September Newsletter

1.       Tamaki Drive

Following the successful public meeting on 8 June hosted by the St Heliers/Glendowie Residents Association, I have lobbied hard for Auckland Transport to provide mitigation against flooding on the section of Tamaki Drive between Lilliput Minigolf and the Ngapipi Bridge.

I am pleased to advise I was successful and Auckland Transport will make 3 improvements to mitigate the effects of king tides and storms as part of the Tamaki Drive cycleway improvements.

·         Tamaki Drive will be raised by up to half a metre.

·         installation of storm water valves, to reduce the inflow of sea water through the culvert pipes onto the road

·         A curve will be added to the seawall to assist in deflecting waves from breaking onto footpath and road.

All three improvements will be started in this financial year and will be funded from this year’s budget.

Image: Diagram showing the areas that currently flood that will benefit from these measures.

Image: Flooding caused by king tide (Source: Fairfax Media)

2.      Rail patronage at an all-time high

When the supercity first came into existence, Auckland had approximately 8.5 million train trips per year. Investment in rail over the past 6 years has included the electrification of the rail network and upgrade of the rolling stock and the use of the HOP ticketing system. We now have more than doubled the amount of train passengers and hit 20 million trips per annum last month, 5 years ahead of the predictions made in 2009.

 In Orakei, there is no doubt the Hobson Bay walkway link from Shore Rd to Orakei Train station (completed last term) has assisted those particularly from Remuera, access the train station. Figures show a 22% increase of passenger numbers at Orakei from 2013/14 to 2015/16.

The growth in patronage puts pressure on the capacity of the rail service which currently has a capacity of 21.9 million trips. Recently the governing body approved the purchase of 17 new trains to meet this additional demand. Whilst this was a positive from a public transport perspective, the timing of that ask was very concerning.

The $200 million ask came just 3 weeks after we had signed off our annual budget increasing our expenditure for transport by $179 million from$587million to $766 million. I am on public record as having called Auckland Transport to account at the July Finance and Performance Meeting re the lack of transparency and timing of this very expensive financial request.  I have however accepted the apology from the Auckland Transport chair and his commitment from Auckland Transport that we will be fully apprised of similar scenarios in the future ahead of time. But I will be watching…..

Image: Train at Orakei Station

3.       New Public Art for Newmarket

Our streetscapes are often enhanced by public art. Auckland is fortunate to have people who are willing to gift art to Auckland for the enjoyment of others. A recent example of this is a commissioned work by the Newmarket Arts Trust for a sculpture to Auckland Councils public art collection for location Teed St, Newmarket. The sculpture has been named Heliograph and references the different layers of Newmarket’s history by acknowledging the Maori history, role of Chinese families in the development of Newmarket and the early industry of the area.

In my regional role (noting that Newmarket is not part of the Orakei Ward) I was please to move the recommendation to accept the offer by the Newmarket Trust of the public artwork which was supported unanimously by the mayor and other councilors.

Image: Heliograph concept proposal

1.       Easter Sunday Trading

Auckland Council decided not to make any changes to the way Easter Sunday trading operates within the Auckland region. This is a topic that I was very keen to hear the views of the Orakei Ward on and before the vote made particular effort to contact all resident and business associations in the area. Based on your feedback, I was the lone voice on Council that supported the development of a policy that would give businesses and employees the freedom to choose to work on Easter Sunday. (The right for employees to observe Easter Sunday if they wish is protected by legislation). My particular focus against the status quo was the fact that Parnell business district has an exemption to trade on Easter Sunday that was won in 1989. The CBD and Newmarket asked for their areas to be included in that exemption and that discussion wasn’t even entertained. I didn’t see that as fair.

I always appreciate the feedback I receive from my constituents so a big thank you to all who made a submission or let me know what your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from as many people as possible about future decisions that the council consults on.

5.       Environmental Grants

There are just a few days left to get in applications for the Regional Environment and Natural Heritage grants programme. I know that within the Orakei ward there are many people who care deeply about the natural environment and I’m sure there are some great initiatives that would be worthy recipients of some council support. Applications close Sept 10 and more information can be found here.

6.       Update on Value for Money Reviews

Last month I let you know about my role in overseeing reviews taking place to ensure Council is delivering its services in a way that gives best value to residents and ratepayers.

Council departments have been able to show some good results over the past 4 years in domestic waste ($165m in savings and a significant reduction in waste to landfill) and the three water services (fresh, storm and wastewater)have also demonstrated cost savings of $700m. The key though, is providing optimal value and there will be ways that we can do that better. Final reports on the first three areas of review are due on my desk by 19 September and this will include improvement opportunities for council to do better in the future.

Tamaiki Drive Flood Reduction Efforts reported in NZHerald

The New Zealand Herald has reported on Auckland Council's plan to raise sections of Tamaki Drive. The article can be found here.

Reducing flooding on TAmaki Drive

Auckland Transport is working on mitigation measures to address flooding on Tamaki Drive between Point Resolution and the Ngapipi Bridge.

The decision to undertake the work has come following a capacity crowd public meeting on 8 June at the Outboard Boating Club where members of the public and elected members articulated their concerns about consistent flooding to Auckland Transport staff

Auckland Council governing body member and ward councillor for Ōrākei Cr Desley Simpson says she is pleased that this long running issue is finally being addressed.

“Tamaki Drive is more than a vital arterial route for the people of Orakei and the eastern bays; it is a scenic jewel in Auckland’s crown that is used by people from all over Auckland.” Says Cr Desley Simpson.” Having it flood so cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles are hindered to move freely in and out of the city and to the many eastern beaches, boating and recreational facilities is simply not acceptable. I am very pleased Auckland Transport has responded to my concerns and the concerns of the public and come up with solutions that are creative, within budgets and can be delivered now,” says Simpson. ”

Flooding on Tamaki Drive typically occurs during king tides and major weather events. The measures will primarily help with the tidal floods but will also reduce the effects of large storms. The measures include:

•  Raising parts of Tamaki Drive by up to half a metre where the flooding is most prevalent( between Point Resolution andNgapipi Rd)
• adding a curve to the seawall to assist in deflecting waves from breaking onto footpath and Tamaki Drive
• installation of storm water valves, to reduce the inflow of sea water through the culvert pipes onto the road

Supporting Waiatarua Protection Society

I was pleased to contribute to our local environment on a very chilly day last Saturday, by joining local volunteers in planting a number of trees to encourage further bird life at Waiatarua Reserve.

Waiatarua Reserve is NZ’s largest urban wetland covering approximately 20 hectares, of complex geological, historical and ecological value that also provides a wonderful sanctuary for a variety of bird life. 

The Waiatarua Reserve Protection Society is a community group working towards enhancing the Waiatarua Reserve by planting native trees and shrubs to provide year round food for birds and insects and carrying out volunteer pest control supported by Auckland Council Parks dept to control rats and possums which decimate the bird life and new tree growth

Huge thanks to the Rotary Club of Ellerslie Sunrise who helped with volunteers and spade power on the day as well as funding. Also thanks to Auckland Councils volunteers co-ordinator and the Orakei Local Board, who had two members planting too

July Newsletter

Think you could and/or should be on the ATEED or Watercare Board?

The process has started to recruit new non-executive directors for two of Auckland Council’s CCOs, Watercare ( Ix position)  and ATEED ( Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development ( 2x positions). Expressions of interest close for these on August 4. Please contact me if you want further information or contact Council direct. Having quality directors is integral to good decision making and I am positive our community has many who may well be interested and qualified.

Open space

Bluestone Park, Stonefields an example of open space with intensification.
 

It’s interesting  to note , that in the past year Auckland Council has spent $46.4 million on 35 new parks and open spaces. This spend has been mainly in areas of growth. I believe it’s very important to keep intensification balanced with open space provision and am pleased to see we are delivering to achieve that.

Film studios

At the latest Finance & Performance Committee meeting, we discussed the restructuring of Auckland Film Studios Limited for efficiencies and savings of approx.$7 million. The business will remain (in fact it’s business as usual) just a governance restructure which identifies savings back to our organization.

Savings

Talking of savings….A little known fact, since amalgamation Auckland has found just under a quarter of a BILLION dollars in savings from that of the combined amalgamated authorities. Is there more to find? Indeed yes! But you have to admit, it’s quite a good start.

 One IT system to deal with all queries

This month we have finally delivered one of the most significant projects since amalgamation – it's called   NewCore. In simple terms this is an IT system that means people can go to any Service Centre to request services, and those requests are able to be shared  more easily across departments and  the region.  Notably, this project has come in under its true budget ($2.8 million less), and was delivered both on time and within agreed scope.  The other good news is that as a result of this spend, NewCore will deliver about $10 million of savings each year. 

I’ll keep you posted as to how we will monitor those savings and its efficiency as time progresses.

Branded clothing for elected members ?

I was flabbergasted that our communications and engagement team even thought branded polo shirts for elected members was a good idea but they did. I am pleased to advise, Auckland Council will not be going ahead with plans to spend $20,000 on branded clothing for local boards and councillors as suggested. The idea was initially raised when a councillor (obviously not me) at an elected member reference group meeting stated that elected members aren’t always recognized at community gatherings and events.

Read more from the NZ Herald on this here.
 

How the government has helped Auckland recently

Auckland Council will be receiving a $300 million interest-free loan from central government to support the development of up to 10,500 homes in greenfield areas of Whenuapai and Red Hills. This includes funding for five roading projects and five water projects. This loan is a part of the $1 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund that is also providing funding to Hamilton and Tauranga, among others.

Last week we heard that central government will be setting up a new agency with $600 million of funding over two years, to co-fund basic infrastructure. This will enable the council to lift the scale and pace of new housing developments, and hopefully encourage new investors to help fund infrastructure services. The first two projects to be considered will be in Drury and Wainui. 

With our debt to revenue figures so tight, Auckland Council is most grateful for these key ‘tools’ and money to help us with growth and funding pressures.

In the last month, we’ve had some exciting news from central government regarding new funding for housing and infrastructure in the Auckland region.

Value for Money Political Oversight Group

A key question asked when looking at efficiencies is  "Do we get goodvalue formoney for what we spend and do?"  As deputy chair of the Finance and Performance team I’m part of the team  going through various aspects of the council to find out how we are really tracking, and what, or if, there is a better or more efficient way to deliver core services to Aucklanders. Our first meeting will address our governance and operations for our water supply, waste water, stormwater along with domestic waste. I will keep you posted as to progress.

Pests 

Auckland has announced we wish to be predator and pest free by 2050.  We’ll be expanding pest eradication and restoration activities across the Auckland region – starting with our islands, peninsulas, and through increasing the number of ‘pest-free corridors’ to link the pest-free areas. This will require the cooperation and action of everyone to sure this is successful. In Orakei we have a number of residents who assist us with trapping of possums. Possums are bad for our environment because they are destructive to our trees, spread disease such as bovine tuberculosis, compete with and predate on indigenous fauna.

If you would like to volunteer and be a part of these initiatives please contact biodiversity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Chairing Finance and Performance

While my colleague, Councillor Ross Clow, has been away, I’ve filled in as Chair of Finance & Performance. Amongst other things, this  involved chairing the first workshop briefing for all councillors on the Long-Term Plan process –  Councils first ‘start again’ budget. Involving all parts of Council and our communities,  will be integral to our success looking ahead. My monthly newsletter will keep you abreast of progress and ways to get involved, so you can have your say on how and what, your money should be spent on over the next 10 years.

Keeping in touch

Remember I am always available via email or phone to discuss any issues you may have. It’s always good to keep in touch 😊

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate in contacting me on 021 971 786 or by emailing desley.simpson@auckandcouncil.govt.nz

TODAY's Budget (Annual Budget 2017/2018)

Again, thanks to all who contributed to the Annual Plan Budget process. The 2017/18 budget has been confirmed today and key points which may interest you are as follows;

Region wide impacts:

1.            2.5% rates rise ( lowest ward wide rise for us since amalgamation)

2.            Increase in Uniform Annual General Charge to $404 ( highest for us since amalgamation and the higher this is the lower our rates are, so it’s a positive )

3.            Another $200 million for infrastructure

4.            Targeted rate for accommodation providers to share the cost of visitor promotion with those who benefit the most

Orakei Ward impacts:

1.Funding to Maunga Authority for Mt Hobson $197,014This is the first budget which clearly identifiesfunding specifically for Mt Hobson ( Ohinerau) It’s for improving pedestrian access, repairs and replacement of signage, planting and vegetation control, and pest control

2.The Orakei Local Boardbudget was scheduled to be just over 2 million as per the LTP budget ( $2.189 million to be specific). I am pleased to advise this has been refreshed and confirmed to just over 7 million ( $7.074 million ) An increase of just under 5 million ( $4.885 million ).

A positive move to accelerate infrastructure investment

Auckland is desperately short of the infrastructure it needs to cope with current growth let alone investment for the future. When we look at options for delivering the substantial investment needed, we are hamstrung by our debt to revenue ratio.

In looking at our finances, I found we currently had $130 million invested in liquid stocks and bonds. Independent advice from Cameron Partners, noted it was unusual for an organization with the purposes of Auckland Council to hold such an asset. They also noted that the rationale for holding the investment was weak.

Councils Treasurer and General Manager of Financial Services agreed with the external advice and suggested to the Finance and Performance committee that the Diversified Financial Asset Portfolio ( DFAP)  be fully divested.

Doing so would allow the repayment of debt to reduce the risk of downgrading our Councils credit rating. Under the LTP the net debt to revenue ratio reaches 265% meaning little available capacity to undertake further capital investment (other than what’s already there) without breaching this ratio

A one notch downgrade is estimated to cost the Council .15%percent in higher interest costs, a bigger downgrade even more. With Councils current debt portfolio of $8 billion, this would result in an additional $12 million of expense per annum once existing debt is refinanced, more than offsetting the positive return from the fund.

The fund was also costing ratepayers $1.5 million per year to administer – and that wasn’t including staff time or costs.

With our population growing far greater than past predictions what is needed is a huge amount of further substantial infrastructure investment. Today at our Finance and Performance Meeting, we resolved to approve the full divestment of the fund, no later than 30th June 2018. This will enable us to reduce debt and accelerate infrastructure investment, particularly in the areas of transport and stormwater.

I was happy to move the recommendations as I saw them clearly as a positive step to reduce debt and create the opportunity to deliver more core council investment in the areas of transport and stormwater, we all so desperately need.

Changes to the Election Signs Bylaw – Have your say

Auckland Transport is proposing changes to the Election Signs bylaw and you have an opportunity to have your say from 6 June to 26 June.

For further information see the Auckland Transport website: www.at.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Annual Budget update

The past month has been the key month for Auckland Council’s annual budget decisions were made June 1st in a long but lively meeting.

In this process I have been sure to listen to the feedback that the people of Orakei have given me through the submission process and the two consultation events in the ward.

Some key points from the budget include;

1.       2.5% rates rise for residential ratepayers ( the lowest rates rise for our Ward rise since amalgamation).

2.       A rise in UAGC of 2.5% ( which lowers the proportion of the rate that is based on capital value)

3.       $30 million dollars of savings ( it’s worth noting that Council has found enduring annual savings of $224m per annum since amalgamation, but we still have more to find)

4.       Accommodation targeted rate to save the ratepayer having to fully fund tourist promotion

5.       Living wage was adopted in a refined form

There are obviously other key budget items which I’m happy to share with your Residents associations if requested and which I will put up on my website this month

Seismic strengthening of Winter Garden

Seismic strengthening work will be coming to Wintergarden at the Auckland Domain. This work is to bring the structure into line with new earthquake regulations. While this is necessary work I am pleased that the Wintergardens will remain open to the public during the works and that the heritage values of this asset will be protected.