Agenda of Policy and Regulatory

7 21 November 2017

Policy and Regulatory

29 October 2017

File: (17/1672)

Report no: PRC2017/5/282

Bell Park

Purpose of Report

1. The purpose of this report is to consider the community feedback from the consultation undertaken on the future of Bell Park.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Committee recommends that Council:

(i) notes the community feedback received on the future of Bell Park;

(ii) agrees to publicly notify a proposal to revoke the reserve status of approximately 1 hectare of Bell Park and make the land available for housing, for the following reasons;

(a) the park is no longer required as a formal sports ground serving the wider Lower Hutt community;

(b) a smaller area of land is required for the purposes of providing a neighbourhood reserve in this suburb than currently exists;

(c) there will be an opportunity to improve visibility to the neighbourhood reserve and thereby improve public safety, once that part of the Park not required is sold and developed;

(d) the proceeds of the sale of that part of the Park not required for the neighbourhood reserve, will enable other Council reserve development priorities to be undertaken, such as those identified in the Valley Floor Review implementation plan or the development of the balance of Bell Park that is retained; and

(iii) requests officers to work with the Ignite Sport Trust to develop a proposal for the development of the balance of the Park, should Ignite Sport decide to purchase the building on the Park from the Lower Hutt Football Club and make budget provision in the draft Long Term Plan for consideration by Council for such a proposal.

Background

2. At its meeting of 14 March 2017, Council requested officers to carry out community consultation on the future of Bell Park and report back. A copy of the initial report and the attachments to that report is attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

3. Consultation with the neighbourhood was undertaken via a letter box drop. The information that was circulated is attached as Appendix 2 to the report. A total of 81 respondents formally engaged in this process. Their individual responses are attached as Appendix 3 to the report.

4. The local survey found that the main local use of Bell Park was as a shortcut between streets, for informal recreation and for dog walking. In terms of regularity of use 38 % used the park occasionally, 27% weekly, 15% daily and 9% did not use at all. Other uses that were suggested for the park were for a children's playground; a hub for organised sport for youth; a fenced dog park; a picnic area; courts; running track; skate board, scooter or BMX facilities; and fitness course.

5. In terms of enabling part of Bell Park to be used for housing 70% of local residents were opposed to the idea and 30% were open to it.

6. Neighbours also initiated a public meeting which was held in the clubrooms on the park on 13 September 2017. There was a good turnout of local residents who had the opportunity to ask questions about the park and the process.

7. One submission from Ignite Sport Trust (SBP17/70) proposes a development plan for the park. The Trust is considering the possibility of purchasing and refurbishing the Hutt Valley City AFC clubrooms as its new base and would want to work with Council on creating a community/neighbourhood park that could be used for the Trust’s activities and by local residents. The Trust proposes that the park could include a children’s playground, an all-weather recreation court, a family picnic/BBQ area and a fitness trail.

8. City-wide consultation was undertaken via a telephone survey of 250 residents by Peter Glen Research. The results of the survey are attached as Appendix 4 to the report.

9. The results of this survey can be summarised as follows:

60% of residents surveyed were aware of Bell Park

9% of residents surveyed had visited Bell Park in the last 12 months

80% of residents surveyed supported other uses for Bell Park

55% of residents surveyed supported housing on part of Bell Park

26% of residents surveyed supported retaining the area as green space

Discussion

10. Consultation with neighbouring residents reveals that the majority want to see the Park retained as open green space and enhanced so that its usefulness is improved. From the wider City perspective, a majority of residents would be open to part of the Park being used for another purpose. These two conflicting results are not unexpected.

11. The key question posed in the earlier report of what is a reasonable provision of open space to satisfy local need has not changed. Sports grounds by their nature need large areas for formal senior sport, but with football no longer played on the Park, the area available for a neighbourhood reserve is, in relative terms, quite generous.

12. Two other factors that require consideration in deciding the future of the Park are the usefulness of the space as it currently presents, and the cost of making improvements to effect better use. Currently there is no funding in the Long Term Plan to make improvements on the Park. The current lack of public visibility to the Park also needs to be considered.

13. The proposal from the Ignite Sport Trust is exciting in that it would see the park space activated, allowing for both local and city-wide use. It will require some investment, part of which would appropriately come from Council. Selling part of the Park to help fund improvements would be one practical way to achieve this.

Options

14. There are two main options to consider. That is to retain all of Bell Park as a neighbourhood reserve or retain a smaller area and make some of the park available for another use through revoking its reserve status.

Consultation

15. Council has sought the views of the community on the future of Bell Park both locally and city-wide. The results of this feedback are summarised in the background section of this report.

Legal Considerations

16. Should Council decide to propose to revoke the reserve status of part of Bell Park, the process set out in section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977 must be followed. The steps in the process are described in the initial report of 27 February 2017.

17. Some submissions have indicated that Bell Park was gifted to Council. This is not the case. The legal title review attached as Appendix 5 to the report, sets out the history of the property. The Crown purchased this property as part of a larger block of land in 1924 from a private owner, Philip Joseph Nathan. In 1932 the property was set apart as a recreation reserve and in 1934 the title was issued in the Borough of Lower Hutt in trust.

Financial Considerations

18. It is estimated that the value of that part of Bell Park proposed to be revoked is in the order of $1.5M.

19. There is currently no funding provision in the Long Term Plan for any improvements to Bell Park.

Other Considerations

20. In making this recommendation, officers have given careful consideration to the purpose of local government in section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. Officers believe that this recommendation falls within the purpose of the local government in that it considers the future of a Council owned community asset. It does this in a way that is cost-effective following the process set out in the Reserves Act 1977.

Appendices

No.	Title	Page
1 ⇩	Report to Policy and Regulatory Committee - 27 February 2017 - Future of Bell Park	11
2 ⇩	Bell Park Letter to Neighbours	40
3 ⇩	Submissions to the Bell Park Review 2017	45
4 ⇩	Public Consultation Survey regarding Bell Park and Molesworth Reserve	164
5 ⇩	Bell Park Title Report	183

Author: Bruce Hodgins

Divisional Manager, Parks and Gardens

Approved By: Matt Reid

General Manager City and Community Services

Attachment 4

Public Consultation Survey regarding Bell Park and Molesworth Reserve

PUBLIC CONSULTATION SURVEY

REGARDING BELL PARK

Report prepared for Hutt City Council

Bruce Hodgins

October 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page No.
1.	Introduction		3
2.	Research objectives		3
3.	Method		4
4.	Timing		5
5.	The Research Results:		6
5.1.		Awareness of Bell Park	7
5.2.		Visitation of Bell Park	8
5.3.		Information about the future of Bell Park	10
5.4.		The public’s thoughts about the future use of Bell Park	12
5.5.		To what extent does the public support the idea of exploring other possible uses for Bell Park	14
5.6.		Questions that respondents would like to ask Hutt City Council about Bell Park and/or its future usage	17
5.7.		Respondent profile	18
5.8.		Conclusion	19

1. INTRODUCTION

As part of a wider review of reserve land on the floor of the Hutt Valley, Hutt City Council has decided to consult with the community about the future of Bell Park in Gracefield. It has identified that the future of this reserve should be considered due to the changing usage patterns and reserve value.

Bell Park had been used, for many years, for organised sport (football), but with the Lower Hutt City Association Football Club relocating to Fraser Park it is no longer used for this purpose.

Hutt City Council has put together a consultation plan, with regard to this reserve. The plan includes direct consultation with relevant stakeholders, e.g. neighbours and iwi (which Council Officers will undertake), as well as seeking the wider views of Hutt City residents.

As part of the consultation process, Peter Glen Research has been commissioned to undertake a random survey of Hutt City residents, the objectives of which are outlined below. The results of the survey are presented in this report.

2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the survey were defined as follows:

a) To determine the awareness and usage levels of Bell Park among a general cross-section of Hutt City residents

b) To ascertain public opinion about future possible uses for this park, which can complement the Hutt City Council’s other consultation processes

c) To gain an indication of the types of uses Hutt City residents would like to see for Bell Park, including uses other than for reserve purposes

d) To enable feedback to be obtained from the wider community, identifying any questions or concerns that they may have.

3. METHOD

The citywide survey was undertaken among a stratified random sample of 250 Hutt City residents.

The survey participants were recruited using random selection procedures, but sample quotas were set to ensure that the survey was proportionately representative of the Hutt City adult population (16+ years of age) by age, gender and ethnicity.

The interviews were spread over the six geographic areas (wards) within the city, to ensure that a proper cross-section of the community was represented. The sample was therefore structured as follows:

wards		survey sample		population
		No.	%	%

	Northern Ward	39	15.6	15.6
	Harbour Ward	44	17.6	17.6
	Western Ward	32	12.8	12.7
	Wainuiomata Ward	44	17.6	17.6
	Eastern Ward	43	17.2	17.3
	Central Ward	48	19.2	19.1


	total interviews	250	100.0%	100.0%

It is estimated that this provides a sampling variance, on a citywide basis, of +5.2% at the 90% confidence level. It should be noted that the survey was designed to obtain a strongly indicative reading of public opinion amongst a general cross-section of Hutt City residents.

The survey was conducted using a combination of contact approaches and interviewing procedures. The majority of interviews were undertaken by way of telephone interviewing (landline and mobile), with some face-to-face interviews, where necessary, to meet stratified sample quotas and to ensure that a proper cross-section of the community was engaged.

At enrolment, the purpose of the survey was outlined and an appointment arranged to call back, if the selected respondent was unable to complete the interview at the time of initial contact.

The interview was administered by way of a structured questionnaire, which was developed in consultation with Hutt City Council.

A team of experienced interviewers employed by Peter Glen Research conducted the interviewing.

The results of the survey show the citywide response, as well as the response obtained from local and neighbouring residents. That is, the Bell Park results contrast the responses obtained from residents in the Gracefield, Waiwhetu, Moera and Woburn areas, with those of the total city.

4. TIMING

Fieldwork for this research was undertaken from 12 August to 16 September 2017.

5. THE RESEARCH RESULTS

5.1. AWARENESS OF BELL PARK

5.1.1. CITYWIDE AWARENESS

A majority of the total Hutt City residents interviewed (60%) stated that they had previously heard of Bell Park in Gracefield.

It can be noted that this is a ‘prompted awareness’ level, derived in answer to the question ‘have you heard of Bell Park?’ ‘Free awareness’ of the park (i.e. the public’s ability to spontaneously recall Bell Park) would likely be somewhat lower.

5.1.2. AWARENESS OF BELL PARK AMONG LOCAL & NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS

The random survey of 250 Hutt City residents yielded a sub-sample of 18 respondents who resided in the Gracefield, Waiwhetu, Moera and Woburn areas. This sub-sample is relatively small, but provides an indication of the result among people who live in the Bell Park ‘neighbourhood’.

All of these residents were aware of Bell Park.

5.2. VISITATION OF BELL PARK

5.2.1. THE CITYWIDE RESULT

9% of the total Hutt City residents interviewed claimed they had visited Bell Park in Gracefield in the past twelve months or so.

5.2.2. VISITATION OF BELL PARK BY LOCAL & NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS

33% of the residents (6 out of 18), who resided in the Gracefield, Waiwhetu, Moera and Woburn areas indicated they had visited Bell Park in the past twelve months. When comparing this result with that of the total sample, it is apparent that there is a greater number of Hutt City residents who visit Bell Park, who are not ‘local or neighbouring’ residents. That is, a further 17 Hutt City residents from other suburbs, had also visited the park.

The purposes for which Bell Park visitors had used the park were as follows:

Bell Park used for:	TOTAL		RESIDENTS FROM
Bell Park used for:	TOTAL		Local & neighbouring areas	Other suburbs
	(n=250)		(n=6)	(n=17)
	No.	%	No.	No.
Walking/exercising	7	3	2	5

Dog walking	6	2	2	4

Sports practise & casual sport with family/friends (e.g. touch, soccer, cricket)	5	2	1	4

Playing with children	4	2	1	3

Boxing club/fundraising	1	x	-	1


TOTAL BELL PARK USERS	23	9%	6	17

As shown in the above table, Bell Park appears to have been used for a variety of activities in the past twelve months. The majority of these users indicated that they had visited the park infrequently, with two-thirds stating they had visited between one and four times. That is:

Frequency of visiting Bell Park in past twelve months:	TOTAL		RESIDENTS FROM
Frequency of visiting Bell Park in past twelve months:	TOTAL		Local & neighbouring areas	Other suburbs
	(n=250)		(n=6)	(n=17)
	No.	%	No.	No.
Once	6	2	1	5
Twice	5	2	1	4
Three or four times	4	2	1	3
Five or six times	3	1	1	2
Seven or eight times	2	1	-	2
Nine or ten times	-	-	-	-
Eleven or twelve times	1	x	-	1
Weekly (or more frequently)	2	1	2	-


TOTAL BELL PARK USERS	23	9%	6	17

5.3. INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF BELL PARK

The survey participants were asked a series of questions regarding what they had heard about the future of Bell Park and specifically whether they could recall seeing or receiving any information from Hutt City Council about it.

Awareness of information was largely confined to the local and neighbouring residents.

Half of the respondents (9 out of 18) who resided in the Gracefield, Waiwhetu, Moera and Woburn areas indicated that they had received information about the future of Bell Park.

The information they could recall receiving came primarily from two sources, these being a ‘letterbox drop’ and the ‘Hutt News’. That is:

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM:	BELL PARK
	No.
A letterbox drop/a brochure/leaflet/ submission sheet	6

The Hutt News	5

Information on HCC website	2

Spoke to someone from the Council about it	1


AWARE OF INFORMATION	9

NOT AWARE	9

TOTAL LOCAL RESIDENTS OF EACH PARK	18

It seems that the residents in the local and adjoining areas around Bell Park had a reasonable awareness of the consultation relating to the park. Those who could remember receiving information could recall 1.5 different sources of information about it.

The information that respondents (predominantly those near Bell Park) could recall covered one or more of the following points:

“There was a letterbox drop/brochure/leaflet with questions, asking residents about housing and possibilities for the park.”

“There was something/an article in the Hutt News. They might be going to put housing on the park.”

“The brochure/leaflet was asking residents for a response.”

“Residents can make a submission about the future of the park.”

“It was an information sheet, keeping the community informed of what might be happening with the park.”

The respondents who could recall receiving information were asked for their opinion about the information/material they received. Opinions were divided. Several residents felt that:

“The wording/message was clear and easy to read/understand.”

“It is good that the community is being kept informed/being consulted and asked for their opinion.”

However, other residents expressed some concern about the information that was provided. For example:

“There were no firm details in the letterbox drop brochure. It left us feeling insecure. We would like a public meeting to hear and learn more about it.”

“We now have concerns about how close things will be built to our boundary and whether we will still have a green area to play.”

“It is a big mistake to put housing on the park. There has to be balance between housing and the green needs of the community.”

“All neighbourhoods need green areas for families to play and people to relax and exercise. If it is all houses and built-up areas, it creates a very sterile environment.”

5.4. THE PUBLIC’S THOUGHTS ABOUT THE FUTURE USE OF BELL PARK

The research participants were given the following background explanation about Hutt City Council’s consultation process, before proceeding with the remainder of the interview.

“Council has decided to consult with the community about the future of Bell Park in Gracefield. It is part of a wider review of reserve land on the floor of the Hutt Valley.”

“The purpose of the review is to help with future decision-making. Before making a decision on the future of Bell Park, Hutt City Council wishes to obtain input from the community regarding its future use.”

“By way of background, it can be noted that Bell Park had, for many years, been used for organised sport (football in particular). However, with the Lower Hutt City Association Football Club now relocated to Fraser Park, with its improved facilities, Bell Park is no longer used for this purpose.”

Respondents were then asked to convey their thoughts and ideas as to what purposes the vacant land should be considered. The results were as follows:

On a citywide basis, the majority of opinion was that Bell Park should be considered for housing. However, as can be seen in the charts below, there was considerable support for the retention of the land as a green space, which could be used for a variety of purposes. Furthermore, the local and neighbouring residents, who reside in the Gracefield, Waiwhetu, Moera and Woburn areas were strongly in favour of retaining the land as a green space.

It can be noted that whilst many of the respondents suggested that Bell Park could be considered for housing, some were not ‘fixed’ or ‘emphatic’ in their views on this. For example, some commented along the following lines:

“Housing would seem the logical thing to consider at present. There seems to be a shortage of housing, but this would need to be properly assessed as to its feasibility and with due regard to the impact on those living in the area.”

“There is a need for more affordable housing, but whether this is the right place to put it I don’t know.”

“Housing is what people are talking about at the moment. There is a need for houses that people can afford, but you cannot just build cheap houses. They need to be well constructed and meet adequate standards, both for the people who live in them and for retaining property values in the area.”

“Housing is a good thing to consider, but there might also be other uses to which the park could be put that would benefit the community.”

“Perhaps it could be used for housing, but not all of it. It is a fairly large park, so is it possible to build some houses and retain some of the area as green space?”

“There is currently a need for more social housing. Some of the state houses have gone and people need a place to live. But is Bell Park the right place for that type of housing? I don’t know.”

The research participants who suggested that Bell Park be retained as a green space offered a variety of suggestions as to how the area could be used. This is summarised in the table below.

SUGGESTED USE OF BELL PARK AS A GREEN SPACE	Citywide		Local & neighbouring residents
	(n=250)		(n=18)
	No.	%	No.	%
Keep it as a green area/park for people/families to enjoy, play & exercise	13	5	5	28
For sports and recreation (family sport, touch, cricket, training/practises, etc)	23	9	2	11
Retain as a park & have a playground (slides, skateboard park, etc)	12	5	1	6
Make it a (secure) park where people can walk/train their dogs	10	4	2	11
Retain (as a landbank) for the future/ future needs of the community	8	3	2	11


RESPONDENTS SUGGESTING THAT BELL PARK BE RETAINED AS A GREEN AREA	66	26%	12	67%

5.5. TO WHAT EXTENT DOES THE PUBLIC SUPPORT THE IDEA OF

EXPLORING OTHER POSSIBLE USES FOR BELL PARK

The research participants were next asked the question:

“Given the changing usage patterns of Bell Park, do you support or not support the idea of exploring other possible uses for the park?”

Just over 80% of the total residents interviewed on a citywide basis were in favour of exploring other possible uses. That is:

Respondents were further questioned as to whether they would support or not support the Bell Park review covering each of the following possible uses. The table below shows the percentage of respondents who support the review covering each particular area of investigation.

USES THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE INVESTIGATED FOR BELL PARK	Citywide		Local & neighbouring residents
USES THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE INVESTIGATED FOR BELL PARK	(n=250)		(n=18)
	No.	%	No.	%
Low cost, affordable housing	159	64	9	50

Housing that reflects the property values in the area	138	55	11	61

Other community and/or recreational uses (that are not housing based)	191	76	14	78


OVERALL LEVEL OF SUPPORT	202	81%	14	78%

REASONS FOR SUPPORTING A REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE USES FOR BELL PARK

Over half the respondents (56%) who supported the idea of exploring other possible uses for the park, expressed the following rationale:

“I support them looking at the options/getting positive ideas about what could be done with the parks – it is a sensible thing to do.”

And/or:

“It is better to use the land than leave it vacant.”

“It gives the land a purpose/makes it useful.”

“It avoids the problem of the vacant land becoming rundown/not looked after/getting vandalised.”

A further 20% of respondents who supported a review of alternative uses for the park focused specifically on the possibility of using the land for housing. They made a number of points that can be summarised as follows:

“Population is increasing/is going to increase and land is needed for housing.”

“Housing is a priority/is where the greatest need is at present.”

“There is a shortage of houses and affordable houses in particular.”

“There is a shortage of houses and that is pushing up prices. Many people cannot afford a house these days.”

“Rents are increasing/becoming prohibitive. We need more housing.”

“We need community housing, to help get the homeless of the streets.”

Approximately 15% of respondents supported the idea of exploring other possible uses for the park, but stressed that their support was primarily for retaining it as ‘green space’.

Other respondents (7%) supported a review, with the proviso that:

“The community is involved in/is properly consulted before any final decision is made.”

And:

“Future use of the park benefits, and/or is accepted by, the local community.”

5.5.4. REASONS FOR NOT SUPPORTING A REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE USES FOR

BELL PARK

The Hutt City residents who did not support the idea of exploring other possible uses for Bell Park (approximately 10%) mainly expressed one or more of the following views:

“I do not support it, because communities need green areas; leave the green areas alone.”

“There is too much intensification now, which I don’t like/don’t support.”

“The council would sell the land to developers who would profit; it would not help the people who need help.”

“They should not create low cost housing areas and repeat the social problems that go with it.”

“Low cost housing may impact/is likely to have an effect on property values.”

5.6. QUESTIONS THAT RESPONDENTS WOULD LIKE TO ASK HUTT

CITY COUNCIL ABOUT BELL PARK AND/OR ITS FUTURE USAGE

The research participants were invited to identify a question they would like to ask Hutt City Council about Bell Park and/or its future use. A number of points were identified and these are summarised below. Some questions were expressed by several respondents.

“What is the timeline? When will it be announced what Council has decided to do with the park?”

“Is there going to be a public meeting to discuss the options?”

“What is the Council doing to ensure that all parties and interest groups (e.g. residents, users, Maori) are included in the discussions and decisions that are taken?”

“We need parks and green areas. What is the Council’s plan to create/retain these?”

“What factors will Council be taking into account, when evaluating what the park will be used for?”

“Will the social and environmental needs of the community be taken into account, not just the need for housing?”

“What is the value of the land involved?”

“How much is the vacant land costing the ratepayer now?”

“What type of housing does the Council have in mind?”

“Why doesn’t the Council commit to more State or Council housing, rather than give it to the property developers?”

“Who is making money from these developments?”

“What is the Council doing to prevent another social disaster with low cost housing?”

“Is access and heavy road-use a factor in what can be done with Bell Park?”

5.7. RESPONDENT PROFILE

The chart below confirms that a broad cross-section of Hutt City residents participated in the survey.

PROFILE BY GENDER, AGE & ETHNICITY	TOTAL Citywide	Local & Neighbouring Residents of Bell Park
	(n=250)	(n=18)
	%	%
GENDER

Male	48	44
Female	52	56
TOTAL	100%	100%

AGE GROUPS

16 to 39 years	36	22
40 to 59 years	31	39
60 years and over	33	39
TOTAL	100%	100%

ETHNICITY

NZ European/New Zealander	68	67
British	3	-
Other European	1	-
NZ Maori	17	28
Pacific Island/Pacifica	10	6
Asian (Chinese, Indian, Other)	11	11
Other groups	2	5
TOTAL	112%	117%

Note that the ethnicity count adds to more than one hundred percent, because some respondents indicated that more than one ethnicity group applied to them.

5.8. CONCLUSION

The results of the survey have shown that Bell Park is known to approximately 60% of Hutt City residents. The survey also indicates that 9% of residents on a citywide basis claim they have visited Bell Park in the past twelve months. The frequency of visitation has, in the main, been occasional or infrequent for most visitors.

Bell Park appears to have a higher visitation rate among local residents and those in neighbouring areas (33% have visited in the past twelve months or so). However, it also seems to draw some visitors from other areas (refer to Section 5.2 of this report).

When respondents were asked for their ideas regarding what purposes Bell Park could be considered for, a wide variety of possible uses were identified. Housing featured prominently on a citywide basis, but uses that would retain the park as a green space also received a high level of support. Green space use was freely given a higher level of support by local and neighbouring residents.

In total, just over 80% of the Hutt City residents interviewed supported the idea of exploring other possible uses for Bell Park. Support was mainly based on the premise that ‘it is a good idea to at least look at the options, whether it be for housing or other (mainly green) purposes’. Over half the Hutt City residents interviewed expressed this view.

Many of the other respondents qualified their support, to some degree, by stating that they favoured the review being primarily about the use of the park for housing or green space, whichever they preferred.

Some respondents stressed that the review should provide effective consultation with the local communities. In that regard, it is clear that local residents (i.e. those in the local and neighbouring areas around Bell Park) will need to be consulted with, and their interests carefully considered, before proceeding with a final decision on the future of the park. At the same time, it will be important to engage with a broader cross-section of Hutt City residents, as the current interest level in the city’s growth, the general housing shortage and green issues are prominent in the public’s mind.

Attachment 6

Public Consultation Survey Report Molesworth Street Reserve

PUBLIC CONSULTATION SURVEY REGARDING

THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

Report prepared for Hutt City Council

Bruce Hodgins

October 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page No.
1.	Introduction		3
2.	Research objectives		3
3.	Method		4
4.	Timing		5
5.	The Research Results:		6
5.1.		Awareness of the Molesworth Street Reserve	7
5.2.		Visitation of the Molesworth Street Reserve	8
5.3.		Information about the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve	10
5.4.		The public’s thoughts about the future use of the Molesworth Street Reserve	11
5.5.		To what extent does the public support the idea of exploring other possible uses for the Molesworth Street Reserve	13
5.6.		Questions that respondents would like to ask Hutt City Council about the Molesworth Street Reserve and/or its future usage	16
5.7.		Respondent profile	17
5.8.		Conclusion	18

1. INTRODUCTION

As part of a wider review of reserve land on the floor of the Hutt Valley, Hutt City Council has decided to consult with the community about the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve in Pomare. It has identified that the future of this reserve should be considered due to changing usage patterns and low reserve value.

The Molesworth Street Reserve is a neighbourhood park immediately adjacent to the Pomare School playing fields. With new reserves recently developed in Pomare, the need to retain this neighbourhood park is questionable.

2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the survey were defined as follows:

a) To determine the awareness and usage levels of the Molesworth Street Reserve among a general cross-section of Hutt City residents

b) To ascertain public opinion about future possible uses for this park, which can complement the Hutt City Council’s other consultation processes

c) To gain an indication of the types of uses Hutt City residents would like to see for the Molesworth Street Reserve, including uses other than for reserve purposes

d) To enable feedback to be obtained from the wider community, identifying any questions or concerns that they may have.

3. METHOD

The citywide survey was undertaken among a stratified random sample of 250 Hutt City residents.

wards		survey sample		population
		No.	%	%

	Northern Ward	39	15.6	15.6
	Harbour Ward	44	17.6	17.6
	Western Ward	32	12.8	12.7
	Wainuiomata Ward	44	17.6	17.6
	Eastern Ward	43	17.2	17.3
	Central Ward	48	19.2	19.1


	total interviews	250	100.0%	100.0%

At enrolment, the purpose of the survey was outlined and an appointment arranged to call back, if the selected respondent was unable to complete the interview at the time of initial contact.

The interview was administered by way of a structured questionnaire, which was developed in consultation with Hutt City Council.

A team of experienced interviewers employed by Peter Glen Research conducted the interviewing.

The results of the survey show the citywide response, as well as the response obtained from local and neighbouring residents. That is, the Molesworth Street Reserve results compare the responses obtained from Taita and Pomare residents, with those of the total Hutt City.

4. TIMING

Fieldwork for this research was undertaken from 12 August to 16 September 2017.

5. THE RESEARCH RESULTS

5.1. AWARENESS OF THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

5.1.1. CITYWIDE AWARENESS

44% of the total Hutt City residents interviewed claimed they had heard or were aware of the Molesworth Street Reserve in Pomare (situated next door to Pomare School). That is:

It can be noted that this is a ‘prompted awareness’ level, derived in answer to the question ‘have you heard of the Molesworth Street Reserve, which is situated next to Pomare School?’ ‘Free awareness’ of the park (i.e. the public’s ability to spontaneously recall the Molesworth Street Reserve) would likely be somewhat lower.

5.1.2. AWARENESS OF THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE AMONG LOCAL &

NEIGHBOURING RESIDENTS

The random survey of 250 Hutt City residents provided a sub-sample of 15 respondents who lived in the Taita, Pomare area. 86% of these residents were aware of the Molesworth Street Reserve.

5.2. VISITATION OF THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

5.2.1. THE CITYWIDE RESULT

6% of the total Hutt City residents interviewed claimed they had visited the Molesworth Street Reserve in the past twelve months or so.

5.2.2. VISITATION OF MOLESWORTH RESERVE BY LOCAL & NEIGHBOURING

RESIDENTS

Two-thirds of the Taita/Pomare residents interviewed (10 out of 15) stated they had visited the Molesworth Street Reserve in the past twelve months. When this result is compared with that of the total sample, it is clear that the majority of the Molesworth Street Reserve users are local residents.

This is reflected in the following chart, which shows where the visitors reside and the purposes for which they use the park.

Molesworth Street Reserve used for:	TOTAL		RESIDENTS FROM
Molesworth Street Reserve used for:	TOTAL		Local & neighbouring areas	Other suburbs
	(n=250)		(n=10)	(n=5)
	No.	%	No.	No.
A shortcut/access way (to shops, family, home)	5	2	5	-

Walking/exercising	5	2	3	2

Dog walking	2	1	1	1

Playing with children	2	1	1	1

Touch practise	1	x	-	1


TOTAL USERS OF MOLESWORTH ST. RESERVE	15	6%	10	5

The above table shows that the Molesworth Street Reserve is mainly used as a ‘shortcut/access way’ and for ‘walking/exercising’.

Whilst there are a number of local residents who apparently use the reserve on a regular or frequent basis, the majority of users indicated that their use had been limited to between one and four times in the past twelve months. That is:

Frequency of visiting Molesworth Street Reserve in past twelve months:	TOTAL		RESIDENTS FROM
	TOTAL		Local & neighbouring areas	Other suburbs
	(n=250)		(n=10)	(n=5)
	No.	%	No.	No.
Once	4	2	2	2

Twice	4	2	2	2

Three or four times	2	1	2	-

Five or six times	1	x	1	-

Seven or eight times	-	-	-	-

Nine or ten times	-	-	-	-

Eleven or twelve times	1	x	1	-

Weekly (or more frequently)	3	1	2	1


TOTAL USERS OF MOLESWORTH ST. RESERVE	15	6%	10	5

5.3. INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE MOLESWORTH

STREET RESERVE

The survey participants were asked a series of questions regarding what they had heard about the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve and specifically whether they could recall seeing or receiving any information from Hutt City Council about it.

Awareness of information was largely confined to the local and neighbouring residents.

Only two of the fifteen Taita/Pomare residents could recall receiving any information about the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve. They stated they had received the information from a ‘letterbox drop’ and the ‘Hutt News’. That is:

INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM:	MOLEWORTH STREET RESERVE
	No.
A letterbox drop/leaflet (and submission sheet)	1

The Hutt News	1

Information on HCC website	-

Spoke to someone from the Council about it	-


AWARE OF INFORMATION	2

NOT AWARE	13

TOTAL LOCAL RESIDENTS OF EACH PARK	15

The Taita/Pomare residents included in the survey seemed to have a low awareness of public information about the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve. This could, in part, be related to the timing of the survey relative to the distribution of information, or to a lower retention rate of the leaflet and less coverage/reference to media information. It can also be noted that this area of Hutt City is ethnically diverse (see Section 5.7 regarding the respondent profile of the survey), which may have some bearing on the result.

5.4. THE PUBLIC’S THOUGHTS ABOUT THE FUTURE USE OF THE

MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

The research participants were given the following background explanation about Hutt City Council’s consultation process, before proceeding with the remainder of the interview.

“Council has decided to consult with the community about the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve in Pomare. It is part of a wider review of reserve land on the floor of the Hutt Valley.”

“The purpose of the review is to help with future decision-making. Before making a decision on the future of the Molesworth Street Reserve, Hutt City Council wishes to obtain input from the community regarding its future use.”

“By way of background, it can be noted that the Molesworth Street Reserve is a neighbourhood park with a low reserve value. It is immediately adjacent to the Pomare School playing fields. With new reserves recently developed in Pomare, the need to retain this neighbourhood park is questionable.”

Respondents were then asked to convey their thoughts and ideas as to what purposes the vacant land should be considered. The results were as follows:

The predominant view, both on a citywide basis and among local Taita/Pomare residents, was that the Molesworth Street Reserve should be retained as a green space. Nevertheless, a quarter of respondents freely expressed the view that the vacant land should be considered for residential housing (if there is room). A further 14% of respondents suggested building some sort of facility on the land (e.g. a skateboard park, a community centre/youth centre, a swimming pool, or a childcare centre).

The research participants who favoured retaining the Molesworth Street Reserve as a green space, indicated a number of potential uses that could apply. That is:

SUGGESTED USE OF MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE AS A GREEN SPACE	Citywide		Local & neighbouring residents
	(n=250)		(n=15)
	No.	%	No.	%
Give it/add it to the school (so the school and community can still use the space)	29	12	4	26
Keep it as a green area/park for people/families to enjoy, play & exercise	31	12	3	20
For sports and recreation (family sport, touch, cricket, training/practises, etc)	25	10	1	7
Develop a small garden area for people to visit and enjoy	17	7	1	7


RESPONDENTS SUGGESTING THAT MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE BE RETAINED AS A GREEN AREA	102	41%	9	60%

5.5. TO WHAT EXTENT DOES THE PUBLIC SUPPORT THE IDEA OF

EXPLORING OTHER POSSIBLE USES FOR THE MOLESWORTH

STREET RESERVE

The research participants were next asked the question:

“Given the changing usage patterns of the Molesworth Street Reserve, do you support or not support the idea of exploring other possible uses for the park?”

Just over 80% of the total Hutt City residents interviewed were in favour of exploring other possible uses. This figure was slightly lower among the local Taita/Pomare residents at 74%. That is:

Respondents were further questioned as to whether they would support or not support the Molesworth Street Reserve review covering each of the following possible uses. The table below shows the percentage of respondents who support the review covering each particular area of investigation.

USES THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE INVESTIGATED FOR THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE	Citywide		Local & neighbouring residents
	(n=250)		(n=15)
	No.	%	No.	%
Low cost, affordable housing	184	74	11	74

Housing that reflects the property values in the area	173	69	7	47

Other community and/or recreational uses (that are not housing based)	165	66	10	67


OVERALL LEVEL OF SUPPORT	208	83%	11	74%

REASONS FOR SUPPORTING A REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE USES FOR THE

MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

Over half the respondents (56%) who supported the idea of exploring other possible uses for the park, expressed the following rationale:

“I support them looking at the options/getting positive ideas about what could be done with the parks – it is a sensible thing to do.”

And/or:

“It is better to use the land than leave it vacant.”

“It gives the land a purpose/makes it useful.”

“It avoids the problem of the vacant land becoming rundown/not looked after/getting vandalised.”

“Population is increasing/is going to increase and land is needed for housing.”

“Housing is a priority/is where the greatest need is at present.”

“There is a shortage of houses and affordable houses in particular.”

“There is a shortage of houses and that is pushing up prices. Many people cannot afford a house these days.”

“Rents are increasing/becoming prohibitive. We need more housing.”

“We need community housing, to help get the homeless of the streets.”

Approximately 15% of respondents supported the idea of exploring other possible uses for the park, but stressed that their support was primarily for retaining it as a ‘green space’.

Other respondents (7%) supported a review, with the proviso that:

“The community is involved in/is properly consulted before any final decision is made.”

And:

“Future use of the park benefits, and/or is accepted by, the local community.”

5.5.4. REASONS FOR NOT SUPPORTING A REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE USES FOR

THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

The Hutt City residents who did not support the idea of exploring other possible uses for the Molesworth Street Reserve (approximately 10%) mainly expressed one or more of the following views:

“I do not support it, because communities need green areas; leave these green areas alone.”

“There is too much intensification now, which I don’t like/don’t support.”

“The council would sell the land to developers who would profit; it would not help the people who need help.”

“They should not create low cost housing areas/another ‘Farmers Crescent’ and repeat the social problems that go with it.”

“Low cost housing may impact/is likely to have an effect on property values.”

5.6. QUESTIONS THAT RESPONDENTS WOULD LIKE TO ASK HUTT

CITY COUNCIL ABOUT THE MOLESWORTH STREET RESERVE

AND/OR ITS FUTURE USAGE

The research participants were invited to identify a question they would like to ask Hutt City Council about the Molesworth Street Reserve and/or its future use. A number of points were identified and these are summarised below. Some questions were expressed by several respondents.

“What is the timeline? When will it be announced what Council has decided to do with the park?”

“Is there going to be a public meeting to discuss the options?”

“What is the Council doing to ensure that all parties and interest groups (e.g. residents, users, Maori) are included in the discussions and decisions that are taken?”

“We need parks and green areas. What is the Council’s plan to create/retain these?”

“What factors will Council be taking into account, when evaluating what the park will be used for?”

“Will the social and environmental needs of the community be taken into account, not just the need for housing?”

“What is the value of the land involved?”

“How much is the vacant land costing the ratepayer now?”

“What type of housing does the Council have in mind?”

“Why doesn’t the Council commit to more State or Council housing, rather than give it to the property developers?”

“Who is making money from these developments?”

“What is the Council doing to prevent another ‘Farmers Crescent’/social disaster with low cost housing?”

“Is the Molesworth Street Reserve big enough to develop/is there enough land for housing?”

5.7. RESPONDENT PROFILE

The chart below confirms that a broad cross-section of Hutt City residents participated in the survey.

PROFILE BY GENDER, AGE & ETHNICITY	TOTAL Citywide	Local & Neighbouring Residents of Molesworth St Reserve
	(n=250)	(n=15)
	%	%
GENDER

Male	48	47
Female	52	53
TOTAL	100%	100%

AGE GROUPS

16 to 39 years	36	33
40 to 59 years	31	27
60 years and over	33	40
TOTAL	100%	100%

ETHNICITY

NZ European/New Zealander	68	33
British	3	-
Other European	1	-
NZ Maori	17	33
Pacific Island/Pacifica	10	33
Asian (Chinese, Indian, Other)	11	20
Other groups	2	7
TOTAL	112%	126%

Note that the ethnicity count adds to more than one hundred percent, because some respondents indicated that more than one ethnicity group applied to them.

5.8. CONCLUSION

The results of the survey reveal that the Molesworth Street Reserve is known to approximately 44% of Hutt City residents. The survey also indicates that 6% of residents on a citywide basis claim they have visited the Molesworth Street Reserve in the past twelve months. The park appears to be visited mainly by local and neighbouring residents, who use it on an occasional or infrequent basis.

When respondents were asked for their ideas regarding what purposes the Molesworth Street Reserve could be considered for, a variety of possible uses were identified. Whilst housing freely featured as an important possible use for the park (25% of Hutt City residents), there was a higher level of initial support for it being retained as a green space (41%). Green space use was freely given a higher level of support (60%) by residents in the local and neighbouring suburb of Taita/Pomare.

In total, just over 80% of the Hutt City residents interviewed supported the idea of exploring other possible uses for the Molesworth Street Reserve. Support was mainly based on the premise that ‘it is a good idea to at least look at the options, whether it be for housing or other (mainly green) purposes’. Over half the Hutt City residents interviewed expressed this view.

Many of the other respondents qualified their support, to some degree, by stating that they favoured the review being primarily about the use of the parks for housing or green space, whichever they preferred.

Some respondents stressed that the review should provide effective consultation with the local communities. In that regard, it is clear that local residents (i.e. those in the local and neighbouring areas around the Molesworth Street Reserve) will need to be consulted with, and their interests carefully considered, before proceeding with a final decision on the future of the park. At the same time, it will be important to engage with a broader cross-section of Hutt City residents, as the current interest level in the city’s growth, the general housing shortage and green issues are prominent in the public’s mind.

[1] When acting in this capacity the committee has a quasi-judicial role.

Deputy Mayor D Bassett	Cr L Bridson
Cr C Barry	Cr J Briggs
Cr T Lewis	Cr M Lulich
Cr C Milne	Cr L Sutton
Mayor W R Wallace (ex-officio)

No.	Title	Page
1 ⇩	Policy and Regulatory Committee Report - Future of Molesworth Street Reserve Pomare - 1 May 2017	194
2 ⇩	Molesworth Street Reserve Plan	199
3 ⇩	Molesworth Street Reserve_Assessment of Reserve Values_03March2017	200
4 ⇩	Molesworth Street Reserve Information and questionnaire	219
5 ⇩	Combined Submissions to the Molesworth Street Reserve Review 2017	223
6 ⇩	Public Consultation Survey Report Molesworth Street Reserve	243

No.	Title	Page
1	Plan of Molesworth Street Reserve (Under Separate Cover)
2	Molesworth Street Reserve_Assessment of Reserve Values_03March2017 (Under Separate Cover)
3	Pomare Empower Management Proposal (Under Separate Cover)
4	Hutt Valley Samoan Church Support Letter (Under Separate Cover)