December 2024: Chairperson's Report
- alexispoppelbaum
- Jan 19
- 12 min read
Updated: Jan 30
A few highlights from the end of the year:
December business meeting Chair's report
Purpose of the report
To receive the chairperson’s update on recent activities of the chairperson, itemised by outcomes in the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan 2023.
Executive summary
Items noted in this report are intended to be key highlights, not a full overview of all activity.
Our People
On 22 November 2024 the local board engagement advisor, myself and Members J Parfitt and J Law had a catch-up with Kereama and Trish Nathan at Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae. The marae is well underway with preparations as a community emergency hub with solar panels and storage containers in place. They will be preparing the containers with emergency provisions next and then they will be completely set up. The marae, in partnership with Restore Hibiscus and Bays was pleased to have a local grant provided for the removal of the abandoned boat below them in the Weiti River. On the same day, the local providers Tin Men who undertook the work, completed the removal. Now that it has been removed, the marae is looking to the next stage of work with riparian planting and water monitoring to help improve the health of the awa. The engagement advisor spent some time talking about our local board engagement plan and consultation on the Annual Plan coming up. The marae is eager to host a small engagement opportunity during the consultation next year.
Our Community
North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct Working Group – the chairpersons and deputies of the Hibiscus and Bays and Upper Harbour Local Boards (‘Steering Group’) have been tasked with co-leading a locally led working group to develop the way forward for North Harbour Stadium (as per the Budget Committee and Governing Body Long-term Plan resolutions). Updates since my October 2024 report include:
• in December 2024, there will be early notification to the market that there will be an Expression of Interest process posted on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) for the operational management of North Harbour Stadium
• we were expecting and preparing to report to the Governing Body with an update in December 2024, however this has been delayed to February 2025 by the Chief Executive as the agenda is full with items that need to take priority
• on 25 November 2024 chairperson A Atkinson and I presented an update to the Local Board Members Forum to talk about this piece of work as an example of ‘more empowered local boards’.
Harcourts Cooper and Co. Harbour Sport Excellence Awards 2024 was celebrated on 22 November 2024 at North Harbour Stadium. I along with other North Shore local board chairpersons attended. It was great to see lots of local sporting legends, organisations, coaches and volunteers nominated or winning categories from our local board area.
Our relocatable pump track is now in Red Beach Park. On 16 November 2024, the Parks and Community Facilities team hosted a ‘Have Your Say’ event and BBQ to get feedback on bike riding and wheeled play options, which I attended. The pump track was very popular and there were lots of young people and parents participating in the consultation.
Our Environment
On 28 November 2024 I met with Adam Whatton, Senior Ranger and Supervisor Community, from the Department of Conservation (DoC). DoC will come to update our local board at a briefing session in 2025 when there is more substantial information to share as the Hauraki Gulf/ Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill progresses through the House. Pending the passing of this Bill, there will be substantial changes as to how DoC operates within the marine space. The purpose of the initial discussion with Adam was for DoC to signal the department changes that are starting to happen with funding that is tied to the Bill. These are very positive improvements particularly for the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve given that it is a key sentinel site and the unique pressures this Marine Reserve faces.
Restore Hibiscus and Bays had their end of year celebration on 16 November 2024 at Long Bay Regional Park. Members J Parfitt, G Walden and I were pleased to celebrate another big year of projects and support they’ve delivered and it was special to see them acknowledge a range of incredible volunteers who have put in a significant amount of work into a particular project.
Member J Law and I participated in ‘The Browns Bay Great Big Rescued Food Cook-off’ on 17 November 2024, run by EcoMatters, Love Food Hate Waste, Bays Work in Progress and Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste. Our team had a mystery bag of ingredients to create two dishes with, the purpose of which was to reinforce the notion of ‘use what you have’ and not to let food go to waste. Under Member J Law’s creative guidance, we were pleased to come second place!
Our Places and Our Economy
On 25 November 2024 Deputy Chairperson G Brown and I met with developers regarding the recent announcement from Watercare that all building consents in the district of the Army Bay Wastewater treatment plant won’t be able to connect to the wastewater system until 2034 (or 2031 at best). They are working constructively with Watercare to find a solution for their development, and to ascertain the ‘correct’ growth numbers. I am in touch with Watercare and as per my October 2024 report, we are awaiting confirmation of a timeslot to address the Watercare board to relay our concerns regarding how we got to this sudden situation and how we ensure that it doesn’t happen again. 1
On 14 November 2024 Auckland Transport (AT) staff, myself, Deputy Chairperson G Brown and members J Parfitt and V Short met on-site at, Glen Road Browns Bay. The purpose of this meeting was to look at safety improvements along the eastern side of the street as they are halting their proposed work on the western side of the street due to community and local board feedback. Improvements to the eastern side that we discussed included way-finding signage, improving sections of uneven footpaths and extending footpaths, and improving the current disabled car park spaced so they meet the current design standards. This work will likely result in the loss of two car parks. Auckland Transport will update people who responded to their original consultation soon when they complete the new design work.
The Local Area Manager and I had a discussion with staff from the Licensing and Compliance team on 15 November 2024 to talk more about issues we are seeing with Street Trading Licences being approved right next to reserves, that are inconsistent with our local board framework for assessing Landowner Approvals for Mobile Traders on Public Land. A few days later the Mayoral Proposal on the Annual Plan was released, which included a proposal to bring Street Trading processes in house, which would potentially resolve some of these inconsistency issues we are seeing.
Recommendation/s
That the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board:
a) whiwhi / receive the chairperson’s update on recent activities of the chairperson, itemised by outcomes in the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Plan 2023.
Watercare board presentation
In December I was in front of the Watercare Board to talk with Directors and staff about the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board's disappointment with how things have played out over the Army Bay wastewater plant and the impact on our community.
New houses built in the rapidly growing Hibiscus Coast may not be able to connect to the wastewater system for seven years. It comes as the Army Bay wastewater treatment plant nears capacity, with the ability to serve up to 4000 new homes. Those granted consent before November 15, 2024 will be able to proceed. However, anyone who does not already have consent to build may only do so with the condition that they won’t be able to connect to the wastewater network until the Army Bay plant has been upgraded.
For more information see this article about the Watercare presentation: Board asks for transparency on infrastructure constraints
Call for new operator interest for North Harbour Stadium
An open expression of interest (EOI) process will launch on Monday 20 January, inviting submissions from parties interested in taking over operational functions at North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct (NHS).
L-R, Upper Harbour Deputy Chair Uzra Casouri Balouch, Upper Harbour Chair Anna Atkinson, TAU CE Nick Hill, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Alexis Poppelbaum and Deputy Chair Gary Brown. The EOI calls for parties or organisations who are interested in taking over some or all of the operational management of the stadium and precinct from mid-2025, which is currently operated by its owner, Auckland Council-controlled organisation Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU). The intent of the EOI is to determine, through undertaking an open procurement process, whether there is an operator or operators, able to drive positive outcomes for NHS, its community and its users.
Last year, Auckland’s mayor and councillors asked the chair and deputy chairpersons of the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus and Bays local boards to drive a locally-led process, which – in collaboration with TAU – is working to provide clarity on the future vision and role of North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct. The EOI is the first stage of this work.
Anna Atkinson, Chairperson of the Upper Harbour Local Board says, “This is an exciting step for the stadium’s future. Through this process, a Working Group made up of local and expert stakeholders has met regularly to consider what impact any future operators could have. Whether it’s through increased use of the stadium or engagement with the local community, we are hopeful that this EOI is the start of a process of positive change at North Harbour Stadium.”
Alexis Poppelbaum, Chairperson of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board says, “We want North Harbour Stadium to thrive for the North Shore and the whole of Auckland. Successful parties will need to demonstrate how they plan to improve the financial performance of the venue, while respecting and building the connection with the local community and the existing stadium users. We have worked closely with the community on the North Shore and with TAU to arrive at this step and now look forward to welcoming submissions from interested parties over the next six weeks.”
Nick Hill, Chief Executive of TAU says, “We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the local board members who have driven this process to date, where we have provided valuable insight into the existing and past operations of the venue.
“All parties are committed to reaching a positive outcome for the benefit of the stadium, its local community, stadium users and the wider Auckland region. We are looking forward to a bright future for North Harbour Stadium and will continue to support the steering group through this process.”
Nick Hill emphasised that on a day-to-day basis, the Albany venue has become one of the busiest in the region – with Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika, NPC team North Harbour Rugby and A-League football’s Auckland FC all basing their high performance and administrative facilities at the stadium.
“One of the main goals for a change of operator is to improve the overall use of the main stadium arena for ticketed events,” says Nick Hill.
Submissions which meet the pre-conditions of the EOI will be reviewed by an evaluation panel made up of local board, TAU, local and independent representatives. If a preferred proposal is found, a recommendation will be made to the TAU Board to approve entering into negotiations with the preferred operator, with a view to contracts being in place by the middle of this year.
“Until any new operator is appointed, TAU will operate the venue. Our priority is to continue to deliver excellent events such as last October’s All Whites fixture, upcoming Super Rugby games, and May’s Black Ferns test match. We encourage the North Shore to come and watch world-class sport at the stadium,” says Nick Hill.
Anna Atkinson says that crucially, this EOI is Stage 1 of this process and relates to the short-term operational management of NHS. “The second stage will focus on determining the long-term future vision and role of the stadium and precinct – including ownership, funding, governance, management and any possible improvements.”
Playground opening Harvest Avenue, Orewa
This month we celebrated the opening of our newest playground in Harvest Ave, Orewa.
This was a special little thank you to the community who helped co-design this playground and Ngāti Manuhiri who provided beautiful input with the metal birds and motifs on the pathways. Thanks to our great team of staff managing this project and putting on the thank-you event!
How are your targeted rates being spent locally?
Water quality and natural environment targeted rates
Protecting our natural environment and waterways is a priority for Aucklanders. In 2018 we
introduced the natural environment targeted rate to invest in projects that tackle pest animals, weeds and pathogens that threaten our native species and ecosystems, and the water quality targeted rate, which enables investment into cleaner beaches, streams and harbours. The below is a ‘snapshot’ of work delivered in the sixth year of the targeted rates.
Water Quality Targeted Rate
Natural Environment Targeted Rate
2024: That's a wrap!
As another year comes to a close, it’s a good opportunity to stop and reflect on all the great work that has occurred over the year – and what a year it was! There is so much wonderful work that has gone on in 2024, making it difficult to summarise just a few highlights. This is testament to our incredible staff and community organisations that we fund and partner with.
Projects completed and underway
Work has started on the renewal of Ōrewa Library which should be completed by next June. The project involves the deconstruction of about two-thirds of the library, which will be rebuilt with a new first-floor area as well. Many thanks to our wonderful library staff who are delivering a great service at the Ōrewa Community Centre while this work is underway.Following years through the Environment Court, construction has finally started on the 600m seawall and shared path in Ōrewa, between Marine View and Kohu Street. This work will be staged and completed by the end of 2025.We opened a new playground at Harvest Avenue, Ōrewa, and upgraded the playground at Manly’s Edith Hopper park. We have started consulting on a new playground for Long Bay and renewals for the Stanmore Bay Park and Red Beach’s Gilshennan Reserve. Mairangi Bay pump station opened this year and caters for the growing population in the East Coast Bays. It will eliminate wet weather overflows in the area. We have initiated kids’ panels to ensure we better understand what matters to young people. Our kids panel members are working on ideas for a nature play trail at Mairangi Bay Reserve and we are so excited to hear their ideas.
Storm and cyclone affected assets and preparing for emergencies
We continued major storm-related repair work following the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding. This includes boat ramp renewals and coastal structure improvement work at several beaches. We supported on-the-ground storm recovery and resilience work with a programme to clean up and naturally stabilise waterways to improve flow capacity. Our Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Emergency Readiness and Response Plan is now signed off and published. This plan was created with Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and offers practical guidance to help empower our community to better prepare for and respond to emergencies. Get a copy of the plan here and use some of the tools to get your household prepared.
North Harbour Stadium update
This time last year, talks were being held proposing to demolish North Harbour Stadium, selling sections of the wider precinct, to help fund other stadia in Auckland. This kicked in to gear a very public campaign to send feedback to the Mayor and the Councillors that this was an unacceptable proposal. Along with Upper Harbour Local Board, we turned the ship around and convinced the Mayor to take a different direction. The Mayor and Councillors agreed for myself, Chair Anna Atkinson, and Deputy Chairs Gary Brown and Uzra Casuri-Balouch, to lead the work to change the operational management from the current operator Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and to determine the future vision, management and use of North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct (NHS). The process to find a new operator is about to get underway with an expressions of interest process opening on 20 January 2025. The much bigger piece of work, to determine the long-term future of the stadium and precinct is currently in the planning phase and more information will be available on this in the new year.NHS has remarkable untapped potential to deliver greater community and commercial success. It is an important and beloved sub-regional asset that was built for the people, by the people, and we are determined to ensure its success for the wider community and for future generations to enjoy.
Transport project advocacy
After a year of the service running on a reduced timetable, in November we were pleased to see more weekday Gulf Harbour ferry sailings reinstated. We had fought hard on the importance of this reinstatement – even attending an Auckland Transport (AT) Board meeting.This year, AT went through its regular cycle of updating the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP). This document ranks and prioritises transport projects in Auckland over the next decade. Deputy Chair Gary Brown and I had a busy year advocating for the local board’s three major transport advocacy projects being: Glenvar and East Coast Roads realignment project; Vaughans and Okura River Roads improvement project; and Whangaparāoa bus station.We are so pleased to see Glenvar Road funded and prioritised highly again. Vaughans and Okura River Roads project made it into the RLTP as a project for the first time, but unfortunately unfunded at this stage. While the Whangaparāoa bus station made it into the plan for the first time and ranked highly, it unfortunately remains unfunded and subject to a wider peninsula transport study that AT are running. We will continue our unrelenting advocacy to get all these projects over the line.
On behalf of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy festive season.
Alexis Poppelbaum
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair
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