Decision digest | Regional Strategy and Policy Committee

4 August 2016

Smokefree policy hotly debated by council

Auckland Council’s Smokefree policy dominated today’s Regional Strategy and Policy Committee with public input from smokefree advocates and discussion on the findings of a policy review.

Chair Cr George Wood says today’s debate culminated in a commitment to strengthen the council’s policy and investigate options for a smokefree bylaw. The following is a digest of decisions made.

The agenda is available on Auckland Council’s website and minutes will be added once confirmed. This meeting was also webcast on the council’s website and items are available on demand. Items 1-4 are administrative items.

Item 5: Public Input

The following individuals and groups spoke to the committee on their views on the findings of the council’s Smokefree Policy Review and the issues they would like the council to consider.

• John Loof, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society Auckland

• Mr David Hopkins, a resident of Manurewa

• Zoe Hawke, General Manager – National Tobacco Control Advocacy Service, of Hāpai te Hauora, Māori Public Health

• Dr David Sinclair, Medical Officer of Health, and Dean Adam, Manager Health Improvement, Auckland Regional Public Health Service.

Item 6: Local Board Input

Chair Lydia Sosene, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, presented to the committee on the proliferation of boarding houses in Auckland.

Item 9: Smokefree Policy Review Findings and Decision on Next Steps

The council’s Smokefree Policy aligns with the Government’s goal of becoming a smokefree nation by 2025, and gives effect to specific commitments made in the Auckland Plan. It follows a non-regulatory approach aimed at encouraging people to refrain from smoking, particularly in public places and at public events. Compliance with the policy is voluntary and relies on the public being well-informed about the policy objectives.

The committee heard the findings of a review of the policy and its implementation which shows that it is generally effective but there is more work to do.

It resolved to revise and strengthen the existing policy framework and intent to 2025, with a more targeted demographic approach and a greater emphasis on more effective implementation. It also resolved to investigate a smokefree bylaw to complement the policy.

Item 10: Open Space Provision Policy

The committee approved the Open Space Provision Policy as recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Sport Committee (20 July).

Item 11: Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy review

The committee adopted the Auckland Council Whānau Internal Strategy to Minimise Alcohol-Related Harm 2016.

Formerly known as the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy 2012 (the 2012 Strategy), this internal document guides and informs Auckland Council’s work in relation to alcohol harm reduction in the wider community. It is primarily directed at council as an employer, landlord, asset owner, regulator and community service provider.

Item 12: UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The committee resolved to have staff undertake analysis and report back to the committee (or relevant committee) with a recommended position on the industry-led application to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network within the creative field of music.

Item 13: Auckland Council submission on the Review of Class 4 Gambling discussion document

The committee approved Auckland Council’s submission to the Department of Internal Affairs’ Discussion Document: Review of Class 4 gambling. The submission was developed in consultation with the Class 4 Gambling Political Working Party, and is based on the council’s previous submissions. It advocates for greater returns to the community, including a percentage of ‘pokie’ grants to be returned to the community from where the funds were taken and a strengthened, but less costly, role for local government in gambling venue licensing.

Submitting on the discussion document means the council’s views on class 4 (‘pokie’) gambling are more likely to be reflected in any bills that may result from the review.

Item 14: Auckland Council’s submission on the Local Government Act 2002

Amendment Bill (No. 2)

The committee approved the Auckland Council submission on the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No. 2). The council’s submission generally supports the Bill and seeks amendments to support Auckland Council group’s concerted action to address Auckland urban issues and improve the workability and clarity of the Bill.

Item 15: Disposal Recommendation Report

The committee approved the revocation of reserve status and disposal of a 1,057m2 piece of land at 161 Maraetai Drive, Maraetai. This is a vacant, residential site that was vested as reserve upon subdivision in 1947. No alternative service uses were identified for this property through the rationalisation process and the feedback received has been supportive of the proposed divestment of this site.

Item 16: Update on outcomes of new inorganics service

Ian Stupple, General Manager Waste Solutions, provided an update on the outcomes of the council’s new inorganics service. The service was introduced in September 2015 and has seen 5,000 tonnes of inorganic material collected and (of that) around 1,500 tonnes diverted from landfill via the council’s waste diversion initiatives. 60,000 collections have been completed to date.

Ends

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