Alexandra Bonham Deputy Chair September 2021 Report
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board Activities from 1 July to 1 August 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 also attend the meetings of:
The Karangahape Road Business Association,
The Karangahape Road Collective
The Grey Lynn Community Centre,
The Herne Bay Residents Group
The Grey Lynn Residents Group
Participant in the Ponsonby, City Centre Innovating Streets workshops
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.
Progress in the Hauraki Gulf
The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries has approved the s186A temporary closure request from Ngāti Hei. Fisheries NZ received over 2000 submissions with the majority in support of a closure of the east Coromandel scallop fishery. The closure takes effect from this Saturday. This was supported by the Hauraki Gulf Forum which is co-chaired by Waitemata Councillor Pippa Coom.
Karangahape Road Business Association
Before the current lockdown, figures from Marketview ranked Karangahape Road the highest performing Business Improvement District (BID) of all 66 BIDs across the Auckland region for the past three months. This is despite ongoing CRL work. Its success may well be down to the improved streetscape, the street party and a great marketing campaign that nailed the diversity, fun and gritty appeal of Karangahape Road. Congratulations KBA. The AGM is being postponed to 30 September and will be in person or online depending on the Covid situation.
PLANNING
Leys Institute
The restoration of the Leys Institute is one of our priorities. The current timelines anticipate the business case to be completed in 2022 with construction completed by 2024. The developed design is completed and work will proceed on the detailed design as soon as business case done. The new lockdown may have affected council revenue but we are hopeful that this will not affect these works.
Studio Two
Seismic strengthening work is needed to ensure the safety of Studio Two. The detailed design is about to commence and construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of next year, as long as the funds are available.
Noise
A constituent spoke to the board about issues of noise at the Countdown at the Grey Lynn shops end of Williamson Road. This has proved difficult to solve. The way that noise is measured and assessed means that while the repeated noise is undoubtedly aggravating it is not actually in breach of noise controls. The original resource consent for the supermarket seems to have gone adrift and a new consent is being applied for, with activities anticipated between 7am and 7pm. There is no intention at this stage to review noise control settings at this time. This is frustrating for the constituent for whom the noise is creating health issues. He is not the only one to endure what may be considered unreasonable noise in Waitemata. The cumulative noise of helicopter movements is an ongoing trial for the residents of Herne Bay, and late night road works, early morning water blasting is an issue for residents in the city centre, not to mention the noise from arguments, car stereos, and revelry when bars close. While all these things are arguably part and parcel of city life, some seem to suffer far more than most. As we are being asked to live in higher densities some rules to mitigate noise would be welcome. It seems there may be four ways forward, though none of them will result in an immediate improvement:
1. To consider accumulative effects of noise when it comes to giving resource consents. There is a strong desire for this to be considered when it comes to helicopters. A business that is constantly noisy might fall into this category. This might be an advocacy position for the board when giving feedback on the Natural and Built Environment Act replacing the RMA.
2. Being firmer about keeping noise within day hours and not going into the night – and working with AT to ensure they can comply with this. This might be a recommendation to the Governing Body and/or Planning Committee.
3. The dark store is counted as light industry – preparation of products for sale – rather than as a distribution centre which is its primary function. It may be worth considering whether it is correctly classified and/or whether a new classification that better captures its activity is required. This might be an advocacy position for the review of the AUP in 2026 if not the NPS.
4. There may be an argument that where an area was primarily residential and is becoming mixed use that sound limits must be appropriate for residential use, either all the time, or at least between 8am and 6pm.
Diversion of Waste from Landfill
There was a wonderful interview on the radio the other day with Tara Moala of the Tamaki Regeneration Company. She talked about how they could remove valuable timber and fittings etc from old homes so they could be reused. Is it possible to find out from her whether they might do this in other parts of Auckland and whether it would be appropriate to spread the word to people obtaining resource consents that this diversion of resource from landfill is possible? If it is, it would be very helpful to have details on who homeowners should contact. I have asked staff to follow up and am keeping my fingers crossed.
Empty Housing
The question of how many houses and apartments are left vacant for most or all of the time comes up in the media every so often. I had a conversation with the council’s research unit about how to establish whether it was an issue or not. The answer is that it is difficult to ascertain. For commercial reasons electricity providers are reluctant to share data on usage while data from water companies may be unreliable because of leaks in the network. Telephone landlines are no longer ubiquitous. Census data from 2018 was particularly unreliable, with apartment data being the most unreliable of all. This is an issue in that the NPS demands councils to meet the demand for housing. Other ways to establish this need are being considered – one possibility is to assume that there is a demand in areas where renters have rents that are more than a third of their income. It is likely that the demand there would be for suitable housing at a certain budget – enabling more housing however may not either suitable of affordable for those currently renting. At present it is very difficult for councils to incorporate inclusionary zoning in their urban plans. It is already an advocacy position of council to government to make it easier to do this to ensure a decent proportion of new housing is affordable in well-located areas.
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[1].
New Applications
25 Tirotai Crescent Westmere Auckland 1022
LUC60383141
Construction of 8 new dwellings and Unit title subdivision.
120 Symonds Street Grafton Auckland 1010
TRE60383077
Removal of a protected tree and pruning of others at the Grafton Cemetery.
183 Ponsonby Road Freemans Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60383668
Proposal for a Comprehensive Development Signage on a Historic Heritage Category B Building.
16 Hepburn Street Freemans Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60384408
Land use consent is sought for substantial demolition, new building work and alterations, and associated landscaping to the existing residential property.
11A/155 Queen Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60384843
11th floor is currently commercial office space and we are planning to develop 8 residential apartments.
Also 12A/155 Queen Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
28 Herne Bay Road Herne Bay Auckland 1011
WAT60384891
Proposed additions and alterations to an existing villa. Including new upper level within extruded roof form containing master suite with bedroom, ensuite, wardrobe and study, new basement level including storage and wine cellar. The existing floor is to be altered to allow for a new stair case and additional bathroom. A swimming pool with associated decking and landscaping is proposed to the rear yard.
101 Carlton Gore Road Newmarket Auckland 1023
LUC60385541
Retrospective consent for the installation and operation of three outdoor unbunded transformers each of which contains over 1000l of oil.
93-95 The Strand Parnell Auckland 1010
LUC60385265
New buildings, new comprehensive development signage, works to street trees, infringements to transport standards.
Following Up
144-150 Williamson Avenue Grey Lynn Auckland 1021
LUC60381969
Proposed additions to an existing commercial premises. This is the “dark” Countdown at the end of Williamson Avenue. The activity has been interpreted by our plans and places team as ‘light manufacturing and services’, as a place where goods are prepared for sale, and therefore the activity is permitted in the zone. The consent application is restricted discretionary overall. Under the reasons for consent, noise is not a matter of discretion, therefore I have had to leave this in the compliance space. Operation is from 7am to 7pm. The board has advocated that the resource consent conditions are as tight as possible to keep vehicle movements and loading/ unloading within these timeframes. We are aware how damaging early morning noise can be to people’s health and wellbeing. Our final comments were: While staff have identified the usage as light industry, I would see it as a distribution centre with multiple traffic movements and a good deal of noise. The intention of the AUP is to manage different uses – where there is a mixed use zone, I would argue that terms should be interpreted with regard the real effects on the residential activity, rather than narrowly. This may not mean the rejection of a consent but the imposition of consent conditions that better balance the interests of neighbouring property owners. For example, noise levels should be considered with a regard to their cumulative effects and the need of families and workers with different shift hours for sleep. A portaloo should not be sited next to the footpath. We strongly urge that these things are taken into account so as to avoid mental and physical health issues in our residents.
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 am a little concerned over the lack of outlook in the future for some apartments (internal windows only). I am also concerned over the lack of activation on the ground floor. The WLB welcomes intensification, particularly where there is no breach of apartment size, outlook requirements, quality architecture and shared spaces. We are concerned that there is very little of visual interest and variety within the current proposal and it does little to improve the amenity of the neighbourhood as a whole. We would recommend that the whole ground floor adjacent to the street is activated through commercial tenancies, and would recommend at least one of these is for hospitality, so as to create a vibrant and safe streetscape that supports its mixed zoning classification. As things stand the proposal does not mean the anticipated outcome of a mixed use development. Without this interest the height and bulk becomes an issue. We are also concerned about the breaches around noise and vibration during the construction. We would recommend full public notification.
[1] 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 in the same neighbourhood. 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.
Where the ground floor is not activated would certainly recommend plantings and interest at ground level. We note that an existing apartment does this beautifully:
Asked for More information and waiting to hear
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.
67 Argyle Street Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60376892
Construct a boat shed on the property. 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.
Meetings / events attended in July
I attend all of Tuesday’s local board workshops and business meetings unless noted otherwise.
2 August Grey Lynn Residents Association meeting
3 August Attended Pitt St Choir rehearsal
5 August Attended Monster Valley Party
6 August Zoom meeting with Sho Isogai to talk about housing matters
9 August meeting with Chloe Swarbrick and For the Love of Bees team
10 August attended the opening night of Pork and Poll Taxes at the Herald Theatre
11 August attended the Homelessness and Housing Hui in Glen Eden
12 August visited the WLB sponsored youth entrepreneur event at AUT
Attended a celebration at the P. Vos Boat Shed
13 August Attended Monster Valley 10 year Celebration Party
15 August Attended Opera Studio performance at Town Hall on the invitation of Annie Coney
16 August Climate Political Reference Group meeting
18 August Project Wave Steering Group meeting
19 August Karangahape Road Business Association Meeting
20 August Light Rail Briefing for Waitemata Local Board
23 August Hauraki Gulf Forum meeting
26 August Light Rail Meeting for KBA
30 August Presented at the PC54 and PM13 hearing in support of making it easier to install rainwater tanks
31 August Attended briefing on current Covid-19 situation
Conferences / member development in July
Every Friday Introduction to Te Reo Maori
14 August Attended treaty training
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. I recently published the book Play in the City in which I advocate for more time and space to play in city planning and management. This is not entirely frivolous in my view, this time spent maintaining relationships, community building, problem solving, developing skills and thinking ahead is essential to prepare for future challenges.
Finally
I am on Facebook, please do friend me, for regular updates or to raise issues or ask for more information on what is happening in the local area. 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. Anyone living in Waitemata is also very welcome to get in touch with me by email: alexandra.bonham@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Recommendation
That this report be received.