Decision digest | Regional Strategy and Policy Committee

1 September 2016

Weed policy review rejected at RSP committee

The committee opened with a minute silence to acknowledge the sudden passing of Franklin Local Board member Sarah Higgins. Councillors also acknowledged the leadership of Chair George Wood and Deputy Chair Arthur Anae at this, their last meeting of the Regional Strategy Committee.

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 proposed Weed Management Policy Review and the issues they would like the council to consider.

• Steffan Browning, Green Party MP, Spokesperson for Organics, Pesticides, GE, Food Safety and Biosecurity

• Hana Blackmore

• Fiona McKee, Community of Michael Park School, Ellerslie and school students

• Julian Bartrom

Item 6: Local Board Input

Saffron Toms and Neil Henderson of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board spoke on the Approval and scope of the Weed Management Policy Review.

Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene and members Nick Bakulich and Togiatolu Walter Togiamua from the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board presented to the committee on its support for a Māori Language Policy (they spoke ahead of item 11). They particularly focussed on road naming and signage, highlighting that this supports the language being seen, heard, learnt and spoken.

Item 9: Recommendation from the Community Development and Safety Committee – 3 August 2016 – issue of homelessness

The committee received the recommendation from the Community Development and Safety Committee to request that staff undertake further policy work to determine Auckland Council’s role and position in addressing the issue of homelessness, including the provision of emergency housing.

Item 10: Disposals Recommendation Report

The committee approved the revocation of reserve status and disposal of land at:

• 63 Flanshaw Road, Te Atatu South

• 8R Gee Place, Mangere

• 111m2 Crisp Avenue, Pukekohe

• Part of 7 (approximately 85m2) Eastview Road, Glen Innes

• 1233m2 Epping Road, Henderson

• 1,045m2 Lincoln Road, Henderson

These are all small or narrow strips of land that have no alternative service uses.

Item 11: Māori Language Policy and Māori Language Implementation Plan 2016-2019

Māori language is used at Auckland Councils in civic ceremonies, publications, signage, correspondence and verbal communication. This policy directs the quality, clarity and consistency of use of the Māori language. An implementation plan, which includes actions like dual language signage, accompanies the policy.

“Māori is an official language of New Zealand and I am pleased to see Auckland Council formalise this in policy,” says Chair George Wood.

Item 12: World Health Organisation Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities

The committee agreed that Auckland Council is committed to the intent of the World Health Organisation Age-friendly Cities and Communities Framework for Aucklanders aged 65 and over.

It will progress this through the council’s existing structure and programmes as well as identifying issues and opportunities that can also contribute to the framework’s intent.

Item 13: Approval of the scope of the Weed Management Policy Review

The committee received a report which scoped a review of the council’s Weed Management Policy.

The committee did not approve proceeding with a review, instead it recommended that the appropriate committee of the incoming council re-appoint the Weed Management Political Advisory Group and continue to monitor and review implementation of Auckland Council’s Weed Management Policy and practice. Its recommendation also expressed concerns about the use of glyphosate to the incoming council.

Item 14: 2015/2016 Animal Management Annual Report

Auckland Council’s Animal Management is the largest operation of its type in Australasia. Its service model is made up of a field operation and shelter services. The council is required, under the Dog Control Act 1996, to produce an annual report summarising its activities. This year’s report highlights dog registrations, shelter rehoming, response times, and the Menacing Dog Amnesty.

Read more about this on OurAuckland online.

Item 15: The Southern Initiative Update

The committee received an update on The Southern Initiative’s social and community innovation activities and outcomes.

Ends

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