East Auckland arts lighting up Howick

As part of Elemental AKL, East Auckland Tourism organised a light show at Fencible Walk in Howick Village over three nights at the end of July. This included a great video showcasing some of the amazing art and artists that we have in East Auckland, projected onto the wall.

Attendees were given the change to win vouchers to some of our amazing local eateries - The Apothecary Licensed Eatery Daisy Chang, The Good Home The Stables Whitford Ormiston Cafe , MOGLY Bar & Eatery , Basalt and The Corner Bar.

Thank you to these businesses and the Howick Local Board for your generous support to make this happen.

Community can help with crime prevention

It's always distressing to see crimes happening, especially in our own area. I feel particularly for the business and home owners - the emotional and psychological impacts are often longer lasting than just the loss and damage to property.

I've attended briefings from both local and regional police, and I'm aware that they're working to identify those involved and they are making progress. Getting a conviction requires a careful, methodical approach which can appear to take longer than it should. However, I know a number of police officers at various levels within the New Zealand Police and I have massive respect for the role they play. We must trust that they are doing what they can and work together to do what we can to protect each other.

This is one of the reasons why I volunteer with Community Patrols - locals proactively working together to prevent crimes. In partnership with the Police and local organisations, groups all across this country working together to look after their communities.

If you're concerned about crime in your community and want to do something practical, then please volunteer with your local community patrol -

• Botany Crime Watch Patrol (including Flat Bush / Ormiston),

• Howick & Pakuranga Community Patrol

• Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ).

In the meantime, we should all do our part to prevent crime - making sure we don't leave property in view and locking doors and windows. Even if an item isn't valuable, leaving it visible can lead to someone breaking in to steal it so make sure it's out of sight (especially if its in your car parked on the road).

Remember - if someone's life or property is in danger, call 111 immediately. If you want to report a less immediate issue, call 105. The teams in the communications center are friendly, professional and there to help.

Council's failure to manage commercial assets costs Aucklanders again and again

“The lack of expertise and experience in monitoring commercial entities was made clear.”

John Crawford, former chief executive of Auckland Council Investments Ltd (ACIL), NZ Herald 12 July 2022

Last week, there was an article in the NZ Herald describing the failures of Auckland Council to manage its largest commercial assets. John Crawford was the former CEO of Auckland Council Investments Ltd (ACIL), which managed these assets until was removed in 2018 (ironically to save money). He is an assistant Commerce Commission commissioner and former head of Treasury’s Crown Ownership Monitoring Unit which monitored entities with a combined value of more than $100 billion so he knows a bit about this issue.

The Ports of Auckland and Auckland Airport are important gateways for both the region and country. The Ports of Auckland dominates our city harbour, importing and exporting cargo and people to the world. Auckland Airport is the third busiest in Australasia, with ¾ of all international visitors to New Zealand arriving through the terminal. They're also both strategic assets for Auckland Council who is the sole shareholder of the port and largest shareholders of the airport.

To reduce our reliance on rates and put a stop to endless rises, we need Auckland Council to diversify its income streams. This means better utilisation of the commercial assets that they own on behalf of Auckland. Both of these assets should represent key pillars in this approach - however, we've seen too many examples of poor oversight from Auckland Council. John Crawford believes that this is the result of a lack of experience at Council by staff and elected representatives - based on what I’ve seen, it’s hard to argue.

In April 2020, Auckland Airport blindsided its largest shareholder with a massive $1.2B capital raising. Auckland Council who, despite owning ⅕ of the company doesn’t have anyone on the Board or even actively monitoring the company. Caught short of cash and with little options, Auckland Council found its control diluted from 21.9% to 18% as well as a significant devaluation of the shares. Council staff reported that they’d lost an immediate $18m and missed a $70m gain from the subsequent rise in the airport's share price. As Auckland Council struggles with a lack of funding, its largest commercial asset was devalued and undermined, and some councillors still voted against any action. Councillor Chris Darby argued but failed to convince councillors to write to AIAL's board, or to review council policy on its airport shareholding. Instead they agreed to a commission a report.

Meanwhile the Ports of Auckland have poured millions of dollars into an automation project that has ended in failure, with $65M in software written off plus a further $70M on upgrading equipment to cope without automation. Not only has the project wasted eye watering amounts of money (approximately 60% of their annual revenue), but it has distracted the organisation while their poor safety record that has claimed too many lives.

Mayor Goff and his council have responded by conducting yet another review. I wish I could believe that council will learn from this costly mistake, but given its recent history I’m not expecting much. John Crawford notes that back in 2018 “the lack of expertise and experience in monitoring commercial entities was made clear to the mayor’s office, the council executive and a number of councillors.” Yet here we are, once again highlighting the need for people around the council table who have the focus and discipline to drive good outcomes for Auckland.

Auckland Council isn’t a business, but it owns significant commercial assets and has the ability to drive incredible economic growth. Done poorly, it will continue to cost us again, and again.

Another busy year for the Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association

The Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association are one of the most active and constructive groups in our area. At their AGM today, Chairperson Laurie Slee talked through their work over the past year and I was impressed with both the range and depth of issues they’ve advocated on. From housing, transport, parks and even noise complaints, CBRRA has been advocating for their local community. Their submissions have been evidence based and pragmatic, and other groups have appreciated their support in making their own submissions. 

They invited Howick Local Board Chair Adele White to explain the role of local boards as well as their recent achievements. Given the complex and bureaucratic nature of Auckland Council, it’s important that the community understands how the various pieces fit together and the limitations on elected members. I thought Adele’s point that the ward councillors play a critical role in ensuring that the local board and community are informed and heard was a very important one - too often the focus goes on the Mayor when our councillors need to listen and be heard.

It’s not always easy to balance feedback and criticism to ensure it’s constructive and relevant, especially when on issues that generate a lot of emotional responses. Really impressed with CBRRA under Laurie’s leadership and congratulated him and the whole committee on their hard work. Special thanks to Treasurer Grant Taylor who stood down after 42 years on the committee, including 30 as chairperson which is incredible dedication.

Eastern Busway Burswood diversion worst outcome for everyone

Auckland Transport's decision to destroy more homes to build the Eastern Busway is a terrible outcome for Auckland.

I feel for the residents of Burswood, who have been forced to fight to keep their homes, and lost. Having this bombshell dropped on them at the end of lockdown last year, they've rallied together. Unfortunately their courageous efforts have been ignored. Community feedback has been clear - we support the Busway but not taking an unnecessary diversion through people's homes.

I write this as I travel down the first stage of the Eastern Busway. As one of thousands of East Aucklanders who use public transport every day, I am keen to see the full busway completed. I’ve campaigned at both a national and local level to get the Eastern Busway delivered sooner, frustrated at the constant delays and descoping.

This last minute change to the route is another poor decision. It misses the East Tāmaki business district, which means it will be of little use to the 40,000+ people who work in this area. It increases the length of the trip for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

Reallocation of road space along Ti Rākau Drive as per the original plan remains the cheapest option. Auckland Transport have said that going via Burswood will enable faster construction, with less impact on existing traffic but this is the widest part of the road with six lanes, ample median strip and berms. Instead Auckland Transport is pursuing this short sighted approach that fails to consider the long term, strategic importance of this project.

Based on a number of conversations with people connected to the project, I understand that the decision was driven by political interference. The lack of transparency and accountability for this decision make it very difficult to accept that it was based on evidence.

There are cheaper options that will deliver better long term benefits. There are alternatives that won't destroy homes and community.

We need the Eastern Busway we were promised and this isn't it.

Trolley team cleans up Botany Creek

I've been involved in many community clean ups, but never been on the Trolley Team before!

Pest Free Howick Ward organised a clean up of the Botany Creek over Matariki weekend. I couldn't believe there were so many trolleys dumped in this little stretch of water, but thanks to team work (led by the fearless Bruce Kendall) we managed to clear 20 trolleys, 1 bike, 2 chairs, a street light and a skip-load of rubbish from the stream. Meanwhile other groups were clearing the banks of litter - amazing combined effort to tidy up!

Thank you to everyone who was involved in both organising and doing the clean up!

Check out this article in the Times for more.

It's time for change

I am proud to announce that I intend to stand for Auckland Council for my local ward of Howick. I'm standing again as a true independent and it would be an honour and a privilege to serve as East Auckland's representative on council.

This is not the first time I've put my hand up for this role and I was humbled by the support I received when I stood in 2018 and 2019. 

In the three years since, I’ve been working full time in a senior business performance and improvement role for AsureQuality, a large NZ-owned commercial organisation. I've also used this time to deepen my understanding of governance through professional development and practical experience for commercial and not-for-profit organisations.

Living in the heart of Botany, I've enjoyed everything that East Auckland has to offer. It's been a pleasure to volunteer alongside other passionate locals to make our community safer, promote local tourism and provide opportunities for local youth.

During this time, I’ve spoken to countless residents, business owners and community leaders who are frustrated with the lack of vision, progress and accountability that is holding our city back. The same issues that were impacting Auckland three years ago remain unaddressed - transport poverty, housing inequality, inadequate climate action, wasteful spending and poor communication.

I've also seen Council do good and I know there are some amazing people working within the organisations, but they're being let down by poor leadership from the top.

Our city deserves a more ambitious, disciplined and diverse council. Significant change is happening across Auckland, and we need leadership that can manage and drive the transformation council so desperately needs.

The first decade of the super city has been marred by financial mismanagement, vanity projects and wasted opportunities. We have the chance to ensure that the next ten years unlocks the incredible potential that Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has. 

I firmly believe that my skills in business improvement, combined with my governance experience and passion for my community is what is needed to move our city forward. 

Doing the same thing and expecting a different result will only end in disappointment. It's time for change.

June Newsletter

Sorry - there was no newsletter for May as I was unfortunately sick with COVID-19 (I wrote about my experiences here) so this edition covers both May and June. Now that I've recovered, I've been busy catching up with people across East Auckland.

Yesterday I had an early start, helping out with community planting at Mangemangeroa. Then I popped into Eastern Busway community drop in session in Burswood. I'm still unconvinced about the Burswood diversion and it was good to get a bit more information on it.

Last night we attended the East Auckland Performing Arts Showcase, organised by the Howick Youth Council. It was a great evening, showcasing the incredible talent of our East Auckland rangatahi (young people).

I'll do my best to keep you up to date through my monthly newsletters. In between, stay up to date via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. As always, if there's something you want to hear about or know more, let me know.

Warm regards,

Damian Light

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How many people have to die for Auckland Transport to act?

I’ve gone to write this piece a number of times, but struggled. Not because I don’t know what to write, but because it makes me so angry and frustrated. Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads. 

On 5 March 2022, Levi James was killed on his bike riding to see his grandmother. Not only is this a terrible tragedy, it was avoidable - Auckland Transport had recently completed a project in this area, but refused to consider basic safety improvements for bikes, even though their own plans and policies required it. Month later and they still hadn't taken any action to prevent a repeat.

Four years after the tragic loss of William Wiki Teoi at an intersection in East Tamaki, there is still no sign of action from Auckland Transport despite a coroner's ruling that the road layout was the primary cause of death. 

Auckland Transport has a serious cultural issue that needs to be addressed. And culture is driven from the top - the executive leadership and the Board. The quality of information that is flowing up to the Board is appalling, with vague promises to look at policy repeated while lives are being lost.

I’ve written to the Chief Executive of Auckland Transport asking him why their organisation is failing to respond, although I have little faith that I will get a reasonable response.

Read the full piece here.

East Auckland youth have incredible talent!

Last night we attended the East Auckland Performing Arts Showcase, organised by the Howick Youth Council. It was a great evening, showcasing the incredible talent of our East Auckland rangatahi (young people).

We enjoyed a wider range of performances from dancing, singing, instrumental and spoken word. From traditional through modern and everything in between. Even the instruments were diverse with performances featuring drums, electric and acoustic guitars, a cello, a guzheng, the piano and even a xylophone.

Huge congratulations to all performers and the Howick Youth Council for a fantastic evening!

Eastern Busway Burswood diversion continues to divide

I popped into Eastern Busway community drop in session in Burswood this morning. Nice to see full size maps and talk with knowledgeable staff from Eastern Busway Alliance.

I'm still unconvinced about the Burswood diversion and it was good to get a bit more information on it. Apparently it avoids underground infrastructure, reduces the number of intersections and will be faster to build.

Not surprisingly, local feedback is pretty mixed, with the loudest opposition from those who are directly impacted.

I'd still prefer to see this regionally significant project get the priority it deserves, with but ultimately the decision sits with the Board of Auckland Transport who are due to make the decision later this month.

On a more positive note, there's been good progress on reducing the visual, social and environmental impacts of the Reeves Rd Flyover. By ensuring its integrated into Pakuranga Town Centre masterplan, it should help connect the space underneath into more useful space. Great to hear that Te Tuhi has been involved in the discussions.

The Eastern Busway will be game changer for East Auckland and I cannot wait to see it done. It will connect up with the Airport to Botany busway, providing yet another connection onto rail network, airport and beyond.

See more at the Auckland Transport website.

Community planting day at Mangemangeroa Reserve

Early morning start today, helping out with community planting at Mangemangeroa.

Great turnout, especially from the Botany and Flat Bush Ethnic Association. We had so many keen volunteers that we finished so quickly and they had to find more trees to plant!

Delivering transparency safely - my submission on Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill

The Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill “would amend the Local Electoral Act 2001 to address concerns around candidate safety by loosening the requirement that candidates attach either their residential or business address to electoral advertising. It would allow email addresses, PO box or phone numbers, or links to an internet page to be used instead.“

The following is my submission on the Bill:

I support the intent of this bill - to help protect the privacy of candidates standing for local government.

While transparency and accountability of election advertising is critical to a fair and open democracy, we must also acknowledge the significance of requiring candidates to print their personal address on all advertising materials. 

As someone who has stood as a candidate for both local and central government, I know from experience the potential pitfalls of printing personal information on election materials. I also know that this is one of the many barriers that deter people from standing as candidates for their community. I commend parliament for resolving this issue.

The requirement to have contact information displayed ensures that there is accountability. The changes to allow these contact details include alternatives to a private residential address will still achieve this.

I encourage Parliament to consider how a similar change could be made for central government candidates and parties during general elections. While the larger, more established parties are able to use Parliament or other offices, this isn't always an option for those with less resources. Providing transparency and accountability could still be delivered by providing an identification number upon registration with the Electoral Commission that must be printed on materials.

My experience with COVID-19

I’ve been off sick with COVID, although I’ve recovered now. I know I’ve missed a few things and I had to defer some meetings. As I catch up, I thought I might share my experience.

My relationship with COVID goes way back to the start - at work I’m part of our Business Continuity Team, made up of the Executives and other senior staff to respond to emerging crises. We’ve been meeting regularly on the pandemic since very early 2020, helping guide the company’s response during this challenging time. As an essential business supporting the food and primary industries, we’ve worked throughout. I consider myself lucky that I’ve had an insight into the incredible dedication of these people who have battled through the last few years. So many people working to make sure that there is quality, safe food to buy, eat and export to the world, often unseen and unknown - we owe these people so much and it’s been a privilege to support them.

In mid-May we had our annual leaders forum where my colleague and I received the Safety and Wellbeing Leadership award for helping manage our COVID response. It was very humbling and I was genuinely lost for words (which happens very rarely). While I’m very proud of the work I’ve been involved with, our response has always been a team effort.

Because life isn't without irony, it was only days later when I finally succumbed to the virus. I knew it was positive before the two bars appeared. I'd had false alarms before (spend your day dealing with the pandemic and phantom symptoms become commonplace), but this was different. I know some people test positive and never see the symptoms - somehow in the third year of a global health crisis we still forget that everyone's bodies react differently to infection.

I know I'm fortunate - I'm reasonably young, fit and healthy. I've had three vaccinations. But it was still rough. My throat in particular was very painful. When I was a child I suffered from tonsillitis until they eventually whipped them out but I still get very sore throats and losing my voice isn't unusual. My partner finds this especially funny, given I'm not quiet very often. 

I knew what to do (I've spent years telling colleagues the process) and dutifully logged my results, released my Bluetooth tracing data and locked us away for 7 days. Isolating wasn’t hard, we live in the heart of Botany, with anything you could want available for delivery. And I'm fortunate enough to work in a job that can be done from home. Once my throat had recovered, I could drag myself into the spare room that's been converted into my home office and work reasonably effectively. I know I’m privileged and this isn’t an option for everyone. If you haven’t seen the incredible piece on poverty by John Campbell and the OneNews digital team - you should check it out.

I did quickly learn that I needed to listen to my own advice - rest and take it slow. I was a little keen on getting back to work and I overdid it in the first few days, which knocked me back a bit. I’m back at work, although mostly operating from home so I can take breaks when I need to. I know there are lots of jobs where this isn’t possible so I count myself fortunate. 

So I’ve done a lot of sleeping over the past few weeks. Caught up on a couple of shows (one day I’ll do some recommendations), finally got into my reading list for the year (never make New Years resolutions) and escaped reality for a bit with some quality gaming time (another list of recommendations on my to do list). 

I was gutted to have to cancel meetings, some I’d been trying to organise for weeks. But I was in no state to talk, even online. Infectious period aside, I felt very tried for the first couple of weeks so my wellness tank was pretty low. Unfortunately the bad timing means I’m still working to catch up so apologies if you haven’t heard from me in a while!

How many people need to die for Auckland Transport to act?

I’ve gone to write this piece a number of times, but struggled. Not because I don’t know what to write, but because it makes me so angry and frustrated. Too many people are being killed or seriously injured on our roads.

And Auckland Transport has been big on promises for road safety, but their record shows otherwise. Their website proclaims that they have adopted Vison Zero:

“Vision Zero, an ethics-based transport safety approach, was developed in Sweden in the late 1990s. It places responsibility on the people who design and operate the transport system to provide a safe system. This is a transport system that is built for human beings, that acknowledges that people make mistakes and human bodies are vulnerable to high-impact forces in the event of a crash. To protect people from forces that can cause traumatic injury we need to look at how the whole system works together to protect all those who use our roads.”

Levi James (19) was killed on his bike riding to see his grandmother.

The page that makes this bold claim that “No death or serious injury is acceptable” has little updates since 2020. The Auckland Transport Monthly crash statistics – Road deaths and serious injuries page hasn’t been updated since 15 April 2021 and most of the data is from 2020. No surprise, they’ve never taken road safety seriously.

But this is too important - people are being killed. These aren’t just numbers - real people are dying on our roads in avoidable situations.

On 5 March 2022, Levi James (19) was killed on his bike riding to see his grandmother. Not only is this a terrible tragedy, it was avoidable - Auckland Transport had recently completed a project in this area, but refused to consider basic safety improvements for bikes, even though their own plans and policies required it. And improvements recommended by an independent safety review weren’t implemented either. They’ve blamed budgets, but that’s a cop out - there are simple solutions that don’t cost big money. And this is meant to be a priority regional route on the strategic cycling network. Read this post on Greater Auckland for more details.

12 weeks since this terrible tragedy and Auckland Transport have done nothing.

In an email to a council worker after Levi's death, seen by the Herald, an Auckland Transport (AT) staffer said the organisation had considered removing parking outside the shops as a "quick win", however, that would require consultation with businesses and affected parties.

"We anticipate that given the town centre environment and businesses operating there would be varied responses and would take several months to complete."

- Father's grief as officials fail to act after teen cyclist son's death in Royal Oak, NZ Herald 27 May 2022

This should be completely unacceptable, but it’s how Auckland Transport respond. Four years after the tragic loss of life in an intersection in East Tamaki, there is still no sign of action from Auckland Transport despite a coroner's ruling that the road layout was the primary cause of death.

William Wiki Teoi was killed trying to cross the road in East Tamaki.

William Wiki Teoi​ was hit by a car while crossing East Tamaki Rd in Ōtara​ and died later at Middlemore Hospital from heart failure in March 2018.

The 84-year-old​ had been trying to cross the busy four-lane road because a nearby pedestrian crossing was not accessible in his wheelchair.

Why has it taken so long to do nothing? Auckland Transport decided to do something else instead, widening the road instead of building a safe crossing for people.

I’ve been fighting with Auckland Transport to get them to build a crossing near my workplace - as we were promised in 2015. And again in 2017, 2018, 2019… When they finally did something (on one of the five intersections), they managed to make a complete meal of it.

How does this keep happening?

AT Board Papers 26 May 2022

Auckland Transport has a serious cultural issue that needs to be addressed. And culture is driven from the top - the executive leadership and the Board. So what is being said at the highest levels of Auckland Transport? At their Board meeting on 26 May 2022, this is what appears in their papers.

The AT safety team are aware of these concerning trends and are continuing to deliver on the 2021 business improvement review recommendations. One of the key actions has been the development of the advocacy plan, focusing on increasing our influence on policy and regulatory changes to support our Vision Zero strategy such as our ongoing work with NZ Police to increase enforcement efforts and with Ministry of Transport’s Fines and Penalties Review.

AT Board Papers 31 March 2022

For an organisation that is taking Vision Zero seriously will ensure that safety is an issue that everyone considers not just “the safety team”. Developing an advocacy plan isn’t going to bring back Levi, William or the 59 people killed on Auckland roads in 2021. Vision Zero requires a system response, not pushing the responsibility onto a team who’s responsible for advocating for change. “System designers are ultimately responsible for the safety level in the entire system - systems, design, maintenance and use.” is what their website says, but their Board papers say otherwise.

The data here is from December 2021 which is almost 6 months ago. Worse, the comment here is identical to the comment that appeared in the same report (but a different graph) in March 2022. Not only has AT done nothing in the period between these meetings, they’re just copying and pasting their excuses.

I’ve never seen an organisation do so little in the face of such awful, avoidable tragedy. I’ve worked for organisations that have hurt and lost people so have no illusions about how challenging this can be. But in every case I’ve seen people try to fix the problems, laser focus on the immediate issue and a increased focus on health and safety throughout the organisation. Auckland Transport seems immune to the very human response that we must all do better to ensure that people get home safety.

The Mayor and Councillors helped build this culture when they voted in support of a proposed Emergency Budget that cut funding for safety programmes, with the full knowledge that it would lead to more serious injuries and deaths on our roads.

I’ve sat in meetings and watched elected representatives and council staff debate which part of council should pay for critical safety infrastructure for children. I’ve seen the determined school representative come back month after month, begging for action not more words or promised. But instead of keeping our tamariki safe, Auckland Council has been distracted with it’s own internal processes.

I’ve written to the Chief Executive of Auckland Transport asking him why their organisation is failing to respond, although I have little faith that I will get a reasonable response.

What will it take for Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to act?

Submission on Auckland Council's preliminary response to housing intensification

Central Government (together with the Opposition) have created legislation that requires all larger cities in New Zealand to allow more intensification of housing. Auckland Council have prepared a preliminary response and asked for public feedback. The following is my submission.

What do you think of our proposed walkable catchment of 1200 metres from the edge of the city centre?

My response: Do not support - I think it should be further

I encourage Council to extend the walkable catchment to 2400 metres (30 minutes) for the City Centre. I would also encourage the use of Business - Mixed Use Zone instead of a Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone to allow greater mixed use.

For many, walking is the default mode of transport with the 2018 census noting that at least 10% of people living in the central suburbs already walking to work. This is despite the existing safety and pollution issues that many pedestrians face, which suggests that it could rise much higher if it was encouraged, enabled and supported by fit for purpose infrastructure. We also need to consider the positive impact of micromobility which is further reducing distances and helping connect public transport and active modes.  Limiting the catchment to 15 mins will significantly reduce the potential housing that could be developed near the city centre

What do you think of our proposed walkable catchment of 800 metres from the edge of the metropolitan centres?

My response: Do not support - I think it should be further

I encourage Council to increase the walkable catchments for the Metropolitan Centres in the isthmus (Newmarket, Sylvia Park) to 1600 metres (20 minutes) and 800 metres (10 minutes) for other Metropolitan Centres. Both Newmarket and Sylvia Park are vital commercial and retail centres that have good transport links, which can support greater growth.

What do you think of our proposed walkable catchment of 800 metres around rapid transit stops?

My response: Do not support - I think it should be further

I encourage Council to increase the walkable catchments for Rapid Transit Stops to 1600 metres (20 minutes) for Rapid Transit Stops. This is a relatively short distance to access frequent, reliable public transport and would enable much greater growth in areas that can support it. Retrofitting rapid transit into other parts of the city will always be complex and expensive, so we must better utilise what we already have and are planning to deliver. I strongly encourage Council to ensure that the definition of Rapid Transit in implementing the NPS-UD includes high bus priority areas.

I encourage Council to make use of the Business - Mixed Use Zone instead of a Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone, in the first 200 metres of the Walkable Catchment of Rapid Transit stops. This will enable even greater, mixed use growth in these critical areas, moving us closer to the 15-minute neighbourhood. 

What do you think of our proposal to apply the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone to residential areas up to around 400 metres from large town centres with high accessibility?

My response: Do not support - I think it should be further

I support upzoning adjacent to town centres - enabling people to live near town centres will reduce our transport needs and improve the wellbeing of residents. The pandemic has reminded us how important it is to have easy access to the essentials without needing to travel across town. I encourage Council to consider extending the upzoning to a distance of 800m around all Town Centres defined by Council as ‘large + high accessibility’, as well as all other town centres on the isthmus.

What do you think of our proposal to apply the Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone to residential areas up to around 200 metres from small town centres or large local centres with high accessibility?
My response: Do not support - I think it should be further

I support upzoning adjacent to town and local centres. However, I encourage Council to extend the upzoning up to 400m around all Town Centres which have have high accessibility. While our city is growing, we still have an opportunity to build in 15-minute neighbourhoods through the use of mixed use zoning close to town centres.

What do you think of our proposal to include identified special character areas as a qualifying matter?

My response: Do not support – I do not think special character areas should be a qualifying matter

I fully support genuine moves to protect our history including listed Heritage buildings, but do not support the protection of entire suburbs simply because they are old.

While I appreciate that this is a complex issue with limited time and resources, the approach that Auckland Council has taken to identify these buildings is too broad, leading to perverse outcomes. While there are suburbs of Auckland that have a number of historic houses that deserve protection, claiming an entire suburb needs protection is disingenuous. While we must protect the important historical buildings, not everything that was built in these neighbourhoods needs automatic protection.

Special Character Areas relies heavily on the concept of collective value, failing to recognise the importance of place and building, and creating the impression that suburbs that are not protected are at risk. In reality we need a more nuanced approach, that recognises the need for our city to grow and develop, while respecting where we’ve come from. There are plenty of good examples in New Zealand and around the world, where historic buildings are redeveloped in a way that respects the past while enabling them to remain current.

Finally, the Special Character overlays are focused on the central suburbs - the areas with the greatest access to transport and existing amenities. We must make better use of our existing infrastructure, while we close the significant deficit seen across the city. 

What do you think of the proposed residential special character areas that we have identified?

My response: Do not support – I do not think special character areas should be a qualifying matter

As noted above, I fully support genuine moves to protect our history including listed Heritage buildings, but do not support the protection of entire suburbs simply because they are old.

Older homes were not built to modern standards of warmth and dryness, nor weather tightness. Replacing older homes and villas with modern apartments will radically improve quality of life for residents, offering warmer, drier and healthier living environments.

What do you think of the proposed business special character areas that we have identified?

My response: Do not support – I do not think special character areas should be a qualifying matter

As noted above, I fully support genuine moves to protect our history including listed Heritage buildings, but do not support the protection of entire suburbs simply because they are old.

Business zones need flexibility to adapt in order to provide for the needs of a growing local population. This includes providing for local shops and services, as well as apartment-style housing above.

What do you think of our proposal to include areas in Auckland with long-term significant infrastructure constraints as a qualifying matter?

My response: Other

I support the extremely limited use of infrastructure constraints where there is no other viable alternative. However, this cannot be used as an excuse and must be the option of last resort. I am deeply concerned that this is too open for abuse, given the poor state of the infrastructure in our city. There are few neighbourhoods that could claim they have no issues.

We know there are parts of Auckland where the infrastructure cannot cope with current demands, flooding streets and homes when there is heavy rain. Beaches become unswimmable as waste floods into our harbours. As our city continues to grow these issues continue to compound, increasing the risk of serious, long-term environmental damage. Watercare in particular has failed to identify, contain and resolve these issues, creating real concern that intensification will only lead to more issues. 

It should be noted that these aren't new concerns - in East Auckland, the Manukau City Council apparently had a moratorium on intensification due to the lack of infrastructure but decades later, little has been done to address the gaps. Council must take proactive action to address these infrastructure gaps while investing across the city to build capacity for growth. Retrofitting infrastructure is expensive, disruptive and unpopular - we must make better use of our existing infrastructure and ensure that all new developments include sufficient infrastructure to support the planned growth. Intensification in existing urban areas is a more efficient use of infrastructure, compared to greenfield development. Prioritisation of infrastructure funding between greenfield growth and brownfield intensification needs to be considered.

If this is included as a qualifying matter, Council must ensure that there is a strict and transparent process to ensure it is not abused. Areas that are identified as requiring limited development must have a robust plan developed to address the gaps, including timeframes and funding. Long-term and permanent use should be extremely rare and only where there is no other alternative.

Other qualifying matters

Do you have feedback on any other qualifying matters? (please be clear which proposal you are talking about)

I support the Stockade Hill viewshaft protection which was secured after a long, expensive battle by local residents. It should be noted that this was established under the previous zoning rules and it should be reviewed to ensure that the existing overlay will continue to protect the views of the Waitematā. 

I support the protection of viewshafts of cultural and spiritual significance to mana whenua in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Lest we forget...

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

ANAZC Day is an opportunity for us to stop and remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. It is not to glorify war or fighting - in many ways it is the opposite, acknowledging the significant human impact of conflict, not just to history but even today.

I joined many locals at the Howick Dawn Ceremony on Stockade Hill. An incredible spot for the dawn ceremony, seeing the sun slowly rise over the Waitematā with tui warbling make this a truly special location and occasion.

This morning we heard about the service of two brothers, Sydney W Lord and John E Lord, both from Howick and memorialised on the cenotaph on Stockade Hill. Sydney was a runner, sadly missing in action and presumed dead in October 1917. His brother John was part of an artillery brigade at Gallipoli and the Somme, he sadly died of illness due to the terrible conditions in February 1917. My great-grandfather Allan Ramsey Wilson was also in an artillery brigade during these battles and I know from reading his journals the incredible bravery these men showed in the face of unbelievable horrors. It no doubt changed them, something we were reminded of this morning in the poignant essay from one of the local schools (will post once/if I can track down a copy).

I know that my great-grandfather was changed, both physically from the injuries he received but also emotionally and spiritually. Despite all of this, he signed up again two decades later to serve in the home-guard (the loss of an eye during WWI meant he was not able to be posted overseas).

We we reminded again this morning that while ANZAC Day is primarily to commemorate those who served in the Great War, we cannot forget those who have served since then. Many thousands of new veterans were created during our operations in Afghanistan, which only ended recently. As war rages in the Ukraine and in many other parts of the world, it is a sad remember that strife is not as far away as it should be and peace takes a lifelong commitment.

One of my younger brother’s is a ANZAC historian and Rowan wrote both his thesis and first book on the topic of how our commemoration of the day have changed over the generations. In the NZ Herald today, he notes how important the shared experiences and language of events like this are for society.

In fact, both [ANZAC and Waitangi Day] express important and diverse experiences of our past and how we make sense of it. Remembering the past is not about what happened in 1840 or 1915 so much as the needs of the present to make usable the past — and in doing, make survivable contemporary problems, and make possible the future.

If we want greater social cohesion, we need to draw on cultural scripts, rituals, and languages which we hold in common.

-Dr Rowan Light, NZ Herald 25 March 2022

April Newsletter

This month's newsletter is a bit later than normal - I've recently had my wisdom teeth removed so I've been recovering. After years of putting it off, I finally made the call to get them taken out. Thanks to the amazing team at Ti Rakau OMS, plenty of painkillers and my partner I'm much better, just in time for Easter! (so I can enjoy hot cross buns!)

As I write this we're celebrating Easter weekend and I hope everyone had a good long weekend. It's also Passover and Ramadan, a good reminder of the diverse community we live in. Together with ANZAC next weekend, April is a good time to reflect on our past, present and future.

It was sad to hear of the passing of local legend John Sato, whose humble and kind nature was an inspiration to so many. There was a beautiful tribute in the Times which captured the impact of his life on others. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

More revelations that Auckland Council finances are even worse than we'd been told are a frustrating reminder that the mismanagement of the first decade of the super city continues to cost us. With the latest climate change news from the world's top scientists showing we need to act now, council needs to act in a disciplined and urgent way.

I'll do my best to keep you up to date through my monthly newsletters. In between, stay up to date via my website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. As always, if there's something you want to hear about or know more, let me know.

Warm regards,

Damian Light

ANZAC services in East Auckland

Next Monday is ANZAC Day, an opportunity to pause to remember the sacrifices that many made.
Beachlands Dawn Service: 6am at corner of Wakelin Rd & Ealing Cres
Howick Dawn Service: 6am at Stockade Hill, Howick. Corner of Mellons Bay Road and Ridge Road, Howick.
Ōtara-East Tamaki Civic Service: 7.45am at 244 East Tamaki Domain, Carpark 1

See the full Auckland-wide list here.

Financial mismanagement costs Aucklanders more

More news has come to light about the terrible state of Auckland Council's finances. While the last few years have been a tough time for everyone, imagine how different Auckland would look if our elected representatives hadn't wasted the first 10 years of the super city on vanity projects and bickering.

Goff wasted $935k on a secret report for a waterfront stadium that we don't need nor can afford. Now he's selling our local parks to balance the books.

He and almost every councillor wasted millions on the Wynyard Tram, now they're cutting services because we have no funds.

They declared a climate emergency in 2019, then put up public transport fares again & again while approving plans that increased our carbon emissions. As he leaves, Goff finally proposes some real action but he wants more money to do it and still can't say what the impact will be.

When I bang on about the appalling financial mismanagement at council, it's not for nothing. This is what happens - it has serious, long term impacts on our city, our neighbourhoods, our community.

I love this city, I just wish all our councillors cared just a little bit more. A bit of professionalism and discipline wouldn't hurt either.

Auckland Council mismanagement is costing us more

"Aucklanders may face higher than expected rates rises in future, some services may be cut, and major uncommitted projects delayed as worsening council finances hit the drawing-up of this year’s council Budget.

A continuing fall in revenue has pushed the council’s losses due to Covid-19 to $900 million, and a raft of previously unflagged measures are possible."

- Auckland Council budget: Grim warning of worsening finances as losses hit $900m Stuff 13 April 2022

Imagine how different Auckland would look if our elected representatives hadn't wasted the first 10 years of the super city on vanity projects and bickering.

Goff wasted $935k on a secret report for a waterfront stadium that we don't need nor can afford. Now he's selling our local parks to balance the books.

He and almost every councillor wasted millions on the Wynyard Tram, now they're cutting services because we have no funds.

They declared a climate emergency in 2019, then put up public transport fares again & again while approving plans that increased our carbon emissions. As he leaves, Goff finally proposes some real action but he wants more money to do it and still can't say what the impact will be.

When I bang on about the appalling financial mismanagement at council, it's not for nothing. This is what happens - it has serious, long term impacts on our city, our neighbourhoods, our community.

I love this city, I just wish all our councillors cared just a little bit more

Latest Climate Report shows ‘We are pretty much out of time’

"We are on a pathway to global warming of more than double the 1.5 degree limit agreed in Paris. Some governments and business leaders are saying one thing, but doing another. Simply put, they are lying,"

"This report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a litany of broken climate promises. It is a file of shame, cataloguing the empty pledges that put us firmly on track towards an unliveable world."

-United Nations secretary-general António Guterres.

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from the worlds top climate scientists makes for pretty grim reading. Despite decades of promises to reduce our carbon emissions, we’ve increased them. And I mean we - New Zealand is one of the worst performers.

"Two in five people worldwide live in a country with annual emissions of less than 3 tonnes of greenhouse gases per person. ... In New Zealand, that figure is 17 tonnes."

So much for our 'nuclear free moment' or 'climate emergency' or whatever the latest political buzzword is. Successive governments and councils have failed to act, leading to more emissions. In fact many of the plans and policies that have been put in place have led to increases emissions - the absurd $37B Auckland Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) confirmed last year claimed to reduce it by 1%, but relied heavily on EVs which will not deliver fast enough nor are they a realistic solution for many.

While Auckland Council has proposed a new Climate Action levy to fund $1B in dedicated actions, they couldn’t provide any estimates on what the impact would be. Under Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, the goal is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. The bulk of this is transport and with less than 8 years left, we need to move faster.

Despite all the talk, we're well behind where we need to be. Lack of action is embarrassing for a nation that has promoted itself based on our love for the environment. The Climate Action Tracker shows what we're really doing to help our planet and our people - not enough. And before anyone says "but we can't afford that" - the cost of inaction will be much, much higher.

We're running out of time - we need real climate action now.

Auckland Transport's "radical" plan for parking

"A high-ranking bureaucrat at Auckland Transport says the council-controlled organisation is pushing ahead with a radical plan to retain kerbside parking on 96.75% of its roads over the next decade, despite urgent calls to reduce traffic deaths, congestion & transport emissions."

Auckland Transport’s radical plan to not remove enough parking - Spinoff, 5 April 2022

Despite what you've heard, Auckland Transport is not coming for your parking. Councillors did not vote to remove parking - they voted to send the proposal for public consultation.

The proposal is that on main arterial routes (making up on less than 3% of the roads in Auckland), if there is a conflict between keeping kerbside parking and walking, cycling or public transport, the parking will have less priority. That doesn't mean that carparks will necessary go and despite what some are claiming, there are no specific plans to remove any specific carparks. The list of roads that might be impacted includes those that don't have any kerbside parking, like Te Irirangi Dr - the actual impact of any changes will be minimal.

Auckland Council currently provides 600,000 free car parks which is about 900 hectares. Estimates suggest we're spending about $1 billion per annum from ratepayers for free car parks. Obviously we need carparks for people who are using vehicles and even under this "radical" proposal, there will be plenty available.

What this proposal does is shift the balance to allow our city to reduce congestion, improve safety and hopefully start to address our growing climate emissions.

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