Finally … Section 2 of the GI to Tamaki Dr Shared Path Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai is underway with the first sod getting turned on 31 July 2020. For details of the construction plan see the AT Press Release.
Posts Tagged ‘Orakei Local Board’
February Meeting – Orakei Local Board 3-year Plan
2 February 2020
The Ōrākei Local Board will soon start to draft their Local Board Plan, which sets the direction of local Council activities in the area for the next three years. As part of their preparation the Board is offering members of all Resident’s Associations in their area opportunities to voice their opinions on what should (and maybe what should not) be in the Plan. Democracy in action!!
The Local Board Engagement Advisor – Ollin Perez Raynaud, is going to attend our February meeting (11/2/20 at 7:30pm), your committee already has a number of issues to raise but please come along to ensure you have your say – as always, NUMBERS COUNT.
This is a key chance for us to tell the Board about our local aspirations, challenges and projects, which will be considered by the Board in their planning. The Board has a very significant budget from Auckland Council and these funds come, to a very large degree from the property rates (a form of taxation) that residents pay.
On the basis of “no taxation without representation” this is our opportunity to ensure Board funds are spent:
- in our suburbs (where a good proportion of the funds come from)
- on projects and areas that are of most concern to residents.
I look forward to seeing as many members as possible at the meeting.
Barry Stewart
Chair
Orakei Local Board Comments to November 2019 Monthly Meeting
26 November 2019
We were fortunate to have the newly elected Chairperson of the Orakei Local Board (OLB) Scott Milne speak at our November 2019 monthly meeting, as well as Troy Churton, Troy Elliot and Margaret Voyce also in attendance. We were keen to hear their thoughts on priorities for Orakei Ward over the three year team ahead. Below is a brief summary of the discussion.
The OLB is in good health with a mix of incumbents and newly elected members. They are in the process of getting up to speed and understanding council systems, relationships and processes.
Some priorities that the OLB outlined for our area:
- Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive shared path – this is possibly the toughest job that the OLB faces. They emphasised that it is important that stage 2 is built and not be dependent on stage 4 also being constructed. The Auckland Transport (AT) board has changed with new people in place. Scott emphasised that the OLB needs to continue building a constructive relationship with AT to work together to improve progress. He noted that our successful One Local Initiative (OLI) in the long term plan of the Gowing Dr and John Rymer Place links to the shared path that would connect both sides of Pourewa Valley (and connect kids with their schools) are dependent on the shared path being built. Scott said “The new board is determined not to let go of the bone” referring to the success of securing funding for the links.
- Meadowbank Community Centre – the community centre redevelopment is being funded by selling the Victoria Ave old CAB building. This has been completed successfully. The Tahapa Hall will also be sold to fund the redevelopment, but only once the redevelopment has been completed as to provide a venue for groups to use while the construction takes place. Detailed designs are not yet available.
- Waiatarua Wetland Reserve – the OLB is keen to complete the Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan and have a clear pathway for future investment in the wetland reserve. They are keen to ensure that it continues functioning as a wetland and that the reserve is used appropriately e.g. that dogs stay out of the wetland areas and that the sediment removal systems do their job. Scott said that there is a lot of space in the reserve and that good, fair and balanced solutions are definitely possible for all those who wish to use the reserve.
Mayor Phil Goff will be visiting the OLB area in late January 2020 to visit the major project sites including the shared path site and the Gowing Drive and John Rymer Place connection sites (funding secured in the OLI) to understand the area and the benefits these projects will bring to the community.
Our youngest residents association member (aged 10) asked a question from the floor about what the OLB intends to do to tackle climate change. Scott noted that the shared path and local links to it would contribute to fewer car trips and also encourage people to take alternative and more active methods of transport. He also emphasised that there is a long list of little things that collectively add up that we can all do to change the way we think and consider more climate friendly options.
Meet the Candidates for Election 2019
20 August 2019
It’s local government election time again. It can all seem a bit complicated and hard to figure out who does what, so fear not! We have put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose whose name to put your precious ticks beside. Click here to read our guide to when, where, how and why you should vote. There is also information on figuring out which Ward you live in – St Johns east of College Rd to Felton Matthews Rd is Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward, the rest of St Johns and Meadowbank is Orakei Ward.
We are holding a Meet the Candidate evening on 10th September at 7pm at St Chads Church, 38 St Johns Rd. Come along and hear what the candidates have to say.
Who Are the Candidates?
We asked each candidate to send us a brief profile and answer our question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them? Please note that the MBSJRA is politically neutral. In order to best meet our objective of advocating for residents in our suburbs, we are committed to working constructively with people across the political spectrum and with a broad range of views.
Here are the responses that we have from candidates so far (as of 24 August 2019).
Pete Williams
Independent (candidate for OLB and ADHB)
Key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how Pete would support them:
Road Safety: Ensuring our excessive speed is reduced by implementing speed traps and creating more crossings where there are high pedestrian numbers.
Parks and Recreation: Advocate for the continuation of the birdsong project ensuring that our recreational spaces are pest and litter free. Advocating for all current and future parks and recreational spaces to be accessible for all including the elderly, the mobility challenged and parents with prams.
Peter (Pete) Williams has spina bifida and has had over fifty operations related to his spina bifida so understands the health system and associated challenges that come with reduced mobility. At birth, doctors predicted a short life expectancy of only three weeks for him. They told his mother not to bother to feed him, Williams remarked in a TVNZ interview. However, despite this Pete has lived a full life. In 1992, he competed in the Kiwi Kids Triathlon, and was the first child with a disability to do so. He attended Auckland University of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Communications in 2005 after majoring in Television Production. Passing on the 2002 Winter Paralympics in order to pursue his education, he competed at the 2010 Winter Paralympics in the giant slalom, where he finished 20th, and the slalom where he finished 22nd. Today, Pete collects for a number of charities close to his heart, is a board member for Parafed Auckland and runs a small business helping the elderly and disabled overcome various challenges in life.
Pete will be an independent community person, offering a fresh set of ears, advocating for different points of view. He’s not here for the politics, but asking for your vote in 2019 because he will make a positive difference in our everyday lives.
Isaac Mercer
Independent (OLB candidate)
Key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how Isaac would support them:
Transport: Meadowbank and St Johns have great transport links, be that the frequent 75 bus service, or the trains from Meadowbank Station. However, these transport links lack in connections. Meadowbank station is relatively inaccessible by public transport with only one bus connection, and the 75 has limited connection to nearby St Johns Park and Meadowbank. Isaac will ensure the Ōrākei Local Board supports these core routes by advocating for more connecting services and supporting walking and cycling infrastructure to and from the buses and trains. Meadowbank and St Johns have limited dedicated cycling infrastructure resulting in a less than pleasant environment for cyclists. With the opening of the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path, cyclist numbers will only increase. Therefore, the board needs to support cycle lanes throughout the area and on key feeder routes such as St Johns Road. The entire area, including Meadowbank and St Johns, has an issue with vehicle speeds and Isaac will ensure the board supports and lobbies for vehicle speed reductions such speed calming to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe throughout Ōrākei.
Community: Meadowbank and St Johns are privileged to have such a diverse community. This provides great opportunity but also a challenge for the board to incorporate their views on decisions. I will ensure the varying perspectives of those within the community are represented and listened to and provide a strong platform for young people to have their voice heard on the Ōrākei Local Board.
Isaac Mercer will bring an exciting new perspective and direction towards local issues, as a 19-year-old, that has never been represented in Ōrākei. Isaac believes it is time that young people are taken seriously on local issues and have a strong voice for youth behind decision-making tables. Young people are the ones who will be living with the impacts, positive or negative, of decisions made today for the longest. Isaac believes it is time to take their concerns seriously and give young people a voice on the board.
Ōrākei needs to take a new approach with a fresh face and a fresh perspective. To see a fresh face for Ōrākei vote Isaac Mercer for the Ōrākei Local Board.
Click here for Isaac’s Facebook profile
Carmel Claridge
Better Auckland (candidate for Orakei Local Board and Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward Councillor)
Key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how Carmel would support them:
General Transport Safety: As your Transport Lead on the Board I have received a strong message from residents that the ability to move around the area safely and easily is important to you. A key component in easing our traffic congestion is to provide good infrastructure to support alternative transport modes. This takes vehicles off the roads and is good for all of us. We shouldn’t have to drive our children to school because the local environment is too risky for them to walk. I have actively sought solutions and with the OLB have delivered local transport projects as follows:
- St Johns Signage Project
- Pedestrian Crossing Meadowbank Rd / Refuges St Johns Rd
- Felton Matthew intersection signalisation and safety improvements
- Bus Shelter and parking reconfiguration Meadowbank Train Station
- 782 Bus Route
- Pathway links – Tahapa Reserve
- Pathway Maintenance upgrade – St Johns
- Securing Community Safety funding for Temple St / Lucia Glade safety Improvements.
Redevelopment of the Meadowbank Community Centre: The Community Centre has been crying out for attention for years. I will continue to work on the optimisation process that will deliver a purpose- built centre – retaining of ownership of the land by Council and sale of the air space above for residential use. This will enable delivery of a valuable amenity at no cost to the ratepayer.
Gowing Drive Connection to the Glen Innes – Tamaki Shared Path: Establishing the Gowing Drive walking/cycling link needed by community to access the GI2TP is vital. It will enable students to walk or cycle to St Thomas’s or Selwyn College, connect the Meadowbank and Kohimarama communities, and take cars off the road – easing congestion on the busy St Johns & Kohimarama Rds. As champion of this project I helped secure a funding allocation of 4.6 million in the Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan. Additional funding from NZTA is required to activate this piece of work. Strong advocacy is still needed. I will continue to champion this project on your behalf as a Local Board member.
I’ve lived in Greenbank Drive St Johns for 12 years. Deputy Chair of the Orakei Local Board, I’ve enjoyed attending the monthly Association meetings over the term. This is a fantastic neighbourhood to live in with a strong community spirit we can all be proud of. A “hands on” environmentalist, I Chair environment groups Friends of Pourewa Valley, and the Tamaki Estuary Environment Forum. I am a founding member and former spokesperson for the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance – dedicated to ensuring you get the best possible value for your hard- earned rates.
Click here for Carmel’s Facebook profile
Phone 021 617 868
Alan Barraclough
Green Party (Orakei Ward Councillor candidate)
Key Priorities in Meadowbank and how Alan would support them:
Pedestrian, cycling and children’s safety: Crossing Remuera Road is a dangerous activity. Especially for school children and senior citizens. I see many people on dark winter evenings standing anxiously half way across the road, protected by nothing but white lines from rush hour traffic. As the unitary plan picks up pace, the traffic density on our roads increases as a result. However, the design of our footpaths and road crossings have not improved to cope with the increased traffic intensity.
Given the level of rates we pay in the Meadowbank and St Johns area, I would like to see a fair proportion returned to our district to address these issues. On Remuera Rd, St Johns Road, and College Road we need to provide double the number of crossings, and pedestrian island sanctuaries on the road median strip. The safety of our children would be improved by preventing rubbish trucks, and heavy truck traffic from our roads during those times children walk to school. Those who want to cycle should feel secure in their commute by being provided with fully separated cycleways well away from vehicles as alternative means to commute to the city, schools, and beaches.
Removing poisons from our communities: Over the last 3 years the dangers of glyphosate and other poisons and their long-term health effects have been widely reported in the media. The extent of poison use such as glyphosate by both the council and private companies is a concern for me. We need to phase out the use of poisons and seek alternatives.
A plan to return Remuera Golf Course to true public use: The Remuera Golf Course is publicly owned land around 60 hectares. Unusually this very large piece of land has had its lease renewed until 2091. We really need to work with Remuera Golf Club to shorten the lease on much of this land, and instead develop it as a resource for multiple sports and activities such as mountain biking, adventure playgrounds for our youth, climbing sports, community gardens. It would be also be an excellent site for an urban educational facility centred around outdoor recreation activities. Some smaller sections of this land could be returned to predator free native forest, bringing an appreciation of nature back into the community, and essentially providing a separation between activities.
As a long-term resident of Ōrākei living in Meadowbank, I believe we live in a beautiful part of the city, but it is one that needs protecting and enhancing for current residents and future generations.
Troy Churton
C&R – Community and Residents (OLB candidate)
Troy has extensive legal and governance experience, certified RMA Commissioner, current OLB portfolio lead for planning and regulatory. Troy holds processing planners to account and advocates strongly for community views. Lifelong local resident, committed to enhancing local amenity and lifestyle qualities, helped secure $1.2m sport improvement funding for Orakei area, will ensure master plans for recreational reserves are completed.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?
Colin Davis
C&R – Community and Residents (OLB candidate)
Current member and past chairman of Orakei Local Board. St Heliers resident 48 years. Extensive local government experience and community involvement. Former Chairman Eastern Bays Community Board, City Councillor, City Valuer, City Secretary. Colin is committed to preserving the area’s special character, upgrading core services, prudent expenditure, efficiency and open government.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?
Troy Elliott
C&R – Community and Residents (candidate for OLB and ADHB)
Troy Elliott is an Ellerslie resident and current Chair of the Ellerslie Residents’ Association. Troy has worked with AT to achieve local outcomes on transport and parking. He has a wealth of experience in management, been involved with several charities, and is currently a speaker and advocate for Breast Cancer.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?
Scott Milne
C&R – Community and Residents (OLB candidate)
A solution-driven team player, Scott is determined to improve transport, beaches and parks in the area. He has served six years on the Auckland City Council. He previously owned Wylies Pharmacy, Remuera before starting the Life pharmacy group and has a wide range of governance, community, volunteer and business experience.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?
Sarah Powrie
C&R – Community and Residents (OLB candidate)
Lifelong local resident with diverse experience ranging from owning and managing small business to strategic planning and stakeholder support. Sarah will bring her collaborative vision, energy and commitment to the team to help build thriving community centres, clubs and libraries and advance the economic development of local business.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?\
Margaret Voyce
C&R – Community and Residents (OLB candidate)
An active local resident association member, Margaret fostered community engagement challenging parts of the proposed Unitary Plan and helped collaborate with Auckland Transport on local parking issues. Margaret will make sure core infrastructure is in place, improve Council service delivery for Orakei and ensure communications are cost-effective.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?
David Wong
C&R – Community and Residents (OLB candidate)
David has been a committed member of the Orakei Local Board for the last three years. He has been portfolio lead on Community Facilities and Services. David is focused on the preservation of local parks, community spaces, working on youth and cultural initiatives and supporting the growth of local business.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them?
C&R – Community and Residents response to question on key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how the C&R Candidates would support them:
1. Working with Panuku Development Auckland to get the new Meadowbank Community Centre completed:
Successive C&R – Communities and Residents Orakei Local Boards have made the redevelopment of the Meadowbank Community Centre top priority in their local board plans.
Your new C&R – Orakei Local Board team will continue to collaborate with Panuku Development Auckland to ensure this project is successfully completed.
2. Transforming pedestrian access with a Gowing Drive connection to our Glen Innes – Tamaki shared pathway This pathway will provide a fantastic new recreational and commuter opportunity for cyclists and pedestrians. The current C&R – Orakei Local Board championed progress of the Gowing Drive connection and other local connections to the path enabling greater local school access. The Orakei Local Board has committed $2m capital funding. Your new C&R Orakei Local Board team has the experience and relationship skills needed to ensure that Council and Auckland Transport work with the New Zealand Transport Agency to ensure this project is completed.
3. Improving local road safety by completing transport safety projects: The present C&R – Orakei Local Board has used the additional allocation of $830,000 for funding transport safety projects, to prioritise a further three new Meadowbank and St Johns safety projects.
Your new C&R – Communities and Residents Local Board team for 2019 will see these projects completed and will consult with the Meadowbank and St Johns Residents Association on further improvements.
4. Advocating for better outcomes in the Resource Management Act/Auckland Council Unitary Plan process: The present C&R – Communities and Residents local board team has a proven record successfully advocating for residents’ concerns regarding the negative effects of Unitary Plan infringements. Your new C&R Orakei Local Board team retains that experience and determination to work for you to ensure local development is within the rules.
Desley Simpson
C&R – Community and Residents (Orakei Ward Councillor candidate)
Key priorities for Meadowbank and St Johns and how Desley would support them:
1. Working with Panuku Development Auckland to get the new Meadowbank Community Centre completed: I will continue to collaborate with the new C&R Board team and support their dealings with Panuku Development Auckland to ensure this project is successfully completed.
2. Transforming pedestrian access with a Gowing Drive connection to our Glen Innes – Tamaki shared pathway: I achieved majority support on the Governing Body to recognise this project, advocated by the C&R Board, as regionally significant and helped secure funding for the Board to then commit to it. This pathway will provide a fantastic new recreational and commuter opportunity for cyclists and pedestrians.
3. Improving local road safety by completing transport safety projects: I doubled the Orakei Local Board’s transport capital fund and then secured an additional $830,000 for local safety projects. Your new C&R – Communities and Residents Local Board team for 2019 will use the funding I secured them to be able to deliver more transport solutions across the Orakei Ward including those in Meadowbank and St Johns
Examples of how I have achieved for Auckland: I championed a new value for money programme which has independent people assess the efficiency of Council departments. Eight have been done so far, saving ratepayers $260million dollars in just 2 years. I am the only Councillor to put up ten resolutions to tighten the control over Auckland Transport, making them more accountable to the people they serve including making them report on congestion which is costing business and ratepayers approx $1 billion per year in loss of productivity.
As chair of the Quality Advice Committee, I added a reporting requirement for financial implications and risks and mitigations to elected member agendas. NZIER have now scored Auckland Council highest ever on their quality advice Secured funding towards the OLB’s priority project ( Shared path link at Meadowbank into the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive shared path ). Delivered funding and improvements to Tamaki Drive to assist mitigate flooding issues.
Josephine Bartley
Labour (Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward Councillor candidate)
Key priorities for Meadowbank and St Johns and how Josephine will support them:
Transport – With intensification and construction work in the area causing major delays and congestion it is important we have workable options for getting around better, whether that be walking, cycling, public transport or driving your car. As you would have seen the traffic backs up along Merton Road heading into Apirana Ave because of the Watercare works on Elstree Ave. As I am the Councillor for Maungakiekie Tamaki I have been working with the Maungakiekie Tamaki Local board chair to find effective solutions for traffic management while these works are carried out, this will in turn benefit you in the Orakei side because you are neighbouring area and traffic backing up is all connected. I supported the Eastern Busway project which will mean more increased usage of the busway from Pakuranga, Botany side into Panmure, this will help ease up congestion for our area. I supported the increase to the Local board transport capital fund and the establishment of the local board safety fund both resolutions led by Cr Simpson. I see the amazing work by this local board regarding the Tamaki shared pathway and as Councillor for the neighbouring ward I saw the benefits for both sides of the ward which I will continue to support. If re-elected I look forward to working with the Orakei Local board and the Orakei Councillor to address further transport issues in the area.
Community development – It is great to see progress with the Meadowbank community centre and I will work with the Orakei Local board and Orakei Councillor to ensure Panuku delivers a centre that you are proud of. I share the aspiration of the residents association for more inclusive neighbourhoods as it is more enriching being part of a community rather than just going to work and coming home and not getting involved in shaping the place where you live and meeting the people in your area.
Environment – We have so much beautiful green space in our area and ecological restoration is a priority that both Maungakiekie Tamaki and Orakei local boards have been working on as both sides share parks on the border e.g Apirana Reserve. I will continue to advocate for regional initiatives and funding that benefit us locally for example pest eradiction funding through the Natural Environment rate.
Josh Beddell
C&R – Community and Residents (Maungakiekie-Tamaki Ward Councillor candidate)
I’m local and experienced. My family moved to Glen Innes in the 1950s. I was born on Konini Road, attended One Tree Hill College and have lived locally with my family for over 15 years. I offer more than a decade of experience in community engagement, project management and advocating for our local residents.
You get common-sense and careful spending with me. I’ll focus on: cutting waste, core council services, safer neighbourhoods, reducing the cost of living, axing the petrol tax and taking control of AT. We must tackle congestion, get Auckland moving and invest heavily in quality infrastructure. We can’t afford 3 more years of this Council. You deserve better. I’ll be your strong voice and will fight for you everyday.
See below C&R candidate statements for C&R candidate block response to question: What do you think are the key priorities in Meadowbank and St Johns and how would you support them.
Patrick O’Meara
United Locals (Maungakiekie-Ward Councillor candidate)
Key priorities for Meadowbank and St Johns and how Patrick will support them:
Transport: With my professional knowledge of road and construction ,working for Local Bodies and Fulton Hogan civil construction and motorways, I see the failures of Auckland Transport at a Local Level daily.Auckland Transport need to be back under Council Control and to be held responsible by you the people. Cutting wasteful spending and prioritising Core Council Services. To complete the Tamaki shared path with proper input and outcomes for our community including finishing A.M.E.T.I. to Merton Road. Providing safer roads for our community
Community Development: I am a Stakeholder and have been working with Panuku on Unlock Panmure, and as a Community Leader, President of the Panmure Historical Society Inc, as well as Chair for Panmure Basin Advisory Committee I’m looking forward to working with Orakei Councillor and the Orakei Local Board to ensure that your voice is heard and understood. I will meet with Locals & Associations and people who also wish to be listened to over the next 3 years.
Environment: I know and care and am Appalled at the lack of Action and Accountability by Council and Local Boards, being the Chairperson of the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society for the last 5 years, they are hiding the true state of our Waterways, Estuaries and Harbour. Council continue to misrepresent the true state of the environment. Our beaches are closed due to water quality and pollution, because of failing infrastructure and due to unchecked population growth and are now at an all time low. The Eastern Birdsong Project whom I’ve worked with in the past needs to expand into Maungakeikei – Tamaki and open an enhance the green corridor to include the restoration of the Point to Point Walkway. Also getting Wai-o-Taiki Bay / Omaru Creek Nature Reserve- status and protection for the future generations.
I will be your independent (Non-Party) strong Local Voice ensuring your Rates are well spent. UNITED LOCALS your LOCAL VOICE.
Provide Your Feedback on Draft Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan
30 July 2019
Summary of MBSJRA’s Opinion on the Draft Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan
Waiatarua Reserve currently provides great off-leash dog recreation, but the presence of off-leash dogs has meant that other recreation activities that could take place in the reserve have not been developed, especially recreation opportunities for our children. We believe that at 41 hectares with 16 hectares of grassland and paths, that the reserve is big enough for many recreation uses without impacting on off-leash dog activities. With an estimated 84% of households in Auckland not being dog owners, and an estimated 89% of households in Meadowbank and St Johns not owning dogs we believe that this justifies alternate recreation areas in the Reserve.
According the Auckland Council’s Policy on Dogs 2012 Waiatarua Reserve is an off-leash dog area: “a place where dogs may be off-leash but still must be under control. A place shared with other users.” While we agree that the vast majority of dogs owners do a good job at controlling their dogs in the reserve, the natural exuberance of dogs enjoying off-leash play it is not always compatible with recreation such as kicking a ball with kids. Feedback from residents and examples of poorly controlled dogs interacting with families means we believe that a on-leash dog area is needed in the reserve.
The draft Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan goes a long way to addressing the environmental improvements that we have sought, but we believe that recreation areas suitable for picnics, ball games and outdoor play are vital to ensure that our children grow up with a connection to the environment and grow up to value it, and that they gain an understanding of the importance of maintaining our environment into the future. We propose a small area of the Reserve be designated on-leash and that this area be used for outdoor recreation and play. Simple fencing similar to that at the playground at the western end of the reserve would be perfect. Click here to download the draft enhancement plan and submit your feedback.
How Do I Provide Feedback?
The Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan is now available and your feedback is requested, closing 12 August 2019. Auckland Council is seeking your input on:
– what you use the reserve for
– when you visit the reserve
– what recreation facilities you’d like to have available
– your environmental priorities.
There will also be a drop-in event at the Menz Shed (in the Abbotts Way car park) 10am – 12noon on Saturday 3 August 2019.
What Is the Background to This Plan?
Waiatarua Reserve covers 41 hectares with 16 hectares of open meadows and paths suitable for recreation. The reserve is a unique area of open space in our suburbs and has many opportunities for environmental and recreation improvements. The purpose of the Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan is to ensure that developments are consistent with the themes of the reserve, protect the natural values and prevent it from being cluttered with ad-hoc developments. It is one of over 2500 beaches, parks and reserves listed as off-leash dog walking areas in Auckland.
What Does MBSJRA Think of the Plan?
We have reviewed the draft Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan and believe that it covers the much needed environmental improvements that we sought to ensure that the wetland health is improved. The plan also outlines the need for increased pest management for animals, fish and plants deemed pests. We like the improved links with the neighbouring golf course too and improved amenities such as seating and rubbish bins.
However, we believe that with 16 hectares of open space, and with suburban backyards increasingly shrinking, that there is also scope to further improve the recreation amenity in the Reserve. While well utilised as an off-leash dog walking area, the presence of off-leash dogs precludes other recreation activities such as causal backyard style cricket or soccer games with friends. Discussions with residents with children show that the reserve is not especially well used by that group due to the presence of dogs, and examples of dogs intimidating children and interfering with their play are many. There is a small playground area at the far western end of the park, but this playground area is not large enough for anything other than playing on the provided play equipment. The popularity of this playground demonstrates that people want to get outside with their children and that people think that Waiatarua Reserve is a great place to do this.
Waiatarua Reserve is a huge green area with more than enough space for everyone that wants to use it, and increasingly in this day and age we need to find ways to increase the amount of time our children spend outside, eating outside, active outside and feeling a connection to our environment and ownership of the importance of maintaining it into the future. Studies also show time and again that for improved physical and mental health we need to get our kids (as well us adults too) outside and active, so why not make use of the biggest green space in the suburb? Notwithstanding that Waiatarua is a regional facility as well and hugely popular with dog owners generally we believe it is too valuable a green space to be solely dedicated to our four-legged friends.
Where Could These Recreation Areas Be?
To be clear, this proposal would have little if any impact on dog walking in the Reserve. The area to the left of the entrance way at 139/141 Grand Drive is the prime location for a recreation area with dogs on-leash. As shown by this flood zone map on page 11 of the plan, the area is not flood prone and observations show that the area is impressively dry even after heavy rain. It’s also accessible via a separate bridge close to the boundary with 147 Grand Drive. It is adjacent to the golf course and a planned path connecting the two areas, and is already planted with mature exotic trees, and of course is the closest point to the Meadowbank town centre. This area is identified in the plan as an area suitable to “provide opportunities to connect with nature and lean about natural and cultural aspects of the reserve” (page 29) and suitable for high infrastructure intensity.
The main feature that a recreation area with dogs on-leash needs is a very basic fence to delineate the area on all sides. This could be similar to the basic fence surrounding the play area in the south-western corner of the park. We would like to see closer cropped grass if possible, picnic tables under the trees, and assuming it’s far enough away from the houses (which are elevated and screened by hedges and trees) some play equipment for kids would be ideal. These could even be more nature based e.g. tree trunk stepping stone type play equipment and other natural material based Māori traditional play (māra hūpara) as have been installed in playgrounds elsewhere in Auckland. We would prefer to see this clustered in one area where children can play without dogs around.
Trees provide the perfect obstacle course.
If the Grand Drive entrance area of the reserve is not deemed suitable, then pushing out the fenced area at the current playground into the large, flat, open space there (noted as 13a on page 27 of the plan and pictured above) to enable some balls/frisbees/picnic sitting on the ground, meeting other families etc without having to worry about kids and picnics vs. off-leash dogs, or indeed a space for older children to be able to go down with their friend, be somewhat independent and having a good time out of the house. The path currently used by dog walkers could be re-routed to the east of this proposed area.
Photo credit: Theo Leach
This area only needs to be about the size of Meadowbank School’s field, which is an extremely small percentage of the reserve – compare these two maps to get an idea of the size of the area we are suggesting:
How Many Auckland Households Own Dogs? How Many Households Own Dogs in Meadowbank and St Johns?
According to Auckland Council an estimated 15% of Auckland households are registered dog owners, with slightly lower ownership rates in Meadowbank and St Johns. This means that 85% or more of households don’t own dogs. We believe this supports a more varied use of Waiatarua Reserve, and its size, geography and the route that dog owners generally walk their dogs would easily adapt to more varied recreational uses.
Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2012
The Auckland Council Policy on Dogs 2012 notes that Waiatarua Reserve is designated as “an off-leash area – a place where dogs may be off a leash but must still be under control. A place shared with other users.” This Policy on Dogs also notes that being a responsible dog owner means (among other things) being particularly vigilant near children and closely supervise interaction, respect other people’s personal space and to remember that public spaces are for everyone’s enjoyment and not everyone is fond of dogs. While we agree that the vast majority of dogs owners do a good job at controlling their dogs in the reserve, due to feedback from residents and examples of poorly controlled dogs we believe that a recreation area where dogs need to be on-leash is needed in the reserve. Our preference is for all dogs in Waiatarua Reserve to be well controlled as per the Dog Policy so that a separate recreation area is not needed, but unfortunately this is not the current situation.
Our Presentation to Orakei Local Board in September 2019
In September 2019 we presented to the Orakei Local Board at their monthly meeting on what we would like to see as part of the Waiatarua Reserve Enhancement Plan. You can read the content of the presentation here and the powerpoint presentation here. The Orakei Local board passed a resolution to explore an additional designated on-leash dog area. We thank the Orakei Local Board for the opportunity to present to them and for considering our request.
Concerns with Effects of Golf Club Lights
5 March 2019
Photo taken from the public path inside Waiatarua Reserve showing visual effect of floodlight towers.
Some Meadowbank residents have expressed surprise and a strong dissatisfaction with the floodlights that were recently installed in the Remuera Golf Club at the eastern boundary with the Waiatarua Reserve. These lights are large, tall and (some might say ugly) industrial metal structures that intrude on both the day and night views of residents who live near the golf club and Waiatarua Reserve, as well as the many people who walk, jog and cycle in the reserve. There have been some comments that the lights are more suited to a stadium such as Eden Park rather than a suburban golf course adjacent to an ecological reserve.
The Waiatarua Reserve is an area of ecological standing in Auckland and is equivalent to a conservation area. It is one the few places where native bush has been planted for many years to create a small native forest habitat and food sources for our native wildlife, and is a much valued green space for city dwellers within the central city. These artificial floodlights disturb the habitat for birds and have adverse effects on the development of trees. The Unitary Plan requires under Section E24 Lighting, that lighting in a conservation zone should be Lighting Category 1 (intrinsically dark). An un-notified resource consent was granted for these lights in 2013 and we note that the consent acknowledges that the land at Waiatarua Reserve is in a Significant Ecological Area and a Flow 2 Volcanic View shaft and Height Sensitive Area. Troy Churton, the Planning and Consents Porfolio Lead for Orakei Local Board (OLB) over the last few terms, recalls commenting against the effects of light spill.
The lights are much taller than nearby trees and are not in keeping with the natural environment of the Waiatarua Reserve nor the golf course itself. Nearby residents (including the members of the nearby rest home in Gerard Way as we heard at our February monthly meeting) are disturbed by the lighting at night. There is light spill into the Reserve, so extensive that you can see the reflection of the lights in the open area of water near the Towle Place entrance and shadows are created within the reserve. According to the resource consent giving approval to install the lights in 2013:
- the light spill will be less than minor;
- light will only be spread towards the golf course driving range;
- there will be no adverse effects on the streetscape;
- the height and scale of the lighting poles will not be visually obtrusive;
- there will be less than minor adverse effects in terms of outlook or visual amenity;
- the floodlights will have less than minor effects on the reserve; and
- within two months of commencing operation of the floodlights the Golf Club is obliged to undertake lighting measurements and provide a validation report to Auckland Council.
Thanks to Troy Churton from the OLB for providing the resource consent documents and background to the floodlight’s construction, as well as ensuring that Council has been alerted to the need to monitor the resource consent conditions. “I expect to have the results of monitoring of resource consent conditions in the next few days” says Troy, “and I will be vigilant in getting that information and scrutinising it with my fellow portfolio deputies Colin Davis and David Wong”.
Via Troy we have ascertained that:
- The Golf Club acted to get the land owner approval just within the five year grant of consent, a necessary further step as the floodlights are on Council land.
- Landowner approval was given for two years.
- The OLB raised various concerns about light spill etc when landowner consent was sought but there was little that could be done to argue against granting land owner approval given the existence of the resource consent and advice received about broader compliance under the unitary plan.
Our questions are:
- Are the lights that have been installed what was expected when the consent was granted? Is Council satisfied that these lights meet the resource consent criteria?
- Given the significant impact of the light structures in the daytime and lighting at night, should this consent have been publicly notified?
- Why are such tall intrusive lights required? Is this appropriate for a green space golf course? If so (and we strongly contest this) could the golf course not have installed lights closer to the ground that do not intrude of the views from the Reserve and other neighbours, and do not disturb the ecological habitat of the Reserve?
We also look forward to seeing the results of the lighting measurement report due by late March 2019. Troy has undertaken to share these with us as soon as he can. Have a look at the picture below taken in the reserve and you can clearly see the shadows cast by the flax and the dog on the ground from the golf club floodlights. In our opinion this is not good enough and we will be following this issue closely. If you think the effects of these floodlights are not OK please contact us with your thoughts and feel free to also email the Remuera Golf Club
These shadows do not show less than minor light spill
Let’s Keep St Johns Together
23 August 2018
Due to population growth in Auckland’s CBD the Council is reviewing ward boundaries to make sure each ward has roughly the same amount of people. This is a statutory requirement by the Local Electoral Act. Meadowbank and St Johns currently sit in Orakei Ward. Part of the proposal to reshuffle boundaries is for part of St Johns to be moved to the Maungakiekie Ward – see map below and click here for more information. While we understand the need to ensure that council wards contain about the same amount of people, we believe that there are better options than splitting a suburb, and spreading a residents association across two wards that (in our humble opinion) is working well. We believe that there are more suitable options for adjusting the ward boundaries and that either Stonefields or part of Glendowie moving into the Maungakiekie ward would be closer to the Communities of Interest that the council used for their initial proposal. There is also some concern that down the track this could mean that the local board boundaries change also.
The Association will be lodging a submission that reflects this view and we encourage all members and residents who feel strongly about the issue to lodge submissions reflecting their own views. Note that the submissions close on 11 September 2018 and can be lodged online by clicking here. We want to encourage all who have views on the proposed boundary changes to make a submission.
Spotlight on Waiatarua Reserve
15 May 2018
To get a better understanding of the management of Waiatarua Reserve, Orakei Local Board member Carmel Claridge organized a meeting at the reserve with OLB Board members, staff from Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters team and the contractors responsible for maintaining the storm water infrastructure and waterways in the Waiatarua Reserve.
These areas of maintenance for the Reserve are separate to mowing, edging, and pathway maintenance which fall under the remit of Community Facilities – a different arm of Council with associated work on those tasks being carried out by Ventia contractors. In simple terms everything to do with the water and within the waterways – including the weirs, culverts and silt traps is looked after by Healthy Waters and anything else is covered by Community Facilities.
The Board received assurances that the Wetlands are functioning as they should be as a natural storm water catchment and treatment facility. The silt traps are being inspected and cleared on a weekly basis by contractor staff. The canals that run through the Reserve from near the entrance at Grand Drive to the mid-section of the wetlands were cleared of debris and silt last year. This is a major exercise requiring the silt to be moved offsite, treated, and then discharged to land fill. A number of trees that have fallen into perimeter waterways during the recent storm events are scheduled for removal, and this work will be completed in due course taking into consideration that there is a considerable back log of fallen trees for clearing Auckland wide. Spot treatment of noxious weed species in the waterways is being carried out rather than blanket spraying as is done besides pathways. This is to ensure planting necessary to retain stream embankments and contribute to the organic filtration system. There are species of fish and eels visible in the waterways indicating a healthy ecosystem.
With the assistance of staff Orakei Local Board members identified some specific areas within the Reserve that would benefit from some additional planting in the future to further enhance the protection of the waterways. According to Carmel, the site visit and walkover was a valuable exercise, and a good opportunity for OLB members to be able to discuss concerns directly with contractor staff.