10-year Budget consultation Summary of feedback (by Group of Activity) Report 2 of 2

Transcription

1 10-year Budget consultation Summary of feedback (by Group of Activity) Purpose This attachment summarises feedback by theme received through the 10-year Budget consultation process on areas outside the consultation document. The groups of activities are categorised as per below: 10-year Budget consultation Summary of feedback (by Group of Activity)... 1 Purpose Transport Water supply, waste water and stormwater Water Supply Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Stormwater management Regionally delivered council services Regional planning Regulatory Services Environmental services Auckland Emergency Management Waste Services Organisational support Regional governance Regional community services Council controlled services Development Auckland Economic growth and visitor economy Regional facilities Local council services Requests for Funding Attachment Page 1

2 1 Transport This activity includes feedback on public transport and travel demand management, roads and footpaths and key transport projects. Approximately 4,800 feedback points on this activity were received from the written channel. There were approximately 250 feedback points provided at Have Your Say, Maori or community events. Feedback on these areas is summarised below. 1.1 Public transport and travel demand management Approximately 1,100 feedback points related to walkways and cycleways. Around 354 were in favour of improving provision for cycling. Many also commented on the need to separate cycleways from roads to increase safety for cyclists Approximately 170 feedback points were against extending the cycleway network, stating that they are not well used and benefit a minority of road users Around 140 submitters were in favour of more frequent bus lanes or services in specific areas. There is also overall support for extending bus lanes, expanding hours and increased enforcement on existing bus lanes 560 submitters were in favour of extending or expanding the rail network, often in connection with growth areas Expanding park and ride facilities was commented on by around 120 submitters Many submitters stated that public transport was too expensive 1.2 Roads and footpaths Around 100 submitters commented on the road surfacing o 40 requested more sealing of unsealed roads, the majority of these requests were from Rodney residents o 30 commented on the poor condition of roads in their areas Road maintenance and renewals programmes are a focus of negative comments. Amenity including vegetation management and footpath maintenance is a priority for more submitters than road carriageway resealing, with some submitters asking why resealing is done so often, or why it is not better co-ordinated with other improvements or utilities. 1.3 Transport key projects Around 370 submissions were received on key transport projects. Approximately 60 submitters were in support of light rail, with a further 84 in support of the airport rail links. Approximately 30 comments were against light rail along Dominion Road. The Penlink project was supported by 70 submitters who commented that it would be an important alternative route for the area. Many suggested that the route could be a toll road. Feedback on key projects will be a focus of the upcoming consultation on the Regional Land Transport Plan. Page 2

3 2 Water supply, waste water and stormwater 2.1 Water Supply Approximately 73 written feedback points on this activity were received. There were approximately five people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say and community events. Feedback was received on the topics identified below: drinking water infrastructure drinking water tanks pricing and efficiency issues drinking water quality including fluoridation. Feedback on these areas is summarised below Drinking water infrastructure Approximately 30 feedback points were received on this topic. Feedback included the importance of maintaining and improving the resilience and capacity of drinking water assets, including dams and reservoirs, to accommodate a growing population and climate change pressures. Two submitters opposed the replacement of the Huia water treatment plant Water tanks Around eight feedback points were received on this topic, which included feedback in support of residents collecting rainwater for drinking or garden use in order to save water or to reduce the demand on water supplies. Other feedback suggested incentives for the installation of water tanks Pricing and efficiency issues Around 33 feedback points were received on this topic, which included feedback relating to the unfairness of charging tank owners for wastewater, others opposing any further increase to water charges, and a few suggesting commercial users should be charged more than residential users. Other submitters had concerns with the way Watercare and Auckland Council were structured and operated Drinking water quality including fluoridation Nine feedback points were received on this topic, which included four submitters against fluoridation of the water supply. Other feedback points concerned the general quality and safety of drinking water. Page 3

4 2.2 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Approximately 151 feedback points were received on this activity. There were approximately seven people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say and community events. Feedback was received on the topics identified below: wastewater infrastructure, including separation water tanks and septic tanks pricing and efficiency issues. Feedback on these areas is summarised below Wastewater infrastructure, including separation Around 76 feedback points relating to the need to upgrade wastewater infrastructure were received. The majority of submissions supported the separation of wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in order to reduce wet weather overflows and pollution of beaches. Other feedback points included support for the general improvement of wastewater infrastructure to cater for population growth and climate change pressures as well as better integration of wastewater and stormwater maintenance work between Auckland Council and Watercare Water tanks and septic tanks Around 20 submissions were received on water tanks, which included feedback points in support of residents collecting rainwater for toilet, laundry and garden use and incentives for installing water tanks or reductions in wastewater charges for tank users. In relation to septic tanks, around seven submissions were received. Feedback points included submissions in support of increased regulation to prevent environmental pollution Pricing and efficiency issues Around 45 submissions were received on this topic. Feedback points included submissions in favour of increasing wastewater charges to fund wastewater infrastructure and address pollution, or both. The majority of submissions considered water charges to be too high. Feedback points also included support for decreasing wastewater charges, changing the way wastewater is charged (e.g. reductions or incentives given to those using wastewater on gardens, or penalties given to those who use too much), as well as support for commercial users paying more. Other submitters had concerns around the way Watercare and Auckland Council are structured and operated and whether the current structure was cost efficient. Page 4

5 2.3 Stormwater management This topic includes feedback on the council s stormwater management, flood protection and control, and waterways management functions. Approximately 320 written feedback points were received on this activity. There were approximately 40 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say or community events. Five comments were submitted via the digital channel. This gave rise to 360 feedback points which are summarised within the themes identified below: urban stormwater quality and pollution flooding and drainage climate preparedness and coastal management rural streams and rural water quality issues Urban stormwater quality and pollution The majority (240) of the feedback points related to this topic. The main sub-themes (issues) raised in relation to this were: protecting the environment because of its intrinsic value increasing enforcement of the main polluters, keeping litter out of waterways, separation of stormwater and wastewater Flooding and drainage Around 50 feedback points were received on flooding and drainage. The majority of feedback points were general comments about the importance of managing flooding and drainage. Some submitters linked this to growth and a few highlighted flooding issues at specific sites. Five feedback points requested that the council improve the maintenance of stormwater infrastructure to better cope with flooding and drainage Climate preparedness and coastal management Approximately 40 feedback points were received on this topic. A wide range of issues were raised, such as changing weather patterns, extreme weather events, natural processes, coastal erosion and sea walls Rural streams and rural water quality issues Around 30 feedback points were received on this topic with the main issue (approximately 10 feedback points) relating to septic tanks and the impact they have on streams when not managed properly. The other comments received relate to more generic matters including suggestions for cost savings and requests for the council to improve accountability and transparency. Page 5

6 3 Regionally delivered council services 3.1 Regional planning This activity includes feedback on planning and development, infrastructure and bylaws. Approximately 1170 written and verbal feedback points were received on this activity. Feedback on these areas is summarised below Planning and development, including housing, intensification and growth Around 650 feedback points were received on this topic. The majority of the feedback points relate to intensification and growth. There is both support and opposition to growth and change across Auckland. Submitters often link the need for infrastructure (including transport, three waters, open space, facilities, centres) to growth (see comments under Infrastructure below). Housing is an important issue for most submitters. Affordability, quality and the amount of housing available/being built, are the main topics raised. The majority of submitters would like to see more homes at affordable prices. Some propose solutions like more greenfield land being made available, building up instead of out, greater intensification around town centres and transport hubs and building smaller houses. A number of submitters are concerned about the time it takes for houses to be built as a result of regulation and industry capacity. Linked to housing is the issue of homelessness. There was a general desire from submitters to see those in a homeless situation helped out. A number of submitters were concerned about safety in city streets and some others suggest that council provide more facilities, such as showers and lockers, for the homeless community. The cost of growth and who pays is discussed by a number of submitters. Some are concerned that all ratepayers bear the burden of the cost of growth regardless of whether or not they benefit from it. Others suggest that the Government and developers should bear more of the cost. There were some specific comments related to improving local centres across the region and the city centre. In relation to the environment, there were some submissions on the importance of retaining trees and concerns about the degradation of water quality Infrastructure Around 430 feedback points were received on this topic. The majority of the feedback points focus on a current lack of infrastructure or the need to deliver infrastructure in advance of new housing. Concerns are raised around traffic, in particular, and the need to improve road capacity and public transport options Bylaws Around 90 feedback points were received on this topic. The majority of submissions relate to dog access controls, in particular on beaches. About 50 per cent want more off-leash access on beaches and the other half want no or less off-leash access on beaches. Other comments relate to safety and noise concerns in the city centre. and some town centres, from begging, drug and alcohol use. The other comments received under Regional Planning relate to more generic planning matters including an emphasis on development in various parts of the region, the need to protect historic heritage and the need to work with communities in planning for the future. Page 6

7 3.2 Regulatory Services This activity includes feedback on Building consents, Resource consents and Animal management Approximately 160 written feedback points on this activity were received. There were approximately 52 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say events and community events. Submission feedback on these issues are summarised below Building Consents Around 118 submissions were received on this topic. The majority of the comments were concerns about the cost of consenting, the timeframes for consenting, and the amount of red tape involved in the process. About 10 per cent also commented that while they support high-density housing and urbanisation, Council needs to ensure aesthetic standards are upheld Resource Consents Around 61 feedback points were received on this topic. About a third of comments were concerning the high cost of consents, Approximately a third related to the importance of ensuring new developments considered environmental and community impacts throughout the urbanisation process. Other concerns were about difficult consenting processes Animal Management Around 21 submissions were received about this topic. Approximately half of the comments about animal management were asking for greater restrictions on animal ownership, and more policing of bylaw breaches. A few submitters also commented in favour of cat microchipping and registration. The other feedback received via the Have Your Say and community events included comments about the need for more affordable housing (especially for iwi), and environmental concerns, e.g., the need to introduce a polluter tax and more community beautification projects. Two submitters also called for the abolishment of the Waitakere and Portage Licencing Trusts. Page 7

8 3.3 Environmental services This activity includes feedback on managing the region s biodiversity and biosecurity, environmental education and sustainable living. Approximately 900 written submissions on this activity were received. There were approximately 38 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say, or community events. No feedback was submitted via digital channels. Feedback was analysed and is summarised under the themes identified below: biodiversity and biosecurity management environmental education sustainable living Biodiversity and biosecurity management Approximately 680 feedback points were received regarding biodiversity and biosecurity management. Of these, approximately 450 feedback points expressed a desire for prioritisation of biosecurity and biosecurity issues other than, or in addition to, kauri dieback. These included marine biosecurity and control of invasive species such as myrtle rust, moth plant and climbing asparagus. Approximately 235 feedback points expressed concern at the use of various biosecurity methodologies, including the use of herbicides or pesticides such as 1080, glyphosphate, brodifacaum, aerial poisons, trapping of animals Environmental education Approximately 190 feedback points were made regarding environmental education, with 33 expressing its importance, and 149 requesting the council invest more in environmental education, particularly at primary school level. Four feedback points expressed concern regarding council s priorities for environmental education Sustainable living programmes Approximately 60 feedback points were made in this area, with five feedback points expressing the value of sustainable living programmes and 50 feedback points requesting council to fund more in the sustainable living space. This included community-led sustainability and capacity-building opportunities. Page 8

9 3.4 Auckland Emergency Management Approximately six written submissions on this activity were received. Feedback points had four main themes; community resilience and empowerment; evacuation planning; community education and training. The majority of these comments focussed on community education and training. There was a strong theme of community resilience through all of the submission points. Four feedback points asked for Auckland Emergency Management to increase community education on disaster preparedness. Two feedback points referred to the need to develop community capacity through education and budget considerations. One point referred to support for children and playground evacuation planning. 3.5 Waste Services This activity comprises Auckland Council s waste services which include: household refuse, recycling, inorganics and food-waste collection services management of waste assets such as landfills and transfer stations development of a resource recovery network education, awareness raising and advocacy on waste management and minimisation. The Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018 (WMMP) was consulted on alongside the 10-year Budget Feedback received on the draft waste plan will be considered by the Hearing Panel in May Relevant comments from the 10-year Budget consultation have been referred to the WMMP consultation. Submissions related to the issues of charges for food waste collection and pay as you throw charges are covered in the report on Summary of Feedback (Consultation Document issues). Approximately 4,108 submissions on this activity were received from the written channel. This included 3,442 pro forma submissions from the Auckland Ratepayers Alliance. There were approximately 70 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say, or community events. Two comments were submitted via digital channels. This gave rise to 6,010 feedback points which were analysed and are described under the following themes: the council s current waste collections services, including: inorganic collections methods refuse collections recycling collections. new regional food waste collection enforcement and littering waste management and minimisation Current Regional Waste Collections Approximately 610 feedback points were received relating to the council s current waste collections; including 100 feedback points noting the lack of regionalised waste services and expressing a desire for these to be standardised. Page 9

10 3.5.2 Inorganics There were 170 feedback points relating to the inorganics service. Approximately 80 of these requested a return to the legacy kerbside collection methodology. There were 30 requests for the council to provide free dumping at tips or skip bins Refuse There were 160 feedback points specifically related to refuse collection with approximately: 50 opposing refuse collections frequencies changing to fortnightly 20 requesting cheaper or free waste disposal 30 noting a dislike of the Pay as You Throw tag system for refuse bins. Commenters said an electronic system which could be paid for online would be more convenient 20 expressing concerns regarding the impact of changes to waste services on lower income families and communities Recycling There were 50 feedback points on recycling collections, with approximately: 25 requesting an increase in collections frequency from fortnightly to weekly 20 supporting increased separation of recyclable materials (i.e. cardboard and glass collected separately) an equal number of feedback points (30) being made regarding bins being either too small or too big Enforcement and littering Around 330 feedback points were received on these topics, with approximately: 120 noting concerns in relation to increased illegal dumping. In relation to this, 70 feedback points proposed a more stringent enforcement approach, some suggesting an increase in fines for dumping instances. 60 relating to concerns about litter and cleanliness of the environment. 30 requesting additional public place recycling bins Waste management and minimisation Around 660 feedback points were received on this topic, with approximately: 210 relating to plastic waste, with submitters requesting more be done to reduce plastic. This included 70 feedback points favouring a plastic bag ban or tariff. 90 feedback points expressing support for businesses and commercial ventures being made more accountable for the minimisation, diversion and disposal of their waste streams. 100 feedback points supporting more waste minimisation education 140 feedback points relating to waste advocacy, with the majority in support of an increased waste levy, container deposit systems and product stewardship. 50 supporting the provision of better recycling centres or more community recycling centres. The other approximately 470 feedback points received related to broader issues, such as requests that waste collections remain as they are currently being delivered and observations that waste services are an essential or core function of council. 3,442 Auckland Ratepayers Association pro forma submissions were received, asking that council provide more cost-effective waste services and noting opposition to the council lobbying government to increase the levy on waste to landfill. Page 10

11 3.6 Organisational support Approximately 50 written feedback points on this activity were received. There were approximately 23 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say or community events. There were no submissions via the digital channel. The majority of submitters called for the council to focus on becoming more efficient to reduce costs. Other submitters noted that there should more transparency in rates spending A small number were concerned about the council s bureaucratic processes. Some verbal submitters noted that the council s communication with Aucklanders needed to be improved, in particular with Māori and migrant communities Financial Strategy Approximately 6,819 submissions on this activity were received with 7,734 feedback points directly or indirectly addressed the issues covered in the financial strategy. For example, many comments made on the proposed general rates increases, see analysis of question 4, reflected matters also relating to the financial strategy. The relevant themes were: 5,400 - called for council to focus on core services and keep costs down by eliminating nonessential services concerned about the level of council spending council has too many employees and that many staff are overpaid identified the need to invest to address the impacts of growth a few submitters also expressed concern about debt levels a small number noted the need to address historical under-investment Miscellaneous rating issues Approximately 106 feedback points were received on rating policy issues. The relevant themes were: 85 believed the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) was too high 11 thought that the UAGC was too low 8 argued that businesses should maintain or pay a higher proportion of rates 11 believed the business differential was too high. Page 11

12 3.7 Regional governance 690 written submissions on regional governance were received. There were 134 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say or community events. Four submissions were received via the digital channel. Feedback points which are summarised within the themes identified below: Council s performance and cost effectiveness The role and contribution of central government in Auckland The governance of CCOs Council s performance and cost effectiveness There were 188 submissions relating to the council s performance and cost effectiveness. Common themes on this topic were that: the council should limit its activities to core services e.g. rubbish collection, parks services and libraries. the council was inefficient and ineffective and should limit expenditure on travel, staff numbers and staff remuneration There were approximately 50 feedback points about the structure of council since the amalgamation, most about the lack of localness of local government. 106 feedback points related to the Mayor with approximately half of those on election promises to limit rates increases. These were generally not supportive of any form of rates increase (either targeted or general rates) The role and contribution of central government in Auckland 96 submissions received relate to the role and contribution of central government in Auckland. Most of these sought greater inputs from central government to the issue of Auckland s population growth. Two particular themes were evident, those being: changes to immigration policy to limit population growth central government increasing its direct funding of Auckland s infrastructure The governance of Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) Approximately 195 feedback points were received about the governance of CCOs. The majority of the feedback points focus on the council providing greater oversight of CCO expenditure, accountability and transparency. About 32 feedback points criticised the cost effectiveness of Auckland Transport or programmes delivered by them 37 feedback points related to services provided by Watercare, most citing a lack of transparency. The other comments received under the regional governance theme relate to Māori outcomes or Māori participation in the governance of Auckland (143 submissions). Most were not supportive of council pursuing outcomes for Māori or of Māori participation in council decision-making. Page 12

13 3.8 Regional community services This activity includes feedback on regional community services, regional libraries, regional parks, sport and recreation, and regional arts, culture and events. Approximately 3900 written feedback points were received on this activity. Around 76 people provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say and community events. Seven feedback points were submitted via the digital channel. The majority of feedback points related to parks, sport or recreation, followed by arts and culture. Both the arts and sport and recreation sectors ran campaigns to encourage submissions and to provide advice on content of submissions. This resulted in higher numbers of submissions in these areas. More than 2000 submitters requested additional investment across services and assets Regional community services Approximately 354 written submissions on this activity were received. There were approximately 26 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say and community events. Most submissions were supportive of the council s work in community services, while approximately 10 suggested that less work should be done in this area. Approximately 100 feedback points requested more investment in community facilities. This included investment in renewals and development of new assets to meet growth and demand. Approximately 180 feedback points requested increased service provision across a range of focus areas, in particular, community safety which received approximately 55 feedback points. Other suggested areas of focus included young people, employment and skills and older people Stakeholder feedback Auckland Branch of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Incorporated, Age Concern Counties Manukau, Grey Power and the Rainbow Panel provided submissions on a range of matters including: the recognition of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the New Zealand Disability Strategy the re-establishment of the Disability Portfolio Holder position (previously in the Arts, Community and Events department) a refresh of the Disability Operational Action Plan to align with the 10-year budget and the Auckland Plan Refresh the adoption of the World Health Organisations Age Friendly Guidelines and seeking accreditation as an Age Friendly City advocating for an assessment of the needs of the senior community and an investment to meet identified needs the immediate need to upgrade existing Senior Citizens Association halls and clubrooms and retain them for future use by senior citizens safety in Auckland as an overarching concern for rainbow communities and the development of an Auckland Pride centre which would act as a co-located facility for major community organisations and a hub for services Regional libraries Approximately 110 written submissions on this activity were received. Two people provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say and community events. The majority of feedback was in support of library services. Page 13

14 There were approximately 16 submissions in support of capex investment. Five submitters recommended a reduction in investment for libraries Regional parks, sport and recreation Approximately 2,600 written submissions were received on this activity. There were approximately 41 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say, Maori and community events. Seven were submitted via the digital channel. The majority of submissions were in support of council s work in parks, sport and recreation services. Approximately 40 submissions suggested less work should be done in this area. The sport and recreation sector ran a campaign to encourage submissions and provided advice on content. This resulted in a high number of submissions in these areas. Approximately 1,300 submitters requested increased investment in parks, sport and recreational facilities. This included requests for investment in asset renewal as well as increased provision to meet growth and demand. Approximately 680 feedback points requested additional investment in sport and recreation assets, 170 in parks assets and 167 in pools. The remainder did not specify a particular type of facility but commented generally on the need for additional investment. Approximately 190 submissions requested an increased level of service for parks maintenance Stakeholder feedback Organisations including New Zealand Recreation Association, Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Sport New Zealand, Aktive, Sport Waitakere, Sport Auckland, and One Voice: Sport and Recreation provided submissions on a range of matters including: the establishment of a $600m open space acquisition programme, supported by development contributions, over the period of the 10-year Budget. a request for additional investment in both renewals and growth over the 10-year Long-term Plan. a suggestion that a new regional sports facilities partnership fund of at least $250m for capital projects could be established, providing for new facilities and maintain existing facilities. This investment could be leveraged to secure other investment partners. the current shortfall of 30 indoor courts with a further 24 courts required over the 10 year budget Regional arts, culture and events Approximately 765 written submissions on this activity were received. There were approximately five people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say and community events. The arts and culture sector ran a campaign to encourage submissions and provided advice on content. This resulted in a high number of submissions in this area. Approximately 75 submitters requested additional investment in public art. The majority of submitters requested an increase in investment in public art to support a region-wide public art programme and to support the presence of public art at all new development sites. Approximately 65 submitters requested increased investment in the arts and culture sector. The majority of submitters requested increased investment in contestable funding for independent artistic projects. There were submissions in support of increasing the budget allocation to regional arts partnerships and to support entrepreneurial initiatives within the arts, culture and creative industry sectors. Approximately 70 submitters requested increased investment in non-council operated arts facilities. Comment was made on the existing distribution of funding which was stated to be inequitable. A request was made to develop a new approach to funding arts facilities. Page 14

15 Stakeholder feedback Organisations including Creative New Zealand, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Ngā Aho, Basement Theatre, Massey University and the Advisory Panel for Art in Public Places, provided submissions seeking an increase in investment for arts and culture. Other feedback included: requesting a change to the community grants programme so that ticketed events were eligible for funding. recommendation that the council increase investment in both music venues and shared working spaces in the central city. supporting additional investment in public art and a region-wide public art programme contestable funding for independent artistic projects should be increased and made available to professional and ticketed projects as well as community-driven initiatives. the budget allocated to regional arts partnerships be increased to allow this programme to expand budget be allocated to support entrepreneurial initiatives within the arts, culture and creative industry sectors, which enables the global export of creative talent. a commitment from the council to work towards an overall budget of 1 per cent of capital expenditure allocation to public art as stated in the council s Public Art Policy. Page 15

16 4 Council controlled services 4.1 Development Auckland Feedback on Panuku Development Auckland was mostly general in nature and has been captured in feedback points summarised under the regional governance activity. 4.2 Economic growth and visitor economy Approximately 139 written submissions on this activity were received. Feedback was received on a range of topics: a stronger focus on core services tourism taxes as an alternative funding source visitor economy Māori outcomes Other. Feedback on these areas is summarised below. A stronger focus on core services Approximately 71 submissions were received on this topic. Submitters recommended the council focus on funding and delivering core council services such as libraries, rubbish collection, parks and road maintenance in preference to funding the activities (e.g. America s Cup and business support programmes) and operations of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Limited (ATEED). Tourism taxes as an alternative funding source Of the 28 submissions on this topic: Fifteen submitters recommended that a tax on tourists could be considered as an alternative to the proposed targeted rate for increased environmental initiatives. Five submitters recommended that a tax on tourists could be considered as an alternative to the proposed targeted rate to increase the funding of water infrastructure. Eight submitters recommended that a tax on tourists could be considered as an alternative to the proposed average general rates increases Visitor economy Approximately 25 submissions were received on this topic. Approximately 10 of these submissions supported activity intended to grow the visitor economy, specifically activities related to tourism promotion at the regional and local board level. These submissions also supported a focus on destination management and the provision of increased waste and transport infrastructure, as well as attractions to service a growing tourism sector. Recommendations for improved infrastructure to support the growing tourism numbers on Waiheke Island were prominent among submissions from Waiheke residents, given its profile as a visitor destination. Feedback indicates support to improve Auckland s environment given its role in attracting tourism. Page 16

17 4.2.2 Māori outcomes Stakeholders Ngati Manuhiri and Ngati Rehua noted their association with tourism and other entrepreneurial businesses and recommended that council and its CCOs (including ATEED) work with iwi to enable an improvement in Māori outcomes by adopting and embedding the Independent Māori Statutory Board) Māori Plan. Other comments received included: support for hosting the Americas Cup the potential for the proposed regional fuel tax to affect tourism, support for the adoption of a zero-waste approach to hosting events views on managing Auckland s growth a suggestion for an alternative approach to trade and investment. 4.3 Regional facilities There were 2,201 submissions received on this activity, approximately 2,149 were written submissions and approximately 51 people who provided feedback verbally at Have Your Say, Maori and community events. One was submitted via the digital channel. Feedback was received relating to the following topics: Western Springs Speedway Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki Campaigns were run to encourage submissions on these activities. This resulted in a high number of submissions in these areas. Feedback on these areas is summarised below. Western Springs Speedway Approximately 1,399 submissions supported the retention of speedway activities at Western Springs. Submitters noted that this activity has a 90 year history at the venue is a family friendly activity in which all generations could participate runs for 12 nights a year. Approximately five submitters supported the closure of speedway at Western Springs, noting that it was not appropriate for it to be located next to the zoo and in a residential area. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki Approximately 707 submissions were received in support for an increase in funding to the Auckland Art Gallery by $20m over the next ten years as part of the 10-year Budget. Submitters noted that the Auckland Art Gallery is seen by the community as a cultural and heritage asset, a source of pride and an icon at the heart of the city. It was also acknowledged the facility as a hub that enables society to showcase its past and history and express creative talent. Approximately 95 submissions were in support of additional funding to sporting and other facilities. Page 17

18 5 Local council services Feedback on local activities is being considered by local boards and is not included in this report. 6 Requests for Funding Nineteen requests for additional funding were received as part of the consultation feedback. Eight requests did not specify an amount, while the requests which did have a specified amount total approximately $41 million. Please refer to Attachment 1. 7 Attachment Attachment Page number Attachment One Requests for Funding Page 19 Page 18

19 Attachement One: Request for funding Number Department Submission # Submitter Name Description of Request Value of Request One off or ongoing Current State (existing funding level; confirmed agreements/plans; relevant historic info) Officer Comment 1 PSR 9213 Auckland Mountain Bike Club Inc That funding be allocated in the Long Term Plan to accelerate the delivery of mountain bike facilities $5,000,000 One off Mountain Biking facility prioities are identified in Auckland Sports Sector Priorities Plan and also within the Bike Facility Code Plan. Specifc mountain bike track Improvements and new developments are identified in the Auckland Sports Sector Priorities Plan and the Bike Facility Code Plan for the Auckland Region. Mountain biking clubs need to use the tools and approach identified in the Auckland Sport Sector Facility Priorities Plan to build the case and demonstrate to council and other funders the rationale for investment. The sport and recreation investment plan (under development programmed to be consulted on and then completed late 2018) will outline how the council invests in sport and recreation. Informal recreation opportunities like mountain biking need to be considered as part of this plan development. The club should continue to advocate for park specific improvements and upgrades when budget is available, including the regional parks network developments. Local Boards have discretion to prioritise on local needs. 2 ACE 9281 Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Inc Additional funding for CABx to: add value to existing centres of population extend the current network of Bureaux continue to provide services through 32 sites $201,000 $280,000 Ongoing ACABx was established in 2013 as a board made up of representatives from across Auckland bureaux. ACABx distributes the funds to local bureaux. Auckland Council funded Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Incorporated (ACABx) $1.839 million in 2017/2018. In April 2018, the Environment and Community Committee (ENV/2018/48) approved the extension of the current $1.8 million funding agreement with Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Incorporated for an additional one year (2018/2019). In April 2018, the Environment and Community Committee (ENV/2018/48) approved the extension of the current $1.8 million funding agreement with Auckland Citizens Advice Bureaux Incorporated for an additional one year (2018/2019) conditional on a joint review of the population based funding model. Changes to the funding model will be agreed by the committee before 1 April The joint review will focus on issues of funding equity and distribution across the region. Social deprivation and other factors (e.g. usage of bureaux) will also be considered. Auckland Council and ACABx have a Funding Agreement and a Strategic Relationship Agreement. Both the current agreements expire on 30 June 2018 and the outcome of the council s review will be reflected in any new agreements negotiated. 3 Auckland City Mission Auckland City Mission are fundraising to deliver their Homeground facilility by They currently have a $30 funding gap. Auckland City Mission is seeking Auckland Council s support in consenting cost and development contributions relating to its redevelopment to address homelessness issue. The cost is estimated to be $475,000. This request was received before the LTP public consultation. 4 PSR 6313 Auckland Croquet Association Inc Request for funding for lawn maintenance Auckland Croquet Association would like Croquet Clubs to be considered when funding commitments to other sports are reviewed. Approx. $10,000 per annum per club ($110,000 per annum) Ongoing There is no regional facilities plan for croquet, and it is not included in the Auckland Sports Facilities Priorities Plan. The croquet clubs on council land will be under a Community Occupancy Agreement (council lease) and will be responsible for the maintenance of their leased area. There are 11 croquet clubs in Auckland. The sport and recreation investment plan (under development programmed to be consulted on and then completed late 2018) will outline how Council invests in sport and recreation. Budget for investment in regional priorities is based on assessment of current and future need and seeks to address areas of most significant need first. Local Boards have discretion to prioritise on local needs. The clubs could seek funding from the Local Board funding programmes. 19

20 Attachement One: Request for funding Number Department Submission # Submitter Name Description of Request Value of Request One off or ongoing Current State (existing funding level; confirmed agreements/plans; relevant historic info) Officer Comment 5 ACE 5766 Auckland Festival of Photography Trust Funding to cover capacity building and to cover increasing costs due to the popularity and profile of the Festival. Propose: $35,000: Festival team capacity building and professional development. $30,000: public programme development. $25,000: support to generate long term income. $100,000 minimum per annum Ongoing Currently funded $72K per annum in the LTP. The festival also recieves funding from various council grants and has applied for local board support (including accommodation support). The festival also benefits from a significant amount of indirect venue provision from council: a portion of festival events/exhibitions are held in council owned and partner facilities who are able to support the festival through the funding provided to them by council. Prior to implementation of the Community Grants Policy (2015) the Festival was funded from the Auckland City Council and the Auckland Council Events funds on an unconfirmed annual basis. In preparation for the implementation of the Community Grants Policy all recurrent and adhoc funding lines were merged into a central fund to service requests through regional contestable grants programmes. There was a transition period for a number of organisations including but not limited to Black Grace, Pacific Living Arts Festival and Manukau Symphony Orchestra. In response to a public submission to the 2015 LTP the Governing Body approved funding of $72k directly to the festival and outside of the contestable grants programme. Currently the Festival of Photograhpy is the only regional arts and culture, non asset based organisation that receives a grant outside of the policy. The festival receives the second highest Auckland Council regional arts and culture, non asset based grant in the region. There is opportunity for the festival to leverage more funds for specific aspects of their operations through a willingness to engage with the contestable process and align their outcomes with those of the respective funding schemes. 6 ACE 8126 Auckland Justices of the Peace Association s Request for annual funding of $100,000 per year to meet its annual operating expenses. 100,000 per anum Ongoing The council does not currently fund any Justice of the Peace services. Half of the Auckland Justice of the Peace Association s service desks are located at the 31 Citizens Advice Bureaux sites throughout Auckland. Via council funding of Citizens Advice Bureaux services and accommodation, the Justices of the Peace have access to facilities and administration resources to support their service, providing a safe environment to see clients. Justices of the Peace are appointed by the Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Crown. Each Justice of the Peace operates as an individual appointee, serving the community on their own behalf. Alongside their independence is a support network of the national Federation of Justices, overarching a group of regional associations, such as the Auckland Justice of the Peace Association. 7 PSR 9552 Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens Completion of the Pacific Pathway and funding for Sculpture in the Garden One off There is $1.2M, current CAPEX funding confirmed for pathway construction. Currently no dedicated funding is provided by Council for this exhibition. The Pacific Pathway has been designed to be delivered in stages. There is currently sufficient funding of $1.4m to complete stages 1 and 2 taking the path to the lake. The remaining two stages taking the path to the Rose Garden will require a further $1.6m funding. This required budget will be allocated through prioritisation of the regional parks improvement funding. Sculpture in the Gardens costs around $420,000 per exhibition. The Friends will continue to raise most required funding but seek Council support. 8 PSR 4119 Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club Inc. The HCCC seeks the support and allocation of funding from the Auckland Council to enable the building of a Pavilion at Metro Park. $1.8m capex + $100,000 for detailed design QS and consent One off Planning underway to hold workshop with the local board early Q3 to discuss: feasibility Report, pavilion, outdoor courts and indoor court. The board are considering the allocation of residual LDI in 17/18 FY. The Local Board is considering investing $100,000 into the pavilion. Investment would be through the trust, not the cricket club. The HCCC: This group does not have an active lease with council. It does hold landowner approval to have its portable office and storage container on the grassed area. In the landowner approval letter, it is mentioned that the site is part of the planned future site for the Metro Park East club facilities. The landowner approval was granted based, inter alia, on the local board's outcome to create easy access to recreation facilities. The group will likely seek a community lease once the floorplan is known through the design process. Additionally, the pavilion will be a shared solution for the Park which is important. 20

21 Attachement One: Request for funding Number Department Submission # Submitter Name Description of Request Value of Request One off or ongoing Current State (existing funding level; confirmed agreements/plans; relevant historic info) Officer Comment 9 ACE 4421 Hibiscus Coast Youth Council Seeking a $100,000 annual operating grant to meet one third of their costs and act to secure these services for our future. 100,000 Ongoing There is no current funding agreement however the centre have previously been funded by the local board ($120,900 contestable over the past 5 years). A further $135,000 operating funding was granted from Community Services between Staff recognise the need to provide a clear level of service expectation for community facilities, in this case youth centres. Several local boards have also made the point that the approach to funding needs to be reviewed to ensure that it is effective and fair and allows more local flexibility to respond to emerging needs. The current 10 year budget exercise assumes no change to the current level of service. However, the Governance Framework Review will look at minimum service levels and the expectation is that, subject to confirmed funding, staff will review the level of service in preparation for the FY20 annual plan. We expect that it will be a phased programme with input from our policy, finance and community services teams. The level of funding required to make youth centric organisations financially sustainable, as viewed by council staff, requires analysis that is yet to been undertaken. There are two key considerations. Firstly, what does it cost to run a community facility well? Secondly, what contribution to these running costs should council make? In many cases, the current funding provided by council does not cover the full cost of operating these facilities and there is an expectation that the facility will source funds from elsewhere to supplement the enterprise. Some are well placed to do this and have the skills, others either aren t well placed or don t currently have the capability / capacity. The optimum funding model would account for these varying circumstances. In the short term, the Local Board Funding Policy provides the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board with the mechanism to support the centre using its locally driven initiatives funding should it consider this a priority. The Centres services do not currently align with local board priorites. Staff have recommended to the local board that they invest in funding to support a comprehensive strategic review of the Centre to make recommendations to address the centres long term sustainability. 10 PSR Howick Gymnastics Club, Pakuranga Bowling Club, Pakuranga Tennis Club and Mountain Riders BMX Multipurpose facility on Lloyd Elsmore Park $2.25m + One off $226k of LDI has been allocated and not yet spent by Howick Gymnastics Club by the Howick Local Board for the support of this development. Multisport approach is encouraged by council. The combined codes could seek to build a case through the tools and approach identified in the Auckland Sport Sector Facility Priorities Plan and then seek to demonstrate to council and other funders the rationale for investment. The Sport Facility Investment Plan (under development programmed to be consulted on and then completed late 2018) will provide more direction on investment into Sports Facilities. Budget for investment in regional priorities is based on assessment of current and future need and seeks to address areas of most significant need first. Local Boards have discretion to prioritise on local needs. 11 Community Services / RFA Howick Historical Village Given the estimated annual operational cost budget of $1.7M, if self generated income could be increased to $400,000, the Howick Local Board grant for services continued at $320,000, additional grant/sponsorship income achieved of $480,000 HHV would need additional funding from Regional Facilities of an estimated $500,000. In addition to the annual Opex funding there would be an estimated one off Capex costs for the Collections/Orientation/Exhibition Gallery of $8 million. $500,000 opex $8m capex The Howick Local Board currently provides a grant of approximately $330,500 per annum to the Howick Historical Village. Howick Historical Village also leases land from Auckland Council. There are 4 significant properties owned by the Howick Historical Village; Howick Historical Village, Bell House, Hawthorn Dene and The Parsonage Auckland Council is currently undertaking the Cultural Heritage review. This review is seeking to confirm what the strategic priorities for investment in the Auckland cultural heritage sector should be. Council has limited funds and it would need to balance the desire to preserve early European settler history (which is the focus of the Howick Historical Village) with other sector priorities, in line with the results of the Cultural Heritage Review. The Cultural Heritage Review may result in different sector arrangements, and Regional Facilities Auckland may not be the most appropriate location for Howick Historical Village. Staff are of the view that the Cultural Heritage Review should be completed before any long term decisions are made regarding the Howick Historical Village. Issues regarding the leasing of additional land could be progressed via discussions between the local board, and the Parks Sport & Recreation department. 21