Archive for Auckland City Council

Interested in Traffic/Transport? Mental Speed Bumps author at GL2030

June 25, 2009 · Filed under Auckland City Council, Community Planning, Events, Grey Lynn, Traffic, Transport

David Engwicht presentation to Grey Lynn 2030

We are really fortunate to have David booked to give a presentation on Saturday 11 July 1.30 – 3pm at St Columba’s Church Hall, Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn.
David Engwicht Some of you will already have heard about the phenomenal David Engwicht, considered one of the world’s most innovative thinkers about cities, traffic, urban design, community development and place making. David is widely thought of as one of the founding advocates of alternative ways to calm traffic and widely known as the inventor of the Walking School Bus, which has been adopted worldwide.

Most recently, David has been focussing on the psychology of placemaking – fusing urban psychology with urban design. Back home in Australia he is working as Placemaker in a small rural city putting his ground-breaking approach into practice, transforming a run-down, neglected main street into a lively and exciting heart of the city.
David will be taking a special look at Grey Lynn and ideas for our community.

If you are interested in attending it is essential to RSVP by Thursday 10 July as spaces are limited. Please send an email to Pippa Coom greylynn2030@gmail.com with Attendance at David E in the subject.

Entry is by koha to cover the cost of room hire

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A Supercity Submission example from Waitakere

June 25, 2009 · Filed under Auckland City Council, Community, SuperCity

I know how busy all our lives are and you may have found it difficult to write a submission or find time to – well fret no further – we’ve done the hard work for you. Attached is a template that you can either use as is or adapt to incorporate your views on the proposed governance.

22.06.09

SUBMISSION ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT(AUCKLAND COUNCIL) BILL

To the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee

Introduction

This submission is from:

Name:

Address:

Ph:

Email:

We wish to appear before the committee to speak to our submission.

General Comments

We agree that Auckland needs greater coordination on regional matters, but we don’t believe the model in the Bill achieves what is intended. It will instead lead to dislocation of Auckland, with major frustration at the grassroots community level.

It concentrates too much power in the centre, and gives too little to the next tier of local government. It leaves most people, particularly poorer and minority communities, with less voice and less possibility of achieving local change, than they currently have.

We support guaranteed Maori representation on the Auckland Council.

We support the retention of a regional approach to social issues, and the retention of the purpose of local government under the Local Government Act 2002.

We register our protest at the very short time frame allowed for the process of community input to this issue.

Clause by Clause Comments

Clause 7

We recommend that the purpose of the Auckland Council be based on the Local Government Act 2002:

  • ‘To enable democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and
  • To promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future’

Why: Local government, regardless of the level and specific functions,  is ultimately about democracy and wellbeing, which includes all the above. The Auckland Council’s purpose and functions   must  reflect that, and not be divorced artificially from it.

Clause 8

All members of the Auckland Council should be elected by Wards, none at large.

Why: there is too much chance of only rich people getting elected on at large basis, because the cost of running an at large campaign will automatically disqualify those without major funds. This will lead to exclusion from the Council, ongoing power imbalances, and a lack of diverse representation. It weakens accountability.

At least three Maori seats, as recommended by the Royal Commission, should be guaranteed, on a basis to be negotiated with Maori.

Why: It is long past time when New Zealand acknowledged Te Tiriti O Waitangi in the most meaningful way, by ensuring Maori voices are heard at the most important tables. Our historic debt to Maori, particularly in regards to the role played in the history of Tamaki Makaurau, needs to be recognised. We have absolutely nothing to fear, and so much to be gained from this.

Clause 10-17

We support the concept of Community Councils, not Boards

Why: the title ‘Boards’ carries the connotation of Community Boards; a lack of power, a weak body based only on talking. We need strong bodies at the second level of governance.

The principle of shared governance should apply between the Auckland Council and the Community Councils

Why: There must be cooperation and agreement on functions and powers in order to ensure both play their respective roles and neither becomes frustrated and or disruptive to the other

We recommend the powers of Community Councils be extended. They should have the resources, staff and powers to control all local functions, services and facilities, which are not designated by legislation or agreement as regional.

Why: Currently , communities have a large say in their local affairs, they can not only have a voice but get decisions made, facilities and services established. If that does not continue, they will be disenfranchised and have no stake in their communities, and no trust in the Auckland Council.

Community Councils should have the power to conduct local neighbourhood planning in conjunction with their communities

Why: Local planning compliments regional, and should emphasise maximum participation by communities and citizens

Clause 19(3)

There should be no more than 6-11 Community Councils

Why: The Royal Commission recommended six Councils, but allowed that more could be established, to ensure a balance between efficiency and representation. Creating 20-30 Boards will lead to chaotic governance, based on a multitude of unconnected weak bodies competing for attention from the dominant body.

There should be less Councils, but with much more effective powers and functions.


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Example of a Supercity submission

June 24, 2009 · Filed under Auckland City Council, Community, SuperCity

SUBMISSION on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill

To the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee

This submission is from:

Mickey Mouse

43 Fantasy Avenue,

Disneyland

Submission

1. The legislation governing the unitary authority should incorporate a commitment to the following values:

  • The Auckland council recognises that people have the right to have a say in decisions that will affect their lives
  • The Auckland Council will engage the public in matters which affect them and promise that the public’s contribution will influence those decisions
  • Community Boards will be recognised as an important mechanism for engaging with local communities to determine local priorities.
  • Auckland is committed  to the achievement of  social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes for all people in the city
  • Auckland Council recognises the significance of Tangata whenua and the Treaty of Waitangi in all its deliberations.

Clause

8.

  1. I support direct Maori representation on the Council
  2. I support at least 20 direct ward based Councillors and no at-large councillors.
  3. I think it may be a good idea to have fewer wards with several councillors representing that ward.
  4. The Community Board boundaries should match the ward boundaries and have a direct relationship with the councillors.

Comment: I understand the desire for people with a wider view that just local lobbying, but I cannot see how such a system will result in anything other than the narrow wealthy business view of the world.

9 The Mayor must promote a vision for Auckland but he must do this based on significant and meaningful engagement with Auckland residents. This vision must be comprehensive and reflect social, economic, cultural and environmental views – such as in the one plan. The Mayor should provide leadership and stewardship. We do not need Mayors coming in with their visions and changing the focus every three years!!  We need a comprehensive and sustainable vision. It needs to be based on proper engagement with local communities and reflect the diversity of our community. It needs to also be incorporating the views of community boards, and their views need to incorporate the views of their communities.

10 I agree with the purpose of the community board and have the following comments;

  1. Community boards should be provided with adequate staff resources and budgets to undertake local community advocacy plans to provide an opportunity for local communities to set local priorities for Boards to advocate on.
  2. These plans should form an important part of the planning process for the Auckland Council although many items will not be significant enough to feature on the LTCCP for the whole of Auckland.  The Community advocacy plans will be the document which forms the basis for community board input into LTCCP and annual plans.
  3. Auckland Council will recognise and support the community engagement process to develop the community advocacy plan.
  4. This provides an opportunity to share best practice in community engagement from across the region.
  5. An effective process at this level will mitigate to a great extent the “lack of democracy’ feared by people in the One City model.
  6. This is only true if the community advocacy plans are taken seriously by Auckland Council, and this will be the basis on which Councillors will be judged by their constituents.
  7. the boards should be able to decide on as many local matters as possible.

13 I suggest the addition of the following “function, duty and powers of community boards”

  1. to engage with the local community to develop a community advocacy plan representing the priorities for the ward.
  2. this plan is developed with support from Auckland council, and is a result of comprehensive engagement with the community.
  3. this plan should be reviewed every three years and forms the basis of the community board submissions to LTCCP and annual plans.

Thank you for the opportunity to make this submissio.

I would like to be able to present my submission in person

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Discussion document: Great Urban Rides -Auckland

June 21, 2009 · Filed under Auckland City Council, Grey Lynn, Traffic, Transport


Author

Pippa Coom

Julian Hulls – Director

Contact

caa-logo

Nextbike logo small July 2008

132 Symonds Street

greaturbanrides@gmail.com

julian@nextbike.co.nz

021 926 618

021 154 8371

Background

With the recent excitement about the concept of a national cycleway and the firm commitment to create a series of “Great Rides” we see a very real opportunity and a wide range of benefits in ensuring that New Zealand’s major cities have “Great Urban Rides” as a key part of the network, and that these be included in the first rides to be announced at the end of June 2009.

Why “Great Urban Rides”?

The concept fits just as well for tourists as it does for city residents and will generate similar benefits and returns as the proposed regional Great Rides. In addition the Great Urban Rides deliver some distinct benefits:

Pass interesting places for tourist and useful places for locals. Great Urban Rides give access to iconic city experiences that any tourist will remember whenever they talk about their time in New Zealand. Similarly it provides Kiwis with a recognized route that they can ride onto from home and ride off to get to university, work or city events. This in turn gives locals more transport options, community connections and experiences while keeping them fitter, healthier and more productive.

Linking together the hidden and invisible pieces of the puzzle. By blending together the short sections of existing cycle lane, the corridors that regular cycle commuters use and the pre approved/budgeted cycle lane projects it’s possible to see a simple clear network. Because a portion of this work is already pre approved but unstarted, work and benefits can be seen quickly.

Catches tourists at the easiest points in NZ. With the majority of tourists landing in Auckland and then passing through Wellington and Christchurch, it makes sense to give them a quality taste of the cycling experience with little of the logistical struggles. Buoyed by this experience tourists are more likely to commit to a 3 day wilderness tour. It would be possible to direct tourists to regional rides in the flyers for the Great Urban Rides

Low cost high value return with Great Urban Rides. Conventional wisdom might suggest that rides only work if the road is “greened” with dedicated cycle lanes, however we believe there is a low cost solution to this that will enable the above wins. The key is identifying and communicating usable routes on existing roads and directing riders to these at off peak times. In time scheduled roading upgrades will introduce traffic calming measures, that enable more riders to be safe and comfortable using the roads over a greater range of days.

Route selection

The Great Urban Rides will be a compact network that balances the following traits:

Provide safe and fast transport by bike. Safe and fast do not always go together however it’s important to strike a balance here so that existing riders are encouraged to use them and new riders or tourists feel comfortable doing more rides.

Pass interesting places for tourists and useful places for locals. The potential range of route locations is large (Art galleries to zoo’s for tourists and bank’s to universities for locals) so the routes are circular in nature enabling riders to hop on and off to cover most of the distance between the start of their journey and the end.

Use geographically obvious routes to encourage regular use but still be achievable for the first time rider. Experienced transport riders learn to use slow climbing hills and “ride the ridges” often at the expense of the most direct route, tapping into this knowledge will be key to the success of the Great Urban Rides.

Maximise existing infrastructure and leverage off proposed plans. There are a number of disconnected cycle lanes in existence already and more that have had planning work and fund allocated. Accelerating these will ensure some quick to implement, low cost routes.

Overtime Great Urban Rides will evolve and spread further into the regions that surround the city. In the first instance it could be trialled in one of the major cities and the learnings made available to similar cities around New Zealand. We believe that the city with the biggest potential win for both tourists, locals and the economy is Auckland. See Appendix 1 for suggested initial routes.

Route rollout

Identifying route. In the first instance the routes will be identified with a logo and direction arrow. These would be placed on existing signage poles and as road markings at key intersections. The routes should also be available online and as flyers from information outlets. Local riders will be encouraged to use the routes at weekends for large events like Music in the Parks or in the evening. Tourist would be shown around the routes on organized tours or rent their own bike to explore themselves. Suggested time frame to complete 4-12 months. Capital cost – Low ($50K Estimate)

Traffic calming. With a number of major road improvements and cycle lanes approved but yet to be started the routes will become safer for a larger number of days in a typical week as these planned improvements are made. These measures will include slower vehicle speed limits, increased cost of parking, cycle lanes and riders gaining safety in numbers as their positive experiences grow. Identifying these as early as possible and using the National Cycleway to kickstart them will get significant return on investment. Examples include Rugby World Cup walking corridors, Regional Council cycle network proposals and road upgrades for buses. See Appendix 2. Suggested time frame 12-36 months. Capital cost – Business as usual ($0)

Greening routes. The long term goal would be to see the Great Urban Ride “greened” with dedicated cycle lanes. The network becomes a tangible hop on hop off asset that is as useful as the London Underground whilst showcasing the city and giving people the chance to use active transport. Suggested time frame 12-60 month. Capital cost – Moderate (+$1M Estimate)

Next steps

Painting a clear picture of what is possible and gaining support for an Auckland Great Urban Ride(s) is critical for ensuring the concept is included as one of the first great rides to be announced by the Ministry of Tourism at the end of June 2009. This discussion document has been drafted by Next Bikes and Cycle Action Auckland as a first step to achieving this and to assist us with:

  • Identifying and gaining support of key stakeholders and likely champions
  • Confirming the route rollout as a realistic approach
  • Identifying pre approved projects, timeframes and cost
  • Identifying likely infrastructure gaps and the potential costs to overcome these
  • Compiling a high level proposal for the Ministry of Tourism – Due 19th June 2009

Appendix 1

Map shows proposed Great Urban Ride network in Auckland

  • Available on Google maps – Link embedded

Appendix 2

Map shows

  • Existing bike lanes and routes
  • Proposed bike lanes
  • Roads favoured by riders and/or enough space
  • Available on Google maps – Link embedded

Last printed 11/6/09 10:13 AM

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interested in making submissions to the Select Committee on Auckland’s Governance?

June 9, 2009 · Filed under Auckland City Council, Events, SuperCity

The University of Auckland’’s Political Studies Department is hosting a
free public workshop presented by Rob Thomas to assist people interested
in making submissions to the Select Committee on Auckland’s Governance.
This is a non-partisan community event to encourage community
participation in the decision making process.

At the workshop we will:

* Discuss a brief history of the Local Government (Auckland Council)
Bill 2009

* Learn how to make a submission to the Select Committee

* Learn how to effectively formulate your ideas for a formal submission

The workshop is open to anyone who would like to make a submission. You
do not need to RSVP – just come along and feel free to bring anyone who
might also be interested in making a submission.

Friday, 19th June 6-8pm

University of Auckland Clock Tower, Room 039, 22 Princes St, City Campus

Please bring along your own writing equipment. We will facilitate
your workshop and provide reference material. If you would like to find
out more please contact us at:

e.deronde@auckland.ac.nz

Please feel free to circulate this invitation to anyone who might be
interested in attending.

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Supercity Community Meeting – How to write a submission

June 8, 2009 · Filed under Auckland City Council, Community, Grey Lynn, SuperCity

Super City Meeting – Have your say!

Like many of you in Grey Lynn 2030,  I am concerned about what’s happening with the plans for Auckland’s Supercity and the impact on democracy.

Despite huge community opposition, the National-ACT Government are ramming through the legislation without giving people a fair chance to have their say.  You only have until 26 June 2009 to make a submission to Parliament’s Select Committee on Auckland Governance.

As a Labour list MP based in Auckland Central I am holding a public meeting to inform people of the Select Committee process.

Please come and join me on June the 11th to learn more about how to make a submission to the Select Committee

Phil Twyford

Labour List MP

Based in Auckland Central

Spokesperson on Auckland Issues, Disarmament & Arms Control & Associate Foreign Affairs

When – 11th June

Time – 7pm

Where – Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road

For more information on other meetings on Auckland, please click here

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