Arts and Community

This has been a difficult time for the arts.  Theatres can open at level 2.5 with appropriate social distancing but it is not the same. A number of outdoor events have also been cancelled, for example, the Turama Light Festival in Albert Park.  Festivals like the Grey Lynn Festival, the Parnell Festival of Roses and Festival Italiano are still planned to go ahead, as are other festivals in parks. We are keeping everything crossed that they can be run safely. 

In the background artists and event planners have been sharing ideas on good practice in creating a sense of buzz and excitement in urban centres. The Outside In series has been led by Barbara Holloway and Michelle Ardern of the ADO and has allowed people inside and outside of council to share ideas. Ironically it may be that the Innovating Streets package will be the event, coming as it does from the transport fund. Plans to improve Ponsonby Road and Emily Place are to involve the community and should be an opportunity for artists to be involved. 

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. 

2. Helicopters. The residents association have asked us to advocate that private helicopter pads be prohibited in residential areas. 

3. Stormwater concerns. The residents make the case that budgets for stormwater maintenance are less now than when the city was amalgamated which is problematic. 

4. Plan Change 26. The desire to densify Auckland centre may mean that some older properties may be compromised as residents will not be able to do maintenance on them. They have asked us to advocate so that where an old property is by the boundary, the neighbour must continue to allow them access, to paint the side wall for example. 

These points all seem reasonable and the board will consider them as advocacy positions. The WLB already advocates for increasing the tree canopy, blanket protection of urban trees and for better water investment.