Auckland Transition Agency

30 October 2010

Consolidated Council Plans Handed To New Auckland Council

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A consolidated planning document for use by the new Auckland Council has been handed over by the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA).

The six-volume plan required under the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Amendment) Act 2009 is based on a consolidation of the 2009-2019 long term council community plans (LTCCPs) of the eight previous city, regional and district councils which cease to exist at the establishment of the Auckland Council.

In the foreword ATA Executive Chairman Mark Ford says that the preparation of the document “marks both an end and a beginning; the cessation of the old councils and the creation of a new one.”

He said: “We anticipate the planning document will be the starting point for much discussion, debate and – ultimately – decision-making by those individuals elected by Aucklanders to lead the governing body and its local boards from 1 November 2010.”
The activities, projects and priorities in the plan are based on a consolidation of those contained in previous plans from the following councils: Auckland City Council, Auckland Regional Council, Franklin District Council, Manukau City Council, North Shore City Council, Papakura District Council, Rodney District Council and Waitakere City Council.
Activities, projects and priorities collated from previous council plans are grouped in the following categories: community, lifestyle and culture, economic development, planning and regulation, environmental management, solid waste, water supply and wastewater, stormwater, transport, commercial and investment.

Some of these projects which will now be led by the Auckland Council are shown in Appendix 1 (attached).

The previous councils were forecasting an average weighted rate increase of 6% for the 2011/2012 financial year. The new rates projection in the Planning Document is 3.9% - a reduction of 2.1% on the previous average forecast. This projection includes inflation at 3%.

The Auckland Council – which is established on Monday (Nov 1) – is expected to set its own spending priorities.

Among the factors influencing the rate projection in the Planning Document are:

• Operating and capital expenditure commitments of the previous councils totalling around $2.6 billion. This is the largest factor in the rate projection and includes the flow-on cost impact of capital projects committed to by previous councils and being undertaken in 2010/2011.
• The net impacts of transition – a net saving of $37m (inclusive of transition costs and savings, an efficiency target, IT expenses and factors such as the establishment of local boards).

Other factors impacting the financial projections in the Planning Document include council projects timed to coincide with the Rugby World Cup (for example, civic upgrade projects), weathertight homes provisions and lower costs of borrowing.

The Auckland Council is introducing lower regulatory fees and charges as a result of changes made during transition. Fees in many categories – from dog registrations to hourly charge-outs for building inspections – are being standardised across the region and lowered.

Service improvements under the Auckland Council include three categories of service centres across the council area and banking arrangements with BNZ, KiwiBank and PostShop for improved ease of customer service. Aucklanders will pay less for their drinking water following the announcement of lower prices from Watercare.

The ATA has commissioned a separate report – Securing Efficiencies from the Reorganisation of Local Governance in Auckland – from economists Taylor Duignan Barry. This report identifies ways in which future costs could be further reduced through efficiencies such as streamlined procurement, rationalised IT spend and other operational savings.

This report indicates potential gross annual savings in the range of $175m to $195m which would equate to a rates saving of 10-11% in the 2015/2016 financial year.

ends

Attached:
Appendix 1: Major council projects identified in Planning Document

Appendix 1: Major council projects identified in Planning Document

The Planning Document itemises many projects committed to by previous councils which will now be undertaken by the Auckland Council.
Most of these are scheduled for completion by 30 June 2012, by which time Auckland Council will have adopted its next long-term plan. The list includes:
Albert-Eden ward
A range of regional Rugby World Cup 2011 projects will be completed in the Albert-Eden local board area including transport improvements in the Eden Park precinct.
Mt Albert town centre renewal is a local activity that will ensure the town centre is attractive and inviting for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and carry out business in.
Transport projects are a regional activity, but local boards will have input into changes in their areas. One significant transport project In the Albert-Eden local board is the development of a transport corridor along Dominion Road to enhance accessibility and help revitalise the Eden Valley and Balmoral shops.
Devonport-Takapuna ward
Upgrading the Devonport Library is a local project that will ensure residents have access to a facility that enables community interaction, recreation, skill development, and information.
Upgrading the Devonport-Victoria Wharf is a local project that will improve the quality and amenity of the wharf.
Upgrading the Takapuna Aquatic Centre is a local project that will enhance lifestyle choices for residents and visitors.
Franklin ward
Continued redevelopment of the Waiuku and Pukekohe town centres are local activities that will ensure the town centres are attractive and inviting places for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and carry out business in.
Developing sports parks and recreational facilities in Waiuku, Pukekohe and Karaka is a local activity that enhances the lifestyle choices for residents and visitors.
Roading projects, including the upgrade of the eastern arterial bypass will take pressure off Manukau Road, Pukekohe in the future and will enable people to move around more efficiently.
Great Barrier ward
Improving Great Barrier Island walkways and restoring Kaitoke beach are local activities that will enhance the lifestyle choices for residents and visitors to Great Barrier Island.
Developing the Great Barrier heritage and arts village will improve the leisure opportunities available to residents and visitors.
Constructing the new Claris Airfield terminal will improve accessibility to Great Barrier Island.
Henderson-Massey ward
The Massey Matters suburban development is a local renewal and development project in the Massey area, alongside the development of the Westgate (Massey North) town centre.
The Westgate community centre is a local project that will provide opportunities for groups and individuals to come together for a range of social and recreation events.
The Te Atatu Library and community centre will be redeveloped into a multi-purpose facility. This local activity will enable community interaction, recreation, skill development, and information.
Hibiscus and Bays ward
Protecting Orewa beach access, including improving the central Orewa waterfront will reconnect the town centre to the beach.
Delivering the Browns Bay Centre Plan will upgrade streets and develop Phoenix Plaza.
Transport projects are a regional activity, but local boards will have input into changes in their areas. One significant transport project in Hibiscus and Bays is the continued development of Penlink – an integrated transport project that will provide a second access route from the Northern motorway to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Howick ward
Developing the Flat Bush town centre will provide a range of amenities for the growing local population
Implementing the Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) will continue. AMETI is a regional project that will help support business and residential growth planned for Glen Innes, Panmure, Mt Wellington and Sylvia Park, by improving roads, bus lanes, walking and cycling facilities and enabling freight and business vehicles to move more easily with good connections to ports, airports and motorways.
Developing the Uxbridge Creative Centre Precinct, including Howick Library will provide the local community with leisure and recreation opportunities.
Kaipatiki ward
A range of town centre upgrades and redevelopments will take place in Kaipatiki, including the Birkenhead-Highbury main street project, Highbury square development, Highbury Centre project and the Beachhaven gateway project. Town centre upgrades are a local activity that ensure town centres are attractive and inviting places for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and do business.
Progressing the Northcote Central project, a partnership project between Housing New Zealand, the Northcote Central Development Group Trust, and the local community, to make the Northcote area a more enjoyable place to live, work and play.
Mangere-Otahuhu ward
Redeveloping the Otahuhu library building and updating the library collection is a local project that will ensure residents have improved access to information and better interaction, recreation, skill development opportunities
Upgrading the Otahuhu rail station with park-and-ride facilities will provide improved transport choices.
Upgrading the Moana Nui a Kiwi (Mangere Swimming Pool complex), including a new heated pool and extension of the recreation centre will provide improved opportunities for recreation and physical activity.
Developing the Mangere Waterfront Reserve, including reclaiming land for sports fields and providing toilet facilities at old Mangere Bridge, will improve the quality natural environment and provide recreation opportunities.
Manurewa ward
Upgrading the Manurewa town centre and surrounds and completing the Manurewa town centre throughway, will provide a link between the town centre and the Manurewa Library. Town centre upgrades are a local activity that ensure town centres are attractive and inviting places for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and do business.
Improving Randwick Park and Wiri sports fields will provide opportunities for outdoor physical activity.
Developing construction and site options for a multi-sport facility that includes rugby league and soccer will provide the local community with improved recreation opportunities.
Maungakiekie-Tamaki ward
The Onehunga Bay foreshore upgrade is a local project that will create new beaches, parklands, and access.
Renewal of the Onehunga pools and improving Lagoon Leisure and Fitness Centre are local projects that will provide improved facilities to encourage more active lifestyles.
Tamaki Transformation Programme is a regional project led by the council and central government that will provide better housing, infrastructure, social services, employment prospects, and economic growth in Tamaki.
Orakei ward
Redeveloping the Stonefields open space and developing the Orakei Basin walkway for pedestrians and cyclists are local projects that will provide improved outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Orakei Point Development is a partnership with the private sector that will enhance the Orakei Point area, by developing a public transport hub, open spaces, and a mix of residential and commercial facilities.
The Tamaki Innovation Precinct is a regional project that will help ensure that the Tamaki business area will evolve into a technology-focused business cluster.
Otara-Papatoetoe ward
Developing the Otara central business district, including developing the Otara town centre and Otara Market and upgrading the St George Street Business area. Town centre upgrades are local projects that will ensure that they are attractive and inviting places for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and do business.
Advocating for a multisport facility in Papatoetoe and a feasibility study for a similar facility in Otara, will provide opportunities for recreation and physical activity.
Papakura ward
Upgrading Massey Park Aquatic Centre will meet demand for aquatic recreation facilities and make a positive contribution to the community’s wellbeing.
Ongoing implementation of the Pahurehure Inlet management plan including removing mangroves and improving the quality of the natural environment, will improve the amenity and lifestyle of the local community.
Developing sportsfields and recreational facilities in McLennan Park, Hingaia and Drury will provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor physical activity.
Puketapapa ward
Developing the Wesley community hub is a local project that will result in a new safe space for local youth to meet, participate in programmes and access a range of services in the Wesley/Mt Roskill area.
Expanding and improving access to Monte Cecilia Park will provide more open space for residents.
Developing Three Kings and Stoddard Road town centres is a local activity that will ensure the two town centres are attractive and inviting places for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and carry out business in.
Rodney ward
Planning is generally a regional activity, but local boards will have input into plans that affect their areas. Planning projects of significance to Rodney include progressing and implementing the Warkworth, Wellsford, Kumeu-Huapai, Waimauku, Riverhead, Matakana/Pt Wells/Omaha Flats and Puhoi structure plans.
Transport projects are a regional activity, but local boards will have input into changes in their areas. One significant transport project in Rodney is the Warkworth State Highway 1 intersection improvements, which will reduce congestion and improve travel time, trip reliability, and safety.
Water supply and wastewater are regional activities, but local boards and their communities have an active interest. Significant water supply and wastewater projects in Rodney include the Kumeu/Huapai/Riverhead future water supply scheme, which will construct main pipelines over next three years to cope with growth, and connecting a number of rural townships to the Watercare regional wastewater collection system.
Upper Harbour ward
Developing Albany town centre is a local activity that ensures the town centre is an attractive and inviting place for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and carry out business in.
Developing the former Hobsonville airbase into Hobsonville Point and improvements to Hobsonville Village and Corridor – the area between Hobsonville Road and the new realignment of State Highway 18 to the north. These are areas of potential urban growth, and developments will focus on improving local amenities.
Waiheke ward
Constructing a new Oneroa library and service centre that has improved facilities and more space is a local project that will contribute to the recreation opportunities on Waiheke Island.
Implementing the Matiatia Transport Plan, which includes developing areas adjacent to the Matiatia ferry terminal will provide for integrated transport and future proofing.
Waitakere Ranges ward
Redeveloping Glen Eden town centre will improve the local area. Town centre upgrades are a local activity that ensures town centres are attractive and inviting places for residents and ratepayers to visit, shop, and do business.
Renewals to Waikumete Cemetery is a regional project that will improve the cemetery.
Redeveloping Lopdell House is a local project that will ensure residents and visitors can enjoy and participate in the arts.
Waitemata ward
The Auckland Art Gallery redevelopment is a regional project that will ensure that residents and visitors to Auckland can see more of New Zealand’s biggest art collection.
Shared-space street improvements will make streets safer and easier for pedestrians to use. Shared-space streets will be developed in Elliott, Fort and Lorne streets and will have paving spread across the full width of the street.
Q-theatre is a new inner city performing arts venue that will help revitalise the CBD.
The Wynyard Quarter redevelopment is a regional project that will open up the waterfront for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Wynyard Quarter will feature a mix of public spaces, access to the water’s edge, bars, cafes, promenades, and entertainment facilities.
Whau ward
Regenerating the New Lynn town centre is a local project that includes developing the Crown Lynn residential precinct, the Merchants Quarter, the Mainstreet Quarter, the Portage Business Quarter and the Axis Retail Quarter.
Implementing the Rosebank 2030 business precinct plan is a local project that will retain and grow business and provide more employment opportunities.

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