Email Newsletter - 17/04/20

With another week of lockdown completed, the vast majority of New Zealanders have continued to abide by the rules. As a result, we've again seen the numbers of new cases dropping and numbers of recovered cases rising. I am also aware that many are struggling: with isolation; with the pressures of childcare on top of work; with concerns about vulnerable friends and family; and with financial difficulties. This crisis is having an impact on all of us, albeit in different ways. As every day goes by, and uncertainty around when Alert 4 will end, it is more important than ever to look after ourselves and others.

Something you may find useful is a recently released new mental health toolkit called Getting Through Together (www.allright.org.nz) This offers practical mental health advice and support during COVID-19. It includes tips for managing our day-today wellbeing, tools to help parents talk with their primary-school-aged children about mental health and wellbeing and some resources for anyone who feels they are not coping and would like support.

Please remember there is no shame in saying 'I'm not ok'.

As we witness the inevitable economic impact of our country effectively shutting down for several weeks, I can understand why many of you, especially business owners, are anxious to get things up and running again and get back to 'normal' as soon as possible. This is a very valid response and I’m sure we are all hopeful Cabinet will make the right decision on Monday April 20

But what will it look like when we do move down to Alert Level 3?

While the goal will remain to restrict contact with each other as much as possible, there will be some changes to what we will be able to do safely. These include:

·         For the most part keep to your bubble, but you may extend your bubble safely and by a small amount, for example, to bring an elderly relative into it.

·         Schools will re-open on a voluntary basis for children up to year 10. The advice is that if children can continue to learn at home during Level 3, they should. Those in years 11-13, and tertiary students, will continue to study via distance learning.

·         Some businesses can re-open if they can ensure there will be one metre between workers, records kept of who is working together, limited interaction between groups of workers and high hygiene standards maintained. If employees are able to work from home, they should continue to do so under Level 3.

·         Bars, restaurants and most non-essential retail will remain closed, but takeaways will re-open for deliveries.

·         A move from ‘keep it local’ to keep it ‘regional’ but keep a record of where you’ve been. This means we can travel around the Auckland region if we need to, but we still should not be travelling to second homes or visiting family elsewhere.

·         Restrictions on gatherings outside of your bubble remain, except for funerals, tangihanga, and wedding ceremonies, where up to 10 people are allowed to come together for a service.

·         In terms of recreation, it will be possible to swim/surf but only at your local beach; to tramp or mountain bike on easy trails you know well; and to fish from a wharf or the shore. We must continue to keep a safe distance from others and not share equipment with anyone outside our bubble.

Countdown stores nationwide have extended their opening hours to 8am-8pm and removed limits on how many of a product we can purchase. Please continue to be mindful of others and resist the urge to stock-pile - the last few weeks have shown that this country is capable of keeping our shelves stocked. All supermarket deliveries are fully contactless, to protect both you and delivery staff.

Now for some positive news - Parnell Cricket Club has just been named as Auckland's Cricket Club of the year for the first time in 27 years! The Simmonds and Osborne Trophy is awarded based on on-field performances across the male, female, senior and junior branches of the club. A great achievement for players and everyone involved with the club.  Congratulations Parnell Cricket Club!

 To keep older kids occupied this weekend Silky Otter Cinemas (located at Orakei Bay Village) have come up with a novel idea. They are holding a Lockdown Competition. The task is to recreate your favourite movie trailer or scene from a film with those in your bubble. Upload your entry via the website or tag @silkyottercinemas on Instagram/Facebook and the best entry each week will win a $50 cinema voucher.

For younger children aged 5-11, there's an opportunity to make your mark on an exciting new piece of Auckland infrastructure - the City Rail Link! Kids are being asked to imagine where they'd like to travel by train and capture it in a drawing or painting. The only stipulation is they must be square so that they will fit onto the ceramic tiles which will decorate the inside of Aotea Station. Use your imaginations, get creative, email a scan or photo of your images to art@cityraillink.govt.nz to be part of Auckland's history! More info can be found in this YouTube video

And now for a whole family activity - the Eastern Bays Songbird Project's bird count is taking place between 18th of April and 1st of May. Anyone can take part - it only takes 5 minutes. Collecting data like this is an important way to monitor if our projects to bring back the native birds are working! The bird ID guide, instruction sheet and recording form can be downloaded from https://songbird.org.nz/web/get-involved

Finally, I'd like to pay tribute to our current Chief Executive Stephen Town who announced earlier this year that he will be stepping down from his role on June 25th. Stephen’s experience and expertise have led Auckland through a period of growth and change in his 6 years as council’s CE.

We are actively recruiting for this role with expressions of interest still being received until the end of the month. If you know any candidates suitable to lead Auckland Council into its next ten years of operation, please get them to contact Penelope Peebles at Caldwell NZ for more information

https://www.caldwellpartners.com/about-us/top-executive-recruiters-consultants/penelope-peebles/

 Wishing you all a relaxing weekend - I hope you find things to keep you busy

Kind regards

Desley

COVID-19 Where council is at, as of today 17/04/20

·         We feel acutely the struggle many Auckland households and businesses are facing.

·         Councillors were unanimous yesterday that the council needs to take decisive steps to reduce the pressure on residents and businesses facing economic hardship, while ensuring we can protect and maintain the essential services Aucklanders rely on

·         Many of the sources of revenue council relies on to fund our services have reduced substantially because of COVID-19, and this will have an impact on what we can provide in the future.

·         In the coming weeks we will be asking Aucklanders for feedback on the council’s proposed emergency budget for the coming financial year- 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

·         With the challenges we are facing, this will not be a business as usual budget.

·         Spending on some activities will need to be reduced in the future, as we work to manage the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

·         As part of the public consultation on the emergency budget, Aucklanders will be asked if they support options for:

o   Either a 2.5 per cent or 3.5 per cent rate rises, including information on the potential impact of both those options on our services and finances; we will also explain the impact that no rates rise would be likely to have

o   More help for businesses experiencing financial hardship and struggling to pay rates

o   Suspending the Accommodation Provider Targeted Rate, and the activities it would fund, until 31 March 2021.

·         Today we also announced some steps to offer more help to ratepayers and business who may be struggling to pay their rates in the financial year to 30 June – anyone who is facing difficulty can contact council on 09 3010101.

Council is still making people pay rates. Why?

Council is still open for business providing essential and key services across the region – and there are costs attached to that.

Around 40 per cent of our income comes from rates while the other 60 per cent comes from non-rates revenue like dividends, public transport fares, parking revenue, processing consents, income from running events and facilities and development contributions. These incomes are, and will continue to be for some time, impacted by COVID-19.

But people are saying they can’t pay?

We are very aware of the financial hardship that many people are facing and for those people, we have assistance schemes in place and we will do everything we can to help them get through this financial year. Rates notices will be sent out at the start of May giving details of how people can defer payment until the end of August. In addition, Council will explore relief options for the next financial year, starting 1 July 2020, to see how we can best target relief to those truly in need.

Why are decisions about rates being made behind closed doors?

Auckland Council’s bonds are listed on the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) as well as other overseas exchanges. This means that when we are discussing or making decisions that are likely to have a significant financial impact, or differ materially from previously published financial information, listing regulations require complete confidentiality until details have been disclosed openly and consistently to all interested parties via the NZX.  Rates were part of these discussions so details could not be made public until after NZX disclosure.

Now that has been done, proposals on how we approach rates in the next financial year will be going out for public consultation in the next few weeks so we urge people to have their say and help shape our future at that time.

Why can’t council cut rates and just borrow more money?

The council has entered this situation from a strong financial position for the first half of the year. However, we are already facing a big drop in revenue.  Like any borrower, our income determines how much we can borrow and the interest rates we are charged.

Auckland Council ‘s credit rating is second only to the Government which in very basic terms means that we are seen as an attractive borrower who carries less risk. At a time of uncertainty in global financial markets, it is imperative we do everything we can to keep ourselves in that position.  We also need to maintain a debt to revenue ratio that allows us to invest in capital projects and infrastructure that the city needs, and which will be vital for our economic recovery. In very simple terms we are already reaching the limits of what we can borrow and cutting rates and instead borrowing more will negatively affect both sides of this ratio – i.e. it will both reduce revenue and increase debt.

Why is COVID affecting the council’s finances?

The money we get from a number of different sources has reduced due to COVID, for example public transport fares, parking revenue, processing consents, income from running events, etc.  While we are working to offset this by reducing the amount we spend in areas that aren’t essential services we will face some new costs as we work to support the government’s response. For example, helping to deliver welfare services or supporting repatriation and quarantine processes.

What is council doing to cut costs?

As part of plans to cautiously and prudently manage the financial impact, we are already taking steps to:

o   reduce spending on external contracts and contract staff in non-essential services

o   suspend non-essential work such as non-essential asset maintenance, fleet servicing, and internal business improvement projects

o   suspend recruitment of permanent staff until further notice

o   redeploy under-utilised permanent staff into roles currently filled by contingent workers.

In addition, the council already has a Value for Money programme and an efficiency savings target built into each year of the long-term plan.

What is happening with the Annual Budget that has already been consulted on?

The Annual Budget consultation process took place before the current Covid-19 situation and a huge amount has changed in the few short weeks since then.  The financial landscape has changed, almost beyond comprehension, and as a result, we have asked council officers to present a budget that reflects the world we now live in.  The new budget proposals will be going out for consultation in the coming weeks. Any feedback submitted as part of the previous consultation will also be considered and reported to councillors.

Easter Newsletter

 I hope this email finds you well, happily with those at home in your ’bubble’.

Usually at this time of year we're all looking forward to the Easter weekend because it’s traditionally  a time for many to take a break, have a holiday,  to escape to the beach, to visit family and/or for some , a time for religious reflection.

There is no doubt that things will be different this year.

We have been told to avoid all non-essential travel and not to use our vehicles to travel to beaches or parks. That also means not going to your beach house even though you want to travel with those in your ‘bubble’.  I’m told Police will be checking known ‘holiday destinations ‘ and major roads leading to them, including motorway on-ramps.

 Religious gatherings are also prohibited at this time, but many churches and religious institutions are successfully offering their services online during what many believe, is a significant time in the religious calendar.  

However there is still an opportunity to enjoy quality time with our families. It just requires a bit of initiative and imagination.

Talking of imagination, for those with children, there have been many questions about the ability of the Easter Bunny to deliver Easter eggs during lockdown.

One of our ward MP’s Simon O’Connor, ( MP for Tamaki),  posted a fun video where he asked a number of ‘local experts’ will the Easter Bunny get through? Having been promoted as having ‘special responsibility for Easter Bunnies’ you can check out my confirmation here https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=606580659922964

To add some Easter creativity , children  can also create their own pictures of  Easter eggs to display in their home windows for other children to look out for while walking around the neighbourhood and to share online using the hashtag #NZEggHunt. It’s a similar concept to the bear hunt which is proving to be hugely successful and fun to see as one walks around the local neighbourhood.

The St Heliers Business Association have also created a virtual Easter hunt on their website with great prizes on offer. Have a look in the shops at stheliers.com/easterhunt, find the hidden bunnies, and enter the numbers they are holding into the online form before April 24th.

You can also check out the ‘barfootstonefields’ Instagram page for details of their Easter colouring competition. Entries must be in by 16th April for a chance to win some fantastic family friendly prizes. Best of luck to all taking part in both competitions 😊

If your rubbish collection is on a Friday or a Monday remember it will be a day late due to the Easter statutory holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday).

For those of you in Remuera, here is an opportunity to contribute to capturing a piece of history. Remuera Heritage have invited people to document the sights and sites in Remuera that portray the lockdown and create something special to show future generations. Submit your stories and photographs here : https://remueraheritage.org.nz/news/share-your-experience-of-the-covid-19-lockdown/

Wherever you are, I would encourage families to document their time spent in lockdown. In the future, it will be important to be able to reflect on what we have learned from this experience at both a societal and individual level. My own family are doing this – its history in the making.

Now a few reminders about changes that happen at Easter for food retailers. Supermarkets in New Zealand will be closed this Good Friday (10th April) in order to give workers a well-earned break, and shops a chance to stock up. However, some supermarkets will be open on Easter Sunday (12th April). Trading on Easter Sunday is allowed under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 under certain circumstances and so a change in law is not required a for them to stay open.  I would suggest you to check with your local supermarket to find out what hours they plan on operating, and please remember to be courteous  to the staff, they are doing a great job and deserve to be treated with respect.

A huge thank to Mary - one of our local residents who has collated supermarket opening hours for those living in the Orakei Ward. I’ve posted the details on my website (the post below this one).

Now here is a shopping tip. A great way to avoid being stuck in a long queue outside the supermarket is to check Google Maps' 'popular times' feature. A quick search for your local supermarket will bring up a graph showing, in real-time, whether it's currently quieter, or busier, than usual. Another tip is to aim for a tea-time shopping trip. Previously you would find yourself amid a post-work rush, but in the days of lockdown, this can be a relatively quiet time. I have also heard Countdown are offering a priority hour between 8-9am for uniformed medical and emergency services personnel. I'd urge you to avoid this timeslot to allow our essential healthcare workers time to get their groceries. These people are our heroes.

Like so many organizations and businesses faced with a period of uncertainty, Auckland Council has had some difficult decisions to make. We started lockdown in a relatively strong position financially but are not immune to the short and long-term economic impacts of COVID-19. We therefore need to manage costs where we can, and our absolute priority has to be ensuring a continuation of essential services to keep our city running. We have cut up to 1100 contractor and temporary positions as we prepare for an unprecedented budget.

Regardless of what you read in media or from other sources, as chair of the Finance  and Performance Committee I can assure you that no decision has been made re our rates setting. Things are very different from when the mayor first drafted his thoughts as to our next annual plan. Multiple modelling is now being done across our many budget lines focused on delivering core services. I am acutely aware this is a very tough time for many – both business ratepayers and residential ratepayers. Our decisions need and must reflect that.

It therefore is unsurprising that in its first week of operation, Auckland Council's helpline has received over 3000 requests for assistance from vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled as well as those who have lost their income as a result of COVID-19. Council contact centre staff have been re-deployed to answer these calls and determine how best assist these families. If you are aware of anyone who might be facing financial hardship or anyone who does not have support networks, please direct them to 0800 22 22 96 between 7am and 7pm.

As if Aucklanders haven't got enough to worry about, Watercare have raised concerns this week about increasingly lower than normal water levels in our reservoirs following our long, dry summer. Water storage is currently at 53%, almost 20% lower than this time last year. We are therefore being asked to conserve water where we can. While we should  still be thoroughly washing our hands, let's try to keep showers to a four-minute maximum and leave washing the cars and the watering the gardens until the region sees some rain. Much like our united response to COVID-19 - we can prevent this from becoming a big problem if we collectively adapt our behaviour.

 You may have heard that bad weather is forecast for this weekend. As a precaution, please take the usual steps to prepare for a possible storm. This includes securing  outdoor eqipment such as trampolines and garden furniture, ensuring you have a torch with batteries and adequate drinking water stored. 

Vector have advised that in their response to any outages, staff will work in smaller teams safely and appropriately distanced from each other, but will prioritise restoring power to critical insfrastructure such as hospitals. This means that in the event of outages during our lockdown, it is possible fixing the issues will take a little longer than usual. I would ask for your patience and understanding if needed but hopefully all will be ok.  

We are now into week three of our month long lockdown with most people following the rules. As a result, we can already see the impact of the 'elimination' stage of our COVID-19 response. On Tuesday 7th April the number of recovered cases in NZ exceeded the number of new confirmed or probable cases. A success which belongs to all of us.  Let's continue to be patient and keep supporting each other.  

Finally, whatever Easter means to you, I wish you and your family all the joy and wonder this special holiday brings

Desley

Local Food Retailers: Lockdown Opening Hours

The following information may help you decide when and how to shop during lockdown. If there are retailers I've missed please feel free to contact me and I'll update this list.

Stay Safe.

Farro Fresh

Farro  Fresh Orakei Bay Village

·         Opening Hours - 9am - 6pm seven days

·         Opening Hours Easter

o   Friday 10 April – Good Friday – closed

o   Saturday 11 April – 9am – 6pm

o   Sunday 12 April – 9am – 6pm

o   Monday 13 April – Easter Monday – 9am – 6pm

·         Farro Fresh is giving priority of service in store to emergency workers in uniform or with ID so they don’t need to wait outside of stores or wait too long. If you are an emergency worker, go to front of the queue, register then proceed into the store.

·         Farro Fresh has put in place two metre separation for all those queuing to get into the stores and while queuing to pay. All checkouts are marked on the store floors providing a guide of where customers need to queue to maintain a two metre distance.

·         Farro Fresh has a security person positioned at the store entrance to limit the number of customers. Please keep in mind, there may be a wait at the entrance because of this.

·         Farro Fresh has reduced the number of checkouts that are open to make sure both customers and staff are at a safe distance. 

New World – Covid-19

New World Remuera

·         Opening Hours - 7am - 10pm seven days

·         Opening hours Easter

o   Friday 10 April – Good Friday – closed

o   Saturday 11 April 7am – 10pm

o   Sunday 12 April Easter Sunday 7am – 8pm

o   Monday 13 April – Easter Monday 7am-10pm

·         Opening Hours – ANZAC weekend

o   Saturday 25 April – ANZAC Day 1pm – 10pm

o   Monday 27 April – ANZAC Day observed – 7am – 10pm

New World Eastridge

·         Opening Hours - 7am - 10pm seven days

·         Opening hours Easter

o   Friday 10 April – Good Friday – closed

o   Saturday 11 April - 7am – 10pm

o   Sunday 12 April Easter Sunday - 7am – 10pm

o   Monday 13 April – Easter Monday - 7am-10pm

·         Opening Hours – ANZAC weekend

o   Saturday 25 April – ANZAC Day - 1pm – 10pm

o   Monday 27 April – ANZAC Day observed – 7am – 10pm

New World is limiting the number of customers in store at any one time and will be operating a system at entry to manage the volume of people in store in order to assist in maintaining two metre physical distancing.  

Customers will begin to see various (but not necessarily all) staff protection measures in place at their local store including staff wearing masks, perspex protective screens at checkout, floor decals communicating the appropriate two metre physical distancing length, physical distancing at self-checkout and checkout, and implementation of pack your own bags.

Contactless payments – New World Stores are encouraging customers to use contactless payments such as payWave or Tap & Go, as another was of reducing contact between customers and staff.

Countdown Covid-19 Updates

Greenlane Countdown, Meadowbank Countdown, Quay St Countdown

·         Opening Hours - 9am - 8pm seven days. Online shopping delivery and pick up times -  9am - 8pm.

·         Opening Hours Easter

o   Friday 10 April – Good Friday – closed

o   Saturday 11 April – 9am – 8pm

o   Sunday 12 April – 9am – 4pm

o   Monday 13 April – Easter Monday – 9am – 8pm

Countdown Stores will open at 8am, each day, to provide a priority hour for emergency services and medical personnel to get their food and groceries before the store opens to the general public. 

This is available to NZ Police, Fire Service, ambulance paramedics, DHBs, hospital and medical personnel with proper ID.

Priority Assistance Services

Supermarkets are an essential service at this time as the country responds to Covid-19. For some people, online delivery is the only way they will be able to access essential food and groceries.

To help ensure Countdown Stores can service as many online delivery customers as possible, the supermarket group is giving priority to those customers the government has recommended stay at home as much as possible.

The Priority Assistance service provides dedicated delivery times for customers who most need access to online delivery services at this time.

Countdown Stores have based eligibility for Priority Assistance on the government’s guidelines around those who are most at risk: 

·         People over 70 years of age

·         People undergoing treatment for cancer and or with blood conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

·         People with chronic illnesses including respiratory conditions, heart conditions, high blood pressure, kidney problems and diabetes where these illnesses or conditions prevent you from going to the supermarket.

·         People who are in mandatory self-isolation after returning from travel or coming into contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19. 

·         People with disabilities where these prevent you from shopping in our stores. (We're working with a range of organisations throughout New Zealand such as CCS to make sure people are aware of this service.)

Limits to number of customers in-store

There is a limit on the number of customers in Countdown Stores at any one time, so that the government’s advice around physical distancing can be met. When waiting in line to go into a store, please ensure you maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from the person in front of you and behind you.

Purchasing limits

While there were limits of purchasing to two of any item at the beginning of the lockdown period, there are now no limits on meat, produce, deli, seafood and Easter products. For liquor products and any bakery goods not made in Countdown Stores, there is a limit of four items per customer. 

For products where Countdown Stores are still seeing increased demand, a limit of two will still apply so that Countdown can ensure supply for everyone. Those items are:

Flour

Rice - Bags

Dry Pasta

Canned baked beans & spaghetti

UHT Milk

Frozen Vegetables

Toilet Paper

Paper Towel

Personal Wash

Hand Sanitiser

Paracetamol

Household Cleaner

Feminine Hygiene

Baby Formula

All other items will have a limit of six.

Pac  n Save – Covid-19

Pac n Save Glen Innes

·         Opening Hours - 7am - 9pm seven days

·         Opening hours Easter

o   Friday 10 April – Good Friday – closed

o   Saturday 11 April – 7am-9pm

o   Sunday 12 April Easter Sunday 7am-9pm

o   Monday 13 April – Easter Monday 7am-9pm

·         Opening Hours – ANZAC weekend

o   Saturday 25 April – ANZAC Day 1pm – 9pm

o   Monday 27 April – ANZAC Day observed – 7am – 9pm

April Newsletter

Well, we’ve completed one week of level 4 lockdown and I don't know about you but I'm really starting to ask myself what the new ’normal’ will look like after this is over. It makes one realise how much one takes for granted the simple pleasures such as visiting friends and family, hugging grandchildren and popping out for a coffee!

Although we are being advised to keep physically distant, that doesn't mean we need to be socially distant. Now is a great time to reach out to friends and family in a different way, by phone or online – I’m using the likes of WhatsApp and Zoom to keep in touch with my family and friends and urge you to help support each other as we move through our Alert 4 status. If you know people who live on their own or who are particularly vulnerable at this time, I would urge you to check-in on them in a way that doesn't put either of you at risk.

A huge well done to all of you for doing the right thing by your family, community and by Auckland, and staying home. It's not easy, but it's the right thing to do. I've found it heartening to see lines of people waiting patiently outside supermarkets one at a time, maintaining a safe distance, as well as hearing about neighbours offering to shop for vulnerable people. In times of crisis and uncertainty, I love the way our community comes together and looks out for each other. Across the country there are many New Zealanders hard at work ensuring our supermarket shelves stay as stocked as possible - we owe these people a debt of gratitude. Our role in this is simply to shop as normal; to buy what we need for the week and not to be tempted to buy in bulk as doing so will prevent others accessing essentials.

An extra huge ‘shout out’ to those of you who are working in other essential services, especially in our hospitals and within the health service. Our Auckland Skytower will be lit royal blue until Sunday April 5 to acknowledge and support the tireless efforts of frontline emergency staff who continue to do their jobs during lockdown. Over 6,100 retired and part time health professionals have also returned to work to support their colleagues working as doctors nurses and care and support workers. I’m sure you join with me in thanking all for their outstanding dedication.

But we are in lockdown not lock up and getting outside for exercise and fresh air is important for lots of reasons. We are being advised to stay local if we can, rather than driving to a park, and as a result I've noticed lots of families exploring their local area on foot, by bike, even on roller-skates - it's great to see children able to take advantage of the quieter roads and cycle safely too. For those of you with dogs, the advice is to keep them on leash at all times to ensure your 'bubble' keeps a safe distance from other 'bubbles' and to discourage patting other dogs as the virus can be transferred via their fur.

With all this beautiful sunny weather, I can understand the temptation to take advantage of our many wonderful beaches. Swimming at beaches also poses a risk as even the strongest swimmers can never 100% guarantee they won't get into difficulty for reasons out with their control, same we are told for children in shallow water. It's frustrating I know, but for now, we are asked to enjoy the sun from our gardens, our balconies or our local parks. Police have been regularly at Mission bay directing people out of the water (you may have seen this on TV news).

Along with the Mayor, my fellow ward councillors and I continue to meet, albeit virtually, to make decisions for Auckland under special Emergency powers. Holding meetings by video-link has been a bit of a learning curve, but other than the occasional hiccup, things have been running very smoothly. It's amazing that technology allows governance to continue, with councillors and council staff dialling in from their homes all across the region. I'm also still in contact with Ōrākei Local Board; my support staff; and staff across the organisation and CCOs - it's very much business as usual, just in a new format.

Many council staff, like some of you, have been able to continue working remotely. For some roles, this isn't so straightforward, so we have looked at opportunities to re-deploy staff. A great example of this is our catering team who have been preparing 400 meal packs per day, 7 days a week, for Auckland City Mission to distribute to our vulnerable homeless community. With council's staff cafeterias currently closed, this was a sensible way to utilise available staff to meet a critical social need.

Some of you will have noticed that public transport is continuing to operate, but with a significant drop in patronage. I've been in touch with Auckland Transport to ask if we should be reducing services to save money and reduce emissions. They've explained that the services will continue through the week on a 'Saturday timetable' to ensure that essential workers have options to get to and from work safely for early morning and late-night shifts. Additionally, having fewer people on buses makes it much easier to keep a safe distance from other passengers and reduces risk.

I've mentioned the internet a few times in this update, but what about households who don't have wi-fi? Many people rely on libraries, schools or universities for wi-fi, or go to internet cafes, none of which are now available. Auckland Council libraries do have an option where people in this situation can order a free modem by phone (09 377 0209) and connect to low-cost pre-pay internet.

 Our libraries also offer a huge range of e-books, audio-books, e-magazines, podcasts and films - have a look at what's available here: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/

As museums worldwide close their doors temporarily, many are seeking out digital alternatives to keep art accessible.  One way to get your art fix is Google Arts and Culture (www.artsandculture.google.com) where you can get up close, in high definition, to artworks all over the globe, including our own collection from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

As I walk around the neighbourhood each day, I see more and more houses with teddy bears in their windows. Thanks to all of you who have contributed. The Great New Zealand Bear Hunt is being documented online at https://www.bearhunt.co.nz/ where you can view bears on an interactive map! The site also has some great free resources for kids.

Finally, an update on environmental issues. First, on the water quality issue I mentioned last week. For those of you lucky enough to live around Hobson bay, it’s important to remember that the area is currently experiencing very poor water quality as a result of overflows and contamination of the Newmarket stream over summer. Work is actively underway in the Newmarket Gully to find and repair issues which have led to the overflows. Both Watercare and Healthy Waters staff are working hard behind the scenes albeit with reduced capacity due to Covid-19 response to improve the water quality as quickly as possible. I’m expecting an official update on progress from staff next week which I’ll share with you. Meanwhile, the easiest way to keep you and your dog safe around the tidal inlets running through Ayr Reserve, Thomas Bloodworth Park, Shore Rd Reserve, Waitaramoa Reserve, Newmarket Park and Portland Rd Reserve is DON’T GO IN THE WATER.

The good news however is on our air quality pollution levels. After just one week in lockdown there have been some significant drops in pollution levels in all our testing sites. So enjoy the improved fresh air and remember stay safe everyone and stay home.

Desley

COVID-19 UPDATE 27/03/20

Earlier this week, the Government declared a nationwide state of national emergency under section 66 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. You were probably made aware of this through a very loud alarm sound coming from your mobile phone! As a result, Council has responded in line with this and the move to level four (lockdown).

I’m really hoping this newsletter finds you all well at home, finding joy in the small things you can do around the house, keeping you and your community safe.

Due to these uncertain times, I plan to communicate with you more often to help you understand some of the new ‘rules’ that have been imposed on us to keep Auckland safe and reduce the impacts of Covid-19 in NZ.

During the next four weeks, we have been asked to stay inside and only venture out for exercise in our local area or to go to the supermarket or pharmacy if needed (unless you’re classed as an essential worker who needs to travel to work).

That means you can go outside for a walk or to exercise. When you do, ensure you keep a two-metre distance from those who are not in lockdown with you in your home (your bubble). We have also been told your ‘walks’ should not be marathon runs either. Keep close to home and keep local. You can definitely take your children outside to your local park but using playground equipment is prohibited. It is important that you avoid touching any shared surfaces. Police are monitoring some of our parks, such as Selwyn Reserve at Mission Bay and council staff are working their way around our playground areas to ensure movable equipment such as flying foxes are locked up. This will help stop the spread of the virus.

They key message is stay home, stay safe.

 Please wash your hands often and if you have children, teach them to sing through ‘Happy Birthday’ twice before they stop or ask them to pretend their hands are two octopuses play fighting and count to 20.

Auckland Transport and the Harbourmaster have also strongly urged that we stay off the water. This is not so much to prevent the spread of Covid-19, but to ensure your health and safety. They will not have the resources to assist you if you get into difficulty. Remember, lockdown is not a holiday and public boat ramps should not be used during this time. For more information on this, see the AT website here: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/covid-19-alert-level-4-harbourmaster-urges-aucklanders-to-stay-off-the-water.

On a lighter note, I am aware many of our local communities are encouraging people to put a toy teddy bear in their window if you have one. This is to help entertain kids when they are walking by participating in a local ‘Bear Hunt’, counting as many bears as they can find. I think this initiative is wonderful and I’ve made sure a teddy is now up at my place. 😊

But what about Council services?

As of 24 March 2020, Auckland’s kerbside rubbish and recycling are considered essential services so will continue as usual (one of the few things in life right now that is staying the same). We will also continue to provide any service that supports the health and wellbeing of our residents. This includes the maintenance of our stormwater networks, cremation and burial services, animal welfare and management, essential governance (that’s me!), some regulatory and compliance activities, resource and building consenting for essential infrastructure, and biosecurity.

Our CCO’s will also continue to provide essential services relating to waste-water, drinking water and the delivery of core public transport for our essential service workers.

The supply chains and support required to run these services, such as our contact centre, will also continue to operate. I hope this alleviates any concerns you might have in terms of accessing key services provided by Auckland Council. If anything changes, I will be sure to keep you updated through this newsletter.

In terms of updates on things local, I continue to highlight the urgency of rectifying the health of Hobson Bay, Newmarket, Hapua and Portland Road Streams (some of which have current health warnings). I have been assured that despite the current crisis, they are continuing to monitor this daily and react accordingly. What is most important to me, is to secure funding not just for the immediate remedial work, but for the larger piece of work to address improvements long term. I am waiting for confirmation from Watercare and relevant staff of that, and will keep you updated.

Finally, a huge congratulations to communities such as those in Stonefields and Glendowie who have letter dropped within their neighbourhoods asking if anyone needs support during the lockdown and how to access that locally. If any of you at any point need some support, please do reach out. We do have many options for assistance, especially for those living on their own.

 I know the next weeks will be tough. But to put things in perspective for those of us feeling a bit stir crazy already, Anne Frank and seven other people hid in a 470sq foot attic for 761 days quietly trying to stay undiscovered to stay alive. It’s not that hard to do our part to keep everyone safe and stay home for a few weeks.

Desley

COVID-19 UPDATE

Auckland Council has made the difficult decision to temporarily close its network of libraries, pools and leisure centres for the next two weeks in line with Government recommendations to constrain the spread of COVID-19.

The council is also reviewing its wider network of community facilities, including community centres, community art galleries and venues for hire to ensure that from Monday 23 March these facilities only support classes, activities, programmes and events that allow for social distancing within government guidelines.

In addition, Regional Facilities Auckland is closing the Auckland Art Gallery and Maritime Museum.

These closures are effective from the close of business today. They will be for a period of two weeks initially, extended as required depending on the evolving situation with COVID-19 and the advice of Government.

Following further Government advice that indoor gatherings of 100 or more people should be cancelled the council’s top priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of Aucklanders and of our staff who use its facilities.

Given, the nature of how our libraries and pools and leisure centres operate, it has become increasingly difficult for us to maintain an environment for safe social distancing and hygiene, despite our best efforts, which poses an undue risk to our customers and staff. 

Our facilities are often communal areas with close contact between people, where equipment and technology are shared. We also cannot identify who our customers are, so contact tracing people would be very difficult.  

No staff jobs will be adversely affected. We will work with staff affected by these changes over the coming days.

We will also work closely with our stakeholders about what this means for them and how we can support them through the next fortnight.

We have not made this decision lightly. We understand that these facilities are an important part of community life for many Aucklanders.

However, we are dealing with an unprecedented health crisis and have thoroughly assessed the situation and the risks of these facilities remaining open. At this time we believe temporary closures are in the best interests of the health and safety of our staff, customers and all Aucklanders.

The temporary closures – for review in 14 days

• All Auckland Libraries

•  Pools and leisure centres – except the early childhood education centres and out of school care (OSCAR) programmes. There remain available and we will continue to follow Ministry of Education guidance when it comes to educational facilities.

• The Auckland Art Gallery and Maritime Museum

I will update more when further information comes to hand 

Please contact me if you have any questions or need support 

March Newsletter

I want to acknowledge the difficult and unprecedented times we are facing with regards to Covid-19. Each day brings with it new information and new challenges for us all. While we rightly focus on the health and wellbeing of our communities, I want to give you confidence that council is handling this changeable environment professionally, competently and appropriately. We are unified in our focus – the best outcomes for Auckland, its residents and communities. At an individual level, please make sure you continue to follow the guidelines established by the Ministry of Health on social distancing, hygiene (wash your hands regularly) and travel restrictions. Councillors are getting almost daily updates and Local Boards regular communications too. I have been impressed with the many community groups that are reaching out to neighbours and friends to check in on their wellbeing. If you know somebody who needs extra support, please let me know as there are options out there to assist.

Covid- 19 will impact our next Budget. As Chair of Council’s Finance and Performance Committee, ensuring our Annual Budget is appropriate and prudent is a key component of my role. That’s become more challenging within recent days. That said, we have been open for consultation and feedback since 21 February on an annual budget scoped out well before Covid-19. To assist in promoting what’s in that budget, I have been using my facebook page to highlight various components for the 20/21 year that will have a direct financial impact on ratepayers.

Social media is a wonderful tool to engage people with and I have enjoyed receiving informal feedback. When you separate out the issues we are consulting on, you get a better picture of how any proposed changes might impact you personally.

Below, are some of the messages I put out on my personal social media page:

1.      After nearly 10 years in operation, an independent panel has been established to review councils five Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs) Auckland Transport (AT), Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), Panuku Development Auckland, (Panuku), Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) and Watercare. The panel want to know what you think is working well, not so well or any improvements you think could be made. Have you say by heading to our website.

2.      Auckland Transport is arguably the most familiar of the CCOs but did you know that they oversee 7,550km of roads, 7,137, km of footpaths, bus and cycleways, and manage over 100 million public transport journeys every year. ATEED promote Auckland as a great place to live, work, invest or visit. Last year their major events contributed $493.9 million to regional GDP. Finally, for today, Panuku is council’s redevelopment agency focused on creating vibrant, liveable place with high quality housing. They also manage council’s $3billion property portfolio. How do you think they are all doing? Have you say by heading to our website.

3.      Developing our arts, culture, heritage and sport, RFA manages some jewels in the Auckland crown. Auckland Zoo, The Civic theatre, Mt Smart Stadium and Auckland Art Gallery are just a few of the 13 recognisable landmark facilities they oversee. In 2019 RFA’s facilities attracted 3.36million visitors. During the last eight years, RFA has generated $422.3 million in commercial revenue while also producing free or subsidised events attended by over 12 million people. The final CCO is Watercare. A familiar name to most of us, they provide high quality, safe water to homes and businesses in our region. Looking after 9,000km of pipes, they also treat and dispose of around 396 million litres of our wastewater every day.

The independent panel that has been established to review all five CCOs I’ve talked about this week and are interested in what you think is being done well, what’s not going so great and what improvements you think can be made. Have you say by heading to our website.

4.      Every year, Auckland Council picks up around 135,000 tonnes of recycling from households and some businesses. Unfortunately, around 12% of this is either non-recyclable items or containers that are too contaminated to recycle because they are still filled with food or liquid. These items are separated and need to be sent straight to landfill adding to the cost of our recycling service. Certain types of hazardous liquids like paint or motor oil can contaminate a full truckload of recyclables, meaning the whole load needs to be sent to landfill- that's expensive both financially and environmentally.

So how much is 135,000 tonnes of recycling every year? – I’m told it’s equivalent to approx.19,286 male African elephants! Use Auckland Council’s online recycling search tool to check if an item can be recycled or not. Not recycling correctly is costing us more.

5.      To help Council cover rising recycling costs (remember in 2018 China banned the importation of recyclable materials) we’re proposing an $19.97 increase to the base service for those who receive the service. The option of simply sending recyclables to landfill would end up costing ratepayers more and an environmentally unsound decision. Option B, is to increase general rates (on top of proposed 3.5%) by a further 0.6% for everyone, even if they don't receive the service.

6.      Have a swimming pool? All pool owners are required to have an inspection once every three years to ensure that their fences meet pool safety standards.
In the annual plan we are proposing to replace the current $130 first inspection fee with an annual targeted rate of $44 for all pool owners. This would save us approx. $74,000 in admin costs -or we raise the first inspection fee to $135.

7.      Council is delivering a $2.7billion plan of investment to improve Auckland. That means more sports fields, better parks, and better infrastructure such as the upgrade of Tamaki Drive and the flood mitigation work around Kohimarama. From 1 July, we want to implement one of the lowest average general rates increase – 3.5% - of any major urban council across New Zealand. Did you know, Tauranga is talking about 12.6% increase and Dunedin reported to be around 6.5%?

8.      As I mentioned yesterday, we are continuing to grow to record levels the level of investment we make in our facilities and infrastructure
This spend is also a major driver of our rates requirement as we need to fund the maintenance and operating costs of this growing asset base and to provide for their future renewals. This is all part of being good stewards of Auckland’s infrastructure and ensuring that it provides the services we rely on.

9.      In the last term, we have seen a doubling of transport funding for the Orakei Local Board rising from $1mil to $2mil, to distribute into local projects. In addition, we are in our second year of an $800,000 investment programme of further safety initiatives. We’re also investing in raising Tamaki Drive to mitigate flooding, as well as providing alternative transport routes with a new cycle way. Further flooding mitigation works at Kohimarama and cleaning up our water at Okahu Bay. There’s a lot going on in our area. Have you say by heading to our website.

10.  There are different pickups of rubbish currently operating across the Auckland region. In Orakei, we remain on a standard general fee for weekly rubbish collections as opposed to a pay as you throw model (which currently costs about 25% more for same weekly service per year).

The one point I raised in almost every post was my keenness to hear from you and the link to the relevant sections of the online information (which I took out for the purposes of this newsletter).

To that end, you still have time to let me know what you think of the proposals from the Mayor, with submissions closing on March 22 (that’s this coming Sunday). So please, head along to our website here and let me know your feedback:  I am here to represent your views

https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/topics-you-can-have-your-say-on/annual-budget-2020-2021/Pages/default.aspx.  

Thank you for those who have responded and thank you in advance to those of you who will. I will report back on the Orakei Ward feedback when it’s received and analysed and before the final vote.

Stay safe out there.

Desley

February Newsletter

Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope the year has started well and you have had a great January. Sadly, while the weather has proved great for holiday makers there has been no relief for our water supplies, and we have now reached a record breaking 40 plus days with less than one millimeter of water. While our supplies are coping Watercare have asked us to be vigilant with water consumption as there doesn’t appear to be any rain on the immediate horizon. For tips on how to conserve water please go to: www.waterforlife.org.nz.
 
With most back at work, many in the CBD, we have been faced with a nightmare trying to navigate all the road closures and detours. A combination of Auckland Transport works, CRL works, America's Cup improvements, NZTA works and private development has created ‘cone city’ and almost a daily headache as to how to get in and out of the central city.  I’m assured this will all be worth it when completed but I also acknowledge that these collective works are causing significant disruption.  I can assure you I am continuing to raise concerns with Auckland Transport around traffic management on your behalf- especially for our east to city connection and will be sending you a specific update on this soon
 
Last Sunday, I attended the sod turning ceremony to begin construction to upgrade the walking and cycling facilities on Tamaki Drive seaward side between Quay Street and Ngapipi Intersection. This is a shared NZTA/Auckland Council regionally funded project which will separate cyclists, who will now have a bi-directional off-road cycleway on the other side of the grass berm and pohutukawas from pedestrians all while keeping the existing traffic lanes and widths. Tamaki Drive has one of the highest  cycle usage numbers in Auckland so whilst the improvements are good for them I’m especially pleased to see the raising of Tamaki Drive of up to half a metre to prevent flooding included in this project – something I’ve lobbied hard for and will welcome its completion . With this part of Tamaki Drive being such a key commuter route in and out of the CBD I have worked hard to ensure AT keep two lanes operational in and out of the city during  extended peak hours (6am to 10 am and 4pm to 7pm) during construction .The last thing we want is more congestion!

To find out more information about the project and its delivery timeframe on the Auckland Transport website here: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/tamaki-drive-improvements/tamaki-drive-cycle-route/.
 
For those of you in Mission Bay and Kohimarama, you will be aware of work being undertaken to cope with wave overtopping along Tamaki Drive. Council’s regional  specialists in the area have installed fixed coastal monitoring cameras to help inform our management responses before and during storms, built wave barriers (gates) at wall openings to limit water passing through during a storm which should reduce overtopping discharge during low level storm events; and installed  non-return valves on public stormwater outlets that are subject to frequent tidal inundation should minimize the risk of seawater flooding land.

If any residents would like to receive a copy of the Tonkin and Taylor report that was conducted last year (prompting the upgrades I listed above), please get in touch. I am hopeful Council will continue to work hard to provide our coastal communities with as much protection as possible.
 
I was very pleased to see Clonbern Carpark resealed and available for use earlier in the year. In December last year, Finance and Performance committee approved the disposal of 6 Clonbern Road, subject to the provision of 200 car parking spaces and quality design outcomes for this redevelopment. Panuku (the development arm of the Council family), has now entered a period of exclusive negotiation with Foodstuffs to understand whether an integrated development of 6 Clonbern and the adjoining privately owned carpark is both viable and provides suitable outcomes for the community of Remuera. I remain positive this development will provide excellent retail space to this beautiful part of Auckland and will continue to keep you all updated. In the meantime, the wider and longer carparking spaces are working well for shoppers.
 
There are to be parking changes in Parnell too. After considering feedback from the Parnell community, Auckland Transport has decided to implement several changes to improve parking availability by increasing turnover and discouraging commuter parking.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to place your feedback, the outcome reflected your response and hopefully will improve availability of parking in the area. For more of a detailed overview of the changes, please take a look on Auckland Transport’s website here: https://at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/parnell-parking-improvements/.
 
Now is the time we ask for your feedback on our Annual plan. This is your chance to voice your perspective on regional issues, priorities for your local board area and the review of our CCOs.  I’ll be going into a bit more detail later but here is a short update on a few regional suggestions that are out for consultation.
 
Rubbish and recycling continue to be a challenging area for council. Sadly, compared to other world leading cities we have low rates of recycling and reuse of waste (35 per cent). We need to continue to find ways to mitigate this and make good decisions around our waste services.

So, what is being proposed?

In the Annual Plan, we are beginning to look for ways to reduce the amount of rubbish in our landfills. Preventing further cost to our environment will inevitably require some financial cost – like the proposed rise in your annual waste service charge. Unlike many other areas of Auckland who now operate on a user pays system, our area will still have a fixed annual charge. The charge is proposed to rise from $130 a year to $144, but still works out to be 25% cheaper than other areas of Auckland who have a pay per lift system. I am sure you are all aware of the increasing global pressures around waste management which obviously impacts the market costs for both collection and disposal. Despite this, council still managed to negotiate a waste management contract that was best value for money and at a reduced cost to what we had anticipated.
 
The budget also has a proposed average increase in rates from 2.5% to 3.5%. While I know increases are never particularly welcome, this will remain one of the lowest rates increases of the major urban councils (Tauranga are proposing 11% for the same period). On top of that, our area will, for the first time in a while, benefit hugely from some large infrastructure projects.
 
But nothing is confirmed!
 
You can give your feedback for any part of the budget either online or in person and will find dates and venues for relevant events in your area on the council website here: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say/topics-you-can-have-your-say-on/annual-budget-2020-2021/Pages/default.aspx. The consultation period closes on 22 March 2020.
 
As you all know, I do listen to and appreciate your views.

Desley

Changes to Rubbish Days

With Christmas and New Year coming up you are sure to have more rubbish and recycling than usual .

Please remember, because of these public holidays there will be some changes to your bin collection dates.

All collections will return to normal on Monday 6th January 2020.

Please remember all rubbish and recycling bins are to be placed out before 7 am on your collection day.