Alexandra Bonham Deputy Chair June 2021 Board Report
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board Activities from 1 to 31 May 2021. My roles include:
Planning and Heritage portfolio (lead)
Culture, Arts and Events portfolio (second)
Environment and Infrastructure (second)
Domain Committee
Climate Change Reference Group
I attend the meetings of:
The Karangahape Road Business Association,
The Grey Lynn Community Centre,
The Herne Bay Residents Group
The Grey Lynn Residents Group
And I have participated in the Ponsonby, City Centre Innovating Streets workshops and now sit on the Project Wave steering group.
The WLB advocates for climate change action, better water management, better public and active transport choices, mix of housing, quality urban design that includes appropriate heritage protection, the return of tree protections and the protection and restoration of the Hauraki Gulf.
Climate Change and the Environment
We are grateful that the community is supportive of a 5% rates rise and a water quality targeted rate so as to build the water infrastructure necessary to clean up our streams and harbours. We are also grateful that more work can be done to accelerate the electrification of the bus fleet that will reduce emissions and improve air quality in our city and town centres. A proportion of this money will also go on building the urban ngahere with a particular focus on areas with fewer trees. This is fine as long as the tree canopy continues to grow in different areas albeit at different rates. (see below).
Street trees
Last month I reported that staff had assured us that a street tree schedule would be scoped by mid-May. (Originally this was scheduled for December last year). It has yet to arrive and I have chased it again. I am looking for reassurance that street trees in Waitemata are a priority and there is no risk that our tree canopy is reducing. Street trees provide enormous amenity value for shade, countering the heat island effect, and for their beauty. People care about them deeply. A number of applications about managing trees have come up, which will be dealt with under resource consents. If you want to report a street tree that has failed/been removed and needs a replacement, please log it here: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-problem/Pages/report-a-problem.aspx
The Urban Growth Agenda versus Climate Change Resilience Planning
Council released an interactive map indicating the increasing risk of climate change hazards on Friday 28 May.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=81aa3de13b114be9b529018ee3c649c8
It incorporates modelling for increased winds, coastal erosion, flooding, tsunami. It is a great tool to consider when planning where, and where not to build. It is slightly concerning that some areas zoned for massive growth are in flood plains (light blue) or flood prone areas (dark blue). The blue areas in Waitemata are generally kept as parks for this reason.
Drury below is on a flood plain and also likely to be vulnerable to coastal inundation.
The South is targeted for growth and yet while there are high areas, like Pukekohe, the focus seems to be on the cheaper flood plains area which seems to neglect our responsibility to future residents.
Limitless sprawl does not seem sensible, particularly as scoping for capacity for growth does not involve taking into account the supply of water, or how encroachment on horticultural land will affect food prices:
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/nz/Documents/Economics/horticulture-nz-report-final.pdf
Portfolio Report: Heritage and Planning
Plan Change 26
Plan 26 was a proposal to clarify the planning rules in the Auckland Unitary Plan and the special character areas. It has been decided not to pursue the change but to consider changes for the next AUP, following the implementation of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development.
Plan Change 53
We had generally supported the change barring extending the length of noise events that could be held without triggering a resource consent but were unsuccessful in our advocacy. We are looking at developing a strategy to ensure oversight of events so that the number of noise events do not exceed a reasonable level.
The decision on this plan change provides additional flexibility for temporary activities to occur as permitted activities (i.e. without triggering the need for a resource consent), while retaining a reasonable level of control over potential adverse effects. The proposed changes will result in amendments to the Unitary Plan that:
· exclude the time required to establish and remove structures for a temporary activity event
· amend rows A5 and A6 in the Temporary Activities ‘Activity Table’, recognising that public places and private land are mutually exclusive
· will include a requirement of a Traffic Management Plan for temporary activity events in a rural or Future Urban Zone where there could potentially be more than 500 vehicle movements per day on adjacent roads
· increase the duration of those temporary activities that are defined as noise events from 6 to 8 hours
· will include a noise standard for temporary coastal activities that generate noise
· will align Anzac Day in the Pukekohe Park Precinct to the definition under the Anzac Day Act 1966.
The decision can be viewed on the website using the link below:
PC 53: Temporary Activities Standards and Pukekohe Park Precinct (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz)
The National Policy Statement on Urban Development continue.
See more in my March report. For those who came to my play An Extraordinary Meeting, audience feedback that they wanted to be “close to” friends, amenities, good public transport and that a well-functioning urban form was green with street trees and enabled the above.
Work on the Urban Design around the CRL Aotea Station.
There will be an over-station development (OSD). The main street facing entrance to the OSD will be on Mayoral Drive (refer Figure 2.3). The OSD also includes a laneway connection adjacent to the western façade of Bledisloe house. The OSD is to be constructed following the completion of CRL.
Resource Consents (of interest)
I keep track of resource consent applications for buildings, structures, and tree pruning and removal as they are received by Council, requesting further information, plans and Assessments of Environmental Effects for applications of interest. Significant applications are referred to the relevant residents’ associations for their input which I then relay to planners as part of the Local Board’s input. I particularly keep a look out for tree removals, helicopter pad requests, digital billboards facing residential buildings, impact on heritage buildings and place and more than minor breaches of the unitary plan. The Waitemata Local Board recognises the amenity value of trees and has adopted the Ngahere Urban Forest Strategy. Where it is possible to keep trees we advocate for them. Sometimes trees may be removed for the building of transport and energy infrastructure that locks in lower carbon emissions in the future. Where trees are removed our position is that there should be more trees planted than are lost. Good urban design and spatial planning can make a huge difference to the quality of a neighbourhood. Considering new developments through a climate change lens is also necessary. The council has committed to halving emissions by 2030 which should impact decision-making across all departments.
Conversion of offices to residential trend
It is noted that there are more applications to convert commercial or office space into residential apartments in the city and, excitingly, in my view there seems to be plans to have a restaurant street front facing on Queen St (they are currently too far and few between).
Infill housing may reduce kids’ safety and access to play
I have some concerns about the design of infill housing that may detract from the walkability and child-friendliness of an area. My concerns are shared by Dr David Turner of Unitec who presented to the planning meeting 3 June 2021. There is work being done in council on improving planning standards so as to improve the quality and choice of buildings. The agenda to the meeting is here, and minutes and presentations will be uploaded here too. https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2021/06/PLA_20210603_AGN_10175_AT_WEB.htm
On the positive side there has been a lot of feedback that we need to make our streets more welcoming for our youth and rangitahi. This article has been quite inspirational!
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-05-28/we-need-more-public-space-for-teen-girls?utm_source=url_link&fbclid=IwAR3rlBtM8Dv0DzDDtnPt0Y1qiSpnc4PsIpYhg6FUsQ0X1IDhVAGcIKuw_Rc
LED Billboards
We share residents’ concerns about the explosion of LED billboards around the city and there is an internal review ongoing to consider the cumulative effects. This was to have been done by mid-May and we are chasing up. The department are under pressure however. The anticipated turndown in resource consent applications have not materialised and the last few months have been some of the busiest ever. We are grateful for everyone’s patience. In the meanwhile we may refer to an LED Billboard Appeal 30-40 Broadway. An LED billboard consent was refused after it was publicly notified. In forming this opinion, the hearing commissioner noted the following, which may be helpful in understanding how the suitability of an LED billboard in any particular place:
• I accept that the proposal will result in a change in the streetscape, and to those sites directly adjacent, however, this in itself is not an adverse effect; • The billboards meet lighting standards; to ensure reasonable levels of glare and comfort; and • I also recognise that appropriate billboards contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of communities, advertising goods and services;
However,
• Both billboards, and in particular billboard 1 significantly detracts for the profile and appearance of the building and does not appear to be a visually integrated element of the building; • The billboards detracts from the visual amenity of the built environment, including public open space; • The location, operation and design of the billboards (most notable billboard 1) will have adverse effects in traffic safety. The installation of the digital billboards will further detract from and compromises the safety of the existing, complex traffic environment through added distraction as informed also by crash data, insufficient sight distances for oncoming drivers that adverse effects cannot be successfully avoided, remedied or mitigated.; and • The billboards, in conjunction with existing signs nearby, will create a degree of visual clutter and adverse visual cumulative effects.
Restoration of Heritage Buildings
Both the Myers Park Cottage and the Symonds Street Toilets are being restored so they can be returned to use.
New Applications
8-34 Brigham Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
Silo Park activations
Consent is sought for temporary activities up to 21 consecutive days, plus the placement of public amenities such as seating within a 8m public accessway on a wharf. This will be fun. It will mean an extension of the activations of the Wynyard Quarter. We have discussed how this could be a great place for young people to gather safely. It is also proposed a track is set up where kids can learn to cycle, and there may be some full courts for sports. Nothing is certain but Eke Panuku follow a strategy of Do, learn, do, which has proved very successful in the past.
31 Day Street, Auckland
LUC60370146
One of the casualties of the leaky building debacle, this building needs to be entirely reclad with a redesign of the façade to prevent ongoing problems, hence the closed in balconies. This will be the most economical for the lifecycle of the building albeit demanding a higher upfront cost now. The changes will make it harder to ventilate the apartments and consideration on how to mitigate that is being done. It is also the case that there will be a further encroachment onto view shafts. The application has been publicly notified.
22 Fife Street Westmere Auckland 1022
LUC60378313
Applicant seeks a combined land use and subdivision Resource Consent to construct 5 terrace houses and subsequently establish a free hold title for each. My concern is whether this will or will not improve the family friendly nature of the area. I have asked for more information but there are technical issues in transferring the details.
11A/7 Shortland Street AUCKLAND CENTRAL 1010
SUB60377859
Redevelopment Unit Title subdivision around a proposed development. 7 Shortland Street (also known as 3-13 Shortland Street), Auckland Central is a Category B scheduled building (former South British Insurance Co. Ltd Building). We have reiterated that we want to protect heritage buildings, including heritage lifts, and if there is any heritage value that this goes through the heritage team. If there will be any impact on the heritage values we would like to be informed.
ROAD Liverpool Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
TRE60376719
Works within protected root zone of trees. The WLB are not supportive of this proposal which involves upgrading electricity cables in trenches in the roads from the hospital, down to Grafton St, up Symonds St and onto Liverpool St via the root area of a good deal of trees, some of which are notable. A direct route would be Grafton Bridge and we want to know whether this route is possible as an alternative. At this point the application is on hold.
16-24 Princes Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
TRE60377946
Pruning of 5 notable trees and 21 trees and removal 2 trees. This consent concerns a number of old trees that surround Old Government House. While this seems a lot of work it is expected to continue over a number of years. The applicant’s arborist requested the input of the council’s consent arborist and heritage arborist meet on site to discuss the trees. This seems sensible. These are the two trees that are proposed to be removed.
13 Marine Parade Herne Bay Auckland 1011
CST60378171
LUC60378172
It is proposed to construct a new boatshed and slipway and provide access to it from the land and to occupy the coastal marine area. In addition, it is proposed to seek consent for an existing seawall and stairs within the CMA. I have asked for more information but there are technical issues in transferring the details.
65 Hamilton Road Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60377284
The construction of three residential dwellings and associated earthworks on a residential zoned site. I am interested in how the proposal has changed. I would also still want to advocate for the removal of the villa to be reused elsewhere, or at least the resourcing of the materials. I have requested more information and am waiting to hear.
15 Hamilton Road Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60377298
The subdivision of the existing site, creating two lots. Then the subsequent construction of a new dwelling on the vacant site and additions and alterations to the existing dwelling. Waiting to hear more.
Rates 48-52 Mayoral Drive Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60378471
Trenching works will be undertaken within the vegetated area of the Aotea Centre site between the Aotea Centre basement car park wall and the footpath of Mayoral Drive for the City Rail Link. The trench will be approximately 10-12m long, 1.5 m wide and 5m deep. The proposed investigation works will require machinery operations within the protected rootzone of the two notable Tulip trees. I have asked for more information.
1 Garnet Road Westmere Auckland 1022
LUC60378850
Construction of four storey mixed use building with 6 residential units and 70m2 of commercial retail space on the ground floor. I have asked for more information as normally this area is zoned for three storeys.
20-26 Symonds Street Grafton Auckland 1010
LUC60376876
To install an artwork within the city campus. Installation of a new free-standing Pou artwork on a vacant grass area by the Symonds Street and Grafton Road intersection. Although artworks are permitted, as per the AUP (OP)’s definition of ‘building’, the proposed artwork’s structure triggers consent for a ‘new building’ under the Learning Precinct. The site is not scheduled, but is located adjacent to/ within close proximity to scheduled historic heritage buildings. The artist is mana whenua, of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The narrative embedded is consistent with the University’s gifted maori name Waipapa Taumata Rau, also from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Resource consent has been given.
14 Lemington Avenue
What is proposed is an infill development of three dwellings, two semi-detached and one stand alone separated from the others by a small shared garden. The proposal breaches permeable ground standards, landscaping standards and is likely to shadow the neighbour beyond what is reasonable. We have asked for limited notification unless a design issue can be found that means the proposal no longer breaches standards. On the positive side the development does incorporate some outdoor space.
186 Victoria Street West AUCKLAND CENTRAL 1010
LUC60377337
Installation and operation of a bike stand for storage and recharging of bicycles with associated signage. Similar stands have been installed near Aotea Centre. They are a way of providing more bike parking without adding to the rates bill however this will mean that there will be a further increase in illuminated billboards on the city streets. We would recommend developing a plan for a network of bike stands in locations that are both convenient and do not detract from the look and amenity of the streetspace.
86 Broadway Newmarket Auckland 1023
WAT60376959
Railway Junction upgrade
16 Titoki Street Parnell Auckland 1052
SUB60377370
SUB60376087.
The subdivision relating to imposing a lease of 105 years over the site by The Foundation Village Partnership under s128(1)(a)(iii) of the RMA. Proposed subdivision including the amalgamation of lots; a boundary adjustment; the surrendering of several easements and the creation of easements; and the issue and cancellation of consent notices. This retirement village will certainly change the look of Titoki Street and Parnell Road, however, increasing the amount of accommodation in mid-rise buildings close to public transport stops is entirely consistent with a policy to reduce emissions, and offer a vibrant, connected lifestyle to seniors, some of whom may no longer be able to drive, and increase the number of people interested in using the local shops and amenities.
6 Chester Avenue Westmere Auckland 1022
LUC60377170,
The WLB supports adding a second and third story to buildings (subject to the rules on shadowing and as appropriate for any overlays) as a way to add more space while retaining more permeable surfaces, landscaping and general greenery.
246C Hobson Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60375813
Continued use of existing billboard where dispensation has lapsed. This has been refused due to insufficient information.
103 Victoria Street West Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60377621
Convert the existing poster signs to a digital sign. The WLB are a bit concerned about the explosion in LED billboards at the moment and would want to discourage them on the side of character buildings.
175 Khyber Pass Road Grafton Auckland 1023
LUC60376568
Replace existing static billboard with digital billboard on building. This is a commercial area so the impact on the surrounding area may be less of a problem than in others.
731 Great North Road Grey Lynn Auckland 1021
DIS60376318
DIS60376450
LUC60376346
Watercare proposes to construct a new accessway at the Western Springs Stadium, within the outer playing fields of this complex. The accessway will support the construction of the Central Interceptor project.
St Paul's Church
28 Symonds Street Grafton Auckland 1010
To install external lighting to the west and north west of the church to illuminate the principle facade and tower. Internal lighting is to be installed within the nave and tower to illuminate the tower windows and west rose window from the inside. An LED sign will replace the current signage to the front of the church and 2 corten steel signs to be installed to the low boundary wall perforated to display the name of the church. The illuminations are rather stunning, drawing attention to the architecture and stained glass. The proposal has the support of Heritage New Zealand.
75 Boston Road Grafton Auckland 1023
LUC60375666
To replace an existing static billboard with a digital billboard on a building facade. There is another LED billboard just behind across the street. The question is whether this location is going to cause issues for residents/ businesses in the area. It is facing up the road however so it may be ok. However for someone heading north this is a great view of Mangawhau the proposed and existing billboards are, arguably, unhelpful distractions. We have been advised that there is a review of billboards with some consideration of their cumulative effects, we have recommended the planners consider the proposal with that lens.
2 Kotare Avenue Westmere Auckland 1022
LUC60372558
Proposed residential development of 5 units. This development is on the corner of West End Road and it is proposed to lose a large family home for five small terraced houses each with a private garage. Most of the site is taken up with driveway and there is little room to play outside safely. This development is right on a transport corridor, adjacent to a bus stop and in walking distance of a park and shops. This feels like a poor outcome with regard the intentions of the Auckland Unitary Plan.
Following up
17 Harcourt Street Grey Lynn Auckland 1021
LUC60377752
House extension in heritage area. House extension exceeding percentage building coverage. There are reasons for the rules. I have asked for more information and am waiting to hear back.
9 Farnham Street Parnell Auckland 1052
LUC60377779
Application is for the construction of a new 6 level apartment building for 14 new dwellings with a basement level and associated parking and unit title subdivision. I have asked for more information.
67 Argyle Street Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60376892
Construct a boat shed on the property. I have asked for more information.
78 France Street South Newton Auckland 1010
WAT60376590
DIS60376559
LUC60376591
Resource consent to demolish the existing buildings on site and construct a new 10 level apartment building containing 96 apartments, a 90m2 commercial space (providing for a range of activities including: retail, food and beverage, office activities, or motor vehicle sales), basement parking and all associated site works. I have asked for more information.
16 Shelly Beach Road Ponsonby Auckland 1011
SUB60376108
LUC60376107
Construction of 15 units and 15 lot subdivision. I have asked for more information.
65-67 Upper Queen Street Newton Auckland 1010
LUC60375685
New apartment building and cafe, with ancillary parking, access and signs. I have asked for more information.
Arts & Community and Events Portfolio
Molly McAllister statue
For those missing the statue of the Rangatira by Molly McAllister returns this winter to Te Komititanga in a temporary plinth and then will be restored to the old position when all the works down there are done.
Youth Week
Youth Week was a culmination of a year long programme to develop a youth providers network and find out if there are any needs that need to be met. There was a series of workshops, performances and events, and the Open Fort set up for a mapping exercise for young people to share information about where they felt safe and unsafe in the city. It was also an opportunity for young people to question me, MP Chloe Swarbrick and Councillor Pippa Coom at a political panel.
Homelessness
We have been reassured that there are conversations at a high level between City Mission and Kainga Ora over supporting their future residents in Grey’s Ave and Home Ground Federal Street in collaboration. A gap that the City Mission has identified is a place to do gardening. AMTK is also scoping out what services those at sharp end of homelessness know they need. A visit to Jessie Tonar Reserve in Northcote was an opportunity to see an area of bush that had been cleared of weeds by the Street Guardians, the tradescantia and ginger are being broken down as per good permaculture practice, the bamboo has been used to create raised beds (a great idea from the Street Guardians) where kai could be grown. There seems to be something very cheering about gardening and it is a constant theme the desire to be supported to do more of it. (see below Karangahape Road collective). We also found an eel and five fish hinting at the improved water quality of the stream.
The Karangahape Road Collective
Chloe Swarbrick continues to lead the complex issues of homelessness and addiction in the area. There is work going on to connect social providers, to fully understand where the gaps are, and to boost awareness of what is already out there. One gap is a youth homelessness strategy. Another is the limited number of places people can go. The WLB have put funding towards scoping a 24-hour hub in the Karangahape Road area where people can go for a cup of tea, a safe space to chat, and some information on where they can get further support.
Arts and Events
May saw another fabulous Writers Festival with some guests online, some in person. The schools programme is going from strength to strength targeting primary and secondary schools and well worth encouraging your school to sign up for it next year. There has been a comedy festival with a number of shows sold out. ATC’s Single Asian Female was a huge hit. Battlezone – which was cancelled during the fringe returned and gave an opportunity to the healthy community of young amateur and professional dancers to showcase their talents. It was brilliant fun (though perhaps ear plugs or a special short performance might have been good for the little kids – it was loud and late). In June we can look forward to the Cabaret Festival and the DocEdge Festival on top of the regular run of events.
There is a new exhibition at the art gallery – All that is Solid Melts and a section of the maori art exhibition continues till early July. For families, there are free maker activities between 11am and 3pm every weekend, public holiday and every day of the school holidays.
There will be a big event in June in Karangahape Road to celebrate the end of the cycle lane works, with a big party on 26 June. A number of the performers will have been drawn from the local artistic community through https://www.spacehub.co.nz/ This resource is funded by the Waitemata Local Board and is managed by Monster Valley and is designed to connect artists to landlords and local businesses who may offer up spaces and walls to create/ exhibit art, artists to programmers to create events, in which all these parts of the creative ecosystem can come together. It is also a good place to get a heads up on what is going on!
Karangahape Road Business Association
The Business Association is advocating for better support of local businesses during major construction works. While the street improvements will no doubt improve foot traffic in the medium term, the value uplift of properties will be enjoyed by the landlords who may also be able to charge higher rents. The small businesses then are the ones who have to bear the pain of the works. Can this be managed more equitably? Consideration is being made to this question.
First Thursdays continue (every Thursday) with pop up events, markets and so on, drawing on local suppliers and performers.
The Karangahape Road Business Association has also been supporting the work of the Karangahape Road Collective.
Herne Bay Issues
There are a number of ongoing local issues:
1. Street trees. Because of covid19, there has been insufficient planting of street trees in Herne Bay where trees have failed. They would like fast growing trees planted next year. This has been relayed to staff. We are chasing up a planting plan (see above).
2. Helicopters. The residents association have asked us to advocate that private helicopter pads be prohibited in residential areas. [We were assured by staff that it would be very unlikely for any new resource consent to be granted. It is unclear whether variations to existing resource consents that might increase flights are as unlikely. If this does seem to be a loophole then taking this advocacy position will be discussed further.] The application for a variation of consent by an existing rightsholder has been put on hold.
3. Stormwater concerns. A 5% rates rise with an extended targeted rate for water has been approved by the governing body. There has been some concern is that Watercare have contacted elected members to note that some works may slow. It is unsure whether this is in breach of court proceedings with the HBRA.
4. Plan Change 26. This will no longer go ahead. (See above).
5. Parking and the Northern Pathway. The Minister of Transport has announced a new direction with potentially a trial of a reallocation of road space on the bridge to active modes. The parking issue may or may not be an issue when we see the plans.
Meetings / events attended in May
1 May Went to Battlezone Dance Off at Auckland Town Hall presented by Auckland Live
2 May Attended the annual quilt show at the Parnell Community Centre
3 May Finance & Performance Committee workshop 10-year budget
4 May Waitemata Local Board Meeting
Climate Change Political Reference Group
Attended the Cancel Culture Debate at the Auckland Writers Festival
6 May Planning Committee
Occam Lecture, Objectspace
7 May Attended the launch of the Boring Machine at Mt Eden Station
Submitted at Navigation Safety Bylaw hearings panel
Attended public meeting on Light Rail with Hon. Michael Wood
8 May Participated in Auckland Urban Walking Festival – History of Fashion
10 May Met with Alex Rogers of Hauraki Gulf Forum
Attended tour on Quay St and Te Wananga Enhancements
Submitted at Finance & Performance Committee workshop 10-year budget (pic below)
14 May Coffee with George Weeks, of the Planning Department
Discuss Market Square activation proposal
Attended Karangahape Street Side, part of the Auckland Writers Festival
15 May Attended the Living with Climate Change talk Mount Roskill Community Centre
Participated in a panel with Chloe Swarbrick and Pippa Coom at Youth Week
17 May Attended Local Board Chairs Forum
18 May Attended Waiorea Community Recycling Centre Blessing
Meeting with Keith McConnell
Local Board Meeting
19 May Meeting at the City Mission
City Centre in Focus meeting: City Centre Public Art Plan
20 May Official blessing for 10 Madden St, Wynyard Quarter (pic below)
KBA Committee Meeting
21 May Attended the NZ Opera open day (see pic below)
Checked out the Bike Flicks event at Wynyard Quarter (see pic below)
Attended town Centre Guidelines Workshop
Attended Grey Lynn Community Centre Meeting
26 May Attended Planning Committee Workshop: RLTP Consultation Feedback and workshop on the National Policy Statement on Urban Development
27 May City Centre Network meeting (see pic below)
Placemaking Hui 2021
Auckland Conversations: Vision for Auckland for Future Generations
29 May Met Grant Hewison for a coffee
30 May Attended the Liberate the lane Rally at Pont Erin Park (there was a big crowd – see picture below).
31 May Connected Communities update
Auckland City Centre Advisory Board Meeting with panel
Conferences / member development in May
18 May Learning Session on Substance Use in the Community
19 May Seminar: Auckland’s Strategic Recovery from COVID-19: seeing beyond the pandemic
21 May Started an Introduction to Te Reo Maori course (weekly)
28 May Resource Management Act Section B session
Disclosures
I am doing a phD in the Dance Department of the University of Auckland, studying the potential roles of playful arts practices in co-producing the Playful City. I am a member of Women in Urbanism, and currently the Deputy Presiding Member on the Richmond Road School board. My husband is director of dog walking company Fetch.
Finally
I am on Facebook and update regularly. I have set up a website alexbonham.co.nz in which I discuss some of the issues that are crossing our desks and give more information and links on engagement with council. Julie Sandilands and I are leading a pilot “local government TV on Facebook”, which aims to engage the community with issues that may matter to them! Anyone living in Waitemata is very welcome to get in touch with me by email alexandra.bonham@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Recommendation
That this report be received.