help see our communities fit, healthy and engaged.

When I spoke at the opening of the upgraded building and facilities of the Western Springs Association Football Club at Seddon Fields last month, I was humbled by the tenacity and enthusiasm of the parents and their executive committee who have fought over about 5 years to see this project to completion. They are at the ‘coal face’ dealing with the demand in a ‘roll up your sleeves’ way and my congratulations and admiration go to them.

 The demand for soccer has exploded in Ponsonby and Herne Bay over the last 10 years as our immigrant communities who play the sport want to join local clubs, and as girls, as well as boys take up the sport in increasing numbers.  The Club sorely needs three all-weather artificial fields to meet the demand and the Waitemata Local Board has put funding the million dollars needed for the first field into its just-concluded 3-year Local Board Plan … the first step in the process.

Auckland Council has just completed a ‘sports field capacity development strategy’ and has identified that Ponsonby and Herne Bay suburbs will have the second largest projected shortfall in field hours to meet this increasing demand by 2021.  Officers have recommended a $10.3 million per year additional investment over the next ten years to make sure our children and adults can both play and train on fields.  The Club may yet see the three all-weather fields in the next 10 years with the support of the Board.  I was surprised to learn that there are 777 winter fields in Auckland, with playing capacity at 8,544 full sized equivalent hours.  Football takes up 4,407 hours, rugby 2,615 hours and league 1,523 hours!

The other ‘big figure’ recreation facility in the Ponsonby area is the Pt Erin Pools in Pt Erin Park. The Waitemata Local Board has identified enhancement to these facilities as a key project to secure funding for and make progress towards building over the next three years and beyond.  The key finding in the recent community needs assessment conducted for our Board was that there is strong community support to retain the special outdoor character of Pt Erin and that any redevelop should not negatively impact on this.  Users are interested in seeing improvements and a wider range of aquatic activities provided, and thankfully there is capacity to do just that. It is a much loved pool and local users make up 42% of those of those who visit in the summer.

The good news is that the Board is pursuing two broad development concepts: to develop the pool as an iconic outdoor destination fun pool, and to retain the outdoor fun pool and develop a local indoor pool providing fitness and learning aquatic activities.  Officers are doing the costing, and that will be between $4-12 million depending on which option is chosen, before the Board undertakes community consultation over the preferred option, and a decision next year.

What’s happening over the next month by way of events and activities?  Rugby World Cup continues!!  Look up the Council events website, leaflets in the Leys Institute library, and posters all over the show, as there will be loads of plays, exhibitions and festivals as the world wind continues to its business end at the long weekend at the end of the month. Then it’s time to rest up with the family from all the fun (and hopefully not sporting heartache), and over indulgence on Labour Day with the end of the Rugby World Cup extravaganza.

Contact me: shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Edited from Ponsonby News article in the September edition

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It's Still Good News!

The Rugby World Cup has Finally Arrived

by

Shale Chambers, Chair, Waitemata Local Board

Seeing trams return to the city centre of Auckland for the first time since 1956 is both historic and a matter of great joy to my Board.  This was made possible by your local councillor, Mike Lee’s quiet visionary planning and funding of the heritage trams three years ago when ARC leader. Mike clearly took much pride in driving the first tram that day and everyone, including Mike, beamed from ear to ear. I was indeed honoured to be on that first tram, with 4,700 Aucklanders riding them on just that first day.  We look forward to the tram line first being extended to Britomart.

Finally, let’s not forget the ‘Cloud’ and refurbished Shed 10 on Queen’s Wharf that will be ‘Party Central’ for the large number of rugby visitors and locals who just want to convivially celebrate the teams, the sport and soak up the atmosphere.  The opening night lights and fireworks display on the waterfront on 9 September will be the biggest we have ever seen. Don’t miss it. Shoppers will be welcome too at the lovingly restored Britomart buildings and the newly opened Takutai Square Atrium with its green walls and new entrance to the Britomart train station. Central Auckland has never seen so many new or reburbished precincts open up at the one time.

For more information, contact Shale Chambers, shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Edited from Ponsonby News article in the September edition

How Encouraging!  

The Community Speaks with a Loud Voice in Local Board Plan Submissions

by

Gwen Shaw, Deputy Chair City Vision

The new Auckland Council is almost one year old.  What do we think of it so far?   Down at community level the new Local Boards have each constructed their own Draft Local Plan and asked for submissions. 

In my local area there was a really good response with 130 individuals or organisations making submissions to the specific Waitemata Local Board plan - the documentation came out at nearly 700 pages.  Interestingly, there were 41 submitters who related to all the draft local board plans, rather than any specific one. It is good that people and organisations realise that nothing stands alone.  Over the last two weeks or so, all the local boards have been hearing the submitters who wished to speak in person.  

It was fascinating to sit as an observer at some of the Waitemata hearings.  It probably reflects the ‘central city’ nature of the Board that submitters were concerned about having a clean and healthy environment.  People talked about needing plans to minimize alcohol harm; to protect our children from the effects of smoking - even outside.  The customer-driven call for smoke-free grounds at Auckland Zoo was quoted as something to aim for in our parks and playgrounds. 

There were plenty of calls for healthy transport options to encourage walking and cycling  (“Cycling is a serious transport mode. 50% of the population would cycle if it was safe”) and to develop public transport.  The spokesperson from the NZ Automobile Association, while strongly supporting the Board’s desire to address local bus infrastructure and services, was disappointed that there was very little acknowledgment of the importance of the roading network to the vitality of Waitemata, especially the City Centre.  And he did oppose the City Centre Rail Link.

There were also many comments on the built environment; not just to embrace and protect our heritage buildings and streets but to ensure we build a quality environment for the future.  One way to do that is to make sure that the community knows what building (and demolition) is going on in their area (“Notices for resource consent need to be put on appropriate buildings and lampposts.  Neighbours should get flyers in letterboxes so the community knows what developments are occurring.”).  Victoria Park was quoted as a major asset.  It has a long history of being well used by sporting clubs for cricket and rugby and for informal recreational activities such as skateboarding and casual ball games.  Now it is in demand for Events, such as the Taste Auckland Festival in October.  The Board was asked to ensure that the users were carefully consulted about when, what and where these events would be allowed.

It is clear that the extensive Waitemata Local Board area has an active and engaged community.  We are a growing population and that means that more can always be done to foster emerging community groups and support those already providing a service.   The work of the Parnell Trust and the St Colomba Community Project was given as examples of ‘how to do it’.    

All this is so encouraging and helpful.  Although, as so many people said, the devil is in the detail; or the proof of the pudding is in the eating; or any one of those old sayings that we use to say something might look good at first sight but we need to know a little more how things are going to shape up.  Several submitters wanted to see more information about how all the projects were going to be funded and how they ‘fitted in’ with the great scheme of the Auckland Plan and those of the neighbouring local boards.  The Waitemata Board members were very pleased to be told by one submitter that “Waitemata was the best board plan in Auckland” and I don’t think she was related to any of the members!

The photo shows the City Vision members of Waitemata Local Board, Christopher Dempsey, Jesse Chalmers, Pippa Coom, Shale Chambers and Tricia Reade.  Greg Moyle and Rob Thomas make up the total members of the board.

Over on Puketapapa Local Board, Roskill Community Voice members Julie Fairey and Michael Wood report that they have been struck by how the community has endorsed the priorities they have been pushing.  The future of Three Kings Quarry and the Manukau Foreshore have been repeatedly raised by the community, seeking public input and supporting proper planning processes for both areas.  Submitters have identified the importance of minimising harm to people by advocating for community say in liquor licensing and a sinking-lid approach to pokie machines, both of which were issues Roskill Community Voice campaigned on. 

Julie and Michael comment that they have been able to have particularly strong input to the areas of the plan aligned to their portfolios (Community Development, and Parks, Open Spaces & Heritage, respectively).  Submissions on those areas have been largely supportive.  It has been rewarding to see that the approach of promoting community engagement whenever possible is resulting in increased response from individuals and groups in Mt Roskill.  Past community board members have reported that the response received to the draft Puketapapa Local Board plan is the most significant public feedback they can recall.  A key priority for Roskill Community Voice has been to reach out to the community and provide a connection to local government in the area. 

Helga Anderson reports that the Albert-Eden Local Board Plan too, received many excellent submissions, reflecting the optimism of the citizens of a new city whose mayor is promoting transformation. ‘Give pedestrians priority in our streets’ was a call already being reflected in the city’s new shared spaces, and ‘give us better cycleways, walking paths and public transport’. Public transport is especially pivotal, the Board was reminded, for non-driving young people and also for the elderly.

The Civic Trust urged that Albert-Eden and Waitemata Boards, as the two with the largest collections of heritage buildings, should advocate for ‘a planning environment that acknowledges and protects heritage’ and promotes and guides heritage upgrades and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, and the Mt Eden Planning Group sought active initiatives to build good quality, well-designed housing to accommodate our increasing population.  There were eloquent requests for ‘Better parks and playing fields, more street trees and fruit trees and herbs in parks; more areas for dogs to be off-leash; more art; smoke-free open spaces please!   

 It was very encouraging and satisfying for Board members to be told that presenting to the Board in person was a rewarding and unthreatening experience, and that hearing the submissions given by others was valuable too.   Civic engagement is doing well in Albert-Eden.

The photo shows City Vision members of Albert Eden Local Board, Peter Haynes, Helga Anderson, Simon Mitchell, Margi Watson and Graeme Easte.  Pauline Anderson, Lee Corrick and Tim Woolfield make up the total members of the board.

For more information, contact:

Gwen Shaw, Deputy Chair, City Vision, gwenshaw@xnet.co.nz

Shale Chambers, Chair, Waitemata Local Board, shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Julie Fairey, Puketapapa Local Board, julie.fairey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Peter Haynes, Chair, Albert Eden Local Board, peter.haynes@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

The Good News

Improving ‘People Friendliness’ in Western Bays

by

Shale Chambers, Chair, Waitemata Local Board

Myers Park has always been a good place for demonstrations.   In the 1970s and 80’s it was at its zenith, and it is still a good venue today.  Anti-apartheid, anti-nuclear testing, anti-battery hens …. Heck, anti anything, and Myers was a good place to start or finish with a band playing and lots of camaraderie.  Well, this hidden gem of an inner city park is due some attention, as part of a more child-friendly Auckland city centre.  Such is the nature of changes in the city centre over the past 20 years that new apartment dwellers need a playground for their children and themselves that is safer, better lit and with better sightlines.  We will keep all the wonderful historic features and statues that make it unique, and even the statuesque phoenix palms that are now considered by authorities a weed will stay.   They are part of the iconic park and safe when well maintained!

Myers Park upgrade proposal is one of the 16 key parks priorities for the Local Board Plan that you should have received in your letterbox last month.  We have 98 local parks and 5 Regional Parks in Waitemata.  With 48% of our population under 30 years of age we are grasping this as an opportunity to engage youth in what our city has to offer. Developing Green links, drinking fountains in all parks,  Meola and Coxes Creek restoration, better management plans and a new village square at 254 Ponsonby Road are just some of the projects proposed in our new Local Board Plan.

Our Waitemata Plan has been spotted by the influential Auckland Transport Blog which extols its virtues in its ‘Exciting ideas in Waitemata Local Board Plan’ post.  It dissects and analyses it from the little improvements in street design, part pedestrianising of Queen Street, making cyclists feel safer through high quality cycling infrastructure, to an audit of intersections to make it safer for pedestrians.

St Marys Bay and Ponsonby residents worried about commuter parking in their streets will be able to take heart from an Auckland Transport review of residential parking.   With the support of the Local Board, there is to be a trial parking zone in St Marys Bay and the learnings from this will inform the policy review.  The trial will cover most of St Marys Bay and will have a blanket two hour time restriction although residents will be able to purchase permits which will allow an exemption.   Most other cities in the world with managed commuter parking in residential streets take this approach so hopefully we will follow up their lead to a sensible solution for local residents.

One of the new playgrounds for central city residents and visitors will be the new Wynyard Quarter, down at the Waterfront.   It is set to become more local and visitor friendly over the next few years.  The first stage North Wharf opened on 6 August.  There will be loads of new seafood influenced eateries and a revitalisation of the wharf which retains its character and working wharf.  Wynyard Crossing is the interim pedestrian and cycling bridge over Viaduct Harbour, which will lead you to the new Viaduct events centre and public seating, artwork and access to the water’s edge by way of steps.  By the end of September Silo Park at the Western end of Jellicoe Street will be complete, and the Local Board is excited by the prospect of electric trams making a comeback to Auckland at the waterfront on a single track loop.  Not to mention the proposed new home of the Auckland Theatre Company in the new ASB Bank headquarters complex to be sited on the corner of Halsey and Jellicoe Street in 2013.

For more information, contact Shale Chambers, shale.chambers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Edited from Ponsonby News article in the August edition

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Auckland Libraries –a Citywide Treasure

by

Helga Arlington, Albert-Eden Local Board

If there is one absolutely certain success story in the ten months of the Auckland super-city, it is the new, city-wide library service.  From the very first day of the new Council, Auckland Libraries offered a citywide service: borrow near your work, return near your home – and this has meant that the usage of libraries has shot up.  People flocked to the new free reservation service – pulling from Manukau, North Shore, anywhere – and pushed the statistics through the roof.  Of course, this couldn’t have happened without the wonderful library internet service that gives readers a personal log in to search and reserve books, dvds, and now e-books.

Albert-Eden Local Board’s Libraries and Information report last week showed a steady increase in the public’s usage of libraries – and a huge range of programmes at local libraries.   This is reflected across the new Auckland Council area.

The range of children’s services at the local libraries is a delight. Epsom’s storytime is great any session, but weekend Playdads is just for men and their children, and there is a Chinese language storytime too.”

Special storytimes were held for Matariki and for Samoan language week.  Mt Albert will be offering family history courses on September 20 & 27, and a great programme during Rugby World Cup. Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert both offered programmes during music month, also are also offering family history and Heritage Week programmes.  Auckland can be proud of its great libraries and Albert-Eden Local Board has pledged to continue to support them”.

For more information, contact:  Helga Arlington, libraries’ spokesperson, Albert-Eden Local Board, 021 286 1333