Newsletter - 24 September

Last night Auckland moved back down to Alert Level 2. The most significant resulting change is that gatherings of up to 100 people will be permitted. Within the Auckland Region, face coverings are still mandatory on public transport, as well as on aircraft to, from or through Auckland. While a small risk of community transmission remains, we are asked to continue to follow the golden rules: stay home if you feel unwell; get tested if you show symptoms; be vigilant with handwashing and hygiene; and use the COVID Tracer app to assist with contact tracing.

The next review of alert levels will take place on Monday 5th October with any possible changes coming into effect from Wednesday 7th October. Full details of what is and is not permitted at each level can be found on the government’s COVID website.

You may have noticed work going on at the St Heliers Community Library over the last few weeks. Some general maintenance was required such as improving lighting, but there’s also a project underway to restore the library to its original 1920s colours. Funded out of the Ōrākei Local Board  budget and advised by our heritage team, the work will see the doors and window frames re-painted using the shade of green used when the library first opened, enhancing the heritage value of the site and reflecting the original architectural intent of the building designer.

I’m happy to announce that in addition to our new Chief Executive Jim Stabback, Auckland Council now has a new Chief Financial Officer in Peter Gudsell. Peter brings extensive skills and experience from his roles at Christchurch City Council, Telecom, Vodafone and most recently, The University of Auckland. I look forward to working with Peter when he joins council on 14 December and am optimistic about the impact someone of his calibre can have. I’d also like to acknowledge Kevin Ramsay who has been acting in the role since April of this year. He does an exceptional job.  I am extremely grateful for his expertise, his support, and the long hours he puts in , particularly during the Emergency Budget process.

For those who use the train on our Eastern line, it’s been good news this week. That line is open and the little yellow digger ( which has apparently entertained  quite a few St Kents boys ) is no longer out on the train tracks  assisting with maintenance work over Hobson bay . Buses replace trains this week on the Southern and Onehunga lines which are closed for maintenance. You can check planned closures and plan your alternative journey on Auckland Transport’s website.

But why were the tracks closed in the first place?  This story explains it simply https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/122623838/auckland-rail-disruption-poor-state-of-city-rail-network-will-cost-200m-to-fix

Staying with transport, Auckland commuters have faced extensive delays this week after damage caused by a freak accident last Friday when two trucks were hit by high winds, resulting in half of the lanes on the Harbour bridge being closed. Thankfully, two additional lanes of traffic were opened on the bridge yesterday following overnight work to temporarily fix the damaged strut. The New Zealand Transport Agency are working on a long-term solution but say this will take about 4-5 weeks. Whilst the two extra two lanes will go some way to help ease congestion issues the advice from Auckland Transport is to avoid travel at peak times and consider using ferries.

Again locally, Auckland Transport are using the expected lower use of Tamaki Drive in the school holidays and reducing the lanes along the construction section to one lane each way. The new layout starts Monday September 28 and will be in place for two weeks.

On a more regional subject, each year we recognise Mental Health Awareness Week. Run by the Mental Health Foundation, it’s an opportunity to normalise discussions around mental health and to acknowledge that we still have a lot of work to do in this space. While always an important topic, this year, with all the problems it has brought, looking after our mental health feels especially important. As we explore our ‘new normal’ both as individuals and as a society, we can incorporate promoting good mental health and wellbeing into everything we do. Whether it’s being aware our own mental health or taking time to check in on friends and family, we all have a role to play in advocating a more positive attitude towards discussions around mental health in New Zealand – it’s ok to not be ok, and it’s ok to reach ask for help.  Check out the resources and tools available on the Mental Health Foundation’s Website

Change your clocks! Remember Sunday morning we ‘spring forward’ as daylight savings starts. Clocks will go forward one hour on Sunday September 27 at 2am and stay on that new time until April 2021

And finally, a  quick reminder that Auckland Heritage Festival  starts on September 26 and runs until October 11th. This is your opportunity to learn about past generations of famous and infamous Aucklanders, discover the stories of our oldest places and spaces and touch on our best-kept secrets. Choose from exhibitions, walks, talks, tours, a vintage market and activities for kids. Or look for events marked as online to learn about our region's heritage from home.

Event-holders are set up to follow the COVID-19 protocols required at the prevailing alert level. Some events fill up fast so make sure you check out the programme early.

Best to you all

Desley

Newsletter - 18 September

COVID update. After a few days of no new cases in the community,  we will know on Monday 21 September whether the Government will move Auckland from Alert Level 2.5 down to Alert Level 2 from 11:59pm on Wednesday 23 September. The significance of this move would be that restrictions on gatherings (10 people) and funerals (50 people) would be lifted. 

As always, the latest information can be found on the government’s COVID-19 website.

This week (14-20th September) is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week. In this week’s meetings, I have endeavoured to use as much Te Reo Māori as I can. I know I used to feel unsure about speaking it as I wasn’t confident in my pronunciation – but this week has been a great time to give it a go!

As some of you will have read on my facebook page, I’ve been doing some research into the origins of Ōrākei place names. It’s a fascinating way to explore our area’s rich history. Look out for some more examples like the one below on my social media over the next few weeks.

What local bay has Ōrākei Ward’s longest name? It’s Whakatakataka Bay. The Māori name is even longer: Onepuwhakatakataka, which means ‘the beach where one slipped or lost footing’.  Apparently (c. 1680) a Ngāti Whātua taua (war party) under Kawharu attacked the associated paa of Pokanoa overlooking what is now known as Hobson Bay. Several escapees slipped onto the beach at this place and were caught in an ambuscade of the foreshore, hence the name.

In previous newsletters, I have spoken about the Emergency Budget 2020/2021, passed at the end of July, which sought to address the half-a-billion dollar funding shortfall resulting from COVID-19 and the lockdown, while ensuring Auckland Council could continue to operate and provide important services to the region and its residents. As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the full impacts on council are not certain. Council staff are carefully monitoring progress and reporting monthly to my Finance and Performance Committee.

Yesterday we received the August update including progress against our savings target and our Value for Money programme. We continue to make good progress towards Councils highest ever savings target of $120million – in the month of August a further $14million was saved bringing us to $69million so far. Some of these savings include organisational design changes; reduced spending on outsourcing and professional services and staff reduction initiatives.

The Value for Money Programme focusses on being more efficient, cutting costs by removing duplication, improving processes, investing in technologies and employing smarter ways of working. Currently realisation is sitting at just over $90million.

As of Monday 14th September, requirements to observe physical distancing on public transport will be relaxed, which will allow buses and trains to run at capacity. Passengers are asked to continue boarding buses from the rear door to reduce contact with the driver. Stickers and posters may still be present in some instances – please be patient with the operators as they remove these.

Remember that wearing a mask or face covering remains mandatory on all buses, trains, ferries and domestic flights and also that off-peak travel continues to receive 30% discounts. Further details of the current public transport rules and the off-peak discount are available here.

As I’ve mentioned in the last few newsletters, KiwiRail is undertaking urgent rail repair and replacement on the Auckland network, and for the past month the Eastern Line has been closed to trains.  Over this time, they have made steady progress with nearly 17km of new rail laid and 19,000 sleepers replaced. The good news is – the Eastern Line will reopen to trains on Monday 21st!   

 However, from Monday 21st September the Southern Line will be closed between Penrose and Newmarket for four weeks.  KiwiRail are currently developing a programme that will see the work progressively move along the Southern Line over the next three months, before moving to the Western Line. KiwiRail have acknowledged the impact this has on public transport users and are working closely with Auckland Transport to manage this work to minimise overall disruption to rail passengers. I will continue to share updates with you as the project progresses.  

Quay Street’s eastbound lane between Lower Hobson Street and Queens Wharf remains closed to traffic, in order to speed up progress of the Downtown Programme. Despite delays caused by COVID-19, the programme is currently around 65 per cent complete with the seven projects being completed progressively through the final quarter of 2020 and the first half of 2021. Orakei Ward commuters can still come into city centre using Quay Street but need to use Customs Street (or another Eastern route) to get home. Hope you have google maps, it’s all a bit chaotic.

Stay safe out there.

Desley

Newsletter - 10 September

Well Auckland, another week at Alert Level 2.5 down, hopefully not much more to go. Cabinet will next review this on Monday 14th September.

Great work all of you who have taken up mask-wearing. They have taken a bit of getting used to, but it’s the best way we can keep ourselves, and those around us, safe especially in enclosed spaces like buses or lifts.  A quick reminder to those of you opting for single-use masks, please dispose of them properly as they are not easily degradable. We’ve had reports from our litter collection teams of masks being left strewn across the city and across our parks and beaches - we can do better than this! Please pop them in the bin and cut the straps if you can, to prevent wildlife getting tangled up in them.

To help everyone use public transport safely and keep their distance from others, Auckland Transport have re-introduced their 30% discount for off-peak travel on buses, trains and ferries (excluding Waiheke) during Alert level 2.5. Travel from 9am to 2.30pm and after 6:30pm from Monday to Friday is considered off-peak. Those with tertiary concession cards will receive a 30% discount rather than their usual 20%.  I’d encourage you to travel off-peak if you can, and please remember:

-          Wearing a mask is mandatory on all public transport

-          Payment is by AT HOP card only at this time - no cash fares

-          Entry/exit from buses is by the rear door only to reduce contact between driver and passengers.

Sticking with transport, Auckland Transport have provided an update on the Quay Street Eastbound Lane Closure. From Sunday 13 September, the eastbound lane on Quay Street between Lower Hobson Street and Queens Wharf will be closed until December 2020. I appreciate that this will cause inconveniences for some drivers, but they are doing this to speed up progress on the Downtown Programme which aims to transform the city centre and waterfront into a more people friendly environment.

Although COVID 19 has caused delays, this closure means the work can finish earlier than the planned June 2021. Some advice for drivers is below – pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users will be unaffected. Further details are available on Auckland Transport’s website.

-          If driving home from the city centre towards the Eastern Bays, please try and use Customs Street as Quay St east bound lane will be closed

-          If driving from the North Shore to the Eastern Bays, continue on the motorway taking the Port exit to avoid going through the city centre

-          If driving North, the motorway is a great option

-          People travelling into the city from Eastern Bays ( west)  on Quay Street will be unaffected.

I’ve also had an update from Kiwirail on their urgent track repair and replacement work. The Eastern Line rail services are suspended for a further two weeks and will now re-open on Monday 21 September. Again, I’m aware this is an inconvenience, but it’s essential that this work is carried out and long-term it will lead to a better rail network. Full details of planned closures and alternative journey options can be found here.

I’ve had a few queries this week from those of constituents understandably concerned about recent media suggesting that councils will be required to scrap planning rules requiring car parks provided for each property in new developments.   Central Government’s National Policy Statement – Urban Development (NPS-UD) came into effect on 20th August of this year and required Auckland Council to remove the minimum car parking requirements for development from the Auckland Unitary Plan by 20 February 2022. Until then, the minimum requirements in the Auckland Unitary Plan continue to apply.  While I do understand your concerns about this change, it is important to note that after February 2022 land developers can still choose to provide car parks, even if the minimum number required has been removed.  The rules can now not be changed unless the government decides to do so. Auckland Council did submit on the draft of this document not with complete success in terms of the matters we sought to change. The next step will be a Planning Committee workshop on Wednesday 30th September at which the wider implications of this policy will be discussed. I will continue to update you on these changes and the implications for Auckland. 

Following the disappointing situation regarding dead stingrays in Ōrākei Basin, marine and other scientists, key staff from Auckland Council, Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries and Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium met to discuss the likely causes.  While it’s not possible to ascertain the cause of death with any certainty, conclusions have been reached on the likely cause.  Part of Orakei Basin’s operating protocol is to permit tidal exchange of the Basin for a period of time on a regular fortnightly basis in-part to manage any potential water quality issues. A malfunction to the sluice gates (which control the exchange of water in and out of the basin) was reported on 14th May of this year and, due to lockdown restrictions, took over two months to be fully repaired. This meant that the gates were not operational again until 7th August. During this period the Basin would have received significantly reduced tidal exchange.  It was agreed that the 13 deceased stingrays located in the basin were likely occasional visitors rather than residents; were likely in the basin from the period 14 May to 7 August; and likely died in the period immediately following the opening of the sluice gates on 7 August. Whilst it is possible that one or more water quality issues (e.g. wastewater overflows or salinity changes within the Basin) may have contributed to the death of the rays, decomposition of the carcasses prevented any testing of those for contaminants or pathogens and there is no specific water quality evidence in this regard. It is considered possible that the extended period of impoundment of the rays within the Basin may have led to behavioural changes whereby they failed to respond to tidal cues to move to deeper water on a receding tide. As such, it is considered possible that the rays died on the mudflats on the first outgoing tide. It was noted that there have been similar incidences of deaths of rays trapped in intertidal lagoons on an outgoing tide within the region previously, but not specifically at Orakei Basin. All scientists endorsed increased water quality monitoring within the basin to help better understand if poor water quality conditions do occur during periods with limited tidal exchange. It’s always sad to lose sea creatures due to human behaviour and I was very disappointed in council’s initial response. However, all the departments involved in the investigation have had the opportunity to review their procedures and moving forward, can ensure we do much better. Having said that, I sincerely hope there is never a “next time.” 

You may spot one of our inorganics trucks over the next few weeks as it’s scheduled to be in parts of the Ōrākei Ward. Every area of Auckland is allocated a week each year for an inorganic collection of up to one cubic metre of inorganic material. There is no charge for this service – it’s included in your  rates – but it must be booked in advance at least 8 days before the designated pick-up day for your area. If you missed out this time round there are other options for collection, or from mid-January, you can book a collection for next year. For those in Remuera, collection is scheduled for November - the table and map below show when you must make your booking by.  Enter you address here to make your booking and for full details of what can/cannot be collected. 

In other waste-related news, this week an electric rubbish truck will be out collecting Waiheke Island's rubbish and recycling. This will be the first fully operational electric rubbish truck in the Auckland region. We hope to have more in the future, but one is a good start in our commitment to assist in reducing carbon emissions.

As Auckland continues to persevere with life at Alert Level 2, businesses such as cinemas are cautiously re-opening, ensuring they do so in a way that keeps customers safe. Both Berkley Theatre in Mission Bay and the Silky Otter in Ōrākei re-opened last week with appropriate social distancing measures in place. Going to the movies is something I really missed during lockdown – have a look at what’s on and plan an evening out without leaving the neighbourhood.

Last week we announced the theme and dates of the Auckland Heritage Festival. Running from 26 September to 11 October and offering more than 100 events, the festival will see Aucklanders 'uncover secrets and stories of Tāmaki Makaurau'. Our festival website goes live on Thursday 10th September – have a look and see what’s planned this year!

Last week I discussed the findings of our recent review of Council Controlled Organisations or CCOs. Since then, the Appointments and Performance Review Committee, of which I am a member, appointed a board to oversee the merger of Regional Facilities Auckland and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.  I’m looking forward to seeing some real cost-saving results from this new CCO and feel optimistic about what this new collaborative approach can achieve for the city. The seven-member board have extensive and diverse experience across the commercial, governance, international business and events fields.

Finally, Auckland Zoo have released some wonderful photos of the twin golden lion tamarins who were born back in July. They are being hand-reared as their mother was unable to produce milk but are both doing well and now weighing around 130grams. They’ve also asked for your help in naming their new Rhino calf. If you have a suggestion, please submit it on the Zoo’s facebook page before 13th September. They’re looking for names with significant meanings, so I don’t think my grandchilds suggestion of Rhiney McRhinoface will be a winner.

Keep smiling, even if its behind your mask.  

Desley

Stingray deaths in Orakei Basin - Update

As promised here is a statement from the high level working group who met to discuss the recent death of a number of stingrays in Orakei basin:

Agreed Statement - Stingray deaths in Orakei Basin during August 2020

Orakei Basin is a managed body of water that is generally kept with water levels around those of a high tide for the purposes of water sports and recreation in the Basin. Part of the Basin’s normal operating protocol is to permit tidal exchange of the Basin for a period of time on a regular fortnightly basis; in-part to manage any potential water quality issues within the Basin.

On 14 May 2020 (under Covid Level 4 lockdown) a malfunction of the sluice gates that control the exchange of water in and out of the Basin was reported. Subsequently, repairs to the sluice gates took two and a half months to complete and opening of the sluice gates did not occur again until Friday 7 August. During this period the Basin would have received significantly reduced tidal exchange, although some tidal exchange would still have taken place occasionally at the high end of the tidal range.

In the days following the operation of the sluice gates on Friday 7 August, dead stingrays began to be reported within the Basin. Subsequently Auckland Council operations contractors found and retrieved 13 dead stingrays from various locations on the shoreline and floating in the water.

Subsequent to these events, marine and other scientists, and other key staff from Auckland Council, Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries and Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium met to discuss the likely causes. The following key points regarding the cause of the stingray deaths were agreed:

•       The causes of the deaths of the rays cannot be known with absolute certainty.

•       It was noted that there was a mixture long tail and short tail stingrays. Long tail stingrays, tend to be more commonly expected in channels

•       Any rays in the basin are likely to be occasional visitors rather than resident.

•       Based on the degree of decomposition of the rays it seems likely that they died in the period immediately following the opening of the sluice gates on 7 August.

•       It seems unlikely that the rays entered the basin following the opening of the gates on 7 August. It is considered more likely that the rays were in the basin for the period from 14 May to 7 August but did not die during this period.

•       If the rays were in the Basin prior to 14 May, this may have been due to the absence of boat traffic during this period (due to Covid Level 4 lockdown) as they are generally averse to such disturbance.

•       Whilst it is possible that one or more water quality issues (e.g. wastewater overflows or salinity changes within the Basin) may have contributed to the death of the rays, decomposition of the carcasses prevented any testing of those for contaminants or pathogens and there is no specific water quality evidence in this regard.

•       It is considered possible that the extended period of impoundment of the rays within the Basin may have led to behavioural changes whereby they failed to respond to tidal cues to move to deeper water on a receding tide. As such, it is considered possible that the rays died on the mudflats on the first outgoing tide. It was noted that there have been similar incidences of deaths of rays trapped in intertidal lagoons on an outgoing tide within the region previously, but not specifically at Orakei Basin.

All scientists endorsed increased water quality monitoring within the basin to help better understand if poor water quality conditions do occur during periods with limited tidal exchange.

Meeting participants:

•       Clinton Duffy (Department of Conservation)

•       Nick Ward (Ministry for Primary Industries)

•       Madeline Seaman (Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium)

•       Megan Carbines (Auckland Council Research and Evaluation Unit)

•       Samantha Happy (Auckland Council Biosecurity)

•       Darryl Thompson (Auckland Council Environmental Health)

•       Nick Vigar (Auckland Council Healthy Waters)

•       Cath Duncan (Auckland Council Community Facilities)

Newsletter - 21 August

Following a review of the current COVID-19 situation, the Prime Minister announced today that the Auckland region will remain at Alert Level 3 until midnight on Wednesday 26th August as planned. This will be further reviewed on Monday 24th.

Until we change our status, it is important we continue to remain in our household bubbles;  try to wear a mask or face covering when outside; and stay local where possible.  Businesses are taking another big hit financially so if you can, please support your local coffee shop if they’re doing contactless pick up; your local restaurant if they’re doing takeaways/deliveries; and other small businesses in your area in any way you can. Tempting as it is, also please keep children off our playground equipment which following central government direction, has been taped off for public use.
 
Many of you have brought to my attention the sad news that several dead stingrays have been found in the Ōrākei Basin. I asked that council staff urgently investigate the cause of death and have the dead creatures removed as soon as possible. To say I have been disappointed with the response would be an understatement.  The stingray carcases were first reported on 8th August and, despite my escalating this as a priority, some remained in the Basin 12 days later. It was hoped those removed could be frozen and tested to learn more about their cause of death. Sadly, the delay in retrieving them has meant they were too “far gone” to be tested successfully.

The one positive piece of news that is the quality of the water has been tested, and results have proven that poor water quality was not the cause of death. This incident has provided an opportunity to review and improve council processes. We now have a very clear understanding of which department has responsibility for removing both deceased sea creatures found washed up onshore, and those found floating in the water. 

Our Community Facilities team are upgrading the tidal sluice gates which some say may have had a role to play in the stingray deaths, and will operate the gates as often as possible during this time to flush the basin with salt water. The Ministry for Primary Industries will continue to work with council to help determine what actually caused the stingrays to die. More specific details on councils response to the stingray deaths can be found on my website .However I give you my assurance, I’m absolutely committed to ensure updated processes are adhered to so we can prevent further stingray deaths in the future.
 
 You may have read that Watercare’s Chief Executive Raveen Jaduram has resigned from his position and will be moving on to consider new opportunities as of 31st October. Raveen has been with Watercare since 2014 and I wish him all the best for his future endeavours. As of Friday 21st August, dam levels stand at 62.22%, still significantly below the historical average for this time of year (87.95%). Water restrictions therefore continue. Watercare have assured me they are continuing to press ahead with their construction programme to bring on new water sources and upgrade existing ones, while adhering to the strict safety protocols required under Level 3. This includes work to build new modular treatment plants treating water from Hays Creek Dam and the Hickey Springs bore in Pukekohe.
 
Last week I shared with you details of the planned closure of Tāmaki Drive allowing a crane to lift the pedestrian clip-on into place at Point Resolution. I was delighted when the work was completed a full 24 hours ahead of schedule allowing traffic to resume late Saturday afternoon. Here’s a great timelapse of this essential work being carried out – great work Auckland Transport contractors!
 
Owing to some urgent repair work required on the rail tracks, Eastern Line services between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu will not be running for two weeks starting from this Monday 24 August.In order for KiwiRail to carry out this work safely and at pace, the line needs to be shut completely. Stopping the trains for an extended period allows a considerably more productive work programme and enables completion of work and a return to normal operations in the shortest possible time frame. This minimises overall disruption for commuters and corridor neighbours.

Public transport should only be used under Alert Level 3 for essential travel such as getting to/from work, the supermarket or medical appointments. If you were planning on using the Eastern Line over the next 2 weeks, you may need to consider alternative arrangements.  Buses will replace trains between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu stations during this time, and train services will continue to operate as normal between Manukau and Ōtāhuhu. Auckland Transport have apologised for any inconvenience caused by this work. The latest information and alternative travel options are available here.

Although it was disappointing that so many of the great events planned for New Zealand Conservation Week (August 15th-23rd) have had to be postponed, there are still many great ways to be involved:

*During the April lockdown, Auckland Council Parks Services created a video detailing how we can map our backyards. Taking the time to observe what is literally in your backyard allows you to embrace what has always been there.

*The NZ Tree app is a great tool for learning what is around you, and how you can care for it.

*You can add to some of the amazing photos on Auckland Council’s Instagram feed and share  nature from your perspective with others

*The Conservation Week webpage that the Department of Conservation has created is full of quizzes and opportunities to learn about nature in Aotearoa

*Finally, visit the Auckland Parks Facebook page for more videos on subjects like how to make a bug hotel, doing a bird count in your neighbourhood and building a tracking tunnel.
 
Finally, I’m disappointed to miss out on collecting for the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day next week - something I do every year in memory of my father who died of cancer. Even though we can’t collect in person, there’s still an opportunity to donate to this wonderful cause via their website, and dedicate a daffodil to someone you love.
 
Enjoy a quiet and restful weekend, and please check in on anyone who may be struggling, especially those who live alone.
 
Stay safe and please let me know if you, or anyone you know, needs help at this challenging time
 
Desley

Dead stingrays in the Ōrākei Basin.

I asked that staff address the following points as to multiple community concerns when dead stingrays were seen in the Orakei Basin. I requested in writing;

·         Further information on the sluice gates and their ongoing maintenance and why they haven’t been operating.

·         Confirmation of the process moving forward if an incident like this occurs again.

·         Clear outline of who is responsible for what area/action (including MPI and DOC).

·         Staff consider reaching out to Kelly Tarlton’s to include them in any future process.

·         Any information on the cause of death of the stingrays and how we might prevent this from happening again.

Staff have developed the following written responses.

Context: Ōrākei Basin sluice gates

·         The Ōrākei Basin sluice gates are managed by the council’s Community Facilities department on behalf of Auckland Council.

·         The resource consent conditions for the sluice gates specify the Ōrākei Basin be flushed fortnightly (approximately 27 times a year), opening the sluice gates during high tides. This regime results in useable water levels for 78% of daylight hours during the year.

·         Community Facilities have an agreement with the Auckland Water Ski Club (the ski club) whereby the ski club manually operate the sluice gates to allow the flushing of the basin and to maintain adequate water levels. The ski club have resource consent for the basin to remain filled for a certain number of days per year to allow for water sports. The ski club and waka ama groups use this facility.

·         Up until 11 May 2020, the sluice gates have been managed as required by the ski club with regular monitoring of water levels and operation of the sluice gates. On 14 May 2020 the ski club reported to Community Facilities a malfunction with the electrical system which prevented the sluice gates from opening.

·         Community Facilities initiated repairs to the electrical system and upgrade of the system control panel. Repairs were completed on 6 August 2020.

·         The sluice gates were operated on 7 – 9 August to flush the basin. The sluice gates were opened again on 17 – 21 August 2020.

·         Three of the four sluice gates remain open this week (17 – 21 August 2020) as the first cylinder is removed and the overhaul of the hydraulic cylinders begins. This is due to be completed by 31 October 2020. Community Facilities will continue to monitor water levels within the basin during this time.

·         Automation of the sluice gates is due to be completed by 31 June 2021.

Accountability: Auckland Council responsibilities and processes moving forward

·         Generally, for freshwater bodies on Auckland Council land, Community Facilities contractors are responsible for removing dead animals from the land and Healthy Waters contractors are responsible for removing dead animals from the freshwater.

·         Healthy Waters contractors would not normally be responsible for removing dead animals from marine environments such as the ocean or beaches. However, because the Ōrākei Basin is controlled by council managed tidal gates, Healthy Waters are managing the removal of the dead stingrays in the water.

·         The Ōrākei Basin is one of several bodies of water where it is ambiguous whether it is a marine or freshwater body – it is intermediate in nature. As part of the learnings of this incident the council’s i-Know procedures for the call centre and response staff will be amended so it is clear that Ōrākei Basin, and some other similar bodies of water should be treated as freshwater bodies from a procedural perspective.

·         In this instance, Community Facilities contractors removed six stingrays that could be reached from the shore and Healthy Waters contractors removed six stingrays from the water.

·         If a similar incident (dead animals floating in Ōrākei Basin) happens again, the council’s call centre staff should direct the request to the Healthy Waters contractor. Healthy Waters will in turn liaise with Community Facilities.

·         The council’s procedures require that the Department of Conservation is informed in the case of any dead native animal. The Department of Conservation’s interest is around establishing whether the dead animal is a protected species. If it is not (as is the case with these stingrays) then they have no responsibility.

·         The Ministry for Primary Industries are interested in establishing whether the deaths were the result of some sort of exotic disease. In this case they consider that the stingray carcases are too decayed to establish this.

Preventing reoccurrence

·         Presently, there is uncertainty about why or exactly when the stingrays died in Ōrākei Basin. Water quality testing carried out over 13 – 14 August 2020 indicates salinity levels to be in the normal range for the Ōrākei Basin and no obvious evidence of wastewater contamination.

·         Marine experts from the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation consider that the degree of decomposition of the carcasses makes it difficult to establish cause of death. It is difficult to speculate on how long the rays had been dead before washing up. It is possible that at some point in time water quality conditions in the basin may have contributed. Stingray carcasses have been frozen in case they can provide some information.

·         Scientists from the council, the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation are intending to meet as a group to discuss this within the next week. Marine biologists from Kelly Tarltons will be invited to participate in this.

·         The Healthy Waters Safeswim team monitors the public health risk in Ōrākei Basin on a periodic basis. The frequency of testing will be increased, and other water quality parameters will be added to the monitoring programme to help determine whether toxic or harmful water quality is occurring within the basin, and what this means for the flushing regime.

·         Automation of the sluice gates will provide opportunities for increased integration with water quality monitoring.

·         In terms of next steps, you will be informed of any outcomes of the expert meeting and in due course of water quality investigations.

I will update further on this as more information comes to hand

Auckland remains at Alert Level 3

My heart sank on Tuesday night as the news broke that New Zealand’s winning streak – over 100 days COVID free - had come to an end. I know many of you will have shared that deep disappointment and may also have felt apprehension about our safety and the implications for our economy. Just as many businesses were getting back on their feet after a rough time, news of a second lockdown has been a real setback.

It has been wonderful in these last few months to enjoy our freedom again; to see friends and family; to travel within New Zealand; and to do so feeling safe. As much of a blow as it is to feel like we’re taking a step backwards, it is difficult to argue against keeping our communities safe.

A quick reminder of what Alert Level 3 means for us:

• Travel in and out of Auckland will be restricted to essential travel only, with roadblocks in place

• You must work from home unless you are an essential worker

• All schools and childcare facilities will be closed except for children of essential service workers.

• All public facilities, bars, restaurants and businesses should close.

• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and petrol stations remain open and we should shop as normal. Food delivery will be available

• We must keep a 2 metre physical distance and should wear a mask when in public

• You must stay within your household ‘bubble’

• Gatherings are not permitted except for wedding services, funerals and tangihanga

• You must stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow, clean surfaces

• Keep a record of where you have been, use the NZ COVID app (details below)

• If you have cold or flu like symptoms call your GP or Healthline to book a free COVID-19 test, and get tested if asked (details of testing sites below)

All customer-facing council venues such as pools, libraries and community venues are closed under Alert Level 3 and will remain closed until we are given the all clear to reopen by the government response team. This includes playgrounds and any shared equipment in our parks including drinking fountains and benches. Our essential services – like waste, public transport for essential workers, and public toilets – will continue.

My fellow councillors and I were able to quickly transition to working remotely and Thursday’s Planning Committee was held virtually via Skype for Business.

 I will continue to be active and available throughout the course of this lockdown and will maintain communication with  you, other elected members and support staff through skype, email and social media.

It definitely feels easier this time, knowing how things will function and knowing that we were able to continue to govern during the first lockdown. 

At 5.30pm today, Friday 14th August, the Prime Minister announced that Auckland would continue to be under Alert Level 3 for a further 12 days until midnight on Wednesday 26th August. This will take the total lockdown period for this outbreak to 14 days which we know to be the incubation period for the virus and will ensure we can eradicate all traces before we can return to ‘normal’. This will be further reviewed on Friday 21st August.

At this stage, we are being encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 only if we are experiencing any of the following symptoms; cough, loss of smell, sore throat, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath. People who are asymptomatic may be turned away from testing sites. If you’re unsure, give Healthline a call on 0800 358 5453 and they can talk you through it. The test is free and involves just a few moments of discomfort – a small price to pay to play for peace of mind, and knowing you’ve played your part in tackling the virus. here are a number of permanent and ‘pop-up’ testing site across the city – a full list is available here.

From Ōrākei, the closest sites are at Eden Park and in Botany. Both are walk-in/drive through sites so you do not need to make an appointment but please be aware that the queues have been long so take something to eat & drink and please be patient with staff.

·         Eden Park - Bus Hub, Corner of Sandringham Road & Reimers Ave. Open every day 8am-6pm

·         Botany - 292 Botany Road, Golflands. Open every day 8am-5pm

Remember that you can also get tested at your GP. This is also free, but please phone ahead to make an appointment.

The Ministry of Health created a tracing app ‘NZ COVID Tracer’ which allows you to create a digital diary of where you have been by scanning official QR codes at participating businesses. It’s really important that we all do this so that contact tracers can quickly identify and isolate anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19 if there is a further outbreak in New Zealand.

The app can be downloaded from the Apple store or the Google Play store and a handy how-to guide is available here.

In other news, Auckland Council’s 10-year budget (2018-2028) ring-fences $311 million through a natural environment targeted rate for projects that restore native ecosystem health through council and community-led restoration and pest plant, animal and disease control. Another $452 million from a water quality targeted rate is being invested in cleaner beaches, streams and harbours. The infographics below show how this funds from these targeted rates are being invested. 

I have recently received a progress report on how these funds are being used specifically in the Ōrākei Ward on some really important projects which I know are priorities for many of you.

·         Significant investment in community-led projects to protect and restore local ecosystems and threatened species. In Ōrākei these range from groups focussing on weed management to those protecting seabirds and those preventing kauri dieback.

-          The Eastern Bays Songbird Project is an organisation close to my heart. They have been awarded several grants of between $15,000-$25,000 through this targeted rate which have allowed them to continue their important work in conservation of native birds through pest management, restoring ecological corridors, revegetation and increasing functional ecosystem connectivity.

·         We’re protecting green spaces by increasing pest plant and pest animal control in and around public parks. We are supplementing animal pest control not already delivered under ecological restoration contracts in areas with high biodiversity value. We are also prioritising the management of low incidence pest plants - pest plants which occur in low numbers and can therefore be targeted for eradication.

-          In Ōrākei we are prioritising pest plant control at Dingle Dell Reserve; Kepa Bush Reserve; Macpherson Reserve; Martyn Wilson Fields and Sonia Reserve; Ōrākei Basin; Roberta Reserve; Tāhuna Tōrea Nature Reserve; Waitaramoa Reserve; and Wharua Reserve.

·         We’re also investing to reduce the risk of spread of plant pathogens threatening native species, in particular kauri dieback. This investment is primarily for track upgrades in regional and local parks, to decrease the risk of kauri dieback disease spreading and so closed tracks can be re-opened.

-          Dingle Dell Reserve: The tracks in this reserve are closed and mitigation works are underway to help protect the kauri.

·         We're taking action to manage and reduce marine pests and pest plants and animals on islands to protect priority native species and ecosystems.

-          Inter-Regional Marine Pest Pathway Management Plan: A Top of the North marine biosecurity partnership working group was formed and worked through options analysis. Staff are now developing a formal proposal for a regional marine pest pathway plan.

-          Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Biosecurity Management Plan: This plan is currently being drafted and will cover the new Regional Pest Management Plan requirements. This substantially increases the number of pests that cannot be moved to, from or between the Hauraki Gulf islands. The new requirements also include mandatory Pest Free Warrants for all transport operators, and increased penalties for non-compliance.

·         As part of the Western isthmus water quality improvement programme $361 million will be invested in infrastructure projects over 10 years to reduce overflows into the Waitematā Harbour. Watercare is also investing $1.2 billion into the Central Interceptor programme which will free up space in our Orakei line and $412 million into the Western Isthmus water quality improvement programme.

-          Ōkahu Bay stormwater network separation project: Construction commenced in October 2019. The project has completed about 45 per cent of public drainage works and separation of 65 private drainage so far. The project is expected to finish in June 2021.

-          Hobson Bay catchment: Investigations are underway around Newmarket Stream, Hapua Stream, Portland Road Stream and Waiata Stream.

·         Safe Networks investigations to locate issues with our water networks and identify solutions to make popular Safeswim sites safe for swimming.

-          Meadowbank (Pourewa West Catchment): Detailed public and private drainage investigations have been completed, with 238 properties visited. Fourteen issues were found and referred to the compliance team to work with property owners. Six have been resolved and eight are in progress.

-          Mission Bay, St Heliers, Kohimarama, Ōkahu Bay, and Judges Bay: Outlet screening investigations and water quality testing has been completed at these sites, to narrow down sources of contaminants. This determines where in the network further investigations are required. Further detailed investigations will commence following the Ōkahu Bay stormwater network separation project.

-          Hobson Bay catchment: Investigations are underway around Newmarket Stream.

·         Stream restoration projects to improve the ecology of local waterways

-          McArthur Avenue (St Heliers) stream stabilisation: This project has progressed to preliminary business case development.

-          Newmarket Stream restoration: Weed control has been completed and the site has been

My colleagues on the Ōrākei Local Board has developed a three-year plan outlining the key initiatives they plan to focus on to help communities thrive and support recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Now they’re asking for your feedback on their proposals. The plan has five proposed outcomes.

·         Our communities are connected, engaged and resilient

·         Our land, forests, waterways and marine environment are protected, restored and enhanced

·         All parks and open space areas are attractive and well-used places for both active and passive recreation

·         Our transport infrastructure is efficient and connected, enabling people to move around safely and effectively using a range of options

·         Our town centres and local businesses are increasingly vibrant and prosperous

The board will be taking submissions until Monday 17th August so please, if you haven’t already, take this opportunity to help shape the vision for Ōrākei. You can find the draft local board plan here, and your opportunity to submit feedback here.

Tāmaki Drive will be temporarily closed to traffic from 10pm tonight (Friday 14th August) as planned, to allow for essential work to be carried out as part of the project to widen the road and improve safety. A 450-tonne crane will install two 60-tonne beams on the pedestrian bridge at Resolution Point, taking around 18hours for set-up, completion and dismantling for each beam.

While all lanes will be closed to traffic, the southern footpath will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists and if needed, there will be one lane operating for emergency vehicles

The forecast for this weekend looks good – strong winds might have impacted the work - so this work is set to be completed by Sunday afternoon and the road re-opened for those who need to use it on Monday. Please make alternative travel plans over the weekend and use the routes suggested below. More information on the project can be found on Auckland Transport’s website.  

It’s easy to feel hopeless hearing about all the things we are no longer able to do… but there are still many things we can do, and aspects of lockdown which weren’t awful – walks and bike rides on quiet streets, more time to spend with family, skipping the stressful commute, and enjoying a bit of rest and self-care.

Please look after each other and try to stay positive. I’m here to help if you need it.

Desley

EMERGENCY BUDGET 20/21

While it is an honour to chair Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance Committee, it’s certainly not an easy job even at the best of times. Over the past few months, it’s been particularly challenging as we reacted to Covid-19. Scoping up a second annual budget saw me chairing over 100 hours of meetings  and workshops with local boards, councillors, Independent Maori Statutory Board Members and CCO’s to reach a finalised Emergency Budget for 2020-2021.

When we began our original Annual Budget process late last year, council was in a pretty good place financially – we had more money from revenue than we had budgeted for. Comparatively, when New Zealand was able to get moving again following our lockdown period, we found ourselves in a markedly different financial landscape which led to an emergency financial response and an Emergency Budget.

As much as I was aware of the difficulties council faced – a $500million funding gap caused by lost revenue – I was also acutely aware of the financial difficulties many Aucklanders found themselves in. Jobs had been lost; businesses were struggling and across the city, families were struggling. How could we consider raising rates at a time like this? In my mind at this stage, I was firmly in the zero per cent rates rise camp.

However, as council’s finance team took me through the numbers, I began to appreciate the gravity of council’s predicament. Even with initial loss of approximately 600 staff, a savings target 12 times the size it was originally supposed to be, extra debt and deferred spending, there was no viable way for the organisation to continue delivering the essential services communities rely on and the services we are legally obliged to provide, with rates set at anything less than a 2.5 per cent.

Every member of the Finance and Performance Committee (that’s all councillors, two IMSB members and the mayor) came to the same realisation and unanimously supported to consult with communities on a lower 2.5% rates increase to the 3.5% originally suggested pre-Covid. The two options both required significantly different levels of cuts to our services as a result of our revenue loss.

It was clear from the 34, 915 submissions we received that Aucklanders understood the importance of our Emergency Budget and had a lot to say. Sadly, I think some were misled in believing a rates freeze was a tangible option. Looking at other growth councils throughout NZ, they appear to have come to the same conclusion. I’ll be covering their decisions in another update but so far Dunedin has gone for 4.1% rates increase and Wellington is considering as high as 5.1 % rates increase.

Feedback showed there was a real split between those who felt we should keep rates as low as possible, and those advocating for higher rates to protect the community services they love. The results indicated marginal public support (by only 1%) for the 2.5% option. Based on that feedback, I was sitting in the lower 2.5% camp.

But then two important things happened.

Local board feedback came through. All 21 local boards looked at the impact of the two rates options for their communities, analysed feedback and responses from those living in their respective board areas, deliberated and resolved in emergency public board meetings their advocacy position.

All 21 local boards representing the varied and diverse communities of Auckland supported the 3.5% option.

Then, the impacts of our drought situation came to a head. Auckland has been through the worst drought on record, a so-called one in two-hundred-year drought. With lake storage levels already over 20% lower than average, the MetService Office is predicting another dry spring and summer, making severe water restrictions more likely.

After we went out for consultation on the budget, the mayor secured further water supplies from the Waikato but the building of the necessary water treatment plants at Tuakau and Papakura unfortunately comes with a $239 million price tag.

This compounded with our original half a billion dollar loss of revenue would mean we needed to address approximately $700 million hole in our group budget.

When we looked at both rates increase options the difference between 2.5% and 3.5% was $24.62 for the average ratepayer. Yet the impacts were much greater both for local communities and for Auckland.

After pouring over the feedback we received from you; going through multiple scenarios with our  finance team; and thinking long and hard about the short and long-term impacts of this decision, I reluctantly realised that only under 3.5% would we be able to keep beloved services such as libraries, leisure centres and community halls; continue to maintain our parks and public spaces; retain the public transport concessions people rely on like our seniors super gold card; continue to invest in transport and stormwater infrastructure across the region AND solve our water crisis. In short, keep our city running.  

Groups like the Employers and Manufacturers Association also strongly supported 3.5% rates increase recognising that further cuts to the building of infrastructure would slow economic recovery and stand in the way of job growth.

To help ourselves, we are raising debt, deferring capital investment, reducing operational costs and selling off non-strategic assets. This budget raises our debt above our threshold, but we have discussed this with our credit rating agencies to reduce the potential for a credit rating downgrade which would cost us tens of millions more in interest payments. We have maintained as much infrastructure investment as we can to keep people in jobs and stimulate the economy but have deferred projects that can wait.

We have set a significantly higher savings target for this year (over 12 x higher than original budget), dropped our staff spend for the council parent by $26 million and have a committee specifically tasked to look at efficiencies and value for money across our organisation, which I chair. Our acting chief executive is restructuring our organisation saying it will be much leaner as a result. Our Council Controlled Organisations (except for Watercare who are coping with the drought) have also readjusted their budgets down by tens of millions in some cases hundreds of millions to help.

Yet with all that, we still needed to set rates with a 3.5% increase.

Am I happy with that decision? no. But I’m committed to make sure we recover as quickly as we can from the economic and financial impact of Covid-19 which will continue to be felt for some time.  

It felt like a dark day to have led councillors through a process that has increased rates at a time when people are hurting. However we made sure to include an extra rates remission policy especially targeted at assisting ratepayers who had been financially impacted by Covid-19. This new policy offers a deferment of rates for 12 months and is yet another option for rates assistance on top of our current rates postponement policy and our rates rebate scheme. I encourage everyone who is experiencing difficulties to contact council and learn more about these options.

Auckland desperately needs shovel-ready funding, and it needs it now

This opinion piece was originally published by The Spinoff.

As a country we can feel proud of our success in responding to Covid-19, a team of five million coming together to keep our communities safe. We are now in a unique position to recover from the pandemic swiftly, and the government has signaled it is focused on ensuring this happens.

However I question its lack of focus on Auckland, given our city’s pivotal role in the health and wellbeing of the nation’s economy.

As chair of Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance Committee, I am grappling with the devastation Covid-19 has delivered to our finances. We are now looking down the barrel of a $525m revenue hole. On top of this, we are also faced with a water crisis equally as financially challenging, to the tune of over $200m.

Auckland provides at least 38% of our national GDP. As a city, we are 1.6 million of the 5 million strong team – approximately 33% of this country’s population. Our economy provides around 890,000 jobs across multiple industries. It is in the government’s best interest to support us to protect these industries; these jobs; these people. Our people.

In March, the government announced plans to fund large “shovel ready” infrastructure projects to assist in an economic recovery, a package worth $3bn. The projects for consideration would need to be focused on water, transport, clean energy, and buildings and would also need to have a public or regional benefit, create jobs and be able to get underway quickly. In response, Auckland Council submitted 73 projects that met the outlined criteria in the hope that any committed funding would ease our financial predicament.

So far, there has only been one related announcement that Auckland would receive $500m of the fund with one Auckland City Mission project confirmed. With no other detail, we remain in the dark as to whether we will share in any of the funding allocated to the region.

Last month, I wrote to the prime minister personally. I asked for help in committing shovel ready funding to Auckland Council projects for financial year 2020/21. I asked that the appropriate ministers make an announcement on this funding for Auckland in time for us to consider the implications for our emergency budget.

With no response, I then co-signed another letter with Mayor Goff following a unanimous resolution by the mayor and councillors seeking to convey similar sentiments. We asked that the prime minister and government assist us by advising funding decisions by Friday 10 July, noting our emergency budget had to be agreed the following week.

That date has now been and gone and we have received no word from Wellington. It is hugely frustrating and disappointing that Auckland hasn’t been prioritised. In fact, as Auckland Council staff work day and night to provide us options to alleviate financial pressures, they do so without knowledge of any support from central government.

Given the government’s understanding of the challenges we face, I would have thought our very first call to action would be answered. With less than a week to go until we need to make our final budget decisions, their silence on this matter is bewildering.

So, if the government, in particular the prime minister is reading this, please take this as my final plea: Auckland deserves to receive investment through shovel ready funding for the 2020/21 year. And most importantly, we deserve it before our emergency budget is voted on.

Half-billion dollar hole in council's books

I am sure you will now be aware of the significant impact COVID-19 has had on the economy —globally and in New Zealand. In Auckland, the lockdowns, border closures, and restrictions on gatherings have had a devastating effect on local business and jobs.

Like others, Auckland Council has been severely affected, with the pandemic punching a half-billion-dollar hole in our annual revenue for next year.

Unlike many councils, Auckland Council gets most of its income (60 per cent) from sources other than rates. As a result of COVID-19, much of the money we would normally receive from facilities like the zoo, pools and recreation centres, public transport fares, Ports of Auckland revenue, dividends from the Airport, consenting fees and charges, and revenue from Watercare—has all but dried up.

We have prioritised support to individuals and businesses facing hardship in the wake of COVID-19. However, by proposing to extend our rates postponement scheme, we will see a further reduction in income for the upcoming year.

In response to this dire situation, we face the immense challenge of agreeing an Emergency Budget that allows us to maintain the essential services Aucklanders need, and build for the future.

This is not a situation of our own making, nor is it one of financial mismanagement. In fact, had we not been in such a strong financial position prior to this pandemic, things would be a lot worse.

So, what we are doing to help ourselves? Staff costs are large and as a result we are making cuts to address that. Around 1100 temporary and fixed term roles are being reviewed with more than 600 already let go, consultancy fees have been slashed and the mayor, councillors, executives, board members and senior staff have accepted voluntary pay reductions of up to 20 per cent.

Many have also asked me about cutting the high salaries within our CCO’s. Currently, the mayor and councillors cannot force CCO Boards to cut remuneration of CEO’s and top executives. Legally binding employment agreements are between each CCO Board and their CEOs or between the CEO and their staff.

That said, CCO’s are contributing a combined $50 million of savings for this budget, with more to come.

Council has also committed to a comprehensive review of our operating spend. This will see staff numbers further reduced, training budgets dramatically cut, and all other “nice to haves” effectively eliminated. We are targeting a record breaking $120 million dollars of savings next year. To put this in context, that’s twice as much as the direct costs of running all our libraries for a year.

Further to this, the Value for Money committee which I chair will identify another half a billion dollars of potential efficiencies over this political term.

However, these internal cuts won’t come close to filling the hole COVID-19 has left in our pocket.

This leaves us with a series of trade-offs across four areas: budget to maintain our buildings and employ staff known as operational spend, the money we use to invest in new infrastructure referred to as capital expenditure, the temporary leasing or permanent sale of assets, and temporarily increasing our reliance on borrowing money.

To find a balance, we propose to use all of these levers to ease our immediate financial burden. As a result, you may see a change in the opening hours of local facilities. We might need to delay infrastructure projects, like improving roading or stormwater assets, or suspend plans to upgrade town centres. We will also need to look at how we manage our assets and consider selling buildings we can’t afford to keep. But we will protect the essential services Aucklanders rely on.

I want to stress that no matter how effectively we use these four levers, we will struggle to get cash in the door. For those of you operating businesses, you will understand that without revenue, your ability to operate becomes difficult.

Essentially, the less cash we receive, the more cuts we will need to make. This is important when you consider the options in front of us.

Further details of these trade-offs are laid out in our Emergency Budget consultation document. Some of these options will seem drastic, but such measures are required to help us work our way out of this.

Getting through this won’t be easy but if we work together and make some of the tough calls now, we can recover stronger as a city. This is why it is so important you take part in the budget consultation. We want to hear from you; your ideas and suggestions, and we want to know what is most important to you and your community.

Consultation on Auckland Council’s Emergency Budget is open now and closes at midnight on Friday 19 June.

Please make your voice heard—visit akhaveyoursay.nz/emergency-budget to have your say.