Green spaces and accessible places: Deputy Chair Report June 2022
This report covers my Waitematā Local Board Activities from 1-31 May 2022.
Contents
Parks and Beaches
Upgrades at Coxes Bay
Accessible Playgrounds
Tree Planting
Heritage and Planning
Symonds Street Heritage Toilets are Restored
The NPS UD 2020 and the RMA (enabling Housing Supply) Act 2021
Plan 60 Hearing
Resource Consents
New Consents
Follow up on Consents
Meetings/Events I attended
Conferences/Member Development
Disclosures
How to contact me
Parks and Beaches
Upgrades are underway
Really exciting the work going on at Cox’s Bay to daylight the stream and create an accessible pathway between Kelmarna Gardens, Jervois Road, Grey Lynn and Westmere – all part of the Greenways project to make it easier for people to get around and connect to nature at the same time.
Victoria Park upgrades include installing bollards and boulders to define the edge without causing trip hazards.
Accessible Playgrounds
We have heard how important it is for kids in wheelchairs to have exciting swinging/ spinning play where they can be with other kids so are thrilled that the Point Erin playground will incorporate a wheelchair-accessible spinner that all kids can use. There will be a wetpour surface that is more accessible too. We know how important shade is for families to so, to ensure the comfort of carers and younger siblings there will be seating and picnic tables under the trees adjacent the playground. Works are proposed to start in October to be ready for the coming summer.
Tree Plantings
Tree plantings have commenced around our city streets and parks and our arborist has been working with local community members in Herne Bay to hear where more trees are wanted.
Heritage and Planning
Make it stand out
The Symonds Street Heritage Toilets have been restored!
The NPS UD 2020 and the RMA (Enabling Housing Supply) Act 2021
More than 1000 submissions have come from residents on the NPS, which are being read and will inform the local board feedback. We are very grateful for the time people gave to submit.
Plan 60 Hearing
The hearing was 26 May. The WLB spoke in opposition to the proposal to rezone 45 Georgina Street, Freemans Bay, as residential zone. My speaking notes are below:
This proposal came during a period of shock for local council, after the first lockdown for Covid in 2020. It formed part of the Emergency Budget in which a fire sale of assets was proposed, including over 100 pocket parks, two of which are in Waitemata: Georgina Street and Cooper St in Arch Hill. For anyone who has read Naomi Klein’s Shock Doctrine, the process seemed familiar. A shock to the economy and the community, mixed with uncertainty and fear for the future. This shock was felt keenly by the finance department seeing a looming hole in finances coming. Sales seemed the prudent way forward. With the benefit of perspective, the decision to sell these assets seem premature. Early support for the proposal from the board shifted when we understood the strength of community opposition and had time to reflect on what the sale of parks would mean.
There was insufficient consultation and little holistic thinking. A few months later the National Policy Statement on Urban Design is announced, followed a year later by the RMA (Enabling Housing Supply) Bill 2021. With the levels of intensification proposed pocket parks are no longer nice to have but utterly essential for community and environmental wellbeing. The parks support biodiversity in the city above and below ground, the trees provide shade, beauty and perches for birds. Birds are hugely important for Aucklanders, who listen out for their birdsong, and they need habitat and food to flourish here.
All our gardens together provide 75% of urban green space1 and urban green space are important areas for biodiversity because of the impact of fertiliser and monocultures in farming areas. Green space then is absolutely essential in cities and we need to protect what we have. As Hamilton University professor Iain White has noted, NZ cities will never be greener than they are now. We need to be really careful then to ensure sufficient green space in the public realm, an issue already raised in research about the future of the city being led by Auckland Council and Koi Tu.
Georgina Street is partly zoned for development in the current NPS UD response, which may or may not be the final decision. It is certainly in the walkable catchment to the city. Cooper St is nearby but it is very steep, and the affordances are different. It makes sense to keep both.
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.
Eke Panuku (the Auckland Council Urban Development Agency) is planning like-for-like restoration work on Shed 10 that should be complete by January 2023.
New Consents
8 Herne Bay Road Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60401666
The existing dwelling at 8 Herne Bay Road will be demolished and the site will be prepared for the development of a new dwelling and associated access way, driveway and landscaping. The site is located in the Residential-Single House Zone. No 8 is part of the Historic Heritage Area scheduled under Chapter L, Schedule 14.2.5 in the AUP. This proposal would be an issue for other members of the street who value the heritage status. In Herne Bay there is not a blanket suburb heritage area, rather it is confined to a few high quality streets. It would be great to have more information here and the local board recommend limited notification to other street owners.
23 Cheshire Street Parnell Auckland 1052
LUC60401548
Construction of a new pedestrian and cyclist underpass at Parnell Train Station. The local board fully support this but have asked for it to consider attractiveness and safety.
12 Jervois Road Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60403114
Development of a new five Storey building with basement car-parking. The proposed building will accommodate retail activities on the ground floor and 15-dwellings on the upper levels. Construction involves associated earthworks (including temporary de-watering), and works to street-trees and temporary groundwater diversion. The WLB local plan supports well-designed density and recommend being staunch on outlook standards for the future wellbeing of residents, and that there are at least as many street trees at the end of the process as at the beginning.
12-14 Customs Street West Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60402075
Consent is required for minor earthworks within the historic heritage overlay. The WLB prioritises the care of heritage buildings and recommends consultation with heritage staff to ensure the proposal does not damage the heritage values of the building. In terms of adverse effects on the scheduled building, our built heritage specialist is generally comfortable with the level of works proposed. They are however working with the applicant to upgrade their works methodology so that better mitigation measures are in place to avoid and manage the potential adverse effects on the building. In terms of effects on the pedestrian access, the applicant has proposed for works to be undertaken during the Queen’s Birthday weekend to avoid impacting commuters and traffic, which they have noted is timed with AT’s road closure in this area of the CBD. The applicant has also said they have obtained relevant CAR permits from AT for works within the road over this period.
139 Quay Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60402271
Consent is sought to undertake additions to an existing building to construct a flagpole and flag atop of rooftop structure for the existing building at 139 Quay Street. The proposed flagpole is 8.5m in height, whilst the flag itself is 24.5m2 in total area, measuring 7m in width and 3.5m in height. The WLB would like to recommend limited notification with regards the following consent, to the body corporates of residential buildings within a 250m radius. We are a little concerned about the potential noise of a flag that big, and the intrusion it may make on public space.
31 Mackelvie Street Grey Lynn Auckland 1021
LUC60402162
WAT60402163
The construction of a new 8 storey mixed-use development on business mixed-use zone land. The development consists of 2 basement levels, 2 floors of office and retail and 21 apartments above.
Follow up on Consents
13 Marine Parade Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60401085
Development proposal for a new swimming pool and cabana to the rear of the existing dwelling.
Part Level 1/165 The Strand Parnell Auckland 1010
LUC60401045
Alterations and additions to the building facade, comprising painting, additional glazing and canopies, and comprehensive development signage.
7 Queen Street AUCKLAND CENTRAL 1010 (bike shelter outside MacDonalds)
LUC60399266
The new two tiered bike shelter with posters and digital advertising panels has been installed. The workmanship with regard to the installation is disappointing as is the placement well out into the square rather than tucked neatly at the edge as proposed. Councillor Coom has raised as an issue with AT. Below are our comments:
The WLB recommends that the Maori values of Te Komititanga be considered. Mana Whenua have given the name for the square and this ties the reputation of the square to them. We would recommend that the iwi that gave the name be consulted. We are concerned that despite the mana whenua input into the look and design of the square, and the considerable sums paid by Aucklanders to realise this vision the quality of this space as a civic square is not mentioned at all in the application. We would also recommend on the grounds of safety:
Lower night-time luminations so that people walking through the space can easily see past the advertising into the shadows.
Clear glass screens rather than the green render to ensure better safety and visibility for people using the bike shelters.
That the screens do not have any Bluetooth capabilities.
The bike parking was installed very quickly, which was a concern, and not done to the highest of standards. Following feedback issues of workmanship and CPTED have been addressed.
175 Queen Street Auckland Central Auckland 1010
LUC60399588
Additions and alterations to the ground floor of the existing building, including enclosing the existing colonnade area, alterations to the ground floor facade, and the provision of a new veranda along the building frontage with Queen Street. Is this consent retrospective? Any information would be great.
15 Cremorne St
LUC60134603-A
To change the number of consented helicopter flights from two flights per week to four flights per week with no more than two flights on any one day. Limited notification is ongoing until 26 May. This means that despite being adjacent to a public beach reserve the public cannot have their say. The local board has protested against this noting that Justine Christine Gordon in the Duke case made the point that the public should be considered when public space is likely to be affected.
27 Marine Parade Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60397045
Resource consent is sought to undertake additions and alterations to the existing dwelling and garage and also the construction of a number of accessory buildings at 27 Marine Parade, Herne Bay. Accessory buildings on the coast are a trigger for further information – we are waiting to hear back from planners on the details.
38 Rawene Avenue Westmere Auckland 1022
LUC60389929
Use of the site for helicopter take off and landing. The board recommended full public notification and advocated for private recreational helicopter movements be prohibited in the AUP. We are waiting to get more information on whether this is notified or not.
67 Argyle Street Herne Bay Auckland 1011
LUC60386117
Construct a boat shed on the property. Legal advice to the Herne Bay Residents Association is that reclaimed land belongs to the crown, even if the mean water mark might suggest that the land falls into the ownership of the waterside property owner. We have made clear to planners that we support the HBRA in this interpretation of the relevant legislation. The Marine and Coastal Area Act (2011) (MCAA) and its predecessor the Foreshore and Seabed Act (2004) both cover reclamations. S30 of the MCAA states that all reclaimed land is the property of the Crown. S31 makes it clear any reclaimed land prior to the passing of the MCAA is also the property of the Crown. These provisions were also included in the 2004 Act. However, the application is still in the system and we are following up on what next steps will be taken.
1 St Stephens Ave Limited
LUC60386883
Application for resource consents to construct new six-storey apartment building with two basement levels and all associated site works, discharges and groundwater works. This is right next to the Cathedral. We are waiting to hear whether it will be notified. The board recommended limited notification.
17 Fleet Street Eden Terrace Auckland 1021
LUC60393688
The construction of a new vehicle crossing which will connect 17 Fleet Steet to Piwakawaka Street. This crossing will serve the proposed Lot 2 of the proposed 2-lot subdivision. It is very unclear how this will fit in. I have asked for more information.
25-33 The Strand Parnell Auckland 1010
LUC60394472
The construction of an additional floor level to a consented building. I have requested more information.
Meetings/Events attended
3 May
Coffee with Fean of Bike Auckland to talk about playful cities
Grey Lynn Community Centre Board Meeting
4 May
Coffee with Mark van Kaathoven
5 May
Celebrated Unitec Architecture Awards
Meeting with Dirk Hudig and Don Matheson of Herne Bay Residents Association
Attend First Thursday on Karangahape Road
6 May
CRL naming celebration and site visit.
Meeting with MP David Seymour
Here we are below at what was Aotea Station and will be Te Wai Horotiu
7 May
Attended Women in Urbanism’s Caring walk
8 May
Joined in with Hakanoa Reserve Tree Planting
9 May
Spoke at the hearing for the Draft Regional Parks plan
Listened in at the Local Board Chairs’ Forum
11 May
Met with Basil Denee at Costley Reserve Playground
Spoke on Play and the City at Unitec
12 May
Walk around Ponsonby pavement with AT to point out areas of improvement
Meet up with Women in Urbanism
14 May
Joined the Community Cycle ride led by Jane Admore – a great way to be social and find the best cycle routes.
16 May
Meeting with Helen White
Auckland Domain Committee
17 May
Draft National Adaptation Plan Ministry Consultation
18 May
Celebrate the opening of the new green roof on the Central Library (pic below)
Karangahape Road Business Association Meeting
…and enjoyed the Auckland Council Al Fresco Project in Cross Street (pic below)
23 May
Saw “An Other City” as part of the Architecture & Design Film Festival
25 May
Spoke with Chair Northey at Finance & Performance Committee on Annual Budget
Attended Confidential Planning Committee Meeting
26 May
Spoke at PC60 plan change hearing
27 May
Alcohol task force
Meeting with Cheryl of Parnell Business Association
Annual Budget Meeting
28 May
Attended Eid Celebration hosted by NZ Muslim Association
30 May
Briefing on NPS UD for local boards
31 May
Climate Action Political Working 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
Conferences / member development
31 May
NZSTA Te Tiriti o Waitangi 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 a parent trustee on the Richmond Road School board. My husband is the director of the dog walking company Fetch.
Finally…
I am on Facebook, please do friend me, for regular updates, to raise issues and 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 the council. Anyone living or working in Waitemata is also very welcome to get in touch with me by email: alexandra.bonham@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.