Grey Lynn 2030 is taking a keen interest in the Waitemata Local Board draft plan as it will help shape the future of our community.   The priorities in the plan are:

• a distinctive high quality built environment that embraces its heritage
• connected healthy transport options
• places for people
• strong, connected vibrant communities
• a world class city centre
• respecting and enhancing natural environments

Submission on draft Waitemata Local Board Plan by Grey Lynn 2030: Transition Community

About Grey Lynn 2030: Positive Vision, Practical Action

Grey Lynn 2030 is a participatory community organisation that facilitates and supports local focus groups working towards a positive, connected, sustainable, resilient community through practical action.

We take our terms of reference from the international Transition Town movement which encourages local communities to respond to current environmental and economic challenges with positive solutions that tap into the skills and innovation available in the local community. There are currently 55 Transition Town groups throughout New Zealand.

Grey Lynn 2030 has over 1200 direct subscribers to regular updates, we host monthly meetings and have active focus groups promoting community gardens, traffic calming, waste reduction, regeneration of local streams and a range of innovative activities that contribute to the community. We also have a lively website and over 2600 Friends on Facebook. Our steering committee is run by 5 volunteers.

Grey Lynn 2030 is based in Grey Lynn, Auckland, encompassing the surrounding neighbourhoods that are in the west side of the Waitemata Local Board area (including Westmere, Ponsonby, Freeman’s Bay, Herne Bay and St Mary’s Bay).

Key message

The Grey Lynn 2030 steering committee strongly supports the vision of the Waitemata Local Board to foster and develop vibrant, connected and sustainable communities. We agree with the Board playing a key role in transforming Auckland into the world’s most liveable city.

We believe that to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world it is necessary to respond to the challenges of climate change and the end of cheap oil. The Waitemata draft local board plan (the plan) must take into consideration the impact of changing availability and prices of oil. The plan must recognise the central place of the environment as underpinning the quality of life, economic and social wellbeing of Auckland and the limited timeframe available to take decisive action.

We therefore ask the Board to support local communities to work on local solutions to meet these challenges so that the Auckland region is more resilient, sustainable, connected, compact and efficient.

Specific Comments on the Waitemata draft Local Board Plan

We agree with all the priorities and initiatives in the plan and wish to make the following additional comments with a particular focus on what is most relevant to Grey Lynn 2030.

A distinctive high quality built environment that embraces its heritage

We support the need to protect our built heritage and character both in our town-centres and our residential houses. We support the Board in developing projects that promote, identify and celebrate our heritage.

• Connected, dedicated and safe cycleways starting with key routes such as Richmond Road. This is necessary to encourage more people to cycle.
• Traffic calming tools used on all  residential streets to reduce the speed to under 40km. We support this as it improves safety and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists.  We would also like the speed reduced through our local shopping areas for example on Richmond Road.
• A  masterplan for Richmond Road that takes a “whole road” approach so that it improves the amenity of the street for all users particularly for children walking and cycling to school.
• a public bike hire scheme in the city centre that extends to the central suburbs as far as Westmere and Grey Lynn. We support this to provide an innovative form of public transport that allows short trips to be made conveniently and at short notice
•  a parking policy that discourages commuters parking all day in residential streets and encourages carpooling and the use of public transport.
•  We would like priority given to safety improvements that will encourage children to use active modes of travel (including skate boards)

We would also like the following new initiatives to be considered for better transport:

• Great North Road from Ponsonby Road to Surrey Cres made into a “Boulevard” with provision for segregated cyclelanes.

• local connections to the planned CMJ cycleway that will connect Grey Lynn through the Central Motorway Junction (“CMJ”) down Grafton Gully to Beach Road.

• A new bus route that connects Westmere/Grey Lynn with Kingsland Station and Mt Eden and potentially on to Mission Bay. This is also necessary to support “connected communities”

• The board supporting an education campaign for retailers to understand why encouraging residents to walk and cycle (rather than providing more car parking) is good for business

In addition we support making streets into public spaces that are used for recreation, rather than just for transit, through good design, public art, more use of shared space, and speed reductions and other traffic calming measures;

Strong, connected vibrant communities

We support the Board providing opportunities and events for our communities to develop and interact with each other. In particular we support:

• Community-led events such as the Grey Lynn Park Festival and Art in the Dark.
• events for our local communities and events which cater for our youth including movies and music in the park
• All events requiring Council approval to meet minimum environmental standards that include a commitment towards zero waste

We strongly support the section on urban food production. It is essential that food is grown within the city so that we are not reliant on transporting our food needs.  We would like land to be identified that is suitable for community gardens and/or fruit tree planting.

 We support local jobs and training opportunities through initiatives to encourage social enterprise, innovation and a “green” economy. We support the establishment of a “hub” for social entrepreneurs and creative practitioners.

 We support the Board advocating for Auckland to be made Fairtrade and for the Council to continue supporting  the conscious consumer project

We support improved communications from the board but without the creation of “junk mail” and paper waste. We would suggest the Board makes better use of social media.  We would however support targeting communications to groups without internet access (for example older people)

Places for people

We support the Board maintaining and improving our current assets including community facilities, our Grey Lynn library, open spaces, beaches, parks and cultural venues. We would like the following initiatives included in the plan:

• Equipment provided in parks to allow people of all ages to play. For example equipment for older people.
• Renovation of the club rooms in Grey Lynn Park
• Implementation of a  management plan for the bush area at Western Springs off West View Road (including naming of the area, signage, removal of the pine trees, reforestation with natives and walking route (as a urban tramping track) and a multi-purpose route (suitable for push chairs and cycling)
• Connection via a “Green link” from Francis Street reserve to Cox’s Bay via Wellpark Reserve

We support the identification of Grey Lynn as an “urban village” (in the Auckland plan) and this area being able to maintain its distinct identity on the city fringe. Creative, vibrant communities like Grey Lynn support economic prosperity for the wider Region.  We would like support for Grey Lynn to become a business improvement district with the lead taken on this initiative by the Grey Lynn Business Association so it is appropriate to fit the needs of local businesses.

We support more shared spaces, traffic calming and road diets as proposed in this priority to improve our urban environment by creating more space and respect for pedestrians and cyclists. However, we would also like these concepts used outside the city centre, such as being considered for parts of Grey Lynn

We would also like the city centre to better reflect the Polynesian perspective of our communities and our place in the Pacific.

Respecting and enhancing natural environments

We strongly support this priority and the approach proposed to protect and enhance our natural environments. In addition we support for inclusion in the plan:

• A smokefree policy to include all public open spaces and parks to reduce cigarette litter contaminating our harbour and waterways and killing wildlife
• Programmes to discourage littering that are funded by producers of the waste
• Education on what to plant to encourage bees and a project to plant bee friendly plants
• worm farms and compost bins for local shops,  households and schools.
• Creation of a wildlife corridor (“Wild link”)
• Planting on berms to encourage bio- corridors
• Community composting facilities such as Wilton Street Community Garden
• Advocacy by the Board for Container Deposit Legislation
• Restoration of cox’s bay as a sensitive coastal area
• All Waitemata Local Board events on public land to be Zero Waste events
• Council support and accreditation for businesses that recycle, minimise carbon emissions and waste.
• Establishment of a local transfer station and  local resource recovery centre

Grey Lynn 2030  supports the identification of strategies, within a localised plan, to reduce carbon emissions including clean energy, efficient buildings, decentralised renewable energy, public transport, local food production and waste reduction, walk ways, cycle ways and urban planning to reduce the need to travel; electric and low emission buses and vehicles, planting carbon sinks and reducing organic waste in landfills.

General feedback for the submission forms, brochures and the submission process
We would like to see all board documents and brochures printed on recycled paper or on paper with recycled paper content supplied by a sustainably managed forest. We suggest that brochures do not need to be matt laminated – this will save money and make brochure recycling easier.
We would also support a reduction in the size of the plan (for example with smaller photos) to reduce costs.

We would like to speak to this submission.

Grey Lynn 2030 Steering committee

Dear Friends,

The Sustainable North Trust is hosting a talk on Wed, 8 July on other options to feed the soil and keep our food production system going despite the rapid fluctuations in the price of fertilisers and diesel that are currently plaguing our agricultural economy.

The powerpoint presentation by Betsy Kettle and Alida Robey will show large scale worm farming, city to farm composting, seaweed fertilisers, NZ -made rock dusts, aerated compost teas, vermiliquid and other alternatives that are here now and working.

This presentation has been given 4 times in Rodney District, thanks to a grant by Rodney District Council’s Environmental Education Fund and has been very well received.

You will leave with information on where to go to source these options.  There are biscuits and tea afterwards.

Kind regards
Betsy Kettle

7-9 pm  July 8
St John’s Ambulance Hall Silverdale
Corner of Curley Ave and Silverdale Street

Gold coin donation would be appreciated to cover venue hire.

ANZAC DAY, Saturday 25 April, the market will be open from 12 noon to 3pm

Parnell Farmers’ Market is an authentic growers market which is located in the Jubilee Building car park at 545 Parnell Road, Parnell. 

Growers, farmers and producers sell a seasonal selection of fresh and organic fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, plants, baked goods, honey, eggs, flowers and plant-based products. 

Parnell Farmers’ Market does not include craft, art or clothing.

Over the last few years many people have planted olive trees around Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and Westmere. The  years have passed and now plenty of these trees are bearing fruit.  Look around next time you go for a walk in the neighbourhood and you will see the fruit is ripening up nicely. It is now harvest time – the birds love them and it is a race between you and birds if you want to get some olives to preserve.

I decided to find out how to preserve them. How hard can it be to preserve your own? I have been investigating and the recipes go from simple, to frightening, to complicated. By frightening- I don’t like the ones that say “cover the olives in a solution of water and caustic soda”. Apparently, this is how many commercial olives are prepared . I am not sure what else caustic soda is used for but it sounds like something you clean with rather than eat.

I have settled on a recipe from a NZ author, Chris Fortune . His new book “Pick, Preserve, Serve – Enjoying local and home grown produce year-round” is easy to buy and the library has it too. Here is the recipe if you want it.

Water Cured Olives
Use only freshly picked olives, free of bruising or blemishes. Ninety five percent of olives are cured using chemicals and you can taste the difference when you water cure them yourself. The olive oil on top will seal the salt brine. Ensure you remove the olives from the brine with a very clean spoon to avoid contamination.
5kg black olives, well washed
sea salt
water
4 Tablespoons Red Vinegar
olive oil

With a sharp knife, make a cut in the meat of the olive from top to bottom. In a large non-reactive container (plastic, not aluminium or copper) soak the olives in brine. (1 part sea salt to 10 parts water). Make sure the olives are submerged by using something to weigh them down, and cover the container with a lid. Cure the olives for at least 3 weeks, stirring the olives each day and changing the brine every 4 days. Periodically taste the olives for bitterness. They could take 4 – 6 weeks depending on the olives. When they taste the way you want, place the olives in a jar, cover with brine (as above), add the vinegar and top with a layer of oil.

There are two huge trees behind the Grey Lynn Community Centre which are laden with fruit. You will need a high ladder to get to the olives. The GLCC centre manager, Tania Miller is keen for you to take them as otherwise they end up in the sandpit and the carpark.

I have started on the process. Will let you know in a few months how I get on. Any other “Olive Virgins” please let me know how it goes. From the experts, all advice greatfully accepted.

Do you have sheep or cattle which you would like to graze on paddocks alongside Kelmarna Organic City Farm in Herne Bay?
There is currently approx 1.3 ha, which includes six fenced paddocks, of pasture for grazing.
If interested & you have queries please contact:
Lynn Green greenly@xtra.co.nz
Kelmarna Community Garden Trust Inc
P 376 6376

From Transition Towns – Kingsland

Workshop: Square foot gardening, with Ken Clark from Waiheke
This is a unique chance to learn from one of New Zealand’s most successful square foot gardeners, Ken Clark. We are very happy that Ken is coming to Auckland for a one day workshop to share his knowledge. Square foot gardening is a perfect solution for city gardens.  It produces 70% more food than conventional gardens with less work.

About Ken Clark and Square foot gardening:
Ken first learnt about square foot gardening about 20 yrs ago. He proceeded to do it his own way for 17 yrs, 3 yrs ago he retired to Waiheke Island & started SFG in earnest. Ken lives on a small size section and produces an abundance of fruit and veges using the Square foot gardening method. SFG advocates growing only what you need on a weekly basis. It is a fantastic system for busy people who wish to have a more sustainable life and great home grown food with the minimum fuss and effort.

What to expect:
The workshops cover everything from seeds to eating and building a square foot garden. Kit sets will be available on the day for purchase.
A flyer will be given out outlining the workshop.

When: April 4, 2009. There are two courses on offer, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Please select one of them
Course 1
10.30 till 11.30/12

Course2:
1pm till 2/ 2.30pm

Duration: 1-1.30hours
Cost: $20.00,
Where: in Mt Eden
Please rsvp to: pohutukawa08@gmail.com and we will send you the address details.
Maximum of 15 people in each group

What to bring:
Notebook and pen  

We are lucky to now have threee community gardens in Grey Lynn. The “experts” next to St Columba Church and Kelmarna Garden who have years of experience and flourishing gardens.
We also now have a new garden on Wilton Street directly behind the Gypsy Tearoom and the Wine Vvault. Both the owners of the plots and the lessees have given the enterprise their blessing so ongoing tenure is assured.

The project has been started by a group of neighbours at the top of Wilton Street, including Mandy McMullein, Kate Walshe, and Jacqui Watson and Adele. Mandy, is a landscape architect, and intends to design a plan for the garden which the community could use that might gain sponsorship from various funding sources. This would pay for
soil testing and structures that need to be put in place, such as a fence and a compost bin. A local enterprise that makes compost bins businessman has offered to do any building required at a reduced rate.
There are a few locals already involved  largely from Wilton Street who are keen on the project and have good skills to donate to it. Since they started other people from further afield have contacted the gardeners asking to be involved. All are welcome.

Presently it still looks like a empty section but Ponsonby News spoke to the Mandy and Jacqui who said the plot has already undergone a transformation with a major weed problem tackled. and almost overcome. They’ve hand cleared the site of jasmine that was growing right up into the trees and smothering everything. Although pretty, jasmine is very hard to eradicate
completely and will require ongoing control.

Some kind person has offered them a couple of goats to get rid of it, but that’s an option requiring careful consideration! Might be a bit upsetting for people having a tipple at Gypsy Tea Rooms….

The plan is that members of the community will pull together to create a resource that we can all enjoy. Part of their vision is to have a relaxation area as well, where people can enjoy sitting quietly, they might have street barbeques, or neighbourhood celebrations at festival times.

A new, informal group started at our February 2009 meeting of people who want to swap spare seedlings from their own gardens. The aim is to save some money, share some knowledge and gain some biodiversity!

If you are interested in this please contact Alice on 3764623 or alice@angelfood.co.nz

Seed exchanges are springing up around New Zealand, the Te Kakano Trust is based in Wanaka and has achieved a lot since it was formed in September 2008. Their aim is to ‘ establish a community-based native plant nursery specialising in propagating plants of local origin for the restoration of habitats in the Upper Clutha Basin”.

Here in Grey Lynn many of us have gardens that once successful can be very productive. Please bring any seedlings that you don’t need to our monthly meeting. There is sure to be somebody who will be happy to receive them.