Happy New Year Welcome to our first update of 2010. It looks like it is going to be an exciting, action- packed year as we work towards our vision of a self-reliant, vibrant, connected, positive and sustainable community. We extend a warm invitation to our first gathering of the year on Wednesday 10th  (details below). We thought an informal social evening would be a great way to kick off the year and an opportunity to gather together people working on our behalf in the community who would like to meet you. We look forward to seeing you there.

As a grass roots, community organisation we are particularly concerned about the Bill’s failure to determine the powers and functions of the Local Boards. There is a real danger that we are heading towards a flawed and centralised system that takes alway the voice of local communities.

Grey Lynn 2030 is currently working on a submission which is due by 12 February. We encourage everyone to make a submission to highlight the many issues with the Bill.  Useful templates for a submission can be found on both the Greens and Labour websites.

Auckland Central public meeting
Speakers: David Clendon, Jacinda Ardern and Phil Twyford
Location: Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm, Thursday 4th February Grey Lynn 2030 first gathering of the year
Wednesday 10 February at 7.30pm.
“Meet your Community” Drinks and Nibbles

Our first meeting of the year is a social gathering to welcome in the year. Come along to share ideas, hear what our focus groups have planned for the year and meet the people who work in the community for you.

Members of the Western Bays Community Board, CAB, Grey Lynn Neighbour Law Office, the Community Constable, and the Council’s Community Services Advisor will be there.

Special guest Mayor Len Brown (coming along to check out what we are up to in our community).

Garden Room and Patio (if it is a warm evening we will be outside), Grey Lynn Community Centre.

Drinks and canapes will be provided. Please RSVP to greylynn2030@gmail.com

Entry by koha Grey Lynn Farmers Market
Scarecrow Competition 7th February 2010

The  Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is judging the Scarecrow Competition of the School Holiday Programme at the next market, Sunday 7th. Come along and cast your vote!

With the remaining stallholders returning from their holidays, the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market will be bigger and better than ever. As always, you’ll find lots of fresh summer produce and quality foods to stock up for the week ahead. And have you tried the authentic french crepes yet?

Remember to bring along your surplus fruit and vegetables to the innovative Ooooby stall to sell or swap with other home garden suppliers! Even better, bring it pre-bagged in the quantities you want to sell and with your name and price attached.

Membership costs $30 for the year and gives you a 10% discount on your purchases, plus voting rights on how the market is run. Traffic Calming If you ran out of time to do the Traffic survey at the end of last year it is not too late.  It really only takes 3 minutes!
if you  work, live, or play in Grey Lynn please take a couple of minutes to do this survey so we have a better idea about traffic issues and concerns

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=SkrjyANkggFt1GYZyC2ePA_3d_3d Please also forward on the link to your networks.

West Lynn Parking Issues

West Lynn residents have already been busy this year looking at solutions to deal with traffic issues. In late 2009 the Auckland City Council responded to residents’ concerns about traffic flow and parking access in and around Francis Street by prosing a P120 parking permit restriction to one side of Francis Street and giving residents, who have no parking on their property, the option to buy a permit for exemption @ $150 each permit. Council distributed a survey to Francis St residents indicating that if 50% of residents agreed to the introduction of the P120 it would be implemented.

Concerned residents responded to the Council’s survey by calling a residents meeting earlier in January attended by residents of Francis, Wilton, Wellpark Streets, Kate Stanton and Bruce Kilminster from the Western Bays Community Board and Pippa Coom representing Grey Lynn 2030. A working group then presented to the Western Bays Community Board January meeting to voice opposition to implementing the P120 propose and to highlight other areas of concern discussed at the residents meeting such as footpath upgrades and better tree management in Francis Street.

The Community Board has formally requested officials to investigate issues which were raised and will report back. Residents have found the process so far very positive and have enjoyed the opportunity to meet new neighbours. The residents group intends to work with Grey Lynn 2030 to find longer term solutions that will reduce traffic and promote more sustainable transport options.

Contact: Jude Graveson Waste Away
Happy New Year to you, from the Grey Lynn 2030 Waste Away Group!
After a great 2009, the group have been active during summer with regular food waste collections from local cafes with one café diverting well over 1 tonne of  foodwaste, coffee grounds and paper serviettes so far! Well done to the  Grey Lynn community for making a difference!

You may have been along to the Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market on a Sunday morning and seen us there selling and talking to people from the community about keeping worms and using the bokashi system for food waste diversion from landfill.. Many  people are keen to keep food waste out of landfill and these systems also  produce useful products for the garden. Some feedback has been that through  having a worm farm one person has discovered the pleasure and benefits in  growing some of their own food. This has spread to other members of the family  and they have a lovely time discussing their worms!

Waste Away is working hard and committed to taking action about waste in our community.

If you would like to participate or have some ideas to share, come along to our first meeting of the year on Wednesday 3rd February 7pm at the office of Waste Not  Consulting, Williamson Ave. New people  are very welcome.
For more info email: greylynn2030wasteaway@gmail.com or  phone Lynn 3766376 or 0273406911 Wilton Street Community Garden update

The Garden finished 2009 with a fabulous spud party, cooking and eating our first crop on site.  In one year the site has been transformed from weed infested “waste ground” to a productive and exciting shared garden – of which we are very proud!! The main problem we face on the site now is water.  We recently met to discuss plans for this year and have decided that due to the logistics of establishing a water collection system on site we will take a different and more sustainable approach to the development of the garden.  We will continue to grow low-water requiring crops and focus on the composting initiative. We are planning to replace the water dependant veges with a comfrey crop and to then make comfrey fertiliser in our smaller water tank – the other will still be required for water storage.  Ideally we would be able to produce enough liquid fertiliser and compost to return to community (possibly generating a small income to return to the garden ). We have begun collecting pallets in order to build a set of compost bins with the intention of establishing a local composting depot (we would love to work in with the GL2030 Waste Away group on this!). Any free pallets or plumbing assistance welcome. Contact Mandy

Grey Lynn 2030 “sustainability” week

Plans are underway for a week to highlight all the amazing things going on in our community that are consistent with our vision.

It will include our regular events – the Grey Lynn Farmers Market and Green Screen – plus a whole lot of new, exciting intiatives.

Ideas for the programme so far:
- West Lynn shopping centre street party and evening market
- tours of local gardens with bee hives and chooks
- gardening workshops
- awards for local sustainable businesses
- Transition Town Expo
- traffic calming installations

If you like to organise an event during the week or get involved in any way then please contact  Pippa Auckland Permaculture Workshop Courses

The Transition Town movement has its origins in permaculture and Gary Marshall, tutor for the Auckland Permaculture Workshop Courses was on the Steering Committee of Grey Lynn 2030 until the end of last year. Here is information we have been asked to circulate to our networks about the first four workshops of the year which are all foundation courses for completing a Permaculture Design Certificate and they all explore fundamental areas of sustainable design and living. The APW programme has been designed specifically to explore ecological design solutions for living sustainably in the Auckland bioregion.

Philosophy and Design              - 13th February 2010
Tutors -Gary Marshall and Finn Mackesy

Landscape Design                   – 27th February 2010
Tutors -Gary Marshall and Finn Mackesy

Building Design                    – 13th March 2010
Tutors -Johann Bernhardt and Gary Marshall

Living Communities                 – 27th March 2010
Tutors – Gary Marshall and Finn Mackesy

For more information or to register see our new websiteh: www.aucklandpermacultureworkshop.co.nz. Alternatively, email us at info@aucklandpermacultureworkshop.co.nz Grey Lynn 2030 in 2010
Was one of your new year’s resolutions to get more involved in your community at the same time walking the talk of sustainability?

Grey Lynn 2030 provides an ideal opportunity to indulge your interests, learn new skills, be part of positive solutions and actually see things happen that make a difference.

Positions we would like to fill this year:
Webmaster – take responsibility for keeping the website up to date
Web designer – give our website a spruce up
Publicity – help us spread the word via posters and email communications
Funding – take pleasure at filling in an application form? There is funding out there we would like to tap into to develop Grey lynn 2030 projects

And of course you there are our focus groups to get involved with OR start a new focus group if you see a gap

Contact greylynn2030@gmail.com

Fabulous frocks will be paired with safety helmets this weekend to raise awareness about climate change.

Frocks Day Out is being held in Ponsonby on Saturday 12th September, an event where women are encouraged to dress up and cycle along with “stylish supporting gents” and families to promote biking.

Frocks on Bikes co-ordinator Pippa Coom says the concept was launched last December to raise awareness about climate change and using alternative transport.

“It’s trying to encourage women to get out on bikes and feel glamorous about it. Riding a bike is going to be a big part of reducing our carbon footprint.”

Ms Coom hopes at least 350 riders will get involved in the event, which is being held in conjunction with the Ponsonby Market Day.

Those taking part are known as “frockers” and there will be free bike checks available, companies will be selling European-style bicycles and Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye will be handing out prizes for the best-dressed rider and best helmet and bike decoration.

Designer Doris de Pont is involved with Frocks on Bikes and the Vintage Road Show, which are both being held tomorrow.

She says she will be riding her bike in the parade on behalf of the Green Party.

“It’s two things after my own heart – cycling and recycling.”

Frocks Day Out will start at 10am at Western Park on Ponsonby Rd, with a parade at 1pm.

For more information go to www.frocksonbikes.org.

Thank you for providing us with your feedback in relation to the speed limit change from 50km/h to 40km/h on Ponsonby Road.

Consultation was undertaken between the 13th of June to the 15th of July 2009. 932 responses were received of which 736 (79%) supported the proposal and 172 (18%) opposed the proposal. The remaining 24 responses did not indicate a firm view on the speed limit reduction.

In addition to the community consultation and considering the petition with more than 600 signatures, there is strong community support for the proposed speed limit reduction to 40km/h.

Additional feedback from the consultation process could be summarised by saying that presently the street is unpleasant as it feels like a major highway, there is no sense of community, more pedestrian friendly environments is required with more and varied crossings, paving changes and landscaping. In addition, education and enforcement measures need be undertaken to address the issues.

A project team has been set up with representation from the Western Bays Community Board, Ponsonby Road businesses and resident representatives to develop an action plan to address improved pedestrian safety raised via the petition and through the consultation process.

Auckland City Council’s Transport Committee considered the consultation feedback at the 6th of August 2009 meeting and has approved the lowering of the speed limit, as has the Western Bays Community Board.

The changes are planned to take place in September 2009, when the new speed limit signs will be installed and the new speed limit will be in place. There will be an education campaign via media of the speed limit change, and we will be engaging with local businesses on Ponsonby Road to assist with promoting the change to patrons and customers. The NZ Police will enforce the new speed limit once it has been implemented.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to the proposal and your feedback has been valuable.

Yours sincerely

Karen Hay
Road safety manager
Network Performance
Transport Assets

David Engwicht, artist, write, street philosopher, story teller, was in Auckland last week at the invitation of the council’s urban design group inspiring people to re-think their presumptions about traffic calming and their relationship with vehicles.

David was given an enthusiastic reception by the 70 people who turned out on Saturday afternoon at St Columba church community hall to hear his presentation about alternative ways to calm traffic. Grey Lynn 2030 was the only community group lucky enough to host David during his time in Auckland. After hearing David’s ideas many locals (and those who had travelled long distances to the meeting inspired by David’s interview with Gordon Harcourt in the morning on National Radio) made personal commitments to take actions that will result in traffic calming.

Here is an attempt to summarise David’s presentation.

David’s has discovered that “the speed of traffic on residential streets is governed, to a large extent, by the degree to which residents have psychologically retreated from their street”. So the less activity and uncertainty that occurs on the street the more likely that motorists will be speeding and present a danger to residents. This happens, for example, where residents build high walls at the front of their home, don’t use their front gardens – to relax, eat or play – and park their cars off the street thereby creating an environment that “invites” the motorist to go faster.

Communities can reverse this retreat with low cost solutions and without the need to wait for the installation of road signs or speed bumps. David suggests that, in the first instance, neighbourhoods should look to take personal responsibility for traffic calming rather than wait for the council to take action. For example, we can all be positive citizens who can rebuild lost community connections just by getting to know our neighbours and walking to local shops.

Where communities have put David’s ideas into practice they have found that the dynamics of the street change. A motorist is far more likely to drive slowly where they know the neighbourhood children and expect to see them playing and their parents socialising on the street.

He also asks residents to consider their own behaviour when they get in the car and become “motorists”. We are probably all guilty of driving like the stereotypical Aucklander whose time is suddenly more important behind the wheel and is not tolerant of cyclists and pedestrians. He suggests a friendly wave at the speeding or inconsiderate motorist rather than an angry fist.

David calls for an “outbreak of civility” as the first step to transforming Auckland!

After his presentation, David asked what actions we were now going to actually follow through with. The responses included organise a street party, talk to the local children, and plant veges in the berm.

His ideas really resonated for many involved in Grey Lynn 2030 because of a common vision seeking to create vibrant, positive and connected communities. So we definitely don’t want to lose momentum now that David has filled us up with fantastic ideas and possibilities.

This is also a great opportunity to officially launch the GL2030 traffic calming group which will operate as a “support group” to foster and encourage any initiative that contributes to calming the traffic. We would like people involved who are keen to be part of the solution and want to take practical steps. It really can be as simple as talking to a neighbour for the first time.

We will keep a register of actions on the website and post photos of traffic calming measures (like street parties and re-designed front gardens). If you would like to be on the email contact list for the traffic calming group please send an email to greylynn2030@gmail.com.

If you would like to read more about David check out his website http://www.lesstraffic.com/

Everyone we have shared the concept with have been able to appreciate the huge potential in making Auckland part of the NZ Cycleway Project and a cycle friendly city for tourists and locals.

For your information here is a link to the proposal that went to the Ministry of Tourism.

We already know it is not going to be picked up as part of the first announcement of initial rides to receive funding (expected any day) but we have taken significant steps towards developing routes and gaining support.

We will next be seeking the official support of Auckland City Council as a potential co-funder and key stakeholder so we are ready to make an application once the Ministry announces the proposed funding criteria.

Thank you for support, interest and feedback

We will keep in touch as we make progress.
Regards
Pippa & Julian
Pippa Coom
Membership secretary
Cycle Action Auckland
ph    021 926 618
www.caa.org.nz
Julian Hulls
Director
Nextbike New Zealand Ltd
021 154 8371
www.nextbike.co.nz

Walk Auckland is meeting:

Tuesday, July 14th

5:30pm

Leys Institute upstairs Hall Supper room

St Marys Rd at Three Lamps, Ponsonby.

Here is a short video clip made by a school in Dunedin.

Enviroschools

Not surprisingly the Greens are picking up on this issue ( it was a successful Green bid that secured funding for the programme initially) and are asking you to make the following actions:

Take action to save Enviroschools:

• Visit your local National MP, and express your disappointment that this successful programme is no longer supported. Keep it positive and personal – if you have a child at an Enviroschool, talk about what environmental education has meant for your child and your family. Ask that the funding be reinstated.
• Write a letter or email to your local National MP and cc John Key – we need to keep it on the Prime Minister’s radar.
• Write letters to the editor outlining the importance of environmental education in NZ schools and calling for Enviroschools funding to be continued.

Points you might like to include in letters / emails

• A quarter of our schools are Enviroschools, reaching 212,870 New Zealand children. This is a positive, successful and popular programme that it is achieving great things at a low cost to government.
• These days, knowledge and skills in sustainability is not a luxury ‘add on’; it needs to be an integral part of our children’s learning.
• Enviroschools are delivering on the government’s priorities:
• Economic growth and jobs: Sustainability is a major growth area and young people need to be eco-literate to survive in the global economy today.
• Science and innovation: Enviroschool programmes foster children’s interest in environmental science, technology and primary production
• Literacy and numeracy: Enviroschool programmes regularly utilise other learning skills, such as reporting, surveys, and analysis.
• Enviroschools enable children to become in the educator in the home, sharing their new found knowledge and skills with their family.
• Teachers need the curriculum support, professional development and resources to effectively teach environmental education. They cannot adequately deliver this programme without external support from the government.

Please come along and voice your concerns/
opposition to the latest motorway option that destroys our
communities, our homes and our parks.

We will be meeting at the carpark in Alan Wood Reserve at 9.45am.
Entry is off Hendon Avenue, opposite Stewart Road (Mt Albert).
Bring your placards – and your questions, if you wish but come
and make sure your voice is heard.

Regards
Tunnel or Nothing
Www.tunnelornothing.org.nz

And, if you haven’t already done so – have your say on the proposed motorway extension through Owairaka / Mt Albert / Waterview.

NZTA (NZ Transport Agency) feedback is due by 31st July. Feedback forms are available on-line – http://www.transit.govt.nz/projects/waterviewconnection/

Wendy John
Friends of Oakley Creek – Te Auaunga
09-815-3101
www.oakleycreek.org.nz

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.
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

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

Appendix 2

Last printed 11/6/09 10:13 AM